The San Francisco Giants made headlines this weekend with their first big trade of the season, dealing Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Browns. Although this immediately opened up more playing time for Daniel Susack and Jesus Rodriguez, there was reportedly another strategy behind it.

Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reported that part of the Giants’ objective with the trade is to set themselves up to select shortstop Roch Cholowski in the 2026 MLB Draft.

As part of the trade, San Francisco received the 29th overall pick from the Guardians. While first-round selections in the MLB Draft cannot be traded, selections in the competitive balance round can be dealt. So, San Francisco now has two top-30 selections along with four of the top-90 selections.

The acquisition of the 29th overall pick also means they will receive an additional $3.27 million in bonus pool money. According to MLB.com, he now has the fourth-largest bonus pool at $17.35 million. This allows them to go above the slot value for the fourth overall pick ($8.988 million), theoretically giving them the flexibility to sign Cholowski if he’s on the board.

Will the Giants draft Roch Cholowski?

6-foot-2 shortstop Roch Cholowski is widely viewed as the best player in the 2026 MLB draft class. UCLA’s star shortstop has been excellent this season, posting a .338/.463/.707 triple-slash line with 59 RBIs and 21 home runs in 198 at-bats.

The right-handed hitter is rated as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft class by MLB Pipeline, with ESPN.com’s Kiley McDaniel and Baseball America also rating Cholowski as the top player available.

However, there is a loophole in this reported objective that veterans may or may not have as part of belly trading. Cholowski will not be available at the fourth pick. Even on the off chance that the Chicago White Sox would pass on the UCLA shortstop, the Tampa Bay Rays would take him.

San Francisco would also like to get their hands on Georgia Tech catcher Von Lackey, but he is widely speculated to either be taken second overall by Tampa Bay or selected third overall by the Minnesota Twins. In all likelihood the Giants will choose between UC Santa Barbara starting pitcher Jackson Flora or prep shortstop Jacob Lombard. With the 29th overall pick, there is a higher chance that the team will grab a prospect who falls short of his asking price and they move on to sign him.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

brighton and hove albion Star Matt Wiffer believes he could be at Real Madrid now if his early development had continued at his previous pace.

Twenty Fans reports on Wiffer’s comments today Made in the Netherlands in an interview with Amazon.

real madrid confidence

The Dutch midfielder, who now plays as a right-back, is on loan from Brighton after joining him for €30m in 2024.

He was a record transfer to his former club FC Twente, where he came through the youth ranks at the club. His growth was rapid there and has continued in Brighton ever since.

He was asked about that rapid development, but stood by his stance on whether he felt he could have ended up at Real Madrid.

“If things had continued at the same pace, I would have been at Real Madrid right now,” He said.

“Of course, it is unrealistic to expect to reach the top level immediately, so I made a conscious decision not to join a top level club immediately.”

brighton transfer plan

Like many, the Dutchman deliberately chose Brighton for the development path they offer players. Under the leadership of Fabian Herzeler they are benefiting from this.

“Coming here was a very conscious decision, and they knew me very well,” He added.

“This is an amazing club. We sit just below the top tier and are pushing to establish ourselves among England’s elite. Naturally, there are ups and downs, especially since we have such a young squad.”

premier league adaptation

Mats Wiffer is now a regular in the Brighton team, although this has required him to adapt to a new role as a right-back.

It appears he has finally adapted to life in England and the Premier League. And he admits it took some time for that to happen.

“Things are going well for me personally now, but it definitely took some getting used to in the beginning,” He concluded.

“The English understand that players need time to settle in during their first year. James Milner actually mentioned this to me. He commented that while it’s impressive when players adapt quickly, it’s a really difficult process, something I’ve certainly experienced first-hand.”

southampton Scouts have been sent to watch FC Porto win the title against Alverca, but their recruitment thinking is clouded by one major uncertainty.

His visit was confirmed by local outlets to ball And record. And while promotion is not yet secured, the club are heading into the Championship play-offs. This leaves two very different squad plans on the table.

That context probably shaped what they were looking for in Dragão.

Two scenarios shaping Southampton’s shortlist

If Southampton returns to the Premier League, their goals from this match become more ambitious.

Alberto Costa fits into that category. The 22-year-old right-back made a vital late intervention, clearing a shot off the line, and showed his ability to cover the field in both phases. Their profile suggests readiness for higher levels, while still providing room for growth.

