Kerim Alajbegovic could star for Bosnia at the World Cup leeds united There’s a chance to sign him.

The winger scored nine times and provided three assists for Hamburg during the last campaign. This led to him becoming part of the national team, in which Alajbegovic was a key player in World Cup qualification.

He already has four assists and a goal for Bosnia since his debut.

The 18-year-old player will return to Bayer Leverkusen as part of a permanent transfer in the summer. But his future remains uncertain and Leeds United could bring him to England this summer.

Transfer efforts are ongoing

today’s gazzetta dello sport Report on efforts to bring the young man to Italy. Alajbegovic’s father has moved to Rome and AS Roma are among the contenders to sign him.

Miralem Pjanic himself has been courting the winger and has been approached by several Serie A clubs for his signature.

However, nothing concrete has come to light. Even though the teenager has put Roma at the top of his wishlist, the Giallorossi are yet to make a formal move.

Now, Premier League clubs are ‘making moves’ for the player. There are signs of interest from Leeds United, who could prove to be a real threat to Roma.

Gian Piero Gasperini is keen on this player but he also has other options in the shortlist. This includes West Ham’s Crescencio Somerville and Leipzig’s Antonio Nussa.

Game-Changer Signature

The Bosnian is one of the most exciting talents in the game at the moment. This will make the next few weeks very exciting for his career and could also play a role in a potential Leeds United transfer.

Roma’s financial capacity is limited, which could be an advantage for Daniel Farke’s team.

Despite this, the World Cup could be a negative for Leeds United. Other clubs could join the race and offer him European football, which Bayer Leverkusen can also guarantee next season.

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.

On Sunday, the Detroit Pistons’ best season in two decades came to a disappointing end in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite suffering a second straight series loss and taking a 3–2 lead in their best-of-seven against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit suffered a devastating loss at home in Game 7.

As disappointing as the end of their 60-win season was, the Pistons have a good young core and will be a force in the East for years to come. However, if they want to be taken seriously as title contenders next season, they will need to make some bold moves to improve the roster this summer.

If they can re-sign restricted free agent All-Star Jalen Duren to a new deal that isn’t close to max money, they will have to aim for more offensive punch on defense with the addition of top star Cade Cunningham.

Whether it’s a superstar, All-Star, or impactful role player, here are 10 players the Pistons should target this offseason.

CJ McCallum

The Atlanta Hawks found out how valuable graybird CJ McCollum can be after trading for him during the season. He emerged as a team leader and strong secondary scorer. During the playoffs, he became the leading scorer when Jalen Johnson buckled under postseason pressure.

The Pistons don’t need him to be a top scorer, but the 34-year-old could be perfect as another option behind Cunningham, and he should come at a reasonable rate in free agency.

afernee simmons

The Pistons need more offensive punch off their bench or next to Cunningham in the backcourt. Another interesting option would be Portland Trail Blazers veteran Anfernee Simmons. Although he bounced back a bit last season, the 26-year-old is a player who has averaged more than 20 points a game twice during his career and is a legitimate three-point threat.

Since his value is lower than it was a few years ago, Detroit may be able to get him for a much cheaper rate in free agency.

giannis antetokounmpo

There is no doubt that the Pistons will be linked to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chase this offseason. If healthy, the combination of Cunningham and the two-time NBA MVP could be a major problem for every other team in the East. And Detroit could certainly make a good business proposition.

However, the bigger question is, will Trajan Langdon mortgage his future to make such a bold move on an aging player who has developed real injury concerns?

norman powell

Eleven-year NBA veteran Norman Powell has quietly emerged as one of the better scoring forwards in the game after two seasons averaging over 21 points a game. The first-time All-Star is a free agent and will certainly get a nice raise this summer.

Powell would be a notable upgrade over Tobias Harris and would give Detroit a No. 2 scoring option that opponents should respect without giving up draft assets in a trade.

Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr.’s seventh season in the league was a career-best year. As the No. 1 option for the Brooklyn Nets, he posted 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals a night. Staying healthy has always been the forward’s biggest issue, but he’s still only 27 years old and on an expiring contract.

Although he won’t come cheap and may be a rental, the trio of Cunningham, Duran and Porter could be finals contenders next season.

kobi white

If Langdon looks to build a deep roster around Cunningham and Duren, another free agent to keep an eye on is Chicago Bulls veteran Coby White. He is an impact scorer off the bench or in the starting lineup after averaging 15.4 ppg over his seven-year career. He’s only 26 years old, he should arrive at a reasonable rate, and he’ll be a very good veteran player this offseason.

Trey Murphy III

When casual fans think of the New Orleans Pelicans, they assume Zion Williamson is their top star. However, due to his injury problems, Trey Murphy III has emerged as the No. 1 scoring option in NOLA. But that hasn’t been good enough to bring them out of the bottom of the standings, which is why the Pelicans may consider a trade this summer as they continue their rebuild.

While it could cost him at least two first-round picks in a trade, if Langdon wants to move forward with a combination of Cunningham and Duren, the 25-year-old Murphy III could be a third of the title contenders in the next few years.

ja morant

If the Detroit Pistons are willing to be risky, two-time All-Star Ja Morant could be acquired without giving up any meaningful draft picks. That’s how much his value has diminished due to his trouble staying healthy over the last few years and being off the court during that time.

However, if any player could benefit from a change in landscape and get back to his typical ways, it would be Morant. If Detroit can keep the 26-year-old healthy and focused, Morant could help form the best backcourt in the NBA with Cunningham.

peyton watson

Denver Nuggets veteran Peyton Watson is going to attract a lot of interest in free agency this summer. The 2025-26 season was a success for the 23-year-old, as he posted just 15 points and five boards a night while shooting 41% from three.

If Langdon is looking for a third building block that he can develop alongside Cunningham and Duren, Watson would be at the top of his free agent wish list.

Domantas Sabonis

The sleeper target for the Pistons this summer could be three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The Sacramento Kings were unable to find a trade for him before the trade deadline and are certain to acquire him again this summer. However he is owed a lot of money and due to a torn meniscus his price will probably be nowhere near what it was a few seasons ago.

The combo of Sabonis and Duren in the front court for a few seasons, as they dominate the boards, will be an approach that former rivals will have difficulty coping with.

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

On Monday night, what was supposed to be a pretty good season for the Los Angeles Lakers came to a disappointing end when they were officially eliminated from the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Expectations were always low when top star Luka Doncic suffered a serious hamstring injury just before the postseason began. But the Roosters still showed their ability and courage to reach the semi-finals by defeating the Houston Rockets in the opening round.

Still, roster changes are coming this offseason. NBA legend LeBron James may have played his final game in Los Angeles – and possibly in the league. And DeAndre Ayton will almost certainly opt out of the final year of his deal. While those are notable losses, the Lakers aren’t too far away from being legitimate title contenders in 2026-27. But they still need better rim protection, big-time rebounding and more athletic versatility on defense.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 impact players the LA front office should target this offseason to bolster the roster around young stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Sign Isaiah Hartenstein

Although his stats don’t jump off the page, Isaiah Hartenstein makes a notable impact wherever he plays. He is a classic dirty work player who will do whatever is necessary to win and that is what the Lakers need. But beyond those attributes, he is a great rebounder – especially on the offensive boards – a smart and tenacious defender and a skilled passer. If LA can get him for the right price in free agency, he will fill a lot of their needs in the front court.

trade for andrew wiggins

If Andrew Wiggins opts out of the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat (he is expected to), he should be a target for the Lakers. He is a classic 3-and-D player who would be a great fit on this Lakers team. He can guard many wing defenders Doncic or Reaves can’t despite being a legitimate three-point threat – he shot 41% from beyond the arc in 2025-26. Plus, if it doesn’t work out, he’ll be off the books after next season.

sign peyton watson

One player who will have a lot of interest in free agency this summer is Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson. He had a breakout season in 2025-26 just in time to make the jump to the open market. Posting 14.6 points, nearly five rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game. Although it may be a small thing at just 23 years old, his success is huge.

