Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: Rockets searching for direction following playoff exit

The Houston Rockets looked poised for a favorable first-round matchup against a depleted Los Angeles Lakers squad missing Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to begin the series, with LeBron James at 41. Unexpectedly, Kevin Durant missed five of six games due to a bone bruise, leaving Houston without its star. The Rockets pushed the series to six games but ultimately fell short, scoring just 78 points in the series-ending loss to LA. Durant’s absence highlighted the central tension of Houston’s season — relying on an aging star and raising questions for fantasy managers heading into next year.

Let’s recap the Rockets’ season and look ahead to 2026-27.

Durant appeared in 78 regular-season games, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists, 1.7 stocks per game with 52/41/87 shooting splits. Even at 37, he was an elite, stabilizing presence who kept the Rockets afloat through a season with several rough patches. Houston finished 52-30, fourth place in the West, but could easily have been higher in the standings. When Durant was healthy and locked in, the Rockets looked like contenders. When he wasn’t, the cracks showed fast — and the younger players didn’t do nearly enough to consistently pick up the slack. That’s the uncomfortable truth heading into the offseason. Depending on a player of Durant’s age to be your life raft every night is not a sustainable model and fantasy managers saw enough inconsistency throughout the year to view this team more as pretenders than contenders. Durant performed to his second-round ADP, ranking 21st in High Score and 17th in 9-cat leagues in his 18th NBA season. The efficiency and consistency are pretty remarkable at this age.

This is the headline issue for fantasy managers. Fred VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 season with an ACL tear. His absence alone exposed how dependent this roster is on having a true table-setter. Without VanVleet, the Rockets deployed the second-youngest starting lineup in NBA playoff history and leaned heavily on their young core to generate offense. The season-long experiment didn’t go according to plan.

Amen Thompson took over as the primary ball-handler for much of the season. While his decision-making and ball security still have some warts, he thrives as an off-ball slasher and roamer from the dunker spot, which helps raise his field goal percentage. His ability to attack without the ball and finish efficiently remains a valuable asset even as the team waits for VanVleet’s return. Still, Thompson was a strong fantasy asset in an expanded role, ranking inside the top 40 in both High Score and 9-cats leagues after averaging 18-7-5 with 1.5 steals per contest.

VanVleet is expected back next season, which matters — but until he proves he can return at full health, point duties will likely stay with a combination of Thompson, Alperen Şengün and Reed Sheppard.

Alperen Şengün once again did his thing, but the execution was at times frustrating. The counting stats are excellent across the board: points, rebounds, assists, stocks. He fills it up. It’s why he ranked 13th in High Score. But the problems are equally consistent: turnovers remain a real liability and his free-throw shooting continues to drag down his 9-cat value. When he’s efficient, he’s a top-30 asset in that format versus a top-60 guy.

Sheppard was one of my sleepers until I learned Ime Udoka didn’t trust him. Udoka pretty much waited until he had no other options in the backcourt before starting Sheppard and playing him 30+ minutes. I think he’ll be a more effective fantasy player if he gets 25-30 minutes next season as the sixth man. He’s a good shooter who generates stocks well for his size and just has to get more comfortable adapting to the physicality of the NBA. I could see him being selected by the 10th round next season with a more secure rotational spot.

VanVleet returns on an expiring contract, and his presence alone raises the ceiling of this team immediately. He’s a prime bounce-back target in fantasy — a reliable source of assists, 3s and steals who should be available in the middle rounds after a full year off. Tari Eason is a restricted free agent this summer and has been vocal about wanting an expanded role and a real payday — how that situation resolves shapes the depth of this roster considerably. Then you have to wonder, is Udoka’s job security actually secure?

KD, Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. are all locked in for at least two seasons, giving Houston a stable core, but extending Thompson should be one of their key focus areas. The wrinkle — what if a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available this offseason? These young rotational pieces become very attractive trade fodder. The Rockets have the assets and the cap flexibility to make a splash. Stay tuned.

After dreadful season-ending loss at home, the Rockets have no shortage of questions about their future

HOUSTON — A few hours after the dust had settled from a seismic Game 3 collapse, when the quiet consumed the halls of Toyota Center, disenchanted team governor Tilman Fertitta, surrounded by friends and family, trudged toward the loading dock.

