Manchester City Can challenge Barcelona and Atletico Madrid chelseaMark Cucurella this summer.

The Spain international joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2022, after missing out on Manchester City.

in may 2022 The left-back said “You can’t say no” to the Nationals but still couldn’t manage to get into the Etihad.

last year, The Chelsea star expressed Disappointment over his unsuccessful move to Manchester City.

At that time he said: “They were on fire and one of the best teams in the world. I definitely wanted to go. When they come like they came, and when Guardiola asks you to, you will be on your knees if necessary.”

Manchester City in the mix for Chelsea star

Pep Guardiola has left the club, but the FA Cup winners are looking to the 27-year-old again this summer.

This is as of Thursday’s edition PawnWho mentioned Manchester City and Atletico Madri in a report focused on Barcelona.

Marc Cucurella graduated from the Catalan club’s academy, but could not cement a place in their first team. He always felt there was no possibility of returning to the Camp Nou until last month.

Then Barça sporting director Deco contacted him to inquire about his desire to return to the club. Both officials and Hansi Flick rate the Chelsea player highly.

For his part, the defender believes his time at Stamford Bridge is ‘over’.

Barcelona, ​​Manchester City and Los Rojiblancos have all expressed interest and are aware of Chelsea’s situation.

The west London club are also aware of the trio’s interest, their approach and the player’s desire to leave. There have been no talks for Cucurella, who is valued at between €40-50m.

Flick’s team will only progress if Alejandro Balde is sold. Manchester City and Diego Simeone’s team seem to be in no position to move forward.

Maresca could give Manchester City an edge

With the departure of Pep Guardiola, the Etihad club had to look for a new manager. The latest claims are backing Enzo Maresca to replace the Spaniard.

Maresca has been without a job since leaving Chelsea in January and Mark Cucurella was a starter under his command.

If the Italian is appointed, he could give Manchester City the lead over the La Liga pair in the race to sign a fullback.

fulhamHopes of signing Malik Tillman from Bayer Leverkusen this summer may have been boosted as he admits his time at the German side is over.

Sport Bild report on Forward todayWhat could be a busy summer for Leverkusen when it comes to departures.

Tillman wants to leave Leverkusen

The newspaper reports that Leverkusen paid €117m for Malik Tillman and several other signings last summer. But they have hardly been used at all by manager Kasper Hjulmand this season.

This is being considered as a clear indication of how poor coordination is between the German club and the manager. And this summer there will be consequences.

Many of the players who were contracted are ‘dissatisfied’ and are seriously considering walking out. The club is also considering promoting players. In fact, sporting director Simon Rolfes has hinted at this in recent comments.

He said, “There will be a shakeup in the team this summer. We are trying to inject some new energy and strengthen the team.”

A lot will depend on the new manager, but Malik Tillman has ‘pretty much closed the book’ on his Leverkusen tenure. This information has already been given to the club management. The 23-year-old wants to use this World Cup skip to strengthen his market position.

Fulham expressed interest

Sport Bild report that Fulham have already ‘expressed interest’ in signing him this summer. Leverkusen are open to a deal if they can recoup the €35m they paid to PSV Eindhoven last summer.

This matches recent reports Sports witnesses have covered up the player. The last of them, last month, said Fulham were tempting the player with a move to the Premier League.

Now it appears that the American has taken the decision and wants out. The question is whether those in charge at Craven Cottage want to pay the €35m asking fee. If they’re up for it, it’s a deal that could be done quickly in the coming months.

fulhamHopes of signing Malik Tillman from Bayer Leverkusen this summer may have been boosted as he admits his time at the German side is over.

Sport Bild report on Forward todayWhat could be a busy summer for Leverkusen when it comes to departures.

Tillman wants to leave Leverkusen

The newspaper reports that Leverkusen paid €117m for Malik Tillman and several other signings last summer. But they have hardly been used at all by manager Kasper Hjulmand this season.

This is being considered as a clear indication of how poor coordination is between the German club and the manager. And this summer there will be consequences.

Many of the players who were contracted are ‘dissatisfied’ and are seriously considering walking out. The club is also considering promoting players. In fact, sporting director Simon Rolfes has hinted at this in recent comments.

He said, “There will be a shakeup in the team this summer. We are trying to inject some new energy and strengthen the team.”

A lot will depend on the new manager, but Malik Tillman has ‘pretty much closed the book’ on his Leverkusen tenure. This information has already been given to the club management. The 23-year-old wants to use this World Cup skip to strengthen his market position.

Fulham expressed interest

Sport Bild report that Fulham have already ‘expressed interest’ in signing him this summer. Leverkusen are open to a deal if they can recoup the €35m they paid to PSV Eindhoven last summer.

This matches recent reports Sports witnesses have covered up the player. The last of them, last month, said Fulham were tempting the player with a move to the Premier League.

Now it appears that the American has taken the decision and wants out. The question is whether those in charge at Craven Cottage want to pay the €35m asking fee. If they’re up for it, it’s a deal that could be done quickly in the coming months.

Manchester United Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has spoken to Turkish media about his future plans.

Bayandir has recently been linked with a return to the Super Lig We covered reports He has agreed to join Besiktas. At the time it was said that the Premier League club would accept €5m.

The former Fenerbahçe player lost his place in the starting eleven of the Old Trafford team at the beginning of this season. He was given a chance ahead of Andre Onana but could not impress.

The arrival of Sane Lammens during the previous summer made him second choice again. His role has not changed since the arrival of Michael Carrick.

Manchester United man questioned about future

talking to sabaThe Manchester United No. 2 was asked if he would need to make a decision to leave Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old said it is normal for a player to be involved all the time and he wants more game time.

“I am a person who loves to play. I don’t know what experiences I will have in the future. It is very important for a football player to take the right steps in his career. I would like to be on the field as much as possible. If there is a decision to be taken, we will take it. Whatever needs to be done, we will do. Time will show us everything.” Turkey International said.

Despite his disappointments, Bayandir said it was a privilege to represent Manchester United. Unveiling the Turkish flag on the roof of Old Trafford, he said it made him and his father very proud.

“It’s a matter of pride that the Turkish flag is flying over Old Trafford. One of the biggest cities in England, and I’m the reason for it. In fact, a video was shot at that time. Then my father was very impressed, he liked it very much, he was proud. I can’t explain it in words. Old Trafford is a historic stadium,” Bayindir said.

Bayındır has decided to make

The player has a decision to make this summer as it seems unlikely he will remove Lammens from Carrick’s starting eleven.

A return to Istanbul appears to be his best option, with Besiktas expected to make his move in the coming weeks.

dream of signing atlético madrid chelseaMark Cucurella in the summer.

On March 31, Khel Witness Covered claims from Spain Atletico’s strong desire to sign the left-back. The same source said that Chelsea are refusing to sell him after this season.

This seems to have not disappointed the La Liga side, who continue to show interest in the 27-year-old.

Matteo Ruggeri is Diego Simeone’s only recognized left-back. He has used the Italian, centre-back David Hanco and young Julio Diaz on the left side of the defense this season.

Los Rojiblancos are focused on improving that situation in the upcoming window.

chelsea star priority target

Spanish media are covering Atletico Madrid’s interest in Mark Cucurella.

Mark Focus on that and reveal that the Chelsea player is a ‘top target’ for the La Liga side to strengthen the defence.

This will be the Madrid club’s third attempt to sign the 28-year-old in the summer. The first was in 2021, before his transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion. The deal could not go through due to his refusal to pay €18m.

Cucurella had confirmed Atlético’s interest in 2021. At that time, he said: “I’m a good player and they like my profile. I think these teams lacked a little confidence in me or what I was capable of doing.”

Last December, his agent Alex Pique also confirmed Los Rojiblancos’ desire to sign him uncheck Broadcast your comments.

“And it’s true that in the same year that we went to Brighton, there were also options to go to Atletico Madrid, but in different circumstances,” Piqué explained.

The second opportunity came in 2022, when the Spain international was at Chelsea. Atlético was offered a loan to him, but he turned it down.

Marca say their left-back position has been the weakest link since the departures of Lucas Hernandez and Filipe Luis in 2019. Therefore, the Spanish giants are making a third attempt to sign Cucurella to ‘fill the void’.

Contract, price and agent information

The former Barcelona player’s contract at Chelsea will expire in 2028 transfer market He is worth €50 million. If he impresses for Spain in the World Cup, his price could increase.

Dupla Piqué & Dominguez, owned by agents Alex Piqué and Alvaro Dominguez, managed by Mark Cucurella.

Atletico Madrid will have to spend big to convince the Blues to consider selling their defender.

The San Antonio Spurs are three wins away from the NBA Finals. But standing in their way are the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

If you’re planning to watch Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night, take a look at everything you need to know, as well as the current odds for the Thunder vs. Spurs.

san antonio spurs next game

What channel is the Spurs game on tonight?

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and Thunder will air exclusively on NBC and Peacock.

What time does the Spurs game start tonight?

Tip-off time for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals will be 8:30 PM ET.

Spurs vs Thunder Game 1 Betting Odds

Heading into Game 2 of the West Finals, the defending champion Thunder are -238 favorites after losing in Game 1. The Spurs have +195 odds on Wednesday night.

San Antonio Spurs Western Conference Finals full schedule

Below, you can take a complete look at the 2026 Western Conference Finals schedule.

The Best Spurs Playoff Watch Parties in San Antonio

There will be plenty of watch parties around San Antonio for the Spurs series against the Thunder. The Rock at La Cantera is the official destination of the team’s watch party. However, during road games, watch parties will take place inside the Frost Bank Center.

Plucker’s Wing Bar and McIntyre’s Southtown are other popular venues that host Spurs watch parties.

How to watch a Spurs game live stream on your phone

NBC has exclusive rights to the NBA Western Conference Finals. So if you plan to watch it on your phone, you’ll need a Peacock subscription.

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

Some would argue that the Kansas City Chiefs were a little thin at the top of their wide receiver corps ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy lead the group, but those two starters are still a bit unproven at the NFL level.

The Chiefs were viewed as a candidate to select a receiver in the first round of the draft. They opted not to do this, instead giving the defense a big boost by going with cornerback Mansur Delaney and defensive tackle Peter Woods. Kansas City, meanwhile, did not select a receiver until the fifth round of the draft.

Now the Chiefs’ already thin receiver room will become even more inexperienced during the team’s OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, Rice, 26, will serve 30 days in jail “in May 2024 as part of pleading guilty to felony counts of causing serious bodily injury in a multicar crash in Dallas and felony counts of causing bodily injury by running on a highway.”

Previous reports suggested that Rice had violated his probation after allegedly testing positive for marijuana.

Either way, Rice has been ordered to spend 30 days in jail, meaning he’s in line to miss the Chiefs’ OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

Kansas City’s OTAs run from May 26-28 and June 1-3. The team’s mandatory minicamp will run from June 9-11. Based on reports from the Dallas County, Texas Criminal District Court, Rice is scheduled to be released from custody on June 16.

