Juventus officials plan to keep a close eye bournemouth Forward Justin Kluivert at the World Cup this summer.

Gazzetta dello sport report The Dutch player is in the sights of Juventus as they plan to make changes to their squad in the coming months.

Bournemouth star added to list

The newspaper reports that Justin Kluivert has been added to Juventus’ summer transfer shortlist. The Italian club plans to keep a close eye on him at the World Cup, where he will take part Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands team.

The forward’s ‘rebirth’ under Andoni Ierola at Bournemouth has not gone unnoticed. The Spaniard’s decision to move him centrally resulted in a ‘season above double figures’ and a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad.

Juventus currently favor Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, but Kluivert is an alternative option. In fact, he is ‘ready to present himself’ as a direct transfer rival to the Spaniard.

His work in the Premier League is already impressing but Juventus also value the fact that he has adjusted to Serie A.

serie a second chance

Although his time at Roma early in his career may have been disappointing, the feeling he left behind is now far behind. The 27-year-old player has proven himself in the Premier League. Now he may be ready to prove himself again in Serie A.

There is no mention yet of any attempt to get the transfer done. Or what assessment Bournemouth would give their player.

He is currently valued at €25m by the likes of Transfermarkt. The key could be his contract, which runs until 2028. It means this summer could be Bournemouth’s last chance to secure a top fee before he enters the final year of his deal next summer.

For now, it seems that Juventus are simply considering him as an option. If he impresses at the World Cup, this option could become more solid.

Barcelona is monitoring the situation of Sergi Dominguez Tottenham Hotspur Appearing as her new lover.

The 21-year-old player graduated from Barcelona’s academy, but was unable to cement a place at the Camp Nou.

Therefore, Barcelona sold him to Dinamo Zagreb in July 2025 for around €1.2m. He could be on the move again as Tottenham are emerging as a candidate to sign the defender.

From Italy, Lazio have shown interest in the centre-back, who has played 3,153 minutes in 44 matches for the Croatian club.

Tottenham join Lazio in transfer battle

Journalist alfredo pedulla The Serie A side are keen on Sergi Dominguez and have held talks with his representatives, according to reports.

He also mentioned that there is talk of an offer of around €4-5 million by Lazio, but they would need at least three times that amount to convince Dinamo Zagreb. The Italian club will also have to be wary of Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

In the past few hours, Spurs have emerged as a new suitor for the former Barcelona player and are showing ‘strong interest’.

Tuesday’s edition of sports world Broadcast this claim and then provide your own updates.

Barcelona are monitoring the defender’s situation amid latest claims of interest from Lazio and Spurs. This is because La Liga winners will receive 20% of the profits from its future sales.

However, sources have informed Mundo that there are no formal offers on the table yet.

Another Catalan newspaper, gameFirst broadcast Pedulla’s claim and then share your perspective.

After an impressive debut season, Dominguez is ‘almost certain to be sold in the coming weeks.’

Sports suggest the Spaniard ‘could be on the move’ to Tottenham this summer.

First-choice centre-backs Christian Romero and Micky Van de Ven could both leave Spurs this season.

Last month, Sports Witness broadcast news The Premier League team would need at least €60m to let the Argentine leave.

Dominguez could be an option for Tottenham, who, according to Sport, could be willing to pay up to €9m. If he arrives in London for €9m, Barcelona could make a profit of €2m from the deal.

Our Opinion: Wait for more updates

Alfredo Pedulla just reported strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Barça’s local Medica is excited about the option.

The Catalan media have a tendency to publicize anything positive or beneficial for Barça.

Therefore, it is worth seeing if sources in Croatia or England either support this or rule out Spurs as a credible target.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has flown to London to meet Joao Pedro’s agents ahead of a potential move chelsea star.

Sports report, in a special, The sporting director has flown to London to meet Brazil’s representatives amid difficulties signing Julian Alvarez.

main target is chelsea

The newspaper reports that Barcelona have already identified their main targets for the upcoming transfer window, and right now, Joao Pedro is one of the top targets.

The Chelsea man is the name that has ‘generated the most consensus’ among the club’s sporting management.

The people in charge of Camp Nou respect the Brazilians very much. The feeling is that he possesses many of the qualities Barcelona are looking for in their center forward of the future.

According to information received by Sport from ‘sources close to the player’, Deco has flown to London to meet Joao Pedro’s agents.

He could also take advantage of his stay in England to watch the FA Cup final. Joao Pedro is likely to start the game for Chelsea when they take on Manchester City at Wembley.

Barcelona is planning slowly

Reportedly, the visit has been kept ‘top secret’ within Barcelona. The Catalan giants want to move forward with ‘sufficient time and foresight’.

The economics of the deal will require calm and careful planning. A face-to-face meeting with João Pedro during his visit is ‘not out of the question’.

Barcelona’s management believes that the Brazilian fits perfectly into the current team. He is considered a modern striker, with obvious technical quality and youth. At the moment, he is the clear favorite to become Barcelona’s number nine ahead of Julian Alvarez.

They also know that getting him out of Chelsea will not be an easy task. Work will need to be done to create salary space in their squad and finalize departures before a deal can be done. But Deco’s visit to London is a clear signal of Barcelona’s intentions this summer.

The second major championship in men’s professional golf begins this week with the PGA Championship.

The 2026 PGA Championship will be held at Aronimink Golf Club, 20 miles west of Philadelphia.

Last year, Scotty Scheffler hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy and won by five strokes at Quail Hollow. Now, he’s trying to join Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka as the only two golfers to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy in consecutive years since 1958.

Here are 10 stories to watch for this year’s 2026 PGA Championship

Scotty Scheffler looks to continue success at PGA Championship

Speaking of Scotty Scheffler, he became the first golfer to win back-to-back PGA Championships since Koepka won in 2018-19. His track record has been almost perfect. He has been runner-up three times in a row in each of his last three starts. Scheffler has also scored six top-five finishes this season, highlighted by winning The American Express in January. At the PGA Championship, he has five top 10s in his last six starts. This also includes being arrested before finishing eighth in 2024.

The injury at the Masters last month was a big deal. Injuries have started to increase ahead of the PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy, who won the Masters four weeks ago, cut his Tuesday practice round short. Three holes into his practice round, McIlroy walked to the clubhouse due to a blister on his right pinky toe. Last week, McIlroy played at the Truist Championship limping due to a blister problem.

RELATED: Masters 2026: Winners and losers, including Rory McIlroy

Who’s headed to Aronimink?

Cameron Young, who is looking for his first major win, has two wins and two third-place finishes in his last six starts. Wins at The Players Championship and the Cadillac Championship. Matt Fitzpatrick has three wins and a runner-up finish in his last six starts. Despite being one stroke behind Young in the Players, Fitzpatrick won the Valspar. He also went back-to-back at the RBC Heritage and teamed up with his brother Alex to win the Zurich Classic.

Will someone from outside the US win?

History says no, as each of the last 10 winners has been American. With the way Scheffler and Young are playing, as mentioned earlier, it looks like that trend will continue. From an American perspective, don’t forget Collin Morikawa, who has two top 10s in his last three starts since withdrawing from the Players due to a back injury.

Xander Schauffele, who will win the PGA Championship in 2024, recorded three consecutive top 10s, including a tie for third at The Players. Another player is Jordan Spieth. Although he hasn’t won a title in four years, Spieth is one Wanamaker Trophy away from becoming the seventh player to complete the career Grand Slam.

Non-Americans must watch

In addition to Fitzpatrick and McIlroy, there are some players from outside the United States to watch. Si Woo Kim is tied with Scheffler and Young with six top 10s this season. Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood are right behind that trio with Ludwig Aberg with five. Fleetwood, who won the FedEx Cup last year, is coming off a top-five finish at last week’s Truist Championship.

Also Read: President upset over LIV Golf Faces collapse, urges PGA Tour reunion

pga professional

One of the things that makes the PGA Championship different is the competition from the PGA professionals. The PGA Championship is operated by the PGA of America. They give PGA professionals, who teach golf across the country, the opportunity to compete in major championships. The top 20 and ties from their qualifying events make their way to that year’s PGA Championship.

This year, 20 PGA professionals are competing, including Michael Block from Mission Viejo, Calif. Block has competed in seven PGA Championships, including finishing in 15th.^th In 2023, highlighted by his hole-in-one while pairing with McIlroy in the final round.

notable groups

Here’s a look at when the notable groups competed in the first two rounds of the PGA Championship. All times ET. You can watch select groups exclusively on ESPN+.

• 8:18 am (Thu) | 1:43 pm (Friday): Ludwig Aberg, Rickie Fowler, Bryson DeChambeau
• 8:29 am 1:54 pm: Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Tyrell Hatton
• 8:40 am 2:05 pm: Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm
• 1:32 pm 8:07 am: Victor Hovland, Collin Morikawa, Shane Lowry
• 1:43 pm 8:18 am: Tommy Fleetwood, Chris Gotterup, Robert McIntyre
• 1:54 pm 8:29 am: Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, Justin Thomas
• 2:05 pm | 8:40 am: Scotty Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose

How to watch the 2026 PGA Championship

Here’s broadcast information to watch the PGA Championship. (all times ET)

• Thursday: noon-7 p.m. (ESPN), 7-8 p.m. (ESPN2)
• Friday: noon-8 p.m. (ESPN)
• Saturday and Sunday: 10am-1pm (ESPN), 1-7pm (CBS)

hoisting the wanamaker trophy is my choice

It sounds chalky, but it’s Scotty Scheffler. He has come one step away from victory in each of his last three matches. Scheffler doesn’t seem to be fazed by anything, which leads to success in this game. Being so close to victory means that even on Sunday, the time to hoist another trophy is just around the corner.

When is the next PGA Championship?

Next year’s PGA Championship will be held in Frisco, Texas. The tournament will be held at Fields Ranch East as it marks the 100th anniversary of the 1927 PGA Championship and the first men’s major at the area since 1963.

Also Read: DeChambeau drops bombshell after LIV collapse – is this the end of competitive golf for him?

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

A heavyweight fight is headed to Doncaster, England. The event is headlined by British fan favorite Dave “The White Rhino” Allen (25-8-2) taking on Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (19-1). Who will take home the prize at Doncaster? Find out how to watch Allen vs. Hrgovic on DAZN here.

Check out: PPV Boxing Tonight: Complete schedule and how to watch online

When is the Allen vs Hrgovic fight?

The Allen vs. Hrgovic fight will take place on Saturday, May 16 at the Echo Power Stadium in Doncaster, Yorkshire. Start time for the pay-per-view event is 1pm ET/10pm PT/5pm GMT, streaming exclusively on DAZN.

How do I order the Allen vs. Hrgovic fight?

Subscribers can order the Allen vs. Hrgovic fight exclusively through DAZN. New viewers require a DAZN subscription to enjoy premium sports content and pay-per-view events. Some broadcasts require additional payment, such as the fight between Allen and Hrgovic.

What is the Allen fight on DAZN worth?

Via DAZN, you can watch Allen vs. Hrgovic for an additional fee. DAZN offers two subscriptions: a monthly subscription for $29.99/month or a 12-month subscription for $19.99/month. The cost to watch Allen’s fight will be between $41.99 and $79.99. Click here for the latest fight prices on DAZN.

Is DAZN offering a free month for the Allen vs. Hrgovic fight?

First-time customers can earn a free month of DAZN when they purchase pay-per-view events. Unlike other free trials, new viewers are required to subscribe to DAZN and purchase a PPV event like Allen vs. Hrgovic to get the first month free. This deal applies to annual and monthly passes.

Read more: How much is DAZN? Value, PPV, options and more in 2026

What devices can I use to watch DAZN?

There are several devices you can use to watch DAZN content. These include Android phones, iPhone, Amazon Fire TV, Hisense Smart TV, Sony’s Android TV, iPad and Xbox Series S. Full compatibility list is available below:

• amazon fire tablet
• amazon fire tv
• amazon fire stick
• Android phone/tablet
• android tv
• apple tv fourth generation
• Hisense Smart TV
• iPhone
• ipad
• lg smart tv
• panasonic smart tv
• philips tv
• samsung smart tv
• sony android tv
• sony playstation 4
• sony playstation 4 pro
• sony playstation 5
• Xbox one
• xbox one s
• xbox one x
• xbox series s
• xbox series x

What is the fight card for the Allen vs. Hrgovic fight?

While Dave Allen vs. Filip Hrgovic is the main event at Echo Power Stadium, there are still plenty of other bouts to enjoy beforehand. Check out the full fight card below, and stream all the fights leading up to the main ring walk.

• Dave Allen vs. Filip Hrgovic (Heavyweight)
• Louis O’Doherty vs. Ahmed Hatim (Lightweight)
• Michael Gomez Jr. vs. Lee McGregor (Lightweight)
• Carl Fell vs. Dean Sutherland (super welterweight)
• Maxi Hughes vs. Lewis Sylvester (Lightweight)
• Joe Hayden vs. Ryan Frost (welterweight)
• Asadkhuja Muidinkhujaev vs. TBA (welterweight)
• Ted Jackson vs. Mike Biles (middleweight)
• Bradley Casey vs. TBA (Cruiserweight)
• Leighton Birchall vs. Leonardo Baez (Featherweight)
• Kiyan Hamilton vs. Les Urry (super lightweight)
• John Tom Vary vs. Stephen Jackson (super flyweight)

questions to ask

Alexandria is a news editor, writer, and reader of all things literary. She graduated from the State University of… More about Alexandria Wyckoff

Formula 1 descends on Montreal for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix this weekend with a championship picture that seemed impossible to imagine three months ago. The 19-year-old Italian player is on top with 20 points. The four-time defending champion is in seventh place. McLaren is retreating. And somewhere in the middle of all this, a frustrated Scuderia Ferrari is trying to figure out how a major upgrade package produced a 10-point weekend.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has a way of breaking everything. It rewards braking confidence, punishes over-aggressiveness and serves safety cars on cue. This is the kind of place where the championship story can turn in 70 laps.

Can Kimi Antonelli win the Canadian Grand Prix? Here are five stories that will shape the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix.

1. Kimi Antonelli moves into Wall of Champions conversation

With three Grand Prix wins, three poles and 100 points, Kimi Antonelli arrives in Montreal as the first driver in F1 history to win his first three races from pole position, and based on the evidence so far, the Mercedes is the fastest car in the field.

But the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a long memory for young drivers who think they have the game figured out. The Wall of Champions did not get its name by chance. Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve all left paint on it in 1999. Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Pastor Maldonado have all kissed it since then.

Antonelli has been close to being blameless. Their starts have been terrible, their comebacks have been brutal. Montreal will test whether the rookie can manage a low-downforce circuit with a 20-point lead in his pocket and teammates breathing down his neck.

This is where the championship story either rests or breaks.

2. George Russell’s time is running out

Antonelli’s teammate, George Russell, is 20 points behind in the Drivers’ Championship standings and has really shown no inclination to fight for the lead despite having the same car. He will be looking for a spark at the track where he won in 2025 after holding off a fired-up Verstappen.

Russell has finished on the podium in two of the last three rounds, while his rookie teammate is on his way to victory. Britain has not complained publicly, but the math is starting to look ugly. If Antonelli wins again in Montreal, Russell will blow away the Canadian in just five rounds and be meaningfully out of a championship fight he should have won.

Montreal favors him. He won the pole and race there in 2025. They like the layout, if the weight comes in they are good at it and it is late.

If Russell doesn’t perform this weekend, Toto Wolff will have a tougher conversation than anyone expected.

RELATED: F1’s Mr Saturday, Meet Sunday: Is 2026 finally George Russell’s year?

3. Max Verstappen finally has something to work with

The 2026 season has been a public, ugly humiliation for four-time champion Max Verstappen. He is seventh in the championship with 26 points. Verstappen has openly questioned whether he wants to continue racing under the new rules, calling the cars a “joke”. Red Bull principal Laurent Mackies admitted that the team had “significant shortcomings” after the Chinese Grand Prix.

Then the Miami Grand Prix happened.

Verstappen kept Red Bull on the front row with Antonelli and fought hard for the podium, before a first lap spin compromised his race. He nevertheless recovered and raced towards P5. Makeys has since been careful with his words, but the message from Milton Keynes is clear: the corner has been turned.

Montreal is proof point for Red Bull and Verstappen. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a more traditional layout than Miami’s street circuit and will tell us whether Red Bull’s Miami Speed ​​was a one-off or the start of something real. If Verstappen is on the podium on Sunday, the rest of the grid has a problem. If he returns to midfield, discussion of his release clause and his October decision window becomes very intense.

4. McLaren is back in the conversation

Reigning world champion Lando Norris finished second in Miami and his teammate Oscar Piastri third, indicating a real resurgence for McLaren in 2026. The Papaya Cars looked like a team that had finally sorted out the package issues that had ruined their first three rounds.

Norris now sits fourth in the championship with 51 points and still looks to be alive in this title fight and Miami suggests he is starting to climb back into it.

The Canadian Grand Prix has historically been favorable to McLaren. Both cars needed to be on the podium to confirm that Miami is not a one-track outlier. Andrea Stella’s team has talent and resources. What they didn’t have in 2026 was a clean weekend with both cars in the top three.

Get it in Montreal and the championship picture will change.

5. Ferrari needed an answer and it still needs it

Ferrari entered the 2026 Miami Grand Prix with 11 upgrades on the SF-26, including floor changes, suspension geometry and changes to the rear wing. After a five-week break Fred Vasseur’s Scuderia had the most aggressive development effort of any team on the grid.

They walked away with 10 marks and more questions than answers.

Charles Leclerc led the opening lap, slid to the rear during the race, then reached the podium on the final lap with a spin at Turn 3. A subsequent 20-second penalty dropped him to eighth behind the Alpines of teammate Lewis Hamilton and Franco Colapinto. “It’s all on me,” Leclerc told Sky Sports F1. he was right. He was also calling for an internal investigation into the drop in car speed on the medium compound by the end of the weekend.

Hamilton remained a few tenths behind his teammate throughout the weekend and finished outside the top five in every session. Nico Rosberg called the Scuderia’s weekend on Sky “clumsy”. He was polite.

This is the big problem. Mercedes withheld its major upgrade package for Canada. McLaren brought him to Miami and dominated the sprint. Ferrari spent its development plans in Florida and got nothing back. If the SF-26 cannot find race pace in Montreal with a fresh package already on the car, the Scuderia is no longer fighting for the championship. It is struggling to hold on to third place in the constructors’ list.

