tourism gunlugu has revealed that a special chartered flight will bring Hull City Turkish fans for Saturday’s clash with Middlesbrough.

Following Southampton’s elimination from the Championship play-off final, Boro took their place. Saints lost their appeal last night after being accused of spying on other clubs throughout the season.

Hull City Major Questions Final

However, Hull City owners Ekun Ilikali has been interrogated Should the Tigers now be automatically promoted to the Premier League?

“Under normal circumstances, two teams would have reached the final and one would have been disqualified. Our lawyers are of the opinion that we should go straight to the Premier League, but they are investigating it right now. We can’t say anything for sure. It’s a bit of a messy situation.” Ilikali said.

The Hull City chief added: “We were preparing for Southampton for 10 days. All the planning, analysis and work was focused on them. Now, with a few days left for the final, the opponent has changed. Tomorrow the players are on holiday, Thursday is the last serious training session. We will prepare for the new opponent with a training session.”

Despite his comments the final will take place this weekend, and Corendon Airlines will bring fans from Istanbul and Antalya. The Turkish Airlines Company has sponsored the championship side for the last five years.

Tigers fans will arrive tomorrow

According to Tourism Günlag the flight will take off from Antalya tomorrow morning and then land at Istanbul Airport to pick up the remaining fans.

The flight is expected to arrive at Gatwick at Friday lunchtime before fans return to Türkiye on Saturday night.

The hope is that flying Hull City fans from Türkiye can provide stronger support for the club and create bonds.

Hull City reached the final after an impressive win over Millwall in the semi-finals and will look to gain promotion to the Premier League after a five-year absence.

A new report has calmed New York Knicks fans’ fears that they will struggle in Game 1 of their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to their lengthy layoff ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals.

There is a lot of hope and excitement about the Knicks right now. On Tuesday night, they begin their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Cavaliers at home and as the favorite. Due to their excellent play over the past few weeks, this could be the franchise’s best chance to win an NBA title in decades.

However, there are some among his fans and basketball experts who wonder if not playing in games since May 10 will have any impact. This question has reignited the rust vs. rest debate and how it relates to the Knicks, as the extra days off will certainly give talented forward OG Anunoby a better chance to return to the field after suffering a hamstring strain in Game 2 of the semifinals.

Well, on Tuesday afternoon Sportico data expert Lev Akabas wanted to end the debate. He recently dug into the numbers and revealed some interesting details in a new X post. According to Akabas, since 1984, teams that received five or more days of rest, while their opponents had one, were 42–23 in Game 1 of a playoff series. Additionally, they were 48–17 in those series.

When it comes to teams with five or more days off, and were at home against an opponent with one day off between series, those teams went 33–9 in Game 1. The record of those teams in series that started with those unique parameters was 39–3.

Although it may not ease the fears of the most anxious Knicks fans, the data should give most of them reason to feel very confident about Game 1 tonight. Beyond how well his team has played over the last two weeks.

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

armory They are looking to beat Sporting to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Gunners took a 1-0 lead from the first leg thanks to a late goal from Kai Havertz during last week’s trip to Portugal.

Sporting travels to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the return leg on Wednesday.

On Monday, Sports Witness Covered claims from Portugal Sporting pair Ivan Fresneda and Joao Simões are doubtful for the European competition.

Arsenal will face players absent from the game

Lions manager Rui Borges has some concerns ahead of the crucial clash with Arsenal in midweek.

record Portugal now has the latest information on Ivan Fresneda and also provides the latest updates on his teammate Zeno Debast.

Fresneda played the full 90 minutes while the 22-year-old centre-back was an unused substitute in the first leg.

‘Bad news’ for Borges and his side as both the 21-year-old Spaniard and Debast were not with the rest of the group.

Today is Sporting’s last training session Alvalade Before the trip to the English capital. Both players were not present and the manager called on 18-year-old fullback Salvador Blopa.

There is no mention of why both players missed today’s training session or whether they will miss tomorrow’s clash.

to ball Now provides more updates on Fresneda’s absence. Last weekend, the right-back started in his team’s 1-0 league win over Estrella Amadora and was replaced after the break.

This was due to complaints about his fitness and he was given treatment during the half-time break.

This may be the reason why he did not train with the rest of the group and the newspaper says he will not travel with the team to London.

Overcoming Sporting key for Arsenal

Before the international break, Mikel Arteta’s side lost to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

After the break, Southampton knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and the Gunners lost to AFC Bournemouth in the league at the weekend.

The north London club has lost three of its last four matches. A win over Sporting could help them make the Champions League last four.

nottingham forest FC Porto were held to a 1-1 draw at home on Thursday night, but the reaction in Portugal suggests the Premier League side may not have been able to escape the comfort of the scoreline.

nottingham forest knew They were moving towards a bigger challenge From the beginning. But manager Francesco Farioli was clear after the match. From his perspective, Porto did enough to win – and by a margin.

The Italian coach saw his team dominate large spells of the game, yet fail to convert it into a result. That contradiction now shapes the narrative heading into the second leg at the City Ground.

“We clearly deserved to win”

Francesco Farioli did not hide his disappointment when assessing the performance.

“For everything, it is very clear that we deserved to win, and by more than a one-goal margin,” he said. “But when you miss so many chances and don’t have that killer instinct, you lose the reward and the win that he deserved.”

The feeling of missed opportunity was reflected in Porto’s reaction. Despite the draw, the feeling internally was that Nottingham Forest were allowed to remain in the tie.

Farioli also addressed Martim Fernandes’s own goal, which briefly changed the momentum.

“It wasn’t a moment of panic. It was a mistake, and the reaction from the stadium and teammates to get him back in the game was fantastic.” he explained.

He insisted that Porto remained largely in control.

“We had good chances and we almost didn’t miss a single one. It wasn’t an ideal performance, but it was enough for us to deserve the win.”

Level 2 warning for Nottingham Forest

While the result left everything in the open, Farioli made it clear that he expects a different game in England.

“It will be different in Nottingham, they play at home. It will be different,” he said. “We have to calculate well what it could be, prepare well.”

He also pointed towards possible changes from his side.

“We’ll recover some key players and give them a chance to play in a different system. A lot of things will be different.”

This should serve as a warning to Nottingham Forest. Porto believes they were the better team in the first leg. He also hopes to arrive strongly in England.

Farioli also mentioned the wider context surrounding Forest’s squad building.

“We can’t forget that they spent €150m (£129m) in the last market,” He said, ignoring any psychological games, but underlining the level of opponent his side is facing.

disappointment and expectation

There was also a palpable emotional level throughout. Farioli acknowledged the reaction from the supporters, who had expected more after seeing Porto create several chances.

“It’s normal that frustration increases. Fans want to see the ball in the net.” He said.

Nevertheless, he praised their support throughout the match and season, as expected.

“The fans were fantastic the whole game and the whole season.”

In the end, the result on paper is positive for Vitor Pereira’s team. However, Porto’s reaction suggests they view this tie as something they should already be leading.

Forest have built their Europa League campaign on flexibility. They will need it again.

Because beyond the scoreline, Porto are arriving in England with confidence, momentum and a clear realization that they let the first leg slip away.

nottingham forest Preparations are already underway for a hostile environment in Portugal. However, the scale of the task against FC Porto far outweighs the pressure of the crowd.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will face a team with strong domestic and European form. Porto are currently leading the Portuguese league and have lost only once in their last 11 matches in all competitions. This fixture adds another layer to an already demanding Europa League quarter-final.

Nottingham Forest have shown resilience to reach this level. Still, this tie presents a different challenge. Porto combines pace, structure and experience, especially when playing at home.

Strong home record against English sides

FC Porto’s record against English clubs at the Estadio do Dragão highlights the size of the test awaiting Nottingham Forest.

according to to ballPorto has played 25 home matches against English opposition in European competitions. They have won nine, drawn nine and lost only seven. This is a solid record that shows how difficult it is for visiting teams to control matches in Porto.

Recent history supports that pattern. Porto drew 3–3 with Manchester United in a high-profile performance in October 2024. Earlier, he had secured a late win over Arsenal in the Champions League with a stoppage time goal.

So they are certainly a team that is comfortable dealing with top-class English opposition on home soil.

The context behind the Nottingham Forest meeting

There is also a layer of recent history between the two sides.

Nottingham Forest beat Porto 2–0 early in the competition, handing the Portuguese team their only defeat in Europe this season. That result came via two penalties that Diogo Costa could not save.

However, the context has changed since then. Porto are now in a stronger position domestically, and there is a clear sense of unfinished business in this regard. Furthermore, they there will be some reinforcements For this stability.

Porto manager Francesco Farioli knows it is a completely different scenario.

“When we played Nottingham before, it was Sean Dyche’s first game. I have positive memories of the game there. We conceded two penalty goals and played well throughout the game.” he said A recent press conference.

“But now we are talking about a completely different reality, a team that is in more positive form. Nottingham Forest have many strengths, including great wingers and very high-quality forwards. They also have strong midfielders and are dangerous at set pieces.”

He then concluded: “It is difficult to say which version of Nottingham suits us best, but what is certain is that we will have to do our best.”

It is also worth noting that this will be Nottingham Forest’s first match at the Estadio do Dragão. It adds an element of the unknown to the Premier League side.

more than just atmosphere

The focus has already been on the build-up Porto will bring intense supportBoth at home and outside. Their fans have sold out allocations and have formed a strong presence throughout the competition.

Yet the challenge for Nottingham Forest is wider. They will face a team that is leading their league, in form and is historically strong at home against English clubs.