His expected absence will give other Chiefs receivers a chance to gain some valuable reps, yet Kansas City could still add another pass-catcher, potentially reuniting with an old friend.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

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

The New York Knicks are four wins away from the NBA Finals. But standing in their way are Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

If you’re planning to watch Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night, below you can find everything you need to know, along with the schedule for the upcoming NBA playoff series.

When will the Knicks play next?

What channel is the Knicks game on tonight?

The entire Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers will air exclusively on ESPN and the ESPN app.

What time does the Knicks game start tonight?

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals begins at 8:00 PM ET.

Knicks vs Game 1 Betting Odds

The Knicks are -265 favorites in Game 1 of the East Finals. The Cavaliers are currently a +215 underdog.

NY Knicks Eastern Conference Finals Schedule 2026

Below you can find the upcoming schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals.

Can I watch Knicks games on Peacock or Amazon Prime?

No, Knicks games in the Eastern Conference Finals will not be available on Peacock or Amazon Prime. All seven games will be exclusive to ESPN and the ESPN app.

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

The San Antonio Spurs are four wins away from the NBA Finals. But standing in their way are the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

If you’re planning to watch Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday night, below you’ll find everything you need to know, as well as the upcoming schedule of their NBA playoff series.

san antonio spurs next game

What channel is the Spurs game on tonight?

Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and Thunder will air exclusively on NBC and Peacock.

What time does the Spurs game start tonight?

Tip-off time for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will be 8:30 PM ET.

Spurs vs Thunder Game 1 Betting Odds

Heading into Game 1 of the West Finals, the defending champion Thunder are -265 favorites. The Spurs have +215 odds on Monday night.

San Antonio Spurs Western Conference Finals full schedule

Below, you can take a complete look at the 2026 Western Conference Finals schedule.

The Best Spurs Playoff Watch Parties in San Antonio

There will be plenty of watch parties around San Antonio for the Spurs series against the Thunder. The Rock at La Cantera is the official destination of the team’s watch party. However, during road games, watch parties will take place inside the Frost Bank Center.

Plucker’s Wing Bar and McIntyre’s Southtown are other popular venues that host Spurs watch parties.

How to watch a Spurs game live stream on your phone

NBC has exclusive rights to the NBA Western Conference Finals. So if you plan to watch it on your phone, you’ll need a Peacock subscription.

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

If the San Francisco 49ers thought their patience with Brandon Aiyuk would soon turn into a trade, a new report explains why they’re fooling themselves.

After the 2023 season, it looked like Aiyuk was going to become one of the top stars in the NFL and one of the faces of the 49ers roster. Boy, it seems like a long time ago. In the two years since his breakout season, the relationship between team and receiver has been downright dramatic.

First, he was late to the start of the 2024 season because he was holding out for a new long-term contract. He got it, but then he tore his ACL seven games into that campaign. Yet, instead of taking the field last season, Aiyuk sat out the entire 2025 season due to ongoing differences with the organization. That made divorce a guarantee this offseason.

However, rather than trade the talented but problematic receiver and move on, general manager John Lynch is under the impression that if he is patient, he will find a team that would be willing to give Aiyuk something rather than lose him for nothing. Well, it looks like that’s not going to happen, and according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Lynch just needs to pull the trigger on his release.

Graziano says the 49ers may choose to wait a few more months and hope a team becomes desperate. But considering the financial cost and draft pick value, no team is going to waste any money on a deal when they can get him for a much lower price with a little patience.

If the 49ers are looking petty, they may have to wait well into the preseason to finally cut the 28-year-old.

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

liverpool And Manchester City Lens could be tempted by the signing of Samson Baidu, whose stock is rising in France.

The centre-back has played 21 times in Ligue 1 this season, logging almost 2000 minutes in all competitions.

He had been missing in recent weeks with a hamstring injury but has now returned to the squad. He came off the bench against Brest a week ago but recently started against Nice and played a part in the 1–1 draw.

sports witness Aston Villa’s interest in the talent has been covered, with the Villans already making a move for him. Baidu is believed to have a number of attractive scouts, with Juventus also a potential suitor.

Baidu’s future is uncertain

alljuve Report that the centre-back is one of the most interesting young players in Europe at present. While this is a clear attempt to promote the player, he believes Baidu’s future in the lens is becoming increasingly uncertain.

It seems likely he will leave in the summer, with Juventus trying to increase contact for his signature. The Italian side see him as one of their main targets for the summer but the task will not be easy.

Manchester City and Liverpool have been tracking Baidu ‘for some time’, with Inter Milan also interested.

As a result, the valuation of youth is likely to increase in the next few months. He is currently valued at €30m but this could increase as a result of involvement from English clubs.

This would marginalize Juve, giving the Premier League teams an advantage.

Our Opinion: The team is working to promote the player

Baidoo is currently represented by Sportcover, who also represent Juve players Jérémie Boga and Khefren Thuram. The Bianconeri are likely to make a deal with the squad in the summer. Boga will be signed permanently and will attempt to renew Thuram’s contract.

Both Manchester City and Liverpool may also be in need of a centre-back in the summer. Both clubs are going through a period of change and the backline is one of the areas they are looking to add to.

The Lens defender may need another season in France but he is someone who is attracting a lot of attention.

A new report suggests that Masai Ujiri will make the first big move as the Dallas Mavericks’ new president of basketball operations, trading away, arguably, their best player before next season’s NBA trade deadline.

After several weeks of rumors and speculation, Mavericks governor and majority owner Patrick Dumont made a major breakthrough in his search for a new team president when he hired Ujiri last week. And the former Toronto Raptors president brings an impressive resume to Dallas.

During his tenure at North, Ujiri made seven consecutive playoff appearances. His first Eastern Conference Finals appearance (2016). First NBA Finals appearance (2019), and the franchise’s first championship in 2019. However, it is difficult to stay at the top for long, and he was forced out of his role last year after a couple of disappointing seasons.

Ujiri has shown a talent for drafting and development and making bold trades to take his teams a step forward. Dallas fans will surely be wondering what moves he can make to lift the Mavericks out of the bottom of the standings and back into playoff contention.

Although it may not come this summer, a new report suggests a specific big-time trade will take place during the season.

Are the Dallas Mavericks planning on trading Kyrie Irving before next season’s trade deadline?

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Wu reported how Ujiri’s priority will be building a better roster around young star Cooper Flagg. However, that endgame won’t include top star Kyrie Irving.

The 34-year-old nine-time All-Star missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering an ACL injury in March 2025. Hopefully the extra recovery time will allow him to make an immediate impact next season. However, he is on a very different timeline than what the organization thinks about the 19-year-old Flagg and his journey to lead the Mavericks back to relevance.

That’s why Ujiri would surely find a new home for the future Hall of Famer and earn more draft assets to build a winning team around Flagg.

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

The Montreal Canadiens (3-3) face the Tampa Bay Lightning (3-3) in Game 7 on Sunday, with puck drop scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

As has been the case throughout the series, the teams faced off in Game 6, with the Lightning emerging victorious 1–0 in overtime. This was the fifth game to require extra time, which shows how difficult the goal was to achieve.

In fact, Montreal’s best forwards Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkowski have yet to score a goal at 5v5 against the Lightning, which is one of the biggest problems facing the Habs in the final game of the series.

Simply put, the Canadiens need their star players to shine in Game 7.

The good news for head coach Martin St-Louis is that he is able to rely on his depth with players like Alex Texier, Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook to provide much-needed secondary and tertiary offense.

It’s also worth noting that veteran Brendan Gallagher has done great things from an underlying numbers standpoint, despite his lack of ice time. While Gallagher was on the ice, the Canadiens controlled over 70 percent of the shots, the best result among all skaters.

“It’s not going to be an easy game to watch,” says Brendan Gallagher.
He is ready for Game 7 and excited to play.

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) 3 May 2026

Possible Lineup Changes

It remains to be seen whether veteran Noah Dobson will be in uniform for the Canadiens, although his presence would be a significant boon for a team that has had difficulty defending the Lightning from the crowd.

Tampa Bay held a 22–7 advantage in high-danger opportunities during Game 6, erasing much of Montreal’s series lead in the process.

At the very least, with Dobson in the mix, rookie netminder Jacob Dobbs should be exposed to less of a weird man rush.

As of 11:20 a.m. ET, Dobson is considered a game-time decision.

Noah Dobson is warming up, and St. Louis is confident he’ll give the Canadiens what they need if he can play.
game time decisions

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) 3 May 2026

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Cole Coffield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkowski

Alexandre Texier – Kirby Dach – Zachary Bolduc

Ivan Demidov – Philippe Danault – Josh Anderson

Alex Newhook – Jake Evans – Brendan Gallagher

Mike Matheson – Alexander Carrier

Caden Guhle – Lane Hutson

Jaden Struble – Arbor Zekaj

jacob dobbs

jacob fowler

Tampa Bay Lightning Projected Lineup

Brandon Hagel – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov

Yanni Gourde – Anthony Cirelli – Jake Guentzel

Gage Goncalves – Dominic James – Oliver Bjorkstrand

Zemgus Girgenson – Connor Geecki – Corey Perry

JJ Moser – Darren Raddish

Ryan McDonagh – Eric Cernak

Max Crozier – Emil Lilleberg

Andrei Vasilevsky

jonas johansson

How to watch Hubs Vs. bolt

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, May 3, 2026, will be broadcast on CBC, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. A quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote once the final whistle blows.

Additional NHL Playoff Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. John’s looks to be one of the most aggressive teams in the ongoing college basketball transfer portal, and a new rumor has them linking to another interesting player.

In the first two months of the 2025–26 season, there were doubts whether St. John’s would be able to play at the new standard they had set the year before. After a loss to Providence on January 3, their record stood at 14–5, and reaching the NCAA Tournament seemed anything but a sure thing.

However, after that setback, the Red Storm caught fire and won 22 of their next 24 games, including a big win over eventual tournament finalist UConn. But, with great success comes major departures, and St. John’s will have to fill the void left by the upcoming exits of stars and key rotation players Jubie Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, Dillon Mitchell and Oziah Sellers.

Still, in the void era of college sports, the Johnnies are now a dominant player in college basketball, and Rick Pitino has quickly shown that he can attract notable talent to the portal. This week, they are already joined by Kansas State’s Flori Bidunga, Arizona State’s Massamba Diop and Kansas State transfer Abdi Bashir.

St. John’s in Search of the Robert Morris Star

Well, you can add another lesser-known but still interesting player to that list. According to college basketball insider Adam Zagoria, St. John’s is one of five teams scheduled to meet with 6-foot-8 Robert Morris transfer DeSean Goode this weekend. Other contenders for the West Virginia native also include Kentucky and Oklahoma.

Goode began his collegiate career at IU Indianapolis, then transferred to Robert Morris last year. Together with the colonialists, they took an important step forward towards development. Posting 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds. He shot 63% from the field, 76% from the line, and an excellent 57% from three – although that was only on two attempts a game.

