NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman is having a tumultuous year, struggling on the track and missing time due to concussions. All of this has happened in a contract year, creating more uncertainty about his future in the No. 48 car with Hendrick Motorsports.

Fox Sports’ Bob Pokrass and The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi reported this week that teenager Connor Zylisch is a possible replacement for Hendricks if the decision is made to replace Bowman for the 2027 season.

Read more: NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising

Bowman was already seen on the hot seat entering the season. Things got off to a bad start, with the veteran driver finishing 40th at the Daytona 500, 23rd at Echo Park Speedway, and then had to retire from the car at COTA due to dizziness-like symptoms.

Unfortunately for Bowman, medical issues have been a subject for him in recent years. He had previously missed time due to neck and back problems as well as injury, resulting in long absences. It appears retirement is imminent, creating even more uncertainty over who will drive the No. 48 car next season.

Will Hendrick Motorsports replace Alex Bowman?

One thing that has become clear is that Kyle Busch will not be joining Hendricks next season as a potential Bowman replacement. This realistically leaves HMS with three options, barring anyone else being available.

Hendricks may decide to use 2027 as a development year for top prospect Corey Day. The 20-year-old will become a Cup Series rookie at the age of 21 and can use the entire season to learn to drive the next-gen car.

However, this comes at a cost. As Zilleisch’s rookie season has shown, there is a steep learning curve at the highest series. In reality Day will not have much of a chance of winning the race in 2027 and it will be a place in The Chase that HMS will probably not be able to earn.

Alternatively, Hendrick could buy Zylisch out of his contract with Trackhouse Racing and then put him behind the wheel of the No. 48 car. This would make the team one of the top emerging drivers in NASCAR, but it would also leave an uncertain future for Day.

There is an alternative option that may work for everyone. Bowman could re-sign with Hendricks on a one-year deal, his last chance to prove he belongs in the Cup Series with a top team. If he doesn’t perform up to expectations in 2027, Hendricks could either put a more experienced Day behind the wheel or pursue Zylisch as a free agent.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin spent some time in DC after the season ended. However, the 40-year-old is officially heading back to his native Russia for the summer.

Ovechkin recently completed his 21st season with the Capitals. Now, he will look to make a decision on his future as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

According to Russian news outlet TASS, Ovechkin and his family are scheduled to arrive in Moscow, Russia on Wednesday. The 40-year-old’s wife, Nastya Ovechkina, posted a photo on Instagram of their two sons sitting on top of the luggage.

At media breakdown day, Ovechkin said he was “pretty sure” he had not played his final NHL game. However, their decision will depend on health and family circumstances. The Great 8’s sons, Sergei and Ilya, want him to play another year.

“I tell them, ‘We’ll see.’ They’re excited,” Ovechkin said. “They want me to come back because they love the city, and they love the team, and they love the guys.”

More importantly, Ovechkin hopes the Capitals will compete for another Stanley Cup by his return.

“That’s probably the biggest thing,” Ovechkin said. “Otherwise, if you take different scenarios, like family-wise, health-wise, but also team-wise, that’s the most important thing for me.”

Ovechkin finished the 2025–26 season with 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) while appearing in all 82 games for the Capitals. Meanwhile, the team missed the playoffs for just the fifth time during The Great 8’s tenure in DC.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

Just days after being fired by the Boston Red Sox, Alex Cora was reportedly offered a chance to take over as the Philadelphia Phillies. It looks like he’ll have even more job offers this winter.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that in addition to the Phillies, Cora is “expected to be wooed” by both the Houston Astros and New York Mets.

RELATED: MLB Insider reveals which manager could be fired next

Cora turned down the opportunity with Philadelphia in April and opted to forgo the remainder of the 2026 MLB season to spend time with his family. However, he is widely expected to return to the dugout in 2027.

While the Astros (Joe Espada) and Mets (Carlos Mendoza) have publicly stuck to their managers, change is expected. Espada is in danger of being fired during the season and Mendoza’s future in New York is tenuous.

RELATED: Early favorite emerges to become Phillies manager in 2026

Cora, age 50, is a three-time World Series champion who has played a role in title wins as both a manager and bench coach. He is well-liked by the players and appears to be an ideal fit for an older team with experienced players looking to win a championship.

Why are the Phillies favored to hire Alex Cora?

While Mets owner Steve Cohen could offer Cora a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid managers in MLB next season, Philadelphia may be in a better position to give him the job.

Given Cora’s experience in Boston, where chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had extensive influence over the organization, his relationship with his next boss will be important. In Philadelphia, he will have the opportunity to reunite with Dave Dombrowski.

It is worth noting that Cora had worked in the Astros organization for some time, but that was only for the 2017 season as a bench coach. Most of his experience came in Boston, many of which were years when Dombrowski worked in the Red Sox front office.

As Phillies manager, Cora would have the support of a president of baseball operations he trusts and ownership that is willing to spend on a winner. Ultimately, it would be surprising if Cora is not hired by Philadelphia this winter.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

他缺乏感覺和人際交往能力，讓紅襪隊組織中最糟糕的方面暴露出來，這在解僱的後果中再次得到體現，據報道，當時管理層不允許球員在介紹查德·特雷西的團隊會議上提問。

然後週一有報道稱，紅襪隊管理層不相信斯托里的反彈，也不同意科拉讓他在陣容中排名第二。雖然領先敘事一直是亨利任期內的主要內容，但令人驚訝的是看到他們在名單上還有人的情況下做到了這一點。

布雷斯洛和亨利的舉動或許不會對場上表現產生直接影響，但他們無疑會影響球隊招募自由球員的能力。為什麼有人願意長期致力於這樣一個不穩定的組織，這個組織更關心贏得分手而不是支持他們的球員？

金錢和獲勝機會永遠是自由球員決策的首要考慮因素，但紅襪隊管理層的行為方式存在一些基本問題，不能簡單地透過場上的成功來解決。

6.新教練團年輕、經驗不足令人擔憂

需要明確的是，這並不是對查德·特雷西從未參加過美國職棒大聯盟的指控。擁有大聯盟的職業生涯並不是成為美國職棒大聯盟主教練的必要前提，特雷西在伍斯特期間的聲譽和知名度，以及他在球員發展方面的廣泛經驗，遠比他的職業生涯在三甲聯賽中停滯不前更重要。

這也不適用於新任替補教練何塞·弗洛雷斯（Jose Flores），他曾於 2022 年至 2024 年擔任特雷西在伍斯特的替補教練，並於 2025 年初成為紅襪隊一壘教練；也不適用於三壘教練查德·埃普森（Chad Epperson），他是前波特蘭海女隊經理，在波特蘭國民組織工作了該組織工作超過 25 年，他去年在波特蘭國民組織工作了。

我主要擔心的是新的擊球教練，他們都沒有在大聯盟執教過或打過球，而且履歷都相當淺薄。

32 歲的約翰·索特羅普洛斯 (John Soteropulos) 是 2025 年 10 月加入球隊擔任助理擊球教練後唯一留下的人，而 35 歲的前伍斯特擊球教練科林·赫爾策 (Collin Heltzer) 將擔任臨時擊球教練。 26 歲的新秀球教練傑克·西蒙內蒂 (Jack Simonetty) 被提升為臨時擊球助理。

The Boston Red Sox made the first managerial change of the 2026 Major League Baseball season over the weekend, firing captain Alex Cora and his top assistants. Since a change has already taken place and many clubs are struggling, trying to determine who could be next

As the April portion of the MLB schedule draws to a close, let’s take a look at our first MLB hot seat rankings.

