Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury date confirmed for 2026 but key details still missing

The date for Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is now set for late 2026 after years of failed negotiations. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on 27 April that the fight was “signed, sealed and delivered”. The fight is expected to take place in November, although the exact date has not been announced. This confirmation brings clarity to one of boxing’s most talked-about bouts.

The Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight has been in the news for almost a decade, with both fighters rising to the top of the heavyweight division at different times. Broadcast plans point to a global audience on Netflix, underscoring the program’s expectation of worldwide reach.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury date, venue and broadcast plans

The date for Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is currently targeted for November 2026, although officials have not released a full schedule. Site details also remain open. Initial discussions include a larger stadium in the United Kingdom or a Saudi-backed event. Croke Park has already been ruled out as an option.

The Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight will stream globally on Netflix, which is a huge step forward for boxing broadcasting. This ensures wider reach for fans in different regions.

Before this, Anthony Joshua is scheduled to fight Christian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh. This fight will serve as preparation for the main event.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight background and career record

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are two of the most recognizable names in heavyweight boxing. Joshua won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and has won several world titles during his career. Fury retained the WBC title and lineal championship and became world champion by defeating Wladimir Klitschko.

The Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury matchup brings together different styles. Joshua relies on power and direct strikes, while Fury utilizes speed, reach and ring awareness. These contradictions have kept the fight relevant at different stages of his career.

The deal came after talks with Saudi boxing personality Turki Alalshaikh. Reports confirm a two-fight structure for Joshua, including his July return and main event at the end of the year.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight: who will win

The Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight has been officially confirmed, with key details yet to be announced. Organizers are expected to announce the official venue, full fight card and final event in the coming weeks.

Both the fighters are expected to complete their preparation through scheduled bouts and training camps before the scheduled date.

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#Anthony #Joshua #Tyson #Fury #date #confirmed #key #details #missing

Fernando Mendoza is exactly what the attackers were missing

It took 19 years. It’s been nineteen years since the Las Vegas Raiders last drafted a quarterback in the first round and the man they selected that time – JaMarcus Russell – has become one of the most cautionary tales in NFL history. Thursday night in Pittsburgh, the Raiders got a completely different name calling. One, if everything goes right, could define this franchise for the next decade and beyond.

Fernando Mendoza. No. 1 overall pick. An attacker.

Say it again. It feels good.

Mendoza is a game changer on and off the field

Fernando Mendoza Las Vegas Raiders
Kirby Lee-Images Images

In one season with Indiana, Mendoza became the first Heisman Trophy winner in program history, while leading the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten title, first Rose Bowl victory and first national championship – all in a perfect season. He threw 41 touchdown passes, completed 72 percent of his attempts, and posted an 8:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the College Football Playoff. Fernando Mendoza hasn’t had a good year for nothing. His single-season performance at the position was one of the best in college football history.

And yet, the story goes deeper than the numbers.

Instead of heading to Pittsburgh for the draft, Mendoza stayed home with his family in Miami tonight. One reason: Her mother, Elsa, suffers from multiple sclerosis and has difficulty traveling. The NFL pushed back. He did not budge. On the biggest night of his professional life, he chose his mother’s comfort over spectacle. It tells you a lot about who this kid is.

He’s a self-serious nerd, a conscientious thinker, a cheerful competitor, and an obvious business graduate who leads by example on and off the field. The Raiders just don’t have a quarterback. They have the franchise cornerstone.

Agent Leigh Steinberg put it bluntly: “He’s an ideal selection for the Raiders because he’s someone they can build a franchise around. He seems like he has the proper leadership skills and motivational ability to lead a team. He’s high character, he’s got physical size. He’s got great strength.”

That draft is not publicity. He’s a guy who has seen quarterbacks come and go for 50 years and tells you this is different.

The attackers had been waiting for a long time.

A franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2002 now has a guy they hope will finally change that. That’s a 23-year drought of meaningful January football. Raider Nation is running out of reasons to believe. This is one reason. A real one.

Raiders snatch another Heisman winner

NCAA Football: Heisman Trophy Presentation
brad penner-image images

Mendoza becomes the fifth Heisman Trophy winner drafted by the Raiders, joining Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, Tim Brown and Charles Woodson – four names that will forever be woven into the silver and black. Company specific. There should be expectations also.

Yep, nothing like that happens on draft night. The rebuild under GM John Spitek and head coach Clint Kubiak is real work, and it has to translate into wins. The expectation is that veteran Kirk Cousins ​​will be the QB1 until Mendoza is ready, and that’s fine. There’s no reason to push the 22-year-old into a starting role before he’s ready. Let him learn. Let him grow. Patrick Mahomes spent his entire rookie year. That worked.

But make no mistake, the energy around this organization changed tonight. There is still a pulse. A valid reason to engage, show up and care again.

Mendoza told ESPN: “The last five months have been such a blessing. I’m just looking forward to working and proving myself at the next level. College was great. I’m blessed to have this career. But now I’m stepping into a great game in the NFL. I’m looking forward to earning it every day.”

Earn it every single day. In a franchise that has seen many thinking it will be handed to them, this sentence itself is a breath of fresh air.

Add in the Tom Brady mentorship angle and it’s even more interesting. Mendoza himself said on the Rich Eisen Show that Brady has inspired him to be the best quarterback he can be, that it “would mean the world” to him and that all the ingredients are there for something real. An inspired young quarterback. A respected football mind in his corner. A front office that is finally making calculated, disciplined decisions instead of swinging wildly.

This is the best thing to happen to the Raiders organization in a generation. Not because Mendoza is guaranteed to be great, because nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. But because for the first time in a very long time, the Raiders picked the right guy, in the right way, in the right way.

Raider Nation, meet your quarterback.

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#Fernando #Mendoza #attackers #missing

“I was sick” – defender regrets missing Crystal Palace and Tottenham transfers; hurt hell since then

Defender Per Schuurs has revealed the worst period of his career and how it ruined his move to Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur.

In an emotional interview with De Telegraph, The 26-year-old describes a two-year battle with pain, uncertainty and mental collapse, and how he is now finally seeing his way back.

