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Jasson Dominguez, Spencer Jones have more to prove before they can be starters for Yankees

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez rounds the bases after hitting a home run earlier in spring training, Image 2 shows Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones looks on from from the dugout earlier in spring training

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — There was a time when the Yankees might have envisioned a 2026 Yankee season with Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones both starting in the outfield, with Aaron Judge in right.

The reality, though, is that both young players have significantly more to prove before they get starting jobs in the majors, which is part of the reason why Trent Grisham received a qualifying offer this offseason and the Yankees signed Cody Bellinger to a new deal.

And to make matters worse for the young duo, they even brought in Randal Grichuk for a bench spot to add some right-handed depth to the roster.

But in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Domínguez was in left and Jones in center, as the Yankees look at the two talented prospects who are almost certainly ticketed for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Domínguez was first unable to outperform Alex Verdugo in 2024 and then Grisham last year, as Grisham emerged as an offensive force.

And Jones has shown flashes of phenomenal power in the minors, but not the consistency to warrant a call-up to The Bronx.

Still, they have time to make an impression on the organization — and Aaron Boone — especially this weekend with an inexperienced lineup because of back-to-back games on the opposite side of the state and other players absent due to the WBC.

Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez rounds the bases after hitting a home run earlier in spring training. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Boone said Saturday there have been encouraging signs from both Domínguez and Jones.

Of Jones, the manager said, “He’s done a nice job. He’s worked really hard this winter to make adjustments to try to hone his craft and had pretty good results here the first few weeks of games.”

He had a hard-hit single and stole second in the second inning Saturday.

Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones looks on from from the dugout earlier in spring training. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Still, the 6-foot-7 Jones is coming off a season in which he whiffed 179 times in 506 plate appearances, an issue the Yankees remain hopeful will dissipate with more experience.

“Those are the challenges of being a big guy,’’ Boone said. “It’s a hard thing to figure out, but if you can do it, [that size is] a massive advantage.”

Judge is the best example of that, clearly. He turned 25 the year he set the rookie home run record in 2017.

Jones, the team’s first-round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2022, turns 25 in May.

“You’ve just got to figure out your mechanics,’’ Boone said of super-sized players. “It’s a challenging thing to do when you’re really big, but once you do, you have an advantage.”

That’s not what’s kept Domínguez back.

The switch-hitter has not blossomed from the right side yet — which helped lead to the Grichuk signing — and remains a work in progress in the outfield.

After Boone criticized some of his decision-making in the outfield Saturday, Domínguez threw out Washington’s José Tena, who was trying to stretch a single into a double in the third.

That’s not enough to unseat any of the starters — or Giancarlo Stanton at DH — but Boone said the situation hasn’t impacted Domínguez’s work.

“One of the things I appreciate about Jasson is how consistent a person he is,’’ Boone said. “He’s the same all the time. He has a good way about him. I’m not surprised, but I also think he continues to be a better pro. He’s done a good job.”

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Sabres bring win streak into game against the Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning (39-18-4, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (38-19-6, in the Atlantic Division)

Buffalo, New York; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Lightning -125, Sabres +105; over/under is 6.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Buffalo Sabres take on the Tampa Bay Lightning with a six winning streak intact.

Buffalo has a 13-4-3 record in Atlantic Division play and a 38-19-6 record overall. The Sabres are 15-5-4 in games they score at least one power-play goal.

Tampa Bay is 39-18-4 overall with an 11-4-1 record against the Atlantic Division. The Lightning are first in NHL play serving 14.1 penalty minutes per game.

The matchup Sunday is the third time these teams meet this season. The Sabres won 6-2 in the last meeting. Joshua Norris led the Sabres with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tage Thompson has 34 goals and 32 assists for the Sabres. Jason Zucker has four goals over the past 10 games.

Nikita Kucherov has 32 goals and 68 assists for the Lightning. Brayden Point has five goals and eight assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Sabres: 7-2-1, averaging 3.4 goals, 5.6 assists, 3.7 penalties and eight penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game.

Lightning: 6-4-0, averaging 3.6 goals, 6.7 assists, 5.4 penalties and 17.9 penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game.

INJURIES: Sabres: None listed.

Lightning: None listed.