A pair of hands calmly rested on Fertitta’s back, an attempt to lift the spirits of the typically cheerful 68-year-old as he embarked on the same gloomy path he had become all too familiar with. The previous instances, two separate Game 7 losses seven years apart, represented a franchise at different checkpoints but in the same underlying condition. And while Game 3 wasn’t the ultimate undoing of Houston’s season — a listless, languid effort in Friday’s 98-78 Game 6 loss to a Los Angeles Lakers team without Luka Doncic ended its season — it served as an inflection point; a crumbling at the season’s most critical juncture, a coaching chasm and fatal roster flaws. 

“Everybody’s disappointed,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said following his team’s second consecutive first-round exit. “Not what we expected coming into the game tonight or the series in general. We all thought we’d be taking it back for Game 7. But to your point, a tough night for a lot of guys. It’s tough when a lot of guys are struggling like that, and we need somebody to step up.”

(Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports illustration)

What had begun as a season of optimism, excitement and expectations has ended in yet another embarrassing postseason defeat, one that has sparked even more questions about the flexibility and viability of a franchise that has oscillated between development and contention, a risky two-timeline approach that is rarely successful at basketball’s highest level. 

“It feels like two years in a row in the playoffs getting behind the 8-ball a little bit,” Udoka said. 

In the days leading up to the start of the playoffs, the mood around the team was upbeat and confident. Houston’s players, who had huddled together to watch the final day of the regular season — which included a Spurs win over the Nuggets, solidifying the Lakers as their first-round opponent — had expressed satisfaction with the outcome, embracing the prospect of facing an injury-ravaged team with only the 41-year-old LeBron James to realistically worry about on the scouting report. 

Just two weeks later, the Rockets’ biggest internal fears were exposed. Superstar forward Kevin Durant, who had represented a beacon of efficiency and durability during the regular season (playing the most minutes since his 2013-14 season) missed all but one game in the series with knee and ankle ailments, an absence that thrust Houston’s young players into the spotlight once again. A team that had struggled in a number of key areas for months — crunchtime execution, halfcourt efficiency, 3-point frequency and overall shot making — suddenly looked like a group that was haphazardly put together, not one that had spent the better part of eight months together. Durant’s absence, coupled with season-ending injuries to both point guard Fred VanVleet and key reserve center Steven Adams, created a mishmash lacking a true shot creator, an organizer and one of the best offensive rebounders and possession extenders in basketball. 

“It’s nights like this where guys are struggling, you want a 25-, 26-point scorer on the efficiency and the way he does it to avoid some of these nights,” Udoka said of Durant’s absence. “Myself and the coaches said that these are the nights you have [Durant] for. Throughout the season, he carried us on nights like this.”

(It certainly didn’t help that players like Reed Sheppard, who shot 4 for 19 from the field and 1 for 10 from 3 in Game 6, had clear issues creating separation at the point of attack and encountered frequent roadblocks on mismatches, as did starting center Alperen Şengün. Sprinkle in some inconsistent shot-making from Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, and a second unit that looked completely out of its depth, and the result is unsurprising.)

To add insult to injury, the bulk of damage was done at the hands of James, who looked and moved 10 years younger as he spearheaded the controls at both ends of the floor. The playoff chess match became a playground for Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who seemingly had an answer for Udoka at every turn. When Durant was on the floor, frequent doubles were sent his way, the timing and angles of which confused Houston. Without Durant, Los Angeles did well to introduce switching, further stagnating an already methodical Houston offense, controlling the tempo, boards and ultimately chaos the Rockets had thrived on over the past few days in attempts to wrestle back momentum after falling behind 3-0 in the series. That Houston was so anemic offensively in Game 6 — shooting 35% from the field and 17.9% from 3, turning the ball over 14 times and getting dominated on the glass — represented a microcosm of the entire series and a clear sign Redick had bested Udoka. 

“We couldn’t generate any good offense,” Smith said. “Kudos to JJ and them over there. It was tough on the offensive end for us. The first game was easing into it, expecting it to happen and not working to get or sustain leads. I think it was the starts that really affected us. You can’t start off in a playoff series like that, lackadaisical. I think we waited too long to get into the series, honestly.”

