Betts Still Out as Mystery Illness Lingers

After missing the Dodgers’ season-opening games in Tokyo, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman were originally set to play in Sunday’s Freeway Series exhibition, a 7-1 win  over the Angels at Dodger Stadium.   However, Betts was scratched from the lineup about 90 minutes before the game after vomiting. He has been battling an illness that caused him to lose about 15 pounds and forced the Dodgers to send him home early from Tokyo. Miguel Rojas replaced him at shortstop.   Betts said he has been unable to keep down solid food for nearly two weeks, first noticing symptoms before the Dodgers’ Cactus League finale on March 11. While he can tolerate liquids like smoothies and received an IV in Tokyo, a specific diagnosis has yet to be determined.

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LeBron Returns, but Bulls Dominate Lakers

LeBron James returned Saturday after a two-week absence, looking ready to lead the Lakers’ playoff push. But almost nothing else went right in a 146-115 blowout loss to the Bulls. “We’ve got to play better basketball than we did tonight,” James said before the Lakers’ four-game road trip starts Monday in Orlando. James had 17 points after missing seven games with a strained groin but showed some rust. His return was overshadowed by a sloppy Lakers performance, marking another low in their up-and-down season since acquiring Luka Doncic.

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Angels Trade for Anderson, Sends Suarez to Braves

The Braves traded right-hander Ian Anderson  to the Angels on Sunday in exchange for left-hander José Suarez. Anderson, who had Tommy John surgery in 2023 and hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2022, was in the mix for a rotation spot with Atlanta this spring. Instead, he’ll move to the Angels’ bullpen, manager Ron Washington confirmed after the trade was finalized.   The 26-year-old made 15 starts in the minors last season while working his way back from injury. From 2020-22, he started 52 games for the Braves, posting a 3.97 ERA. Atlanta’s third overall pick in the 2016 Draft, Anderson threw three scoreless innings Sunday before being traded. He has a 2.25 ERA in six spring outings but has struggled with command, issuing 20 walks in 20 innings while striking out 10.

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Samsonov makes 35 saves for Golden Knights

 Ilya Samsonov saved 35 shots in the Golden Knights’ 4-2 win over the Lightning on Sunday at T-Mobile Arena. “’Sammy’ has been really good for us,” Vegas forward Nicolas Roy said. “Player of the game for sure today. … He’s been confident lately and it’s good to see. Really good game from him.” Roy, Tomas Hertl, Jack Eichel and Nicolas Hague scored for the Golden Knights (42-20-8), who have won three in a row and are in first in the Pacific Division, five points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers. Alex Pietrangelo had two assists. “We defended pretty well,” Pietrangelo said. “A lot of our offense comes from when we take care of our end. I know we gave up [37] shots, but I thought we did a really good job around our net. We’re defending well, especially on the rush, and it seems like tonight they’re really good on the rush. I just feel like three different teams. Three different [standing] positions, but we can play any style, right? We can adjust to who we’re playing against.”

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Hall Hat Trick helps Hurricanes’ Win Over Ducks

Taylor Hall scored a third-period hat trick to lead the Hurricanes to a 5-2 win over the Ducks on Sunday at Honda Center. It was Hall’s second hat trick of the season and sixth in the NHL. “It’s special,” he said. “I went 10 years without one… you never take it for granted.” Mark Jankowski and Jordan Martinook also scored for Carolina (43-23-4), which has won nine of its last 10. Frederik Andersen made 35 saves, earning praise from Hall: “He provides a lot of stability for us.”

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Canadiens push for playoffs has Montreal abuzz

The Avalanche dominated early, leading 2-0 after the first period and outshooting the Canadiens 16-6 on Saturday. Despite the deficit, a playoff-like atmosphere filled the Bell Centre, with seven former players—winners of 30 combined championships—joining the crowd. “Tonight we’re playing one of the best teams in the League,” said Canadiens legend Serge Savard. “If we get a point tonight against those guys, it will be a bonus.” Montreal delivered a thrilling third-period comeback, scoring three goals in 4:08 to tie it 4-4. Though they ultimately fell 5-4 in a shootout, the sellout crowd of 21,105 gave them a thunderous ovation.