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

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Calgary visits Washington after Farabee's 2-goal game

Calgary Flames (25-30-7, in the Pacific Division) vs. Washington Capitals (31-26-7, in the Metropolitan Division)

Washington; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Calgary Flames visit the Washington Capitals after Joel Farabee's two-goal game against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Flames' 5-4 win.

Washington has a 31-26-7 record overall and a 19-11-3 record on its home ice. The Capitals have a +12 scoring differential, with 199 total goals scored and 187 allowed.

Calgary has a 9-18-3 record in road games and a 25-30-7 record overall. The Flames have a -33 scoring differential, with 153 total goals scored and 186 allowed.

Monday's game is the second time these teams match up this season. The Capitals won 3-1 in the previous matchup.

TOP PERFORMERS: Alexander Ovechkin has 24 goals and 26 assists for the Capitals. Pierre-Luc Dubois has four goals and two assists over the past 10 games.

Matthew Coronato has 14 goals and 16 assists for the Flames. Farabee has five goals and three assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Capitals: 6-4-0, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.7 assists, 3.4 penalties and 7.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game.

Flames: 4-5-1, averaging 2.3 goals, 4.2 assists, 3.6 penalties and 7.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

INJURIES: Capitals: None listed.

Flames: None listed.

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

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Pittsburgh takes losing streak into matchup with Boston

Boston Bruins (35-22-5, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (31-17-14, in the Metropolitan Division)

Pittsburgh; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Penguins -125, Bruins +105; over/under is 6.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to stop their three-game losing streak when they take on the Boston Bruins.

Pittsburgh has a 31-17-14 record overall and a 15-9-8 record on its home ice. The Penguins have gone 31-4-7 when scoring at least three goals.

Boston has a 35-22-5 record overall and an 11-14-4 record in road games. The Bruins have a +14 scoring differential, with 206 total goals scored and 192 given up.

The teams square off Sunday for the third time this season. The Bruins won the previous matchup 2-1.

TOP PERFORMERS: Erik Karlsson has six goals and 34 assists for the Penguins. Benjamin Kindel has four goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

David Pastrnak has 22 goals and 51 assists for the Bruins. Viktor Arvidsson has scored six goals and added one assist over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Penguins: 4-3-3, averaging 3.3 goals, 5.4 assists, four penalties and 10 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

Bruins: 5-2-3, averaging 3.4 goals, six assists, five penalties and 10.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

INJURIES: Penguins: None listed.

Bruins: None listed.

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

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Lowdon: Cadillac has earned rivals’ respect after its first F1 race in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — After a strong Australian debut, Cadillac principal Graeme Lowdon says the team has earned its rivals’ respect and plans to build on a “really solid platform” for future success.

General Motors brand Cadillac had a short run-up to the pinnacle of motor sport, and its 2026 debut at Melbourne’s Albert Park, having only gained its commercial deal with the sport in November 2024. Though preparations were well underway at its Silverstone Park base located next to the famous UK track.

The American team didn’t set the time sheets alight at 2026’s first race, with Sergio Pérez finishing 16th, up from 18th on the grid; while teammate Valtteri Bottas failed to finish from 19th. But it can be proud it got two cars qualified and onto the grid at the world’s toughest motor racing competition, and looked properly turned out as an operation.

“In terms of a first race for a new team. I’m really, really pleased with the way that the team’s done everything,” Lowdon told The Associated Press. “It would have been great to get both cars home, for sure. And I haven’t been in all of the meetings yet to see what the what the detail was on the problem we had with Valtteri’s car, but it certainly looked as if it wasn’t something that we had direct control over.

“But to get one car home, it’s just kind of a mark of the start of a very, very long journey. I’m kind of more pleased with the whole approach of the team. What I think we’ve created here is the foundations of something that could be really very special.”

Cadillac, though, won’t be taking any heart from finishing ahead of Aston Martin, which had a nightmare season start with an uncompetitive and unreliable Honda power unit that cost it mileage to make improvements; ensuring the team is destined to be at the back for the foreseeable future.

“I think what it does do is give some context of just how difficult Formula 1 is,” Lowdon said. “I’ve got huge respect for Aston Martin, I know a lot of people who work there, they’re incredible people who’ve got great ownership. You know, there’s all of the required investment there.

