V Sports may see the purchase of FC Annecy Aston Villa The player will be leaving for the French club in the near future.

sport.fr report Annecy have set their sights higher thanks to their new relationship with Aston Villa via V Sports.

aston villa investment

Sport Witness covered a report yesterday It was revealed that Aston Villa owner V Sport has acquired a 30% minority stake in the French club.

Sport.fr explains that this was done through a capital increase that values ​​the Savoyard club at around €15m. To his knowledge, no one actually saw the investment coming.

The partnership has been working behind the scenes thanks to an already well-established collaboration. Aston Villa sent young players on loan, shared ways and common ambitions.

Now the partnership is official, but nothing will change from the government’s side. Sébastien Faraglia remains chairman, Philippe Rey-Gorez is still the majority shareholder, and Laurent Guyot continues to manage the team.

Focus on youth development

Instead the center of the project will be youth development. And Annecy is planning to build a brand new training center to aid the process. This could see the Aston Villa youngster move to France on loan to aid his development.

This is something they have done with other partnerships. For example, many youngsters have spent time at Unai Emery’s Real Union. Plans may already be underway on that front, placing youth at the center of the project.

For Annecy, the ‘dream of reaching the top flight’ is getting closer. For him it is a process that is ‘slowly but surely’. They finished seventh in Ligue 2 last season and are now promoted. Only four points separated them from the top six and eight from the top four.

The investment from Aston Villa owners V Sports is prompting them to dream big anyway, even if their focus will be on youth development for the time being.

New Netherlands international Crescencio Somerville has praised it highly leeds unitedBecause he is ready to play for his country in the World Cup.

NU.nl reports the 24-year-old’s comments today From a press conference with the Dutch national team.

world cup dream

Despite never playing for his country, the West Ham United star is set to play for the Netherlands at the World Cup this summer.

He was a surprise inclusion in Ronald Koeman’s squad for the tournament a week earlier and earned a place in the group after beating Liverpool’s Jeremy Frimpong.

it’s a reward He went on to have an impressive season with the Hammers, despite their relegation to the Championship, and was, he believes, a boyhood dream come true.

“I wrote that I want to make it to the World Cup,” he said.

“I thought: 24 is a good age for the World Cup. (It’s) a childhood dream come true.”

“At that time (March) the national coach said I had to stay fit and do my work. Still, it was a surprise that I was included.”

Leeds’ decision paid off

International recognition is the next step for a winger who has never chosen the easy path. This included leaving his family in Rotterdam in 2020 when he decided to move to Leeds United.

He returned to Feyenoord that summer after a loan spell at ADO Den Haag but decided to move on rather than stay where he was. It was a big decision for the 19-year-old player at that time.

“It was tough,” he admitted.

“At Leeds, they did everything they could to make me feel like a family. That always inspired me to keep going. I knew what I was in for.”

Raphinha effect

He eventually developed into a key player at Elland Road, transforming from a dynamic dribbler into a goalscoring winger. This allowed him to score 19 goals as Leeds secured promotion in the 2023/24 campaign.

This improvement came after an effort to focus more on the numbers. Current Barcelona star Raphinha played a key role in that selection. At one point Somerville was behind the Brazilian in the pecking order at Leeds.

He concluded, “I was behind him in the pecking order at Leeds. He showed what you have to do in terms of hard work.”

“When I recently saw him in the top ten of the Ballon d’Or, I thought: I too can achieve something like that.”

west ham united Star Crescencio aims for Somerville Tottenham Hotspur And could ‘seriously dream’ of a big transfer this summer.

Voetbal International journalist Jost Blauhof reports that Tottenham are making a solid offer for the 24-year-old.

tottenham made a solid offer

Journalist reports that Crescencio Somerville is interested in Europe after being called up by the Netherlands for the World Cup.

He was undoubtedly West Ham’s best player this season, and impressed despite the eventual defeat in the Championship.

And West Ham need serious sales to balance their books this summer as they count the cost of relegation, with the club in line to move Somerville away.

Roma have already placed him at the top of their transfer wishlist. And Tottenham are also making ‘a solid offer’ for his signature. The nature of that proposal has not been mentioned at this time.

But the two of them are unlikely to be the only lovers. Blauwhoff’s question is ‘Who will follow?’ This shows that he believes more clubs will start making moves for the winger before too long. However, at the moment the frontrunners are Tottenham and Roma.

€30m valuation

The Italian side’s eagerness should surprise no one. Sport Witness has been covering reports of interest for weeks.

The latest of them, yesterday, Said they are already taking the first steps toward a deal. This follows previous reports suggesting that they were expecting West Ham to suffer relegation this season. This will make the deal easier.

Now it has been confirmed, it seems vultures are circling. How much it cost Somerville remains to be determined. West Ham paid €29.3m for him in 2024 and Transfermarkt value him at €30m to date. This is its highest price till date.

It will certainly not be difficult for Tottenham to match such a sum. They will undoubtedly look to spend big and reshape their squad to ensure that the relegation battle is a thing of the past.

Aston Villa The Europa League triumph has thrust Emiliano Buendia back into the spotlight at exactly the right time for the club – and also at an awkward moment regarding his future.

The Argentine midfielder was one of Villa’s standout performers during the latter stages of the competition. However, the uncertainty surrounding his long-term condition has not gone away.

Recent reports link them to a Possible move to Turkish side GalatasarayWhile his current contract at Villa Park now has just over a year left.

This means Buendia will be able to negotiate a free transfer with foreign clubs from January, unless Aston Villa extend his deal or sell him this summer.

Against that backdrop, the 29-year-old has now opened the door to another future possibility – one that probably won’t please everyone in Argentina… or in Birmingham.

The dream of returning home exposed

As relayed by Argentine outlet TN SportsBuendia admitted that his dream was to one day play for River Plate. He also made it clear that he would reject a move to rivals Boca Juniors, even if club legend Juan Román Riquelme, now their director of football, personally called him.

“River is Argentina’s only club,” Buendia said. “If Roman calls me? No, not there.”

Then he added: “Playing for River has been my dream since childhood.”

This is a very bold stance considering Boca remains one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. It also reinforces how strongly Buendia still identifies with the River, despite spending almost his entire professional career abroad.

The midfielder left Argentina as a teenager to join Getafe and later starred for Norwich City and eventually Aston Villa.

Europa League victory changed the picture

Emiliano Buendia’s future looked much less certain at the start of this season. Things were already complicated after recovering from a serious ACL injury a few years ago, while Villa’s squad depth was boosted again after a more aggressive recruitment effort.

Still, he ended the campaign on a high note. His performances in Europe ultimately helped Villa win silverware under Unai Emery, and it may yet influence the club’s thinking ahead of the summer window.

Villa also face a delicate contract situation. Buendia’s deal expires in June 2027, making his gains weaker with each passing month.

It explains why clubs abroad are already keeping a close eye, and attention is likely to increase if it becomes clear Villa are willing to negotiate.

The river’s dream has now come out in the open

Buendia also revealed that despite the time difference from England he still tries to follow River whenever possible.

“I don’t watch much Argentine football, mainly River,” he explained. “The schedules are tough but I try to keep up.”

He also shared memories of the 2018 Copa Libertadores final in Madrid. Buendia said he stayed in the same hotel with the River squad before the match and later met club icon Enzo Francescoli in the lift. At that time, according to Buendia, asking for photos became inevitable.

It is unclear whether Aston Villa will keep him forward this summer. However, Buendia has now made one thing absolutely clear – if he ever returns to Argentina, there is only one destination he really wants.

UFC icon Georges St-Pierre may have left the door open for Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions to book his next mixed martial arts dream fight after this weekend’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight.

For many longtime UFC fans, St-Pierre is the greatest fighter in MMA history. The Canadian player performed brilliantly during his 15 years in the game. He amassed a record of 26–2 and would become the greatest welterweight of all time after successfully defending the title 10 times. He then cemented his place as a true legend when he returned after a four-year retirement to win the UFC middleweight belt in 2017.

It was the perfect way to end his incredible career, and he has never returned to high-level competition since. However, he left the door open in a new interview with MMA Junkie this week. During the conversation, he admitted that “he gets requests once or twice a month to fight in MMA, boxing, grappling or grappling.”

Yet instead of saying he turned them all down because he was already competing in high-level combat sports, he said it just wasn’t the right time to be involved in those opportunities. He is currently prioritizing other projects and has been dealing with a back injury recently. Still, the 44-year-old UFC great isn’t exactly against the eventual matchup in any case.

That information should perk up the MVP and Netflix offices. The fight promotion run by Jake Paul and the streaming giant is promoting a massive MMA card this weekend, headlined by an improbable dream fight between 39-year-old Ronda Rousey and 44-year-old Gina Carano. The card also features Nate Diaz, 41, and Junior dos Santos, 42.

If the event is successful, Netflix will definitely be open to another one as live sports content is a major priority for the streaming service right now. But with the UFC tightening its grip on the top talent in the sport, MVP will again have to turn to some veteran names, and St-Pierre would be a strong choice. Especially if the fight took place in Canada.

But which opponents would the MMA icon actually consider returning to fight? The two names are most meaningful. They are Anderson Silva and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Is Georges St-Pierre vs. Anderson Silva or Khabib Nurmagomedov possible now?

A super-fight between St-Pierre and Silva is something UFC fans wanted badly in 2010 and 2011. Although it seemed like a real possibility at the time, it never happened. The Brazilian turned 51 last month, has the fight with GSP gone well, is this the best buy date? Yes, but if it was on Netflix old school fans would still watch it. Furthermore, we are in a time when their major fighting legends are fighting all the time, and fans are tuning in to them.

St-Pierre vs Nurmagomedov fight that will really intrigue fans. The Russian will turn 38 in September, so the age issue is less ridiculous than the St-Pierre and Silva matchup and more on par with what we’ll see this weekend. The UFC lightweight legend has said in the past that GSP was his late father’s favorite fighter, and he always wanted a confrontation with “Rush”.

The biggest issue in the making is whether Nurmagomedov still has a contractual relationship with the UFC. Plus, there’s also a real possibility that UFC CEO Dana White will try to jump in and steal the fight from MVP.

Either way, there’s just a crack in the door, and MVP-Netflix should be questioning whether Rousey vs. Carano is a success.

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

of manchester united The interest in Rafael Leao has been thoroughly covered by the Italian media in recent days. AC Milan now seems to be intensifying efforts to sell this player.

The Portuguese attacker was again very disappointing in Milan’s 3-2 defeat to Atalanta at the weekend. He was widely criticized when he was sacked, as the atmosphere at the Rossoneri had become toxic in recent weeks.

Having set high standards for himself over the past few years, LEO has found himself at the center of it all.

Due to this, Milan have considered their summer sale. sports witness Manchester United’s interest has been covered, with Michael Carrick’s side having made initial contact with Jorge Mendes over a potential deal.