Plus, this is a team that has already lost once this season and now has clear motivation to respond.

For Forest, it is about managing a complete test – tactical, emotional and physical – against one of the most consistent teams left in the competition.

That’s why this quarter-final feels particularly challenging. And that’s why Nottingham Forest will need one of their most controlled performances of the season to take something positive from Portugal.

The Phoenix Suns host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, and Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neal are both among the players on the team’s injury report. Allen is dealing with a knee injury and is listed as questionable, while O’Neal also has a knee injury but is listed as probable. Here’s everything we know about Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale’s injuries and their playing statuses heading into the Suns’ game against the Nuggets.

Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neal’s injury status vs. Nuggets

Given that Royce O’Neale is on the Suns’ injury report as probable, this generally indicates that he will be able to play. It’s just a waiting game until Sans makes the upgrade available to him. O’Neale has been sidelined for the last three games and has been a productive player for the Suns.

He has appeared in 69 games this season, including 64 starts, averaging just over 29 minutes per game. He averaged 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals on 41.6 percent shooting from the field, 40.3 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 70 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

With Grayson Allen listed as questionable, his status is more unclear. He has been out for the last four games and likely won’t have any concrete updates until closer to tip-off.

He has appeared in 44 games, including 26 starts, at a pace of just over 29 minutes per game. He averaged a career-high 17.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 40.7 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from the 3-point line and 85.9 percent from the free-throw line.

sans injury report

-Grayson Allen questionable (left knee injury management).
-Dillon Brooks out (fractured left hand)
-Amir Coffey out (left ankle sprain)
-Haywood Highsmith out (right knee injury management)
-Royce O’Neale probable (left knee soreness)
-Mark Williams out (third metatarsal stress reaction of left foot)

nuggets injury report

-Peyton Watson out (right hamstring injury management)

The Los Angeles Lakers have a big test coming up against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Monday, and they’ll have Luka Doncic in the lineup after his 16th technical was voided by the NBA. But the Lakers may have shortcomings elsewhere as injury reports surfaced on Sunday from key players like Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura.

Both Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura were listed as questionable on the Lakers’ injury report ahead of their upcoming game against the Pistons. Smart is dealing with right ankle soreness while Hachimura has right calf soreness. In addition to Hachimura and Smart, veteran big man Maxi Kleber is also questionable against the Pistons.

Smart missed the Lakers’ win against the Chicago Bulls on March 12 due to a hip problem, and he has been dealing with minor ailments throughout the season. But Smart has been one of the team’s most important players this season, along with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Smart has appeared in 60 games, including 53 starts, averaging a little over 28 minutes per game. He averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 39.9 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from the 3-point line and 81.6 percent from the free-throw line. Smart’s impact goes far beyond his shooting percentage, and he has been one of the league leaders in deflections.

Coincidentally, Hachimura was taken out of the starting lineup by Smart. He has been in a reserve role since returning from a calf injury in December.

He has appeared in 59 games, including 35 starts, at a pace of just over 28 minutes per game. He averaged 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds with splits of 50.5 percent shooting from the field, 43.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 75.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Lakers have won nine consecutive games against the top team in the Eastern Conference. They are currently the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings, and a full three games ahead of the No. 4 Houston Rockets.

Brook Lopez made history during the Clippers’ Saturday matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. López set a career milestone, becoming the tenth player to score 18,000 points and 2,000 blocks. But what’s even more impressive is that he is the only player in NBA history to score 18,000 points, 2,000 blocks and 1,000 three-pointers.

The feat is notable for López, who is in his eighteenth season in the league. Recently Lopez did an interview of endscape Mark talked about doing whatever he can to help Spears and the Clippers win.

“I’m ready for whatever my team needs from me,” Lopez said. “That’s always been my approach throughout my career. And obviously, the same applies here. I’ve been doing the same thing regardless of my role. So, I knew I would definitely be ready. I knew whenever the time came I would be ready, ready.”

Brook Lopez is known for revamping her game by adding the three-point shot. Midway through his career, López attempted only 31 three-pointers during his first eight seasons in the NBA, but he quickly transformed himself into one of the better three-point shooting big men in the association.

In an interview with The Athletic in 2022, he explained why he added three-point shooting to his game as he talked about his summer routine that ultimately supercharged his three-point shooting mechanics.

“We just realized we wanted to get better,” Lopez said in the article. “Finally we took the time. ‘Okay, we’re trying to get better? How do we do that?’ We’re playing a lot on the perimeter, that’s where we can help the team improve.

Lopez’s shooting ability and his defensive ability are important elements in the Clippers’ winning puzzle.

The team has undergone a massive turnaround after a 6-21 start. They are now 34-36, ahead of the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament as the ninth seed.

The NBA fined Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs $25,000 after the team’s 130-111 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, citing an in-game incident involving his mouthpiece.

The league announced the discipline Saturday in a statement shared by Jason Beed of the Orlando Sentinel on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to the release, Suggs was penalized for throwing his mouthpiece in the direction of the spectator stands during the first quarter of the contest at the Spectrum Center.

“Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has been fined $25,000 for throwing his mouthpiece in the direction of the stands, it was announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations James Jones.

The incident, for which Suggs was assessed a technical foul, occurred with 5:35 remaining in the first quarter of the Magic’s 130–111 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on March 19 at the Spectrum Center.

Jalen Suggs fined after incident in Magic’s loss to Hornets

Suggs received a technical foul at the time of the incident, which occurred early in the game. The fine reflects the league’s policy regarding actions that pose a risk to spectators or violate standards of conduct.

In the loss, Suggs finished with nine points, two steals, one assist and one block in 22 minutes. He shot 4 of 12 from the field and 1 of 5 from 3-point range, as Orlando struggled to contain Charlotte throughout the contest.

The loss dropped the Magic to 38–31 on the season and extended their losing streak to three games. Orlando now faces a quick turnaround as it prepares to host the Los Angeles Lakers (45-25) on Saturday night at 7:00 pm ET on NBA TV.

With the regular season entering its final stretch, the Magic will look to regain momentum against a Lakers team that is entering the matchup with an eight-game winning streak.

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets NBA rivalry doesn’t need much help to feel intense, but things got especially spicy during their latest clash on Friday night. In a game defined by high stakes and physical play, New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby and Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton found themselves at the center of the drama after a heated third-quarter exchange resulted in double technical fouls.

The sequence began when Anunoby was handling the rock at the top of the key. Claxton, known for his defensive versatility, locked in and managed to get his hands on the ball, knocking it out of bounds. Anunoby immediately appealed to the officials and insisted that the ball had touched Claxton for the last time.

Anunoby’s frustration boiled over when NBA referees ignored his calls and awarded possession to Brooklyn. He confronted Claxton and gave an apparent shove, prompting officers to immediately intervene. Both players received technical fouls, which served as a reminder that the Battle of the Borough still holds great significance.

OG Anunoby and Nic Claxton suffered a double technicality after this exchange in Knicks-Nets.pic.twitter.com/dyGbFpcPEH

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 21 March 2026

Despite momentarily losing cool, the Knicks turned that energy into a narrow 93-92 victory at Barclays Center. Karl-Anthony Towns once again proved why he was missing for this roster, finishing the night with a dominant double-double of 26 points and 15 rebounds. Towns took control of the glass and scored timely buckets whenever Brooklyn threatened to pull away. Jalen Brunson added 17 points and eight assists, navigating a dangerous Nets defense to keep the game within a single possession until the final minute.

For the Nets, Josh Minot led the team with 22 points, showing his elite shot-making ability, while Claxton finished with eight points and seven rebounds before late-game drama. Ultimately, New York’s veteran patience allowed them to escape with the victory. The win moves the Knicks ahead in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Nets continue to show they can hang with the heavyweights even in a losing effort.

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets 125-118 on Wednesday, then will once again face a challenging opponent in the Boston Celtics on Friday. The Grizzlies have a detailed injury report ahead of the matchup. GG Jackson, who is dealing with a right knee injury, is listed as questionable. Taj Gibson, who played in Wednesday’s 125-118 win, is also questionable due to soreness in his right foot.

Upon his return to the NBA, the 40-year-old Gibson, who last played for the Charlotte Hornets in 2024-25, joined the Grizzlies midseason. On Monday, Gibson made his Grizzlies’ season opener against the Chicago Bulls, his former team who drafted him in 2009. He spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Bulls. The fans at the United Center gave him a standing ovation.

Grizzlies’ Jackson finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the Grizzlies’ upset win against the Nuggets. Ty Jerome’s 21 points led the Grizzlies to the win. Oliver-McSevens Prosper finished with 19 points, including three triples and two blocks, and GG Jackson II added 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

As far as whether GG Jackson or Taj Gibson will play in the Grizzlies’ matchup against the Celtics, the answer is probably no.

grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama – Outside – right knee; surgery recovery

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Outside – right 5th finger; surgery recovery

Brandon Clarke – Out – Right calf; strain

Zach Eddy – Out – Left Ankle; surgery recovery

Taj Gibson – Questionable – Right leg; agony

GG Jackson – Questionable – Left knee; agony

Jahmai Mashaq – outside – left ankle; Sprain

celtics injury report

Nikola Vucevic – outside – right ring finger; fracture

The Oklahoma City Thunder could continue their five-game road trip by facing the Brooklyn Nets without three starters – All-Star Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Lou Dort. The Thunder clinched a playoff spot after defeating the Orlando Magic, becoming the first team to do so this season, while extending their winning streak to eight. Oklahoma City improved to 54–15.