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Demko practices fully with Canucks, ‘on the right track’

Thatcher Demko practiced fully Sunday for the first time since his lower-body injury last month. “I feel good,” the Canucks goalie said. “Rest is a weapon this time of year… luckily, today, we had a full team skate.” Demko last played Feb. 8 and has missed time with injuries three times this season. Coach Rick Tocchet said, “He’s starting to feel pretty good, so we’ll see what happens.” Vancouver continues its road trip Monday against the Devils (7:30 p.m. ET; Disney+, HULU, ESPN+, Prime).

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Campbell Secures Spot on Boston’s Opening Day Roster

Kristian Campbell rise through the Red Sox’s farm system secured his spot on the team’s Opening Day roster, a source told MLB.com. He was informed on Sunday by the team.  The right-handed hitter achieved this in less than two years after being drafted in the compensatory fourth round of 2023..  Now that he has made the roster, Campbell is expected to start at second base when the Red Sox open the season in Texas on Thursday.

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NBA Expert Picks: Milwaukee Bucks VS Phoenix Suns

Fans at the PHX Arena are in for a thrilling match on Monday night, as the Milwaukee Bucks face the Phoenix Suns in NBA action. Here’s a detailed look at the match prediction for the Milwaukee Bucks VS Phoenix Suns. Match Plug is your surest plug for correct predictions for all NBA matches. Let’s get into the match prediction! Betting Preview for Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns Betting on Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks are set to continue their West Coast trip but will be without star player Damian Lillard, who is sidelined with a calf injury.  Despite this, the Bucks remain a formidable force, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.  Betting on Phoenix Suns The Phoenix Suns have been on a hot streak, winning three straight games, including a strong 123-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.  They have been having a great season so far and will be looking to continue their success on home turf.  However, this match might be a little challenging with the absence of Bradley Beal due to a hamstring strain. Match Plug Prediction for Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns Given the current form of both teams, the Phoenix Suns have the advantage.  Their defense has been one of the best in the season and they have won three back to back games.  On the other hand, while the Bucks are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the absence of Lillard is significant, and Phoenix’s home advantage increases their chances of a win. Our prediction for this game is Phoenix to win. Final Prediction: Phoenix Suns Spread

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NBA Prediction: Boston Celtics VS Sacramento King

Get ready for an exciting clash as the Boston Celtics take on the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Monday night. Read the preview of the Boston Celtics VS Sacramento Kings match. The Celtics are on a strong run, but the Kings will be looking to bounce back after a couple of tough losses. The match is scheduled for 3:00 AM on March 25th 2025. Matchplug has the best preview & prediction for all NBA games. Here’s a closer look at this intriguing matchup. Betting Preview for Boston Celtics VS Sacramento King Betting On The Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics may not be the No. 1 seed this season, but they’ve still been one of the league’s toughest teams.  With over 50 wins already, they are one of the only three teams to achieve this feat.   After an exciting 129-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, they’ll be looking to keep their momentum going as they face the Kings on Monday Night. Betting On Sacramento Kings The Sacramento Kings are facing a rough patch lately. They are on a two-game losing streak, having lost to both the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks. Recent losses have made them slide downwards to ninth position. The Kings will be eager to redeem themselves and prove they can compete with the top teams, especially after handing the Celtics a loss earlier this season. With Domantas Sabonis leading the way, they have the potential to turn things around.  Match Plug Prediction for Boston Celtics VS Sacramento Kings The Boston Celtics have the advantage in this match with their consistency in recent games.  However, the Kings are desperate for revenge and can be dangerous if their star player, Sabonis performs at his best.  Despite Sacramento’s potential, Boston’s current form should give them the edge needed to secure a win in this matchup. Match Plugs prediction for this game is the Boston Celtics to win. Final Prediction: Boston Celtics to win.

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