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NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons (16-60) at Houston Rockets (18-59)

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NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons (16-60) at Houston Rockets (18-59)

The Houston Rockets worked hard to make the most of their chance in the final game of a long season’s worth of extended road trips.

The Rockets, on the other hand, continued a pattern that has come to define their youthful roster as the fourth quarter began. In their 123-114 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Houston gave up 37 points in the final period. This ended the Rockets’ five-game road trip without a win and made it their seventh loss in a row.

Following a three-game homestand that begins on Friday with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons, the Rockets (18-59) will play two games on the road in Charlotte and Washington to conclude the regular season.

The stakes are low for Houston and the Pistons (16-60), who, along with the San Antonio Spurs, have the three worst records in the league. As a result, they have the same 14% chance of getting one of the first-round picks in the NBA Draft, which is likely going to be Victor Wembanyama, a French big man.

Despite having the league’s worst record the previous two seasons, the Rockets finished second and third in the draft lottery, respectively, and used those picks to select Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. in succession. This season, their young team has struggled to win, but they have shown signs of cohesion, especially down the stretch.

Kevin Porter Jr. led the Nets with 31 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals, and all five starters—none of whom were younger than 22—scored in double figures in the defeat. Despite their collective inexperience, the Rockets have consistently displayed admirable moxie, and their performance against Brooklyn demonstrated that they haven’t given up despite the season coming to an end.

Any chance the Pistons had of avoiding the bottom of the league standings was undermined by injuries, particularly those sustained by Cade Cunningham, a second-year guard. The Pistons leaned even more heavily into an ongoing rebuild with a number of younger players who don’t necessarily fit as puzzle pieces when you factor in the trade of forward Saddiq Bey to the Atlanta Hawks at the deadline.

Detroit, which has lost 16 of its last 17 games since the All-Star break, has had a rough stretch. On Wednesday, when they played the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pistons were without six rotation players, but they persevered until they were unable to secure a defensive rebound just before the final buzzer, which resulted in a 107-106 defeat.

It was a monumental effort in light of their roster deficiencies and injury attrition. Even so, the outcome was still painful.

NBA Preview: New York Knicks (44-33) at Cleveland Cavaliers (48-29)

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NBA Preview: New York Knicks (44-33) at Cleveland Cavaliers (48-29)

All things considered yet securing a season finisher billet on Wednesday night, the New York Knicks will get a brief look at their potential first-round rival on Friday night.

They can only hope that Julius Randle will also be wearing a uniform.

As they attempt to officially secure a playoff spot on Friday night, when New York is scheduled to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers in a possible postseason preview, the Knicks may be without Randle.

After making their path to the playoffs much clearer on Wednesday night with a 101-92 victory over the visiting Miami Heat, the Knicks were off on Thursday. The Cavaliers haven’t played since Tuesday, when they lost to the host Atlanta Hawks 120-118, snapping a four-game winning streak.

The Knicks’ victory over the Heat reduced their magic number to one in order to secure a spot in the main playoff bracket and a top-six finish (44-33) in the playoffs. Despite winning the season series 3-1, New York is four games ahead of seventh-place Miami (40-37).

However, the victory may have been costly for the Knicks, who were without power forward Randle for the final 26 minutes after the player sprained his left ankle after landing on Heat forward Bam Adebayo’s foot. Near the end of the second quarter, Randle, who was fouled on the play, made one of two free throws before limping off the court.

Randle, who is averaging 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, will be reevaluated on Thursday, according to Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.

The Knicks are two and a half games behind the third-place Philadelphia 76ers and four games behind the fourth-place Cavaliers (48-29). Cleveland, which has already secured a spot in the main playoff bracket for the first time since 2018, will not fall below the no. 4 seed with a success on Friday.

On Tuesday, Donovan Mitchell nearly scored 44 points, 17 of which came in the fourth quarter, to help Cleveland overcome a 10-point deficit and take three short-lived leads.