Goode would be a great option to fill the role that Bryce Hopkins played this past season.

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

The Detroit Red Wings took care of business on Thursday night. Dylan Larkin scored a hat-trick as the Red Wings easily defeated the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 6-3. Detroit scored two crucial points; However, the organization did not receive much help outside the city.

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Florida Panthers, moving them three points above the Red Wings with three games remaining. Time is ticking for Detroit and it must hope for outside help. For now, an NHL team will have to focus on what it can control.

Detroit Red Wings must keep winning to stay in playoff contention

The plan moving forward is simple. The Red Wings will need to keep winning if they want to make the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With three games left, the Red Wings need to lose two of their three remaining games to the Senators. Detroit must win at all costs, starting with the New Jersey Devils on Saturday evening.

Since Ottawa has the tiebreaker, it must have lost two games in regulation while Detroit has won all three games against the Devils, Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s a relatively easy schedule for the Red Wings, with the key matchup coming against the Lightning on Monday, April 13.

The issue is within the senators. In the next three matches, the team will play the Devils, New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. That means Ottawa would have to lose to either New York and New Jersey or Toronto. This isn’t a great situation for Detroit, so his focus may be on the Boston Bruins.

Although unlikely, if the Bruins lose their last three games in regulation, the Red Wings could overtake them if they win. Boston plays Tampa Bay, New Jersey and the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Bruins lose all three games but lose one game in overtime, Detroit can still overtake them if it wins two more games in regulation.

More than likely, the Senators will remain a target for the Red Wings. The Bruins are possible, but it would lead to a major collapse. Granted, Boston has lost its last four games, so there is something to be expected. However, it could all be over if the Red Wings don’t win.

If Detroit loses to New Jersey on Saturday while Ottawa beats New York, it could be out of playoff contention. In other words, every game moving forward is a must-win situation for the Red Wings. The team has a favorable schedule, so if it takes care of business against the Devils and Panthers, the Lightning will be a big challenge.

The Red Wings just have to keep winning. At this point, there is no margin for error.

Read More: Detroit Red Wings Fall 2026 – Why Big Changes Are Needed

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

celtic Defender Mike Nawrocki is not ruling out a return to the club this summer after impressing on loan at Hannover 96.

BILD reports on 25-year-old man todayIncluding his comments about a possible return to Celtic this summer.

His stock has rarely been higher, with the striker becoming a cult hero at Hanover after his derby-winning strike against Braunschweig. This attracted a lot of attention on the streets.

“I’ve been approached about this on the street several times,” he admitted.

“It’s nice that it means a lot to the people here and that I was able to make them happy. But I don’t want to overdo it. The winning goal against Braunschweig doesn’t make me a better player.”

But while Bayern fans are celebrating, it remains to be seen whether he stays in the summer.

Return to Celtic?

The current loan deal between Celtic and Hannover includes an option to purchase for the summer. But it will only be activated if Hannover are promoted to the Bundesliga at the end of this season.

The situation was clarified in a report last monthWhich includes quotes from Bayern 96 managing director Jörg Schmadtke about the future of the Celtic man.

Hanover is currently five points behind fifth-placed Schalke. This means Nawrocki’s future is unclear. And he himself admits that there are many possibilities.

He said, “Staying here, going back to Celtic, or maybe going somewhere completely different: there are many options. It’s not just up to me.”

celtic overhaul is coming

Mike Nawrocki’s future at Celtic Park will likely depend on who the next permanent manager is. Martin O’Neill will step down at the end of the season following his two interim stints this season.

The change is one of several expected at the Scottish giants following disappointment, fan unrest and calls for an overhaul.

This is something Nawrocki is aware of. And he’s choosing to focus on what he can control right now.

“My focus is on the upcoming matches and I am looking forward to them,” he said.

“No one knows what will happen after that. So, there is no point worrying about it now.”

Poland’s dream may move ahead with plans

One thing that could fuel his plans for the summer is his hopes of playing for Poland. Despite appearances at U15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 level, he never played for his country.

Playing regularly at club level will undoubtedly help, and he is very much aware of that fact. With Celtic already left to play this season, this is a factor worth considering.

“I played for Poland as a youth, and of course, I dream of one day getting my first call-up to the senior national team. I think I’m on their radar. But my chances will only increase if I play regularly for my club,” he concluded.

The unseen benefits of the Celtic exit

For now, his focus is on the benefits of his existing loan. He has established himself as a regular guy, made himself a cult-hero and enjoyed the benefits.

He believes a move away from Celtic last summer was the right choice to make more than immediate returns.

“During my time in Warsaw and at Celtic, we (his family) saw each other very little,” he admits.

“Now it’s only an hour’s drive, and I go often. My family comes to home games, and often to away games too. I really enjoy it.

“It was important that I was playing regularly again after two years. I love it in Hanover. The city is absolutely beautiful. I felt comfortable in the team from the beginning.” Laughing, he adds: “And the weather is much better than in Scotland.”

Golf great Tiger Woods was officially charged with two misdemeanors this week — driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a chemical or physical test following his single-vehicle rollover crash late last month.

According to the arrest affidavit, Woods attempted to pass a truck by crossing the double line and speeding, striking the vehicle and flipping his Range Rover onto its side. No one was seriously injured in the incident.

“I looked down at my phone … and all of a sudden – acceleration,” Woods said in the bodycam footage.

He also called President Trump after the crash and just before failing some field sobriety tests, seemingly trying to dissuade authorities from turning him in.

Officers at the scene observed “severe signs of impairment”, including bloodshot eyes, extremely dilated pupils, excessive sweating and an unsteady gait. A breathalyzer test found no alcohol, but Woods refused blood or urine tests to check for other substances. Officers later found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.

Woods was arrested that afternoon on suspicion of DUI with property damage, booked and released on bond a few hours later. He has since entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial.

Tiger Woods officially charged with DUI Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/wMueF1QUzK pic.twitter.com/16GIoeGS1n

– TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) 8 April 2026

The 15-time major champion has retained criminal defense attorney Douglas Duncan, the same attorney who represented him in a 2017 DUI case in Florida that ended with a guilty plea to reckless driving.

Four days after the accident, Woods released a statement announcing that he would step away from golf for treatment and focus on his health. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation in which I find myself today,” he wrote.

“I am taking some time away to receive treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

Court documents indicate Woods has already been cleared to travel abroad for treatment. The charge comes at a critical moment for the golfer, who has battled multiple back surgeries and other injuries in recent years and was preparing for a limited 2026 schedule that included the Masters. He will not compete at Augusta National this year.

The formal arraignment on April 7 marks the latest chapter in a case that has faced intense public scrutiny.

A court date has not yet been set. Any misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for a prison sentence as the statutory maximum penalty. However, this seems unlikely.

If convicted, the misdemeanor charge can carry a fine, probation and possible license suspension, although the penalty will depend on the outcome of any plea negotiations or trial.

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

In last year’s NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators acquired Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. At the time, Spence was coming off his second full season in the NHL, scoring 28 points in 79 games as a bottom-pairing defenseman with the Kings. He was entering the second year of a two-year deal, which came with a cap hit of $1.5 million. Now, Spence is reaching the end of his first season with the Senators. The next step for Steve Staios and the organization should be obvious – it’s time to extend Jordan Spence. Let’s get into the details.

Read more: Senators silenced by Wilde

Jordan Spence by the numbers

Spence’s numbers to date are as follows:

• 67 games, 6 goals, 28 points, 18:27 time on ice/game

Spence has hit a career-high in goals, he’s hit a career-high in points, and he’s playing more than ever. This is especially true recently. Here are Spence’s stats since Nick Jensen went out with an injury on March 11:

• 13 games, 2 goals, 9 points, 23:38 time on ice/game

During this time, the Senators have seen 12 different defensemen in their lineup. They were without Chabot and Sanderson for most of the season. Spence has stepped up in the biggest way. On back-to-back nights, he played 26+ minutes as the Senators defeated both the Rangers and Red Wings in low-scoring games. Two days later, he played a career-high 27:48 against the Penguins. However, that career high didn’t last long. Spence played 30:48 minutes against the Sabers this week due to an injury to Kleven.

Misrepresentation of Spence’s game

Let’s say it plainly – the Los Angeles Kings were wrong about Jordan Spence. To add to this, Travis Green was wrong about Spence earlier this season, when Spence was a healthy scratch for the first nine games of the season. Spence was placed in a specific role – small-sized, puck moving, defending from deep. The 5’11”, 188-pound Spence was essentially viewed as good enough to play in the NHL, but not good enough, or big enough, to play big minutes. From the Senators’ perspective, think about how Chris Wideman was used when the Senators made the conference finals in 2016-17.

Early in the season, Spence’s play seemed to be in line with the narrative – he scored five points in his first five games, but he was caught off guard late in a game against the Islanders when Anders Lee scored the game winner. Once he showed that he should be in the lineup in every game, Spence showed that he was by no means a soft player. He fights hard and is willing to play a physical game. This season he has 2.47 hits per 60 minutes. By comparison, Artem Zab is at 2.53. Both players will take hits here and there, but they mainly win through intelligence, hard work, and taking the puck out of the player’s possession.

Spence’s next contract

Spence will be a restricted free agent this summer. I think it will be challenging for both sides to work out a long-term agreement. I hope senators don’t want to settle for a short-term deal. Spence can become an unrestricted free agent in 2028. This leaves a four- or five-year deal as a realistic middle ground.

When Artem Zab signed a four-year extension in December of 2022, it took up 5.51% of the cap space. Zub had averaged just over 20 minutes per game in 142 games with the Senators up to that point. Obviously, this gives him a longer track record as a top four D-man than Spence.

Next year’s projected range will be 5.5% of $5.7 million. That’s a bit much, considering Spence has primarily been a bottom pairing D-man. If the Senators consider Spence as a top four D-man, something like this might make sense:

• 4 years, $20 million total, $5 million per season

senator comparable

Remember when the Senators traded Erik Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks? One contributor to that trade was Dylan DeMello. DeMelo then played really well here for a year and a half, before Pierre Dorion traded him to the Winnipeg Jets. It was during the rebuild that Dorian felt he needed to acquire as many picks as possible. It was quite clear that DeMelo was undervalued at the time. He was traded for only a third-round pick. He played over six seasons with the Jets as a top-four defenseman most of the time.

Around the same time the Senators took the opportunity to draft Artem Zub out of the KHL. Zub, like Spence, was a healthy individual to begin his time with the Senators. Like Spence, he quickly showed that he should not have been a healthy scratch. He is now in his sixth year with the Sens as a top-four D-man.

