標籤: joins

nottingham forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis has emerged as a surprise figure in the increasingly chaotic battle for control of Botafogo. This is according to reports from Brazil.

The development comes just weeks after former owner John Textor was removed from control of the Brazilian club following a financial collapse. The collapse left Botafogo reportedly billions of Brazilian reais in debt.

Now, Marinakis has entered the picture with Iranian businesswoman Kia Joorabchian. He has made an official offer to acquire 90% of the club’s shares.

The proposal was reportedly presented on Monday and it immediately became one of the biggest talking points in Brazilian football. However, the bid appears to be more than a straight-up takeover attempt.

Marinakis and Texter links remain strong

according to EarthThere is widespread belief within Botafogo that the proposal is linked to Textor’s efforts. These efforts are focused on regaining influence at the club.

Although the American businessman is not formally part of the bid, his ties to Marinakis have become increasingly visible. This has happened in recent months.

The pair had previously explored the possibility of working together on the Botafogo deal and remained close despite those talks failing to reach an agreement.

Last month, they were spotted together watching Rio Ave Sporting match in Portugal. Their relationship had already developed through the two businessmen’s dealings with clubs involved in football operations.

The relationship is notable given the existing relationship between Nottingham Forest and Botafogo during Textor’s time in charge.

The two clubs completed a number of deals, with both organizations operating within a closely linked football network.

Some of those transactions later came under investigation in Brazil. As Botafogo’s financial problems became more visible questions were raised about the movement of players and assets between clubs linked to Textor and Marinakis.

Although no wrongdoing has been established, the background adds another layer to the latest proposal.

Textor has since said publicly that he would support the Marinakis-Joorabchian proposal if it reached a vote. Furthermore, he claims that he still controls 90% of Botafogo’s shares.

Earlier this year, he also presented his proposal to re-acquire the club, although that bid is believed to have not received significant support.

Familiar name connects to forest owner

Kia Joorabchian is a familiar figure in English football circles. He spent years as one of the most influential arbitrators in the Premier League. At various points, he was considered particularly close to both Arsenal and West Ham.

Their involvement gives the proposed takeover an even stronger Premier League flavour.

Despite the attention generated by Marinakis and Joorabchian’s proposal, the pair are not currently seen as favourites.

Mexican businessman Gabriel de Alba and investment group GDA Luma remain the top contenders to take control of Botafogo, the report said. Discussions between club officials and De Alba are said to take place almost daily.

Meanwhile, Mastercom Capital is attempting to get back into contention after previously submitting a £22m (€26m) bid. The investment fund is reportedly preparing an improved offer backed by strong financial guarantees.

As things stand, Marinakis has entered one of the most important ownership battles in South American football.

However, their participation further solidifies their growing presence in Brazil. It also adds another chapter to his increasingly close relationship with John Texter.

of brighton The move for Costinha is beginning to gain momentum in Portugal, but the latest reports suggest brentford The Olympiacos defender is also being monitored closely due to increased Premier League interest in the Portuguese right-back.

British reports revealed that Brighton were in talks to sign the 26-year-old Portuguese star to ball have now independently confirmed the talks and add another English club to the picture.

According to the Portuguese outlet, Brentford are attentive to Costinha’s situation and are monitoring developments surrounding the player, even if Brighton still appear to be the front-runners at this stage.

Champions League performances are helping Costinha

It seems that Costinha’s European campaign has played a major role in attracting the attention of the Premier League.

The defender featured regularly for Olympiacos in the Champions League and also scored against Bayer Leverkusen during the competition.

Portuguese reports also highlight that he has made 74 appearances for Olympiacos since arriving from Rio Ave in 2024.

That level of experience may explain why both Brentford and Brighton are comfortable targeting a player slightly older than their usual recruitment profile.

Both sides could be preparing for European football next season, and Costinha looks like a player who is considered ready for immediate involvement.

Rio Avenue is waiting for big windfall

One of the biggest winners from the deal may actually be Rio Avenue. The Portuguese club sold Costinha to Olympiacos for €2.5m (£2.1m) two years ago, but crucially retained 30% of any future sale.

With current negotiations reportedly being around €13m (£11m), Rio Avenue would receive around €4m (£3.4m) from the operation without the need to negotiate directly with Brentford or Brighton.

That detail has become a major talking point in Portugal, where the transfer is increasingly being seen as another example of smaller Liga Portugal clubs reaping huge profits from the Premier League spending power.

To the dismay of Miami Dolphins fans, new starting quarterback Malik Willis has joined the list of worst MLB first pitch tosses of all time.

On the surface, throwing the first pitch in an MLB game should be pretty easy. This is something that many Americans were able to do easily as children. But this can be a panic-inducing situation. Not just because television cameras and thousands of people in the stadium are watching it. No, many people are now afraid of the terrible throw going viral.

However, generally, some of the worst first pitch throws fans have seen come from celebrities who did not become famous for their athletic prowess. Often, athletes are better prepared for the spotlight of the moment and are reliable at throwing a solid first pitch. Especially if they come from sports where they throw balls for a living.

That’s why it looked like Dolphins free agent Malik Willis would accomplish that goal by throwing out the first pitch before the Miami Marlins’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Well, he didn’t and joined 50 Cent, Conor McGregor, and Darth Vader for the worst first pitches of all time.

Not only did he not hit the target, but he dispatched it just as McGregor had embarrassingly done in a Chicago Cubs game five years earlier. For a player who is being paid $67.5 million for the next three years, Dolphins fans should be a little concerned about the guy who will be their starting QB in 2026.

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

It looks like another WWE legend is eyeing the end of his career in the near future.

The last 12 months have seen some big departures from three WWE legends. In July, WCW icon Goldberg competed in a WWE ring for the last time. In December, John Cena ended his incredible career. Then, in January, AJ Styles officially hung up his famous shoes. Strangely, all three were defeated by Gunther.

Still, there may be more coming in 2026. There has been speculation for quite some time that legendary luchador Rey Mysterio is preparing for his retirement this year. Additionally, there are rumors that this year’s SummerSlam in Minnesota could be Brock Lesnar’s last WWE match.

Becky Lynch confirms she is in her ‘final stages’

Well, while it may not be in 2026, we just got confirmation of another WWE great who will soon call it a career. During a new interview with Chris VanVleet, Becky Lynch confirmed that her current contract with the company will be her last, and that it is the “final run” of her career.

Lynch signed a new contract in January 2025, and it’s likely a three- or four-year deal. This means that she will be away from the business around WrestleMania in 2028 and 2029.

There were rumors going around for a long time that the deal he signed early last year could be his last deal. This isn’t entirely shocking since someone with a child like Seth Rollins would need to be home more often. While their daughter Roux often travels with them, eventually she will need to start school, and this requires the parents to be at home.

