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How Three Tanking Teams Could Light up the NBA Play-in Tournament | Deadspin.com The Four Horsemen of the NBA Reconception – Erik Spoelstra, Nick Nurse, Tyronn Lue and Steve Kerr – have ridden into town carrying banners.The message: Why are we arguing about MVP’s, flop fouls and game minimums, when the entire regular season doesn’t matter anyway?Forty-eight hours from now, they’ll either be trumpeting their cause even louder on a grander stage, or limping home much the same way they’ve staggered in.The NBA play-in tournament features four teams that actually tried this season. Not coincidentally, they featured three of the six youngest rosters in the league, and a fourth that was coaxed by a glorified college coach into playing young.They are the Hornets, Trail Blazers, Suns and Magic. Three are given a good chance of advancing, and the fourth would, too, if it were not paired with another of the energy-burning amateurs.And then there’s the Heat, 76ers, Warriors and Clippers. They should, by all rights, be disqualified at this point for six months of tanking.But their coaches know what they’re doing … or at least they think they do.Will youth prevail? Or will the wise old men have taught another hardwood lesson?Let’s take a look at the matchups …Heat-HornetsFor the entirety of LeBron James’ lifetime, the Heat have been a better team than the Hornets. Even this season, when Spoelstra was yanking hard on the reins, they won three of four from Charlotte, which was “coming of age.”The Hornets made a statement in a 30-point thrashing in the most recent regular-season head-to-head, after which they went on to play some entertaining ball, while all the Heat did was run up the score one night on the Wizards.The Hornets are favored here because they tried late in the season while the Heat rested. Like that matters.In your classic experience vs. exuberance matchup …The Heat will prevail.Trail Blazers-SunsThe only thing to say about this matchup is the Warriors and Clippers would die to be facing either of these regular-season surprises and not each other.The Trail Blazers and Suns are Hornets Lite. The Warriors and Clippers are Heat Heavy.Alas, the Trail Blazers are playing the Suns and …Who really cares?Magic-76ersJoel Embiid and Paul George on the same team. What did you think was going to happen?No doubt, if he could find the delete button, Nurse would have scripted two more wins and a first-round matchup with the Cavaliers. But don’t be surprised if he has another trick up his sleeve.Nurse has to believe he can beat the Heat or the Hornets, at home, on Friday even without Embiid, which would land him on the Pistons/Cavaliers side of the imbalanced Eastern draw.It would require the Ultimate Tank — a kinda playoff game — but it’s already in motion. Beating the Magic would mean drawing the Celtics next, and nobody wants that.So play this like the regular season … lose a meaningless game, hope George can turn back the clock for one night, and pray his big guy gets healthy in a week. It just might work.The Magic catch a lucky break.Warriors-ClippersWith a chance to play his over-the-hill gang into some sort of rhythm, Kerr elected to exercise Kristaps Porzingis just 24 minutes and De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford just 19 apiece Sunday against this same team on this very same court.So much for rhythm.Nobody would call what happened Sunday a playoff preview. Well, almost nobody.With regulars seeing most of the action, the Warriors won the first and third quarters of that one by a total of three points. Advantage: Kerr.Now they get Draymond Green back, while the Clippers get to awaken Kawhi Leonard from his April nap. Big advantage: Lue.At least Porzingis will be well rested for his fishing trip next week.Kerr will get clobbered. #Tanking #Teams #Light #NBA #Playin #Tournament #Deadspin.com

How Three Tanking Teams Could Light up the NBA Play-in Tournament | Deadspin.com

The Four Horsemen of the NBA Reconception – Erik Spoelstra, Nick Nurse, Tyronn Lue and Steve Kerr – have ridden into town carrying banners.

The message: Why are we arguing about MVP’s, flop fouls and game minimums, when the entire regular season doesn’t matter anyway?

Forty-eight hours from now, they’ll either be trumpeting their cause even louder on a grander stage, or limping home much the same way they’ve staggered in.

