New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Mets, Francisco Lindor Have Reached Stalemate in Contract Negotiations

The Mets have reportedly offered Lindor a 10-year, $325 million deal, while Lindor is asking for 12 years and $385 million.

On the eve of Opening Day, it doesn't appear that the Mets and star shortstop Francisco Lindor will come to an agreement on a new megadeal.

Lindor and the team are reportedly at an impasse regarding a contract extension,

according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Unless the two sides come to an agreement, Lindor will enter free agency after the season ends.

As things stand, the Mets are unwilling to increase their offer of 10 years, $325 million, while Lindor will reportedly not move off his 12-year, $385 million request. Lindor has imposed a deadline of Opening Day to complete negotiations, though it's possible talks can extend beyond that date.

Mets owner Steve Cohen offered his take on the negotiations via Twitter on Tuesday, praising Lindor in the process.

Lindor, 27, is one of the faces of baseball and has the perfect personality to be a franchise player in New York. He will make $22.3 million in 2021, his first with the Mets. He arrived in Queens alongside starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco via a blockbuster trade from Cleveland in January, in which the Mets gave up four players. A four-time All-Star, Lindor has won two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers so far, finishing in the top 15 in MVP voting each year from 2016-19.

The Mets' $325 million offer to Lindor reportedly included deferred money initially, though Cohen removed that condition in a dinner meeting with Lindor. Lindor and his agent, David Meter, have only made the lone offer to New York, and have not budged from their numbers.

DiComo reports that Cohen is "upset and baffled" at Lindor holding firm to his contract request. The Mets love Lindor and would not have traded for him if they didn't intend on keeping him with their franchise long term, but as of now, they will not increase their offer to meet Lindor in the middle. Cohen could break the team's stance by "going rogue," but he reportedly has concern about setting that precedent.

In 60 games last season, Lindor hit .258/.335/.415 with eight home runs, six stolen bases and 27 RBIs.

Does Robert Kraft regret letting Tom Brady leave?

The Patriots continue their search to “solidify” the quarterback position a year after Tom Brady walked out the door. New England went 7-9 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, while Brady won his seventh Super Bowl ring, this one with the Buccaneers. Brady, whom the Patriots drafted in the sixth [more]

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Next Pats: Live 2021 NFL mock draft of the first round

Phil Perry, Tom Curran, and DJ Bean do a live NFL mock draft of the first round. What moves will the Patriots make to add more offensive firepower?

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Which NFL records are most in jeopardy with 17-game season? 'NFL Total Access'

NFL Total Access crew shares which NFL records are most in jeopardy with 17-game season. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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Florida QB Kyle Trask evaluates his pro day workout

Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask evaluates his pro day workout. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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Art Rooney II optimistic about returning to Saint Vincent for camp

Things are beginning to return to normal — or a new normal — in the NFL. The format for the offseason program still is being negotiated between the NFL and its Players Association. The NFLPA wants no in-person work this spring, with president J.C. Tretter saying, “The NFL doesn’t get to decide when the pandemic [more]

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Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's Notre Dame pro day highlights

Check out some of the best moments from Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's pro day workout as he prepares for the 2021 NFL Draft. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL.com

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Joel Embiid expected to return from knee injury this weekend

The Sixers MVP candidate has been out since March 12.

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Sixers star Joel Embiid expected to return to the floor after road trip

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is expected to return to the floor on Saturday after the road trip.

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Harden for MVP?

James Harden is putting up MVP numbers for the Brooklyn Nets. Does he belong in the MVP conversation?

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New on Sports Illustrated: JJ Redick Criticizes Pelicans' Handling of Deadline Trade to Mavericks

Redick said on his podcast that he was given an assurance from Pelicans executive David Griffin that he'd be traded to a preferred situation.

View the

original article to see embedded media.

Veteran shooting guard JJ Redick, who was dealt at the NBA trade deadline from New Orleans to Dallas, is not happy over how Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin handled the move, saying he "did not honor his word."

Speaking on his podcast, The Old Man & the Three, Redick explained his reasons for requesting a trade from New Orleans in November, according to ESPN's Andrew Lopez. Among the most important reasons was his desire to be closer to his family in Brooklyn, while he also cited the team's trade of Jrue Holiday as a factor for wanting out.

"Griff basically says to me, 'Come down for a month. If you still want to be traded, I give you my word, I'll get you to a situation that you like.' We had four subsequent conversations," Redick said. "Again, my agent talked to them. But I'm talking to Griff directly. Griff and I had a personal relationship. Obviously, he did not honor his word."

Redick said he was under the impression that he would be bought out of his contract after not getting traded at the deadline, when he could then sign with the Nets. He said he will still join the Mavericks once he finishes rehabbing his injured knee, which he's doing in New York away from the team.

When asked about the trade last week, Griffin said the front office tried to trade Redick to be closer to his family, but ultimately was unable to execute a move.

"We did spend a great deal of time trying to put JJ closer to home," Griffin said Friday. "When it became clear that the teams that were in the best position regionally for him were not necessarily the most aggressive in landing him, we did have conversations about the importance of immediately contending, as he's aging.

"I think we felt confident that JJ welcomed the better contending opportunity because we're not even at the play-in at this point. We felt it was the right thing to do for him and his family."

Redick said the experience has caused him to distrust Griffin and the Pelicans' front office going forward.

"I don't think you're going to get honesty from that front office, just objectively speaking ... It's not something where I would expect certainly the agents that worked on this with me to ever trust that front office again."

New on Sports Illustrated: Indianapolis Hotel Serving as NCAA Tournament Bubble to Host a Different Kind of NFL Combine

Indianapolis's Marriott Downtown hotel will welcome NFL prospects next week for the league's medical combine after the NCAA tournament ends.

INDIANAPOLIS — Three weeks ago, during the second week of March, Big Ten basketball teams started to arrive at the Marriott Downtown hotel for an open-ended stay ahead of the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, each happening in this city.

Not long afterward, this 650-room, 16-floor place transformed into a veritable bubble, completely closed to the public while shielding two dozen teams from much of the outside world for nearly a month. The Marriott Downtown hosted an initial 16 teams during the NCAA tournament’s first weekend, like three other hotels here, before being designated as the home for all those that advanced to the Sweet 16 and beyond. The Final Four participants are the only ones left, each using an entire floor until they’re bounced from the Big Dance.

But this bubbled hotel won’t be popped when the national champion and runner-up leave after Monday’s title game.

There are more high-profile athletes on the way.

Some of the most talented NFL prospects, 150 in all, are scheduled to descend upon Indianapolis next week for a strictly medical portion of the combine, business leaders and city officials tell Sports Illustrated.

“I have 220 rooms booked,” says Michael Moros, the 54-year-old general manager of the Marriott Downtown, which will serve as the central hub of the event. “I’m excited to have it. It keeps my team working. It’s my job to get people back to work here.”

As soon as basketball players exit, rooms will be readied for stars of another sport to be isolated in a similar type of bubble. From April 8-10, NFL personnel will conduct medical evaluations of the draft’s biggest prospects here, similar to those they’d normally administer during the combine, the on-field portion of which was canceled this year. Two people from each team are invited to the event, but the league is limiting those people to team doctors, orthopedic specialists and other medically related personnel.

A total of 322 prospects received combine invitations this year, but about 175 of them are only being allowed to hold medical evaluations virtually. The other 150 will be here in Indianapolis, where a busy month rolls on.

“Indianapolis is delighted to have major sporting activity after the NCAA tournament wraps up,” says Leonard Hoops, the president and CEO of Visit Indy who confirmed the news Wednesday.

For the players and teams, next week’s unique combine experience is essential. In a year where the NFL is prohibiting prospects from visiting team facilities, Moros’s hotel will be one of the only spots that club medical personnel can evaluate players in a face-to-face environment.