“Formula 1 is a team game. And I’ve always said it, I think it’s the greatest team game in the world, but it’s also the most difficult team game in the world because everybody is fundamentally trying to do exactly the same thing at the same time to the same set of rules, and so the competition is fierce.”

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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March Madness bubble watch: Stock up, down heading into conference tournaments

Sunday is the final day of men's college basketball regular season, and only conference tournaments remain before the NCAA Tournament field is set.

That means bubble teams only have one guaranteed game left to boost their resumes before Selection Sunday next week.

March Madness bracketology: Latest NCAA tournament bubble predictions

A number of teams fighting for the final few at-large bids lost Saturday, March 7, which could be brutal for their NCAA Tournament chances. A few bid stealers from conference tournament winners could also throw a wrench in a few teams' plans, should they pop up.

Miami (Ohio) became the third team to ever enter its conference tournament with a 31-0 record after finishing the regular season undefeated with its overtime win over Ohio on March 6. The RedHawks still might be on the NCAA Tournament bubble, though, if they don't win the MAC Tournament next week.

There were loads of losses for bubble teams to end the regular season. Here's the latest among NCAA Tournament bubble teams:

March Madness bubble stock up

Miami (Ohio)

Miami defeated Ohio on the road for the first time since 2014 on March 6 to become the third team in Division I history to enter its conference tournament with a 31-0 record, joining 2013-14 Wichita State and 2014-15 Kentucky.

It's hard to imagine Miami being left out of the NCAA Tournament if it fails to win the MAC tournament. Still, the RedHawks will undoubtedly feel most confident if they secure the automatic bid for the Big Dance.

Miami's metrics aren't playing in its favor, ranking No. 53 in the NCAA's NET rankings with the no Quad 1 wins and only two Quad 2 wins. But winning games has to matter, right?

Ohio State

Staying in the Buckeye State, Ohio State all but assured its spot in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday with a comprehensive 91-78 win over fellow bubble team Indiana.

The Buckeyes (20-11, 12-8) finished the regular-season on a three-game winning streak, including a Quad 1 win over Purdue.

Stanford

While fellow ACC bubble teams Cal, SMU and Virginia Tech lost on March 7, Stanford added a nice win over NC State on the road behind true freshman Ebuka Okorie's 33 points.

The Cardinal improved to 20-11 after their fifth Quad 1 win this season, which could weigh heavily when comparing their resume to other bubble teams. Stanford takes its four-game winning streak into the ACC Tournament, where it looks to secure a March Madness bid with a win or two.

VCU

VCU finished its regular season with a 15-3 record in A-10 play, which actually was tied with Saint Louis for first place in the conference standings, although the Billikens earned the outright regular season championship with a 2-0 record against the Rams this season.

VCU (24-7) has won 13 of its past 14 games and other bubble team's stumbles should give the Rams hope.

The A-10 is shaping up to be interesting, especially after Saint Louis was blown out by conference tournament contender George Mason to end the regular season. There's a rare scenario where George Mason wins the A-10 and VCU and Saint Louis earn at-large bids to give the conference three spots in the NCAA Tournament.

VCU will certainly need a few wins in the A-10 tournament, and likely won't feel comfortable on Selection Sunday unless it wins the conference tournament.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has played its way onto the bubble after an impressive finish to the regular season. The Sooners defeated Texas 88-85 in overtime on the road on March 7 to win their fourth straight and their sixth of their last eight games.

Oklahoma is now 17-14 on the season with seven SEC wins and will likely need a few wins to reach the NCAA Tournament. It now has five Quad 1 wins and looks forward to its opening-round SEC tournament game against South Carolina.

The chances are still slim, but it's better than nothing for a team that lost nine consecutive conference games earlier this season.

March Madness bubble stock down

New Mexico

New Mexico lost to Utah State 94-90 on March 7, which marked its third loss in its past four outings. The Lobos are now 22-9 on the season with a 13-7 record in Mountain West play, which could make things tough for an at-large bid.

New Mexico is very capable of winning the conference tournament. Utah State, the conference favorite, is a lock for the NCAA Tournament, even as an at-large team.

