Top Seeds in Eastern Conference in Trouble During NBA Playoffs Round 1 | Deadspin.com The New York Knicks looked like they would be cruising to a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, then CJ McCollum struck. New York was outscored 28-15 in the 4th quarter, and all the momentum has flipped back in the Hawks’ favor as the series heads down south to Atlanta for game three.Then over in Detroit, the Pistons feel like they’re in a must-win game two, as they’ll be looking to even their series up at one game apiece before the series heads down to Orlando.Both Detroit and New York had lofty expectations heading into the playoffs, but the road has been a little bumpier than expected. For the Pistons, it was shocking to see another team set the tone for aggression in game one. Specifically with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. Those two combined for only 11 points and 11 rebounds and struggled to handle the physical play Orlando has consistently brought to the playoffs over the last few seasons.Detroit wouldn’t be the first 60-win team to get bounced in the first round, but this would feel like a massive setback for the organization. JB Bickerstaff has a reputation for struggling in the postseason, and a first-round exit would bring into question whether he’s the right guy to lead the Pistons, even after two tremendous seasons turning things around in the Motor City.The vibe for the Knicks is a bit different than what we’re seeing in Detroit, but their fans are still starting to feel some heat. New York has been in control for 95 minutes of this series, yet it’s still tied at 1 game each.Of course, you’d think that New York would still be confident that they’re going to win this series; unfortunately, you can’t help but remember what Trae Young and previous iterations of the Hawks have done to the city. It’s hard not to let negative thoughts creep into your brain after what you’ve experienced in the past. If there was one lower seed the city of New York wanted to miss, it was Atlanta, and we’re already seeing why in what might be the best series in the first round of the playoffs.Boston is the third favorite in the East to drop a game, but the vibe in that series still feels entirely different. Boston has notoriously dominated the Sixers in the postseason, so I doubt that even after losing one game, they’re feeling any pressure in their series.The Knicks are still -198 to advance, and Detroit is -205, so they’re still solidly favorites to advance, but the pressure has begun to creep in. Who would’ve guessed that James Harden and the Cavs would look the most comfortable in an Eastern Conference first-round series? #Top #Seeds #Eastern #Conference #Trouble #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

Top Seeds in Eastern Conference in Trouble During NBA Playoffs Round 1 | Deadspin.com

The New York Knicks looked like they would be cruising to a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, then CJ McCollum struck. New York was outscored 28-15 in the 4th quarter, and all the momentum has flipped back in the Hawks’ favor as the series heads down south to Atlanta for game three.
Then over in Detroit, the Pistons feel like they’re in a must-win game two, as they’ll be looking to even their series up at one game apiece before the series heads down to Orlando.
Both Detroit and New York had lofty expectations heading into the playoffs, but the road has been a little bumpier than expected. For the Pistons, it was shocking to see another team set the tone for aggression in game one. Specifically with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. Those two combined for only 11 points and 11 rebounds and struggled to handle the physical play Orlando has consistently brought to the playoffs over the last few seasons.
Detroit wouldn’t be the first 60-win team to get bounced in the first round, but this would feel like a massive setback for the organization. JB Bickerstaff has a reputation for struggling in the postseason, and a first-round exit would bring into question whether he’s the right guy to lead the Pistons, even after two tremendous seasons turning things around in the Motor City.
The vibe for the Knicks is a bit different than what we’re seeing in Detroit, but their fans are still starting to feel some heat. New York has been in control for 95 minutes of this series, yet it’s still tied at 1 game each.
Of course, you’d think that New York would still be confident that they’re going to win this series; unfortunately, you can’t help but remember what Trae Young and previous iterations of the Hawks have done to the city. It’s hard not to let negative thoughts creep into your brain after what you’ve experienced in the past. If there was one lower seed the city of New York wanted to miss, it was Atlanta, and we’re already seeing why in what might be the best series in the first round of the playoffs.
Boston is the third favorite in the East to drop a game, but the vibe in that series still feels entirely different. Boston has notoriously dominated the Sixers in the postseason, so I doubt that even after losing one game, they’re feeling any pressure in their series.
The Knicks are still -198 to advance, and Detroit is -205, so they’re still solidly favorites to advance, but the pressure has begun to creep in. Who would’ve guessed that James Harden and the Cavs would look the most comfortable in an Eastern Conference first-round series?

