With the Carolina Hurricanes’ historic sweep over the Philadelphia Flyers, they earned a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four years. However, as they potentially look at 10 straight days off, it leaves time to wonder and contemplate whether they have what it takes to move past the rounds of 1-16 they have endured in the last 15 years.

So, what makes this Hurricanes team so special, and why does this postseason campaign feel different?

Hurricanes have a strong sense of identity, experience, and chemistry

This isn’t the Hurricanes’ first rodeo in the ECF; This is the third time in four years that they have reached here. However, in their last two shots, they were defeated by the Florida Panthers, with the first being all games one-goal against them, and the second being completely outclassed by their rivals from the Sunshine State.

The Panthers had little experience in that 2023 series and lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games in the Stanley Cup Finals. But in the 2025 series, the Panthers already had a Cup — they knew who they were.

However, the storms did not yet know themselves.

The summer and season were marked by significant changes with the departure of seven key players amid free agency and the Mikko Rantanen debacle. They managed to play their game in the first two rounds, but facing the Panthers once again, their style quickly disintegrated as they tried to emulate their opponent – ​​abandoning their bread and butter in puck management and instead focusing on physicality and finishing hits, something they were not particularly adept at at the time. Taylor Hall, who was only on the team for a short time, put it best as ‘not dancing with the girl they brought in’.

However, since then, they have honed their physicality while focusing heavily on conditioning without sidelining their unique playing style – the hallmark of their hard-working team. Some changes were made during the latest free agency and trade deadline, creating a stronger chemistry without the shakeup previously experienced.

As far as experience goes, all the key players except Brandon Bussey have been on teams that have been to the conference finals. Even Carolina’s two young players, 23-year-old Logan Stankoven and 22-year-old Jackson Blake, have notable experience at this stage of the postseason, with Stankoven having experienced the conference finals in the two latest postseasons (his only seasons in the NHL), and Blake having experienced it last season.

“The culture and the group that we have this year is a different level, I think, than even last year,” Blake said after the series-winning overtime goal against the Flyers. “I think last year we had a good group, and we were really united, but this year it feels a little different. I don’t know what it is, but I like the way we’re moving.”

Generally speaking, whether the Hurricanes face the Buffalo Sabers or Montreal Canadiens, they should have the upper hand in two aspects of experience and identity – having recently been in this position before, and recognizing how they want to play and have worked toward meeting those goals throughout the season.

contribution from top to bottom

The Hurricanes’ theme this season is a tattered old rope, given to the player who tried hardest after each win, which is selected by the player who got the win first – a metaphor alluding to each individual pulling their weight toward a unified goal. Really, this is a great example of how the team has performed in both the regular season and playoffs.

Currently, Carolina’s scoring leader is not Sebastian Aho’s first line, but Stankoven’s second line, with the latter having a fairly even distribution of goals and assists in the lineup. Depth players are rising to the challenge, making it difficult for opposing coaches to strategize on closing down scoring opportunities.

This is incredibly similar to the 2023 playoff Hurricanes, which also had a heavy reliance on secondary scoring, and was their best in two recent appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Comfort is a huge factor

Let’s be honest…no one saw that the storm would wreak havoc not only in the first round, but also in the second round. With this, they have played only eight games in total this post-season, whereas a team plays an average of 12 games in two rounds. Fewer games played, fewer opportunities early playoff injuries – the Hurricanes have suffered from this in recent postseasons.

Clearly, the comfort gained from consecutive sweeps is a luxury the Hurricanes have not had before, and moreover, their opponent will certainly lack.

Still, comfort versus rust will always remain a hotly debated topic – the main reason for any boon or curse after a gameless stretch. However, for goaltender Frederik Andersen – who has been one of the best goaltenders in the post-season – rest has proven time and again to benefit his performance in the past, and the Hurricanes will need him at the top of his game against whichever powerhouse comes out of the Sabres-Canadiens series.

Only time will tell which way the Eastern Conference Finals will go – whether the Hurricanes will finally make it through, or whether the curse of the semi-finals will continue. Nonetheless, this is their best chance in a long time.

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

Manchester United Now Atalanta are trying to turn their long-standing interest in midfielder Ederson into a concrete move, after several weeks of growing indications that a deal could lead to a move away from Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian has become one of the biggest midfield stories to come in the summer window. Arsenal, Newcastle United and Juventus have all appeared in the picture at different moments.

After this, Atletico Madrid looked ready to win the race reach a verbal agreement With the player the week before.

But the Spanish side have struggled to meet Atalanta’s demands, which are thought to be around €45m-50m (£38m-42m). It has opened the door again – and Manchester United are now ready to charge through it.

Manchester United is now trying to move forward quickly

Italian journalist alfredo pedulla Manchester United will reportedly hold fresh talks next week as they try to speed up the operation.

According to him, the Premier League side were actually the first club to make a serious move for Ederson more than a year and a half ago. United have kept an eye on him since then.

Now they are trying to beat the competition by “breaking the 40 million euro wall.”

That line is important because atlético madrid problems Never really thought about explaining it to the player. The real issue is Atalanta’s asking price.

Little changed in Atletico deal

Pedulla also says that Manchester United want to first agree a salary with Ederson’s entourage before moving forward fully on club-to-club talks.

This is particularly interesting as Atlético Madrid had already managed to do this months earlier, before talks stalled elsewhere.

Recent reports in Spain It was claimed that Ederson rejected approaches from Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United as he preferred a move to the Metropolitano. But Atletico’s inability to complete a deal with Atalanta has changed the mood of the situation.

The Old Trafford club is also rising from a position of need. Casemiro is expected to leave this summer, while Manuel Ugarte’s future still looks uncertain. So Michael Carrick wants midfield reinforcements and Ederson fits the profile that United have been lacking for some time.

As we covered recently, Ederson is now confident and love to go to old trafford.

what happens next

The next step now seems quite clear. Manchester United want to secure personal terms before making a decisive move towards the valuation of Atalanta.

Atletico Madrid are still there, but the dynamic has changed. Arsenal and Newcastle United continue to loom in the background, although neither have stepped up the pace recently.

After tracking Ederson for over 18 months, United are now determined to ensure they are the club that ultimately secures a deal.

If there was a textbook way to set the tone for a series, this was the way to do it.

In sixty minutes, the Carolina Hurricanes rang the bell, leading the way with scoring from deep, putting up hits when needed (and even when it didn’t), and earning a shutout in Game 1 of the first round against the Ottawa Senators, as they won 2–0.

Captains Jordan Staal and Brady Tkachuk battle in the opening draw

As soon as the puck dropped, captains Brady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal took off their gloves and began attacking each other.

“I saw some guys out there talking about the draw,” Logan Stankoven said of the moment after the game. “I can’t remember who was furthest down there, but they weren’t really ready to line up for puck drop, so I thought maybe something was going on, and sure… great way to get the crowd involved, and I thought ‘Jordo’ did a great job.”

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed that he did not see anything between them before puck drop, and did not expect a fight.

To be honest, this moment was less surprising in relation to Tkachuk, but certainly in relation to Staal, who is not known as a fighter.

Both entered the box after three seconds and were given five minutes to fight.

