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Who would be the Yankees’ current NFL comparison?

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots is sacked by Rylie Mills #98 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NFL season was concluded last night with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX in a relative beatdown, as Seattle’s defense throttled Drake Maye’s offensive line and put him on the ground multiple times forcing some ugly turnovers late in the game. A couple of garbage-time drives made the score a little more respectable, but the Seahawks were in control pretty much the whole way through.

In the old format of Today on PSA, we often included a secondary question on NFL events during the long offseason, checking in after each round of the playoffs to see who were the favorites and what you all thought of particularly flashy games. But with football officially giving way to the start of baseball season, I figured it was a good time for a more lighthearted opener to the day and give a nod to the NFL one last time until the World Series passes the baton back to them and discuss the league through a Yankees-centric lens. So, with that in mind, what NFL team would this current Yankees team appear most similar to?

If we were talking long-term, there’s an argument to be made about those Patriots that just struck out in the title game. New England is seen as the Evil Empire of the NFL, the bad guys that lorded over an entire generation of the game, one of the winningest franchises in the sport, all things that lead to a similar background as the Yankees. On top of that, they underwent a changing of the guard with Tom Brady leaving the team and missed out on the playoffs for a few years, before finding their new captain in Maye and making a surprising charge to the Bowl. It wouldn’t be a far stretch to compare that to what the Yankees did in passing the torch from the Core Four days to the Aaron Judge-led Baby Bombers with the 2013-16 teams trudging through the valley before their 2017 team nearly upset the favored Astros.

If we’re keeping that mindset, the San Francisco 49ers may fit the bill even better. The 49ers boast a legacy of winning from decades past with Joe Montana and Steve Young, and their modern era of teams have been highly competitive but not good enough to win it all. Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy aren’t quite as flashy a name as Judge is, but their rosters have been star-studded and picked to go deep often, just to come up short to those pesky Chiefs much like the Dodgers stood in the way of the Yankees in 2024. A rival in their division overtook them in the most recent season — for the 49ers, the Seahawks, for the Yankees the Blue Jays — and went to the title game right after demolishing them in the playoffs. That’s pretty uncanny.

If you wanted to look purely at the short-term though, perhaps a team like the Bengals fits their mold best. They have a dynamic superstar in Joe Burrow who led Cincinnati to one Super Bowl appearance, just to lose and then lose out on future opportunities due to injury. Injuries have cost these Yankees significantly over the years, with staff ace Gerrit Cole sitting out last year when he could have tilted the scales back against the Jays, and the 2023 season ended up being lost in no small part to the Yankees missing Judge for the summer thanks to one unpadded section of Dodger Stadium’s walls. On top of that, the Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor faces an enormous amount of scrutiny for his decision-making, and there’s no denying that Aaron Boone has had his head-scratchers over the years. It’s an element that’s missing in our previous two contenders at the very least, as both Mike Vrabel and Kyle Shanahan respectively are considered two of the best coaches in the league.

Would you say these Yankees mirror the post-dynasty Pats, the legacy-haunted 49ers, or the injury-plagued Bengals? Perhaps a different team completely?

Today on the site, we start off with Estevão considering the fit Anthony Banda could have in the bullpen after he was put on waivers by the Dodgers. Andrew then gives Clete Boyer some shine on his birthday praising his elite defense at the hot corner for the early 1960s Yankees, Andrés previews Jazz Chisholm Jr. ahead of his walk year, and Matt goes back to the signing of fan favorite Masahiro Tanaka as our free agent series’ next feature.

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Can this team actually win the AL Central?

Big day for Buck! (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tom Pohlad wants you to believe the Twins will be able to contend in this division despite not giving the front office the resources to do so. They have a lot of talent and untapped potential, and maybe a new coaching staff can do a better job of helping them reach their ceiling, but they’re also running a payroll below Metrodome levels when adjusting for inflation and league spending.

FanGraphs projects the Twins to go roughly 80-82 with a 16% chance to win the division and 32% chance to make the playoffs. That feels optimistic relative to how 2025 finished, but it’s important to remember that the Twins were missing Pablo Lopez, Byron Buxton, Bailey Ober, Zebby Matthews, David Festa, and Ryan Jeffers for most of that stretch.