Before Mitchell’s desperate heave from just inside half-court bounced off the back rim, he missed a potential three-pointer that would have given the team the lead with 12 seconds left. He was one of four starters to play somewhere around 40 minutes for Cleveland, which was without Jarrett Allen (right crotch) and Isaac Okoro (left knee).

NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (38-38) at Brooklyn Nets (41-35)

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NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (38-38) at Brooklyn Nets (41-35)

The Brooklyn Nets saw their lead in the competition to stay away from the play-in game grow somewhat more agreeable on account of great outcomes in the final quarter against the Houston Rockets and help from the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

The Nets have another chance to extend their lead over the worst team in the Western Conference down the stretch on Friday night when they host the eighth-place Atlanta Hawks, giving them another chance to do so.

Six games remain for Brooklyn (41-35), five of which are at home. With a 129-100 victory on Saturday, the Nets completed a three-game season sweep of the Heat and are 1 1/2 games ahead of Miami.

The Nets performed adequately in the final minutes of their 123-114 victory over the Rockets, while the Heat faltered down the stretch in their 101-92 loss to the Knicks.

The Nets won their first game at home on Wednesday, outscoring Houston 18-4 in the final three minutes of a 116-114 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, their previous home game.

Johnson and Bridges, who scored a combined 21 points in the fourth, helped Brooklyn win. After averaging 27.5 points in the fourth quarter during a four-game home skid, the Nets also made nine 3-pointers in the final 12 minutes and scored 37 points in the fourth.

Bridges added 27 points, and Johnson scored 31 points on 11 of 18 attempts. After going 0-of-11 from the floor in Sunday’s 13-point loss to Orlando, Spencer Dinwiddie added 20 points for the duo on the second night of a back-to-back.

Despite having the same record as Toronto (38-38), Atlanta is in eighth place because it won two of its three meetings with the Raptors. The Hawks are two games ahead of the Chicago Bulls, who come to Charlotte on Friday, and one and a half games behind Miami.

Since winning five straight from January 13-20, Atlanta is 14-16. The Hawks have reached.500 15 times during that time, and with Tuesday’s 120-118 home victory over the fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers, they evened their record once more.

By having seven players score in double figures, Atlanta was able to overcome Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell’s 44 points. Dejounte Murray returned to the game with 29 points after shooting 11-for-31 in his first two games after a non-COVID-19 illness kept him out for a short time.

The Hawks overcame Trae Young’s quiet night with a season-high 21 points from Onyeka Okongwu. Young was held to 16 points on 4-of-15 shooting, but for the second game in a row, he had 10 assists.

The Nets won two of the initial three gatherings, however Atlanta procured a 129-127 home win on Feb. 26 when Youthful scored 34 and hit the game-dominating 12-foot jumper.

NBA Preview: Orlando Magic (32-44) at Washington Wizards (34-42)

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NBA Preview: Orlando Magic (32-44) at Washington Wizards (34-42)

On Friday, the Washington Wizards will face the Orlando Magic, who are visiting, to continue their last-ditch playoff push.

The Washington Wizards (34-42) are within two games of the Chicago Bulls (36-40) for the 10th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after winning two of their last three games. With a 113-108 defeat at Memphis on Tuesday, the Magic (32-44) ended a three-game winning streak and are now four games out of last place.

Washington, which has six games left, is falling off a 130-111 win over the meeting Boston Celtics on Tuesday behind Kristaps Porzingis’ 32 focuses, 13 bounce back and six helps. Deni Avdija had a career-high 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists to go with his double-double. Monte Morris had 19 points and nine assists.

The Wizards were without Bradley Beal (sore left knee) and Kyle Kuzma (sprained right ankle), so Corey Kispert and Kendrick Nunn scored 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Beal, who plays every game with an average of 23.2 points and 5.4 assists, and Kuzma, who plays every game with 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, are game-time decisions against Orlando. Unseld stated that he hasn’t decided whether to shut down the duo for the remainder of the season.