With two young players at the core of the roster, the Lakers should target other young players to move forward with them. Watson should be at the top of their wish list. However, the major issue is that he is a restricted free agent, and the Nuggets have a chance to match any offer.

trade for jarrett allen

If the Cleveland Cavaliers do not reach the Conference Finals this month, Jarrett Allen will definitely be on the trade block, and the Lakers should be first in line for his services. The one-time All-Star brings the rebounding, rim-protection and lob threat Doncic wanted. He’s no star, but he’d be a perfect fit for LA.

Although he is still owed three years and more than $90 million, it will be worth it as he could address major needs this summer.

Trade for Yves Missy and Herb Jones

If the Lakers want to go a more budget-friendly route to address some issues, another option would be to talk to the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and inquire about the cost of a trade for center Yves Messi and forward Herb Jones.

Neither of them have impressive offensive stats, but they are impressive defenders the Lakers should target this summer. Jones is a top perimeter defender. Missy is an impressive 21-year-old rim protector who can be further developed. This is not a sexy business, but will yield big profits over the course of the season.

sign michelle robinson

Despite averaging 19 minutes and scoring only five points per game, New York Knicks fans can tell you how valuable Mitchell Robinson is. He is a top-notch defender at the center position and rim protector, but his elite offensive rebounding could be the difference between a playoff team and a contender.

Knicks fans will also tell you how hurt the big man is. He would certainly be a risk for the Lakers, but he’s still only 28 years old and that’s exactly what they need in the middle.

Draft Terrence Reed Jr. with the No. 24 pick

The Lakers clearly have options in the free agency and trade market. But the 2026 NBA Draft is deep and has some gems available at the end of the first round and the beginning of the second round. One player who should be on their radar is Connecticut big man Tyrese Reed Jr.

He is a strong rebounder who is adept at tearing down offensive boards. He is an agile athlete on defense, but he also has a solid offensive game after scoring only 20 points per game for the Huskies last season.

Trade up in Round 2 and draft Zubie Ejiofor

If the Lakers are willing to trade up in the second round of the June event, another interesting target would be St. John’s big man Zubie Ejiofor. The Big East Player of the Year is a good rebounder and effective rim protector (he averages more than two per game) at 6 feet 9 inches tall. His offensive performance has also taken off after averaging 16 points per game last season.

As a potential replacement for LeBron James at power forward, Ejiofor could be a sleeper option early in Round 2.

Sign Kristaps Porzingis

If the Lakers are looking for an affordable risk with a upside this offseason, 10-year veteran Kristaps Porzingis should be on their radar. His bizarre health problems have seriously affected him in the last two seasons. However, his 2023-24 season with the Boston Celtics showed he can make a serious difference on a title contender if healthy.

Although he is not a beast on the boards, he is a rim protector who is a lopsided threat and can stretch the floor. Due to his recent illnesses, he could come cheap this summer.

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

On Saturday night in New Jersey, a pair of top 10 welterweights face off on the UFC 328 main card as Joaquin Buckley takes on Shawn Brady. Both entered the cage coming off disappointing losses and needing a win to get back into the title contender conversation.

In the end, Philly’s Brady took advantage of his opportunity and used his excellent grappling to dominate Buckley and earn an easy unanimous decision victory. Following the win, let’s see where he lands in our updated UFC welterweight rankings after UFC 328.

10. Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0)

Shavkat Rakhmonov has proven time and again that he can ultimately capture UFC gold. He cemented this fact with a hard-fought victory over fellow rising star Ian Garry at UFC 310. Although he was not the best version of himself, he went undefeated at 19–0 despite battling a serious knee injury.

However, knee problems are becoming a serious problem. The disease sidelined him for the entire 2025. Now, he is expected to miss much of 2026 after re-injuring the joint and requiring another surgery. That’s why he drops down our latest UFC welterweight rankings and could eventually fall out of the top 10 by the summer.

9. Joaquin Buckley (21-8)

Joaquin Buckley has faced many hardships during his UFC career. However, most of this was at middleweight. But when he moved up to 170 pounds in 2023, the “New Mansa” turned the tables and reeled off six consecutive wins. Three of these wins came against great players of this era, Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington.

However, with success comes stiff competition, and Buckley has had trouble swimming in the deep end of the welterweight pool. At UFC 328 in May, he suffered his second consecutive decision loss to a wrestler, this time to Sean Brady. His time in the top 10 may not last long.

8. Kamaru Usman (21-4)

For six consecutive years, Kamaru Usman set a great standard of excellence as he built a resume that will guarantee him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. He would go on to be known as one of the greatest welterweight fighters of all time and one of the best pound-for-pound competitors of his era. However, all good things come to an end.

Still, despite losing three fights, the 38-year-old showed at UFC Atlanta that he is far from over. Earned a very impressive decision win over one of the fastest rising stars in the division. Although he may not fight for gold again, Usman remains an elite talent at 170 pounds.

7. Belal Muhammad (24-4)

Belal Muhammad has long received a lot of criticism for his fighting style, but the impressive results cannot be denied, and it has catapulted him over the top to become the welterweight king in 2024. However, it is extremely difficult to live there, and that is what creates legends.

Unfortunately, after becoming champion, Muhammad suffered two disappointing defeats. The most recent case came against Ian Machado Gary in November. There is no serious doubt that he will ever fight for the title again.

6. Shawn Brady (19-2)

Sean Brady has been very impressive during his 11-fight run in the UFC. After a loss against former champion Belal Muhammad four years earlier, he scored four major wins, including a win against another former champion Leon Edwards. However, he ran into serious trouble against heavy-hitter Michael Morales at UFC 322 and suffered a major KO loss.

However, at UFC 328 in May, he bounced back from the setback with a completely lopsided victory over top-10 talent Joaquin Buckley.

5. Jack Della Maddalena (18-4)

Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena has become his country’s second largest MMA exporter. The DWCS contract winner won his first seven inside the Octagon – including five finishes – and earned a title shot in May 2025. In his first shot at gold, he was successful, taking the belt from Belal Muhammad.

However, staying on top has been difficult for the Australian team. In his first title defense, he was soundly defeated by former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Then, despite being in front of his countrymen, Carlos Prates demolished them in May. JDM is firmly out of the title picture in 2026.

4. Carlos Prates (24-7)

Since earning his UFC contract at the Contender Series three years ago, Carlos Prates has been excelling in the Octagon. Win their first four – they all finish. However, he got a bump in the road in April 2025 when fellow title contender Ian Machado Garry knocked him out.

But since then he has bounced back from that setback. Winning three in a row, they have all been eliminated again, and the most recent was a dominant destruction of former division king Jack Della Maddalena. The Brazilian is now a legitimate title contender.

