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No Wembanyama, no problem — Spurs beat 76ers in NBA; Jokic shines in Nuggets’ win Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).Magic 123, Pistons 107Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA seasonThe Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win

No Wembanyama, no problem — Spurs beat 76ers in NBA; Jokic shines in Nuggets’ win

Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.

The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.

The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).

Magic 123, Pistons 107

Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).

Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.

Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)

Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.

ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105

Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.

Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.

OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.

Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.

Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Wembanyama #problem #Spurs #beat #76ers #NBA #Jokic #shines #Nuggets #win

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Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double ‌with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio Spurs attack as his side defeated the 76ers 115-102 on Monday.

The ⁠Spurs played the second half without star centre Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib ⁠contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.

The Spurs (60-19) are still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league, but would have to win their remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

Joel Embiid’s ‌34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).

Magic 123, Pistons 107

Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the ​bench for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each ‌scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia ​76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).

Jalen Duren and ⁠Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as ‌26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.

Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)

Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver Nuggets rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

The Nuggets (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep two-point jumper in the right ‌corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying three-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, ​part of his 2three-point performance.

ALSO READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the ⁠tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made three-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.

Knicks 108, Hawks ‌105

Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York Knicks outlasted Atlanta Hawks in a possible playoff preview.

Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of the Knicks’ final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a three-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.

OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the ‌third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner three that gave the Hawks a 100-95 lead with 3:15 ​left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as the Hawks lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.

Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis Grizzlies ⁠and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made three-pointers in a ⁠game.

Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and ‌nine boards for the Cavaliers, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies (25-54) lost their fifth straight match and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the three-point mark when ​Adama Bal’s three-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. The Grizzlies finished 29 of 59 (49.2 per cent) from long range.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

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Deadspin | Sixers out to ‘do whatever it takes’ in Game 6 vs. Celtics Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images With their backs against the ropes in Game 5 on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers came out swinging against the Boston Celtics. The Sixers’ impressive fourth-quarter performance in Boston sent the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series back to Philadelphia, where the teams will take the court for Game 6 on Thursday. If the Sixers are able to force Game 7, it will be Saturday in Boston. Boston led by a point going into the final period of Game 5, needing 12 solid minutes to finish off Philadelphia and advance to the second round. However, the Sixers fed off the desperation by outscoring the Celtics 28-11 in the fourth quarter en route to a 113-97 victory that left the TD Garden crowd in stunned silence. “Obviously you don’t want to go home, so you do whatever it takes,” said Sixers center Joel Embiid, who recorded 33 points and eight assists in his second game of the series. The former NBA MVP missed the first three contests after undergoing an appendectomy earlier this month. Embiid bumped knees with Boston’s Jaylen Brown during the third quarter and briefly left the game, but Sixers coach Nick Nurse didn’t expand much on the situation Wednesday afternoon. “I know postgame last night … he said he was fine, and that’s the report I’ve got so far,” said Nurse. Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Paul George notched 16 points, nine boards and seven assists. The Sixers have won twice in Boston in this series, although they’ve lost both home contests, including a 32-point defeat in Game 4. “It’ll take everything we’ve got,” Maxey said. “It’ll take even more of an effort than it did tonight.” Nurse likely will stick with a reduced rotation after the Philadelphia coach primarily used six players in the Game 5 triumph. The starters all played heavy minutes, while Quentin Grimes contributed 18 points in 24 minutes off the bench. “He had a little different confidence to him,” Nurse said of Grimes, who averaged just 6.8 points in the first four games of the series. Meanwhile, the Celtics were left searching for answers after shooting just 3 of 22 (13.6%) from the floor in the fourth quarter. “First of all, give them credit,” said Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics with 24 points and 16 rebounds. “They played well. And yeah, a few looks that we felt good about that we just didn’t make. But sometimes that happens. You know, it’s just tough. Not scoring the way you want to puts a lot of pressure on your defense, and they made some plays at the other end.” Brown (22 points on 9-of-23 shooting) and Derrick White (six points on 2-of-8 shooting) were among the Boston players who struggled to find a rhythm in Game 5. White is shooting just 29.8% from the field in the series, including 7 of 33 (21.2%) from long range. On the bright side, Tatum is averaging 24.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 7.6 points while shooting 37% from outside the arc. Payton Pritchard has 11 assists and no turnovers in the last two games, while Neemias Queta had 14 rebounds in a losing effort. “Just have an understanding, perspective. It wasn’t all bad,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “We played solid basketball, and then let’s focus on the stuff that we have to get better at and be more consistent in those things headed back to Philly.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sixers #takes #Game #CelticsApr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

With their backs against the ropes in Game 5 on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers came out swinging against the Boston Celtics.