That’s important for those highly-touted prospects who are returning from injury, such as Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley (shoulder) and Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle), and those who opted out of the 2020 college season, like LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons.

“The medical exams are always the most important part of the combine,” says Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Senior Bowl. “The workouts have been the glitzy, TV thing, but when you talk to football people, it’s really only the interviews and the medical exams. Next week will be another touch point for the staffs even if the football people aren’t there. I’m sure the GMs and coaches will sit down with their medical staff and fill them in on the players.”

For NFL clubs, the normal pre-draft process features three parts: (1) in-person interviews/psyche assessments, (2) physical evaluations and (3) medical exams. Most teams have already completed interviews and psyche evaluations during virtual meetings with prospects who received a combine invitation. Clubs are mostly relegated to relying on college pro days for the physical evals, aside from the Senior Bowl, which held a largely normal week despite the circumstances. The event hosted 135 prospects in Mobile, Alabama, and 31 of 32 teams were represented, says Nagy.

The medical portion is more complicated. Combine invitees were sent for in-person testing at independent healthcare facilities near their home or where they are training. After those test results, teams conducted telehealth exams with the prospects. Each team is assigned eight to 12 players. The results of both the tests and exams are shared among the entire league.

The exams in Indianapolis are more orthopedic in nature. The NFL selected the 150 prospects based on both their draftability (higher-touted prospects) and those who may have been flagged for medical risks after their general in-person exams.

Most teams are sending their head athletic trainer and team orthopedic surgeon. Players and personnel who have not been vaccinated (roughly 85% of team personnel have been vaccinated) must pass a COVID test before arriving and will be tested each day in Indianapolis.

All personnel and players will be isolated to the Marriott Downtown. Players will arrive in two waves. Day 1 will include imaging tests, and Day 2 will feature personal exams.

For the first time in 33 years, the Indianapolis Crowne Plaza, the central location of the annual combine, is not hosting the prospects. For space purposes and because of the Marriott’s familiarity with bubbling personnel, the league chose Moros’s property.

Players and staff will be in a more flexible bubble than the one that NCAA tournament teams find themselves. In fact, Moros says he’s being allowed to open his hotel restaurant, coffee shop and bourbon bar for event guests. For now, they are closed as the Final Four participants isolate before Saturday’s games. It’s part of the NCAA’s bubbled approach to this year’s tournament, all of which

took place in the Indianapolis area.

The near month-long event has provided a much-needed cash infusion to the local hospitality industry that's been rocked by the pandemic. The Marriott was closed for nine months starting last March and only reopened for weekends in January before wrapping itself in an invisible bubble with a surge of clients starting with the Big Ten tournament.

It will, finally, reopen to the public on April 13, Moros says. By that time, his hotel would have hosted two dozen basketball teams, more than 500 basketball and football players, another 300 college coaches and staff members, nearly 100 NFL personnel and blocked off more than 1,200 rooms over 33 days—all the while operating with 300 fewer hotel employees than normal.

It's another sign that the country is emerging from the COVID cave, and Moros couldn’t be more ecstatic.

“We’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” he says. 

New on Sports Illustrated: How This Fan Trained a Machine Learning Model and Nailed His March Madness Bracket

Will Geoghegan's bracket is in the top 0.2% of 14M+ brackets on ESPN after calling upsets like USC over Kansas and Houston in the Final Four.

If we're being honest, most of our March Madness brackets imploded in some way over the last few weeks and now hold on by a thread with the Final Four in a few days. 

However,

Will Geoghegan's men's bracket is still intact and in the top 0.2% of more than 14 million brackets on ESPN after training a machine learning model to fill out his bracket for the Big Dance. 

"I think it's cool that something like this can work well. Because we look at March Madness and we see all the craziness and all the upsets that no one saw coming, like Oral Roberts and UCLA," Geoghegan says. "But, at the end of the day, it's two one seeds and a two seed in the Final Four. And so these analytics can still be successful even in such a kind of volatile format as March Madness."

This isn't the first time the former professional runner, who now works in the computer science industry, has done something like this but it's possibly the most success he's had with a sports machine learning model. Close to seven years ago, Geoghegan created a model to draft his fantasy football team. 

It worked until Adrian Peterson, who the model selected first, was suspended for the season. 

"I've always liked kind of applying this stuff to things like sports because anything with a lot of data that's available, you can usually make a good model," Geoghegan said. "Sports and data definitely go hand in hand in this."

A few years later, he trained a machine learning model to fill out a March Madness bracket; however, it wasn't as successful as this year's because of overfitting. The model was too specific and complicated, so it learned the data he gave really well versus extrapolating into the future.

"No matter how you know how perfectly tuned your model is, these are still games that are being played and there's a huge element of randomness," Geoghegan. "Not randomness from the player's perspective necessarily but from the model's perspective. Sometimes the worst team will win, and that's just how it goes. The biggest takeaway was just making kind of a good, general model that didn't try is too hard to get everything right but just has a good kind of high-level map of where things stand."

Taking what he learned from previous codes and models, Geoghegan used AdaBoost, which he said is essentially "an algorithm for combining a collection of relatively weak predictors into a single strong predictor." He pulled data from the Massey Ratings instead of using player or game-level data. 

Essentially, the model aggregated the opinions of experts who create the college basketball rankings. It used the seeds and the various ranking systems as weak predictors with training data going back to 2003.

"It's able to kind of find the relationships between them in a way to combine all of them into one kind of rating system," Geoghegan said. "If you get really into the math, you can prove that it's guaranteed to do better than the best single rating system."

Within three hours, his model and bracket were set, and when he compared it to his bracket he did by hand, the picks were logical and not too wildly outrageous. Geoghegan said none of the picks really made him scratch his head too much. 

And it worked. The model correctly predicted Rutgers over Clemson, USC over Kansas, Arkansas in the Elite Eight and Houston in the Final Four. The biggest miss, like most brackets, was UCLA's overtime upset of Alabama.

The model also didn't predict Cinderella-esque teams like UCLA or Oral Roberts. The data stops with the end of the conference championships, so if a team, like those or Oregon State, suddenly gets hot in the tournament, the model most likely won't predict that. 

The model originally predicted that Baylor would beat Gonzaga, 69–57. However, it now thinks the Zags will be crowned the national champions and become the first undefeated men's college basketball team since Indiana during the 1975–76 season. 

In the future, Geoghegan is planning to use more data with a similar approach since this system only looked at how teams were rated going into the tournament versus how ratings changed throughout the season. 

"I've always been into programming. There's a creative aspect to it, where you're starting with a blank file, and you're creating something," Geoghegan said. "And I think it's really cool on the data side to be able to take megabytes worth of ones and zeros and turn it into useful predictions about the future and about the world. 

"Obviously, March Madness isn't as high impact as a lot of other applications of this stuff. But it's turning data into useful insights about the world we live in."

Robert Kraft: Free agency spending had nothing to do with Tom Brady winning Super Bowl

“I love Tom Brady, and he’s great. But he’s moved on."

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Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick on growing up an Eagles’ fan; Brian Dawkins being ‘his guy’

Steelers star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick says he grew up an Eagles fan, and Donovan McNabb and Brian Dawkins were his favorite players.

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Kyle Pitts solidifies draft stock

As the NFL Draft comes closer the buzz surrounding Florida tight end Kyle Pitts is reaching deafening levels. Without the NFL Combine and with NFL Teams unable to hold individual workouts with players the emphasis on Pro Day became enormous. Wednesday inside Florida's indoor practice facility would be the one opportunity Pitts had to show NFL teams what kind of player he was.