My point is this. You keep getting gifts from time to time. The Senators were gifted Dylan DeMelo, but then traded him to the Jets for a disappointing return. The Senators were also gifted with Zab, who was completely unknown in the NHL upon his arrival from Russia. Now they have been gifted Jordan Spence, thanks to the LA Kings choosing to sign Cody Ceci to play on their right side.

final thoughts

The trade of Senators Jacob Chykrun for Nick Jensen did not work out, with Jensen falling short this year. They were apparently considering trading for others like McKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson. As it turns out, the top four right-shot D-men they were looking for were right here all along. Jordan Spence has shown himself to be a capable all-round defenseman. He deserves a new contract, and the Senators should be grateful that an offseason trade for a so-called depth D-man worked out so well in their favor.

Danny was born and raised in Ottawa and still lives in that city. He has followed… more about Danny McCloskey

Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza has long been on Aston Villa’s transfer agenda.

The Premier League side then showed interest Monchi was a director In Villa Park.

They continue to keep track and in January, Sport Witness broadcast news Aston Villa director of football Roberto Olabay ‘revived’ his interest.

On February 11th, we Covered claims from Spain Unai Emery’s sides have been knocking on his door for months.

Aston Villa transfer incentives

Fast forward to April and The Voice of GaliciaCelta Vigo, a local newspaper, now covers the latest on Oscar Mingueza and also mentions Aston Villa and Juventus as his suitors.

The defender’s contract expires in June, and the La Liga side are making attempts to extend his stay.

Celta Vigo sporting director Marco Garces has confirmed they have offered the 26-year-old a renewal. He has not accepted it and is not likely to do so.

The right-back has parted ways with his long-time agent Josep Maria Orobitug and is now represented by British agency Unique Sports Group. Renewal negotiations have stalled due to a change of agents.

Celta Vigo believe he has made the best possible offer and will not push any further to keep him. Now it seems it’s Mingueza’s ‘time to go’ after this season.

Aston Villa and Juventus are among his suitors. The latest development should come as an incentive for interested parties to sign him for free.

uncheck The report also reports a change of agents and adds that Celta Vigo’s offer also includes a salary of €4m per year. However, the La Liga side have not been able to pay the offers made by English clubs.

He is attracting interest from Juventus and the Premier League, without mentioning any clubs.

This coupled with the lack of progress in the renewal results at Celta Vigo has left hopes of retaining the former Barcelona man.

The Spaniard will not lack options

Aston Villa have prepared themselves for a transfer, having already made contact.

However, Oscar Mingueza will not lack for options and is likely to decide on his future after analyzing all the offers.

Unai Emery’s team will have to tempt him with their financial offer and sporting project.

On Saturday, Kevin Durant passed Michael Jordan and is now fifth on the all-time scoring list – a huge accomplishment for the future Hall of Famer and arguably the best pure scorer in NBA history. But the Houston Rockets star is still lagging in scoring points, especially if Monday night is any indication. Despite the Houston Rockets’ 132–124 loss to the Chicago Bulls, Durant once again dominated and recorded 40 points in his team’s failed comeback bid.

Before everything is said and done in Durant’s career, it is very likely that he will also surpass Kobe Bryant’s all-time scoring tally, which would put him in fourth place on the all-time scoring list. If he continues to play at a high level for three more seasons, he could even surpass Karl Malone.

But the Rockets star knows his spot on the all-time scoring list is not secure. In fact, he’s celebrating players like Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards and believes they are on their way to eventually catching him.

“Sooner than that. There’s a lot of people in the way,” Durant said in an appearance on Boardroom Talks. “They hit the same marks I hit that time.”

Indeed, Doncic and Edwards have been scoring machines early in their careers, and they show no signs of slowing down. The former, in particular, has been on a heater lately, even dropping 60 points in a recent win over the Miami Heat.

Now the goal of the next generation is to stay healthy. Soft tissue injuries are more serious than ever. Actually, Edwards is currently suffering from knee problems.

But Durant has missed significant time in his career; He suffered a foot injury during his OKC days, in 2019 he missed the entire 2019-20 season, and he has also faced some injury problems over the past few seasons. But he’s still racking up points – leaving a legacy he hopes will do just that.

“I hope I made the same impact on the game,” Durant said.

MIAMI – The Miami Heat are attempting to reach the playoffs in a tight Eastern Conference standings, with the first game of the season’s final 13 at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and superstar LeBron James. With the Heat facing tough games ahead, head coach Erik Spoelstra explained how James is standing the test of time.

James is 41 years old, in his 23rd season in the NBA, and it’s barely noticeable that he’s lost a step, adding another level to his already legendary status as one of the top players in NBA history. In addition to demonstrating that James was a key part in bringing two championships to Miami along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh during the “Big 3” era.

Spoelstra was apparently the head coach of those teams, as he described how James was “giving Father Time hell.” In addition to watching closely from his time in Miami, Spoestra also watched as Team USA’s assistant coach as James and Co. earned a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“You just have to have total respect for his level of competitiveness,” Spoelstra said before the Heat played the Lakers on Thursday night. “You know, he’s not only competing against the entire league, but he’s competing against Father Time, and he’s giving Father Time hell, he really is. And you have to respect that.”

“This doesn’t happen by accident,” Spoelstra continued. “I obviously saw a lot of his habits 14 years ago, but then at the USA weeks, you could see how dedicated he was to all the different things, shooting, player development, but also lifting and mobility and everything to keep his body right. It was impressive. He’s doing a lot of impressive things.”

Erik Spoelstra on LeBron James: #HeatNation

“He’s competing against Father Time and he’s making Father Time hell…” pic.twitter.com/4zxIixr6PP

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 19 March 2026

LeBron James warming up before tonight’s game against the Heat: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/WN642MMDsd

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) March 19, 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra says LeBron James could play another decade

This is not the first time that the Heat’s head coach in Spoelstra has praised James, it is a common occurrence every time the star has returned to Miami to take on his former team. Even if the sports world wonders when James will retire, Spoelstra believes he can play basketball for the next “decade” if he wants to.

“Size, strength and IQ. What he can do with his body and the way he takes care of himself,” Spoelstra said on December 4, 2024. United, but at this size, and if he wants to slow the game down and just play, you know, away from his brain and IQ, he can do that for another decade, I doubt he’ll find the interest in it, but he can.

Talking more about Erik Spoelstra and more about LeBron James and how he still excels at this age. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/jJ1OUGRaas

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4th December 2024

At any rate, who knows if Thursday night at the Cascade Center will be the last time James plays in Miami, but it can’t be denied that fans will remember the superstar who led the team to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2011-2014. Additionally, Spoelstra is trying to defeat James, the Lakers and any other team that stands in the way of the Heat as they sit 38-31, seventh in the East, entering Thursday’s game against Los Angeles.

maximo perron Como is having an impressive season, which is good news for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side will now benefit from his future sale.

So far this season, the Argentinian has made 27 Serie A appearances totaling over 2000 minutes. He also has two goals and four assists, with Como currently in the Champions League spot. The youngster has impressed with his ability to dictate play from deep.

After a good initial loan spell, Perron joined the lakeside club permanently from Manchester City in the summer.

The 23-year-old’s performances are attracting a lot of attention now and will help the Nationals in the future.

Manchester City has a big sell-on clause

corriere dello sport Today report that Maximo Perron is emerging as a key target for Inter Milan, who are likely to part ways with Hakan Calhanoglu.

There are also doubts about David Fratesi, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan also at his best.

Perón is therefore seen as an effective way to restructure the midfield and reduce its average age.

Problems are likely to arise in Como regarding a deal. A major reason for this is Manchester City’s 30% sell-on clause, with Cesc Fabregas’ side demanding a high fee for the midfielder.

Perron was signed for just €13 million in the summer and his value has now at least doubled.

Only a significant offer would break Como’s resistance and they are no strangers to demanding hefty fees anyway.

Napoli are also keen on a player who could be the subject of widespread interest in the summer.

The deal was a success for Manchester City

Everything shows that Guardiola’s team did an excellent job with Maximo Peron. They loaned him out to clubs that helped his development and felt it was the right opportunity to let him go.

If a club pays €40m for the Argentine, Manchester City could now make around €9m from the deal. That’s pretty good money for a player who doesn’t even play for them. Furthermore, Perron made only two senior appearances for the Nationals.

That – in itself, is a good indication of the work done. Italian teams generally do not pay permanent fees to other clubs in Serie A. It would not be a surprise if Inter or Napoli make an initial loan attempt, but Manchester City hope the suitors will make a permanent offer soon.

What’s even better is that Peron’s value will increase further until 2027, and Manchester City will then get a larger share.

🇪🇸 Claudio Echeverri | Verona boss explains pressure on talent

🔁 Manchester City youngster told to “flow”
➡️ A good look at how he’s performing in Spain, his talent and where things stand right now 👇https://t.co/1RebbSVkGL #mcfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 17 March 2026

Arsenal’s season has been largely defined by control, structure and attacking cohesionMartin Odegaard is again playing a central role in that identity – at least when available.

Before his recent injury setbacks, the Norwegian was once again one of the Premier League’s most productive midfielders. In the first half of the campaign, he provided goals and assists at a steady rate, while remaining Arsenal’s main creative focal point.

Data from FBref and WhoScored shows he was averaging more than 2 key passes per game, as well as having strong numbers for progressive passes and final third involvement.

He also remained heavily involved in Arsenal’s vital structure. Odegaard was ranked among the team’s leaders for pressing in advanced areas, often creating situations without the ball. His mix of creativity and work rate has made him difficult to replace, even in a squad with increasing depth.

However, that influence has faded in recent months.

Questions are being raised regarding fitness

Norwegian outlet VG There are now growing concerns over Martin Edgard’s physical condition, with the midfielder struggling with a knee problem that has limited his participation throughout 2026, the report adds. He missed 8 games between October and November 2025. Another problem with his knee.

He has only featured in around a third of Arsenal’s minutes this calendar year. As a result, he has been reduced to watching matches from the bench recently, including the latest Premier League match.

The situation has now become so serious that his international prospects may be affected. Norway manager Stel Solbakken is ready to name his squad for the upcoming friendlies, but even if Odegaard is included, he is not expected to play a major role.

VG quotes pundit Vegard Olstad, who believes the tone around the injury may need to change: “We’ve probably been a bit naive and said it’s good that key players get rest. Now it’s time to start worrying.”

Managing risk before summer

There is still some caution from other voices in Norway. tv 2 Commentator Simen Stamsø Møller emphasizes that it is too early for alarm, but believes the timeline is important.

“If the situation remains the same in May then it is a matter of concern,” He said.

For now, the hope is that Norway will avoid taking risks. Maintaining good relations with Arsenal is also part of that thinking, especially as the club enters a crucial stage of the season.

Odegaard himself has acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. Writing in Arsenal’s match-day programme, he admitted: “It’s been tough for me because of my recent knee injury, but I’m working as hard as I can to get back into top form.”

Mikel Arteta has not ruled him out of upcoming fixtures, including the League Cup final at Wembley. Nevertheless, the manager made it clear that availability would depend on how the player responds in training.

what happens next

For Arsenal, it is less about immediate panic and more about timing.

