Wednesday night’s NBA playoff action was largely drama-free, as the No. 1 seeds in each conference cruised to double-digit wins. Early on, the Detroit Pistons used a 30-3 run in the third quarter to pull away from the Orlando Magic en route to a 98-83 win. And in the second game of the doubleheader, the Oklahoma City Thunder held off a fourth-quarter push by the Phoenix Suns for a 120-107 victory. 

The Pistons and Magic are now all even at 1-1 and will have plenty of time off before Game 3 in Orlando on Saturday. The Thunder, meanwhile, have a commanding 2-0 lead on the Suns, who will host Game 3 of their matchup on Saturday. 

Here’s a look at the winners and losers from Wednesday night in the NBA playoffs. 

Winner: Chet Holmgren

This was, by far, Holmgren’s best season since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2022. He averaged career-highs in scoring, rebounds and field goal percentage, made his first All-Star appearance and finished second to Victor Wembanyama in Defensive Player of the Year voting. When the All-Defensive Teams are announced, he should make the First Team. 

Holmgren has continued his strong play into the postseason. After a strong 16-point, seven-rebound, two-block effort in just 25 minutes in Game 1, Holmgren went for 19 points, eight rebounds and four blocks on Wednesday. All of those blocks came in the third quarter, and were the most blocks in a quarter in the playoffs in 18 years. For the series, Holmgren is shooting 12 of 22 (54.5%) from the field, including 5 of 12 (41.7%) from 3-point range. 

“He’s special, man,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said during his postgame interview on the broadcast. “He affects the game at a really high level every time he steps on the floor. I’m gonna sound like a broken record, but since the day that Chet Holmgren played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, we’ve been the first seed in the West, and it’s no coincidence. He makes plays, he anchors the best defense in the league.”

The Thunder are going to need even more from Holmgren if Jalen Williams ends up missing time with his apparent hamstring issue. 

Loser: Thunder’s health

In the middle of the third quarter, the Thunder’s Jalen Williams ran the floor hard in transition, caught a pass from Gilgeous-Alexander and went up for a layup that he missed. Immediately, he grabbed for his left hamstring and took his time getting back down the floor. 

After taking a foul to stop play, Williams appeared to inform the bench that his left hamstring was bothering him, then went to the locker room and did not return. It’s far too early to know how long Williams may be sidelined — he’ll likely undergo an MRI either late Wednesday or early Thursday — but this was not what the Thunder wanted to see. 

Williams played only 33 games this season due to multiple injuries, including a right hamstring issue that kept him out for eight weeks across two different stretches. The Thunder will be fine against the Suns even if Williams doesn’t come back, but if he’s facing another extended spell on the sidelines, that would be a big blow to their title hopes. 

In Game 1, Williams put up 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists on 9 of 15 from the field. Though he had struggled at times this season, he is a proven playoff performer and was their second-best player last season en route to their first title. 

Gilgeous-Alexander was also in pain early in the game after an awkward fall where he put his left hand out to brace himself and his fingers bent the wrong way. He was checked out by the team’s medical staff and remained in the game — and finished with 37 points and nine assists — but it was clear his hand was bothering him all night. That could be something to monitor over the next few days. 

Winner: The Pistons’ supporting cast

Even though the Pistons won 60 games and were the No. 1 seed, they weren’t the clear favorites in the Eastern Conference entering the playoffs, in large part because of concerns about their over-reliance on All-Star guard Cade Cunningham. 

Game 1 was a perfect example. Cunningham poured in 39 points on 13 of 27 from the field on Sunday, but the Pistons lost because every other Detroit player combined for 62 points on 18 of 50 shooting. In fact, Tobias Harris was the only other player who scored in double figures that night, and he shot 5 of 15.

The Pistons won’t get past the Magic, let alone make a deep run, unless their supporting cast steps up to give Cunningham some help. They certainly did in Game 2. Cunningham went off again for 27 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. But the Pistons had five more double-figure scorers, including all four other starters. 

The Pistons still only scored 98 points and shot 6 of 26 from 3-point range, so questions remain about their playoff offense, but this was a must-win game and an important confidence builder for the supporting cast. 

