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Cavaliers conclude regular season vs. last-place Wizards
The playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers and last-place Washington Wizards are locked into their spots in the standings, leaving nothing tangible for either team to play for -- except pride -- in their regular season finale Sunday.
Golden Knights have chance to clinch playoff berth against Avalanche
It has taken longer than anticipated for the Vegas Golden Knights to reach this point, but better late than never.
Who's in 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest bracket, standings, clinching scenarios
The NHL playoff field could grow from nine to 14 during the league's 15-game schedule Saturday. Here's a look at the latest playoff bracket:
Lots of players rest and lots of playoff seeds are locked up on a 15-game Friday in the NBA
Plenty of players sat out as NBA teams played their second-to-last games of the season | 97.3 The Sky
Hawks make the playoffs with rout of Cavs
CJ McCollum scored 29 points and the Atlanta Hawks used a big third quarter to blow out the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-102 on Friday night, clinching a playoff spot and the Southeast Division title.
Scorching-hot Habs look to squash Blue Jackets' playoff hopes
The free-falling Columbus Blue Jackets face a tall task to keep their playoff dreams alive during a road date with the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
Cynicism, Performances And Reading’s Faltering Playoff Bid
A broader check-in from Sim on his own mood, and that of the fanbase, as Reading’s playoff bid appears to be faltering.
NHL Playoffs: What’s next for the Penguins?
The Pittsburgh Penguins completed a double whammy yesterday, not only did they clinch a playoff spot for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs as a result of their victory, they also clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers loss. That makes for the best of days. What’s next for the Pens? […]
What NHL analysts have seen in the Penguins' stunning rise from afterthought to playoff lock
NEWARK, N.J. — “It felt like the end was coming.” Ray Ferraro was like almost everyone around the hockey world. The ESPN analyst thought...
Penguins clinch playoff spot with 5-2 win over Devils
Evgeni Malkin scored as part of his two-point game, Sidney Crosby set up two goals and Kris Letang had an assist as the Pittsburgh Penguins clinched a playoff spot by defeating the New Jersey Devils 5-2 on Thursday night. The Penguins are playoff-bound for the first time since 2022, ending a three-year drought that followed a streak of qualifying 16 seasons in a row. Crosby, Malkin and Letang have been around for all of it, including Stanley Cup runs in 2009, ’16 and ’17.
Spurs look to continue torrid stretch against feisty Mavericks
The San Antonio Spurs look to keep their momentum growing in preparation for the upcoming playoffs when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday in the penultimate game of the regular season for the Lone Star State rivals.
Sabres goalie Alex Lyon could miss start of playoffs
Coach Lindy Ruff provided the update on Thursday.
76ers star Joel Embiid to undergo surgery for appendicitis as Philadelphia fights for playoff positioning
The 76ers are fighting to avoid the Play-In Tournament
Overreaction or Not? Dontrelle Willis Assesses Yankees Rotation Dominance, More
Is the Yankees' rotation historically great? Are the Angels a playoff team? Dontrelle Willis plays overreaction or not through the first two weeks of the season.
One to-do item for every non-playoff team, from sorting out Giannis' future to reconfiguring the front office
The draft lottery results will dictate much of the offseason, so let's work around it
NHL Playoff Picture 2026: Standings & Stanley Cup Bracket
The race to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs is reaching its final, chaotic stretch. With less than a week left […]
NBA champion Thunder clinch Western Conference top seed
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the Western Conference top seed and best record in the NBA with a 128-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.Oklahoma City snagged the West's top seed for the third year running, and with the best overall record they'll have home court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Jalen Brunson, Knicks stand between Celtics, No. 2 seed
The Boston Celtics can clinch the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs when they visit the New York Knicks on Thursday night.
Defenseman Radim Mrtka, top Sabres pick, joins Amerks amid playoff push
Mrtka was taken in the first round of last year's NHL draft.
Saints Select LSU Tigers Playmaker in 2026 Mock Draft
LSU playmaker Mansoor Delane heads to New Orleans at No. 8, bolstering a depleted secondary and potentially igniting playoff hopes.