Lynch is considered the greatest female performer in WWE history and was part of the first all-female WrestleMania main event in 2019. Defeating both Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey to become unified champion.

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

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Wednesday.

montreal canadiens news

There is no doubt, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been the better team at 5v5 this season. However, when the numbers between Montreal and the Lightning are evaluated against each other in their four games, the discrepancy is less noticeable, with the Canadiens managing to control more shots than the Bolts. [Playoff Preview: Canadiens Vs. Lightning Head-To-Head]

The Laval Rocket have lost some key players to the Habs this year, making reinforcements necessary. Luckily, Vinzenz Rohrer is on his way to joining the Rockets, and will participate in his first practice with the team on Friday. The Rockets are in first place in the North Division with two games left to play in the regular season.

The Canadiens have loaned forward Vincenzo Rohrer to the Laval Rocket.

The Canadiens have re-assigned forward Vincenzo Rohrer to the Laval Rocket. pic.twitter.com/tq76w7s933

– X – Canadiens Montreal (@CanadiensMTL) 15 April 2026

Two goaltending prospects have entered the NCAA transfer portal, meaning they are looking for a new school for the 2026-27 season. Alexis Cournoyer is moving on from Cornell, while Quentin Miller will no longer play for the University of Denver. Considering that John Hicks came out of nowhere and had a surprisingly great season in Denver (.957 save percentage), Miller’s decision makes a lot of sense. As for Cournoyer, he’s probably hoping to land with a team that has championship aspirations.

Alexis Cournoyer (Cornell) and Quentin Miller (Denver) have entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Both #GoHabsGo The netminders have looked pretty good so far in college. .916 and .915 SV% respectively.

This transfer window has been very strange.

– Hadi Kalakeche (@HadiK_Scouting) 15 April 2026

I have to say that it’s quite interesting that the Canadiens are heading into the playoffs without having many questions answered about their second line. I’ve been as critical of Oliver Kapanen as anyone could be, but in the long run, he is the player who has managed to take advantage of Ivan Demidov’s excellent play more often than anyone else. A bird in hand…

Who should play with Ivan Demidov on the second line against the Tampa Bay Lightning?#GoHabsGo #DasikPodcast @tonymarinaro @StuCowan1 pic.twitter.com/GxOwOplAss

– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) 15 April 2026

Sportsknot Network

The search for the next general manager of the New Jersey Devils is in full swing. Devils ownership and their search committee have begun interviewing candidates as soon as this week for the vacant GM job left by Tom Fitzgerald following what was described as a “mutual breakup.” [New Jersey Devils]

The game between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders had some upsets, but most of them occurred before the puck dropped at UBS Arena. [Carolina Hurricanes]

The Detroit Red Wings have some big decisions to make ahead of the 2026 NHL offseason. Despite scoring the most points (92) in a season since 2016, the Red Wings would not participate in the playoffs. [Detroit Red Wings]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Facing significant salary cap constraints, the Minnesota Vikings had no choice but to cut costs this offseason. In doing so, they moved on from their general manager of the previous four seasons. Still, interim GM Rob Brzezinski wasted no time in doing what needed to be done, even if it meant moving on from star players.

For the Vikings, this meant parting ways with two former Pro Bowl defensive tackles with the release of both Jonathan Allen and Jevon Hargrave. Naturally, his departure leaves a big hole in Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ interior line.

While the Vikings still have former UFL standout Jalen Redmond, whom they view as a rising star, they need more depth and another starter to pair with him. Nevertheless, the Vikings remained busy identifying possible solutions to provide reinforcements in the defensive trenches.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Vikings, along with six other teams, were set to attend the workout of Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange. While ‘Big Citrus’ was not able to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine due to a quad issue, the Iowa State Pro Day provided a great opportunity to prove to scouts what an explosive athlete he is, and the Orange passed the test with flying colors.

Pauline reports that Orange recorded a 10-yard split of 1.68 seconds, which he called “typical for any defensive tackle, but for a player coming off a quad injury, that’s a statement.”

The Vikings have nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including three selections on the second day, where the Orange could come into play. However, they may face tough competition.

In addition to the Vikings, the 49ers, Bears, Bills, Falcons, Lions and Packers were also at the event in the Orange’s workout. Additionally, the Saints and Texans had their defensive line coaches running drills for workouts. The Bears, Bills, Panthers, Texans and Vikings also plan to land the Orange one of their official top 30 visits.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings almost guaranteed to target specific position in 2026 NFL Draft

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

Former New Jersey Devils head coach Pete DeBoer has once again been assigned behind an NHL bench.

On Easter Sunday, the New York Islanders made the smart move of firing head coach Patrick Roy and replacing him with DeBoer, as the Isles were going through a slump during the regular season, and were struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Islanders are tied for third place in the Metropolitan Division by one point with the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. Philly and Columbus have games on the Islanders, which could knock New York out of the playoff picture by the end of the season.

According to multiple sources, DeBoer’s new deal with the Islanders is only through the remainder of the 2025-26 season and not the playoffs. There is a condition attached to his new deal that is yet to be disclosed.

The Islanders noted DeBoer’s success as a head coach in the NHL, citing his success with the San Jose Sharks – qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs in four of his five campaigns with the Sharks and helping the team reach their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history during the 2015–16 season.

He also noted DeBoer’s four seasons in New Jersey, particularly the season he reached the Stanley Cup Finals in his first campaign with the club in 2011–12.

DeBoer also has several deep Stanley Cup playoff appearances, most recently with the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights.

DeBoer ranks 18th in NHL history in coaching wins (662) and 22nd in games coached (1,261), and he has a perfect 9–0 record in Game 7s, the most Game 7 wins in NHL coaching history.

In 2024, the Islanders relieved former coach Lane Lambert during his second season as head coach in New York in favor of Roy in a similarly shrewd move.

Now, the Devils’ opponent will be led by one of the most successful playoff coaches in NHL history, who has yet to claim hockey’s ultimate prize.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Manchester United have now joined the race for Maxi Araujo, with the Sporting CP defender attracting attention across the Premier League.

The Old Trafford side are the latest club to emerge as suitors for the 26-year-old, adding another layer to an already competitive situation.

As we covered earlierBoth Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have made contact with Araújo. After closely monitoring his performances in Portugal and Europe, interest in him has been active for several weeks.

Forms and numbers increase interest

The rise of Maxi Araújo this season helps explain why more clubs are joining the race.

He has played 35 matches in all competitions, starting 32 of them. The Uruguay international has scored six goals and provided four assists, impressive numbers for a player who primarily operates as a left-back.