As the situation is worsening, the talk of transfer is increasing.

Manchester United will get priority

corriere dello sport Believe that the time has finally come to say goodbye to Leo. He feels there is now a breakdown in relations between the parties, with the Rossoneri prepared to listen to offers of between €50m and €60m in the summer.

Al-Hilal could be a leading candidate for the winger, having attempted to sign him in January 2025. The Saudi side could make another attempt but Leao is more attracted to a move to the Premier League.

The newspaper states that playing in England represents a ‘dream’ scenario, which would be in Manchester United’s favour.

The newspaper says the Red Devils or even Chelsea could make a formal offer.

Our opinion: Milan are promoting the player’s position

Since Jorge Mendes works closely with AC Milan and Rafael Leao, these look like clear attempts to publicize the player’s status. Both Milan and Mendes will benefit from his exit through transfer fees and commissions.

A sale to Manchester United would only add to the excitement, which is why the Red Devils are being regularly talked about in this scenario.

The way Corriere dello Sport has prepared its information suggests there are no offers for the 26-year-old. Milan knows this and that is why they have lowered their asking price.

The transfer opportunity is there for Manchester United, it’s just a matter of whether they really want it.

Queens Park Rangers star Nicolas Madsen has admitted he wants to be the best in the Championship and play in the Premier League.

BOLD had an interview with the 26-year-old today. After a successful season with QPR he revealed his new ambitions.

qpr change

This season has been a transformational one for Nicolas Madsen, who joins QPR on a €4m deal in August 2024. He made a total of 34 appearances in all competitions. This showed that he had a total of 2309 minutes, although 358 were in the Jupiler Pro League.

This season, the number of appearances for QPR in all competitions is 39. And his total number of minutes has become 3062. More importantly, he has been in the starting 11 72% of the time.

He is pleased with the improvement and has big ambitions moving forward as a result.

“I had a lot of goals before this season that I have accomplished, so now it’s definitely being adjusted. My ambition is to help the team be more competitive.” He said.

“On the club side, the ambition is clearly to be among the top 8 places entertaining. We have a good squad, so it is certainly possible.”

Premier League ambitions

While the focus is on helping QPR develop, he is also willing to admit there are some personal ambitions.

First of all he wants to establish himself further in the championship. And then eyes will be on a possible move to the Premier League. Or, even better, get there with QPR.

“My next goal is to be one of the best in the league, and I don’t think that’s unrealistic. I don’t see why it shouldn’t be possible,” He added.

“I’ve never hidden the fact that I want to go as far as possible. The big dream is still the Premier League, and I hope that can be accomplished with QPR.”

of burnley Michael Kolesh is finding some form in his loan spell at Paris FC. This is helping him attract attention in Italy.

last month, sports witness The attacker’s comments about his love for AC Milan were covered. He also described going to Serie A as a dream.

Despite playing for the Italy U21 team, he never played in Italy, previously plying his trade with Espanyol.

The Burnley player has three Ligue 1 goals this season and has quickly attracted the interest of Bologna. This could help Colesho achieve his dream.

bologna spies italian

corriere dello sport Yesterday spoke about Bologna’s plans for the summer transfer window. He added that sporting director Marco Di Vaio and technical director Giovanni Sartori were in the stands to watch Paris FC’s 4-0 win over Brest in Ligue 1 at the weekend.

It was mentioned that defender Otavio was a particular focus of the trip but he did not rule out interest in other players.

today’s corriere dello sport The Burnley player is also said to be of interest to the Rossoblu. Sartori and Di Vaio are admirers of his profile and see him as someone who can improve their attack next season.

Any move will depend on Riccardo Orsolini’s future, with Jonathan Rowe’s status also in doubt.

The rise of coleus in Paris has attracted the interest of Bologna. The report mentions that the Clarets loanee is commanding a ‘significant premium’ due to his form in France.

Burnley may be a little less in control

At the moment, Paris FC has the option to purchase Colesho permanently. There is little clarity as to whether or not that will happen, but it appears the winger’s future at Turf Moor has been sealed.

Burnley’s relegation hasn’t helped either.

Paris FC could also decide to exercise their option on the 21-year-old and then sell him.

to brighton chelsea The transfer route is well underway these days, and it seems transfer rumors are also on the way, as it is said that El Mala could now be set for Stamford Bridge this summer.

Sport Bild reports that Chelsea Now the 19-year-old is at the front of the queue for the move, and has pushed Brighton aside in the process.

brighton still interested

The newspaper reports that Saeed El Mala’s future is now being strictly handled by his mother Sabrina El Mala. She has taken up the role since March and will tackle the transfer this summer.

On Monday, after the defeat to Leverkusen, he called up Brighton. The purpose of this was to find out whether, as reports said, he had completely withdrawn his offer for Forward.

Brighton insisted she did not do so, and that she still had a ‘intense interest’ in her son. Their offer of €35m was also still valid. The problem is that Cologne blocked the conversation after this Brighton failed to formally submit their planned €35m offer.

The Seagulls, for their part, had acted this way because they did not intend to match Cologne’s €50m asking price. Their strategy is to wait for the price to fall and then make their move.

At this time no club has made a firm bid. But Brighton believe that Cologne have been made aware that someone will be coming. And that’s what is making them firm on their demands of €50m. However, the German club has not even spoken to Sabrina El Mala.

Chelsea bid in the making

She, thanks to her role in the poker game, is clearly gambling on Chelsea’s bid. According to Sportbild, the Blues have hinted in talks that they will make a higher bid than Brighton this summer.

In fact, their plan would be to outbid the Seagulls and then send Sed El Mala back on loan to Cologne for another year. This will be a ‘dream come true’ for the family.

Chelsea could afford to stay a year away with the youngster, and he would be happy to spend another year developing in his homeland. It’s the best of both worlds for cologne.

The problem is that Chelsea may struggle to make that bid this summer. If they miss the Champions League, which looks possible, the financial hit will alter their plans drastically. There won’t be any expensive signing that won’t lead to an immediate promotion to the first team.

This would be bad news for the El Mala family, as Brighton have no interest in a deal that would see him loaned back out next season.

Thus, they find themselves in dilemma. Sabrina El Mala, the agent, is desperate to keep everyone interested while they wait and hopes that Chelsea will offer the deal that everyone really wants.

of leeds united The long-running pursuit of Hidemasa Morita is now moving towards a concrete result, with the midfielder’s position strongly pointing towards a summer move – provided one key condition is met.

The Sporting CP player is on Leeds’ radar for 2025. At the time, the club had assessed a deal but backed out. The fee, estimated at around €10 million (£8.7 million), and concerns over fitness made the move difficult to justify.

Twelve months later, the same deal looks very different. Morita is now approaching the end of his contract and is expected to Skip to free transfer.

As we recently coveredSports fans are pleading for him to stop. His form has improved, his availability has been more consistent and he has become one of their most important players this season.

However, what has changed most is the level of clarity around the move.

Now move forward gathering real speed

As reported by Portuguese outlet to ballHidemasa Morita’s departure from Sporting is considered almost certain, with the midfielder having already decided not to renew his contract. “Leeds road tolls continue to decline”His latest piece says.

More importantly, the Japan international has made it clear that he wants to play in the Premier League and, importantly, that it is a condition rather than a priority.

He has indicated that he is only Interested in moving to England’s top flightShaping the entire conversation around that need.

Leeds are currently in a strong position to secure it, and that fixture strengthens their hand. Instead, the rest of the deal aligns naturally.

The club has maintained interest in it since last summer and it is again being ranked as the most likely destination. Contrary to previous reports, the move is now described as very advanced, suggesting that discussions have moved beyond simple surveillance.

Farc effect and strategic fit

Another important development is the role of Daniel Farke in this process.

The Leeds United manager is understood to be a driving force behind the interest. His intention to create a more possession-based midfield has influenced recruitment thinking, and Morita is seen as a player who fits that profile.

His ability to operate as both a No. 6 and No. 8 adds to that appeal. Although he is not a high-output player in terms of goals, his strengths lie in positional play, control and balance.

The scenario now is a free transfer, a player eager to make the move, a manager who wants him, and a club that is already familiar with his profile.

So the deal that Leeds once walked away from now looks like they are ready to complete.

The New Day’s famous WWE run – featuring Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods – unexpectedly ended this weekend.

Over the past 12 years, The New Day has built a reputation as one of the greatest teams in WWE history. With Big E, Kingston and Woods won WWE tag team gold 12 times, including a 483-day reign as champions. Kingston and Big E had massive singles success while still together when they won the World Championship.

However, that era is officially over. According to reports from Fightful and BodySlam.net, both Kingston and Woods have “mutually decided to part ways with WWE.” This suggests that neither man’s contract had expired, and both of them may have requested their release from the company where they became future Hall of Famers.

Over the years, this pair’s level of relevance hasn’t been the same, and aside from the downside last year and their 12th title fight, the move makes sense for both sides. Being released leaves them free to do whatever they want outside the company, and letting them walk helps fuel rumors of WWE moving towards a younger roster.

Young Bucks vs New Day dream match in 2026?

Following their exit, the dream match wrestling fans have wanted for years is now a possibility: The New Day vs. The Young Bucks.

Long before AEW and while they were in NJPW, the Bucks and New Day had public moments together over their shared love of video games. However, because they were in rival promotions, no matches were even close to happening in recent years except for rumors of the Bucks joining WWE.

While reports have suggested that Tony Khan no longer wants to sign former WWE stars, it would be surprising if they are not brought to AEW. Signing a former WWE Champion and one of the greatest tag teams of all time so they can promote a big tag dream match seems too good to resist for die-hard wrestling fan Khan.

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

AIK Fotbal’s Zadok Yohana is attracting attention, including from the Premier League Tottenham Hotspur.

The 18-year-old player came through the ranks at Nigerian side Ikon Allah FA and joined AIK Fotball in June 2025.

His preferred position is on the right wing, but at the Swedish club, he also operates as a wing back. The Nigerian’s performances and ability have already attracted the attention of Chelsea.

On 10 April, Game Witness Claims covered from Nigeria The Blues are keeping a close eye on the player. Two days later, we Swedish club broadcasts the news Price set at €20-25m.

AIK football recruitment head Mikka Takkula has confirmed the interest without revealing details.

Tottenham joined Chelsea in the following players

express Tottenham are now reported to be keeping a close eye on the youngster in Sweden.

Broadcaster TV4 initially reported that scouts from unnamed Premier League teams were in Sweden to watch Zadok Yohan.

The outlet learned from its sources that a Spurs official was in Sweden yesterday. The scout watched Zadok Yohana live in his team’s 2–1 defeat to Dagerfors IF.

He played the full 90 minutes, and after the match, the same outlet spoke with the attacker, who was unaware that a Spurs scout was present.