Crystal Palace and Tottenham efforts

Per Schuurs is currently a free agent after leaving Torino in February. That departure followed two years of injury. He previously spent 286 days out due to a cruciate ligament injury in October 2024 and is currently on 618 days out after knee surgery.

Before the latest problem, he was one of Serie A’s most sought-after defenders. After impressing at Torino, he left a number of Premier League clubs giving him tough competition. This included Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

“I reached a five-year contract with Inter in the summer, but the club could not reach an agreement with Torino,” he said.

“Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur also wanted to trade and pay more. They offered €35m, Inter offered 30m. While Torino demanded at least €40m. A standoff occurred. This also played a part in the background. I was sick of not making a transfer. In fact, still am,”

injury nightmare

Two months later, Per Schuurs suffered an injury that changed everything. The knee injury, despite injury, has created a medical mystery that has baffled experts across Europe.

“Everything seemed to be going well, but after a week I had a reaction on the outside of my knee,” he said.

“I was dying of pain. Instead of four weeks, I walked on crutches for four months. That’s when all the alarm bells rang. I saw the best orthopedic specialists in England, France, Italy and the Netherlands. But the reason for the complaints was not found.”

This made the guard sad. Not only had he missed out on big steps forward at Crystal Palace and Tottenham, but his career was now on the decline.

He admitted, “I had fallen from the pinnacle of my career and the most beautiful phase of my personal life into the deepest abyss of which I did not even know.”

“This manifested as crying and extreme anger. One evening, when I really couldn’t take it anymore, I said to my girlfriend: Sleep well and I hope I don’t wake up again. I never thought about ending my life.”

focus on return

Now the defender is back on the road to recovery. He can see the light at the end of the tunnel and is hoping to create a redemption arc for the movies.

He concluded, “I would prefer to lie in bed with the curtains closed.”

“I was amazed at the person I had become; I had not been the same for two years. I have been pain free for weeks now and am feeling better and better. I want to come back the most beautiful I have ever been.

“I’m concentrating on being in top shape until the end of June. Then I’ll start looking for a club. When I think about it, I have tears in my eyes. On the other hand, it’s painful that it’s a dream.”

#sick #defender #regrets #missing #Crystal #Palace #Tottenham #transfers #hurt #hell

Arsenal got the advantage – Sporting is now missing its key trio and captain for European matches

Sporting CP

armory Travel to Lisbon with a clear idea of ​​what kind of game awaits them. Sporting CP is a side with structure, repetition and very defined strengths, which makes this tie feel tight.

That expectation becomes even stronger when we look at a specific area. As we covered earlierBoth teams are among the most effective teams in Europe when it comes to set pieces.

Arsenal have built a large portion of their offensive output this season around dead-ball situations. He has scored 19 set-piece goals in the Premier League, accounting for over 30% of his total league goals in those situations.

Sporting profile is also not behind. He has scored 15 set-piece goals in Liga Portugal, the most in the competition. Those goals represent about 22% of their total.

Sporting CP will be without key players for Arsenal

However, that balance is affected by team news. The Portuguese press confirmed that Sporting will be missing several players, and the most important absence is obvious: Morten Hjulmand will not play due to suspension.

The captain’s absence is significant on many levels. He is the organizer in midfield, the player who sets the pace and protects the defensive line. He is one of the first references when it comes to positioning in defensive set pieces.

It also has a broader context. Hjulmand has been linked with Arsenal In recent weeks, that adds an extra layer to supporters watching this tie. He is exactly the type of midfielder the Gunners have been linked with – and not just because his infamous tattoo.

Without him, Sporting loses structure, leadership and control. They also lose a vital defensive presence in the same area that Arsenal look to exploit.

Other deprivations and what they carry

Hjulmand is not the only one of concern. Left-back Nuno Santos is out, and this removes one of Sporting’s main sources of width and crossing. His delivery has consistently been an offensive weapon, especially from the left side.

Forward Fotis Ionidis is also not available. He provides physical presence, hold-up play and penalty-box movement. His absence limits Sporting’s ability to play more directly or attack crosses with the same force.

Furthermore, Luis Guilherme is another name missing. As a rotational option, the former West Ham player provides energy and flexibility to the attacking line, especially late in games.

Overall, these absences reduce sporting diversity. They are still dangerous, but the scope of solutions has narrowed.

The quality of the attack is still there

Despite those setbacks, Arsenal cannot expect an opponent to be weak in attack. portuguese outlet game Chelsea-owned Giovani Quenda is pushing for a re-joining after returning to training. He may start on the bench, but his presence provides pace and unpredictability when needed.

More importantly, the main offensive line remains intact. Jenny Catamo, Francisco Trincao and Pedro Gonçalves form a forward line that is technically strong and comfortable between the lines.

Up front, Colombian striker Luis Suarez is expected to start and is having a season worth noting. His output has been strong, to such an extent that comparisons with Victor Gyökeres’ final campaign before leaving Sporting naturally arise.

Suarez has scored 24 goals in 25 league games this season and has scored 5 goals in 10 Champions League appearances so far. Add to this seven assists spread across both competitions. This makes him much more than just a finisher. He gives Sporting a focal point who can occupy defenders and bring others into the game.

For Arsenal, this means dealing with in-form strikers rather than vulnerable attacks.

Potential Sporting CP XI for Arsenal

Keeping all that in mind, game Hopefully the local side will line up like this: Rui Silva in target, ivan fresneda And maxi araujo As a full back, osman diomande And goncalo inacio In central defence. a double axis of xeno debast And hidemasa morita between. at the forefront, Ginny Catamo, Francisco Trincao, pedro goncalves playing behind Luis Suarez.

DeBast’s inclusion in the midfield is particularly telling. Being a natural defender, he brings added physicality and awareness to defensive situations, especially set pieces. This seems to be a direct response to Arsenal’s main strength.

expectations are finely balanced

Arsenal will face a Sporting team that is without its captain and several useful attacking options. This should tilt certain aspects of the game in their favour, particularly midfield control.

At the same time, the Sporting retains enough quality to compete. Their attacking line remains dangerous, their strikers are in form and their understanding of set pieces matches Arsenal’s.

