General Sports 3 Hours

Last updated: April 14, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

NBA Playoff Picture & Predictions

The Charlotte Hornets are closing in on snapping the NBA's longest active playoff drought, currently standing just two wins away from qualifying through the play-in tournament, where they face the Miami Heat in a crucial elimination game. ESPN experts are divided on the outcome of the play-in slate, though predictions for the subsequent first round and the NBA Finals lean heavily toward established contenders, with Zach Kram detailing every predicted series outcome through June in his comprehensive bracketology forecasting the championship matchup.

Football & Wrestling Updates

In college football, the spring practice cycle has yielded a new No. 1 team in the updated Top 25 rankings, reflecting roster adjustments and coaching stability across the major conferences as teams prepare for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, the wrestling world prepares for the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday, which will see wrestling legend AJ Styles and Stephanie McMahon as headliners, alongside the tag team Demolition.

NFL & Global Athletics News

The NFL Draft buzz continues to focus on breakout personalities, exemplified by Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, whose viral combine presence—fueled by his distinct mullet and personality—has elevated him from an anonymous lineman to a highly discussed prospect. Separately, the London Marathon faces a significant setback as reigning world champion Peres Jepchirchir withdraws from the event due to an unspecified stress fracture, dampening expectations for elite women's field times. Separately, Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney firmly denied that outgoing chairman Richard Collier-Keywood was forced from his position by the governing board.