“No, I don’t know. I didn’t know there were scouts here. I’m just focusing on my game. My focus is completely on AIK.” He said.

When asked about his future, Yohan said: “Of course I have a dream.”

Meanwhile, the player has impressed Dagerfors IF manager Henoch Goitome.

“Yohanna is an extraordinary player. I love watching him play. He plays just like he plays on the street. We told Samba [Diatara] That he is good. and to [Elias] Barsoum that we will have to play two matches against one there.” He added.

Our opinion: Spurs unlikely to spend big

If earlier claims are to be believed, the Allsvenskan side are requesting around €15-25m to sanction his sale.

Since moving to Europe, Zadok Yohanna has played 15 matches, scoring four goals and three assists. He has not been tested at the highest level yet.

Therefore, the summer may perhaps be too early for Tottenham Hotspur to spend €15m on the Nigerian. His contract expires in December 2029, and transfer market Value him at €500k.

Birmingham City’s Carlos Vicente says the Championship team has helped him settle in quickly in England.

The Spaniard spent his entire playing career in his home country before joining the Blues from Deportivo Alaves in January.

Birmingham City invested almost €8m and saw them move to the La Liga side resulting in anger From some sections of the Spanish media.

Two months ago, Alavés sporting director Sergio Fernández revealed that it was not entirely their decision to sell the 26-year-old.

That time, He said: : “He was a very important player for us. But sometimes circumstances arise that force us to take decisions. Financially, we have to be responsible and also address the concerns and needs expressed by the player.”

settling in well in birmingham city

As Published an interview with Carlos Vicente to discuss a range of topics including his transfer to Birmingham City and life in England so far.

The January signing said everything was done by Chris Davis’ side to make him comfortable.

When asked about his adaptation to England, he said: “Very good. The club has done everything possible to help me during these months.”

“Although we have gone through a difficult period collectively and individually, I already feel very comfortable. My life here is very calm, and I dedicate myself to training, rest, eating well, reading and studying.”

The Blues now sit 14th in the Championship, 12 points behind sixth-placed Hull City. The Spaniard knows promotion is unlikely this season but is still dreaming of a Premier League place.

“This season, yes, but it’s still my biggest dream. That’s one of the reasons I decided to come here. If I didn’t know this was what the club was aiming for, I probably would have made a different decision. We have a good foundation to try to jump into next season.” Vicente explained.

Birmingham City players on Brady call

NFL legend Tom Brady is a minority owner of the English club through 2023. Carlos Vicente is a fan of the American, but his call to join Birmingham City did not go away.

“No. I was thrilled, but it didn’t influence my professional decision at all. He’s one of my idols and one of the five greatest athletes of all time, but it didn’t influence my decision in the slightest.” He added.

AS asked if he was more impressed by Brady’s call than receiving calls from Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

Responding to that, Vicente said: “Yeah, definitely. I’m a huge NFL fan, and Brady is an idol to me in every way. It felt incredible to be able to talk to him. I was already in Birmingham, and the sports director gave me his phone, and it was a video call.

“When I saw his face, I was blown away. I’m a fan of American sports, both the NFL and the NBA, and Brady is a megastar who has always impressed me.”

Vicente’s statistics

Carlos Vicente has played 15 matches for Birmingham City so far, including one match in the FA Cup.

His championship statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 14
• Start: 7
• Target: 3
• Help: 1

armory Forward Gabriel Jesus is once again talking up a return to Palmeiras – and at this point, it’s starting to feel like a weekly episode.

The 28-year-old has been consistently linked with a summer exit. Reports point to Italy, with AC Milan interested, while Brazil remains an emotional option in the background.

At the same time, Gabriel Jesus has made it clear more than once that his priority is to renew with Arsenal. If it doesn’t happen then he wants live in europeIdeally in the Premier League.

And yet, here we are again.

This season has not been straightforward. Gabriel Jesus has played 21 matches, starting seven of them, scoring five goals and adding one assist. Injuries have once again limited his impact.

Nevertheless, when available, he has been useful to Mikel Arteta. This keeps him relevant in the team even without the guarantee of a starting role.

Now, his latest comments add another layer to an already confusing picture.

Gabriel Jesus keeps Palmeiras’ dream alive

talking to globo esporteGabriel Jesus once again opened the door for a return to Palmeiras – and did so with great enthusiasm.

“My main focus today is still on Arsenal, making things happen here, helping the coach as he needs. Then, obviously, when the season ends, we start thinking”He said.

“My desire is to return to Palmeiras one day and win more titles. I have already felt what it’s like to win there. That’s still in me, it’s a very strong desire.”

He also revealed that he has had several long talks with Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira during his return to the club.

“When I went to train in Palmeiras I had the opportunity to talk with him two or three times for more than an hour. We always talked good about football and life.”

All very hot. Everything is very open. All very… recurring.

No offer – at least not yet

However, there was actually a new detail. This time, Gabriel Jesus admitted that Palmeiras has not yet taken any steps to bring him back.

“Of course, I have to get an offer from Palmeiras as well. But my relationship with them has always been very good and always will be. I am very grateful to them.”

Although the emotional connection is strong, no concrete steps have been taken from Brazil at this stage. And it feels like he’s begging for it.

trying to balance everything

At this stage, Gabriel Jesus is managing to keep every possible door open.

he talks Renewal with Arsenal. he talks living in europe. he talks return to palmeras. Sometimes all within the same week.

No one paid any attention to that. Frustration is growing among Palmeiras fans in Brazil. Some people believe that he is too dependent on the emotional connection without showing any real intention of returning in the short term.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are left staring at a player who contributes when fit, but regularly brings to mind the thought of leaving.

In the end, he’s managing to annoy two fans at once.

what happens next

Gabriel Jesus has not taken any definite decision. But unless Arsenal make a move on a renewal, or a concrete offer comes from Europe, the comments are likely to continue.

At the moment, there has been no offer from Palmeiras yet. There has been no final call from Arsenal either.

Once again, Gabriel Jesus is talking about Palmeiras – and keeping everyone guessing.

A new report reveals the possibility that the Miami Dolphins have the top pick in this month’s NFL Draft, and it’s sure to disappoint the team’s fans.

It’s been a very busy offseason for the Dolphins. After a 7–10 finish, ownership decided to dismantle the team’s leadership and brought in a new regime led by John-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach. But that was just the beginning.

Over the past few weeks, the team has adopted a strategy of additions and subtractions by trading Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick and cutting Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. This is a big change that comes with a lot of dead cap and serious limitations to fill those holes. That’s why the 2026 draft will be so important for Sullivan and Hafley in the first year. Especially his selection at 11th overall.

The team has been linked with a variety of players at that position. As we get closer to the event, projected top-five talents Carnell Tate and Caleb Downs are becoming realistic options for the Dolphins at 11. Anyone can fill the spots left by Hill, Waddle or Fitzpatrick. However, the new leadership of the team has a different player they would love to have.

Spencer Fano is the Miami Dolphins’ dream pick at No. 11 in the NFL Draft

ESPN’s Jordan Reed reports, “Sources tell me the Dolphins are big fans of Utah lineman Spencer Fano and will take him at No. 11 overall.” “The team likes his versatility, believing he can play any interior position or be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle.

“Austin Jackson is entering a contract year, and there are a lot of question marks about his durability. The new front office is leaning on selecting an offensive lineman to start his tenure, so this pairing makes a lot of sense,” he said.

Although getting an offensive lineman won’t get Dolphins fans excited – especially if Downs and Tate are still on the board at that point – Fano is an attractive prospect. He doesn’t look like it, but he is an impressive athlete for his position and was impressive during his tenure with the Utes. Additionally, he can play the two guard and tackle spots at a high level, and he took snaps as a center during the combine.

Taking Fano at No. 11 won’t garner wild cheers from Dolphins fans, but he could easily become a key building block for contending teams for years to come.

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

A pair of reports are very good news for the Dallas Cowboys landing one of two NFL Draft prospects that is very much their cup of tea.

We’re just a few weeks away from this year’s draft, and there’s been a lot of speculation about what the Cowboys will do. Due to another losing season and a major trade before the trade deadline, they entered this month’s event with not one, but two selections in the top 20.

After back-to-back seven-win campaigns, getting a pair of elite prospects gives Dallas a chance to address two issues on the roster. However, having two first-rounders also gives them a pair of very good assets to move up and project a player to go in the top 10.

According to ESPN NFL expert Jordan Reed, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Ruben Benn Jr. are players the Cowboys brain trust believes are worth giving up multiple draft assets to move on and get. However, new discussion around the game is suggesting the team could land a trade without it.

Caleb Downs in a losing streak to the Dallas Cowboys at 12?

In a recent conversation with Blogging the Boys, ESPN draft expert Peter Schrager pointed out that, despite Downs being one of the best players in this year’s class and having a very high football IQ, the trend from past years shows that teams will always look to get stud cornerbacks, pass rushers and wide receivers to provide good defenses if they need them at those spots.

In 2022, Kyle Hamilton was projected to be selected in the top 10 and the Baltimore Ravens went 14th. Four years before that, Derwin James was projected to go in the top 10 and was taken 18th by the Los Angeles Chargers. And last year, Nick Emmanvori was expected to go in the first round and lost in the second round. That’s why Downs’ loss to the Cowboys at 12 seems very plausible.

Is Reuben Benn Jr. no longer ready to go into the top 10?

On Friday, fellow ESPN draft expert Field Yates made a bold prediction. Ben Jr. will drop out of the top 10. He told why. “There are some scouts who are skeptical of a team taking a super pick too early. Teams that could take a chance are the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals (8-10, respectively), but there’s a chance he’s still in the teens.”

So, despite all the talk about the Cowboys potentially trading up in Round 1 to get Downs or Ben Jr., there is a growing belief that a dream scenario could emerge this month where Dallas could get either in the early rounds and still have another pick.

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

Terence Crawford has named the fights he wants to see before the end of 2026, and his comments have attracted widespread attention in boxing. Retired five-division world champion and former pound-for-pound No. 1, Terence Crawford, shared his thoughts in a recent interview.

He retired after defeating Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed at super-middleweight. His record and achievements continue to add weight to his opinion. Fans and analysts reacted after listing three matchups involving fighters active in different divisions. Each pairing consists of athletes who are currently competing at a high level and have been in the headline discussion in the sport.

“It’s hard to say because there are so many big fights still to come. I would love to see Keyshawn Davis vs. Devin Haney. I would love to see ‘Bam [Jesse Rodriguez] versus [Naoya] Inoue, and I would love to see Shakur [Stevenson] versus [Gervonta] ‘Tank’ Davis.”

Keyshawn Davis vs. Devin Haney

Keyshawn Davis and Devin Haney are both active in the welterweight division. Haney is a former undisputed lightweight champion and now holds the 147-pound world title. He continues to wrestle dominant fights in the division and remains a part of ongoing title conversations.