Secondary scoring propels Hurricanes to victory

Ultimately, it wasn’t until the second period before someone came on the board. With a nifty puck flip from the blue line in the crowded area, Alexander Nikishin’s playmaking move immediately found the stick of Taylor Hall, who passed it to Jackson Blake, who then passed it to Stankoven, who sent a wrister past Linus Ullmark – the netminder was getting a piece of it, but not enough to stop it. Nikishin didn’t get any points for it, but he got the game going with the game-winning goal.

In the third frame, the Senators lost their top-pairing defenseman, Artem Zub, who was absent from the bench when the game began.

Early in the period, Drake Batherson tried to put the puck in on the power play, but Frederik Andersen’s glove managed to catch it. Due to the spot where it was covered by the glove, it was called a goal on the ice, and was immediately reviewed to see if it had crossed the goal line. After a few moments, it is removed from the board after it has been proven that it has not been crossed.

Shortly thereafter, the Hurricanes’ second-row trio struck again as Ullmark was left with the puck loose in the crease. There was a momentary chaos as he tried to move the puck over the goal line and eventually, he did. The goal was initially awarded to Stankoven, but after a few minutes it was changed to Hall.

The senators tried to keep the pressure on the stormtroopers, but ultimately did not succeed. Carolina outshot them 57–39, outshot them 29–22 and outshot them 35–23 in all situations. Ottawa led in the faceoff dot with 56.4% of draws, but the Hurricanes managed to keep it from going much further.

storm notes

This marked the first time in Stanley Cup playoff history that the Hurricanes faced the Senators.

In early November, Staal became involved in a fight in defense of Jalen Chatfield, who took an illegal check to the head during a game against the Minnesota Wild. It was the first time in nine seasons that he was in a fight.

With his sixth career NHL postseason shutout, Anderson is tied for third-most postseason shutouts among active goaltenders, behind only Jonathan Quick and Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Both teams were perfect on the penalty kill.

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

I’m not here to tell you that Tyree Wilson went seventh overall after being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders. she has not. Through three years, a 57.6 PFF grade, and a pass-rush win rate that ranks 106th out of 126 edge rushers from 2023. These numbers don’t lie.

But I’m also not ready to put a bust label on him and move on. not yet.

Here’s the thing about Wilson that gets lost in the frustration: The Raiders are asking him to do something he was never meant to do. They have drafted him as a traditional 4-3 defensive end, a wide-9 speed rusher who wins off the edge with bends and athleticism. That’s not his game. It never was.

Wilson is 6 feet 6 inches, 263 pounds. He is a power player. Length and leverage are his tools, not ankle flexibility and cornerback speed. And for three years, three different coaching staffs have tried to fit that square peg into a round hole.

Rob Leonard’s 3-4 could eventually change that.

No one is talking about this plan

When Clint Kubiak announced at the combine that the Raiders were shifting to a 3-4 base under Leonard, much of the conversation focused on Maxx Crosby. Exactly – Crosby is the best player on defense. But the more interesting subplot is what this means for Tyree Wilson.

In Leonard’s system, Wilson projects as a 4-technique or 5-technique. This means he is hitting the inside with the tackle’s shoulder, using his length to control the gap and using his strength to collapse the pocket from the inside. That’s a completely different question than what he’s doing.

Think about it. Wilson’s struggles came when he was asked to win in space, turning the corner against NFL tackles who could mirror his running. Inside? The space shrinks. The game slows down. His height becomes an advantage rather than something he tries to compensate for.

Leonard coached Wilson as D-line coach the past two seasons. He knows exactly what Wilson can and can’t do. The change in plans is not accidental.

Tyree Wilson’s numbers behind the disappointment

Wilson’s 2025 wasn’t a complete disaster. He recorded career highs in tackles (35) and tackles for loss (8). He forced two to falter. He generated 35 pressures.

But the termination rate killed him. Wilson had 10 tackles missed, which was also a career high. 60.4 pass-rush grade which ranks 77th among qualified edge defenders. There were glimpses, but there was no stability.

The season finale against Kansas City provided a glimpse of what could be. Two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight pressures, 31.2% win rate. Granted, he was going against a backup tackle. But you can only beat who is in front of you and Wilson dominated that fight as he rarely has in his career.

The question is whether it was a preview or an external one.

The 5-year option has almost certainly expired

The Raiders have until May 1 to make a decision on Wilson’s 5th-year option. It will cost approximately $13 million.

They are not picking it up. I would be stunned if they did.

Jon Spytek did not draft Wilson. He has no emotional investment in the pickup. And paying $13 million for a player who hasn’t earned a 60 PFF grade in three seasons is not consistent with how this front office operates. SpyTech wants value. Wilson, at that price, right.

That doesn’t mean Wilson is done in Las Vegas. This means that 2026 is truly the year to prove it. He’ll play out the final season of his rookie deal at around $8 million, and if he breaks out, he’ll either be extended or hit free agency with leverage. If he doesn’t, it’s someone else’s reclamation project.

ration gary blueprint

Here’s the optimistic case. Rashaan Gary was a top-15 pick for the Packers, who looked bad during his first two seasons. Then Year 3 hit, he found his role, and through October 2023, he signed a four-year, $96 million extension.

The physical profiles are similar. Both are long, powerful and took time to translate college dominance into NFL production. The difference is that Green Bay stuck with Gary long enough to let him click.

Wilson is his third head coach in three years. That kind of instability does not help development. Leonard represents his first real continuity – a coach who has been in the building, who knows his strengths and weaknesses, and who is now installing a scheme that theoretically fits him better.

He is nothing.

what to watch with tyree wilson

The first phase of the offseason program is underway. Wilson is going to get his first real reps in Leonard’s system over the next few months. By training camp, we should get a feel for whether the 4i/5-technique role really unlocks something or whether the physical tools don’t translate at the NFL level.

I am not predicting a breakout. Wilson hasn’t earned that optimism. But I am also not writing him off.

The Raiders finally have a scheme that fits his skill set, a coordinator who knows his game inside and out and a front office that will give him another year to figure it out. If it doesn’t happen in 2026, it’s not happening.

But what if this happens? This defense suddenly has a real second threat facing Crosby. And that changes everything.

RELATED: Zack Beech and Donte Thornton are auditioning for their jobs with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Most people assume the NBA will do something to stop the massive tanking going on at the bottom of the standings. However, a new report suggests there isn’t much traction in the league for potential reforms.

Tanking is nothing new in the NBA. However, the 2026 NBA Draft is projected to be one of the best prospect classes in years, with nearly a dozen teams fully embracing the strategy in the final two minutes of the season. It’s gotten to the point where teams like the Utah Jazz have even inserted healthy impact players in the fourth quarter to ensure a loss.

This has disappointed NBA fans and infuriated Commissioner Adam Silver. Now, preventing the 2026 fight from happening in future seasons is a top priority for the governors, and late last month, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed three ideas to be presented at the next governors meeting in an effort to end the practice.

All three proposals expand the lottery to 18 teams and level the NBA lottery odds to varying degrees, and include other elements. Nevertheless, the trio of ideas is not gaining popularity in the game. “None of them have been embraced very warmly around the league,” sources told ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

General Manager explains why tanking works, even though it’s ugly

Slater’s new report details the current tanking drama and shows why many people associated with the idea hate the practice. This also includes coaches and players who want to improve their value before entering NBA free agency. However, while this practice is an ugly one, there are many around the game who feel it is a working formula, including one Western Conference general manager.

