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NBA Play-In Player Props: Donovan Clingan, LaMelo Ball Headlines Best Picks | Deadspin.com  Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   The play-in tournament gets underway tonight. The Eastern Conference 9th place (Miami Heat) vs. 10th place (Charlotte Hornets) game gets things started, with the Western Conference’s 7th place (Portland Trail Blazers vs. 8th place (Phoenix Suns) game to follow.Sportsbooks will, of course, carry the traditional betting line along with full player prop menus. In this post, I’ll go over my favorite player props for tonight’s games.Miami Heat vs. Charlotte HornetsLaMelo Ball, OVER 4.5 Made Threes at +134 (FanDuel)I did a double-take on this one when I first saw it. At first, I thought I had to be misreading it, that it must be an old page for Steph Curry back in his prime or something. But no, the market is for LaMelo Ball to hit over or under 4.5 3-pointers.Incidentally, it is a number he’s gone over in his last five games and in eight of his last 12. Opponents averaged 14 per game against the Heat (No. 22) while attempting 39 (35.9%). If recent history is any indication of what we can expect, he’ll attempt enough to have a good shot at the over.Requiring five made threes makes me nervous, but I can’t pass this value up.LaMelo Ball, OVER 12.5 Attempted Threes at -120 (bet365)He averaged 13.2 attempts in April (six games), and that with trying only six against Phoenix (April 2). In May, he averaged 11.7 attempts and tried over the total in six of 15 games. With a chance to move on and keep playing at stake, I expect Ball to let it fly early and often against a Heat team that is not great at defending the perimeter.The price isn’t great, but I’d be shocked if he finished under this mark.Norman Powell, UNDER 18.5 Points at -120 (bet365)Powell averaged 21.7 points per game this season. He has gone over this prop in 43 of 58 games this season, but under it in five of his last ten and in three of his last four. But Charlotte had the No. 7 defense in the regular season (111.2 points per game allowed) and the best defense over the last 15 games (106.3 points per game allowed). Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+  Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix SunsDonovan Clingan, UNDER 12.5 Rebounds at -120 (DraftKings)I’ve seen a lot of analysts take the over because Phoenix is not a super-strong rebound team. However, the difference between the Suns’ rebound average at No. 20 and Oklahoma City’s at No. 12 is just a single rebound per game. Opponents are averaging 43.7 per game against the Suns (15th best in the NBA), one rebound away from being in the top ten.Clingan has gone over this mark in two of three games against the Suns, but in just one of his last seven games. He went under this mark in 47 of 77 games played. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #PlayIn #Player #Props #Donovan #Clingan #LaMelo #Ball #Headlines #Picks #Deadspin.com

NBA Play-In Player Props: Donovan Clingan, LaMelo Ball Headlines Best Picks | Deadspin.com
NBA Play-In Player Props: Donovan Clingan, LaMelo Ball Headlines Best Picks | Deadspin.com  Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   The play-in tournament gets underway tonight. The Eastern Conference 9th place (Miami Heat) vs. 10th place (Charlotte Hornets) game gets things started, with the Western Conference’s 7th place (Portland Trail Blazers vs. 8th place (Phoenix Suns) game to follow.Sportsbooks will, of course, carry the traditional betting line along with full player prop menus. In this post, I’ll go over my favorite player props for tonight’s games.Miami Heat vs. Charlotte HornetsLaMelo Ball, OVER 4.5 Made Threes at +134 (FanDuel)I did a double-take on this one when I first saw it. At first, I thought I had to be misreading it, that it must be an old page for Steph Curry back in his prime or something. But no, the market is for LaMelo Ball to hit over or under 4.5 3-pointers.Incidentally, it is a number he’s gone over in his last five games and in eight of his last 12. Opponents averaged 14 per game against the Heat (No. 22) while attempting 39 (35.9%). If recent history is any indication of what we can expect, he’ll attempt enough to have a good shot at the over.Requiring five made threes makes me nervous, but I can’t pass this value up.LaMelo Ball, OVER 12.5 Attempted Threes at -120 (bet365)He averaged 13.2 attempts in April (six games), and that with trying only six against Phoenix (April 2). In May, he averaged 11.7 attempts and tried over the total in six of 15 games. With a chance to move on and keep playing at stake, I expect Ball to let it fly early and often against a Heat team that is not great at defending the perimeter.The price isn’t great, but I’d be shocked if he finished under this mark.Norman Powell, UNDER 18.5 Points at -120 (bet365)Powell averaged 21.7 points per game this season. He has gone over this prop in 43 of 58 games this season, but under it in five of his last ten and in three of his last four. But Charlotte had the No. 7 defense in the regular season (111.2 points per game allowed) and the best defense over the last 15 games (106.3 points per game allowed). Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+  Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix SunsDonovan Clingan, UNDER 12.5 Rebounds at -120 (DraftKings)I’ve seen a lot of analysts take the over because Phoenix is not a super-strong rebound team. However, the difference between the Suns’ rebound average at No. 20 and Oklahoma City’s at No. 12 is just a single rebound per game. Opponents are averaging 43.7 per game against the Suns (15th best in the NBA), one rebound away from being in the top ten.Clingan has gone over this mark in two of three games against the Suns, but in just one of his last seven games. He went under this mark in 47 of 77 games played. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #PlayIn #Player #Props #Donovan #Clingan #LaMelo #Ball #Headlines #Picks #Deadspin.comMar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The play-in tournament gets underway tonight. The Eastern Conference 9th place (Miami Heat) vs. 10th place (Charlotte Hornets) game gets things started, with the Western Conference’s 7th place (Portland Trail Blazers vs. 8th place (Phoenix Suns) game to follow.