The NBA play-in tournament features four teams that actually tried this season. Not coincidentally, they featured three of the six youngest rosters in the league, and a fourth that was coaxed by a glorified college coach into playing young.

They are the Hornets, Trail Blazers, Suns and Magic. Three are given a good chance of advancing, and the fourth would, too, if it were not paired with another of the energy-burning amateurs.

And then there’s the Heat, 76ers, Warriors and Clippers. They should, by all rights, be disqualified at this point for six months of tanking.

But their coaches know what they’re doing … or at least they think they do.

Will youth prevail? Or will the wise old men have taught another hardwood lesson?

Let’s take a look at the matchups …

Heat-Hornets

For the entirety of LeBron James’ lifetime, the Heat have been a better team than the Hornets. Even this season, when Spoelstra was yanking hard on the reins, they won three of four from Charlotte, which was “coming of age.”

The Hornets made a statement in a 30-point thrashing in the most recent regular-season head-to-head, after which they went on to play some entertaining ball, while all the Heat did was run up the score one night on the Wizards.

The Hornets are favored here because they tried late in the season while the Heat rested. Like that matters.

In your classic experience vs. exuberance matchup …

The Heat will prevail.

Trail Blazers-Suns

The only thing to say about this matchup is the Warriors and Clippers would die to be facing either of these regular-season surprises and not each other.

The Trail Blazers and Suns are Hornets Lite. The Warriors and Clippers are Heat Heavy.

Alas, the Trail Blazers are playing the Suns and …

Who really cares?

Magic-76ers

Joel Embiid and Paul George on the same team. What did you think was going to happen?

No doubt, if he could find the delete button, Nurse would have scripted two more wins and a first-round matchup with the Cavaliers. But don’t be surprised if he has another trick up his sleeve.

Nurse has to believe he can beat the Heat or the Hornets, at home, on Friday even without Embiid, which would land him on the Pistons/Cavaliers side of the imbalanced Eastern draw.

It would require the Ultimate Tank — a kinda playoff game — but it’s already in motion. Beating the Magic would mean drawing the Celtics next, and nobody wants that.

So play this like the regular season … lose a meaningless game, hope George can turn back the clock for one night, and pray his big guy gets healthy in a week. It just might work.

The Magic catch a lucky break.

Warriors-Clippers

With a chance to play his over-the-hill gang into some sort of rhythm, Kerr elected to exercise Kristaps Porzingis just 24 minutes and De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford just 19 apiece Sunday against this same team on this very same court.

So much for rhythm.

Nobody would call what happened Sunday a playoff preview. Well, almost nobody.

With regulars seeing most of the action, the Warriors won the first and third quarters of that one by a total of three points. Advantage: Kerr.

Now they get Draymond Green back, while the Clippers get to awaken Kawhi Leonard from his April nap. Big advantage: Lue.

At least Porzingis will be well rested for his fishing trip next week.

Kerr will get clobbered.

#Tanking #Teams #Light #NBA #Playin #Tournament #Deadspin.com

Sports news

The Four Horsemen of the NBA Reconception – Erik Spoelstra, Nick Nurse, Tyronn Lue and Steve Kerr – have ridden into town carrying banners.

The message: Why are we arguing about MVP’s, flop fouls and game minimums, when the entire regular season doesn’t matter anyway?

Forty-eight hours from now, they’ll either be trumpeting their cause even louder on a grander stage, or limping home much the same way they’ve staggered in.

The NBA play-in tournament features four teams that actually tried this season. Not coincidentally, they featured three of the six youngest rosters in the league, and a fourth that was coaxed by a glorified college coach into playing young.

They are the Hornets, Trail Blazers, Suns and Magic. Three are given a good chance of advancing, and the fourth would, too, if it were not paired with another of the energy-burning amateurs.

