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IPL 2026: Ashok Sharma eyes India after making a fast start for Gujarat Titans Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma has packed a remarkable rise into a short span – from his maiden T20 season for his State side to finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and now making his IPL debut with Gujarat Titans (GT) and having delivered the fastest ball of the ongoing season (154.2 kph).With his trajectory sharply on the upswing, Ashok said his ultimate goal is clear: to represent India.Under GT head coach Ashish Nehra, the focus has been less on outright speed and more on execution. “He knows I bowl fast. His thing is just to bowl in the right areas and focus on what improvements you can make. Pace, I can bowl anytime,” Ashok said over an online interview with journalists on Friday.Interactions within the setup, particularly with senior pacer Ishant Sharma, have also shaped his development. “I had a long talk with him about what and how to do, and the things I can work on. He also worked on my bowling,” Ashok said.“I believe more in my back-of-the-hand slower one and yorker,” he said of his go-to options at the death.ALSO READ: ‘He gave up his dream for mine’ — Rajasthan’s Ashok Sharma repays brother’s faithOn the jump to the IPL level, he pointed to the unforgiving nature of elite cricket. “The margin is very small. There you can get away with making mistakes, here you cannot.”His grounding lies in the ecosystem at Rajasthan’s Aravali Cricket Club, where a culture of shared learning has helped produce emerging talent. Founded by the late Rajasthan cricketer Vivek Yadav, the academy has nurtured some of the young IPL talent, including Akash Singh (LSG), Kartik Sharma (CSK), and Mukul Choudhary (LSG).“Akash Singh was the first one who played IPL. Seeing him, everyone felt their brother was playing and started following him.” Ashok added that he “practices together” with peers Mukul and Kartik, exchanging ideas and learning through constant conversation. “We spoke with Akash bhaiyya about how it was there in the IPL, and tried practicing accordingly.”Published on Apr 10, 2026 #IPL #Ashok #Sharma #eyes #India #making #fast #start #Gujarat #Titans

IPL 2026: Ashok Sharma eyes India after making a fast start for Gujarat Titans

Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma has packed a remarkable rise into a short span – from his maiden T20 season for his State side to finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and now making his IPL debut with Gujarat Titans (GT) and having delivered the fastest ball of the ongoing season (154.2 kph).

With his trajectory sharply on the upswing, Ashok said his ultimate goal is clear: to represent India.

Under GT head coach Ashish Nehra, the focus has been less on outright speed and more on execution. “He knows I bowl fast. His thing is just to bowl in the right areas and focus on what improvements you can make. Pace, I can bowl anytime,” Ashok said over an online interview with journalists on Friday.

Interactions within the setup, particularly with senior pacer Ishant Sharma, have also shaped his development. “I had a long talk with him about what and how to do, and the things I can work on. He also worked on my bowling,” Ashok said.

“I believe more in my back-of-the-hand slower one and yorker,” he said of his go-to options at the death.

ALSO READ: ‘He gave up his dream for mine’ — Rajasthan’s Ashok Sharma repays brother’s faith

On the jump to the IPL level, he pointed to the unforgiving nature of elite cricket. “The margin is very small. There you can get away with making mistakes, here you cannot.”

His grounding lies in the ecosystem at Rajasthan’s Aravali Cricket Club, where a culture of shared learning has helped produce emerging talent. Founded by the late Rajasthan cricketer Vivek Yadav, the academy has nurtured some of the young IPL talent, including Akash Singh (LSG), Kartik Sharma (CSK), and Mukul Choudhary (LSG).

“Akash Singh was the first one who played IPL. Seeing him, everyone felt their brother was playing and started following him.” Ashok added that he “practices together” with peers Mukul and Kartik, exchanging ideas and learning through constant conversation. “We spoke with Akash bhaiyya about how it was there in the IPL, and tried practicing accordingly.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#IPL #Ashok #Sharma #eyes #India #making #fast #start #Gujarat #Titans

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Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma has packed a remarkable rise into a short span – from his maiden T20 season for his State side to finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and now making his IPL debut with Gujarat Titans (GT) and having delivered the fastest ball of the ongoing season (154.2 kph).

With his trajectory sharply on the upswing, Ashok said his ultimate goal is clear: to represent India.

Under GT head coach Ashish Nehra, the focus has been less on outright speed and more on execution. “He knows I bowl fast. His thing is just to bowl in the right areas and focus on what improvements you can make. Pace, I can bowl anytime,” Ashok said over an online interview with journalists on Friday.

Interactions within the setup, particularly with senior pacer Ishant Sharma, have also shaped his development. “I had a long talk with him about what and how to do, and the things I can work on. He also worked on my bowling,” Ashok said.

