Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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BKN--NBA POSTSEASON COVERAGE

DESCRIPTION:

BKN--Same Old 76ers — The Philadelphia 76ers enter the play-in tournament Wednesday night against Orlando in a familiar spot: without Joel Embiid and without a real shot at winning the NBA title. By Dan Gelston. SENT.

BKN--Clippers-Season of Drama — Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers are headed to the playoffs. That’s an accomplishment in itself after starting 6-21 and under the weight of an NBA investigation into an endorsement deal involving Leonard that may have circumvented salary cap rules. By Beth Harris. SENT.

BKN--Hornets-Surging Backcourt — Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball have something in common with the “Splash Brothers.” The backcourt duo of the Hornets are the first teammates to finish 1-2 in in the league in 3s made since Golden State’s Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. It seems clear the Charlotte organization heading in the right direction, regardless of whether they reach the NBA playoffs this season. By Steve Reed. SENT.

BKN--Heat-Hornets — The Charlotte Hornets host the Miami Heat in their first postseason game in a decade. Both teams need to win two games to get out of the NBA’s play-in tournament. By Steve Reed. 400 words, photos from 7:30 EDT tipoff.

BKN--Blazers-Suns — The Phoenix Suns host the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA’s play-in tournament. The winner will earn the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs while the loser will get one more chance to advance against the winner of a Clippers-Warriors game on Friday. By David Brandt. 400 words, photos from 7 p.m. PDT tipoff.

BKN--NBA-Postseason Guide — A daily look at the NBA playoffs, featuring schedules, story links, stats and more. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. SENT.

UPCOMING: By 04/14/2026 11:59 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--GOALTENDING ADJUSTMENT

DESCRIPTION: NHL goaltenders are stopping fewer shots than at any point this century The average save percentage is under .900 for the first time since 1996 and may be the lowest since ’94. Goalies have only gotten better, but improvement of skilled shooters and the speed of hockey is forcing a recalculation of what is considered success at the sport’s most important position. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 1,100 words, photos. With HKN--PLAYOFF RULES-EXPLAINER (sent).

UPCOMING: By 04/14/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--NCAA-TO-MLB-PIPELINE

DESCRIPTION: Thanks to money and technology, the MLB and NCAA versions of baseball have never been more similar. There’s also been more movement between the two versions of the sport in recent years, particularly in the coaching ranks. By Baseball Writer David Brandt. 950 words, photos by 2 p.m. PT

UPCOMING: By 04/14/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--CAPITALS-BLUE JACKETS

DESCRIPTION: The Washington Capitals visit the Columbus Blue Jackets in the season finale for both teams. Alexander Ovechkin, who is waiting until the offseason to make a decision about his future, needs one goal to tie Patrick Kane (29) for the most in NHL history against the Blue Jackets. By Joe Reedy. 300 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 04/14/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--JAPAN-US WOMEN

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. women’s national team is riding a 10-game winning streak heading into its game against Japan at Seattle’s Lumen Field. It is the second of a three-game set against Japan; the U.S. won the first 2-1 in San Jose, California, on Saturday. By Andrew Destin. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 10 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 04/14/2026 11:59 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--INTER MIAMI-MASCHERANO OUT

Javier Mascherano is out as Inter Miami’s coach, only 4 months after leading team to MLS Cup title

SUMMARY: Javier Mascherano is out as Inter Miami’s coach, a stunning move that comes only four months after leading Lionel Messi’s club to the MLS Cup title. Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi at Barcelona and with Argentina’s national team before reuniting with him as coach, is leaving the team. The team says it is for personal reasons. In Mascherano’s place as coach, at least in the short term, will be Guillermo Hoyos. He is credited, at least on some level, with discovering Messi at Barcelona’s academy and predicting that he could become an all-time great.

WORDS: 394 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 1:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:512e39568cb520cdfab2f01376ea9c6e&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS-GARCIA

Sergio Garcia apologizes for his Masters tantrum, saying the way he acted ‘has no place in our game’

SUMMARY: Sergio Garcia has apologized for his tantrum during the final round of the Masters. Garcia hit a bad tee shot on the second hole and twice slammed his driver into the turf. He also slammed the club against a bench and broke off the head. The Masters had an official issue a code-of-conduct warning to him a few holes later. It’s the first time the conduct policy has been used at the Masters. Garcia says he respects and values everything about the Masters and Augusta National and regrets the way he acted. He says that has no place in golf.