3. Ian Machado Gary (17-1)

Weighing in at 170 pounds, Ian Machado is a notable part of Gary’s new wave of rising stars. He is a very technical striker who is arguably the best self-promoter in the division. He has already achieved many big victories inside the Octagon. However, his biggest victory came in November, when he defeated former division king Belal Muhammad.

By completely shutting down Muhammad’s grappling game in Qatar, the Irishman showed he is more skilled than he is given credit for.

2. Michael Morales (19-0) – Top Contender

Ecuador’s Michael Morales is quickly becoming one of the most feared fighters in the division. After an impressive performance on the regional scene, he won five straight inside the Octagon, including three finishes. However, in their last two encounters, they have defeated two of the best players in the division over the past five years. The most recent occurred at UFC 322 when he shut down a title opportunity with an impressive knockout victory over Shawn Brady.

1. Islam Makhachev (28-1) – Champion

Islam Makhachev has solidified his place as one of the greatest UFC lightweights of all time with his wins over Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Charles Oliveira. Not only is he a dominant wrestler, but he has one of the most underrated standup games in the game.

At UFC 322, he made his mark in UFC history when he moved up in weight and became the latest fighter to win titles in two divisions, as he became the new welterweight king with a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena.

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

The 2026 NFL Draft takes place tonight at 8 PM ET, and the Detroit Lions hold the 17th overall pick in the first round. After missing the postseason in 2025, succeeding with their first-round pick will be key to continued roster growth.

Still, the Lions can’t be satisfied with holding on and picking at 17th. They may have their eye on a top prospect who Detroit thinks won’t fall into their draft slot.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are making “trade calls” for Thursday’s event. He further stated that “some teams are looking at Detroit as a trade-up threat.”

The Lions could take a look at one of several offensive tackles who are projected to be selected in the first round after Taylor Decker’s request for and his release is granted. Detroit plans to transition Penei Sewell from right to left tackle, but the Lions still need a replacement for their All-Pro on the right side.

Of course, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is known for some draft day surprises. Often Leos go into the night with a specific need, but emerge with a different playmate. Maybe they are planning the same thing again.

With a total of nine draft selections, the Lions have some extra ammo to play with. Still, they don’t even have a third-round pick this year, so dipping into their 2027 draft capital may be necessary for a big move.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

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

It doesn’t matter who wins in the end and who gets the last shot a shining momentWith the NCAA Championship trophy raised in the air, March Madness is always a great time for NBA Draft prospects to start making a name for themselves before the full pre-draft cycle begins.

Performing well and shining in the spotlight can make a difference in the lives of many of these collegiate players, and if you don’t believe it, just ask Donte DiVincenzo.

This year’s 2026 NBA Draft class figures to be one of the deepest, most talented groups we’ve ever seen enter the league at once, and the list of standouts from this year’s tournament is already long after the first weekend.

AJ DiBantsa and BYU didn’t win their first-round game, but NBA scouts across the country have begun labeling them as the clear favorites for the No. 1 pick. Obviously, his 35-point, 10-rebound performance without missing a game didn’t hurt him in any way in this No. 1 pick argument.

Cameron Boozer continues to make headlines with Duke winning his first two games, and the same can be said about Houston freshman guard Kingston Flemings, who looks to punch his ticket to the Final Four with two more wins just seven minutes from his campus.

And then there are several other names that emerged during the first weekend of the tournament – ​​Darius Acuff Jr. clearly dominated social media content and led all players in scoring in Arkansas’ first two games.

March Madness is in full swing, and the Sweet 16 begins Thursday night. Looking at the remaining 16 teams, there are plenty of prospects and stories, but here are the four NBA Draft prospects making the most noise that are worth keeping an eye on this weekend.

West Region: Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas

No player has been more impressive than Darius Acuff Jr. during the latter stages of the college basketball season and through his first two games of March Madness.

Whenever Arkansas needs a basket, Acuff is there to deliver, and he did just that in that thrilling second-round game against High Point that came down to the final few possessions.

Acuff finished the game with 36 points, scoring 12 of the Razorbacks’ 16 points in the final five minutes of the game. It seems like this guy lives and performs in the biggest moments, which is why he has fans all over the country anticipating a Sweet 16 matchup with Arizona, a team that many think can win the entire tournament.

Not only has Acuff scored 60 points in his two tournament games to lead all players offensively, but he is shooting nearly 46 percent from 3-point range in March Madness. He will now face Arizona’s Jaden Bradley, one of the best guard defenders in the country. This is must-see basketball Thursday night in San Jose.

East Region: Taris Reed Jr. – UConn

Before the NCAA Tournament started, we highlighted Tyrese Reed Jr. as one of the most interesting draft prospects moving forward and could find himself a first-round pick depending on how he performs for UConn.

Well, the UConn center played pretty well against Furman in the first round, dropping 31 points and 27 rebounds. Yes, you read that right – 27 rebounds. Reed joined Tom Gola (1995), Elvin Hayes (three times; 1966 and 1968), and Jerry Lucas (twice; 1960 and 1961) as the only players to record a 30-point, 25-rebound game in NCAA Tournament history.

In their next matchup against a much stronger-willed UCLA team, Reed had 10 points and 13 rebounds, bringing his tally to 41 points and 40 rebounds through the Huskies’ first two tournament games. Since 1971, only four players have had at least 40 points and 40 rebounds through two games: Bill Walton (1972 – UCLA), Hakeem Olajuwon (1983 – Houston), Tim Duncan (1997 – Wake Forest), and now Tyrese Reed Jr.

This is a list to be a part of and it’s the beginning of Reed’s rise. Tom Izzo coaching against Dan Hurley is entertainment in itself, but if you need another reason to watch UConn’s Sweet 16 game, it should definitely be for Reid.

By the time June comes around, we can discuss Reed as the best center prospect in this draft class, assuming he doesn’t return to college with several major zero offers that will likely come his way.

Midwest Region: Keaton Wagler – Illinois

Since Illinois is one of the top offensive teams in the country, individual performance often gets overlooked for the Illini. However, Keaton Wagler has been a standout freshman for Illinois this season, and if not for his consistent play and timely shots throughout the season they would not have been in the Sweet 16.

In his two games against Penn and VCU, Wagler scored a combined 32 points on 12-of-24 shooting, including 6-of-12 from 3-point range. Not only is he shooting very efficiently from everywhere on the court, but he has also recorded 12 rebounds and nine assists during his first two tournament games.

When it comes to NBA Draft prospects, Wagler won’t blow you away like the athletic and dynamic players at the top of the board will, but he is developing a very consistent, honest approach on the offensive end of the court, and his length provides a lot of advantages to becoming a tall scoring guard on the perimeter at the next level.

This Sweet 16 matchup against Houston is a great opportunity for Wagler to raise even more eyebrows of NBA personnel, as how he attacks his opponent’s strong defense and handles pressure will be two key elements of a potential Illinois upset in the Cougars’ backyard.

South Region: Morez Johnson Jr. – Michigan

It was difficult to choose between Moraes Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg for this spot in the South Zone. Lendeborg was a player we highlighted as a highly touted draft prospect before the tournament started, and he scored 25 points in Michigan’s Round of 32 game against St. Louis.

While Lendeborg is the player most likely to go in the lottery out of these two Wolverine prospects, there is a lot to like about Johnson, and NBA scouts are monitoring him closely as one of the late-season players to consider before things fully kick off with the draft cycle.