1. Joe Espada, Houston Astros

Who will be the next manager to be fired? Our bet is on Houston Astros captain Joe Espada. Astros general manager Dana Brown is in a contract year, and while he has yet to publicly support Espada, the pressure is mounting in Houston. Team owner Jim Crane wants results after investing more than $230 million into the Astros’ roster this season, well above the luxury tax. No trade is coming, and the Astros lineup – the fourth-most runs scored (151) with the third-best OBP (.345) and SLG (.438) – has already done everything it can to try to propel the team forward. If the Astros miss some of their upcoming sets against the Red Sox, Dodgers and Reds, Espada probably won’t be the team captain when they return home for a May 11 series against the Seattle Mariners.

2. Carlos Mendoza, New York Mets

Is it Carlos Mendoza’s fault the New York Mets are 10 games below .500 on Monday? No, because in retrospect, the Mets roster was deeply flawed from the beginning, and missing the postseason for the second consecutive season is a huge indictment of the front office. However, both the team’s poor performance and there being zero real chemistry in the Mets clubhouse require someone to be the proverbial head on the chopping block. We believe owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns will have some patience with Mendoza given the team’s injuries. However, if things did not change by mid-May and the Mets lost the Subway Series at Citi Field, Mendoza would be gone.

RELATED: New York Mets managerial candidate to replace Carlos Mendoza

3. Rob Thomson, Philadelphia Phillies

Just minutes after Alex Cora was fired, there was talk that he would be replacing Rob Thomson. While the Philadelphia Phillies captain is absolutely on the hot seat, we highly doubt that an outsider will be hired, and that’s even if a change at the top is being contemplated. Philadelphia is off to a rough start right now, but they are coming off four consecutive seasons with over 90 wins. Since Thompson took over as interim manager in 2022, the Phillies have the third-best record in baseball (355–270). A change is certainly possible if things don’t change by the summer, but we think it’s a safe bet for Thomson to be there by May.

4. Matt Quatraro, Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are heading into their second season with a sub-.400 winning percentage under Matt Cutraro in four years. Through 514 career games as captain, the team has a winning percentage of .457 and the sixth-most losses (279) in baseball. Ownership has already spent money this off-season to put up fences to see if that will change things, and now they have their eye on a $3 billion stadium in Kansas City. The results on diamond are not good at all. Right now, it’s really just a question of whether or not the Royals will wait until the offseason to part ways with Cuartro.

RELATED: Reporter predicts which player the Royals will trade this summer

5. Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants took a huge gamble by becoming the first team in the modern era to bring a college baseball coach straight to the majors as captain. Early on, Tony Vitello demonstrated that he may not have the right personality for the job. Even setting aside his many eyebrow-raising admissions and quotes to reporters, the Giants got off to a poor 6–12 start.

As noted, Vitello’s club picked up series wins over the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins at home. It would also be a pretty big blemish on President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey’s resume if he fired a manager just a few months after bringing him on board. Ultimately, our prediction is that Vitello will remain until the end of the season and then return to the Tennessee Volunteers as their program heads into the 2026 campaign.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

It seems like a Thanos-level inevitability that the New York Mets are going to fire manager Carlos Mendoza at the start of their series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, tied for the worst record in MLB at 9-19.

A 12-game losing streak dominated most of April, and when they broke the slump with consecutive wins last week, they dropped three of four to one of the worst franchises of the last decade, the Colorado Rockies. It’s been a poor start to the season that can’t be blamed on a number of major injuries. One of the most expensive rosters in the game has enough talent to be much better than this.

Add in the fact that the Mets had a historic collapse at the end of last season, and it seems highly unlikely that Mendoza is still on the bench by mid-May. So, who can New York turn to in an effort to save the season and become the first team in MLB history to make the playoffs despite a 12-game losing streak?

We’re looking to answer that question with seven possible options to take over as Mets manager soon.

Kai Correa, Mets bench coach

The most likely replacement for Mendoza as manager of the Mets will be their new bench coach, Kai Correa. The 37-year-old has been viewed as a manager of the future in MLB circles for the past few years after stints as an assistant with the San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Guardians.

There was also speculation in February that he was hired specifically as a backup plan if Mendoza’s struggles continued early this season. Of all the possible options, Correa would likely be team president David Stearns’ choice.

Alex Cora, former Red Sox manager

Last weekend, the Boston Red Sox surprised many when they fired manager Alex Cora after eight seasons. While the team has had a few losing seasons under his watch (including an 11-17 start this year), the 50-year-old has had some very good years in Beantown, including a World Series victory in 2018.

Furthermore, he remains one of the most respected managers in the game because he brought the best out of the talent he had. He wasn’t the one to trade stars like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman or let them walk. Or continued to spend big to improve the roster despite being in a bigger market.

Although it will be difficult to walk away from the options available in the market and change things, Cora has the respect for the game that will give him a big chance in this.

Joe Girardi, former Phillies and Yankees manager

It’s possible that Stearns feels Correa is not ready to be thrust into such a high-pressure situation, or owner Steve Cohen makes a move to bring in a big name to serve as interim manager for the remainder of the season. That’s why former New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi could be an option.

Although his performance in Philly was disappointing, he still has a World Series title on his resume (2009 with the Yanks) and is well-versed in handling the New York media. Girardi is one of the few managers available who can jump into such a difficult situation and possibly succeed.

Carlos Beltran, Mets special assistant

In 2019, Mets legend Carlos Beltrán was hired as the team’s manager. However, he lost his job due to his involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Nevertheless, he remains a part of the organization as a special assistant and has been associated with other managerial jobs over the years.

Beltran is a well-respected person of the game and his knowledge of the Mets organization is beneficial at this time. Additionally, he may be able to connect with the team’s Latin stars better than Mendoza as he was once an elite star in MLB.

David Ross, former Cubs manager

The managerial options for the Mets are few, with the season having just started a few weeks ago. However, one interesting veteran skipper who could be in the game if the team fires Mendoza is former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross.

Although he wasn’t amazing in Chi-Town, he was still very solid, and the team had a record of 83–79 before being replaced by Craig Council. If New York is interested in giving a former manager the rest of the season to prove they can do the job long term, Ross is a sensible choice.

Dick Scott, Mets Triple-A manager

Another short-term option with experience who could jump into the job on short notice is current Mets Triple-A manager Dick Scott. He has done a solid job at Syracuse, having been in the game for more than two decades, and previously served as the Mets’ bench coach in 2016 and 2017. So he knows the market pressure.

Although he won’t be the top choice, the Red Sox turned to their own Triple-A manager, Chad Tracy, to replace Cora last week.

Buck Showalter, Mets manager before Mendoza

Yes, Stearns ousted Buck Showalter from running for president for the first time in 2024. But New York sports fans have seen managers or coaches fired and return in the same role or with another NYC team. Besides, desperate times call for desperate measures, and the experienced coach who can jump into such a messy situation and turn things around is Showalter.

Let’s not forget that in 2022, he led the team to its first 100-plus win season since the 1980s. The biggest issue is that this is a team that is built to reach the World Series this autumn, and in more than 22 years as a big league manager, that’s something the soon-to-be 70-year-old has never accomplished.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin’s work may not be done yet. The 40-year-old hinted at a possible comeback on Thursday’s media breakdown day.

The NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer is still deciding whether to return for his 22nd season. Ovechkin currently has 929 career goals in 1,573 games.

“Honestly, I’m pretty sure this isn’t my last game,” Ovechkin said. “I hope this isn’t my last game against Columbus. How I said, I have to make a decision, see where we are.”

Ovechkin said he would make a decision about his future in the offseason after talking to family and friends. He is yet to talk to the Capitals coaching staff and management.

Ovechkin also joked that general manager Chris Patrick wanted to sign him for two more years. The Great 8, meanwhile, wants the Capitals to compete again.

“First of all, we have to make the playoffs and we have to fight for the Cup,” Ovechkin said. “That’s probably the biggest thing.”