The Mountain West's best shot at being a two-bid league would be New Mexico winning the conference, as the Lobos' at-large chances are looking slim.

Auburn

Make it eight losses in its last 10 games to end the regular season for Auburn, who's clinging on for dear life heading into the SEC Tournament after its latest loss to in-state rival Alabama on Saturday. The 16-15 Tigers have the worst record of any team on the bubble, but also one of the toughest schedules this season.

Auburn ranks No. 40 in the NET rankings with a 4-12 mark in Quad 1 games and a 4-2 record in Quad 2 games. Still, the weak record plays into account, especially with how the Tigers have ended the season.

Auburn's NCAA Tournament chances are dwindling, and the Final Four team from last season needs to pull it together at the SEC Tournament under first-year coach Steven Pearl.

Indiana

Ohio State defeated Indiana 91-78 on March 7 in a battle of Big Ten bubble teams to end the regular season. The Buckeyes' stock is rising, and the Hoosiers' is falling.

Indiana entered the game projected as a First Four Out team by USA TODAY Sports' latest projections. Its double-digit losses will be tough to overcome.

Indiana falls to 18-13 on the year, whereas Ohio State is now 20-11 following its three-game winning streak that includes a top-10 ranked win over Purdue.

Cal

Cal had little room for error entering its final regular-season game against Wake Forest, who entered the game with a 15-15 record. The Golden Bears lost 80-73 on the road, putting them in a rough spot heading into the ACC Tournament.

Cal was listed as a First Four Out team in USA TODAY Sports' latest bracketology update before its loss to Wake Forest. Now it's going to likely need to make a run in the conference tournament to have a shot at the Big Dance.

UCF

UCF was off the bubble in USA TODAY Sports' most recent bracket projection, although it isn't doing itself any favors heading into the Big 12 Tournament. The Knights (20-10) dropped their third straight game to end the regular season, falling to West Virginia 77-62 on March 7.

The loss proceeds two losses against teams off the NCAA Tournament radar in Baylor and Oklahoma State, which doesn't help the resume, either.

UCF was a No. 10 seed in the latest bracket update and could fall firmly onto the bubble as the margins appear to be razor thin this season.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati (17-14) has played itself into bubble status down the stretch, winning six of its last seven games with an upset over Kansas before the regular season finale. The Bearcats couldn't secure their 18th win of the season, though, falling to TCU, 73-63, on the road Saturday.

The Horned Frogs are firmly in the NCAA Tournament projection amid their own hot streak, but the Bearcats have little room for error in the Big 12 tournament. Cincinnati might need a few wins in Kansas City to have a shot at reaching the 68-team field.

SMU

SMU was, at one point, considered firmly in the NCAA Tournament picture a few weeks ago. The Mustangs' recent play has changed that sentiment mightily.

SMU (19-12, 8-10) ended its regular season with its fourth consecutive losses after losing to Florida State 91-78 on the road on March 7. SMU has lost to a pair of bubble teams in Cal and Stanford, along with a loss to Miami, which is No. 29 in NET.

The Mustangs are in a difficult position, especially with only one ranked win this season, which came against North Carolina in January. SMU might need some help and a few wins in the ACC tournament.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech coach Mike Young was beat up after the Hokies' 76-72 loss to Virginia on March 7.

"What the (expletive) am I doing wrong?" he said in his postgame news conference after the loss, while clearly emotional.

The loss dropped Virginia Tech to 19-12 on the season and is in a similar bubble bucket with multiple ACC teams also vying for NCAA Tournament spots. The Hokies are No. 55 in NET with a 2-9 record in Quad 1 games, and aren't looking like an NCAA Tournament team as of now.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NCAA Tournament bubble watch tracker: Miami Ohio is in, Indiana is out

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Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 28: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Toyota Center on January 28, 2026 in Houston, 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Spurs are having arguably their best stretch of the season, following a win against the Clippers in their return home from the Rodeo Road Trip. San Antonio has only dropped one of their last 15 games, and it was to the Knicks, another contender that is firing on all cylinders.

