A new report suggests that Joel Embiid’s worst nightmare will come true as New York Knicks fans are set to come to Xfinity Mobile Arena for Games 3 and 4 of their series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Yes, the Knicks haven’t won an NBA championship since the early 70s. And since that time, they have faced many difficult seasons. However, despite the poor treatment their fan base has endured over the past 40 years, there are no better, more loyal fans than Knicks fans – and they travel.

New York is one of the few teams where fans of the franchise can be found in almost every city, and in some places, they take over the field. Cities like Washington, DC, Miami, Atlanta and Philadelphia can be like second homes for Knicks players. That’s why Joel Embiid implored Sixers fans not to allow the NYC Fanatics to take over their home arena as they did during the playoffs two years ago.

Data shows huge number of tickets sold from New York for Games 3 and 4 of Knicks vs. 76ers

Well, it seems his appeal for domestic support didn’t work. According to third-party ticket seller TickPick, 59% of tickets purchased on their site for Game 3 have come from New York and New Jersey, while 22% have come from Pennsylvania. The data for Game 4 is even worse, with 66% coming from New York and New Jersey.

It should be noted that there is a large number of 76ers fans in New Jersey as Philadelphia is on the border of NJ and PA. Plus, it’s not strange to think that there are Philly fans in Gotham. However, it can also be said that the Knicks have a good number of fans in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Spectators won’t really know whether Knicks fans will take over Xfinity Mobile Arena for Games 3 and 4 until Friday and Sunday. However, based on these numbers, past history, and the 76ers being down 2-0 in the series, it doesn’t bode well for Embiid and his teammates this week.

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

The long-awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is closer than ever after years of failed attempts. Negotiations have now reached the final stages, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed on IFL TV that both sides are working out the final details of a two-fight agreement.

The deal will see Anthony Joshua return to the ring in July and face Tyson Fury later in the year. This update marks a major change after more than a decade of missed opportunities. The contracts have not yet been signed, but the structure of the deal is now clear. For fans, a Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is no longer a distant dream. Now it’s close to being official.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plans take shape

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plan involves two fights under one agreement. Hearn confirmed that Joshua will take part in a warm-up fight in July before facing Fury, with November expected to be the target date for the main event.

“We will have a contract, and we haven’t signed a contract yet, but we are negotiating the final points in an agreement to get back in the ring in July and [then] “Fight Tyson Fury.”

The timeline follows the recent activity of both fighters. Fury returned on 11 April after a 16-month absence, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in Manchester. After the win, Fury called out Joshua.

Joshua has been active. He stopped Jake Paul shortly before a personal tragedy in Nigeria in December. Despite that condition, he quickly returned to training and has been preparing for his next fight ever since.

Hearn also talked about the risks surrounding the July fight. “The good news is: If we take a [warm-up] Fight like this, we’ve signed on to fight Tyson Fury, and all you have to do is bite your nails for 36 minutes or less in July, and you’ll get the fight, if not the fight of the century – of all time.

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight backed by Saudi deal

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is expected to be funded by Saudi boxing consultant Turki Alalshikh. Once the agreement is signed, control of the event will pass to Saudi organisers.

“Once we sign up for that deal, it is handed over to Saudi consultant Turki Alalshaikh for staging. We will promote for July; I think the November fight or whatever, will be promoted by the Saudi company Cela.”

“AJ and I, Tyson Fury, we will have a contract [Alalshikh] Basically financing the fight. It depends on where he is.”

There is still hope that the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight could take place in the United Kingdom. Hearn said the goal was to present a major event to the fans and suggested the venue would match the scale of the fight.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight affected by Usyk talks

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight has also been shaped with input from Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn confirmed that Usyk was involved in discussions regarding Joshua’s next steps.

“I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that, [a lot of this has come from Oleksandr Usyk]. He was part of these conversations, and the conversations were exactly like this: ‘He’s fighting back.'”

Usyk’s role helped define the plan for Joshua to take the fight in July before facing Fury. The timing also falls in line with Fury’s recent return and the current activity in the division.

Fury has not fought regularly in recent years and has talked about retirement. Meanwhile, Joshua continues to train and prepare for a comeback that could lead directly to the biggest fight of his career.

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is unsigned, but negotiations are now in the final stages. If the contracts have been completed, the schedule is already in place. July will see Joshua’s return and November could finally deliver the heavyweight bout that has been talked about for years.

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

If the spring game is any indicator, the Deion Sanders hype machine that once electrified Folsom Field appears to be winding down.

