We may not know the availability of the San Antonio Spurs’ star until shortly before tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers.
These Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks have a better chance of cashing if Victor Wembanyama is ruled out, but it could still win with him in the lineup on Friday, April 24.
If Wembanyama plays, De’Aaron Fox could still score 20+ points… but if Wembanyama does not, this thought may become an assurance.
Fox averaged 24.6 points in 18 games without Wembanyama this season, clearing this prop in 15 of those 18 contests.
Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per game in eight matches without Wembanyama, a number deflated by a reboundless 16-minute showing in November. Remove that, and it jumps to 7.7 rpg in seven games.
As for including the Over with Wembanyama on the sideline, he is the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. San Antonio’s defensive rating jumps 6.6 points per 100 possessions in games that Wembanyama does not play.
There is too much value in this thought not to include the Over, regardless of knowing Wemby’s status.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Spencer Horwitz #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates scores on a double hits by Tommy Pham during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at PNC Park on June 22, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Bubba Chandler (1-1, 3.15 ERA) vs. TBA
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today in the Lone Star State against the Texas Rangers looking to grab a win.
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Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob Degrom (48) throws the ball during the game between the Rangers and the Mariners at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Mickey Moniak (22) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
After a complete victory against the San Diego Padres last night, the Colorado Rockies entered this afternoon’s game with the chance for a series win. Things were going great for the most part… until they weren’t.
Multiple injuries occurred early in the game, but the Rockies persevered and carried a three-run lead into the top of the ninth inning. Unfortunately, a spectacular blow-up in said ninth inning led to the Rockies losing the game by two and dropping the series to the Padres.
Injuries may test the Rockies’ depth
The Rockies had two players depart the game early due to injury this afternoon. Most notably, right-handed pitcher and today’s starter Ryan Feltner was pulled after just two innings. Feltner threw 40 pitches and allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk—including a double—in the second inning. Felter was later announced to have right triceps tightness. Manager Warren Schaeffer mentioned after the game that the triceps tightness caused numbness in his fingers.
The Rockies are already relying on multiple pitchers for bulk-innings work, including Chase Dollander, Antonio Senzatela, and Tanner Gordon. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland is currently on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder soreness and is eligible to return on April 28th against the Cincinnati Reds.
Infielder Willi Castro also left today’s game with an injury. He went 0-for-1 with a walk and a strikeout before being pulled from the lineup with right knee soreness. He was replaced in the lineup by Tyler Freeman.
Castro has appeared in 21 of the Rockies 26 games so far this season at multiple positions.
A strong effort by the bullpen collapsed
With Feltner leaving the game after just two innings, the Rockies’ bullpen had the herculean task of getting the team through the game with three games to go until their next day off.
Zach Agnos, who is being stretched into more of a long-relief role, performed admirably in three innings of work. While he did give up two earned runs, they weren’t back-breaking. He gave up just one run each in the fourth and fifth innings, one of which was a home run. Agnos had solid command, walking just one batter with three strikeouts.
Seth Halvorsen, freshly recalled from the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes with Jimmy Herget going on the paternity list, made his first big league appearance of the season in the sixth inning. The power arm struck out two batters—though he did issue a walk—in a scoreless inning of work.
Halvorsen gave way to Juan Mejia, who struck out three batters in 1.2 innings but did allow an earned run on three hit and a walk. Victor Vodnik was called in to end the eighth inning and earn a four-out save.
Then it all fell apart.
Vodnik entered the top of the ninth inning with a three-run lead. That lead evaporated almost instantly as Vodnik walked the leadoff batter and allowed three straight singles without recording an out as the Padres pulled within one run.
Then Sheets happened.
Gavin Sheets clobbered a three-run home run on the first pitch he saw—a slider middle-middle—to put the Padres ahead by two. Vondik struck out the next batter but the damage was done. Brennan Bernardino entered the game and quickly finished the inning.
Strong days at the plate from multiple Rockies players should have had this game end in a win for the home team. Edouard Julien went 2-for-5 from the leadoff spot, hitting his first triple in a Rockies uniform for his 200th career hit as he continues a strong April, and TJ Rumfield hit two doubles with a walk in his own 2-for-4 afternoon. Meanwhile, Troy Johnston continues to be an excellent addition to the Rockies roster. The off-season waiver claim went 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBIs.