The success has been impressive, but it has not come easily. The travel and the bouts against physical teams take their toll, as we’ve learned from an emotional Victor Wembanyama after Friday’s victory. “I thought I was about to pass out from the first quarter from exhaustion,” Wembanyama said in his postgame interview. “That was close to being the hardest game of my life. It might not have looked like it, but we played a helluva game against the most physical team in the league yesterday, and played tonight against a physical team as well. I’m about to pass out.”

Wemby and the rest of the Spurs had two nights of sleep to recover before leading his team into their next challenge. The Rockets are another physical squad, and they will be motivated not only because they are facing a rival but also because a win would help them jockey for position in the second tier of the West standings. They have not looked like the bona fide contenders many pegged them to be heading into the season, in large part due to injuries, but they have beaten the Spurs once already this season. The talent, athleticism, and, yes, physicality are there to make this a tough matchup for a San Antonio team that will look to continue its impressive play.

San Antonio Spurs (46-17) vs Houston Rockets (39-23)

March 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT

Watch: NBC/Peacock | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs injuries: Harrison Barnes – OUT (ankle), Mason Plumlee – OUT (conditioning)

Rockets injuries: Fred VanVleet – OUT (knee), Steven Adams – OUT (ankle), Jae’Sean Tate – OUT (knee)

What to watch for:

  • The battle on the glass. The Rockets are the best offensive rebounding team in the league, but they have struggled to impose their will on the Spurs, the best defensive rebounding team in the league. In the past two matchups, offensive rebounding wasn’t a huge factor. In San Antonio’s win, they allowed their opponent 17 offensive rebounds but only nine second-chance points. In Houston’s win, the Silver and Black actually dominated on the offensive glass, getting more boards and 10 more second-chance points. Still, protecting the glass is something the Spurs will have to be mindful of, not only to keep the Rockets from getting second opportunities but also to push the ball off misses for transition buckets.
  • Two young guards could be X Factors. Dylan Harper has been killing it lately. In the past 15 games, the rookie is averaging 13 points, three rebounds, four assists, and a steal. The shot has been falling, the defense has been impressive, and he continues to be a menace on drives. He gives the bench a second scorer to complement Keldon Johnson, and could be a problem for a Rockets’ defense that tries to wall off the paint. For Houston, a good game from Reed Sheppard could be a requirement for a win. The second-year guard is a defensive liabity but his team simply lacks three-point shooting and scoring when he’s not on the floor. Harper was big in San Antonio’s win over the Rockets this season, and the same was true for Sheppard in Houston’s victory.
  • The Spurs will have to prove once again that they can handle size and physicality. At this point, no one should doubt that the Spurs are comfortable when things get physical or downright chippy. It doesn’t mean the Rockets won’t test them, though. Houston has size on its side, with Amen Thompson at point guard, a burly center in Alperen Sengun, and big, athletic wings. San Antonio is smaller in the starting lineup and will need to find somewhere to hide De’Aaron Fox. Assuming Castle takes the Kevin Durant assignment again, Tari Eason seems like the best matchup for Fox, but it will take a team effort on defense to keep the Rockets off the glass and from bullying their way to the paint. Carter Bryant, who has been playing well recently, could be important in this matchup, as he gives San Antonio the kind of length and athleticism needed to match Houston in the perimeter.

If you’d like to, you may follow along with the game on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or visit our Game Thread!

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Gilgeous-Alexander closes in on Chamberlain record

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts to drive past Lj Cryer of the Golden State Warriors
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (left) was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player last season [Getty Images]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander moved to within two games of breaking a decades-old NBA record as he scored 27 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 104-97 home win over the Golden State Warriors.

He has scored at least 20 points in 125 consecutive games for the defending champions, a sequence that began on 1 November 2024.

The legendary Wilt Chamberlain holds the record of 126 games - set between October 1961 and January 1963.

The Thunder host the Denver Nuggets on Monday and the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

Victory at Paycom Center was the Thunder's fifth in a row. They became the first side to 50 wins this season and sit top of the Western Conference.

Gilgeous-Alexander said: "If we were the best team last year, all year, we win a championship, and we get better, we should put ourselves in great position to repeat.

"This year's had a little bit more ups and downs for us, but I think we've done a pretty good job keeping that front of mind."

The Warriors - again missing the injured Stephen Curry - scored seven unanswered points to reduce the Thunder's lead to 99-97 before a three-pointer from Gilgeous-Alexander in the final minute.