In the Champions League, he has added two goals and one assist. Those performances have increased his visibility and placed him firmly on the radar of top European clubs.

Araújo also contributed to the narrative himself. While in London with the Uruguayan national team, he opened up about Possibility of playing in Englandand said he hoped this time would be “the first of many”.

That comment has only increased the sense that a move to the Premier League is part of his plans.

Manchester United is now in the picture

Maxi Araujo is now being linked with a move to Manchester United for the first time in the process.

A new report from to ball In Portugal it is indicated that United is one of the clubs analyzing the Sporting player, along with Chelsea and Tottenham. His Champions League performances have been particularly impressive in this regard.

This development expands the competitive landscape. United’s involvement could change the dynamics, especially if they decide to move quickly into the market.

Sports stance and financial structure

However, the game is not making things easy. The Portuguese club have decided that they want to keep Araújo for at least one more season. At the moment he is not seen as a player they are actively looking to sell this summer.

Araújo is under contract until 2029 and has an €80m (£69m) release clause. Internally, Sporting are believed to be considering offers starting at just €40m (£34.5m).

This gives them a stronger position in the conversation even with increased interest.

what happens next

The situation with Maxi Araujo now depends on how far the clubs are willing to go.

The arrival of Manchester United has added weight to the race, while Tottenham and Chelsea are strongly involved. The player’s form and versatility continues to attract attention.

Sporting’s stance signals resistance, but the market may still dictate the outcome. With the World Cup approaching and his profile rising, it could be the perfect time for a sale.

For now, the expectation is that Sporting will try to maximize value. A move this summer looks possible if one of the interested clubs decides to make a decisive move.

🇮🇹 Pierre Kalulu | Manchester United and Liverpool send scouts for new France international

➡️ Versatile defender – Italian media are really pushing for a transfer opportunity, so Juventus is possibly up for salehttps://t.co/lfQQEbBvE5 #free #lfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 26 March 2026

Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has emerged as a new target for Slavia Prague in the summer.

The Slovakia international spent over seven years at Newcastle United and left them for Burnley in August 2025.

Scott Parker’s side achieved promotion to the Premier League and were looking for a new stopper.

Burnley immediately made him their No. 1, and he has started in all 31 league matches so far, keeping four clean sheets and conceding 61 goals.

His Premier League statistics for the Clarets are as follows:

• Shots on target: 166
• Save: 111
• Saving Percentage: 66.9%
• Clean sheet percentage: 12.9%

The 37-year-old’s form for the English club has still managed to attract interest from Slavia Prague.

Burnley man in Czech shortlist

Slavia Prague have Jindrich Stanek, Jakub Markovic and Ondrej Kolar as their stoppers, and Markovic took advantage of the minutes Stanek was sidelined with injury.

Stanek’s agent David Ziyka recently stated that he wants to move to a top-five league after this season. Therefore, the Czech club is now looking for a new goalkeeper.

according to gameOn their shortlist is Burnley’s Martin Dubravka. slavia is prague have already traded with the Clarets when they signed Oliver Soane on loan in the winter market.

The goalkeeper’s contract expires in June and it is believed he will leave Turf Moor in the summer as the Clarets look to relegate to the Championship.

Slovakia previously had a spell with Sparta Prague [2017/18] And could think of returning to the city with Slavia.

His addition to the team would be ‘a bet on proven quality’, but he would not be a guaranteed starter. However, the final decision will depend on how Stanek’s injury situation develops.

Dubravka’s salary is 5 million crowns per month [€200k] There is a problem for Slavia. Furthermore, he may face competition from other clubs for his signature.

Stomper’s future away from Burnley

With his contract expiring at the end of this season, Martin Dubravka’s future lies away from the Premier League side.

He has already spent nine years in England, where he has had stints with Newcastle United, Manchester United and Burnley.

The possibility of the goalkeeper extending his stay in the UK by joining another club cannot be ruled out. So far, there have been no concrete claims of interest from any other club.

The LA Clippers have been playing shorthanded for several weeks as one key player has been injured. However, the Clippers are likely to be very shorthanded on Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.

John Collins, who was initially listed as ‘probable’ to play with a left ankle sprain on Sunday evening against the Bucks, was downgraded to ‘doubtful’ on Monday afternoon after being evaluated by the team in the morning.

Collins’ appearance on the injury report comes after the Clippers forward injured his ankle with 1:11 remaining in the team’s fourth game of the quarterfinal against the Dallas Mavericks. John Collins, attempting to stop the Mavs from advancing on Nazi Marshall, takes a step and appears to twist his ankle, immediately falling to the ground and fouling Marshall in the process.

Collins left the game after picking up his sixth personal foul, finishing with eight points, three rebounds, one steal and two blocked shots in 29 minutes of play.

This is the play where John Collins turned his ankle and fouled out in Dallas.

He has been downgraded to questionable tonight with Kawhi Leonard. pic.twitter.com/DtQGkqfdhy

– Grant “Money” Mona (@Gmona48) 23 March 2026

Collins is now joined by Kawhi Leonard, who is also listed as ‘doubtful’ to play on Monday due to a left ankle sprain.

Leonard was able to finish Saturday night’s game against the Mavs, scoring 34 points on 12-of-22 shooting with three rebounds, five assists and two steals in 36 minutes of action.

The Milwaukee Bucks will also be significantly shorthanded on Monday night, playing the game without star Giannis Antetokounmpo as he deals with a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee. Kevin Porter Jr. is also out for the Bucks, while Kyle Kuzma and Gary Harris are both considered ‘questionable’.

Monday night’s game will start at 7:30 pm PST.

On Tuesday evening, the Philadelphia 76ers returned to the loss column with a blowout road loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. The 76ers were playing without several key players, including big man Joel Embiid, who remained out of the lineup due to injury.

However, Embiid was present on the sidelines at Ball Arena, and after the game, he shared a good moment With fellow Nuggets MVP big man Nikola Jokic.

Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid catch up after the game

pic.twitter.com/eD98cAqoJq

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

Embiid and Jokic have long been viewed as the two best centers on the NBA landscape, and fans have been frustrated by the lack of a head-to-head matchup between the two former MVPs. In fact, Embiid hasn’t played a game in Denver since the 2019-20 season, having been injured at that time of year every season since then.

Meanwhile, the 76ers recently slipped to ninth place in the Eastern Conference amid the Atlanta Hawks’ 10-game winning streak, and it’s unclear when Embiid will be ready to return to the court. The 76ers are still dealing with the absence of Paul George due to league suspension, as well as Tyrese Maxey, who is out with a finger injury.

At this point, it’s highly unlikely that the 76ers could realistically fall further than tenth place in the Eastern Conference, meaning they would be at worst heading into the play-in tournament. However, in a season that started with so much promise, it is certainly disappointing for Philadelphia fans to see things fall apart due to injuries once again.

