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; graphics, ext. 7636.

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UPCOMING

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AP Sports Digest

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; graphics, ext. 7636.

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UPCOMING

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SOC--WORLD CUP PREVIEWS

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: SOC--WCUP-GROUP G-PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: War with the United States draws attention to Iran in Group G. By Anne Peterson. 600 words by 6 a.m. ET. With photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: SOC--WCUP-GROUP H-PREVIEW

5. DESCRIPTION: Spain and Uruguay set for blockbuster World Cup Group H clash with Cape Verde debuting. By Tales Azzoni. 600 words by 8 a.m. ET. With photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

7. WITH: SOC--WCUP-GROUP I-PREVIEW

8. DESCRIPTION: Mbappé’s France faces Haaland’s Norway, Senegal and Iraq in World Cup Group I. 600 words by 10 a.m. ET. With photos.

9. UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

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HKN—FLYERS-PLAYOFF FEVER

DESCRIPTION: Flyers fans are buzzing with excitement as the team clinches its first playoff berth since 2020. The youthful squad, led by 19-year-old Porter Martone and 21-year-old Matvei Michkov, secured a 4-2 win over Montreal. General manager Danny Briere and team president Keith Jones are credited for building through the draft rather than quick fixes. The Flyers ended the season strong, going 18-6-1 after a rough patch.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 6 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--SABRES-DROUGHT IS OVER

DESCRIPTION: When Taylor Hall signed with the Sabres several years ago, he said the NHL is better when Buffalo is good. It has been a while since that was the case. For Hall and many others who endured part or all of a decade of losing in one of hockey’s best markets, there is joy from afar in seeing the Sabres end the longest playoff drought in league history. By Hockey Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL-DRAFT-LATE ROUND JACKPOT

DESCRIPTION: 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. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL-DRAFT-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: This year’s NFL draft begins with the first round on April 23 with 257 picks spread over a three-day process. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is expected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick. By David Brandt. 400 words, photos by 4 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--NBA POSTSEASON COVERAGE

DESCRIPTION: BKN--Celtics-Whole Again -- With Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, the Celtics finished the season on a roll. Championship expectations are high in Boston. Kyle Hightower MOVING at 6 a.m. ET

BKN--Thunder-Reigning Champs -- All they do is continue to win. They have endured injuries and a serious challenge from the Spurs, but the end they are the No. 1 overall seed and the title runs through OKC. Cliff Brunt. MOVING at 6 a.m. ET

BKN--Hawks-New Beginning --Atlanta traded away the player who was perceived to be its star and has been basically unbeatable since. There’s a feeling of fresh air around the Hawks, who’ll go into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the East. Maura Carey. Moving at 11 a.m. ET

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--AVALANCHE-MASTERFUL MACKINNON

DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- Nathan MacKinnon’s standout season includes a career-best in goals, a shot at a second Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP and leading the Colorado Avalanche to the league’s top record. Despite his serious demeanor, MacKinnon does crack the occasional smile. His intense focus on improvement is likened to the drive of the late Kobe Bryant. MacKinnon, the No. 1 pick in 2013, is consistently at the top of his game. He’s notched at least 111 points in each of the four seasons. He had 51 goals and 89 assists in 2023-24 when he won the Hart Trophy. By Pat Graham. 750 words, photos by 5 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 5:01 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--JACKIE ROBINSON DAY

DESCRIPTION: Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated around Major League Baseball, with the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting two of his granddaughters. By Beth Harris. with photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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MMA--ROUSEY-CARANO

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano come face to face again, with just about a month until the mixed martial arts stars end their retirements to fight in Los Angeles.

UPCOMING: By 04/15/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--HEAT-HORNETS-ADEBAYO

Bam Adebayo injured after LaMelo Ball trips him. Heat coach says Ball should have been ejected

SUMMARY: Miami coach Erik Spoelstra says LaMelo Ball should have been ejected for tripping Bam Adebayo, leading to a lower back injury that knocked the Heat’s star center out of Tuesday night’s 127-126 play-in tournament loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Ball fell to the floor after missing a shot on a drive to the basket early in the second quarter, and he appeared to reach out with his left arm and grab Adebayo’s left leg, causing the big man to fall. Spoelstra says “there’s no place in the game” for actions like that. Ball apologized but said he was disoriented after getting hit in the head.

WORDS: 747 - MOVED: 04/15/2026 12:16 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf25f92b776edc3e7f6be31c9a94f42e&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-DURAN

Jarren Duran directs obscene gesture toward fan at Minnesota and says fan told him to kill himself

SUMMARY: Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran directed an obscene gesture toward a fan at Target Field as he returned to the dugout after a fifth-inning groundout in Boston’s 6-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Duran has spoken about his past struggles with mental health, and he says the fan told him to kill himself. Duran says he “shouldn’t react like that” but he called the fan’s comment “triggering.” Duran discussed bouts with severe depression and a suicide attempt in a Netflix series that debuted last year.