Sportsbooks will, of course, carry the traditional betting line along with full player prop menus. In this post, I’ll go over my favorite player props for tonight’s games.

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball, OVER 4.5 Made Threes at +134 (FanDuel)

I did a double-take on this one when I first saw it. At first, I thought I had to be misreading it, that it must be an old page for Steph Curry back in his prime or something. But no, the market is for LaMelo Ball to hit over or under 4.5 3-pointers.

Incidentally, it is a number he’s gone over in his last five games and in eight of his last 12. Opponents averaged 14 per game against the Heat (No. 22) while attempting 39 (35.9%). If recent history is any indication of what we can expect, he’ll attempt enough to have a good shot at the over.

Requiring five made threes makes me nervous, but I can’t pass this value up.

LaMelo Ball, OVER 12.5 Attempted Threes at -120 (bet365)

He averaged 13.2 attempts in April (six games), and that with trying only six against Phoenix (April 2). In May, he averaged 11.7 attempts and tried over the total in six of 15 games. With a chance to move on and keep playing at stake, I expect Ball to let it fly early and often against a Heat team that is not great at defending the perimeter.

The price isn’t great, but I’d be shocked if he finished under this mark.

Norman Powell, UNDER 18.5 Points at -120 (bet365)

Powell averaged 21.7 points per game this season. He has gone over this prop in 43 of 58 games this season, but under it in five of his last ten and in three of his last four. But Charlotte had the No. 7 defense in the regular season (111.2 points per game allowed) and the best defense over the last 15 games (106.3 points per game allowed).

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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns
Donovan Clingan, UNDER 12.5 Rebounds at -120 (DraftKings)

I’ve seen a lot of analysts take the over because Phoenix is not a super-strong rebound team. However, the difference between the Suns’ rebound average at No. 20 and Oklahoma City’s at No. 12 is just a single rebound per game. Opponents are averaging 43.7 per game against the Suns (15th best in the NBA), one rebound away from being in the top ten.

Clingan has gone over this mark in two of three games against the Suns, but in just one of his last seven games. He went under this mark in 47 of 77 games played.

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#NBA #PlayIn #Player #Props #Donovan #Clingan #LaMelo #Ball #Headlines #Picks #Deadspin.com

Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The play-in tournament gets underway tonight. The Eastern Conference 9th place (Miami Heat) vs. 10th place (Charlotte Hornets) game gets things started, with the Western Conference’s 7th place (Portland Trail Blazers vs. 8th place (Phoenix Suns) game to follow.

Sportsbooks will, of course, carry the traditional betting line along with full player prop menus. In this post, I’ll go over my favorite player props for tonight’s games.

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball, OVER 4.5 Made Threes at +134 (FanDuel)

I did a double-take on this one when I first saw it. At first, I thought I had to be misreading it, that it must be an old page for Steph Curry back in his prime or something. But no, the market is for LaMelo Ball to hit over or under 4.5 3-pointers.

Incidentally, it is a number he’s gone over in his last five games and in eight of his last 12. Opponents averaged 14 per game against the Heat (No. 22) while attempting 39 (35.9%). If recent history is any indication of what we can expect, he’ll attempt enough to have a good shot at the over.

Requiring five made threes makes me nervous, but I can’t pass this value up.

LaMelo Ball, OVER 12.5 Attempted Threes at -120 (bet365)

He averaged 13.2 attempts in April (six games), and that with trying only six against Phoenix (April 2). In May, he averaged 11.7 attempts and tried over the total in six of 15 games. With a chance to move on and keep playing at stake, I expect Ball to let it fly early and often against a Heat team that is not great at defending the perimeter.

The price isn’t great, but I’d be shocked if he finished under this mark.

Norman Powell, UNDER 18.5 Points at -120 (bet365)

Powell averaged 21.7 points per game this season. He has gone over this prop in 43 of 58 games this season, but under it in five of his last ten and in three of his last four. But Charlotte had the No. 7 defense in the regular season (111.2 points per game allowed) and the best defense over the last 15 games (106.3 points per game allowed).