Davis is a rising contender who has called up great opponents while building his professional record. He is scheduled to face Nahir Albright in a rematch on May 16 in Norfolk. A potential bout between Davis and Haney would pit an up-and-coming fighter against an established champion. Both fighters are active and continue to compete against ranked opponents within their division. Their names remain present in discussions regarding future title fights.

jessie rodriguez vs naoya inoue

Jessie Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue are among the leading fighters in their weight classes. Rodriguez currently holds super-flyweight titles and has gained recognition through recent performances. Inoue has won world titles in multiple divisions and continues to compete at a high level.

In his next fight, he will face Junto Nakatani. The matchup between Rodriguez and Inoue would involve two active champions from different divisions. Both fighters remain part of ongoing title discussions and continue to face top level competition. Their achievements have made them among the most recognized names in their respective weight categories.

Shakur Stevenson vs. Gervonta Davis

Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis are established fighters competing in the lightweight and light-welterweight divisions. Stevenson currently holds the 140-pound world title and remains active in scheduled fights. Davis is a multi-division champion and remains a major talking point regarding the bouts.

There have been talks about a possible bout between Stevenson and Davis, but no official fight has been confirmed.

Crawford’s comments identify three matchups involving fighters active in different divisions. Each pairing consists of athletes who are currently competing, holding titles, or pursuing title opportunities. These fights remain part of the ongoing discussions within boxing as the 2026 schedule is developed.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Odysseus Vlachodimos says he joined nottingham forest To fulfill his Premier League dream.

At the end of August 2023, Nottingham Forest invested approximately €4.9m to sign him from Benfica.

The goalkeeper arrived at the City Ground after spending five years at the Portuguese club.

He played 225 matches, keeping 94 clean sheets and conceding 217 goals, and won two titles with Benfica.

Later that year, the Greece international said he made the right decision to leave Lisbon for the Reds.

At that time, he Said: : “I think it was the right time for me too to take the next step. And I think the next step is the Premier League.

“When I got the offer, it was clear to me too. I wanted to take the next step. I wanted to be in the best league in the world. And I also feel that I have given a lot to Benfica and I think it is the right time to leave.”

Stomper angry at Nottingham Forest

Fast forward to April and Odysseas Vlachodimos has been speaking to Greece’s Athletico to discuss a range of topics.

Monday edition of game Relays the 31-year-old’s comments on his decision to leave Benfica for Nottingham Forest.

“After five years at Benfica, I wanted to take on a new challenge, and the Premier League is every kid’s dream,” He said.

“That opportunity came; other interested teams had emerged before, but the transfer did not happen. Things did not go as I planned, but it helped me become the goalkeeper I am now at Sevilla.

“Contract Renewal [last at Benfica] Came seven months late; It was believed that this would have happened after I did not go [the previous year].

“However, [Benfica president] Rui Costa knew that if something happened to England, I would want to leave.

Stomper’s Nottingham Forest statistics

Steve Cooper was the manager when the goalkeeper joined the Premier League team.

Odysseus Vlachodimos played 660 minutes in seven matches for Nottingham Forest and made five league appearances under Cooper. They conceded 16 goals and kept only one clean sheet.

Nuno Espirito Santo replaced Cooper in December 2023 and did not consider the stopper in the Premier League. In fact, they dropped him from the team for the last 14 league matches.

The Reds sold him to Newcastle United in July 2024, and he struggled for minutes at St James’ Park.

Therefore, the Magpies let him join Sevilla on a season-long loan deal in August 2025. The transfer went very well, but the Spanish club cannot make a permanent deal.

After some key departures, the Detroit Lions have some glaring needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Finding another starting-caliber offensive tackle is certainly one of them, even with Penei Sewell switching from right to left tackle. Another potential need involves strengthening the team’s running back room after trading David Montgomery to the Texans.

While some will argue that the arrival of free agent signee Isiah Pacheco makes up for the loss of Montgomery, the Lions love to run the football, and they want more than two reliable backs. Another solution could come in the NFL Draft, where the Lions have nine selections.

Recently, ESPN’s NFL analyst Ben Solak suggested that Notre Dame backup RB Jadarion Price is a “dream fit” for the Lions, where he would play second fiddle to Jahmir Gibbs, just like he did with the Fighting Irish behind star RB Jeremiah Love.

The Lions clearly won’t spend the 17th overall pick on a running back this year. However, Price could be their next pick, at No. 50 overall. But then again, the Lions probably won’t want to take on another major challenge to return when they’ve already invested heavily in keeping Gibbs as their starter for the foreseeable future.

Solak calls Price a “difficult projection” because he is not known as a strong pass-blocker or pass-catcher, meaning his best asset is as a rusher.

Price may not be available by the time the Lions are on the clock with the 118th overall pick, but there’s no doubt he could be a difference-maker in Detroit, or wherever he lands.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

AFC Bournemouth forward Ryan’s rapid rise to England is no longer just about adaptation – it is now attracting transfer interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal.

The 19-year-old arrived from Vasco da Gama in January and has wasted little time in making an impact. He has already played eight times for Bournemouth in seven matches, and has contributed two goals and one assist.

Those numbers tell only part of the story. Ryan has established himself as a consistent attacking threat in the Premier League, using his pace, strength and direct running to trouble defenders. His performances earned him a place on Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary list and soon after, first senior call-up.

That call-up has also increased his visibility across Europe. report from brazil have already indicated that clubs such as real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Manchester United And armory Keeping a close eye on his situation.

Interest from big clubs

Ryan has now addressed that growing attention directly.

“It’s every player’s dream to be on the top shelf,” He said in an interview globo esporte. “Bournemouth presented me with a very good project. By doing good work there, whether other clubs are watching or not, they will take notice.”

His comments show awareness of the situation without suggesting any immediate steps. However, they also underline how drastically his profile has changed since arriving in England.

Both armory And Manchester United Ryan had already been linked with a move to Bournemouth. His strong adaptation to the Premier League now makes him an even more attractive option for clubs operating in that environment.

Therefore, there remains interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Rapid adaptation attracts attention

Part of that growing interest is explained by How quickly Ryan has adjustedBoth on and off the pitch.

“It’s not easy to get there and adapt quickly,” He said. “Going out of the heat and into the cold… coming off the bench in the first game and getting an assist gave me confidence. Then getting the start and scoring the equalizing goal boosted that confidence even more.”

The forward also highlighted the role Bournemouth played in his development.

“The manager gives me a lot of freedom. He’s Spanish, so the language helps. In three months I managed to show my potential with good football and that’s what brought me here.”

That combination of opportunity and performance has accelerated his trajectory.

World Cup ambition remains

Despite growing transfer noise, Ryan remains focused on his international opportunity.

“There is a lot of competition in my position, a lot of good players who have been called up before,” He said. “But doing my job at Bournemouth could put me in the final list. Whether I stay there or not, I will support Brazil. But I hope to hear my name called.”

At 19, he also believes that his long-term cycle may be more aligned with the 2030 World Cup. Nevertheless, his current form has opened the door earlier than expected.

Now Bournemouth have a young attacker who is quickly adapting to the Premier League, earning a call-up to Brazil and attracting the attention of elite clubs.

If Ryan continues on this path, interest from Arsenal and Manchester United is unlikely to wane. Instead, it could move higher as the market begins to move higher.

🇧🇷Luiz Henrique | Can’t stop Arsenal’s teasing

➡️ Wants to play for father figure Mikel Arteta
🙏 “God willing, I have that opportunity”
💬 2 Talking to Gabriel
↔️ Gunner impressed with how he uses width
✍️ Latest Come and Get Me Request 👇https://t.co/PdvIvvFlV0 #afc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026

Leeds United have a clear opportunity to sign Hidemasa Morita, as the midfielder’s position has now moved much closer to the club’s expectations from last year.

Sporting CP player is on Leeds United’s radar from 2025. At the time, a move was considered but ultimately rejected. The asking price of around €10 million (£8.7 million), coupled with doubts over his fitness, made the deal difficult to justify.

Twelve months later, both of those obstacles have disappeared.

Morita is now approaching the end of his contract and is expected to leave Sporting this summer. That single-handedly changes the financial equation. However, there has also been a massive change in how his position is viewed by both players and the market.

Exit is now considered inevitable

Sporting are already Planning for life without Morita. The club’s midfield is set for major changes next season, with several departures expected and internal solutions being developed.

Morita’s case is the clearest. He has long indicated that he would not renew his contract, and his exit is now considered internally certain. This clarity allows the club to move forward with succession plans rather than attempting to extend his stay.

At the same time, the player’s own priorities have not changed. Moving to the Premier League has been a long-standing ambition of his, dating back to his early career in Japan.

That ambition is now hitting the right contractual moment.

Conditions are now favorable for a move to Leeds United

Hidemasa Morita’s situation looks very different compared to last summer. Financial risk has been removedAnd concerns over his physical condition have subsided during the current season.

This is where Leeds United enter the picture again in a more meaningful way.

The club had already done the groundwork on the player. They were aware of his profile, his role at Sporting and his suitability for English football. What stopped them at first wasn’t a lack of interest, but the structure of the overall deal.

Now, with Morita available on a free transfer and showing greater physical reliability, the same move carries far less risk.

portuguese newspaper to ball Insist that interest from Leeds United remains and a move is looking increasingly likely, with the midfielder pushing to fulfill his long-held ‘dream’ of playing in the Premier League.

An agreement that is now equal for all parties

The situation has developed such that all elements are pointing in the same direction.

Sporting is ready to move on. Morita is determined to take the next step in his career. There is already interest from Leeds and now he faces a much more favorable deal.

There is still time for the window to open and other clubs to emerge. External factors, including international performance ahead of the 2026 World Cup, could also influence the market.

Still, this is no longer the uncertain scenario it used to be. What Leeds United previously rejected now appears to be an opportunity of new size – and one that may be too hard to ignore.

🇪🇸 Largi Ramzani | Leeds United want to bring loanee back

➡️Daniel Farke plans to use him
🦇 Valencia are unlikely to keep him
💵 #LUFC Will sell only for good offers
➡️ Bargaining situation may arisehttps://t.co/8UJHjj71Om #against

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 25 March 2026

Arsenal have already named Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique his dream destination. Furthermore, the player’s current form suggests he may soon be forced to make that conversation more concrete.

Now at Zenit, the 23-year-old is enjoying a strong spell. This has increased his status at both club level and the Brazil national team setup.

In Brazil the attacker has been widely described as the “12th man” for the national team. He can’t always start. However, he is consistently involved and reliable to impact the game either from the bench or in the rotation.

This reputation is built on performances that combine output with unpredictability. This season, Luiz Henrique has contributed with 5 goals and 6 assists in his 39 appearances for Zenit. He has maintained the same direct, aggressive style that has distinguished him in Brazil.