The Twins also still managed to take regular leads into the late innings and lost them thanks to Justin Topa and Cole Sands getting overworked and overtaxed. They were the third-worst bullpen in baseball by WPA after the trade deadline, but will naturally see that improved due to sheer bullpen luck and some combination of Connor Prielipp, David Festa, Marco Raya, Mick Abel, and Kendry Rojas giving a boost in pure stuff, if nothing else.

Their main competition will be the Tigers, led by back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and new acquisition Framber Valdez. The Royals made some additions on the margins but are currently slated to start a 22-year-old rookie catcher at DH. The Guardians, meanwhile, are always a threat due to the black magic and satanic sacrifices they make to start each season. Their most recent sacrifice to the baseball devil was three-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who reportedly fixed pitches in 48 (!!) separate games in the past two seasons.

That being said, the Twins’ starting pitching is probably the single best position group in the division. The Tigers are giving them a run for their money, but there are still a lot of question marks and health uncertainty behind their two stars. Minnesota’s rotation goes legitimately 12-deep with MLB-caliber starters. Even if several move to the bullpen, they have the prospects to withstand a slew of injuries at any point in the season.

They’ll need better health luck from players who haven’t had it in the past (Lewis, Keaschall, Wallner) and major steps forward from some young hitters (Lee, Roden, top prospects Jenkins and Rodriguez), but that was essentially the formula that allowed the Tigers to compete last year and the Royals to do so in 2024. The Twins are flawed, but they’re also in unquestionably the worst division in MLB.

Do you believe Tom Pohlad that the Twins can compete right now? Does their have to be a major trade to do so, or would a few marginal upgrades in the bullpen be enough with internal development?

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MLB spring training maps 2026: Where every team has camp in Arizona and Florida

You can't tell the baseball players without a program ... and you can't find spring training camps without a map.

Of course, you probably could do both just fine on your own, but why make things difficult?

The 30 Major League Baseball teams' spring headquarters are split evenly between Florida and Arizona. The 15 clubs in the Grapefruit League are more spread out than those in the Cactus League, making trips between the different parks a bit longer drive, on average.

Still, baseball fans who want to hit the road and watch their favorite teams at spring training have any number of options.

Florida spring training map, Grapefruit League sites

2026 REPORT DATES:When pitchers, catchers and full squads are due in camp

Arizona spring training map, Cactus League sites

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spring training maps: Where MLB teams have camps in Florida, Arizona

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Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla confirms trade deadline won’t disrupt team’s structure

DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on February 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Joe Mazzulla doesn’t intend to change much in the aftermath of this season’s trade deadline.

Even after four trades that resulted in four departures, the Boston Celtics head coach is standing by the approach that has helped them climb as high as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference this season. Nothing will compromise that plan, which Mazzulla has adamantly preached since Opening Night.

He doubled down on that stance following Sunday evening’s 118–89 loss to the New York Knicks while addressing the team’s rotations moving forward.

“The same as we’ve done all year,” Mazzulla told reporters, per CLNS Media.

For the third straight game, Mazzulla stuck with a double-big lineup, giving Neemias Queta and Luka Garza the starting nod against New York. That configuration worked tremendously against the Houston Rockets, after which Mazzulla said it was a scheme the Celtics could turn to at any point for the remainder of the season. Now, with Nikola Vučević added via Boston’s Anfernee Simons trade with the Chicago Bulls, comes the challenge of integrating him while keeping the system intact.

BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 8: Nikola Vucevic #4 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on February 8, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With limited time — less than 48 hours — to work with Vučević at the team’s practice facility in Brighton, the Celtics did what they could to get the 15-year veteran up to speed before his debut Friday night against the Miami Heat. That game marked Vučević’s first opportunity to familiarize himself with Boston’s system and showcase what the Celtics will be getting from the two-time All-Star — an opportunity Mazzulla believes everyone on the roster will earn and will continue to get.

“I think we’re up to 15 or 17 different ones, so nothing’s changed,” Mazzulla told reporters. “Everybody on our roster has a chance to impact winning. We have a chance to develop and do different things there. So whether it’s before or after the trade deadline, nothing changes in our approach. How do we have flexibility? How do we know everyone on the roster has a chance to impact winning? We just keep developing identities and whatnot.”