“These teams are doing a whole lot of work: sitting guys on fourth down, playing bad lineups analytically, setting up plays for bad shots,” the West GM told Slater. “Creativity is impressive, and I don’t blame them. It’s the best strategy for getting better.”

“Look at all the most promising teams in the league: the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs, the Detroit Pistons, the Houston Rockets, the Charlotte Hornets. After years of being bad and building on high picks. It’s painful but worthwhile.”

For NBA fans and those inside the league who hate the growing practice of tanking, it certainly doesn’t seem like there’s much momentum behind making serious improvements any time soon.

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

Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye has admitted he is thinking about his position at the club after impressing on international duty with Switzerland this week.

Ndoye was in good form for his country this week as Switzerland hosted Germany in an international friendly.

He scored the first goal in that game in an impressive all-round performance despite a 4–3 defeat.

After which it was highly praised in SwitzerlandExplaining SRF That he gained ‘new confidence’ with the national team. That confidence has been sorely lacking at Nottingham Forest.

nottingham forest conflict

The 25-year-old joined Nottingham Forest in a €42m deal from Bologna in the summer after impressing in Italy.

But the transition to the Premier League has not been easy. He has managed only two goals and two assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for Nottingham Forest this season.

He has not been able to play even 90 minutes in the Premier League since 9^Of november. In fact, his 78 minutes for Switzerland this week were his most since the end of November.

question the situation

He admits that it is a situation he is racking his brain about.

“It’s been a long time since my first goal against Germany at Euro 2024,” he told RTS. Via FC Inter News.

“It’s always a pleasure to be in the decider against such a team. When I get a chance to play, I always give my all.”

“At club level I don’t get many minutes, but today I showed that I have some quality. I feel very good with Switzerland, and I want to enjoy these moments.

“It was important for me to get playing time and also to score. Why don’t I play for Nottingham Forest? I ask myself the same.”

Chances of getting out of summer

Given everything that has happened this season, Dane Ndoye looks certain to leave Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.

He is clearly not happy with the situation. And January transfer window report Already connecting with him from a step away.

Now the international break has made him realize what he is missing. Perhaps this will inspire him to seek the step he needs.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. recently shared why he thinks he needs to surpass Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance, pointing to Kobe Bryant’s legacy as a major inspiration.

Porter Jr. made the comments while reacting to Adebayo’s historic run during a recent livestream.

“I’m trying to drop 80 [points]. shout out kobe [Bryant]Shout out to Bam because I’m definitely beating him one day. Now that Kobe has lost, I have to defeat Bam to honor Kobe.”

Adebayo’s 83-point game is now the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game and surpassing Bryant’s iconic 81-point performance with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2006.

The 25-year-old Porter Jr. is currently in his sixth NBA season and his first full campaign with Milwaukee, where he has taken on an expanded role in the backcourt. Through 38 games, including 36 starts, he has averaged 17.4 points, a career-high 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and a career-high 2.2 steals per game, while shooting 46.5% from the field, 32.2% from three-point range and a career-high 87.8% from the free-throw line in 33.2 minutes per contest.

Kevin Porter Jr. tells Desha Frost in a chat that he’s trying to beat Bam Adebayo’s 83 points out of respect for Kobe Bryant.

“Now that Kobe has lost, I have to defeat Bam to honor Kobe” pic.twitter.com/at8sib0l11

– FearedBuck (@FearedBuck) 25 March 2026

Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. eyes points from Bam Adebayo, Kobe Bryant

The surge in Porter Jr.’s scoring has already been evident in his career. The highest performance of his career came during the 2020–21 season with the Houston Rockets, when he recorded 50 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in a matchup against the Bucks in late April. In that game, he shot 16 of 26 from the field, 9 of 15 from three-point range, and 9 of 11 from the free-throw line in 41 minutes.

Adebayo’s performance has sparked league-wide discussion regarding milestones achieved and the pursuit of records, with players and analysts reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the historic night. However, Porter Jr. remains focused on competing and respecting the standard set by Bryant.

Milwaukee is coming off a challenging season, entering the finals with a 29–42 record and 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite the team’s struggles, Porter Jr.’s individual production has been a bright spot as the Bucks look toward the future.

The Bucks are set to conclude their four-game road trip with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers (36-37) on Wednesday night at 10:00 PM ET. Milwaukee is entering the contest coming off a 129-96 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

As the season ends, Porter Jr.’s comments reflect his confidence and the broader impact of Adebayo’s historic performance, which continues to resonate throughout the league.

Aston Villa have a long-standing interest in Pedro Goncalves back into conversation againLatest claims from the Portuguese side suggest Premier League club Sporting CP are keeping an eye on the attacker.

However, it comes with a familiar feeling around it.

For years, Aston Villa have been linked with the 27-year-old. Despite this, no serious action was ever taken towards Sporting’s demands. Latest updates from Portuguese newspaper to ball Maintains that pattern, even if he tries to change the situation again.

Form returns as markets look again

Pedro Gonsalves is finishing the season in strong form after previous injury problems.

The Sporting player has scored 14 goals and provided seven assists this season. Those numbers come from 29 appearances and just over 2,000 minutes. Importantly, three of these goals came in his last two games, underlining his late season surge.

A Bola stated that he is now in “the best moment of his season”. They also emphasize that Both Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen (again) Are “very attentive” to his condition in the summer.

Timing is not accidental. With the World Cup approaching, Goncalves is expected to be part of Portugal’s plans. This increases visibility and naturally attracts interest again.

Still, the idea of ​​interest is nothing new.

Contract conditions complicate the deal

Pedro Gonsalves signed a new contract with Sporting in October 2025. The deal runs until 2030 and his release clause is set at €80m (£68.4m). On paper, that figure determines the price. In reality, things are more subtle.

At 28 this summer, Goncalves is no longer in his growth phase. Sporting are unlikely to receive an offer even close to that clause. Previous interest from Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen never reached that level.

In 2023, Leverkusen’s bid of €30m (£25.7m) was rejected. Aston Villa has historically been linked with a similar range of offers. Nothing close to €80 million has ever been completed.

That context matters because if a move is made, it will almost certainly require a significant discount.

What’s next for Aston Villa?

Pedro Gonçalves’ position sits in a familiar place. Like an Aston Villa player. they’ve liked him for years. However, their interest never translated into concrete pressure on Sporting’s valuation.

Now, when the player has turned 28 and is entering the peak years of his career, the dynamics have changed a bit. Sporting may still demand a high fee, but market reality points elsewhere.

Sporting will be well aware of the situation and conscious they will not get anywhere near the €80m clause. Big discounts are sure to be available there. Given what Goncalves has given to the club, he will be hoping for a boost if he gets a good chance in the summer.

The move to the Premier League would not only see him on a bigger stage, but it would also transform his career from a financial aspect.

For Aston Villa, the question is whether this is another cycle of monitoring or the moment when they finally act. So far, history suggests the former.

