and Page 15 - Sports News, Headlines & Highlights

LAFC brings record clean-sheet start into game vs. skidding Portland
The Portland Timbers will try to snap a five-match winless streak when they host Western Conference-leading Los Angeles FC on Saturday afternoon., ,The question heading into the match is not whether the Timbers (1-4-1, 4 points) can win the game, but rather can they at least score a goal?,LAFC (5-0-...

It's sink-or-swim time for Islanders against Senators
For the New York Islanders, the equation is simple: If they don't win an unofficial playoff game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, they almost certainly won't participate in a true playoff game next week.,Both clubs will continue their pursuit of a postseason berth when New York hosts Ottawa ...
Why the Cavaliers Are Done Playing the Seeding Game in the East
The Cleveland Cavaliers are taking a different approach to playoff seeding this year—here’s why focusing on culture over matchups could pay off....

Matthew Schaefer, Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win
The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach.,Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period...

Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win
The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach.,Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period...

WNBA approves expansion into Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia
The WNBA announced formal approval for expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia on Thursday.,The move certifies those three cities, previously announced, gained authorization to join the league on their own timelines.,Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, with Detroit following in 20...

After first rest day of season, Braves set to host hard-hitting Guardians
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss was happy his team finally got a day off on Thursday.,The Braves opened their season with 13 straight games and kick off a three-game homestand against the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Friday.,"I've never seen anything like 13 games in a row to start the season,"...
Why None of These NBA Play-In Teams Are True Contenders
The NBA Play-In Tournament features star power and fun matchups, but none of these teams are real contenders for a deep playoff run....

Peter DeBoer's Islanders rescue attempt begins vs. Maple Leafs
All eyes will be on Peter DeBoer as he takes his place behind the New York Islanders' bench for a crucial tilt against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night.,The Islanders (42-31-5, 89 points) parted ways on Sunday with Patrick Roy, their head coach of two-plus years, after an ill-timed...

Realtor and golf amateur Brandon Holtz making most of Masters moments
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- On a typical Saturday there are two places you're likely to find 39-year-old realtor Brandon Holtz. An open house or participating in his standing 12-man scramble in the Bloomington, Ill., area. ,This weekend, Holtz would love nothing more but keeping his feet planted on the pristine...

Guardians pour it on late in rubber match vs. Royals
Angel Martinez had four hits, including a grand slam, and the Cleveland Guardians rolled to a 10-2 win against the visiting Kansas City Royals in the rubber game of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.,Rhys Hoskins had three doubles, an RBI and run scored, and Jose Ramirez and Juan Brito ...

NASCAR won't let YouTuber 'Cleetus McFarland' race at Talladega
NASCAR put the brakes on YouTube star "Cleetus McFarland" and his quest to drive in this month's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Talladega Superspeedway.,McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, announced Tuesday to his 4.7 million YouTube subscribers that he won't be competing on April 25...

Gary Woodland grateful for Augusta security as he manages PTSD
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- When Gary Woodland last played the Masters in 2024, he was months removed from surgery to remove a brain tumor.,At that point, it may have appeared to outsiders that he'd finished his fight. Woodland, though, said he "didn't know what the future held.",Woodland, now 41, revealed in a...

Patriots trade LB Marte Mapu to Texans
The New England Patriots traded linebacker Marte Mapu to the Houston Texans on Tuesday.,Terms of the trade were not disclosed, though ESPN reported the deal includes a swap of 2027 NFL Draft picks that gives a seventh-round pick to the Texans in exchange for a sixth-rounder.,Mapu is entering the las...

Blue Jays roster shuffle continues as injuries pile up amid slow start
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Cody Ponce will undergo surgery for a right anterior cruciate ligament injury and likely will be lost for the remainder of the regular season, manager John Schneider revealed Tuesday.,The Blue Jays also recalled left-hander Patrick Corbin from Single-A Dunedin and infi...

Brayan Rocchio delivers winning run in 9th as Guardians top Royals
Brayan Rocchio delivered a tie-breaking RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday afternoon, sending the host Cleveland Guardians to a 2-1 victory against the Kansas City Royals.,Rocchio started 0-for-3 until facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners at first and second in the...

Cavaliers host Hawks in potential playoff preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers have clinched home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, where their likely opponent will be the Atlanta Hawks.,First, though, the teams have a home-and-home set to play, beginning Wednesday in Cleveland.,Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cavaliers (50-29) ...

Report: Fernando Mendoza not planning to attend NFL draft
Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick, informed the league that he is not planning to attend the NFL draft in Pittsburgh later this month, ESPN reported on Tuesday.,Per the report, the Indiana quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner wants to share the draft experience with his fa...
Biggest NBA Playoffs Concerns for Contenders Outside OKC
NBA playoff preview breaking down key concerns for the Rockets, Cavaliers, and Lakers as the Thunder chase a repeat title....
NBA Coaching Carousel Shaken Up by Michael Malone’s Surprise UNC Move
Michael Malone’s move to North Carolina reshapes the NBA coaching market as struggling teams eye replacements amid a brutal tanking season....