Leclerc has won in Montreal before. Hamilton has won there seven times. The history is there. The car, right now, is not there.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

The WBO heavyweight title is at stake in Manchester. Fabio Wardley (20-0-1) will make the first defense of his title against former two-time champion Daniel Dubois (22-3), who looks to once again claim a major belt. Find out how to watch Wardley vs. Dubois on DAZN here.

Check out: PPV Boxing Tonight: Complete schedule and how to watch online

When is the Wardley vs Dubois fight?

The Wardley vs. Dubois fight will take place on Saturday, May 9 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, Lancashire, England. Start time for the pay-per-view event is 2pm ET / 11am PT / 6pm GMT, streaming exclusively on DAZN.

How do I order the Wardley vs Dubois fight?

Subscribers can order the Wardley vs. Dubois fight exclusively through DAZN. New viewers require a DAZN subscription to enjoy premium sports content and pay-per-view events. Some broadcasts required additional payment, such as the fight between Wardley and Dubois.

What is the Wardley fight price on DAZN?

Via DAZN, you can watch Wardley vs. Dubois for an additional fee. DAZN offers two subscriptions: a monthly subscription for $29.99/month or a 12-month subscription for $19.99/month. The cost to watch the Wardley fight will be between $41.99 and $79.99. Click here for the latest fight prices on DAZN.

Is DAZN offering a free month for the Wardley vs. Dubois fight?

First-time customers can earn a free month of DAZN when they purchase pay-per-view events. Unlike other free trials, new viewers are required to subscribe to DAZN and purchase a PPV event like Wardley vs. Dubois to get the first month free. This deal applies to annual and monthly passes.

Read more: How much is DAZN? Value, PPV, options and more in 2026

What devices can I use to watch DAZN?

There are several devices you can use to watch DAZN content. These include Android phones, iPhone, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Philips TV, Panasonic Smart TV, LG Smart TV and Xbox One. Full compatibility list is available below:

• amazon fire tablet
• amazon fire tv
• amazon fire stick
• Android phone/tablet
• android tv
• apple tv fourth generation
• Hisense Smart TV
• iPhone
• ipad
• lg smart tv
• panasonic smart tv
• philips tv
• samsung smart tv
• sony android tv
• sony playstation 4
• sony playstation 4 pro
• sony playstation 5
• Xbox one
• xbox one s
• xbox one x
• xbox series s
• xbox series x

What is the fight card for the Wardley vs. Dubois fight?

While Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois is the main event at the Co-op Live Arena, there are still plenty of other bouts to enjoy beforehand. Check out the full fight card below, and stream all the fights leading up to the main ring walk.

• Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois (Heavyweight)
• David Morrell vs. Jack Chailly (Light Heavyweight)
• Jack Rafferty vs. Ako Essuman (Super Lightweight)
• Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Agron Smekisi (Heavyweight)
• Liam Cameron vs. Bradley Rea (Light Heavyweight)
• Khalil Majid vs. Gavin Gwynne (super lightweight)
• Mike Perez vs. TBA (Cruiserweight)
• Javokhir Ummataliev vs. Javokhir Ummataliev TBA (super middleweight)
• Ramtin Moussa vs. TBA (super middleweight)
• Bobby Flood vs. Nathan Darby (super welterweight)
• Isaiah Hamilton-Allen vs. Connor Goulding (super welterweight)

questions to ask

Alexandria is a news editor, writer, and reader of all things literary. She graduated from the State University of… More about Alexandria Wyckoff

Moments before puck drop for Game 1 of round two between the Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers, the NHL announced the schedule and broadcast information for the entire second round, except for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens, who have not yet settled round one.

Carolina Hurricanes-Philadelphia Flyers Round Two Schedule and Broadcast Information

game 1

When: Saturday, May 2, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: ABC

game 2

When: Monday, May 4, 7:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: ESPN

game 3

When: Thursday, May 7, 8:00 pm EDT
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Xfinity Mobile Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max

game 4

When: Saturday, May 9, 6:00 pm EDT
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Xfinity Mobile Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max

game 5 (if necessary)

When: Monday, May 11, TBD
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: ESPN

game 6 (if necessary)

When: Wednesday, May 13, TBD
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Xfinity Mobile Arena
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max

game 7 (if necessary)

When: Saturday, May 16, TBD
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TNT, TruTV, HBO Max

All games will feature local play-by-play by Mike Maniscalco and analysis by Trip Tracy on the Hurricanes’ radio partner, 99.9 The Fan.

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNut. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

Five years ago, an American Formula 1 fan had two choices on Sunday morning: find ESPN on your cable package or miss the race. The broadcast was good. Commercial-free, Sky Sports commentary, respectable production. It moved the needle from niche to mainstream, especially after drive to survive In 2019, Paddock was adapted into a Netflix drama.

That era ended on March 7, 2026, when the Australian Grand Prix became the first F1 race to be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV in the United States.

The game didn’t just change the platform. It really changed what it meant to watch Formula 1 in America.

Watch Formula 1 action live at the Miami Grand Prix: Now available on Apple TV

From Netflix to Apple TV: how the door opened

drive to survive did something that no broadcast deal could do on its own. It introduced F1 to an audience that had no idea it was missing. By the time Netflix released season one in 2019, the game’s US fan base was approximately 25 million. By 2025, it was up to 52 million – up 11% a year – and growing faster than any other major sport on the planet.

ESPN rode that wave well. Formula 1 averaged 1.32 million viewers per race across ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC during the 2025 season, its last year on the network, with 16 individual races setting event viewership records. The Abu Dhabi closing ceremony alone attracted 1.5 million people. This is up 53% from last year’s closing. Growth was real and accelerating.

Apple then paid $750 million over five years to acquire it exclusively. No cable bundle. No channel flipping. One app, one subscription, $12.99 per month.

The skeptics had a point – taking games to a paywall has historically reduced viewership. Ask NASCAR, which saw a 14% decline in revenue in 2025 when it moved some races to Amazon Prime. But Apple was betting on something different: The F1 fan created by ESPN was a streaming-native, device-forward consumer who would follow the sport anywhere. Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddie Cue, confirmed after the Australian Grand Prix that viewership had increased year-on-year compared to 2025, exceeding the expectations of both F1 and Apple.

So far the bet is succeeding.

Apple TV’s approach to Formula 1 coverage

The production difference between what ESPN delivered and what Apple launched is not subtle.

ESPN shows Sky Sports’ feed with British commentary and a ticker at the bottom. This was fine for fans who already knew the game. It wasn’t designed to draw in newcomers.

Apple redesigned the entire viewing experience. Each Grand Prix is ​​now streamed in 4K with Dolby Vision and 5.1 surround sound – the first time F1 has been broadcast in that format in the United States. That alone is important. An F1 car at full speed in 4K Dolby Vision is a fundamentally different visual experience than American fans have had before.

But the big change is what lies beneath the main broadcast. Apple TV offers up to 30 live feeds simultaneously across all sessions – Driver Tracker for a bird’s-eye view of the race, real-time telemetry, a mixed onboard feed that automatically switches between driver cameras as the action unfolds, and a podium feed that dynamically follows the top three. Fans can watch up to four feeds simultaneously via Multiview, with pre-configured team layouts or a fully customized setup. Apple Vision Pro users get five simultaneous feeds.

The casual fan taps a button and gets a curated experience. Hardcore fans create their own broadcasts. No other sport in America offers this.

And it goes beyond the screen. The Apple Sports app offers real-time leaderboards and live updates. Apple Maps features custom circuit guides with 3D grandstand and turn-by-turn navigation for fans attending in person. Apple Music plays a free live audio broadcast during the race. They have also partnered with free streaming service Tubi to offer exclusive live F1 altcasts for several races, available at no cost on every device. Yahoo Sports gets practice and qualifying streams. The Canadian Grand Prix will be simulcast on Netflix.

This is not a broadcast deal. It’s an ecosystem game.

Apple was built for an audience

Here’s the thing about American F1 fans drive to survive Built: He didn’t love the lap time. American fans fell in love with Lewis Hamilton’s championship hunt in 2021. He fell in love with being a constant competitor to Max Verstappen. The audience fell in love with the paddock politics, team orders, driver fights and the overall dramatic production.

In other words, they’re exactly the same audience Apple has spent a decade developing — streaming-native, content-forward, device-loyal, and accustomed to paying for premium experiences they actually use.

Apple launches an expanded Apple Maps experience with immersive 3D landmarks for the F1 Miami Grand Prix!

It will take place on May 3 in Miami pic.twitter.com/77ZKZALzzC

– Apple Cycle (@theapplecycle) 24 April 2026

The United States is now Formula 1’s largest market for YouTube viewers, with 171 million video views in 2025, and social media followers are up 17% year on year. The 18-49 demographic – which every advertiser and platform covets – watched F1 on ESPN last season, averaging 511,000 viewers per race, a jump of 24% from 2024. These fans weren’t watching because F1 was on cable. Despite this they were watching.

Apple gives them a reason to lean in more. The Multiview feature is designed for a single fan who follows a specific driver. It’s got what the viewer wants: George Russell’s onboard in the corner, the main feed in the center and drivers championship leader Kimi Antonelli’s telemetry in the third window. He is not a traditional sports spectator. He’s a fan who got into it through a streaming show and now wants to delve as deep into the game as it will allow.

2026 Miami Grand Prix: where it all comes together

Coverage and spectacle are now co-designed. This is the part that gets overlooked in broadcast conversations.

Miami’s visual identity – the fake marina, the palm trees inside the stadium complex, the paddock that looks like a luxury brand activation – was always created for the cameras. But now it is specially designed for the cameras brought by Apple. The cinematic 4K production deployed by Apple in Australia, China and Japan was not accidental. It was purpose-built for a circuit that was purpose-built for television.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said at Apple’s press day in February that Apple’s reach through its streaming and connectivity platforms would ultimately be bigger for Formula 1 than that of ESPN. It’s a significant statement from the man who helped ESPN transform its sport from a niche European import to a 52-million-fan American phenomenon.

The Miami Grand Prix week is a clear expression of what F1 has become in America, and now it has a broadcast partner whose entire business model is built around exactly the type of fans it came for. Celebrities, 4K cameras, 30 simultaneous feeds, multiview layout, Tubi Altcast for fans who don’t want to pay, Netflix partnership for fans who already want to pay.

drive to survive Opened the door. Apple passed by and renovated the house.

American fans no longer watch F1 on cable. They open an app, select their camera feed, and watch a 19-year-old break records in 4K Dolby Vision on a circuit built specifically to look good.

This is the new normal. Miami is the clearest proof of this.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Two-division champion David Benavidez (31-0) is looking to add another title to his name, this time in a new weight class. His cruiserweight opponent? Unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zardo” Ramirez (48-1). Who will take the crown? Find out how to watch Benavidez vs. Zardo on DAZN here.

Check out: PPV Boxing Tonight: Complete schedule and how to watch online

When is the Benavidez vs Zardo fight?

The Benavidez vs. Zardo fight will take place on Saturday, May 2 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Start time for the pay-per-view event is 9pm ET/6pm PT/1am (Sunday) GMT, streaming exclusively on DAZN.

How do I order the Benavidez vs Zurdo fight?

Subscribers can order the Benavidez vs. Zardo fight exclusively through DAZN. New viewers require a DAZN subscription to enjoy premium sports content and pay-per-view events. Some broadcasts require additional payment, such as the fight between Benavidez and Zurdo.

What is the Benavidez fight worth on DAZN?

Via DAZN, you can watch Benavidez vs. Zurdo for an additional fee. DAZN offers two subscriptions: a monthly subscription for $29.99/month or a 12-month subscription for $19.99/month. The cost to watch the Benavidez fight will be between $41.99 and $79.99. Click here for the latest fight prices on DAZN.

Is DAZN offering a free month for the Benavidez vs. Zurdo fight?

First-time customers can earn a free month of DAZN when they purchase pay-per-view events. Unlike other free trials, new viewers are required to subscribe to DAZN and purchase a PPV event like Benavidez vs. Zurdo to get the first month free. This deal applies to annual and monthly passes.

Read more: How much is DAZN? Value, PPV, options and more in 2026

What devices can I use to watch DAZN?

There are several devices you can use to watch DAZN content. These include Android phones, iPhone, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 4th Gen, Hisense Smart TV, Android TV and Sony PlayStation 5. Full compatibility list is available below:

• amazon fire tablet
• amazon fire tv
• amazon fire stick
• Android phone/tablet
• android tv
• apple tv fourth generation
• Hisense Smart TV
• iPhone
• ipad
• lg smart tv
• panasonic smart tv
• philips tv
• samsung smart tv
• sony android tv
• sony playstation 4
• sony playstation 4 pro
• sony playstation 5
• Xbox one
• xbox one s
• xbox one x
• xbox series s
• xbox series x

What is the fight card for the Benavidez vs Zurdo fight?

While David Benavidez vs. Gilberto “Zardo” Ramirez is the main event at T-Mobile Arena, there are still plenty of other bouts to enjoy beforehand. Check out the full fight card below, and stream all the fights leading up to the main ring walk.

• David Benavidez vs. Gilberto “Zardo” Ramirez (cruiserweight)
• Armando Resendiz vs. Jaime Munguia (super middleweight)
• Oscar Duarte vs. Angel Fierro (Super Lightweight)
• Isaac Lucero vs. Ismael Flores (super welterweight)
• Jorge Chavez vs. Jose Tito Sanchez (super bantamweight)
• Daniel Blancas vs. Raul Salomon (super middleweight)
• Juan Carrillo vs. Marlo Delgado (Light Heavyweight)
• Dylan Capetillo vs. Martin Caraballo (welterweight)

questions to ask

Alexandria is a news editor, writer, and reader of all things literary. She graduated from the State University of… More about Alexandria Wyckoff

Formula 1 is back. After a five-week break after Japan – the longest mid-season break in recent memory – the circuit returns to Hard Rock Stadium this weekend for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix. It’s also sprint weekend. The rules have changed. The situation is wild. And the title picture of the most dramatic early season in years is about to get its first real test on American soil.

Here’s what to see Sunday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

Follow all the Miami Grand Prix action: Watch the race live on Apple TV+

1. Does Antonelli stay in the brightest light of the calendar?

Kimi Antonelli has won two races, led the championship, and broken Lewis Hamilton’s record as the youngest driver to top the standings. He’s done it all in Australia, China and Japan – circuits with serious racing pedigrees and relatively controlled environments.

Miami is different.

This is not a technical driver circuit with a respectable crowd. It draws 100,000 people, celebrity sightings, boat activations and a paddock that runs at full volume from Thursday morning. It is the loudest, most produced, most deliberate American event on the F1 calendar. Antonelli never finished a race weekend as the points leader. She’s never had to manage what this attention looks like in a city specifically designed to amplify it.

Antonelli, 19, has created a remarkable career so far. Miami will tell us something new about who she is.

2.McLaren comes out with a new car

Reigning constructor champion McLaren has had a nightmare start. Oscar Piastri could not start the first two races. Reigning driver champion Lando Norris is not on the podium. The MCL40 has been the third fastest car on the grid this weekend, 89 points behind Mercedes.

The Papaya team has spent five weeks fixing the car. Will it make a difference?

McLaren is expected to debut a significant upgrade package in Miami – described by multiple reports as close to an all-new car – featuring modifications to the floor, aerodynamics and rear suspension, designed to close the gap to the Mercedes and widen the car’s working window. Piastri almost achieved victory in Japan. With a full race weekend of upgrades and data, McLaren could be really dangerous here. Whether the package delivers or whether it’s another step in the right direction that still falls short of them, it sets the tone for the entire second leg of the season.

3. New rules hit Miami: Will racing really look different?

The FIA’s mid-season regulation package comes into effect at the end of this week. Following data from three races, F1 called an emergency meeting in which four unanimous changes were made: lowered super clipping limits to cut lift-and-coast times, limiting power deployment into corners to address dangerous closing speeds, a new race start detection system to improve safety, and updated wet weather protocols.

The goal is more flat-out driving and fewer moments where drivers are managing energy rather than racing. In theory, this should generate more wheel-to-wheel action. In practice, Miami will be the first real test of whether any of this works. The sprint format adds a complication – teams will have to adapt their strategies to the new parameters in both the Saturday sprint and Sunday’s main event.

Look carefully at the first few corners. If the startup process changes, you will know immediately.

4. George Russell needs to make a statement

George Russell wins the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. He is second in the championship, nine points behind, in the same car as the leader. On paper, it’s fine. In reality, Martin Brundle said it out loud in the quiet section: Russell needs to treat his 19-year-old team-mate like peak Lewis Hamilton or risk seeing the season slip away from him.

The five-week break was publicly framed as a reset. Personally, the pressure on Russell to go to Miami is real. Russell has so much F1 experience that no one on the grid would have expected Antonelli to compete with him any time soon. he has a car. He has a track record. Miami is an opportunity for him to re-establish himself as the championship favorite he was considered before the season started. A win here completely changes the story.

The result of finishing second behind Antonelli is the opposite.

5. Can anyone from outside Mercedes win this race?

Mercedes has won all Grands Prix in 2026. Russell and Antonelli have secured front row positions in qualifying in all three rounds. Ferrari has been competitive – Charles Leclerc is third in the championship, but has yet to score a win. The McLaren, as mentioned, comes with upgrades but with unproven pace.

Miami’s circuit characteristics may matter here. The 19-turn layout and Florida’s hot weekend tendency for tire degradation has historically rewarded teams that can manage tires late in the race. The new power unit rules have altered performance in ways that are not yet fully understood, and mid-season rule changes introduce variables for which no one has real-world data.

If any circuit on the calendar is going to produce F1’s first non-Mercedes winner in 2026, it’s it. Leclerc has the pace to challenge. The timing of McLaren’s upgrade is deliberate. And Verstappen – winless and frustrated – knows Miami. He has won here before also.

This trend will end at the end of this week, otherwise it will be very difficult to stop.

Watch all the action from the 2026 Miami Grand Prix: Watch Race Week on Apple TV+

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1…More about Scott Gulbransen

This marks UFC Fight Night’s fifth trip to Perth, Australia. The highlight of the event is a welterweight fight between former UFC welterweight champion Jack dela Maddalena and Carlos Prates. Find out how to watch Della Maddalena vs. Prats here.

Check out: PPV Boxing Tonight: Complete schedule and how to watch online

When is Della Maddalena vs Prats?

