It’s very clearly checks over stripes for Kevin Durant.
The NBA superstar — a longtime Nike athlete — railed against Adidas during a conversation with an influencer at an All-Star week party in Los Angeles earlier this month, and his rant against the shoe giant was captured on video.
The Rockets forward’s teardown of the massive apparel company began when his pal, content creator Kpreme, told him he was going to leave the event the two were at to head to an Adidas bash.
Durant questioned why he would go to that, asking, “Do you wear Adidas?”
Rockets forward Kevin Durant has a lifetime deal with Nike. NBAE via Getty Images
When Kpreme responded no, Durant said, “Exactly.”
“Who the f—k wears Adidas?” the future Hall of Famer said. “Nah. Real s—t. If you’re not hooping, who wears Adidas?”
Durant went on to ask further, “So why you going to a f—king Adidas party?”
Kevin Durant told Kpreme at an NBA All-Star week party, “F—k Adidas.” Instagram/@kpreme
The shade didn’t stop there. Several minutes later, after Kpreme asked Durant if he could get him some of his shoes, Durant continued to go in on Adidas.
“F—k no,” Durant said. “You’re going to an Adidas party. F—k Adidas.”
Durant first signed a contract with Nike when he was a rookie with the Supersonics in 2007. In 2023 — following over a decade of signature shoe releases — he agreed to a lifetime deal with the Swoosh that’s apparently come with a side of vitriol for its biggest competitors.
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The Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 8-7 on Tuesday afternoon.
Here are the key takeaways...
-- The Yankees were in business right away thanks to a Trent Grisham single and an Aaron Judge walk to lead off the first inning. Cody Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm Jr. then notched back-to-back base hits to give the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead.
-- Bellinger, fresh off signing a new multi-year deal to remain in the Bronx, has looked very comfortable at the dish in the early part of spring. With two hits on Tuesday, he now has a 1.334 OPS.
-- Paul Goldschmidt extended the Yanks' lead in the third inning with a towering two-run blast off of Tyler Rogers. Goldschmidt’s homer caromed high off the batter’s eye in center, traveling an estimated 415 feet with a 108.5 mph exit velocity.
Goldschmidt delivered again in the fifth, roping an RBI double into the corner in left. Again, it's early, but Goldschmidt has posted a 1.333 OPS during the spring.
--Righty Will Warren, who could feature prominently in the Yankees' starting rotation as Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon get up to speed, had a solid showing on the mound. Warren went 2.2 innings, allowing one earned run on four hits. He struck out four, did not walk a batter, and threw 36 of his 49 pitches for strikes.
-- It was a good day for the Yankees regulars overall, as Grisham, Judge, Bellinger, Chisholm, and Goldschmidt all made their way into the hit column. The only typical starter without a hit was Austin Wells, who went 0-for3 and remains hitless this spring.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 04: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against Oso Ighodaro #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at the TD Garden on April 04, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (33-25) vs. Boston Celtics (37-19)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Suns+
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Tonight presents a demanding challenge for the Phoenix Suns yet again after an ugly loss to Portland on Sunday night. They’ll need to have a short memory after scoring just 77 points on Sunday night.
The Suns welcome a Boston team that has looked every bit like a contender, carrying a 37-19 record and a three-game win streak into the Mortgage Matchup Center. The Celtics sit near the top of the Eastern Conference for a reason, bringing depth, structure, and defensive discipline every night despite being down Jayson Tatum.
Phoenix enters at 33-25, clinging onto the seventh spot in the West, but the circumstances make this one steeper than usual. Injuries have thinned the rotation, forcing younger players and reserves into expanded roles against one of the league’s most complete rosters. Will we see more of the rookies? We might have to.
The Suns have managed to stay competitive through stretches like this before. Doing it against Boston will require poise, execution, and collective effort across the board, which has been their mantra all season long.
This is a game they are “supposed” to lose. We’ll see if Jordan Ott and company can deliver another surprise this season.