However, if the defending champions are to extend their streak to nine, the Thunder will have to do it without Dortch and Hartenstein, with Holmgren listed as questionable on the injury report. Hartenstein, who returned from a left foot injury last week, is out due to management. Dort is out due to rest, and Holmgren, who is still recovering from a left hip injury, is listed as questionable.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 40 points, five rebounds and four steals in Tuesday’s win against the Magic. Chet Holmgren added 20 points, 12 rebounds and one block. Lou Dortch had five points and two rebounds and Isaiah Hartenstein had eight assists, seven rebounds and a block.

Alex Caruso addresses memorable play in Thunder’s win

One of the most memorable moments of the Thunder’s 113–108 win against the Magic occurred in the first half when Alex Caruso used his shoe to block a shot. Caruso, who was charged with goaltending and technical fouls during the game, admitted she regrets doing the dramahe said, 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

Caruso finished with two points, eight rebounds and two steals in Tuesday’s win against the Magic.

The Miami Heat are preparing for the playoffs with 14 games remaining in the regular season, the two main goals being to avoid the play-in tournament and staying healthy. Following the Heat’s loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday night with the return of Norman Powell and Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo has found himself on the injury report for the team’s upcoming game.

Tuesday’s road contest against the Charlotte Hornets (34-34) is undoubtedly big for Miami, as are the team’s next five games against teams with winning records. Those teams are the Los Angeles Lakers (42-25) on Thursday, the Houston Rockets (41-25) on Saturday, the San Antonio Spurs (49-18) next Monday, and the Cleveland Cavaliers (41-27, will face them twice next Wednesday and Friday).

However, Miami’s captain, Adebayo, has been added to the team’s injury report ahead of the clash against the Hornets, listed as “questionable” with right calf tightness.

The star is coming off possibly the best week of his career, which included a win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, which included Adebayo’s historic 83-point game, which became the second-highest scoring game ever in the NBA, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s 81.

Although there has been a polarizing reaction to the performance, no one can take away the history the 28-year-old has made, with the NBA obviously awarding him the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award. However, he is in danger of missing Tuesday’s game against the Hornets, a team that has a .500 record; They are 18-7 in their last 25 games.

Additionally, the competition has an impact on the former standings, as each game remaining in the regular season is against the Heat at 38–30, leaving them in seventh place in the conference. They’re a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors, who hold the sixth seed, with Miami in contention for at least that spot should they avoid the play-in tournament.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak will miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Slovenia international has been Diego Simeone’s No. 1 for more than a decade. He has played every minute in the Champions League this season and conceded 20 goals in 10 matches.

He failed to keep a clean sheet in the competition and conceded two goals in Atletico’s Champions League win over Tottenham last week.

Oblak has not enjoyed a good season in Europe so far compared to last season. statistics below [this season first] There is a clear indication of this.

• Clean Sheet: 0 – 2
• Shots on target: 51 – 16
• Saves: 31 – 12
• Saving Percentage: 75 – 60.8

They have conceded one goal per game in La Liga this season and this has increased to two in the Champions League. All 20 goals conceded were scored inside the box and the 33-year-old has saved 3.1 goals per game so far in Europe this season.

Atletico won 5-2 in the first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium last Tuesday. Igor Tudor’s decision to start Antonin Kinski in goal backfired and he was replaced after 17 minutes.

last week, Spanish newspaper criticized Tudor and six Tottenham players for their performances against Los Rojiblancos.

Oblak will miss the Tottenham match

Monday edition of Mark Report the stopper will not be traveling to London with Simeone’s squad and will be a ‘big absence’.

He is ‘still suffering’ from a muscle strain which caused him to miss the league win over Getafe at the weekend.

The Spanish Capital Club’s initial plan was for him to continue working on his recovery with the hope of traveling to London.

However, that won’t happen as he has been eliminated from the contest.

Oblak will need to continue working on regaining fitness. At present, he is doubtful to play in the derby match against Real Madrid on Sunday.

After keeping a clean sheet against Getafe on Saturday, Juan Musso is more likely to start against Spurs in midweek.

Another Spanish newspaper, AsMusso also reported to start for Atletico in north London due to Oblak’s setback. The latter suffered it during training on Friday and did not train with his teammates on Sunday.

Simeone and the Madrid club have full confidence in Musso, who will start in goal against Tottenham.

Not much to worry about against Tottenham

Atletico will not have to worry about Oblak’s injury for the Champions League second leg against Spurs. However, he could be a big miss in the crucial clash against Real Madrid this weekend.

The visiting team has a three-goal lead from the first leg against a team that has not registered for more than a month.

Tottenham’s last win was against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on 28 January. Earlier, Spurs had defeated Borussia Dortmund in the same competition and both of these are their only wins in 2026.

Dallas Mavericks veteran Klay Thompson is on the team’s injury report ahead of facing the Cleveland Cavs on Sunday. After Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg’s historic night in a 138-105 loss to the Cavs, he’ll likely miss a rematch on the road. Flagg recorded his 25th 20+ point game, passing Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant for most 20+ point performances by a teenager.

Thompson is listed as questionable on the Mavericks’ injury report for Sunday’s rematch against the Cavs. He joins center Daniel Gafford, who is battling an illness and is also questionable. Caleb Martin is listed as probable for Dallas.

After a 21-point performance in the Mavericks’ 124-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Thompson finished with six points and two rebounds on 3-for-11 shooting in a 138-105 loss to the Cavs on Friday. This season he is averaging 11.8 points on 39.2% shooting, including 38% from deep, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

All-Star Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs will be looking for their first consecutive wins since a seven-game winning streak in February. The Mavericks have lost nine of their last 10 games.

mavericks injury report

Daniel Gafford – Suspect – Illness

Kyrie Irving – Out – Left knee; surgery

Derek Lively II – Outside – right foot; surgery

Caleb Martin – probable – left finger; Sprain

Klay Thompson – Doubtful – Rest

PJ Washington – Out – Left ankle; agony

Cavs injury report

Jarrett Allen – Out – Right knee; tendonitis

Keon Ellis – Available – Left index finger; fracture

James Harden – Available – Right thumb; fracture

Sam Merrill – Out – Left hamstring; tightness

Craig Porter Jr. – Outside – left groin; strain

Tyrese Proctor – right quad; strain

Max Strus – probable – left foot; Surgery-Jones Fracture

Jaylon Tyson – Questionable – Left ankle; agony

Given the frenzy surrounding the Miami Heat after star Bam Adebayo scored a historic 83 points on Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards, the team is undoubtedly focused on securing a better spot in the postseason. As the team has struggled with injuries, Friday’s injury report indicated that Heat guard Norman Powell could return, now adding Herro into the mix.

Both have been upgraded to “available” for Saturday’s crucial game against the Orlando Magic, as Powell has missed the last seven games with a right groin strain. Originally labeled as “week-to-week” by Miami, it seems as if seven games was good enough for his recovery, as the team is missing its leading scorer (22.5 points per game) and first-time All-Star.

Herro had missed the last two contests due to left quadriceps soreness, marking a major comeback from a 15-game absence due to a rib injury. Reminding the basketball world of his All-Star potential, he played every game after the All-Star break until last Tuesday.

In March, Herro was averaging 26.3 points per game on 53.7 shooting from the field and 51.7 percent from beyond the arc.

Could the Heat’s role be changing for Norman Powell with Tyler Herro?

As evidenced by the change in Powell and Herro’s Heat roles, the chemistry between the two has been a process throughout the season, with injuries coming their way, as Saturday will mark the 12th game the two have played together. Herro had missed a total of 45 games before Powell suffered a groin injury, with the latter taking on the role of being the main offensive weapon alongside Adebayo and flourishing, leading to an All-Star season.

However, Powell could perhaps see a role coming off the bench, mostly to get his feet under him to recover from injury, as Herro did the same after each injury. With Miami’s record at 38-29, sixth in the East, and Orlando at 37-28, fifth in the conference, there’s no denying how important Saturday’s game is for the Heat.

Sandro Tonali could be at the center of a major Premier League transfer battle, with his agent hinting that both Arsenal and Manchester City could make moves for the Newcastle United midfielder after the World Cup.

Talking football and financeGiuseppe Risso revealed that the long-term plan has always been to push Sandro Tonali into the elite level of football.

“It’s true, the aim from the moment he went to England was to make him a great footballer. I think he is one of the highest-rated Italian footballers in the world.”

Arsenal and Manchester City circle as Tonali’s value rises

Tonali’s performances at Newcastle have already placed him among the Premier League’s most valuable midfielders.

Teatransfermarkt currently values ​​Tonali at €80mDue to which he became one of the most expensive midfielders of the Premier League. Declan Rice tops the chart with €120m.

Reports in England have already linked Arsenal with a possible move for the Italy international. Riso then responded to those rumors, He insisted that there have been no talks with the Gunners yet.

Now he has been asked about Manchester City also being in the mix. According to Risso, a strong World Cup could sharply increase the interest of both Arsenal and Manchester City.

“I don’t know, but it’s very likely,” he admitted.

“Everyone is waiting for the World Cup, then thousands of situations arise, but it all starts after the World Cup.”

World Cup set to light up the transfer market

Risso expects a turbulent market, with major Italian clubs preparing for significant reconstruction and negotiations behind the scenes already taking shape.

“It will be a very intense season, as many teams will have to renew themselves,” he said.

“In a World Cup year, the markets really start taking off when the tournament ends. Obviously, a lot of the conversations start setting them up right now.”