And then there’s the Heat, 76ers, Warriors and Clippers. They should, by all rights, be disqualified at this point for six months of tanking.

But their coaches know what they’re doing … or at least they think they do.

Will youth prevail? Or will the wise old men have taught another hardwood lesson?

Let’s take a look at the matchups …

Heat-Hornets

For the entirety of LeBron James’ lifetime, the Heat have been a better team than the Hornets. Even this season, when Spoelstra was yanking hard on the reins, they won three of four from Charlotte, which was “coming of age.”

The Hornets made a statement in a 30-point thrashing in the most recent regular-season head-to-head, after which they went on to play some entertaining ball, while all the Heat did was run up the score one night on the Wizards.

The Hornets are favored here because they tried late in the season while the Heat rested. Like that matters.

In your classic experience vs. exuberance matchup …

The Heat will prevail.

Trail Blazers-Suns

The only thing to say about this matchup is the Warriors and Clippers would die to be facing either of these regular-season surprises and not each other.

The Trail Blazers and Suns are Hornets Lite. The Warriors and Clippers are Heat Heavy.

Alas, the Trail Blazers are playing the Suns and …

Who really cares?

Magic-76ers

Joel Embiid and Paul George on the same team. What did you think was going to happen?

No doubt, if he could find the delete button, Nurse would have scripted two more wins and a first-round matchup with the Cavaliers. But don’t be surprised if he has another trick up his sleeve.

Nurse has to believe he can beat the Heat or the Hornets, at home, on Friday even without Embiid, which would land him on the Pistons/Cavaliers side of the imbalanced Eastern draw.

It would require the Ultimate Tank — a kinda playoff game — but it’s already in motion. Beating the Magic would mean drawing the Celtics next, and nobody wants that.

So play this like the regular season … lose a meaningless game, hope George can turn back the clock for one night, and pray his big guy gets healthy in a week. It just might work.

The Magic catch a lucky break.

Warriors-Clippers

With a chance to play his over-the-hill gang into some sort of rhythm, Kerr elected to exercise Kristaps Porzingis just 24 minutes and De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford just 19 apiece Sunday against this same team on this very same court.

So much for rhythm.

Nobody would call what happened Sunday a playoff preview. Well, almost nobody.

With regulars seeing most of the action, the Warriors won the first and third quarters of that one by a total of three points. Advantage: Kerr.

Now they get Draymond Green back, while the Clippers get to awaken Kawhi Leonard from his April nap. Big advantage: Lue.

At least Porzingis will be well rested for his fishing trip next week.

Kerr will get clobbered.