Johnson is a big-bodied forward who does almost all of his damage in the paint, and that has allowed Lendeborg to thrive. Not only can Johnson be a double-double threat, but he is extremely efficient when it comes to finishing around the rim, shooting nearly 64 percent from the floor in the tournament.

As good as Lendeborg and others on Michigan’s roster are, Johnson is likely the key for this team to cut down the net in Indianapolis. Every successful college team has that one guy who can be labeled as the stabilizer and who really steps up when his team needs it.

Johnson is that player for Michigan, and his play is getting a lot of attention when it comes to the talent selections hovering around the outside of the lottery.

On Tuesday evening, the Denver Nuggets continued their winning ways with a narrow road win over the Phoenix Suns. This game probably came a little closer than fans wanted, but ultimately, Denver was able to muster enough to secure the victory.

Nikola Jokic filled the stat sheet in this one, scoring 23 points with 17 rebounds and 17 assists as well as the game-winning bucket, and also made history, recording the fifth-fastest triple double on record.

After the game, Jokic had a strong reaction to the accomplishment.

“It just happens,” Jokic said, according to the former NBA on Twitter.

NBC Sports sideline reporter Grant Liffman quipped, “It happens often.”

Making NBA history has become routine for Jokic during his future Hall of Fame career, as he has set countless records for both the Nuggets franchise and the league as a whole.

Currently, the Nuggets are trying to add a second ring to their trophy case, having failed to make it past the second round of the NBA Championship since the 2022–23 season. Jokic hasn’t looked like himself since returning from a knee injury earlier this season, leading some to wonder if the team has him back too soon, but over the past few games he’s started to look closer to the MVP version of himself, continuing his impressive performance against the Suns on Tuesday.

The Nuggets are now 45-28 on the season, good for fourth place in the coveted Western Conference playoff picture, a half game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In any case, Denver will next take the field on Wednesday evening for a home game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Marcos Senesi has a big decision to make regarding his future, especially after a number of impressive performances this season. Aston Villa is fast emerging as a destination for them.

The defender’s Bournemouth contract expires in the summer. So far, there are no signs of a renewal, with the Cherries failing in every attempt to tie him down beyond the current campaign.

During the past few weeks, the Italian press has continued to keep a close eye on Argentina. sports witness Claims that Juventus have submitted their offer in a desperate attempt to beat off the competition have also been covered.

There has been speculation that Senesi would also be open to a move to Serie A. Even before joining Bournemouth, he was constantly linked with a switch to the Italian top-flight.

Now, it looks like he might not get there. Aston Villa has a better chance to convince the player.

Villains are offering significant salaries

today’s corriere dello sport Looks at Juve’s potential targets for the summer. Marcos Senesi is seen as one of the favorites to strengthen the Old Lady’s backline and work is underway to seal a deal.

However, the transfer faces stiff challenges – mainly due to Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund. Both clubs have made ‘concrete moves’ for the former Feyenoord player and are offering a higher salary than the Bianconeri.

unai are emery’s sides ‘Offering significantly higher salaries and bonuses’ And this turns the race in their favor.

Juventus are aware of these problems and have also been alerted to AS Roma’s initial approach for the defender. That’s why they are already considering options and looking towards Serie A for alternatives.

Senesi could add a lot to Aston Villa

There is no doubt about Marcos Senesi’s abilities, considering how he has proven himself this season. He was out of the team last season, but that didn’t stop him from making a real impression following Dean Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid.

Aston Villa should view the potential signing as a coup. They could play in Europe next season and Senesi already has experience from his time at Feyenoord.

Excellent on the ball, he is able to play in a variety of shapes, having played seamlessly in a back three in the past. Even in the back four he has impressed.

He is 28 years old and reaching the peak of his powers, which makes a free transfer quite an attractive opportunity. If Aston Villa can do it, they should push for the move now.

🇪🇸 Andres Garcia and Kosta Nedeljkovic | La Liga club wants to sign 2 players from Aston Villa
➡️Be careful with financial mattershttps://t.co/BnGNRHPdpy

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 March 2026

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has confirmed that Leeds United’s Noah Okafor will miss the March international break through injury.

The winger last featured in Leeds United’s FA Cup win over Birmingham City on 15 February. Since then he has been out of the team due to a hamstring injury.

Okafor recently returned to training, but a new hip problem forced him out of the league draw against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

This setback has come as a huge blow to him as it has further delayed his return to the national team.

Okafor has not represented his country since arriving at Elland Road from AC Milan in August 2025. In fact, he had made an appearance since June 2024, and that was in November of that year.

Timeline of the NT saga of Leeds United players

It’s important to provide background on why Murat Yakin repeatedly ignored Noah Okafor and what changed in recent weeks.

white man’s living together attitude Switzerland considered doubtful for Euro 2024. Last October, Sports Witness Covered Claims The manager was bitter at the Euros and did not want Okafor to remain in the team.

Yakin dropped him from the team again in November, resulting in a public outburst from the 25-year-old. He accused the national team boss and his director Pierluigi Tammi of not communicating with him.

At the end of that month, Tami urged Okafor needs to be “polite,” while Yakin said in January that the door is always open to him.

In February, Yakin, Tammy and Swiss FA media officer Adrian Arnold all traveled to the UK. The trio watched Okafor in live action against Nottingham Forest and chatted with him.

Tami said There were “honest, frank and constructive talks” between the parties. This led to suggestions that he could return to the team for the upcoming international break.

Switzerland’s comeback derailed by injury

Switzerland face Germany and Norway in the coming weeks and Yakin announced his squad this morning.

Okafor missed the game due to injury and the manager spoke with him to learn more about his condition. 9.f Has released his comments.

“I had planned to include him in the team, unfortunately he is now injured. He is making good progress, we are in touch. We also spoke to him on the phone recently about staying focused.” He said.

This suggests that although Okafor is not ready for Switzerland, he should be available for Leeds United soon.

Okafor’s numbers with Leeds United

With a contract until 2029, transfer market He is valued at €18 million, and has increased by €5 million since joining Farke’s side.

Below are his statistics from the Premier League so far

🇷🇺Eduard Spertsyan | The player talks about Leeds United and Southampton

➡️ It was a pleasure working with Daniel Farke
✅thinks #SAFC failure can be for the best
❌ Agent not found now
➡️ Still wants to walk
…complex doesn’t cover it enough 👇https://t.co/D8tR995xI2

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 4 March 2026

The Brooklyn Nets-Portland Trail Blazers matchup at Barclays Center on Monday was a forgettable late-season game for many. However, for the Israeli basketball community, it was a night they will never forget. Trail Blazers All-Star Danny Avdija faced off against Nets rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, marking the first time that three Israelis shared the court during an NBA game.

Avadiya got a strong reaction The 17,030 fans in attendance said they “felt like they were back in Tel Aviv” after the 114–95 Portland victory. The 25-year-old player said that there was a lot of tuning at home.

Avdija said, “I know there were a lot of people at home watching the game tonight. It’s amazing.” “It’s a big deal to me especially [since Ben and I] Grew up next to each other. Like 20 minutes away from each other. It’s amazing to watch him score and thrive in the league. Danny too… I was definitely surprised to see Barclays Center packed. It means a lot to me. I don’t have words to explain how much support he gave me and my teammates. I’m very happy to have this crowd behind me. I’m glad they saw us play tonight.”