When fit, Martin Odegaard remains one of the team’s most important players. However, his form has started to be disrupted by repeated absences at a crucial stage of the season.

With the Premier League underway and key fixtures ahead, Arsenal will need to carefully balance recovery and reintegration. Plus, Norway are keeping a close eye, knowing their captain could be heading into the summer with limited match acuity.

If the current pattern continues into May, what is now a manageable issue could become a much bigger concern for both club and country.

🇧🇷Mohammed Kone (Palmeiras) | Arsenal continue interest in €100m-clause defender they failed to sign in 2023https://t.co/i2ddwF26W9 #afc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 March 2026

Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan couldn’t believe it when he recently learned he had passed NBA legend Tim Duncan on the all-time scoring list.

Just a few days later, he achieved another impressive feat.

DeRozan finished with a season-high 41 points, including a three-pointer, 11 assists and three steals, to lead the Kings to a 116-111 victory over the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center on Sunday. They improved to 18-51.

According to StatMuse, the 36-year-old guard is the oldest player in NBA history to reach that number in a game.

DeRozan has been a bright spot amid another disappointing campaign in Sacramento. He has been a consistent weapon since signing with the team on a three-year, $74 million contract through 2024.

He is averaging 18.8 points – his lowest since the 2012–2013 season – 3.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists this season. Although his numbers have dropped, he still remains a lethal threat on offense, especially during clutch situations.

The Kings have now won three consecutive games and are 4-1 in their last five meetings.

When DeRozan entered the league as the ninth overall pick out of USC in 2009, not many expected him to be among the top 20 scorers. But through his consistency, work ethic and desire, he has maintained his legacy.

If he improves his scoring in the final stages, he will average at least 20 points for the 13th consecutive year.

DeRozan also has a strong chance to surpass NBA icons Dominique Wilkins and Oscar Robertson for 16th place on the all-time scoring list by the end of the season.

The Kings host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

MIAMI – With Miami Heat stars Norman Powell and Tyler Herro set to return together for Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic, there’s no denying it will make for an interesting transition for head coach Erik Spoelstra. While the Heat have to differentiate the roles of Powell and Herro as Saturday approaches with 15 games left in the season, Spoelstra is relishing the challenge.

Saturday night against the Magic will be the 12th game that Herro and Powell will play together, as both have long battled injuries, especially the former, who has missed 47 games overall. However, Herro was returning to All-Star level since the break, specifically averaging nearly 26 points per game in March.

Powell had missed the last seven games before the Magic clash with a right groin strain, while Herro had been absent for the last two matches due to quadriceps soreness. In his first year with Miami, he led the Heat in scoring with 22.5 points per game, en route to becoming a first-time All-Star, with Bam Adebayo being the team’s main offensive weapon as Herro missed a portion of the time.

“I mean, we felt like we had to do whatever we needed to do the last two games, but guys being healthy and getting back on the court, it’s definitely encouraging, and they’ve both been very good the last few days at attacking the way they needed to attack. And I think they’ll be ready to go,” Spoelstra said.

Erik Spoelstra talks about the progress he’s made in getting Tyler Herro and Norman Powell back in the first video.

In the second video, Spo explains how the duo’s return will affect the rotation and lineup, “We’ll do it the best we can…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/9PKHCKs0qU

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 14 March 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra in lineup with Norman Powell, Tyler Herro

Since the Heat can’t rely on Adebayo to score 83 points every game, like his historic night against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, Powell and Herro want to take some weight off his shoulders. However, there is some question whether both Herro and Powell should eventually start together or whether one will come off the bench.

For Spoelstra, the thought process of figuring out rotations and lineups won’t be 100 percent immediately.

“We’ll do it the best way we can think of,” Spoelstra said before Saturday’s game against the Magic. “You know. Is everything going to be OK right now? I don’t know, you know, but now is the time. So it simplifies the definition of the role. We have to do whatever it takes right now to get the job done and get the win. And we need our firepower there.”

Either way, the goal for Miami is simple as they head into the home stretch of the season, which is to avoid the play-in tournament, as the team currently sits in sixth place in the East, having the needed spot to do so.

“I mean, it goes without saying, but right now it’s getting really competitive. You can see pictures of the playoffs. You can see the light in the tunnel, and I think it’s just bringing great competition. And so you’re either about it or you’re not. I think that’s our locker room,” Spoelstra said.

At any rate, the Heat’s upcoming games are important to solidifying their spot in the Eastern Conference as they enter Saturday on a seven-game winning streak. It remains to be seen how Herro and Powell will be utilized in the coming days. After Saturday, Miami will take on the Charlotte Hornets next Tuesday and return home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

The Denver Nuggets were about to be eliminated on Thursday night. After an impressive blowout win over the Houston Rockets just 24 hours earlier and losing an hour due to a time change on a flight to Texas, the stage was set for a “scheduled loss” against the San Antonio Spurs. Instead, Nikola Jokic decided to serve up the Frost Bank Center as a historic masterpiece, pulling his team back from a massive 20-point deficit to a thrilling 136–131 victory.

Jokic finished the night with an impressive 31 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and two blocks. While a triple-double is usually just another day at the office for the Serbian center, the sheer volume of his production in every major statistical category puts him in a stratosphere of his own.

In fact, this performance was so rare that the last person to put up those elite numbers in a game was Jokic himself, just 18 days earlier. On February 22, he torched the Golden State Warriors with a nearly identical stat line, proving that his “ultra-rare” nights are becoming a regular occurrence in 2026.

Denver looked sluggish in the first two quarters, falling behind as the Spurs found their rhythm from behind the arc. However, head coach David Edelman tightened the rotation, and Jamal Murray provided the perimeter scoring punch needed to keep the Nuggets within striking distance.

Murray finished with 39 points, but it was Jokic who systematically dismantled San Antonio’s defense during a furious fourth-quarter rally. He hit back-to-back shots in the lane with less than five minutes remaining to pull Denver within one point, ultimately sealing the epic comeback at the stripe.

With the win, the Nuggets moved to 40-26 and remained alive in the hunt for a top-three seed. As the MVP race reaches its peak, Jokic continues to distinguish himself with a level of versatility that feels unprecedented. If he keeps posting these video-game numbers twice a month, the rest of the Western Conference is in serious trouble.

Prime Documentary Soul Power: Legends of the American Basketball Association Interest in the American Basketball Association (ABA) has increased again. Giving the younger generation the opportunity to learn from the players who fundamentally changed the game. Artis Gilmore was among them.

Gilmore played for the Kentucky Colonels from 1971 to 1976. His 7-foot-2 frame, trademark afro and prowess in the paint made him the quintessential basketball personality of that era. After all, the ABA was the rebel pro basketball league. His trademark red, white and blue balls, high-flying dunks, three-point shots and playground ethos paved the way for what exists today.

Gilmore garnered a lot of praise during that time. In 1972, he was named ABA Rookie of the Year and MVP. Two years later, Gilmore was the All-Star MVP. In 1975, he led the Colonels to the ABA title and was the playoff MVP.

After the ABA/NBA merger in 1976, Gilmore played with the Chicago Bulls until 1982. Twice, the Bulls made the playoffs in 1977 and 1981. Additionally, Gilmore was selected to four All-Star teams and averaged 19.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

However, Gilmore told ClutchPoints he has everything but one regret about Chicago. He wishes he had eventually played with Hall of Famers.

Gilmore said, “It was a really cool experience, but unfortunately, I think about all the players who have had a lot of success.” “Each of those players have two or three Hall of Famers, but I never had that honor during my career in Chicago.”

“You have to have at least three Hall of Famers on the team to have any hope of achieving excellence and making a difference.”

In 1987, Gilmore played another season with the Bulls alongside Michael Jordan.

Artis Gilmore wants his ABA record to be included among NBA records

Since the ABA disbanded, the records set are not included with NBA records, according to The Athletic. ABA teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers were absorbed by the NBA. Meanwhile, teams like the Colonels folded.

Ultimately, the “merger” in 1976 was more of an expansion. Therefore, Gilmore’s achievements have not been formally recognized.

Overall, Gilmore is the ABA leader in defensive rebounds with 11,514. Meanwhile, LeBron James is 7th in NBA statistics with 10,143.

Additionally, Gilmore ranks third in field goal percentage with a .582. He ranks fourth in blocked shots, 3,148, and sixth in total rebounds, 16,079.

Over his ABA and NBA careers, Gilmore has 24,941 career points, 32nd highest. Patrick Ewing is No. 34, and Charles Barkley is No. 36.

Ultimately, Gilmore says he will find peace after he and other ABA figures join the NBA.

“This has been a work in progress for more than 50 years,” he said. “Until that happens, there’s not going to be much discussion of Artis Gilmore and my accomplishments until they tie it all together.”

Artis Gilmore put Jacksonville University on the map

Before his professional excellence, Gilmore made a significant impact on his alma mater, Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.

In 1970, Gilmore led the Dolphins to an incredible 27–2 record. They made it all the way to the national championship game as the UCLA Bruins were in the midst of a dynasty. The Bruins defeated the Dolphins 80–69 for their fourth consecutive title.

Despite the loss, Gilmore reflects on that period fondly.

“It’s pretty special considering those years and everything that happened at Jacksonville University,” Gilmore said. “Now considering all the other things that were going on in the country, it was an incredible experience.”

Additionally, Gilmore also experienced what it was like to experience it all amid the turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s. He specifically cited playing in Dayton, Ohio, in the first round of the tournament, when race riots occurred at home.

“Just two years before the assassination of Martin Luther King, there were a lot of other negative things going on and we had to be there on the front lines,” Gilmore said. “We could see in Ohio, preparing to play in the first round, there were riots. There was a lot going on, and for us at that particular time in the environment I grew up in, it was extraordinary, extraordinary, and we were happy to be a part of it.”

Jacksonville was one of the first southern college basketball teams to start three black players (Gilmore, Pembrook Burroughs III and Chip Dublin).

The story is told in the documentary Jacksonville who?

Bologna’s Juan Miranda has explained why he ignored Nottingham Forest in the 2026 winter market.

Thursday edition of game Here is an interview with the left-back, who joined the Serie A team from Real Betis in July 2024. Sport is a local Catalan newspaper and they are interested in Miranda who has come through La Masia.

He remained with Barcelona until 2024, but failed to make a breakthrough. After impressive performances at Real Betis, he is now making a name for himself at Bologna.

Nottingham Forest looked to the Italian in January as they looked to add a new left-back to their squad.

At that time, sports witness Covered Claims From Italian media the Reds’ interest in Naples’ Mathias Oliveira.

The Premier League side had initially offered €15m for the Uruguay international and wanted to increase this to €18m. However, this fell short of the Naples club’s request of €20m and the transfer could not go through.

Nottingham Forest offer for Miranda

Along with Oliveira, Nottingham Forest also attempted to bring Miranda to the City Ground.