The Sixers’ impressive fourth-quarter performance in Boston sent the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series back to Philadelphia, where the teams will take the court for Game 6 on Thursday. If the Sixers are able to force Game 7, it will be Saturday in Boston.

Boston led by a point going into the final period of Game 5, needing 12 solid minutes to finish off Philadelphia and advance to the second round. However, the Sixers fed off the desperation by outscoring the Celtics 28-11 in the fourth quarter en route to a 113-97 victory that left the TD Garden crowd in stunned silence.

“Obviously you don’t want to go home, so you do whatever it takes,” said Sixers center Joel Embiid, who recorded 33 points and eight assists in his second game of the series. The former NBA MVP missed the first three contests after undergoing an appendectomy earlier this month.

Embiid bumped knees with Boston’s Jaylen Brown during the third quarter and briefly left the game, but Sixers coach Nick Nurse didn’t expand much on the situation Wednesday afternoon.

“I know postgame last night … he said he was fine, and that’s the report I’ve got so far,” said Nurse.

Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Paul George notched 16 points, nine boards and seven assists. The Sixers have won twice in Boston in this series, although they’ve lost both home contests, including a 32-point defeat in Game 4.

“It’ll take everything we’ve got,” Maxey said. “It’ll take even more of an effort than it did tonight.”


Nurse likely will stick with a reduced rotation after the Philadelphia coach primarily used six players in the Game 5 triumph. The starters all played heavy minutes, while Quentin Grimes contributed 18 points in 24 minutes off the bench.

“He had a little different confidence to him,” Nurse said of Grimes, who averaged just 6.8 points in the first four games of the series.

Meanwhile, the Celtics were left searching for answers after shooting just 3 of 22 (13.6%) from the floor in the fourth quarter.

“First of all, give them credit,” said Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics with 24 points and 16 rebounds. “They played well. And yeah, a few looks that we felt good about that we just didn’t make. But sometimes that happens. You know, it’s just tough. Not scoring the way you want to puts a lot of pressure on your defense, and they made some plays at the other end.”

Brown (22 points on 9-of-23 shooting) and Derrick White (six points on 2-of-8 shooting) were among the Boston players who struggled to find a rhythm in Game 5. White is shooting just 29.8% from the field in the series, including 7 of 33 (21.2%) from long range.

On the bright side, Tatum is averaging 24.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 7.6 points while shooting 37% from outside the arc. Payton Pritchard has 11 assists and no turnovers in the last two games, while Neemias Queta had 14 rebounds in a losing effort.

