Top Sports Headlines – April 18, 2026

Everything you need to know for the Thunder, Pistons, Spurs, Celtics and 16 other teams chasing the 2026 NBA title.

Which award battles are too close to call? Tim Bontemps unveils his official ballot for MVP, All-NBA, Sixth Man and every major honor.

Summer is here for franchises that missed the playoffs. What lies ahead for the Hornets, Clippers and more?

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Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer whom his Brazil compatriots know as the "Holy Hand," died Friday. He was 68.

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.

ESPN's Zach Kram decides each NBA series in the playoffs through the Finals. Who will square off in June?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Liberty announced Friday that forward Breanna Stewart, center Jonquel Jones and guard Sabrina Ionescu all have signed multiyear deals to return to the team.

Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer whom his Brazil compatriots know as the "Holy Hand," died Friday. He was 68.

We asked NFL scouts to make draft picks for other teams, assigning one to each top-10 slot. Which prospects could go early?

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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