The Great 8’s decision will also depend on their health and family. He also said that his sons Ilya and Sergei want him to play again.

“They keep asking. I say we’ll see,” Ovechkin said, smiling. “They’re excited. They want me to come back because they love the city, love the team, love the guys.”

Ovechkin is set to become a free agent this offseason, although he does not plan to sign with another team. Another possibility is that the 40-year-old Russian returns to the KHL, where he played with Moscow Dynamo.

In his 21st season, Ovechkin recorded 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 82 games. Despite straining his hamstring early on, he was able to play all 82 games for the first time since 2017–18.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

周日下午，叶夫根尼·马尔金和匹兹堡企鹅队对阵亚历克斯·奥维奇金和华盛顿首都队。随着退役传闻四起，这可能是奥维奇金在华盛顿的最后一场主场比赛。然而，马尔金是否相信这位华盛顿前锋会在赛季结束后从 NHL 退役？

这位企鹅队前锋告诉记者，他相信奥维契金将在 2026-27 NHL 赛季回归。马尔金表示，奥维奇金“肯定会在明年回来”，因为他“仍然很饿”。截至目前，这位 40 岁的华盛顿前锋计划在赛季结束后做出退役决定，但他的密友认为他还没有完成。

奥维契金是NHL历史上最好的得分手，而且他仍然保持着高水平的表现。这位首都队球星在他的第 21 个 NHL 赛季中攻入 32 粒进球、31 次助攻和 63 分。虽然奥维契金的表现没有达到每赛季 50 个进球的水平，但他仍然为华盛顿提供了急需的进攻能力。

由于奥维奇金的合同将于 2025-26 NHL 赛季结束后到期，如果他继续在 NHL 效力，他将需要与首都队签下一份新合同。由于奥维契金的合同即将到期，本赛季末一直被视为奥维契金潜在的退役点。

这位40岁的前锋此前曾表示希望在俄罗斯退役，并有可能在莫斯科迪纳摩队踢最后一个赛季。如果奥维金从 NHL 退役，今年看到他在俄罗斯打球也不会让人感到惊讶。然而，首都队希望他能重返球队再参加一场比赛。

毕竟奥维契金的进攻输出很难被取代。马尔金相信华盛顿不必担心，奥维奇金至少会再复出一个赛季。

阅读更多：亚历克斯·奥韦奇金 (Alex Ovechkin) 放弃了 NHL 退休计划的重大更新

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的体育撰稿人，报道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大学橄榄球赛事。他的作品……有关奥斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins face Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Sunday afternoon. With retirement rumors swirling, this could be Ovechkin’s last home game in Washington. However, does Malkin believe the Washington forward will retire from the NHL after the season ends?

The Penguins forward believes Ovechkin will return for the 2026-27 NHL season, the player told reporters. Malkin said Ovechkin will “definitely be back next year” because he is “still hungry.” As of now, the 40-year-old Washington forward plans to make a decision to retire after the season, but his close friend believes he won’t do that just yet.

Ovechkin is the best goal scorer in NHL history, and he is still performing at a high level. The Capitals star has 32 goals, 31 assists and 63 points in his 21st NHL season. While Ovechkin isn’t performing at a 50-goals-per-season level, he still provides much-needed offensive production for Washington.

Since Ovechkin’s contract expires at the conclusion of the 2025–26 NHL season, he will need to sign a new contract with the Capitals if he is to continue playing in the NHL. The end of this season has long been viewed as a potential retirement point for Ovechkin, as his contract expires.

The 40-year-old forward has previously expressed his desire to retire in Russia and potentially play a final season with Dynamo Moscow. If Ovechkin does retire from the NHL, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him play in Russia this year. However, the Capitals would love to have him back in the organization for another campaign.

After all, Ovechkin’s offensive production is hard to replace. Malkin believes Washington won’t have to worry and that Ovechkin will be back for at least one more season.

READ MORE: Alex Ovechkin issues major update on NHL retirement plans

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

亚历克斯·奥维奇金可能正处于他 NHL 职业生涯的最后几天。 2025-26 NHL 赛季还剩四场比赛，华盛顿首都队距离外卡席位还有 5 分。华盛顿很有可能错过 2026 年斯坦利杯季后赛，这可能是奥维奇金在 NHL 的最后四场比赛。

华盛顿队队长在社交媒体上发布的采访中表示，奥维奇金将在休赛期做出 NHL 退役决定。这位 40 岁前锋的合同将于 2025-26 NHL 赛季结束后到期，因此在赛季结束时退役总是有意义的。

现在，奥维奇金已经为他的决定制定了时间表。关于首都队前锋是否会在常规赛结束前几天宣布退役存在争议，但他采取了不同的做法。因此，华盛顿球迷不会知道奥维契金本赛季的最后一场比赛是否会到来。

首都队将于美国东部时间 4 月 12 日星期日下午 3:00 在第一资本球馆迎战匹兹堡企鹅队。华盛顿奇才队将于 4 月 14 日星期二对阵哥伦布蓝衣队，进行常规赛的最后一场比赛，但周日可能是奥维契金 21 年 NHL 职业生涯的最后一场主场比赛。

这位 40 岁的前锋在他的第 21 个 NHL 赛季中仍然表现出色，贡献 31 粒进球和 30 次助攻，得到 61 分。奥维奇金仍在进球并帮助首都队，因此回归不会对球队产生负面影响。事实上，很难取代奥维奇金在冰上的进攻能力。

奥维契金要到休赛期才会做出退役决定，但这可能是他 NHL 职业生涯的最后一场比赛。这位首都队球星正在为球队继续争取季后赛而敞开大门。

阅读更多：首都队的亚历克斯·奥维奇金获得马斯特顿杯提名

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的体育撰稿人，报道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大学橄榄球赛事。他的作品……有关奥斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

亞歷克斯·奧維奇金可能正處於他 NHL 職業生涯的最後幾天。 2025-26 NHL 賽季還剩四場比賽，華盛頓首都隊距離外卡席位還有 5 分。華盛頓很有可能錯過 2026 年史丹利杯季後賽，這可能是奧維奇金在 NHL 的最後四場比賽。

華盛頓隊長在社群媒體上發布的採訪中表示，奧維奇金將在休賽期做出 NHL 退休決定。這位 40 歲前鋒的合約將於 2025-26 NHL 賽季結束後到期，因此在賽季結束時退休總是有意義的。

現在，奧維奇金已經為他的決定制定了時間表。關於首都隊前鋒是否會在常規賽結束前幾天宣布退休存在爭議，但他採取了不同的做法。因此，華盛頓球迷不會知道奧維契金本賽季的最後一場比賽是否會到來。

首都隊將於美國東部時間 4 月 12 日星期日下午 3:00 在第一資本球館迎戰匹茲堡企鵝隊。華盛頓巫師隊將於 4 月 14 日星期二對陣哥倫布藍衣隊，進行常規賽的最後一場比賽，但周日可能是奧維契金 21 年 NHL 職業生涯的最後一場主場比賽。

這位 40 歲的前鋒在他的第 21 個 NHL 賽季中仍然表現出色，貢獻 31 粒進球和 30 次助攻，得到 61 分。奧維奇金仍在進球並幫助首都隊，因此回歸不會對球隊產生負面影響。事實上，很難取代奧維奇金在冰上的進攻能力。

奧維契金要到休賽期才會做出退休決定，但這可能是他 NHL 職業生涯的最後一場比賽。這位首都隊球星正在為球隊繼續爭取季後賽而敞開大門。

閱讀更多：首都隊的亞歷克斯·奧維奇金獲得馬斯特頓杯提名

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的體育撰稿人，報道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大學橄欖球賽事。他的作品…有關奧斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

For the second consecutive year, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This certainly comes as no surprise if you’ve been following the team.