It will be difficult for the Magic, who also have six games left, to make the playoffs.

Orlando ended its longest winning streak, which lasted three games, which began on December 7 and ended on December 6. 18 — after its unsuccessful rally against the Grizzlies. With 38 seconds left in the third quarter, the Magic closed a 23-point gap to 105-100 before the Grizzlies won at the free-throw line.

The Magic, who were outscored 32-15 in the initial quarter, were driven by Paolo Banchero’s 24 focuses, 11 bounce back and five helps, while Franz Wagner added 25 focuses.

This will be the Magic’s and Wizards’ final meeting of the season.

On December 30, Porzingis scored 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Wizards, who then defeated the Orlando Magic, 138-118, on January 21.

On March 21, the Magic defeated the Wizards 122-112 in their most recent meeting, their first victory in eight games. While Porzingis scored 30 points, Banchero had 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists for the Wizards.

NBA Preview: Toronto Raptors (38-38) at Philadelphia Sixers (50-26)

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NBA Preview: Toronto Raptors (38-38) at Philadelphia Sixers (50-26)

When they play the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, the Toronto Raptors have a chance to get their act together away from home.

With a 106-92 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday, the Raptors (38-38) ended a 3-1 homestand and reached.500 for the first time since going 13-13 on Dec. 9.

While they are just 12-24 on the road, they are 26-14 at home. They start the game on Thursday in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

The final home game for Toronto is April 9 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Philadelphia has a 2-1 advantage over Toronto in the series.

On Wednesday, the visiting Dallas Mavericks were defeated by the 76ers (50-26), 116-108, for their second victory in six games. Joel Embiid and James Harden were back in the lineup for the 76ers, who finished third in the Eastern Conference.

In the second quarter, the Mavericks led by as many as 12 points and led 91-89 into the fourth before the 76ers took over to end a three-game losing streak.

The 76ers were coming off a trip that started 1-3 and ended with a 116-111 defeat at Denver on Monday.

Harden had 15 points, 12 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Embiid had 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. 22 points were scored by Tyrese Maxey.

Embiid stated that he felt “good enough” about his tight calf. He had missed the Denver game.

He stated that for the remainder of the season, he anticipates some discomfort.

O.G. Anunoby added 22 points and Pascal Siakam scored 26 points for Toronto in the game against Miami.

Barnes impressed Raptors coach Nick Nurse, who expects Barnes to be a key player in the final few games.

NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls (36-40) at Charlotte Hornets (26-51)

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NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls (36-40) at Charlotte Hornets (26-51)

With a Friday night game against the Charlotte Hornets on the road, the Chicago Bulls may get a boost from their schedule.

However, despite the addition of players to the injury list, the Hornets have not been complacent in recent times.

After losing three of their last five games, the Bulls simply need to get better quickly.

With its 121-110 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, Chicago (36-40) has fallen to 10th place in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, over the past week, the Hornets (26-51) have hurt the playoff hopes of the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder. They twice defeated the Mavericks.

Despite leading the Bulls in scoring in three of their last four contests, Zach LaVine managed just 16 points in the most recent encounter with the Lakers.

Chicago has also been struggling to some extent. Monitor Alex Caruso got back to activity Wednesday in the wake of missing Monday’s down with a foot injury, yet he logged just 19 minutes and scored five focuses.

Coach Billy Donovan stated that he did not like Caruso’s movement, which resulted in limited playing time.

There were personal circumstances surrounding Andre Drummond’s mental health that prevented him from playing Wednesday night.

The Bulls might find that situation to be a distraction.

P.J. Washington’s career has blossomed for Charlotte as a result of the absence of key players. In the 137-134 victory over Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, he scored a career-high 43 points.