🇪🇸 Aston Villa will play a friendly match against the La Liga club on Friday

✈️ Part of a training trip to Spain for those not on international duty this monthhttps://t.co/kx25Y4mLvL #avfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 23 March 2026

Over the past week, concerns have grown over the fitness of Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali. He left the field early against Barcelona, ​​causing many in Italy to fear his absence in the upcoming FIFA World Cup playoffs.

sports witness The midfielder was reported to have responded positively to Rino Gattuso’s call-up to the Azzurri. His injury was not major, and when scans revealed the problem it was not considered serious.

The Newcastle United midfielder was not present during Sunday’s defeat to Sunderland.

Inevitably, his lack of minutes has further heightened fitness concerns in Italy, as the country faces a crucial match against Northern Ireland this week. Now, a major fitness test will likely determine his availability.

The final decision will be taken by the team doctors

corriere dello sport examined The fitness of many Italy players before the training camp. While many believe Tonali is largely ‘fine’, the staff has not yet made a final decision on his full participation.

The Azzurri team doctor will assess the situation today. Due to the injury suffered against Barcelona, ​​the staff have placed the midfielder under ‘special observation’ along with Gianluca Scamacca.

The striker suffered an adductor injury at the weekend but has decided to push through the pain. Tonali’s position appears to be more optimistic, and FIGC Confirmed that he is on the list. Federico Chiesa has withdrawn his name after team doctors deemed him unfit for the clash against Northern Ireland. Given that the staff took Chiesa back immediately, the outlook for the Newcastle player seems more positive.

Tonali hope for Italy

Tonali is extremely important to Italy. If he is close to full fitness then he will play. With a game so important in the country’s history, Gattuso’s team could not afford to lose him. Also during the qualifiers, the former Brescia talent made several important performances.

The Azzurri will be hoping for more of the same in the next few days. Newcastle United and especially Eddie Howe will be monitoring the situation with some concern.

Italy’s schedule for international holidays:

northern ireland (Thursday, March 26)

wales/bosnia (Tuesday, March 31)

The saga surrounding Saeed Al-Mala continues to take new twists and turns, with Brighton & Hove Albion now requesting a meeting with FC Koln during the upcoming international break.

Cologne City Gazette Report that Brighton want to hold a face-to-face meeting with Koln to lay the groundwork for a summer transfer.

Agent change boosts Brighton optimism

According to their information, it appears that Brighton have made progress behind the scenes for Said Al-Mala.

The young man recently broke with his representatives and chose his family to take control of his representation.

According to BILD, he has pledged to Brighton that the player will approve a move to the Amex this summer.

However, despite Brighton’s initial maneuvering, no formal offer has yet been made from Fabian Herzeler & Co. El Mala’s family has also not put pressure on him to come out.

keep the colon under control

Ultimately, the colon remains under complete control. The winger is tied to a deal until 2030, and, crucially, his contract does not include a release clause.

Brighton’s curiosity is well founded; The Seagulls have been trying to make a deal since last summer.

They submitted a verbal proposal in January but it has not been formalized yet. This has been said in a report that came two days ago They have reached an agreement in principle For summer deals.

Brighton aim to overtake bidding war

Competition for Saeed Al-Mala is also increasing. A report on the 19th^th stated that Chelsea was ready to collapse Asking price for Colon Star.

Newcastle officers were also seen at a hotel. Then tottenham were thrown into the mix Too.

This appears to have inspired Brighton to take further action. They appear to be determined to negotiate a way out of the bidding war before it breaks out.

Requesting negotiations during this international break is a clear signal they fear the window could become increasingly crowded, and they want to plant their flag before the giants are fully involved.

🇧🇷 Special: Alvaro Montoro ‼️

➡️Brighton interest texter meets financial crisis
➡️ #BHAFC The official saw them against Gremio
➡️ Traveled to Porto Alegre especially for Montoro
➡️ Pedro Reinert explains the situation in Brazil…https://t.co/jLvcE1ZoHR

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026

Crescencio Somerville will have to wait for his long-awaited Netherlands debut.

The West Ham United winger has been forced to withdraw from the Oranje squad with a minor calf injury and will be unavailable to face Aston Villa. It ended up being what seemed like a pivotal moment for the 22-year-old.

Ronald Koeman plans first Netherlands call-up

The Telegraph reports Ronald Koeman chose Somerville for his first senior call-up and that too The winger was hopeful of a comeback For West Ham against Aston Villa this weekend.

However, time has worked against them. After discussions between West Ham and the Netherlands, both sides agreed not to take any risks.

As a result, Somerville will miss the Premier League tie and the Netherlands’ upcoming friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.

Injury setback doesn’t impact World Cup ambitions

The setback has disappointed the forward, but it has not derailed his progress. De Telegraaf reports that he remains firmly in Koeman’s World Cup plans, and has made clear his commitment to the Netherlands.

Suriname’s new national coach Henk ten Cate approached the West Ham star, but Somerville chose to remain with the Oranje. Internally, executives continue to support that decision.

West Ham are hopeful of a quick recovery and Koeman believes Somerville’s opportunity will come soon.

For now, everyone involved will focus on getting him fully fit for the race and preventing this small problem from becoming a bigger problem.

Somerville’s importance to West Ham is increasing

His importance to West Ham’s survival hopes is undeniable. He has established himself as a key creative force for the Hammers this season and has found his scoring touch since the turn of the year.

He has scored five goals this year alone and leads the team in several metrics, including 33 successful dribbles and 91 touches in the opposition box.

Statistically, he is one of West Ham’s most direct attacking threats.

Those stats have caught the Netherlands’ attention, but his international opportunity will have to wait. Fortunately, the delay has not ruled them out of the World Cup picture.

🇨🇿 Tomas Soucek | Check outlook on renewal

⏸️ West Ham star renewal put on hold, not canceled – agent ready to contacthttps://t.co/E7SraAlI2J #whufc #koi

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 20 March 2026

Chelsea and Newcastle United are among the clubs chasing 1. FC Koln’s Said El Mala.

The Bundesliga side signed the winger from Victoria Köln in June 2024 and sent him back on loan.

He arrived at FC Köln the previous summer and his performances in his first season drew attention from Chelsea, Newcastle United and other clubs.

The 19-year-old is in his first season in the top division and has performed brilliantly for his club, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 26 league appearances. His statistics per game are quite impressive.

• Shots: 1.9
• Shots on target: 0.8
• Goals per game: 0.62
• Assists per game: 0.21
• Goals + assists: 0.83

His rise in the Bundesliga has led to interest from several clubs, particularly the Premier League. This includes Chelsea, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chelsea ready to spend to beat others

Brighton have long been pursuing the Germany U21 international and made an offer in the winter market, and it was rejected by FC Köln.

El Mala has parted ways with his long-term agent and his parents are looking after his future.

On Wednesday, Sports Witness Covered claims from Germany That his new agent has agreed a deal in principle with Brighton. The source said the Seagulls are preparing to increase their offer to €35m plus bonuses.

Cologne City GazetteThe German club’s local newspaper covered it and gave their opinion on the matter, including the Blues and Eddie Howe’s side.

FC Köln did not receive any official offer from Brighton, while his parents did not explicitly state that he wanted to leave. Negotiations will only take place if a bid of €40m is on the table.