Kevin Durant (middle) and Fred VanVleet (right) watch Game 6 in street clothes on Friday night.
Kenneth Richmond via Getty Images

Over the next few weeks and months, as the Rockets braintrust attempts to turn the page and prepare for another run at a championship, clarity and cohesion must remain at the top of the to-do list. At this juncture, there are no plans to move on from either Udoka or general manager Rafael Stone, sources told Yahoo Sports. Ownership has remained steadfast in its belief in a three-pronged leadership sector because of a combination of the turnaround in recent years and consecutive 50-win seasons, the latter of which was marked by major injuries — resulting in confidence from the top down. One of the prevailing internal beliefs concerning this roster is assuming that VanVleet and Adams are healthy — along with Durant — the Rockets aren’t too far removed from Western Conference powers Oklahoma City and San Antonio. 

Still, there is an understanding that the current roster, as constructed, is not a blue-chip contender, which is where Houston’s penchant for aggression comes in. As it stands, the Rockets should enter next season as a below-the-tax, below-the-apron franchise with about $15 million in wiggle room. Houston’s brass will congregate and emphasize improvement with a sliding scale of trades, free agency and internal growth. In that regard, nothing is off the table, sources said. 

“Take an overall look at the group,” Udoka said. “Areas of improvement no doubt. Not just hoping Fred and Steven come back so it’s not like we’re basing everything on them coming back. Our young guys will take steps — I think they did that this year and will definitely come back better next year. But we do need to address needs. Lack of shooting at times, whether it’s a backup point guard or whether our young guys did enough this year to run that route with Fred back. Take a look at all those things and have some very interesting conversations on having a little more of a mix instead of some duplicates out there. … I’ll get to it ASAP.”

Last summer’s blockbuster acquisition of Durant — a win-now move that cost Houston two key members of its core — was an indication the organization is willing to make sizable changes when the opportunity arises and still operate under the same guise. Similar to Durant, the Rockets won’t necessarily pigeonhole or wed themselves to one type of star, but desired additions such as the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and the 76ers’ Joel Embiid, among others, will be discussed, sources said, but fit, opportunity cost and price go hand in hand. 

“I cannot do anything about those conversations,” Şengün said about being potentially brought up in trade talks. “It is what it is. That’s the front office’s job, I can’t do anything about it. Wherever I go or if I’m staying here, I’m going to do what I do.”

The second lever, keeping the bulk of the roster intact and adding around the margins, is also a possibility. The whispers of internal regret at the lack of movement around the trade deadline and buyout market only grew louder in Udoka’s postgame admissions — especially considering the relatively low cost of guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. Team sources indicated a number of discussions were had around the trade deadline and the period before the expiration of buyout additions about a host of guards (and big men) that could have potentially been released but ended up staying put. Other possible targets, like free agent Lonzo Ball, who’s still unsigned, had red flags concerning durability and little to no market. The Rockets finished the year with the fourth-worst halfcourt efficiency in the playoffs and just outside the bottom 10 during the regular season. 

“You don’t go into the season preparing to be without your starting point guard who averages 40 minutes a game,” Smith said about VanVleet. “It’s a tough adjustment in that sense. We tried to adjust around it, but it’s tough not having somebody who does so much for this team, leadership-wise, on the court. It’s just hard to replicate what he does on the floor as a shot-maker, facilitator and leader.”

The third, and perhaps the cleanest avenue, is internal growth. Eason, for example, will be a restricted free agent this offseason, but Houston plans to re-engage in conversations around a long-term deal following the conclusion of the Finals, team sources said, in hopes of striking an agreement ahead of July 1. In the event that both parties fail to reach a common middle ground — there’s an understanding the 24-year-old could change management ahead of a pivotal summer — and Eason signs an offer sheet elsewhere, Houston, which still values his two-way contributions, would be expected to match. The Rockets will also meet with Thompson in hopes of agreeing to an extension, team sources said. (The 23-year-old is eligible to sign a five-year, $252 million max extension, according to the CBA and salary-cap analysts.) VanVleet has a $25 million player option for the 2026-27 season, but the Rockets, who are confident the veteran guard wishes to remain in Houston, will speak with him about either picking up the option or declining it for a longer deal, sources said. 

Ultimately, regardless of which route the Rockets take, multi-faceted improvement remains non-negotiable. Udoka and his coaching staff, after consecutive postseason exits marked by being outworked and outmaneuvered, must update their software. The players who return must diversify their offensive portfolios. And Stone, along with a front office that has leaned toward caution over aggression, must be better. It is now an inflection point, much like the one Fertitta found himself facing on his way out of the arena, which will determine the future for a franchise that is still searching for more. 