Alan Varela also falls into the same category. Introducing in the second half, he showed composure in possession and positional discipline. Southampton will need midfield control at Premier League level, and Varela’s style suits that demand.

And if we’re talking energy and physicality, an obvious choice would be left-back Zaidou Sanusi, who Already a target for Leeds United.

Rodrigo Mora is the more ambitious name on this list. His cameo showed quality, but a move would likely depend on Southampton achieving promotion and being willing to expand financially.

Championship plans remain very different

If Southampton fail to go up, the focus immediately shifts.

In that case, Alvarca’s Chiquinho and Porto’s Pablo Rosario become more realistic targets in that scenario. Both provide experience and physical presence, which are vital in the Championship. Chiquinho’s direct running and Rosario’s midfield control would suit the demands of that league.

Alverca’s Davy Gui made a strong impact despite limited minutes. The 19-year-old player recorded 15 actions in just 12 minutes, bringing urgency and unpredictability. That type of profile can be developed further in a more structured environment.

Lincoln adds another option. His work rate and ability to contribute defensively and offensively for the visiting team will translate well to a higher-paced league.

Porto’s young right-back Martim Fernandes could also be considered as a depth option, especially given his composure in possession and potential for development.

wider context from the match

In addition to the specific shortlist, a number of players on the pitch will have been noted.

Diogo Costa made vital saves to preserve the result and continued to attract attention from across Europe. Gabriel Veiga assisted the winning goal and set the offensive stage, cementing his reputation.

Additionally, a familiar name for the saints led the celebration. Jan Bednarek scored the goal that sealed Porto’s title, Crowning a brilliant season for the defender. However, a move back to Southampton does not appear to be on the agenda.

what happens next

Southampton’s recruitment team faces a divided path. Promotion opens doors for players like Alberto Costa and Rodrigo Mora. The failure to move up turns the focus towards more practical additions such as Chiquinho and Pablo Rosario.

This uncertainty explains their extensive scouting approach in Portugal. Instead of targeting one profile, they are creating two parallel plans. The outcome of the playoffs will determine who becomes a reality.

After setting a new attendance record, it’s safe to say that hosting the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a huge success. As far as the Pittsburgh Steelers themselves, their weekend was one of the strangest among all 32 NFL teams.

It all started Thursday in Round 1, where the Steelers were taken 21st overall. It appears Pittsburgh did what every team does: try to get in touch with the player they plan to select.

The only issue? Pittsburgh just wasn’t on time. It was actually the Dallas Cowboys’ turn to pick the No. 20 pick. Perhaps the Steelers felt strongly about the Cowboys not choosing their target. Still, Pittsburgh did not anticipate that Dallas might trade the pick elsewhere.

That’s exactly what happened when the Cowboys made a trade with their NFC East division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. The real weird part came when the Eagles tried to call USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was already on the phone with the Steelers.

Once his people informed him that the Eagles were on the clock, Lemon immediately hung up the phone on the Steelers and started talking to Philadelphia, which was actually selecting them at 20th overall instead of landing them at 21 with Pittsburgh.

This is the moment Makai Lemon thought he was going to be drafted #steelers And realizing in real time that #eagle traded through @gmfb This morning.

He asked Omar Khan “Why is Philly calling?” [me]?” pic.twitter.com/AbXDJONYye

– Ross McCorkle (@Ross_McCorkle) 24 April 2026

According to former Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg, the Steelers may have violated NFL rules by keeping in contact with Lemon when he was not actually on the clock. According to , the NFL intends to examine the Steelers’ draft strategy now that the three-day event has ended. However, he expressed doubt that the league would assess any type of penalty.

We’re guessing this won’t be a big deal. But in the incredibly competitive NFL, it doesn’t take much for a team and agent to create controversy over a small issue.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Winners, losers from Rounds 2 and 3

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

It’s quite clear that the Montreal Canadiens are dealing with a special strategy from the Tampa Bay Lightning in their first-round series.

Whether it’s taunting goaltenders, running at players from behind, or engaging in shenanigans after every whistle, the Lightning have embraced the idea that they are the villains in this series.

And yet, when evaluating the numbers at 5v5, the Canadiens have actually had the most hits, and by a good margin too.

The Habs have averaged 37 hits per game, good for 7th out of 16 playoff teams. The Lightning, on the other hand, have only had 33 hits per game, the fourth-lowest result in the NHL.