It is worth noting that there were no concrete claims from an English club about an offer for the 26-year-old during the January window.

Fast forward to March and Sport now asks Miranda candidly about what Nottingham Forest have to offer.

There was no mention of the proposed fee and the player stated, without denying it, that he rejected Forest because he wanted to stay at Bologna.

“I don’t think it was the right time to go to the Premier League,” He said.

“I am very happy here in Bologna. They have given me everything, they believed in me and the fact that I am doing well is important.

“I have two years left on my contract, I’m doing very well here, I love Italian football, and right now I’m not thinking about anything else. We want to qualify for the Europa League again this year, that’s the club’s aim, and then, well, we’ll see.”

The right move to ignore the Premier League

The fullback has featured regularly since joining Bologna. To put this into context, he has played 70 matches so far in all competitions and 32 have been this season.

Since he has been performing well in Bologna, it would be wise not to entertain a January approach from Nottingham Forest.

Miranda’s contract is till 2027 transfer market He is valued at €15m.

Without a renewal, Bologna may be forced to sell him in the summer to avoid losing him for free in 2027.

It remains to be seen whether the Premier League club returns in the summer.

🇮🇹Federico Gatti | €25m could be enough for West Ham and Nottingham Forest 💷 Financial concerns are forcing an exithttps://t.co/FpRX2p28Pt #whufc #nffc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 11 March 2026

Now the time has come for Aboubakar Sedi Kinteh to move on as Manchester United are increasing their interest.

According to Malik Diop, President of Mawde Wade Academy, Talking from Africa Foot. The first was a 19-year-old centre-back in their academy.

Kinteh currently plays for Tromsø after joining Tromsø in March last year. He has been impressing since, so much so that there is reportedly interest from the Premier League.

Reports in England have hinted at this, with Chelsea and Manchester United recently named among suitors.

Manchester United’s efforts

In fact, one such report stated that Jason Wilcox and Omar Berada were planning to travel to Norway to scout young Tromsø IL talent.

Sport Witness then covered a report from Corriere dello Sport detailing Manchester United’s interest. It said those in charge at Old Trafford had planned a ‘blitz’ to defeat the youngsters in the competition.

Now Diop has backed his former talent to make the move and has heaped praise on the youngster in the process.

“He’s a very athletic guy who anticipates challenges,” he said.

“Being athletic is one thing but knowing how to anticipate challenges makes you comfortable. These qualities inevitably make him a tough defender to handle.

“It is time for him to leave. There was already interest from clubs during the winter transfer window, but it was not the ideal time for a young player, because there is already an established team and it is not easy to break into the first team…

“However, the best time is summer. He will have time to acclimate and establish himself.”

Manchester United’s focus is on youth

The interest in Kinteh certainly coincides with a new effort by Manchester United to focus on youth around the world.

There have been several big signings in this regard, with Lenny Yoro, Chido Obi-Martin and Diego León being the most high-profile. 23-year-old Senay Lammens could also fit into that category.

Kinteh now appears on the list, and it seems his former academy director is convinced the move comes at the right time.

Ethan Nwaneri’s loan deal from Arsenal to Marseille is in danger of turning into ‘a waste of time and a real nightmare’.

This is according to Foot MercatoWhich covers the age of 18 years today. According to the French outlet, the Arsenal youngster has work to do to prove that his move to France was worthwhile. At this point, there is no evidence that this was the case.

Nwaneri joined Marseille on loan from Arsenal on 23 January.^third Attempting to secure more first-team minutes. He has had limited opportunities at Arsenal this season as they chase the Premier League title.

The loan was initially approved due to Arsenal’s confidence in Roberto De Zerbi, but he left the French club soon after Nwaneri’s arrival.

De Zerbi reassures Arsenal

This was the first negative point of the disastrous loan move so far. Foot Mercato reports that their adventure has turned into a ‘nightmare’.

The website states that Nwaneri did not think the situation would be so difficult, especially when everything started out so positively. He showcased his talents in the 3-1 win over Lens and everything was looking bright.

Since then, he has been ‘suffering from the crisis’ that has engulfed the club. After this a series of disappointing demonstrations started. De Zerbi also departed, a major blow as the Italians had ‘put pressure on him to bring him in’ during the January transfer window.

The situation has not improved under the leadership of Habib Bey who replaced him. Last night saw another disjointed performance in the defeat to Toulouse. That game ended with the ball being sent into the stands to lose the penalty shootout. Later he was seen ‘crying’.

Although Bey publicly supported him, Nwaneri suffered considerable disappointment. This was certainly another low point in the miserable loan period.

Analysis: Youth must respond

Now, with only 10 games left in Ligue 1, the Arsenal loanee must react quickly. If he doesn’t do so, Foot Mercato says his loan deal risks turning into ‘a waste of time and a real nightmare’.

And it’s certainly hard to disagree with that notion. At 19, Nwaneri needs to play regularly, gain confidence and prepare himself for the future. None of this is happening in Marseille.

Although it was a brave act for him to go to France, it now seems foolish to choose that particular team. Hardly a week goes by in which Marseille is not involved in some form of drama.

Now Nwaneri is stuck in it, and as a result both he and Arsenal may regret approving this six-month exit.

The Los Angeles Lakers won their third consecutive game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, 110-101. A win that was reminiscent of how the Lakers started the season when they had to come from behind.

The Lakers outscored the Pelicans 34-23 in the fourth quarter. In the process, they managed to achieve something that had not been seen since 2009. He had seven blocks in the fourth quarter.

According to Spectrum Sportsnet, LeBron James fired back at the reporter when asked if the Lakers have made progress in that area.

“We have?” James asked. “think so.”

Let’s talk LeBron James (8/12 FG, 7 REB, 21 PTS on 7 AST) @RealAClifton And the media is following him #lakers Third consecutive win. pic.twitter.com/jExD46fFMB

– Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) 4 March 2026

James finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. As a result, Los Angeles is now 37–24 and remains in 6th place in the Western Conference standings.

James is averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.

This wasn’t even the first confusing question after the game. Luka Doncic was asked if the momentum of star players including James and Austin Reeves is continuing. Doncic wasn’t having it when he responded: “Are you guys going to ask me this question every night?”

Doncic finished the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

In 2009, Los Angeles defeated the Orlando Magic in five games to win their first NBA championship since 2022.

On Thursday, Los Angeles will take the field to play against the Denver Nuggets. Then, they have five consecutive home games starting Friday against the Indiana Pacers. Next, they will play against the New York Knicks (March 8), Minnesota Timberwolves (March 10), Chicago Bulls (March 12) and Nuggets (March 14).

For several seasons now, Trey Hendrickson trade rumors have been a major talking point of the NFL offseason. Now the All-Pro pass-rusher finally gets a chance to test free agency, where he’ll be one of the best players available regardless of position.

The Cincinnati Bengals had plenty of time to avoid this scenario. Heck, they could even put the franchise tag on the four-time Pro Bowler earlier this week.

Alas, the now 31-year-old finally got what he wanted, a chance to test free agency, where he would certainly be compensated as one of the highest-paid players at his position after recording 61 sacks in five seasons in Cincinnati.

Still, according to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, Hendrickson, a Florida native, would “love” to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I think he’d love to stay in Tampa,” Schefter said. “I think he’d love to live in Tampa. He lives in Ponte Verde. I don’t think the Jaguars have the cap room they need for him. Tampa would be a great fit. I think in an ideal world, Trey would love to live in Florida. No state income tax. But, he’s also willing to go to the best possible situation. If Trey has a choice, I think he’d want to end up (with the Bucks), but we’ll see if that works out.” Does. way.”

Hendrickson will have several teams pursuing him in free agency. Chances are, at least one of those teams will have a Florida zip code like Hendrickson.

RELATED: Max Crosby trade could happen very soon; NFL Insider Link 7 Teams

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

The 2025-26 Vegas Golden Knights have been remarkably consistent. Unfortunately, they are consistent in all the wrong ways – they have a tendency to start playing well only after falling behind by two or more goals. They have managed to save points from many of those attempts, but that is hardly a recipe for success.

It happened again Tuesday when the Golden Knights faced the Buffalo Sabers at KeyBank Center. The Sabers took a 3-0 lead early in the second period before the Golden Knights responded. He performed exceptionally well in just under 35 minutes of play, but it was not enough and the Sabers won 3–2.

“It’s very tough to be down by that many goals and come back to win the game,” Colton Sissons said after the game. “We’re constantly looking for ways to make it interesting, but now it’s too late.”

The Sabers opened the scoring just 4:02 into the first period. Ryan McLeod tried to find Jack Quinn for a back-door tap-in, but his pass went off the skate of Jack Eichel. The puck bounced straight to Jason Zucker at the goal line, and the Las Vegas native tapped it home.

The Sabers doubled their lead just 46 seconds into the second period. Noah Ostlund won in the offensive zone in front of Owen Power, who walked to the line and fired a shot on goal from distance. Rasmus Andersson partially screened Akira Schmidt, and Power’s shot went off Andersson’s glove and into the net.

The Sabers extended their lead at 5:44 of the second minute. Alex Tuch flew into the offensive zone and threw a pass to Taj Thompson. Thompson stepped into the right circle and beat Akira Schmidt with a wrist shot from distance.

That’s when everything changed, and the Golden Knights responded just 1:06 later. Jack Eichel set up Shea Theodore for a one-timer, but the shot went wide. Alex Lyon denied Ivan Barbashev’s pass attempt, so Barbashev buried it home on a wraparound.

At 8:27 in the second minute, the Golden Knights tied it at one goal. Reilly Smith forced a turnover and knocked the puck out of the zone, and Pavel Dorofeyev advanced to first. Dorofeyev raced up the ice, protected the puck and beat Alex Lyon for the five-hole.

Despite trailing by only one goal, the Golden Knights struggled to generate offense in the third period. He failed to move forward this time and looked disinterested while doing so. Apart from hitting a few crossbars, they managed only six shots on goal in the final frame and lost 3–2.

Three Golden Night Takeaway

1. Credit is due: Alex Lyon played very well in net for the Sabers tonight. He saved 27 of 29 shots and finished the night with a .931 SV% and 1.85 GSAX. That being said, the Golden Knights didn’t do enough to make life difficult for him. He challenged them only six times in the third period. This is often not going to result in a win – especially when they are trying to make a comeback.

2. The Golden Knights are faltering; With a 3-6-2 record in their last 11 games, they are in serious danger of losing control of the Pacific Division. Of course, their biggest issue is their slow start. Sure, they made it competitive tonight. Big noise. Moral victory means little early on, and even less at this time of year when points are at a premium.

Chasing leads is exhausting, and the Golden Knights have made a habit of it. In 61 games played, he has spent 1502:48 of time at the back, fourth most in the league. The fact that they are still leading the Pacific Division says more about the state of the division than the quality of their play.