WORDS: 473 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 1:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f921005eefe5ae456117cd1699cb4461&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-MASTERS

Rory McIlroy is a repeat Masters champion. The next step might be the toughest of all

SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy is at a stage in his career where he wants to win majors more than he needs them. It’s a good place to be and it showed when he won the Masters for the second straight year. The next step could be the toughest of all. Never mind that Fred Couples quipped that McIlroy may never lose at the Masters. Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods all came up well short in their bid for three in a row. What made this Masters feel different is that McIlroy’s win felt inevitable, just like when Woods won back-to-back in 2001-02.

WORDS: 948 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 11:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c2534090aad95dcc964906282aa8b650&mediaType=text

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SOC--US-CROCKER

Matt Crocker quits as US Soccer Federation sporting director, just 2 months before World Cup

SUMMARY: Matt Crocker has quit as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation to take a new job in Saudi Arabia. The USSF announced his departure just two months before the World Cup. A person familiar with the decision confirmed his move to Saudi Arabia. Crocker’s exit was unexpected, especially with the U.S. co-hosting the World Cup starting June 11. Dan Helfrich, the federation’s chief operating officer, will oversee sporting operations. Crocker was hired by the USSF in April 2023. He previously served as Southampton’s director of football.

WORDS: 296 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 10:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:46d1047e9c5ba88d221a315e55aabd0b&mediaType=text

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FBC--MICHIGAN-MOORE

Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore faces sentencing for misdemeanors that followed his firing

SUMMARY: Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore faces a sentencing hearing Tuesday for misdemeanors related to a confrontation with his executive assistant soon after Moore’s firing for having a relationship with her. Moore pleaded no contest in March to trespassing and malicious use of a telecom device. The maximum possible penalty is six months in jail, though Moore has no previous criminal record and the judge will have much discretion. Moore was fired in December after leading the Wolverines for two seasons. Moore was accused that same day of confronting the woman with whom he had been having an affair and blaming her for his firing.

WORDS: 293 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 10:43 a.m. EDT. Will be updated from hearing expected to begin shortly.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9ebffb09e1dd31ad43c2f5ff212a551&mediaType=text

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LT--ARGENTINA-MARADONA’S DEATH-TRIAL

New trial over Diego Maradona’s death resumes in Argentina against 7 health care professionals

SUMMARY: The trial of seven health care professionals accused of negligence in the death of Diego Maradona has resumed in Argentina. The restart on Tuesday came nearly a year after the original proceedings ended in a mistrial. Prosecutors allege that Maradona’s medical team failed to provide adequate care before his death from cardiac arrest in November 2020 while he was recovering from brain surgery. The defendants include Maradona’s personal physician, psychiatrist and psychologist. They face charges of culpable homicide and possible prison sentences if convicted. The new trial came after the first collapsed when a judge stepped down over her participation in a documentary about the case.

WORDS: 617 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 10:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f89775668926225a61fc7c13c303f7c2&mediaType=text

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FBC--GEORGIA TECH-PORTAL POWER

Key reloads at Georgia Tech by adding 19 players through the transfer portal, including QB Mendoza

SUMMARY: Brent Key has Georgia Tech on an upward trajectory following the program’s first nine-win season since 2016. Following a 9-4 finish last season, Key has reloaded by adding 19 players through the transfer portal. He has used spring practice to have players adjust to new offensive coordinator George Godsey and new defensive coordinator Jason Semore. Among the most notable additions through the portal are former Indiana backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza and former Alabama and Michigan running back Justice Haynes. Mendoza played behind his older brother Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.

WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 10:19 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:471d6a934fd1551b4790863a12e2c621&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-GROUP F-PREVIEW

Three-time World Cup finalist the Netherlands faces Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F

WORDS: 568 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 10:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:56c0b58b0872d8a0b01a1548786f34ad&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-GROUP E-PREVIEW

Can Germany avoid another early World Cup exit in Group E against Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador?