Denny Avdija on the support he got from the Brooklyn crowd last night:

“I was definitely surprised to see a packed Barclays Center. It means a lot to me. I don’t have words to explain how much they supported me. I’m so happy to have this crowd behind me.” pic.twitter.com/tPyLgMwM71

– Eric Slater (@erikslater_) 17 March 2026

Denny! Denny! Denny! 🥹🗣️ pic.twitter.com/nOykrVQv2V

-Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) 16 March 2026

Avdija has had a breakout season, leading the Trail Blazers to the Western Conference play-ins. The All-Star forward has averaged 24.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 53 appearances.

Deni Avdija shares court with Nets rookies Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf in Brooklyn

Meanwhile, Saraf and Wolf are attempting to carve out roles with the rebuilding Nets after being selected No. 26 and No. 27 in June’s draft. Saraf said his relationship with Avdija began last year when his Ratiopharm Ulm team faced the Trail Blazers during the NBA preseason.

“Since then, we have been in touch all the time… it was great [facing Deni tonight]. “I was waiting for this game for a long time,” Saraf told reporters. “He is a great person, a very good friend of mine. especially with danny wolf [playing]Very. Three Israelis on the court at the same time. This was something very special… [Deni’s] had a huge impact [on basketball in Israel]. Everyone in Israel followed him throughout the year. Everyone was supporting. Israelis know how big a deal it was to have the first Israeli All-Star. it was very big. So, we are all very happy for him.”

Saraf struggled in his rookie season bouncing between the NBA and G League. However, the 6-foot-6 guard has played his best basketball recently, averaging 11.8 points and 4.8 assists on 53.1 percent shooting in his last four appearances. He scored a season-high 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting while dishing out four assists on Monday.

“[Ben’s] “Maybe this newbie is going through things like I did,” Avdija said. It’s probably fatigue, and it’s probably not knowing how to take care of the body, but it looks like he’s doing a good job. It seems like he is very tough and hard nosed. He knows how to play basketball. I’m always here for him, but I think he’s doing really good.

Wolf, who grew up in Illinois, became a naturalized Israeli citizen and played for the national team at the 2023 FIBA ​​U20 European Championship. After a breakout season at Michigan, he showed encouraging flashes as a rookie with Brooklyn.

Wolf averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 54 appearances. The 21-year-old said he could “100 percent” imagine himself playing alongside Avdija and Saraf on the Israeli national team “if the opportunity arises.”

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez, who rose through the NBA ranks after coming to the United States from Spain, talked about the importance of Monday’s game.

“Yeah, it’s special,” Fernandez said. “When the U.S. and other countries outside of Europe can be represented here with three players, it means the world, and it’s a special day that everyone has to enjoy. And I think they already are… I don’t know Danny, but I’m sure he’s excited to play. I know Ben and Danny are. And it’s cool. This is one of the two times we’ll see it, and hopefully for many years to see how these guys move forward.” “Obviously Denny’s having a career year and getting better and better over the years. And it’s so interesting to see them play against each other.”

Since its inception in 1946, the NBA has a rich and storied history in which countless stars have left their mark. LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is on his way to making history as he tries to lead his team out of the depths of the Western Conference standings and into the NBA Playoffs.

Behind the herculean efforts of Leonard, the Clippers are back in the playoff race this season, and now sit at 34-33 on the season. But it wasn’t long before things were looking grim, with just a 6-21 record, no draft selection to look forward to, and an aging roster that seemed to get even older before their eyes.

now in His 14th season in the NBAKawhi Leonard is averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game in 53 games this season. This is the first time in NBA history that a player has averaged a career-high in points per game at the end of his NBA career.

Former LA Clippers guard Lou Williams became the first player in NBA history to average 20_ points in his 13th season or later. Williams became the second player in NBA history to have the highest career scoring average in his 13th season, joining Chauncey Billups.

Leonard has now passed both, and has done so while shooting 50.1 percent from the field, 37.8 percent from three and 89.7 percent from the free throw line.

What has been the key to his success so far in his NBA career?

“The guy up there and I are just able to play the game,” Kawhi Leonard told ClutchPoints. “The offseason was good for me, I was able to just work. Just praising him, work ethic and believing. Just trying to get better at the game. Not worrying about the outcome. Whether it’s working on my shot, handle or passing, just being aggressive and making mistakes.”

On Saturday night, Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points in the Clippers’ home loss to the Sacramento Kings. This marked the 45th consecutive game that Leonard scored at least 20 points in a game, surpassing Bob McAdoo for most consecutive 20-point games in Clippers franchise history.

The 20-point streak now ranks 24th, equaling Tracy McGrady and Karl Malone’s streak of 45 consecutive games of 20+ points. Leonard’s streak at 128 is the second-longest active streak in the NBA behind Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recently surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s previous record of 126 consecutive games.

“It’s amazing,” Leonard said of making Clippers history. “Thank God I was able to play consistently this year and interact with the great players of the game.

“Just being on the floor and being able to play basketball is always great. In the NBA you go through a lot of ups and downs, either it’s a bad game, missing a shot, getting sick, or the team failing, and then the peak. It’s great to be able to interact with great guys like him.”

Leonard sprained his left ankle in Saturday night’s loss to the Kings, causing him to leave the game in the fourth quarter and exit early. He is listed as “doubtful” to play in Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, but he is likely to receive round-the-clock treatment and try to warm up before his status for the game is determined.

If he misses the game, it would be the 15th game missed by Kawhi Leonard this season, putting him close to the 17-game mark, which would eliminate him from eligibility for season-end NBA awards such as All-NBA Teams, All-Defensive Teams and MVP consideration.

The LA Clippers have been one of the league’s best teams since Dec. 20, but Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland are still content with one month remaining in the NBA’s 2025-26 regular season.

After starting the season 6–21, the Clippers have bounced back and are 26–11, reaching .500 for the first time since the early parts of the season. The Clippers moved to a 32-32 record with a win over the New York Knicks on Monday night to move past the Golden State Warriors for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

But Kawhi Leonard wasn’t ready to celebrate anything just yet.

“It’s nice, you know, but the job’s not done,” Kawhi Leonard admitted after the game. “The season isn’t over. That’s to be expected. Like I tell the guys, you don’t train to lose, you train to win, so yeah, it’s OK.”

Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points, including seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in the Clippers’ win over the Knicks, while making 10 of 19 shots from the field in 35 minutes of play.

After the game Leonard spoke with several Clippers players about the importance of maintaining their focus throughout the remainder of this regular season.

“We just talked to some players about it,” Leonard said. “Today, when I heard we were .500. Like I said, the job’s not done, we’ve still got games to play, so there’s nothing to be happy about.”

In his fourth game with the Clippers since returning from a foot injury, Darius Garland played a strong game as he worked his way through the minutes restriction. Garland scored 23 points with seven assists and two steals in 30 minutes of play, knocking down five three-pointers in the process.

He echoed Kawhi Leonard’s sentiments after the game, saying there is still more work to be done.

“I’m just here to win games,” Darius Garland said after the win over the Knicks. “That’s what we do, work in the offseason to win games so it’s exciting to get back to .500, but we still have a lot more work to do. We’re not done yet.