The 76ers will next take the court on Thursday evening as they look to get back into the win column against the Sacramento Kings.

If Dejounte Murray and Jayson Tatum are any indication, an Achilles injury is no longer as career-threatening as it once was. Both Murray and Tatum are looking great upon their returns after long absences caused by rupturing their Achilles tendons; East, in particular, has shined for the New Orleans Pelicans and at least given them hope that they can bounce back next year amid a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

Murray is coming off a 35-point night in a close loss to the Houston Rockets, and he was efficient too, making 14 of his 18 field-goal attempts on the night. Tatum’s shooting isn’t far behind, but he shot 20-14-7 in his latest outing.

While all fans are seeing is the result of their hard work, Murray had to emphasize that his and his partner Achilles’ path to survival is not as easy as it makes it out to be. During the rehab process, it appears that the bond he has formed with Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who is also rehabbing, has made it at least a little easier — as seen this exchange Under one of Murray’s posts on Instagram.

Achilles It’s great to see people supporting each other man pic.twitter.com/ndIZGPUMDi

– JB (@lockedupjb) 15 March 2026

Dejounte Murray, Jayson Tatum are signs of hope for Tyrese Haliburton

Murray was out for over a year recovering from injury and all that time spent on the sidelines must have been very tough for a man who likes the game early. Tatum is an anomaly, as he returned to play less than a year after rupturing his Achilles. But he seems excited for a Celtics team with new title hopes.

This gives so much hope for the Indiana Pacers that Haliburton can provide a similar response after his much-anticipated return. The Pacers are hoping to pick up where they left off in the 2025 NBA Finals upon Haliburton’s return, and the success stories of Murray and Tatum suggest it’s indeed within the realm of possibility.

LOS ANGELES – After a promising start to his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers, things have not always been so smooth for second-year wing Dalton Knecht. Knecht has been unable to crack the Lakers’ rotation, and has had to work some assignments with the team’s South Bay G League affiliate, which was not the case last year.

Dalton Knecht has played two games with South Bay this season, the most recent coming last Wednesday between the Lakers’ home games. After the game, Knecht explained what the Lakers’ coaching staff expects from him when he is assigned to the G League, including going back to his college roots.

“They just tell me to play my game. That’s really it, just play my game,” Knecht said. “One thing I try and focus on is staying in front of my man and capturing D, getting as many rebounds, defensive rebounds and just being Tennessee Dalton.”

In the games he played with South Bay, Knecht certainly looked like ‘Tennessee Dalton’. In his G League debut in November, Knecht dropped 30 points while shooting 6-of-10 from 3-point range. In his second game, he finished with 18 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists.

And he’s also had the opportunity to build chemistry with his Lakers teammates. Last week, Bronny James, Edou Thirou, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme and Chris Mannon were all assigned to the South Bay along with Knecht. That group is the Lakers’ ‘be ready’ group, which often scrimmages against each other at the end of practice.

Each of them have received ample time to develop and play with South Bay, and Knecht feels the G League is a good place for live game representatives when there isn’t enough time in the NBA. In Thursday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves’ affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, that group was matched up against the Timberwolves’ rookie big man Jon Beringer and two-way contract players Enrique Freeman and Zion Pullin.

“You get a real opportunity. You’re playing with most of the guys in the league, especially this Iowa team. That’s a good team,” Knecht said. “And we get those reps because at the end of the day it’s going to be important. For all of us, it’s just getting solid minutes and doing what the team says.”

Knecht has played sparingly with the Lakers this season, appearing in 48 games, including one start, in a little more than 10 minutes per game. He’s shooting 44.8 percent from the field, but only 30.7 percent from 3-point range, down from 37.6 from a year ago.

But for South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie, Knecht has done everything Redick and the Lakers staff asked of him when he was assigned to South Bay.

Guthrie said, “I think he’s done a good job of everything he’s been told … He’s comfortable in this environment, comfortable with these players and he’s just getting a chance to get into rhythm, get game reps, game opportunities and stay sharp and be ready when his name is called for the Lakers.” “Credit to DK for coming down and having the right mindset and approach and really attacking in these minutes and these opportunities.”

A new rumor suggests that the Minnesota Vikings could be the biggest beneficiaries after Max Crosby ended up being traded to the Baltimore Ravens and Trey Hendrickson moved to Baltimore.

On Tuesday night, NFL fans were stunned when the Las Vegas Raiders revealed that the Ravens have backed out of a planned trade for the five-time Pro Bowler. Following the news, reports emerged that the results of Tuesday’s physical exam left the medical team uneasy about Crosby’s long-term outlook.

Yet, despite adding one of the best pass rushers in the game, the Ravens made a surprising pivot on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report that the franchise and four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson had agreed to a four-year deal worth $112 million.

The Cincinnati Bengals star was the best pass rusher on the 2026 free agent market so far. One obvious consideration would be that teams losing Hendrickson would consider a possible trade for Crosby. However, what scared off Baltimore will likely be an issue for other interested teams like the Dallas Cowboys.

Vikings Greenard may soon become a very popular item

But a new report reveals which player teams are focusing on now that Hendrickson is no longer available. Diana Russini of The Athletic reports, “Look for teams in need of pass rush help to turn their attention to a potential trade for Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard, who several teams have inquired about.”

Along with Hendrickson, Jalen Phillips and Odafe Oweh – the next-best pass rushers in free agency – also signed with new teams this week. Considering concerns about Crosby’s surgically repaired knee, the Vikings could be at the center of an unexpected bidding war for the one-time Pro Bowler.

Greenard posted 12 or more sacks in 2023 and 2024. However, injuries limited him to only 12 games and three sacks last season. Still, impact pass rushers are hard to find, and with two seasons left on the 28-year-old’s contract, he should still get a very good return in a trade.

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

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brought his A-game in a big matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost some key players, but in the end, Gilgeous-Alexander’s best performance was enough to defeat the Nuggets.

Try as Denver might, Gilgeous-Alexander was too much to handle, as he scored 35 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished the rock 15 times to go along with the game-winning triple and secure a 129-126 victory for OKC.

The Nuggets were a little conservative with their coverage of Gilgeous-Alexander, and the MVP made them pay as a result. In fact, Gilgeous-Alexander was so calm and so in control that he didn’t turn the ball over once all night, even though he was handling the rock on almost every possession on the floor for the Thunder.

In doing so, according to ESPN Insights on X, Gilgeous-Alexander became the second player in NBA history to record at least 35 points and 15 assists in a single game without turning the ball over. He joined LeBron James (2018) as the only players to do so during a league span that also includes postseason games.