The main superstar of the game was Mickey Moniak. Moniak continued to be so fine with a four-hit afternoon that included two home runs. He had two RBIs and scored three times himself.
Normally eight runs would be enough, but things get weird when the Padres come to town. After Vodnik’s collapse, the Rockies had the unenviable task of facing Mason Miller with a two-run deficit.
With one out, Troy Johnston hit a single to show Miller was mortal. However, the hope wouldn’t last.
Ezequiel Tovar swung wildly at a slider in the dirt before watching a slider down the middle for a called strike two. He then grounded into a game and series-ending double play.
Tovar finished the game 0-for-5 and though he didn’t strike out today, he is hitting just .204 on the season.
Coming Up Next
The Rockies are off to Flushing for three games against the New York Mets. The Mets look vulnerable after finally managing to snap a 12-game losing streak yesterday. It could provide the Rockies with a chance to have their first strong series on the road. Michael Lorenzen will start for the Rockies against Mets righty Freddy Peralta. First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM MDT.
You had my interest, but now you have my attention, Portland Trail Blazers.
While no one is glad Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs suddenly have a series on their hands.
My Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks should hold up regardless of whether Wembanyama takes the court on Friday, April 24.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers prediction
Spurs vs Trail Blazers best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points (-110)
Victor Wembanyama has traveled with the San Antonio Spurs to the Pacific Northwest. That is the first step toward him playing this weekend, though one has to remain skeptical that he will play Game 3.
The Spurs are plenty competitive without Wembanyama. Playing the Portland Trail Blazers without him will not assure a loss in any regard, and concussions are not something to rush back from.
Wembanyama’s availability won’t be entirely up to San Antonio; once in concussion protocols, a league doctor also has to sign off on his ability to play. He very well might play, but the savvy bettor finds a bet that could cash with Wembanyama playing and has even better odds with him sidelined.
A bet like trusting De’Aaron Fox to pour in some points.
In 54 games alongside Wembanyama this regular season, Fox averaged 16.5 points. In 18 contests with Wembanyama sidelined, Fox averaged 24.6 points.
Fox attempted 4.2 more shots per game without Wembanyama on the court, including two additional 3-pointers.
Do not fret that this is the result of a few high-scoring matches. Fox scored 20 or more points in 15 of those 18 games without Wembanyama.
Even with his star Frenchman center on the court, Fox could very well clear this modest points prop, and the number becomes even more favorable if Wembanyama misses Game 3.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Similar to the logic of Fox averaging 8.1 more points in games without Wembanyama, Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per contest in eight games without the Spurs’ centerpiece, compared to just 5.1 across 60 with him.
This prop could cash if Wemby plays, but looks far more likely if he doesn’t.
And unsurprisingly, San Antonio’s defensive rating spikes without Wembanyma on the court, 6.6 points worse per 100 possessions in 18 games without him.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Spurs’ offensive rating does not waver.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP
De’Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points
Stephon Castle Over 5.5 rebounds
Over 220.5
Our “from downtown” SGP: Rose City
If Wembanyama is sidelined or even just limited, this is Portland’s chance to see a path to the second round.
You cannot let this opportunity pass you by. Desperation needs to be the Blazers’ default.
A spread of +1.5 is effectively a tilted pick’em, and it is undervaluing what Wembanyama means.
San Antonio was favored by 10.5 in Game 2. Adjusting for homecourt, a quick line of +4.5 would make sense on Friday night.
Is Wembanyama really worth only three points? Until Portland is favored, lean into this, via spread or moneyline.
Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Spurs vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
Portland went 25-16 against the spread at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Spurs vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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The Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants rivalry is still going strong.
Following a 3-0 win over the Giants on Thursday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts accused Giants ace Logan Webb of intentionally plunking Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing following an incident from two nights ago, according to Dave Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports.
The pitch in question came in the sixth inning, when Webb hit Rushing in the ribs with a 91.3-mph fastball with one out and a 1-0 count.