Plane flies above Fenway Park urging Red Sox to fire Craig Breslow, sell the team

A banner towed by a small plane above Fenway Park on Friday urged the ownership of the Boston Red Sox to sell the team.

As the Red Sox and Houston Astros took batting practice ahead of their game Friday night, the plane flew overhead with the banner reading: “FIRE CRAIG! SELL THE TEAM!”

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and principal owner John Henry were the targets with the team sitting last in the AL East. Boston would beat Houston 3-1 on Friday, but remain eight games behind the division-leading New York Yankees with a 13-19 record.

The poor start led to Breslow firing manager Alex Cora on Apil 25 with Chad Tracy taking over as interim manager.

The “sell the team” message has not just been seen in the skies; it has also been heard throughout Fenway Park this season, especially after the Red Sox were swept at home last weekend by the Yankees.

Breslow, who played 12 MLB seasons and was part of the Red Sox’s 2013 World Series-winning team, was hired by Boston after the 2023 season following four years as an executive with the Chicago Cubs. Henry, as part of Fenway Sports Group, has owned the Red Sox since 2001 and overseen the team winning four World Series.

NBA playoffs 2026: Where to watch tonight’s games, TV schedule and more

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the first round will wrap up by this weekend. Conference semifinals are then scheduled to begin on May 4. You can catch the tournament across Prime Video, ABC, NBC/Peacock, and ESPN. Here’s what you need to know so you won’t miss a single game of the 2026 NBA playoffs. 

Dates: April 14 – June, 2026

TV channel: NBC, ESPN, ABC

Streaming: Peacock, Prime Video, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV and more

NBA playoff games will be broadcast across Prime Video, NBC, ABC, and ESPN. 

NBA playoff games that air on NBC will also stream on Peacock. Games on ABC and ESPN are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited. You can find all these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV and YouTube TV. 

All times Eastern

May 1

  • Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

  • Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: 7:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

  • Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 9:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

May 2

  • Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

May 3(if necessary)

  • Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic: TBD

  • Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors: TBD

  • Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets: TBD

May 4

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD

  • San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

May 6

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD

  • San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

May 8

  • Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD

  • Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD

May 10

  • Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD

  • Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD

May 12(if necessary)

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

May 14(if necessary)

  • Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD

May 15(if necessary)

  • Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD

May 17(if necessary)

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

  • May 4: Conference Semifinals begin (can move up to May 2 or 3)

  • May 19: Eastern Conference Finals begin on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17)

  • May 20: Western Conference Finals begin on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18)

  • June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

How to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs with DIRECTV: Game schedule, where to stream and more

The 2026 NBA playoffs continue this weekend. You can catch NBA playoff games on ABC, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. Looking to watch the tournament with just one streaming service? We’ve (almost) got you covered. With DIRECTV’s MySports® Genre Pack®, you’ll have everything you need to tune in, apart from Prime Video — but who doesn’t have access to an Amazon account these days, anyway?

Here’s what you need to know so you won’t miss a single game of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. 

Dates: April 18 – June, 2026

TV channels: NBC, ESPN, ABC

Streaming: DIRECTV

NBA playoff games will be broadcast across Prime Video, NBC, ABC, and ESPN. 

NBA playoff games that air on NBC, ABC, and ESPN are all available to stream with DIRECTV’s MySports® Genre Pack®, which includes access to ESPN (and the ESPN Unlimited streaming tier), local ABC, and NBC.

Cancel anytime. Local channels vary by market. Blackout restrictions apply. Select sales channels only.

This will not replace any existing Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, or Disney bundle subscription you may already have. All other accounts must be managed separately. You must remain on an eligible plan to retain your offer.

Note: You’ll still need Amazon Prime access to catch the Prime Video-exclusive NBA playoff games — but who doesn’t have Amazon Prime access these days?

As Senior Yahoo Tech writer Rick Broida puts it, DIRECTV is the “polished and likable” cable alternative that cord-cutters have been searching for. Miss flipping through endless channels on the hunt for a gem to tune into? DIRECTV’s got one of the best channel guides out there. And in terms of content diversity, DIRECTV has you covered there, too, with packages ranging from hyper-specific Genre Packs for sports fans and reality TV zealots to full-coverage options for TV fans who want it all. Sports fans, meanwhile, will appreciate that ESPN Unlimited is included with many DIRECTV plans to boot. And don’t worry about missing your favorite shows, either: In addition to live channels, DIRECTV offers a full range of on-demand programming and unlimited DVR, too. That’s why we called DIRECTV the best cable TV replacement in the streaming world.