Many will say that the 2018 version of James is his peak, and who knows, maybe when people look at the 2026 version of the Thunder star, they will also see that he was still at his best at that time.

no one can stop the thunder

The Thunder may have shown some signs of weakness early in the season, but it hardly matters now. They now know what it takes to win, and it’s always helpful to have the best player on the field playing for your team every night.

OKC remains the team to beat, and it’s thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander that the Thunder will be extremely difficult to dethrone.

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

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

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

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

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

Trae Young, what’s next for the Wizards

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

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

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

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

Cristiano Giuntoli’s recent appearance at Tottenham Hotspur was a ‘clear indication’ that Spurs are ‘seriously exploring’ the possibility of appointing him.

This is according to Il Giornale, relayed by napoli magazine. The Italian newspaper reports that Giuntoli is set to return to football after leaving Juventus last summer.

The 54-year-old has been out of work since leaving Juventus last year after serving as sporting director for two years. He has also previously been sporting director of Napoli from 2015–2023 and sporting director of Carpi between 2009 and 2015.

Il Giornale now reports that he is ready to return to work and ‘seize the spotlight’. The fact that he has now been spotted at Tottenham in London is a ‘clear indication’ that Spurs are seriously exploring the possibility of hiring him.

football free agent director

While reports said he was only at the game against Crystal Palace to support Igor Tudor, whom he appointed at Juventus, the Italian newspaper says otherwise.

As far as he is concerned, he is a serious candidate to fill Spurs’ vacant sporting director role. However, if they were to move up, they would have to do so before Roma.

The road to the Italian capital is becoming increasingly concrete. There has recently been internal discord between manager Gian Piero Gasperini and his sporting director Frederic Massara.

That could lead to a reshuffle and Giuntoli’s ‘deep respect’ could provide motivation to get a deal done. So Tottenham need to be careful. Maybe that’s why the Italian was already in London this week.

paratisy loss

The question is whether Tottenham want another Italian sporting director after the high-impact but chaotic reign of Fabio Paratici.

Although he modernized the team with several big successful signings, he also had a lot of high cost, low impact signings. And the current squad, which includes many of the signings, is now fighting against demotion.

In fact, some would argue that Paratici’s time in charge is part of the reason why Tottenham currently find themselves in this position.

These wounds could worsen in the coming months, perhaps leading to another Italian like Giuntoli not being considered.

The New York Knicks did not have enough effort to overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they lost 103–100. In close games like this, sometimes one or two things happen that change the trajectory of the game, and for the Knicks, they believe it was the referees that had a lot to do with the outcome.

After the game, head coach Mike Brown talked about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his ability to manipulate the referees into thinking he was being fouled.

“SGA, that’s a tough cover,” Brown said. “He does a very good job of convincing the refs, probably better than anyone in the league, that he’s getting hit.”

The one thing people have always criticized about Gilgeous-Alexander is his game and how he gets to the free-throw line. Against the Knicks, he only attempted seven free throws, as that number has been higher at times.

Jalen Brunson took it further when talking about the refs, but they had physical evidence of a foul that probably should have been called. Brunson had a black eye and after the game a reporter asked him about it.

“Probably no call,” Brunson said.

Jalen Brunson has a scratch under his eye after playing with the Thunder

“Maybe no-call”

(via @sny_knicks)pic.twitter.com/we3pIYRiKF

– FullCourtPass (@FullCourtPass) 5 March 2026

There may be a possibility that Brown may receive a letter in his mailbox, but Brunson may be safe. Either way, it’s clear that both of them were not fans of how the game was being run against them.

It seems like the way the Thunder play, especially on defense, has made a lot of people fall for them and made them difficult to stop. When teams try to copy what he does, it usually results in foul play, which has been frustrating for some throughout the season.

The Knicks didn’t let them bother them much during the game and they still managed to give themselves a chance in the end.

The Charlotte Hornets demolished the Boston Celtics 118-89 on Wednesday at TD Garden. In the process, the Hornets continued to rise and according to Basket News, Kon Knueppel has officially made NBA history by joining Michael Jordan in an elite club after scoring 20 points.

“Such a performance allowed Knueppel to tie Michael Jordan for the most games in NBA history with at least 20 points and at least 65% true shooting,” Basket News wrote on its website.

It was the sixth consecutive win for the Hornets, who are now 32–31, and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Knueppel has been the star of the show, averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting 48.8% from the field, including 43.6% from the triple. On Wednesday, he had 20 points on 7 of 14 shooting, including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc.

Knueppel recently made history with three-point transformations and Charlotte is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Along with Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, these three have given the Hornets momentum and helped improve the team’s standing after the Hornets went just 19-63 last season. Knueppel has achieved a shooting mark that only Jordan has achieved in his rookie season.

The Hornets took Knueppel with the fourth overall pick before the start of the 2025–26 season. Since then, he has battled his former college roommate Cooper Flagg in the battle for the Rookie of the Year award. Although that race isn’t scheduled, there’s something else Knueppel can accomplish that Flagg can’t.

Currently, the Hornets are striving for a playoff spot. If they finish in the top six, they will automatically get a berth. If they finish anywhere between seventh and 10th, they will qualify for the play-in place. The Hornets have not made the playoffs since the 2015–16 season. Their next game will be on Friday against the Miami Heat, the team directly ahead of them in the standings.

Lonzo Ball is currently unemployed in the NBA, as the Cleveland Cavaliers traded him in a salary dump to the Utah Jazz, who immediately waived him. There are no strong indicators at this time that Ball will sign with a team before the end of the 2025–26 regular season. Now, he’s at least as busy with his brother LiAngelo on the Ball in the Family podcast, and in the latest episode of the podcast, he was reminiscing about his days with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ball got the big break of his career when the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade. And he looks back fondly on his time with the team, especially as he considers Zion Williamson to be the best fit for him in the NBA.

“To surround with? I would probably say, bullshit, low key probably Zion. Just because I can throw him the lob anywhere and if I get him in the pocket, just match my assists. He’s lying that shit down every time,” Ball said.

But Ball says that, considering the off-court bonding, DeMar DeRozan might be his favorite partner to wear his shoes.

“Off the court, it’s tough. [But] I respect Dibo the most. If I had to choose to be like a big brother in the league, I would say him,” Ball added.

Injuries significantly slowed down Lonzo Ball’s career

Ball was emerging as a 3-and-D playmaking point guard whose only goal on the court is to play winning basketball and make his teammates better. Sadly, he was out of action for over two years due to persistent knee problems, and while he looked good for the Chicago Bulls during the ’24-’25 season, his performance so far this season has been poor – so the Cavs decided to trade him.