Source link
#Tanking #Teams #Light #NBA #Playin #Tournament #Deadspin.com

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The debate about Rory McIlroy’s Masters prep is silly and not worth your time <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">Rory McIlroy won the Masters. It is an unbelievable sentence. The golfing world is still astounded that we have said it out loud in consecutive years now.</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">A popular take in the aftermath of the 90th edition of the Masters (this most recent one) is that Rory would not have been able to win it without first capturing the 89th. The experience from winning at Augusta clearly mattered to Rory, but so did the psychological freedom that came from finally ridding himself of the burden associated with doing so.</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">Rory spoke openly all last week about how he was more comfortable on the grounds at Augusta National than he ever had been. Following Saturday’s round specifically where he lost the 6-shot lead he began the day with, he noted that he would remember on Sunday that he was a Masters Champion. His point, not to speak for him, was that he would walk with confidence in knowing he had already climbed the mountain ahead of him.</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">He also knew the terrain very well.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">The debate around Rory’s Masters prep is absurd</h2></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">It is well understood that there are scores of traditions associated with the Masters. One of the more notables here is that the tournament is played at Augusta National on an annual basis.</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">Rory, who last played competitively before Augusta at Bay Hill where he withdrew, winning the tournament for a second straight year has seemingly taken things even more mainstream than they have been becoming as of late. Golf is having a a boom and more people are learning of specifics involved with it.</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">It is for these reasons that what he said on Sunday evening after defending his title that has the rest of the world acting silly.</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">McIlroy noted that he prepared quite diligently for the Masters. At one point throughout the weekend he even noted that there were instances where he would drop his daughter off at school, make it to Augusta for a round, and be back home in the same day.</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">For some reason… the idea that Rory prepared for the Masters by practicing on the grounds has become a flashpoint for people.</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">Part of the issue here is likely the lore associated with the Masters. It seems people (incorrectly) assumed that Rory had some special privilege as a previous winner. That is not the case.</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">Anyone involved in the Masters had the ability to practice on the grounds as much as he did. This was noted in detail by a post from Michael Kim on X (shout out to him for some much-needed context).</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">We can (hopefully) put to bed the idea that Rory had some inside track that his competitors did not. It is obviously true that he was not in Houston or San Antonio participating in the PGA Tour events that led up to the Masters the way that others were, but that is all a part of his own schedule and preparations as all players are able to adjust to their own rhythms.</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">What’s more is even if we step past the fact that no rules were broken and no lines were crossed… is it not <em>awesome </em>that Rory put so much time and effort into winning the Masters?</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">As noted the event has reached a level of fanfare that is only superseded by the Super Bowl now. It is an epic thing. Beyond epic. We revere it in such esteem for reasons that we all share or are unique to us individually, but we all recognize that it is something beyond the normal realm in sports or life at large.</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">Rory treated it that way. And he did so after already taming it. He gave the event its proper respect and his entire self in the name of tasting the sweetness that he so clearly did not want to ever let go of. That is so cool.</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">So often in sports things are disillusioned by the realities of life. Sports are a profession for so many and the level of care is not the same between athletes and fans. That isn’t to blame anyone at all, but that is just the way it goes.</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">Rory approached the Masters the way we as fans do. He obsessed over it the way that people who apply for the lottery every year do, or the people who filmed merch haul videos do, or the way that anyone who has their own “Masters” around the same time of year with their local golfing group does. He was one of us out there.</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">Do not let anyone convince you that this is a thing. It is silly. At absolute best.</p></div></div> #debate #Rory #McIlroys #Masters #prep #silly #worth #time

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RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants <div id="content-body-70861990" itemprop="articleBody"><p>In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to make the most of its return to home environs when it takes on Lucknow Super Giants at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.</p><p>The clash will be the first of three consecutive games in the Garden City over the next 10 days, and having already won its two fixtures here, RCB would want to continue in the same vein and maximise its opportunities.</p><p>Rajat Patidar & Co. will also have the added motivation of dishing out fine performances, for the defending champion’s Bengaluru leg in the league stage will end with these three matches.</p><p>Sunday’s 18-run win away at Mumbai Indians should augur well. The batting came good again, as RCB posted 240 – its fourth 200 plus total in as many matches.</p><p>Krunal Pandya then bowled four miserly overs for 26 runs and a wicket to keep a capable MI batting line-up under check.</p><p>The only concerns from that contest were Virat Kohli’s troublesome ankle and pacer Rasikh Salam pulling up thrice in a single over. But those fears were allayed during practice on Tuesday when Kohli batted and Rasikh bowled.</p><p>LSG has triumphed during its previous two visits here, but to even compete this time, its batting should fire. Rishabh Pant’s outfit has taken first strike twice this campaign, but made scores of just 141 and 164, and lost both matches.</p><p>Nicholas Pooran has had an underwhelming season, totalling just 41 runs. If he can summon the spirit which helped him score a mesmerising 19-ball 62 in LSG’s one-wicket win at the Chinnaswamy in 2023, it will be timely.</p><p>The LSG bowling has largely held up well, with veteran Mohammed Shami still in fine fettle. But it will face its toughest test yet against RCB’s marauding willow wielders at one of the best venues for batting.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 14, 2026</p></div> #RCB #LSG #IPL #Inform #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru #extend #winning #run #Lucknow #Super #Giants

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Twenty-one games into this edition of the Indian Premier League, and not once had a team successfully defended a sub-200 total.