Kevin Durant scores 24 in his return to Phoenix, leads the Rockets past the Suns 119-105
Kevin Durant scored 24 points in his return to Phoenix and the Houston Rockets rallied from an early 21-point deficit and pulled away late to beat the Phoenix Suns 119-105 on Tuesday night. The Rockets are on a seven-game winning streak and moved into a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Durant made 5 of 9 3-pointers.
College Football Playoff contenders' most irreplaceable players among non-QBs in 2026
Quarterbacks are often the most valuable players, but a handful of stars at other positions are truly irreplaceable
Blues broadcaster FanDuel Sports Network Midwest to wind down after first round of playoffs
Penguins provide Blake Lizotte injury update ahead of playoffs
The Penguins got some seemingly positive updates on a key penalty killer just before the end of the regular season. The Sportsnet Pittsburgh broadcast shared footage this weekend of Blake Lizotte, who has been sidelined since March 14 with an upper-body injury, skating and taking shots ahead of Sunday morning practice. “He’s continuing to progress,” […]
Instant observations: Sixers fall to Spurs despite Victor Wembanyama injury
Joel Embiid had 34 points and 12 rebounds and the Spurs lost Victor Wembanyama at halftime, but the Sixers still fell 115-102 to San Antonio in a critical playoff race...
The week ahead: Penguins looking for just one win
When the 2025-26 NHL season began the Pittsburgh Penguins were given, by most models, less than a 10 percent chance of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As they enter play on Monday, with game No. 79 on the schedule ahead, MoneyPuck has them at a 99.9 percent chance to make the playoffs with an 8.2 […]
NHL power rankings: Two teams make coaching changes down stretch
The Golden Knights and Islanders have made coaching changes with the playoffs approaching. Here are the latest USA TODAY NHL power rankings.
76ers lose Cameron Payne to hamstring injury amid playoff chase
The Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of a chase to clinch a spot in the NBA playoffs, but they just suffered a loss to their a core member of their bench.
Canadiens clinch playoff spot for second consecutive season
The Montreal Canadiens wrapped up their second straight playoff spot Sunday when Detroit fell 5-4 to Minnesota, making them the first Canadian team to secure a postseason berth. Last season, Montreal took the final spot in the Eastern Conference before falling to Washington in five games in the first round. Montreal went into its game Sunday night against New Jersey second in the Atlantic Division.
Penguins/Panthers Recap: Pens take care of business, beat Florida 5-2, close in on playoff spot
Pregame The Penguins use the same lineup from yesterday — including in net with Arturs Silovs playing. Taylor Gauthier got the quick call up from Wheeling last minute to serve as backup, Stuart Skinner was unavailable with an upper body injury. The visiting Panthers are using this lineup, including starting Daniil Tarasov after he mopped […]
Cavaliers score vs Pacers. Injury news, live game updates, highlights
The playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers have a chance to sweep the Indiana Pacers this season in their final meeting of 2025-26.
Still plenty on the line as Spurs host 76ers
The San Antonio Spurs look to rebound from a rare loss and get back on track in their chase for the top seed in the upcoming NBA playoffs when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
Knicks, Hawks meet in potential playoff preview
In a potential Eastern Conference first-round playoff preview, the visiting New York Knicks look to slow down the streaking Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.
Islanders fire coach Patrick Roy with 4 games remaining before playoffs, hire Peter DeBoer to replace him
The Islanders are making a coaching change while hanging onto the No. 7 seed in the NHL's Eastern Conference.
Jarvis scores twice to help Hurricanes beat Islanders 4-3
It was the fourth win in five games for Carolina, which clinched a playoff berth two nights earlier.
New York Jets Flight Connections 04/05/26
Happy Easter Sunday, Jets fans! Below are your links for the day. Brian Costello – What Jets might do at quarterback in 2026 NFL Draft Rich Cimini – With Sabres playoff berth, Jets own longest active playoff drought Andrew Crane – Jets now by themselves for longest-active playoff drought with Sabres clinching berth after 14 […]
Takeaways: Capitals Bounce Back For Huge Win Over Sabres
The Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 6-2 win.