Probable Starters
Suns
Mark Williams
Ryan Dunn
Royce O’Neale
Jalen Green
Collin Gillespie
Celtics
Neemius Queta
Sam Hauser
Derrick White
Baylor Scheierman
Payton Pritchard
Injury Report
Suns injury report vs. Celtics:
QUESTIONABLE: Grayson Allen (right knee/right ankle injury management).
OUT: Devin Booker (right hip strain), Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture), Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain), Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management), Cole Anthony…
Boston has one of the best defensive units in the NBA this season. They disrupt passing lanes, force turnovers, and make you uncomfortable, similar to Phoenix’s style. The Celtics traveled to the Bay Area and Los Angeles on consecutive games and defeated them with ease. Phoenix needs to bring a different energy to the game tonight to have a chance and eliminate the West Coast momentum they’ll carry in.
This Suns team ranks among the league’s best in offensive rebounding (13.1 per game), with Mark Williams particularly active crashing the glass. That extra possession could be crucial against a Boston squad that loves to clear defensive rebounds and push in transition. If Phoenix can secure extra chances and keep the ball alive, they stay in these tight moments.
PORTLAND, OR – FEBRUARY 3: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns grabs the rebound during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 3, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Without Booker, Brooks, and possibly Allen, Phoenix needs shots from unlikely places. Collin Gillespie has been a quiet but steady source of scoring lately, and role players like Royce O’Neale, Ryan Dunn, and others must help keep Boston honest on the perimeter. The Suns have shown the ability to knock down threes at a strong rate this season, but consistency from role players will be huge tonight. Could tonight be the Amir Coffey game?
Boston is not just guards and wings. They pound the glass and play physical basketball. Phoenix’s interior defense needs to rotate smartly, communicate, and limit second-chance points. Williams and the Suns’ frontline must make it hard for Boston in the paint if this game is going to feel competitive down the stretch. Even without Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are built for that “next man up” style of play with players who fit their system flawlessly.
Slowing Payton Pritchard down will be a key for Phoenix, and this is a game they are going to miss Jordan Goodwin in desperately.
Key to a Suns Win
Score points. Please? Someone? Anyone? The Suns are going to need “the others” to step up in a big way tonight.
Compete every possession. Boston is disciplined and rarely lets up. Phoenix needs to mirror that effort level from tipoff through the final buzzer.
Clean decision-making. Turnovers against a team like Boston are costly. The Suns must protect the ball and maximize every possession.
Exploit mismatches. With Boston potentially short on wings, ball movement and pin-down actions can create easy looks if Phoenix executes.
Finish at the rim. Boston’s length is a deterrent, but attacking closeouts and finishing strong is what allows a young Phoenix squad to stay within striking distance.
Prediction Time
If Phoenix can stay connected on both ends of the floor, who knows? This could be one of those nights where the Suns shock a contender and remind the league they belong in every conversation. I’m not counting on that, but would love to be wrong. I think Boston overwhelms them from start to finish.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 06: Bryce Montes de Oca #63 of the New York Mets gets a new ball after throwing a wild pitch, allowing a run to score in the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 6, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have stressed all offseason that the battle for spots in the Nationals bullpen is wide open. That means we could have some surprise contenders pitch their way on to the roster. One player who made a strong first impression is Bryce Montes De Oca, who struck out the side in his first outing of the spring.
The 29 year old Montes De Oca has been a favorite of analytics types for years now due to his nasty stuff. He has a fastball that can run into the triple digits, a wipeout slider, a tight low to mid 90’s cutter and a changeup. The raw stuff is good enough to be a high leverage arm. However, he has run into health and control questions.
Montes De Oca missed all of last season due to Tommy John, and has only thrown 10 innings since 2022. However, he looked good as new in his first spring outing. He was leaning on a nasty mid-80’s slider which accounted for all his strikeouts. The 6’7 righty also showed off his cutter, sinker and changeup. That one sinker he threw was 98 MPH.