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Mark Murphy gives cryptic answer regarding Rodgers' future

Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy gives cryptic answer regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers' future. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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Chiefs sign Elijah McGuire

The Chiefs made official the signing of running back Elijah McGuire, according to the NFL’s transactions report. The team’s signing of defensive tackle Jarran Reed also became official Wednesday. McGuire, 26, was active for only one game last season but he did not play a down for the Dolphins. He finished the season on the [more]

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Ian Book's Notre Dame pro day highlights

Check out some of the best moments from Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book's pro day workout as he prepares for the 2021 NFL Draft. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL.com

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The Browns wanted to select Mitchell Trubisky with 1st overall pick in 2017 NFL Draft

Former Browns HC Hue Jackson confirmed Cleveland wanted to select former Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky with the first overall pick in 2017.

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D.J. assesses Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's pro day

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah assesses Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's pro day. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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2021 free agency: Jags host former Chiefs LB Damien Wilson

The Jags are continuing to look for defensive help and brought in Chiefs linebacker Damien Wilson for a visit.

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What 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo trade to Patriots or Bears could look like

If the 49ers open to trading Jimmy G, they could look at Kansas City's Alex Smith trade in 2018 for a blueprint.

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New on Sports Illustrated: South Carolina Heads to Women's Final Four After Blowing Past Texas

South Carolina kept Texas scoreless in the fourth quarter as it cruised to a victory, snagging a ticket to the women's Final Four.

For the first time since

its national championship in 2017, South Carolina is headed back to the women's Final Four after holding Texas scoreless in the fourth quarter, smacking the Longhorns 62-34. 

Tuesday night's Elite Eight matchup featured a battle between the potential No. 1 WNBA draft picks for 2021 and 2023—Longhorns' junior Charli Collier, who’s already declared for the 2021 draft, and Gamecocks' sophomore Aliyah Boston. However, Collier only scored four points while Boston tallied 10 with eight rebounds. 

Five different players scored in double figures for No. 1 seeded South Carolina, who never trailed against its old SEC rival and current Longhorns coach, Vic Schaefer. 

The majority of the Gamecocks' points came from in the paint, making 27 of their 57 attempts. They blocked over a dozen shots and tallied a total of 47 rebounds (37 defensive). They held Texas to just 23% from the field—and no points in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina will face the winner of Stanford—Louisville. 

In their victory, head coach Dawn Staley honored the late John Thompson on Tuesday night by sporting a shirt with his image. 

SI’s tournament newsletter analyzes everything you need to know about the Big Dance: what just happened and what’s happening next. Sign up for Morning Madness here.

New on Sports Illustrated: 'We'll Do What We Feel Is Best': Texans GM Discusses Deshaun Watson | The Albert Breer Show

After months of insisting Deshaun Watson is Houston's QB, new Texans GM Nick Caserio comments on the recent lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct from Watson.

For three months, amid a trade request, and then a slew of lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, the Texans' new brass declared that Deshaun Watson was and would remain Houston’s quarterback.

Things are changing.

On a Monday taping on The Albert Breer Show, Texans GM Nick Caserio was our guest for a wide-ranging conversation, starting with the news that’s engulfed the organization he’s been charged with turning around since he took over in early January. After a couple months of sticking to his guns in saying that Watson is Houston's quarterback, I asked directly if he still feels that way.

“I think we'll take it one day at a time. And I think everything is pretty fluid here,” Caserio responded. “And we'll adjust as we go. And ultimately, I think we'll do what we feel is best for the Houston Texans organizationally.”

So, I then asked, you’d be open to trading Watson?

“Ultimately,” he said, “we'll do what we feel is best for the organization.”

On the pod, Caserio talked a little more on Watson; how he sees EVP

Jack Easterby fitting into his reworked football operation; why David Culley was the right person to pair with in building it; and his own path to becoming a GM and how he plans to bring some, but not all, the things he learned in New England to Houston. Plus, in an interesting twist, he took us through how a Microsoft exec influenced his thinking on that.

Listen to The Albert Breer Show
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Justin Fields dismisses Mac Jones debate, says he's NFL draft's top QB

Fields isn't short on confidence.

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Mark Murphy not talking about Aaron Rodgers’ contract

On Jan. 25, Packers CEO Mark Murphy answered Aaron Rodgers‘ comments suggesting uncertainty about his future clearly and concisely: “There’s no way in heck Aaron is not going to be on the Packers. He’s going to be the MVP of the league, might have had his best year ever. He’s our unquestioned leader, and we’re [more]

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Breer: Why Patriots should want Justin Fields over Jimmy Garoppolo

Albert Breer joins Trenni Kusnierek on Early Edition to discuss why Ohio State QB Justin Fields could be a better choice for the Patriots than trading for Jimmy Garoppolo.

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Celtics Lab 37: A first look at Boston’s 2021 NBA draft prospects with Ben Kaloupek

In this episode of the Lab, we dive into all things 2021 NBA draft for Boston.

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New Tobias Harris-Boban Marjanovic commercial is pure comedy gold

The NBA's greatest friendship is reunited for another go-round of absolute shenanigans. By Adam Hermann

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Daniel Theis’ active debut foreshadows potential impact on Bulls

Daniel Theis speaks on how his defensive mindset and physical nature will efficiently fit in the Bulls' rotation and budding stars.

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WATCH: Rui Hachimura hits buzzer-beater to close out strong half vs. Hornets

Rui Hachimura knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to close out a strong half for the Wizards against the Hornets.

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Hot Kings look to extend winning streak vs. Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings, two teams going in opposite directions in the Western Conference standings, will square off on Wednesday in the back end of the two-game mini-series in the Alamo City. Sacramento led by just three points early in the fourth quarter before it ripped off a 12-2 run to build its advantage to 13 points and never let the Spurs closer than 10 points down the stretch. D'Aaron Fox scored 24 points, and Richaun Holmes added 23 points and 12 rebounds for his 19th double-double of the season for Sacramento.

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Knicks look to start winning streak vs. Timberwolves

A loss Monday night underlined what the New York Knicks need to do to maintain their surprisingly winning ways. A narrow defeat for the Minnesota Timberwolves served as a reminder that a rebuilding team can still compete with the NBA's best. The Knicks will look to bounce back from an atypical defeat Wednesday night, when they visit the Timberwolves in Minneapolis, Minn., in the final game of the season between the nonconference foes.

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Mike Thibault says Russell Westbrook is a 'nightmare' to coach against

The Mystics coach had high praise for the Wizards' star point guard.

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Sixers coach Doc Rivers provides update on Joel Embiid, says he’s close

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers provides an update on Joel Embiid as he recovers from his knee injury.

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Streaking Jazz visit Grizzlies in search of seventh straight win

Utah's comfortable 114-75 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night was the fifth consecutive game in which Utah led by 20 or more points, its eighth wire-to-wire victory, and its largest margin of victory this season. The Jazz will try to extend their six-game winning streak on Wednesday night when they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis. Donovan Mitchell led a balanced scoring effort with 19 points while Gobert totaled 18 points and 17 rebounds.

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Lakers news: Schröder turned down extension in ‘4-year, $80 million range’

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported on Tuesday that the Lakers guard rebuffed multiple offers at an extension.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Referee Bert Smith Collapses During Gonzaga-USC Men's Elite Eight Game

Bert Smith was feeling light-headed while on the court and is now being tended to by trainers in the locker room. He is in stable condition.

Referee Bert Smith collapsed on the court during the first half of Tuesday night's men's Elite Eight game between USC and Gonzaga. Smith was standing in the corner and not adjacent to game action at the time of the collapse. 

Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd and medical personnel immediately rushed to Smith when he fell.

The game was stopped with 15:44 to play in the half with Gonzaga leading 11-4. During the commercial break, Smith became alert, stood up and was smiling. He was carried off the court on a stretcher.