Michael Porter Jr scored 30 points as the Brooklyn Nets came from 23 points down to win 107-105 at Eastern Conference leaders Detroit Pistons and end a 10-game losing streak.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the visiting Utah Jazz 113-99.

Jalen Johnson's 35 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists helped the Atlanta Hawks to a 125-116 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points as the Los Angeles Clippers overturned a 19-point first-half deficit to win 123-120 at the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Orlando Magic won 119-92 at the Minnesota Timberwolves despite Anthony Edwards' 34 points for the hosts.

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Utah plays Golden State on 4-game home slide

Golden State Warriors (32-31, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (19-45, 14th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Monday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Utah is looking to break its four-game home skid with a win over Golden State.

The Jazz are 10-30 in conference matchups. Utah allows the most points in the Western Conference, giving up 125.0 points and is allowing opponents to shoot 48.9%.

The Warriors are 22-20 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State scores 115.0 points and has outscored opponents by 1.1 points per game.

The Jazz's 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.2 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the Warriors give up. The Warriors' 46.0% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.9 percentage points lower than the Jazz have allowed to their opponents (48.9%).

The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Warriors won 140-124 in the last matchup on Jan. 29.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Filipowski is averaging 10.3 points and 6.9 rebounds for the Jazz. Ace Bailey is averaging 15.9 points over the last 10 games.

Brandin Podziemski is scoring 12.7 points per game and averaging 5.2 rebounds for the Warriors. Al Horford is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 2-8, averaging 113.0 points, 42.5 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 11.3 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.9 points per game.

Warriors: 4-6, averaging 112.1 points, 44.5 rebounds, 31.8 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.2 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (ankle), Vince Williams Jr.: out for season (acl), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Isaiah Collier: out (personal), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), De'Anthony Melton: day to day (knee), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Moses Moody: day to day (wrist), Seth Curry: day to day (sciatica), Will Richard: day to day (ankle).

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

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Magic play the Bucks, seek 4th straight win

Orlando Magic (34-28, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (27-35, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Milwaukee; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Magic -4; over/under is 221.5

BOTTOM LINE: Orlando looks to keep its three-game win streak alive when the Magic take on Milwaukee.

The Bucks are 19-23 against conference opponents. Milwaukee averages 13.9 turnovers per game and is 10-8 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents.

The Magic are 20-19 in conference play. Orlando is ninth in the Eastern Conference scoring 114.8 points per game and is shooting 46.2%.

The Bucks are shooting 47.9% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 47.5% the Magic allow to opponents. The Magic average 114.8 points per game, 0.7 fewer than the 115.5 the Bucks give up.

The two teams square off for the third time this season. The Bucks defeated the Magic 116-108 in their last matchup on Feb. 12. Cam Thomas led the Bucks with 34 points, and Desmond Bane led the Magic with 31 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Bucks. Ryan Rollins is averaging 14.2 points over the last 10 games.

Bane is scoring 20.4 points per game and averaging 4.2 rebounds for the Magic. Tristan da Silva is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 5-5, averaging 109.1 points, 42.3 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.1 points per game.

Magic: 6-4, averaging 113.0 points, 43.8 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.5 points.

INJURIES: Bucks: Kevin Porter Jr.: day to day (knee), Taurean Prince: out (neck).

Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Anthony Black: day to day (back), Jonathan Isaac: day to day (knee), Jase Richardson: day to day (back), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).

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

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Detroit faces Miami on 3-game skid

Detroit Pistons (45-17, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (35-29, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Pistons -1.5; over/under is 229.5

BOTTOM LINE: Detroit enters the matchup with Miami as losers of three straight games.

The Heat are 19-18 against Eastern Conference opponents. Miami is second in the NBA averaging 120.1 points and is shooting 46.5% from the field.

The Pistons have gone 30-9 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit ranks third in the league with 13.3 offensive rebounds per game led by Jalen Duren averaging 3.9.

The 120.1 points per game the Heat average are 10.5 more points than the Pistons give up (109.6). The Pistons average 10.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.0 fewer made shots on average than the 13.8 per game the Heat allow.