Arbor Zekaj referred to himself as a “villain” vs. the Habs on the Tampa Bay Lightning today:

“If they want to think that way, fine. We’re here. We’re ready for whatever they offer us.” pic.twitter.com/1cktWPcG71

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026

Most of the heavy lifting has been done by Arbor Zekaj, who currently ranks fifth in the NHL with 17 hits. He joined Josh Anderson, who had 13 hits, as the only Canadiens players to take 10 or more body checks in the series.

And yet, the wolf pack mentality clearly exists. Every Canadiens player, including Oliver Kapanen, has managed to put up at least one hit against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Habs coach Marty St. Louis on the Lightning’s intimidation tactics today:

“We’ve talked about it. Did we look scared? I don’t think so. If they want to play that game, we’re able to play that game. We’re equipped to do it.” pic.twitter.com/wdH47yGu2X

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026

You could argue that while the Bolts are so focused on trying to take hubs out of their game, they’re forgetting to focus on the thing that’s most important: creating scoring chances.

The Canadiens have controlled 75% of high-danger scoring opportunities at 5v5, meaning they are not only killing the Lightning, but they are also creating the lion’s share of quality shots.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

It has something to do with the matchups, which has worked to the Canadiens’ advantage.

Reporter: “Are you still sick and tired of Scott Sabourin?”

Josh Anderson: “I just didn’t pay attention to him tonight. I didn’t see him on the ice much…” pic.twitter.com/j0PMD9lghC

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 25 April 2026

For the record, John Cooper kept Scott Sabourin on the ice for nine minutes against Anderson. At the time, Anderson’s expected goal share was above 90%. Playing away from Sabourin, his xGF% dropped to 43.8%.

In other words, having Sabourin on the ice alongside Andersen is actively hurting the chances of victory for Tampa Bay, which is desperate to win a pyrrhic physical contest.

It’s an odd strategy from a coach with as much experience as Cooper, especially since the Lightning were the clear favorites in the series.

That doesn’t mean the Habs have avoided taking the bait at every opportunity, but they’ve done a great job focusing on the big picture while their opponents focus on the dirty play.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Through three games, atlanta hawks saved by a hair’s breadth new York Knicks As they took their lead in the series to 2-1. There was another nervy situation at the end of Game 3, but the Hawks were able to prevail in the end and win 109–108.

A number of players have been instrumental in the team’s performance in the series, one of them being Jonathan Kuminga and his impact on the bench.

Kuminga had a good performance in Game 3, but some fans are still looking at a small step he made in Game 2, which helped the Hawks steal a lead on the road.

On one of the final possessions where Nickeil Alexander-Walker swiped the ball from Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, Kuminga was seen pushing his teammate toward Brunson in an effort to give him better position.

That strategy may have worked, because the Hawks got the steal and scored on the other end.

Jonathan Kuminga credits Draymond Green for winning strategy against New York Knicks

After the game, Kuminga, who will earn an average annual salary of $23,400,000 in the 2025–26 season, credited Draymond Green for his instincts to make that play.

Speaking to journalist Kevin Chouinard after the matchup, Kuminga praised Green as the source of that strategy.

“I’m going to give my praise to Drummond,” Kuminga said. “Growing up around him and watching him, I’ve seen him do it a lot of times. He’s one of the best at doing it.”

He added, “It’s something I’m not thinking about in the game, but watching someone do it over time, sometimes it just clicks.” “Nickel was still in good shape because he was able to get steals, especially with the way Nickel was playing defense.”

The Hawks sent Kuminga to help Brunson on key defensive possessions in Games 2 and 3.

When Brunson stopped for a turnaround at the end of G2, I asked him about pushing Nickell Alexander-Walker back.

“I’m going to give my compliments to Drummond.” pic.twitter.com/siPxxmWtkJ

– Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) 24 April 2026

Jonathan Kuminga has been around some of the better players who played the game while he was with him Golden State WarriorsAnd it’s no surprise that he adopted defensive tactics from former teammate Green.

This shows that the power forward is a sponge and he is using his experience to help the Hawks get an edge in the matchup against the Knicks, who have been good in the last two games.

Since his first foray into online journalism in 2019, Peter Okereke has written widely on entertainment, politics and pop… More about Peter Okereke

It appears the Buffalo Bills listened to the outside criticism aimed at their receiving corps. At the beginning of the offseason, the Bills’ newly promoted president of team operations, Brandon Beane, made a trade with the Chicago Bears for a new starting receiver, sending a second-round selection in exchange for DJ Moore.