According to the TBS broadcast, Smith was feeling light-headed while on the court and is now being tended to by trainers in the locker room. He is in stable condition. 

Smith was replaced in the game by an alternate referee William Henderson.

Andy Katz of TBS reported that Smith is still alert, stable and will not need hospitalization. 

Former NFL lineman Orlando Franklin shows off dramatic transformation after post-football weight loss

The seven-season NFL lineman is unrecognizable now.

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NFL rumors: Kolton Miller, Raiders agree to three-year contract extension

The Raiders reportedly are locking up their left tackle

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Cynthia Frelund breaks down how the Big Data Bowl benefits the NFL

NFL Network analytics expert Cynthia Frelund details the 2021 Big Data Bowl. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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Adoree' Jackson likens recruitment to Giants to recruitment at USC

New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson likens recruitment to Giants to recruitment at USC. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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Giants sign Cole Hikutini, Josh Kalu, Chris Milton

The Giants announced Tuesday evening the signings of tight end Cole Hikutini and defensive backs Joshua Kalu and Chris Milton. Hikutini previously spent time with the 49ers (2017-18), Vikings (2018-19) and Cowboys (2019-21). Dallas released Hikutini earlier this month. He has appeared in four NFL games – all in 2017 with the 49ers – and [more]

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49ers twitter reacts to Justin Fields' pro day, team's 'Buckeye' tweet

Twitter did its thing.

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Every team's new matchup for 2021 expanded season

Every team's additional matchup following the announcement of the expanded schedule for the 2021 NFL season This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL.com

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/2PDUkPM

WATCH: Marcus Smart's head-scratching shot off a jump ball

Marcus Smart took one of the most inexplicable shots of the NBA season on Monday night.

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Tilman Fertitta has no role in Rockets’ trade talks, per Rafael Stone

When Stone was asked about Fertitta's role in trades, he said: "No offense to my boss, but he doesn't really have one, in a deal like this."

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Bulls' Coby White to miss first game of NBA career with neck spasms

The Bulls guard is the only player to appear in all 109 of the team's games since the start of last season.

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Rafael Stone doesn’t think Rockets need ‘wholesale tank strategy’

Though draft lottery odds have become a popular topic of discussion, Houston's GM says he isn't focused on maximizing them.

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2021 NBA Draft set for July 29; Draft Lottery on June 22

Summer League likely follows in early August.

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Lonzo Ball misses fifth straight game with right hip flexor strain

Lonzo Ball remained out yet again on Monday against the Boston Celtics, his fifth consecutive game missed due to a right hip flexor injury.

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New on Sports Illustrated: UConn Beats Baylor, Advances to 13th Straight Final Four

Freshman Paige Bueckers led UConn to the Final Four with a 28-point effort against Baylor.

College basketball's greatest dynasty is heading back to the women's Final Four. 

UConn secured its 13th straight Final Four appearance on Monday, advancing past the Elite Eight with a 69-67 win over Baylor. The Huskies will now continue their quest for the national title in a Final Four matchup against either Indiana or Arizona on April 2.

Baylor jumped out to a 55-45 lead with just over two minutes to play in the third quarter, but the Bears then lost a key piece as guard DiDi Richards exited the game with an apparent hamstring injury. And with Richards out, UConn's offense caught fire.

The Huskies went on a 19-0 run to take a 64-55 lead with 7:13 remaining, seizing the lead as freshman Paige Bueckers began to find a rhythm from the perimeter. Baylor closed UConn's lead to just one in the final 20 seconds, but Bueckers and Co. held on in a 69-67 victory.

Baylor had an opportunity to win the game in the final seconds. Guard DiJonai Carrington took a shot on the baseline with under four seconds remaining, but she was blocked by a pair of UConn defenders. It looked as though Carrington may have been fouled on the shot, but the referees opted against making a call as UConn advanced. 

"I personally don’t see it as controversial call," Carrington said postgame. "I already saw it on the replay. One girl fouled me on my face and one girl fouled me on the arm."

Bueckers finished Monday night with 28 points on 10-22 from the field as she led all scorers. Her Elite Eight performance continued a dominant freshman season, one in which Bueckers earned a first-team All-American honor. Bueckers previously combined for 62 points in her previous three tournament games. 

UConn advanced to its 13th straight Final Four on Monday, but the program is still facing a relatively long championship drought. The Huskies have not won the national title in each of the last three seasons after winning four straight championships from 2013-16.

More March Madness Content:

• Diana Taurasi on Paige Bueckers: 'She's the Best Player in Basketball Already'
• Is 2021's Neutral-Site Experiment a Blueprint Forward for the Women's NCAA Tournament?

Geoff Schwartz says Gabe Jackson will be clear upgrade over Mike Iupati for Seahawks

Jackson might be the lone significant investment Seattle makes in its offensive line this offseason.

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A trade for Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson would 'take a king's ransom'

Have the Seahawks done enough to appease Wilson?

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Is Justin Fields to San Francisco a lock for the 2021 NFL draft?

Justin Fields looks like the QB to be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers for the 2021 NFL draft. Justin Fields was seen working out at the QB Collective, a program that has deep ties with San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan. The Niners are not that far removed from a Super Bowl appearance and a young talented dual-threat talent like Fields could put that franchise over the top

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Vikings’ salary cap after making more moves in free agency

Here is the Minnesota Vikings' 2021 salary cap space after the team made more moves in 2021 free agency.

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3cwfwA6

Evan Fournier called ex-Celtic Vincent Poirier after trade to Boston

New Celtics forward Evan Fournier opened up about being traded to Boston and detailed a phone call with an ex-Celtic about the city.

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Steve Nash on Nets signing Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge: ‘It’s not like we did anything illegal’

"I don’t know what we’re supposed to do, not try to add to our roster and just sit pat?"

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NBA rumors: Sixers' Tobias Harris calls out NBA over very questionable power rankings

The Sixers have stayed atop the East even without Joel Embiid, but apparently their efforts aren't going noticed by the league's website. By Adam Hermann

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Rockets GM Rafael Stone has no regrets over James Harden trade

Though Victor Oladipo didn't prove to be a fit, the Rockets remain optimistic about what they will be able to do with the draft capital.

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With Jimmy Garoppolo, time is on the 49ers’ side

On Friday, an unnamed 49ers source told ESPN, “Jimmy [Garoppolo] is here to stay. He’s our guy this year.” On Monday, coach Kyle Shanahan and G.M. John Lynch met with reporters to discuss the decision to trade up from No. 12 to No. 3 for a quarterback. Neither said that Garoppolo is “here to stay” [more]

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Liam Eichenberg Downplays Athleticism Concerns: "My Tape Speaks For Itself"

Liam Eichenberg thinks three years of film as Notre Dame's left tackle ought to squash some concerns surrounding him

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‘Highmark Stadium’ is new name of Bills Stadium

Buffalo Bills Stadium named Highmark Stadium.

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Rousseau details parts of his game he worked on after opting out of '20 season

Miami Hurricanes EDGE defender Gregory Rousseau details which parts of his game he worked on after opting out of the 2020 college football season. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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Jaelan Phillips' Miami pro day highlights

Check out some of the best moments from Miami Hurricanes EDGE defender Jaelan Phillips' pro day workout as he prepares for the 2021 NFL Draft. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL.com

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Dan Campbell discusses Lions' 2021 offseason additions

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell discusses the Detroit Lions' 2021 offseason additions. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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Shanahan shares Garoppolo's reaction to 49ers' trade for No. 3 pick

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan address the media about quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network

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2021 AFC West Team Needs and Prospect Fits

Hayden Winks lists the team needs of the Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers following free agency and finds prospects that fit each scheme. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

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Steph Curry practices in full, will be questionable for Warriors-Bulls

Amid what is tied for their longest losing streak of the season, the Warriors got a boost Sunday.