The Masterton Trophy is an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. It is awarded “to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”

The PHWA Washington Chapter released this statement:

“In Alex Ovechkin’s 21st season with the Capitals, and after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record a season ago, he continues to play with the same passion and dedication he has given to the game since entering the league in 2005. At the age of 40, Ovechkin remains an integral part of the Capitals’ locker room. And on the ice, Ovechkin leads the team in goals and assists this season. Having again made history by hitting 1,000 career goals combined in the regular season and playoffs and tying Gordie Howe for the most 25-goal seasons in NHL history, he is undecided about his future next season, but has maintained a love of hockey that is infectious in the dressing room.

Despite turning 40 before the season, Ovechkin still made a major contribution on the ice. The Russian winger now has 61 points (31 goals, 30 assists) in 78 games, along with 928 career goals.

Ovechkin is in the final year of his contract and will make a decision about his future this summer. The 40-year-old talked about it in a recent interview with Capitals radio play-by-play announcer John Walton.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

亚历克斯·奥维奇金可能正处于他 NHL 职业生涯的最后几天。 2025-26 NHL 赛季结束后，奥维奇金将成为一名不受限制的自由球员；然而，没有人预计他会离开华盛顿首都队。相反，这位 40 岁的前锋必须决定退役，一位 NHL 内部人士提供了可能情况的最新情况。

据 Sportsnet 的 Nick Kypreos 报道，奥维奇金对“告别之旅”从来不感兴趣，他喜欢 NHL 传奇人物韦恩·格雷茨基在最后一场常规赛比赛前两天宣布退役。这将是奥维奇金退役的完美方式，让球迷在了解他的计划的同时再多踢一到两场比赛。

上赛季，奥维契金超越格雷茨基，正式成为NHL历史最佳射手。这位首都队前锋本赛季在 75 场比赛中攻入 31 球，目前已打入 928 个进球。奥维奇金仍有时间增加这一总数，但常规赛 1000 个进球这一里程碑似乎不太可能实现。

如果奥维契金想要达到1000个进球，如果他保持30个进球的速度，他可能还需要至少再踢两个赛季。对于 40 岁的奥维契金来说，每个赛季在冰上打 84 场比赛将是一项艰巨的任务。毕竟他只有59分，这将是他职业生涯60多场比赛的最低分。

奥维契金是NHL传奇人物，如果他在华盛顿本赛季最后一场比赛后挂断冰鞋，没有人会责怪他。合同结束一直是他的自然退役点，但他还没有正式宣布这一点。相反，奥维奇金可以等到常规赛的最后几天才宣布他的计划。

或者，奥维奇金可能会再复出一个赛季。

阅读更多：Alex Ovechkin 实现 900 个职业目标

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的体育撰稿人，报道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大学橄榄球赛事。他的作品……有关奥斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

亞歷克斯·奧維奇金可能正處於他 NHL 職業生涯的最後幾天。 2025-26 NHL 賽季結束後，奧維奇金將成為一名不受限制的自由球員；然而，沒有人預計他會離開華盛頓首都隊。相反，這位 40 歲的前鋒必須決定退役，一位 NHL 內部人士提供了可能情況的最新情況。

根據 Sportsnet 的 Nick Kypreos 報道，奧維奇金對“告別之旅”從來不感興趣，他喜歡 NHL 傳奇人物韋恩·格雷茨基在最後一場常規賽比賽前兩天宣布退役。這將是奧維奇金退休的完美方式，讓球迷在了解他的計劃的同時再多踢一到兩場比賽。

上個賽季，奧維契金超越格雷茨基，正式成為NHL史上最佳射手。這位首都隊前鋒本賽季在 75 場比賽中攻入 31 球，目前已打進 928 球。奧維奇金仍有時間增加這一總數，但常規賽 1000 個進球這一里程碑似乎不太可能實現。

如果奧維契金想要達到1000個進球，如果他保持30個進球的速度，他可能還需要再踢至少兩個賽季。對於 40 歲的奧維契金來說，每個賽季在冰上打 84 場比賽將是一項艱鉅的任務。畢竟他只有59分，這將是他職業生涯60多場比賽的最低分。

奧維契金是NHL傳奇人物，如果他在華盛頓本賽季最後一場比賽後掛斷冰鞋，沒有人會責怪他。合約結束一直是他的自然退休點，但他還沒有正式宣布這一點。相反，奧維奇金可以等到常規賽的最後幾天才宣布他的計劃。

或者，奧維奇金可能會再復出一個賽季。

閱讀更多：Alex Ovechkin 實現 900 個職業目標

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的體育撰稿人，報道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大學橄欖球賽事。他的作品…有關奧斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

Francis Ngannou believes Alex Pereira faces one of the toughest stylistic challenges of his career against Cyril Gane in June.

Speaking with TMZ, Ngannou offered his opinion on the upcoming interim UFC heavyweight title fight between Pereira and Gane at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 in Washington, DC, and based on his firsthand experience facing the Frenchman, explained why he sees the matchup favoring Gane.

Pereira is attempting to become the first three-division UFC champion, having previously held titles at light heavyweight and middleweight. Before setting his sights on heavyweight gold, he defeated Magomed Ankalev in his most recent fight to capture second place at 205 pounds. A victory over Gane would cement his place as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.

However, Ngannou thinks the road to reach that milestone won’t be very easy. In his last UFC appearance four years ago, Ngannou defeated Gane via unanimous decision to retain the heavyweight title, but he had to rely heavily on his wrestling after struggling to solve Gane’s footwork and technical striking in the early rounds. He expects Perera to face the same problems.

Could Cyril Gane’s distance game become a problem for Alex Pereira?

“It’s going to be an interesting fight. Alex Pereira is big; he’s a heavyweight,” Ngannou said. “Gane moves a lot; he’s faster. Pereira will be more hard-nosed, steady and strong, solid. Cyril will be faster, moving around. He’s good at that. It will be very difficult for Alex Pereira to figure out what he can do, just get to distance, which Cyril will manage very well. Gane will frustrate him. I think it’s a very good matchup for Cyril Gane.”

The main difference between Ngannou’s position and Pereira’s position is that Ngannou struggled when his striking failed to close the distance against the gain. Pereira, a former kickboxing world champion whose game is built almost entirely around his striking, doesn’t have the same option. If he cannot find a way to get within the limit, the path to the end becomes more difficult.

Gain’s durability has made that task more difficult. The French former interim heavyweight champion has only finished inside the distance once in his career, when Jon Jones submitted him at UFC 285 three years ago. Neither fighter ever stopped Gane with a strike. If Pereira is to make history on the White House lawn, he will have to accomplish something that no one in MMA has yet accomplished against one of the division’s most technically sophisticated competitors.