The teams meet for the third time this season. The Heat won 118-112 in the last matchup on Jan. 2. Norman Powell led the Heat with 36 points, and Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 31 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Andrew Wiggins is scoring 15.9 points per game and averaging 5.1 rebounds for the Heat. Bam Adebayo is averaging 21.9 points and 10.1 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Cunningham is averaging 25.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 7-3, averaging 122.5 points, 49.2 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 8.2 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.8 points per game.

Pistons: 6-4, averaging 114.0 points, 48.5 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 10.2 steals and 7.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.8 points.

INJURIES: Heat: Nikola Jovic: out (back), Andrew Wiggins: day to day (toe), Norman Powell: out (groin), Simone Fontecchio: out (groin).

Pistons: Ausar Thompson: day to day (ankle), Cade Cunningham: day to day (quadriceps).

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

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Memphis takes on Brooklyn on 3-game slide

Memphis Grizzlies (23-39, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (16-47, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Memphis looks to stop its three-game skid with a win against Brooklyn.

The Nets have gone 8-22 in home games. Brooklyn currently has the league's lowest-scoring offense averaging 106.9 points per game.

The Grizzlies are 11-20 on the road. Memphis is 9-16 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Nets average 106.9 points per game, 10.9 fewer points than the 117.8 the Grizzlies give up. The Grizzlies average 115.7 points per game, 0.1 more than the 115.6 the Nets give up.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Grizzlies won the last matchup 103-98 on Jan. 11. Cedric Coward scored 21 points to help lead the Grizzlies to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Michael Porter Jr. is scoring 24.3 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Nets. Noah Clowney is averaging 12.6 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 44.3% over the past 10 games.

Cam Spencer is averaging 11.4 points and 5.5 assists for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 17.8 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 1-9, averaging 102.6 points, 37.7 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.0 points per game.

Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 117.8 points, 36.8 rebounds, 29.5 assists, 11.5 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.1 points.

INJURIES: Nets: Egor Demin: day to day (foot).

Grizzlies: Santi Aldama: day to day (injury management), Taj Gibson: day to day (reconditioning), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).

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

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Kwame Evans Jr. scores final 9 points, Oregon beat Washington in regular-season finale

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Kwame Evans Jr. scored 20 points, which included the last nine of the game, and Oregon blew a 21-point lead before the Ducks rallied to beat Washington 85-79 on Saturday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Evans was fouled on a 3-point shot and made the and-1 free throw to give Oregon a one-point lead with 11.5 seconds left. Evans stole the ball from Hannes Steinbach, who quickly fouled, and Washington coach Danny Sprinkle, who thought Steinbach had been fouled, erupted. He was assessed back-to-back technical fouls and was ejected before Evans made 5 of 6 from the free throw line with five seconds left to seal it.

Takai Simpkins scored 18 points and Nate Bittle had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Oregon (12-19, 5-15 Big Ten). Dezdrick Lindsay added 11 points and Drew Carter 10.

The Ducks started 11-of-14 shooting — 7 of 7 from 3-point range — and used a 16-0 run to take a 21-point lead midway through the first half. Oregon shot 58% (15 of 26) and hit eight 3s and had 13 assists in the first half to take a 44-30 lead into the intermission.

Steinbach had 26 points on 9-of-11 shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds for Washington (15-16, 7-19). Steinbach, a 6-foot-11 freshman, has 20 double-doubles this season, tied with Justin Neely of UNC Greensboro for second most nationally behind UNC Greensboro's Delrecco Gillespie (21).

Steinbach scored 13 points in a 29-8 run that gave the Huskies a three-point lead with 24 seconds left.

Up next

Both teams will be waiting for the Big Ten Tournament pairings to come out Sunday to find out who and when they’ll play at Chicago next week.

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Ernie Clement gets USA going, becomes unlikely hero of WBC win vs. Britain

HOUSTON — For the first four innings of Saturday’s World Baseball Classic game, Team USA struggled to consistently generate offense while trailing Great Britain 1-0. It looked like an upset was brewing, until an unlikely hero stepped up.

The catalyst was infielder Ernie Clement, one of just two players in Saturday’s USA starting lineup who has never been named an MLB All-Star. At the plate with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning, Clement connected on a two-strike pitch and put it into play. Great Britain third baseman Ivan Johnson overthrew first base. Clement hustled and was safe at first, cracking the door open just wide enough for the Americans to start a rally.