“[Being .500] Just a number. As I said before, we’re not done yet. There are still a lot of games left, and hopefully we’ll win some of them so keep trying, keep working on yourself, don’t worry about anyone else. We have to get better as a team, especially with our new guys getting acclimated and everything like that, so yeah, we’re just worried about the Clippers here.

Head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged that reaching .500 after being 15 games behind and deep in trouble is an accomplishment in itself.

“It means a lot,” head coach Tyronn Lue explained. “Our guys in the locker room stuck with it, kept fighting, kept competing. We thought we should have been better and could have been better. Injuries hurt us, but this team, since I’ve been here six years, our guys always keep fighting when our backs are against the wall.”

“I give credit to our coaching staff they did a great job sticking with it, staying positive, continuing to help these guys get better. Starting 6-21 and getting to .500 right now is huge for us.”

The Clippers still face an uphill battle as they try to continue their lead in the Western Conference standings. As of Tuesday night, the Clippers are the eighth seed despite having the same 32-32 record as the Golden State Warriors as they currently lead the season series 2-1 with one game remaining on the final night of the regular season.

The Phoenix Suns have played five games on the Clippers, and have continued to play well despite missing players like Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, and Mark Williams all year.

The Atlanta Falcons will have a new head coach next season. They may also have a new quarterback.

Michael Penix Jr., the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered on Nov. 16. He may not be ready for the start of the season.

Either way, the Falcons are making other plans at the QB position after recently moving on from Kirk Cousins, who is set for free agency again. With Cousins ​​gone, the Falcons need more depth at the position, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski may also have a say in the matter.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Falcons are “making a push” to sign recently released Tua Tagovailoa.

The Dolphins are still paying Tagovailoa $54 million in 2026, so they are expected to sign the veteran for a minimum of $1.3 million. It’s an incredible deal for him, whether he gets any starts or not.

Still, the Falcons can have confidence in Tagovailoa returning as a Pro Bowl QB under Coach Stefanski. At least, the 28-year-old brings 76 games of starting experience to Atlanta, where Penix has only 12 starts.

Additionally, Penix and Tagovailoa are both left-handed quarterbacks, which should make for an easier transition for receivers to catch passes moving in a different direction.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 projections ahead of NFL free agency

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

Questions surrounding Ivica Zubac’s debut with the Indiana Pacers will remain unanswered for at least one more game.

Indiana listed Zubac out with a left ankle sprain on its injury report Wednesday morning ahead of the team’s game with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Pacers begin a four-game West Coast road trip in Los Angeles on Wednesday night at 10:30 pm ET.

The injury designation means Zubac will not face his former team as he continues to work towards his first appearance since being acquired at the February trade deadline.

Indiana acquired the 28-year-old center from the Clippers in a landmark deal that also included Pacers-bound forward Kobe Brown. Los Angeles received a package centered on Benedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson, along with two first-round picks in 2026 and 2029 and a future second-round pick.

Zubac was enjoying one of the most productive periods of his career before the trade. In 43 games with the Clippers this season, he averaged 14.4 points, 11 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, while shooting 61.3 percent from the field and 70.5 percent from the free-throw line. He started 42 of those contests and recorded 30.9 minutes per game, becoming a consistent interior presence.

Ivica Zubac Pacers debut delayed as Benedict Mathurin moves on with Clippers

His most recent appearance came on February 2 in the Clippers’ 128–113 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Zubac recorded eight points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block while shooting 3-for-3 from the field in 33 minutes.

Indiana continues to wait for the veteran center to debut as it looks to stabilize a frontcourt that underwent major changes at the deadline. The Pacers enter Wednesday at 15-46 and are looking for consistency during the final stretch of the season.

Meanwhile, Mathurin has begun to carve out a role with the Clippers following the trade. The 23-year-old guard has averaged 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in eight games with Los Angeles, shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free-throw line while playing 30.4 minutes per contest.

Mathurin recently contributed in the Clippers’ 114-101 win over the Golden State Warriors. He finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, one block and one steal while shooting 6 of 13 from the field and converting all five of his free-throw attempts in 31 minutes.

Although Zubac will not make his debut against his former team in Indiana, the Pacers expect him to eventually take on an interior role as the organization evaluates its new-shaped roster following the deadline trade.

Will the Phoenix Suns’ newest acquisition, Haywood Highsmith, make his season debut on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings? The 6-foot-5 forward is unsure himself.

He was given a timetable of two to three weeks to return from knee surgery in August 2025. From the moment he arrived at the Valley of the Sun, Highsmith was committed to being ready for the final stages of the season.

“Doing a lot of work. Making good progress. Making progress faster than they thought and getting more comfortable every time working with rehab and stuff. Just looking good and feeling good,” Highsmith said during Tuesday’s shootaround, via AZCentral’s Duane Rankin on Ax (formerly Twitter).

The former Miami Heat forward has defensive ability, which Phoenix was very interested in acquiring. After the Suns executed at the NBA trade deadline, they vacated a roster spot.

The signing of Highsmith was a bit of a surprise, given how he fits into Miami’s culture. But he fits seamlessly into Phoenix head coach Jordan Ott’s defensive scheme of players who can switch and be versatile on that end.

What can Haywood Highsmith bring to the Suns?

Defense, defense, and more defense. Despite not being the best offensive player, this was his calling card. However, Highsmith developed into a good 3-point shooter, getting 42 starts last season.

The 3-and-D philosophy will never go away in the NBA, and as long as a player can be effective on both sides, it’s usually a recipe for success.

And with Jordan Goodwin scheduled to be evaluated in about a week or two, Highsmith’s appearance comes at a critical time. Like Goodwin, the newest addition to the team will bring his own calling card.

“Defensively, that’s what I do. Pressing. Picking up, being that dog defensively. Crashing the glass, being a good shooter, playing off guys like (Jalen Green and Devin Booker) as a spot up shooter and just bringing that energy,” Highsmith said via Rankin.

“Just being a tough, solid guy and doing the intangibles and doing whatever it takes to win.”

No-ego is an automatic green flag for Suns, and they may find themselves a perennial lockdown savior. Now it remains to be seen whether he is fit on Tuesday despite no injury report.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been playing some better basketball lately, Dejounte Murray recently returned from an Achilles injury and the team is slowly but surely making its way up the standings. Perhaps the most surprising development over the past few months for New Orleans has been Zion Williamson’s ability to stay on the court consistently.

Recently, Williamson got 100% honest about how he envisions the Pelicans’ identity moving forward.

“We’re building our own identity. We’ve dealt with injuries, coaching changes… despite all that, our energy is still high, we have a positive locker room. It’s ‘What’s next?’ It’s ‘How do we build from this?'” Williamson said via ESPN, per the Pelicans Film Room.

Sadly, injuries have been a major part of Williamson’s NBA story so far, with the former number one overall draft pick constantly being sidelined due to various ailments, most of which are related to his feet.

When he is on the court, Williamson remains a terror to opposing defenses, able to consistently attack the basket and finish at the rim, while also being a threat on the offensive glass.

However, persistent foot injuries throughout his career have threatened to derail the athleticism that was once his hallmark, and he has missed several seasons so far in his career.

Still, it’s certainly a positive sign that he’s able to remain on the court consistently as the calendar turns to 2025-26, though it’s unclear whether the Pelicans’ front office, who recently traded a potential 2026 lottery pick in exchange for fellow big man Derrick Queen, still views Williamson as part of the team’s long-term plans.

