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Rodri set to miss Burnley trip as Manchester City chases Arsenal in Premier League  Manchester City has been dealt a blow ahead of Wednesday’s visit to ​Burnley, with midfielder Rodri likely to miss the match ‌and centre-back Ruben Dias still sidelined, ​coach Pep Guardiola said as his ⁠side chase Premier League leader Arsenal.Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, sustained the injury late in Sunday’s 2-1 win ‌over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola said at the time the issue appeared ‌to be related to the 29-year-old Spain ‌international’s ⁠groin.Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.“I think for tomorrow Rodri will not be ​ready. We will ‌see for the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton (this weekend),” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. “Dias is not ready yet.”Arsenal, favourite to lift its first league ‌title since 2004 after leading the race since ​October, is top on 70 points from 33 matches while City has 67 ⁠and a game in hand. Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                REUTERS
                            

                            Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                REUTERS
                                                    While Arsenal has lost its last four domestic matches in all competitions, City has regained its momentum since defeating Mikel Arteta’s side in the League Cup final.“It’s a demanding game we had (on Sunday), both emotionally and physically. But at the same time, we have six games left. We know exactly what is going ‌to happen, when we get the result or if we ​don’t get the result,” the Spaniard added.“Both teams know they cannot lose or drop ⁠points. It will be difficult to recover, and our ⁠calendar is so demanding.“For the team chasing, it is more difficult mentally and physically. After ‌what happened against Arsenal, we have to go to Burnley and perform at the level ​we have to.”Published on Apr 21, 2026  #Rodri #set #Burnley #trip #Manchester #City #chases #Arsenal #Premier #League

Rodri set to miss Burnley trip as Manchester City chases Arsenal in Premier League

Manchester City has been dealt a blow ahead of Wednesday’s visit to ​Burnley, with midfielder Rodri likely to miss the match ‌and centre-back Ruben Dias still sidelined, ​coach Pep Guardiola said as his ⁠side chase Premier League leader Arsenal.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, sustained the injury late in Sunday’s 2-1 win ‌over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola said at the time the issue appeared ‌to be related to the 29-year-old Spain ‌international’s ⁠groin.

Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.

“I think for tomorrow Rodri will not be ​ready. We will ‌see for the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton (this weekend),” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. “Dias is not ready yet.”

Arsenal, favourite to lift its first league ‌title since 2004 after leading the race since ​October, is top on 70 points from 33 matches while City has 67 ⁠and a game in hand.

Rodri set to miss Burnley trip as Manchester City chases Arsenal in Premier League  Manchester City has been dealt a blow ahead of Wednesday’s visit to ​Burnley, with midfielder Rodri likely to miss the match ‌and centre-back Ruben Dias still sidelined, ​coach Pep Guardiola said as his ⁠side chase Premier League leader Arsenal.Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, sustained the injury late in Sunday’s 2-1 win ‌over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola said at the time the issue appeared ‌to be related to the 29-year-old Spain ‌international’s ⁠groin.Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.“I think for tomorrow Rodri will not be ​ready. We will ‌see for the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton (this weekend),” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. “Dias is not ready yet.”Arsenal, favourite to lift its first league ‌title since 2004 after leading the race since ​October, is top on 70 points from 33 matches while City has 67 ⁠and a game in hand. Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                REUTERS
                            

                            Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                REUTERS
                                                    While Arsenal has lost its last four domestic matches in all competitions, City has regained its momentum since defeating Mikel Arteta’s side in the League Cup final.“It’s a demanding game we had (on Sunday), both emotionally and physically. But at the same time, we have six games left. We know exactly what is going ‌to happen, when we get the result or if we ​don’t get the result,” the Spaniard added.“Both teams know they cannot lose or drop ⁠points. It will be difficult to recover, and our ⁠calendar is so demanding.“For the team chasing, it is more difficult mentally and physically. After ‌what happened against Arsenal, we have to go to Burnley and perform at the level ​we have to.”Published on Apr 21, 2026  #Rodri #set #Burnley #trip #Manchester #City #chases #Arsenal #Premier #League

Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

lightbox-info

Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

While Arsenal has lost its last four domestic matches in all competitions, City has regained its momentum since defeating Mikel Arteta’s side in the League Cup final.