So far, it’s been a work in progress acclimating Vučević.

Mazzulla has used him off the bench twice to start his Celtics stint, with both games producing unusual team performances at home. The Celtics battled back from a 22-point deficit against Miami but then fell victim to their 3-point struggles, shooting just 17% on 41 attempts and ultimately losing their No. 2 seed to Jalen Brunson and the Knicks.

Welcoming Vučević aboard will be more about integrating him than adapting to his presence. It’s a two-way street: he’ll need to study the Celtics, their schemes, and their habits, and the roster will need to help him learn the playbook and put him in positions to succeed. Two seasons ago, the Celtics faced a similar situation — though under very different circumstances — when Kristaps Porziņģis first joined the team. Like Vučević, Porziņģis arrived as a stretch big capable of shooting the 3-pointer, and shooting it well.

“We gotta figure out the chemistry a little bit, the flow a little bit,” Jaylen Brown admitted to reporters, per CLNS Media. “We want Vooch to be more aggressive. We’re looking for him to get going and make him feel confident in taking those shots and where he can catch the ball. We’re still learning, but we need him to be more aggressive, so we’ll make some adjustments. We’ll communicate. We’ll watch film, and we’ll be better for it.”

This season, more than any other, has been a complete showcase for the Celtics. It’s been a revolving door of opportunity, where unproven players like Queta, Garza, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Hugo González, and others have gotten chances they might not have had before. It’s forced Mazzulla to get creative, demonstrate patience, and, all the while, strike the balance between giving players opportunities and knowing when to pull the plug and look elsewhere for the production the team needs to flourish.

The trade deadline was an opportunity to improve — but to improve in ways that fit their system.

Boston’s two-game sample size isn’t like them. They’ve been one of the most well-oiled machines in the NBA, powered by a retooled offense tailored to a new-look roster without star Jayson Tatum. That’s been the plan from the start. It has completely shifted the perception of the Celtics from a potential tank candidate to a contender, and that approach is expected to remain in place for the rest of the season.

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Fantasy Basketball Schedule: Top Streaming Picks for Two-Week Period

The All-Star break always complicates fantasy basketball strategy, and this season is no different. With Yahoo combining the week before and after the break into one extended scoring period, maximizing games played becomes even more critical. In this article, we'll break down the schedule to help you identify prime streaming days, teams with advantageous five-game slates and clubs with limited action that could clog your roster. We'll also spotlight squads with especially favorable matchups, highlighting where category boosts may be available. Smart roster management over this two-week stretch can be the difference between stealing a win and falling behind.

These are dates to target players for streaming options from the following teams: 

Tuesday, Feb. 10: IND at NYK, LAC at HOU, DAL at PHX, SAS at LAL

Thursday, Feb. 12: MIL at OKC, POR at UTA, DAL at LAL

Make sure to activate players and target weekly pickups from the following teams:

Hawks (5), Nets (5), Hornets (5), Bulls (5), Cavaliers (5), Nuggets (5), Pacers (5), Clippers (5), Lakers (5), Bucks (5), Knicks (5), Thunder (5), Magic (5), 76ers (5), Suns (5), Trail Blazers (5)

Consider looking for streaming options if your roster includes players from these teams:

Raptors (3), Celtics (3)

at Nuggets, vs. Wizards, vs. Nets, at Hornets, at Thunder

The new-look Cavaliers have a great chance to build some momentum through the next couple of weeks. The stretch will begin and end with a couple formidable challenges, which will be perfect chances for the team to calibrate where they stand. First, they take on the Nuggets, who, with Nikola Jokić back in the lineup, will be a tough foe. However, the Nuggets give up the league's fifth-most three-pointers per game to opposing shooting guards, providing a window for Donovan Mitchell to build off the momentum from his last couple of outings.

Moving on, the Cavs clash with the Wizards, who give up the league's second-most points and third-most turnovers per game, followed by a meeting with the Nets, whogive up the league's highest field-goal percentage and seventh-most turnovers per game. Both matchups provide ideal low-resistance opportunities for the squad to test their schemes and work on establishing a new rhythm while integrating James Harden into the offense.