Great job by Logan Webb sending a message to Dalton Rushing while trailing by 3 runs pic.twitter.com/KLck2IVKaB
The context for that pitch — namely, why the Giants might not be big fans of the Dodgers’ backup catcher right now — goes back to Tuesday night, when Rushing was at the plate and Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee made a break for home.
The ball beat Lee to the plate, resulting in a third out and some glancing contact that left Lee on the ground and possibly injured. As Rushing walked off the field, cameras caught him appearing to say something various observers interpreted as, “F*** em.”
Dalton Rushing after seeing Jung Hoo Lee possibly injured in a play at the plate (I’m pretty sure):
It was a story that didn’t paint Rushing in the best light. But comeuppance had to wait until Thursday, as Rushing was out of the Dodgers’ lineup on Wednesday.
However, Rushing and Lee appeared to spend Wednesday burying the hatchet. Rushing told the Los Angeles Times he had checked in to see if Lee was OK and said he hoped to speak with him Thursday. He and Roberts also denied that he said what he was accused of saying:
“I used a word, but it was not what was said that was said. I’ll just leave it at that. There was no direction toward him.
“I just think some people make something out of nothing.”
Lee, meanwhile, spoke with Rushing via countryman and Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim and got an apology, via MLB.com:
“Not sure what the media was going through, but I met with [Hyeseong Kim]. Rushing explained that he wanted to make an [apology] if there was any kind of misunderstanding.”
That apparently didn’t save Rushing from a plunking. After the game Thursday, he again downplayed the matter and said he was fine with the HBP, per the California Post:
“I like getting on base,” Rushing said. “If it was intentional, I’ll take it. I’ll take what I deserve.”
Webb, meanwhile, pleaded ignorance, responding, “What thing with Jung Hoo?” when asked about the pitch. We’ll see if MLB accepts that as a defense, as intentional plunkings often lead to pitcher fines.
Rushing also appeared to respond right after getting hit by Webb, with a hard slide into Giants shortstop Willy Adames.
This is the second time this season that Rushing has experienced bad blood with an NL West opponent. In the Dodgers’ series against the Colorado Rockies last weekend, he accused the Rockies of doing something “fishy” (i.e. sign-stealing) and ended up getting relentlessly mocked by Colorado for the rest of the series.
All of that is coming amid a torrid start to the season for Rushing after a quiet rookie year. Through play Thursday, he is slashing .419/.486/1.161 with seven homers. Despite playing in only 10 games this season, he is tied for seventh in the National League in home runs.
The Dodgers’ win Thursday also salvaged the series for the defending champs, who are tied with the San Diego Padres for the NL West lead at 17-8. The Giants, meanwhile, are in fourth at 11-14.
The Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants rivalry is still going strong.
Following a 3-0 win over the Giants on Thursday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts accused Giants ace Logan Webb of intentionally plunking Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing following an incident from two nights ago, according to Dave Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports.
The pitch in question came in the sixth inning, when Webb hit Rushing in the ribs with a 91.3-mph fastball with one out and a 1-0 count.
Great job by Logan Webb sending a message to Dalton Rushing while trailing by 3 runs pic.twitter.com/KLck2IVKaB
The context for that pitch — namely, why the Giants might not be big fans of the Dodgers’ backup catcher right now — goes back to Tuesday night, when Rushing was at the plate and Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee made a break for home.
The ball beat Lee to the plate, resulting in a third out and some glancing contact that left Lee on the ground and possibly injured. As Rushing walked off the field, cameras caught him appearing to say something various observers interpreted as, “F*** em.”
Dalton Rushing after seeing Jung Hoo Lee possibly injured in a play at the plate (I’m pretty sure):
It was a story that didn’t paint Rushing in the best light. But comeuppance had to wait until Thursday, as Rushing was out of the Dodgers’ lineup on Wednesday.
However, Rushing and Lee appeared to spend Wednesday burying the hatchet. Rushing told the Los Angeles Times he had checked in to see if Lee was OK and said he hoped to speak with him Thursday. He and Roberts also denied that he said what he was accused of saying:
“I used a word, but it was not what was said that was said. I’ll just leave it at that. There was no direction toward him.