Loser: Desmond Bane

Bane didn’t ask the Magic to trade Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four first-round picks and a first-round pick swap to acquire him from the Memphis Grizzlies last summer. But fairly or not, the steep price has raised the expectations for him. 

By any standards, his performance in Game 2 simply wasn’t good enough. He scored 12 points on 2 of 11 shooting and had more turnovers (three) than made baskets. 

It’s one thing to miss shots, but Bane has to take them or the Magic have no chance. He is by far their best 3-point shooter (39.1% on 5.2 attempts per game in the regular season) and their most reliable shot creator in the backcourt. During the regular season, the Orlando was 7-8 when Bane took 11 or fewer shots and 38-29 when he took 12 or more.

Bane’s no-show on Tuesday was a big reason why the Magic had their worst offensive performance of the season. Their 83 points and 32.5 field goal percentage were both season lows. 

Todd Pollard might be in the initial phase of managing his personal stable, but his roster has begun to build steadily after mere months.

Scrumptious joins as a late addition for the one-time aide to Annabel, positioning her as a valuable asset moving forward.

Until recently, the three-year-old filly was with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, but post her $75,000 Inglis online transaction last month, Pollard is identifying her upside, potentially on display in the Seven Benchmark 70 Handicap (1350m) at Ipswich on Thursday.

“We scratched from a sticky draw yesterday at Doomben and this is a similar race although a step up in trip but this is a bit weaker than the midweek metro grade last time,” Pollard said.

“She is a pretty handy horse and being a winner in town in Sydney, she does get hammered by the handicapper up here.

“She has been rated like she has won two-and-a-half races rather than one race.”

Her breakthrough maiden win came at Canterbury over 1250m on January 30, and she’s a $3.50 prospect for today’s Ipswich race.

Last appearance saw her seventh, beaten three lengths over 1200m at Doomben.

“Last start in benchmark 70 grade, it was actually a pretty strong race and for a lightly raced three-year-old filly she was taking on handy opposition.

“There were horses there a couple of horses who have won six races and that was tough on a little three-year-old filly.

“She is probably looking for 1350m and, who knows, she might even get to a mile in time.”

Leading hoop Ben Thompson retains the ride on Scrumptious from draw two at Ipswich.

Check racing betting markets for the Seven Benchmark 70 Handicap at Ipswich this Thursday.

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will need to win all their remaining games to claim the Premier League title after moving top on Wednesday.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal as City continued their recent charge to hit the summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Burnley, who were consequently relegated.

It is the first time City have led the table since August and, with five games to play, they appear to be timing their run perfectly.

Yet their lead over Arsenal is slender, on goals scored only, and with the Gunners in action twice before City’s next league outing, Guardiola recognises the pressure is still firmly on.

The Spaniard said: “Now we have the FA Cup on Saturday and after that we have five games. The only chance is to win all the games.”

Haaland also hit a post and Rayan Cherki had an effort deflected on to the woodwork but Burnley, battling to delay their return to the second tier after a single season in top flight, fought to the end.

Guardiola felt his players performed well so soon after Sunday’s victory over title rivals Arsenal.

He said: “It was such a demanding game on Sunday. It is not easy after three days, but in the Premier League you have to adjust.

“Winning is the main target and, considering the last three days and the emotion and physicality in the game we played, we made an extraordinary game.

“With the chances we created we could have scored more goals, but the important thing is winning every game. Five games in the Premier League – we see what happens.”

With the race so close, Guardiola admitted he would have liked to have improved the goal difference.

He said: “Yes, we had chances – but we have to win the games. It was clear, clear, clear.

“We did not have ‘umph’ in the last part of the shots and sometimes that’s the fatigue. I had the feeling if we scored at 2-0 it would be more relaxed and we could be more composed in the final third.”

City’s attention now turns to Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton at Wembley and Guardiola will consider making changes.

“Now we have to think about it a lot because I had a lot of doubts about the line-up today because of the fatigue,” he added.

“Now it will be three in a row in three days, go to London. I have to think about it.”

Each year, in addition to various Minnesota Vikings-themed mock drafts, we get one on record for all the league. This is the last mock draft of 2026 — the leaguewide version for Round 1.