Up next, an encounter with the Hornets, who have been balling lately but also give up the league's seventh-highest 3-point shooting percentage and fifth-most turnovers per game. Harden and Mitchell should once again be able to excel in the matchup, while guys like Dennis Schröder and Sam Merrill could also stand out from long range. Finally, the Cavs wrap the week against the Thunder, who sit first in the West but are just 5-5 in their last 10 games heading into Week 17. This will be a perfect chance for the Cavs to see how they measure up against top-tier competition and another game where Merrill could be an X-Factor, as the Thunder give up the league's second-most 3-pointers per game to opposing small forwards. 

vs. Bulls, vs. Pacers, at Cavaliers, at Thunder, at Hawks 

The Nets begin their week against the Bulls, who give up the league's fifth-most points per game along with the eighth-highest field-goal percentage, including the fourth-highest 3-point shooting percentage.

Up next, they clash with the Pacers, who give up the league's sixth-most points per game along with the fifth-highest field-goal percentage. They also give up the second-most free throws, fourth-most rebounds and second-most points in the paint per game. Both matchups should allow plenty of room for the Nets' rotation players to prosper, as the squad continues to forge ahead with development as their main focus, with guys like Ben Saraf, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell and Danny Wolf in line to see notable playing time.

From there, the Nets will have their work cut out in back-to-back games against the Cavaliers and Thunder.However, they have a good chance to make up some ground from downtown, as the Cavs give up the league's second-highest 3-point shooting percentage, and the Thunder give up the league's fourth-most 3-pointers per game, along with the fifth-highest 3-point shooting percentage, an area where Egor Dёmin has shown that he can excel. The Thunder also give up the league's seventh-most rebounds per game, which leaves room for Nic Claxton and Day'Ron Sharpe to stand out.

Lastly, the Nets close their five-game stretch against the Hawks, whogive up the league's seventh-most points per game, including the third-most points per game to opposing small forwards and the fourth-most points to opposing power forwards. 

at Knicks, at Nets, at Wizards, at Wizards, vs. Mavericks 

The Pacers kick off Week 17 against the Knicks,who enter the week 9-1 in their last 10 games.One of the best chances they will have to put up a competitive fight in the matchup will be to make the most of the opportunities from long range, as the Knicks  give up the league's eighth-most 3-pointers per game, which means the squad's 3-point leaders, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard, will be key factors.

Up next, a much more winnable game in a meeting with the Nets, whogive up the league's highest 3-point shooting percentage and sixth-most points in the paint per game. This matchup suits Jay Huff and Pascal Siakam very well, as both big men have a proven ability to score inside and out.

Moving ahead are back-to-back encounters with the Wizards, who give up the league's fourth-most free throws, most rebounds and fifth-most points in the paint per game, before the Pacers then close their week against the Mavericks, whogive up the league's third-most rebounds and most points in the paint per game. All three matchups once again put the spotlight on the Pacers' frontcourt and will likely be ideal grounds for Jarace Walker to continue to step up with his well-rounded play. 

at Trail Blazers, vs. Knicks, vs. Hawks, at Pelicans, at Timberwolves 

The 76ers begin with a matchup against the Trail Blazers, who give up the league's eighth-most points and most turnovers per game, suggesting VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre are prime candidates to pad their stats on the defensive end. Up next, a tougher challenge against the Knicks, followed by a clash with the Hawks, who give up the league's fifth-most rebounds and seventh-most points in the paint per game, providing a good chance for Dominick Barlow to keep up his strong play.

Moving on, the 76ers meet with the Pelicans, who give up the league's third-most points per game along with the seventh-highest field-goal percentage. They also give up the second-most 3-pointers and sixth-most rebounds per game.

Lastly, an encounter with the Timberwolves, who will certainly pose a significant challenge but should also provide the opportunity for guys to pad their stats from the foul line, as they give up the league's seventh-most free throws per game.