I've been following Bryce Montes de Oca since his electric ST a few years ago, but he's battled injuries since then. Back on the mound at long last, now with the Nationals, and what looks like a revamped arsenal, with much more SSW mvmt than before. Power supinator profile. pic.twitter.com/aa9JKMtBEF
This offseason Paul Toboni decided not to spend money on bullpen arms. Instead of paying guys like Lucas Sims and Colin Poche, Toboni looked for diamonds in the rough. Montes De Oca was one of the pitchers he signed to a minor league deal. He is a long shot to make the team out of camp due to his lack of work over the past few years.
However, if he continues to look like he did in his first outing, it could be time to have a conversation. It is not like the Nats bullpen is full of proven commodities that are locks to make the team. Sure, it has only been one appearance, but Montes De Oca looked much sharper than Andre Granillo, who had a much better chance of making the team entering camp.
Even before the Nats signed him to a minor league deal, there were people who saw something in Montes De Oca. His stuff just exploded off the page when you look at the data. In 2022, he averaged 100 with a 95 MPH cutter and a slider with crazy movement. Even if the stuff is a bit watered down after multiple Tommy John’s, what he showed the other night was still nasty.
Now a Free Agent, Bryce Montes de Oca is worth an MiLB deal.
Montes de Oca, 29, has some of the best stuff in the game and 3 MiLB Option Years.
Although his walks and injuries have been persistent, the upper-echelon stuff makes him tantalizing for teams: pic.twitter.com/FmvP07shuP
Signing stuff monsters like this to minor league deals is a great process. If they fail to throw strikes or don’t look as sharp due to injuries, you can still just send them to the minors. However, arms like Montes De Oca do not grow on trees. He is unique, and unique is good in the pitching world.
Some of the pitches he was throwing before the injuries hit were downright ridiculous. There is one 101 MPH sinker that just moves across the plate that is totally nuts. It is one of the craziest pitches I have ever seen.
So Bryce Montes de Oca can throw 102 with elite extension and movement like this
Sure, Montes De Oca has 7.55 walks per 9 in his MILB career, but the stuff is filthy. He also has 13.31 K/9 in his career as well. It is a fun gamble to take for a rebuilding team. An example of this approach working out well, at least in a small sample is Clayton Beeter.
Beeter does not have the injury history of a Montes De Oca, but he also has issues finding the zone at times. However, he still posted a 2.49 ERA in 24 outings due to his swing and miss stuff. There were times where he just didn’t have it, and was not able to find the zone. On the flip side, there were other outings where Beeter just overwhelmed hitters.
Bryce Montes De Oca is cut from the same cloth. When he is hitting his spots, he is absolutely untouchable. You are just going to have to have another reliever ready to warm up in a pinch because there will be nights where he does not have it. Even with his dominant outing the other night, Montes De Oca is still unlikely to break camp with the team. However, he will be a factor if his stuff looks this crisp.
Who knows, maybe all the arm issues have forced him to clean up his mechanics and he throws more strikes. It is a long shot, but we can dream. Bryce Montes De Oca’s dominant outing the other night caught my eye and it should make you guys pay attention too. Maybe just maybe Paul Toboni found a diamond in the rough.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game on October 30, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors begin their road back-to-back with Tuesday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT in New Orleans and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak on Sunday with a win over the Denver Nuggets, 128-117. Playing without Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis — and with Draymond Green ruled out as a late scratch — Golden State had just nine available players against a strong Denver team led by three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic.
But despite being shorthanded, the Dubs competed hard for all 48 minutes, leaning on physical defense and a collective effort on offense to grind out the win. It was a classic “Strength in Numbers” performance, but perhaps the biggest contribution came from Brandin Podziemski. The third-year guard delivered a huge fourth quarter where he shot 6-of-6 from the field and scored 15 of his 18 points to help seal the victory.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Brandin Podziemski was “phenomenal” and noted Golden State game planned to wear Denver — playing its third game in four days — out down the stretch.