Who's in 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest standings, bracket and tiebreakers
Less than two weeks remain in the 2025-26 NHL regular season. Here is the latest look at the standings, potential playoff bracket and tiebreakers.
The 76ers’ return to health could be in time to make a playoff run
It’s been a chaotic year for the 76ers, who entered the season as a dark horse competitor in the Eastern Conference.
The brutal truth about NBA health and how it can end playoff dreams
The Wine and Gold Talk podcast breaks down why availability — not talent — determines championship runs, and the Cavs are walking a dangerous tightrope heading into the playoffs.
Three ripple effects of Luka Dončić's injury: Lakers have lingering questions as playoff picture muddies
Luka Dončić is unlikely to play again this season unless the Lakers can make a deep playoff run without him
49ers 2026 offseason workout dates revealed
The 49ers' path to the playoffs and the Super Bowl is beginning to take shape.
NHL Playoff Race: What the Penguins need to do
The Penguins lost to Tampa last night but still remain incredibly well-positioned to secure a playoff spot this season. Here’s the relevant standings for them as of now. While there could be other avenues with a Wild Card spot, for now we’ll keep it simple on the most straight-forward path available to Pittsburgh: finishing in […]
Islanders Gameday: Get busy winning or get busy dying
If the regular season ended this morning, the New York Islanders would qualify for the playoffs by virtue of having more points, thanks to having played one more game, than Detroit, Columbus, or Philadelphia. Tonight that will not change but it can get either better or more fragile as they host the Flyers, who desperately […]
Penguins boat raced in Tampa; playoff cushion slips
The loss ended the Penguins’ two-game winning streak.
Raptors, vying for playoff spot, take on depleted Grizzlies
With six games remaining in the regular season and a guaranteed playoff spot at stake, the Toronto Raptors are in desperate need of a strong finish.
Nuggets Desperately Need “Playoff Jamal Murray” to Win Another Ring
In the summer of 2023, the Denver Nuggets were on top of the NBA world, defeating the Miami Heat to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Denver took down Anthony Edwards‘ Timberwolves, Kevin Durant‘s Suns, and LeBron James‘ Lakers en route to its first championship in franchise history. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić took home Finals MVP, […] The post Nuggets Desperately Need “Playoff Jamal Murray” to Win Another Ring appeared first on The Lead.
How Will Reading’s Playoff Rivals’ Seasons Pan Out?
Jamie has a crack at predicting how the teams around Reading will fare in the rest of the season.
Where to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, April 2
James Harden and the Cavaliers are close to locking down a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
Huddersfield Town vs Reading: 2025/26 Match Preview
In the first of two Easter fixtures, the Royals head north to take on playoff chasers Huddersfield Town.
Previewing the NHL and NBA stretch run, plus Puka’s rehab trip
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Maybe I’m too online, but I think all April Fools’ Day content should be banned. Sorry. Real news coming up: 🏒 NHL playoff picture 🏀 NBA playoff picture, too 🗳️ Goal versus hoop, let’s finish this Two of our major sports share the same calendar schedule and number of games. Today, we are table-setting each of their stretch runs as the playoffs near. I had a hard time choosing between metaphorical children to cover first,...
Sixers' Tyrese Maxey gives health update as playoff push moves forward
Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey gives an update on his health as the team's playoff push continues.
‘The World Cup curse’: Outcry as Italy miss out for third time in a row
Italy's sport minister says football federation boss should step down after national team loses playoff to Bosnia.
The Most Baffling Streak in Sports Continues: Italy Will Miss the World Cup Again
The Azzurri, who lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a do-or-die playoff on Tuesday, last qualified in 2014. But the wait will go on for at least four more years.
World Cup qualifying marathon ends with Iraq securing the 48th and final spot
Iraq edged Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff at Monterrey in northern Mexico on Tuesday to secure the 48th spot.
🔍 Nacional host Cúcuta: through, but under scrutiny
Atlético Nacional returns to the Atanasio Girardot this Wednesday at 20:30 to face Cúcuta Deportivo. Although Diego Arias’ team has already secured its spot in the Liga BetPlay-I playoffs with an ...