In any case, the Pelicans are scheduled to take the field on Tuesday evening for a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Washington Wizards pulled off one of the biggest blockbuster deals of the trade deadline when they acquired star point guard Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks. Young has yet to make his Wizards debut as he continues to recover from injury, but that’s about to change this week.

Trae Young is on track to return from injury and make his Wizards debut on Thursday for the team’s home game against the Utah Jazz, the star guard announced via his podcast, ‘From the Point.’ Young had been battling knee injuries this season, and was already sidelined when the Hawks traded him.

Young has been limited to only 10 games this season, and the last time he suited up for the Dawgs was on December 27 when he played a little more than 31 minutes in the Hawks’ loss against the New York Knicks. Since then he has missed 29 consecutive games.

In the 10 games that Young appeared in this season, he averaged 19.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.0 steals, including 41.5 percent shooting from the field, 30.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line, and 86.3 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, Young played his entire career so far with the Hawks. Now in his eighth season in the NBA, the four-time All-Star is hoping to be part of the Wizards’ turnaround after a rebuilding few years.

Young wasn’t the only big acquisition the Wizards made at the deadline. The team also acquired star big man Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks, who complemented Young with an elite threat in the paint and around the basket. With the Wizards’ current young core, the team appears poised to take a step forward next season.

Charles Barkley has never been one to bite his tongue, and he’s not about to start now, especially when it comes to the NBA’s new $76 billion media rights deal. During a recent appearance on ESPN sorry for the interruptionThe Hall of Famer criticized it and called out the league for creating a fragmented viewing experience that left fans scratching their heads.

Barkley, who recently joined the ESPN team along with the rest of the inside the nba Crews echoed the sentiment that has been emerging on social media throughout the season.

“It’s very difficult for fans to find games now,” Barkley told Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser. “I think we’ve done a disservice to the fans and to the game. We have to find a way to tell fans that… but people also don’t know when the games are on NBC, when they’re on Peacock, they don’t know when the games are on Amazon.”

“I think we’ve disrespected the fans and the game.”

Charles Barkley says the NBA’s new media deal makes it harder for fans to watch pic.twitter.com/xMy95U941j

– Awful Announcement (@awfulaannouncement) 27 February 2026

The 2025–26 season introduced a rotating schedule that split national broadcasts between The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video. While the league received massive payouts, the question “Where do I see it?” The question has become a nightly ritual for frustrated fans.

Take, for example, the clash at the Intuit Dome Thursday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves handled the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers in a 94-88 defensive grind. Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 29.6 points per game this season, led the way and the Timberwolves improved to 36–23. Meanwhile, the Clippers, playing without Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, slipped to 27-30.

For fans trying to watch that famous Western Conference matchup, finding the right app or channel often takes longer than the first quarter. Barkley’s point is simple: If the league makes it harder to tune in, they risk losing the casual viewer entirely.

As the NBA moves into this digital-first era, the league must find a better way to guide its viewers.

DeAndre Ayton had one of his best games as part of the Los Angeles Lakers when they faced the Orlando Magic, scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds. Although they still lost, Ayton showed what he can do when he is involved in the offense, making him more active on the other side of the ball.

After the game, Ayton was asked if he felt his effort was being recognized by his teammates.

“The ball gets energy,” Ayton said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “When I’m out there and sealing and they believe in me and they see me sprinting to the sideline and crashing, they reward me.”

After doing media, Ayton went to the showers and yelled, “They’re trying to make me Clint Capela.”

This seems to be a reference to how Capela has been used for most of his career, which is as a rim-running, lob threat who can grab rebounds at a high level. Ayton is basically saying that there’s more to his game than that, and he’d probably like to utilize his strengths more.

Unfortunately for Ayton, his role on the Lakers is very similar to Capela’s, according to a team source.

“When he’s at his best, and we’ve seen it, we’ve seen glimpses of it, he’s playing with power,” the team source said. “And playing with great strength on both ends of the floor when it comes to screening. Then rolling and putting pressure on the rim; [when the] The bullet goes up, breaking the glass; running backs in transition; Loading for basketball; Calling your communication; To be in perfect condition; Competitive shots; Boxed out. These things are really thankless for big guys when you’re a skilled big guy. But that’s his role in this team.”

With all the other talent on the Lakers like Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, it will be hard for Ayton to become who he truly believes he is.

When Zion Williamson’s highly-touted New Orleans Pelicans began the season, Karlo Matkovic was not included as a key rotational piece. However, through sheer effort, physicality and an infectious team-first mentality, the young big man has put James Borrego in a welcome dilemma.

Matkovic’s steady growth from a fringe option to a reliable contributor has complicated lineup options, especially with multiple productive big men competing for minutes.

Matkovic is flirting with 10-point and 10-rebound nights more often, while shooting 46% from 3-point range (1.2 attempts per game). As of February 23, he has had at least two blocks in three of his last eight games. It is impossible to ignore the 24-year-old Croatian’s recent performances.

“He’s making it hard for me,” Borrego told ClutchPoints. “It’s hard to decide who we’re going to play with, who we’re not going to play with. We have a lot of guys that are playing well in the front court with (Derrick Queen, Yves Missy) and Carlo. (Kevon Looney) is a professional and he’s been there; then there’s also (Zion Williamson). Still, Carlo continues to impress on me through his effort, his physicality, his size and his ability to be a two-way player. Keeps pressing. Offensively, (Matkovic) plays with great pace, gets up the floor and can make threes.

However, what separates Matkovic from a typical young player fighting for minutes goes beyond the box score. Borrego has been particularly impressed with what the big man brings to the less measurable areas of the game.

“It’s all the intangibles, too. (Matkovic) doesn’t care if he scores or gets credit. That’s what you want to be as a team,” Borrego said. “Carlo is a team-first person.”

Matkovic’s emergence has largely come through consistent energy and reliability rather than headline-grabbing stat lines. Borrego suggests that that selfless character did not happen by accident.

Borrego admitted, “Somewhere at home, someone taught him well; he was raised well. He was coached well, and he has a sense of selflessness and a sense of team that I really like.” “It reflects in his play, and he continues to play with great confidence.”

Matkovic was not projected to be a regular part of the rotation when the season began. Yet every time he steps onto the floor, he gets another chance… and then another.

The Pelicans are crazy about Karlo Matkovic

Confidence, in fact, has been one of the most visible developments in Matkovic’s game as the workload has increased. The more he plays, the more natural he looks in an NBA setting.

“As you said, (Matkovic) looks more comfortable with more minutes,” Borrego acknowledged. “He’s earned it. It’s not been given to him. He wasn’t projected to start this season, but we put him in there. I trust him and believe in him. He knows that, and I don’t see him losing.”

Matkovic, the 52nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has offered an intriguing blend of modern big man skills. At 6-foot-10 with legitimate shooting range, he adds a cool, unselfish credibility that coaches want. If the Pelicans don’t pick up the $2.2 million club option, at least one team will value those attributes in free agency this summer.

Borrego doesn’t hide how much he values ​​that last part. In a league where egos can derail the locker room, Matkovic’s willingness to do the dirty work without needing the spotlight has made him a favorite of both the coaching staff and his teammates. The coach’s “difficult” decision is unlikely to be easy.