“We were rested and they were not. But we’ll take it.”
Golden State is expected to remain undermanned for Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. Curry remains out with a knee injury, while Porzingis did not travel with the team. Al Horford is also expected to be held out for load management on the second night of a back-to-back.
Warriors are 1.5-point favorites tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Curry (runner’s knee) out with Kristaps Porzingis (illness) Al Horford (left toe management) and Seth Curry (sciatica) for Golden State. Draymond Green probable.
Fortunately, tonight’s matchup against the Pelicans should be in the Warriors’ favor. New Orleans sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a record of 16–42 and has struggled on both ends of the floor, ranking sixth-worst in offensive rating (112.5) and fourth-worst in defensive rating (118.1). Not to mention, their most recent starting lineup featured four players who are shooting below 30 percent from the three-point line this season.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Tuesday, February 24.
Knicks vs Cavaliers computer picks for February 24
Knicks
Cavaliers
Towns u19.5 points -112
Mitchell u27.5 points -112
Hart o4.5 assists -155
Harden o2.5 3-pointers +135
Brunson o2.5 3-pointers -112
Allen o8.5 rebounds -112
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Knicks computer picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 19.5 points (-112)
Projection: 18.9 points
Compared to last year's 23.8 mark, Karl-Anthony Towns' points per game have dipped to 19.6.
The New York Knicks have played at the fifth-lowest up-tempo pace in the league over the last 15 games.
Whereas the Cleveland Cavaliers have played at the 10th-lowest up-tempo pace in the NBA over the last five games, which ought to reduce possessions for the Knicks.
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Josh Hart Over 4.5 assists (-155)
Projection: 4.6 assists
Josh Hart has a strong path to clearing 4.5 assists because he’s not just a wing who spots up. He pushes the ball in transition, initiates sets in the halfcourt, and thrives as a connector who keeps the offense flowing. When the ball swings, he’s often the guy making the extra pass that leads directly to a bucket.
Another big factor working in his favor is New York’s dominance on the offensive glass. The Knicks are the NBA's fourth-ranked offensive rebounding team, which creates second-chance possessions and extended plays.
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Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 3-pointers (-112)
Projection: 2.7 3-pointers
This game against the Cavaliers sets up nicely for threes since opposing starting point guards have attempted the second-highest rate of triples in the NBA this season (41.4%) against them.
That kind of defensive tendency gives an elite guard like Jalen Brunson plenty of room to capitalize.
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Cavaliers computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Under 27.5 points (-112)
Projection: 26.5 points
Donovan Mitchell has hit the Under 27.5 points in six of his last 10 games, and the trend makes sense when you look at how he’s been used and the defensive matchups he’s faced.
Over this stretch, Mitchell has seen more balanced scoring roles, with teammates stepping up offensively and defenses collapsing on him in key spots, limiting his efficiency and high-volume scoring opportunities.
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James Harden Over 2.5 3-pointers (+135)
Projection: 2.6 3-pointers
James Harden has been scorching from deep lately, hitting the Over 2.5 made 3-pointers in six of his last 10 games.
Tonight, the conditions are ideal for Harden to keep that hot streak alive.
The Knicks have struggled to contain elite perimeter scorers this season, often leaving shooters open in catch-and-shoot situations and giving up extra possessions through their defensive schemes.
Combine that with Harden’s ability to create his own shot or pull defenders out of the paint, and he has multiple paths to knock down three or more from beyond the arc.
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Jarrett Allen Over 8.5 rebounds (-112)
Projection: 9.2 rebounds
Jarrett Allen has been a rebounding machine, hitting the Over 8.5 rebounds in nine of his last 10 games.
He’s consistently active on both ends of the floor, using his size, timing, and positioning to snatch boards over smaller or slower opponents. Allen’s ability to read the ball off the rim and box out effectively gives him multiple chances to control the glass, and his motor ensures he’s always around the action.