“I believe more in my back-of-the-hand slower one and yorker,” he said of his go-to options at the death.

ALSO READ: ‘He gave up his dream for mine’ — Rajasthan’s Ashok Sharma repays brother’s faith

On the jump to the IPL level, he pointed to the unforgiving nature of elite cricket. “The margin is very small. There you can get away with making mistakes, here you cannot.”

His grounding lies in the ecosystem at Rajasthan’s Aravali Cricket Club, where a culture of shared learning has helped produce emerging talent. Founded by the late Rajasthan cricketer Vivek Yadav, the academy has nurtured some of the young IPL talent, including Akash Singh (LSG), Kartik Sharma (CSK), and Mukul Choudhary (LSG).

“Akash Singh was the first one who played IPL. Seeing him, everyone felt their brother was playing and started following him.” Ashok added that he “practices together” with peers Mukul and Kartik, exchanging ideas and learning through constant conversation. “We spoke with Akash bhaiyya about how it was there in the IPL, and tried practicing accordingly.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026

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2025 NFL Redraft: How the Top 10 Picks Would Change One Year Later | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775828113725" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775828113725" alt="Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during the third quarter after a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during the third quarter after a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>First-time GM Mike Borgonzi confessed last spring that his mind was made up months before the Tennessee Titans turned in a card with Cam Ward’s name on it as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.</p><p>But how many teams behind him feel the same way about the pick they made in the top 10 last April?</p><p>Let’s investigate how 11 and a half months might have impacted hindsight in the ’25 draft. Here’s what the top 10 might look like if a re-do was possible.</p><h2 id="tennessee-titans-cam-ward-qb-miami" class=" uppercase break-words">Tennessee Titans Cam Ward, QB, Miami</h2><p>Ward learned — and felt — about the pressure of being the true center of <a href="https://deadspin.com/cam-ward-is-right-the-tennessee-titans-are-ass/" target="_blank">a long-term rebuild</a>. He has the most upside of any of the quarterbacks from his draft class due to a flexible arm and great athleticism.</p><p>Jacksonville Jaguars: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri</p><p>A costly trade put the Jaguars in this spot instead of the Browns. Jacksonville swung from the fences and Heisman winner Travis Hunter served up an incomplete grade as a rookie. He ended the season on IR and never fully settled at wide receiver or cornerback. The Jaguars succeeded despite an offensive line that would’ve been far better with Membou in front of Trevor Lawrence, who found plenty of capable hands to throw to sans Hunter.</p><h2 id="3-new-york-giants-tetairoa-mcmillan-wr-arizona" class=" uppercase break-words">3. New York Giants: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona</h2> </section><section id="2" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775828189294" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775828189294" alt="Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images" class="w-full"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>Abdul Carter’s undeniable ceiling is greatness. His maturity, physically and emotionally, was a negative last season. Bringing in McMillan would mean Jaxson Dart would get another trusted wide receiver. A pairing with Malik Nabers would be dynamic given their skills in contested-catch situations.</p><h2 id="new-england-patriots-kelvin-banks-ot-texas" class=" uppercase break-words">New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas</h2><p>Will Campbell <a href="https://deadspin.com/new-england-patriots-have-major-needs-after-super-bowl-loss/" target="_blank">didn’t end the season on a high note</a>. Banks was comparable most of the year but by the end of the season, Banks was clearly closer to being a foundational pass blocker.</p><h2 id="cleveland-browns-mason-graham-dt-michigan" class=" uppercase break-words">Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan</h2><p>Graham was hell on wheels for interior linemen to account for as Myles Garrett stormed the pocket off the edge. He can create interior pressure and wasn’t easy to block one-on-one as a rookie.</p><h2 id="las-vegas-raiders-abdul-carter-edge-penn-state" class=" uppercase break-words">Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State</h2> </section> <section id="4" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775828270784" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775828270784" alt="Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) reacts after a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images" class="w-full"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) reacts after a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-5"> <p>Ashton Jeanty was a non-factor because the Raiders were always playing catchup and trying to do so with a suspect offensive line and shaky quarterback. Carter would have filled a traditional foundational need and provided some help in pass rush to benefit Maxx Crosby and a shaky secondary.</p><h2 id="new-york-jets-will-campbell-ot-lsu" class=" uppercase break-words">New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU</h2><p>Membou was a big hit, but he’s off the board in this exercise. Campbell was solid before tapering off near the end of the season but might’ve been better on the right side for the Jets.</p><h2 id="carolina-panthers-carson-schwesinger-lb-ucla" class=" uppercase break-words">Carolina Panthers: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA</h2><p>The Defensive Rookie of the Year <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/onsi/news/browns-veteran-believes-carson-schwesinger-can-become-nfl-all-time-great-01knqw2wcaag" target="_blank">talent at the LB position</a> would have been a big hit with GM Dan Morgan, who was a similar type of player in his prime with Carolina.</p><h2 id="9-new-orleans-saints-nick-emmanwori-s-south-carolina" class=" uppercase break-words">9. New Orleans Saints: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina</h2><p>Throughly thrilled with Banks as a rookie, if he was gone, the Saints might’ve looked at skill position talent. Or someone like Emmanwori to deploy in a defensive chess piece role. He lived in the box for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.</p><h2 id="chicago-bears-colston-loveland-te-michigan" class=" uppercase break-words">Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan</h2><p>What’s not to love? Loveland over Tyler Warren was one of the draft’s surprises in the top half of the first round. Warren did just fine with the Colts but Loveland was better.</p> </section></div> #NFL #Redraft #Top #Picks #Change #Year #Deadspin.com

