For the first time in a while, we don't have any basketball games tonight. However, we do have a PGA Tour tournament, baseball games, and the end of the 2025-26 NHL regular season. Here are the biggest North American sporting events taking place on Thursday, April 16th, 2026.
Golf
PGA's 2026 RBC Heritage at 7:05 a.m. EDT on CBS, NBC, ESPN+, the Golf Channel, Peacock, and Paramount+.
In the first PGA Tour action since the 2026 Masters concluded on Sunday, 82 golfers will be teeing off today in the first round of the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina. Last year's winner, Justin Thomas, has a 10:05 a.m. EDT tee time. Later, at 1:50 p.m. EDT, the second-place finisher at the Masters, Scottie Scheffler, will be teeing off. Who will come out on top in the first round of this PGA tournament?
One question that will be answered: Will Scottie Scheffler's momentum from the Masters carry over into the first round of this tournament and allow him to finish in the top five after the first day?
MLB
Texas Rangers @ Athletics at 3:05 p.m. EDT on MLB.TV.
Last night's game between these squads was a barn-burner that concluded with the Rangers falling short of a comeback. In the end, the Athletics won 6-5 to take a one-game lead in the AL West divisional race. Tonight, the four-game series closes out with Jack Leiter taking the mound for Texas, and Jacob Lopez getting the start for the A's. Will the Athletics win the series, or will Texas tie things up? We'll find out this afternoon.
One question that will be answered: Since Leiter and Lopez both have high ERAs (4.91 and 7.43, respectively), will these teams combine for 10 or more runs?
Baltimore Orioles @ Cleveland Guardians at 6:10 p.m. EDT on MLB.TV.
This is the first matchup in an interesting four-game series. Though Cleveland is 10-9 and Baltimore is 9-9, both squads are looking to snap two-game losing streaks. At the same time, the Guardians are trying to catch up with the Minnesota Twins for first place in the AL Central, while the Orioles are 1.5 games back from the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead in the AL East. Shane Baz will be on the mound for Baltimore, while Parker Messick and his remarkable 0.51 ERA get the nod for the Guardians. This four-game set will surely play a role in these teams potentially making the playoffs.
One question that will be answered: Will the Orioles be able to get more than one earned run off of Parker Messick?
NHL
Anaheim Ducks @ Nashville Predators at 8:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN+.
Though there are six games on tonight to close out the 2025-26 NHL regular season, this is one of two that are worth tuning into. With 90 points, the Ducks can still earn the second seed in the Pacific Division with a win of any kind and a regulation loss by the Edmonton Oilers. Nashville doesn't have much to play for, so there’s a realistic chance that Anaheim could leapfrog Edmonton for the number-two seed in their division.
One question that will be answered: Considering Nashville and Anaheim rank 25th and 29th in the league in goaltending, respectively, will these teams combine for at least seven goals scored?
Vancouver Canucks @ Edmonton Oilers at 9:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN+.
As we just mentioned, this game has a direct effect on seeding for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Though the Ducks are hot on their tails, the Oilers can end all doubt by picking up at least one point. If Edmonton wins in regulation or forces overtime tonight, then they’ll lock up the number-two seed in the Pacific. As a result, they would have the home-ice advantage over Anaheim if these teams meet in the first round of the postseason. Conversely, the Oilers could end up being a Wild Card team if they lose in regulation and the Ducks and Los Angeles Kings both win tonight. Needless to say, this is an important matchup for the defending Western Conference champs.
One question that will be answered: Will the Oilers' top-ranked power play (30.1%) record at least two power play goals against a Vancouver squad that has the second-worst penalty kill in the NHL (72%)?
