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NHL Eastern Conference Game 3 Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (1-1)

NHL Editor
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NHL Eastern Conference Game 3 Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (1-1)

Venue: Bell Centre — Montréal, QC

Address: 1909 Avenue des Canadiens‑de‑Montréal, Montréal, H3B 5E8

Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT

Injury Report

Montreal Canadiens

Patrik Laine — Out (abdomen)

Noah Dobson — Out (thumb)

Tampa Bay Lightning

Charle‑Edouard D’Astous — Day‑to‑day (undisclosed)

Victor Hedman — Out (personal)

Pontus Holmberg — Out (upper‑body)

Team Records

Tampa Bay Lightning: 50‑26‑6 (2nd Atlantic)

Montreal Canadiens: 48‑24‑10 (3rd Atlantic)

Series: Tied 1–1 (Eastern Conference First Round)

Recent Team Form

Lightning — Last 5

Win, Loss, Loss, Win, Win

Canadiens — Last 5

Loss, Win, Loss, Win, Loss

Last 10 Games

Tampa Bay: 5‑4‑1, averaging 2.8 goals for and 2.8 against

Montreal: 6‑3‑1, averaging 2.5 goals for and 2.7 against

Series History & Context

Teams have met six times this season.

Last meeting: Lightning 3–2 (OT) — Kucherov, Hagel, and Moser scored for Tampa Bay.

Montréal is 20‑6‑2 when scoring a power‑play goal.

Tampa Bay is 16‑7‑3 when committing fewer penalties than their opponent.

Key Player Matchups

Montreal Canadiens

Cole Caufield: 51 G, 37 A (88 pts)

Juraj Slafkovský: 4 G, 6 A in last 10

Tampa Bay Lightning

Nikita Kucherov: 38 G, 50 A (season), 5 G + 7 A in last 10

Jake Guentzel: 38 G, 50 A

Goaltending

Andrei Vasilevskiy (TB): .912 SV%

Jacob Fowler (MTL): .908 SV%

Betting Trends

Lightning: Strong road team (24‑12‑5).

Canadiens: Strong home team (24‑15‑2).

Both teams average 3.5 goals per game this season.

Game Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning      – 122

Montreal Canadiens       5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026

NBA Western Conference Game 3 Preview: San Antonio Spurs (1-1) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (1-1)

NBA Editor
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NBA Western Conference Game 3 Preview: San Antonio Spurs (1-1) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (1-1)

Venue: Moda Center — Portland, OR

Tip‑off is scheduled for 7:30 PM PT

Injury Report

San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama — GTD (Concussion), expected evaluation on Apr 24

Jordan McLaughlin — GTD (Ankle)

Harrison Barnes — GTD (Wrist)

David Jones Garcia — OUT (Ankle, season)

Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard — OUT (Achilles, season)

Team Records

San Antonio Spurs: 62–20 (2nd West)

Portland Trail Blazers: 42–40 (7th West)

Series: Tied 1–1

Game 1: Spurs 111–98

Game 2: Blazers 106–103

Recent Team Form

Spurs — Last 5

L 106–103 vs POR

W 111–98 vs POR

L 128–118 vs DEN

W 139–120 vs DAL

W 112–101 vs POR

Trail Blazers — Last 5

W 106–103 @ SA

L 111–98 @ SA

W 114–110 @ PHX

W 122–110 vs SAC

W 116–97 vs LAC

Key Player Matchups

San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama: 20.0 PPG, 11.5 RPG (season leaders)

Stephon Castle: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists in Game 2

Portland Trail Blazers

Scoot Henderson: 31 points in Game 2, 24.5 PPG in series

Deni Avdija: 24.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.7 APG (season leaders)

Matchup Focus:

Wembanyama’s interior dominance vs. Henderson’s explosive perimeter scoring

Castle vs. Avdija as the key two‑way wing battle

Series & Statistical Comparison

CategorySpursBlazers
Points per game119.8115.5
Points allowed102.0107.0
FG%48%45%
Rebounds47.046.0
Assists28.125.1

Takeaway: Spurs have the stronger efficiency profile, but Portland’s turnover pressure and home‑court energy narrow the gap.