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Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.

The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.

The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.

Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.

Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha">ISL 2025-26: Second-half goals help FC Goa beat Odisha 3-1 Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clashThe tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha

ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha">ISL 2025-26: Second-half goals help FC Goa beat Odisha 3-1

Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.

The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.

The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.

Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.

Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha
Deadspin | Without star Joel Embiid, Sixers set to visit Pacers Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) talk with NBA referee Eric Dalen (37) during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images With an unfortunate development for star Joel Embiid looming over them, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to pull out of a three-game slide when they meet the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis. Philadelphia (43-37) learned that the former NBA MVP needed an appendectomy on Thursday before the team faced the Houston Rockets. “We had an unbelievable day as a team [on Wednesday]. We had a great practice, a great film session, we were getting up and down the court, and [Embiid] was a part of all of that,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what hits you in the stomach a little bit when you get that news.” Without their standout center, who is out indefinitely, the Sixers lost 113-102 to the Rockets to fall into a virtual tie with the Charlotte Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia and Charlotte both have clinched a postseason berth and have just two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning. Coming off lopsided losses at home to Detroit last Saturday and at San Antonio on Monday, the Sixers made a few late-game pushes after trailing the Rockets by as many as 28 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored four of his 21 points during an 8-0 run that pulled Philadelphia within five points in the final two minutes before the team ran out of steam. Edgecombe heads into the final weekend of the regular season having scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games, with Thursday marking his sixth game with at least 21 points in that stretch. Edgecombe’s play in March earned him the league Rookie of the Month. Indiana (19-61) enters Friday’s matchup already doomed to the worst regular-season record in franchise history. Just one year removed from only the second NBA Finals appearance in their existence, the Pacers faced injury woes throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Depleted Indiana pulled out of a three-game losing skid on Thursday, blowing out Brooklyn 123-94. Obi Toppin scored a season-high 26 points to help power Indiana to 80 points in the paint. Toppin’s best outing since returning in late February from a 56-game absence due to a stress fracture in his right foot provides a glimmer of optimism for Indiana looking to turn the page to 2026-27. Another positive for the Pacers this week was the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to 5-on-5 activities. Haliburton sustained an Achilles’ injury in last June’s seventh game of the NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City, holding him out this entire season and setting the tone for Indiana’s woes. The rash of injuries plaguing the Pacers presented opportunities for other players to make a mark and perhaps position themselves well for the future. One such Pacer to capitalize, Jarace Walker, will close 2025-26 with career-best averages for scoring (11.6 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 per game). Walker also is heading into the closing weekend off of a near-triple-double performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Thursday. “Positional size in our league is something you always seek out,” Indiana assistant coach Lloyd Pierce said following Thursday’s win. “And Jarace has great size as a three [small forward]. Any time we can put him in [that] position, he can see the floor, but he also has the ability to pass over defenders.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #star #Joel #Embiid #Sixers #set #visit #PacersApr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) talk with NBA referee Eric Dalen (37) during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

With an unfortunate development for star Joel Embiid looming over them, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to pull out of a three-game slide when they meet the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis.

Philadelphia (43-37) learned that the former NBA MVP needed an appendectomy on Thursday before the team faced the Houston Rockets.

“We had an unbelievable day as a team [on Wednesday]. We had a great practice, a great film session, we were getting up and down the court, and [Embiid] was a part of all of that,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what hits you in the stomach a little bit when you get that news.”

Without their standout center, who is out indefinitely, the Sixers lost 113-102 to the Rockets to fall into a virtual tie with the Charlotte Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia and Charlotte both have clinched a postseason berth and have just two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning.

Coming off lopsided losses at home to Detroit last Saturday and at San Antonio on Monday, the Sixers made a few late-game pushes after trailing the Rockets by as many as 28 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored four of his 21 points during an 8-0 run that pulled Philadelphia within five points in the final two minutes before the team ran out of steam.