While the trade boosted Josh Allen’s receiving corps, was the trade really worth it? Not according to an unnamed NFL executive.

recently, athletic I had a chance to talk to several NFL executives, and in doing so one was extremely critical of what the Bills have done this offseason.

One executive said, “DJ Moore was going to be cut, and they gave up a second-round pick to get him.” “They gave up a second-round pick and $40 million (in guarantees). What’s going on?”

Still, as Mike Sandow explained, the Bills often have trouble recruiting top free agents to Buffalo, even with Allen’s presence. In short, the Bills would have paid more to make sure they got their man in Moore.

But is that really the difference maker the Bills need? Moore, 28, has seen his numbers decline in recent seasons. He posted a career-high 1,364 receiving yards in 2023, but his total yardage dropped to 966 in 2024 and 682 in 2025.

Obviously, the hope is that Moore can return to Buffalo as a 1,000-yard receiver where he will be the focal point in Joe Brady’s passing attack. Still, even if he doesn’t record the fifth 1,000-yard season of his career, he could still help draw attention away from Buffalo’s other playmakers. As long as Allen can rely on him, Moore could be a positive addition to the Bills’ receiver room, but whether he’s worth a second-round pick remains to be seen.

RELATED: Buffalo Bills have talked to 6x 1,000-yard receiver

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Kevin Durant has a ton of one-on-one counters, making him one of the greatest one-on-one scorers of all time. But things are different in a team setting. Durant faced an offensive scheme in the second half of the Houston Rockets’ Monday night contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Lakers threw multiple defenders at the Rockets star at every turn to get the ball out of his hands.

This ploy of the Lakers worked; Durant remained quiet throughout the second half of the Rockets’ 100–92 loss, scoring just two points in the second half and finishing with 18 on the night. This was not at all the kind of performance that Houston needed from their best scorer in a game where they were missing Alperen Sengun.

After the game, Durant reflected on what he and the Rockets were doing should have done instead To try and counter the Lakers’ double-teaming.

“I think we just have to convert. Maybe I just have to move out of the way, go to the corner, make space for other guys. When I get the ball against some teams, they’re just going to sell out,” Durant said in his postgame presser, via WorldwideWeb on X (formerly Twitter).

“I’m starting to understand that I feel like I need to get out of the way and let other people dribble the ball.”

pic.twitter.com/AlDq9enBSe

– Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) 17 March 2026

The Rockets’ youth will have to step up to help Kevin Durant.

Durant is not innocent at all; He attempted to become a game starter for the Rockets, which went straight into the Lakers’ hands.

However, the Rockets’ youngsters, namely Reed Shepard, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson, will have to be more active in receiving the rock and making plays. This is going to be a learning moment for Houston, especially with less than a month until the playoffs begin.

OKLAHOMA CITY – For the second consecutive game, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault inserted Ajay Mitchell into his starting lineup. After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak of 20+ point games to 128 in a 116–103 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Daigneault discussed Mitchell’s impact as part of his starting 5.

For Daigneault, Mitchell has proven himself enough to earn a starting spot amid the Thunder’s marquee matchups, he said, during his postgame media availability.

“We’re going to need him and despite being a high-impact player, he hasn’t played a lot of games,” Daigneault said. “So, the opportunity to get him out early in the game in some of these high-level games is an opportunity we want to take advantage of right now.”

Mitchell finished with 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in 27 minutes for the Thunder. Mitchell emerged as one of Oklahoma City’s major impact players off the bench. In only his second season, Ajayi made significant progress which led to him being included in various of Daigneault’s lineups.

Mitchell’s playmaking and scoring abilities, as well as his defensive ability, have made him one of Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault’s favorite players this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Ajay Mitchell’s impact for Thunder

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found out he scored 20 points after a 3-point play, causing a stampede in the crowd at Paycom Center. He extended his streak of scoring 20+ points to 128 consecutive games.

Then, after the win, Gilgeous-Alexander talked about how important Ajay Mitchell is to the Thunder.

“A guy who can make plays at any time,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “A guy who can pass, dribble, shoot at a high level on the basketball court, and also defend. And having guys like that on the court is a luxury. You don’t have any holes when he’s out on the court from his positioning standpoint. So, having him out there is a luxury. I don’t think we’ve lost since he came back, and it’s no surprise.

“He’s a really good basketball player. Makes us a better team. Makes us tough to guard and score on both ends.”