Betting Trends

Spurs: 7–3 in last 10, averaging 120.6 PPG

Blazers: 6–4 in last 10, averaging 112.3 PPG

Portland is 16–9 when winning the turnover battle

Spurs shoot 1.2% better from the field than Portland’s defensive average

Game Odds

San Antonio Spurs           – 1.5

Portland Trail Blazers     220.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026

NBA Western Conference Game 3 Preview: Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) vs. Houston Rockets (0-2)

NBA Editor
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NBA Western Conference Game 3 Preview: Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) vs. Houston Rockets (0-2)

Venue: Toyota Center — Houston, TX

Tip‑off is scheduled for 5:00 PM local time (Game 3, Western Conference First Round)

Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia — GTD (Leg), expected April 24 return

Austin Reaves — OUT (Oblique), est. return May 1

Luka Dončić — OUT (Hamstring), est. return May 1

Houston Rockets

Steven Adams — OUT for season (Ankle)

Fred VanVleet — OUT (Knee), est. return June 1

Team Records & Series Status

Los Angeles Lakers: 53–29 (4th West), lead series 2–0

Houston Rockets: 52–30 (5th West), trail 0–2

Recent Team Form

Lakers — Last 5

W 101–94 vs HOU W 107–98 vs HOU W 131–107 vs UTA W 101–73 vs PHX W 119–103 @ GSW Trend: Five straight wins; elite defensive efficiency.

Rockets — Last 5

L 101–94 @ LAL L 107–98 @ LAL W 132–101 vs MEM L 136–132 vs MIN W 113–102 vs PHI Trend: Inconsistent, but strong at home (30–11 regular season).

Key Player Matchups

Lakers

Luke Kennard: 25.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.5 APG in series

LeBron James: 8.0 RPG, 10.0 APG (team leader in boards & assists)

Rockets

Alperen Şengün: 19.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 5.5 APG — Houston’s most impactful player

Kevin Durant: 26.0 PPG (season), active despite knee concerns

Matchup Focus:

Kennard’s perimeter shotmaking vs. Şengün’s inside-out creation

Houston must improve 3PT efficiency after two poor shooting games in LA

Series History (Games 1 & 2)

Game 1: Lakers 107–98

Game 2: Lakers 101–94

Key themes:

Lakers controlled pace and physicality

Rockets struggled to generate free throws and hit open threes

Both games stayed under projected totals

Betting Trends

Lakers: 5 straight wins, all by 7+ points

Rockets: 2–3 last five, but elite home record (30–11)

Both Games 1 & 2 went UNDER the total

Lakers allowing just 96.0 PPG (season) vs Rockets’ 104.0 PPG allowed

Game Odds

Los Angeles Lakers          205.5

Houston Rockets              – 9.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026

NBA Eastern Conference Game 3 Preview: Boston Celtics (1-1) vs. Philadelphia Sixers (1-1)

NBA Editor
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NBA Eastern Conference Game 3 Preview: Boston Celtics (1-1) vs. Philadelphia Sixers (1-1)

Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena — 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

Tip‑off is scheduled for 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET

Injury Report

Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid (abdomen) — Game‑time decision for April 24; previously ruled out for Game 2.

Boston Celtics

Ron Harper Jr. (ankle) — Available for Game 2; no new restrictions reported.

Team Records (Regular Season)

Boston Celtics: 56–26 (2nd in East)

Philadelphia 76ers: 45–37 (7th in East)

Series: Tied 1–1 entering Game 3.

Recent Team Form

Boston Last 5

L 111–97 vs PHI W 123–91 vs PHI W 113–108 vs ORL W 144–118 vs NOP L 112–106 @ NYK

Philadelphia Last 5

W 111–97 @ BOS L 123–91 @ BOS W 109–97 vs ORL W 126–106 vs MIL W 105–94 @ IND

Key Player Matchups

Jaylen Brown (BOS)

26.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG in series so far

Tyrese Maxey (PHI)

21.0 PPG, 8.0 APG in series so far

X‑Factor:

VJ Edgecombe (PHI) — 30 points, 10 rebounds in Game 2.