Colorado’s 2026 spring game had a very low turnout, with independent estimates placing actual attendance at about 17,000–18,000 fans, while the school claimed to have 27,772 “claimed tickets” for the free event.

This marks a steep decline from 47,277 in Sanders’ first spring run in 2023. And it also indicates a continuous decline to 28,424 in 2024 and 20,430 in 2025.

colorado spring football

How It Started (2023) vs. How It’s Going (2026) pic.twitter.com/lWiSJmiJBi

– Brad Powers (@BradPowers7) 13 April 2026

From packed stands to empty seats: How Deion Sanders’ Colorado campaign has faltered

The numbers reflect widespread change in Boulder. After a promising 9–4 season in 2024 on the strength of stars like Shadure Sanders and Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes fell to a disappointing 3–9 record in 2025.

The program responded with a massive roster overhaul via the transfer portal – bringing in over 40 new transfers and nearly 60 freshmen overall – leaving only 22 scholarship players from last year’s team.

Students have openly noted that the “honeymoon phase” is over, with one telling reporters that the program “is no longer about anything new and shiny.”

We’re really going to see what Neon Dion becomes this season. A former Buffaloes player recently delivered a brutal public criticism of the head coach, accusing him of prioritizing style over substance. He may be right.

Christian Fauria, former tight end for Colorado and two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots from 1990–1994, appears zach gelb show And he didn’t hold back in his assessment of Sanders’ tenure leading Buffalo.

“I’m not a fan of Coach. I’ll never be a fan of Coach,” Fauria said. “I like the school. It’s not me picking on Deion Sanders – I pick on Joe Gibbs, too. I just don’t like the way he coaches football.”

“I don’t think he’s very talented. I don’t think he can manage the game. I think there’s a lot of flashes, but I don’t think there’s any substance to it.”

Heading into his important fourth season, Coach Prime emphasized that the program is moving forward with a new coaching staff and a new offensive scheme under Brennan Marion. Sanders also has some new energy after dealing with blood clots earlier this spring.

Yet the empty seats and fading buzz raise an obvious question: Has the magic of prime time in Colorado finally reached its peak?

The 2026 season will provide the answer.

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

Odell Beckham Jr.’s improbable return to the New York Giants in 2026 got even closer to reality this week.

In John Harbaugh’s first offseason as head coach, the NY Giants have been very active in making changes to the roster to match the new culture they are trying to create. While veterans like Wan’Dale Robinson, Bobby Okereke and Graham Gano left in free agency, the team added impact players Isaiah Likely, Tremaine Edmunds and Darnell Mooney.

For the most part, it looks like the team has added veterans, and the most meaningful additions in the coming months will come via the NFL Draft. However, speculation is increasing about bringing back three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr., and that’s mostly because quarterback Jackson Dart and receiver Malik Nabors have publicly pushed for the move.

The possibility added fuel on Monday, when Harbaugh acknowledged being open to the idea. “The obvious answer would be to look at every option,” he said at NFL league meetings. “And if Odell is an option, we’ll definitely consider him.”

NY Giants meet with Odell Beckham Jr. about comeback

Well, it looks like they’re doing more than just looking at her. On Tuesday, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that the player who was selected 12th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the NY Giants showed up to NFL meetings in Phoenix, AZ, asked to speak with Harbaugh and team executives, and got it shortly after the coach made his comments on Monday.

Hughes said the team would need to see him work out individually after missing last season before they could talk about a contract. Still, the possibility of a reunion is as close as ever.

The 33-year-old became a star in the league during his first season. Winning the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year award and Pro Bowl honors. He would then reach the Pro Bowl in each of the next two seasons. The pass catcher missed most of the 2017 season after tearing his ACL, but a bounce-back year in 2018 earned him a new five-year deal, worth $90 million.

Unfortunately, there were cracks in the relationship between Beckham Jr. and the NY Giants before, and it all came to a head in 2019 when they traded him to the Cleveland Browns. The receiver has since struggled to recapture his elite form, and while he came close during the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021, he tore his ACL for a second time.

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

BOSTON — Steve Kerr finally said his quiet voice out loud after the Golden State Warriors’ 120-99 loss to the Boston Celtics, their sixth loss in seven games.

“We’ll be in the play-in,” Kerr said. “We know this, one way or another.”

It’s a reality the Warriors have understood for some time, Kerr said, but the fact he vocalized it to the press is significant. As Golden State drops to 10th in the West after a 120-99 loss to the Boston Celtics, its play-in destiny is a stark observation.