World Cup Playoffs Scores, Live Updates: Congo DR Qualifies; Bolivia-Iraq Up Next
Following along for the top moments and highlights of the World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
Woeful Wizards try to surprise playoff-seeking 76ers
The Washington Wizards host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, trying to avoid a season series sweep while the Sixers continue their late-season playoff push.
UEFA World Cup Playoffs Scores, Live Updates: Italy, Türkiye, Sweden Eye Spots
Following along for the top moments and highlights of the UEFA World Cup playoffs.
Kosovo vs. Turkey World Cup playoff prediction, start time, how to watch today
Kosovo and Turkey meet Tuesday in the UEFA World Cup playoff final at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.
Ageless LeBron James delivers truth in Lakers-Wizards postgame
LeBron James ties playoff/regular-season wins mark against Wizards with his 3rd triple-double this year, at 41.
Lakers vs. Cavaliers Preview: Playoff teams going at it
The Lakers look to continue stacking win against the Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Heat rally late, pull away to beat 76ers
Tyler Herro scored 30 points, Bam Adebayo finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds, and the Miami Heat used a 14-0 run in the final moments to rally past the Philadelphia 76ers 119-109 on Monday night. Pelle Larsson added 20 points and a career-high 10 rebounds for Miami (40-36), which kept some realistic hope of getting out of the play-in tournament range — or at least getting into one of the top two spots and therefore assuring itself two chances of making the playoffs — alive with the win. The Heat are ninth in the Eastern Conference, in a virtual tie with No. 8 Orlando.
NHL, ESPN, TNT Sports and Sportsnet debut joint marketing creative ahead of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The NHL and its broadcast partners are bringing fans closer to the intensity of playoff hockey with a new marketing campaign.
Columbus Blue Jackets playoff tracker: Toss a coin now
Projections models, sports books drop Columbus Blue Jackets to even odds of making or missing playoffs following three-game losing streak.
Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest bracket, standings, tiebreakers
The 2025-26 NHL regular season is scheduled to end on April 16. Here is the latest look at the playoff standings, bracket and tiebreakers.
Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest bracket, standings, tiebreakers
The 2025-26 NHL regular season is scheduled to end on April 16. Here is the latest look at the playoff standings, bracket and tiebreakers.
What to know about the 2026 World Cup playoffs
The final six World Cup places will be decided this week with the conclusion of two playoff tournaments that will complete the 48-team lineup. Eight teams from Europe will compete for four spots, while the new intercontinental tournament that is being staged in Mexico will determine the other two places. The biggest ever World Cup — up from 32 teams in Qatar in 2022 — is being co-hosted by three nations for the first time: The United States, Canada and Mexico.
NBA-best Thunder beat Knicks as Boston seal playoff spot
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and the NBA-best Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New York Knicks 111-100 on Sunday while the Boston Celtics clinched a playoff berth.The visiting Knicks, led by 32 points from Jalen Brunson, fell to 48-27 and missed a chance to clinch a playoff berth.
Suns chasing top-six playoff berth as they visit Grizzlies
The Phoenix Suns remain in the hunt for one of the six guaranteed NBA Western Conference playoff spots as they embark on a grueling end-of-regular-season schedule.
Penguins are ‘furious’ over string of disputed NHL decisions
Frustration is building inside the Pittsburgh Penguins organization after a series of disputed NHL decisions against them during a critical stretch. The Penguins are pushing for a playoff spot after a three-season drought. The issue gained attention after comments from…
NBA playoff picture March 29: All of the scenarios and stakes for postseason contenders down the stretch run
Prep Sports Report: Beechwood teams sweep 9th Region All "A" Classic baseball, softball titles
By Terry Boehmker NKyTribune sports reporter Beechwood won 9th Region All “A” Classic championship games in baseball and softball this week to earn state tournament berths in both small school playoffs. On Thursday, the Beechwood softball team defeated St. Henry, 17-0, in the region final to take the title for the second time in four...