At only 28 years old, perhaps Ball will get another chance to prove he deserves to remain in the NBA.

Casper Ankergren was part of Graham Potter’s coaching team at West Ham. The manager was shown the door from the Hammers in September and Ankergren went with him.

A goalkeeping coach, he now goes to work at Chelsea.

Potter returned to Sweden and took over the national team in March, facing play-offs to qualify for the World Cup. Ankergren did not rejoin them in that role, and has been out of work since his exit from West Ham.

He is now delighted to have agreed a move to Chelsea. The Potter connection has resurfaced, with Ben Roberts, who leads the Blues’ goalkeeping coaching, having worked with both at Brighton.

It was Roberts who was behind the idea of ​​getting Ankergren the Chelsea role, and Anker is pleased that his contacts have worked out.

Why has Chelsea got a job boost?

talking to denmark boldThe 46-year-old made it clear how happy he is to be back in the game.

The months without work since West Ham have clearly created frustration. Returning to a club of Chelsea’s level is a big boost for the coach’s career.

Bold quote from Ankergren saying: “It’s been strange not being able to do what I love for the last five months, so when the opportunity came up at Chelsea, I had no doubt it was something I wanted to try.”

The contract with Chelsea lasts until the end of the season. It is almost certain that the coach will hope to stay for a long time, and now he will have to impress the decision makers at the London club.

Liam Rosenior took over in January and Chelsea are currently pushing to qualify for the Champions League. They are sixth in the table, three points behind fifth-placed Liverpool and six behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

LeBron James continues to rewrite the record books, and his latest milestone puts him in rarest company in Los Angeles Lakers history. During Saturday night’s 129-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, “The King” officially joined Kobe Bryant as the only players to record 1,000 three-pointers in a Lakers uniform.

James needed only one triple to enter the contest, and he didn’t keep the fans at Chase Center waiting long. They started the game strong and reached 1,000 points after trailing by three in the first quarter. By the time the final buzzer sounded, James sat at 1,002 career triples for the franchise, trailing only Bryant’s famous mark of 1,827.

The 41-year-old superstar finished the night with an impressive 22 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. He hit 7 of 13 shots from the field, including 4 of 6 from downtown. While Luka Doncic handled most of the scoring with 26 points, James provided a steadying veteran presence that allowed Los Angeles to surge ahead in the second half.

The win was a collective effort for the Lakers, who improved to 35–24 on the season. DeAndre Ayton dominated the paint with four points and 10 rebounds, while the team’s perimeter defense limited the Warriors to just 27% shooting from deep.

Reaching this milestone further cements James’ legacy in the Purple and Gold. While he is already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, achieving this specific feat with the Lakers highlights his continued excellence and adaptation since arriving in 2018.

As the Lakers push to clinch a higher seed in the Western Conference, they will need this version of James, who can still dominate play from beyond the arc, to make a deep playoff run.

The Orlando Magic lost 113-108 to the Houston Rockets on Thursday night after giving up a 19-point lead in the second half, but Desmond Benn’s historic February continued despite the loss.

Ben scored 30 points in 38 minutes, adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. He shot 12-for-19 from the field and 6-for-10 from 3-point range, without attempting any free throws, finishing with a team-high plus-9 rating.

After the game, Magic writer Josh Cohen wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Ben had entered rare statistical company.

“In the month of February, @OrlandoMagic’s Desmond Benn became the sixth player in @NBA history to score over 250 points, while shooting over 59 percent from the field overall and over 49 percent from 3-point range (min. 10 3-point attempts).”

@OrlandoMagicDesmond Benn became the sixth player @nba History of scoring over 250 points while shooting 59-plus percent from the field overall and 49-plus percent from 3-point range (minimum 10 3-point attempts) in the month of February. pic.twitter.com/LdpCQZ7eXZ

– Josh Cohen (@Josh_Cohen_NBA) 27 February 2026

Cohen said Benn joins Kevin Johnson, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Karl-Anthony Towns and John Collins as the only players to accomplish the feat in February.

Desmond Benn’s historic February puts him in line with LeBron James, Kevin Durant

The milestone puts the Orlando Magic guard alongside two of the most prolific scorers of the modern era in LeBron James and Kevin Durant, underscoring the efficiency of Bane’s month-long span. Durant, who powered Houston in Thursday’s matchup, scored 40 points with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. He made 14 of 28 shots from the field and converted all 10 of his free throws in 40 minutes.

In 11 games in February, Ben has averaged 24.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. He is shooting 59.1% from the field and 49.3% from 3-point range during that span, while logging 33.9 minutes per game. His 84.3% mark from the free-throw line reflects the scoring balance that has fueled Orlando’s offense all month.

On the season, the 27-year-old guard is averaging 20.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc in 58 games. He is converting a career-high 91.4% of his free-throw attempts in 34.1 minutes per night.

Despite Benn’s efficiency, Orlando couldn’t stop Houston’s late push. The loss dropped the Magic to 31–27 as they continued a four-game homestand.

The Magic will try to regroup on Sunday when they host the NBA’s top team Detroit Pistons (43-14) at 6:00 pm ET. While there was a setback against Houston, Benn’s historic February production places him among elite company and provides Orlando a steady offensive anchor heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Paolo Banchero had a 36-point performance Tuesday night to lead the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, capping a four-game Western Conference road trip and cementing his name among the franchise’s greats.

Banchero finished with a game-high 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. He shot 12 of 22 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line, as the Magic improved to 31–26.

According to the team’s PR account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Banchero recorded the 14th game of his career with at least 35 points. This total ranks third in Orlando Magic history behind Tracy McGrady (75) and Shaquille O’Neal (54), and ahead of Anfernee Hardaway (13) and Dwight Howard (13).

This performance marked the third time in Banchero’s career that he posted at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. This total ties him with O’Neal for the second-most such games in franchise history. McGrady holds the record with 16.

Jamahl Mosley praises Paolo Banchero’s aggressiveness, downhill attack against Lakers

Head coach Jamahl Mosley credited Banchero’s pressure and tenacity as the driving force behind the victory.

“Yeah, I think his aggression level, quick decisions, getting downhill, finding matchups he likes, attacking the basket, putting pressure on defense. I mean, more than anything, when you look at it, he got to the free throw line 11 times. That’s aggression. That’s determination. That’s focus, getting downhill. And then he’s knocking them down.”

Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero’s 36 in win over Lakers:

“His aggressiveness – going down 11 times and getting to the line. That’s the focus. That’s the determination.

“He creates mismatches. Drive and kick to Desmond for a three – big-time play. pic.twitter.com/wgAXpc0Bxw

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

Mosley emphasized Banchero’s ability to create mismatches and make timely decisions, including a late drive-and-kick that led to a key 3-pointer from Desmond Bain.