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Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Liverpool rue costly mistakes, Viktor Gyökeres builds up a head of steam and Rayan gets the hype train chugging

Arne Slot was close to landing a coup against Pep Guardiola, the coach he admires most. Then came more of the individual errors that have ruined Liverpool’s title defence. Aching weaknesses within Slot’s squad were exposed again. Dominik Szoboszlai playing Bernardo Silva onside for Manchester City’s equaliser was an error midfielders playing full-back will make. Szoboszlai’s late red card was, though, foolish. Alisson’s foul on Matheus Nunes for Erling Haaland’s decisive penalty was another rush of blood. Liverpool’s huge summer spend was motivated by their executives’ belief in buying the best individuals to unlock the Premier League’s tactical cages. City’s key individuals showed such a policy can pay off, with Silva inspirational, Gianluigi Donnarumma making the save that sparked the game’s chaotic final scenes, Marc Guéhi looking an astute defensive signing and Haaland supplying Silva’s goal. City had been unconvincing but their mentality held, allowing them to eventually profit from Hugo Ekitiké’s misses and the waning of Mohamed Salah. John Brewin

Match report: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City

Match report: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace

Match report: Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland

Match report: Newcastle 2-3 Brentford

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Six Nations on road to perdition unless chastening Celtic wake-up call is heeded | Robert Kitson

Championship risks becoming a two-tier affair as Ireland, Wales and Scotland all lose on the opening weekend

Few competitions in the world have the capacity to turn wine into water quicker than the Six Nations. Only a few days ago players, coaches and fans of Ireland, Scotland and Wales were poring over the championship fixture list with their customary annual relish. Now, after just one round, they are having to deal with the most sobering Celtic wake‑up call for more than a quarter of a century.

Take your pick from the following trio of chastening outcomes. On Thursday night in Paris, as France dazzled in defiance of the damp conditions, Ireland were outclassed in every respect. In Rome, where the second half might as well have been played in the Trevi fountain, a below-par Scotland were flushed away. As for the quality of Wales’s first-half performance in south-west London the less said the better.

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Indiana faces New York, looks to halt 4-game skid

Indiana Pacers (13-40, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (34-19, second in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana looks to end its four-game losing streak with a win against New York.

The Knicks are 23-12 against Eastern Conference opponents. New York ranks second in the Eastern Conference in rebounding with 46.2 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns paces the Knicks with 11.9 boards.

The Pacers have gone 9-26 against Eastern Conference opponents. Indiana allows 118.5 points to opponents and has been outscored by 7.9 points per game.

The Knicks average 117.3 points per game, 1.2 fewer points than the 118.5 the Pacers allow. The Pacers are shooting 44.7% from the field, 1.2% lower than the 45.9% the Knicks' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the second time this season. In the last meeting on Dec. 19 the Knicks won 114-113 led by 25 points from Jalen Brunson, while Andrew Nembhard scored 31 points for the Pacers.

TOP PERFORMERS: Mikal Bridges is scoring 15.7 points per game and averaging 4.1 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 23.6 points and 3.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. Jarace Walker is averaging 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 9-1, averaging 115.0 points, 47.5 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 7.6 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 98.6 points per game.

Pacers: 3-7, averaging 112.2 points, 42.3 rebounds, 29.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.8 points.

INJURIES: Knicks: OG Anunoby: day to day (toe), Miles McBride: out (ankle).

Pacers: Obi Toppin: out (foot), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles), Kobe Brown: out (not injury related ).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Houston hosts Los Angeles after Leonard's 41-point performance

Los Angeles Clippers (25-27, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (32-19, fourth in the Western Conference)

Houston; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits the Houston Rockets after Kawhi Leonard scored 41 points in the Clippers' 115-96 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Rockets are 18-15 against Western Conference opponents. Houston is second in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing only 110.0 points while holding opponents to 45.9% shooting.

The Clippers have gone 15-15 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles has a 15-18 record in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Rockets average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.2 fewer makes per game than the Clippers give up (13.5). The Clippers average 12.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 more makes per game than the Rockets allow.

The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last meeting on Dec. 24 the Clippers won 128-108 led by 41 points from Leonard, while Kevin Durant scored 22 points for the Rockets.

TOP PERFORMERS: Alperen Sengun is averaging 20.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the Rockets. Durant is averaging 23.5 points over the last 10 games.

Leonard is scoring 28.0 points per game with 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Clippers. John Collins is averaging 17.0 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 62.3% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 6-4, averaging 107.7 points, 47.9 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 10.9 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points per game.

Clippers: 6-4, averaging 112.2 points, 42.7 rebounds, 23.9 assists, 7.2 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points.