#Top #Seeds #Eastern #Conference #Trouble #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

Sports news April 22, 2026

The New York Knicks looked like they would be cruising to a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, then CJ McCollum struck. New York was outscored 28-15 in the 4th quarter, and all the momentum has flipped back in the Hawks’ favor as the series heads down south to Atlanta for game three.

Then over in Detroit, the Pistons feel like they’re in a must-win game two, as they’ll be looking to even their series up at one game apiece before the series heads down to Orlando.

Both Detroit and New York had lofty expectations heading into the playoffs, but the road has been a little bumpier than expected. For the Pistons, it was shocking to see another team set the tone for aggression in game one. Specifically with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. Those two combined for only 11 points and 11 rebounds and struggled to handle the physical play Orlando has consistently brought to the playoffs over the last few seasons.

Detroit wouldn’t be the first 60-win team to get bounced in the first round, but this would feel like a massive setback for the organization. JB Bickerstaff has a reputation for struggling in the postseason, and a first-round exit would bring into question whether he’s the right guy to lead the Pistons, even after two tremendous seasons turning things around in the Motor City.

The vibe for the Knicks is a bit different than what we’re seeing in Detroit, but their fans are still starting to feel some heat. New York has been in control for 95 minutes of this series, yet it’s still tied at 1 game each.

Of course, you’d think that New York would still be confident that they’re going to win this series; unfortunately, you can’t help but remember what Trae Young and previous iterations of the Hawks have done to the city. It’s hard not to let negative thoughts creep into your brain after what you’ve experienced in the past. If there was one lower seed the city of New York wanted to miss, it was Atlanta, and we’re already seeing why in what might be the best series in the first round of the playoffs.

Boston is the third favorite in the East to drop a game, but the vibe in that series still feels entirely different. Boston has notoriously dominated the Sixers in the postseason, so I doubt that even after losing one game, they’re feeling any pressure in their series.

The Knicks are still -198 to advance, and Detroit is -205, so they’re still solidly favorites to advance, but the pressure has begun to creep in. Who would’ve guessed that James Harden and the Cavs would look the most comfortable in an Eastern Conference first-round series?

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#Top #Seeds #Eastern #Conference #Trouble #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

Alex Albon: New F1 regulations lacks the pureness of the sport <div id="content-body-70893147" itemprop="articleBody">The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by FanCode on Wednesday.At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/formula-one-fia-hails-inputs-from-drivers-on-changes-in-2026-season-f1-rules-meeting-latest-updates/article70883108.ece" target="_blank">FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting</a>“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/f1-technical-heads-to-meet-discuss-new-engine-rules-changes-motorsport-news/article70839707.ece" target="_blank">F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules</a>During qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCodePublished on Apr 22, 2026</div> #Alex #Albon #regulations #lacks #pureness #sport