Will Newcastle cash in on Tonali?

The growing interest has left Newcastle in a delicate position, balancing between Tonali’s rising market value and their ambitions to remain competitive at the top of the Premier League.

Tonali remains a central figure under Eddie Howe, and Newcastle United are naturally reluctant to consider any sale.

His current deal also runs until 2029, so there’s no pressing need on that front. That deal also includes the option of a further year, which would further strengthen the Magpies’ hand.

This doesn’t mean Tonali won’t leave, but it does put Newcastle in a much stronger position financially if the midfielder were to move on. Reports indicate that this is the case, and now his agent has further opened the door to the idea.

It looks like injury problems will really plague the Golden State Warriors throughout the 2025-26 season. After veteran big man Al Horford was forced out of Friday night’s contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to calf tightness, the Warriors lost another veteran contributor to injury, with Seth Curry following in Horford’s footsteps.

According to a report from ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, Curry will not return to action for the Warriors on Friday night after feeling soreness in his left adductor. It’s going to be even more difficult for the already shorthanded Warriors to pose much of a challenge against the Timberwolves as their players are dropping like flies.

Curry joins players like Horford, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody among the absent players for the Warriors. They’re falling apart in the West, and these injury problems aren’t helping one bit.

Curry may not be a major rotation piece for the Dubs, but the offense and shooting he provides could be useful, especially considering how depleted the Warriors roster was on Friday. Before fouling out, he had only one rebound and one assist, going scoreless in seven minutes of play after missing two of his attempts from the field.

Warriors’ depth continues to be tested

The good news is that the Warriors have depth at the guard positions, which should soften the blow of Curry’s injury. They have players like De’Anthony Melton, Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, Will Richard, Gary Payton II and two-way player LJ Cryer who are capable of giving head coach Steve Kerr some quality minutes.

These shorthanded warriors aren’t giving up without a fight; At the time of writing, they had narrowed the Timberwolves’ lead to single digits, 109–102. Can they ride on the energy of the Chase Center crowd and cruise to an unexpected victory?

The Golden State Warriors entered Friday night shorthanded in the frontcourt against the Minnesota Timberwolves with Draymond Green ruled out less than an hour before tip-off. Another unfortunate injury incident occurred for the Warriors during the game, with Al Horford connecting with Green after only five minutes of play.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel for ClutchPoints, Horford will miss the remainder of the Warriors’ Friday night contest against the Timberwolves due to suffering from tightness in his right calf. Against an over-sized Timberwolves team, Horford’s defensive tenacity and ability to space the floor could have come in handy, but now, the Dubs will have to rely on their other options to hold down the fort.

The good news is that the Warriors have Kristaps Porzingis active on Friday night, and they also have the more than capable hands of Quinton Post to back up Porzingis. That should at least soften the blow of Horford’s absence.

Before exiting the game, Horford scored three points on 1-3 shooting from the field (all from beyond the arc) and he grabbed a single rebound.

Warriors are facing nightmare of injuries one after another

The Warriors have fallen to ninth place in the Western Conference with a 32-33 record, and are in danger of falling even further with the Portland Trail Blazers right behind them. Injury problems have made their lives miserable, with several key players suffering injuries serious enough to rule them out.

The most serious absence for them has been Stephen Curry, who is dealing with a knee injury. Jimmy Butler is out for the foreseeable future with a torn ACL. Draymond Green and De’Anthony Melton missed a few games here and there due to injury management. Moses Moody is out. Kristaps Porzingis is battling a chronic illness. And now, Horford is on the sidelines, too.

Draymond Green received a negative update regarding his availability for the Golden State Warriors’ matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Green has been in the league since 2012 when the Warriors selected him in the second round of that year’s NBA draft. He carved a niche for himself as one of the best versatile guards in the game, helping Golden State win four championships throughout his tenure.

Green has continued to play at a solid level for Golden State, primarily on defense. However, as he ages, he will need to maintain his fitness to continue performing for Golden State’s benefit. He was initially questionable to play against Minnesota due to injury management. Unfortunately for the team, NBA insider Brett Siegel provided the final update on Green’s status for the game.

“Draymond Green is out of tonight’s game against the Timberwolves,” Siegel wrote.

The Dallas Mavericks will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they will be without a handful of their players for the matchup. In the Mavericks’ latest game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Klay Thompson was ruled out due to rest, and that meant he played more minutes than usual in the game before facing the Atlanta Hawks.

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Mavericks would rule out Daniel Gafford due to rest after he finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds against the Grizzlies. PJ Washington is listed as questionable with a sore left ankle, and Najee Marshall is listed as questionable with a sore left foot.

Of course, other players on the list have been out most of the season due to injuries, such as Kyrie Irving and Derek Lively II.

The league has never been afraid to look at why teams aren’t playing specific players, but the Mavericks have a good argument if they do. This is back-to-back, and they actually won the game against the Grizzlies, so it doesn’t seem like they’re obviously trying to lose the game.

It has been a tough season overall for the Mavericks health-wise, as most of their key players have been in and out of the lineup. Irving did not fit in at all as he recovered from an ACL injury suffered last season. When Anthony Davis was still on the team, he only played 20 games due to injuries, and he has yet to play for the Washington Wizards.

Before the All-Star break, Cooper Flagg suffered a foot injury that caused him to miss a few games, but he has been able to return and play in the last few games.

It may be disappointing for Mavericks fans to wonder what this team would look like if everyone were available at the same time.

The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome on Wednesday in a marquee matchup in the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves are trying to break a two-game skid, while the Clippers have been on a roll recently, winning five of their last six games, with Kawhi Leonard playing at an MVP level.

Stopping Leonard will require a collective effort from Minnesota, with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels being the primary on-ball stoppers. But clearly, Rudy Gobert remains their defensive anchor.

The Athletic’s Law Miller points to significant decline in Timberwolves defensive efficiency When Gobert is off the field this season. When asked about it, Minnesota coach Chris Finch emphasized Gobert’s importance and acknowledged his shortcomings.

“When he’s off the floor, we need to protect the rim differently. Better on the ball, better around the ball and earlier at the rim. Obviously, we’ve been inconsistent at times with things like that this year,” Finch said.

“He’s huge for us. It takes some nuances to play with a guy like Rudy. When he’s off the field, you have to transition to a different mentality defensively.”

The Timberwolves’ defensive efficiency with Rudy Gobert this season: 107.7

The Timberwolves’ defensive efficiency with Rudy Gobert this season: 116.7

asked Chris Finch about this pic.twitter.com/nWVDpE6B75

– Law Murray 🕯️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) 12 March 2026

Many have mocked the 33-year-old Gobert for his lack of offensive skills and awkward antics. But there’s no denying that he can be a game-changer on the defensive end.

He’s not a four-time Defensive Player of the Year for nothing.

Edwards has often talked about his defensive identity and how important it is for him and Gobert to set the tone.

Entering their game against the Clippers, the Timberwolves are allowing 114.5 points per game. But as Finch said, there is still room for improvement overall.

At the time of writing, there is a close game between Minnesota and Los Angeles in the first half.

The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are set for one of the biggest matchups of the season on Thursday evening. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, remain in the West standings as the regular season campaign concludes. Meanwhile, the Celtics are business as usual, with Jaylen Brown elevating his play to an MVP-caliber level. But the highly anticipated clash comes with a worrying injury report for the Celtics.

The Celtics released their injury report, with Jayson Tatum and Derrick White both questionable for the matchup. While White is dealing with a right knee injury, Tatum is managing his comeback from his right Achilles injury. While Tatum and White haven’t been completely ruled out, both of their losses could be a blow to the Celtics as they look to take on the reigning NBA champions.

Tatum has been effective in his return from his Achilles injury. Although obviously not putting up his typical MVP stats, he still averaged 19.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He stepped up in a big way for Boston on Tuesday after Jaylen Brown exited the game late in the second quarter. Tatum had 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 125–116 loss in 27 minutes of play.

White has been a constant in the Celtics lineup. Playing 63 games this season, he has averaged 17.5 points, 5.7 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. With both White and Tatum out of the lineup, getting a win in Thursday’s game against Oklahoma City could be a tough task.

On Tuesday night, two of the NBA’s best teams faced off when the Boston Celtics visited the San Antonio Spurs. As expected, both teams brought their A-game, with the game tied 58-58 at the half. However, the odds may have been in the Spurs’ favor, especially when Jaylen Brown received an early trip to the locker room after picking up two technical fouls in quick succession in the second quarter.

With less than four minutes remaining in the period, Brown took the rock with a right elbow while navigating Stephen Cassel’s defense. However, the Celtics star proceeded to turn the ball over after losing space on the sideline. Enraged, Brown confronted crew chief Tyler Ford in animated fashion, yelling and pointing at him to try to make his case that, in fact, he was pushed by the Spurs second-year student.

After this, Ford gave Brown a technical briefing and blew the whistle on him. But the Celtics star did not create a ruckus to the point where umpire Suyyash Mehta felt that a technical glitch There wasn’t enough of that.

Jaylen Brown has been ejected after being assessed a double technical foul for his reaction to the no-call.

Dishonesty or not? 🤔
pic.twitter.com/1SzvGD4edW

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026

Before exiting the game, Brown had eight points, seven assists and one steal in 15 minutes of play. The Celtics will now be without Brown for the final 27 minutes of the contest, pushing Jayson Tatum into unquestioned first option duties.