This leaves a game that looks to be tight, tactical and potentially decided by a good margin. And given the profile of both teams, there is a strong possibility that that moment comes from the dead ball.


#Arsenal #advantage #Sporting #missing #key #trio #captain #European #matches

5 Cup Series drivers in danger of missing out

When NASCAR announced the return of The Chase for the 2026 season, many drivers and fans were overjoyed to see the old win-and-playoff format gone for good. Now seven races into the season, some drivers may already be missing the old ways of playoff-clinching scenarios.

After Sunday’s Cook Out 400 we are more than a quarter of the way through the Cup Series regular season. With the Cup Series having a week off, it’s worth taking a look at some of the marquee drivers who are on the NASCAR Chase bubble right now.

Josh Berry: 55 points behind

nascar chase bubble
Scott Kinser-Imagen Images

Josh Berry led Wood Brothers Racing to the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs last season with his victory in the Pennzoil 400 on March 16. More than a year later, the No. 21 team faces even longer odds joining the 16-driver, 10-race battle. The good news for Berry is that he had a season-best finish of 10th at Martinsville, scoring 36 points. He has earned 56 points in the last two races and has moved up double digits on the points leaderboard. However, the fact that he scored only 23 points over the four-race span from Atlanta to Las Vegas eliminated his margin for error in advancing. Some of his teammates this season have already performed on better teams and in races with better equipment, making it extremely unlikely for Berry to make the playoffs.

RELATED: NASCAR Cup Series Stage Winners 2026, Stats Tracker

Kyle Busch: 48 points behind

nascar chase bubble
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Based on how the No. 8 car has performed over the seven races, and indeed the entire Richard Childress Racing team, even a win-and-in format will not get Kyle Busch into The Chase. It is the first time in his Cup Series career that Busch has gone without a top-10 finish in the first seven races, and his frustration with the team is evident in interviews. We have not seen any evidence from RCR or the No. 8 car to believe that Busch will not go three consecutive seasons without a Cup win.

RELATED: Kyle Busch winless streak, what’s happened since last win

Chase Briscoe: 36 points behind

nascar chase bubble
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In his first season with Joe Gibbs Racing driving the No. 19 car, Chase Briscoe earned a championship No. 4 finish and won three races with 15 top-five finishes. Although he was certainly seen as a championship contender coming into this year, it seems safe to rule Brisco out for it before the calendar flips to April. It’s not necessarily his fault. Finishes at Daytona (36th), COTA (37th), and Phoenix (37th) were mainly due to debris around him or problems with the car. Why it doesn’t matter in The Chase, not when you score a total of 4 points in those three races. Now after consecutive finishes outside the top-10, we are confident in saying that Briscoe will not finish in the top-8 in points in the regular season, and that means he has no real title hopes.

Connected: NASCAR Standings Today, Points Leader After Martinsville

Ross Chastain: 31 points behind

nascar chase bubble
Scott Kinser-Imagen Images

With better equipment, Ross Chastain could be a championship contender. The work he’s been doing with the No. 1 car this season for Trackhouse Racing could keep him out of The Chase altogether. This generally appears to be a trackhouse issue, as Connor Zylisch has performed like Cody Ware on the oval this season. In the past, Chastain would make up for the team’s shortcomings by winning. That’s not an option, and while we’d still predict him to be one of the 16 drivers in The Chase, it’s no longer the certainty that many expected just a few months ago.

Austin Cindric: 18 points behind

nascar chase bubble
Scott Kinser-Imagen Images

Austin Cindric’s arrow is pointing up after these past two weeks. The fact that he is still 18 points behind Daniel Suarez for 16th and last place after scoring 78 points in the last two races speaks volumes about the huge hole he has dug through the first four races of the season. With the points gap narrowing, Cindric has potentially given himself a little margin for error while still having a chance to clinch one of the final two spots in The Chase.

RELATED: NASCAR Power Rankings 2026

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Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

#Cup #Series #drivers #danger #missing

Fabio Wardley sends warning to Oleksandr Usyk over missing fight ahead of retirement

Fabio Wardley has made his position clear as he targets a fight with Oleksandr Usyk before the Ukrainian retires. The undefeated British heavyweight says he will be “furious” if Usyk doesn’t face him next fight. Wardley is set to defend his WBO title against Daniel Dubois on May 9 in Manchester.

Usyk, 39, has talked about a short list of fights before retirement, but his plans have changed in recent weeks. Wardley spoke about the situation and said he wanted clarity. He believes he has got his chance after recent results and wants a direct path to title contention.

Fabio Wardley questions Oleksandr Usyk’s changing plans

Wardley said Usyk’s next step is unclear. The former undisputed champion previously outlined a plan that included a fight with Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt. He also mentioned facing the winner of Wardley’s fight with Dubois and a third fight with Tyson Fury.

Usyk has since talked about Agit Kabayel as another option. Kabayel is the WBC mandatory challenger and has recent wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zilei Zhang.

“Nobody knows who he’s going to fight,” Fabio said in an interview with IFL TV. “One minute he’s in Egypt fighting the Pharaoh or something, the next he wants to fight me, then he wants to fight Kabayel. He doesn’t know what he wants to do.”

Wardley says he passed every test

Wardley said he did a lot to win the fight with Usyk. He defeated Joseph Parker in his last fight and is now preparing to face Dubois. He said that he wants the same result after this next match also.

“I’m just going to keep moving forward, I’m going to keep winning and beating people, and if he wants to try, he can try.”

When asked if he would feel relieved to avoid Usyk, he dismissed the idea.

“Absolutely not, I’ll be furious. I’ve been through the Joseph Parker fight, and I want Usyk. I’m going to go through the Daniels fight, and I want Usyk. How many tests does he want me to do?”

Focus shifts to Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois bout

Wardley now turns his full attention to Dubois. Both fighters are undefeated and hold strong positions in the heavyweight division.

Wardley said he feels as if Usyk is being tested before taking a shot at him.

“I feel like I’m putting Usyk through tests. He’s making me do certain things before he allows me to fight him. So if I do them, and then he walks away, I’ll be furious. I won’t have words.”