Deadspin | Surging teams collide as Marlins visit Giants Apr 18, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Two teams that have ridden strong pitching to recent success will meet Friday night when the Miami Marlins open a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants. Right-handers Sandy Alcantara (2-2, 3.06 ERA) of the Marlins and Adrian Houser (0-2, 5.40) of the Giants will kick off a series pairing a Miami team that’s won three of its past four games and a San Francisco club that’s prevailed in five of seven. The Marlins used Thursday as a travel day following a home series win over the St. Louis Cardinals. With starters Max Meyer and Janson Junk allowing just four hits and two runs over 10 1/3 innings, Miami took the book-end games of the three-game set 5-3 and 4-1. Junk was pitching so well that after Wednesday’s game, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough had to defend his decision to send in a reliever to start the sixth inning. McCullough said the available relievers provided beneficial matchups for Miami. “As good as Janson was pitching,” McCullough said, “our best path today to nail down a win was to go that route.” After a brilliant start to the season in which he allowed a total of just two earned runs and 10 hits over 24 1/3 innings in three starts, Alcantara has fallen victim to minimal support in his past two outings, during which his teammates have given him just two runs in each, both losses. He’s never won at San Francisco, going 0-3 in five appearances, four as a starter. For his career, the 30-year-old is 1-3 with a 2.95 ERA against the Giants over eight games (seven starts). The Marlins hope a healthy Esteury Ruiz can help ignite their offense. He is expected to make his season debut in San Francisco after having suffered a strained left oblique late in spring training. A fifth-year major-leaguer, Ruiz enjoyed his best season across the San Francisco Bay in Oakland, when he stole 67 bases and hit .254 for the Athletics in 2023. Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospect Adriano Marrero in December, Ruiz will be asked to tap into his entire arsenal. He had a home run, a single, a walk and two runs in his final rehab outing at Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday. To make room on the roster for Ruiz, the Marlins designated outfielder Austin Slater for assignment. He spent the first seven-plus seasons of his career in San Francisco, where he was a fan favorite. In 593 games with the Giants, he hit .254, slugged 39 home runs and stole 47 bases. He hadn’t homered in 12 games for the Marlins this season and was hitting just .174 in his first season with them. The Giants won two of three games against the Dodgers but lost 3-0 on Thursday. Landen Roupp and Tyler Mahle pitched San Francisco to 3-1 and 3-0 wins, respectively, in the first two contests before Logan Webb was a hard-luck loser in the finale. Giants manager Tony Vitello said he was impressed by his team’s performance vs. the Dodgers and hopes for repeat efforts against the Marlins. “There’s a lot of firepower,” Vitello noted about the Dodgers after Thursday’s loss. “To hold the entire lineup down for three straight days is just not something you’d go to Vegas and roll the dice on.” Houser has yet to win in four starts in his first season with the Giants after spending last year with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. He’s never lost to the Marlins, going 3-0 with a 3.22 ERA in five career outings, three as a starter. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Surging #teams #collide #Marlins #visit #Giants

#Deadspin #Surging #teams #collide #Marlins #visit #Giants">

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Apr 18, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Two teams that have ridden strong pitching to recent success will meet Friday night when the Miami Marlins open a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants.

Right-handers Sandy Alcantara (2-2, 3.06 ERA) of the Marlins and Adrian Houser (0-2, 5.40) of the Giants will kick off a series pairing a Miami team that’s won three of its past four games and a San Francisco club that’s prevailed in five of seven.

The Marlins used Thursday as a travel day following a home series win over the St. Louis Cardinals. With starters Max Meyer and Janson Junk allowing just four hits and two runs over 10 1/3 innings, Miami took the book-end games of the three-game set 5-3 and 4-1.

Junk was pitching so well that after Wednesday’s game, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough had to defend his decision to send in a reliever to start the sixth inning. McCullough said the available relievers provided beneficial matchups for Miami.

“As good as Janson was pitching,” McCullough said, “our best path today to nail down a win was to go that route.”

After a brilliant start to the season in which he allowed a total of just two earned runs and 10 hits over 24 1/3 innings in three starts, Alcantara has fallen victim to minimal support in his past two outings, during which his teammates have given him just two runs in each, both losses.

He’s never won at San Francisco, going 0-3 in five appearances, four as a starter. For his career, the 30-year-old is 1-3 with a 2.95 ERA against the Giants over eight games (seven starts).

The Marlins hope a healthy Esteury Ruiz can help ignite their offense. He is expected to make his season debut in San Francisco after having suffered a strained left oblique late in spring training.

A fifth-year major-leaguer, Ruiz enjoyed his best season across the San Francisco Bay in Oakland, when he stole 67 bases and hit .254 for the Athletics in 2023.

Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospect Adriano Marrero in December, Ruiz will be asked to tap into his entire arsenal.