Celtics look to continue punching up the weight class

Throughout the season, the Celtics have surprised the NBA world. Even without Tatum and after gutting the roster for luxury tax reasons, the Celtics remain one of the best teams in the league. So while losing Brown to ejection certainly hurts, this kind of adversity is nothing the team hasn’t seen in the past.

The Spurs are now clear favorites for the remaining games, but no one should be surprised if the Celtics pick up an emphatic win on the road.

After dropping back-to-back assignments, the Denver Nuggets will try to return to the win column when they host the Houston Rockets at Ball Arena on Wednesday.

The Nuggets lost 129-126 to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Monday and lost to the New York Knicks 142-103 at home on Friday.

Jamal Murray was forced to leave his game against the Knicks due to an ankle injury. He was considered questionable before facing the Thunder, but eventually suited up, although he was still not 100%.

According to the Nuggets’ injury report, Murray is dead. Listed as probable For his affair versus the Rockets, Cam Johnson, who is dealing with a back injury.

Meanwhile, Peyton Watson is still out with a hamstring injury, although he could return any time this week.

Injury report ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Rockets:

potential:
Jamal Murray (sprained left ankle)
Cameron Johnson (back spasms)

Outside:
Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain)#milehighbasketball pic.twitter.com/ZI7Hj8tVYR

– Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) 10 March 2026

The 29-year-old Murray is at the peak of his career, averaging career-highs across the board: 25.4 points, 48.2% field goals, 42.7% three-pointers, 4.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists. He earned his first nod to the All-Star Game and is on his way to receiving his first selection to the All-NBA Team.

He has been healthy this season and has only played in four games so far.

The Nuggets will look to continue their dominance over the Rockets, who they have defeated in their last five meetings, including two this season.

Denver has struggled to stay healthy, but the team has regained its starting lineup over the past few months with the returns of Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.

If Murray sits against Houston, Julian Strother, Tyus Jones and Jalen Pickett are expected to take advantage of their minutes and fill voids by committee.

The fallout from UFC 326 has rekindled one of the top rivalries in combat sports, with Conor McGregor already paving the way for a third fight against Nate Diaz. Despite being left off the “UFC Freedom 250” White House card, “The Notorious” remained the center of conversation this weekend, specifically targeting the BMF belt held by Charles Oliveira.

McGregor was vocal in his criticism of Oliveira’s wrestling-heavy victory over Max Holloway. He believes the BMF title should return to its roots in the welterweight division.

“The BMF title was founded by Nate Diaz at 170 pounds. The creator of the belt,” McGregor said during a recent appearance on Smash Cast. “So, there’s a fight for the belt at 170 pounds, and I’m ready for it. I’ll go and take it, and I’ll bring it back, and Nate and I can complete the trilogy for the belt.” McGregor argued that losing weight to 155 pounds for a title that celebrates toughness was unnecessary.

Charles Oliveira, who earned a 50–45 clean sweep on the scorecards against Holloway to become the fourth BMF champion, was sharply criticized by both McGregor and Diaz. During the post-fight press conference at UFC 326, he dismissed McGregor’s social media posts calling the main event “shockingly bad”.

Conor McGregor Record: 22-6 (19 knockouts, 1 submission)

Oliveira made it clear that although his primary goal is to reclaim the undisputed Lightweight Championship, he is willing to accept a “money fight” against the Irishman at any weight.

“You want to put him at 170, you want to put him there, I don’t care, you want to put him at middleweight, we do it, it doesn’t matter,” Oliveira said. “I’ll tell you what – if you want it, make it a Grand Prix. Two fights, same day, and let’s see what happens.” Oliveira’s dismissive tone underlined his current position of power in the division, although he acknowledged that a fight with McGregor would be motivated solely by financial gain.

While McGregor’s ambitious plans for the BMF title and the Diaz Trilogy have his fans excited, the reality of his return remains complicated. UFC CEO Dana White said over the weekend that a deal is “not even close” to McGregor’s return despite the fighter’s claims. However, McGregor revealed on Smash Cast that his manager, Audie Attar, was in Las Vegas on Monday for a one-on-one meeting with UFC officials.

“I’m extremely good at tackling, I’m an honest guy,” McGregor said. “I hope a respectable offer comes.”

For the first time since January, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell’s name was not on the injury report, clearing him to return to face the Denver Nuggets on Monday at Paycom Center. Mitchell suffered a stomach strain and a sprained left ankle. Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren is listed as questionable after missing Friday’s 104-97 win against the Golden State Warriors due to illness.

Mitchell, who has emerged as one of Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault’s most reliable guards this season, has rejoined the backcourt, which has filled in for Jared McCann during his absence. Ajay Mitchell is making his return for the Thunder ahead of the highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Western Conference Semifinals best-of-7 series against the Nuggets.

Alex Caruso (left hip) is listed as questionable for the Thunder, while Isaiah Hartenstein (left calf), Jalen Williams during a lengthy rehabilitation for a right hamstring injury, and Brandon Carlson (back) remain out for the defending champions.

Monday’s matchup between the Thunder and Nuggets follows last week’s overtime thriller, which resulted in a 127-121 victory for Oklahoma City. Lou Dort drew a flagrant-2 foul on Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic, ending his night after provoking an angry Jokic, who earned a technical foul for connecting with the Thunder’s Jaylin Williams.

Lu Dort apologizes for offensive comment on Nikola Jokic in Thunder’s win

After public backlash, Thunder guard Lou Dort apologized for his flagrant 2 foul on Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokic. According to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, Dort says he got caught up in the moment and fouled Jokic in a way he regrets.

“It was a physical game the whole game,” Dortch said. “Obviously, there was unnecessary contact that I shouldn’t have made. Getting kicked out of the game hurt me the worst. But yes, it was a high-level game. I’m a competitor, so I compete.”

Fans should expect the same level of intensity in this Western Conference rival between the Thunder and Nuggets, who will meet for the second-to-last time in the regular season on Monday.

PHOENIX – Grayson Allen suffered an unexpected knee injury before the Phoenix Suns’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

Throughout the season, Allen struggled with lower body injuries. He was struggling with a right groin injury at the beginning of the year, but now he is struggling with a right knee problem.

His injury may be a microcosm of Phoenix’s health problems. Before Sunday’s game, they will have a total of four players out due to related injuries.

This season, Allen is having a career year averaging 17.5 points and 4.2 assists while shooting 35.5% from 3-point range on over nine 3-pointers per game.

He has been the ideal weapon in head coach Jordan Ott’s system. Not to mention, his growth as a downhill driver has also contributed to a career-best season in assists and scoring.

Grayson Allen’s injury is a big blow for the Suns

The team did not specify the severity of the injury, but said it is a legitimate injury and is being managed appropriately. It may be that they are being extra cautious because of the team’s upcoming six-game road trip.

Either way, Allen being listed as a prospect and being completely ruled out is cause for concern. Bearing in mind that this is the same right knee issue that has troubled him all year,

Although he has been left out, this is a big opportunity for players like Rasheer Fleming, Ryan Dunn and Haywood Highsmith to make a good impression.

For the Suns, hopefully Allen’s injury isn’t long-term, but it is concerning for it to happen before the team’s road trip.

No matter what happens, he’ll want to get back on the court as soon as possible as Phoenix chases a legitimate playoff spot.

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.

The Boston Celtics are scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at 1 pm EST. Although Jayson Tatum finally returned from his Achilles injury in the club’s 120-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, we’re taking a look at Boston’s latest injury report to see if Tatum is there.

Tatum, who just turned 28, is not on the latest injury report for the Celtics’ contest against the Cavaliers. However, Nikola Vucevic (finger fracture) has been ruled out, while Baylor Scheierman (thumb fracture) is listed as available. The full report also includes John Tonje out due to his G League two-way contract.

“Nikola Vucevic – Out: right ring finger; fracture.
Baylor Scheierman – Available: Left thumb; fracture
John Tonje – Out: G League – Two Ways”

That means Jayson Tatum is set to play his second game of the 2025-26 campaign. His first appearance for the Celtics this season was quite successful. He finished the game with 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists while shooting 37.5% from the floor and 37.5% from beyond the three-point line.

It was a solid performance for the nine-year veteran. There were moments when it seemed like he was still shaking off the rust, but overall, it was a strong performance for Jayson Tatum. With Boston firmly in the Eastern Conference mix, Tatum has plenty of time to get things ready for the playoffs.

The timing of his return is ideal for the Celtics. Especially if Tatum can record career averages of 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest. He will have a chance to get back to form on Sunday against the Cavaliers.

The Dallas Mavericks faced the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday night in a game that held personal significance for rookie forward Cooper Flagg. While Dallas lost 120-100, that night meant more than the score for the 19-year-old Maine native, who played his first professional game in Boston against someone he has idolized for years, Jayson Tatum.

Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, received an unusual welcome during pregame introductions. Boston fans, who typically criticize opposing starters at TD Garden, instead greeted the rookie with loud cheers. This reaction surprised Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Many family members and friends from Maine were in attendance near the flag for the homecoming game.

Facing Tatum added emotional weight to the matchup. Flagg grew up watching the Celtics and followed Tatum’s development closely, including his college career at the Duke Blue Devils under coach John Scheyer. Flagg also played one season at Duke before entering the NBA.

“It was unbelievable. There’s a lot of levels to it,” Flagg said after the game when asked about playing against Tatum. “He’s someone I’ve idolized growing up, watching him come up through the ranks and ranks. I’ve watched him at Duke, and have been inspired to follow in his footsteps and play [Jon] Scheyer, and then obviously getting into the league is just unrealistic. It was really special for me to have this experience tonight.”

