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.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

___

GLF--CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Scottie Scheffler leads the field at the Cadillac Championship, which opens Thursday. It’s the PGA Tour’s first stop in Doral in a decade. By Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

___

BBO--YANKEES-RANGERS

DESCRIPTION: Right-hander Elmer Rodríguez, one of the Yankees’ top prospects, is set for his major league debut in the finale of a three-game series at Texas. Nathan Eovaldi (2-4, 5.79 ERA) pitches for the Rangers. By Baseball Writer Stephen Hawkins. 300 words, photos. Game starts at 2:35 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 5:05 p.m. EDT, Text

___

HKW--PWHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: So much for the PWHL’s expansion process last summer unfairly favoring the league’s two newest teams. With the Walter Cup playoffs opening this week, the four-team field is made up exclusively of the league’s familiar original six contenders, including the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 780 words, photos.

SENT: By 04/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: HKN--FACEOFF

2. DESCRIPTION: When the Boston Bruins needed a lift in the face of elimination, who else but David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman to lead the way in their first-round series against Buffalo. It was no different in Edmonton, where Leon Draisaitl scored twice to keep the Oilers alive in extending their series against the Ducks. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 700 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: HKN--CANADIENS-LIGHTNING

5. DESCRIPTION: The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning are tied at 2-2 entering Game 5 after four one-goal outcomes, including three overtime games. By Rob Maaddi. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. EDT.

6. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: HKN--WILD CHANCE AT HOME

8. DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Wild are going home for Game 6 on Thursday night with a chance to eliminate the Dallas Stars and advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2015. By Stephen Hawkins. 570 words, photos.

9. SENT: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: HKN--AVALANCHE-WEDGEWOOD’S RISE

11. DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- Known for his attention to detail, Scott Wedgewood has transformed from a career backup to a stabilizing force in the net for the Colorado Avalanche. This season, he led all NHL goaltenders in goals-against average and save percentage. Coach Jared Bednar started him in the playoffs over Mackenzie Blackwood as the Avalanche swept their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. By Pat Graham. 850 words, photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: HKN--PENGUINS-FLYERS

14. DESCRIPTION: The Philadelphia Flyers take a 3-2 lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins heading to Game 6 of the first-round series. By Dan Gelston. Text, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

15. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT

16. WITH: HKN--MAMMOTH-GOLDEN KNIGHTS

17. DESCRIPTION: The Utah Mammoth visit the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 with their best-of-seven opening-round series tied at 2-2. By Mark Anderson. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 10 p.m. EDT.

18. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 11:55 p.m. EDT

___

BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

19. WITH: BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

20. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA playoffs

21. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

22. WITH: BKN--RAPTORS-CAVALIERS

23. DESCRIPTION: Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to keep home court when they host Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and the Toronto Raptors in Game 5 of their first-round Eastern Conference series. By Joe Reedy. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

24. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

25. WITH: BKN--NBA TIPOFF

26. DESCRIPTION: The NBA playoff schedule on Thursday includes four games, including Knicks-Hawks, Spurs-Trail Blazers, Celtics-76ers and Nuggets-Timberwolves. By Maura Carey. 600 words, photos.

27. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

28. WITH: BKN--ROCKETS-LAKERS

29. DESCRIPTION: The Houston Rockets attempt to extend their season against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos. Game starts at 10 p.m. EDT.

30. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 11:55 p.m. EDT

31. WITH: BKN--SPURS-ADVANCE

32. DESCRIPTION: The San Antonio Spurs are advancing to the Western Conference semifinals for the first time since 2017. A youthful roster led by Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama has embraced its first playoff run, executing the mundane tasks and taking joy in the increased physicality of the postseason.

33. SENT: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

34. WITH: BKN--NBA-POSTSEASON GUIDE

35. DESCRIPTION: The daily look at the NBA playoffs, with stats, notes and more. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

36. SENT: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

37. WITH: BKN--MAGIC-PACERS

38. DESCRIPTION: The top-seeded Detroit Pistons are on the brink of elimination at home in Game 5 of their first-round series against eighth-seeded Orlando. By Larry Lage. 400 words, photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. EDT.