The Thunder extended their four-game home stand winning streak to eight straight after a 13-point win against the Timberwolves on Sunday.

A former top coordinator for John Harbaugh has revealed some fascinating insights about what his thinking will be when he enters his first NFL Draft as head coach of the New York Giants.

There is renewed excitement about the NY Giants despite a 4-13 result in the 2025 season. This is due to the inclusion of former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Although he was fired by his previous team earlier this year, he remains one of the most respected and successful coaches in the NFL today.

One reason why he has put together such a strong resume during his 18 seasons in the league is that he has a notable impact on how the roster he coaches is constructed. That will be the case again with Big Blue, and with the start of NFL free agency this week and next month’s draft, there has been a lot of discussion about how the coach will remodel the roster with the help of general manager Joe Schoen.

Although he hasn’t made big contracts in the first week of free agency, the team has made some smart moves that position him better for next season. They are far from adding veteran talent, but April’s draft offers more great opportunities to improve the roster, including the No. 5 pick at next month’s event.

When it comes to their first pick, the team has been linked to several prospects, including Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs. It seems like the team could go in different directions with the pick five and their other selections, as they have significant needs.

NY Giants will build roster for better matchups with Eagles, Cowboys and Commanders

However, on Thursday, former Harbaugh defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale revealed some interesting information about how Harbaugh will approach his first draft pick for the NY Giants.

“Our philosophy in Baltimore was this, [but] Whenever you mention a player the first question is ‘How will he help us beat Philly?’ How will he help us beat Dallas?” he told New York Daily News Giants insider Pat Leonard.

“That’s the way John and Ozzy [Newsome] Did this for years. It’s weird where the league is going now, but it still works. “The big guys are still better than the little guys.”

So while Harbaugh and the NY Giants brain trust will try to bring in good players suited to their coaches, this suggests that better matchups for the six games the Cowboys, Commanders and Eagles play against them each year will also be a priority.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Steph De Lander and her husband Mance Warner have officially parted ways with TNA Wrestling. In an interview with Shawn Ross Sapp for Fightful, De Lander lifted the curtain on the financial and logistical frustrations that led to his sudden exit.

The former TNA star revealed that the majority of the TNA roster is no longer on a traditional salary. This is due to their transition to a “pay-per-appearance” model, which leaves talent vulnerable to sudden scheduling changes.

De Lander explained that under the current management structure, wrestlers only get paid when they appear and are used at tapings. This “day rate” system can lead to financial instability if the artist is left out of the loop or if tapings are infrequent.

De Lander said that although some long-working talent may still be on old salary-based contracts, the new standard at the company is a lack of guaranteed income. This is something that can cause problems.

“As far as I’m aware, most talent are not on salary. They’re on pay-per-appearance, which basically means if you book for the day, you get paid whatever your rate is… It’s not a traditional weekly salary pay check. If they don’t book you you could go for months without getting paid,” De Lander said.

The final breakthrough for the couple reportedly came during preparation for the upcoming TNA Sacrifice and Impact tapings in New Orleans, scheduled for March 27–28 at the Alario Center. De Lander revealed that he and Warner were initially booked for both days, but received an email at the last minute informing them that they only needed one day. Because independent wrestlers often plan their months around these dates and refuse outside bookings in order to remain available to TNA, such changes can have a financial impact.

“Even for the next week’s taping in New Orleans, we were told we were on both of those… then I got an email that we were only needed for one day. That was part of the thing that made me think like, ‘Okay… I’m unbooked for one day,’ which again also means you’re not getting paid for one of those days,” she continued.

Whenever the Minnesota Timberwolves step onto the hardwood, Anthony Edwards is sure to command any opposing team’s attention. In fact, on Sunday night, Edwards got so much respect from the Denver Nuggets that there was a point in the game where he was drawing double teams as soon as he crossed halfcourt.

In the end, Edwards and the Timberwolves persisted despite the Nuggets’ shameless defensive tactics, as they won 117–108 on the road. The Timberwolves star hasn’t had the best of nights; He finished with only 21 points on 9-19 shooting from the field, which is quite low by his standards, but the defensive attention he attracted opened up the court so much for his teammates.

This speaks volumes about Edwards’ progress as a basketball player he doesn’t care anymore Whether the opposition wants to take the ball out of his hands or not – as long as his team is playing winning basketball.