All times Eastern

May 1

  • Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

  • Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: 7:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

  • Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 9:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

May 2

  • Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

May 3(if necessary)

  • Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic: TBD

  • Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors: TBD

  • Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets: TBD

May 4

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD

  • San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

May 6

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD

  • San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

May 8

  • Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD

  • Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD

May 10

  • Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD

  • Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD

May 12(if necessary)

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

May 14(if necessary)

  • Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD

May 15(if necessary)

  • Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD

May 17(if necessary)

  • New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD

  • May 4: Conference Semifinals begin (can move up to May 2 or 3)

  • May 19: Eastern Conference Finals begin on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17)

  • May 20: Western Conference Finals begin on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18)

  • June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

Phillies walk off Giants twice to sweep doubleheader as Kyle Schwarber becomes ninth active MLB player to hit 350 home runs

While managing the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, Don Mattingly oversaw a midseason turnaround that called for a greater escape than the one his Philadelphia Phillies need to make it out of the National League cellar this season.

Three games into his run as the Phillies’ interim manager, there’s optimism that the former Dodgers and Miami Marlins skipper can get a team with the largest payroll in franchise history back on track toward the postseason after Rob Thomson’s firing.

In Game 1 of a split doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday, the Phillies emerged victorious in walk-off fashion. Then they did the same thing in Game 2.

Philadelphia became the first team in 22 years to win both games of a doubleheader via walkoff.

The 3-2 comeback win in the opener was clinched with an infield single from rookie outfielder Justin Crawford, who, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, joined Baseball Hall of Famer Scott Rolen as the second Phillies player in the last 50 years with multiple walk-off RBI at 22 years old or younger.

The Phillies (11-19) entered the ninth inning trailing the Giants (13-17) by one run. Facing a 2-1 deficit, Adolis García reached first on an infield single of his own. He scored on a game-tying Bryson Stott triple down the right-field line.

Soon after, with Stott still on third and two outs, Crawford went the opposite way, sending a ground ball to shortstop. Crawford, a 2022 first-round pick of the Phillies, raced to first and beat the throw, plating Stott in the process.

The Phillies’ lone run before that came in the bottom of the first inning, after the Giants staked themselves to a 2-0 lead in the top half of the frame.

Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber lifted a 91-mph cutter from San Francisco starter Logan Webb 406 feet into the second deck of the right-field seats.

With that swing, Schwarber became the ninth active MLB player to hit 350 home runs. It was his 10th big fly of the season and 197th dinger with the Phillies, whom he started playing with during the 2022 campaign.

The Phillies, who also took the series opener 7-0 on Tuesday, made up Wednesday’s rained-out game in Game 2 of Thursday’s doubleheader. They won that 6-5 after Schwarber tied the game with a two-out double in the bottom of the ninth inning and Alec Bohm drove in the decisive run with a sacrifice fly in the 10th.

NBA fines Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson $50K, Hawks’ Dyson Daniels $25K after ejections for Game 6 altercation

New York Knicks forward Mitchell Robinson and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels have both been fined by the NBA for their role in a scuffle during Game 6, the league announced Friday. Robinson was fined $50,000, while Daniels was fined $25,000.

In the second quarter of the Knicks’ historic beatdown over the Hawks, Robinson and Daniels got tangled up after a free throw attempt, sparking a fight between the two teams that spilled over into the courtside seats. Both Robinson and Daniels were given technical fouls and were ejected.

Per the NBA, Robinson’s fine was greater than Daniels’ because of an “inappropriate post on social media in reference to the incident postgame.” The league did not clarify which post, but Robinson did repost a profane video on his Instagram story after the game.

The scrum came just before the Knicks posted a 47-point lead at halftime, the most in the history of the NBA playoffs. New York ended up winning the game 140-89, going up by as many as 61 points in the absurd win.

It’s been a fine-heavy playoffs already, with the league handing down punishments for everything ranging from egregious, uncalled fouls to calling officials out by name. Earlier this week, the NBA gave fines to Nikola Jokić and Julius Randle for their own scuffle in the Minnesota Timberwolves-Denver Nuggets game on Saturday, and fined Los Angeles Lakers guards Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart for arguing with officials on Sunday.

NBA fines Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson $50K, Hawks’ Dyson Daniels $25K after ejections for Game 6 altercation

New York Knicks forward Mitchell Robinson and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels have both been fined by the NBA for their role in a scuffle during Game 6, the league announced Friday. Robinson was fined $50,000, while Daniels was fined $25,000.