“So just staying aggressive. As soon as he steps on the floor, he creates mismatches. He has eyes on him. These guys are full of him. So his quick decision-making ability, getting downhill, that last play where he attacks the downhill and passes it to Desmond for a knock down three, those are big-time plays. And that’s what we’re going to continue to need from him.”

Magic gains momentum after statement win in Los Angeles

Banchero took the same approach when asked about his performance.

“Yeah, just being aggressive, you know, being aggressive downhill, making plays for others. I think that always opens up the game for me. If I’m able to keep the defense honest with my passing. Yeah, being aggressive when the ball is in my hands, you know, making the defense respect me and always hunting my shots and looking for the pass as well.”

The 23-year-old has averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last 10 games, while shooting 42.4% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range in 36.4 minutes per contest. On the season, he averaged 21.5 points, a career-high 8.4 rebounds and five assists in 46 games while shooting 45% from the field.

Paolo Banchero on his offensive mindset against the Lakers

“Just being aggressive down the slope and making plays for others. It opens up the game for me. When I have the ball in my hands, it’s about hunting my shots and keeping the defense honest with my passing.” pic.twitter.com/VD3wfzJKyg

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

This victory also has historical significance. As noted by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel on X, Orlando’s wins over the Clippers (111–109) and Lakers (110–109) marked the franchise’s first season since 2012–13 in which it defeated both Los Angeles teams.

The Magic return home to open a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21) on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video, looking to extend their two-game winning streak behind continued growth in the distinguished company of Banchero.

The Golden State Warriors suffered a huge loss in their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. To recap, the Warriors were missing Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green, plus a long-term injury sidelined Jimmy Butler for an extended period of time. Even their leading scorer had to sit out for the second consecutive night in De’Anthony Melton’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

But the Warriors still got back to winning ways; It was a team effort that led to the Dubs’ 133–112 win on the road. Eight different players scored in double figures for the Warriors, and it was rookie guard Will Richard who finished the night as the team’s leading scorer with 21 points on 9-15 shooting from the field and 2-6 shooting from deep.

Richard finished with five rebounds, six assists and three steals to round out a fine effort to lead the Warriors to the win. In doing so, Richard became the fourth rookie to have at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals in a single game this season, joining Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Jeremiah Fears as the only players to do so, according to WillRichardMuse on X (formerly Twitter).

It has to be said that the absence of some key players for the Dubs gave Richard a chance to fill up the stat sheet. However, he has shown time and again that he can step up when given the opportunity, and that is exactly what he did.

Warriors’ troubles are increasing amid difficult weather

The hits have kept coming for the Warriors; Curry is currently dealing with a knee injury, and the man he got in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t been able to play a few games in a row during his ongoing bout with POTS.

The Warriors will need more from their undrafted players these games, and if Richard can maintain this level of play he should earn himself more minutes.

The Houston Rockets took on the hapless Sacramento Kings in quick action on Wednesday night. They already had a 27-point lead at halftime, and as a result, some of their best players, including Alpern Sengun and Kevin Durant, did not have much need to play extended minutes. But compared to the Kings, the Rockets stars didn’t need to play much time to do their damage.

In fact, in their win over the Kings, Sengun recorded his third triple-double of the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 26 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in annihilation of the shorthanded Sacramento frontline. In doing so, the Rockets star made a little history.

Despite only being 23 years old, Seungun now has the 10th-most 25/10/10 games by a center in NBA history, as reported by the Real App account on X (formerly Twitter).

Sengun remains the Rockets’ primary offensive center, and has served as the team’s de facto point guard this season amid an injury to Fred VanVleet. There have been tough moments for Sengun and the Rockets this season, but the Turkish star is at his best – a wrecking ball of a scorer in the paint who can make his teammates better by using his focus to create incredible looks.

All’s reportedly good for the struggling Rockets

Even though a lot of trouble is brewing for the Rockets this season, they somehow sit in third place in the Western Conference. It’s a testament to their high performance levels on a game-to-game basis that they remain one of the best teams in a stacked conference, even amid the team’s ridiculous inconsistencies.

It was the kind of win the Rockets needed – a solid win that allowed their best players to play fewer minutes than usual, especially as they faced a tough game against the Orlando Magic for the second straight match.

Talisman Anthony Edwards was once again the star man for the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Portland Trail Blazers, finishing the game with 34 points, four assists and four rebounds. However, it was also a historic night for Jaden McDaniels, who became the eighth player in NBA history to record a 13-3-1-2-5 statline.

McDaniel ultimately finished with 29 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks for the Timberwolves. This statistic was previously posted by a select group of players, the most recent being Victor Vembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, who did so against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024, according to a post on X by Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.

Other names on the list are Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lamar Odom and Chris Webber, who did it twice. Despite this, the Timberwolves returned to form after a poor performance against Philadelphia, losing only 124–121 to the Trail Blazers.

McDaniels went 12 of 16 shooting and missed 5 of his 6 three-point attempts. He became the first player in NBA history to record at least 25 points on 75 percent shooting, five three-pointers, five blocks and three steals in a single game.

The matchup itself was a tough one with about 15 lead changes. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota’s scoring with 25 points in the first half.

Returning from a one-game suspension, Rudy Gobert dominated the paint with 19 rebounds, 10 points and two blocks. Off the bench, Donte DiVincenzo added 19 points via five three-pointers, helping the Wolves shoot an impressive 17 of 35 from deep.

Of course, the Trail Blazers were valiant throughout as Jrue Holiday top-scored with 22 points, while Jerami Grant added 21 points and Scooter Henderson provided inspiration off the bench with 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. The Timberwolves next face the Los Angeles Clippers, while Portland faces the Chicago Bulls, who are hoping to close the gap on the .500 mark.

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Chet Holmgren is on the injury report with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams both players listed as probable. Holmgren is dealing with back spasms after scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds in a 111-89 win against the Cleveland Cavs, while Gilgeous-Alexander is recovering from an abdominal injury. Williams is recovering from a hamstring strain. Here’s everything we know about Chet Holmgren’s injury and his playing status against the Raptors.

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Chet Holmgren’s injury status vs. Raptors

Despite the fact that 2025-26 has been Thunder forward Chet Holmgren’s first All-Star season, serious back injuries have cropped up from time to time throughout the year. Given Holmgren’s questionable status for Tuesday’s match, it is difficult to predict whether he will play or not.

As the Thunder continue on their regular season schedule without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and possibly Alex Caruso, who missed Sunday’s game against the Cavs with a left ankle sprain. Caruso has been listed as doubtful, as has Holmgren.

