Minnesota Teams

Wild close in on first playoff series win in a decade. After falling behind 2-1 in their first-round NHL playoff series against the Dallas Stars, the Minnesota Wild have stormed back with two straight wins. Tuesday's 4-2 victory was powered by stifling defense, and the Wild now lead the series 3-2 — one win away from their first series victory since 2015.

Timberwolves still alive, but Nuggets forced a Game 6. The T-Wolves were on the verge of sweeping the Denver Nuggets out of the playoffs, but star center Nikola Jokic reminded everyone why he's a multiple-time MVP — putting up a triple-double (points, rebounds, and assists all in double digits) in a 125-113 Denver win. Minnesota still leads the series 3-2 and gets another shot to close it out.

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NFL

The NFL Draft just wrapped up, and the league is already buzzing about what's next. Pittsburgh kept veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the fold by using a contract tender on the 42-year-old, which means they've taken steps to prevent him from walking away for free. Meanwhile, the New York Jets hosted Russell Wilson for a visit — at the suggestion of their own starting QB Geno Smith, which is either very mature or very unusual depending on how you look at it.

One draft story has a darker cloud over it. Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby is under investigation for gambling, and NFL teams are reportedly already calling him "untouchable" — meaning he may not get drafted at all, even in a supplemental draft for players who missed the regular one.

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NBA

Cooper Flagg wins Rookie of the Year. The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, who was the first overall pick in last year's draft, has been named the NBA's best rookie for the 2025-26 season. He edged out Kon Knueppel — a former college teammate — in what was described as a fairly close vote.

Joel Embiid is playing through a lot right now. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid put on a gutsy performance to keep his team's playoff hopes alive — just 19 days after having an emergency appendectomy (basically an urgent surgery to remove his appendix). The Knicks' Jalen Brunson also had a standout game as New York took control of their series against Atlanta.

March Madness is getting bigger. The NCAA announced it's expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams starting in 2027. It's not universally popular, but it's happening.

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MLB

One month in, some big teams are already in panic mode. ESPN's early-season check-in flags the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies as clubs off to worse starts than expected. It's early, but in baseball a slow April can be hard to dig out of.

A top prospect is heading to the big leagues. The Cleveland Guardians are calling up Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft. He's been hitting well in the minors and is considered one of the top 20 prospects in all of baseball — worth keeping an eye on.

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NHL

The Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of history. Buffalo hasn't won a playoff series since 2007 — nearly two decades — but they're one win away from doing it now. The Sabres have built a reputation for dramatic comeback wins this postseason and are suddenly looking like a legitimate threat.

Wild playoff update (see Minnesota section above). Minnesota leads Dallas 3-2 and has a chance to close out the series in Game 6.

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College Sports

March Madness expansion is officially in motion. Both ESPN and CBS Sports confirmed the NCAA is moving toward a 76-team tournament format for both men's and women's basketball, starting in 2027. Eight more teams will get a shot at the title, though critics worry it waters down the field.

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Other Sports

The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday. The 152nd "Run for the Roses" takes place May 2 at Churchill Downs in Louisville. If you want to seem like you know what you're talking about at a watch party, the horse to know is Golden Tempo, one of the notable entries drawing attention this year. Post time is early Saturday evening.

Allyson Felix wants to come back at 40. The most decorated woman in U.S. track and field history — she has more Olympic medals than any American woman in the sport — is attempting a comeback with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She'd be 42 by the time those Games begin.