In the second quarter of the Knicks’ historic beatdown over the Hawks, Robinson and Daniels got tangled up after a free throw attempt, sparking a fight between the two teams that spilled over into the courtside seats. Both Robinson and Daniels were given technical fouls and were ejected.

Per the NBA, Robinson’s fine was greater than Daniels’ because of an “inappropriate post on social media in reference to the incident postgame.” The league did not clarify which post, but Robinson did repost a profane video on his Instagram story after the game.

The scrum came just before the Knicks posted a 47-point lead at halftime, the most in the history of the NBA playoffs. New York ended up winning the game 140-89, going up by as many as 61 points in the absurd win.

It’s been a fine-heavy playoffs already, with the league handing down punishments for everything ranging from egregious, uncalled fouls to calling officials out by name. Earlier this week, the NBA gave fines to Nikola Jokić and Julius Randle for their own scuffle in the Minnesota Timberwolves-Denver Nuggets game on Saturday, and fined Los Angeles Lakers guards Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart for arguing with officials on Sunday.

Bruins vs. Sabres Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 6 of NHL Playoffs Series

Bruins vs. Sabres Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 6 of NHL Playoffs Series originally appeared on NESN.
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The Boston Bruins return to TD Garden looking to stay alive in Game 6 against the Buffalo Sabres.

Trailing 3-1 in the series, Boston stayed alive on the road in Buffalo thanks to an overtime goal from David Pastrnak; now, the Bruins need a win in front of the home crowd to force a Game 7 on Sunday.

Marco Sturm’s squad will be looking for a different effort in Boston this time around. In Games 3 and 4, Buffalo was able to take a commanding lead in the series, outscoring the Bruins 9-1 over two games. With their backs against the wall, expect an all-out effort from the Bruins in what could be their final home game of the season.

Follow along for live updates as the Bruins look to force a Game 7 against the Sabres.

Bruins vs. Sabres score

1 2 3 F
Sabres 2 0 2
Bruins 0 1 1

Bruins vs. Sabres live updates, highlights from Game 6

9:01 p.m.: The teams continue to play without stoppage as the clock ticks under four minutes in the second.

It’s been eight minutes without a whistle as Buffalo leads 2-1.

8:57 p.m.: Right after the midway point in the game, Boston has a chance right in front of Lyon with bodies by the crease, but the puck stays out.

Then, on the other end, Swayman makes a save on Bowen Byram.

8:55 p.m.: This is the best Bruins kill yet, limiting Buffalo until the teams are back to 5-on-5. But, Boston has not had a shot since the Pastrnak goal, which was over seven minutes ago.

8:51 p.m.: The Sabres are heading back to the power play for the third time tonight.

It’s a minor penalty on Morgan Geekie.

8:47 p.m.: Five minutes in, the Bruins are still trailing 2-1 but are showing life.

Neither team has had sustained offensive zone time in the second since the goal. Shots are 12-9 Buffalo.

Sabres 2, Bruins 1

8:41 p.m. GOAL: Boston gets the response it needed to start the period, and it’s the superstar Pastrnak.

No. 88 forces the turnover then it’s a 2-on-1 with Zacha, who dishes Pastrnak for a one-timer past Lyon. It’s his third goal of the series.

The Sabres lead is cut in half early in the second.

8:38 p.m.: It’s time for period two in Boston.

The Bruins desperately need a response to keep the season alive.

End of the first period: Sabres 2, Bruins 0

8:20 p.m.: Though the Bruins had a few chances, it’s 2-0 at the end of the first period.

Two goals by Buffalo, the early one by Tuch and a second by Samuelsson, have Boston up against the ropes. Lyon has made every save so far, and though the Bruins have not played terribly in front of Swayman, the goaltender had no chance on either goal.

Boston needs a response in the second period. 

8:13 p.m.: Now, Elias Lindholm gets a Grade-A chance on the other side for the Bruins, but it’s saved by Lyon.

Shots are 9-6 for Buffalo with 2:44 left in the first.

8:12 p.m.: Buffalo is now 0-for-2 on the power play, yet the score stays 2-0 for the road team.

The Sabres have been able to get bodies in front of Swayman, who has had to make some difficult saves.

8:07 p.m.: Things keep going downhill for the Bruins, who will be down a man for the second time in the first period.