But also important is how he cited his “game plan mistakes”, i.e., allowing the Celtics to back cut and box out, things the team overcame in their morning shootaround. It is significant how the words Kerr used repeatedly during his disappointing press conference were “process,” “habits” and “emotion” to emphasize his lack of success.

“Going through the same actions this morning, we gave up early, like three back cuts,” Kerr said. “And we totally messed up [those] Coverage three times in the first quarter. Can’t do this. Cannot be done. Do you want to win playoff games? You better lock in. So get locked in.”

What does closure look like in Steve Kerr’s eyes?

For Kerr, being locked up means many things. It starts with eliminating mental mistakes and implementing your preparation. It also means being ready for Stephen Curry and the rest of the crew to return from injury. But it’s also about what Kerr describes as “the spiritual part.”

“The lock-in part of it is not just the mental part of it, but it’s the spiritual part. It’s the emotion. How prepared are you, how confident are you? How united are you? And like I said, it’s easy when you’re beaten down. It’s easy to hang your head. We can’t hang our heads. We’ve got to keep that at bay.”

Keep is the keyword because they are plug-in. Warriors are not losing for lack of effort. They have worked hard, they have struggled and struggled. Even brought down many players. Even with two-way players and guys on 10-day contracts. And they’re certainly not tanking, Kerr has made that clear on several occasions.

But Kerr reaching his boiling point after defeat signals a very specific kind of smoke. A very specific type of messaging may take effort, but it’s nothing without the process. Without habits it is nothing. And that’s what the Warriors are trying to establish so they can take the field when the big guns arrive.

“I’m telling people, we have to build our habits and be prepared for when we get people healthy again,” Kerr said. “Because then we can have that firepower that can be complemented by a foundation of good habits, good fundamentals. As I said, I think there are a lot of things we can improve on. But at the base of all of that is your spirit, energy, confidence. We have to work on that as well.”

reality of warriors now

Gui Santos summed up the Warriors situation as it stands right now.

“We know it doesn’t matter whether we win 13 games or lose 13 games, we’re going to keep playing [in the play-in]Santos said.

Therefore, as attested, the players understand the realities of the situation. They know they have to be in good shape when Curry eventually returns. Based on the latest updates, with Curry ramping up his individual work this week, he’s getting closer. And in the words of Pat Spencer, the Warriors need an identity to be proud of, given how different the team is now with Jimmy Butler out and Kristaps Porzingis out.

“It’s about creating an identity,” Spencer said. “When we get number 30 and a few other guys back we’ll really have something solid and something we can rely on.”

Kerr’s belief in this team is as strong as ever. Hence his vocal frustration.

“If we’re ready when they come back, we can do some damage,” Kerr said. “We can go rushing. But we can’t make mistakes in the game plan. We’ve got to develop better habits. Like boxing out, taking care of the ball in transition, being more efficient in transition, things like that.”

This is a handicap for 33-36 warriors. With injuries and limited time in the season, whether they can clean it up remains a challenge.

With the NBA doing big business over the past few years, the idea of ​​expansion is a topic that has gained a lot of momentum. While many American cities would love to get an NBA franchise, Seattle and Las Vegas have long been favorites to win the sweepstakes.

Well, this week, the pair of cities took another big step closer to becoming a reality when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the league’s Board of Governors will soon vote on exploring the idea of ​​putting franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas starting in 2028.

It’s a sure bet that this Northwestern team will be a revival of the SuperSonics. However, the Las Vegas club will need an entirely new brand. With that in mind, we present some fun, funny, and logical ideas for what the new NBA team in Las Vegas should be called.

las vegas dry heat

Las Vegas is located near several Nevada deserts, including the Mojave. The dry climate is a major part of living in the city. So why not play with that regional specialty? It’s already summer in Miami due to the hot and humid temperatures in South Florida. Maybe Las Vegas needs to bring the NBA the Dry Heats.

las vegas blackjack

Las Vegas grew from the Nevada desert to become one of the biggest tourist attractions on Earth as a top destination for entertainment and gambling. It’s possible that a new NBA team could get a nickname related to their highly successful casino. Since blackjack is one of the most popular casino games on the planet, Las Vegas Blackjack is the favorite sports bookmaker to become the club’s ultimate nickname.

las vegas sinner

Many major cities around the world have funny nicknames. Las Vegas is one of the best when it comes to being called Sin City. The wild things that happen there are why locals have long used the phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Why not play on that popular name and go with Las Vegas Sinners? A logo featuring a cute devil with a basketball could turn their merchandise into some of the most popular in sports.