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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns
Donovan Clingan, UNDER 12.5 Rebounds at -120 (DraftKings)

I’ve seen a lot of analysts take the over because Phoenix is not a super-strong rebound team. However, the difference between the Suns’ rebound average at No. 20 and Oklahoma City’s at No. 12 is just a single rebound per game. Opponents are averaging 43.7 per game against the Suns (15th best in the NBA), one rebound away from being in the top ten.

Clingan has gone over this mark in two of three games against the Suns, but in just one of his last seven games. He went under this mark in 47 of 77 games played.

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#NBA #PlayIn #Player #Props #Donovan #Clingan #LaMelo #Ball #Headlines #Picks #Deadspin.com

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WNBA Draft 2026 winners and losers, including Storm, Sky, Tempo, and Valkyries <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">The 2026 WNBA Draft had uncertainty at the top until the last moment. The Dallas Wings could have gone in a number of different directions with the first overall pick, but eventually the team settled on reuniting former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd in the backcourt. Dallas’ Fudd pick at No. 1 set the course for the rest of the draft, which included several big surprises throughout the first round.</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">Find a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/wnba/1110763/wnba-draft-2026-pick-by-pick-tracker-for-all-3-rounds">full recap of every pick made during the 2026 WNBA Draft here</a>. Now let’s dive into some winners and losers from the evening.</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">Yes, you need a couple years at minimum before you can truly judge a team’s performance in the draft. So why do this exercise? It’s a fun way to see what we were thinking in the immediate aftermath of the draft. Teams get things wrong all the time, and writers do, too. Feel free to check back in the future to see what we got right, and where we missed.</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">Awa Fam was the best prospect in the class, and I thought she should have been the Wings’ choice at No. 1 overall over Fudd. Seattle got her with the No. 3 pick, which is just great business. The Storm weren’t done: they also swung a shocking trade for former LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson. Seattle landed the two best athletes in the draft, and it gives them arguably the league’s best young core moving forward.</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">Fam, a 6’4 big out of Spain, is everything the league wants out of a modern front court player with a tremendous combination of length and mobility. She should thrive as a pick-and-roll target offensively, and have coverage versatility defensively. Fam joins Seattle’s first round pick last year, French big Dominique Malonga, for the league’s scariest young front court. Malonga is blessed with world class length (7’1 wingspan) and athleticism, and already proved to be a productive player in the W at only 20 years old last season. Fam and Malonga is just an unfair combination if both hit their ceiling. Adding Johnson to the wing — where she can lock down defensively, thrive in transition, and hit some open threes — makes the whole package even more enticing.</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">The Storm will need a couple years before the two young bigs really hit their stride, but the upside here is terrifying.</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’s not that Gabriela Jaquez is a bad player. She was one of my favorite role players in this class for her high-motor, Swiss army knife skill set on the wing. It’s just that Jaquez felt more like a late first-rounder than a top-5 pick, and Chicago left better players on the board by choosing her at No. 5 overall.</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 felt like the Sky drafted for fit instead of upside. That’s a strange move for a team that has gone 23-61 combined over the last two years. GM Jeff Pagliocca has a reputation for making short-sighted decisions that mortgage the team’s future to try to save his job, and he did it again. The Sky signed Skylar Diggins in free agency, traded for Jacy Sheldon, and also have Courtney VanderSloot, so maybe that’s why they passed on lead guard Kiki Rice at No. 5 overall. Well, Diggins is 35 years old, VanderSloot is 37, and the Sky just aren’t good enough to be passing up the long-term upside of Rice for a player who fits the current lineup better right now in Jaquez.</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">My main issue with Jaquez is that she operated at such low usage at UCLA with only an 18 percent usage rate. Drafting low usage college players is always a risky move even if teams project them for similar roles in the pros. It’s always easier to scale down than it is to scale up. Jaquez also had nearly as many turnovers (70) as assists (78) this season with the Bruins. Her outside shooting development was encouraging, but she doesn’t have nearly the same track record as a shooter as someone like Sonia Citron, who Pagliocca foolishly traded the draft rights to last season.</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">Jaquez will probably be a solid role player, but the Sky needed to be shooting for something more than that without a true franchise player on the roster. I think they will regret passing on Rice.</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">The Bruins won the national championship in women’s college basketball, then watched six players get chosen in the top-18 picks of this draft, including four of the first nine picks. That’s a hell of a recruiting pitch going forward. Head coach Cori Close is building a power program out in Los Angeles.</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">Want to get the steal of the draft? All you have to do is pick behind the Chicago Sky. Kiki Rice slipping to No. 6 is almost unfathomable. The former No. 1 overall recruit took a few years to develop her outside shot, but this season she looked like the player she was promised to be out of high school. Rice is more of a combo guard than a pure point, but she still combines a fantastic first step with advanced driving ability and an understand of how to get to the cup and finish. Her shooting touch is developing nicely: she made 90 percent of her free throws, and 38.5 percent of her threes this season — a big improvement from the 21 percent three-point stroke she showed as a freshman.</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">While the other expansion team, the Portland Fire, is very much playing the long game in their first season, Toronto could be pretty good right away. Marina Mabrey was a nice pick in the expansion draft who will be a good starter from day one, and signing Brittney Sykes in free agency was an inspired move. Isabelle Harrison and Nyara Sabally is a solid veteran front court. Rice feels like she could be one of the three best players to come out of this draft five years from now, giving Toronto a future face of the franchise if they can continue to develop her.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Winner: The Mystics drafting Lauren Betts</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">There’s been some criticism about Washington’s other picks in the 2026 draft, but it really doesn’t matter if Betts if as good as I think she can be. The 6’7 center was absolutely dominant in the post on UCLA’s national championship run, and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rickyodonn.bsky.social/post/3llmn7bmbm225">she has a multi-year history of being an on/off monster</a>. I know that everyone wants more mobile bigs with floor spacing potential these days, but there’s still no substitute for a physically dominant big inside with soft touch. Betts and Sonia Citron is going to be a killer combination. Yes, the Mystics need to add a lot more shooting. Yes, it’s weird that they didn’t try to get shooting with any of their other picks. I just think Betts is a home run at No. 4 overall, and Washington will have a long runway to surround her with better-fitting pieces.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Loser: Golden State Valkyries</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">I just don’t understand the value behind the Flae’Jae Johnson trade. Golden State said that the trade was completed before the draft, which is fine, but it still strikes me as bad value even without factoring in that Johnson was available. I’d rather have <a href="https://x.com/WomensHoops_USA/status/2043851870611845241">the No. 8 overall pick than two second rounders</a> in the WNBA Draft. Historically the talent in these drafts tends to thin out after the early second round, and adding three expansion teams in the last two years will only take away from more late round value. I was excited about Flae’Jae Johnson on the Valkyries after their awesome debut season last year. It just wasn’t meant to be.</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">The Minnesota Lynx had the best record in the WNBA last year at 34-10, but their dream season fell apart in the playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury when Napheesa Collier went down with an ankle injury. The Lynx received the No. 2 overall pick thanks to a pick swap with the Sky from the original Angel Reese trade, and they used it to add an elite point guard prospect in Miles. The 5’10 ball handler left Notre Dame for TCU for her senior season, and put up fantastic overall numbers with a 36.4 percent assist rate, excellent rim finishing, and a 35 percent three-point stroke. Miles is so quick off the dribble, and she made 62 percent of her shots at the rim with only 17 percent of them being assisted. She’s also really good at getting into the passing lanes defensively.</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’s not often an elite team adds a great prospect with a top pick, but the Lynx pulled it off. This continues to be one of the best run franchises in the W.</p></div></div> #WNBA #Draft #winners #losers #including #Storm #Sky #Tempo #Valkyries