“We’ve been down this road before,” head coach Bruce Cassidy said after the 3-2 loss. “We get held back, kind of punched in the face. Then we get on our game — we’re talking about trying to get there before that happens, a lot.”

3. The hockey gods have not smiled on the Golden Knights goaltenders this season. Their team’s Goals Against Above Expected is 25.42 – second worst in the entire league. But tonight, goaltending was the least of his concerns.

Tonight, their biggest problem was that they couldn’t score three goals. Following the loss, head coach Bruce Cassidy dismissed the team for poor performance offensively.

“[Goaltending] Bruce Cassidy said after the game, “We’ve had a couple of nights where we needed extra saves. Tonight, we needed another goal… I think there are some guys at the bottom of the lineup who usually score more, and that hasn’t happened yet. Losing by one goal like that.”

Hannah Kirkel is a beat writer who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas Hockey Now on SportsNote. She studied more about Hannah Kirkel

Recently, the Philadelphia 76ers received some tough news when it was announced that big man Joel Embiid would be sidelined due to an oblique strain. The injury occurred during a recent home win over the Miami Heat, and came as Embiid was recently returning from a calf injury that kept him from playing time since the All-Star break.

Now, In Street Clothes’ Jeff Stotts has shed more light on what the timetable for Embiid’s recovery might look like.

“New Joel Embiid Injury Update: Oblique strains are far more common in sports like baseball, but do occur in the NBA. NBA players to suffer the injury include Desmond Benn and Dame Lillard. In the NBA, the average time lost for oblique strains in a season is 4.2 games (~11.6 days),” Stotts on X, formerly Twitter, reported.

Injuries have been a major part of Embiid’s career, derailing both his 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons following his MVP campaign in 2022-23. He has been in and out of the lineup all year for the 76ers this season as he tries to manage his chronic knee issues.

Meanwhile, the 76ers are still awaiting the return of Paul George, who is currently serving a suspension for violating the league’s banned substance policy.

The 76ers have done a solid job of holding down the fort in the absence of their two stars, with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe forming one of the most explosive backcourts in the NBA. The 76ers are currently 33-26 on the season, and are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, 1.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors. If the postseason began today, Philadelphia would face the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs in a rematch of their 2024 matchup.

In any case, the 76ers will next take the field against the Boston Celtics on Sunday evening.

The Atlanta Hawks have a chance to get back fully healthy for the first time in a long time, as Jonathan Kuminga’s status has been upgraded ahead of their matchup against the Washington Wizards. Kuminga has been dealing with a hamstring injury since his time with the Golden State Warriors and then joining the Atlanta Hawks and has yet to make his debut with his new team.

With Kuminga now being listed as questionable against the Wizards, it’s a good sign that he’s close to returning to the court.

Last week, the Hawks noted that Kuminga was making good progress from his bone bruise and would be re-evaluated in a week, with an update on his condition.

Kuminga was seen hitting some shots during the Hawks’ practice, which was a good indication of where he can be when he gets on the floor.

Adding Kuminga to the Hawks’ rotation could help improve their wing rotation, and his skill set could open things up for the rest of the team as well. His ability to drive and get into the lane will be key for the Hawks, whether he’s making shots or finding opposing teammates on kick-outs.

The Hawks recently made a lineup change, inserting C.J. McCollum into the starting lineup and moving Zachary Risacher off the bench. Head coach Quin Snyder said after their win against the Brooklyn Nets that the Hawks are better statistically when McCollum is on the floor with Dyson Daniels, Nickell Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, which proves why they made the move.

With Risacher being a wing, it will be interesting to see how those minutes off the bench are allocated when Kuminga is healthy, and if he can be on the floor at the same time.

The Brooklyn Nets will have Michael Porter Jr. and Igor Demin available for the first time in a back-to-back in more than two months on Friday. Neither Porter nor Demin appeared on Brooklyn’s injury report ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both played during Thursday’s 112-84 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Nets have carefully managed the workloads of Porter and Demin this season. No one has come forward since the beginning of December.

Porter has suffered numerous back injuries throughout his career and suffered a “minor” MCL sprain earlier this season. Meanwhile, Damien missed most of the offseason due to a torn plantar fascia.

Michael Porter Jr. and Igor Demin available for back-to-back for first time in several months

Porter and Demin’s light workloads on Thursday after extended layoffs during the All-Star break likely played a role in their availability on Friday. The former played only 20 minutes, while Demin played 26 minutes during a wire-to-wire blowout loss in Cleveland.

Brooklyn will face an Oklahoma City team that is without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain).

The Nets will be without Nick Claxton, who is out after spraining his right ankle during practice on Wednesday. Ziare Williams will also be unable to participate in the game due to personal reasons.

After Thursday’s loss, the Nets are tied with the Washington Wizards for fourth place in the draft lottery standings. They are tied in the win column and twice behind the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans in the loss column, who are in second place.

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini is causing concern for Roma, who know ‘time is running out’ to renew his contract.

Roma Giallo Rossa covers the 29-year-old today. The Italian outlet published a report earlier this week stating that Tottenham have shown an interest in Pellegrini.

Sport Witness covered that report from Italy two days ago. It revealed that Tottenham were showing a keen interest in the midfielder. He was reportedly recommended by his interim coach Igor Tudor.

The assumption was that he is on Tottenham’s list for the summer as they keep an eye on free agents. Much of this was linked to Tudor, who could have pressed for a deal if the end of the season was put in place.

Tottenham’s interest in Pellegrini

However, Tottenham’s interest in Pellegrini is nothing new. Actually, back in August, Sport Witness covered the possibility of Spurs beating West Ham in their signing.

Roma Giallo Rossa has now added its information, stating that Pellegrini’s ‘marriage’ to Roma appears to be nearing its end. Renewal of his deal is ‘still a way off’ and no deal is in sight.

The possibility of him becoming a free agent in the summer is becoming a ‘reality’. Roma’s management is worried about this and now it has to take a decision. Either they hurry up for renewal or bid farewell to ‘one of the symbols of recent seasons’.

key to tudor future

If it’s the latter then Tottenham are set to capture him. Tudor greatly respects Pellegrini and considers him an ‘ideal candidate’ to strengthen his midfield.

However, Tottenham will have to give him a long-term deal before he can make an impact on their transfer strategy.

Meanwhile, Roma is watching and pondering. The Italian side knows that ‘time is running out’ to resolve the situation. The pressure on him has not been easy to handle due to interest from Spurs.

On winter deadline day, Watford completed the signing of Pierre Acqua from AS Saint-Étienne on a loan deal.

reverse oppositeA website that dedicates its coverage to the French club, takes a look at the midfielder’s situation at Watford.

Championship side take Acqua on loan until the end of the season Confirmed Option to buy.

Various sources have stated that the buyout clause is around €7m, while the Ligue 2 side have made no mention of a purchase option.

Akwa’s clash at Watford

The 24-year-old has experience playing in the Championship with Sunderland.

Acquah has not made any appearances for the Hornets since returning to the league. In fact, he has not even found a place in the match-day squad for his new club.

The outlet now gives its opinion on why the former Black Cats midfielder has yet to make his Watford debut.

To understand this, it is important to know in detail his sale to the French club. He initially joined them on loan from Sunderland in August 2024 and made 30 appearances in all competitions last season.

Conflict over the sale of Aqua to Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne had secured a purchase option from Regis Le Bris. He activated it despite being relegated from Ligue 1 last summer.

This did not please the French, who refused to play or train with Saint-Étienne. sports witness covered drama Around this saga at the beginning of the season.

there was also talk of Potential legal battle To resolve the dispute. It is unclear whether there is one at this time, but Acqua decided to temporarily leave Saint-Étienne to join Watford.

Due to his conflict with the Ligue 2 side, he stopped representing them in training or in official or friendly matches. The outlet points out that his last meeting with Saint-Étienne was their 3-2 defeat against Toulouse in May 2025.

Therefore, for Aqua it is ‘normal that it is taking time’. EnvertatContratus suggests he may not return to the field anytime soon.

West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez has been on loan at Fenerbahçe since the summer.

The Mexico international has not had a good run with the Istanbul club, mainly due to injuries and fitness issues.

To put this into context, the West Ham-owned player has missed more than 85 days since joining Fenerbahçe. This limited his playing time in all competitions to 1,125 minutes from 17 matches.

west ham player status

The defensive midfielder has made three appearances this calendar year and has not featured for the Turkish club since February 2. Recent claims from Türkiye that the 28-year-old man was most likely stabbed have now reached Mexico.

you can This is relayed to Mexico and then given their opinion on the current situation of the West Ham man. Journalist Mauricio Yamme has shared the latest..

Both the national team and Yellow Canaries specialists are monitoring Álvarez’s ankle injury.

Since he is still contracted to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, West Ham will have a big role to play in his recovery process. According to Yemey, the Hammers need to make a final decision on whether he will undergo surgery or not.

Injury a matter of concern for the national team

Journalists insist there is hope in the Mexican camp that he will avoid going under the knife. This is because if the former Ajax man undergoes surgery his recovery will take ‘a very long time’.

This is worrying for Mexico as he will certainly miss the March international break and his participation in the next World Cup could be in doubt.

What’s next for Alvarez?

Despite his limited role for the Super Lig side, the Mexican attracted interest from elsewhere in the winter market. Last month, Fenerbahçe Director Devin Ozek Close His exit door was curious after being confirmed by several clubs.

Fenerbahçe has €22m purchase option and Sport Witness Turkish claims covered That it is high for them.

If Álvarez’s loan stay is not made permanent he will return to West Ham.

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has always been a major part of All-Star Weekend. It’s an event we always looked forward to seeing as kids, and it’s arguably the most searched-for NBA content on YouTube, as fans always want to relive amazing moments from Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Zach LaVine, and Aaron Gordon, among many others. It wasn’t that long ago that this competition meant anything.

Nowadays, the dunk contest is seen as something that makes us all ask, “Do we need to do this?”

At this point the event seems forced upon us, especially when it has overstayed its welcome and simply lost its touch.

If the tremendous dunk contests of the past several years were any indication of where this All-Star event has come to an end, Saturday night (technically afternoon) in Inglewood was the icing on top of the cake.

What was memorable about this incident, other than Jess Richardson almost being seriously injured when he fell hard on the court after attempting a dunk off the edge of the backboard? Honestly, can anyone remember what has happened at this event during All-Star Weekend the past few years, other than Mac McClung, who is the only player who has played a total of 10 NBA games in his career?

Frankly, getting the league to try to get players to participate in this event has been almost like pulling teeth over the years. This is especially true because star players aren’t as sought after as they were with the 3-point contest or the All-Star Game.

Lack of stars ruined the event

It wasn’t long ago that stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell and others were competing in the dunk contest during All-Star Weekend. Although they were small at the time and the event has always catered to young players looking to make a name for themselves, it has suddenly become something that no one wants to participate in.