He had a home run, a single, a walk and two runs in his final rehab outing at Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

To make room on the roster for Ruiz, the Marlins designated outfielder Austin Slater for assignment. He spent the first seven-plus seasons of his career in San Francisco, where he was a fan favorite. In 593 games with the Giants, he hit .254, slugged 39 home runs and stole 47 bases.

He hadn’t homered in 12 games for the Marlins this season and was hitting just .174 in his first season with them.

The Giants won two of three games against the Dodgers but lost 3-0 on Thursday. Landen Roupp and Tyler Mahle pitched San Francisco to 3-1 and 3-0 wins, respectively, in the first two contests before Logan Webb was a hard-luck loser in the finale.

Giants manager Tony Vitello said he was impressed by his team’s performance vs. the Dodgers and hopes for repeat efforts against the Marlins.

“There’s a lot of firepower,” Vitello noted about the Dodgers after Thursday’s loss. “To hold the entire lineup down for three straight days is just not something you’d go to Vegas and roll the dice on.”

Houser has yet to win in four starts in his first season with the Giants after spending last year with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. He’s never lost to the Marlins, going 3-0 with a 3.22 ERA in five career outings, three as a starter.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Surging #teams #collide #Marlins #visit #Giants">Deadspin | Surging teams collide as Marlins visit Giants

Apr 18, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Two teams that have ridden strong pitching to recent success will meet Friday night when the Miami Marlins open a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants.

Right-handers Sandy Alcantara (2-2, 3.06 ERA) of the Marlins and Adrian Houser (0-2, 5.40) of the Giants will kick off a series pairing a Miami team that’s won three of its past four games and a San Francisco club that’s prevailed in five of seven.

The Marlins used Thursday as a travel day following a home series win over the St. Louis Cardinals. With starters Max Meyer and Janson Junk allowing just four hits and two runs over 10 1/3 innings, Miami took the book-end games of the three-game set 5-3 and 4-1.

Junk was pitching so well that after Wednesday’s game, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough had to defend his decision to send in a reliever to start the sixth inning. McCullough said the available relievers provided beneficial matchups for Miami.

“As good as Janson was pitching,” McCullough said, “our best path today to nail down a win was to go that route.”

After a brilliant start to the season in which he allowed a total of just two earned runs and 10 hits over 24 1/3 innings in three starts, Alcantara has fallen victim to minimal support in his past two outings, during which his teammates have given him just two runs in each, both losses.

He’s never won at San Francisco, going 0-3 in five appearances, four as a starter. For his career, the 30-year-old is 1-3 with a 2.95 ERA against the Giants over eight games (seven starts).

The Marlins hope a healthy Esteury Ruiz can help ignite their offense. He is expected to make his season debut in San Francisco after having suffered a strained left oblique late in spring training.

A fifth-year major-leaguer, Ruiz enjoyed his best season across the San Francisco Bay in Oakland, when he stole 67 bases and hit .254 for the Athletics in 2023.

Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospect Adriano Marrero in December, Ruiz will be asked to tap into his entire arsenal.

He had a home run, a single, a walk and two runs in his final rehab outing at Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

To make room on the roster for Ruiz, the Marlins designated outfielder Austin Slater for assignment. He spent the first seven-plus seasons of his career in San Francisco, where he was a fan favorite. In 593 games with the Giants, he hit .254, slugged 39 home runs and stole 47 bases.

He hadn’t homered in 12 games for the Marlins this season and was hitting just .174 in his first season with them.

The Giants won two of three games against the Dodgers but lost 3-0 on Thursday. Landen Roupp and Tyler Mahle pitched San Francisco to 3-1 and 3-0 wins, respectively, in the first two contests before Logan Webb was a hard-luck loser in the finale.

Giants manager Tony Vitello said he was impressed by his team’s performance vs. the Dodgers and hopes for repeat efforts against the Marlins.

“There’s a lot of firepower,” Vitello noted about the Dodgers after Thursday’s loss. “To hold the entire lineup down for three straight days is just not something you’d go to Vegas and roll the dice on.”