WORDS: 235 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 10:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:83b0cf33d1a3d5acf2c16d751921d3e5&mediaType=text

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BKN--HEAT-HORNETS

LaMelo Ball’s layup, Miles Bridges’ block at buzzer give Hornets 127-126 win over Heat in play-in

SUMMARY: LaMelo Ball made a layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime, Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell’s attempt at a winning layup at the buzzer, and the Charlotte Hornets beat Miami 127-126 in a wild start to the NBA’s play-in games, eliminating the Heat from the playoffs. Ball finished with 30 points and 10 assists and Bridges had 28 points and nine rebounds as the Hornets won their first postseason home game in a decade. Coby White had 19 points, including a turnaround 3 with 10.8 second left in regulation to send the game to OT. The Heat Heat lost Bam Adebayo to a lower back injury when Ball tripped him in the second quarter.

WORDS: 437 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 10:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:869a63def0dfcf379df7a96507469386&mediaType=text

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BBO--ORIOLES-ALBERNAZ

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz returns — with a broken jaw — a day after being hit by a foul ball

SUMMARY: Orioles manager Craig Albernaz says he has over a half-dozen fractures in his cheek area and a broken jaw, but he’s relieved to avoid surgery and says he doesn’t need his jaw wired. Albernaz joked he might grab a Ravens helmet from his desk to wear in the dugout after he was hit by a foul ball during Monday night’s game. Albernaz went to a hospital before the game ended but was back at the ballpark Tuesday. He says he’ll have to eat soft foods for six weeks.

WORDS: 402 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 7:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d69ef5179e67d9ca9e332f60192385d7&mediaType=text

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HKN--GOALTENDING ADJUSTMENT

Goalies are under siege as the NHL save percentage dips to its lowest point in three decades

WORDS: 1224 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 7:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3c0818044672193a15d0f03a14e24c39&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-LIVERPOOL-PSG

Paris Saint-Germain beats Liverpool at Anfield to reach the Champions League semifinals

SUMMARY: Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League semifinals with a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday. Ousmane Dembele’s two second-half goals sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory and kept PSG on course to defend European club soccer’s biggest prize. Dembele’s first goal killed off Liverpool’s fight as the Premier League club went in search of another famous Champions League comeback. The Ballon d’Or winner swept a low left-footed shot from the edge of the area past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to quieten the home crowd and ease PSG tension. His second came at the end of a sweeping move in stoppage time.

WORDS: 721 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 6:35 p.m. EDT

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

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FBC--MICHIGAN-MOORE

Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore gets probation for confrontation with woman who disclosed affair

SUMMARY: Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been placed on probation for 18 months for a confrontation with his executive assistant soon after he was fired for having an inappropriate relationship with her. Moore was sentenced Tuesday. He pleaded no contest in March to trespassing and malicious use of a telecom device. The maximum possible penalty was six months in jail, though Moore had no previous criminal record. Moore was fired on Dec. 10 and was accused that same day of confronting the woman with whom he had been having an affair and blaming her for his firing.

WORDS: 711 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 6:22 p.m. EDT

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

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ATLETICO MADRID-BARCELONA

Atletico Madrid withstands Barcelona’s early blitz to reach the Champions League semifinals

SUMMARY: Atletico Madrid has held on after an early charge by Barcelona to reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time in nearly a decade. Atletico advanced 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 loss to the Catalan club. Diego Simeone’s team had won the first leg 2-0 in Barcelona last week. Barcelona was trying to return to the last four for the second season in a row. It scored twice in the first 24 minutes to even the series, with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres finding the net. Atletico struck back still in the first half with a goal by Ademola Lookman. Atletico will face either Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semifinals.

WORDS: 872 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 6:21 p.m. EDT

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

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FBN--VRABEL-RUSSINI

NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic after photos published of her with Mike Vrabel

SUMMARY: NFL reporter Dianna Russini has resigned from The Athletic less than a week after published photos of her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort prompted an internal investigation at The New York Times-owned sports outlet. The New York Post last week published the photos of Vrabel and Russini at the Sedona hotel and said they were taken before the NFL owners meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29. Russini joined The Athletic in 2023 after nearly a decade at ESPN, where she held various roles, including SportsCenter anchor, NFL analyst and insider. She hosted a podcast for The Athletic and made appearances on their video platform.

WORDS: 579 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 6:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0e0006364d9d31f8e0fec65ecfb937c0&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-DONCIC-REAVES

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves still out indefinitely with injuries as Lakers prepare for playoffs

SUMMARY: Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will not return from injury in time to begin the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. That leaves Los Angeles without its top two scorers. Coach JJ Redick says they’re both out indefinitely, and there won’t be an update on their condition this week. Doncic strained a hamstring and Reaves strained an oblique on April 2 in Oklahoma City, and neither returned during the regular season. The Lakers host the Rockets in Game 1 on Saturday night. Doncic and Reaves combined to average 56.8 points, 13.8 assists and 12.4 rebounds per game when healthy this season.

WORDS: 427 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 5:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:390130804010cb1d09a8ad06573ef7c3&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: 652 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 4:16 p.m. EDT

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

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BBO--NCAA-TO-MLB-PIPELINE

Money and tech have closed the gap between NCAA baseball and MLB. That’s good news for coaches

SUMMARY: 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. It’s part of the reason Tony Vitello is now the manager of the San Francisco Giants despite never working or playing for a professional organization before he was hired — a first in MLB history. It’s also a factor in why Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2025 barely one year after finishing a decorated college career at Wake Forest.

WORDS: 1082 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 3:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f839cd2286ce34c7041eb27ec02c9a2&mediaType=text

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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: 653 - MOVED: 04/14/2026 2:45 p.m. EDT

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

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