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Pels vs. Celtics: Live stream, lineups, injury reports and broadcast info – 3/29

Everything you need to know about Monday night's game against New Orleans.

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Devin Booker’s 35 helps Suns outlast Hornets 101-97 in OT

Devonte Graham led the Hornets with 30 points.

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Warriors' Eric Paschall misses practice after injuring wrist in workout

The Warriors will be monitoring Eric Paschall's wrist.

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Instant Analysis: Trail Blazers third-quarter defense propels them to win over Raptors

Portland outscored Toronto 23-10 in the third...

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Hoosiers bring back former star player Woodson as coach

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Mike Woodson won one Big Ten title and one NIT championship while playing for Bob Knight. Indiana hired the former star player as its new coach Sunday, issuing a four-word statement on Twitter - ''Welcome home, Coach Woodson'' - before the formal announcement. Woodson returned to the New York Knicks as an assistant this season after previously serving as New York's head coach for a little more than two seasons.

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Tobias Harris explains what Sixers need to improve on after Clippers loss

Philadelphia 76ers veteran Tobias Harris explains what they need to improve upon after a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

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Contract details emerge for Colts CB Xavier Rhodes

Contract details for Xavier Rhodes.

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Report: Chiefs to sign former Seahawks DT Jarran Reed

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs are set to sign former Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed. Reed was a late addition to the free-agent pool after Seattle and the veteran defensive tackle couldn’t come to an agreement on a restructured contract. He has appeared in 72 total games with the Seahawks, starting 63 games. During that span, he has recorded 194 total tackles, 22 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 58 QB hits. Pairing Reed with Chris Jones is a no-brainer. This move will make the interior pass rush in Kansas City among the best in the NFL

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3lYynXP

Vikings among the teams that lost the most talent in free agency

Do you like what the Minnesota Vikings did in 2021 NFL free agency? It may have come at a cost.

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Chiefs to sign former Seahawks DT Jarran Reed

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new defensive tackle on the team.

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3u3eXUk

NFL Draft: 5 Alabama prospects the Falcons should consider

The 2021 NFL draft is just over a month away and the Falcons have been linked to a number of players from Alabama, the country's premier college football program and elite producer of pro talent.

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3ctYbb2

OL Max Garcia’s contract with Cardinals has little in guarantees

His only guarantees are a $68,750 signing bonus and a $68,750 roster bonus he gets only if he is on the roster in Week 1.

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Kevin Durant 'looks great,' unlikely to return this week from hamstring injury

Kevin Durant hasn't played since Feb. 13 while dealing with a hamstring strain.

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New on Sports Illustrated: U.S. Men's Failure to Reach the Olympics Is Disappointing, but Not as Disastrous As It Sounds

While the United States missing out on the Olympics is certainly disappointing, there were several mitigating circumstances that didn't work in the team's favor.

Jason Kreis slipped the warning in during his pre-match press conference.

“I think in some ways it’s a little unfortunate that we have to have one-off games to qualify for the Olympics, but it is what it is,” he said.

He had grasped the concept. A bad day—one mistake—can send you packing. Concacaf set up its Olympic qualifying tournament to produce two semifinal matches that send the survivors to Japan, and for the U.S. U-23 national team, everything would come down to those 90 minutes. Past performance and pedigree were immaterial. What mattered was the play on the day. And on Sunday in steamy Guadalajara, Mexico, the unimpressive USA made one too many errors and simply wasn’t good enough. Unable to possess the ball, create chances or threaten their Honduran counterparts for most of the evening, the

Americans fell, 2-1, to Los Catrachos and were eliminated from Olympic contention. The U.S. men now will miss the Olympic finals for the third straight time, having qualified most recently in 2008.

Concacaf’s second berth to this summer’s 16-team Olympic tournament will go to the winner of the Mexico-Canada match played later Sunday night.

Kreis and his players said repeatedly throughout the competition that past American failures didn’t weigh on them. Nobody involved in the current qualification push had anything to do with defeats in 2012 and 2015, and there’s little question that U.S. soccer has entered a new era. A slew of young, talented athletes have emerged under senior U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter, many of whom play for top European clubs. The senior side, which beat Northern Ireland in a friendly earlier Sunday, is 8-0-1 in in its past nine matches.

STRAUS: USMNT Tests Out Different Look in Beating Northern Ireland

Unfortunately for Kreis, however, all that young talent doesn’t mean much in this youth competition (the Olympics are usually a U-23 event but are U-24 this year due to the pandemic). Under FIFA regulations, clubs aren’t required to release their players for junior tournaments. So instead of deploying any of the 15 Olympic age-eligible players Berhalter used this week in Europe (or the likes of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Timothy Weah, who missed the senior camp), Kreis was left to call up a squad of MLS players who hadn’t contested a competitive match in months, along with three men on the periphery of their foreign clubs.

Take a group in preseason form that hadn’t had the chance to play meaningful games together, bring them into the heat and altitude of Guadalajara for games against opponents well into their own club seasons, and hope they gel quickly enough to succeed. That was Kreis’s assignment—manufacture results under adversity—and he and his charges ultimately weren’t up to the challenge. Their failure isn’t as much an indictment of the program as it was in 2012 or ’15. The overall trajectory remains good. It’s still a massive disappointment, however, as this generation of players now will miss out on a chance to test themselves in a meaningful tournament on the global stage.

“It’s a big opportunity for the whole team and the whole coaching staff and for U.S. Soccer to get us back to the Olympics and to kind of show that we’re a good team in Concacaf and that we deserve to be in the big stages and in the world tournaments,” U.S. captain Jackson Yueill said on Saturday. “U.S. Soccer and our team is looking at this as a big opportunity.”

On paper, Yueill and his MLS counterparts should have been good enough to beat a Honduran side comprised almost entirely of domestic players. A handful of Kreis’s Americans have already been capped by Berhalter’s senior side. But apart from a second-half spell during the group-stage game against the overmatched Dominican Republic, and then the desperate late moments on Sunday evening, the USA was a feeble attacking side lacking chemistry and menace. Players seemed unsure of themselves, productive combinations were few and far between and the pace of play was too slow. That was the case again in the early going against Honduras, as the Americans failed to generate anything going forward. That gave them no margin for error.

Honduras took the lead with the last touch of the first half thanks to a goal by, ironically, a New York City-born forward who plays for Rio Grande Valley Toros in the USL Championship, the American second division. Defender Denil Maldonado headed a long cross back across the face of the U.S. goal and Juan Carlos Obregón, the New Yorker, bundled it over to give Los Catrachos the lead.

The U.S. seemed spooked even after halftime. Goalkeeper David Ochoa, a rising star at Real Salt Lake, was having an excellent tournament before firing an inexplicable, 49th-minute pass straight off the foot of Honduras’s Luis Palma. The ball rebounded into the empty U.S. net.

The Americans finally came to life in the 52nd minute and pulled to within one thanks to Yueill, the San Jose Earthquakes midfielder, who found a bit of time and space in the offensive third and blasted a 25-yard shot into the upper corner. Offensive substitutions and desperation then combined to push the USA forward as shadows covered the field at the Estadio Jalisco. Jonathan Lewis saw a point-blank header cleared off the line, and Yueill came close on a subsequent free kick. In the 84th, a well-hit cross from substitute midfielder Tanner Tessman was misplayed by Lewis on the doorstep. Honduras held. The tying goal wouldn’t come. The onslaught was too little, too late.