Arsenal links and Premier League history

Luiz Henrique’s praise for the Gunners is nothing new. In November 2025, he said: “It’s been my dream to play in England since I was a kid. There’s one team I like very much, that’s Arsenal”.

His words now sit in the wider Premier League context.

Before they went to Russia, clubs like Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United Everyone was competing for his signature.

At the time, there was a real battle going on in England for a player seen as one of Brazil’s most explosive wide options.

That interest has not ended. If anything, his performances since leaving Botafogo have reinforced the idea that he is unlikely to remain at Zenit for the long term. In fact, his Agent confirms he would prefer to move to England When the time comes.

His pace, dribbling and one-on-one strength continue to stand out. Players with that profile attract constant attention from English clubs. Given his age and trajectory, another move seems more than likely a matter of time.

Zenit opened the door and set the price

The situation of Luiz Henrique can now enter the next phase. Report from Brazilian outlet RTI game point out that Zenit is willing to sell the winger in the next transfer window, provided his valuation is met. The Russian club are said to be demanding €40m (£34m) to get a deal approved.

Interest is already emerging from Brazil. Flamengo and Palmeiras are both monitoring the situation and considering a move. However, the financial scale of the operation makes domestic returns difficult. This is true even for clubs with strong resources.

As a result, the Premier League again looks like the most realistic destination if Zenit go ahead with their plans.

what happens next

Luiz Henrique’s public stance has been clear. He wants to fulfill his contract, but he also dreams of playing in England. He has openly stated Arsenal as his favorite club.

Now with the price established and interest growing, that path is starting to take shape.

From Arsenal’s perspective, this could develop into a compelling opportunity. Luiz Henrique already has the tools to start for most Premier League sides. This is given in view of their output and ability in wide areas.

More specifically, there is a scenario where Arsenal could consider refreshing their attacking options with a profile change in the Brazilian – moving from Gabriel Martinelli to Luiz Henrique.

In current form, this would represent an upgrade in directness and one-on-one impact, which would align well with Mikel Arteta’s attacking structure if the club decide to make it work.

The 2025-26 season isn’t even remotely going as planned for the Golden State Warriors. After the 2025 NBA Playoffs gave the franchise hope that if they could get everyone healthy in time for the playoffs, they could compete with the best, the Warriors’ injury problems have worsened this season.

Jimmy Butler tore his ACL, sending Stephen Curry’s co-star to recover – largely destroying the Warriors’ title hopes. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who has been missing regular time due to illness. Moses Moody has suffered a nasty knee injury which is sure to keep him out for a while. And now, even Curry is battling persistent knee troubles, which has cast such a huge cloud of uncertainty over the team.

Still, as the old saying goes, it’s not over until it’s over. The Warriors are still in the postseason picture, and unless they are eliminated, there is a chance they can make things difficult for at least the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

At this point, qualifying for the playoffs in any capacity is already a huge win. This season is long lost for the Dubs, and there is no way they can force Curry to return before his body is ready.

That said, this is the Warriors’ dream seeding and matchup scenario heading into the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Warriors dream scenario: Earn the eighth seed, Stephen Curry gets healthy

At the time of writing, the Warriors have a record of 34–38, as their difficult month of March (they went 3–9 in the calendar month) has caused their decline in the Western Conference standings. They find life extremely difficult without Curry, as they don’t have enough fire and star power to survive in a loaded conference without their best player, making life easier for the rest of the roster.

Now, discussing the shortcomings of the roster is not the subject of this article. But to summarize, the Warriors have a roster full of role players and support players that can’t increase their production as much when their best player is gone, leading to a lot of inconsistencies from game to game.

And Curry’s return doesn’t seem imminent; While the Warriors are insisting he is on track with his recovery, he was not able to participate in 5-on-5 scrimmages over the weekend, while the team initially hoped he would. This knee injury may be more serious than the Dubs have indicated, although that shouldn’t be a surprise considering Curry is 38 years old.

But unless Curry is sidelined for the rest of the season, the Warriors hope they can keep things competitive in the play-in tournament picture. If Curry is ultimately ruled out of the play-in tournament game, it is safe to say that the Dubs will not be favored in any way in any games against other potential play-in teams in the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers.

However, if Curry returns, it changes the equation drastically in the Warriors’ favor. Curry is a big-game player who has gone through every battle imaginable during his NBA career, and there is no way he should be fazed in a game. There will be concerns about his form when he returns from injury, but he has performed brilliantly in the past after returning from a long absence.

Curry will get the Warriors offense humming once again; Without running around the court to create space, the Dubs’ offense becomes stagnant and inefficient and overly reliant on making difficult shots. With Curry’s return, his teammates have reduced responsibilities, and they can move back into more comfortable supporting roles, restoring balance to the team.

If Curry comes back for the Warriors in the next week or so, it’s even better for the Warriors. This gives them a better chance of avoiding the dreaded 9/10 play-in tournament games. The Dubs’ play-in history isn’t very encouraging, so it’s important to give themselves a better chance of reaching the playoffs by giving them two chances to qualify instead of just one.

The Dubs are just two games behind the Clippers for eighth place in the conference, and that’s a deficit they can make up with 10 games remaining in the season.

The game against the Suns is very winnable at the moment; Injury problems have also hit the Suns badly, with Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, who were key players for the team, currently on the mend. The Suns have been playing below .500 basketball in the month of March, and the Warriors can certainly give them a run for their money – especially with Curry back.

The blueprint for the Warriors to make the playoffs in this dream scenario is clear: They must earn the eighth seed (very possible with four games remaining against the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings, and a key matchup against the Clippers), defeat the Suns, and have a tough contest against the inexperienced San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Now, the Warriors will be heavy underdogs in the playoff series against the Spurs. But Golden State is currently winning the season series against San Antonio (2-1). The caveat is that the Dubs had won these two wins before Butler’s season-ending injury. Still, this suggests he may remain with the Spurs in some capacity.

The potential playoff series against the Spurs also feels like a passing of the torch moment. As anyone may remember, a young, improved Warriors team led by Curry faced the Spurs in the 2013 NBA Playoffs and were defeated in a six-game first round playoff series.

Now, it’s the turn of the young, rising Spurs to face a more experienced team that is at the end of its competitive phase – which could be a fitting bookend to the true end of this Warriors dynasty.

With only 10 games remaining before the playoffs, the New York Knicks look ready to take on the challenge of advancing to the NBA Finals. New York has won six consecutive games. And their top-five offensive and defensive ratings are a testament to their success, with both trending in recent times. Additionally, many of the Knicks’ critics, who as recently as last week were warning about their poor road trip to the NBA Finals, were silenced when Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons suffered an untimely concussion.

While the Knicks themselves are unlikely to be focused on other teams’ roster developments, those around the team have likely turned their attention to advantageous matchups in the playoffs.

How the Knicks should approach the Eastern Conference playoff brackets

Ultimately, no Eastern Conference foe is that scary for New York at the moment. The Knicks have played well against most of the top teams except the Pistons. But if they had to choose, it’s probably the Boston Celtics at least Desirable match. Granted, New York is 2-1 against Boston this season (without Jayson Tatum). And the Celtics are still figuring out how to play with Tatum in their lineup. But Tatum is unlikely to continue shooting so poorly (38.5% from the floor and 29.3% on 3-pointers, both career lows). And Boston probably has the biggest lead of any other Eastern Conference contender.

However, the Knicks’ path to the NBA Finals appears to be easier now than it was a week ago. And the Knicks’ previous nightmare matchup has likely shifted into their dream scenario. Detroit suddenly looks a lot more attractive without Cunningham. Still, the Pistons are a hard-nosed, gritty team. They still have several talented and athletic defenders. And if Cunningham is out they’ll probably want to make the game even more physical.

It’s important to note that there is no guarantee that Cunningham will miss any games in the second round. And the second round is the earliest the Knicks could possibly face the Pistons. But given Cunningham’s potential limitations due to a lack of conditioning, as well as the options in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Pistons suddenly look like their best second-round matchup.

And while it’s a long shot that New York will face Detroit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, it is possible. The Pistons are five games ahead of the Celtics with 11 games remaining.

Which Eastern Conference rival offers a dream first-round matchup?

Before turning their attention to the second round, the Knicks must deal with a first-round opponent. Considering the odds, New York should probably prefer to face the Atlanta Hawks. Agreed, this is probably the best team of the group. But many other teams are performing poorly for various other reasons.

The Philadelphia 76ers have the highest ceiling—and the lowest floor. They can and probably will be a mediocre team at best. But the chances of Paul George returning to his old form are slim, however slim, as is the possibility of Joel Embiid returning from injury. And if it works, the 76ers might be a little too dangerous for comfort.

The Orlando Magic offer the same ruthless toughness that makes Detroit an ineffective matchup, albeit with much less cohesion. The Miami Heat and head coach Erik Spoelstra have historically been very good at playing in the postseason. And the Charlotte Hornets are just too young, talented and free for any team want Even to face.

So, in an ideal world, the Knicks would remain in the third seed, Atlanta would remain in the sixth seed, and Detroit would drop to the second seed. And while that path may be incredibly unlikely, the silver lining is that a healthy Pistons team is the only Eastern Conference foe the Knicks have to handle this year. And it appears Detroit is unlikely to return to full strength.

So, minus the Pistons from the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have a very clear path through the East. And while it’s incredibly important that the Knicks avoid losing anyone, it’s also possible to think that if they stay locked in that no one can beat them in the East. Still, New York should expect its dream matchups to make life easier.

Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren says he is having the best season of his career with Martin O’Neill’s team and has left the door open to leaving Celtic Park.

After spending more than three years at FC Nordsjælland, the Sweden international moved to Celtic in June 2025.

In his final season in Denmark, he scored 16 goals and four assists in 32 matches. This convinced Celtic to take a bet on him when Brendan Rodgers was in charge.

He scored five goals and four assists in 16 matches for Celtic under Rodgers, who left the club in October. That time, Nygren said He was ‘saddened’ by Rodgers’ decision to leave.

O’Neill used him in the middle of the pitch and as an attacking midfielder, and he scored 11 goals and two assists under his orders.

He has 19 goals and seven assists in 48 games for Celtic and the numbers in the league are shown below.

• Expected target: 10.78
• Expected assists: 5.82
• Big chances created: 7
• Key passes per game: 1.1
• Shots on goal per game: 1.1
• Successful dribble: 0.7
• Interceptions per game: 0.5
• Tackles per game: 0.9
• possession won [final third]: 0.8

Celtic player dreams of moving to the top league

sportbladet Interviewed Benjamin Nygren to discuss his season so far with the Bhoys and other topics.

“It’s been a really good season for me personally. The best of my career and I feel I’ve been given exactly the role I wanted at Celtic. I can be creative from my position in midfield, create a lot going forward and personally it’s been a good season,” He said.

“It is a bit difficult from a team point of view, but we are hopeful and confident that we will win the league this year.”