Usyk is expected to retire after completing his final fight. He became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years when he defeated Fury in a 2024 rematch. Wardley’s next result will play a key role in what happens next in the division.

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

#Fabio #Wardley #sends #warning #Oleksandr #Usyk #missing #fight #ahead #retirement

Tyrese Maxey has the ‘perfect’ reaction to missing March Madness due to COVID

March Madness is probably the highlight of every college basketball player’s career. Where else can you experience the atmosphere that the tournament brings? Very few sporting events match the intensity of March Madness. Unfortunately, there are a whole group of players who were not able to play in the tournament, like Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey.

With March Madness in full swing once again, Maxi took to X to express his thoughts about the tournament. The 76ers star lamented the fact that he was not able to play in the NCAA Tournament.

“Every year during March Madness I get sad that I don’t get a chance to play in the tournament…” Maxi wrote.

Maxey then went on to say that things worked out great anyway, as he was drafted by the 76ers in part because he missed the March Madness tournament.

“Then I remembered… I probably wouldn’t be a Sixer… so it worked out perfectly!” He said.

Maxi was drafted by the 76ers with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. The Kentucky product fell down the draft board largely due to a lack of game film. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 March Madness was canceled entirely. Not wanting to stay in college another year, Maxi decided to declare for the draft and take his chance there.

This decision was very good for Maxi. Although it took some time for him to find his feet, the 76ers guard eventually became one of the best guards in the league. He was named to his second All-Star Game this season and has been a key player for the 76ers alongside Joel Embiid. This season, Maxi is averaging 29 points per game while making 37.1% of his three-point attempts, as well as 4.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.

Maxi, unfortunately, will be out for the next two weeks after suffering a finger injury last week. The Sixers currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, are still in the play-in tournament, but have a long shot at making the playoffs outright.


#Tyrese #Maxey #perfect #reaction #missing #March #Madness #due #COVID

Kawhi Leonard’s injury status after missing Spurs game

The Los Angeles Clippers lost to the San Antonio Spurs 119–115, and Kawhi Leonard’s absence quickly became the main story. The star forward missed the game and his absence was felt at key moments at both ends of the field. According to Tomer Azzarly of ClutchPoints, Kawhi Leonard is day-to-day with the injury, but is expected to travel with the Clippers on their upcoming three-game road trip. The update offers some optimism, although questions still remain as the team tries to stabilize its season.

The Clippers are now 34-34 and in 8th place in the Western Conference. The team has lost two consecutive games, even though it has won seven of its last 10 games. Still, the defeat to Spurs highlighted a familiar issue. Without Leonard, execution becomes less reliable late in games. Crime slows down. The defense loses some lead. In such tough matches, it’s the little things that decide everything.

Leonard remains the engine of this team. He is averaging 28.3 points per game, while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from beyond the arc. His efficiency and control shape the Clippers’ identity. When he plays, everything looks sharp. When he sits, the margin for error diminishes exponentially.

Road trip pressure increases for Clippers

Now comes a serious turn. The Clippers suffered back-to-back losses against the New Orleans Pelicans before taking on the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Both teams sit near the bottom of the Western Conference, but the Clippers can’t take any matchup lightly.

If Leonard returns, the Clippers will regain balance. Ball movement improves. Confidence awakens. If he remains marginalised, the pressure shifts to the supporting cast. As the playoff race gets tighter, each possession will carry more weight.

This road trip may shape their trajectory. Can the Clippers stay afloat while managing Kawhi Leonard’s injury, or will this stretch test their limits at the worst time?


#Kawhi #Leonards #injury #status #missing #Spurs #game

Kevin Durant roasted after missing second half vs. Lakers

In the first half of the Houston Rockets’ 100-92 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, things were going pretty routine for superstar Kevin Durant. He scored 16 points in the first 24 minutes of the game as the Rockets took a six-point lead at 57–51. But at least it can be said that Durant’s sophomore season did not go according to plan.

The Lakers mixed up their coverage on Durant, as he challenged other Rockets players to beat him. After Alperen Sengun’s exit, this appeared to be a more viable strategy than ever. And it worked; Durant was held scoreless for the first 23 or so minutes of the second half, with his only two points during this period coming with just 30 seconds remaining in the game.

This disappearing act was nerve-wracking for one of the NBA’s best scorers, and as a result, he received some hearty mockery on social media – especially from bettors.

X user @DoYourHomeworkJ wrote, “What Kevin Durant just did is criminal, he’s crazy. Watching it at halftime I was like yes, this shit is easy. This guy had 0 points in the second half. A 2 point shot with 30 seconds left doesn’t count you’re terrible.”

@KimCarloCastro said, “Durant is being praised and lauded only because he got scared of the double team. And scored just 2 wasted points in the second half.”

@KingSenay added, “Kevin Durant only scored 2 points in an entire half of close games? You can’t tell me these players are paid.”

@PayMe_inPizza expressed, “Kevin Durant Hamburger Helper Hair is gonna talk about our bullshit too. You sold us out for a few more bucks, you scored 2 points in the entire second half. You’re the fuck king, you’re an idiot, you’re an idiot.”

The Lakers deserve credit for locking up Durant, but rational basketball sense never mattered to bettors who lost out on a spectacular pay day.


#Kevin #Durant #roasted #missing #Lakers

Kawhi Leonard in danger of missing out on NBA awards despite historic season

Kawhi Leonard has been the best version of himself this season, scoring career-highs while being his usual, efficient self all over the court. But the LA Clippers star may miss out on NBA awards this season.

Named an NBA All-Star for the seventh time in his NBA career, Leonard has averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game in 53 games this season. He missed only 14 games this season, 10 of which came in November due to a sprained right ankle.

Leonard has unfortunately been ruled out of Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, which will be his 15th game this season. This means Leonard can only miss two more games before becoming ineligible for season-ending NBA awards.

As things stand, Kawhi Leonard is set to make an All-NBA team as well as an All-Defensive team, but missing two more games would put him on the list of stars who are already ineligible to join those teams.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Stephen Curry are all among the players who are not eligible to win awards at season’s end, and several others are not far behind them.