Sharing with Cooper Flagg/Tonight Jayson Tatum on the reception from the Boston/Maine crowd:

“There are so many levels to it. He’s a guy I idolized growing up…to see him at Duke and follow in his footsteps…it’s surreal. It’s really special for me to get this… pic.twitter.com/jq2CMbYptK

– Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) 7 March 2026

The rookie finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists in 30 minutes, but his efficiency wasn’t there, shooting 7 of 23 from the field and 0 of 4 from three-point range. He also committed three turnovers and had a minus-17 rating. The performance came just two games in after an eight-game absence due to a left medial sprain and returned for the second consecutive night.

Although his numbers were modest, Flagg continued to carry a heavy workload for Dallas. The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward often serves as the team’s point-forward, running several offensive sets despite the Mavericks’ 21–42 record.

Tatum’s return to action was another major storyline. Playing his first game since rupturing his Achilles tendon last May, he finished the night with 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in 27 minutes, and shot 6 of 16 from the field.

Next, the Mavericks will travel to Toronto to face the Raptors on Sunday, while the Celtics will visit Cleveland to face the Cavaliers.

Kristaps Porzingis has only played one game for the Golden State Warriors since joining the club from the Atlanta Hawks. After missing the last six games due to a mystery illness, Porzingis gets an inspiring update on his condition.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, reports indicate the 30-year-old big man was upgraded to questionable on the latest injury report. He’s not guaranteed to play against the Thunder on Saturday, but it’s a great first step in the right direction. Seth Curry, Will Richard, and De’Anthony Melton are all listed as questionable as well.

“Kristaps Porzingis and Seth Curry have been upgraded to questionable for the Warriors last night at Oklahoma City. Both have a chance to return after going through recent on-court work. Will Richard and De’Anthony Melton are also questionable.”

The 10-year veteran has played in just 18 games so far this season (17 with the Hawks, one with the Warriors). In those 18 contests, Porzingis is averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. His field goal percentage is 46.1% while shooting 36.3% from beyond the three-point line.

He missed a large portion of the season due to a prolonged illness, which was initially believed to be postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). In February, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr claimed that Porzingis does not actually have potties. But Kerr quickly walked back those comments, making the whole situation a bit confusing. Either way, Kristaps Porzingis is still battling a mystery illness for several weeks.

The Warriors-Thunder game won’t start until 8:30 pm EST on Saturday. Therefore, Golden State will have most of the day to evaluate Porzingis’ situation and make a final decision.

The Trae Young era has already begun for the Washington Wizards – sort of.

Young has yet to see action on the field as a Wizard, but now he’s part of the story of Monday night’s game between his Wizards and the Houston Rockets at Capital One Arena in Washington.

That’s when he was surprisingly ejected from the contest amid a heated moment on the court between Washington guard Jameer Watkins and Rockets forward Tari Eason in the third quarter.

Apparently, Young, who was not in uniform, entered the courtroom, while Watkins and Eason joined him.

Trae Young was benched from Wizards-Rockets before even playing a minute with the team 😳

He went to the floor during an argument between Jameer Watkins and Tari Eason.

pic.twitter.com/T5vsaMdneK

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 3 March 2026

Due to lower body (knee and quad) injuries, the 27-year-old Young has not been eligible for games with the Wizards since Washington acquired him via a trade with the Atlanta Hawks in January in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.

But he is close to debuting with Washington. He is reportedly expected to play his first game as a Wizard this coming Thursday in a home game against the Utah Jazz.

Although the Wizards are literally headed for the lottery, that obviously won’t stop the former Oklahoma Sooners star from playing this week. That said, Young is unlikely to get heavy minutes immediately in his return, as he needs more time to shake off the rust amid a lengthy absence from the court.

Young has only played 10 games so far this season, during which he has averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds, while shooting just 41.5 percent from the field.

The Dallas Mavericks have been playing without their standout rookie star Cooper Flagg for the past seven games. Flagg had earlier suffered a left foot sprain during a match against the Phoenix Suns on February 10.

However, he is now expected to get a chance to play against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday after being listed as ‘doubtful’ on the official injury report. According to a post on X by Mark Stein, the flag’s status has been upgraded to ‘Out’.

The Mavericks have officially listed Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain) as questionable for Tuesday’s game against fellow Rookie of the Year top contender Kon Nueppel in Charlotte.

Doubtful has been at least one step above the flag’s outright OUT classification for the last seven games. https://t.co/0cHy8vHhWb

– Mark Stein (@TheSteinLine) 2 March 2026

“The Mavericks have officially listed Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain) as questionable for Tuesday’s game against fellow Rookie of the Year top contender Kon Nueppel in Charlotte.
Suspect is at least one step above the outright OUT classification of flag for the last seven games,” he wrote.

In his absence, the Hornets’ Kon Knuppel has undoubtedly stepped up to the plate with his best run of the year. Before his injury, Flagg was averaging 20.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 48.2% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc over the course of 49 games.

He has emerged as one of the few bright spots for Dallas in a season that looks unlikely to reach the playoffs. The Mavericks currently sit in 12th place in the jam-packed Western Conference with a 21-39 record, a far cry from their 50-32 season during the 2023-24 campaign.

They have also suffered other major injuries, with Kyrie Irving and Derek Lively II out for the season while PJ Washington recovers from an ankle problem.
“Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has already announced that Flagg ‘probably won’t’ play in another Rookie of the Year contest against the Hornets’ Kon Nueppel on Tuesday in Charlotte… but stay tuned,” Stein previously reported.

The Mavericks have gone 2-5 without the flag and will face the Orlando Magic after their performance against the Hornets, which may be a more plausible point for their comeback.

The Dallas Mavericks will have to finish their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday without one of their key contributors, as Klay Thompson has been ruled out for the remainder of the game with an adductor strain.

Thompson finished with seven points on 3 of 8 shooting in 15 minutes. off the bench.

The Mavs announced that Klay Thompson (right adductor contusion) is out for the remainder of tonight’s game against the Thunder. pic.twitter.com/KPDqgkMTaT

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2 March 2026

It is unclear when exactly the sweet-shooting guard suffered an adductor injury, but he could be sidelined for an extended period, as it usually takes several weeks to heal.

It is another blow for the 36-year-old Thompson, who has struggled to regain his form over the past few years following knee surgery.

He has been largely inconsistent in his tenure with the Mavericks, but he remains a lethal threat from outside. He averaged 11.5 points, 38.7% field goals, 73.0% free throws, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in his career.

Much of this can be attributed to his dwindling confidence, and suffering from an adductor injury certainly won’t help in that regard. For what it’s worth, the four-time champion has been here before. He has proven that he is resilient enough to bounce back. Hopefully he can recover soon.

At the time of writing, the Mavericks are trailing the Thunder by a wide margin in the fourth quarter.

Dallas is already playing without Cooper Flagg, who sat out with a foot injury.

Thompson was rumored to be on the trading block in February, but he managed to remain with the team. However, the Mavericks could move to acquire him in the offseason.

The Miami Heat always win, and that proved to be the story once again at the Kasia Center against the Houston Rockets, where they emerged 115-105 winners despite a strong performance from Kevin Durant, who finished with 32 points and eight assists on 12-20 overall shooting. The Heat came back with a strong finish in the second quarter, 19–24, and scored 30–22 in the final to eventually win easily.

After the game, Durant was seen handing his signed jersey to none other than Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was among the thousands in attendance at the matchup. According to a post on X by ClutchPoints, the two were seen talking and dancing after the game, with Durant taking his time to sign the jersey he was wearing. Higgins returned the favor with his own signed Bengals jersey, with his number 5 on the back.

Kevin Durant and Bengals WR Tee Higgins swap jerseys after Rockets-Heat game 🔥

(via @NBAonPrime)
pic.twitter.com/DucYB6rvy4

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 28 February 2026

Regardless, the win snapped a two-game losing streak for Miami, moving them to 32–29 for the season and 8th in the Eastern Conference. Bam Adebayo was the highlight of the game, finishing with a team-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. Adebayo shot an efficient 9-of-17 from the field, spread the floor by hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and finished with a team-best +16 plus/minus rating.

Rookie big man Kel’El Ware had a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds off the bench. Pelle Larsson scored 20 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, while Tyler Herro added 18 points on 8 of 12 shooting.

Jaime Jacquez Jr. scored 14 points as the Heat shot 50% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc, while the Rockets shot a poor 43.2% from the field and 25% from three-point territory.
Despite the loss, Kevin Durant was arguably the best player on the court.

Along with 32 points and eight assists, KD also had six rebounds, while he shot a perfect 12-of-20 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the foul line. The Rockets suffered from their poor shooting all night and never threatened to take control in the final quarter.

They will now take on the Washington Wizards in hopes of getting back to winning ways. The Heat will next host the Brooklyn Nets.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has detailed his struggles following Manchester United as he goes almost three years without taking to the pitch.

Voetbal Primeur covered the defender’s comments today. He speaks to ESPN about his struggles after leaving Manchester United in 2021.

The 28-year-old currently has no club after becoming a free agent in July 2024. He was previously at Bayer Leverkusen, whom he joined from Manchester United on a €1.7m deal in January 2021.

He was a youth product at Old Trafford after joining Ajax’s U17 side in 2014 in a €380,000 deal.

manchester united story

Two years later he made his Premier League debut under Louis van Gaal in February. He also made his European debut in the Europa League later that year under José Mourinho.

A further 30 appearances for Manchester United followed, including a Champions League debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020.