INJURIES: Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: day to day (wrist), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).

Clippers: Bennedict Mathurin: out (not injury related), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Yanic Konan Niederhauser: day to day (illness), Darius Garland: out (toe), Isaiah Jackson: out (not injury related).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Miami plays Utah in non-conference action

Utah Jazz (16-37, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Miami Heat (28-26, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Heat -8.5; over/under is 244.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Utah Jazz take on the Miami Heat in a non-conference matchup.

The Heat are 16-10 in home games. Miami ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 28.7 assists per game led by Davion Mitchell averaging 7.1.

The Jazz are 6-20 on the road. Utah is 4-7 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Heat average 119.7 points per game, 7.0 fewer points than the 126.7 the Jazz give up. The Jazz are shooting 46.8% from the field, 0.9% higher than the 45.9% the Heat's opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Heat won 147-116 in the last meeting on Jan. 25. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 26 points, and Brice Sensabaugh led the Jazz with 23 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Adebayo is scoring 18.2 points per game with 9.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Heat. Norman Powell is averaging 13.5 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 41.1% over the past 10 games.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is scoring 19.3 points per game and averaging 5.7 rebounds for the Jazz. Sensabaugh is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 5-5, averaging 120.3 points, 51.6 rebounds, 29.1 assists, 10.4 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.3 points per game.

Jazz: 2-8, averaging 114.5 points, 43.0 rebounds, 29.7 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.9 points.

INJURIES: Heat: Norman Powell: day to day (back), Tyler Herro: out (ribs), Pelle Larsson: out (elbow).

Jazz: Keyonte George: out (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Dallas takes on Phoenix on 7-game losing streak

Dallas Mavericks (19-33, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (31-22, seventh in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Tuesday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas aims to stop its seven-game skid with a win against Phoenix.

The Suns are 21-15 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix has a 14-17 record against teams over .500.

The Mavericks are 11-23 against conference opponents. Dallas gives up 117.2 points to opponents and has been outscored by 3.0 points per game.

The Suns are shooting 46.0% from the field this season, 0.5 percentage points lower than the 46.5% the Mavericks allow to opponents. The Mavericks are shooting 47.0% from the field, 0.2% higher than the 46.8% the Suns' opponents have shot this season.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Suns won 123-114 in the last matchup on Nov. 13.

TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is averaging 13.6 points and 4.7 assists for the Suns. Dillon Brooks is averaging 22.1 points over the last 10 games.

P.J. Washington is scoring 14.1 points per game and averaging 7.1 rebounds for the Mavericks. Cooper Flagg is averaging 22.0 points and 6.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 5-5, averaging 109.0 points, 41.9 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 9.9 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.4 points per game.

Mavericks: 3-7, averaging 116.6 points, 46.9 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 7.2 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.3 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Isaiah Livers: day to day (shoulder), Cole Anthony: day to day (not injury related), Grayson Allen: day to day (knee).

Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Khris Middleton: day to day (not injury related), Kyrie Irving: out (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Jordan Clarkson fires vulgar missive at fan as Knicks frustration grows

Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks holds the basketball during a free throw.
Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards.

BOSTON — Knicks veteran Jordan Clarkson went profane at a fan on Twitter and reminded another about his lack of minutes.

“Get my d–k out ya mouth pls,” Clarkson replied to a fan who was calling for Tyler Kolek to win back minutes because “CLARKSON DON’T WANT IT.”

To another fan who asked for Bulls guard Collin Sexton to join the Knicks because “imagine him with Clarkson minutes,” Clarkson replied on the social media platform, “stop saying my minutes i never had minutes. …”

Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards. NBAE via Getty Images

Clarkson, 33, who signed as a free agent in the summer, is averaging career lows in minutes, points and shot attempts. 

Even with Miles McBride out for the remainder of the regular season, the acquisition of Jose Alvarado means Clarkson could still play sparingly.

He played just 7 ½ minutes in Sunday’s win over the Celtics. 

“For me, it’s just been fluctuation of play, really. In and out the lineups. DNPs,” said Clarkson, who had four healthy DNPs since late January, told The Post recently. “Sometimes you’re getting five minutes in the game, here and there. But it’s a whole new process for me, and a new role. Offensively and defensively. 