39. UPCOMING: By 04/29/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

FBN--BRONCOS-SIMMONS-RETIRES

Broncos’ 2-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons retires after 32 interceptions in his 9-year career

SUMMARY: Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons has retired following a nine-year career, including eight seasons with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos announced Simmons’ retirement on Wednesday and noted the news came exactly 10 years after the team selected the safety in the third round in 2016. Though Simmons started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in his final season in 2024, when he had two interceptions, he enjoyed most of his success with Denver. Each of his two Pro Bowl seasons came with the Broncos. He also was a four-time second-team All-Pro for Denver.

WORDS: 217 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 1:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c2f931f89a9fd1d695aca916f8cb9feb&mediaType=text

___

SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THRILLER

PSG and Bayern’s 5-4 thriller points to a new era of high-scoring soccer

SUMMARY: It was possibly the wildest match in Champions League history and may just change some long-held perceptions about soccer. Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-4 win against Bayern Munich on Tuesday felt more like an NBA game than a traditional soccer match and set new goalscoring records for the sport’s biggest club tournament. And it might not be just a one-off. The thrilling first leg of the semifinals in Paris points toward a growing trend as some coaches embrace a high-risk, high-reward strategy that is leaving fans breathless.

WORDS: 1132 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 1:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5925e30fa28ac333b1e1e827b46806f1&mediaType=text

___

RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-POST-LUKAS

The first Kentucky Derby since the death of trainer D. Wayne Lukas has a different vibe

SUMMARY: This is the first Kentucky Derby since Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas died last summer at age 89. His presence still lingers everywhere under the twin spires at Churchill Downs. The Lukas Gap is clearly marked between the fabled track and where his barn has been since the 1980s. The trainer of Derby favorite Renegade, Todd Pletcher, is one of countless horsemen who worked for Lukas, whose racing version of a coaching tree is unmatched in the sport. His presence is missed by Bob Baffert and others who sense a different vibe this week without Lukas.

WORDS: 727 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 1:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bd6823d8a24bf2b671004431b0f076e5&mediaType=text

___

BBO--PHILLIES-MATTINGLY

Don Mattingly thought he was done with baseball. The Phillies instead pinned playoff hopes on him

SUMMARY: Don Mattingly has taken over as interim manager for the Philadelphia Phillies after Rob Thomson was fired. Mattingly, who left his bench coach job with Toronto following the World Series, initially thought he was done with managing. Encouraged by his 11-year-old son, he joined Philadelphia as bench coach over the winter. Mattingly now steps in as interim managers with hopes of revitalizing a struggling team. The Phillies, despite a high payroll and talent like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, have underperformed. Mattingly aims to turn things around, focusing on the team’s potential rather than his own managerial record.

WORDS: 937 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 12:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ec2ab15da5ed94787c4e3deb25d789b&mediaType=text

___

RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY-SILENT TACTIC OUT

Silent Tactic is out of the Kentucky Derby because of a foot injury, trainer says

SUMMARY: Trainer Mark Casse says Silent Tactic is out of the Kentucky Derby because of a foot injury. Silent Tactic’s exit puts Great White into the field of 20 horses for the first leg of the Triple Crown. Casse said it was a very slight separation in one of Silent Tactic’s feet that caused him and owner John Oxley to make the decision. Casse said the move was made early to allow preparations to begin to run the colt in the Preakness on May 16. Silent Tactic opened at odds of 13-1 on the morning line.

WORDS: 530 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 11:17 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a9d14750aa1464f5b70e1a617f7c285&mediaType=text

___

BE WELL-F1 DRIVERS- NECK TRAINING

Why the workouts of Formula 1 drivers might help computer users with ‘tech neck’

SUMMARY: A strong neck helps if you drive a car at a speed of 200 mph. That’s why neck-strengthening exercises are integral in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing. Working out with resistance bands and weighted harnesses is intended to stabilize their heads and help them stay focused on the track through corners while forces up to five times as strong as gravity heave their bodies from side to side. Adults with “tech neck” don’t work in such extreme conditions, but experts say that adapting the training techniques of professional race car drivers might alleviate the side-effects of prolonged computer, tablet and and smartphone use, as well as potentially reduce the risk of concussions.