“I just think some people make something out of nothing.”
Lee, meanwhile, spoke with Rushing via countryman and Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim and got an apology, via MLB.com:
“Not sure what the media was going through, but I met with [Hyeseong Kim]. Rushing explained that he wanted to make an [apology] if there was any kind of misunderstanding.”
That apparently didn’t save Rushing from a plunking. After the game Thursday, he again downplayed the matter and said he was fine with the HBP, per the California Post:
“I like getting on base,” Rushing said. “If it was intentional, I’ll take it. I’ll take what I deserve.”
Webb, meanwhile, pleaded ignorance, responding, “What thing with Jung Hoo?” when asked about the pitch. We’ll see if MLB accepts that as a defense, as intentional plunkings often lead to pitcher fines.
Rushing also appeared to respond right after getting hit by Webb, with a hard slide into Giants shortstop Willy Adames.
This is the second time this season that Rushing has experienced bad blood with an NL West opponent. In the Dodgers’ series against the Colorado Rockies last weekend, he accused the Rockies of doing something “fishy” (i.e. sign-stealing) and ended up getting relentlessly mocked by Colorado for the rest of the series.
All of that is coming amid a torrid start to the season for Rushing after a quiet rookie year. Through play Thursday, he is slashing .419/.486/1.161 with seven homers. Despite playing in only 10 games this season, he is tied for seventh in the National League in home runs.
The Dodgers’ win Thursday also salvaged the series for the defending champs, who are tied with the San Diego Padres for the NL West lead at 17-8. The Giants, meanwhile, are in fourth at 11-14.
The Denver Nuggets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Denver and the series’ next two games will be in Minneapolis. Nuggets starting forward Aaron Gordon will miss the game with a calf strain.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Game 1:Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105 Game 2:Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114 Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video) Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC) *Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)
The Denver Nuggets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Denver and the series’ next two games will be in Minneapolis. Nuggets starting forward Aaron Gordon will miss the game with a calf strain.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Game 1:Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105 Game 2:Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114 Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video) Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC) *Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 18:Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Sean Finucane/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Even on their off day, the Orioles managed to find a way to put a player on the injured list. The team placed starting pitcher Dean Kremer on the 15-day injured list with an announced right quad strain. As a corresponding move, pitcher Brandon Young was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.
Kremer was the guy on turn to start tomorrow’s game against the Red Sox, so that’s wiped right out by this injury. Young is now set to start the game instead. The roster maneuvering is neat enough. The 27-year-old Young was no good in 12 starts a year ago, though he made a nice first 2026 impression with a five-inning spot start against the White Sox back on April 6. Young allowed two hits while keeping Chicago off the board in that game.
Since this move was announced on the off day, there was not an immediate media availability to give an indication of how severe the team believes the injury to be and how long Kremer might be out. The move is retroactive to April 20. Kremer can be brought back 15 days after that.
This is assuming that Kremer is healthy and ready to go. There was no indication that he might be hurt when he delivered a delightful mid-game interview on MASN earlier in the week. It’s more tough luck for a guy who was shuffled to the minors to begin this season and didn’t get recalled even when Zach Eflin went down with a torn UCL. Kremer only got to make two starts before his own trip to the injured list. He allowed five earned runs in 11 innings, a 4.09 ERA. That is almost perfectly in line with the full season ERAs from 2023, 2024, and 2025.
There are a number of injured Orioles about whom we could get updates from manager Craig Albernaz on Friday. The team certainly knows what was on Jackson Holliday’s wrist MRI by now. There could be updates on any of the relievers Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, and Andrew Kittredge. There might be an update or even news regarding Tyler O’Neill’s progression in returning from a concussion.
With Young arriving to replace Kremer, the Orioles also set their remaining starters for the weekend. Trevor Rogers is set to pitch on Saturday, with Kyle Bradish pitching on Sunday. The team has used the off day Thursday to give those guys an extra day of rest. If they had wanted to, they could have skipped Kremer’s turn and had Rogers and Bradish pitch on regular rest on Friday and Saturday.