“Just have an understanding, perspective. It wasn’t all bad,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “We played solid basketball, and then let’s focus on the stuff that we have to get better at and be more consistent in those things headed back to Philly.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sixers #takes #Game #Celtics">Deadspin | Sixers out to ‘do whatever it takes’ in Game 6 vs. Celtics Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)nin the first quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images With their backs against the ropes in Game 5 on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers came out swinging against the Boston Celtics. The Sixers’ impressive fourth-quarter performance in Boston sent the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series back to Philadelphia, where the teams will take the court for Game 6 on Thursday. If the Sixers are able to force Game 7, it will be Saturday in Boston. Boston led by a point going into the final period of Game 5, needing 12 solid minutes to finish off Philadelphia and advance to the second round. However, the Sixers fed off the desperation by outscoring the Celtics 28-11 in the fourth quarter en route to a 113-97 victory that left the TD Garden crowd in stunned silence. “Obviously you don’t want to go home, so you do whatever it takes,” said Sixers center Joel Embiid, who recorded 33 points and eight assists in his second game of the series. The former NBA MVP missed the first three contests after undergoing an appendectomy earlier this month. Embiid bumped knees with Boston’s Jaylen Brown during the third quarter and briefly left the game, but Sixers coach Nick Nurse didn’t expand much on the situation Wednesday afternoon. “I know postgame last night … he said he was fine, and that’s the report I’ve got so far,” said Nurse. Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Paul George notched 16 points, nine boards and seven assists. The Sixers have won twice in Boston in this series, although they’ve lost both home contests, including a 32-point defeat in Game 4. “It’ll take everything we’ve got,” Maxey said. “It’ll take even more of an effort than it did tonight.” Nurse likely will stick with a reduced rotation after the Philadelphia coach primarily used six players in the Game 5 triumph. The starters all played heavy minutes, while Quentin Grimes contributed 18 points in 24 minutes off the bench. “He had a little different confidence to him,” Nurse said of Grimes, who averaged just 6.8 points in the first four games of the series. Meanwhile, the Celtics were left searching for answers after shooting just 3 of 22 (13.6%) from the floor in the fourth quarter. “First of all, give them credit,” said Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics with 24 points and 16 rebounds. “They played well. And yeah, a few looks that we felt good about that we just didn’t make. But sometimes that happens. You know, it’s just tough. Not scoring the way you want to puts a lot of pressure on your defense, and they made some plays at the other end.” Brown (22 points on 9-of-23 shooting) and Derrick White (six points on 2-of-8 shooting) were among the Boston players who struggled to find a rhythm in Game 5. White is shooting just 29.8% from the field in the series, including 7 of 33 (21.2%) from long range. On the bright side, Tatum is averaging 24.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 7.6 points while shooting 37% from outside the arc. Payton Pritchard has 11 assists and no turnovers in the last two games, while Neemias Queta had 14 rebounds in a losing effort. “Just have an understanding, perspective. It wasn’t all bad,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “We played solid basketball, and then let’s focus on the stuff that we have to get better at and be more consistent in those things headed back to Philly.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sixers #takes #Game #Celtics

Deadspin | Stars in search of calm facing Game 6 elimination vs. Wild Apr 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) skates with the puck past Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) and scores an empty net goal during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Dallas Stars will look to play with a sense of calm as they face elimination in Game 6 against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night in St. Paul. Dallas has dropped back-to-back games in the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals series and trails Minnesota 3-2, following Tuesday’s 4-2 loss in Game 5. “You have to be able to play in these pressure situations,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “I don’t think it’s anything grit-related. I think that both teams were competing very hard last night (Tuesday), and you just have to actually have a little more of a sense of calm to be able to make a play under pressure. “… We have to settle in and make some plays with some fluidity.” Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson each scored a goal and added an assist while Jake Oettinger made 24 saves for the Stars, the regular-season No. 2 seed in the Central Division. “We just couldn’t create enough, especially 5-on-5,” Heiskanen said. “That was the biggest issue (in Game 5). Just have to fix that and get better next game. We just have to simplify. I think there are times where we’re trying to do too much. Just simplify. Get guys to the net, get pucks to the net, and get a couple of crazy ones.” Arttu Hyry left Tuesday’s game at 8:02 of the second period with a lower-body injury. Gulutzan said the Stars forward would travel to Minnesota with the team on Wednesday; however, defenseman Nils Lundkvist, who left Game 4 after suffering a facial cut from a skate, is not available for Game 6. The Wild head home with an opportunity to win its first Western Conference quarterfinal series since 2015, when it dispatched the St. Louis Blues in six games. “I think when we play a tight, connected, five-man unit, we’re usually at our best,” said Wild coach John Hynes. “I thought we were responsible, strong attention to detail, got some key saves when we needed them. Another game where we can continue to build and get better. You just focus day to day.” Kirill Kaprizov scored a goal and added two helpers, while Matt Boldy added a goal and an assist for the Wild, who split Games 3 and 4 on home ice, both in overtime. Mats Zuccarello and Michael McCarron had the other Minnesota goals while Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves. Wild forward Yakov Trenin, who returned from an upper-body injury suffered in Game 2, had an assist in 12:04 of ice time. “We’ll take a lot of information out of this game and work to be better again in Game 6,” Hynes said. “That was our objective when the series started. Take one day at a time, one game at a time, extract the information that’s needed. Prepare ourselves for the next game and focus on that.” Jonas Brodin left the game at 1:44 of the second period after blocking a Mikko Rantanen shot. After the game, Brodin was seen on crutches with his foot in a medical boot. Hynes didn’t have a specific update on the Minnesota defenseman on Wednesday, but if Brodin can’t play Game 6, it’s expected that either Daemon Hunt or Jeff Petry will draw into the lineup. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #search #calm #facing #Game #elimination #WildApr 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) skates with the puck past Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) and scores an empty net goal during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars will look to play with a sense of calm as they face elimination in Game 6 against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night in St. Paul.