Elimination represents a big missed opportunity for a building U.S. program. The Olympics would’ve been a rewarding experience for a group of young players eager to make their mark, and several of Berhalter’s men—including Christian Pulisic—expressed an interest in participating if the Americans advanced (Chelsea might have had other ideas). Now that opportunity has gone, and the U.S. must recover and stay humble as it looks toward the beginning of World Cup qualifying in September. It isn’t a dominant force in Concacaf just yet.

New on Sports Illustrated: United States Men's Soccer Team Loses to Honduras, Out of Olympics

The United States under-23 men's team has failed to qualify for the last three Olympic Games.

The United States men's soccer team fell to Honduras 2–1 on Sunday and failed to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The men's under-23 team has not qualified for an Olympics since 2008 in Beijing. 

The disappointing loss for the U.S. was made all the more painful by an embarrassing goal that came when Honduras took a 2–0 lead in the 47th minute. 

Although the U.S. answered, it was never able to tie it up.

U.S. women's national team star Megan Rapinoe chimed in at the end of the game to offer support for her national team peers. 

"Gutted for these boys," Rapinoe Tweeted. "Keep your heads up, learn from it and get better. 

Honduras has now qualified for Olympics four straight times while the U.S. has failed three times in a row now. Honduras will face the winner of the Mexico–Canada matchup at 9 p.m. ET. 

New on Sports Illustrated: The Gonzaga Train Rolls on With a Flourish After Dicing Up Creighton

Halfway to the finish line, the Zags have yet to experience a flicker of discomfort this NCAA tournament.

INDIANAPOLIS — Holed up in the downtown Marriott here, Mark Few says he’s not sleeping well in NCAA tournament lockdown. He doesn’t expect that to change now.

“There’ll be no more good night’s sleep in the bubble,” The Gonzaga coach said Sunday, after his team dispatched Creighton, 83–65, in the Sweet 16. “These will all be really hard games. … Literally the hardest thing we do in our sport is advancing in this tournament. Just look at this year.”

Look at this year and you do indeed see an onslaught of upsets, resulting in the highest aggregate seeding in history. But then you also see Gonzaga, smashing everyone in its path thus far.

Halfway to history, the undefeated Zags are performing like an all-time great team. They have dispatched their first three opponents by a combined 77 points, with the closest victory margin 16. They are averaging 89.3 points per game in the tourney. They haven’t yet experienced a flicker of discomfort in an elimination game, never leading by fewer than nine points at any juncture of three second halves.

In the last 40 years, the only men's national champions who won each of their first three NCAA games by more than 15 points are Villanova 2016, Connecticut ’04, Kentucky 1998 and Kentucky ’96. The highest-scoring national champs of this century through three games are North Carolina 2009 at 94.3 and Kentucky ’12 at 90. Gonzaga is keeping good company—but, again, is only halfway to the finish line.

Few loved his team’s defense against Creighton Sunday, and with good reason. Holding a dangerous perimeter shooting team to five made three-pointers in 23 attempts was strong. But the truly special part of this Gonzaga team is what it does on the offensive end.

Nobody in the college game passes the ball more crisply, creatively and willingly. Player movement and ball movement have long been the coins of Few’s realm, and this is his best team yet in that area. “It’s probably our best attribute,” Few said.

Some teams need to move deliberately to execute well offensively. Not Gonzaga. This is the third-fastest team in the nation at the offensive end, averaging 14.3 seconds per possession, flowing smoothly, recognizing advantages immediately and attacking aggressively. They are a visual feast.

“It's one of the best passing teams I've seen … in college basketball in a long time,” said Creighton coach Greg McDermott.

What the Zags did to the Bluejays’ best defensive team in 15 years was a clinic on modern offense. Gonzaga had 23 assists and made 76% of its two-point shots, carving Creighton to pieces. Point guard Andrew Nembhard destroyed the Bluejays one pocket pass at a time, dropping an array of deft dimes to teammates in ball-screen situations. He finished with 17 points and eight assists, both his highest single-game totals since January.

“I think that's been our identity all season,” Nembhard said. “I think we play best when we're just moving the ball because we have so many pieces and so much versatility. It's just like playing a part with a bunch of guys that click so well.”

Said Few: “When he’s in that zone, he’s the best I’ve ever coached at making decisions in the ball screens.”

Corey Kispert and Drew Timme are the All-Americans. Jalen Suggs is the lottery pick. But Nembhard has become the catalyst of that philharmonic Gonzaga passing game.

And here’s the thing about the junior transfer from Florida: it wasn’t clear that he would even play for Gonzaga this season. The original plan was for five-star freshman Jalen Suggs to run the point while Nembhard redshirted. But Nembhard fit in immediately, flourishing in the accelerated pace after two years with the deliberate Gators.

Nembhard was so good in the preseason that Few suggested he try to get a waiver for immediate eligibility, and he ran the idea of sharing floor-general duties by Suggs.

“He just got the biggest grin on his face,” Few said. “I'll remember it the rest of my life. He was like, ‘Coach, are you kidding me? That would be awesome.’

“I've found over the years the real players, they don't fear anybody. They welcome all great players around them. And I told the staff after I met with Jalen, this takes us from top 15, top 20 to top five and national championship contender.”

Watching this offensive machine come together, Few tinkered with his practice drills to accentuate moving and cutting. The more the players responded, the more he added. When Gonzaga mowed down Kansas, West Virginia, Auburn and Iowa to start the season, Few knew.

“Very quickly we found out … that they not only liked to pass—all of them, including Drew—but they're really, really good at it,” he said. “That sounds simple and corny or whatever. … They all have a really good feel for the game.”

Few and his team left Hinkle Fieldhouse Sunday unsure of their next opponent, waiting for the late-night game between USC and Oregon. Few has reveled in building an improbable power in the shadow of the Pac-12, becoming the program everyone in that conference wishes it could have. Beating a team from that league to reach the Final Four would being an added layer of satisfaction to the coach and the Gonzaga fans.

But the Elite Eight game Tuesday will, almost certainly, be the Zags’ toughest challenge to date. Few’s restless nights will be well-earned now. The stress-free second halves are destined to stop at some point … right?

If not, we’ll start measuring this Gonzaga team by the standards of the all-time greats.

SI’s tournament newsletter analyzes everything you need to know about the Big Dance: what just happened and what’s happening next. Sign up for Morning Madness here.

Bears met with Virginia Tech first-round prospect, Christian Darrisaw

The Chicago Bears met with Virginia Tech offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in the run-up to the 2021 NFL draft.

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3ddZ3jk

Did Cordarrelle Patterson leave a hint about where he’ll be playing in 2021?

Chicago Bears free agent Cordarrelle Patterson may have used Twitter to leave a clue about where he plans on playing in 2021.

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3diBvtF

The Jets had no 4,000-yard passers in the 16-game era

Beyond Joe Namath's early production, the Jets have been cursed with bad quarterbacking through most of their history.

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Packers high on Iowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette

The Green Bay Packers could kill two birds with one stone by drafting Iowa’s Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3flpI06

One key reason Mac Jones isn’t a fit for Kyle Shanahan, 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers weren't likely trading up to take Alabama QB Mac Jones in the NFL draft.

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49ers' Deebo Samuel leads NFL receivers in key stat despite injuries

Deebo has been impactful when he's on the field.

from NFL News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2020 | Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/39paqnn

Thunder to make C Al Horford inactive for rest of season

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Thunder said Saturday that veteran center Al Horford will remain inactive for the rest of the season as the team's young talent develops. Horford, 34, averaged 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds this season. ''When I arrived, I understood the direction of the team, we had a great individual plan in place for me, and I feel like as a result I've played really good basketball for the Thunder,'' Horford said in a statement.

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LaMarcus Aldridge reportedly signing with Nets, who get even deeper with addition

The veteran big man brings his midrange game to a squad filled with superstars that are willing to share the ball.