WORDS: 917 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 8:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f4dee37c7e7cfbbdff237cf706e4676&mediaType=text

___

CAR--F1-MIAMI GP-REGULATIONS EXPLAINER

How ‘scalpel’ changes to F1 will change the racing at the Miami Grand Prix

WORDS: 787 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 6:02 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:27a07a82acc96ff54860ea53c2daf0ba&mediaType=text

___

HKN--WILD CHANCE AT HOME

Wild going home against Stars with chance to advance in NHL playoffs for 1st time since 2015

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Wild are going home with a chance to advance in the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2015. The Wild have a 3-2 series lead going into Game 6 on Thursday night against the Dallas Stars. The Wild won 4-2 in Dallas on Tuesday night. The only other time Minnesota has ever had a 3-2 series lead was in 2015, when beating St. Louis in six games to advance to the second round. The Wild have since lost nine consecutive playoff series, including to Dallas in 2016 and 2023.

WORDS: 630 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 6:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:36003a703343013d3e4a508660051a69&mediaType=text

___

FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Big Ten takes the top spot for 1st rounders, while SEC sets record for total players drafted

WORDS: 1119 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f86fe8912f9aa50433b8444d5790199a&mediaType=text

___

SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ATLETICO MADRID-ARSENAL

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid meet in Spain aiming for Champions League final return

SUMMARY: Atletico Madrid and Arsenal begin a Champions League semifinal series with both clubs trying to return to the final after a long absence and aiming to win the competition for the first time. Atletico last played in the semifinals in 2016, when it went on to make the final before losing to Real Madrid. Arsenal last appeared in a Champions League final in 2006, when it lost to Barcelona. Atletico could be without striker Ademola Lookman, who missed the last two games because of a muscle ailment. Kai Havertz has been ruled out for Arsenal.

WORDS: 204 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 3:45 a.m. EDT. Will be updated following match starting at 3 p.m. EDT.

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:386b5e073ee99b199807e10f41ee688a&mediaType=text

___

SOC--RED CARD-MOUTH COVERING

FIFA push for new red-card rules at World Cup approved after Champions League and AFCON incidents

SUMMARY: Rules for showing red cards to players at the World Cup have been updated because of two controversies in international soccer this year. FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for changes. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbally insulting Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League game by covering his mouth and Senegal’s team walked off the field to protest a referee’s decision in a heated and chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final. Soccer’s rulemaking panel the International Football Association Board approved the rules at a special meeting Tuesday in Vancouver, British Columbia. The measure will be in place at this summer’s World Cup, starting on June 11.

WORDS: 450 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 2:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3460e0d6afbe453740171c5fbe963ad&mediaType=text

___

BBO--DODGERS-ONE-WAY OHTANI

Ohtani strikes out 9 over 6 innings in 2nd pitching-only performance for Dodgers

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani struck out nine in six effective innings Tuesday night and did not bat for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his second start on the mound this season without hitting. He gave up two runs, one earned, and five hits against the Miami Marlins. Ohtani threw 104 pitches, his most with the Dodgers, before leaving the game trailing 2-0. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts says the team is carefully managing Ohtani’s workload as a two-way player. Ohtani’s ERA rose slightly to 0.60. He will return to hitting on Wednesday in the series finale.

WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 04/29/2026 2:06 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:216e88f90310480104e2f15e463ebfda&mediaType=text

___

——————————

MOVING TOMORROW

——————————

Coverage of the NBA postseason.

Coverage of the NHL postseason.

US--PREDICTION MARKETS-SPORTS GAMBLING

Clinicians who treat gambling disorders are concerned about their patients turning to prediction markets. Two gambling addicts who spoke to The Associated Press say they had relapses on prediction markets after they took legal action to protect themselves from the allure of sports betting. Their stories reflect what experts say they see with some of their clients. By Jay Cohen and Cora Lewis.