Dallas has dropped back-to-back games in the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals series and trails Minnesota 3-2, following Tuesday’s 4-2 loss in Game 5.

“You have to be able to play in these pressure situations,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “I don’t think it’s anything grit-related. I think that both teams were competing very hard last night (Tuesday), and you just have to actually have a little more of a sense of calm to be able to make a play under pressure.

“… We have to settle in and make some plays with some fluidity.”

Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson each scored a goal and added an assist while Jake Oettinger made 24 saves for the Stars, the regular-season No. 2 seed in the Central Division.

“We just couldn’t create enough, especially 5-on-5,” Heiskanen said. “That was the biggest issue (in Game 5). Just have to fix that and get better next game. We just have to simplify. I think there are times where we’re trying to do too much. Just simplify. Get guys to the net, get pucks to the net, and get a couple of crazy ones.”

Arttu Hyry left Tuesday’s game at 8:02 of the second period with a lower-body injury. Gulutzan said the Stars forward would travel to Minnesota with the team on Wednesday; however, defenseman Nils Lundkvist, who left Game 4 after suffering a facial cut from a skate, is not available for Game 6.


The Wild head home with an opportunity to win its first Western Conference quarterfinal series since 2015, when it dispatched the St. Louis Blues in six games.

“I think when we play a tight, connected, five-man unit, we’re usually at our best,” said Wild coach John Hynes. “I thought we were responsible, strong attention to detail, got some key saves when we needed them. Another game where we can continue to build and get better. You just focus day to day.”

Kirill Kaprizov scored a goal and added two helpers, while Matt Boldy added a goal and an assist for the Wild, who split Games 3 and 4 on home ice, both in overtime.

Mats Zuccarello and Michael McCarron had the other Minnesota goals while Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves.

Wild forward Yakov Trenin, who returned from an upper-body injury suffered in Game 2, had an assist in 12:04 of ice time.

“We’ll take a lot of information out of this game and work to be better again in Game 6,” Hynes said. “That was our objective when the series started. Take one day at a time, one game at a time, extract the information that’s needed. Prepare ourselves for the next game and focus on that.”

Jonas Brodin left the game at 1:44 of the second period after blocking a Mikko Rantanen shot. After the game, Brodin was seen on crutches with his foot in a medical boot.

Hynes didn’t have a specific update on the Minnesota defenseman on Wednesday, but if Brodin can’t play Game 6, it’s expected that either Daemon Hunt or Jeff Petry will draw into the lineup.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Stars #search #calm #facing #Game #elimination #Wild">Deadspin | Stars in search of calm facing Game 6 elimination vs. Wild Apr 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) skates with the puck past Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) and scores an empty net goal during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Dallas Stars will look to play with a sense of calm as they face elimination in Game 6 against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night in St. Paul. Dallas has dropped back-to-back games in the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals series and trails Minnesota 3-2, following Tuesday’s 4-2 loss in Game 5. “You have to be able to play in these pressure situations,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “I don’t think it’s anything grit-related. I think that both teams were competing very hard last night (Tuesday), and you just have to actually have a little more of a sense of calm to be able to make a play under pressure. “… We have to settle in and make some plays with some fluidity.” Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson each scored a goal and added an assist while Jake Oettinger made 24 saves for the Stars, the regular-season No. 2 seed in the Central Division. “We just couldn’t create enough, especially 5-on-5,” Heiskanen said. “That was the biggest issue (in Game 5). Just have to fix that and get better next game. We just have to simplify. I think there are times where we’re trying to do too much. Just simplify. Get guys to the net, get pucks to the net, and get a couple of crazy ones.” Arttu Hyry left Tuesday’s game at 8:02 of the second period with a lower-body injury. Gulutzan said the Stars forward would travel to Minnesota with the team on Wednesday; however, defenseman Nils Lundkvist, who left Game 4 after suffering a facial cut from a skate, is not available for Game 6. The Wild head home with an opportunity to win its first Western Conference quarterfinal series since 2015, when it dispatched the St. Louis Blues in six games. “I think when we play a tight, connected, five-man unit, we’re usually at our best,” said Wild coach John Hynes. “I thought we were responsible, strong attention to detail, got some key saves when we needed them. Another game where we can continue to build and get better. You just focus day to day.” Kirill Kaprizov scored a goal and added two helpers, while Matt Boldy added a goal and an assist for the Wild, who split Games 3 and 4 on home ice, both in overtime. Mats Zuccarello and Michael McCarron had the other Minnesota goals while Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves. Wild forward Yakov Trenin, who returned from an upper-body injury suffered in Game 2, had an assist in 12:04 of ice time. “We’ll take a lot of information out of this game and work to be better again in Game 6,” Hynes said. “That was our objective when the series started. Take one day at a time, one game at a time, extract the information that’s needed. Prepare ourselves for the next game and focus on that.” Jonas Brodin left the game at 1:44 of the second period after blocking a Mikko Rantanen shot. After the game, Brodin was seen on crutches with his foot in a medical boot. Hynes didn’t have a specific update on the Minnesota defenseman on Wednesday, but if Brodin can’t play Game 6, it’s expected that either Daemon Hunt or Jeff Petry will draw into the lineup. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #search #calm #facing #Game #elimination #Wild