The Della Maddalena vs. Prats fight will take place live from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on Saturday, May 2. The event’s preliminary fights begin at 4 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. GMT, with the main card at 7 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. GMT, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.

How to watch this UFC Fight Night

Viewers can stream this UFC Fight Night exclusively through Paramount+. You will need a subscription to Paramount+ to access the service’s live UFC events and other exclusive content. There is no need to pay extra to watch UFC Fight Night. Select countries can also stream Della Maddalena vs. Prates on DAZN.

How much is Della Maddalena vs Prats worth?

Della Maddalena vs. Prates is included with future UFC Fight Nights in your Paramount+ base subscription, so you can enjoy all the best fights at no additional cost. Other UFC-numbered UFC events are also included in your base Paramount+ subscription.

Paramount+ prices

Paramount+ offers several subscription options, including monthly or annual payments to suit your budget. There is also a seven-day free trial on the platform to see if you want to keep the subscription.

Which devices are compatible with Paramount+?

You can stream UFC Fight Night with Dela Maddalena vs. Prates on a variety of devices including the iOS app, Chromecast, Apple TV, LG TV, Android TV, Sky, Roku, and Orange. Check out the full compatibility list of devices below:

• Android phone/tablet
• android tv
• Apple TV
• Chromecast
• amazon fire tv
• ios app
• lg tv
• orange
• playstation 5
• Year
• samsung tv
• Sky
• vida tv
• VODAFONE
• xbox

UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates card

While Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates is the main event, there are plenty of other great matchups to stream beforehand. Between preliminary and main event bouts, enjoy the full fight card for the latest UFC Fight Night below:

• Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates (welterweight)
• Beneil Dariush vs. Quillen Salkild (Lightweight)
• Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg (flyweight)
• Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Perisic (Heavyweight)
• Tiivasa vs. Louis Sutherland (Heavyweight)
• Cameron Roston vs. Robert Bryzek (middleweight)
• Junior Tafa vs. Kevin Christian (Light Heavyweight)
• Jacob Malkoun vs. Gerald Meerschaert (middleweight)
• Colby Thickens vs. Vince Morales (bantamweight)
• Ben Johnston vs. Wesley Schultz (middleweight)
• Jonathan Micallef vs. Jonathan Micallef Themba Gorimbo (welterweight)
• Dom Mar Fan vs. Cody Steele (Lightweight)

questions to ask

Is Fight Night a free UFC event?

UFC Fight Night is included in the Paramount+ subscription, but you need an active subscription to watch the event. UFC-numbered events are also free to watch on the platform.

How long do UFC fights last?

Standard UFC bouts consist of three rounds, each round lasting five minutes, with a one-minute break between rounds. Title fights and main events in the UFC take place over the final five rounds, each round being five minutes long, with a one-minute break between rounds.

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night?

You can stream UFC Fight Night on Paramount+ or DAZN in select countries. This event is included in the membership.

Can I cancel Paramount+ at any time?

You can cancel Paramount+ at any time without charge, and your access will stop at the end of your current billing cycle (monthly or annually). However, there are no refunds for unused time, and you must cancel through the platform where you originally signed up.

Alexandria is a news editor, writer, and reader of all things literary. She graduated from the State University of… More about Alexandria Wyckoff

xavi simmons thought he was tottenham hotspur Hero against Brighton. And when he scored the winning goal, he celebrated in the same way.

But while his teammates celebrated with him, Willem Van Hanegem feels they shouldn’t have been too impressed. In fact, he thinks Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman will feel the same way.

From highs to lows for Xavi Simmons

The Dutch forward produced his best game for Tottenham in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.

His superb solo effort won the game in the second half, after providing the cross for Pedro Porro’s opener.

The 23-year-old celebrated his goal wildly, taking off his shirt to celebrate in front of the home crowd as if he had scored a last-minute winner.

Instead, he was later seen on the verge of tears as Georginio Rutter’s late equalizer broke Tottenham’s hearts and sent them back into relegation trouble.

Van Hanegem was watching and was not impressed by Simmons’ big celebration after his goal.

“If such a player had played in our era, and the manager did not want to remove him, the players would definitely have removed him themselves,” He said, via PSV Inside.

“If Koeman sees it now, wouldn’t he have something to say about it? Xavi Simmons always plays his game. It’s really terrible to see.”

tottenham focus

The big question is whether Xavi Simmons will be able to recover from this emotional shock and repeat his performance against Brighton.

this is the reality Such performances have been sorely lacking this season Following his big-money arrival from RB Leipzig in the summer.

But if he can perform like he did more often than not against the Seagulls, then Tottenham might have a fighting chance of extricating themselves from their current situation.

However, the Dutchman looked disappointed after the final whistle. And coming back from there might be a difficult task for him.

An exciting heavyweight championship begins in Paris, France. Number one ranked WBC fighter Lawrence Okolie (23-1) faces Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka (15-3). Who will win this electric battle? Find out how to watch Okolie vs. Yoka on DAZN here.

Check out: PPV Boxing Tonight: Complete schedule and how to watch online

When is the Okoli vs Yoka fight?

The Okolie vs Yoka fight will take place on Saturday, April 25 at the Adidas Arena in Paris XVIII, Paris. Start time for the pay-per-view event is 1pm ET/10pm PT/5pm GMT, streaming exclusively on DAZN.

How can I order the Okoli vs Yoka fight?

Subscribers can order the Okolie vs. Yoka fight exclusively through DAZN. New viewers require a DAZN subscription to enjoy premium sports content and pay-per-view events. Some broadcasts require additional payment, such as the fight between Okoli and Yoka.

What is the Okolie fight price on DAZN?

Via DAZN, you can watch Okolie vs. Yoka for an additional fee. DAZN offers two subscriptions: a monthly subscription for $29.99/month or a 12-month subscription for $19.99/month. The cost to watch the Okolie fight will range between $41.99 and $79.99. Click here for the latest fight prices on DAZN.

Is DAZN offering a free month for the Okolie vs. Yoka fight?

First-time customers can earn a free month of DAZN when they purchase pay-per-view events. Unlike other free trials, new viewers are required to subscribe to DAZN and purchase PPV events like Okolie vs. Yoka to get the first month free. This deal applies to annual and monthly passes.

Read more: How much is DAZN? Value, PPV, options and more in 2026

What devices can I use to watch DAZN?

There are several devices you can use to watch DAZN content. These include Android phones, iPhone, Amazon Fire TV Stick, LG Smart TV, Philips TV, Samsung Smart TV and Sony PlayStation 4. Full compatibility list is available below:

• amazon fire tablet
• amazon fire tv
• amazon fire stick
• Android phone/tablet
• android tv
• apple tv fourth generation
• Hisense Smart TV
• iPhone
• ipad
• lg smart tv
• panasonic smart tv
• philips tv
• samsung smart tv
• sony android tv
• sony playstation 4
• sony playstation 4 pro
• sony playstation 5
• Xbox one
• xbox one s
• xbox one x
• xbox series s
• xbox series x

What is the fight card for the Okolie vs Yoka fight?

While Lawrence Okolie vs. Tony Yoka is the main event at the Adidas Arena, there are still plenty of other bouts to enjoy beforehand. Check out the full fight card below, and stream all the fights leading up to the main ringwalk.

• Lawrence Neighbors vs. Tony Yoka (Heavyweight)
• Bakary Samake vs. Ermel Hadribys (super welterweight)
• Khalil El Hadary vs. Liborio Solis (super bantamweight)
• Adam Olaniyan vs. Alex Kmet (Heavyweight)
• Enzo Marguerite vs. Jeremy Alvarez (super featherweight)

questions to ask

Alexandria is a news editor, writer, and reader of all things literary. She graduated from the State University of… More about Alexandria Wyckoff

A new pairing is making headlines for the latest UFC Fight Night. While a welterweight bout between Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley was originally scheduled, the event was moved to UFC 328. Now, the headliner is a featherweight bout between former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal. Here’s how to watch UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Jalal.

Check out: PPV Boxing Tonight: Complete schedule and how to watch online

When is Sterling vs Jalal?

The Sterling vs. Zalal fight will take place live from the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on Saturday, April 25. The event’s preliminary fights will begin at 5PM ET / 2PM PT / 9PM GMT, with the main card airing at 8PM ET / 5PM PT at 12PM GMT (Sunday), streaming exclusively on Paramount+.

How to watch this UFC Fight Night

Viewers can stream this UFC Fight Night exclusively through Paramount+. You will need a subscription to Paramount+ to access the service’s live UFC events and other exclusive content. There is no need to pay extra to watch UFC Fight Night. Select countries can also stream Sterling vs Zalal on DAZN.

How much does Sterling vs Zalal cost?

Sterling vs. Zalal is included with your Paramount+ base subscription along with future UFC Fight Nights, so you can enjoy all the best fights at no additional cost. Other UFC-numbered UFC events are also included in your base Paramount+ subscription.

Paramount+ prices

Paramount+ offers several subscription options, including monthly or annual payments to suit your budget. There is also a seven-day free trial on the platform to see if you want to keep the subscription.

Which devices are compatible with Paramount+?

You can stream UFC Fight Night with Sterling vs. Zalal on a variety of devices including the iOS app, Android phones, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Orange, Roku, and Vodafone. Check out the full compatibility list of devices below:

• Android phone/tablet
• android tv
• Apple TV
• Chromecast
• amazon fire tv
• ios app
• lg tv
• orange
• playstation 5
• Year
• samsung tv
• Sky
• vida tv
• VODAFONE
• xbox

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal card

While Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal is the main event, there are plenty of other great matchups to stream beforehand. Between preliminary and main event bouts, enjoy the full fight card for the latest UFC Fight Night below:

• Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal (Featherweight)
• Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight)
• Davey Grant vs. Juan Adrian Luna Martinetti (bantamweight)
• Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos (bantamweight)
• Norma Dumont vs. Jocelyn Edwards (women’s bantamweight)
• Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann (Heavyweight)
• Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri (women’s strawweight)
• Rodolfo Vieira vs. Eric McConnico (middleweight)
• Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Michelle Montague (women’s bantamweight)
• Jackson McVey vs. Cedrics Dumas (middleweight)

questions to ask

Is Fight Night a free UFC event?

UFC Fight Night is included in the Paramount+ subscription, but you need an active subscription to watch the event. UFC-numbered events are also free to watch on the platform.

How long do UFC fights last?

Standard UFC bouts consist of three rounds, each round lasting five minutes, with a one-minute break between rounds. Title fights and main events in the UFC take place over the final five rounds, each round being five minutes long, with a one-minute break between rounds.

Is UFC leaving ESPN+?

The UFC is leaving ESPN+ and moving its live events to Paramount+ and CBS starting in 2026. The seven-year deal includes all numbered PPV events and fight nights, all available through a base subscription.

Can I cancel Paramount+ at any time?

You can cancel Paramount+ at any time without charge, and your access will stop at the end of your current billing cycle (monthly or annually). However, there are no refunds for unused time, and you must cancel through the platform where you originally signed up.

Alexandria is a news editor, writer, and reader of all things literary. She graduated from the State University of… More about Alexandria Wyckoff

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Dallas Cowboys fans have a lot to look forward to. Not only is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones never afraid to make a big deal, but Dallas already enters April 23 with two first-round picks. Certainly, fireworks are in order.

Additionally, there are plenty of rumors suggesting the Cowboys are trying to trade for the prospect they want most. We now have a better idea of ​​which players the Cowboys have strong interest in.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are actually leaning toward a huge defensive overhaul with their two first-round selections. They’re willing to negotiate a trade, but Dallas hasn’t really been very active in discussing deals yet this week. However, the two prospects the Cowboys have set their sights on are Miami running back Ruben Benn Jr. and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

The Giants trading up for the 10th pick could change how the draft board falls ahead of Dallas at No. 12. Previous reports indicated that the Cowboys were trying to trade up to the Giants at No. 5.

Well, now the Giants have traded ahead of the Cowboys for another pick before No. 12. Would this mark a move from Dallas? If so, Styles may actually be the player Dallas wants, as it is believed he could play the No. 5 spot for New York.

RELATED: Dallas Cowboys urged to trade for Pro Bowl cornerback

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 Montreal Canadiens face the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game One of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Sunday, with puck drop scheduled for 5:45 p.m. ET.

The Habs should be considered the underdogs, although it’s important to remember that they were the better team at controlling shots whenever these two met. To ensure some semblance of stability, the Canadiens will once again rely on a top line of Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkowski and Cole Caufield, while trying to avoid Tampa Bay’s top shutdown line.

Special teams are expected to play a significant role in the first round, and not just because it is a short series. The Canadiens are a top 10 team with the man-advantage, while the Lightning dominate whenever they are on the penalty kill. The organization that succeeds in achieving success can achieve a significant profit.

The earlier start time could also present a challenge for Montreal, a team that typically needs some type of adversity before it can respond. He can fly during the regular season, but not in the playoffs, especially against an experienced club like the Lightning.

Lineup Changes

It appears that Brendan Gallagher, David Rickenbacker, Samuel Montembeault, Jacob Fowler, Adam Engstrom, and Joe Veleno will miss Sunday’s game as healthy scratches, although Fowler is expected to serve as Jacob Dobbs’ backup.

On the ice this morning: Brendan Gallagher, Joe Veleno, Adam Engstrom, David Rickenbacker, Jacob Fowler, Samuel Montebault. @CanadiensMTL

– Renaud Lavoie (@RLavoieTVA) 19 April 2026

If any additional lineup notes are available, we will revise the projected lineup prior to puck drop.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Cole Coffield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkowski

Alexandre Texier – Alex Newhook – Ivan Demidov

Zachary Bolduc-Oliver Kapanen-Kirby Dach

Jake Evans – Philip Danault – Josh Anderson

Mike Matheson – Alexander Carrier

Caden Guhle – Lane Hutson

Jaden Struble – Arbor Zekaj

jacob dobbs

Tampa Bay Lightning Projected Lineup

Brandon Hagel – Anthony Cirelli – Nikita Kucherov

Jake Guentzel – Brayden Point – Gage Goncalves

Zemgus Girgenson – Yanni Gourde – Nick Paul

Corey Perry – Connor Geecki – Oliver Bjorkstrand

JJ Moser – Darren Raddish

Ryan McDonagh – Eric Cernak

Charles Edouard d’Estous – Emile Lillebourg

Andrei Vasilevsky

How to watch Hubs Vs. bolt

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, April 19, 2026 will be broadcast on TSN2 and RDS. 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

The Carolina Hurricanes’ first round playoff game against the Ottawa Senators has been scheduled, and excitement is high due to one of the Hurricanes’ best seasons on record.

How do the playing styles of the Hurricanes and Senators match up?

Interestingly, both the Hurricanes and Senators utilize a similar playing style. Preferring an attack-heavy approach, they both focus on outscoring their opponent in all three areas – but especially in the offensive zone. Both teams are in the top 10 in the league for most shots on goal (Hurricanes 2nd, Senators 9th), and in the top three for fewest shots (Hurricanes 1st, Senators 3rd).

That being said, with the exception of shooting percentage, the Hurricanes lead the Senators in most general statistics and analytics (as expected due to the Hurricanes’ high volume of shots on goal), allowing more high-danger opportunities.

Hurricanes goaltending vs. Senators goaltending

In goaltending, both the Hurricanes and Senators have performed well recently.

For Ottawa, Linus Ullmark has improved markedly since his leave of absence in late December. Before that, he was 14-9-5 with just an .881 save percentage. Since returning, he has posted a 14–4–3 record and a .904 save percentage.

Additionally, James Reimer has proven to be a solid backup since signing during Ullmark’s absence, helping him lead the standings with 16 valuable points in 13 games played throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have relied on the consistency of first-year NHLer, Brandon Bussey, to overcome injuries and slumps where he compiled a 31-6-2 record – tied for the fourth-most goaltender wins across the league this season. After the Olympic break, his performances were a bit subdued compared to what he was producing, but still, he went 8-3-1 in those games.

As for Frederik Andersen, the Olympics did well for him and gave him a much-needed reset after his own bad situation began in early November. Prior to the Olympics, he had posted a record of 7–10–5, but after a stellar effort for Team Denmark, he finished the remainder of the NHL season 9–4–0.

Statistically, the Hurricanes have the edge over the Senators, but it can’t be denied that both teams have not only survived a lot of adversity in net, but thrived in spite of it.

How did the Hurricanes fare against the Senators in the season series?

Of the three games played between the Hurricanes and Senators, the Hurricanes won two. However, those victories did not come easily.

January 24 – Hurricanes win 4–1

In their first meeting, the Hurricanes were outshot and had 37 shots on goal (59 total shot attempts) and only 19 shots on goal (44 total shot attempts). The Senators held the edge in physicality, giving them 12 of their 34 hits, and also owned the faceoff dot for the most part, with the Hurricanes winning only 32.1% of faceoffs. Ultimately, it was Busey who saved his bacon, playing the best game of his NHL career to date, recording his highest save percentage in a single game (except for his two shutouts, where he made 16 saves in each).

February 3 – Hurricanes win 4–3

It was a similar story in the second meeting, as the Senators still outshot them 27–19, attempting 54 shots compared to their 50. However, the Hurricanes threw around the body more than in the previous game, giving up 20 of their 27 hits, and their faceoffs improved, making things even 50–50. Additionally, he also saw an increase in offensive zone starts, dropping the puck in the Senators zone 61.4% of the time, as opposed to 32.5% the previous match. The score was very close, but still in favor of the Hurricanes.

April 5 – Senators win 6–3

In their latest meeting, the Hurricanes did not have a good time against the Senators, defeating them 6–3. He saw another defeat in Dots, as he won only 39.1% of his draws. However, they produced a strong offensive effort, making 28 shots to the Senators’ 31, and 64 shot attempts to the Senators’ 56, as they defeated Ottawa 30–28. Ultimately, the Senators blocked 22 of those shots.

However, the Hurricanes suffered three losses in the game.

First, they were missing both Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook from the lineup, as they were being rested. Secondly, they were in the second half of a back-to-back, going from a 7:00 pm puck drop to a 5:00 pm puck drop, which included a trip. After all, they had clinched a playoff berth the night before, and thus, did not have to meet the same level of frustration displayed by the Senators.