“It’s a demanding game we had (on Sunday), both emotionally and physically. But at the same time, we have six games left. We know exactly what is going ‌to happen, when we get the result or if we ​don’t get the result,” the Spaniard added.

“Both teams know they cannot lose or drop ⁠points. It will be difficult to recover, and our ⁠calendar is so demanding.

“For the team chasing, it is more difficult mentally and physically. After ‌what happened against Arsenal, we have to go to Burnley and perform at the level ​we have to.”

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Rodri #set #Burnley #trip #Manchester #City #chases #Arsenal #Premier #League

Manchester City has been dealt a blow ahead of Wednesday’s visit to ​Burnley, with midfielder Rodri likely to miss the match ‌and centre-back Ruben Dias still sidelined, ​coach Pep Guardiola said as his ⁠side chase Premier League leader Arsenal.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, sustained the injury late in Sunday’s 2-1 win ‌over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola said at the time the issue appeared ‌to be related to the 29-year-old Spain ‌international’s ⁠groin.

Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.

“I think for tomorrow Rodri will not be ​ready. We will ‌see for the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton (this weekend),” Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. “Dias is not ready yet.”

Arsenal, favourite to lift its first league ‌title since 2004 after leading the race since ​October, is top on 70 points from 33 matches while City has 67 ⁠and a game in hand.

Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

lightbox-info

Portugal international Dias, meanwhile, has not featured ⁠since last month’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg home defeat by Real Madrid.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

While Arsenal has lost its last four domestic matches in all competitions, City has regained its momentum since defeating Mikel Arteta’s side in the League Cup final.

“It’s a demanding game we had (on Sunday), both emotionally and physically. But at the same time, we have six games left. We know exactly what is going ‌to happen, when we get the result or if we ​don’t get the result,” the Spaniard added.

“Both teams know they cannot lose or drop ⁠points. It will be difficult to recover, and our ⁠calendar is so demanding.

“For the team chasing, it is more difficult mentally and physically. After ‌what happened against Arsenal, we have to go to Burnley and perform at the level ​we have to.”

Published on Apr 21, 2026

Source link
#Rodri #set #Burnley #trip #Manchester #City #chases #Arsenal #Premier #League

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Deadspin | Charlotte FC sign homegrown player Aron John <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28738257.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28738257.jpg" alt="MLS: US Open Cup-Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Red Bull New York" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 15, 2026; Harrison, NJ, USA; General view of a soccer ball on the sideline during the US Open Cup game between Red Bull New York and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Charlotte FC signed 20-year-old homegrown midfielder Aron John to a first-team contract on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The deal runs through June 2028 and includes an option for 2028-29 for Charlotte’s academy graduate.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“Aron has quickly risen since he arrived in our Academy four years ago, and we believe there will be continued positive progression as he takes the next step with the first team,” general manager Zoran Krneta said.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From academy to now, he’s always been one of our own ??</p><p>We have signed midfielder Aron John to a Homegrown contract!</p><p>??: <a href="https://t.co/r5YaJ3MqkO">https://t.co/r5YaJ3MqkO</a> <a href="https://t.co/7CrnPLyCZR">pic.twitter.com/7CrnPLyCZR</a></p>— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlotteFC/status/2046635326278341072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2026</a></blockquote> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>John contributed nine goals and 14 assists in 52 games with MLS Next Pro affiliate Crown Legacy FC.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>He is Charlotte’s fourth academy graduate to earn a homegrown contract, joining Nimfasha Berchimas, Jack Neeley and Brian Romero.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> #Deadspin #Charlotte #sign #homegrown #player #Aron #John

Deadspin | Duke lands coveted transfer guard John Blackwell  Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images   Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday.  Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.”  The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range.  Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.   He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils.  It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #BlackwellMar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday.

Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.”

The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range.


Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.

He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils.

It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #Blackwell">Deadspin | Duke lands coveted transfer guard John Blackwell  Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images   Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday.  Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.”  The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range.  Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.   He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils.  It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #Blackwell

NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com  Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images   The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) 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 at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel 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 #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.

While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.

The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com  Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images   The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) 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 at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel 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 #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com

hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

Our Current Best Offers

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Underdog
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T&Cs apply, 18+

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com
NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com  Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images   The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) 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 at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel 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 #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.

While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.

The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

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