Now, it’s Jonathan Aspirot who goes off for a tripping penalty. Boston desperately needs a kill.

Sabres 2, Bruins 0

8:02 p.m. GOAL: Boston got a few chances, but just like that it’s 2-0 Buffalo.

It’s Mattias Samuelsson who gets the goal, wristing a shot through traffic and past Swayman, who did not have a chance on the puck.

The Sabres lead 2-0 in the first and the pressure is on Boston.

8:00 p.m.: Casey Mittelstadt has the first big chance for the Bruins, in alone for a breakaway, but Lyons makes two saves, one on the initial chance and one on the rebound.

The Bruins crowd is in the game after the opportunity.

7:57 p.m.: The Bruins have killed the power play, allowing three shots which were all saved by Swayman, including one on Dahlin with traffic in front.

The teams are back at even strength with 11:29 left in the first.

7:52 p.m.: Now, Buffalo is heading to the power play.

The penalty is on Hampus Lindholm, who heads to the box for a cross-checking, giving the Buffalo man advantage its first opportunity.

So far, there has been just one shot on goal, which came from Tuch. Boston is still looking to test Alex Lyon for the first time.

Sabres 1, Bruins 0

7:46 p.m. GOAL: The Sabres have been on the attack early, and now they strike first.

It’s Alex Tuch, who is sitting in front alone and gets a pass from Rasmus Dahlin for an easy tap in. It’s Tuch’s fourth goal of the series.

With it, the Sabres have the first lead of the night.

7:41 p.m.: We are underway in Game 6.

Buffalo looks to close out the series and the Bruins try to stay alive.

7:33 p.m.: Game 6 is moments away, with teams about to take the ice.

Follow along for live updates and highlights throughout the night as the Bruins look to stay alive.

7:26 p.m.: Boston has its back against the wall, but Bruins fans are used to being in this position.

Since 2011, the Bruins have played in 25 elimination games, posting a record of 12–13. Their 2011 Stanley Cup run was built on survival, as they went a perfect 3–0 in Game 7s that year (against Montreal, Tampa Bay, and Vancouver).

The last elimination game the Bruins played on home ice was Game 7 of the first round in 2024 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. David Pastrnak scored the game winner in overtime to punch Boston’s ticket to the second round.

7:15 p.m.: Puck drop is approaching in Boston.

The Bruins are still looking for their first 2026 playoff win in front of their home crowd.

7:08 p.m.: Here’s the full lines for the Bruins during warmups.

6:57 p.m.: Here’s what Charlie McAvoy had to say earlier today about Game 6.

The defenseman has two points in five games so far,

6:42 p.m.: Boston will be rolling with the same exact lines from Game 5.

6:30 p.m.: Boston is looking for a different performance in front of their home crowd than in Games 3 and 4, when it was outscored 9-1 and went down 3-1 in the series.

This time around, with what’s at stake, the Bruins will need a much better performance.

6:15 p.m.: Since the last time out, Boston’s goaltender has something new to add to his pedigree. The NHL announced that Jeremy Swayman is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the best goaltender in the NHL.

6:05 p.m.: The Bruins are in the house for Game 6. Morgan Geekie had to rep Pastrnak.

6:00 p.m.: Boston forced a Game 6 thanks to David Pastrnak, who scored the overtime winner in a 2-1 win over the Sabres in Game 5.

How to watch Bruins vs. Sabres Game 6: TV channel, live stream

Game 6 between the Bruins and Sabres will air locally on NESN. Fans looking to stream the game can do so on NESN 360 or fubo.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Bruins vs. Sabres Game 6 start time

  • Date: Friday, May 1
  • Time: 7:30 p.m.

Puck drop for Bruins vs. Sabres is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The game will be played at TD Garden in Boston, Mass.

Bruins vs. Sabres schedule: Sabres lead 3-2

Date Game Time (ET) TV/Live stream
April 19 Game 1: Sabres 4, Bruins 3 — —
April 21 Game 2: Bruins 4, Sabres 2 — —
April 23 Game 3: Sabres 3, Bruins 1 — —
April 26 Game 4: Sabres6, Bruins 0  — —
April 28 Game 5: Bruins 2, Sabres 1 — —
May 1 Game 6: Sabres vs. Bruins 7:30 p.m. NESN, NESN 360, fubo
May 3 Game 7*: Bruins vs. Sabres TBD TBD

*If necessary

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