Round One Schedule and Broadcast Information

All Hurricanes first-round games will be broadcast by the local team on FanDuel Sports Network South, in addition to the national broadcast. However, this will likely be the last time we see broadcasts from FDSNSO, as it is expected to shut down indefinitely at the conclusion of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

game 1
When: Saturday, April 18, 3:00 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: ESPN, FDSNO, SN, OMNI, TVAS

game 2
When: Monday, April 20, 7:30 pm EDT
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: ESPN2, FDSNO, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS

game 3
When: Thursday, April 23, 7:30 pm EDT
Where: Ottawa, Ontario | Canadian Tire Center
How to watch: TBS, HBO Max, FDSNO, SN, CBC, TVAS

game 4
When: Saturday, April 25, 3:00 pm EDT
Where: Ottawa, Ontario | Canadian Tire Center
How to watch: TBS, TruTV, HBO Max, FDSenzo, SN, TVAS, Omni

game 5 (if necessary)
When: Monday, April 27, TBD
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TBD, FDSNSO

game 6 (if necessary)
When: Thursday, April 30, TBD
Where: Ottawa, Ontario | Canadian Tire Center
How to watch: TBD, FDSNSO

game 7 (if necessary)
When: Saturday, May 2, TBD
Where: Raleigh, NC | Lenovo Center
How to watch: TBD, FDSNSO

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

The last one. After six difficult months of a shortened schedule due to the Olympics, a schedule featuring three games in four days (with travel), the regular season has ended. With that last game, the Carolina Hurricanes will face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena.

The game is scheduled for 7:00 pm EDT.

In the Hurricanes’ last game, they took over the top spot in the Eastern Conference by scoring one point in a shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. With the Flyers’ win, they clinched their spot in the playoffs – third in the Metropolitan Division – and have their only matchup set for the postseason, as they will play the Pittsburgh Penguins, who finished second in the division.

However, an hour before the start of the last game, it was announced that two players had been recalled from the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves: the goaltender long believed to miss the entire season, and the Wolves’ top scorer.

After only being in the crease for three periods through two games in the AHL, Pyotr Kochetkov’s conditioning stint came to an end. Meanwhile, two-way forward and playmaker, Felix Unger Sorum may get his NHL debut in the upcoming game.

As far as the islanders are concerned, they have had to face it very badly. The day after the last game with the Hurricanes, he removed Patrick Roy from the head coach role, and brought in former Dallas Stars head coach, Peter DeBoer, to fill his place behind the bench.

If that wasn’t enough of a blow, their playoff dreams vanished just 55 seconds into their last game, as the Montreal Canadiens became their nightmare in the second round. In the end, the Islanders scored a goal, but it was not enough. The momentum was claimed by the Canadiens, spurred by chants of Olé, Olé, Olé from fans arriving at UBS Arena. It was honestly pretty sad – and I don’t mean it sarcastic.

in the crease

For Carolina, it’s not certain who will be in net. However, there is a general expectation that the position will be filled by the same man who was just recalled on Monday, Pyotr Kochetkov. In his time with Wolves, he looked quite sharp, but even so, he did not play the full sixty minutes.

As usual, Frederik Andersen will get the start. However, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Kochetkov come to the crease. This season, Kochetkov has a save percentage of .899 with a goals-against average of 2.33, en route to a 6-2-0 record.

As for the Islanders, they have relied heavily on Ilya Sorokin, who has started 54 of their 81 games. I think they’ll probably turn to him to finish with game numbers. 82. This season, he has a save percentage of .906 with a goals-against average of 2.68 with a 29-24-2 record.

Expected Carolina Hurricane Lines

Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake

Nikolaj Ehlers – Jespri Kotkaniemi – Bradley Nadeau

William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Nicolas Deslauriers

Eric Robinson – Skylar Brind’Amour – Felix Unger Sorum

protect

K’Andre Miller – Jalen Chatfield

Alexander Nikishin – Shawn Walker

Mike Reilly – Charles-Alexis Legault

goaltender

Pyotr Kochetkov / Frederick Anderson

Expected New York Islanders Lines

Anders Lee – Bo Horvat – Simon Holmstrom

Brayden Schenn – Mathew Barzal – Callum Ritchie

Anthony Duclair – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Emile Heinemann

Kyle McLean – Casey Cizikas – Mark Gatcomb

protect

Matthew Schaefer – Ryan Pullock

Adam Pelech – Tony DeAngelo

Carson Soucy – Scott Mayfield

goaltender

Ilya Sorokin / David Rittich

special teams

Carolina Hurricanes Power Play: 25.0% (4th, up two spots from last game)
Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: 80.3% (11th)

New York Islanders Power Play: 16.7% (30th)
New York Islanders Penalty Kill: 80.8% (9th)

storm game notes

Due to absent practices and frequent player swaps at this point in the season, the Hurricanes’ lineup for Tuesday’s game remains uncertain.

With the new CBA, the Hurricanes’ schedule will include two additional regular season games and only four preseason games next season. This is expected to be the final 82-game season league-wide.

The last time the Hurricanes finished top of the Eastern Conference was in the 2005–06 season.

how to see

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: 99.9 The Fan

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

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

montreal canadiens news

Now that the University of Michigan has been eliminated from the Frozen Four, the spotlight is on Michael Hayes. Hayes is expected to sign a contract in the next few days, and once that is done, the main issue will be his usage. Ideally, the Canadians would put him in a favorable position to thrive as a rookie. [Finding The Ideal Canadiens Lineup Spot For Top Prospect Hage]

Check out all 50 goals scored by Habs sniper Cole Caufield this season. You’ll notice that not a single one of them happened into an empty net.

Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, lost in excitement Thursday, now has more points than any other captain in team history with 98.

Nick Suzuki now has the most points (98) by a Canadiens captain in a season. it’s nothing

Nick Suzuki now has the most points (98) by a Canadiens captain in a season. let that sink in#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Mxxw4TC6yH

– X – Canadiens Montreal (@CanadiensMTL) 10 April 2026

Josh Anderson, who has increased the intensity level in recent games, suggests the Habs will not be intimidated by teams like the Lightning. Tampa Bay is known for its flashy style of play, which has become a calling card for Florida-based teams.

Josh Anderson after last night’s Habs win vs. the Lightning:

“I think we’re a tough team to play against when we’re on the field. We knew it was going to be a tough battle tonight. We knew how they’ve been playing the last few years, bringing physicality. We can bring that… pic.twitter.com/kJnR6IKkDj

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 10 April 2026

The Canadians were given Friday off, which meant no one skated in Brossard. Even Lane Hutson was not seen on the ice, a clear sign that the team was serious about its players’ comfort.

‼️Off day for everyone today in Brossard: even injured players and survivors will not skate.‼️

I’m told the players celebrated Cole Caulfield’s 50th goal last night. This probably clarifies the situation. 🤷♂️

Reminder: Nick Suzuki… pic.twitter.com/3IE9YzJX6J

– Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) 10 April 2026

ICYMI: Cole Caufield has officially reached the 50-goal mark after scoring early against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. Check out some of the stats powering his impressive season. [Caufield’s 50 Goals By The Numbers]

Sportsknot Network

The New Jersey Devils appear to be completely fixated on Sunny Mehta, who is certainly the hottest name on the front-office market. But if the Devils can bring back their former analytics director as general manager, their next port of call should be Brendan Shanahan. [New Jersey Devils]

As the regular season winds down, the NHL playoff picture is heating up. With just days left in the 2026 regular season, several division titles and wild card spots remain undecided, setting up a chaotic finish that could reshape the Stanley Cup playoff bracket. Here are eight predictions for how the final stretch of the NHL regular season will unfold. [NHL]

Following the Boston Bruins’ practice Friday morning at Warrior Ice Arena, Marco Sturm announced that James Hagens would not make his debut for the Bruins on Saturday. [Boston Bruins]

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

The Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Boston Bruins to Raleigh for the final home game of the season in what will be the final game of a tough road trip for the wild card-grabbing Bruins, who have picked up just one point in the three games played, scoring only one goal in each match.

The game, which will be Fan Appreciation Night at the Lenovo Center, is scheduled for 7:00 pm EDT.

However, the last game was a tough one in itself for the Hurricanes. Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook were both absent for undisclosed reasons against the Ottawa Senators, leading to the return of Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nicolas Deslauriers to the lineup.

The first period was fairly good, with twenty minutes of play ending with a tie, but things soon unraveled as the Hurricanes were unable to match the immediate level of the frustrated Ottawa team. Alas, at least Taylor Hall – who spent a little more than two seasons with the Bruins – scored his 300th career goal. You can read all about it here!

in the crease

For the Hurricanes, Brandon Bussey will be the likely starter due to the alternate tandem. It would be a reunion of sorts, potentially marking Busey’s first game against the team that signed him to his first NHL contract in 2022. He has a save percentage of .894 this season with a goals-against average of 2.46 in a 29-6-1 record.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are expected to turn to Jeremy Swayman to focus on the pipes after Joonas Korpisalo played his last game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Swayman has borne the brunt of the starts for Boston this season, appearing in 51 of the 78 games played so far. This season he has a save percentage of .907 with a goals-against average of 2.70 with a 30-17-4 record.

Expected Carolina Hurricane Lines

Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis

Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake

William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Nikolaj Ehlers

Nicolas Deslauriers – Jespri Kotkaniemi – Eric Robinson

protect

Jacob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield

K’Andre Miller – Shawn Walker

Shayne Gostisbehere – Alexander Nikishin

goaltender

Brandon Bussey/Frederick Anderson

Expected Boston Bruins Lines

Morgan Geecki – Elias Lindholm – David Pastrnak

Casey Mittelstaedt – Pavel Zacha – Victor Arvidsson

Lucas Reichel – Fraser Minton – Marat Khusnutdinov

Tanner Jeannott – Shawn Kuraly – Mark Kastelic

protect

Jonathan Espirot – Charlie McAvoy

Hampus Lindholm – Mason Lohrei

Nikita Zadorov – Andrew Banks

goaltender

Jeremy Swayman / Joonas Korpisalo

special teams

Carolina Hurricanes Power Play: 24.7% (5th)
Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: 80.1% (12th)

Boston Bruins Power Play: 23.7% (9th)
Boston Bruins Penalty Kill: 76.6% (26th)

storm game notes

With only four games remaining in the regular season, the Hurricanes will likely make roster adjustments to manage load in preparation for the playoffs. Until the puck drops, all lineups are mere guesses — but that’s especially true in upcoming sets of games.

In the previous game, Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook were both ruled out of the starting lineup for undisclosed reasons, and their return remains uncertain.

how to see

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: 99.9 The Fan

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

Day 2 of the NFL Draft will have a lot to say for the Las Vegas Raiders. Rounds 2 and 3 will be when general manager Jon Spytek and head coach Clint Kubiak try their hand at roster construction.

Even with Eric Stokes back, there remains a need in the secondary. Here are five safeties and cornerbacks that Las Vegas could target on Day 2 in Pittsburgh.

CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Hood stands 6 feet tall and was a Thorpe Award semifinalist last season. The McDonough, Georgia native is a transfer who began his college career at Auburn before moving to Colorado, where he played under Deion Sanders in 2024. He then transferred to Tennessee and became a full-time starter in the SEC. He became the first SEC player since 2019 to return both an interception and a fumble for a touchdown in the same season. In 12 games for the Volunteers, he recorded 50 tackles, nine pass deflections, a pick-six, and 4.5 tackles for loss, including one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Hood plays with confidence and tenacity in man coverage that has helped him shut down some of the best receivers in college football. Football runs in the family – he is the nephew of former NFL cornerback Roderick Hood, who played in two Super Bowls during his career. At the NFL Combine, Hood ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and ranked 10th among cornerbacks. He also posted a 40-inch vertical, one of six corners to clear that mark. Hood projects as a second-round target for the Raiders.

Also Read: Fernando Mendoza shines at Indiana Pro Day, Las Vegas Raiders zero in on No. 1 pick

CB Chris Johnson, San Diego St.

Johnson is also a second-round target for Spytek and Kubiak. He spent his entire college career at San Diego State, never pursued the big stage through the portal, and the production happened anyway. In 2025, Johnson was named Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year, earned AP Second Team All-American honors and reached the semifinal round for the Jim Thorpe Award. He was one of only four players not from a Power Four or independent school to earn All-American recognition. The numbers support this. The quarterback who tested them completed only 18 of 43 attempts for 185 yards, zero touchdowns and four interceptions, good for a 16.1 passer rating.

In Pro Football Focus grades, Johnson ranked second in the nation among FBS cornerbacks in overall defense and coverage. At the combine, he ran a 4.40-second 40, which was third best among cornerbacks. He also had a 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot-6 broad jump, earning a relative athletic score of 9.67, placing him in the 93rd percentile among cornerbacks tested over the past four decades. The main knock on Johnson is his arm length is 30⅝ inches, which may impact his ability to jam at the line against taller NFL receivers. Still, tape, production and testing all point to a Day 2 selection that could start sooner.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders switch to 3-4 defense: What the change means in Rob Leonard’s plan for the 2026 roster

CB Keyonte Scott, Miami

Scott was a disruptive force on Miami’s national runner-up team, finishing with 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He earned All-ACC Second Team honors and was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist. Scott skipped on-field testing at the combine, then made up for it at Miami’s pro day. He ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, a time that would have ranked second among cornerbacks at the NFL Combine. He entered the Pro Day as a fourth-round pick and left with second-round discussion. His primary role in Miami was nickel corner, but his run-fitting ability and downhill speed also allow him to play safety. If he falls into the third round, the Raiders will still be interested.

RELATED: Mark Davis Isn’t Selling the Raiders So Stop Acting Like He Is

S.A.J. Hallsey, LSU

Holsey earned All-SEC First Team honors after an outstanding senior season at LSU. He finished with 88 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups, and has totaled 10 interceptions and 347 tackles in his college career after stops at New Mexico and Houston before landing with the Tigers. His nickname on the program was “Mr. Give Me That”. This was given to Haulsey by coaches for his blocking habits, which tells you what type of player he is. Hallsey is a true strong safety who brings a downhill presence against both the run and pass with the ball skills to avoid being a liability in coverage. He projects as a Day 2 pick and fits naturally into Rob Leonard’s 3-4 scheme as a box safety who can attack at multiple levels.

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders GM Jon Spytek, coach Clint Kubiak address Max Crosby trade fallout in NFL meetings

H2 – S Kamari Ramsey, USC

Kamari Ramsey also stands at 6-foot and is competing against the top receivers in the Big 10 Conference. In nine games, Ramsey totaled 27 tackles. He earned honorable mention honors after last season. The 21-year-old, who will turn 22 at the end of August, can play cornerback or safety, providing versatility. If he falls to the third round, the Raiders will take a shot at Ramsey.

Also read: Raider Nation, the future is bright – don’t get ahead of yourself in 2026

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

Dereck Chisora ​​will face Deontay Wilder in a heavyweight main event at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The fight is billed as “The 100”, the 50th professional fight for both fighters.

Chisora ​​has confirmed that this will be his final professional fight and enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak, which includes wins over Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce.

Wilder, known as “The Bronze Bomber”, is looking to regain form after going 2-3 in his last five fights. The event also attracted attention after a minor issue involving Wilder’s gloves at the official weigh-in, which was later resolved by officials before fight night.

fight start time

The main card is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm BST, which is 2:00 pm ET and 11:00 am PT.

The main event ring walk is expected to take place at around 10:26 PM BST, 5:26 PM ET, and 2:26 PM PT. These times are approximate and may change depending on how long the undercard fights last.

The undercard begins early in the day, with several bouts scheduled before the main event. Fans planning to watch the entire event should tune in at the beginning of the main card to avoid missing the headline bout.

How to watch and stream

The fight will air worldwide on DAZN. Fans can watch on the DAZN app or web browser.

The platform supports a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Viewers can also watch via desktop browser.

Full fight card and event details

The event features a full fight card leading up to the main event between Chisora ​​and Wilder.

The event features a full undercard for the main event between Dereck Chisora ​​and Deontay Wilder at the O2 Arena. At cruiserweight, Vidal Riley will face Mateusz Masternak.

Denzel Bentley will face Andre Saavedra in a middleweight bout scheduled for 8:15 pm BST, which is 3:15 pm ET and 12:15 pm PT.

Matty Harris meets Franklin Igantius in a heavyweight fight at 7:40pm BST, which is 2:40pm ET and 11:40pm PT.

Rich Anderson will face Jordan Dujon in a middleweight bout at 7:00 pm BST, which is 2:00 pm ET and 11:00 pm PT.

Ashton Sylve faces Raul Antonio Galaviz Hernandez in the first super lightweight bout on the card.

Additional bouts include Vidal Riley against Mateusz Masternak at cruiserweight, with Connor Bain and Hopey Price both planning to compete against opponents to be confirmed.

The card builds towards the main event, where both fighters enter their 50th professional bout in a scheduled heavyweight contest.

The main event brings together two seasoned veterans at a crucial point in their careers. Chisora ​​has confirmed that this will be his final fight for which he enters the ring. Wilder enters with a record that includes the first ten successful WBC title defenses of his career.

The fight takes place at the O2 Arena, a venue that has hosted major boxing events over the years. With both fighters reaching their 50th professional bout, this event marks a significant milestone for each as they meet in London.

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

On Saturday, the Carolina Hurricanes begin a back-to-back set during the Easter holidays, starting with the New York Islanders at home, and traveling to face the Ottawa Senators less than 24 hours later.

The game is scheduled for 7:00 pm EDT.

The Hurricanes’ last game was one of their most impressive games of the season, as they tied the franchise record for fewest shots allowed (10) in a game. They won 5–1 over the Columbus Blue Jackets and clinched their spot in the playoffs.

The game also included a shorthanded goal from Alexander Nikishin, becoming the first rookie defenseman in franchise history to do so, tying Jamie McBain for the most points by a rookie defenseman in Hurricanes history, and tying the team for the most shorthanded goals this season with the Calgary Flames. You can read all about the game here!

On Friday, the Hurricanes did not practice, and thus, there is little time left for the projected lineup. However, now that the Hurricanes have clinched a postseason berth, there is a strong possibility that a few different guys will log ice time while the more productive players get rest over the next seven games.

Meanwhile, the Islanders continue to fight for their spot in the playoffs after missing out last season. They will head into Raleigh with a loss after their Metropolitan Division rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, defeated them 4-1 on Friday. While they are in third place in the Metro Division, they are only one point ahead of the Blue Jackets, who are not even in the wild-card position.

in the crease

For the Hurricanes, they will likely start Brandon Bussey in net. After some decline in numbers and performance, he came up with the catch in his last start – keeping the Hurricanes in the game in a loss against the Blue Jackets. His save percentage this season is .895, with a goals-against average of 2.44, en route to a 28-6-1 record.