“They’re asking me to do things defensively as well. And then offensively, I got to figure it out and make stuff out of what comes in the offense in terms of opportunities. It’s not like I’m featured in the offense or anything. I’m playing hard, I’m crashing the glass, figuring out different things – little things to be effective on that end. So it’s a whole new thing for me. But I’ll continue to be a pro and stay in the gym and working on my craft and keep it going.”

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Italy's long-awaited T20 World Cup debut ends with big defeat against Scotland

KOLKATA, India (AP) — Italy’s 45-year wait ended in a disappointing 73-run defeat against Scotland at the T20 World Cup on Monday, with captain Wayne Madsen dislocating his shoulder inside the first six overs of Group C game.

Italy, where the sport’s national federation was formed in 1980, crashed to 137 all out in 16.4 overs as Madsen didn’t take further part in the historic game after damaging his left shoulder while attempting a catch at mid-wicket.

There was some silver lining in Italy’s maiden appearance in a major global tournament when Benjamin Manenti scored 52 off 31. Benjamin and his brother Harry (37) briefly threatened the tall target with a 73-run stand before both fell in successive overs and Italy lost the last six wickets for 21 runs.

Opening batter George Munsey’s blazing knock of 84 off 54 balls, which featured 13 fours and two sixes, had led Scotland to 207-4 — the highest-ever total by an associate nation in the tournament — after Madsen won the toss and elected to chase.

“I imagine everyone will be flat in the dressing room and disappointed,” vice-captain Harry Manenti said. “We wanted to show the world what we have. We get another chance in a few days’ time and hopefully we can bounce back.”

Munsey was the star for Scotland and also held four catches, including a brilliant low catch at point to dismiss opener Justin Mosca off the first ball before Italy succumbed to off-spinner Michael Leask, who finished with an impressive 4-17.

Under-prepared Scotland, which replaced Bangladesh, lost to the West Indies at the same venue in its first game, but came back strongly to get its first points in the tournament.

Scotland originally missed out after losing to Italy in the qualifiers, but was drafted in late as a replacement for Bangladesh in Group C. The ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request to shift its games from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

Munsey set the tempo of a strong total with the first century partnership of the tournament and added 126 runs with his opening partner Michael Jones (37).

Munsey missed out on a deserved century and threw his bat in the air in frustration when he holed out at long on in the 14th over to fast bowler Grant Stewart (1-44).

Brandon McMullen then hit a brisk 41 off 18 balls and Leask gave a perfect finish with 22 off just five balls, hitting two fours and two sixes in the final over.

“Really important for us to bounce back strong,” Scotland captain Richie Berrington said. “It was a comprehensive win but had to work hard for it … we will enjoy this win and then we will start preparing for the game against England.”

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field against Oman in Group B at Colombo, and later in the night game 2024 runner-up South Africa played Canada at Ahmedabad.

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

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Lakers vs. Thunder Preview: A daunting back-to-back

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 8: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Lakers (32-19) aim to extend their winning streak to four when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-13) on Monday. This is the second match-up between the two teams this season.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

When: 7 p.m. PT, Feb. 9

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: Peacock

The Lakers have three more games to play before taking a well-deserved break during All-Star weekend. The catch is that two of the teams they’re facing are sitting in first and second place in the Western Conference, which should be a good test for the purple and gold.

Visiting the Lakers on Monday is a Thunder team that is currently on a two-game losing streak and has lost five of its last 10 games. This may sound surprising since OKC has pretty much been the best team in basketball for two straight seasons now but this year, they haven’t been as unstoppable. One reason is that they haven’t been healthy with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now nursing an abdominal strain.

With SGA and Luka Dončić out, the dynamic of this matchup obviously changes. Jalen Williams — who missed the last 10 games — will be returning on Monday and he’s too good of a player not to make an impact right away. Expect him to get a ton of touches alongside Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams. The Thunder are still a really good offensive and defensive team even without their best player.

One of, perhaps, OKC’s strongest assets is their perimeter defense, which will be a huge test for the Austin Reaves and L.A.’s ball handlers. With Dončić out, there’s been an uptick of touches for the role players like Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Marcus Smart and even Luke Kennard in the last game. It’s important that they continue to make the most of those opportunities because that’s the best way to make up for Dončić‘s absence. This game will be about which role players show up and deliver for their corresponding teams.