The board is set. Pandemonium is next.

This year may be more unpredictable than most, as the NFL shortened the clock between picks, and several teams are hoping to trade down.

Final Forecast for Every Pick in Round 1

Not limited to the Vikings, here’s a full NFL mock draft.

1 — Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: Fernando Mendoza (QB) | Indiana

The first pick of the draft is inevitable. Mendoza gives the Raiders a legitimate shot at their quarterback of the future, which in turn allows the rest of their plans to fall into place. Any other choice would be an earth-shattering surprise; Las Vegas didn’t clear the runway solely for Kirk Cousins or a mid-round QB.

2 — New York Jets

The Pick: David Bailey (EDGE) | Texas Tech

This debate — Bailey or Reese — has actually become annoying because it’s so difficult to decipher. The Jets ultimately roll with Bailey. He’s a purer pass rusher.

3 — Arizona Cardinals

The Pick: Arvell Reese (LB) | Ohio State

Pundits have teased Jeremiyah Love going here, but we’re just not buying it, not when the Cardinals have James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Trey Benson on the roster. This feels like a textbook smoke-filled rumor reserved for draft week.

4 — Tennessee Titans

The Pick: Jeremiyah Love (RB) | Notre Dame

Tennessee effectively signaled this move by passing on top-tier running back help in free agency. Players like Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, or Javonte Williams could have addressed their RB needs rather easily. Instead, the Titans left the door open for a premium runner, and Love walks right in. He’s explosive, elusive, and perfectly built to be a game-changer.

5 — New York Giants

The Pick: Sonny Styles (LB) | Ohio State

With Bobby Okereke off the roster, the Giants can approach the linebacker position from a fresh angle, prioritizing youth. Styles possesses the range, size, and play style that will integrate seamlessly in New York. He feels like a quintessential John Harbaugh defender.

6 — Cleveland Browns

The Pick: Spencer Fano (OT) | Utah

Dawand Jones offered little to Cleveland last season, and his limited sample size didn’t inspire confidence. Tytus Howard is also on the roster, but the Browns still require a long-term solution on the offensive line. Fano perfectly addresses that need, bringing youth, consistent play, and a quicker-than-expected path to a starting role.

7 — Washington Commanders

The Pick: Caleb Downs (S) | Ohio State

It’s tempting to roll with a wide receiver here because the Commanders’ cupboard is a bit barren, but at the end of the day, Dan Quinn is a defense-first head coach, and he just can’t leave Downs on the board.

8 — New Orleans Saints

The Pick: Carnell Tate (WR) | Ohio State

Next to Chris Olave, the Saints need another weapon for Tyler Shough. As the first wideout off the board to get the party cracking, it’s Tate to the Bayou.

9 — Kansas City Chiefs

The Pick: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE) | Miami

Kansas City will be elated that Bain Jr. fell this far, and he’ll instantly swipe Ashton Gillotte’s job.

10 — New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals)

The Pick: Francis Mauigoa (OT) | Miami (FL)

A best player available pick, general manager Joe Schoen takes the plunge with Mauigoa, sending Jermaine Eluemunor to RT2.

11 — Miami Dolphins

The Pick: Mansoor Delane (CB) | LSU

Miami arguably needs every position on the draftboard, but as No. 11, Delane is the best pick and the first corner off the board.

12 — Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: Dillon Thieneman (S) | Oregon

Daniel Jeremiah chirped this week that Dallas could pounce on Thieneman “early,” and we believe it. His Combine was that fantastic.

13 — Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)

The Pick: Makai Lemon (WR) | USC

The Rams’ deep roster allows them to make a luxury pick here. Lemon provides Sean McVay with another dynamic weapon, converting that Atlanta trade from last year into a receiver with significant upside. Puka Nacua, Davate Adams, and Lemon will cook.

14 — Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: Olaivavega Ioane (G) | Penn State

Tyler Linderbaum’s departure created a significant void in Baltimore’s interior. The Ravens require significant power and consistent play inside, qualities Ioane provides. This feels like a classic Baltimore selection, one that makes too much sense to overthink.