Deadspin | Astros look for spark in doubleheader vs. Orioles Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images After quite a bit of idle time this week, the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are in store for a busy day of baseball when they meet for Thursday’s doubleheader at Camden Yards. Wednesday night’s game was postponed because of weather concerns. So that means that each team has played just one game since Sunday afternoon. That game was won by Baltimore with Tuesday night’s 5-3 decision. The Astros, who are 3-8 in their last 11 games, would like to see outfielder Brice Matthews build off that game when he produced three hits, including a home run. “I feel like I could do that each and every night, but baseball, it’s not going to go your way each and every night,” Matthews said. With an array of injuries impacting the Astros, manager Joe Espada said Matthews could become a spark. “I keep saying, when he finds barrel to ball, he’s exciting to watch,” Espada said. “He’s a very explosive player. He can change outcomes of the game when he learns to be more consistent making contact.” The Astros also hope that third baseman Isaac Paredes can get rolling. Even though he went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, he had hits in six of seven games prior to that. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of time,” Espada said. “He’s starting to heat up, and he knows he can do damage and he’s doing some damage.” Baltimore has had catcher Adley Rutschman with a hot bat. He has racked up multiple hits in three of five games with 10 runs batted in since returning from the injury list. “With Adley, it’s just taking his hits,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Staying on the off-speed, driving it the other way. It just shows his adjustability in the box.” The Orioles will send out right-handers Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) and Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53) for the starting assignments. For Young, it will mark his third big-league appearance of the season. He pitched twice last year against Houston with mixed results. He took a perfect game into the eighth and threw eight shutout innings in mid-August. Less than a week later, he was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Astros are bound to challenge Baltimore’s pitchers, who had the right mix in the series opener. “They’re a deep-lineup team and battle tested,” Albernaz said. “It was great to see our (pitchers) step up to the challenge.” Houston has right-handers Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27) and Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75) slated to be on the mound. The Astros have gone 0-4 in McCullers’ first four April starts, though he only had decisions in the last two outings when he lasted five innings in both cases. He has bemoaned poor beginnings to recent games as getting him off track. Espada said some adjustments could bolster McCullers. “I think for Lance, it’s being ahead,” Espada said. “Once he’s ahead, he can expand and he can set the tone. But if you’re behind in the count, it can be really hard to execute and get people out.” McCullers has faced the Orioles eight times, with six starts, in his career. He’s 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA covering 35 innings in those matchups. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #spark #doubleheader #OriolesApr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

After quite a bit of idle time this week, the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are in store for a busy day of baseball when they meet for Thursday’s doubleheader at Camden Yards.

Wednesday night’s game was postponed because of weather concerns. So that means that each team has played just one game since Sunday afternoon.

That game was won by Baltimore with Tuesday night’s 5-3 decision.

The Astros, who are 3-8 in their last 11 games, would like to see outfielder Brice Matthews build off that game when he produced three hits, including a home run.

“I feel like I could do that each and every night, but baseball, it’s not going to go your way each and every night,” Matthews said.

With an array of injuries impacting the Astros, manager Joe Espada said Matthews could become a spark.