The 24-year-old’s versatility and overall performances for Celtic have sparked transfer links.

The newspaper mentions Manchester United as the rumored club, and these links please the player. In fact, he leaves the door open for a move away from Celtic in the future.

“It’s really just fun and a sign that you’ve done something good. I’m always humble, I’m always working hard to get better every day and I really enjoy Celtic.” Nigren explained.

“But like every other footballer, I have a dream to progress as far as possible in football and play in the biggest league.”

Sweden contracts, prices and agent information

Although he has expressed a desire to move on a big break, Celtic’s stance on his potential sale is not yet known.

Benjamin Nygren’s contract is until 2030, and his value, accordingly transfer marketWhen he joined Celtic he cost €6m. This increased to €6.5m in December and to €10m in March.

Agency HCM Sports Management represents the Celtic player, who is managed by agents Hasan Cetinkaya and Ali Dursun. He has a long list of clients, and includes Arsenal’s Victor Gyöckeres and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

This is the fourth year of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ competitive journey with Donovan Mitchell in town, and they have yet to advance beyond the second round of the NBA playoffs. But if there was ever a year for the Cavs to reach the playoffs, it was in 2026, when they made the aggressive move of acquiring 36-year-old veteran James Harden in exchange for the original member of their main four, Darius Garland, who is only 26 years old.

The trade for Harden signaled the Cavs’ intent to accelerate their competitive timeline, gunning for dominance in a wide-open Eastern Conference playoff picture. Harden has given the Cavs a higher floor than Garland, and he has at least had more playoff success than anyone on the roster, giving them another battle-tested player to try and get over the hump.

But in the playoffs, many times the matchups play a huge role in determining a team’s chances of advancing to the championship. The Cavs unfortunately ran into the red-hot Indiana Pacers last year, lost to the more physically imposing New York Knicks in a first-round matchup in 2023, and then ran into the eventual champion Boston Celtics in 2024.

However, it seems like the Cavs are in a lucky position this time, just in case they enter the postseason at full strength.

Here is the playoff seeding scenario the Cavs should expect with less than a month to go before the playoffs begin.

The Cavs finished fourth, drew with the Magic in the first round, and faced the Pistons in the second round.

Currently, the Cavs are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings, as they are currently behind the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks. They suffered a slow start to the 2025–26 season, which prompted them to remodel the team during the trade deadline, bringing in Harden and turning De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball into viable playoff rotation pieces in Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.

This slow start caused many fans to be nervous at the start of the campaign, but perhaps this is what enabled them to make a deep playoff run in the first place.

The Cavs should be favored in any first-round matchup, regardless of which team comes up against them. The Toronto Raptors could make things worse, but not before Cleveland moved on with Harden and Jarrett Allen. Nonetheless, they don’t want to tempt fate against Toronto, a team that has won three games against them this season.

Cleveland handled Miami last year, but the Heat have a much better lineup this year, and they have been playing great basketball in recent weeks, finding their stride with less than a month to go before the playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers would be an ideal matchup, but given their injury problems, they don’t have enough firepower to climb up to fifth place.

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets may be good matchups for the Cavs, but playoff battles against teams that have nothing to lose are never fun for teams that are feeling a sense of urgency in their competitive timeline.

This makes the matchup against the Magic ideal for the Cavs.

Orlando doesn’t have the depth to match up with Cleveland, and they’re missing some key guys at the moment – ​​Franz Wagner and Anthony Black are dealing with nagging injuries. He could return in time for the playoffs, but it’s unclear exactly how well he’ll be able to play, given how long his absence has been.

To that end, facing the Magic seems like the most ideal first-round matchup for the Cavs. Being a playoff team the last few years, the Magic have posed such a serious threat to the Cavs that Cleveland will not let their guard down, and at least on paper, they should not have enough resources to overcome the Cavs in a seven-game series.

If they ultimately beat the Magic, they are also avoiding a potential second-round matchup against either the Celtics or Knicks, two of the three teams that sent them home in the playoffs the last three seasons. This should at least set them up for an easy matchup against the Detroit Pistons on paper.

The Pistons have established themselves as a legitimate contending team this season, but their playoff potential has yet to be tested. Last year, they were still “happy to be there” on the playoff team, but this year, they are the favorites: Do they have the mentality to fight off teams that may be gunning for their heads as prey?

There are also some ways to better prepare for the Pistons matchup from a Cavs perspective. Bringing in Harden gives them one less defensive liability; While he isn’t the best defender, his lateral agility isn’t the best either. But he has more size than Garland and is much better suited to integrate into a more tenacious team defensive gameplan.

The Pistons are also relying on a few players who will dare to make open shots from the perimeter. Their best perimeter defender, Aussie Thompson, has significant shortcomings on offense. He has questionable secondary shot-making; Dennis Jenkins’ purple patch appears to be over, Marcus Sasser is a target on defense, and Caris LeVert is like a box of chocolates.

If the Cavs can slow down Cade Cunningham, it’s going to be a question of who the Pistons will run to on offense. Jalen Duren has been great all year, but Cleveland has an Allen-Evan Mobley duo that has made life difficult for him, to say the least. Tobias Harris is not a respectable playoff performer.

Scoring in the halfcourt becomes more important in the playoffs, and unlike the Knicks and Celtics – the Pistons have significant question marks on that end.

That doesn’t mean the Pistons will be an easy matchup at all. They can also suffocate the Cavs with defense and physicality, which has been their calling card this season. But in the playoffs, there are hardly any easy matches. However, the matchups are easier than others, and the Pistons certainly look more beatable in a postseason setting than other contenders in the East.

The Cavs–Pistons season series is also tied 2–2, which suggests the teams are closer to each other in ability than in the standings.

The Detroit Pistons are currently leading the Eastern Conference standings for most of the season behind the elite play of All-NBA talent Cade Cunningham. They’re on a revenge tour after being eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks last May, looking like the most dominant team in the East as the NBA playoffs approach.

With 15 games remaining in their regular season schedule and a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics, six of those games come against sub-.500 teams as the Pistons hope to retain their No. 1 seed through the end of the year. This would ultimately pit them against the No. 8 seed in the East following the conclusion of the play-in tournament.

As things stand, potential first-round opponents for the Pistons include the Heat, 76ers, Hornets and Hawks, with teams like the Bucks and Bulls watching from the outside. Let’s take a look at best-case matchup scenarios for the Detroit Pistons for the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Pistons’ 2026 NBA Playoffs – Dream Scenario

If the Pistons hope to avoid the New York Knicks in the playoffs once again, they are right where they need to be with the No. 1 seed and on the other side of the bracket. If the season ended today, the Pistons would face the winners of No. 9 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 10 Charlotte Hornets and No. 7 Miami Heat vs. No. 8 Philadelphia 76ers.

Between the Hornets and Hawks, the Pistons have held a perfect record against both teams in five meetings. They would face each team once more before the season ended and two of those five games would be won by double digits. While the Hornets have certainly gained some strength during this second half of the season, the games between Atlanta and Detroit were much closer in nature as the Hawks have a more consistent front court and defensive effort.

The Pistons have gone 3-0 against the Philadelphia 76ers this season, so they should meet in the first round, especially with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid sitting due to injury. The Miami Heat are actually the only team out of the four possible play-in selections to beat Detroit, most recently doing so on their home field in March. This will likely be Detroit’s last choice as an opponent for the first round pending any changes in the current standings.

Detroit’s path to the NBA Finals

Unless the Knicks fall in the standings before the end of the season, the Pistons will face the winner of the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the No. 5 Orlando Magic. The Pistons would face the Magic once again before the end of the season, leading the season series 2–1, earning both wins by double-digit margins. While the Magic have wins over them, Detroit is a much deeper team and could ultimately stifle Paolo Banchero’s production with their big men during a seven-game series.

The Cavaliers have been one of the Pistons’ biggest opponents this season, finishing their season series at 2–2, stealing a game by a double-digit margin on the road in Detroit early in the season. The Cavs also won the latest meeting during this past part of the season, so Detroit would benefit greatly from Orlando upsetting Cleveland and have a much easier matchup in the quarterfinals.

From there, the Pistons could face a team like the No. 2 Boston Celtics, No. 3 New York Knicks, or No. 6 Toronto Raptors if they are able to pull off an upset. Obviously, facing the lowest possible seed would benefit the Pistons the most, but eventually the time will come when they will have to defeat their biggest rival.

The Pistons are a combined 6-1 against the Knicks and Celtics this season, and are largely confident in their ability to win a seven-game series against any Eastern Conference opponent this season. They have gone 32-11 overall and 18-5 at home against Eastern Conference teams this season, so if the Pistons are able to clinch this No. 1 seed and continue their dominance in the NBA Playoffs, they should be the favorite to emerge in the NBA Finals.

There has been significant improvement from the Portland Trail Blazers. After missing the playoffs in each of the last four seasons with a number of brutal results – including a 21-61 mark in 2023-24 – the Blazers have played quite well this season. They are on track to return to the playoffs, even if they currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference.

That’s good enough to put them in the play-in portion of the NBA Playoffs. After defeating the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, their record is 33-36 and that is enough to give them a 9 game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies. It seems pretty safe that their position inside the playoff structure is secure.

The question is whether the Blazers can improve their position, because their chances of finishing in the top eight once the Western Conference playoffs start are quite good.

The play-in portion of the tournament begins with the No. 7 seed hosting the No. 8 seed. The winner of that game is in the playoff structure as the seventh seed. That would mean a potential showdown with the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs.

The No. 9 and 10 teams will play on the home court of the No. 9 seed and the team that loses that game will be eliminated. The winner goes on the road to face the loser of 7-8 games. The winner of that game earns the No. 8 spot. That team will play against the top-seeded and defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Although this seems like an impossible matchup, it’s certainly better than missing the playoffs or getting swept in the play-in games.

The No. 8 spot would be an ideal spot for the Blazers

The Blazers are a half-game behind the No. 9 seed Golden State Warriors and 2.0 games behind the eighth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers. He can improve his position to reach number 8 and this seems to be the best position for him. The Phoenix Suns are in 7th place with a 39-29 record, and they appear to be out of reach.

The Blazers have played the first two games of a five-game road trip. Before beating the Nets, they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers and will play at Indiana on Wednesday night. This should be a winnable game as the Pacers are in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 15-53 record.

However, the final two games of the trip are against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. Both of those experienced teams are tied for the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference with 41-27 records. The Trail Blazers are 1-1 against the Nuggets and 0-2 against the Timberwolves.

If they can survive the end of the road trip, the Blazers will return home for four games against the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Mavericks and Washington Wizards. All of those games are winnable, but a 3-1 homestand could be enough to help head coach Tiago Splitter’s team climb into the playoff structure.