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic cannot miss any more games or he will be ineligible to win. Both Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic can miss only five more games before they are no longer eligible. San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has played in 52 of the Spurs’ 67 games so far, leaving them with only two games of qualification left.

Last week, Kawhi Leonard reported what would allow him to have a career-year in his 14th season.

“The guy up there and I are just able to play the game,” the Clippers star explained to 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.”

The Clippers only have 15 games remaining this season, including two back-to-back sets. Leonard has played nine back-to-back sets already this season, displaying a level of confidence in his health that the Clippers medical staff may not have seen in years past.

Monday night’s game between the LA Clippers and San Antonio Spurs is scheduled to begin at 7 PM PST on NBC.


#Kawhi #Leonard #danger #missing #NBA #awards #historic #season

Former WWE and NXT star issues public plea for help finding missing brother

Former WWE Superstar Shotzi Blackheart has reached out to the public for help locating his missing brother, Dino. The former main roster and NXT star took to social media to share a distressing update regarding his sibling’s whereabouts in the San Francisco area.

According to the post, Dino’s vehicle was found crashed near Fort Mason and the Marina district, but he has not been seen since driving away from the scene. The situation is especially serious because Shotzi said her brother is currently undergoing dialysis treatment and may be confused or disoriented.

Security footage from the area confirmed that Dino exited the vehicle after the collision, but his current location and physical condition remain unknown. Shotzi said he is “not himself” due to his ongoing medical needs, increasing the family’s concern for his immediate safety.

“My brother Dino is missing. His car was found crashed near Fort Mason/Marina District – San Francisco, and security footage shows him later walking away from the vehicle. He may be confused or disoriented. He is currently undergoing dialysis and is not himself, so we are very concerned for his safety,” Shotzi shared.

The family is requesting that anyone in the San Francisco area with information regarding Dino’s whereabouts contact authorities immediately. Specifically, the post directs individuals to reach Detective Smith at 415-561-5146. Shotzi encouraged his followers and the wrestling community to share the information widely to increase the chances of safe recovery.

Since the post was published, members of the wrestling world from WWE, AEW and the independent circuit have rallied to support Shotzi by sharing his message. Following her departure from WWE, she has worked for several different promotions, including finding success as a member of the MLW roster and being one of the top acts in their women’s division.


#WWE #NXT #star #issues #public #plea #finding #missing #brother

Moses Moody gets new injury deadline after missing 3 games

The Golden State Warriors have been without Moses Moody for the last three games due to a sprained right wrist. On Tuesday, the organization shared an update regarding the timeline for his return.

Moody, who will turn 24 in May, was said to have made progress during his evaluation process on Tuesday. However, he is not ready to return yet and will be reevaluated at the end of the week, according to the Warriors PR.

“Warriors guard Moses Moody, who has missed the last three games after suffering a right wrist sprain on March 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers, was recently re-evaluated. The re-evaluation indicated that Moody is making good progress and has progressed in on-court work. He will be re-evaluated later this week.”

Based on the announcement, the fifth-year veteran will miss Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. However, it seems like there’s a chance he could be back as soon as Friday when the Warriors take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. But it really depends on when the next revaluation process takes place.

Moses Moody has played in 59 games for the Warriors this season, starting 48. He has been a solid contributor, averaging 11.9 points (career-high), 3.3 rebounds (career-high), and 1.6 assists (career-high) per game, while shooting 44.1% from the floor and 40.2% from beyond the three-point line (career-high).

The Warriors are currently struggling with many injuries. Since Moody is going to miss at least one more contest, we should expect Will Richard to play an extended role when the Warriors take on the Bulls. Pat Spencer, LC Cryer, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford could also see more playing time.


#Moses #Moody #injury #deadline #missing #games

VJ Edgecombe vs. Grizzlies injury report still out after missing ugly Cavs game

The Philadelphia 76ers provided the latest update on rookie guard VJ Edgecombe ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, as the team deals with multiple injuries during a crucial stretch of the regular season.

Edgecomb is listed as questionable on the injury report with a lumbar injury after missing the team’s most recent game. Philadelphia (34-30) will attempt to stop its recent decline in the Eastern Conference standings when it hosts Memphis (23-40) on Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET.

The 20-year-old guard last appeared in the 76ers’ 131-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs last Tuesday, when he suffered an injury. Edgecombe finished that contest with six points, four rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal in 20 minutes. He shot 2 of 9 from the field and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line before being taken out of the lineup for the next game.

Despite his recent absences, Edgecombe has been one of Philadelphia’s most productive young contributors during his rookie campaign. In 57 appearances this season, the guard is averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He is shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.1% from 3-point range while logging 35.1 minutes per contest.

76ers battle injuries as VJ Edgecombe’s status remains uncertain

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) and guard VJ Edgecombe (77) talk during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Bill Streicher-Imagen Images

His potential availability comes at a critical time for Philadelphia, which has lost two consecutive games and four of its last six. The team dropped to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference standings after a 115-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.

Philadelphia has struggled to maintain continuity amid several key injuries. Tyrese Maxey is out with a sprained right finger, while former MVP center Joel Embiid is expected to be out at least a week with a strained right finger.

Those absences have put additional pressure on the rest of the 76ers’ rotation as they attempt to remain competitive in a tightly packed Eastern Conference race. The team has made a record of 4-6 in its last 10 matches.

Edgecombe’s status will likely be determined closer to tipoff as Philadelphia evaluates his recovery from a lumbar injury. If cleared to play, the rookie could provide needed backcourt production and defensive activity as the 76ers look to stabilize their lineup against a Grizzlies team trying to build momentum during the closing stretch of the season.


#Edgecombe #Grizzlies #injury #report #missing #ugly #Cavs #game

Ime Udoka details what Houston is missing to keep up with the West

On Sunday night the Houston Rockets got another chance to test themselves against one of the NBA’s best teams in the San Antonio Spurs. However, it turned out to be nothing more than a test, in which he failed completely. They didn’t look like they were on the same court as the upstart Spurs as Houston lost 145-120 to their division rival.