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NBA fans react to seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge joining the Nets

The Nets have already assembled one of the most decorated superteams we’ve ever seen in the NBA, led by a pair of league MVPs in Kevin Durant and James Harden, and a seven-time All-Star in Kyrie Irving. On Saturday, the Nets just added another seven-time All-Star to the roster, who is primed to fill a significant hole in the middle of the floor. LaMarcus Aldridge, who was just bought out by the Spurs after the trade deadline, will reportedly join the Nets on a one-year deal, according to a report from Shams Charania. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Nets plan to play Aldridge at center

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Wizards F Rui Hachimura puts Pistons' Isaiah Stewart on poster

During the first quarter of Washington's game vs. Detroit, Hachimura laid down a viscous one-handed slam.

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Sixers provide injury updates on big man Joel Embiid, George Hill

The Philadelphia 76ers have provided injury updates on both Joel Embiid and George Hill.

from NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games https://ift.tt/3lYhkVD

New on Sports Illustrated: In a National Showcase for the Sport, UConn-Iowa Was Much More than Bueckers vs. Clark

The Huskies got a true ensemble effort, as did Baylor and Michigan in their own Sweet 16 matchup.

In the days leading up to Saturday’s match-up between No. 1 UConn and No. 5 Iowa, perhaps

the most hyped contest in the history of the women’s Sweet 16, people from both programs said all the right things. It’s not about just two players. It’s about the whole team. There will be people on the floor besides freshmen phenoms Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark.

This, of course, is just what everyone is supposed to say in this situation. But in this case, these statements came true, and they were punctuated by the game that followed: No. 2 Baylor versus No. 6 Michigan, an overtime thriller, which likewise featured huge contributions from players other than the biggest stars. If Bueckers-vs.-Clark was marketed as the future of women’s basketball, Saturday afternoon instead drove home that this future is bigger, and brighter, than can be captured by any one or two players.

UConn bested Iowa, 92 to 72, in a game that was played closer than its final score indicated. The Huskies’ effort was led not by Bueckers but by the ensemble around her: Aaliyah Edwards, who came out hot in the first quarter; Evina Westbrook, who finished one board short of a triple double; and, most of all, Christyn Williams, who came close to matching her career scoring high with 27.

“It was not going to be easy on either Caitlin or Paige to play their normal game, and obviously neither of them did,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said of the heavily hyped match-up. “Even though both of them played really, really well.”

(It’s a reminder of just how good both of these players are that not being able to “play their normal game” looked like 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists for Bueckers, and 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists for Clark.)

Despite the fact that Bueckers has received more attention than anyone on this (or any) roster this season, a balanced attack like this has been the norm for UConn, which shouldn’t be surprising. Edwards was second in the nation for effective field goal percentage; Williams, despite an up-and-down college career, was the No. 1 recruit of 2018. This system was built to hold all of them—which works well for Bueckers, who is still a pass-first point guard, even with all the attention she gets as “Paige Buckets.”

MORE: Boston, Bueckers, Hillmon and Howard: Generation Flex

The situation is somewhat similar for Iowa: Clark, who led the country in scoring, rightfully captures most of the notice here. But the Hawkeyes also rely heavily on the post presence of Monika Czinano, who scored 11 on Saturday, and the shooting of McKenna Warnock, who added 20.

“We have other pieces of this puzzle,” said Iowa coach Lisa Bluder.

The dominant narrative had focused on Bueckers and Clark as the players to watch, not just in this contest, but in women’s college basketball as a whole. But it was disrupted by the talent of the other faces on the floor, and it was busted up entirely by the game that came next on ABC, which offered arguably the most thrilling play of the tournament so far—and more examples of highlights from players whose names do not always drive as much conversation.

Michigan never led in regulation, but tied the game to send it to overtime, and was one near-miss of a desperation heave away from an upset victory. Baylor won 78 to 75.

“Obviously, we’re led by an All-American in Naz Hillmon,” Michigan coach Kim Barnes Amico said. “But the pieces around her, and the confidence that they all had around her, was incredible.”

Baylor successfully shut down Big Ten Player of the Year Hillmon for much of the game and held her to 16. Instead, Michigan was led by 23 points from Leigha Brown and 14 from Akienreh Johnson—who typically averages less than one successful three-pointer per game but made three on Saturday.

“Hillmon, we know, is a great player,” said Baylor coach Kim Mulkey. “I thought we contained her pretty much. But they had kids who barely average scoring and they were hitting threes, they almost doubled the number of threes that they average … Was it a good game for ABC? You bet it was. Was it a good game for women’s basketball? You bet it was.”

And Baylor’s effort was led not just by NaLyssa Smith, who went 11 of 11 from the field to tie a tournament record, and Moon Ursin, who scored 20, but also by DiJonai Carrington—who came off the bench to score 19.

“It just shows how deep the roster goes, just knowing that everybody could score the ball,” Smith said. “If I’m not hot, Moon’s going to be hot. If Moon’s not hot, DiJonai’s going to be hot, or maybe all three of us are going to be hot at the same time.”

A day that was marketed as being about just two players instead offered space for many. It offered a reminder that there is room in the women’s game for more than just one story. It happened on the biggest stage possible—with both of these games broadcast on network TV in the first year that all tournament games have been televised nationally. 

“All the games televised instead of whip-around coverage has been just terrific, and you know, these games today being played on ABC—this is good for our game, and this is what we need to grow our game, this is what we’ve been missing,” said Bluder. It recalled an answer that Clark gave earlier this week when asked about what it meant for her to face off with Bueckers:

“I think that’s the whole goal that all women athletes are trying to get across right now,” she said. “There can be multiple superstars, there can be multiple good players, it doesn’t have to be one end-all-be-all.”

SI’s tournament newsletter analyzes everything you need to know about the Big Dance: what just happened and what’s happening next. Sign up for Morning Madness here.

New on Sports Illustrated: Knicks Center Mitchell Robinson Fractures Foot, Will be Re-Evaluated Sunday

Robinson will be re-evaluated on Sunday in New York.

View the

original article to see embedded media.

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson fractured his foot during Saturday night's game against the Bucks, the team announced. He will undergo further evaluation on Sunday.

While defending Bucks center Brook Lopez, Robinson was able to intercept a lob pass but fell awkwardly on his foot in the first quarter of the game. 

Robinson has appeared in 30 games this season for the Knicks and started 28 of them. He's averaging 8.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. 

The Knicks are currently the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference at 23–22 but every team between the fourth and eighth seed are within one game of each other.  

Robinson, 22, will likely miss significant time for the second time this year. The seven-footer fractured his right hand in February and had to undergo surgery. 

With only two other centers on the current roster, the Knicks will have a gap to fill going forward.

Read More NBA News

2021 Available Targets & Air Yards

John Daigle tracks available team targets and air yards throughout the offseason. (Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports)

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Updated draft order ahead of Cowboys after Friday’s big trades

The latest NFL draft trade news; how Friday's blockbusters impact the top 10 picks.

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Report: Tyson Alualu returning to Steelers after initially coming to terms with Jags

Tyson Alualu cam to terms with the Jags this month, but an unfortunate situation gave him more time to re-think his situation.

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NFL rumors: 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo commitment seen as bluff by teams

Jimmy Garoppolo's future became a lot cloudier Friday, even as the 49ers said otherwise.

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Tyson Alualu has change of heart, decides to return to Steelers

Tyson Alualu agreed to terms with the Jaguars on a two-year deal worth $6 million on March 16. But the defensive tackle contracted COVID-19, delaying his trip to Jacksonville to sign the contract. With time to ponder the move, Alualu had a change of heart. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that Alualu is staying [more]

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Trail Blazers react to LaMarcus Aldridge joining the super team Brooklyn Nets

The NBA was buzzing after LMA made his decision.