WORDS: 562 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 8:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:366d1cffa0bd3a57dff65cf452549cba&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-GROUP D-PREVIEW

US familiar with Australia, Paraguay and Turkey in World Cup Group D

WORDS: 614 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c44a648ecc3c94106c1a165f4aa92404&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL DRAFT-PAVIA

Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia aims for NFL as his next stop

SUMMARY: Diego Pavia’s confidence can be seen by some outsiders as sheer arrogance. That confidence has taken him from a junior college in New Mexico to the Southeastern Conference and then New York as the Heisman Trophy runner-up. His next target is the NFL, where critics point to Pavia’s height as a reason his draft position is in question. Being 5-foot-10 usually is just too small to play quarterback in the NFL. Pavia says anyone thinking he’s too short should just turn on the tape of him playing in the SEC. Only a trio of quarterbacks that height have started in the NFL since the 1970 merger.

WORDS: 833 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0bcf8e8c8d5dfa929551ec35c6950fcc&mediaType=text

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US--ESPN-WRESTLEMANIA

ESPN rolls out big-event coverage as WrestleMania 42 streams on its app for the first time

SUMMARY: As it does with any championship, ESPN is giving WrestleMania the big-event treatment. The network will have coverage on “SportsCenter” beginning Thursday, and “First Take” will originate from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday. WrestleMania 42 takes place on Saturday and Sunday, and will be streamed on the ESPN app for the first time. However, the opening hour on Saturday will air on ESPN2, while Sunday’s first hour will air on ESPN. The start time for both nights is 6 p.m. EDT. ESPN began airing WWE premium live events on the ESPN Unlimited streaming service last September. Most major cable, satellite, and streaming services have reached agreements with Disney that include an ESPN Unlimited subscription as a part of their TV plan.

WORDS: 382 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 5:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fc7c32fbf95f646e62cfeff82d949650&mediaType=text

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BBO--JUDGE VS TROUT

Mike Trout vs. Aaron Judge turns into starry slugfest of 3-time MVPs as Yankees edge Angels 11-10

SUMMARY: Mike Trout and Aaron Judge turned their baseball game into a heavyweight slugfest Monday night, each hitting two home runs at Yankee Stadium. Trout’s second homer gave the Angels a two-run lead in the eighth inning, but the Yankees came back to win 11-10. Trent Grisham tied the game in the ninth with his second homer, and José Caballero scored on a wild pitch to win it. It marked the first time in 70 years that a pair of three-time MVPs each hit two homers in the same game. New York ended a five-game losing streak, and Judge praised Trout’s performance, calling him one of baseball’s greatest players.

WORDS: 970 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 3:55 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d9bf3942919c0a8623c0ecc8c8c7ff87&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ATLETICO MADRID-BARCELONA

Barcelona needs comeback against Atletico Madrid to return to Champions League semifinals

SUMMARY: Barcelona and Atletico Madrid meet for the fifth time in less than two months on Tuesday. The Catalan club needs to overcome a two-goal disadvantage to return to the Champions League semifinals. Atletico is at home to defend its 2-0 win from the first leg and try to make it to the last four of the European competition for the first time in nearly a decade. Atletico last made it to the semifinals in 2017. Barcelona lost to Inter Milan in last year’s final four.

WORDS: 260 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 3:41 a.m. EDT. Will be updated from match starting at 3 p.m. EDT.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13f2c2127c71dcf3eb8855a4925bc850&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-LIVERPOOL-PSG

Liverpool targets famous Champions League comeback against PSG

SUMMARY: Liverpool is aiming for another famous Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. The six-time European champion trails 2-0 after the first leg of the quarterfinal in Paris. But it is hoping for the type of Anfield night that saw it rout Barcelona 4-0 in the semifinals in 2019 to overturn a 3-0 first leg loss. Defending champion PSG totally dominated the first leg last week and could have ran up a more commanding lead if it had taken its chances. And coach Luis Enrique has warned his team about the dangers of slipping up in the second leg.

WORDS: 236 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 2:50 a.m. EDT. Will be updated from match starting at 3 p.m. EDT.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fe88619b21e984ea83ed7c9b33b3ff31&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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FBN--NFL DRAFT-LATE ROUND JACKPOT

The first two days of the draft generate most of the attention but teams that find value on Day 3 set themselves up for success.