As long as Matkovic continues to bring the same effort, physicality and team-first mentality every night, the rebuilding Pelicans will need to keep finding ways to get him on the floor because right now, giving up on him feels like the wrong choice in both the short and long term. In a league always looking for shooting, size and unselfishness, Karlo Matkovic is proving to be a rare combination of all three. And he’s making James Borrego’s job extremely difficult in the process.

LeBron James expressed strong support for Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown as an NBA MVP candidate after the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-89 on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.

Brown led the way with 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 36 minutes. He came close to a triple-double while guiding a Boston team that had been without Jayson Tatum due to a torn Achilles since Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2025.

After the game, James questioned why Brown’s name is not mentioned more often in the MVP conversation. He pointed out that Brown is averaging around 30 points per game and suggested that the MVP discussion can sometimes turn into a popularity contest.

“With this whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name isn’t even being discussed,” James said of Brown after Sunday’s game. “Like, nobody gave him a chance to start the season. And what’s his average, 30? Just under 30? It’s a popularity contest sometimes, I’ll tell you.”

Brown later returned the praise while speaking to reporters after the game. He stressed that he was interested in both criticism and praise, although he presented his case for the award in his own way.

“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the world,” Brown said. “I play on both ends of the court. I’m available night in and night out, which is hard to do. I’m a leader. I help lead my team, empower my team to come out and play with confidence, things that don’t always show up on analytics. And I’m a winner. I come out and try to win every night. So I’m grateful.”

to jaylen brown @ramonashelburne LeBron talks about James Brown’s MVP case after the Celtics’ win over the Lakers:

“Just come with the same mentality I’ve had since day one. Don’t let the praise or warmth or criticism make or break you. Just come out and be Jaylen… pic.twitter.com/bCN0IofO70

– Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) 23 February 2026

He called it an honor to receive recognition from James, whom he described as arguably the best player of all time. Brown, who won Finals MVP in 2024 after averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, said he feels grateful every day.

“It’s an honor to play in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. It’s an honor to have LeBron, who is arguably the best player to play the game, give me a lot of praise. So, I’m just grateful. I wake up every morning and am grateful (and) humbled.”

Even without Tatum and after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, Boston is 37-19 and in second place in the East. What many thought would be a reset has turned into a serious race for the conference crown.

Brown is a big reason for that. He ranks fourth in the NBA with 29.2 points per game, while he has career averages of 7.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Brown is fourth in the league in scoring this season.

Meanwhile, the last two MVP winners, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, have largely controlled the MVP conversation.

There are plenty of games left, and the MVP race is almost certain. The door isn’t locked, but Brown still has ground to cover if he wants to kick it open.

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a painful 111-109 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday at the Intuit Dome. However, one fan definitely won big.

During halftime, he participated in a promotional half-court shot challenge. He stepped onto the court with confidence and surprised everyone, going the long distance and earning a cash prize of $10,000.

He was as excited as a teenage girl at a Taylor Swift concert and was jumping up and down the court to celebrate his impressive shot.

This Clippers fan scored a half-court shot for $10,000 💰

(via @nba)pic.twitter.com/akcfX63n3m

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 23 February 2026

Was that the best highlight of the game or what?

Imagine you’re cheering for the Clippers and then going home with $10,000.

The people at X were thrilled to have the fan.

“Half the court. $10K. Ice in his veins. What a moment!” @ishnhere said.

“My palms get sweaty just holding the ticket. That fan has ice in his veins,” echoed @farrynft.

“Clutch isn’t just the players. Hats off to that Los Angeles Clippers fan for pulling off the buck in style!”. @Anikaflicks added.

@JB233_ posted, “Dang, all the fans are getting hit tonight.”

@notdomsanch joked, “The arena was noisier than any dunk last Saturday, LMAO.”

@yaboiandro wrote, “What a $hot.”

Maybe the Clippers should give the fan a 10-day contract.

The Half-Court Shooting Contest is a fun centerpiece of halftime entertainment in the NBA, giving spectators a chance to participate and a memorable experience at the venue.

The Clippers have now suffered consecutive losses after falling 125-122 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

They return to action on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Napoli are ‘finally making moves’ to improve their midfield this summer and Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes is their ‘main target’.

is according to Niccolo Ceccarini, journalist for Tuttomercatoweb. He revealed that the Wolves man has been placed at the top of Napoli’s midfield wish list.

After a disastrous defense of their title, the reigning Italian champions will be busy reshaping their squad this summer. They are currently 11 points behind Inter Milan and are in third place in Serie A.

Injuries have caused major problems for them, and the club will probably need to refresh the squad to keep Antonio Conte on board.

The Italian club wants reinforcements in midfield, and Ceccarini reports that Gomes is at the top of the list.

Wolves star wanted

According to their information, Napoli are making moves to strengthen their midfield this summer. And, the Wolves midfielder is the ‘main target’ in that regard. There is no further information available about the 25-year-old.

But Sport Witness has reported on Napoli’s interest in the midfielder for months. In fact, there have been several reports since the January transfer window alone.

For example, on 11 January, Sport Witness covered a report suggesting the Wolves midfielder was awaiting a transfer. At the time, the club valued him at €40m.

Efforts from January transfer window

A report three days later theorized that Wolves’ potential demotion this summer would make a transfer easier. Two days ago it was confirmed that the Wolves midfielder remains a target for Napoli this summer.

Now Ceccherini has added to this that he is a main target for Conte. Given that they’ve also said they’re finally making the move, it suggests something is going on behind the scenes.

In fact, it would not be surprising if sooner or later there were reports about contacts with Gomes’ agents. Even if that isn’t happening right now, Gomes’ future appears to lie away from Molineux.

Wolves have emerged as a new contender to sign Yassine Titraoui from Royal Charleroi SC.

That’s according to journalist Sascha Tavolieri, and he covers the latest on Wolves in his column sky sport ch.

The Algerian joined Jupiler Pro League from Paradou AC in July 2024 and quickly settled in Europe.

He played 62 matches and contributed 10 goals. [six goals and four assists] Of which four goals and two assists are from 30 matches this season.

Wolves accept Titraoui internally

The midfielder’s performances for the Belgian club have caught the attention of the Premier League side. The journalist says Wolves’ head of recruitment is personally leading the transfer.

This comes after Wolves Scouts laid the foundation stone. These authorities had repeatedly searched for the 22-year-old in Belgium, which Tavolieri claims is a sign of concrete interest in them.

Tavolieri claims Rob Edwards’ side are ‘very interested’ in Titraoui and are ‘seriously considering a move’ in the summer.

He says: ‘His [Titraoui’s] ‘The work rate, technical ability and attacking ability perfectly matches the profile Wolverhampton are looking for to strengthen their midfield.’

Competition and threat of degradation

Wolves are now bottom of the table, 17 points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. In case of relegation, Titraoui will not move to Molineux because he does not want to play in the championship.

Furthermore, Edwards’ team will also face competition from other English clubs to sign him.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness Covered Claims Both Leeds United and Sunderland are interested in the Algerian. Daniel Farke’s side are ready to make approaches to bring him to Elland Road after this season.

Tavolieri does not mention any other clubs apart from Wolves but reports competition from England.

he states: ‘If the club remains in the Premier League, discussions can rapidly intensify and a concrete offer can be put forward. On the other hand, if they are relegated, other English clubs could make their move, particularly an ambitious newly promoted side looking to strengthen their squad to compete at the top level.’