15 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: Kenyon Sadiq (TE) | Oregon

Yes, the Buccaneers just extended Cade Otton to a handsome contract extension. No, that doesn’t matter.

16 — New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)

The Pick: Jermod McCoy (CB) | Tennessee

McCoy didn’t play at all last year due to an ACL tear, so he carries some risk. Sounds like a Jets draft pick to me.

17 — Detroit Lions

The Pick: Kadyn Proctor (OT) | Alabama

Relying on Giovanni Manu as a starting tackle presents a precarious situation for a contender with Detroit’s strong roster. Proctor rectifies this immediately; he can step in right away, providing the Lions with a powerful bookend opposite Penei Sewell.

18 — Minnesota Vikings

The Pick: Peter Woods (DT) | Clemson

Two recently jettisoned defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, played a combined 1,300+ defensive snaps last year. Do you really think Levi Drake Rodrgiuez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will split that new workload? We say no. The pick is Woods, the first DT of the night.

19 — Carolina Panthers

The Pick: Jordyn Tyson (WR) | Arizona State

The Panthers’ brass love drafting wide receivers, and the pattern doesn’t stop in 2026. Tyson’s tumble ends, becoming Tetairoa McMillan’s running mate.

20 — Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)

The Pick: Keldric Faulk (EDGE) | Auburn

This is the beginning of the plan to erase the sins of the Micah Parsons trade.

21 — Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pick: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR) | Indiana

Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Ty Simpson, or Garrett Nussmeier will hope to feast with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman, and Omar Cooper Jr.

Cooper Jr. will be a stud. Remember it.

22 — Los Angeles Chargers

The Pick: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE) | Miami

Khalil Mack remains a factor, but Father Time is an inevitable force. The Chargers require another solution on the edge, and Mesidor is their choice. At 25, he’ll be an older rookie, which might deter some teams, but Los Angeles can accept that if he’s ready to make an immediate impact.

23 — Philadelphia Eagles

The Pick: Monroe Freeling (OT) | Georgia

The University of Georgia fetish continues.

24 — Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)

The Pick: Kevin Concepcion (WR) | Texas A&M

Cleveland’s wide receiver room is in desperate need of assistance. Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond form a group that doesn’t exactly strike fear into opposing defenses. Concepcion alters this equation, providing the Browns with another solid target and injecting much-needed energy into the position.

25 — Chicago Bears

The Pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S) | Toledo

Tell us this doesn’t feel like a Bears pick. We won’t believe you.

26 — Buffalo Bills

The Pick: T.J. Parker (EDGE) | Clemson

Buffalo’s new-look OLB corps:

• Bradley Chubb
• Greg Rousseau
• T.J. Parker

That might just work.

27 — San Francisco 49ers

The Pick: Caleb Lomu (OT) | Utah

Trent Williams cannot play forever, so San Francisco must plan ahead at premium positions. Lomu embodies the 49ers’ “next-man-up” strategy; he can integrate into the system now, positioning himself to take over when the time comes.

28 — Houston Texans

The Pick: Kayden McDonald (DT) | Ohio State

Houston’s defense, thanks to DeMeco Ryans, boasts virtually no weak spots. However, if pressed to identify one, it would likely be defensive tackle, a spot where McDonald fits beautifully.

29 — Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)

The Pick: Chris Johnson (CB) | San Diego State

After Kansas City traded Trent McDuffie, cornerback immediately became their top priority. This makes Johnson a straightforward choice, as he fills that void and provides the Chiefs with a young defensive back to address a suddenly critical position.

30 — Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos)

The Pick: Denzel Boston (WR) | Washington

The Dolphins need WRs after booting Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Boston is the last remaining option for Miami who deserves a 1st-Round pick.

31 — New England Patriots

The Pick: Blake Miller (OT) | Clemson

Miller will eventually take over for Morgan Moses, possibly this summer.

32 — Seattle Seahawks (Pick Traded Elsewhere)

The Pick: Ty Simpson (QB) | Alabama

No, the Seahawks won’t draft Simpson, but someone will trade into the 1st-Round’s last spot — probably the Arizona Cardinals to capitalize on Simpson’s fifth-year option, if applicable, in 2030.

Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Nandre Burger was fined 10 per cent of his match fees and handed one demerit point for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during the match against Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday. The South Africa international admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5-pertaining to using language, actions, or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from another player in the match-and accepted the sanction suggested by the match referee. In the match itself, RR defeated LSG by 40 runs.

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant did not have any answer for his team’s defence after a morale-crushing 40-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match, other than accepting the responsibility that his side didn’t read the surface properly.

“I don’t have answers. Batting has let us down. We are disappointed as a team, as a group,” Pant said after his team were skittled out for 119 chasing a small 160-run target.

“You have to look for answers inside, not outside. We could have taken some time while batting. No excuses out there. Including myself, we could have taken it deeper. As a batting group, we have to put our hands up,” Pant offered a feeble explanation.

Mohammed Shami’s bowling effort stood out and Pant found that to be a silver lining.

“We have to look at positives. We have to keep our head high and look for answers inside. We have the firepower to turn the season around.” Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag knew that there was help off the surface.

“We knew it would swing, the lines and lengths they (Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer) bowled, impressive. The message on the groups have been very positive,” Riyan said after the match.

On his own poor show, Riyan said that he has been going through some personal crisis and the team stands firmly behind him.

“I had gone through something, even now I am going through something and everyone understands that,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)

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Confidence exudes from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson when he’s on the field, and that carried over to the pre-NFL Draft process.

Simpson has steadfastly supported himself when asked if he can be a starting quarterback in this league, and he feels he has the first-round talent to do so.

Before he learns where he goes in the NFL Draft, whether it’s Thursday night in the first round or beyond, Simpson spoke with Fox News Digital about where his patented confidence comes from.

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Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“I think it goes with my faith,” he said, while discussing his partnership with Toyota ahead of the draft. “My faith is very important to me. I fully believe that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, and knowing that football is just a minor stepping stone in why I’m on this earth. I feel like I’m on this earth for a bigger reason, to get people together to spread the word. The fact that I can do that on a huge stage, the Lord has blessed me in so many ways, that just gives me confidence.

“I get to play a kid’s game for fun, but I also know that everybody’s watching every move that I make. Understanding that I can impact so many people’s lives by spreading the good news.”

Simpson, who spent all four of his college seasons at Alabama, embodies the “Faith, Family, Football” motto, as he also talked about his hometown of Martin, Tennessee.

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No matter where his NFL journey may take him, he will always be repping the place that made him who he is.

“I think that being able to impact my community is something I really look forward to because I know how much my community means to me,” he said when asked about charitable work off the field in the city he ends up in. “Martin, Tennessee is a special place. It’s where I grew up. The 713-area code, we take pride in it. We always say in our household, ‘Martin made.’ So, it’s something where I look forward to, wherever I end up, to be able to give back to my community.”

Simpson showcased his desire to give back Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, joining fellow NFL Draft prospect wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and members of the U.S. Women’s National Flag Football team at Toyota’s NFL Draft Flag Football Training Camp for Pittsburgh-area high school girls. He was wearing the coach’s hat, helping coordinate drills and share some of his quarterback wisdom before preparing for the draft on Thursday night.

Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the football against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“My sister was a basketball player and softball player growing up, so it’s really exciting and awesome to see Toyota put a spotlight on girls in sports,” Simpson added.

Toyota also covered NFL FLAG fall registration kit fees for current players in the Pittsburgh Flag Football League coed youth and high school girls leagues as part of this activation before the live draft in the city.

Simpson waited until his fourth season to finally take the reins of the Alabama offense, and he made the best of the situation. He threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions across 15 games for the Crimson Tide. But the 6-foot-2, 211-pound quarterback, who has gotten comparisons to Mac Jones, a fellow Alabama alum, is all over the place in terms of mock drafts.

In short, not even Simpson has an idea where he might end up when the draft begins. But no matter where he goes, Simpson knows he can make an impact.

Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (CFP/Getty Images)

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And it starts with his faith.

“The first round is great, [but] any time you get drafted is great. There’s so many different players that are great at my position that are from each different round of the NFL. So, I’m in the mindset of wherever I go, whenever that will be, I’m gonna put my best foot forward. Trust the process and be the best player I can be.”

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