Houser has yet to win in four starts in his first season with the Giants after spending last year with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. He’s never lost to the Marlins, going 3-0 with a 3.22 ERA in five career outings, three as a starter.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Surging #teams #collide #Marlins #visit #Giants

IPL 2026, RR vs SRH: Royals hope not to repeat mistakes from away leg even as Cummins returns to lead Sunrisers A fortnight is a long time in a fast-moving tournament like the Indian Premier League.Two weeks ago, the Rajasthan Royals was on top of the world, having won its first four IPL 2026 games. Around the same time, Sunrisers Hyderabad was floundering, having lost four of its five games.But, as the two teams come together at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday for the first game of the season in Jaipur, the narrative has transformed.Over their last three games, the Royals have tasted the bitterness of the law of averages, as their seemingly hypersonic top-order has screeched to a near halt.Consecutive failures by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have denied the Royals an early launch, exposing their undercooked middle-order.Incidentally, the first team to apply the brakes on the Jai-Soorya duo was SRH, in their first meeting of the season in Hyderabad.Riding on four-wicket hauls from debutant pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, the Sunrisers had handed Royals their first defeat of the season.READ: The boy who asked for more: Behind the rise of Vaibhav SooryavanshiThe Royals then suffered another away defeat, to Kolkata Knight Riders, before recuperating with a hard-fought win against Lucknow Super Giants.Meanwhile, SRH has added two more wins to its kitty – against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings – and now finds itself fourth in the table.Adding fuel to its momentum, full-time captain Pat Cummins has returned from injury and will make his first appearance of the season in Jaipur.For rival skipper Riyan Parag, IPL 2026 has been a mixed bag. With the bat, he has cut a sorry figure, aggregating just 81 runs from seven innings.But, on the leadership front, Parag has shone, marshalling his side adeptly to win five out of seven games and occupy the second spot in the standings.The sharpest tool at Parag’s disposal has been the express-pace duo of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger. Rajasthan Royals’ Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger celebrate after winning against Lucknow Super Giants.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Rajasthan Royals’ Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger celebrate after winning against Lucknow Super Giants.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
With their combined prowess with the new ball, Royals have claimed 18 wickets in the PowerPlay, the most by any team in IPL 2026.On Saturday, the Archer-Burger axis will look to unsettle SRH’s in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a blazing hundred (135*) against Delhi Capitals in the last game.On the opposite corner, Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi would be on the lookout for payback against Hinge and Sakib.Both these early-game tussles and their outcomes could determine the course of Saturday’s game. The Jaipur crowd, which had to wait half a season to watch its team in flesh, would naturally be yearning for the game to swing the Royals’ way.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #IPL #SRH #Royals #hope #repeat #mistakes #leg #Cummins #returns #lead #Sunrisers — Rajasthan Royals’ Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger celebrate after winning against Lucknow Super Giants. | Photo Credit: PTI

#IPL #SRH #Royals #hope #repeat #mistakes #leg #Cummins #returns #lead #Sunrisers">