The Spurs continued to hum offensively throughout the game, as they once again rained down shots from beyond the arc against the Rockets. It’s certainly a big concern that a team that should be proud of its defense is stumbling on that end, especially against a team that could be up against come playoff time.

After the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said the problem for Houston isn’t the talent level on the roster – it’s basically everything else that’s intangible.

Udoka told Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle, “We have no doubt the talent is there. The identity, the mentality, the toughness, the poise, it’s all missing right now. We’ll see if we can get it back by the end of the season.”

However, fans don’t feel like that’s all that’s missing from the Rockets.

Rockets fans protest Ime Udoka’s statements

Rockets fans urged Udoka to take a long look in the mirror and assess his shortcomings in setting up his team. Some fans believe that the team’s offensive system is substandard and needs to be overhauled.

“Lmao. Every great team plays hard bro. The difference is in your system. The Spurs don’t have that many incredible shooters but their system consistently creates a lot of open 3s, movement off the ball and doesn’t bring up the experience factor many teams younger than us have out there now,” wrote X user @AbdulMu079.

“I focus so much on toughness that he gives his team even the toughest shots… Every possession in half court feels like a dentist pulling teeth… The Rockets have probably reached their limits with this coaching staff… I need an offensive coordinator in the worst way,” @LarryLe97168426 said.


#Ime #Udoka #details #Houston #missing #West

‘Completely missing’ – concerns over Leeds United player

In January, sports witness La Liga interest in Leeds United’s Illan Meslier covered.

Not long ago, the goalkeeper was also attracting the attention of AC Milan. At the time, there was uncertainty regarding Mike Maignan’s future.

The France international signed a new deal, putting an end to Meslier’s thoughts of a move to San Siro.

While things changed for Maignan, they have remained exactly the same for the Leeds United player. He hasn’t played once this season, which is causing concern in France.

FootMercato: Key points on the Leeds United player

footmarket State Meslier has ‘completely disappeared’ from the Leeds United scene. And they wonder how it all happened, given that the Whites were so promising when they returned to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.

The outlet believes this is a sign of a complete breakdown of relations between the two parties after Meslier was suddenly fired by Daniel Farke in March 2025.

There is also a question mark on his future. The 26-year-old was close to a move to the Turkish club in January. Last summer, Lorient were also looking for him.

He would leave Leeds United on a free at the end of the season. Footmercato believes a return to Lorient is possible and would be a way for Meslier to revive his career.

Meslier’s exclusion causes concern

There was never any obvious reason for excluding the French. This is not to say that Leeds United’s goalkeepers are bad but the lack of clarity is raising concerns.

Fortunately, Meslier is still only 26 years old, which is very young for a goalkeeper. If he makes the right career choices in the summer, it could get him back on track.

He has shown enough promise in the past to join a recognized club. It would not be surprising if the situation improves drastically by the end of 2026.

Contract status, price and agent

Illan Meslier is currently valued at €12m by Transfermarkt, down from a peak of €22m in 2022. Unfortunately for Leeds United, they won’t see any of it.

The goalkeeper’s contract expires at the end of June, and he could leave the Whites as a free agent. There is no announced agent for the player, and he has worked with several people in his career.

At the time of Milan’s claims, Pini Zahawi was credited as being behind it. Perhaps the lack of a stable agent was the reason he was not transferred in January.

#Completely #missing #concerns #Leeds #United #player

Mike Dunleavy Jr. will be stunned by Stephen Curry missing the rest of the season.

Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said it would be surprising if star guard Stephen Curry was forced to miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.

The Warriors’ season continued with a 114–101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, giving Golden State a 31–30 loss and its second consecutive loss. Curry has not played since January 30 with what the team calls “runner’s knee”, creating uncertainty over the timeline of his return.

In a report published Wednesday by Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, Dunleavy addressed the possibility of Curry being sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Dunleavy said, “It would be very surprising to me; very, very surprising.” “But I’m not ruling anything out. I’m not a doctor and things can happen a certain way. I don’t want the headline to be, ‘Steph could be done for the year’ because I’m not ruling it out. But just because he’s not playing right now, I just have to accept that yes, definitely, there’s a chance. But we don’t expect it.”

Stephen Curry continues rehab as Warriors monitor timeline of knee injury

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) watches from the bench during the second period against the Philadelphia 76ers at Chase Center.
Justin Willard-Imagen Images

Curry last appeared on January 30 in the Warriors’ 131–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The 37-year-old finished that game with 23 points, two assists, one rebound and one block in 25 minutes. He shot 7 of 16 from the field, 4 of 10 from 3-point range, and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line.

Despite missing time, Curry remains one of the league’s most productive scorers this season. Through 39 games, he has averaged 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 46.8% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc, and 93.1% from the free-throw line. He has logged 31.3 minutes per contest.

The Warriors provided a medical update on Sunday that indicated Curry was continuing to progress.

“The re-evaluation concluded that Curry is making continued progress. He will be re-evaluated in 10 days,” the team said.

Additional reporting suggests the Warriors remain cautious about their franchise cornerstone as the regular season enters its final stretch.

ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported Tuesday:

“While the expectation was that Curry would return to the court after the All-Star break, the reality of his situation is that he was still dealing with right knee issues, which led to him taking more rest and the Warriors doing more imaging on his knee, which came back clean. Although he’s been doing little behind the scenes, Steph still has to go through full, comprehensive workouts on the court.”

Curry aims to return before playoffs amid Warriors’ cautious approach

Seagal continued:

It will be important for Steph to be available for the play-in tournament, as this will ensure he is 100 percent healthy for whoever they face in the first round playoff series.

That’s why there’s no rush to get him back, and that’s why sources say he’ll be back as soon as possible, but he’s unlikely to return until after this date, the beginning of the Warriors’ six-game road trip against the New York Knicks on Sunday, March 15.

To be completely honest, it might be in the Warriors and Curry’s best interest to put things off indefinitely until after this road trip, as seven of the Dubs’ final 10 games of the season will be in San Francisco. The Warriors have time on their hands as they aren’t moving anywhere in the play-in standings, which is why Steph’s return doesn’t really make sense right now.

As of right now, there have been no conversations about the Warriors ruling Curry out for the remainder of the season, and sources said, he specifically wants to return before the playoffs to try to build some momentum for this team.