弗朗西斯·纳甘努 (Francis Ngannou) 相信亚历克斯·佩雷拉 (Alex Pereira) 将在六月对阵西里尔·加恩 (Ciryl Gane) 的比赛中面临他职业生涯中最艰难的风格挑战之一。

纳干努在接受 TMZ 采访时，对即将于 6 月 14 日在华盛顿特区举行的 UFC Freedom 250 比赛中佩雷拉和甘恩之间的临时 UFC 重量级冠军争夺战发表了自己的看法，并利用自己面对法国人的第一手经验解释了为什么他认为这场对决对甘恩有利。

佩雷拉正在努力成为第一位 UFC 三级冠军，此前他曾获得过轻重量级和中量级冠军。他在最近一次比赛中击败了马戈梅德·安卡拉耶夫，以 205 磅的体重再次称霸，随后他将目光投向了重量级金牌。战胜甘恩将巩固他作为 UFC 历史上最有成就的拳击手之一的地位。

然而，纳干努认为，实现这一里程碑的道路远非一帆风顺。四年前，在他最后一次参加 UFC 比赛时，纳甘努一致判定击败了盖恩，保住了重量级冠军头衔，但在前几轮中努力解决盖恩的步法和技术打击后，他被迫严重依赖摔跤。他预计佩雷拉也会遇到同样的问题。

西里尔·加恩（Ciryl Gane）的远距离比赛会对亚历克斯·佩雷拉（Alex Pereira）造成问题吗？

“这将是一场有趣的战斗。亚历克斯·佩雷拉足够大；他是一个重量级人物，”纳干努说。 “Gane 移动很多；他速度很快。Pereira 会更加僵硬、稳定、强壮、坚实。Ciryl 会更快，四处移动。他很擅长这一点。对于 Alex Pereira 来说，即使是接近距离来弄清楚他能做什么，只是为了进入距离，Ciryl 会处理得很好。Gane 会让他感到沮丧。我认为这对 Ciryl Gane 来说是一场非常好的比赛。”

纳干努的情况与佩雷拉的情况之间的主要区别在于，当纳干努的击球未能拉近与加内的距离时，他必须依靠摔跤。佩雷拉是前跆拳道世界冠军，他的比赛几乎完全围绕着他的击球，但他没有同样的选择。如果他找不到进入射程的方法，那么完成比赛的道路就会变得更加困难。

盖恩的耐用性使这项任务变得更加艰巨。这位法国前临时重量级冠军在他的职业生涯中只在距离内完成过一次比赛，那是三年前乔恩·琼斯在 UFC 285 上击败他的时候。从来没有战士用攻击阻止过甘恩。如果佩雷拉想要在白宫草坪上创造历史，他就需要完成综合格斗中尚未有人能够与该部门技术最精湛的竞争对手之一对抗的事情。

Oklahoma City Thunder veteran Alex Caruso attempted to make a unique defensive stop during the second quarter of Tuesday’s 113-108 win against the Orlando Magic. Caruso used his shoe to stop Tristan da Silva, who was driving to the rim for a layup.

Caruso received a technical foul, and the Magic were awarded a goaltending layup. caruso addressed the play After the game, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.

Caruso said, “I’d never been in that situation before. It came next to me. So, I was like I’m going to use it.” “I just thought I was going to block it. Honestly, I didn’t know what the call was going to be. I didn’t know it was going to be goaltending and a take. If I had known that, I probably wouldn’t have made it.”

When Caruso realized it was too late to put his shoe back on during the game, he decided to use it.

“As soon as I got my shoe in my hands, I was thinking of using it,” Caruso said. “Not in a malicious way, but I’m going to try to make a play to stop the ball. It’s one of those weird NBA plays that probably won’t happen for the next 10 years.”

“As soon as I got my shoe in my hand, I thought about using it… It’s one of those weird NBA plays that probably won’t happen for another 10 years.”

Alex Caruso finding a technique for using his shoes to block a shot.

(via @justintohoops)pic.twitter.com/8QyPsPf1OB https://t.co/DPknnY5ha1

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

Alex Caruso finished with eight rebounds, two points and two steals in the Thunder’s win.

Thunder seal playoff spot with win against Magic

All-Shy Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40 points led the Thunder to a five-point win against the Magic, extending their winning streak to eight. The defending champion Thunder clinched a playoff spot with 13 games remaining in the regular season.

Despite an injury-filled campaign, due to the absence of Jalen Williams – the All-NBA forward has played only 26 games – the defending champions have remained on top of the Western Conference standings throughout the season.

Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 129th consecutive 20+ point game. On the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder will face the Nets on Wednesday.

Sometimes, you have to do everything in your power to stop a player from scoring. During the Oklahoma City Thunder’s game against the Orlando Magic, guard Alex Caruso lost his shoe while playing. However, the game was still in progress, giving the guard no time to put his shoe back on.

With the game still going on, Caruso used everything to his advantage… even his shoes. As Magic forward Tristan da Silva was going up for a layup, the Thunder guard went up and went for the block with his shoe.

Although it was a strange sight to see, it was also an illegal maneuver according to NBA rules. Caruso was convicted of a technical foul for his actions. Additionally, the Thunder guard was also called for goaltending, meaning da Silva’s shot attempt would count as a basket.

The Thunder won 113–108 in a hard-fought match against the Magic. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander again led the Thunder with 40 points on 14-for-27 shooting from the field, 28 of which came in the second half. Caruso finished with only two points, but he also finished with eight rebounds and two steals. Caruso scored +19 in 23 minutes off the bench.

After the game, Caruso admitted that if he had known the basket would count, he would not have used his shoe.

“I had never been in that situation before,” Caruso said. The Oklahoman After the game. “And, I don’t know, it came to me. I just thought I’d block it, and I honestly don’t know what I thought the call would be. I didn’t know it would be a goaltending and a technique. If I had known that, I probably wouldn’t have done it because it’s a three point. It’s an automatic bucket, and he didn’t even put the ball above the rim.”

With the win, the Thunder have secured a postseason berth. They play the Brooklyn Nets tomorrow.

The Filipino blood is strong in this.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and tennis sensation Alex Eala reunited in South Beach ahead of their return to action at the Miami Open.

Ella visited Spoelstra at the Kasia Center on Monday, three years after they first met. Ella first saw the NBA in person when the Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks in 2023. It was extra special because Spoelstra recorded his 700th career win during that game.

Since then, it seems as if there has been an osmosis of talent, as 20-year-old Ella has steadily risen through the ranks, including a decisive win over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals of last year’s Miami Open.

The Heat posted the reunion between Spoelstra and Ella, now ranked No. 29 in the world, on Instagram.

The caption read, “Just two powerhouses taking the Philippines to the highest level. Good luck at the Miami Open, @alex.eala.”

Fans were thrilled to see the legendary coach and the tennis star bond over their shared lineage.

@britannycarandang said, “When two of our favorite Filipino sports figures meet, it’s so heartwarming 🌸❤️.”

“And they meet again. Coach Spo owes you, Alex. 🔥 He said if you come back next year, he’ll watch you play,” @albertclydeandia said.

“Pinoy Pride!” Added @miacorsiga.

“Wow! Flying so high, Alex!” Posted by @kitty_jandi.

“Elite link-up,” @danielscales1 commented.

“This is my brand! 🔥,” @jge_____ wrote.

Apart from Swiatek, Ella also defeated Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko at the Miami Open last year, marking her breakthrough on the WTA Tour.

She also made history by becoming the first Filipino to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam by defeating Clara Toson at the US Open in 2025.

Spoelstra, meanwhile, has led the Heat to three championships. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and will face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday.