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A fortnight is a long time in a fast-moving tournament like the Indian Premier League.
Two weeks ago, the Rajasthan Royals was on top of the world, having won its first four IPL 2026 games. Around the same time, Sunrisers Hyderabad was floundering, having lost four of its five games.
But, as the two teams come together at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday for the first game of the season in Jaipur, the narrative has transformed.
Over their last three games, the Royals have tasted the bitterness of the law of averages, as their seemingly hypersonic top-order has screeched to a near halt.
Consecutive failures by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have denied the Royals an early launch, exposing their undercooked middle-order.
Incidentally, the first team to apply the brakes on the Jai-Soorya duo was SRH, in their first meeting of the season in Hyderabad.
Riding on four-wicket hauls from debutant pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, the Sunrisers had handed Royals their first defeat of the season.
READ: The boy who asked for more: Behind the rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The Royals then suffered another away defeat, to Kolkata Knight Riders, before recuperating with a hard-fought win against Lucknow Super Giants.
Meanwhile, SRH has added two more wins to its kitty – against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings – and now finds itself fourth in the table.
Adding fuel to its momentum, full-time captain Pat Cummins has returned from injury and will make his first appearance of the season in Jaipur.
For rival skipper Riyan Parag, IPL 2026 has been a mixed bag. With the bat, he has cut a sorry figure, aggregating just 81 runs from seven innings.
But, on the leadership front, Parag has shone, marshalling his side adeptly to win five out of seven games and occupy the second spot in the standings.
The sharpest tool at Parag’s disposal has been the express-pace duo of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger.
Rajasthan Royals’ Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger celebrate after winning against Lucknow Super Giants. | Photo Credit: PTI
Rajasthan Royals’ Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger celebrate after winning against Lucknow Super Giants. | Photo Credit: PTI
With their combined prowess with the new ball, Royals have claimed 18 wickets in the PowerPlay, the most by any team in IPL 2026.
On Saturday, the Archer-Burger axis will look to unsettle SRH’s in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a blazing hundred (135*) against Delhi Capitals in the last game.
On the opposite corner, Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi would be on the lookout for payback against Hinge and Sakib.
Both these early-game tussles and their outcomes could determine the course of Saturday’s game. The Jaipur crowd, which had to wait half a season to watch its team in flesh, would naturally be yearning for the game to swing the Royals’ way.
Published on Apr 24, 2026

#IPL #SRH #Royals #hope #repeat #mistakes #leg #Cummins #returns #lead #Sunrisers">IPL 2026, RR vs SRH: Royals hope not to repeat mistakes from away leg even as Cummins returns to lead Sunrisers

A fortnight is a long time in a fast-moving tournament like the Indian Premier League.

Two weeks ago, the Rajasthan Royals was on top of the world, having won its first four IPL 2026 games. Around the same time, Sunrisers Hyderabad was floundering, having lost four of its five games.

But, as the two teams come together at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday for the first game of the season in Jaipur, the narrative has transformed.

Over their last three games, the Royals have tasted the bitterness of the law of averages, as their seemingly hypersonic top-order has screeched to a near halt.

Consecutive failures by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have denied the Royals an early launch, exposing their undercooked middle-order.

Incidentally, the first team to apply the brakes on the Jai-Soorya duo was SRH, in their first meeting of the season in Hyderabad.

Riding on four-wicket hauls from debutant pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, the Sunrisers had handed Royals their first defeat of the season.

READ: The boy who asked for more: Behind the rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The Royals then suffered another away defeat, to Kolkata Knight Riders, before recuperating with a hard-fought win against Lucknow Super Giants.

Meanwhile, SRH has added two more wins to its kitty – against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings – and now finds itself fourth in the table.

Adding fuel to its momentum, full-time captain Pat Cummins has returned from injury and will make his first appearance of the season in Jaipur.

For rival skipper Riyan Parag, IPL 2026 has been a mixed bag. With the bat, he has cut a sorry figure, aggregating just 81 runs from seven innings.

But, on the leadership front, Parag has shone, marshalling his side adeptly to win five out of seven games and occupy the second spot in the standings.

The sharpest tool at Parag’s disposal has been the express-pace duo of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger.

Rajasthan Royals’ Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger celebrate after winning against Lucknow Super Giants. | Photo Credit: PTI

Rajasthan Royals’ Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger celebrate after winning against Lucknow Super Giants. | Photo Credit: PTI

With their combined prowess with the new ball, Royals have claimed 18 wickets in the PowerPlay, the most by any team in IPL 2026.

On Saturday, the Archer-Burger axis will look to unsettle SRH’s in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a blazing hundred (135*) against Delhi Capitals in the last game.

On the opposite corner, Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi would be on the lookout for payback against Hinge and Sakib.