For now, Golden State will attempt to stop its decline in the Western Conference standings without its star guard. The Warriors are currently in eighth place in the conference as they begin a three-game road trip starting Thursday against the Houston Rockets at 4:30 p.m. PT on Prime Video.


#Mike #Dunleavy #stunned #Stephen #Curry #missing #rest #season

Celtics deserve an asterisk after missing nearly foolproof championship rule

After suffering a brutal 103-84 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics were disqualified from meeting the 40-20 rule, which argues that to win the NBA championship, a team must win 40 games before falling out of 20 during the regular season. The fact that this theory comes from 13-time NBA champion Phil Jackson should be proof enough of its validity. If that’s not the case, consider that 40 of the last 44 NBA champions have crossed the 40-20 threshold.

Since the Celtics failed to follow Jackson’s nearly infallible rule, are they doomed? History probably says so, but there are some important contexts that should make the green team get a pass this season.

It took 58 games for the Celtics to reach 20 losses, and star forward Jayson Tatum suited up for zero of those contests. The six-time All-Star and 2024 NBA champion is still recovering from an injury he suffered in May, yet there is reason to believe he could return to play before the regular season ends.

Without one of their franchise cornerstones, the Celtics still Almost managed to satisfy Jackson’s 40-20 rule. This is an accomplishment in itself, as the C’s were considered dead by many pundits and preseason projections.

Rather than blitzing through a gap year, the Celtics have fully recovered from their offseason losses – including centers Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet as well as guard Jrue Holiday – and have continued to develop homegrown talent.

Nearly every young Celtic, from rookie Hugo Gonzalez to third-year wing Jordan Walsh, has improved, and so have most of the veterans. While reigning Sixth Man of the Year Peyton Pritchard and starting guard Derrick White aren’t having career years (although, they’re still producing at a high level), Celtics star Jaylen Brown is playing some of the best basketball of his life.

In his 10th year in the NBA, Brown is setting new career highs in points, rebounds and assists per game. His increased usage in Tatum’s absence has undoubtedly boosted his numbers, but, statistics aside, the 2026 Eastern Conference All-Star starter is playing winning basketball.

So, even without Tatum, the rest of the Celtics have stepped up and posted an impressive 38-20 record in nearly 60 games on the season. If they beat the Nuggets, they could reach the 40-20 rule with an easier matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.

And while that hypothetical may no longer matter, what the Celtics could look like with Tatum does matter. The rehabbing star has been “full steam ahead” in 5-on-5 team scrimmages, according to NBA insider Shams Charania, meaning a return in March is not out of the question. His presence on an already overachieving Celtics squad will undoubtedly help them contend in a tough, but winnable East.

If Tatum had been healthy, it would have been pretty safe to say the Celtics would have been eligible for the 40-20 rule this season along with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. Additionally, it is not unheard of for a championship team to win without its best player.

What the Milwaukee Bucks did without Giannis Antetokounmpo

During the shortened 2020-21 campaign, the Milwaukee Bucks failed to meet the 40-20 rule. Like the Celtics, they were shy in a few games, yet that didn’t stop them from winning the 2021 NBA Finals by defeating the Phoenix Suns in six games.

Before the Bucks’ first championship in 50 years, star center Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals and was forced to exit the early loss. Fortunately, he did not suffer any major injuries, however, and he sat out Games 5 and 6 of the ECF against the Atlanta Hawks with the series tied 2–2.

However, that doesn’t mean the Bucks bowed out. They won both games by double digits without their star player, which is somewhat reminiscent of how the Celtics have been able to operate without Tatum.

Of course, Antetokounmpo wasn’t injured as severely or for as long as Tatum, but this example proves that a team that falls short of the 40-20 threshold can still win everything even without their guy at full strength.

Seeding and eye test

The 2020–21 Bucks met another potential championship qualifier, despite losing 24 times before earning 40 wins. Those were the numbers. 3 seed, and NBA history shows that almost every champion has been a three-seed or higher.

The only exception is the 1968–1969 Celtics, who were ranked no. 4 seed, and the 1994–1995 Houston Rockets, who were number one. 6 seeds. Both of those teams were fresh off last season’s championship, and if there’s any team with a championship pedigree in the East, it’s the Celtics.

They may not be defending a title like the aforementioned teams, but they did capture a championship in 2024 under Tatum, Brown and head coach Joe Mazzulla. Those pieces are not left and although the Celtics violated the 40-20 law, they comply with the seeding stipulation.

Boston currently sits in second place in the East with a 2.5 game lead over the third-place New York Knicks. The Celtics aren’t cemented in that spot, but they’ve been taking up residence there recently. Also, more importantly, they have played their best basketball recently, winning nine of their last 10 games before losing to the Nuggets for the second night in a row.

Despite unofficial championship terms, the 2025-26 Celtics simply pass the eye test. They are fourth in net rating and have survived some early struggles to become a top-five team in the NBA this season. They crash the boards hard, defend well, and can’t be taken lightly, especially when the Browns are doing it.

Add Tatum to the mix and the Celtics are legitimate contenders. Not exactly a favorite for the title, but a contender — no matter what Jackson says.


#Celtics #deserve #asterisk #missing #foolproof #championship #rule

Obi Toppin nears return after missing 123 days with stress fracture

As the Indiana Pacers approach the finish line of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, people are constantly moving in and out of the lineup as the calendar moves closer to March 2026. And while it’s been a disappointing season for many within the organization, things may be about to get a little more fun.

Pacers forward Obi Toppin, who immediately became a fan favorite when he came to the Indiana Pacers in a trade with the New York Knicks, has missed the last 56 games due to a stress fracture in his right foot. Toppin has only played in three games so far this season, playing two complete games to start the year before suffering a stress fracture in the team’s third game of the season.

After missing the last 56 games over 123 days, the Pacers forward has a chance to return to the team’s lineup on Thursday night when the team takes on the Charlotte Hornets. Obi Toppin has been upgraded to “questionable” due to a stress fracture in his right foot, and it looks like he’s ready to return to the court soon.