菲律宾人的血统在这一点上很浓厚。

迈阿密热火队教练埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉和网球明星亚历克斯·埃拉在后者重返迈阿密公开赛之前在南海滩再次联手。

埃拉周一在卡塞亚中心拜访了斯波尔斯特拉，距离他们第一次见面已经过去三年了。埃拉第一次亲自观看 NBA 比赛是在 2023 年迈阿密热火队击败纽约尼克斯队时。自从斯波尔斯特拉在那场比赛中取得职业生涯第 700 场胜利以来，这显得尤为特别。

从那时起，似乎人才不断渗透，20岁的埃拉在排名中稳步上升，包括在去年迈阿密公开赛的四分之一决赛中击败世界排名第二的伊加·斯瓦泰克。

热火队在 Instagram 上发布了斯波尔斯特拉和埃拉（现世界排名第 29 名）的重聚。

“只有两个强队代表菲律宾参加最高级别的比赛。祝迈阿密公开赛好运，@alex.eala，”标题写道。

球迷们很高兴看到这位传奇教练和这位网球明星因共同的血统而结下不解之缘。

“当两位深受喜爱的菲律宾名人在体育比赛中相遇时，真是太温馨了😍❤️，”@britannycarandang 说道。

“他们再次见面。斯波教练欠你，亚历克斯。他说如果你明年回来，他会观看你的比赛，”@albertclydearandia 指出。

“菲律宾人的骄傲！”添加了@miacorsiga。

“哇！飞得很高，亚历克斯！”发布@kitty_jandi。

“精英链接，”@danielscales1 评论道。

“这是我的品牌！🔥，”@jge_____ 写道。

除了斯瓦泰克之外，埃拉还在去年的迈阿密公开赛上击败了麦迪逊·凯斯和耶莱娜·奥斯塔彭科，宣告了她在WTA巡回赛上的突破。

她还在2025年美国公开赛击败克拉拉·陶森后，成为第一位在大满贯正赛中获胜的菲律宾人，创造了历史。

与此同时，斯波尔斯特拉带领热火队三夺总冠军。他们在过去 10 场比赛中取得了 7 胜 3 负的战绩，并将在周二对阵夏洛特黄蜂队。

Hendrick Motorsports 车手 Alex Bowman 在合同年进入 2026 NASCAR 杯系列赛赛季，需要再次证明自己，以长期保持 48 号赛车的驾驶。不幸的是，对于鲍曼来说，健康问题（眩晕）已经成为他不幸运气的最新例证。由于本赛季结束时他很可能成为车队中唯一错过追逐赛的车手，因此下赛季感觉有必要寻找替代者。

让我们深入了解 2027 年 NASCAR 赛季亨德里克 48 号赛车中鲍曼的潜在替代者名单。

凯尔·布​​施

Hendrick Motorsports 可能会将 Corey Day 视为 48 号席位的长期选择，但这位 20 岁的车手需要学习如何在 O’Reilly 汽车配件系列赛中比赛而不造成严重破坏，然后才能成为最高级别的全职车手。可行的是一个继任计划，由凯尔·布希在未来两年接替鲍曼。这位未来的名人堂成员在理查德·柴尔德里斯赛车队中取得了灾难性的成绩，杯赛系列赛中连续不胜的记录已经达到了三位数，这就是证明。 Busch 之前曾与 Hendrick 合作，在卡车系列赛中驾驶过 7 号赛车。一份两年的合同可以让他有机会在退役前增加几场胜利。到那时，戴就可以准备好了。

阅读更多：2026 年最佳 NASCAR 比赛，本赛季每场 NASCAR 比赛排名

卡鲁斯图

现在还处于赛季初期，但拉贾·卡鲁斯正在充分利用他在桨队的机会。他在前 10 场比赛中的 3 场都取得了前 10 名的成绩，本赛季在椭圆形比赛中平均每场比赛得到 37 分。亨德里克在这里会进行一场赌博，特别是考虑到卡鲁斯在 6 月份才年满 24 岁，但他已经在奥莱利系列赛中参加了 50 多场比赛，其中在卡车系列赛中参加了 75 场比赛。卡鲁斯进入 48 号赛车的机会当然取决于他本赛季余下时间的表现，但他可能是亨德里克目前最好的内部选择之一。

罗斯查斯坦

如果罗斯查斯坦拥有更好的设备和拥有更多资源的团队，他能完成什么？他在 Trackhouse Racing 中完成了他所能做到的一切，使球队成为季后赛常年竞争者，在过去四个赛季中每个赛季都至少取得一场胜利。 Chastain 在进入 2026 年的过去三年中总共获得了 40 次前十名。然而，很明显 Connor Zilisch 很快就会成为球队的新面孔。下个赛季可能是查斯坦离开的最佳时机，他有机会真正展示他驾驶 48 号赛车的能力。

泰勒·雷迪克

Hendrick Motorsports 是否想为 23XI Racing 制造一场令人不安的竞购战？这才是真正的问题。鉴于泰勒·雷迪克刚刚创造了历史，成为第一位赢得本赛季前三场比赛的纳斯卡杯系列赛车手，我们不认为超级激进的竞争对手和亿万富翁迈克尔·乔丹会让任何人在雷迪克身上花费超过他。话虽如此，如果亨德里克想冲向围栏，雷迪克是目前合同到期的最佳车手，没有紧随其后的第二位。

相关：NASCAR 内部人士揭示了泰勒·雷迪克 (Tyler Reddick) 与 23X Racing 的未来

克里斯·布舍尔

如前所述，亨德里克赛车运动目前并没有完全考虑内部选择。这至少可以让鲍曼有机会将 48 号赛车再保留一个赛季，因为车队认为本赛季是一次洗礼，并且对系统中任何未经证实的车手都没有信心。然而，克里斯·布舍尔可能正处于合同年。 2027 年他将进入 34 岁的赛季，因此也许一份为期三年的合同对双方都有利。近几个赛季，Buescher 一直是 RFK Racing 车队积分前 10 名的车手，绝对最大限度地发挥了他在 17 号赛车上所提供的一切。这对他来说是一个很好的情况，但拥有亨德里克资源的 48 号球队将为他提供更加稳定和更多胜利的机会。如果有人能将布舍尔从 RFK 手中拉走，那一定是英国皇家海军。

马特·约翰逊 (Matt Johnson) 是《Sportsnaut》杂志《NFL》和《大学橄榄球》的高级编辑。他的工作包括每周 NFL 和大学……有关马特·约翰逊的更多信息

Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman enters the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season in a contract year, needing to prove himself once again if he wants to keep his ride in the No. 48 car long-term. Unfortunately for Bowman, medical problems (vertigo) have become the latest example of his terrible luck. Since this season is likely to be over and he will be the team’s only driver to miss The Chase, a replacement next season seems necessary.

Let’s take a look at our list of potential replacements for Bowman in the No. 48 car at Hendrick for the 2027 NASCAR season.

kyle busch

Hendrick Motorsports may look to Corey Day as a long-term option for the No. 48 seat, but the 20-year-old needs to learn how to race without a glitch in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series before becoming a full-time driver at the highest level. What could work is a succession plan, with Kyle Busch replacing Bowman for the next two years. The future Hall of Famer has had disastrous results with Richard Childress Racing, as evidenced by his lack of wins in the Cup Series approaching three points. Busch has partnered with Hendrick before, driving the No. 7 in the Truck Series. A two-year deal could give him a chance to add some wins before retiring. By then, Day could be ready.

Read more: Best NASCAR races 2026, ranking every NASCAR race this season

carruth diagram

It’s still early in the season, but King Carruth is making the most of his opportunities at OARS. He has finished in the top 10 in three of his first 10 races, averaging 37 points per race on ovals this season. Hendrick may be gambling here, especially since Carruth will turn just 24 in June, but he will have driven more than 50 races in the O’Reilly Series along with 75 races in the Truck Series. Carruth’s chances of moving into the No. 48 car should certainly depend on how he performs the rest of this season, but he’s probably one of the top homegrown options for Hendrick so far.

Ross Chastain

What could Ross Chastain accomplish with better equipment and a team with more resources? He has achieved virtually everything he can at Trackhouse Racing, leading the team to become a perennial playoff contender with at least one win in each of the last four seasons. Chastain also boasts 40 combined top-10 finishes over the past three years leading up to 2026. However, it also seems pretty clear that Connor Zylisch will soon be the new face of the team. Next season may be the right time for Chastain to depart, giving her a chance to really show what she’s capable of in the No. 48 car.

tyler reddick

Does Hendrick Motorsports want to create an uncomfortable bidding war for racing the 23XI? This is the real question here. Given that Tyler Reddick made history as the first NASCAR Cup Series driver to win the first three races of the season, we don’t envision any scenario where ultra-aggressive competitor and billionaire Michael Jordan allows anyone but Reddick to overtake him. That said, if Hendricks wants to swing for the fences, Redick is the best driver on an expiring contract right now, and there isn’t anyone else around him.