Jaylen Brown has been the only All-Star talent to participate in the event over the past several years. We see players and stars all the time talking about how the dunk contest should be changed, fixed, and saved, yet none of them are willing to step up and be the solution.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the problem here. The reason past dunk contests with Carter, Jordan, LaVine and Gordon have always been talked about is that they not only cared about putting on a show, but they were also willing to be the face of the event.

Nobody wants to do that these days except a G League player, which is why the talent in the dunk contest has been extremely low over the past few seasons.

This should in no way be taken as a disrespect to this year’s participants: Keshad Johnson, Carter Bryant, Jace Richardson and Jackson Hayes. These people did what they could, and should really be commended for making this program happen when so many others turned down the opportunity to participate.

Also, what have any of these players actually done that made people flock to this event and think it would be any different from the disappointments of almost every dunk contest over the years? Bryant and Richardson are rookies who have barely played, Hayes has been a backup big man for most of his career, and Johnson has played a total of 257 minutes in his career.

Unless they’re a fan of one of these four players’ teams or are a basketball buff like yours truly, the average NBA fan doesn’t know anything about this year’s participants. This is a big problem, and this issue has existed for years in relation to the Dunk Contest.

Needless to mention, Hayes criticized the dunk contest after the event on Saturday night, claiming he would rather be in Hawaii than Los Angeles for All-Star Weekend festivities. When a lesser-known player is saying this, there is a serious problem with spectacle.

After all, it’s not like this year’s event was all that memorable, as it was filled with a lot of dancing and a few dunks, most of which any player in the NBA could have done. There was nothing unique about this event, and it has almost turned into an event that fans are only attending and cheering for because they don’t want to let go of the past.

Keshad Johnson went under the backboard for this dunk.

pic.twitter.com/EHjdA3ADi5

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 15 February 2026

Even the young, rising stars, who can easily win the event and get a lot of endorsement deals and set the standards for the next generation, do not want to participate in the event. Prominent rookies and second-year players, who should see such an opportunity as an honor, are ignoring the event because it is not like it used to be.

VJ Edgecombe has had an All-Rookie and Rookie of the Year campaign this year with the Philadelphia 76ers, and fans would love to see him take a lead role in the dunk contest. But the Sixers rookie had other ideas and made it clear he would not be accepting an invitation to the event, giving no specific reason other than “I’m not doing that” and that he’s “cool.”

Perhaps the dunk contest has run its course, especially when every year it’s the same story of a disappointing event and star players pleading to save it. That’s exactly what happened in 2025, prompting Ja Morant and others to hint that this year’s event in Inglewood will be one to remember for years.

Ja Morant, Zach LaVine and even Giannis claimed on social media that they could save the event after McClung won for the third consecutive year. It takes that kind of energy to save the Dunk Contest, yet neither star participated in the event last weekend.

NBA All-Star Saturday has lost its touch as the dunk contest continues to dominate the headlines. But at the same time, that doesn’t mean All-Star Weekend as a whole needs a revamp.

All-Star Saturday still works… kind of

Fans and NBA media members alike have been very critical of All-Star Weekend over the years. More specifically, All-Star Saturday Night has become a major discussion topic, with some questioning whether it is even necessary anymore.

Just because the Dunk Contest has been disappointing and needs a change, doesn’t mean that every single fun event that basketball fans around the world enjoy watching should be abandoned.

The NBA 3-Point Contest is still a great spectacle, and one of the main reasons is that big names and elite 3-point shooting threats are willing to participate. Each of the past six winners of the event has been an All-Star talent, and Damian Lillard has now won the event in three of the last four seasons.

Less than 24 hours after the contest ended Saturday in Inglewood, Stephen Curry and Lillard made it clear they will be back in contention next season when the Phoenix Suns host All-Star Weekend.

For anyone who had any doubts about how serious Curry and Lillard are, these two are already teaming up to recruit Devin Booker, who said he would participate, and Klay Thompson, who Steph told Lillard via message that he would get them to sign.

With Lillard, Curry, Booker and Thompson, the 2027 3-Point Contest already has the best field in the event’s history, as all four stars have won the 3-point crown before. So, if the big names can come together to do this for one of the All-Star Saturday events, why can’t they do the same for the others?

This year’s All-Star Saturday Night, which took place at noon, started with a fun and thrilling 3-point contest that came down to Lillard, Booker and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel. Overall, it was a great event that no one had any problems with, especially considering that Lillard has been out the entire season recovering from an Achilles injury and he not only participated, but won the event.

The next order of business was Kia Shooting Stars, which replaced the Skills Challenge. Although it was not as entertaining as previous events, Shooting Stars brought a level of excitement with the addition of past greats such as Alan Houston and Ron Harper. Whenever the NBA can add former players and Hall of Fame talent, they should always take advantage of the opportunity.

But after these first two events, the Dunk Contest, which is always the headliner of All-Star Saturday Night, was a complete waste of time. The attendees hardly made any noise, and there was virtually no over-the-top reaction from current and former players present to watch the competition.

The dunk contest has lost its touch. Unless some of the league’s best dunkers and stars are willing to save the event, it’s time to join the skills challenge. In doing so, the NBA could create a new event that both fans and players have been demanding:

A 1-on-1 tournament.

Time for a new 1 vs 1 event?

One thing the NBA does really well is involving the players and letting their input help make decisions to better the league. Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA office have worked long and hard with the players union over the past few seasons to improve the All-Star Game, and we can certainly see improvements in terms of competitiveness on the court.

Both the NBA and the players deserve a lot of credit for making All-Star Weekend better than ever.

However, there’s still room for growth, and it all goes back to All-Star Saturday Night, with the Dunk Contest coming off as an event that overstayed its welcome. Down the road, it might make sense to bring back the dunk contest, but for now, it’s time to put this event next to the Skills Challenge.

As for what will replace the Dunk Contest and become the main event of All-Star Weekend, the NBA should look no further than the success women’s basketball has had with its unmatched 1-on-1 tournament. WNBA players have taken the event as seriously as their season over the years, and the event has generated a lot of interest among NBA talent.

At the 2025 All-Star Game, Kevin Durant spoke highly of the idea of ​​a 1-on-1 tournament and claimed that the league is full of amazing talent that could make the event stand out.

“I don’t think it’s going to be easy to predict who will come out on top,” Durant said on NBA TV. “I think there are a lot of guys that can come out here and put on a show in 1-on-1, so it will be a great addition to All-Star Weekend. We’ll see what happens.”

Durant talked about the idea of ​​a 1-on-1 tournament with Draymond Green and claimed he would play if the NBA added the event to All-Star Weekend.

This year, it was Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown who was the leading voice for a 1-on-1 tournament to be added to the All-Star calendar, as he fully supported the idea of ​​moving the event to All-Star Weekend.

“I’m really a big fan of one-on-one,” Brown said at All-Star media day. “There are some guys here this weekend that I would love to challenge. All of them. Luka (Doncic), Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), (Jalen) Brunson, Donovan (Mitchell). I would challenge all of those guys one by one. We can donate to any charity. Let’s set it up.”

With Durant and Brown publicly advocating for a 1-on-1 tournament over the past two All-Star Weekends, and many other stars likely feeling the same way, could we possibly see it debut in 2027? Maybe we could even see a 1-on-1 All-Star tournament replace the dunk contest for a while.

The NBA has some decisions to make regarding All-Star Weekend, and no decision is bigger than what happens with Saturday night’s activities, specifically the Dunk Contest. Unless they get stars and notable talent to participate, the event will continue to be disrespected and despised by players and fans alike.

The sadness of the way the 2025 World Series ended is now in the rearview mirror for the Toronto Blue Jays. Spring training is underway and the focus is on 2026.

However, there are some moments from that Game 7 that no Blue Jays fan will ever forget. The humiliating consequences of some dramas unfortunately remain imprinted in the minds of many people. The play at the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning in which Isiah Kiner-Falefa – the potential winning run – was out by mere inches was prominent among them.

Now safely away from Jays media and fans — but still within the division — IKF spoke from the Boston Red Sox camp, speaking candidly for the first time about that controversial game.

Did IKF not take a big enough lead from third base?

Situation: Game tied, bases loaded, one out. The World Series is at stake. Ground ball to Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas. The throw comes home, and Kiner-Falefa is cleared by inches.

The general consensus is that if IKF had taken a bigger lead at third, it would have beaten the throw home. The Jays, and the entire country of Canada, will be celebrating a World Series championship today. Many people also felt that the slide was not even necessary. The idea was that if he just kept running to step on home plate, he would make it safely.

But how does Kiner-Falefa see it?

Speaking to the media about the game for the first time since that fateful day, IKF essentially blamed the Jays’ coaching:

If I could pull it off, I would definitely get a few steps out. But you have to do what the organization wants and that’s the way it is, with runners in that position, they’re always going to keep the runner.

Kiner-Falefa gets a lot of ‘online hate’ after unsuccessful game at the plate

As he explained to Jen McCaffrey in The Athletic, IKF said he “got a lot of hate online in the days that followed”, and that he regretted not getting a chance to explain himself after the game.

“If it was going to be such a big deal, it would have been nice to have the cameras in front of me and have a chance to speak. But it flew by without me having a proper interview, so I thought that was unfair.”

As for the whole sliding instead of running through home plate thing, he said that, with one out, he was just trying to break up a potential double-play.

“I was just thinking early on, break up that double play right there and get your best, hottest hitter at the time. It almost paid off. Ernie (Clement) almost got the job done on the next one. Of course, that also ended in heartbreak, when Andy Paige stole the almost certain game-winning extra-base hit from Clement with a crazy catch, running over his own left fielder.

It’s all water under the bridge for Kinnar-Falefa now. But after signing with the Red Sox back in the AL East, he and Jays fans will get plenty of opportunities to reinvent himself this season. And it all starts on April 27, when Boston visits Rogers Center for a three-game set.

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are headlining the first UFC event of 2026 this weekend.

The top-ranked lightweight stars are set to meet in the main event of UFC 324 with the interim lightweight title on the line.

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Gaethje proved he could still mix it up at the top when he defeated Rafael Fiziev last March, having been brutally knocked out by Max Holloway at UFC 300.

The American is hoping to reclaim the interim strap at 155lbs that he previously held for five months in 2020.

He lost his opportunity to secure the division’s undisputed belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov in the same year – the Russian legend’s last ever fight.

Pimblett, meanwhile, has been calling for his chance to challenge for gold at lightweight since he beat up Michael Chandler in Miami nine months ago.

Should the Liverpudlian overcome Gaethje, he may finally get the opportunity to fight his long-term, bitter rival and UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Topuria is currently taking a break from the sport due to a personal matter.

This will provide Pimblett and Gaethje with extra motivation heading into their fight, as they will know there is a chance they could get elevated to undisputed status if Topuria vacates his belt.

The pair are set to kick off an exciting 2026 schedule in Dana White’s promotion, with UFC White House on the horizon and the Paramount+ deal already underway.