las vegas bighorns

Sports fans are accustomed to naming animals after their favorite teams. Las Vegas could be no different. That’s why one local mammal that can end up on their Jerseys is the bighorn sheep. The bighorn is the official state animal and can be turned into a very scary looking team logo.

las vegas gambler

As mentioned earlier, the casino business is what has made Las Vegas one of the top cities in the United States. So let’s not shy away from this fact and consider the Gamblers as a possible name for the team. Oddly enough, they would not be the first major pro sports team with this name as one of the current franchises of the UFL is the Houston Gamblers.

las vegas sidewinders

Going back to the idea of ​​using animals as the name of the city’s new NBA team, another interesting option would be Sidewinder. This snake is famous for its “S-shaped” sideways movement across the dunes in the Mojave Desert. Just like a star player has to make his way through the opposing defense. Snakes are great for logos, and this new franchise will corner the market for them in the NBA.

las vegas strippers/strips

Even if you don’t live in the city, people across America know about the Las Vegas Strip. Why not play up that aspect of the city and call the team the Las Vegas Strips or the Strippers? It’s certainly different than anything seen in pro sports, and for fans dominated by mostly men, perhaps the name might bring up some positive thoughts about some time off after work.

las vegas jackpots

As mentioned earlier, there is a strong possibility that this new franchise will get a casino-related name. If the ultimate owners of the club do not like gamblers or blackjack, jackpots can be another option. Slot machines are one of the most popular casino games in the world, and who doesn’t love a jackpot?

las vegas 702s

In an era where people like to reflect where they are from by removing their city area code, another name would likely be 702. Sports fans are familiar with the 76ers and 49ers, so a number for the name is not unusual. Additionally, repeating the entire city, rather than some elements of it or the state, would be a refreshing way to approach the team name.

las vegas lebron/brony

It’s no secret that there’s a real possibility that LeBron James could own a new NBA franchise in Las Vegas. And he understands the immense value of his brand and unique name. He even passed it on to his son Bronny and got him drafted by the Lakers a year ago. Maybe he should take things a little further and put it on his team. The Las Vegas LeBron’s will be equal parts unique and hilarious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was no easy task for Drummond.

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

Andre Drummond is looking to create a legacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steve Kerr had something to share about Draymond Green’s frustrations amid the Golden State Warriors’ injuries this season.

The 2025-26 NBA campaign has been a tough one for Golden State. Jimmy Butler III suffered a season-ending ACL injury, while Curry is dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out for the next few games. As a result, Green is having to take on more responsibilities than before.

Kerr is very pleased with Green and how he is filling his role as he ages, but also with Curry and Butler out. Green is asking for a different role without involving the team’s stars.

“You take away all the threats around him and it becomes really frustrating for him and our team. It makes things really difficult in terms of rhythm and flow. He’s done a great job of doing the things we’ve been asking him to do. Less handling the ball at the top of the key. More screening and diving into ball screens. Running the floor and getting to the corners instead of running the play back,” Kerr said on the Tom Tolbert Show. Said at the 28:34 mark.

“He’s doing all these things, everything we’re asking. He’s having a great attitude on the bench and in the locker room, but he’s frustrated. All the frustration that comes with getting older and not being able to do things you could do a few years ago. It’s all playing into it and he’s handling it really, really well.”

Steve Kerr, what’s next for the Warriors?

Steve Kerr and Draymond Green have a lot of work to do to keep the Warriors in the playoff picture. While Stephen Curry has fully recovered, Golden State needs to hold down the fort for its superstar guard.

Golden State has a 31–30 record on the season, tied for eighth in the Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers and 2.5 games behind the Portland Trail Blazers while trailing the Phoenix Suns by 3.5 games and 5.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Warriors will continue to prepare for their next game while on the road. They will face the Houston Rockets on March 5, tip-off at 7:30 pm ET.

Tyrese Maxey had a clear message for his Philadelphia 76ers team after their disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.

Maxi is halfway through his sixth season in the NBA with the 76ers. He worked his way up the ranks to become one of the best guards in the league, helping the 76ers remain steadfast as a playoff contender. However, they are vulnerable to the unexpected loss they suffered against the Pelicans.

Maxey reflected on the loss after the game, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. He commented on how he and the team needed to control the pace from start to finish while dealing with the ups and downs of the competition.