As for the Islanders, they are expected to start David Rittich, as Ilya Sorokin did on Friday against the Flyers. This season, Rittich has a save percentage of .894 with a goals against average of 2.78 with a 14-9-3 record.

Expected Carolina Hurricane Lines

Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis

Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake

Nikolaj Ehlers – Jordan Staal – Jordan Martinook

William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Eric Robinson

protect

Jacob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield

K’Andre Miller – Shawn Walker

Shayne Gostisbehere – Alexander Nikishin

goaltender

Brandon Bussey/Frederick Anderson

Expected New York Islanders Lines

Anders Lee – Bo Horvat – Emil Heinemann

Callum Ritchie – Brayden Schenn – Mathew Barzal

Ondrej Palat – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Simon Holmström

Kyle McLean – Casey Cizikas – Mark Gatcomb

protect

Matthew Schaefer – Ryan Pullock

Adam Pelech – Carson Sauci

Scott Mayfield – Adam Boquist

goaltender

David Rittich / Ilya Sorokin

special teams

Carolina Hurricanes power play: 24.8% (4th, up one spot from last game)
Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: 80.8% (12th, up one spot from last game)

New York Islanders Power Play: 17.0% (30th)
New York Islanders Penalty Kill: 81.0% (10th)

storm game notes

In the Hurricanes’ last game, they clinched their eighth consecutive playoff berth. Of all the teams in the league, only the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs have longer active playoff appearance streaks (though the Leafs will finish at nine, as they were eliminated from contention by the San Jose Sharks on Thursday).

After Saturday, the Hurricanes will play only one more game at Lenovo Center this regular season, on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins, the Hurricanes’ annual Fan Appreciation Night.

how to see

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: 99.9 The Fan

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

On Sunday, the Carolina Hurricanes will kick off their back-to-back homestand, facing the Montreal Canadiens for the second time in less than a week, and just 24 hours after their game with the New Jersey Devils. This game will not only be one of four remaining home games of the regular season, but will also honor veterans for their annual military appreciation night.

The game is scheduled for 5:00 pm EDT.

In the Hurricanes’ last game, they defeated the Devils 5–2 to complete their season, with Shayne Gostisbeer returning from injury, a goal for the third consecutive game for Nikolaj Ehlers and the 30th goal of the season for Seth Jarvis. You can check out the recap here!

Meanwhile, the Canadiens are in the midst of a five-game road trip, which begins on Saturday against the Nashville Predators. In that game, after the Canadiens scored four consecutive goals (including captain Nick Suzuki’s assist number 300), the Predators only got on the board at the end of the third period, giving Jacob Fowler the second NHL shutout of his career.

in the crease

With Brandon Bussy set to play Saturday, Frederik Andersen is almost certain to start against the Canadiens Sunday. Anderson’s record against the Canadiens was perfect, with a slight dip in the previous game – a 5–2 loss – but still, he has won nine of the 11 games he has played against them in his career. Anderson has a save percentage of .871 this season, with a 13-12-5 record and a goals-against average of 3.15.

On the other side of the ice, the Canadiens will undoubtedly opt to keep Jacob Dobbs in net, as Fowler covered the game against the Predators. In his last game against Carolina, he had the best performance of his young career, and his most saves ever in an NHL game. This season, he has a save percentage of .898 with a goals-against average of 2.83 with a 24-8-4 record.

Expected Carolina Hurricane Lines

Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis

Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake

Nikolaj Ehlers – Jordan Staal – Jordan Martinook

William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Eric Robinson

protect

Jacob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield

K’Andre Miller – Shawn Walker

Shayne Gostisbehere – Alexander Nikishin

goaltender

Frederick Anderson / Brandon Bussey

Expected Montreal Canadiens Lines

Cole Coffield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkowski

Alex Newhook – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov

Jack Bolduc – Jake Evans – Josh Anderson

Joe Veleno – Philip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

protect

Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson

Jaden Struble – Lane Hutson

Caden Guhle – Alexandre Carrier

goaltender

Jacob Dobbs / Jacob Fowler

special teams

Carolina Hurricanes Power Play: 23.6% (8th, up two spots from last game)
Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: 80.3% (13th, up one spot from last game)

Montreal Canadiens Power Play: 24.5% (5th)
Montreal Canadiens Penalty Kill: 76.7% (26th)

storm game notes

After missing nine consecutive games, Shayne Gostisbier returned to the lineup for a two-point game (1G, 1A) on Saturday.

With a shorthanded, empty net goal in the game against the Devils, Seth Jarvis scored his third consecutive 30-goal goal of the season. He is only the sixth player in franchise history to achieve this feat.

There are only four more home games remaining in the Hurricanes’ regular season, and three of them are theme nights (Military Appreciation Night, Grateful Dead Night, Fan Appreciation Night).

how to see

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: 99.9 The Fan

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNut. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

On Wednesday night, in a game loaded with playoff implications in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 110-108 overtime classic at the Target Center. Down 13 in the extra period, Minnesota mounted the largest overtime comeback in NBA history, capped by Julius Randle’s clutch jumper with 8.8 seconds on the clock.

Alpern Sengun led Houston with 30 points on 22 shots and finished with four blocks. His most dramatic play came at the end of regulation when he blocked Randle while sustaining a bloody lip, keeping the Rockets alive and forcing overtime.

Sengun with a game-saving block – and a bloody lip! For longer periods of time. pic.twitter.com/sXCUbgKwQi

– ClutchFans (@ClutchFans) 26 March 2026

Kevin Durant matched Sengun with 30 points, but got off to a slow start, shooting 1 of 6 in the first quarter and 2 of 11 before halftime, although he scored the final seven points for Houston in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Shepard shot 10 of 28 with five turnovers, while Amen Thompson just missed a triple-double with 11 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.

The Timberwolves were missing five of their top seven players, including Anthony Edwards (knee), Ayo Dosunmu (calf), and Rudy Gobert, who fouled out with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks. Still, Minnesota got needed contributions from Randle (24 points), Jaden McDaniels (25 points on 10 of 17 shooting), Donte DiVincenzo (17 points), and Naz Reed (14 points, 13 rebounds). Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson also provided key scoring late in overtime.

Houston had a chance to close out the game when Sengun’s dunk gave them a 108–95 lead in overtime, but Minnesota cut the lead with a series of threes, layups and free throws, tying it at 108–all before Randle’s game-winning jumper.

At 43-29, the Rockets are in sixth place in the West, 1.5 games behind the fifth-place Timberwolves (45-28), with the Phoenix Suns in seventh. Houston faces the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and plays Minnesota again on April 10.

The Detroit Pistons fell short against the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, suffering a painful 130-129 defeat in overtime.

The Pistons failed to carry the momentum they gained with a 113-110 win at home over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, ending their nine-game winning streak.

The Hawks, on the other hand, won their third straight and moved to 41-32. The Pistons fell 52–20.

Detroit had two chances to steal the game, but Tobias Harris overshot his fallaway jumper from the baseline, while Jalen Duren, who grabbed the offensive rebound, fell short on his quick putback. Duran was in disbelief over the disappearance attempt to close.

Missed Game Winner: #piston Star Jalen Darren missed this wide open shot.

#hawks Came to play tonight and continued the win 15-1#nba pic.twitter.com/egSeReX3Xw

– FirstDownMedia (@FirstDownMediaa) 26 March 2026

Detroit cut the lead to 130–129 with 41.2 seconds left in overtime after Dennis Jenkins’ pull-up jumper. CJ McCollum missed his three-point attempt on the ensuing possession, opening the door for the Pistons. But alas, they couldn’t turn it off.

After finishing a clutch bucket with 9.5 ticks remaining in regulation, Harris sent the game into overtime at 121-121.

Duren had a commendable effort with 26 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Harris contributed 22 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Jenkins continued his strong scoring with 19 points, three rebounds and 10 assists.

The Pistons suffered their first loss since Cade Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed lung. They were on a four-game winning streak before facing the Hawks.

Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 27 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists, while McCollum had 27 points and five assists.

Detroit returns to action on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Victor Wembanyama’s parents should be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize or something for introducing the San Antonio Spurs star to the world.

It feels like everyone has come together to cheer for Vembanyama. How can you not support a 7 foot 4 inch tall man who does something every night that defies logic?

On Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wembanyama had another stellar performance. After faking a three-pointer in the third quarter, he attacked the lane before nailing GG Jackson with a vicious dunk.

When Jackson saw Wembanyama go up he probably saw his life flashing before him.

The players on the Spurs bench were unsure how to react, leading to a farcical scene.

Wemby caught a dead body 💯pic.twitter.com/JffoFIeMOr

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 26 March 2026

Fans were ecstatic after Vembanyama’s latest soul-snatcher.

“Victor Vembanyama, oh Lord, have mercy,” said @AGLR_23.

“How will you stop it?” @jebediah010 asked.

@PoobFC said, “This is better than this year’s dunk contest, oh my god.”

@ReichelRadio said, “GG Jackson really thought he could block Victor Wembanyama.”

“Oh my god. The fact he paid her back so soon after getting semi-dunked is ridiculous. Wembies are a different breed,” @jackholland22 commented.

As mentioned, Jackson had attacked Vembanyama in the previous occupation. Of course, the two-time All-Star had to bring him back. Revenge was as sweet as creme brulee.

The 22-year-old Wembanyama recently said that he deserves to win as MVP for his overall impact. His nasty dunk alone over Jackson should earn him an award.

At the time of writing, the Spurs are leading the Grizzlies in the fourth quarter. Vembanyama had 19 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, three steals and seven blocks.

Jose Alvarado faced his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, for the first time on Tuesday night since being traded to the New York Knicks at the deadline nearly two months ago. Alvarado was a beloved member of the locker room and was a bundle of energy whenever he was on the court, and when the two teams met on Tuesday it was clear that he remains great friends with several people in the opposing locker room.

Before the Knicks’ 121-116 win, Alvarado go and meet People he became friends with during his time with Pelican. The Knicks guard hugged the Pelicans’ commentary duo of Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels, exchanged some encouraging words with Dejounte Murray, and flirted with Trey Murphy III, as caught on camera via the Pelicans Film Room on X (formerly Twitter).

Jose Alvarado hugging his former teammates this morning pic.twitter.com/PMd9kTjviy

– Pelican Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) 24 March 2026

The Pelicans may ultimately not want to lose Alvarado, but given his plight during the 2025-26 season, they had to get whatever assets they could for someone who could leave in free agency at the end of the season.

With the Knicks, Alvarado once again gets a chance to compete in the playoffs, although Pelicans fans feel a strange tug in their hearts every time they see him traded to another team.

Jose Alvarado will play big playoff minutes for the Knicks

The Knicks have been interested in bringing in Alvarado for some time, and Miles McBride’s injury has further encouraged them to acquire the beloved Pelicans guard via trade.

Alvarado has his place in the playoff rotation for being a defensive pest, and he doesn’t shy away from the moment. They also have a tendency to be forceful to some extent. The Knicks will need to make open shots in the playoffs to justify giving him minutes.

The Brooklyn Nets have their sights set on the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With 10 games left in the regular season, the rebuilding squad is ranked No. 3 in the draft lottery standings. If the season ended today, the Nets would have a 52.1 percent chance of being picked in the top four and could fall no lower than seventh.

Many of the draft’s top prospects will square off on Wednesday and Thursday during the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. With that, here are the top four players Nets fans should keep an eye on.

4. Keaton Wagler – PG/SG, Illinois

Wagler has been the biggest surprise of this year’s draft cycle. A three-star recruit and the No. 261 player in the Class of 2025, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, he wasn’t on the radar of most draft analysts this summer. Fast forward six months, and he’s made his way into the top-10 of mock drafts.

Wagler’s excellent shooting, ball-handling and high-level playmaking cannot be denied. While the freshman is a limited athlete, his speed, finesse and high-IQ have allowed him to flourish as a dominant creator. The 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 40.8 percent on 10.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions. He has been one of the most efficient facilitators in the class, averaging 4.4 assists per game with a 2.48 assist/to ratio.

Despite concerns about his limited versatility and ground athleticism, Wagler is able to get to the rim using ball screens, shot fakes and change-of-pace moves. His rim frequency and efficiency have been in line with other top guard prospects, as he has attempted 4.1 close-tos per 36 minutes and converted at a 58.5 percent clip.

The Nets may be hesitant in taking another lead ball-handler with a limited athletic profile after selecting Igor Demin eighth overall last June. However, if they fall at the low end of their lottery range, Wagler should be included in the conversation.

Wagler’s limited athleticism has led to some struggles against more athletic, physical safeties. After Illinois’ impressive first and second round wins over Penn and VCU, it will face a tough test against Houston’s top-ranked defense on Thursday at 10:05 pm EST.

3. Darius Acuff Jr. – PG, Arkansas

Acuff may be the biggest player in this year’s class since the beginning of tournament play. The freshman led Arkansas to the SEC Championship and became the first player to lead the conference in points and assists per game since Pete Maravich in 1969–70. He is averaging 30.2 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 48.6 percent in three SEC Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament games.

It’s no exaggeration to call Acuff the most talented offensive player in this year’s class. He’s an elite shooter, converting at a 44.6 percent clip on 9.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions with a mix of catch-and-shoot and pull-up looks. The 6-foot-3 guard is also a talented court-mapper and decision-maker, averaging 6.5 assists and committing only 2.2 turnovers per game (3.01 est/to).

But as good as Acuff’s offense has been, its defensive shortcomings are hard to ignore. He struggles to defend at the point of attack or navigate off-ball actions. Many have questioned whether Acuff’s size would fit at the combine at 6 feet 3 inches, and the NBA has moved away from undersized guards who need to hide on defense. The front office will have to decide whether Acuff’s ridiculous shooting season is an outlier or his bottom line, and whether it outweighs his shortcomings on the other end.

Brooklyn has strayed away from drafting smaller guards during Shawn Marks’ tenure. The Nets GM pointed to positional size as the main selling point of the team’s 2025 class. Still, Acuff’s aggressive production and ability to thrive on the biggest stage is attractive. After scoring 36 points on 11 of 22 shooting during a second-round win over High Point, Acuff and Arkansas will face No. 1-seed Arizona on Thursday at 9:45 p.m. EST.

2. Kingston Flemings – PG, Houston

Flemings headlined the second tier of guard prospects behind Kansas star Darrin Peterson for most of the season. The Houston star’s 6-foot-4 frame, elite athleticism and two-way versatility will give him a strong claim for the No. 5 spot on the draft board.

Flemings is the most explosive guard in this year’s class. He creates advantages with ease and consistently takes advantage of his paint touch. The freshman has been an adequate finisher (57.3 percent on close twos) while posting elite numbers as a mid-range shooter (44.4 percent on far twos) and playmaker (5.2 assists per game, 2.85 ast/to ratio). Considering his defensive value, NBA front offices should jump on the idea of ​​bringing him into their building.

Fleming’s low three-point volume will give some scouts pause. He has attempted just 5.6 threes per 100 possessions. However, he has converted at a 38.8 percent clip. His efficiency from the mid-range and free-throw line (84.3 percent) may ease any concerns.

Houston defeated Idaho and Texas A&M in the first two rounds of the tournament. Fleming faces a much tougher challenge Thursday against Wagler and third-seeded Illinois.

1. Cam Boozer – PF/C, Duke

According to many metrics, Boozer has been the best player in college basketball this season. The 6-foot-9 standout has made his historic mark from high school and the AAU circuit to Duke. He averaged 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists on .563/.398/.787 shooting splits while leading the Blue Devils to a 34–2 record.

Boozer has posted a +19.45 box plus/minus, the second-highest of any college player in the last 16 years, trailing only former Duke star Zion Williamson (+20.1, 2018-2019).

The star freshman is widely considered a safe bet in the top three of the draft. Boozer has led Duke’s offense with his steady ball-handling, passing and shooting. He consistently makes the right reads with the ball in his hands while dominating as an interior scorer and showing promise as an outside shooter. Although he has been an elite defensive rebounder, his ground athleticism and above average lateral speed have raised questions about his NBA outlook.

Boozer was shaky during Duke’s narrow first-round win over Siena. However, he bounced back with a stellar performance in the second half during a decisive second-round win over TCU. They face a tough test against St. John’s and reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year Zubie Ejiofor on Friday at 10 PM EST.

As the Washington Wizards cruised through the final three weeks of the NBA regular season, college basketball began March Madness, also known as the NCAA Tournament. Like last year, there are several prospects heading into the tournament that the Wizards could take with their lottery picks in this summer’s draft.

In 2025, freshman guard Trey Johnson had a team-high 23 points (6-14 FG, 4-7 3-points), six rebounds and two assists in 38 minutes for Texas in an 86–80 First Four loss to Xavier. That game ended the collegiate career of the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, and Washington drafted him No. 6 overall in June. Now, his 36.7% three-point clip ranks fourth among NBA rookies with at least four attempts per game (minimum 40 games played). He also ranks fifth with an average of 5.3 attempts.

This year, the obvious draft targets for the Wizards are BYU forward AJ DiBuntsa, Kansas guard Darrin Peterson and Duke forward Cameron Boozer. All three will be playing in the tournament, as No. 1 Duke plays No. 16 Siena in the East Region on Thursday, No. 6 BYU takes on No. 11 Texas in the West Region on Thursday, and No. 4 Kansas takes on No. 13 California Baptist in the East Region on Friday. If Duke and Kansas each win their first two games, they will play each other in the Sweet Sixteen.

Any one of those players could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. DiBuntsa leads the nation with 25.3 points per game on 51.3% shooting (34% 3-point) and can score any type of basket, Peterson ruins games for the opponent even in limited minutes (for example, he scored 23 points in 18 minutes in an 81–69 win over Oklahoma State on February 18), and Boozer is a double-double machine (22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds). Season) who also creates shots for his teammates. Most recently, the 6-foot-9, 250-pounder dished out eight assists in the Blue Devils’ 74-70 ACC Tournament final win over Virginia on Saturday.

If the Wizards get a top-three pick in May’s NBA Draft Lottery, they will likely get one of these three players. If they get the No. 4 pick, they could acquire North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, the only freshman in school history other than Tyler Hansbrough to earn All-American honors. The 6-foot-10, 215-pounder won’t play in the tournament as he recovers from thumb surgery (per ESPN), but he averaged a near double-double (19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds) on 57.8% shooting and can switch to any position defensively.