He also spent time on loan at Crystal Palace and Fulham but could not settle at either club, Ultimately departing for Leverkusen in 2021. However, he managed only 30 appearances in Germany, totaling 942 minutes.

His career at each club was severely hampered by long-term knee and hamstring problems. Those problems mean he has not played a competitive match since April 2023.

10 year anniversary

It’s a sorry state of affairs for a man who, exactly a decade ago, was making his professional debut for Manchester United. Now he has revealed what his current situation looks like.

“I’m an added value for many teams,” he said.

“I train a lot with other players. I am in a specific position where you have to deal with others in the same situation. They understand the situation very well.

“I feel good, I stay fit and busy every day. Not a day goes by when I’m not busy. Of course, you ideally want to stay fit for your entire career, but that’s part of it.

“If a player has won as well as me and played at the same level, but has never been injured, it is logical that they should choose him. God willing, I will return to the field.”

SAN FRANCISCO — After missing the past three games due to illness, Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis is headed in the right direction ahead of the Dubs’ matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Following the Warriors’ Friday afternoon practice, Steve Kerr gave a positive update on the big man’s status.

“Kristaps felt better in practice today. It’s the first time he’s done anything since his illness,” Kerr said. “He would be suspicious [for the Lakers game]”

It’s been a rough start to the Porzingis era in Golden State. After his mixed debut against the Boston Celtics, in which he scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 17 minutes of action, health has once again proven to be a hindrance for the big man. Before the Denver game, the first game Porzingis missed during this period, Kerr said that Porzingis’ illness was so severe that he could not leave his hotel room. And last week, Porzingis remained at the bay to recover as the Dubs went on the road for a quick back-to-back.

With the disease rearing its head, Porzingis’ medical history with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) certainly comes to the forefront of speculation. In the past, Porzingis has struggled with POTS’ chronic symptoms, primarily an increased heart rate that later leads to dizziness and extreme fatigue.

However, the Warriors have not officially linked this particular disease to that specific condition. Details about Porzingis’ symptoms and the specifics of his illness remain scarce and vague. Still, this is an ailment that Golden State knew about when they traded for him and were confident they could manage.

So far, health has hampered Porzingis’ start in Golden State, but hopefully they can get him back against the Lakers.

Draymond Green injury update

As for other injury updates, Kerr said Draymond Green was able to participate in practice and he expects to be available against Los Angeles after lower back pain sidelined him against the Memphis Grizzlies.

But the problem with Green, lately, has been when he’s been available and on the court. Whenever Green takes the field, his decline in offensive performance has a negative impact on the rest of the team. In the last two games he has missed, the Warriors have scored more than 120 points. And in the last two games, they have decided not to finish with him; They have managed to pick up some close wins over the Phoenix Suns and Grizzlies.

On the season, when Green is on the floor, the Warriors are 4.3 points worse per 100 possessions, which is in the bottom 22nd percentile among players at his position. For a player who had historic on-off, positive plus/minus in his heyday, the situation he is in now is a far cry from his peak.

It’s a problem of which Kerr is acutely aware. Last week, he said it was up to him and the coaching staff to put him in the best position to succeed. After practice, Kerr talked about how they can find a rhythm with him out there.

“We have to read the situation. New Orleans, we found more rhythm in the second half with Dre than we did in the first, and so it’s some type of sets we can call,” Kerr said. “We’re doing some of our off-ball things. And then some adjustments that he’s going to have to make without Steph, and those are all things we talked about internally and with the whole group.”

The Dallas Mavericks are set to take on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. However, it appears the club are already aware of the designation of star rookie Cooper Flagg and newly acquired veteran Khris Middleton for this competition.

Reports indicate that Flagg has officially been ruled out of the game against the Kings, while Middleton is listed as questionable, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Flagg will miss his fifth consecutive game for the Mavericks. PJ Washington has also been ruled out on the injury report.

“The Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain) will miss his fifth consecutive game on Thursday when Sacramento visits Dallas…Dallas has also ruled out PJ Washington (ankle) and listed Khris Middleton (shoulder) as questionable.”

While Flagg is still dealing with a foot injury, according to Steen, he is still in the running for the Rookie of the Year award. With his return to the air, Steen reminded fans that the 65-game rule does not apply to the Roy Award.

“Cooper Flagg last played for Dallas on Feb. 10, but has missed a total of eight games this season. Also: Remember, the NBA’s 65-game rule does not apply to the Rookie of the Year race.”

The 19-year-old phenom has played 49 games in his debut season in the league. He has been as advertised so far, playing at point guard and averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 48.2% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the three-point line.

The Mavericks will continue to monitor Cooper Flagg’s injury in the coming days. Meanwhile, the franchise can reveal the official status of Khris Middleton ahead of the clash against the Kings on Thursday night.

The recent clash between perennial rivals the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics ultimately proved unproductive. Before the matchup, a statue of Pat Riley was unveiled, who declared to his former team that it was time to kick the “Boston A**”.

However, the script was flipped when Jaylen Brown ran the show for the Lakers in a devastating 111–89 loss, even though the historical value of this rivalry was also evident from the number of people watching the game on the NBC stream. According to a post by ClutchPoints on

This may make the performance even more difficult for fans to digest. Before tip-off, the Lakers unveiled a nearly eight-foot bronze statue of legendary coach Pat Riley outside Crypto.com Arena, celebrating the architect of the “Showtime” era who brought four championships to the city as head coach.

The pre-game festivities were to set the tone for a heavyweight clash against their most bitter, historic rivals. Instead, the Lakers were a complete failure despite all three of their Big-3 being fit and firing.

Jaylen Brown was the tip of the spear, leading the offense with a masterclass 32-point, eight-rebound and seven-assist performance. However, it was Sixth Man of the Year Peyton Pritchard who served as the ultimate dagger.

Pritchard scored 30 points off the bench, knocking down six 3-pointers and dishing out eight assists. The duo combined for 38 points in the second half alone and thrashed the Lakers with a barrage of step-back jumpers and offensive drives.

Despite the dysfunction surrounding him, James officially became the first player in NBA history to reach 43,000 career regular season points, accomplishing the feat in the third quarter. Additionally, he made his 1,600th regular season appearance, tying Celtics legend Robert Parish for the second-most games played in league history.

Luka Doncic led the team with 25 points, but struggled with his mid-range efficiency, missing five of his six long two-point attempts, while Austin Reaves (15 points) disappeared completely in the second half, attempting only 10 total shots on the night, allowing 15 points.

Baiser Enal has become a regular for NEC Nijmegen over the past two seasons. The youngster is now attracting the attention of Aston Villa – and rightfully so.

The versatile winger has made quite an impression for the Dutch side in the ongoing campaign. He has contributed five goals and seven assists, showing his versatility by starting regularly at wing-back.

This seems to have brought out the best in him, as the 21-year-old played up front last season but only scored once. In the past, he has also played as an attacking midfielder and right winger, but left wing-back has played to his strengths.

Now, his performances are helping NEC Nijmegen challenge for a surprise European place. They are tied for third in the Eredivisie on points with Ajax.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa is now emerging as a possible destination for Onal.

Why might Aston Villa tempt Onal?

Today, corriere dello sport A detailed look at the versatile attacker, his strengths and where his future could lie.

They make it clear that Onal is one of Nijmegen’s prized assets and he is now attracting the attention of major clubs. There is interest from Aston Villa but also from Atletico Madrid.

However, the villains may be in the driving seat. The main reason is that he will be tempted to switch to the Premier League.

The transfer could be facilitated by his contract, which expires in 2028. So far, there are no signs that the Türkiye U21s man will extend his stay at the Dutch club.

Anal is seeing incredible growth

The Turkish talent joins Nijmegen from De Graafschap for just €1m in 2024. At his former club, he contributed 30 goals in 83 games in all competitions, impressing at a young age.

At that time, his best performances came in a traditional left wing role, another example of Aston Villa’s versatility.

His price tag is currently unknown but Nijmegen will surely make high capital gains from the sale.

Although he’s still one of the best pure scorers in the game today, Kevin Durant understands he doesn’t have much time left in the NBA. He would soon become a great player who would be forced to experience the game away from the hardwood. When a player enters the final stages of his career, he gets better appreciation from those who came before him. The Houston Rockets superstar got a chance to chat with one such person ahead of Saturday’s showdown with the New York Knicks.

Durant hugs Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing inside Madison Square Garden. Ewing rose to stardom in those parts by spending four years at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in the 1980s before becoming head coach of the Hoyas in the late 2010s.

Kevin Durant is stamped in The Garden 🤝 pic.twitter.com/pASZROOGcI

– ESPN (@espn) 22 February 2026

The New York Knicks released their latest injury report on Saturday ahead of their matchup against the Houston Rockets, listing several players with designations as the team prepares for tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

New York (35-21) will host Houston (34-20) at Madison Square Garden while managing a report that includes one confirmed absence and several questionable designations largely tied to G League assignments and two-way contracts.

Miles McBride is officially listed out with injury/illness as he recovers from pelvic-related core muscle surgery. The 25-year-old guard last appeared in the Knicks’ 103-87 win over the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 27. He recorded nine points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals while shooting 4-for-11 from the field and 1-for-6 from three-point range in 30 minutes.

Before surgery, McBride was enjoying the best season of his career. In 35 games with 14 starts, he averaged 12.9 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range in 28 minutes per contest.

Multiple Knicks listed questionable as team looks to bounce back against Rockets

The Knicks also listed Pakom Dadiot (G League – on assignment), Trey Jamison III (G League – two-way), Dillon Jones (G League – two-way), Tyler Kolek (G League – on assignment) and Kevin McCullers Jr. (G League – two-way).