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RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: Moody backs Pooran to come good despite tough start <div id="content-body-70861971" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Tom Moody, Lucknow Super Giants’ global director of cricket, expressed hope that star batter Nicholas Pooran will soon return to form. The West Indian has a highest score of 19 this IPL season.</p><p>“Nicky is fully aware of the slow start he’s had,” Moody said on Tuesday. “But we’ve got 100% confidence in what he brings to the table. Class is permanent and I’m sure that the opportunity tomorrow night (Wednesday), at a venue where top-order players can enjoy, could well be the tonic that he needs.”</p><p>There is also an expectation that 23-year-old pace sensation Mayank Yadav will play his first game this IPL.</p><p>The youngster, whose workload is being carefully managed because of his injury history, breathed fire the last time he was in Bengaluru (April 2024), topping speeds of 150 kmph and taking three for 14 in LSG’s 28-run victory.</p><p>The three batters he dismissed in a Player-of-the-Match performance were Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/rcb-vs-lsg-ipl-2026-match-preview-royal-challengers-bengaluru-lucknow-super-giants/article70861990.ece" target="_self">RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants</a></b></p><p>“He’s ready to go,” Moody stated. “He didn’t jump into our thought processes early in the tournament purely because he was still a little bit underdone. His fitness was good, but just in terms of bowling and the loads that any bowler needs to feel comfortable at the crease.</p><p>“But we feel it has come to a point where he’s ready to go. He’s worked exceptionally hard, and he presents a headache for us with regards to selection,” the Aussie added.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 14, 2026</p></div> #RCB #LSG #IPL #Moody #backs #Pooran #good #tough #start

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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