However, there is a possibility that Washington’s lottery selection could fall outside the top four again. Entering Thursday night’s home matchup with the Detroit Pistons, the team has the NBA’s second-worst record (16-52), having finished in the same place last season. The second-worst record guarantees a top-six selection, and the Wizards were unlucky to get the lowest selection they could get last year.

Washington fans should be familiar with the consensus prospects outside the top four if the team selects the No. 5 or No. 6 pick in May. Luckily for the Wizards, several potential stars will likely be available in that range as well.

Here are four of those players:

G Kingston Flemings, Houston

Flemings was named the Cougars’ “best freshman” by Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle, and with good reason. The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder blends efficient shooting with playmaking as a point guard while limiting turnovers. He is averaging 16.4 points per game with 5.3 assists on 47.5% shooting (39.2% 3-point shooting), while committing only 1.9 turnovers in 31.7 minutes. He also leads the team with 1.6 steals.

Additionally, the Flemings move on to bigger games. For example, the San Antonio native scored 21 points (6-14 FG, 3-4 3-point) with four rebounds, three assists and three steals in 32 minutes in Houston’s 69-47 win over Peterson and Kansas in Friday’s Big 12 Tournament semifinals.

No. 2 Houston will face No. 15 Idaho in the South Region on Thursday night.

G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

Acuff may be the hottest player in college basketball, coming off a 30-point, 11-assist performance in the Razorbacks’ 85-76 win over Vanderbilt in Sunday’s SEC Tournament final. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder has five 30-plus-point games this season, including a 49-point breakout in a 117-115 double overtime win over Alabama on Feb. 18.

Acuff is also more efficient than Flemings in high shooting volume, as he ranks seventh in the country with 22.9 points on 48.6% shooting (44.5% 3-point) while averaging 16.2 field goal attempts (5.8 3-point). Flemings is averaging 12.8 attempts (three 3-pointers).

Acuff is averaging 6.5 assists against 2.2 turnovers in 35.1 minutes. The 2026 SEC Player and Rookie of the Year could be the long-term version of Washington’s Trae Young, just an inch shorter. The latter has a $49 million player option this summer, so there’s no guarantee he’ll remain there after next season.

No. 4 Arkansas will play No. 13 Hawaii in the West Region on Thursday.

G Keaton Wagler, Illinois

Wagler is another freshman sniper, as he shoots 40.2% from long range on an average of 5.8 attempts. However, the Kansas native also has the size at 6 feet 6 inches and his scoring prowess is similar to what Flemings and Acuff have displayed in their careers. 46 point performance in 88-82 win over Purdue on Jan. 24.

PTS: 46
FG: 13-17
3pt: 9-11

Revitalize Every Basket @ilinimbb Star Keaton Wagler @bigten Freshman record 4️⃣6️⃣-point performance 👇 pic.twitter.com/dNcila5QJc

– Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) 24 January 2026

Wagler is the biggest surprise on this list, as he was a three-star recruit before winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors this season. Nonetheless, the combo guard is now unquestionably one of the best players in this class.

No. 3 Illinois will face No. 14 Pennsylvania in the South Region on Thursday.

Fort Ament, Tennessee

Ament is not as efficient as the above players, as he is averaging 17.5 points on 40.5% shooting (33.1% 3-point) in 30.2 minutes. However, the freshman at 6-foot-10, 207 pounds has great defensive tools and potential as a big man in the NBA. Some of his standout performances this season include 29-point performances against Oklahoma, Kentucky and Alabama on February 18, February 7 and January 24, respectively. The Volunteers also won 89–66, lost 74–71 and won 79–73, respectively.

No. 6 Tennessee will face No. 11 Miami (OH) in the Midwest Region on Friday.

The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are in the middle of a competitive battle on ESPN. The Celtics are playing in front of a packed crowd at home against a Warriors team without Steph Curry due to injury.

Another popular name, Kristaps Porzingis, is back at TD Garden after playing two incredible seasons with the Celtics in Beantown. Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last offseason, and then the Hawks ultimately traded him to the Warriors before the NBA trade deadline. It’s Porzingis’ first game back, so the Celtics gave him an emotional tribute video.

Celtics tribute video for Kristaps Porzingis 🙌

(via @danield1214) pic.twitter.com/8bhBguM1ik

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

The Celtics can’t win the NBA Finals without Porzingis in 2023-24. His ability to stretch the field and play elite defense was a big part of why Boston was so dominant during that championship run. Remember the first game of the Finals, when Porzingis couldn’t miss a shot in the first quarter? He scored 20 points off the bench in the game, along with six rebounds and three blocks.

His time, as well as Jrue Holiday’s, ended after last season when the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals of the NBA playoffs. Porzingis was not playing at the time as he was dealing with an undisclosed illness. The Celtics moved on, but they remained a very good team.

Boston is in second place in the conference, and if they beat the Warriors, they will be just 3.5 games behind the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the East.

There is something inherently electric about this time of year. The collegiate atmosphere permeates the professional ranks and each high-stakes possession in the NCAA Tournament feels like a job interview for the bright lights of the NBA. For the New York Knicks, the 2026 March Madness tournament is not just a spectacle for fans. It’s a scouting gold mine. As we look ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft, the front office is looking for specific role models who fit into the gritty, blue-collar identity carefully constructed in Manhattan. Of course, the Garden aspires to greatness. As the world of college basketball descends into its annual chaos, three specific names stand out as potential inheritors of the Knicks’ winning culture.

Championship aspirations

By mid-March 2026, the Knicks find themselves firmly established as one of the elite squads in the Eastern Conference. His impressive record is 44-25. This team has proven that their success in the NBA Cup is no fluke. Rather, it’s a harbinger of the deep postseason run the city has craved for decades. Jalen Brunson undoubtedly remains the undisputed engine of the offense. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns has provided a difference and scoring dimension at the center position that the Knicks haven’t seen in years.

Despite the general chaos of an 82-game schedule, they have maintained a top-three seeding. Recently he has also demolished his rivals in a record breaking manner. The chemistry between Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and the rest of the core has made them a defensive nightmare. This set the stage for what many believe could be the most significant playoff push for the franchise in thirty years.

missing pieces

Despite current success, Leon Rose and the Knicks’ brain trust understand that the NBA is an arms race. To be stagnant in this league is to be left behind. With veterans at their peak and a high winning percentage, the Knicks will likely select in the late first round. This is where value and fit outweigh the need for a franchise-changing star. He preferred versatile, multi-position defenders who could shoot the long ball. Still, as the roster matures, there is a growing desire for another dynamic secondary playmaker or a developmental big man who can run the second unit.

Furthermore, with the physical toll of the “Knicks way”, finding a high-motor player who can contribute to the rotation is paramount. The goal is to find a prospect that simply does not have high profits. They need someone who has the mental toughness to survive in the spotlight at Madison Square Garden and thrive under the intense expectations of the city.

Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan

If the Knicks are looking for pure, unadulterated defensive intensity with a frame that screams New York basketball, Moraes Johnson Jr. is the name that should be circled in red on every scout’s clipboard. The Michigan standout has spent the 2025-26 season blowing up draft boards. This is due to the versatility of his size and coordination. Johnson is an absolute beast on the defensive end. This is where he is incredibly variable, he has the length and instincts to disrupt both perimeter players and interior threats.

He also shows what kind of motor the Knicks want. He can consistently impact wins through his rebounding and rim protection. Watching him go through the pressure of March Madness will reveal if his offensive flashes, including some long-term shooting ability, can match his elite defensive floor. This would certainly make him a primary target for a team looking to bolster their frontcourt depth at the end of the first round.

Patrick Ngongba II, Duke

Yes, the Knicks have established a strong identity in the paint. That said, the prospect of adding a talent like Patrick Ngongba II for a team selecting late in the round is almost too tempting to ignore. Duke’s big man is a defensive presence well beyond his years. He has demonstrated a level of polish and passing skill that is rare for modern centre-backs. Ngongba isn’t just a lane-blocker either. He is a smart interior defender who fits the modern structure by using his positioning and high basketball IQ to end games before they develop.

Note that the Knicks’ defensive scheme relies on high-level communication and “shrinking” the floor. Additionally, Ngongba’s discipline and ability to facilitate from the post will be a huge asset. If he can lead the Blue Devils in the tournament and prove he can handle athletic finishers, he will immediately demonstrate the maturity needed to play at the professional level.

Dellin Swain, Texas

For a team that values ​​multi-positional wings with elite physical tools, Texas junior Dellin Swain is the quintessential late riser. He is definitely one to watch this March. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, Swain has burst onto the national scene this season. They have outscored the Longhorns in almost every major statistical category. He is a premier transition threat who can push the ball himself or finish as a cutter.

Of course, Swain’s defensive versatility also makes him a perfect fit for the Knicks’ culture. He is a disruptive event-maker on the perimeter, using his length to generate steals and deflections at a high rate. Certainly, his outside shooting remains the swing skill for his professional ceiling. However, his high IQ as a connector and his consistent rim pressure suggest he can thrive in an NBA system that offers more spacing. If he leads Texas to a deep tournament, his draft stock will be undeniable.

As the 2026 NCAA March Madness Tournament begins, the basketball world’s eyes turn from the professional grind to single-elimination theater. This is where legends are born and draft stocks grow strong. For the Boston Celtics, this tournament is a high-risk scouting mission. Of course, most teams are either vying for ping-pong balls or desperate for a play-in race. However, Boston finds itself in the enviable position of being a powerhouse that still keeps a keen eye on the future.

The 2026 draft class has been heralded as one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory. It has been compared to the famous group of 2003. Of course, the Celtics are always trying to maximize their window. Thus, be on the lookout for them to identify the right talent in this pool that could be the difference between a fleeting moment of glory and an ongoing dynasty.

Key strengths in 2025-26

As of mid-March 2026, the Celtics have firmly established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the Eastern Conference. They currently hold a strong record of 45-23. Under the strategic guidance of Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics have navigated a difficult schedule with the poise of a seasoned champion. They are behind only the surprising Detroit Pistons for the top seed in the East. Jaylen Brown is playing at an All-NBA level. He is currently averaging over 28 points per game.

Meanwhile, the supporting cast, including Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard, have provided much-needed continuity as they recover from various roster injuries. Boston’s defense remains their calling card. They lead the league in fewest points allowed per game. That said, it’s their offensive efficiency, which ranks second this season, that has truly made them a nightmare matchup. As the playoffs approach, the Celtics look every bit like a team capable of hanging another banner on the roof of the TD Garden.

Strategic depth and future security

Despite their current success, Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office are well aware that the NBA landscape is constantly changing. This is especially true in the era of second aprons and strict salary cap restrictions. Boston enters the 2026 offseason with their first-round pick. Given his unique position he has probably been placed in the 26th to 28th category. Their draft strategy will likely focus on finding NBA-ready talent who can contribute on cheap rookie-level contracts while providing specialized skills.

The primary need for this roster moving forward includes finding versatile wing depth. They also need high-IQ interior rim protection and secondary playmaking that suits their switchability and spacing. Given the hefty financial commitments at their core, the draft represents the most viable path to adding high-level talent without breaking the bank. The Celtics won’t be looking for a project. They want impact players who have the basketball IQ and defensive versatility that have become hallmarks of the Mazzulla era.

Candidate Mara, Michigan

If the Celtics are looking to secure a long-term anchor for their frontcourt, Michigan’s Ade Mara is the most interesting prospect available at the end of the first round. The 7-foot-3 junior has seen his stock rise during the Big Ten season. He has shown a unique blend of shot-blocking and high-post playmaking that is rare for a player of his stature. Mara is currently averaging around three attempts per game. His 7-foot-6-inch wingspan allows him to contest shots without even leaving his feet.

However, what makes Mara really interesting is her demise. He is arguably the best passer in the country. Mara can initiate sets with elbows or find cutters with pinpoint accuracy. It will be important to see how Mara handles the speed of high-major guards in the tournament. Nevertheless, his ability to serve as both a defensive wall and offensive center makes him a natural fit for the Celtics system.

Dellin Swain, Texas

In the modern NBA, you can never have enough 6-foot-8 wings who can handle multiple positions, pass and defend. Texas standout Dellin Swain is just that. Since transferring from Xavier, Swain has developed into a primary engine for the Longhorns. He is averaging nearly 18 points and 8 rebounds while showing a defensive motor that never stops. He has an impressive handle for his size. This allows him to attack closeouts and finish through traffic with a level of physicality that translates well to the pro level.

For Boston, Swain represents the perfect developmental wing who can provide energy and switchability off the bench. His shooting from deep has also improved by 35 percent. If he can show consistent stroke play during deep runs in the tournament, he will prove he belongs in the first round final conversation.

Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan

Prospects to watch include Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. He is a 6-foot-9 tall interior force who has blown up draft boards due to his elite defensive instincts. Johnson is a quintessential “connector” on the defensive end. He shows the lateral quickness to switch to smaller guards while having the strength to hold his own in the post. Sure, he’s not a high-volume scorer. However, he is an amazing play finisher who understands his role. Johnson shot more than 63 percent from the field, enjoying a lot of lobs and putbacks.

For the Celtics, Johnson is a dream prospect who could finally charm Nikola Vucevic without a massive drop in scheme integrity. Their performance in March will be a litmus test for their offense. However, his defensive ceiling is high enough that he could be a lock for a championship contender looking for immediate help in the trenches.

The Atlanta Hawks have spent much of the 2025-26 season navigating a landscape of transition and change. Following the historic trade in January that sent franchise icon Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, the team initially struggled to find its footing. However, under the steady hand of Quin Snyder, Atlanta has gone on an impressive ten-game winning streak dating back to late March. They are currently 37-31 and are the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Thus, the Hawks are playing their best basketball of the year.

Jalen Johnson has developed into a legitimate All-Star. He’s racking up triple-doubles with terrifying frequency. Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels has closed the perimeter. This recent success has changed the energy in the A’s. However, the front office knows the move from a play-in hopeful to a true contender. They must take advantage of their upcoming draft assets.

missing pieces

Despite the current winning streak, there are still clear areas of improvement on the Hawks roster that the 2026 NBA Draft can address. Young’s departure leaves a huge void in high-level shot creation and long-term backcourt stability. This is especially true given that McCallum is serving as an experienced bridge forward. Atlanta needs a dynamic perimeter threat who can facilitate and score at all three levels to complement Johnson’s point-forward talents.

Additionally, while Onyeka Okongwu remains a defensive stalwart, the team could benefit from more elite wing depth. They may also be looking for a versatile forward who can provide both floor spacing and defensive switchability. Onsi Saleh and the scouting department aimed to find a high-impact talent who would fit the modern, versatile identity Snyder was building. They need a player who can thrive in a fast-paced, high-assist system that currently leads the NBA in points per game.

Darrin Peterson, Kansas

If the Hawks are looking for a key backcourt successor, look no further than Kansas guard Darrin Peterson. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Peterson is considered one of the most talented guard players to enter the draft in the last few years. He compares highly with some of the league’s most elite three-point scorers. Despite dealing with minor hamstring problems early in the season, his performance for the fourth-seeded Jayhawks has not been stellar. He has an innate ability to reach his spots, using picturesque footwork and devastating changes of pace to leave defenders in the thrashings.

For Atlanta, Pettersson’s ability to knock down a high volume of threes and manipulate defenses with the pick-and-roll would be a perfect fit. Watching him go through the pressure of the East Region will reveal if he has the mental toughness to lead a backcourt at the next level.

AJ DiBantsa, BYU

Certainly, the Hawks have found a star in Johnson. However, adding a jumbo wing like BYU’s AJ Dybantsa could create one of the most dangerous forward tandems in the Eastern Conference. Dyabantsa is a 6-foot-9 scoring machine with a 7-foot wingspan and athleticism that almost seems inappropriate. He has spent this season lighting up the scoreboard. This included multiple 40-point outbursts that solidified his status as the potential number-one overall pick. His offensive range is also astronomical. He can easily pull up from mid-range or use his elastic body type to acrobatically finish at the rim.

Yes, critics have pointed to his defensive consistency. Still, the physical tools for a lockdown appearance are in place under Snyder’s tutelage. If DiBantsa can lead the Cougars on a deep run, he could force the Hawks to do whatever it takes to get on the board.

Cameron Boozer, Duke

For those who value a high-floor prospect with an unmatched win history, Duke’s Cameron Boozer is the perfect name. At 6 foot 10 inches and 250 pounds, Boozer has been the driving force behind the Blue Devils receiving the number one overall seed in the tournament. He’s a rare prospect who combines elite physicality with warp-speed basketball IQ. Boozer can process the floor like a ten year veteran. His inside-outside scoring versatility and magnetic hands on the glass make him a double-double threat every night.

For the Hawks, he represents a plug-and-play asset who makes an impact on wins through elite rebounding, pinpoint outlet passing and under-rated defensive versatility. As he leads Duke into the battle for the East Region, scouts will want to see how his strength and skill-set work against some of the most athletic giants in the country. Adding a player of Boozer’s maturity would immediately stabilize Atlanta’s frontcourt for the next decade.

seize the moment

There are whispers about the 2026 draft class in the same manner as those about the famous 2003 group. Now, March Madness is the ultimate proving ground for these future stars. For the Hawks, the tournament represents a live-action scouting report for the pieces that will define their future. Whether it’s Peterson’s excellent shot-making, DiBantsa’s raw athletic ceiling, or Boozer’s disciplined dominance, the talent available is transformative.

The Hawks have shown they can win now. However, to win big they will have to choose wisely when the clock is ticking. As these prospects take the floor under the bright lights, the path back to the top of the Eastern Conference becomes clearer with every bucket and every defensive stop.

March is the month when legends are forged in college basketball’s brightest lights. For the Milwaukee Bucks, this is the best scouting ground. As the 2026 NCAA Tournament begins, the basketball world has its eyes on young developments that will soon impact the fate of NBA contenders. The atmosphere is electric, and the stakes are existential. For an NBA team looking to revitalize their rotation, this tournament is a high-stakes audition.

It’s a unique thing to see a kid carrying the weight of the campus on his shoulders while NBA scouts write notes in the shade. For the Bucks, it’s certainly about finding the missing pieces of a championship puzzle that’s starting to look a little frayed around the edges.

Cream City Rollercoaster

The 2025-26 season has been difficult and often disappointing for Milwaukee. The Bucks are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 28-39 record. Despite the Herculean efforts of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, the supporting cast has struggled to maintain consistency. The defensive identity that once defined this team has slipped to 24th in the league. Similarly, crime has also often remained stable. It is ranked lowest in terms of points per game.