That was until Chennai Super Kings flipped that script. The five-time champion secured a 32-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday to break the streak.

The 33,000-plus crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate Tamil New Year as Sanju Samson set a blistering PowerPlay tone, opening the innings with three consecutive fours off Vaibhav Arora.

While a lack of early aggression has often plagued CSK, Samson provided the ideal antidote. The momentum briefly stalled when Anukul Roy struck with his first delivery, tempting Ruturaj Gaikwad with a slow, full ball that drew a slog sweep straight to deep midwicket.

It was a familiar sight for the CSK skipper, who has now fallen early in four of his five outings this season. With an average opening stand of just 24.8—the lowest this season—the recurring top-order failures point toward a reshuffle.

Ayush Mhatre, however, quickly wrested back control. He dismantled Cameron Green in a 21-run over, scoring two fours and two sixes.

The 47-run partnership ended when Mhatre holed out to Ramandeep Singh off the final ball of the sixth over. Dewald Brevis, promoted ahead of Shivam Dube, ensured the tempo did not dip, clearing the ropes off just his second delivery.

The innings shifted again when Kartik Tyagi dismissed Samson, a 148 kmph delivery angling in to rattle the stumps and end a steady 39-run stand.

Sunil Narine then bowled Sarfaraz Khan through the gate, while Arora returned to remove Brevis in the 18th over. From 100 in 9.5 overs, CSK slipped to 175/5 by the end of the 18th.

Despite the flying start, the visiting bowlers controlled the death overs effectively. Kartik Tyagi (2/35) stood out, varying pace and length smartly as CSK managed just over seven runs per over in the final phase to finish on 192.

ALSO READ:RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants

The match saw a tactical twist in the second innings as Narine replaced captain Ajinkya Rahane at the top to open with Finn Allen. This surprise forced CSK to adjust: Khaleel Ahmed took the new ball in place of Akeal Hosein.

However, KKR’s gamble failed to yield a significant advantage. Allen’s struggles continued as Anshul Kamboj provided an early breakthrough; it was Allen’s third single-digit score in five innings.

Narine survived a dropped chance by Gaikwad at midwicket, but Khaleel ensured it didn’t hurt the host, dismissing the West Indian for 24. With Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the crease, KKR limped through the PowerPlay with just 36 runs on board.

The pair managed to stabilise the innings with a 51-run stand. Akeal Hosein nearly had Rahane when Sarfaraz dropped a difficult chance, but the bowler found his reward the very next delivery. Raghuvanshi miscued a shot to Brevis, giving Hosein his maiden IPL wicket.

Noor Ahmad then dismantled the middle order by claiming three vital wickets. He dismissed Rahane and Cameron Green on consecutive deliveries before returning to remove Rinku Singh.

With KKR reeling at 90/6, the responsibility fell to Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh. But 100 in the last seven overs was always going to be a tall ask. In the end, CSK registered its second consecutive win to move up to eighth on the points table.