There are several clubs willing to pay more than the requested amount, but they have no intention of signing his brother, Malek, who represents FC Colón U21. Newcastle United and Chelsea have both been mentioned.

Magpies officials have already watched him in live action and even visited him at the Hyatt Hotel earlier this month. Meanwhile, his former agent held talks with Chelsea in February.

Liam Rosenior’s team ‘willing to pay’ €45m [€5m more than requested price] And offer him a seven-year contract worth €5m per year. This is likely to see him beat off Eddie Howe, Brighton and others in the summer transfer race.

However, El Mala knows that he will not get regular playing time at Stamford Bridge and could go out on loan. This can’t happen in Brighton.

Transfer battle brewing involving PL trio

El Mala are likely to move to the Premier League after this season. With the Blues, Howe’s side and Brighton keen, there could be a battle in the summer window.

Chelsea are clearly willing to pay more, given the chances of beating Newcastle United and the Seagulls. However, the sporting aspect could have a big impact on where the German is next.

The attacker has a contract until 2030 transfer market He is worth €40m.

🇩🇪 Fisnik Aslani | Tottenham and Chelsea come together to sign Kosovo’s ‘shooting star’

📈 23 year old on the rise
🧠Have shown mental flexibility
🇽🇰Choose Kosovo instead of Germany https://t.co/gzoRT3yDup #thfc #joyce #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 March 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – After breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most consecutive 20+ point games in NBA history, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander revealed the players he most admired growing up. After Thunder coach Mark Daigneault put Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak into perspective, SGA reflected on the legends who came before him, such as Hall of Fame guards Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.

Three Hall of Fame guards and the most memorable shooters helped mold Gilgeous-Alexander’s attack, including his knack for mid-range looks, a dying art of the game that is frowned upon in the modern, analytically-driven era.

Gilgeous-Alexander said, “I don’t think it’s necessarily me. I shoot honestly and I fell in love with the mid-range jump shot because of guys like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Allen Iverson. If anything, he changed the game and how it’s played.” “They’re my favorite players and ones I try to model my game after. So, I try to apply that to today’s NBA. But if anything, it’s them.”

SGA has revealed that his father showed him Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson when he was a child. Kobe Bryant was his favorite. And as Gilgeous-Alexander continues to progress toward cementing his place as one of the greatest NBA players in league history, the win remains the most important amid the defending champions’ quest for a repeat.

Gilgeous-Alexander said, “If we weren’t winning none of the things I accomplished would matter. And I probably wouldn’t have most of them if we weren’t winning.” “And I know it and understand it. That’s why you play the game.”

The Thunder extended their winning streak to seven in a 104–102 win against the Boston Celtics, amid Gilgeous-Alexander’s 127th consecutive 20+ point game. SGA finished with 35 points.

Mark Daigneault puts SGA’s streak into perspective

Before Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s postgame media availability, head coach Mark Daigneault discussed what makes his reigning MVP so special. Daigneault It has been told Gilgeous-Alexander as a leading scorer, team leader and individual.

“Number one, he’s skilled at his craft. Nobody is more precise at his craft than him. Number two, the streak his entire life hasn’t stopped us from having a ton of team success and hasn’t stopped his teammates from being successful as well,” Daigneault said. “The individual scoring streak hasn’t come at the expense of the team or his teammates. And again, great father, great husband, great teammate.

“He treats everyone in the building with respect from top to bottom. So, he’s obviously a great basketball player, but he’s such a guy that you couldn’t be happier when he accomplishes something like this. So, huge congratulations to him.”

Mark Daigneault’s honest opinion on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak of 127 consecutive 20+ point games, the most in NBA history, and his leadership:

“There is no one more precise at his craft than him. The entire life of the streak did not prevent us from having a lot of team success… pic.twitter.com/WDNrrO2AZ5

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 13 March 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to extend their seven-game winning streak when they host the Timberwolves at Paycom Center on Sunday.

Many people probably didn’t wake up today thinking, “This is the day Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scores 83 points.”

On a random Tuesday, Adebayo recorded the second-highest scoring game in NBA history after dropping 83 points in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards at Kassite Center. He surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81 points and is only behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points.

Adebayo tied Bryant’s record with a free throw with 1:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.

81‼️

Bam Adebayo tied Kobe Bryant for the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history 🔥pic.twitter.com/jQ5t7vf5i8

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026

A few possessions later, he was fouled again. He broke Bryant’s record with two more charity hits, much to the delight of the crowd, who witnessed an unexpected event. iconic game.

Bam Adebayo scored his 82nd and 83rd points to surpass Kobe Bryant’s mark of 81 inside Kasia Center.

He is now the second highest scoring game in NBA history!

A moment Miami Heat fans will remember for a long time

(via @ZachWeinberger) pic.twitter.com/lRP5vohjoi

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026

Somewhere, Bryant is already preparing to get back at Adebayo.

It was fitting that Adebayo took over and broke Bryant’s record from the line as the five-time champion also tallied 81 points from the stripe.

Adebayo shot 20 of 43 from the field and 36 of 43 from the line. He also had nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.

Adebayo isn’t exactly known as a high-volume scorer, so it was quite surprising that it was him who broke Bryant’s once-seemingly impossible feat. The three-time All-Star already had 70 points with seven minutes still left in the final period, and the excitement inside the venue grew with every Heat possession.

It’s not every day you get the chance to surpass an absolute legend, so Adebayo took it – and rightfully so. Because Bryant would be the first person to tell him that he should never miss an opportunity to do something great.

MIAMI – The Miami Heat look to improve as the team heads into the regular season home stretch, with the upcoming week set to be crucial in solidifying their spot as they attempt to advance into the playoffs. Although the Heat are struggling with injuries to key players like Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins, the team will have to work hard to take care of business.

After Miami defeated the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Sunday, the upcoming week will be crucial to picking up wins in their continued goal of avoiding the play-in tournament. It cannot be denied that the Heat aim to avoid the tournament, as many within the team have made it public, as they are sick and tired of making the playoffs the last three seasons.

The team will be in Miami until the contest against the Charlotte Hornets on March 17, meaning the team will be at home for seven of its last eight games, having already defeated the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets twice. After the Pistons on Sunday, the Heat will face the Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic.

Given the Eastern Conference standings, it is very tight, leaving very little room for error, as there is only four games separating the fifth to 10th seeds. Aside from handling business against lower-ranked teams in the conference like the Wizards and Bucks, although each have stars like Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo, respectively, these are contests that Miami is expected to win.

The most important game will be against the Magic on Saturday, as they are right next to each other in the standings as before the Pistons contest, Orlando was in sixth place, to Miami’s seventh, a difference of just a fraction of a percentage point. Depending on how long Powell and Wiggins are out, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and others will need to lift weights.

How has the Heat performed so far at home

Due to the Heat’s pressure to make the playoffs, the road to the postseason is not easy, as looking at the middle of the Eastern Conference teams, Miami has the toughest schedule left in terms of winning percentage, according to Esfandiyar Baraheni. Including Sunday against Detroit, the remaining 10 games will take place at Kasia Center, where the Heat have a 21-11 record on their home floor.