Coming off his first All-Star selection, Holmgren has helped the Thunder pick up wins against the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavs on Sunday. He has been the defending champions’ defensive anchor, cleaning up the glass in the paint.

The Raptors upset the Thunder in their last meeting in January. Holmgren finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds in a game where Gilgeous-Alexander was available, as the Raptors defeated the defending champions in a 103–101 victory. The Thunder may have to avenge that loss without moving on.

When it comes to the question of whether Chet Holmgren is playing tonight against the Raptors, the answer is probably.

thunderbolt injury report

Alex Carson – Questionable – Sprained left ankle.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Out – Abdominal strain

Chet Holmgren – Questionable – Lower back spasms.

Ajay Mitchell – Out – Abdominal strain/left ankle sprain

Thomas Sorber – Out – Right ACL/Surgical Recovery

Jalen Williams – Out – right hamstring strain

Raptors injury report

Jakob Poeltl – out – back lower strength; injury management

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon. And if the official injury report is anything to go by, the defending champions will go into this match with a significantly reduced staff.

Alex Caruso joins franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Jalen Williams as all three are not expected to play, according to the official injury report. Caruso has been officially ruled out due to a sprained left ankle suffered during Oklahoma City’s 105-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

MVP contender Gilgeous-Alexander has been sidelined with an abdominal strain while Williams is out with a strained right hamstring. However, this is not the end of the injury problems for the Thunder, with Ajay Mitchell and Thomas Sorber also unavailable for this game.

The Thunder enter this game as the clear favorites with a record of 43–14. However, they face a team that is most expected to emerge as title contenders, especially after the acquisition of James Harden, who has performed strongly on the floor. Apart from the absences, that means OKC could have a lot going on against the Cavs.

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Injury status of Alex Caruso, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams vs. Cavaliers

Alex Caruso missed Oklahoma City’s 105-86 win over Brooklyn with an injury, and the Thunder will take a cautious approach given his importance. Caruso continues to be one of Oklahoma City’s most destructive perimeter defenders and has the potential to perform well in the postseason.

This injury becomes even more damaging, as Oklahoma City is already without two of its primary offensive creators. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams represent a major part of their offensive threat, which puts more pressure on players like Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

thunderbolt injury report

Outside:

Alex Caruso: left ankle sprain

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Abdominal strain

Jalen Williams: right hamstring strain

Ajay Mitchell: Abdominal strain/sprain in left ankle

Thomas Sorber: Perfect ACL Surgical Recovery

cavaliers injury report

Outside:

Max Straus: Jones fracture surgery of left leg

Riley Minix: G League Two-Way

Tristan Enaruna: G League Two-Way

On Saturday, the Chicago Bulls suffered their eighth consecutive loss, falling to the Detroit Pistons 126–110. Despite this, Josh Giddy, who is Recently coming back from a hamstring injuryAchieved a lot.

In this process, Giddi joined likes According to Alyssa Bergamini of 670 The Score, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are one of only eight players to accumulate 300+ rebounds and 300+ assists this season. Other players include Doncic, Jokic, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Deni Avdija, Scottie Barnes and Julius Randle.

Overall, Giddy finished his second complete game with 27 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes of play. Additionally, he took 10 wickets for 16 runs from the field. Additionally, he recorded his seventh 25+ point game this year, a career best and leading the team in that category.

Giddy played 21 minutes against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. He came out with 5 points, five assists and four rebounds. Giddy made only 1 of 6 shots from the field as Chicago lost to the Raptors, 110–101.

Giddy has played 35 games this season and is averaging 18.2 points, 8.7 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game. As a result of the loss, Chicago is now 24–33. The Pistons are now 42-13 and have the best record in the East. On Sunday, the Bulls remain at home to take on the New York Knicks.

Next Tuesday they play at home against the Charlotte Hornets. A game in which Giddy’s former teammate, Coby White, will return After my business with Charlotte. After that, the Bulls will conclude February with a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, February 26.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the USA Stars defeated the USA Stripes to win the NBA All-Star Game 21–47. In the championship game, Anthony Edwards emerged victorious with his team following his game-winning innings, earning him the Kobe Trophy as the ’26 All-Star MVP. He finished with 32 points in 3 games.

While he became the talk of the town after the match, this was another moment after the match that went viral on the internet. Edwards was seen autographing 2 Chainz’s jersey after the All-Star Game. Rapper 2 Chainz was seen in conversation with Edwards, requesting an autograph from the Minnesota Timberwolves star following his MVP performance in the 75th NBA All-Star Game.

Anthony Edwards signs a jersey for 2 Chainz after the All-Star Game 😊✍️pic.twitter.com/hBV0Zoyrmv

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

The two also hugged each other and were photographed holding the jersey for display. The 24-year-old Timberwolves shooting guard and 2 Chainz are both from Atlanta, Georgia. And the rapper was on the court to see Edwards and his team win.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards shares his mindset after the win

Following his MVP performance at the NBA All-Star Game, Edwards made a post-game appearance, where he spoke candidly about cooking up rival teams’ LeBron James and Kevin Durant. “Yeah, sure, I want to cook them every time.”

Despite still being young compared to James and Durant, Edwards is steadily making a name and legacy for himself in the game. Playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards is averaging 29.3 points per game on 49.3 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep. By maintaining a winning mentality and attitude throughout the game, Edwards earned his first NBA All-Star MVP trophy.

Anthony Edwards’ career is on a rapid upward trend, and he is establishing himself as a surefire Hall of Famer, even though he is only six seasons into his NBA career. The Minnesota Timberwolves star has been racking up a ton of accomplishments so early in his career, the latest of which is him taking home All-Star Game MVP honors on Sunday night after scoring a total of 32 points while his team, the Team USA Stars, accomplished the feat.

Edwards scored 32 points in three games and was the Stars’ most consistent player in their NBA All-Star Game-winning performance, earning himself the MVP award in the process. And in doing so, he became the only player in NBA history other than LeBron James to score 10,000 points or more, win an Olympic gold medal, become All-Star Game MVP and be touted as the number one overall pick before the age of 25, as reported by OptaStats on X (formerly Twitter).

Of course, the Timberwolves star is missing a key element of the LeBron experience; He has yet to lead his team to the NBA Finals and has yet to win overall MVP honors, both of which James accomplished at the age of 24. But Edwards still has time to figure it out.

Anthony Edwards’ next goal is to lead the Timberwolves to victory

As confident as Edwards is, he knows legacies are cemented when one’s team is in last place in June. The Timberwolves have never done this yet in their history; They have yet to advance beyond the conference finals.

That’s now Edwards’ next goal – helping the Timberwolves overcome Western Conference challenge. And if he somehow brings a championship to Minnesota, he should earn induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for it.