With just a solitary point from five games, KKR finds itself in a precarious position. While the imminent arrival of Matheesha Pathirana offers a potential boost, the side will likely require a miracle to remain in contention for playoff qualification.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#CSK #KKR #IPL #Spinners #trick #Chennai #Super #Kings #outplay #Kolkata #Knight #Riders">CSK vs KKR IPL 2026: Spinners do the trick to help Chennai Super Kings outplay Kolkata Knight Riders Twenty-one games into this edition of the Indian Premier League, and not once had a team successfully defended a sub-200 total.That was until Chennai Super Kings flipped that script. The five-time champion secured a 32-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday to break the streak.The 33,000-plus crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate Tamil New Year as Sanju Samson set a blistering PowerPlay tone, opening the innings with three consecutive fours off Vaibhav Arora.While a lack of early aggression has often plagued CSK, Samson provided the ideal antidote. The momentum briefly stalled when Anukul Roy struck with his first delivery, tempting Ruturaj Gaikwad with a slow, full ball that drew a slog sweep straight to deep midwicket.It was a familiar sight for the CSK skipper, who has now fallen early in four of his five outings this season. With an average opening stand of just 24.8—the lowest this season—the recurring top-order failures point toward a reshuffle.Ayush Mhatre, however, quickly wrested back control. He dismantled Cameron Green in a 21-run over, scoring two fours and two sixes.The 47-run partnership ended when Mhatre holed out to Ramandeep Singh off the final ball of the sixth over. Dewald Brevis, promoted ahead of Shivam Dube, ensured the tempo did not dip, clearing the ropes off just his second delivery.The innings shifted again when Kartik Tyagi dismissed Samson, a 148 kmph delivery angling in to rattle the stumps and end a steady 39-run stand.Sunil Narine then bowled Sarfaraz Khan through the gate, while Arora returned to remove Brevis in the 18th over. From 100 in 9.5 overs, CSK slipped to 175/5 by the end of the 18th.Despite the flying start, the visiting bowlers controlled the death overs effectively. Kartik Tyagi (2/35) stood out, varying pace and length smartly as CSK managed just over seven runs per over in the final phase to finish on 192.ALSO READ:RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super GiantsThe match saw a tactical twist in the second innings as Narine replaced captain Ajinkya Rahane at the top to open with Finn Allen. This surprise forced CSK to adjust: Khaleel Ahmed took the new ball in place of Akeal Hosein.However, KKR’s gamble failed to yield a significant advantage. Allen’s struggles continued as Anshul Kamboj provided an early breakthrough; it was Allen’s third single-digit score in five innings.Narine survived a dropped chance by Gaikwad at midwicket, but Khaleel ensured it didn’t hurt the host, dismissing the West Indian for 24. With Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the crease, KKR limped through the PowerPlay with just 36 runs on board.The pair managed to stabilise the innings with a 51-run stand. Akeal Hosein nearly had Rahane when Sarfaraz dropped a difficult chance, but the bowler found his reward the very next delivery. Raghuvanshi miscued a shot to Brevis, giving Hosein his maiden IPL wicket.Noor Ahmad then dismantled the middle order by claiming three vital wickets. He dismissed Rahane and Cameron Green on consecutive deliveries before returning to remove Rinku Singh.With KKR reeling at 90/6, the responsibility fell to Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh. But 100 in the last seven overs was always going to be a tall ask. In the end, CSK registered its second consecutive win to move up to eighth on the points table.With just a solitary point from five games, KKR finds itself in a precarious position. While the imminent arrival of Matheesha Pathirana offers a potential boost, the side will likely require a miracle to remain in contention for playoff qualification.Published on Apr 14, 2026 #CSK #KKR #IPL #Spinners #trick #Chennai #Super #Kings #outplay #Kolkata #Knight #Riders

RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants

The match saw a tactical twist in the second innings as Narine replaced captain Ajinkya Rahane at the top to open with Finn Allen. This surprise forced CSK to adjust: Khaleel Ahmed took the new ball in place of Akeal Hosein.

However, KKR’s gamble failed to yield a significant advantage. Allen’s struggles continued as Anshul Kamboj provided an early breakthrough; it was Allen’s third single-digit score in five innings.

Narine survived a dropped chance by Gaikwad at midwicket, but Khaleel ensured it didn’t hurt the host, dismissing the West Indian for 24. With Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the crease, KKR limped through the PowerPlay with just 36 runs on board.

The pair managed to stabilise the innings with a 51-run stand. Akeal Hosein nearly had Rahane when Sarfaraz dropped a difficult chance, but the bowler found his reward the very next delivery. Raghuvanshi miscued a shot to Brevis, giving Hosein his maiden IPL wicket.