Under Doc Rivers, the Bucks have shown glimpses of their former talent. However, 8 defeats in their last 10 matches have underlined the dire need for change. The Fiserv forum crowd is restless. As the possibility of the postseason bubble bursting increases, the focus has naturally shifted toward the draft as the primary vehicle for redemption.

Missing Links of Deer District

Heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, Jon Horst and the Bucks front office should prioritize NBA-ready talent over raw, long-term projects. The roster is crying out for dynamic wing depth and a lead guard who can take the playmaking burden off Giannis. Milwaukee’s defensive rating is a clear red flag. That means they need prospects with high defensive IQ and the physical tools to switch to multiple positions.

The modern NBA demands versatility and shooting, two areas where the Bucks have looked dangerously weak. The Bucks must be surgical in their evaluation as they navigate a complicated pick-swap situation with the Pelicans and Hawks. They need to find players who can deliver strong performances from day one and provide the spark this aging center is sorely lacking.

Nate Ament, Tennessee

One name that every Bucks fan should write down on their bracket is Nate Ament out of Tennessee. Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall with a guard’s shooting touch, Ament represents the prototype of the modern NBA forward. After a rough start to his college career, Ament has absolutely exploded over the last two months of the season. He is adept at navigating in space and has developed a bad habit of making contacts. His staggering 7.5 free throw attempts per game recently prove this point.

For Milwaukee, Ament’s ability to stretch the floor and make timely cuts will be a godsend. His three-point percentage is also up. Additionally, his size will allow the Bucks to play big without compromising speed or shooting.

Kingston Flemings, Houston

If the Bucks are looking for a player who can turn a defensive stop into a fast-break highlight in the blink of an eye, Houston’s Kingston Flemings is that guy. Flemings is considered one of the fastest and most explosive athletes in this draft class. He’s a north-south blur who finishes above the rim with terrific authority. Playing under Kelvin Sampson, he has been molded into a defensive-first culture. That should make him a plug-and-play fit for a Milwaukee system that needs to rediscover its seriousness.

Flemings isn’t just a dunker either. Rather, he is a mid-range specialist who can also hit the long ball when the defense is weak. His ability to navigate passing lanes and stick to his man on the ball will provide an immediate upgrade to the Bucks’ perimeter defense.

Darrin Peterson, Kansas

Finally, we have to talk about Kansas’ Darin Peterson. The 6-6 scoring machine entered the year as the consensus number one overall prospect. Yes, his stock has fluctuated due to health concerns and Kansas’ late-season struggles. Still, his ceiling is as high as anyone else in the class. Peterson is perhaps the most polished offensive prospect to reach the college ranks in years. He simply has a scoring arsenal that allows him to get buckets from anywhere on the floor.

For a Bucks team that ranks 28th in scoring, adding a weapon like Peterson would be like adding high-octane fuel to a sputtering engine. There have been whispers about his intensity. However, there’s no better place to silence the critics than the NCAA Tournament. If Peterson puts in a dominant performance and shows that “Mamba mentality” scouts are looking for, he becomes the ultimate prize for a team like Milwaukee.

As new majority owner Mark Walter continues to put his stamp on the Los Angeles Lakers, the organization recently made the interesting appointment of former NCAA Championship coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor to general manager Rob Pelinka. With March Madness approaching and the Lakers having their first round pick, there are some NBA Draft prospects teams should keep an eye on within the next month.

It’s no secret that the Lakers need a viable, long-term option at center. The DeAndre Ayton experiment has had mixed results, and while Jaxson Hayes has done a commendable job, he is at his best as an energetic guy off the bench. The Lakers could also use size on the wings.

That said, here are some of the top prospects who will play in March Madness that the Lakers should target in the 2026 NBA Draft.

1. Morez Johnson Jr. – PF/C, Michigan

Think of Johnson a bit like the current Jared Vanderbilt, with a better offense and a little more size. Johnson is exactly the kind of player the Lakers should target in the draft. He is able to slide between power forward and center, which is currently Vanderbilt’s role for the Lakers.

Johnson has been an impressive defensive player for Michigan this season, and he is projected to be drafted in the late first round should the Lakers land him. He is a versatile defender with the ability to cover the wings and then drop down and attack bigger players.

But where he excels is also on the offensive end. He’s a skilled finisher around the basket, and he’s shooting 66.7 percent from 2-point range. But not only this. He has shown he can space the floor with his 41.7 percent shooting from the 3-point line. His 3-point shot is something he has worked on since he didn’t attempt a single three as a freshman last year.

Johnson should be the Lakers’ main priority in the draft. With late selections in the first round, you may draft based on positional need rather than the best player available.

2. Jaden Quaintance – C, Kentucky

Quaintance is probably the best center prospect that may be available in the NBA Draft. He is just a puzzle. For one, it’s not yet clear whether he intends to declare for the draft or intends to return to school. Second, he has been dealing with a major knee injury that has kept him out for most of this season. In fact, his status is in doubt for Kentucky’s upcoming March Madness appearance.

But should Quaintance declare for the draft, he should be a top-two prospect for the Lakers in a worst-case scenario. The only thing is that he will need a little bit of luck to land at his projected draft spot. However, that could happen if teams are cautious about his injury situation.

Injury is definitely a risk, but the benefits almost outweigh it. He is still incredibly young and in the mold of a true center. During his freshman year at Arizona State, he showed the ability to become a true defensive anchor in the paint, averaging 2.6 blocked shots. On the offensive end of the court, he performs well around the basket. He would be a perfect fit as a threat playmaker for a playmaker like Luka Doncic.

If he were healthy, there’s no chance we’d be discussing the Lakers potentially taking him at the end of the first round. But it always happens that off-chance teams get scared due to injury and he slips away, as has happened with many players in the past. If Quinton is available when the Lakers select you, take him and don’t look back.

3. Patrick Ngongba II – C, Duke

In any other year, Ngongba would definitely be a lottery pick. A mobile big man with high potential who plays defense and even has a bit of play in his game. Definitely pick the lottery. But this is not a normal draft. Most experts consider 2026 to be one of the best draft classes in recent memory. This could benefit the Lakers because it means Ngongba will slide to the end of the first round.

If one of the above prospects is unavailable, Ngongba wouldn’t be a bad pick for the Lakers in the NBA Draft. He is still raw and can gain some strength before entering the NBA. But the talent is there. Their offensive skill-set works well with Doncic as the primary ball-handler.

On defense, Ngongba is a rim protector, which will benefit the Lakers a lot. He also has the ability to play strong post defense and dominate one-on-one situations. He competes well and has blocked an average of 1.1 shots this season.

However potentially worrying is Ngongba’s current injury situation. He was sidelined for the ACC Tournament, and his status for the NCAA Tournament is not 100 percent certain yet. Just keep an eye on if he declares for the NBA Draft.

4. Florrie Bidunga – C, Kansas

Bidunga is potentially one of the more impactful players in the draft due to his size and strength. The players mentioned above are probably better long-term prospects, but if they are all off the board by the time the Lakers make their selection, the front office needs to take a long, hard look at Bidunga.

His offensive game is more in line with Luka Doncic. He’s a finisher at the rim. He would be a perfect compliment to a playmaker like Doncic who is always ready to throw a lob pass. Bidunga is adept at pick and roll as well as roller. He’s shooting 64.5 percent from the field this season, all 2-point attempts. He moves the ball very well.

Defensively, he is an anchor in the paint. Apart from being a strong man defender, he is also a good weakside defender. He may also find success switching to the perimeter. Of his 9.2 rebounds this season, 6.1 are on the defensive end.

Bidunga’s ceiling is probably lower than other players on this list, but he is without a doubt a big man in an NBA rotation. He’s not flashy or anything like that, he just gets the job done. Profile of a strong big man. He is definitely someone who should be on the Lakers’ radar in terms of NBA Draft prospects.

5. Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke

While most of the players on this list are bigs, the Lakers also need a 3&D wing with size. Evans is potentially among the top players in the draft who fits that profile. Should he declare for the draft, he would likely be available in the Lakers’ draft range as well.

Evans is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 14.9 points and shooting 36.5 percent from the 3-point line as a full-time starter. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective offensively, another attribute needed to play with Doncic.

On the defensive end, he is a strong on-ball defender and has the skills to become the main point defensive player of attack. Imagine him as a potential starting wing in the NBA one day based on his ability on both ends of the court.

The upcoming draft is really based on the Lakers’ choices. Obviously if one slips in the lottery, all bets are off and you become the best player available. But if it comes to a situation of need, any one of the five players listed above should perform well. This is a deep draft, and assuming all of the above announcements, at least one of them should be available if the Lakers select.

Madness is finally upon us. Now, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at an important crossroads that extends far beyond the final score of a single tournament game. This franchise has never been afraid to swing for the fences. Thus, March Madness represents a live-action scouting laboratory where tomorrow’s stars are groomed under the fire of pressure to win or go home. Dallas is looking to reload, searching for that missing piece that can enhance their current core. They need to turn a roster of high-potential talent into a legitimate perennial powerhouse in an unforgiving Western Conference.

As we look towards the 2026 NBA Draft, scouting departments have their sights set on the hardwood. They will evaluate which prospects have the specific blend of mental toughness and physical dominance needed to thrive under the bright lights of American Airlines Center.

2025–26 season recap

It’s been a season of identity search in Dallas. The brilliance of a roster’s brilliance is often overshadowed by its growing pains in transition. Sitting at 23-46 as of mid-March, the Mavericks find themselves out of the playoff picture. They are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite excellent individual efforts from Cooper Flagg, the supporting cast has struggled to find consistency. The mid-season departure of experienced leadership and a defensive rating that ranked in the bottom half of the league has led to a long winter in North Texas.

There have been moments when the offensive flow seemed unstoppable, especially in high-scoring wins over teams like Cleveland and Memphis. However, the lack of a secondary perimeter creator and reliable wing depth has ultimately hindered their ability to close out tight games.

Draft needed for 2026

As the front office turns its attention toward the 2026 NBA Draft, the onus is on finding a dynamic, high-end guard. They need someone who can eventually replace the aging and often sidelined Kyrie Irving and provide a lethal scoring punch with Flagg. Yes, the Mavericks have established a solid foundation in the frontcourt with Derek Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Nevertheless, the periphery remains a clear area of ​​concern. Specifically, Dallas needs a player who can break down defenses in the half-court and hit contested shots when the shot clock stops.

Head coach Jason Kidd has always prioritized high-IQ players who can guard multiple positions. That means any potential lottery selection has to show more than just aggressive nature. The goal is to find a versatile playmaker who won’t be a liability on the defensive end. This will ensure that the next era of Mavericks basketball is built on a balanced and durable roster.

Darrin Peterson, Kansas

If you’re looking for a pure, pure scorer who can set a stadium on fire in a matter of seconds, look no further than Darrin Peterson. The Kansas standout this year has been a revelation. He has demonstrated three-level scoring ability that makes him arguably the most sophisticated perimeter prospect in the 2026 class. Peterson has drawn legitimate comparisons to some of the league’s most creative offensive engines.

What makes him particularly interesting for Dallas is his comfort level playing both on and off the ball. He can serve as the primary starter or shift to catch-and-shoot opportunities. Versatility that would pair perfectly with Flagg’s point-forward tendencies. During March Madness, scouts will be keeping an eye on whether his efficiency holds up against the sophisticated defensive schemes of tournament play. However, his current trajectory shows he is becoming a star who can thrive in the Mavericks system.

Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

There is a certain “it factor” that Darius Acuff Jr. brings to the floor. That combination of swagger and skill has brought the Arkansas Razorbacks back into the national conversation. Leading the SEC in both scoring and assists, Acuff is the quintessential modern floor general. He plays with a pace and tempo that constantly keeps defenders off balance. He is adept at using deceptive handles and elite body control to find his spots regardless of defensive pressure.

For the Mavericks, Acuff represents a potential long-term solution at the point guard spot. He can facilitate for others and also be a threat to drop 30 points on any given night. Of course, questions remain about his defensive consistency. However, his offensive ceiling is undeniably high. A deep performance in the NCAA Tournament will only solidify his status as a top-five talent that Dallas’ top brass can’t ignore.

Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville

A trio of prospects worth watching include Mikel Brown Jr. His basketball IQ and steady hand have been the driving force behind Louisville’s resurgence. Brown is a traditional playwright in the best sense of the word. He has the rare ability to manipulate the defense with his eyes and deliver accurate passes to teammates. He doesn’t just play games; He organizes it. Brown rarely gets troubled by high-pressure situations or aggressive full-court presses. His shooting numbers have seen a significant increase this season. This makes him a dual-threat weapon that demands respect beyond the arc.

For Dallas, Brown provides a level of composure and secondary playmaking that can unlock the full potential of their offensive sets. Seeing how he handles the pace in the high-stakes environment of March Madness will be the ultimate litmus test for his readiness to step into a high-usage role at the professional level.

The calendar has changed in mid-March. For the basketball world, that means only one thing: the high-octane, heart-stopping drama of the NCAA Tournament. However, for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Golden State Warriors front office, the brackets are a scouting map for a franchise at a critical crossroads. As the “Big Three” era enters its final stretch, the Dubs are looking for the next foundational pillar to keep the Chase Center rafters busy with new banners. This year’s tournament field is absolutely loaded with top talent. The Warriors also have the potential to be a mid-lottery selection. As such, the stakes have never been higher. The pressure is on to find a player who can blend high-IQ playmaking with the modern athleticism needed to survive in the increasingly young, fast-paced Western Conference.

patience and uncertainty

It has been a rollercoaster of a 2025-26 campaign for the Warriors. They are currently 32-35 and in ninth place in the Western Conference. Despite having Jimmy Butler alongside Stephen Curry, the team has struggled with consistency and health throughout the winter months. Undoubtedly, Curry remains a force to be reckoned with. He is averaging 27.2 points per game, but the supporting cast has often been up and down.

Certainly, the emergence of Brandin Podziemski as a reliable starter and the veteran leadership of Draymond Green have kept the Dubs in the play-in hunt. However, a series of minor losses in early March have highlighted the narrow margin of error on this roster. They are a team that can beat anyone on any night. Still, they often found themselves outmatched by the length and depth of emerging powers of the West such as Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

identification of missing piece

It’s clear that the warriors’ shopping list starts with size, versatility and specific connective tissue. The front office could pursue a veteran-style prospect with immediate impact. Alternatively, they could opt for a raw, high-ceilinged wing that can carry the torch once the current stalwarts hang up their sneakers. The Warriors’ defensive rating has been in the middle of the pack this season. His comebacks have often been his weakness. They need a player who can operate within Steve Kerr’s complex offensive system. They’re looking for someone who can pass, cut and shoot.

That said, the Dubs also desperately need a physical presence who can replace multiple positions and protect the rim. The Class of 2026 offers an attractive mix of “ready-made” college stars and “one-and-done” physical specimens. This makes this March Madness the ultimate proving ground for the Warriors’ next big swing.

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

If the Warriors are looking for a prospect that screams “Warriors DNA,” look no further than Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg. The 6’9 forward has been a statistical darling this season. He ranks second in the nation in box plus/minus and has emerged as a Swiss Army knife for the Wolverines. Lendeborg is a high-end processor who facilitates from the high post, crashes the glass with tenacity, and blocks shots at a elite rate.

This March, he will lead a top-seeded Michigan team that relies heavily on his ability to hold down the defense while opening sets on the other end. For a Golden State team that values ​​quick decision-making, Lendeborg fits like a glove. He doesn’t need 20 shots to dominate a game, and his defensive versatility will allow him to fit in perfectly in those small-ball lineups.

Nate Ament, Tennessee

On the other end of the spectrum is Nate Ament. He’s a 6’10 wing from Tennessee who represents the kind of high-upside gamble the Warriors may need to reinvent their future. Ament is the quintessential modern NBA wing. He is long, fluid and capable of scoring from all three levels. Yes, his performance has been up and down during his new campaign. Still, his flashes of talent are undeniable. He has the ability to shoot over defenders and the lateral quickness to be a disruptive force on the perimeter.

During the tournament, all eyes will be on how Ament handles the physical pressure of postseason play. If he can prove that his jumper is consistent and his defensive motor is active, he becomes an attractive option for the Warriors.

Thomas Hoff, Florida

Finally, the Warriors will have to keep a close eye on Florida’s Thomas Hoff as the Gators look to defend their national title. The 6’9-inch Hoff is a tireless competitor who does the dirty work that winning teams require. He is a dynamic finisher at the rim and a disruptive defender who can switch to guards or battle in the trenches with big men. Unlike some of the more heralded prospects, Hog excels in a role that doesn’t require the ball in his hands. This makes him an ideal fit for a Golden State roster that already features high-usage producers like Curry and Butler. His tenacity on the offensive boards and his superior perimeter shooting make him a plug-and-play candidate. Hoff has been good enough to contribute from day one. In a tournament where every possession is a battle, Hough’s ability to impact the game through his effort and intelligence will be a major storyline for NBA scouts.

draft strategy

The 2026 NBA Draft will be a defining moment for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors. Whether they choose Lendeborg’s sophisticated, high-IQ game, Ament’s limitless ceiling, or Hoff’s battle-tested patience, they must strike gold. This March Madness is a live audition for the next chapter of Golden State Warriors basketball.

The franchise cannot afford to make safe picks that result in bench warmers. They need a difference-maker who can bridge the gap between their storied past and uncertain future. As the tournament begins, these three prospects will have a chance to prove that they belong in the blue and gold. The Warriors are watching, and so should you.

For the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, March isn’t just about bracket chaos. This is a high-risk scouting mission. As the 2026 NCAA Tournament draws to a close, the basketball world’s eyes have turned to blue-chip stars and Cinderellas alike. However, Sam Presti and his staff are looking for something a little more surgical. They are looking for the final pieces of a dynastic puzzle that has been carefully assembled over years of calculated moves.

In the 2026 NBA Draft cycle, the stakes seem even higher as the talent pool is filled with athletes who fit the Thunder’s unique schematic DNA. This is where dreams are either forged in the fire of the Big Dance or extinguished by the pressure of the bright lights. For a team with the draft capital of Oklahoma City, each March Madness possession is a data point in a much larger, more ambitious blueprint.

title defense

All things considered, the 2025-26 NBA season is still shaping up to be another masterpiece for the Thunder. Apart from the occasional setback, this campaign has been defined by the blanket dominance of their roster. Currently sitting at the top of the standings with an incredible record of 53-15, Oklahoma City has completely transformed into the league’s most fearsome juggernaut. We’ve seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander further cement his status as MVP. He takes charge of a team that ranks first in the NBA in both defensive rating and net rating. Besides him, Chet Holmgren has been a defensive revelation. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams has developed into a secondary playmaker of the highest order.