Series History (Recent Playoff Meetings)

Game 1: BOS 123–91

Game 2: PHI 111–97

Boston dominated Game 1; Philadelphia responded with a physical, defensive Game 2 win.

Team Statistical Comparison (Season Averages)

CategoryCeltics76ers
Points per game114.9115.9
Points allowed101.0110.0
FG%47%46%
Rebounds46.443.6
Assists24.624.6
Steals7.19.1

Betting Trends

Boston is 2–3 in their last five.

Philadelphia is 4–1 in their last five.

Boston has scored 123+ points in two of their last four.

Philadelphia has held opponents under 100 points in two of their last three.

Embiid’s availability dramatically shifts the matchup.

Game Odds

Boston Celtics                   – 7.5

Philadelphia Sixers         215.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026

Boxing Match Preview: Jose Nunez (17-0-5) vs. Erislandy Alvarez (6-0-0)

Fight Editor
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Boxing Match Preview: Jose Nunez (17-0-5) vs. Erislandy Alvarez (6-0-0)

Event: KO a Los Drogas

Venue: Gimnasio Club México, Santiago de Chile, Chile

Start Time: 9:00 PM ET

Injury Report

No injuries or medical flags for either fighter. Both are cleared for competition.

Tale of the Tape

AttributeErislandy Álvarez (Champion)José Núñez (Challenger)
Record6‑0‑017‑0‑2
Age2527
Height5’6″ (168 cm)5’7″ (170 cm)
Reach65″ (165 cm)65″ (165 cm)
Weight139 lbs134.3 lbs
NationalityCubaPanama
Fighting Out OfCienfuegos, CubaPanama City, Panama

Key matchup notes:

Núñez is taller, more experienced, and undefeated in 19 fights.

Álvarez is the reigning WBA Fedelatin Lightweight Champion.

Both fighters are in their mid‑20s and physically similar.

Recent Form

Erislandy Álvarez – Last 5

W – W – W – W – W Álvarez is unbeaten and defending his regional title.

José Núñez – Last 5

W – W – W – W – W Núñez also enters on a strong winning streak.

Fight History & Style Notes

Erislandy Álvarez

Cuban amateur pedigree with elite fundamentals.

Fast hands, sharp angles, and disciplined defense.

Still early in his pro career but progressing quickly.

Holds the WBA Fedelatin Lightweight Title.

José Núñez

More seasoned professional with 19 fights.

High‑volume boxer with strong ring IQ.

Has fought consistently in Panama’s competitive lightweight circuit.

Represents Álvarez’s toughest test to date.

Betting Trends

Both fighters are undefeated in their last five.

Núñez has far more professional rounds and experience.

Álvarez has the higher amateur pedigree and championship momentum.

Community sentiment leans toward Núñez.

FIGHT ODDS

Jose Nunez                         – 400

Erislandy Alvarez             + 190

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026

Boxing Match Preview: Jackson Furtado (12-3-0, 11 KOs) vs. Lazaro Alvarez (10-0-0, 5 KOs)

Fight Editor
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Boxing Match Preview: Jackson Furtado (12-3-0, 11 KOs) vs. Lazaro Alvarez (10-0-0, 5 KOs)

Event: KO a Los Drogas

Venue: Gimnasio Club México, Santiago de Chile, Chile

Main Card Start: 9:00 PM ET

Broadcast: Regional Latin American broadcast + online streaming (per Champinon schedule)

Injury Report

Neither fighter has reported injuries, withdrawals, or medical flags. Tapology lists both as fully cleared for competition.

Tale of the Tape & Fighter Matchups

AttributeLázaro “Príncipe” ÁlvarezJackson “Neguinho” Furtado
Record10‑0‑0 (5 KOs)12‑3‑0 (11 KOs)
Age3538
Height5’5″ (165 cm)5’4″ (164 cm)
Reach70″ (178 cm)70″ (178 cm)
StanceSouthpawOrthodox
NationalityCubaBrazil
Weight135 lbs135 lbs

Matchup notes:

Álvarez is the younger, undefeated, more technical fighter.

Furtado has significantly more knockout power (11 KOs in 12 wins).

Both share identical reach, making timing and footwork decisive.