Clement moved to third base on a Pete Crow-Armstrong double, then scored the USA’s tying run with gutsy baserunning when he slid home on a wild pitch. The door blasted off its hinges.  

The USA scored five runs that inning, grabbing a lead it never relinquished in a 9-1 win against Great Britain at Daikin Park.

“To have that little spark – it started with Ernie there, a big hustle play to get to first base,” said Kyle Schwarber, who hit the USA’s go-ahead home run.  

Clement, the Toronto Blue Jays utility man, scored three runs and hit 1-for-3 in the win. He took five plate appearances, saw 18 pitches and reached base four times courtesy of an error, a single, and two walks.

A team’s ceiling is often defined by its depth, which is exactly what Team USA manager Mark DeRosa had in mind when he recruited Clement as a plug-and-play infielder to join a roster that constitutes an embarrassment of riches.

“He’s deserving of being in that room,” DeRosa said. “(I) wanted to get Gunnar (Henderson) and him in the lineup. I felt like coming out of Arizona, I felt like everybody was worthy of a start. And wanted to get these guys rolling, and they deserve it.”

Saturday night’s gutsy performance further underscored Clement’s dramatic career transformation – from underproducing fringe player in danger of falling out of the majors to heroic playoff performer to Team USA contributor.

Following a miserable 2022 season in which he batted .184 in 69 games, Clement was not even in consideration for Team USA’s roster for the 2023 WBC. In fact, during the tournament, he was released by the A’s and two days later signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays.  

“If you told me back then that I would be doing this, I would be pretty surprised,” Clement said. “But I’ve always believed in myself and I’ve always put the work in, and it’s nice to see it rewarded.”

Clement’s resume looks much different these days. He made his WBC debut coming off a record-setting 30-hit postseason for the 2025 American League champion Blue Jays, a season in which he was also nominated for Gold Glove awards at third base and the utility position.

And yet on paper, Clement was hardly the biggest threat on a USA team littered with league MVPs, Gold Glovers and Cy Young winners.

“You kind of run into, what All-Star is going to be in the lineup?” Great Britain manager Brad Marcelino said before Saturday’s game.

The USA started seven All-Stars. The two exceptions were outfielder Roman Anthony, the former top prospect who made his big-league debut in 2025, and Clement, the veteran two weeks shy of his 30th birthday.

Saturday was Clement’s first start of the WBC. He entered as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning and did not take a plate appearance in the USA’s opening win over Brazil on Friday. Against Great Britain, he started at second base and batted eighth in the lineup.

United States designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) congratulates second baseman Ernie Clement (5) after scoring a run against Great Britain during the fifth inning at Daikin Park.

After grounding out his first time up, Clement took advantage of Great Britain’s throwing error.

“I’m trying to hustle as much as I can,” he said. “I saw the first baseman jump up and as soon as I see that, usually I try to slide, but it was so bang-bang. I’d already made up my mind.”

He was just as aggressive sliding headfirst to score on Andre Scrubb’s wild pitch that same inning. Leading off the bottom of the sixth, Clement lined a two-strike slider into left field for a single and later came home on Alex Bregman’s sacrifice fly. In the seventh inning, after getting on base with a walk, he scored again on another Bregman sacrifice fly – the final run of the game.

Team USA, and in particular clubhouse leaders Schwarber and captain Aaron Judge, have attempted to create a camaraderie absent of a hierarchy. The goal is to relieve the burden felt by the more experienced (and accomplished) players on the team and simultaneously empower everybody else.

“We don’t want to feel like anyone needs to do something extraordinary because this is a lineup of extraordinary people and a bullpen and a starting staff of extraordinary people,” Schwarber said. “We play for our country and play for our team and that’s all we care about.”

Clement’s background as a utility player who in his MLB career has played at seven different positions – including four games at pitcher, allowing six earned runs across four innings – demanded that he be prepared for a variety of scenarios.

“I’m just kind of going in with an open mind and being ready for anything because in these kinds of tournaments, really anything can happen,” Clement said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ernie Clement unlikely WBC hero for USA vs Great Britain