At Oklahoma City, the Hornets were without reserve Dennis Smith Jr. (toe) and starters Gordon Hayward (thumb), Terry Rozier (foot), and Kelly Oubre Jr. (shoulder).

Throughout his time with the Hornets, Washington has occasionally performed admirably, but he is rarely regarded as a primary option. Then Tuesday night came.

Washington didn’t just spend a lot of money on one game. In three of Charlotte’s last four games, he has led the team in scoring.

The Hornets’ recent run of three victories may have improved teamwork.

Furthermore, the Hornets didn’t ease up. In fact, with the game at stake, they improved. Their total of 44 points in the fourth quarter was tied for fourth in franchise history.

The Bulls begin a four-game homestand on Friday, going 2-1 against Charlotte.

Yankees sign INF/OF Franchy Cordero

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Yankees sign INF/OF Franchy Cordero

The New York Yankees today announced that they have signed INF/OF Franchy Cordero to a Major League contract and added him to the active roster.

Cordero, 28, batted .219 (53-for-242) with 36R, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 8HR, 29RBI and 28BB in 84 games with the Boston Red Sox in 2022. He set career highs in games played, hits, runs, doubles, home runs, RBI and walks. Cordero also played in 31 games with Triple-A Worcester last season, hitting .325 (38-for-117) with 23R, 10 doubles, 7HR, 36RBI and 15BB.

The left-handed batter was signed by the Baltimore Orioles on December 5, 2022 to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training and released on March 28, 2023. He batted .413/.426/.674 (19-for-46) with 9R, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 2HR and 9RBI in 18 Grapefruit League games this spring.

Over parts of six Major League seasons with the San Diego Padres (2017-19), Kansas City Royals (2020) and Boston Red Sox (2021-22), Cordero has hit .221 (144-for-653) with 91R, 35 doubles, 5 triples, 21HR, 74RBI and 64BB in 227 career games. He has appeared defensively at all three outfield positions (69G/59GS in LF, 48G/39GS in CF, 44G/21GS in RF) and first base (64G/55GS).

The Azua, Dominican Republic, native was originally signed by the San Diego Padres as a non-drafted free agent on November 1, 2011. Cordero was then acquired by the Kansas City Royals along with RHP Ronald Bolaños from the Padres in exchange for LHP Tim Hill on July 16, 2020. He was later acquired by the Boston Red Sox along with two players to be named later from the Royals as part of a three-team trade with the New York Mets on February 10, 2021. The Red Sox also received RHP Josh Winckowski and a player to be named later from the Mets, the Royals received OF Andrew Benintendi and cash considerations from the Red Sox, and the Mets received OF Khalil Lee from the Royals.

Royals trade left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady to Braves for cash considerations

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Royals trade left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady to Braves for cash considerations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they have traded left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.

Lovelady, 27, has spent his entire professional career with Kansas City after being selected by the Royals in the 10th round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. He made his Major League debut in 2019 but has pitched only 34.0 innings over the last three seasons (2020-22) due to injury.

Orioles roster moves

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Orioles roster moves

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Selected the contract of C Anthony Bemboom. He will wear #37.
  • Placed RHP Mychal Givens on the 15-day Injured List with left knee inflammation, retroactive to March 27.
  • Placed C James McCann on the 10-day Injured List with a left oblique strain, retroactive to March 27.
  • Placed LHP John Means on the 60-day Injured List with left elbow UCL surgery.
  • Placed RHP Dillon Tate on the 15-day Injured List with a right elbow flexor strain, retroactive to March 27.
  • Optioned RHP Joey Krehbiel to Triple-A Norfolk.

NWSL MATCH PREVIEW: Gotham FC Home Opener

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NWSL MATCH PREVIEW: Gotham FC Home Opener

Gotham FC takes on OL Reign: Red Bull Arena – Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. EST 

HARRISON, N.J. – After a thrilling 2-1 road victory to kick off the season last week, Gotham FC is set for the club’s home opener weekend, which will be for a showcase of U.S. Women’s National Team players taking center stage. Gotham FC’s Lynn Williams, Kelley O’Hara, and Kristie Mewis prepare to host Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle of OL Reign on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Red Bull Arena. 