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How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers tonight
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after their 11-5 win over the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on September 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves took on the Detroit Tigers today in North Port, FL. With it being a home game for the Braves we saw mostly starters in the lineup and the debut Reynaldo López after his long injury absence.
The game started off strong for the Braves both offensively and on the pitching side of things. It is important to note that the Tigers only had approximately three to four starting caliber players in their lineup, but López looked solid in his two innings of work.
López only saw eight batters. He was not perfect, but he got the job done. He surrendered a single in the first inning to Kevin McGonigle and in the second inning he walked Zach McKinstry in the second, but he also secured two strikeouts along the way. One thing to keep an eye on is that while he was pitching two stolen bases happened. Grant Holmes came in to take over and also pitched two innings. He saw the minimum number of batters with six. He did give up a walk, but the damage was mitigated by inducing a double play.
Joey Wentz came in to pitch the fifth and it did not start well. He walked the first two hitter and gave up a single right after that. Luckily for Wentz he got bailed out with an outfield assist on that single, but a run scored. Wentz then settled down for the most part for the rest of his two-inning outing. He ultimately had three strikeouts, one HBP, two walks, one single, and one ER.
Owen Murphy broke the trend of two-inning outings for Braves pitchers today and finished up the game for his third inning of work by pitching ninth. He held his own with one hit and four strikeouts. His only blemish was giving up a bases empty double. He also had an ABS win as a pitch was overturned for a strikeout.
The bats for the Braves started the game hot. They scored three runs in the first inning thanks to a single from Olson, Riley reaching on an error, Albies hitting a double to score two, and then Yastrzemski continuing his hot spring with a double of his own. It should also be noted that Acuña walked, but when he tried to steal third, he was thrown out. This could be a good sign that Acuña is being aggressive on the base paths after taking a step back the past few seasons due to injuries.
The offense was relatively quiet until the fifth, but new Braves addition Mauricio Dubón reached on a single and ultimately score when Matt Olson hit a two-run bomb to make the score 5-1 at that time.
After the fifth the Braves brought in most of their subs. Prized SS prospect John Gil did come in game as well, but he pinch hit for Profar in the seventh and walked and eventually scored. The subs did not slow down with the bats at all, ultimately scoring three runs after the fifth inning to total eight total runs for the Braves today.
The Braves will take on the Pirates tomorrow at the same time and same place where the Pirates will send their ace Paul Skenes against the Braves’ Bryce Elder who is fighting for a rotation spot.
Los Angeles, CA - February 22: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers react against the Boston Celtics in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
While everyone constantly argues about officiating and calls in basketball, the goaltending rule feels pretty clear. A defender can not touch the ball on its descent or interfere with the rim.
So, in the third quarter of the Lakers-Celtics matchup, when Neemias Queta stuck his entire hand through the basket on a Deandre Ayton shot attempt and there was no goaltend called, it seemed like an error by the officials.
On the NBC broadcast, the announcers said live that it was missed and, upon reviewing the replay, doubled down on that take.
Head coach JJ Redick was so irate by this call that he earned a technical foul because of it. After the loss, he expressed shock that a defender had been able to touch the net like that and said he would follow up through the appropriate channels to get clarification.
“Queta stuck his entire hand through the rim,” Redick on Sunday. “Not just grab the net. He stuck it through the cylinder. That’s typically a goaltend. Not tonight, obviously. They recognized that he did that and said that’s not a goaltend. I’ll get some clarification on the rule on that because, honestly, that’s a great way to defend floaters.”
Well, Redick did just that, and at Lakers practice on Monday, he said that Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s SVP of ref development, told him that the call was right.
JJ Redick spoke with Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s SVP of ref development, Monday to discuss the Lakers-Celtics game. He remains perplexed why Neemias Queta was not called for goaltending for sticking his hand through the rim. “If I was Wemby I would literally [do it] every time” pic.twitter.com/L5HmhhUBWp
A player can actually put their hand through the rim, and that’s not interference?