Both these early-game tussles and their outcomes could determine the course of Saturday’s game. The Jaipur crowd, which had to wait half a season to watch its team in flesh, would naturally be yearning for the game to swing the Royals’ way.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#IPL #SRH #Royals #hope #repeat #mistakes #leg #Cummins #returns #lead #Sunrisers

Deadspin | Cubs bring 9-game win streak into opener vs. Dodgers Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits a walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the tenth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images The Chicago Cubs carry the longest winning streak in the major leagues into the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in a battle of division leaders. Chicago extended its winning streak to nine games with an 8-7 victory in 10 innings over the Philadelphia Phillies (nine straight losses) on Thursday. “A nine-game winning streak is unusual,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “You could say we’ve done it against teams that are struggling. But hopefully we are part of that. That’s what I would like to say, that we have made it tough on them.” Despite injuries that have thinned both the rotation and bullpen, Chicago — which is tied with Cincinnati for the National League Central lead — has thrived behind a strong defense. According to FanGraphs, the Cubs lead the majors in defensive runs saved with 12. Starting pitcher Cade Horton and reliever Porter Hodge are out for the season with UCL injuries. Closer Daniel Palencia (left oblique strain) and relievers Phil Maton (right knee), Hunter Harvey (right triceps) and Ethan Roberts (finger laceration) are on the 15-day injured list. Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar exited in the ninth inning Thursday after appearing to injure his leg. “It’s left hamstring tightness,” Counsell said. “He felt it tightened up on him when he was out there.” Michael Busch launched a three-run home run, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki each drilled a solo shot to pace an 18-hit Cubs attack on Thursday. Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs in batting average (.304), RBIs (22), hits (31) and doubles (seven). The Cubs are tied for fifth in the majors in homers with 32. “You have to hit home runs in this game to be a good offensive team,” Counsell said. “That’s for sure. I think we have been a well-rounded offensive group so far.” Right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs on Friday. In his last outing, he allowed one run on five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out four in a 4-2 win Saturday over the New York Mets. He is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers — tied with San Diego atop the NL West — who will start right-hander Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85) on Friday. Sheehan didn’t factor into the decision in his last start on Saturday despite allowing two runs on four hits over five innings in a 4-3 loss against the Colorado Rockies. Friday will mark Sheehan’s first career appearance against Chicago. The right-hander won his previous two outings this season before Saturday. “The last three outings, each of them Emmet has gotten better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “(He’s had a) lot better quality of pitch making. The stuff. That’s something for us to build on.” Andy Pages leads Los Angeles in batting average (.337), hits (30) and RBIs (21). Max Muncy leads the Dodgers with eight homers. Los Angeles staved off a sweep by the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 road win on Thursday. Former Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, 0 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Tucker started the series against the Giants in a 0-for-8 hole, was moved down to the cleanup spot and had two singles. “Being there is fine,” Tucker said. “Wherever I am in the lineup, I want to help the team win. It’s been a little bit of a grind.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cubs #bring #9game #win #streak #opener #Dodgers

#Deadspin #Cubs #bring #9game #win #streak #opener #Dodgers">

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Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits a walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the tenth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs carry the longest winning streak in the major leagues into the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in a battle of division leaders.

Chicago extended its winning streak to nine games with an 8-7 victory in 10 innings over the Philadelphia Phillies (nine straight losses) on Thursday.

“A nine-game winning streak is unusual,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “You could say we’ve done it against teams that are struggling. But hopefully we are part of that. That’s what I would like to say, that we have made it tough on them.”

Despite injuries that have thinned both the rotation and bullpen, Chicago — which is tied with Cincinnati for the National League Central lead — has thrived behind a strong defense. According to FanGraphs, the Cubs lead the majors in defensive runs saved with 12.

Starting pitcher Cade Horton and reliever Porter Hodge are out for the season with UCL injuries. Closer Daniel Palencia (left oblique strain) and relievers Phil Maton (right knee), Hunter Harvey (right triceps) and Ethan Roberts (finger laceration) are on the 15-day injured list.

Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar exited in the ninth inning Thursday after appearing to injure his leg.

“It’s left hamstring tightness,” Counsell said. “He felt it tightened up on him when he was out there.”

Michael Busch launched a three-run home run, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki each drilled a solo shot to pace an 18-hit Cubs attack on Thursday. Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs in batting average (.304), RBIs (22), hits (31) and doubles (seven).

The Cubs are tied for fifth in the majors in homers with 32.