Green Bay Packers 2026 NFL Draft Preview
The Green Bay Packers failed to meet the high expectations of their fan base in 2025. The addition of star pass rusher Micah Parsons offered zero relief from a tradition of painful playoff losses. The Packers closed out their 2025 season with a crushing loss to their division rival, the Chicago Bears, following a fourth-quarter […] The post Green Bay Packers 2026 NFL Draft Preview appeared first on The Lead.
Skidding Heat taking nothing for granted vs. Pacers
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has been known to get the best from his teams come playoff time.
Game Preview: Dallas Stars @ Pittsburgh Penguins 3/28/2026
Who: Dallas Stars (43-18-11, 97 points, 2nd place Central Division) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (36-20-16, 88 points, 2nd place Metropolitan Division) When: 5:00 p.m. eastern How to Watch: Locally broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and Victory+, streaming on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: The Penguins have a back-to-back coming up that will have a major impact on the Eastern Conference playoff race. […]
Late surge lifts Thunder, Celtics rally to down Hawks
The Oklahoma City Thunder got back in the win column on Friday, beating the Chicago Bulls 131-113 to maintain their grip on first place in the NBA Western Conference.It was a key win for the Thunder, who came into the contest with a two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for top spot and home court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.
NBA playoff picture March 28: All of the scenarios and stakes for postseason contenders down the stretch run
NBA news, live updates: League proposes new anti-tanking ideas; Friday's playoff scenarios
Mixed Sidney Crosby injury update emerges amid Penguins’ playoff push
Sidney Crosby’s injury update has left the Pittsburgh Penguins with mixed emotions during a crucial playoff push. The captain exited Thursday’s NHL game against the Ottawa Senators with a lower-body issue, and the team quickly ruled him out for the…
2026 World Cup playoffs: Jamaica, Suriname advance; Italy, Sweden also a win away from qualifying
Penguins win shootout, back in second place
With just 11 games to go, every win or loss could make the difference between a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth or bitterly watching them from home.
2026 World Cup playoffs live updates, scores: New Caledonia faces Jamaica as DR Congo awaits winner
2026 World Cup playoffs live updates, scores: Italy, Kosovo, Denmark among teams advancing as final 6 spots up for grabs
2026 World Cup playoffs live updates, scores: Italy, Denmark, Sweden among those advancing as final 6 spots up for grabs
World Cup qualifying live scores today: Playoff brackets, schedule
The final six spots for the 2026 World Cup will be decided over the next few days, with playoff games being held in Europe and Mexico.
Warriors’ dream seeding, matchup scenarios for 2026 NBA Playoffs
The Warriors' season has not gone according to plan at all, but all hope is not yet lost, especially once Stephen Curry returns from injury.
Suns biggest weakness exposed in 127-125 loss to Nuggets
PHOENIX – Tuesday was the Phoenix Suns to showcase on national television how serious of a playoff competitor they are against the Denver Nuggets. The results were mixed.
MLB Opening Day 2026: Expert predictions for World Series champion, division winners, surprise playoff teams, Cy Young, MVP and more
From The Sports Desk: NBA playoff push
The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers face each other on Tuesday in a game between two Eastern Conference teams hoping to salvage disappointing seasons.
Playoff-bound Wild, Lightning out to improve positioning
The Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning, two powerhouses preparing for the playoffs in their respective conferences, will complete their two-game season series in Tuesday night's matchup in the Sunshine State.
The week ahead: Another big (and tough) week for Penguins
Looking at what the Pittsburgh Penguins need to do to secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.
Bucks, Clippers still hoping to make playoff runs
The Los Angeles Clippers will welcome an old friend back into town Monday when former head coach Doc Rivers and his current team, the Milwaukee Bucks, make a visit to Inglewood, Calif.
Devin Booker gets 100% on Suns’ playoff seeding chase
Devin Booker knows where the Suns sit amid their previous five-game skid and how it impacts the playoff seeding chase.
Surging Hawks look to take advantage of short-handed Grizzlies
The streaking Atlanta Hawks will try to enhance their push for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference when they host the struggling Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.