According to the NBA’s official rulebook, it wasn’t interference since it didn’t disrupt the ball. The closest the official statements come to discussing this scenario is Section H of Rule No. 111.
h. Vibrate the rim, net or backboard so as to cause the ball to make an unnatural bounce, or bend or move the rim to an off-center position when the ball is touching the ring or passing through.
I guess since Neemias didn’t cause the ball to make an “unnatural bounce,” it’s not a goaltend, but I’m not so sure he can be absolved so easily. How can we be sure that his putting his hand through the rim and the nets being moved so much didn’t move the rim at all?
After all, the ball was on the rim and bounced off while the net was moving due to Neemias’ interference. It was a dicey play to say the least and a very confusing call for the NBA to make this way.
Given how the NBA tends to review things like tanking and cap circumvention, perhaps it should be expected that their answers will only raise more questions for the rest of us.
While this call felt egregious, there were plenty of other decisions by the refs that were perplexing on Monday.
Austin Reaves still doesn’t understand why he got a technical foul called on him during the game and there was a lot of physicality allowed in the contest, but consistency on what was a foul remained a mystery.
The Montreal Canadiens play their first game following the Olympic break on Feb. 26 against the New York Islanders. The Habs are undoubtedly in a good spot at this point of the season, as they have a 32-17-8 record and are second in the Atlantic Division standings with 72 points.
There are several reasons why the Canadiens are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season, and forward Oliver Kapanen is undoubtedly one of them. After posting two assists in his first 18 career NHL games last season, Kapanen has broken out in a big way this campaign for the Canadiens and has cemented himself as a key part of their forward group in the process.
In 57 games so far this season with the Canadiens, Kapanen has recorded 18 goals, 13 assists, 31 points, and a plus-5 rating. Kapanen is currently tied with Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke for the most goals among all NHL rookies. He is also fourth in points out of all NHL rookies, so he has undoubtedly been one of the top rookies in the NHL this season.
With all of this, there is no question that Kapanen has been having an impressive breakout year for the Canadiens. The young forward should only get better as he continues to gain experience, and it will be fascinating to see how he finishes off the season from here.
PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks had surgery Monday to repair a fractured left hand and will miss at least the next four-to-six weeks before being re-evaluated, the team said Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Brooks was hurt during Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. He's averaging a career-high 20.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
The Suns have been one of the NBA's surprise teams this year with a 33-25 record, but have suffered a recent rash of injuries. The team's top three leading scorers — All-Star guard Devin Booker (strained hip), Brooks and Grayson Allen (knee/ankle) — were sidelined for a 92-77 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Also on Tuesday, the Suns said reserve guard Jordan Goodwin is out for a least one-to-two weeks with a left calf strain. Goodwin is averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
American rapper arrives to see draw against Preston
Ipswich close on second after Middlesbrough drop points
The Swansea City co-owner Snoop Dogg was greeted with twirling towels and a guard of honour on his first visit to the Welsh club. The American rapper, who is a minority owner of the Championship club alongside the television host Martha Stewart and Croatia international Luka Modric, made his first appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium for Tuesday’s clash with Preston.
Snoop Dogg joined the Swansea ownership group last July and made his way to south-west Wales after being at the Winter Olympics, where he served as Team USA’s honorary coach as well as a special correspondent for broadcaster NBC.
When NHL play resumes on Wednesday, the Seattle Kraken will be back in the thick of a playoff push.
This is only the second time in the franchise’s history that the Kraken are in the playoff race. Their first time witnessing them make the playoffs and win a round in 2023, their second season of existence.
While there are players on the team without any playoff experience and who weren’t with the team during their first and only run, everyone in the Kraken locker room is excited about the opportunity and are ready to embrace the challenges of a playoff push.
“It’s been great. We look good out there,” said Matty Beniers. “We’ve been getting to work, getting back into it, and we’re getting ready to make a playoff push.”