“You have to hit home runs in this game to be a good offensive team,” Counsell said. “That’s for sure. I think we have been a well-rounded offensive group so far.”

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs on Friday. In his last outing, he allowed one run on five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out four in a 4-2 win Saturday over the New York Mets.

He is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers — tied with San Diego atop the NL West — who will start right-hander Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85) on Friday.

Sheehan didn’t factor into the decision in his last start on Saturday despite allowing two runs on four hits over five innings in a 4-3 loss against the Colorado Rockies.

Friday will mark Sheehan’s first career appearance against Chicago. The right-hander won his previous two outings this season before Saturday.

“The last three outings, each of them Emmet has gotten better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “(He’s had a) lot better quality of pitch making. The stuff. That’s something for us to build on.”

Andy Pages leads Los Angeles in batting average (.337), hits (30) and RBIs (21). Max Muncy leads the Dodgers with eight homers.

Los Angeles staved off a sweep by the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 road win on Thursday.

Former Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Tucker started the series against the Giants in a 0-for-8 hole, was moved down to the cleanup spot and had two singles.

“Being there is fine,” Tucker said. “Wherever I am in the lineup, I want to help the team win. It’s been a little bit of a grind.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cubs #bring #9game #win #streak #opener #Dodgers">Deadspin | Cubs bring 9-game win streak into opener vs. Dodgers

Apr 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits a walk-off single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the tenth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs carry the longest winning streak in the major leagues into the opener of a three-game road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in a battle of division leaders.

Chicago extended its winning streak to nine games with an 8-7 victory in 10 innings over the Philadelphia Phillies (nine straight losses) on Thursday.

“A nine-game winning streak is unusual,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “You could say we’ve done it against teams that are struggling. But hopefully we are part of that. That’s what I would like to say, that we have made it tough on them.”

Despite injuries that have thinned both the rotation and bullpen, Chicago — which is tied with Cincinnati for the National League Central lead — has thrived behind a strong defense. According to FanGraphs, the Cubs lead the majors in defensive runs saved with 12.

Starting pitcher Cade Horton and reliever Porter Hodge are out for the season with UCL injuries. Closer Daniel Palencia (left oblique strain) and relievers Phil Maton (right knee), Hunter Harvey (right triceps) and Ethan Roberts (finger laceration) are on the 15-day injured list.

Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar exited in the ninth inning Thursday after appearing to injure his leg.

“It’s left hamstring tightness,” Counsell said. “He felt it tightened up on him when he was out there.”

Michael Busch launched a three-run home run, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki each drilled a solo shot to pace an 18-hit Cubs attack on Thursday. Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs in batting average (.304), RBIs (22), hits (31) and doubles (seven).

The Cubs are tied for fifth in the majors in homers with 32.

“You have to hit home runs in this game to be a good offensive team,” Counsell said. “That’s for sure. I think we have been a well-rounded offensive group so far.”

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cubs on Friday. In his last outing, he allowed one run on five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out four in a 4-2 win Saturday over the New York Mets.

He is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers — tied with San Diego atop the NL West — who will start right-hander Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85) on Friday.

Sheehan didn’t factor into the decision in his last start on Saturday despite allowing two runs on four hits over five innings in a 4-3 loss against the Colorado Rockies.

Friday will mark Sheehan’s first career appearance against Chicago. The right-hander won his previous two outings this season before Saturday.

“The last three outings, each of them Emmet has gotten better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “(He’s had a) lot better quality of pitch making. The stuff. That’s something for us to build on.”

Andy Pages leads Los Angeles in batting average (.337), hits (30) and RBIs (21). Max Muncy leads the Dodgers with eight homers.

Los Angeles staved off a sweep by the San Francisco Giants with a 3-0 road win on Thursday.

Former Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Tucker started the series against the Giants in a 0-for-8 hole, was moved down to the cleanup spot and had two singles.

“Being there is fine,” Tucker said. “Wherever I am in the lineup, I want to help the team win. It’s been a little bit of a grind.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cubs #bring #9game #win #streak #opener #Dodgers

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