Tiago Splitter has kept the team together as interim coach

Splitter has been the interim coach of the Blazers since the early part of the season, when Chauncey Billups was relieved of his duties after federal charges related to the illegal gambling investigation were filed against him.

The team could have fallen apart when their head coach left the team in such an unceremonious manner, but the splitter has kept the Trail Blazers together.

The Blazers have relied on forward Denny Avdija, guard Shaddon Sharp, forward Jerami Grant and veteran guard Jrue Holiday.

Avdija is their best scorer, averaging 24.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. The native of Tel Aviv, Israel clearly has good offensive skills and plays consistently hard on defense. Sharp is averaging 21.4 points per game, but he is out with a calf strain and the Blazers will have to compete without him for the foreseeable future.

Grant is averaging 18.8 points per game and is connecting on 50.9 percent of his shots from the field. Holiday is averaging 16.4 points and 6.2 assists per game, but it is his leadership and ability to stay calm in key moments that has helped the Blazers improve this season.

Holiday is a true professional who is one of the most underrated players in the league. He is a two-time All-Star and a six-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive Team. He was a key member of the Milwaukee Bucks when they won the NBA Championship in 2021 and he reprized his role when he helped the Boston Celtics win their 19th title in 2024.

His ability to play his best game in the most important situations can help the Blazers rise in the standings and then compete effectively in the postseason.

While the outcome of playoff basketball will be determined by skill, depth and experience, the right seeding can work wonders, especially for a team that may need to take some breaks to reach the NBA Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off one of their most impressive wins of the season. All-Star Luka Doncic drained a game-winner with just 0.5 seconds on the clock in a 127-125 overtime win over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, giving the Lakers a win over a group that many view as a true contender.

After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his team’s current chemistry, but kept his focus on the bigger picture.

“Is ‘coalesces’ a word? Is it the right word? To come together? To gel together?”. Redick asked the media after the win. “I think it feels like we’re coming together pretty well right now. Still a long way to go, still a long way to go, but definitely optimistic.”

Regardless of where the team starts netting, the Lakers would love to secure the No. 3 seed ahead of the NBA Playoffs. This result could provide them with a manageable early matchup and delay a meeting with arguably the league’s most dangerous juggernaut.

Lakers should shoot for Timberwolves in first-round matchup

If the regular season ended today, the Lakers would face the Timberwolves in the first round of the postseason. While it’s possible the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, or even the Phoenix Suns could finish sixth in the Western Conference, seeing the Timberwolves finish in that spot would be Los Angeles’ dream scenario.

The Lakers went 3-0 against Minnesota this season and won two of those games with the team from La La Land winning by more than 10 points. From a statistical standpoint, there is reason to believe that their offense will pose a real challenge for the Timberwolves.

While the T-Wolves are a more effective team from behind the arc, Los Angeles boasts a better offensive rating as well as the NBA’s best free throw attempt rate. Even if shots aren’t falling, the Lakers will find their way to the charity stripe and add points.

Despite elite talent like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Nazi Reed and Donte DiVincenzo, LeBron James, Austin Reeves and Doncic should be able to dominate the Timberwolves in the seven-game series, even if their weak 3-point shooting remains an issue.

Third seed will delay playoff date with Thunder

Redick and the Lakers might not want to get too ahead of themselves, but if they were to win a first-round matchup as the third seed in the West, they would not have to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Los Angeles has lost two games against the Thunder so far this season, and while the teams are set to play twice more before the tournament begins, the reality remains the same. If any team has to play the Thunder this postseason, they would likely prefer to do so in the later stages of the bracket. With the Western Conference Finals approaching, attrition could be a real factor for a team that also played late last season.

As the third seed, the Lakers’ likely second-round opponent will be the San Antonio Spurs, whom they have also struggled against this year. But the matchup with Victor Wembanyama is also more enjoyable than the matchup against Oklahoma City.

With 15 games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers appear to be finding their way. They have won eight of their last nine games, and after their thrilling win on Saturday, they are well aware of how important it will be to finish the season playing their best basketball.

“Obviously it’s a good win for us,” James told Khobi Price of the California Post. “but after [Saturday]We proceeded to a six-game roadie. We have to be prepared for this and it starts with Houston. In this league, it’s great to enjoy that moment, but when the next moment comes you have to move on.”

Have the Denver Nuggets been disappointing so far in the 2025-26 season? It’s a question many are raising now and then as they battle for a spot in the Western Conference. A large portion of NBA fans believed that they were the second-best team in the NBA after their offseason maneuvers, but they have yet to find the level of consistency that makes them worthy of such praise.

Whatever the case, the Nuggets stand as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the postseason for a simple reason: They have Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray running the show. If they get a clean bill of health in the playoffs, the Nuggets are going to be one of the toughest matchups, as they are a legitimately competitive team that could make it at any time.

But in the playoffs, luck may play a role. The matchup also matters, and the same applies for the Nuggets – a team that currently sits in fifth place in the West standings with a 41-27 record.

That said, in a month’s time, when the 2026 NBA Playoffs begin, this is what the Nuggets should expect in terms of seeding.

Nuggets avoid 4th/5th seed, postpone potential Thunder matchup until WCF

Some people think that the regular season doesn’t matter much and the real games start during the playoffs. This is not the case; Homecourt advantage can play a big role in the postseason, and taking care of business in the regular season can yield favorable matchups.

But if the Nuggets have learned anything from last year’s playoffs, it’s that the matchup against the Thunder may be the best one for the Conference Finals.

OKC remains the best team in the NBA, and they now have championship pedigree. There were questions last season whether he had what it takes to make it on the grand stage, but he has answered all those questions correctly and passed the test with flying colors.

While the Thunder dodging all the way to the Conference Finals guarantees nothing, the Nuggets can at least have more variables working in their favor the deeper they go into the postseason. Injury may occur. Fatigue may occur. And perhaps by the time the WCF moves on, if Denver makes it that far, they could be sure to have a more favorable matchup.

Last season, the Thunder were overwhelming the Grizzlies, making them a far more fresh team than the Nuggets, who were coming off a seven-game bloodbath against the Los Angeles Clippers. This year, taking care of business early and quickly could help protect the Nuggets deeper into the postseason, especially given the injury problems they have endured throughout the season.

At this point, the two-seed appears to be well out of reach for the Nuggets. So if anything, Denver would like to move up to third in the West, or if they fall, get the sixth seed instead.

It’s hard to tell what the most favorable 3-6 matchup will be for the Nuggets. If there’s one matchup to avoid it’s the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets in 2024, and they have the size and length to make life difficult for Denver. Considering the Nuggets’ poor defense (they have the 21st-ranked defense in the league), an early playoff matchup against Anthony Edwards may not be ideal.

The matchup against Houston Rockets seems to be the most favourable. Houston will have trouble creating offense in the postseason when halfcourt offenses become more prominent. Amen Thompson is a non-shooter. Reed Shepard is a shooter, but has significant defensive shortcomings.

The Rockets will also be missing Steven Adams for the rest of the season, so it’s not like Houston will be able to throttle Denver on the offensive glass.

Kevin Durant will have their work cut out for them. Alpern Sengun will be tested on defense, especially when he has to cover the Jokic-Murray two-man game. The Rockets’ role players (Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith) are hit or miss from beyond the arc.

There are no easy matchups in the playoffs, but the matchup against the Rockets looks very winnable, at least on paper.

If the Nuggets get there, they will likely face a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs in the second round. Facing Victor Wembanyama in a playoff series doesn’t sound very appealing.

But in a conference where you have to go through a blender to survive, the matchup against the non-battle-tested Spurs at least seems more manageable than the second-round matchup against the defending champion Thunder.

Crescencio Somerville has confirmed that both the Netherlands and Suriname are respecting him as his international future comes into focus. The West Ham winger says he is aware that the Dutch national team staff are closely monitoring his performances.

In February, reports revealed that Netherlands assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was in the stands to watch Somerville during West Ham’s clash with Bournemouth. And Somerville confirmed that the visit was no coincidence.

“He was in the stands during our match against Bournemouth and we spoke briefly afterwards,” he told Algemeen Dagblad. Via Football News.

Van Nistelrooy scouting trip underlines Dutch interest

According to Somerville, Van Nistelrooy made it clear that the Dutch FA is closely monitoring his progress at West Ham.

“Ruud Van Nistelrooij told me that the Netherlands is following me closely,” he said. “Of course, that was great news.”

But the Dutch are not the only national interest. Suriname national coach Henk ten Cate has also arrived.

“I have Surinamese parents, I go to Suriname every year on holidays, so it means a lot to me too.”

Suriname approach adds emotional weight

Asked whether the choice between the Netherlands and Suriname was complicated for him, Somerville was honest but cautious.

“I haven’t been called up to the Netherlands yet, so it’s not the right time yet,” he said.

However, he did indicate where his heart lies. “I have played for Dutch youth national teams my whole life, so I have an association with the KNVB and it has been around for a long time.”

“Highest possible level” – World Cup ambitions drive the decision

Whatever decision the 24-year-old takes, it will be based solely on his sporting ambitions.

“It’s clear that my sporting ambitions are to achieve the highest goals,” he said.

“People I’ve talked to recently have an understanding and respect for it and I appreciate that.”

The forward admits he still dreams of the biggest stage. He said, “As a little boy, you dream of participating in the World Cup; everyone will recognize that.”

But he is refusing to get ahead of himself. “In top-level football, it works like this: you have to make sure you are ready again and again. So it’s not just about having a good match, it’s about constantly getting the best out of yourself. Your game has to go to the next level again and again.”

What comes next for the West Ham winger

For now, Somerville is keeping its options open. But the message he is sending is clear, he wants to reach the highest level possible. On that front, it’s a clear choice between the Netherlands and Suriname.

Both have made their interest clear, and Koeman has already accepted He is keeping a close eye on the West Ham star.

Given his recent form, the growing international interest comes as no surprise. That includes seven goals in his last seven games for the Hammers and seven goals in his last ten games in all competitions.

His performances have been a major factor in West Ham’s fight to get out of the Premier League. Now an international fight seems to be starting for him.

The Atlanta Hawks have had an up and down season. They were believed to be a promising team in the Eastern Conference, plagued by injuries to key stars from contenders around the conference. Additionally, their 2025 offseason moves made by general manager Onsi Saleh had fans and prognosticators alike interested in what the Hawks could become in this wide-open Eastern Conference. But with the Hawks facing a slump due to injuries and an unfortunate trade, fans are clamoring for a 2026 offseason, and the value of the Pelicans/Bucks pick swap is highly anticipated.

But it appears as if the Hawks have turned the corner. At the time of this writing, they are on a seven-game winning streak and are 8-2 in their last 10 games. They are just three games behind the Miami Heat, who are currently in the six-seed in the playoff standings, with Toronto and Philadelphia one and two games ahead of them, respectively.