“It’s going to take a lot. You know what I mean. As soon as you dig yourself a hole, only America can get out of it. You know what I mean? Like we’re in this thing together? You know what I mean, through the highs, through the lows, through the peaks, through the valleys. You know what I mean? We’ve said that since day one, and it’s that way. We really Played a good half, then we got off to a good start in the third, honestly. And you know, it’s hard to get that momentum back, but it’s too late.

“It’s going to take a lot.”

Maxi expressed that only the team can dig themselves out of this hole. | @fultonbank pic.twitter.com/vHzTQ45xSt

– NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) 22 February 2026

Tyrese Maxey, how the 76ers played against the Pelicans

Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers will be active in the playoff picture this season. However, their latest loss to the Pelicans leaves questions to answer for them moving forward.

Four players, including Maxey, scored in double figures for Philadelphia in the loss. He finished with a stat line of 27 points, seven assists, five steals and three rebounds. He shot 9 of 23 from the field, including 2 of 11 from beyond the arc and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. was next with 25 points and five rebounds, VJ Edgecombe had 14 points and five rebounds, while Quentin Grimes added 11 points and three assists.

Philadelphia improved to a 30–26 record on the season and finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, while trailing the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

After four consecutive losses, the 76ers will look to get back into the win column in their next match. They remain on the road when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 22nd at 7pm ET.

The Golden State Warriors are entering the most important phase of their season, but they will have to do it without their North Star. Stephen Curry recently met with the media to provide the latest on the persistent right knee injury that has kept him sidelined since late January, and while the news isn’t “bad,” it’s certainly not what fans wanted to hear.

“It’s not going the way I wanted it to,” Curry admitted via NBC Sports Authentic. The two-time MVP has been battling patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee.” While a second MRI on Wednesday night confirmed that there was no structural damage, the lingering pain and swelling has refused to subside. Curry said that although he is “moving in the right direction,” the priority is to stay healthy for the postseason rather than getting back in time for a February matchup.

Steph Curry shares the latest update on his knee injury and recovery:

“Feels good. I mean, it’s not going the way I wanted it to, but I think we’re on the right track to try to get back there as quickly as possible. The goal is to stay healthy come playoff time and… pic.twitter.com/LpXdWwryol

– Ali ✶ (@jinttherty) 21 February 2026

The timing couldn’t be worse for Golden State. The team is already missing Jimmy Butler, who is out for the season after ACL surgery. This latest delay is also a big personal sting for Curry: By missing his 18th game of the season against the Boston Celtics on Thursday, he becomes officially ineligible for All-NBA and MVP honors under the league’s 65-game rule.

On the court, the shorthanded Warriors have been bad but inconsistent. They recently pulled off a stunning 101-97 comeback win against the Phoenix Suns with the help of a career-high 20 points from Pat Spencer and 18 points from Gui Santos. However, a lack of late-game shot creation was evident as they relied on a 25-7 closing run to escape. D’Anthony Melton scored 17 points, but the offense clearly lacked the “gravity” provided by Curry.

The Warriors, currently 29-27 and in eighth place in the West, will reevaluate Curry in 10 days. For now, “Dub Nation” faithful will have to hold their breath and hope the supporting cast can keep the ship afloat until No. 30 is cleared for takeoff.

The Orlando Magic have been a major disappointment this year, currently sitting at 28-25 as they prepare to return from the All-Star break. The Magic pushed all of their chips to the center of the table in the offseason by trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Benn, but so far, they don’t have much to show for it.

One of the biggest culprits for the Magic’s decline has been the play of Paolo Banchero, who has largely lagged behind so far this season.

Recently, former NBA great Kendrick Perkins put a harsh label on Banchero on ESPN’s NBA Today.

“I’ll go a little further and say Paolo Banchero has been the most disappointing player-wise,” Perkins, formerly of the NBA on ESPN, said on Twitter.

While Banchero still has a lot of natural talent, many fans have grown tired of his poor shot selection, occasional lapses in defense, and overall lack of progress from his rookie year.

This, along with persistent injury concerns for the Magic, especially to co-star Franz Wagner, has Orlando currently sitting in a play-in position in the East, well below where most pundits projected them to be at this point in the season.

Of course, Orlando still has plenty of time to turn things around, and it’s unlikely that Banchero can improve his basketball IQ and decision-making as his career progresses. However, for now, he is hoping to avoid following the career path of players like Ja Morant, who received accolades early in his career before slowly slipping into obscurity.

In any case, the Magic will next take the field on Thursday evening when they begin their West Coast trip against the Sacramento Kings, their first game since the All-Star break. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 pm ET.