Gotham FC started the NWSL season with a 2-1 win over Angel City FC on Sunday, March 26, that included come-from-behind, second-half goals from Williams, the NWSL Player of the Week, and Purce. 

Following Gotham FC’s Home Opener on Saturday, both teams will each host a hybrid media postgame press conference that will be accessible to media onsite at Red Bull Arena and virtually via Zoom.

Head-to-head: Since the clubs first met in 2015, Gotham FC is 4-6-5 against OL Reign, including a record of 2-2-2 in home matches. After defeating OL Reign, 1-0, on June 5, 2021, OL Reign won both matches last season.  

GOTHAM FC STORYLINES 

USWNT’s Williams Making an Epic Comeback: Lynn Williams missed all of last season with a severe hamstring injury. She made her USWNT return earlier this year and scored a goal in her first match back in international competition. In similar fashion, in her first NWSL match since injury, it was Williams’ clutch goal that was the game-winner for Gotham FC over Angel City. It was Williams’ first NWSL goal in 15 months. It was also the 58th goal of her NWSL career – most among U.S. players and third overall in league history – and her 16thgame-winner in the NWSL.  

Midge Purce Ends Team’s PK Drought in Game 1: As the only team in the league not to score a penalty kick goal in 2022, Gotham FC improved that for 2023 on Sunday when Midge Purce scored the game-tying goal against Angel City FC on a kick from the spot. The penalty was the first in league history awarded after a review by VAR, which debuts this season in the NWSL. 

Fresh out of College and onto the Pitch: When captain and veteran defender Ali Krieger went down 10 minutes into the season-opening match, fourth overall 2023 NWSL Draft pick Jenna Nighswonger out of Florida State University saw her first professional action and was spectacular in her debut.   

From Maternity Leave to On-Pitch Prominence: Gotham FC midfielder Allie Long has made a triumphant return to the field. After announcing her pregnancy with twins in April 2022, she missed almost all of last season. The mother of twins started in Gotham FC’s season-opening win in LA.  

Three Gotham FC Players Earn UWSNT Call-ups: Gotham FC’s Kristie Mewis, Kelley O’Hara, and Lynn Williams have been called up for the U.S. Women’s National Team’s camp ahead of its friendly matches against the Republic of Ireland on April 8 in Austin and April 11 in St. Louis.

HOME OPENER FESTIVITIES 

Torch Lighting Ceremony with Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd: For the Home Opener on Saturday, owners Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd will ignite a new pre-match tradition celebrating the deep connection between the team, fans, and New Jersey-New York Community. Lloyd and Manning will be joined by members of Gotham FC’s official supporters group, Cloud 9. 

At every Gotham FC home match, the club will feature a Torch Lighting ceremony conducted by the club’s passionate supporters and special guests – including local heroes, celebrities, professional athletes, and other dignitaries.  

Fan Activities 

  • Among the many pre-match activities at the team’s FanFest on Saturday, Gotham FC will have a 360 photo booth, face painters, a DJ, and soccer darts – the giant blowup target with velcro soccer balls. 
  • Gotham FC’s “Heart of the Hudson” Drumline for the Home Opener is from Franklin High School.  
  • For adults in-stadium, Johnnie Walker will be offering samples of their “Strong Knows Strong” cocktail. 


Next Up: After the Home Opener, followed by a one-week International Break, Gotham FC’s next match is Saturday, April 15 against the Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium. Gotham FC then returns to Red Bull Arena for two games: a Challenge Cup match on Wednesday, April 19 against the Washington Spirit, and regular season match on Saturday, April 22 against the NC Courage. Both home matches are at 7:30 p.m. 

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