Edgecombe heads into the final weekend of the regular season having scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games, with Thursday marking his sixth game with at least 21 points in that stretch. Edgecombe’s play in March earned him the league Rookie of the Month.


Indiana (19-61) enters Friday’s matchup already doomed to the worst regular-season record in franchise history. Just one year removed from only the second NBA Finals appearance in their existence, the Pacers faced injury woes throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

Depleted Indiana pulled out of a three-game losing skid on Thursday, blowing out Brooklyn 123-94. Obi Toppin scored a season-high 26 points to help power Indiana to 80 points in the paint.

Toppin’s best outing since returning in late February from a 56-game absence due to a stress fracture in his right foot provides a glimmer of optimism for Indiana looking to turn the page to 2026-27. Another positive for the Pacers this week was the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to 5-on-5 activities.

Haliburton sustained an Achilles’ injury in last June’s seventh game of the NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City, holding him out this entire season and setting the tone for Indiana’s woes.

The rash of injuries plaguing the Pacers presented opportunities for other players to make a mark and perhaps position themselves well for the future. One such Pacer to capitalize, Jarace Walker, will close 2025-26 with career-best averages for scoring (11.6 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 per game).

Walker also is heading into the closing weekend off of a near-triple-double performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Thursday.

“Positional size in our league is something you always seek out,” Indiana assistant coach Lloyd Pierce said following Thursday’s win. “And Jarace has great size as a three [small forward]. Any time we can put him in [that] position, he can see the floor, but he also has the ability to pass over defenders.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #star #Joel #Embiid #Sixers #set #visit #Pacers">Deadspin | Without star Joel Embiid, Sixers set to visit Pacers Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) talk with NBA referee Eric Dalen (37) during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images With an unfortunate development for star Joel Embiid looming over them, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to pull out of a three-game slide when they meet the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis. Philadelphia (43-37) learned that the former NBA MVP needed an appendectomy on Thursday before the team faced the Houston Rockets. “We had an unbelievable day as a team [on Wednesday]. We had a great practice, a great film session, we were getting up and down the court, and [Embiid] was a part of all of that,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what hits you in the stomach a little bit when you get that news.” Without their standout center, who is out indefinitely, the Sixers lost 113-102 to the Rockets to fall into a virtual tie with the Charlotte Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia and Charlotte both have clinched a postseason berth and have just two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning. Coming off lopsided losses at home to Detroit last Saturday and at San Antonio on Monday, the Sixers made a few late-game pushes after trailing the Rockets by as many as 28 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored four of his 21 points during an 8-0 run that pulled Philadelphia within five points in the final two minutes before the team ran out of steam. Edgecombe heads into the final weekend of the regular season having scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games, with Thursday marking his sixth game with at least 21 points in that stretch. Edgecombe’s play in March earned him the league Rookie of the Month. Indiana (19-61) enters Friday’s matchup already doomed to the worst regular-season record in franchise history. Just one year removed from only the second NBA Finals appearance in their existence, the Pacers faced injury woes throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Depleted Indiana pulled out of a three-game losing skid on Thursday, blowing out Brooklyn 123-94. Obi Toppin scored a season-high 26 points to help power Indiana to 80 points in the paint. Toppin’s best outing since returning in late February from a 56-game absence due to a stress fracture in his right foot provides a glimmer of optimism for Indiana looking to turn the page to 2026-27. Another positive for the Pacers this week was the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to 5-on-5 activities. Haliburton sustained an Achilles’ injury in last June’s seventh game of the NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City, holding him out this entire season and setting the tone for Indiana’s woes. The rash of injuries plaguing the Pacers presented opportunities for other players to make a mark and perhaps position themselves well for the future. One such Pacer to capitalize, Jarace Walker, will close 2025-26 with career-best averages for scoring (11.6 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 per game). Walker also is heading into the closing weekend off of a near-triple-double performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Thursday. “Positional size in our league is something you always seek out,” Indiana assistant coach Lloyd Pierce said following Thursday’s win. “And Jarace has great size as a three [small forward]. Any time we can put him in [that] position, he can see the floor, but he also has the ability to pass over defenders.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #star #Joel #Embiid #Sixers #set #visit #Pacers

2025 WNBA Finals - Game Three - Las Vegas Aces v Phoenix Mercury
2025 WNBA Finals - Game Three - Las Vegas Aces v Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 08: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Getty Images

#WNBA #free #agency #grades #Alyssa #Thomas #Mercury">WNBA free agency grades: Alyssa Thomas to the Mercury — A PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 08: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty Images #WNBA #free #agency #grades #Alyssa #Thomas #Mercury

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