“It might have been last year or the year before last when I said, ‘Man, they’re double partnering me. I don’t like it.’ At this point, it’s a sign of respect. Because they were double teaming me. They were hitting me from halfcourt. I’m not angry at all because, at the end of the day, my four is better than those three. We’re playing three on four,” Edwards said, via Dan Moore of Blue Wire.

In today’s game, Denver was sending another defender when Anthony Edwards crossed the court.

Asked Ant, who was really frustrated with that look, about playing through that type of aggressive coverage.

“I’m not mad at all because, at the end of the day, my 4 is better… https://t.co/lF58jWRhFL pic.twitter.com/YUgr93fu53

– Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) 1 March 2026

Anthony Edwards continues superstar rise for Timberwolves

Five other scorers crossed double figures for the Timberwolves, and it was a balanced effort that made this incredible win over another fellow contender in the Nuggets possible. Edwards has become so dangerous as a scorer that the Nuggets were prepared to beat him with everyone they could — which Minnesota did.

The Timberwolves have made a living taking advantage of their opportunities, but have faced a lot of trouble dealing with weaker teams. They will be tested on Tuesday when they take on the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.

The historic rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics took center stage at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, ending with a disappointing 111-89 loss for the home team. While the game remained competitive for three quarters, Boston fell behind in the final frame, with Jaylen Brown delivering a 32-point masterclass. The Lakers’ frustrations were further compounded when the team was whistled for three technical fouls, penalizing Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and coach JJ Redick for arguing officiating decisions. Even Luka Doncic, who finished with a modest 25 points, mocked the situation after the game, noting that if he had not been the one receiving the technical, the officiating would have actually been questionable.

The tension centered on a few specific non-calls that left the Lakers coaching staff looking for answers. According to a post from Oh No He Didn’t on X, JJ Redick addressed three technical fouls by highlighting the missed goaltending call on a LeBron James layup.

Redick said Celtics center Neemias Queta used a “stealth” strategy that stunned him. Redick said, “They missed an obvious LeBron layup, which was scored off the backboard, and Cueta stuck his whole hand, I can’t jump that high, so he stuck his whole hand through the rim.”

The coach said he would seek clarification on the legality of the move, joking that “Honestly, it’s a great way to defend floaters.” A separate video surfaced that shows Redick attempting to mimic the reach by holding the rim himself to emphasize the point.

Wow, I didn’t know JJ could jump like that, hahahapic.twitter.com/ccdLWEt7wh

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 23 February 2026

Despite the officiating play, LeBron James gave high praise to Jaylen Brown’s ability to keep the Celtics afloat during Jayson Tatum’s absence. James acknowledged that Brown is playing with a chip on his shoulder after the Boston roster was revamped in the offseason.

While James pointed to past friction, particularly Brown’s viral Summer League comments about Bronny James, he said their relationship remains civil and respectful.

For the 34-22 Lakers, the focus now turns to controlling their emotions and finding more offensive consistency as they look to move on from this bitter loss in the rivalry.

Handicap betting is a way to make uneven games more competitive for punters and add real value to markets where one team is expected to dominate.

Imagine a typical Premier League Saturday where Liverpool are hosting a much weaker club. Backing Liverpool to win on a standard Match Result might only offer odds like 1/10, which rarely makes it worth a wager because the potential return is so low.

That scenario is common in UK football, and it can feel like you are just betting for the inevitable rather than really finding value.

This is where handicap betting comes in. A bookmaker applies a virtual spread to the game to balance the playing field, giving the underdog a theoretical advantage and the favourite a handicap to overcome.

With this adjustment, the bet is not simply about who wins the match on the final score, but who wins after the handicap has been applied.

The result is a market that offers more attractive odds and better engagement for bettors, especially when there is a clear quality gap between teams.

🧠 Handicap betting explained

A handicap is a virtual deficit (negative) or head start (positive) assigned to a team before a match begins. These betting terms give one side a theoretical advantage or disadvantage so that bets become more competitive, even when one team is significantly stronger than the other.

It is similar to a horse race where a better horse carries extra weight in its saddle to give every runner a fair chance of winning. 

The handicap affects only the selection on your bet slip and not the actual league points or real-world score.

After the game ends, the handicap is mathematically added to or deducted from the team’s score to determine whether your prediction wins or loses. This adjustment makes it possible to find value and more appealing odds in matches where there are “uneven” teams.

🧮 How handicap betting odds are calculated

Handicap odds change because the risk of a specific outcome shifts when a handicap is applied.