In addition to the overall goal of playing well at home, there is an added pressure of making every game count due to the standings, which head coach Erik Spoelstra said he wants his team to “enjoy in these matchups.”

“We’ve known all season how important it is to establish that home feeling and that feeling that you don’t want it to be a place where people don’t want to come, and I think we did a pretty good job of that,” Spoelstra told ClutchPoints before the win over Detroit. “But more importantly, it’s just the opportunities to be competitive, the context of these games is a little more, and that’s what you love this time of year. … That’s our motivation, trying to get to another level as a basketball team, but also as competitive. I want our guys to enjoy these matchups this time of year.”

Asked Erik Spoelstra about the urgency of caring as these home games get closer to the standings.

“We know from all seasons how important it is to establish a homely feeling and feeling, as you don’t want this to be a place people want to come to…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/Eu78RuXXPr

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 8 March 2026

If there’s one thing Miami needs for the rest of the schedule, it’s momentum and energy, the same things the home crowd can provide.

“I mean, being able to get in front of our home crowd and build that energy, keep this win streak going. And you know, when we get home, I think we can start getting 140,” Adebayo said after the team’s win over the Hornets on Friday.

“It’s nice, sunny, go to the beach, you know, you just have to stay home. I think that’s the most important thing. We love our fans, so getting home is going to be important for us. We want to make the most of it,” Jamie Jacquez Jr. said.

At any rate, Miami has a five-game winning streak after the Pistons game, taking the team record to 36–29.

Nottingham Forest goalkeeper John plans short-term return to Brazil According to a report from the local outlet, his recovery continues after knee surgery Earth.

The 30-year-old Premier League star is expected to complete the final stages of his rehabilitation at Botafogo’s training center in Rio de Janeiro.

John underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in London on January 14 after suffering cartilage damage earlier this year. Before the injury, he had established himself as Nottingham Forest’s first-choice goalkeeper and had already received two call-ups to the Brazil national team at the end of 2025.

The plan now is to accelerate his path to full fitness while keeping his international ambitions alive ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Final stages of Nottingham Forest recovery

The player himself recently decision explained To undergo surgery. now aAccording to O Globo, John has already completed most of the physical conditioning phases of his recovery. The training step in Botafogo is intended to support the final phase before returning to full field work.

The Rio club holds personal significance for the goalkeeper. John previously played for Botafogo and was part of the team that won both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian League during his time there. As a result, the club’s facilities and atmosphere are seen as a comfortable setting for his rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Brazil national team staff have maintained regular contact with the goalkeeper until his recovery. Being in Brazil could make his negotiations easier as he approaches the crucial stage of his comeback.

comeback race for nottingham forest

For Nottingham Forest, the main issue is time. John became a central figure in the team’s Premier League campaign before the season was disrupted by injury.

His rehabilitation suggests a return to the pitch is getting closer. However, the club will likely take a cautious approach to avoid setbacks following knee surgery.

From John’s perspective, the motivation is clear. He broke into the Brazil setup last year and now aims to remain in the conversation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

If the recovery proceeds without complications, Forest could soon have their first-choice goalkeeper back. And the player may still have a chance to keep his international hopes alive.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been a bit of Jekyll and Hyde this season. When things go right, it looks like they can compete with any team in the league. But when things are not going well, the team does not look very competitive.

After being defeated by the Boston Celtics on Sunday, the Lakers suffered a blowout 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic. The loss dropped Los Angeles to 34–23, two games ahead of the Phoenix Suns in the Pacific Division.

The teams will face off in the desert on Thursday. Thankfully for the Lakers, Phoenix will once again be missing some of their most important pieces.

According to AZ Central’s Duane Rankin, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin, Haywood Highsmith and Cole Anthony have all been ruled out. Of course, Booker is the biggest loss for the Suns.

Booker strained his right hip last week against the San Antonio Spurs. In the three games since, Phoenix’s offense has been mediocre. The Celtics also beat them by 16 points, 97-81, on Tuesday night. In the first game against the Portland Trail Blazers, they were able to score only 77 points.

With the Lakers likely to play the Big Three, it could prove difficult for the Suns to keep up.

The second unit in Los Angeles could also get a boost. Backup center Jackson Hayes was upgraded to probable on Wednesday, while Rui Hachimura is listed as questionable due to illness.

The Lakers have had their share of troubles, but for the most part the offense has not been a part of them. The defensive end of the court has left a lot to be desired. But with Jalen Green struggling in his return, and the Suns lacking many other scoring options, Thursday appears to be a prime opportunity to get back in the win column.

This game could go a long way in determining the division winner. The Suns have won two of the first three meetings and a Lakers loss would ensure a tiebreak for Phoenix.

The 2025-26 NBA season is not going well for the Memphis Grizzlies, and it didn’t get any better for them on Saturday, when they lost to the Miami Heat by a score of 136-120.

A big reason for the Grizzlies’ struggles in the campaign are the injuries they have been dealing with.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Memphis reportedly made a move to add a healthy body to the roster on Monday, as they added a former Portland Trail Blazers player to the team.

From Charania on

The 21-year-old Rupert entered the league in 2023 when the Trail Blazers used their No. 43 pick in that year’s NBA draft on him. In 139 games played over two seasons for Portland, Rupert averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting only 36.7 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from behind the arc.

The 6-foot-7 Rupert played his final game in a Portland uniform last Thursday on the road against the Utah Jazz, scoring two points, grabbing four rebounds and recording a steal with two turnovers in 16 minutes of action in the 135-119 win. The next day, the Trail Blazers decided to waive him after promoting Sidi Sissoko to make room on the 15-man roster.

The move to the Grizzlies presents an opportunity for Rupert, who has a fully guaranteed $2.2 million contract through the 2025-26 season, to see a larger role on the court.

The Brooklyn Nets looked like a team still on vacation during their first game after the All-Star break. Jordi Fernandez’s team sleepwalked through a 112-84 loss to the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday to start the second half of the season.

This game marked the Nets’ NBA-leading eighth wire-to-wire loss of the season. Brooklyn trails by 43 points.

“It was everything. The physicality, the intensity, all those things we weren’t matching up to,” Fernandez said. “Their physicality, their intensity was exactly what a winning team should be. We weren’t even close.”

With starting center Nick Claxton sidelined, the Nets had no answer for the Cavaliers on both ends during the lopsided loss. He shot 30 of 87 (34.5 percent) from the field and 14 of 49 (28.6 percent) from three.

Brooklyn offered little resistance defensively as the Cavs shot 44-of-86 (51.2 percent), with seven players reaching double figures.

Nets dominate Cavs during blowout loss, tipping off tank race

Brooklyn’s lack of engagement was evident from the opening tip. After some miscommunication on their first two possessions, Fernandez called a timeout 40 seconds into the game in an attempt to wake up his team. He had little success in doing so.

“It was two mistakes that were completely controllable, and it tells me about the readiness of our players. It was a lack of effort and readiness, and I’m not going to let it fly. And we didn’t wake up,” Fernandez said. “We know we are better, our standards are higher than this. Now we have to go to the next level, and hold everyone accountable, including me, and go and fight better [on Friday in Oklahoma City]”

Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists on 5 of 13 shooting. Ochai Agbaji added 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting off the bench during his second game with Brooklyn. Danny Wolf scored 11 points and seven assists on 4-of-12 shooting, while Egor Demin had 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting.

Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting for Cleveland, while James Harden added 16 points and nine assists on 6-of-8 shooting.

The loss brings a ray of hope for the Nets, who are tied with the Washington Wizards for fourth place in the draft lottery standings. Brooklyn is tied in the win column and twice behind the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans in the loss column, who are in second place.

Fernandez’s team will be back in action on Friday during a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Charlotte Hornets missed a chance to get a big win over the Houston Rockets, losing 105-101 at the Spectrum Center on Thursday night, but LaMelo Ball is grateful he was even able to play. Following the loss, the star point guard spoke on the car accident he was involved in on Wednesday.

According to Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Ball told the media, “Unfortunate, {but} everybody’s good, so good blessings.” “God is great.”

The 24-year-old, who was driving a custom-built Hummer through an intersection, collided with another vehicle in downtown Charlotte. Footage from the scene shows Ball drifting out of his lane and into another car. However, it is still not completely clear what exactly caused the accident. One wheel of the Hummer rolled off after the collision, but it is difficult to say when it started coming loose.

LaMelo’s postgame press conference: Reaction to the accident, his game tonight and more. pic.twitter.com/1CfT3J9jPh

– Rod Boon (@rodboon) 20 February 2026

Thankfully, as the former Rookie of the Year said, no one was seriously hurt. The other person involved in the accident exited his vehicle immediately after the accident. After police arrived at the scene, Ball drove away in a Lamborghini that had come to pick him up. A reporter asked him why he walked away from the wreck, but the 2022 All-Star did not answer the question. “No, you’ll have to check it out,” he replied.

LaMelo Ball was apparently unable to drive the Hummer, so it makes sense that he would call for a ride. One would assume that he had provided the necessary information to the police and the other driver before leaving the scene. However, because of his history on the road, people will be extra curious about the accident.

Video compilations can be found in which he is shown driving recklessly. In 2024, a woman filed a lawsuit against the Hornets playmaker for running over her son’s foot. The child and other people huddled around Ball’s vehicle before it was driven away from the field. He denied responsibility, claiming that the boy harmed himself.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft clearly wants to put this latest incident behind him immediately. A day after the accident, he posted 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting with seven assists and seven rebounds.

The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a bit of a tough time from an injury perspective heading into the All-Star break, losing both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to injuries. Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to miss last weekend’s All-Star festivities as he recovers from a calf strain, while Williams recently re-aggravated a hamstring injury he suffered in a game against the Phoenix Suns.

Now, NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has provided the latest update on both Williams and SGA with young rising guard Ajay Mitchell.

“The Thunder say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be reevaluated in approximately a week,” the former Seagull reported on Twitter. “Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks.”

The Thunder got off to one of the best starts in NBA history this year, but have slowed down a bit since then and have lost four of their five contests this year to the San Antonio Spurs.

The good news for Oklahoma City is that they recently added some firepower at the trade deadline by acquiring Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers, they won’t have to give up any players from their roster in the process.

McCann’s name is likely to be discussed a lot in the coming matches as the team looks to survive despite injuries to two of its best players.

In any case, the Thunder will next be at home on Friday evening against the Brooklyn Nets, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.

The Boston Celtics are currently preparing to begin the unofficial second half of their season, which begins on Thursday evening against the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics were represented at the NBA All-Star weekend by Jaylen Brown, who participated as part of one of the USA teams in the round robin tournament.

The Celtics have performed well beyond expectations this year, and recently, former NBA guard Lou Williams praised what Boston is able to accomplish in 2025-26 on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show.

“I still think Boston is the most dangerous team in the East,” said Williams, formerly of Run It Back on X, on Twitter.

Co-host Chandler Parsons said, “He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations… Jaylen Brown has to be in these MVP conversations.”

In fact, most pundits expected the Celtics to be a fringe playoff team at best this year, given that the team was playing without injured superstar Jayson Tatum, and also parted ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis via trades over the summer that were mostly financially motivated.

However, as Parsons said, Brown is playing at a borderline MVP level for the Celtics this year, more than replicating Tatum’s production, and he’s also gotten some help from players like Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard, who have returned to form after rough starts to the year.

Hovering over all of this is the possibility of Tatum’s eventual return, which looks more than likely day-to-day at some point this season. If Tatum can look somewhat like his normal form during Boston’s upcoming playoff run, the Celtics will likely be the clear favorite to come out of the East this year.

In any case, the Celtics will next take the field against the Warriors on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET as they begin their trip to the West Coast.

The New York Knicks are back from the All-Star break, and their first challenge will be against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. The last time these two saw each other, the Knicks were not at their best and lost 118-80. This time may be a little different as they will be at home, and they will have more players available in this matchup, including Karl-Anthony Towns.

There is one player on the injury report who has been important for the Knicks this season, and that is OG Anunoby. He is listed on the injury report with a sprained right toe, and it is uncertain whether he will be able to play against the Pistons.

His position in the game is as follows.

*Watch NBA Games Live with fuboTV (Free Trial)*

OG Anunoby’s injury status vs. Pistons

Anunoby is listed as questionable against the Pistons, meaning he is likely to play. He practiced the day before the game and reported that his toenail was in pain due to it being completely removed.

“There’s a lot of pain. It’s an open wound,” The Athletic on X, formerly of Twitter’s James L. Anunoby said, according to Edwards III.

Hopefully the injury won’t hinder Anunoby too much from what he wants to do on the floor and he can manage his minutes if the Knicks decide to play. Anunoby’s biggest strength is his defense, and he usually guards one of the opposing team’s better perimeter players. If he can’t perform to the best of his ability, the Knicks can bring him back slowly.

Luckily for the Knicks, they have Mikal Bridges, who is also a good perimeter defender and can fill that role for Anunoby.

It doesn’t seem like this is an injury that will keep Anunoby out for long, and if he can play, he may get a full chance.

The Phoenix Suns’ post-All-Star break season begins Thursday. But before any game time action gets underway, I went ahead and answered a few questions about the remaining 27 games.

Does the Suns’ Jordan Ott have a claim to NBA Coach of the Year?

Perhaps I’m pushing this narrative too far, but it’s not because of overt bias. Much of it comes from the nature of the work, how the players have responded and the adjustments made to correct any mistakes.

The first three games of the season showed some concerns, even though there were obvious asterisks. Playing back-to-backs in Denver and then flying to Phoenix wasn’t easy.

Defense was the main issue, as they allowed 129, 133 and 138 points respectively in their first three losses. As soon as that happened, it seemed like everyone was on the same page.

Lots of winning streaks, and ultimately bragging rights, allowing the fifth fewest points per game. Other than Dillon Brooks, they do not have any All-NBA defenders on the roster.

Constant ball pressure, constant communication and high basketball skills are stable. However, much of it comes from faith, and this is something he emphasizes.

Even Suns general manager Brian Gregory gave Ott a glowing evaluation during the All-Star break. Not to mention, he’s easily the biggest surprise, and that could put him ahead of guys like JB Bickerstaff and Mark Dagenault.

The backend of the season will indicate how close he is to securing the award. If this goes like the first half of the season, Ott may face a loss.