RELATED: NASCAR insider sheds light on Tyler Reddick’s future with 23X Racing

Chris Buescher

As mentioned earlier, Hendrick Motorsports isn’t swimming in interior options right now. This could at least give Bowman a chance to keep the No. 48 car for another season, with the team seeing this season as a waste and not feeling confident with any unproven drivers in the system. However, Chris Buescher could be in a contract year. He will enter his age-34 season in 2027, so perhaps a three-year deal could work for both parties. Buescher has been a fairly consistent top-10 points driver in recent seasons for RFK Racing, fully maximizing what he’s been given in the No. 17 car. It’s a good situation for him, but the No. 48 team with Hendrick’s resources will provide him with even more consistency and a chance for more wins. If anyone could pull Buescher away from RFK, it would be HMS.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their winning ways with a thrilling win over the Denver Nuggets at home on Monday evening. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may very well have strengthened his MVP case in this one, hitting two monster three-pointers in the final seconds to help secure the Thunder’s victory.

Oklahoma City was playing without several key players, including Alex Caruso, who has been in and out of the lineup all year due to various injuries. Recently, Caruso stopped by the “Pardon My Take” podcast, and one of the questions discussed was the Thunder’s inability to win the NBA Cup the past two years, despite making it to the tournament in Las Vegas both times.

Host Big Cat joked, “When the lights go as bright as they can at the NBA Cup, it’s suffocating. You’re the bran.”

Caruso then makes a joke at his expense, also ruining the NBA Cup in the process.

“When the platform is at its peak, he can’t step up to the plate,” he said, according to Big Cat on X, formerly of Twitter.

Indeed, many agree with Caruso’s opinion that the stakes of the NBA Cup have still not been raised high enough for fans to truly invest in the event.

Last season, the Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Cup semi-final round, the first of four losses to San Antonio this season, leading many to speculate that a Western Conference Finals matchup between the two teams could occur.

Meanwhile, the Thunder have resumed their dominance after a bit of trouble over the past few weeks, with Gilgeous-Alexander returning to form after a long injury layoff with an abdominal strain./

When the Thunder are healthy, no team in the NBA can come close to matching their depth, and Caruso is a big part in helping the team get to the table on both ends of the floor when healthy.

Caruso hopes to be seen again when the lights are really brightest during the NBA Finals in June.

亚历克斯·萨尔和特雷·杨在华盛顿奇才队即将对阵新奥尔良鹈鹕队的比赛中得到了关于他们伤病状况的积极消息。

杨正在经历他 NBA 职业生涯的第八个赛季，这是他在奇才队的第一个赛季。他在亚特兰大老鹰队开始了 2025-26 赛季，之后他们将他交易到华盛顿以换取 CJ 麦科勒姆和科里·基斯珀特。这位四次入选全明星的球员于 3 月 5 日对阵犹他爵士队的比赛中首次亮相奇才队。

至于萨尔，作为2024年NBA选秀的榜眼秀，他正在经历职业生涯的第二年。上赛季入选最佳新秀阵容，他已经进步成为轮换阵容中的关键一员。

据记者乔什·瓦尔迪兹报道，华盛顿在周六发布了最新报告，两名球员都得到了最新的伤病情况。虽然安东尼·戴维斯和凯肖恩·乔治等人仍然缺席，但杨和萨尔没有出现任何伤病或疾病。

“特雷·杨和亚历克斯·萨尔明天将在新奥尔良👀，”瓦尔迪兹写道。

奇才队特雷·杨的未来是什么

对于奇才队来说，得到两名明星球员是个好消息，因为特雷·杨和亚历克斯·萨尔将可以参加对阵鹈鹕队的比赛。

杨在奇才首秀中出场19分钟，9投4中得到12分和6次助攻。作为联盟的二年级生，萨尔已经取得了显着的进步，本赛季场均得到17.2分和7.8个篮板。

华盛顿本赛季战绩为16胜46负，在东部积分榜上排名第13位。他们领先于布鲁克林篮网队和印第安纳步行者队，落后于芝加哥公牛队和密尔沃基雄鹿队。

经历了七连败后，奇才队将继续为美国东部时间 3 月 8 日晚上 7 点对阵鹈鹕队的比赛做准备。此后，他们将继续在客场迎战迈阿密热火队，比赛时间为美国东部时间 3 月 10 日晚上 7:30。

Alex Sarr and Trae Young received positive news regarding their injury statuses for the Washington Wizards’ upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Young is in the eighth season of his NBA career, his first with the Wizards. He began the 2025–26 campaign with the Atlanta Hawks before they traded him to Washington in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The four-time All-Star made his Wizards debut on March 5 against the Utah Jazz.

As far as Sarr is concerned, he is going through the second year of his career as the second overall selection of the 2024 NBA Draft. Making the All-Rookie team last season, he has improved to become a key player in the rotation.

According to reporter Josh Valdez, both players got updates on their injuries as Washington released its latest report on Saturday. While guys like Anthony Davis and Keyshawn George are out, Young and Sarr are not on the report due to any injuries or illnesses.

“Trae Young and Alex Sarr yesterday in New Orleans 👀,” Valdez wrote.

Trae Young, what’s next for the Wizards

It is great news for the Wizards to include two of their star players as Trae Young and Alex Sir will be available to play against the Pelicans.

Young played 19 minutes in his Wizards debut, scoring 12 points and six assists on 4 of 9 shooting from the field. Sarr has made significant progress as a sophomore in the league, averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season.

Washington has a 16–46 record on the season and is in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers while trailing the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

After seven consecutive losses, the Wizards will continue preparing for their matchup against the Pelicans on March 8 at 7 PM ET. After that, they’ll remain on the road as they face the Miami Heat on March 10 at 7:30 PM ET.

Oklahoma City Thunder veteran Alex Caruso addressed Jared McCann’s impact in his first 12 games with his new team, and explained why he is a better fit for the defending champions than the Philadelphia 76ers. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault discusses what he has learned about McCann during his first dozen games.

Caruso gave the most credit to the Thunder front office, trade for McCain is ahead of this year’s deadline, he said, according to The Young Man and the Three podcast.

“For us, we do what we do as players, but the front office, as far as the fit, that’s probably the biggest compliment they can give me,” Caruso said. “The way Jared plays is like a mini I-Joe, like Isaiah Joe Light, not like the same player, but coming from the same movements, but the way they’re able to use their skill sets to shoot and move.”

Alex Caruso used an example from the Thunder’s 121–113 win against the Cleveland Cavs, where McCann drove to the rim, passed the ball to Joe before shifting to the corner for a deep three. For Caruso, it’s that style of play if the 76ers didn’t run their offense through McCann.

“I don’t think Philly played that way,” Caruso said. “I think they’re a lot more traditional because of Joel [Emiid]And, of course, Tyrese [Maxey] Very much on the ball. But for us, it is like freedom of movement. An open man is a right man. I think it benefits his game.”

“He’s playing the right way.” – Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein talk about why Jared McCann has fit in so easily with the OKC Thunder 🚨 New Thunder YM3 Out Now Everywhere 🚨 pic.twitter.com/epcOgO84l6

-TheOldManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) 6 March 2026

McCain is averaging 11.8 points on 41.5% shooting, including 39.5% from deep, and 2.2 rebounds per game with the Thunder.

Mark Daigneault on learning about Thunder’s Jared McCain

The apparent departure of 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey to the Thunder’s Jared McCann ended the second-year guard’s tenure, and marked a new start with the defending champions. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault discussed McCann’s fitness after practice on Friday and told reporters how he has learned about his game so far.