“I keep saying, when he finds barrel to ball, he’s exciting to watch,” Espada said. “He’s a very explosive player. He can change outcomes of the game when he learns to be more consistent making contact.”

The Astros also hope that third baseman Isaac Paredes can get rolling. Even though he went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, he had hits in six of seven games prior to that.

“Sometimes it takes a little bit of time,” Espada said. “He’s starting to heat up, and he knows he can do damage and he’s doing some damage.”

Baltimore has had catcher Adley Rutschman with a hot bat. He has racked up multiple hits in three of five games with 10 runs batted in since returning from the injury list.


“With Adley, it’s just taking his hits,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Staying on the off-speed, driving it the other way. It just shows his adjustability in the box.”

The Orioles will send out right-handers Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) and Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53) for the starting assignments.

For Young, it will mark his third big-league appearance of the season. He pitched twice last year against Houston with mixed results. He took a perfect game into the eighth and threw eight shutout innings in mid-August. Less than a week later, he was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings.

The Astros are bound to challenge Baltimore’s pitchers, who had the right mix in the series opener.

“They’re a deep-lineup team and battle tested,” Albernaz said. “It was great to see our (pitchers) step up to the challenge.”

Houston has right-handers Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27) and Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75) slated to be on the mound.

The Astros have gone 0-4 in McCullers’ first four April starts, though he only had decisions in the last two outings when he lasted five innings in both cases. He has bemoaned poor beginnings to recent games as getting him off track.

Espada said some adjustments could bolster McCullers.

“I think for Lance, it’s being ahead,” Espada said. “Once he’s ahead, he can expand and he can set the tone. But if you’re behind in the count, it can be really hard to execute and get people out.”

McCullers has faced the Orioles eight times, with six starts, in his career. He’s 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA covering 35 innings in those matchups.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #spark #doubleheader #Orioles">Deadspin | Astros look for spark in doubleheader vs. Orioles Apr 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images After quite a bit of idle time this week, the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are in store for a busy day of baseball when they meet for Thursday’s doubleheader at Camden Yards. Wednesday night’s game was postponed because of weather concerns. So that means that each team has played just one game since Sunday afternoon. That game was won by Baltimore with Tuesday night’s 5-3 decision. The Astros, who are 3-8 in their last 11 games, would like to see outfielder Brice Matthews build off that game when he produced three hits, including a home run. “I feel like I could do that each and every night, but baseball, it’s not going to go your way each and every night,” Matthews said. With an array of injuries impacting the Astros, manager Joe Espada said Matthews could become a spark. “I keep saying, when he finds barrel to ball, he’s exciting to watch,” Espada said. “He’s a very explosive player. He can change outcomes of the game when he learns to be more consistent making contact.” The Astros also hope that third baseman Isaac Paredes can get rolling. Even though he went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, he had hits in six of seven games prior to that. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of time,” Espada said. “He’s starting to heat up, and he knows he can do damage and he’s doing some damage.” Baltimore has had catcher Adley Rutschman with a hot bat. He has racked up multiple hits in three of five games with 10 runs batted in since returning from the injury list. “With Adley, it’s just taking his hits,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “Staying on the off-speed, driving it the other way. It just shows his adjustability in the box.” The Orioles will send out right-handers Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA) and Brandon Young (2-0, 2.53) for the starting assignments. For Young, it will mark his third big-league appearance of the season. He pitched twice last year against Houston with mixed results. He took a perfect game into the eighth and threw eight shutout innings in mid-August. Less than a week later, he was tagged for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Astros are bound to challenge Baltimore’s pitchers, who had the right mix in the series opener. “They’re a deep-lineup team and battle tested,” Albernaz said. “It was great to see our (pitchers) step up to the challenge.” Houston has right-handers Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27) and Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 6.75) slated to be on the mound. The Astros have gone 0-4 in McCullers’ first four April starts, though he only had decisions in the last two outings when he lasted five innings in both cases. He has bemoaned poor beginnings to recent games as getting him off track. Espada said some adjustments could bolster McCullers. “I think for Lance, it’s being ahead,” Espada said. “Once he’s ahead, he can expand and he can set the tone. But if you’re behind in the count, it can be really hard to execute and get people out.” McCullers has faced the Orioles eight times, with six starts, in his career. He’s 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA covering 35 innings in those matchups. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #spark #doubleheader #Orioles

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