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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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-KORDA

DESCRIPTION: Rory McIlroy spent 17 years trying to the win the Masters, and when he faced the media for the first time wearing his green jacket, he asked, “What are we going to talk about next year?” It wasn’t that bad for Nelly Korda, even if it felt that way. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC—ATHLETE GAMBLING

DESCRIPTION: In the eight years since the Supreme Court cleared the way for legal sports gambling across the country, the bad headlines for college athletes have picked up. Coaches being tainted by scandals at the programs. The social media pressure to perform for gamblers. The arrests and indictments of players, former players and associates betting on the outcome of games few remember. The back-and-forth over whether to allow college athletes to bet on pro or college sports at all. This week, the problems came home in a dramatic way: The quarterback of a Power Four champion football team stepped away to seek treatment for a gambling addiction. Experts say there are probably hundreds if not thousands of other male college athletes in the same boat. By Eric Olson. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-PSG-BAYERN

DESCRIPTION: Defending champion PSG plays at home against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. By Jerome Pugmire. Match starts at 3 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: BKN--TIPOFF

2. DESCRIPTION: The Orlando Magic, whose season was on the brink less than two weeks ago, are on the verge of pulling off a massive upset as they look to close out their Eastern Conference first-round series at top-seeded Detroit Wednesday night. The Los Angeles Lakers also look to close out their series against the Houston Rockets while the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors in a pivotal Game 5. By Joe Reedy. 800 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 9:30 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKN--THUNDER-ADVANCE

5. DESCRIPTION: Oklahoma City’s first-round dominance in the NBA playoffs continues. The road should get at least a little tougher in the coming weeks. The Thunder finished off a four-game sweep of the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, winning Game 4 131-122 after pulling away in the second half. By David Brandt.

6. SENT: By 04/28/2026 9:30 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BKN--NBA-POSTSEASON GUIDE

8. DESCRIPTION: The daily look at the NBA playoffs, with news, stats, story links and more. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

9. SENT: By 04/28/2026 9:30 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: BKN--76ERS-CELTICS

11. DESCRIPTION: Joel Embiid’s return in Game 3 wasn’t enough to prevent the Philadelphia 76ers from falling into a 3-1 first-round series hole against the second-seeded Boston Celtics. Boston returns home for Game 4 with a chance to advance to the second round. By Jimmy Golen. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. EDT.

12. UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: BKN--HAWKS-KNICKS

14. DESCRIPTION: The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks play Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, with the teams tied 2-2. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT.

15. UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: BKN--TRAIL BLAZERS-SPURS

17. DESCRIPTION: The San Antonio Spurs look to clinch their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5. By Raul Dominguez. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 9:30 p.m. EDT.

18. UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 11:55 p.m. EDT

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

19. WITH: HKN--BRUINS-SABRES

20. DESCRIPTION: Having ended a 14-season postseason drought, the Buffalo Sabres are one win away from winning their first playoff series in 19 years. Buffalo has a 3-1 edge over the Boston Bruins going into Game 5 of their first-round series. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

21. UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT

22. WITH: HKN--FACEOFF

23. DESCRIPTION: The Pittsburgh Penguins are halfway to history. Sidney Crosby and the Penguins are aiming to become just the fifth team in NHL history to win a series after trailing 3-0. They’ve won two straight games to force Game 6 in Philadelphia on Wednesday night. By Rob Maaddi. Text, photos.

24. SENT: By 04/28/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT

25. WITH: HKN--WILD-STARS

26. DESCRIPTION: After splitting two long overtime games in Minnesota, the Wild and Stars return to Dallas for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series that is now tied 2-2. By Stephen Hawkins. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. CDT.

27. UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

28. WITH: HKN--DUCKS-OILERS

29. DESCRIPTION: The upstart Anaheim Ducks can eliminate Connor McDavid and the two-time Western Conference champion Oilers with a Game 5 win in Edmonton. Text, photos. Game starts at 10 p.m. EDT.

30. UPCOMING: By 04/28/2026 11:55 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--SPORTS BETTING-ARRESTS

Ex-NBA player Damon Jones is 1st to plead guilty in gambling sweep that led to over 30 arrests

SUMMARY: Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has become the first person to plead guilty in a gambling sweep that led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures. During back-to-back hearings in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday, Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was charged in separate cases with profiting from rigged poker games and providing sports bettors with nonpublic information about injuries to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, according to court filings. The 49-year-old previously pleaded not guilty in both cases. He’s due to be sentenced Jan. 6. He and his lawyer declined to comment after the hearings.

WORDS: 829 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 12:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:53b764b4be1f7d9d09ca480b42f14aa1&mediaType=text

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BKN--ROCKETS-DURANT

Rockets’ Kevin Durant makes progress with injury but a return for Game 5 vs. Lakers seems unlikely

SUMMARY: Houston’s Kevin Durant continues to make progress with his injured left ankle, but it seems unlikely that he’ll return Wednesday night for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant didn’t participate in practice with the Rockets on Tuesday before they left for California. The Rockets trail the Lakers 3-1 in their first-round series. Durant was seen running on an anti-gravity treadmill as the team wrapped up its work before heading to the airport. Coach Ime Udoka said Durant is “day to day, game to game” with the injury.