“His shooting ability. He’s a guy you have to make runs off the line, which opens up some of those drives. I didn’t know his game well, especially that part of his game — those mid-range games show his strength,” Daigneault said. “He’s going downhill, and he’s able to absorb contact and rise up and shoot a balanced rhythm shot, which is harder than it looks. He makes it look easier than it is. So, he’s done a great job.”

Daigneault and the Thunder will host the Warriors on Saturday at Paycom Center.

The Oklahoma City Thunder arrived at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night looking to prove why they have the best record in the NBA, but they left with more questions than answers regarding their health. In a physical performance against the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City lost two of its most important defensive anchors as Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein were both forced to foul out early via Brett Siegel.

Caruso, a versatile defender known for his tireless perimeter defense, suffered a left hip injury during the heat of the action. The team immediately ruled him out for the remainder of the night, a major blow to a unit that relies on his ability to disrupt opposing stars like Jalen Brunson. Shortly after, the frontcourt suffered a blow of its own. Hartenstein, who was returning to his former home in New York, was sidelined with left calf tightness.

The fog of speculation surrounding UFC’s historic event on June 14 at the White House may have cleared after a big update from former champion Charles Oliveira. While rumors recently swirled about an interim heavyweight title match between Alex Pereira and Cyril Gane, Oliveira has dismissed those reports.

Speaking via RMC Sport Combat, the Brazilian legend claimed Pereira is not looking to make gains but is instead lining up a “very big fight” on the South Lawn. This revelation has immediately rekindled the MMA world’s collective hope for a superfight between Pereira and Jon Jones.

The momentum for this potential clash reached a fever pitch last week when Dana White officially announced that Alex Pereira has vacated his Light Heavyweight Championship. The move – a “gentleman’s release” to allow Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg to fight for the vacant belt at UFC 327 – signals that Pereira’s focus has shifted solely to the heavyweight division.

As a former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, Pereira is now on the verge of making history as the first fighter to win UFC titles in three different weight classes. While an interim belt against Gane would technically satisfy that requirement, it lacks a bout with Jones, the man many consider the greatest of all-time.

UFC轻重量级冠军亚历克斯·佩雷拉在透露自己目前体重为242磅后，加剧了有关转入重量级的猜测。

这位两级冠军此前曾获得中量级金牌，在最近的冠军复赛中 TKO 战胜马戈梅德·安卡拉耶夫后，他已成为这项运动中最受瞩目的选手之一。随着这位 38 岁的选手继续超越 205 磅级别，他的注意力已经转向成为 UFC 历史上第一位三级别冠军。

在最近接受瓦尔特·沃克 YouTube 频道采访时，佩雷拉明确表示，虽然他中量级的日子已经结束，但他仍然愿意参加任何他可以安全增重的级别的比赛。

“无论他们把谁放在我面前，我都会战斗，”佩雷拉说。 “我喜欢格斗，所以体重级别并不重要——当然，如果你说中量级，我就不能再打了。在另外两个级别，轻重量级和重量级， [the opponent] 对我漠不关心。”

关于佩雷拉将参加定于 6 月 14 日在白宫举行的历史性 UFC 赛事的传言不断。 UFC 传奇人物查尔·索南 (Chael Sonnen) 公开表示，他相信佩雷拉将出现在卡片上，并有可能参加与西里尔·加恩 (Ciryl Gane) 争夺临时冠军的重量级对决。

无可争议的冠军汤姆·阿斯皮诺尔 (Tom Aspinall) 的康复使重量级的形势变得复杂起来。汤姆·阿斯皮诺尔 (Tom Aspinall) 在 UFC 321 比赛中与盖恩 (Gane) 比赛中取得“无比赛”结果后，最近接受了双眼手术。本月早些时候，有传言称 UFC 已要求阿斯皮诺尔 (Aspinall) 在康复期间交出腰带。然而，这些说法被综合格斗记者彼得·卡罗尔驳斥为“骗局”。

受伤发生在阿布扎比，双眼意外被刺伤。在该级别等待阿斯皮诺尔回归的同时，佩雷拉和加恩参与临时冠军争夺的可能性继续受到关注，作为保持 265 磅级级别继续前进的一种方式。

UFC輕重量級冠軍亞歷克斯佩雷拉在透露自己目前體重為242磅後，加劇了有關轉入重量級的猜測。

這位兩級冠軍此前曾獲得中量級金牌，在最近的冠軍複賽中 TKO 戰勝馬戈梅德·安卡拉耶夫後，他已成為這項運動中最受矚目的選手之一。隨著這位 38 歲的選手繼續成長，超越 205 磅級別，他的注意力已經轉向成為 UFC 歷史上第一位三級別冠軍。

在最近接受瓦爾特沃克 YouTube 頻道採訪時，佩雷拉明確表示，雖然他中量級的日子已經結束，但他仍然願意參加任何他可以安全增重的級別的比賽。

「無論他們把誰放在我面前，我都會戰鬥，」佩雷拉說。 「我喜歡格鬥，所以體重級別並不重要——當然，如果你說中量級，我就不能再打了。在另外兩個級別，輕重量級和重量級， [the opponent] 對我無動於衷。 」

關於佩雷拉將參加定於 6 月 14 日在白宮舉行的歷史性 UFC 賽事的傳言不斷。 UFC 傳奇人物 Chael Sonnen 公開表示，他相信佩雷拉將出現在卡片上，並有可能參加與 Ciryl Gane 爭奪臨時冠軍的重量級對決。

無可爭議的冠軍湯姆·阿斯皮諾爾 (Tom Aspinall) 的康復使重量級的情況變得複雜起來。湯姆·阿斯皮諾爾 (Tom Aspinall) 在 UFC 321 比賽中與蓋恩 (Gane) 比賽中取得“無比賽”結果後，最近接受了雙眼手術。本月早些時候，有傳言稱 UFC 已要求阿斯皮諾爾 (Aspinall) 在康復期間交出腰帶。然而，這些說法被綜合格鬥記者彼得·卡羅爾駁斥為「騙局」。

受傷發生在阿布達比，雙眼意外被刺傷。在該級別等待阿斯皮諾爾回歸的同時，佩雷拉和加恩參與臨時冠軍爭奪的可能性繼續受到關注，作為保持 265 磅級級別繼續前進的一種方式。

卡姆扎特·奇馬耶夫現在想在 UFC 白宮卡上與亞歷克斯·佩雷拉對決。

奇馬耶夫自去年八月擊敗德里庫斯·杜普萊西斯加冕 UFC 中量級冠軍以來，就沒有再參加過比賽。

3

隨後，“Borz”提出了提升體重級別的想法，試圖成為 UFC 兩個級別的冠軍。

去年12月，這位不敗的俄羅斯-阿聯酋拳手在與輕重量級冠軍佩雷拉對決之前，透露了他捍衛中量級腰帶的計劃。

他說他正在推動佩雷拉，因為UFC“將為此付出高昂的代價”，現在看來奇馬耶夫希望這場超級戰鬥能夠在UFC白宮上演。

卡姆扎特·奇馬耶夫告訴亞歷克斯·佩雷拉他將在白宮結束他

“我們去白宮吧，”奇馬耶夫週一通過 X 寫道。

“別擔心，我會很快解決掉你的，亞歷克斯·佩雷拉。”

他後來補充道：“所有巴西球迷都會告訴這個男孩，如果你不害怕，就告訴他去戰鬥。”

如果奇馬耶夫想首先衛冕中量級冠軍，UFC 最好採取行動，確保他及時為白宮比賽做好準備。

然而，促銷活動可能會決定將奇馬耶夫推遲到六月，屆時白宮演出預計將舉行。