Noor Ahmad then dismantled the middle order by claiming three vital wickets. He dismissed Rahane and Cameron Green on consecutive deliveries before returning to remove Rinku Singh.

With KKR reeling at 90/6, the responsibility fell to Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh. But 100 in the last seven overs was always going to be a tall ask. In the end, CSK registered its second consecutive win to move up to eighth on the points table.

With just a solitary point from five games, KKR finds itself in a precarious position. While the imminent arrival of Matheesha Pathirana offers a potential boost, the side will likely require a miracle to remain in contention for playoff qualification.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#CSK #KKR #IPL #Spinners #trick #Chennai #Super #Kings #outplay #Kolkata #Knight #Riders">CSK vs KKR IPL 2026: Spinners do the trick to help Chennai Super Kings outplay Kolkata Knight Riders

Twenty-one games into this edition of the Indian Premier League, and not once had a team successfully defended a sub-200 total.

That was until Chennai Super Kings flipped that script. The five-time champion secured a 32-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday to break the streak.

The 33,000-plus crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate Tamil New Year as Sanju Samson set a blistering PowerPlay tone, opening the innings with three consecutive fours off Vaibhav Arora.

While a lack of early aggression has often plagued CSK, Samson provided the ideal antidote. The momentum briefly stalled when Anukul Roy struck with his first delivery, tempting Ruturaj Gaikwad with a slow, full ball that drew a slog sweep straight to deep midwicket.

It was a familiar sight for the CSK skipper, who has now fallen early in four of his five outings this season. With an average opening stand of just 24.8—the lowest this season—the recurring top-order failures point toward a reshuffle.

Ayush Mhatre, however, quickly wrested back control. He dismantled Cameron Green in a 21-run over, scoring two fours and two sixes.

The 47-run partnership ended when Mhatre holed out to Ramandeep Singh off the final ball of the sixth over. Dewald Brevis, promoted ahead of Shivam Dube, ensured the tempo did not dip, clearing the ropes off just his second delivery.

The innings shifted again when Kartik Tyagi dismissed Samson, a 148 kmph delivery angling in to rattle the stumps and end a steady 39-run stand.

Sunil Narine then bowled Sarfaraz Khan through the gate, while Arora returned to remove Brevis in the 18th over. From 100 in 9.5 overs, CSK slipped to 175/5 by the end of the 18th.

Despite the flying start, the visiting bowlers controlled the death overs effectively. Kartik Tyagi (2/35) stood out, varying pace and length smartly as CSK managed just over seven runs per over in the final phase to finish on 192.

ALSO READ:RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants

The match saw a tactical twist in the second innings as Narine replaced captain Ajinkya Rahane at the top to open with Finn Allen. This surprise forced CSK to adjust: Khaleel Ahmed took the new ball in place of Akeal Hosein.

However, KKR’s gamble failed to yield a significant advantage. Allen’s struggles continued as Anshul Kamboj provided an early breakthrough; it was Allen’s third single-digit score in five innings.

Narine survived a dropped chance by Gaikwad at midwicket, but Khaleel ensured it didn’t hurt the host, dismissing the West Indian for 24. With Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the crease, KKR limped through the PowerPlay with just 36 runs on board.

The pair managed to stabilise the innings with a 51-run stand. Akeal Hosein nearly had Rahane when Sarfaraz dropped a difficult chance, but the bowler found his reward the very next delivery. Raghuvanshi miscued a shot to Brevis, giving Hosein his maiden IPL wicket.

Noor Ahmad then dismantled the middle order by claiming three vital wickets. He dismissed Rahane and Cameron Green on consecutive deliveries before returning to remove Rinku Singh.

With KKR reeling at 90/6, the responsibility fell to Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh. But 100 in the last seven overs was always going to be a tall ask. In the end, CSK registered its second consecutive win to move up to eighth on the points table.