WORDS: 274 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 12:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:50ad5e3c4737337320deec75fbf0dca9&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-THOMSON FIRED

Phillies fire manager Rob Thomson after losing 11 of 12 games, name Don Mattingly interim skipper

SUMMARY: Manager Rob Thomson, who led the Phillies to four straight playoff appearances, has been fired after Philadelphia lost 11 of 12 games and began Tuesday tied for last place in the majors. Bench coach Don Mattingly was named interim manager through the end of the season. His son Preston is the Phillies general manager. Thomson went 355-270 and led a team loaded with high-priced talent that included Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner to consecutive division titles. The 62-year-old Thomson signed a contract extension in the offseason running through the 2027 season and was again expected to lead the Phillies into World Series contention. Instead, the Phillies and their $300-plus million payroll have been one of the biggest flops in the baseball.

WORDS: 952 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 12:19 p.m. EDT. Will be updated.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fcb4ab6e0999f8d81fd11b092f8235e9&mediaType=text

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HKN--HEATED RIVALRY-REALITY CHECK

‘Heated Rivalry’ has brought a lot of buzz to hockey. Is the NHL ready for an openly gay player?

SUMMARY: The popularity of the show “Heated Rivalry” that features two gay hockey players put a spotlight on the sport from many who have never seen it. It also raises the question of how an openly gay player in the NHL would be accepted. No active player in the 109-year-old league has come out as gay. Luke Prokop in 2021 became the first player drafted and signed to come out. He, others in the community and stakeholders point out there are challenges but say the NHL is more than ready for such a pioneer.

WORDS: 1333 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 11:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1c68ddca652168f9ea7052bf92dd6e43&mediaType=text

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RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-SO HAPPY SADNESS

Long shot So Happy runs to the Kentucky Derby amid heartbreak and hope and a chance at history

SUMMARY: So Happy is the underdog Kentucky Derby horse carrying the weight of his trainer’s grief and and has the chance to create one of the most heartwarming stories in the sport. He is Mark Glatt’s first horse to make the Triple Crown race, coming in the aftermath of the abrupt death of the trainer’s wife, Dena. The unheralded colt has exceeded expectations since he started racing and has the chance to make Mike Smith the oldest Derby-winning jockey in history.

WORDS: 1173 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 8:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:80e836f0666ad91a169b2d7f4a7d5d06&mediaType=text

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ENT--BOOKS-CAITLIN CLARK

WNBA star Caitlin Clark to publish a children’s book based on her life

SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark is releasing a picture book this fall based on her life. Random House Books for Young Readers has announced Tuesday that “EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams” will be published in November. The WNBA star shares a message about the importance of effort and support through rhyming verse. Clark was inspired by a quote from her childhood mirror that read: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA.” She hopes the book reminds children that they’re never alone in chasing their dreams. The 24-year-old Indiana Fever guard recently returned to playing after injuries limited her in 2025.

WORDS: 202 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 7:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:51e3b03a48c21a52181072b6a307010c&mediaType=text

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BBO--MIGHTY NL CENTRAL

The mighty NL Central is the majors’ only division with 5 winning teams

SUMMARY: The NL Central has reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. It has some of the majors’ most promising rookies, like Sal Stewart, Konnor Griffin and JJ Wetherholt. It has young stars like Elly De La Cruz and older ones like Christian Yelich. Maybe this strong start from all five teams isn’t that big a surprise after all. The NL Central is the only division in baseball in which every team has a winning record. It’s the second-latest date in a season that every NL Central club has been over .500, according to Sportradar, trailing May 29, 2004, when the division had six teams and each one was 23-22 or better.

WORDS: 744 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eeafc340500c5029a26ce3aec630dbc8&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-JAPAN-CLEANING UP

Why you may see Japanese soccer fans cleaning up the stadium after World Cup games

SUMMARY: Scenes of Japanese soccer fans sweeping stadiums and picking up trash after a match first drew public attention in France in 1998 — Japan’s first appearance in the World Cup. The tradition has continued every four years. It happened at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and it’s certain to continue when Japan opens play in June with group games in Monterrey, Mexico, and Arlington, Texas. The cleanup astonishes people who might be accustomed to leaving stadiums and stepping over half-eaten food, shredded paper wrappers, and cups — empty or with liquid dribbling out.

WORDS: 857 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 5:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:be16f404d002539fc8a29c718bab4ce8&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER ADVANCE

Thunder breeze through the first round for a 3rd straight year and brace for tougher games ahead

SUMMARY: Oklahoma City’s first-round dominance in the NBA playoffs continues. The road should get at least a little tougher in the coming weeks. The Thunder finished off a four-game sweep of the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, winning 131-122 after pulling away in the second half. The defending champions are 12-0 in the first round over the past three years. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked every bit like the reigning Most Valuable Player against the Suns, averaging 33.8 points and shooting 55.1% from the field. He was at his best in Game 3, scoring 42 points on 15-of-18 shooting.

WORDS: 624 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 3:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:951c597e4a9e4aa86edbb44271598cff&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-ONE-WAY OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani will pitch but not hit Tuesday night for the Dodgers against the Marlins

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani will be held out of the lineup Tuesday night when he starts on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Miami Marlins. It’ll be the second time this season Ohtani pitches but does not hit. The first time was April 15, when he struck out 10 as the starting pitcher in a win over the New York Mets. The Dodgers will miss his bat Tuesday. He has a 10-game hitting streak against the Marlins. In Monday’s series-opening win, Ohtani had his second consecutive three-hit game.

WORDS: 208 - MOVED: 04/28/2026 2:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82190574a698704cefb154e62fe8afcc&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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Coverage of the NBA postseason.

Coverage of the NHL postseason.

CLIMATE-WCUP-HEAT-PLANS – The 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar was moved from summer to winter because of the threat of extreme heat. But if the record-breaking heat that scorched the Southwest in March is any indication, summer temperatures in cities hosting World Cup games this year could be sizzling.