The 24-year-old Kolek last appeared in New York’s 138–89 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 11. He finished with three points, three assists and two rebounds while shooting 1-for-4 from the field in 10 minutes. In his sophomore season, Kolek averaged 4.9 points, 2.9 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 48 games with one start, shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range in 13.3 minutes per game.

New York enters Saturday’s contest hoping to bounce back from a 126-111 loss to the NBA-leading Detroit Pistons, who improved to 41-13 with Thursday night’s win.

Following the Rockets matchup, the Knicks begin a three-game road trip Sunday against the Chicago Bulls (24-32). Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.

Saturday’s meeting will feature the league’s two top teams in their respective conferences, with both clubs entering the loss column just one game apart.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a way of making Target Center feel like a highlight factory, and Friday night was no exception. While the Timberwolves were recently sitting comfortably in the Western Conference playoff race, Nazi Reed decided to provide a moment that will be played on loop for the rest of the season.

With less than two minutes left in the first quarter and Minnesota already having a 10-point cushion, the sixth man of the year took matters into his own hands.

Reed caught a pass at half-court and took off on a one-man fastbreak. Most big men will look for the trailing guard or decide to drop to safety, but Reed is not most big men. He took a smooth “around the world” step to get past a retreating defender, picked up his pace and took off.

Naz Reed. Hey mom‼️

Put Danielle Gafford on a poster 🖼️pic.twitter.com/17BnlSl90p

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 21 February 2026

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford attempted to meet him at the summit, but he quickly realized he was on the wrong side of things. Reed hit a powerful poster dunk at home that literally sent the Minneapolis crowd into a frenzy. It wasn’t just a dunk; It was a statement.

Reed scored 6 points on 3-of-5 shooting, while also grabbing three rebounds and one assist. His energy off the bench led to a massive run that the Mavericks couldn’t answer. Minnesota is shooting a collective 46% from the field, overwhelming a Dallas team that is struggling to find its rhythm without rookie star Cooper Flagg.

Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with a game-high 20 points, while Rudy Gobert had 12 points and 11 rebounds. On the other hand, Khris Middleton is trying to keep the Mavericks afloat with 12 points.

If you weren’t a believer in the “Naz Reed” hype before, this poster on Gafford should officially convert you.

SAN FRANCISCO – If you would have told Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis during their championship run with the Boston Celtics that they would find themselves together on the Golden State Warriors, they wouldn’t have believed you.

“When we were in Boston, if anyone said this scenario was going to happen,” Porzingis said. “Who would believe it? But that’s the way it works. And obviously, you know, we expected there would be some changes in Boston in terms of money. But yeah, it’s going to be weird, especially this first game against Boston.”

With the Celtics in town, Porzingis and Horford will be reunited with the team they helped lead to an NBA title just two years ago. For two players who loved the city, loved their teammates, and loved their time in the iconic green and white jersey, this will be an emotional affair not only for them but for their families as well.

After his first full critique of the Warriors since the All-Star break, Horford expressed how excited he is to see all of his former teammates and coaches.

“For me, it’s very exciting,” Horford said. And, you know, my son Ian is looking forward to seeing a lot of people and seeing a lot of coaches. The whole thing is just, you know, it’s going to be good… It’s been different for us, but it’s been good. It’s been good for him, and it’s been good for us as a family.”

How the Celtics have performed since the departures of Horford and Porzingis

Like the unexpected reunion of Horford and Porzingis in Golden State, the Celtics’ season so far has been quite a surprise. With Jayson Tatum rehabbing his torn Achilles, the Celtics sacrificing Porzingis and Jrue Holiday by trading their big salaries under the second apron, and steady veteran Horford departing in free agency, this year was supposed to be a gap year for Boston to lick its wounds and reset.

Instead, the C’s sit at 35-19 on the season, which is in second place at the top of the East in the conference. Right where they were a year ago. And the year before that. This came as a surprise to all the pundits and analysts who had predicted the semi-tank. But for Horford, the Celtics’ unexpected success is no surprise.

When Horford was asked if Boston’s success this season surprised him, he replied, “No.” “Because of which [Mazzulla] And the culture that’s been established in Boston. Probably the most surprising part has been Mimi’s growth [Neemias Queta] And Jordan Walsh. “They’ve really made big steps in their development, and how they’re playing and how they’re impacting wins.”

In Tatum’s absence, Jaylen Brown has emerged as a true number-one option, averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game. And in the holes left by Porzingis, Horford and Holiday, their youth has stepped up. Cueta, Walsh, Peyton Pritchard, Baylor Shearman, Luka Garza, guys who used to sit on the bench and watch their powerhouse team roar, have become the backbone of the Celtics’ depth.

“But overall, it’s kind of expected,” Horford continued, pointing to the underlying win expectation for one of the NBA’s most historic franchises. “That’s just what I think, Brad.” [Stevens] And Joe has done a great job there. And it’s something that’s consistent, so I’m not surprised.

Al Horford talked about what it will be like to face his old Boston Celtics tomorrow night:

“It’s very exciting. My son Ian is very excited to see a lot of people and see a lot of the coaches.”

Emphasizing that he is not surprised by their success this season. pic.twitter.com/LjdZPwIjmK

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 19 February 2026

celtics reunion emotions

Reunions in the NBA aren’t always heartfelt. But for players like Horford and Porzingis, who did just as much for a team like Boston, this special reunion will be special for both parties. As he prepares for the many hugs and pats and high-fives and conversations with his old team tomorrow, Porzingis reflected on his short but productive time in Boston.

“I knew…going to Boston. It was going to be like championship expectations,” Porzingis said, explaining the pressure of playing for a historic franchise like Boston. “It’s something every player strives for [for]To be in that position…and we did it once. The second year didn’t go well, but yes, we enjoyed our time there and enjoyed every moment of it. And finally we accomplished the big objective.

“And you know how much I love playing there. Just everything. The organization, the front office, playing at TD Garden, the floor, the colors. It’s an iconic franchise, so it’ll always be a part of my memory as a special time.”

This is just the first part of the Celtics reunion, as the Warriors will still have to travel to Boston later this season, where they will get their due from rabid Celtics fans. Needless to mention, this matchup could be Porzingis’ debut in a Golden State uniform as he has been rehabbing his Achilles tendonitis throughout the break. Porzingis is listed as questionable, but he is optimistic about his chances of getting on the floor.

Either way, it’s an exciting moment for the two big guys.

“It’s exciting for me, just from the standpoint of seeing a lot of guys I care about compete on the court,” Horford said. “And it goes on. And then, kind of, being able to meet a lot of people. It’s very special to me.”

The New Orleans Pelicans enter Friday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks with more at stake. Zion Williamson’s contract incentives have been in focus because the game milestones he has played hold major financial implications for the franchise cornerstone.

Williamson has appeared in 40 games this season and is in the midst of a 30-game streak without losing a contest. If he plays against the Bucks, that run will reach 31 straight games. His continued availability has reframed the conversation around the salary guarantees built into his contract.

The Stein Line’s Marc Stein pointed to the sustainability achievement at X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, emphasizing how different this season is from last year.

“If Zion Williamson plays against Milwaukee on Friday, it will be his 31st consecutive game without a miss for the Pelicans.

Williamson played a total of 30 games last season.

Stein said the sixth-year veteran has already surpassed last season’s total appearances. This consistency keeps him one game away from a significant contractual trigger.

Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan expanded on Stein’s report later on stage, explaining how Friday’s Pelicans vs. Bucks contest could secure enough guaranteed money.

“Zion Williamson is guaranteed to make $16.9 million (40 percent) of his 2026-27 salary when he suits up for his 41st game of the season tomorrow.

If he plays 51 games he will get an additional $8.4 million (20 percent) and if he plays 61 games he will get an additional $8.4 million (20 percent).

Gozlan’s breakdown details the structure of Williamson’s contract, which ties parts of his 2026-27 salary to specific games-played caps. Upon reaching 41 games, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft will secure approximately 40 percent of that season’s base salary.

If he stays healthy, reaching games 51 and 61 would guarantee additional millions. For the Pelicans, who are ranked 14th in the Western Conference, sustainability provides stability and long-term clarity while increasing their future financial commitment.

Therefore, the importance of Friday’s match is more than the standings. It represents an important checkpoint in Williamson’s season, blending performance, health and long-term salary security in one appearance.

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are headlining the first UFC event of 2026 this weekend.

The top-ranked lightweight stars are set to meet in the main event of UFC 324 with the interim lightweight title on the line.

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Gaethje proved he could still mix it up at the top when he defeated Rafael Fiziev last March, having been brutally knocked out by Max Holloway at UFC 300.

The American is hoping to reclaim the interim strap at 155lbs that he previously held for five months in 2020.

He lost his opportunity to secure the division’s undisputed belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov in the same year – the Russian legend’s last ever fight.

Pimblett, meanwhile, has been calling for his chance to challenge for gold at lightweight since he beat up Michael Chandler in Miami nine months ago.

Should the Liverpudlian overcome Gaethje, he may finally get the opportunity to fight his long-term, bitter rival and UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Topuria is currently taking a break from the sport due to a personal matter.

This will provide Pimblett and Gaethje with extra motivation heading into their fight, as they will know there is a chance they could get elevated to undisputed status if Topuria vacates his belt.

The pair are set to kick off an exciting 2026 schedule in Dana White’s promotion, with UFC White House on the horizon and the Paramount+ deal already underway.