For example, Manchester City might be priced at around 1.10 to win a match straight up with a sportsbook, but if you back them at a -2.5 handicap (meaning they must win by three or more goals), the odds could rise to around 2.10 or higher.

This happens because the possibility of covering a larger margin is lower, so the profit on a winning bet increases accordingly. 

Here’s a simple if/then breakdown for a -1.5 goal handicap:

• If the team wins by 2 goals or more: the bet wins.
• If the team wins by 1, draws, or loses: the bet loses.

As the handicap line moves further from scratch (zero), so does the potential payout, as the odds reflect increased difficulty in meeting that line. That’s why stronger favourites often carry larger handicaps with correspondingly higher odds.

🎯 How to win with handicaps

Using handicap markets strategically can boost your chances of finding value and making informed betting decisions in sports where standard odds often look unbalanced.

Choosing the right sport for handicaps

In a potentially low‑scoring game like football, a +0.5 handicap is powerful because it covers two possible outcomes: a win or a draw for the underdog.

That gives your wager more flexibility and removes the loss risk if the match ends level, making it a smart strategy when the odds on a straight win are short.

By contrast, sports like basketball or rugby tend to be high‑scoring, so a 1.5 point spread does little to affect the outcome. In these games, it often pays to use more substantial handicaps to find value on underdogs; large spreads can highlight scenarios where favourites have to outperform expectations by significant margins to win the bet.

Handicaps as a better “Draw no bet”

An Asian Handicap 0.0 behaves essentially the same as a Draw No Bet selection. If your chosen team wins, your bet is successful, and if it draws, your stake is refunded. This reduces the downside risk compared to a traditional win‑draw‑loss market.

Asian handicaps often have lower bookmaker margins than standard 1X2 markets because the draw outcome is removed, and books can balance wagers more efficiently. That can lead to slightly better payouts for the punter over time, particularly when you compare similar markets across operators.

Handicap success: how to beat the closing line

One respected metric among bettors is closing line value (CLV). CLV measures how the odds you got compare with the final line at kickoff. If you take a line early, say Team A at -3.5, and by kickoff it has shifted to -5.5, then you have “beaten the closing line” by securing better odds than the consensus market price.

Consistently beating the closing line is widely seen as one of the best indicators of long‑term success and profit in sports betting. It suggests your analysis was better than the market’s eventual prediction and that you’re placing bets with positive expected value over time.

📋 Common types of handicap markets

Below is a brief overview of how different handicap markets work and how they vary in structure and outcomes for bettors.

Asian vs. European handicaps

European handicaps use whole numbers and allow three outcomes: win, draw, or loss after the handicap is applied. A draw (after handicap) still counts as a draw market result.

Asian handicaps are typically in half or quarter increments and remove the draw option, making the market binary. Stake returns are possible if a whole number handicap results in a tie after adjustment. 

The primary difference is that European markets keep the draw as a possible outcome, while Asian markets aim to eliminate it, often lowering bookmaker margins and simplifying settlement.

Split handicaps

A Split Handicap is a “two‑in‑one” bet where your stake is split into two separate wagers at slightly different handicap lines (e.g., ‑0.75 is split into ‑0.5 and ‑1.0). You are effectively backing both outcomes at the same time, which can soften the blow if the match is tighter than expected. 

With a one‑goal victory, this structure can lead to a “half‑win,” where half of your stake wins and the other half is refunded or loses, depending on the exact lines. This gives bettors a unique advantage in risk management, particularly when matches are forecasted to be close.

Handicap league betting

Handicap league betting is a season‑long wager that covers an entire Premier League campaign rather than a single match. In this market, each team starts with a virtual head start or handicap based on how strong or weak they are perceived to be. 

The favourite might start at scratch (0), while a bottom‑table side could begin with a significant positive handicap, such as +40.

At the end of the season, each team’s real points total is combined with their handicap, and the team with the highest adjusted total is declared the winner of the market.

This format lets bettors find value across the full season and rewards strategic forecasting of overall performance.

🇬🇧 Handicap betting in other UK sports

Handicap markets appear in a wide range of sports beyond football, adjusting the playing field using a relevant metric such as points or goals so that the outcome of a game feels fairer and more engaging for bettors. Most of the best betting sites should have the following:

Rugby

In rugby union and league, handicap bets apply to total points scored by each team. Because rugby games are usually high scoring, it is common to see large handicaps such as ‑18.5, which require the favourite to win by a significant margin for the bet to be successful. 