Beniers has taken another important step in his development this year. He’s maintained his defensive fortitude while regaining his offensive potency. Additionally, he’s taking steps as a leader, both by example and vocally. He’s blossomed into the team’s No.1 center.
If the Kraken have hopes of maintaining their spot in the playoff race and making noise in the playoffs, they’ll need Beniers to continue to level up his game.
In addition to individual performances, the Kraken need a full team effort. The Kraken play a structured game under coach Lane Lambert that demands close attention to detail. With just 26 games remaining, the Kraken could ill afford to go on extended losing streaks like they have had at points during the 2025-26 campaign. They need consistent performances and limited lulls.
Lane Lambert (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
That starts with a strong return on Wednesday when they take on the Dallas Stars.
“I think the guys have been dialed in, for me,” said Lambert. “They come to work. I think they’ve done a real good job of coming and, when we’re on the ice, being really dialed in. There’s a lot of energy out there.”
The Stars will be without Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz on Wednesday, two of their most important forwards. While the Stars still have Wyatt Johnston, Jason Robertson, and Miro Heiskanen, among other skilled players, this matchup provides the Kraken with an excellent opportunity to start on the right foot.
“I mean, it’s exciting,” veteran winger Jaden Schwartz said. “It’s fun to come to the rink. It’s good to be in this position. We’ve worked hard. We’ve had our ups and downs throughout the year, and now we’re in a good spot like lots of other teams.”
“It’s fun to play in high-pressure situations,” added Vince Dunn. “Every game, if you’re winning, you climb into the playoffs, and if you lose, you kind of slip out. So, just knowing how close it is, it’s a fun time of the year, and there’s no better feeling than being in a playoff fight.”
The Kraken currently sit in third place in the Pacific Division, trailing the Edmonton Oilers by one point for second place and five points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the division lead. They are also tied on points with the Anaheim Ducks and three points up on the Los Angeles Kings.
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Tiley is leaving his post as the head of Tennis Australia and the tournament director of its Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open.
The USTA said in a news release that Tiley will start the new job in the coming months.
He replaces Lew Sherr, who left the USTA last year to join the New York Mets as their president of business operations. Sher had been the USTA's CEO since 2022.
Tiley, who is from South Africa, was the head coach of men's tennis team at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2005, including an NCAA championship and 32-0 record in 2003.
He was the Australian Open's tournament director since 2006 and oversaw its expansion to a 15-day event, breaking attendance and revenue records. Tiley became the CEO of Tennis Australia in 2013.
“Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots. That balance is exactly what this moment requires," said Brian Vahaly, the USTA Board chair and the USTA's interim co-CEO.
Captain Harry Brook scored his first T20I century to take England into the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a nervy two-wicket win against Pakistan in the Super Eights in Kandy.
If Konnor Griffin had any designs on quietly making the Pittsburgh Pirates' opening-day roster, they can be put to rest. Baseball's No. 1 prospect doesn't do much of anything quietly - and that includes his first two Grapefruit League home runs.
Griffin crushed a pair of balls up and over two levels of Monster seats at the Boston Red Sox's JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida, on Feb. 24, staining the exhibition debut of Boston free agent signee Ranger Suarez.
Suarez hung a breaking ball to Griffin in his second inning of work this spring. To his credit, the 19-year-old did not miss it, crushing it an estimated 374 feet down the left field line, a shot that might have gone out of all 30 major league parks.
There was little flukey about it, as Griffin proved in his next plate appearance, pounding an errant sweeper from Red Sox relief hopeful Vinny Nittoli over the portion of the spring Monster in left center field. He apparently broke Statcast on that shot - it finally caught up and measured the drive at 440 feet, 111.2 mph off the bat - but the sound of it told all the story.
At 6-4, 222 pounds, Griffin, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, fits the mold of the modern shortstop with significant power. He still does not turn 20 until April 24.
Will Griffin be the Pirates' starting shortstop by then? A pair of February blasts in Fort Myers won't determine that. But as eye candy goes, it doesn't get much better.
Knicks
Cavaliers