With just a solitary point from five games, KKR finds itself in a precarious position. While the imminent arrival of Matheesha Pathirana offers a potential boost, the side will likely require a miracle to remain in contention for playoff qualification.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#CSK #KKR #IPL #Spinners #trick #Chennai #Super #Kings #outplay #Kolkata #Knight #Riders
Deadspin | Report: FIFA to ask Trump to pause ICE raids during World Cup [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic. Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond. During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis. Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams. Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns. According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event. FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19. Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #FIFA #Trump #pause #ICE #raids #World #Cup[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images

FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic.

Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond.

During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis.

Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams.


Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns.

According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event.

FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19.

Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #FIFA #Trump #pause #ICE #raids #World #Cup">Deadspin | Report: FIFA to ask Trump to pause ICE raids during World Cup [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Mandel Ngan-Reuters via Imagn Images FIFA’s leadership discussed the possibility of its president, Gianni Infantino, asking United States President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during this summer’s World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Athletic. Infantino was receptive to the idea and was planning a “president-to-president” request to Trump for ICE’s role surrounding the World Cup to be reduced, per the report. It has not yet been reported if Infantino has formally made the request or how Trump and the U.S. administration would respond. During Trump’s second term, ICE has raided multiple U.S. cities in an effort to deliver on the President’s message of mass deportation he campaigned on ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to deportations, these raids have led to conflicts with protestors, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year in Minneapolis. Acting ICE (U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) director Todd Lyons previously said agents would be involved in security at matches for this summer’s event, the largest World Cup in FIFA history with 48 teams. Members of Congress have raised concerns about ICE’s presence surrounding the World Cup leading instead to immigration-enforcement raids. Los Angeles-based workers at SoFi Stadium — where the U.S. team will play two of its three group-stage games — threatened to strike last week over similar concerns. According to the report, a number of FIFA member federations, particularly in Europe, have shared their concerns about the presence of ICE agents around the event. FIFA originally believed that limiting ICE activity in the 11 American cities that will be hosting matches would suffice. However, with travel expanding well beyond those locations with teams setting up base camps across the country in cities that won’t be hosting matches, FIFA now desires a total suspension of all ICE raids during the entire World Cup, which is being held from June 11 through July 19. Trump and Infantino have struck up a relationship which could pay off with the request being honored. FIFA has an office in New York’s Trump Tower and the organization gave the President the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw event. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #FIFA #Trump #pause #ICE #raids #World #Cup

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

My ideal targets for the Bengals were Bailey, Bain, Downs, and Styles going into the mock draft. With all four of them off the board, my top two players remaining were Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy. With McCoy coming off the ACL injury, I decided to go with Mansoor Delane. The Bengals have DJ Turner and Dax Hill currently projected as the two starting outside corners. Both players are entering the final year of their contracts. This gives the Bengals flexibility at the position, and some potential leverage in contract negotiations, which they seem to value quite a bit. Even with that said, Delane is worthy of the selection here with what was already off the board.

#Cincy #Jungle #selects #Mansoor #Delane #Bengals #20th #annual #Nation #community #mock #draft">Cincy Jungle selects Mansoor Delane for Bengals in 20th annual SB Nation community mock draft Mansoor Delane, CB, LSUMy ideal targets for the Bengals were Bailey, Bain, Downs, and Styles going into the mock draft. With all four of them off the board, my top two players remaining were Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy. With McCoy coming off the ACL injury, I decided to go with Mansoor Delane. The Bengals have DJ Turner and Dax Hill currently projected as the two starting outside corners. Both players are entering the final year of their contracts. This gives the Bengals flexibility at the position, and some potential leverage in contract negotiations, which they seem to value quite a bit. Even with that said, Delane is worthy of the selection here with what was already off the board. #Cincy #Jungle #selects #Mansoor #Delane #Bengals #20th #annual #Nation #community #mock #draft

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