Recent Form

Lázaro Álvarez – Last 5

W – W – W – W – W He remains unbeaten and last defeated Tony Galaviz by unanimous decision.

Jackson Furtado – Last 5

L – W – W – L – L A mixed run, with losses in 2025 and 2022.

Fight History & Style Notes

Lázaro Álvarez

Three‑time Olympic medalist and elite amateur technician.

Exceptional defensive footwork and counterpunching.

As a pro, he has shown patience and round‑winning consistency.

Jackson Furtado

Aggressive pressure fighter with heavy hands.

Prefers mid‑range exchanges and thrives in chaotic moments.

Has struggled against high‑level technical opponents.

Betting Trends

Álvarez undefeated in 10 straight.

Furtado has lost 3 of his last 5.

Álvarez’s technical pedigree gives him a major advantage in longer fights.

Furtado’s only realistic path is via power punching.

FIGHT ODDS

Jackson Furtado               + 250

Lazaro Alvarez                   – 600

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026

Boyd Gaming signals interest in major acquisition but stresses selectivity

Gaming Editor
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Boyd Gaming signals interest in major acquisition but stresses selectivity

LAS VEGAS – Boyd Gaming Corp. says it has the financial capacity to pursue a large acquisition but will remain highly selective as it evaluates potential deals, executives told analysts during the company’s first‑quarter earnings call.

Chief executive Keith Smith said Boyd has reviewed a range of possible transactions and is not constrained by balance‑sheet limitations. “We’re not afraid because of our strong balance sheet and our strong cash flow profile to do larger transactions,” Smith said. “We look at small, medium and large transactions.”

Smith did not identify any specific targets. Industry speculation has intensified amid reports that Caesars Entertainment may be nearing a sale, raising the prospect of broader consolidation across the casino sector. Smith emphasized that any deal Boyd considers “has to be significant” enough to meaningfully impact the company’s results.

Boyd recently participated in consolidation from the seller’s side, agreeing in February to sell Sam’s Town Shreveport to Bally’s. While not transformative, the move underscored the company’s flexibility. Boyd ended the quarter with $372.7 million in cash and relatively low leverage, giving it room to borrow if needed.

“We are in the best position we’ve ever been in to make an acquisition,” chief financial officer Josh Hirsberg said. “But that doesn’t mean we’ll find one that makes sense.” He added that the company continues to weigh potential returns against alternatives such as share repurchases and internal investments.

Boyd has been an active buyer of its own stock, repurchasing $155 million in shares during the first quarter. Earlier this month, the board authorized an additional $500 million for buybacks.

Smith also outlined parameters for any future deal, saying Boyd would focus on properties in “stable tax and regulatory environments.” Analysts widely believe the company would avoid acquiring a heavily indebted competitor and would prefer transactions in which it could own the underlying real estate.

Those criteria could narrow the field of viable targets, but executives said the company will continue to monitor opportunities.

Boxing Match Preview: Angel Rodriguez (23-4-0) vs. Sofiane Oumiha (6-1-0)

Fight Editor
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Boxing Match Preview: Angel Rodriguez (23-4-0) vs. Sofiane Oumiha (6-1-0)

Event: KO A Los Drogas

Bout: Sofiane Oumiha vs. Ángel Rodríguez

Venue: Gimnasio Club México, Santiago de Chile, Chile

Start Time: 9:00 PM ET

Injury Report

No injuries or medical flags were reported for either fighter.

Tale of the Tape & Fighter Matchups

AttributeSofiane OumihaÁngel “Humilde” Rodríguez
Record6‑1‑023‑4‑0
Age3138
Height5’10” (178 cm)5’9″ (175 cm)
Reach72″ (183 cm)72″ (183 cm)
Weight134.3 lbs134.8 lbs
StanceOrthodoxOrthodox
NationalityFranceVenezuela
Fighting Out OfToulouse, FranceTijuana, Mexico

Key matchup notes:

Oumiha is younger, taller, and fresher.

Rodríguez has four times the pro experience and has fought higher‑level opposition.

Both share identical reach, making footwork and timing crucial.