How do you see Jalen Green’s role progressing or regressing in the closing stages of the season?

This question will definitely attract the interest of many people. Only playing seven games is a concern, but his return has come at the right time.

This was just before the All-Star break, giving him some time to adjust physically. Given that he is a bona fide athlete and slasher, turning off the mental side was a necessity.

Green even said he felt “almost 100%” after attempting a dunk on Daniel Gafford during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. All this suggests that he is ready to go.

But then the question is, what will be his role?

As evidenced by when he was on the field, and according to the words of head coach Jordan Ott, he will lead the second unit when the starters come out.

Green’s dynamic scoring and playmaking adds a layer to a scrappy and defensively strong group. If the game gets tight he will still be with the starters.

The yin and yang effect between him and Devin Booker is too good to ignore. He’s also another scorer to worry about if you’re on the defensive side. The more offensive weapons on the floor, the better.

When the time is right, Green’s confidence in his body will translate to his performance on the court. And in time, he’ll work with anyone, but he’ll be the secondary (and maybe primary) puncher that Suns fans have come to expect.

What part of being an NBA player is the most mentally exhausting that fans have ever seen?

I can’t speak for the players because I’m not around them 24 hours a day. But when I’m around them it’s quite impressive. They are always working, practicing and doing everything they can to become 0.0001% better than they are.

A lot of the things I see have to do with situations at game time. Whether it’s being late to the shot-clock or simply learning to work in isolation, there is an answer for every situation.

Additionally, players often stay after practice for additional work. Devin Booker, rookie Rasheer Fleming and Mark Williams are some examples of them.

Some of this is also related to the media. I like to think that we’re relatively unbiased, but it can be tiring to hear some of the same things asked over and over again.

For example, when Dillon Brooks picked up his 16th technical foul for the Suns, the media had to ask burning questions. Fortunately, a trusting relationship is the key.

The players know that we have work to do and we are not attacking directly or trying to hint at something. It may be that way, but most of the time, it is not.

Constantly being there, not being afraid to ask tough questions, while also treating them as human beings with feelings and perspective, is what helped me walk that fine line just as carefully.

The San Antonio Spurs began the All-Star break leg with the second-best record in the NBA’s Western Conference standings. As one of the few veterans in the team’s rotation, De’Aaron Fox doesn’t worry about the road to the playoffs for the Silver and Black.

“Every game matters a little more, especially when you’re talking about seeding and how close West is. It’s going to be fun.”

“Every game matters a little more, especially when you’re talking about seeding and how close West is. It’s going to be fun”⬇️

-De’Aaron Fox w/#spurs Scheduled for the post-All-Star break portion of the year

Coverage offered by Superior Tax Service: https://t.co/nfxcO81b4O#porvida pic.twitter.com/JjDzsuq1ty

– Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) 18 February 2026

Following his second career All-Star Game appearance, Fox is one of the few Spurs to have previously qualified for the NBA Playoffs.

“It’s definitely going to be an adjustment. And, even with that, they say they don’t do it, but the games are operated a little differently, especially as you get closer to the playoffs,” Fox said. “It’s going to be an adjustment. I think our coaching staff has put us in a good position to not let that mess up the way we play because we want to be able to be a physical team and continue to play fast and continue to blow the whistle.”

De’Aaron Fox likes the way the Spurs approach All-Star Weekend

The Spurs returned to play after the break on their longest actual winning streak of the season. Although they are credited with winning eight consecutive games in December, this includes a loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup Finals, which does not count towards the records of the participating teams. That blowout came to New York between three and five game wins.

Spurs won their last six matches ahead of the league’s mid-February tradition.

Fox said, “It was a stretch that we felt was really important, to be able to go into the All-Star break with some momentum and we did a good job of that.”

“We played eight games,” the ninth-year veteran said. “We talked about an eight-game season. Over the last eight games, we were 7-1, so going into the break with that type of momentum, it’s the first time a lot of our guys are playing meaningful basketball after the break. So, all of these games mean a little more.”

Former Fox and Sacramento Kings teammate Harrison Barnes, who won a championship with the Golden State Warriors and is now in his 14th NBA season, is the team’s only rotation player with more than six seasons in the league.

Fox said, “There’s got to be a mental part of the game because everyone is going through it physically. But if you can keep your mind in the game and stay focused over such a long season, it helps you more than just being physically prepared for it.”

At 38–16 for the year, the Spurs are closer to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the standings than they are to the Denver Nuggets, who are in third place in the West. This is the stark reality of the opportunity facing the Foxes and Spurs.

“For us, I think people are ready and I think people are definitely excited for it.”

Following the NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors had an open two-way contract roster spot after Pat Spencer’s contract was converted to a standard deal. According to Jake Fisher of The Stein Line, after the All-Star break, the Warriors made a move to fill that roster spot by signing Nate Williams to a two-way contract.

The signing of Nate Williams now brings the Warriors’ roster to 14 standard deals and three two-way contracts. Under a two-way contract, Williams is limited in the amount of games he can be active for, but with the Warriors only having 27 games remaining in the regular season, he is in no danger of using them up. However, Williams would miss the playoffs.

After spending training camp with the Los Angeles Lakers, Williams was playing with the Long Island Nets, an affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets in the G League this season. He appeared in 35 games, a rate of approximately 34 minutes per game. He was averaging 18.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals with splits of 47.2 percent shooting from the field, 36.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 80 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams got his NBA debut when he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers at the end of the 2022–23 season. This was his best performance to date, averaging a career-best 10.6 points and shooting 61.5 percent from the field in five games. He spent the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons with the Houston Rockets.

Following the All-Star break, the Warriors will resume play on Thursday, February 19 against the Boston Celtics. They are currently 29–26 and in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. Buoyed by the addition of Kristaps Porzingis at the deadline, the Warriors will look to make a move during the final months of the regular season.

The Dallas Mavericks had to deal with some injuries throughout the season, and many wanted to see what they would look like when they were fully healthy. Unfortunately, the Mavericks decided to move on from Anthony Davis and traded him to the Washington Wizards after he barely played due to injury.

Another player everyone is waiting to see is Kyrie Irving, who is still recovering from his ACL injury from last March. Irving has stepped up his rehabilitation, and he recently spoke to his fans on a live stream about updates on his injury.

“I’ll give you guys an update after the All-Star break. Whether it’s this year or next year, it doesn’t matter. I’ll speak when the time is right,” he said.

Before this season, there were reports that Irving would probably return around the second half of the season. If that’s still the case, he’s likely close to getting back on the court, but things can always change. The fact that the Mavericks aren’t particularly in a position where they’re fighting for a playoff spot means they can give Irving all the time he needs to get healthy.

The Mavericks have been missing a point guard like Irving all season and for now, head coach Jason Kidd has put Cooper Flagg at that spot. It was a rough start for Flagg, but he has begun to acclimate to his role on the field and is making progress in almost every game.

It will still be interesting to see how the Mavericks will look with Irving on the floor, but as of now, it is uncertain whether he will return to the floor this season.

With the Mavericks handing the keys to Flagg, they may also look to get younger in the offseason, and possibly try to deal Irving if he doesn’t fit into what they’re trying to do.