In addition to Toppin, the Pacers have listed Andrew Nembhard as “questionable”, Pascal Siakam as “questionable” and Aaron Nesmith, Ivica Zubac, Johnny Furphy and Tyrese Haliburton as “out” due to various injuries.

If Toppin does not return Thursday night against the Hornets, his next chance to play will be on Sunday, March 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Pacers currently have one of the worst records in basketball at 15–44, which is lowest in the East and second worst in the NBA. At this stage of the season, the Pacers are positioning themselves to get a high draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

However, the May lottery will decide a lot for the franchise, as the Pacers traded their 2025 first-round pick for protected picks at picks 1-4 and 10-30. So if the Pacers land anywhere from 5-9, the selection will be reported to the LA Clippers, who received the 2029 unprotected first-round pick, along with Benedict Mathurin and Isiah Jackson, in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown.

In his three seasons with the Pacers, Obi Toppin has averaged 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 54.7 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three.


#Obi #Toppin #nears #return #missing #days #stress #fracture

Pat Riley regrets missing ‘dynasty’ with LeBron James in Miami

On the same night that the Los Angeles Lakers honored Pat Riley with a statue for his time with the franchise, they recalled LeBron James’ days with the Miami Heat. Hall of Fame center Chris Bosh expressed his displeasure over James’ departure. Maybe Riley did the same, still wondering what if? LeBron, Bosh and Dwyane Wade won two championships in four seasons before LeBron signed with the Cleveland Cavs in 2014.

According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Riley believes James could lead the Heat to a third title.

Riley, 80, said when asked what James’ four-year tenure with the Heat meant to him during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sunday, “I thought with the Big 3 – Dwayne, Chris Bosh and especially LeBron – we finally put together what I thought could be a dynasty.”

“It was. Four consecutive trips to the finals, two world championships. It was an incredible run. And as a coach and someone who really thought about building that special team and built it, I saw something that could last for eight to 10 years.”

Nevertheless, Riley understood James’ decision to return to Cleveland, which ultimately led to the Cavs winning their first championship in franchise history.

“I get it,” Riley said of James’ decision to leave the Heat, adding that she now feels at peace with the way things are going 12 years after James’ departure. “Business in the NBA is business in the NBA. Players have opportunities to go elsewhere; he went to Cleveland and won a title there. So I wish him all the best.

“But I’m going to be selfish here and say I wish I had him for the next six or eight years. It would have been great. But we’ll never know, right?”

James will win his fourth title in 2020 and his first with the Lakers.

LeBron James is considering leaving the Heat

Heat forward LeBron James (6) and teammates celebrate victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center. Heat beat Spurs 98-96
sobam im-imagen images

All-Star LeBron James honored Heat president Pat Riley, who led the Lakers to four championships from 1982 to 1988 as head coach. From his front-office position, Riley, who led the 2006 champion Heat to a title as coach, wanted James to lead his team to at least three championships.

James discussed his time with the Heat when a reporter relayed Riley’s comments, as noted by the Miami Herald.

Asked about Riley’s comments, James told reporters in Los Angeles on Sunday, “I never said I’d go there for four years and decide to go somewhere else.” “That’s the way the cards were played. But, yes, it’s human nature to look back and say what could have been. But that’s part of life. I thought the four years we had, obviously, were great.

“We managed to win two championships, unfortunately we lost two of them. But a lot of good memories, a lot of good times there. It will be interesting to see what could have been.”

The Lakers lost to the Celtics 111-89 on Sunday.


#Pat #Riley #regrets #missing #dynasty #LeBron #James #Miami

Tyler Herro likely to return after missing 15 games with rib injury

MIAMI – Miami Heat star Tyler Herro returned to practice Thursday after missing the last 15 games due to a rib injury, with his status for Friday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks likely to be revealed. With rumors swirling as to when the Heat guard will return to Herro, it looks like the answer has been resolved by the injury report.

Miami is listing Herro as “probable” for Friday’s game as the team travels to take on the Hawks, which is a significant point in time for a guard who has missed not only the last 15 games due to injury, but has been absent 45 games this year.

He would miss the first 17 games of the season due to an offseason ankle injury, then missed 13 games due to a toe injury, and an injury that was listed as “Right costochondral; rib injury”. In reference to his role with the team in his first game since January 15, he was asked on Thursday afternoon if he would come off the bench, thus he returned from a toe injury on January 6, but then started after that contest.

“I don’t know, we’ll see what happens if I’m able to play tomorrow. Whatever minutes I get, I’m just happy to be out here again, playing with my teammates and playing a game that I finally love,” Herro said.

Herro told ClutchPoints that he suffered three broken ribs, and he played three games on Torodol shots to deal with the pain, but he would be unable to play the entire season that way due to his absence.

In the 11 games he has played, Herro has averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra returning to rotation on Tyler Herro

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) brings the ball up the court against the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at Kasia Center.
Jim Rasol-Images Images

While the Heat are coming off the All-Star break, the team is still looking for a level of consistency, as injuries have been a problem plaguing the team, such as Herro’s continued absence. When Herro returns, no matter what role he plays, his offensive impact cannot be denied and head coach Erik Spoelstra said how “exciting” it was to see the guard back at practice at full strength.

“But it was very exciting to have Tyler out here in practice. You know, he’s done everything he’s needed to do over the last few weeks to prepare for this. And it’s exciting to have him back in the mix. We’re all excited about it,” Spoelstra said.

With 26 games left in the season, Spoelstra will look to find ways to get the best out of Herro, especially with Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo, as the trio have only played in eight games together this season. While that means there will be less playing time for any player on the roster, Spoelstra says there are “levels of sacrifice” that need to be made.

“Let’s not forget, Tyler is a talent,” Spoelstra said. “We need to maximize our rotation, we need our talent; we need to put it together fast. We know what our identity is on both sides of the floor; our guys have a stake in what we’re trying to do. There’s going to be some level of sacrifice throughout the rotation. If all the guys are available then that’s how it should be.”

At any rate, Miami is 29-27, which puts them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference as Herro looks to officially return to action on Friday in Atlanta.


#Tyler #Herro #return #missing #games #rib #injury