Daily briefing
Top Sports Headlines – April 18, 2026
Curated from 65 sources across 3 leagues in the last 24 hours.
Last updated Apr 18, 2026 • 3:31 AM UTC
Top headlines
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1
NBA 2026 postseason preview: Matchups, biggest questions and what to know
Everything you need to know for the Thunder, Pistons, Spurs, Celtics and 16 other teams chasing the 2026 NBA title.
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NBA awards: Bontemps' ballot for MVP, top rookie, every honor
Which award battles are too close to call? Tim Bontemps unveils his official ballot for MVP, All-NBA, Sixth Man and every major honor.
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Offseason guides: Draft, free agency, trade targets for eliminated teams
Summer is here for franchises that missed the playoffs. What lies ahead for the Hornets, Clippers and more?
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Brazil basketball legend Oscar Schmidt dies at 68
Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer whom his Brazil compatriots know as the "Holy Hand," died Friday. He was 68.
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'It's all basketball': LaMelo says no rift with Bam
LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets says he's relieved that Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo wasn't more hurt after the run-in with Ball in the second quarter.
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🏆 NBA playoffs: Predicting the entire bracket
ESPN's Zach Kram decides each NBA series in the playoffs through the Finals. Who will square off in June?
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Magic rip Hornets in record-setting 31-point rout
The Orlando Magic built a 35-point lead in the first half on the way to a 121-90 rout of Charlotte Hornets in a play-in tournament game on Friday night and advanced to a first-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
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10
Frank: Clippers' goal remains to 'win with Kawhi'
LA Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank reaffirmed the team's commitment to Kawhi Leonard long-term at his end-of-season news conference Friday.
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Rockets list KD (knee) as questionable for Game 1
Kevin Durant sustained a right knee contusion during practice this week, but the Rockets are optimistic it will not be a significant issue during their first-round playoff series against the Lakers, a source told ESPN.
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12
Luka, Cunningham win appeal, eligible for awards
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham are eligible for season honors after their challenge of the 65-game rule was approved, while Anthony Edwards' challenge was declined.
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Source: Texans, Anderson agree to $150M deal
Texans and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. have agreed to a historic three-year, $150 million extension to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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Rockets list KD (knee) as questionable for Game 1
Kevin Durant sustained a right knee contusion during practice this week, but the Rockets are optimistic it will not be a significant issue during their first-round playoff series against the Lakers, a source told ESPN.
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Retired stars Bird, Rapinoe announce separation
Retired sports stars Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced Friday on social media that, after a decade together, they are no longer in a relationship.
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Magic rip Hornets in record-setting 31-point rout
The Orlando Magic built a 35-point lead in the first half on the way to a 121-90 rout of Charlotte Hornets in a play-in tournament game on Friday night and advanced to a first-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
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17
Frank: Clippers' goal remains to 'win with Kawhi'
LA Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank reaffirmed the team's commitment to Kawhi Leonard long-term at his end-of-season news conference Friday.
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18
Run it back: Liberty sign Big 3 to long-term deals
Liberty announced Friday that forward Breanna Stewart, center Jonquel Jones and guard Sabrina Ionescu all have signed multiyear deals to return to the team.
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19
Brazil basketball legend Oscar Schmidt dies at 68
Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer whom his Brazil compatriots know as the "Holy Hand," died Friday. He was 68.
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20
🏈 NFL mini mock draft: Predicting top 10 picks
We asked NFL scouts to make draft picks for other teams, assigning one to each top-10 slot. Which prospects could go early?
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21
Fever's Boston lands record $6.3M extension
Three-time WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston has agreed to a four-year, $6.3 million contract extension with the Indiana Fever, her agent told ESPN.
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