Ultimately, it’s a game that the Lakers must take advantage of, especially since SGA isn’t going to suit up. It’ll be nice to not only keep the winning streak going but continue to further improve their record against teams above .500. It’ll also be ideal to head into the All-Star break on a strong note so they can build off that after. Let’s see if the Lakers can beat the Thunder on Monday.

Notes and Updates

  • For the Lakers’ injury report, Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness) is listed as probable.
  • Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) are out.
  • Shai Gilgerous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain), Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgery) and Nikola Topic (surgical recovery) are out.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.

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Mexico wins Caribbean Series

The Caribbean Series | MLB

The 2025-2026 Winter Leagues were played from November through January in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Each country had playoffs to determine the championship for their league and those teams advanced to contend for the Caribbean Series.

Venezuela was to play host to the series but it was moved to Mexico due to concerns regarding political issues and player safety. As a result, Venezuela removed their team from the series and the host country had two teams in the tournament.

The Teams

Leones del Escogido, the Dominican champions, had multiple former Padres playing for the league championship. Catcher Martin Maldonado, outfielder Franchy Cordero, and infielder Eguy Rosario all played during their season. Cordero were the only players of the three in the series. RHP Francis Pena, a top prospect for the Padres and a player invited to major league camp, closed the championship game for Escogido. Albert Pujols was their manager.

Canorejeros de Santurce, the Puerto Rican representative, won their league by three games. They had some offensive struggles through the series and finished in third after being eliminated in the semi-finals.

Federales de Chiriqui, the Panama representative, featured former Padre Christian Bethancourt as their catcher. They went 0-4 through the tournament and finished last.

Mexico had two teams in the tournament, with Charros de Jalisco being the winners of the league and Tomateros de Culiacan coming in second and named as the replacement for Venezuela. Charros was Mexico Red and Tomateros was Mexico Green. Padres prospect Tirso Ornelas and his older brother, Julian, both played for Charros but Tirso Ornelas was not with the team for the championship or the series. His brother Julian, also an outfielder, was their No. 2 hitter and finished with a .308 average and .857 OPS.

Benji Gil, former World Series winning major leaguer, is the manager for Mexico Red and coached his own son Mateo Gil for the tournament. He will also be managing the Mexico WBC team next month.

The Mexico Green team featured former Padre Allan Cordoba in center field and newly signed Padre minor league player Luis Verdugo as their shortstop and sometime DH. Verdugo is the older brother of Padres prospect Rosman Verdugo, 20, who is an infielder in the system and played for Fort Wayne last season. Verdugo finished with a .381/.409/.476 line. Catcher Ali Solis played for the Padres in 2012 and is still catching for Mexico.

The Series

The Caribbean Series is a round-robin tournament with the teams with the best records advancing and featured the Dominican, Puerto Rican and both Mexico teams in the semi-finals on Friday. The Escogido team went in as the favorites, as defending champions and with multiple MLB prospects playing on the team. They started 3-0 and then lost two in a row, including the semifinal game against Mexico Green. The Mexico Red team defeated Puerto Rico in the other semifinal.

As a result, the two Mexico teams played in the championship game that went more than four hours and 10 innings before Mexico Red won on two wild pitches in the bottom of the 10th inning. The tournament was played in Jalisco, Mexico at over 5,000 feet of altitude so the whole series featured lots of hits and lots of runs.

The final ended 12-11 and featured a lot of tired pitchers struggling to land strikes. Former Padre Odrisamer Despaigne pitched for Mexico Green but also had difficulty getting strikes despite having done very well for six innings in his start four days earlier. He only got through 0.2 innings and allowed four earned runs.

During his time with Charros de Jalisco, Tirso Ornelas hit .236/.300/.292 in 21 games and 80 appearances with seven RBI. His inability to hit for power is what has primarily sidelined his attempt to break into the Padres 26-man roster and he had no home runs and four doubles for Mexico.

Many of these players will also be playing in the WBC and then there will be a Summer League that most of the players also participate in. It isn’t uncommon for many of these players to play almost year-round.