The ideal seeding situation for the Hawks is to get the number six seed. It’s realistic, and they’ve been on a roll since the end of the All-Star break. Finishing sixth takes them out of the play-ins for the first time in months. The Hawks have been a mainstay in the play-ins over the past few seasons since making it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, but they failed to make the playoffs last season after losing to the Miami Heat.

It would be a huge accomplishment for the Hawks to clinch the six-seed and put them in position to potentially pull an upset in the first round, which would garner fan support for the direction of the team. hawks nation was Disappointed Via Trae Young’s trade. But the preseason could help mend fans’ broken hearts

If the season ended today and the Hawks found a way to dethrone the No. 6 seed Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference, they would face the New York Knicks. The Knicks have been a consistent team this season, even winning the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup. But out of the top six current teams, they arguably have the biggest weaknesses that the Hawks can exploit to pull off a big playoff-series win.

While Karl-Anthony Towns is a phenomenal player, he is often inconsistent. With how heavy the Hawks are, I believe they can compete well with the Knicks in a seven-game series. And while Trae Young, who saw his star rise following the Hawks’ five-game defeat of the Knicks in the 2021 playoffs, is no longer with the team, Jalen Johnson could prove to be a thorn in the Knicks’ side. Johnson’s propensity to drive to the basket and his explosiveness could be a good fit for the small-ball lineups that Mike Brown likes to employ, and I think there is no defender on the Knicks outside of OG Anunoby who can really stay one-on-one with him.

Should the Hawks find a way to defeat the Knicks in the first round in this scenario, they would then face the Boston Celtics. Now, the Hawks have seen the Celtics in the playoffs before, ultimately losing 4-2 in 2023. So far, the Hawks have split the season series with the Celtics, with the Celtics defeating them 132–106 on January 17 and the Hawks getting their revenge on January 28, 117–106. Now that the Hawks are hitting form, two matchups between the Hawks and Celtics in late March could be a preview of how the teams will match up in the playoffs.

Jayson Tatum is back in the lineup, but he’s still not quite 100%. While the Celtics were smart to get him back into the rotation ahead of their playoff run, it’s unknown if he’ll actually get back to his pre-Achilles playing style any time soon. While Jaylen Brown has emerged as a phenomenal player and is even in the running for NBA MVP, the Hawks can certainly match the Celtics’ superior three-point shooting ability with a mix of savvy defense and athleticism. While they likely won’t win a series against the Celtics, having a good matchup against them could be a good sign for Quin Snyder and Atlanta, giving them the building blocks for more success in an important offseason.

The Hawks certainly aren’t championship contenders, but they have a chance to pick up a small win that could help them reign among the top teams in the NBA over the next few seasons. But that scenario hinges on the Hawks climbing out of the play-in picture and officially securing one of the top six seeds in the East for the first time in five years.

Atlanta, GA – It’s bigger than basketball for Andre Drummond.

As a two-time NBA All-Star and four-time rebounding leader, the Philadelphia 76ers center has garnered numerous awards throughout his career. In 2014, he signed an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand and remained with the company for almost a decade. In all that time, he hasn’t had a signature sneaker, which he flaunted when he was younger.

“As a kid, I would make sneakers of things I wanted to see, like be the face of Nike,” Drummond said in an exclusive interview with Clutch Points. “Like, at 10 years old, I’m designing Nike solutions on shoes I’m making. Just imagining my idols and people I grew up with, they have their signature shoes. Being a guy that loved Jordan and being a part of the Jordan Brand for many years.

“That was a dream come true for me, too. I’m like, ‘One day, I want to be able to do something like that on my scale.'”

14 years later, and that dream has become a reality.

Drummond recently announced his new venture with Stria Sport, founded by Eric Porter, where he will not only have his own signature sneaker, but also the title of “Creative Director” and have equity in the company.

After his deal with Jordan expired, he was looking for another brand to work with in 2022. He was scrolling through social media when he saw athlete and family friend, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, sporting some sneakers that caught his attention.

“I’m like ‘D’, this [are] Very tough,” Drummond said. “So I reached out, and Eric came right back to me and said, ‘Hey, man, we’re just starting a new company. We’re not really ready to sign a player like you right now, so give us a few years, and if you’re still a free agent we’ll come back and take a look again.”

Drummond did not sign with anyone. He was still a free agent and wore several different sneakers during his time with the Chicago Bulls and 76ers. Then, Porter reached back last June. He not only offered to sign Drummond to Stria Sport, but also gave him ownership, a signature shoe, and equity in the company.

This was no easy task for Drummond.

Drummond said, “I’m doing this not only to get my own signature shoe, but to have equity in the company, to have the creative direction of the company, to be what I want to see. It was a no-brainer.” “So I was super excited to do it. We got the paperwork done. It took us a couple of months to get the paperwork done, but we figured out what was best for both sides of the party, and here we are today. Things are in the running.”

Andre Drummond is looking to create a legacy

Drummond knows how to run a business. Companies will call you and tell you they will get back to you when the time is right, then you never hear from them again. Eric was different in that regard.

“Just to get [Eric] Reaching out and me not reaching out to him really showed the seriousness of how much he believed in my vision of what I wanted to see. Not for myself, but what I saw for the company.”

Stria Sports was a match made in heaven for Drummond. He’s able to work side by side with someone who has actually played the game and knows what it means to have a good basketball shoe on his foot. As for Drummond, he’s worn the three biggest brands for most of his career, but it’s always been something else he’s reaching for.

“Of course, I’m excited about the signature shoe, but for me, I’m thinking about the future and what this company can look like,” Drummond said. “I’m thinking about my kids and what they can do for this company, like having something of their own. Not so many people can walk around school and say, ‘Hey, my dad owns a sneaker company.’ I get that creative direction. I can essentially make my own shoes if I want to. “I’m looking forward to passing it on to the next generation, to my children, and they will also pass it on to their brothers and sisters.”

“It’s bigger than me. It’s bigger than basketball. It’s bigger than all of us. I want to build a shoe and build a company that is athlete-based.”

Everyone knows about the top players who had a hand in creating their own signature sneakers. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry and James Harden to name a few. These are some of the people Drummond grew up watching, playing against and forming friendships with.

“Seeing that they have their own shoe, I wanted to be like that one day. Obviously, it’s later in my career, and obviously, where I was seven years ago is different than where I am now, which is why I say it’s so much bigger than basketball. It’s creating something that’s athlete-based that everyone can know and love.”

No matter how long it takes him, Drummond will be able to keep his name in the conversation with athletes who have their own signature sneaker. This is something that not only are they proud of, but their children and younger generations can look up to and want to aspire to do.

At first it was all a dream for Drummond, but now he is living it.

There’s something about the bright lights of Madison Square Garden that brings out the best in the NBA’s rising stars. For Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, Wednesday night was the perfect stage to show why he is a fundamental part of a championship contender.

In a back-and-forth battle leading up to the final possession, the Thunder defeated the New York Knicks 103–100. Holmgren was the focal point of the attack, finishing with 28 points and eight rebounds. He made 11 of 19 shots from the field and hit six crucial three-pointers, silencing the boisterous New York crowd every time the Knicks threatened to pull away.

After the game, Holmgren did not hide his excitement about performing in the world’s most famous arena. “Playing in the Garden is any hooper’s dream,” Holmgren said. “The juices were flowing, and we were ready to play”. His defensive presence was equally impressive, as he stopped multiple drives by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns in the final minutes.

“Playing in the garden is any hooper’s dream…the juices were flowing, and we were ready to play.”

—Chet Holmgren knows how to put on a show at MSG 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/pXblGFSTMD

– Sports Center (@SportsCenter) 5 March 2026

The win didn’t come easy, especially with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein suffering minor injuries earlier in the evening in Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 26 points and eight assists, providing the steady leadership needed to earn the win on a tough road. For the Knicks, Anthony-Towns led the way with 17 points, but late turnovers proved costly as the Thunder’s defense crumbled.

The Thunder remain on top of the Western Conference standings, and games like this prove they have the mental toughness to win in adverse environments. As Holmgren continues to develop into a two-way force, the rest of the league is beginning to realize that “Hooper’s dream” is becoming a reality in OKC.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been linked with Breno Bidon in recent months – and the Corinthians midfielder has now openly admitted that playing in the Champions League is part of his long-term ambition.

tnt sports brazil Published a quick interview in which the 20-year-old made his European dream very clear. Although there is no defined timeline, the direction of travel is clear.

“I dream of playing in Europe. It’s been a dream since I was a kid – to play in Europe, to play in the Champions League, like I said, to play in the World Cup. It’s been a dream since I was little. I have that desire. I don’t know when that moment will come, but I have a desire to play abroad.” He said

There are already six big links to Brenno Bidon

Chelsea were the only club to test Corinthians’ resolve with an offer. report in brazil The offer is claimed to be worth around €20m (£17m), which is well below the club’s expectations.

arsenal and manchester united Both have been interrogated. However, no one has moved forward with collecting information.

At the same time, nottingham forest, Fulham and Wolverhampton He has also been credited with monitoring the midfielder. Their involvement remains at the scouting level rather than the negotiation level.

Corinthians reportedly set their internal assessment much higher. some outlets in brazil There are claims they will only start talks at a figure closer to €30m (£25.5m), while others suggest the demand could rise to €35m-40m (£30m-£34m) depending on the structure and bonuses.

Time remains the deciding factor

Despite the European noise, Corinthians are in favor of getting out of the summer as soon as possible. Club officials have repeatedly indicated that January was never considered ideal for his development.

This stance fits into the broader strategy. The Brazilian team wants to avoid weakening the team in mid-season, especially with major competitions in the game. He also believes his value can increase further with consistent minutes.

Biden’s comments don’t speed anything up. Instead, they reinforce what has been obvious for months. Europe is the destination. The Champions League is a dream.

For Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, the message is that the door is not closed… but it will only open on Corinthians’ terms.

It was awkward, unexpected and highly unique.

In retrospect, Liam Coen butchering his opening ‘Duval’ announcement was the perfect way to proclaim he was the ideal new head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

3

There’s only one way to say Duval right

“Duuuuval,” said a smiling Coen, in a clip that instantly went viral and turned the Jacksonville rookie HC into an easy target on social media.

The internet reaction was sudden, sharp and unrelenting.

“I love Liam Coen but this is whiter than an Iowa DB room,” Mike Golic Jr tweeted.

“Liam Coen with the worst sounding #DUUUVAL I have ever heard uh oh,” a fan posted.

“0-17,” another fan wrote.

“That made me so uncomfortable ,” a fourth fan said. “But the dude’s an offensive genius so f*** it.”

ESPN’s Pat McAfee also publicly doubted whether Coen — who spurned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing a five-year contract with the Jaguars — could handle his new job.

“Whenever you see this, it’s tough,” McAfee said. “It’s hard not to say, ‘This guy’s got no chance to win.’ There’s no way anybody is going to take him seriously.”