Conversely, backing the underdog with a positive handicap means they can still “win” your bet even if they lose the match by fewer than the handicap points.

Many punters also use alternative handicaps, which let them select specific point differentials that balance risk and payout more effectively depending on team form and expected margin of victory.

Tennis

In tennis, handicap markets can apply to sets or games. A set handicap (e.g., ‑1.5 sets) means a player must win by at least two sets for the bet to win, while a game handicap focuses on the total games won by each player in the match. 

A unique scenario is possible in game handicap betting: a player can lose the match but still win the handicap bet if they accumulate enough games compared with the opponent after the handicap is applied.

This means your bet result depends on the adjusted score rather than the official match outcome, giving extra strategic depth to tennis handicap markets.

Darts

In darts handicap betting, the stronger player starts with a negative line in legs or sets, meaning they must win by a margin greater than the handicap for the bet to succeed. For example, if someone like Luke Littler is -2.5 legs, he must win by three or more legs for your handicap bet on him to pay out. 

The opponent gets the corresponding positive handicap and can still “win” the bet even if they lose the match but keep the score within the adjusted spread. This makes handicaps useful where one player is a clear favourite.

Snooker

In snooker handicap betting, a favourite may start with a frame deficit such as -3.5, meaning they need to win by at least four frames for your handicap bet to win. This type of handicap adjusts the frame score before settlement, so a close result might not be enough to cover the handicap even if the favourite wins the match. 

These markets are common in major tournaments where one player is significantly stronger than the other and provides alternative ways to find value.

Horse racing

In UK horse racing, handicaps work differently from other sports. Each horse is assigned a specific weight to carry in its saddle based on its Official Rating, which reflects ability and recent form.

Higher‑rated horses carry more weight, while lower‑rated ones carry less, with the aim of giving every runner a fair chance to win. The system tries to equalise competition so better horses are slowed down slightly and less‑accomplished ones are boosted by lighter loads.

The result is a deeper and more competitive field where form and assessment matter greatly to bettors and handicap punters alike.

🏁 Conclusion

Handicap betting is a method used by bookmakers to balance uneven contests and create fairer, more engaging odds across many sports. By giving one team a virtual advantage or deficit, handicap markets turn predictable matches into opportunities for better value and strategic wagering. 

These markets are widely available in football, rugby, tennis, darts, and more. Understanding handicaps helps you find value beyond standard match result bets and can improve your betting strategy, so keep checking back to this page if you need a recap!

❓ FAQ – Handicap betting

1. What is handicap betting?

Handicap betting is a type of wager where a bookmaker gives one team a deficit or advantage before a match starts to balance the market. You are still betting on which team “wins,” but the result is decided after the handicap is applied to the score.

It lets bettors find better odds when there is a clear favourite in matches, and you’ll even be able to find handicap betting at new betting sites.

2. What does +1.5 handicap mean?

A +1.5 handicap gives the underdog a head start of 1.5 goals or points before the match begins. Your handicap bet wins if your team wins, draws, or loses by one goal/point after the handicap is added. A loss by two or more goals/points usually means the bet loses.

3. Is handicap betting more profitable than standard bets?

Handicap betting can offer better value than backing the outright winner, especially when a favourite has very short odds.

Because the handicap adjusts the margin needed to win, handicap odds often carry more balanced risk and potential profit than simple win/draw/win bets. Profitability depends on the margin and your ability to find value.

4. What does a positive and negative handicap mean?

A positive handicap gives an underdog an artificial advantage, helping them in the betting market. A negative handicap places a larger challenge on a favourite by requiring a bigger margin of victory for the bet to win.

Both adjust how the match result is calculated for betting purposes.

5. What does goal handicap mean?

A goal handicap is a handicap betting type where a specific number of goals is added to or subtracted from a side’s final score. In football, this means the bookmaker adjusts the match score by the handicap to balance quality differences, which can improve odds and make markets more engaging for bettors.

About the author

Dean Etheridge

Dean Etheridge is an experienced freelance sports betting writer who specialises in football, cricket, and darts, with a keen focus on the Premier League and Champions League, as well as in-depth coverage of Premier League Darts and major tournaments. He can turn his hand to all aspects of the beautiful game and beyond, delivering expert analysis across a range of sports. He predominantly covers the Premier League and Champions League but can turn his hand to all aspects of the beautiful game. You can follow Dean on LinkedIn (@deanetheridge)

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