Recent Form

Sofiane Oumiha – Last 5

L – W – W – L – L (mixed results)

Ángel Rodríguez – Last 5

W – L – L – W – W (inconsistent but dangerous)

Fight History & Style Notes

Sofiane Oumiha

Former elite amateur with world‑class pedigree.

Fast hands, sharp angles, and high ring IQ.

Still early in his pro career but improving rapidly.

Ángel Rodríguez

Veteran Venezuelan technician with 27+ pro fights.

Has fought notable names including Francisco Fonseca and Lazaro Álvarez.

Durable, experienced, and capable of upsetting prospects.

Betting Trends

Oumiha is younger, faster, and more technically polished.

Rodríguez has the deeper résumé but is 38 and slowing.

Oumiha’s amateur pedigree gives him a major skill ceiling advantage.

Prediction markets overwhelmingly back Oumiha.

FIGHT ODDS

Angel Rodriguez               + 225

Sofiane Oumiha               – 500

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 23, 2026

Churchill Downs posts record Q1 revenue, EBITDA

Gaming Editor
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Churchill Downs posts record Q1 revenue, EBITDA

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Incorporated reported record first‑quarter revenue and adjusted EBITDA on Wednesday, citing steady growth across its racing and wagering businesses.

The company posted $663 million in net revenue for the quarter ended March 31, a 3% increase from a year earlier and the highest quarterly total in its history. Net income attributable to CDI rose 8% to $83 million, aided by a $3 million after‑tax decrease in other charges and recoveries, partially offset by higher transaction and pre‑opening expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA reached $257 million, up 5% year‑over‑year and also a quarterly record.

In its segment breakdown, CDI said its Live and Historical Racing division generated $301 million in revenue and $113 million in adjusted EBITDA, compared with $277 million and $102 million in the prior‑year period. The Wagering Services and Solutions segment reported $118 million in revenue and $45 million in adjusted EBITDA, up from $116 million and $41 million a year earlier.

The Gaming segment posted a slight decline, with revenue falling to $262 million and adjusted EBITDA slipping to $123 million, compared with $267 million and $124 million in Q1 2025. The All Other segment recorded $2 million in revenue, unchanged from last year, while its adjusted EBITDA loss widened to $24 million.

CDI said it ended the quarter with net bank leverage of 3.8x and returned $31 million to shareholders through dividends. The company paid a $0.438 per‑share dividend at the start of the year, marking its 15th consecutive annual increase.

During the quarter, CDI announced plans for a $180–$200 million investment in the Rockingham Grand Casino project in Salem, New Hampshire, expected to open in 2027. It also opened the Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming facility in southwestern Kentucky in February.

After the quarter closed, the company unveiled an $85 million agreement to acquire the Preakness Stakes and Black‑Eyed Susan Stakes.

Michigan online gambling revenue climbs in March

Gaming Editor
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Michigan online gambling revenue climbs in March

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s commercial and tribal operators reported $372.1 million in combined internet gaming and online sports betting gross receipts in March, an 18.9% increase from February, state regulators said.

iGaming revenue reached a record $322.1 million, surpassing the previous high of $315.8 million set in December 2025. Online sports betting produced $50.0 million in gross receipts for the month.

Adjusted gross receipts (AGR) totaled $341.8 million, including $309.1 million from iGaming and $32.7 million from online sports wagering. Compared with February, iGaming AGR rose 17.9%, while online sports betting AGR jumped 28.6%. Year‑over‑year, iGaming AGR increased 25.6%, and online sports betting AGR grew by $18.1 million.

Online sportsbooks handled $485.1 million in wagers in March, up 26.1% from the prior month.

Operators paid $66.4 million in taxes and fees to the state, including $64.1 million from iGaming and $2.3 million from online sports betting.

Detroit’s three casinos reported $16.1 million in wagering taxes and municipal services fees to the city, including $15.4 million tied to iGaming and $684,547 from online sports betting.

Tribal operators submitted $8.2 million in payments to their governing bodies.

Fifteen commercial and tribal operators were authorized to offer online gaming and/or sports betting as of March, with all 15 offering iGaming and 12 offering online sports wagering. A full revenue distribution table is available on the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s website.

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