However, even with the best record in the league and the momentum of the defending champion, the Thunder are never satisfied. Long season experience has shown that OKC’s core is elite. That said, adding more depth on the wing and securing a knockdown perimeter threat could be an insurance policy to ensure this title window remains open for a decade.

lost contact

As we look towards the 2026 NBA Draft, the Thunder’s philosophy remains focused on the concept of positionless basketball. Because they are currently winning at such a high clip, Oklahoma City will pick up a pick in the middle to late part of the first round thanks to previously understood trades. This means Presti is looking for value and high-floor connectors rather than a consensus top three flashy names. When Presti enters the war room, he is looking for players who can grab rebounds, push breaks and make correct guesses without hesitation.

In this upcoming class, the Thunder are likely prioritizing athletes who enhance the talent of those around them while maintaining significant defensive switchability. The goal is to find a prospect who can succeed in the high-low activities that run alongside Chet or perhaps a tenacious point-of-attack defender who can ease the workload on the starting backcourt. This will ensure the bench remains just as lethal as the starting five.

Braylon Mullins, Connecticut

Braylon Mullins has emerged as one of the most intriguing names for a team like Oklahoma City. That’s mainly because he addresses the one thing every contender can never have enough of: elite girth gravitas. As a standout for UConn, Mullins has spent the season proving that he is more than a catch-and-shoot threat. He has shown an advanced ability to navigate screens and move at a pace that keeps defenders in a constant state of panic. For the Thunder, Mullins represents an ideal plug-and-play asset. He can fit into the second unit and immediately provide spacing that allows SGA and Jalen Williams to operate in the paint with zero interference.

They’ll be shot under a split microscope in the pressure cooker of March Madness. However, it is his underrated defensive tenacity and blue-collar approach to the game that truly reflects the OKC culture. If he can maintain his efficiency while leading a deep tournament run with the Huskies, he becomes almost an ideal mid-round target.

Braden Burries, Arizona

There is perhaps no player in the mid-round conversation who fits the OKC archetype more naturally than Brayden Burries. Arizona’s versatile guard has a game defined by poise and technical proficiency. Burris is a player who has a strong frame that allows him to absorb contact on drives and a high release point that makes his mid-range game nearly vulnerable. What makes him a mouth-watering prospect for Oklahoma City is his dual-threat ability as both a scorer and secondary initiator. He has the vision to find open teammates when defenses collapse. This trait fits perfectly into Mark Daigneault’s “everyone is a passer” system.

During this tournament, scouts will be paying close attention to how he handles specific physical defenders. However, Burris has already shown the ability to perform well in big moments. He manages the game with a level of maturity that is rare for his class. This makes him exactly the kind of high-ceiling, low-volatility prospect the Thunder have successfully developed in the past.

Keaton Wagler, Illinois

If the Thunder are looking for a defensive disruptor, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler is a sleeper pick. Every savvy analyst keeps him on his radar. Wagler has built a reputation as a player who has the lateral quickness to block lead guards and the length to harass wing scorers. This would make him a seamless addition to an OKC defense that is already one of the best in the league. However, it’s not just his point-of-attack defense that impresses. He has also shown a growing offensive game featuring smart cuts and a reliable corner three-pointer. This makes him a quintessential 3-and-D prospect with great playmaking.

In the high-stakes environment of March Madness, Wagler’s ability to shut down an opponent’s best player while contributing to a fluid offensive flow will be his biggest selling point. An attribute that matches perfectly with the unselfish, tough identity that has turned Oklahoma City into the gold standard of the modern NBA.

The punchless Memphis Grizzlies have gotten to the point in one losing season where NBA Draft prospects matter more than pride. With a 23-43 record and no realistic path to the postseason, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. Fortunately for the front office, the remainder of the schedule assures about a dozen other odds-boosting losses, according to bookmakers. However, it is the battles against the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, and Milwaukee Bucks that matter most.

Tuomas Isalo may be looking to pick up some positive culture-building wins over the next few weeks, but the stakes are huge in those games against other lottery-bound Even-Rans. Sitting eighth-worst in the league, Memphis currently has a 6% chance at the top spot and a 7.2% chance at a top-four spot. As things stand, falling to the 10th pick is a realistic possibility.

The Grizzlies have a path to reach the fifth-worst record, which would increase those odds significantly. EVP Zach Kleiman will go to the ping-pong party with a 10.5% shot at one of the top four spots. Finishing below the Jazz in the standings will ensure a top-8 selection. Sweeping the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, two teams that are consistently trying to win games, gives Memphis a 9% chance of landing Cam Boozer, Darius Acuff, AJ DiBantsa, or Kingston Flemings.

Dealing for Caleb Wilson or Nate Ament is a far better outcome than giving up either Mikel Brown Jr. or Brayden Burries. Nothing against Brown Jr. or Burroughs, it’s just that the Grizzlies are hoping to acquire a franchise cornerstone in a one-year reset, not take a chance on another late-lottery role player.

Grizzlies are sour on jazz notes

Chicago is still looking for respect and has enough talent to consistently win competitive games. That trip to the Windy City on March 16 marks the beginning of the injury-plagued team’s last stretch. Isalo’s shorthanded team will take on the Bulls again on March 28 at FedEx Forum. This game will also be the sixth game in nine days for Memphis. Tired legs led to the defeat at the end of the season, so fans should not be too disappointed about the results.

Memphis will also have to spend Easter Sunday away from family. The Grizzlies will take on the Bucks on April 5 while everyone else will be talking about the Final Four. There will be some hiatus before flying back to Beale Street for one last home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers (April 6). Those last three games, starting on a high in Denver before facing the Jazz and Houston Rockets, will likely sap the last bit of energy from all the players still standing.

There is very little margin for error on the downs, and these four games will ultimately decide how high the Grizzlies can climb when lottery balls come out. In a season defined by heartbreaking defeats, the most important is still to come.

On Saturday, the Vegas Golden Knights (30-22-14) will play the second game of a four-game homestand. After a three-game losing streak, they are back on a winning streak and will look to better their last game. They will host the Chicago Blackhawks (25-29-11) at T-Mobile Arena.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08pm PST.

The Golden Knights played their last match on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. They started strongly, never looked back and registered an impressive 6-2 win.

The Blackhawks last played on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth. Connor Bedard had his 18th multipoint game of the season and scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give his team a 3–2 victory.

Adin Hill will make his fourth consecutive start in goal for the Golden Knights. Hill has a 2-0-1 record and an average save percentage of .855 in three career games against the Blackhawks.

Spencer Knight started in goal for the Blackhawks. In five career games against the Golden Knights, Knight has a 1-3-1 record and an average save percentage of .885.

Golden Nights Lines

Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Mark Stone
Pavel Dorofyev – Tomas Hertel – Mitch Marner
Brett Howden – Colton Sissons – Brayden Bowman
Cole Smith – Nick Dowd – Keegan Kolesar

protect

Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersen
Jeremy Lauzon – Cayden Korczak

Goaltenders: Adin Hill / Akira Schmid

blackhawks lines

Ryan Greene – Connor Bedard – Andre Burakovsky
Tyler Bertuzzi – Frank Nazar – Teuvo Teravainen
Andrew Mangiapane – Ryan Donato – Ilya Mikheyev
Nick Lardis – Sam Lafferty – Landon Slaggart

protect

Alex Vlasik – Louis Crevier
Wyatt Kaiser – Sam Rinzel
Matt Grzelcyk – Artem Levshunov

Goaltender: Spencer Knight / Arvid Söderblom

special teams

VGK Power Play: 25.1%, T4th
VGK Penalty Kill: 81.9%, 7th

Blackhawks power play: 19.8%, 21st
Blackhawks Penalty Kill: 85.6%, 1st

golden knights game notes

The Golden Knights have advanced Chicago past regulation in both meetings this season and have a 1–0–1 record in those contests. Their all-time record against the Blackhawks is 16–3–4.

Jack Eichel is on a four-game point streak (3-2-5).

Eichel leads the Golden Knights in scoring with 24 goals and 74 points in 58 games this season. He has five goals and 16 points in 21 career games against the Blackhawks.

Connor Bedard leads the Blackhawks with 27 goals and 62 points in 52 games this season. He has three goals and six points in seven career games against the Golden Knights.

Milestone alert! Colton Sissons opened the scoring with his 100th career NHL goal on Thursday.

Jack Eichel will skate in his 300th game as a Golden Knight tonight.

The Golden Knights have a 15–10–7 record at Fortress this season; The Blackhawks are 12-14-6 on the road.

how to see

TV: Vegas 34
Streaming: Nighttime+
Radio: Fox Sports Las Vegas 94.7/1340

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

The New Jersey Devils (32-31-2) welcome the Los Angeles Kings (26-23-15) to the Prudential Center on Saturday night, following a loss to the Calgary Flames on Thursday.

New Jersey dropped two points to the Calgary Flames in disappointing fashion on Thursday.

They look to get back on track against the Kings who defeated the New York Islanders on Friday night.

Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup.

What to know vs Kings

– The Devils defeated the Kings 4–1 in November, as Dawson Mercer had two goals (1 SHG) and Nico Hischier had a goal.

-Jacob Markstrom recorded 43 saves on 44 shots in the win.

-Tonight’s tilt marks the first time the Devils will face the Kings with newly acquired forward Artemi Panarin.

2025-26 vs kings

NOVEMBER 1 LAK/9:00 PMET 4-1, W

March 14 Prudential Center/7:00pm TBD

devil vs king

All-time record: 43-58-11-4

All-time home record: 26-27-5-0

All-time road record: 17-31-6-4

Projected Devils Lineup*Forward

Timo Meyer – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer

Jasper Bratt – Jack Hughes – Connor Brown

Arseny Gritsyuk – Cody Glass – Lenny Haminaho

Paul Couture – Nick Bjugstad – Maxim Tsyplyakov

defenseman

Jonas Seigenthaler – Dougie Hamilton

Luke Hughes – Jonathan Kovacevic

Brendan Dillon – Simon Nemec

goaltender

jake allen

jacob markstrom

*Lineup is subject to change

Current Injuries: Jack McEwen (upper body, out for the season)

2025-26 Total man-games lost: 280

Projected Kings Lineup*

Ahead

Artemi Panarin – Anze Kopitar – Adrian Kempe

Trevor Moore – Quinton Byfield – Alex Laferriere

Alex Turcotte – Scott Lawton – Jared Wright

Jeff Malott – Samuel Helenius – Taylor Ward

defenseman

Mickey Anderson – Drew Doughty

Joel Edmondson – Brandt Clark

Brian Dumoulin – Cody Ceci

goaltender

anton forsberg

Darcy Kuemper

*Lineup is subject to change

How to watch the Devils game – 7:00 pm ET

Watch: msgsn

radio: devils hockey net

next up

Saturday, March 14 vs LAK 7:00 PM
Mon. March 16 vs BOS 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 18, NYR at 7:00 PMET
Friday, March 20th WSH at 7:00 PMET
Tuesday, March 24 at Dallas 8:00 PM

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

The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. For Donovan Mitchell, he was looking maintain his week of excellence.

Mitchell did the same in the second quarter. With 8:50 left, the Cavaliers led the Mavericks 42–33. Cooper Flagg attempted to pass the ball at the top of the key. However, Mitchell was there for the interception.

As he moved towards the other end, Mitchell used to perfection His trademark windmill trick Against the flag for a layup, according to ClutchPoints.

Donovan Mitchell assembles his signature windmill atop the Cooper Flag 😮‍💨🔥pic.twitter.com/aW3bBKzN6l

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 14 March 2026

Mitchell has played 58 matches so far. Additionally, he averages 28.3 points and 5.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are 40-26, in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings, and have dropped their last ten games.

Additionally, Flagg is returning after missing eight straight games with a foot injury. Still, the flag remains Odds-on favorites for NBA Rookie of the Year.

Meanwhile, Michelle recently Missed four games due to back injury. Mitchell is with the Cavaliers through 2022. He is currently playing his fourth season in Cleveland.

From 2023 to 2026, Mitchell was selected to the NBA All-Star team as a member of the Cavaliers. In July 2024, Michelle Signed a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension With Cleveland.

On Sunday, the Cavaliers will face the Mavericks again at home. Next, they play on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. On Thursday, the Cavaliers travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls.

They will then finish the week against the New Orleans Pelicans.

On Thursday, the Vegas Golden Knights (29-22-14) begin a four-game homestand. They have lost six of their last seven games and are trying to right the ship and regain control of the Pacific Division. They will host the Pittsburgh Penguins (32-17-15) at T-Mobile Arena.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08pm PST.

The Golden Knights played their last match on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. Despite a strong start, they struggled to maintain offensive pressure and lost 2–1.

The Penguins played their last game on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. They made a strong comeback with two goals in the third period, but lost 5–4 in the shootout.

Adin Hill started in goal for the Golden Knights. Hill has a 1-2-2 record and an average save percentage of .909 in five career games against the Penguins.

Arturs Silovs started in goal for the Penguins. Sillove’s record is 2-0-0 and his average save percentage in two career games against the Golden Knights is .933.

Mark Stone, who has missed the last six games due to an upper body injury, participated in the line rush at Thursday’s morning skate. However, he did so in a red non-contact jersey.

Golden Nights Lines

Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Mark Stone*
Pavel Dorofyev – Tomas Hertel – Mitch Marner
Brett Howden – Colton Sissons – Brayden Bowman
Cole Smith – Nick Dowd – Keegan Kolesar

*Red non-contact jersey

protect

Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersen
Jeremy Lauzon – Cayden Korczak

Goaltender: Adin Hill/Akira Schmidt

penguin lines

Igor Chinakhov – Ricard Raquel – Brian Rust
Anthony Mantha – Tommy Novak – Ville Koivunen
Elmer Soderblom – Ben Kindel – Avery Hayes
Connor Dewar – Blake Lizette – Noel Acciari

protect

Parker Wotherspoon- Eric Carlson
Ryan Shea – Kris Letang
Ilya Solovyov – Connor Clifton

Goaltender: Arthur Shilov / Stuart Skinner

special teams

VGK power play: 25.4%, 3rd
VGK Penalty Kill: 81.5%, 7th

Penguins power play: 25.1%, T5th
Penguins penalty kill: 84.3%, second

golden knights game notes

The Golden Knights lost their first game this season to the Penguins, and their performance was quite miserable. His all-time score against the Penguins is 6-8-1.

Jack Eichel is on a three-game point streak (2-1-3).

Eichel leads the Golden Knights in scoring with 23 goals and 72 points in 57 games this season. He has nine goals and 17 points in 20 career games against the Penguins.

We’re on Milestone Watch! Colton Sissons is one goal away from 100 in his career.

The Golden Knights have a 14–10–7 record at Fortress this season; The Penguins are 16-8-7 on the road.

how to see

TV: Vegas 34
Streaming: Nighttime+
Radio: Fox Sports Las Vegas 94.7/1340

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

Sacramento Kings vet DeMar DeRozan isn’t one of the greatest bucket-getters of his generation. He is one of the best players ever and the statistics speak for themselves.

On Wednesday night, DeRozan once again moved up one spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, passing former San Antonio Spurs superstar big man Tim Duncan for 18th. DeRozan entered Wednesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento with the league leading 26,466 career points, 30 points behind Duncan.

Six-time NBA All-Star DeRozan scored 39 points against the Hornets and surpassed Duncan in scoring by dropping 39 points on the Hornets.

DeRozan got by Duncan with a jumper with less than three minutes remaining in the third period.

And it is on this basket that…

DeMar DeRozan has passed Tim Duncan in the all-time leading scorer rankings!!!

26’497…and counting!

18th best scorer in historypic.twitter.com/dmmzAkgOGw

– 50 Nuances 🇺🇸🏀 (@50NuancesDeNBA) 12 March 2026

The 36-year-old DeRozan did most of the damage, where he always does. He made 17 of 22 shots from the field, and all but one of those attempts came from behind the arc. DeRozan also hit all five of his free throws.

Unfortunately for DeRozan, his big scoring night was ruined in a 117–109 loss. He couldn’t beat Charlotte alone, four Hornets scored at least 20 points, led by LaMelo Ball, who had 24. While the Kings shot just 8-for-25 from deep, the Hornets drained 19 3-pointers on 40 attempts.

The loss put Sacramento back in the loss column after enjoying a two-game winning streak.

At 16-51, the Kings don’t have to plan for the NBA Playoffs, but that won’t stop DeRozan from going to work and scoring points, as he has done throughout his career.

DeRozan and the Kings next match up this Saturday in Inglewood against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Many people probably didn’t wake up today thinking, “This is the day Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scores 83 points.”

On a random Tuesday, Adebayo recorded the second-highest scoring game in NBA history after dropping 83 points in a 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards at Kassite Center. He surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81 points and is only behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points.

Adebayo tied Bryant’s record with a free throw with 1:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.

81‼️

Bam Adebayo tied Kobe Bryant for the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history 🔥pic.twitter.com/jQ5t7vf5i8

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026

A few possessions later, he was fouled again. He broke Bryant’s record with two more charity hits, much to the delight of the crowd, who witnessed an unexpected event. iconic game.

Bam Adebayo scored his 82nd and 83rd points to surpass Kobe Bryant’s mark of 81 inside Kasia Center.

He is now the second highest scoring game in NBA history!

A moment Miami Heat fans will remember for a long time

(via @ZachWeinberger) pic.twitter.com/lRP5vohjoi

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026

Somewhere, Bryant is already preparing to get back at Adebayo.

It was fitting that Adebayo took over and broke Bryant’s record from the line as the five-time champion also tallied 81 points from the stripe.

Adebayo shot 20 of 43 from the field and 36 of 43 from the line. He also had nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.

Adebayo isn’t exactly known as a high-volume scorer, so it was quite surprising that it was him who broke Bryant’s once-seemingly impossible feat. The three-time All-Star already had 70 points with seven minutes still left in the final period, and the excitement inside the venue grew with every Heat possession.

It’s not every day you get the chance to surpass an absolute legend, so Adebayo took it – and rightfully so. Because Bryant would be the first person to tell him that he should never miss an opportunity to do something great.