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Mavs' Doncic sits out in New Orleans because of illness

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Luka Doncic missed his second straight game Saturday, sitting out against New Orleans because of an illness that coach Rick Carlisle said was not related to COVID-19. ''He just wasn't feeling well,'' Carlisle said. Carlisle said he could not predict how long Doncic's illness might keep him out.

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Thunder will sit healthy Al Horford for remainder of season

OKC, at 19-25, has the eighth-worst record in the NBA right now.

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Kelly Olynyk starts for Rockets, Christian Wood out with sore right ankle

Olynyk was acquired from Miami in the Victor Oladipo trade. For Wood, it's the same right ankle that he previously sprained twice.

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Tony Bradley arrives in OKC; Austin Rivers still away from Thunder

The Thunder's return from the George Hill trade are at different stages. Tony Bradley has arrived in Oklahoma City but Austin Rivers has not.

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New on Sports Illustrated: No. 4 Indiana Upsets No. 1 North Carolina State to Advance to Elite Eight

The Hoosiers hounded the Wolfpack on defense, forcing 17 turnovers to advance to its first Elite Eight in program history.

Indiana's historic season will keep going for at least another game.

The Hoosiers upended No. 1 seed North Carolina State, 73-70, in Saturday's Sweet 16 game, advancing the Hoosiers to their first Elite Eight in program history. Indiana had never been to a women's Sweet 16 before this season and is now one win away from its first Final Four.

The Hoosiers' win knocks out NC State, who becomes the first No. 1 seed to be eliminated in the regional semifinals since the 2016 tournament. That year, both Notre Dame and South Carolina were upended by No. 4 seeds—Stanford and Syracuse, respectively. 

The keys to the victory for Indiana were rebounding and turnovers. The Hoosiers held a 36-31 advantage on the boards and only coughed the ball up nine times. Indiana forced the Wolfpack into 17 turnovers, an effort led by senior guard Nicole Cardaño-Hillary, who led the team with four steals.

Cardaño-Hillary was one of five Hoosiers starters in double figures. She finished the game with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists on 5-for-15 shooting. She also sank two clutch free throws with 22 seconds remaining to maintain a four-point lead.

Indiana led by 10 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game when NC State made a frantic comeback attempt. The Wolfpack subsequently went on an 8-0 run and had the ball with a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, but a 3-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark.

Indiana junior guard Grace Berger had 12 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Indiana center Elissa Cunane scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds with five assists and one block.

SI’s tournament newsletter analyzes everything you need to know about the Big Dance: what just happened and what’s happening next.

Sign up for Morning Madness here.

More March Madness Content:

• Ranking the 2021 Women's Sweet 16: UConn, Baylor Lead Pack of Contenders
• Diana Taurasi on Paige Bueckers: 'She's the Best Player in Basketball Already'
• March Madness Scores: 2021 Sweet 16 Men's and Women's Schedule, Recaps

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Tyson Alualu Backs Out of Deal With Jaguars to Re-Sign With Steelers

Alualu was originally supposed to sign with the Jaguars but reportedly had a change of heart.

Defensive end Tyson Alualu has reportedly had a change of heart and is re-signing with the

Steelers after agreeing to terms with the Jaguars, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. 

Alualu, who was drafted by the Jaguars in 2010, originally planned to return to his first NFL team but within the last 10 days, some things have changed. 

The 33-year-old Hawaii native was planning on making a trip to Jacksonville but couldn't travel because he tested positive for COVID-19, according to Pelissero. After building his dream home in Pittsburgh, his kids in school and with time to rethink things, he decided to stay put. 

His Steelers teammate and four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cam Heyward seemed to be all smiles after hearing the news. 

Alualu only missed one game for the Steelers in 2020. He started 10 times, had 38 total tackles and two sacks in his 11th season. 

  Read More From FanNation's All Steelers

New on Sports Illustrated: Oregon State Snuffs Out Loyola Chicago to Continue Its Improbable March

The Beavers' season nearly ended in the Pac-12 tournament. Now, they're on the cusp of history.

INDIANAPOLIS — UCLA’s Jules Bernard is a 73% foul shooter. With three seconds left in the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals against Oregon State, Bernard went to the line for two free throws. If he made them both, the Bruins would win and the Beavers’ season would quietly end on a Las Vegas afternoon with a 14–13 record.

Bernard made one of two, sending the game into overtime. Once there, Oregon State prevailed, 83–79. The Beavers haven’t lost since.

These are the twists of March fate that can separate the magical from the mundane. A good foul shooter misses one, and suddenly a hungry team takes that crack of daylight and turns it into a sun-drenched run of historic proportion.

They were picked to finish last in the league before the season. They were on the verge of a season-ending loss. Sixteen days later, the unlikely Pac-12 tourney champions have turned this NCAA tournament opportunity into a stunning rampage. Just like that, Oregon State is only the second No. 12 seed in tourney history to make a regional final, and is 40 minutes from being the lowest-seeded team to ever reach a Final Four.

“Can we cut in?” Coach Wayne Tinkle said upon sitting down for his postgame press conference Saturday, after the Beavers throttled Loyola Chicago, 65–58. After earning the chance to dance, Tinkle and the Beavers have jitterbugged all over Indy, winning twice in Bankers Life Fieldhouse and once in Hinkle Fieldhouse.

“There's no doubt in our guys' minds,” Tinkle said. “They really believe that this is their time. It's what we said before we left the locker room, that we're not going to get rattled. This is our time. It's meant to be.”

Preordained or not, none of this Oregon State run has been flukish. This was a third straight authoritative victory over a higher-seeded team: from dominating No. 5 Tennessee for 40 minutes to

leading No. 4 Oklahoma State for the final 33 minutes to taking over against No. 8 Loyola for the final 25, Oregon State has been no-doubt better than everyone it has faced in this tourney.

The first two games were won with timely shot-making and smashing opponents on the glass. This inartistic slog was won at the defensive end, with a hybrid zone Tinkle and his staff concocted to gum up the precise Loyola offense. 

“I don’t know if it gave us more life or threw them off-guard a bit,” said Oregon State senior guard Ethan Thompson.

Oh, it definitely threw Loyola off-guard. The Beavers beat the Ramblers at their own game, out-guarding the opposition in a slow-motion grinder.

Oregon State watched Porter Moser’s offense slice up Midwest Region top seed Illinois last round. The Beavers also certainly saw Georgia Tech use a zone to take an early 13–3 lead on Loyola in the first round. So Tinkle broke out a zone that borrowed some principles from a 1-1-3 that Montana coach Stew Morrill ran when Tinkle was a player there in the 1980s, plus other iterations he’s used over the years.

“We knew we had to have a different gameplan for these guys,” Tinkle said. “They’re so good at what they do, if you let them run it they’re going to make you look silly.”

Oregon State certainly wasn’t going to allow the Ramblers to run everything around and through big man Cameron Krutwig. He’s a point center, with teammates curling around him for handoffs and passes and driving off his very wide screens. The Beavers’ zone limited Krutwig’s touches—and when he did get the ball, Oregon State didn’t let him pound the ball and get into a comfortable rhythm.

“We knew we had bodies to throw at him,” Tinkle said.

With Krutwig unable to facilitate as much as usual, the burden shifted to his teammates—and they were brutal shooting the ball. The Ramblers had 16 points at halftime, with players not named Krutwig missing 17 of 18 shots. It was a horror show that only improved marginally in the second half.

When Loyola finally did get around to making some shots, Oregon State answered with timely baskets. Warith Alatishe, a transfer from Nicholls who averaged fewer than 2 points a game there as a freshman in 2019, was too athletic for the Ramblers to contain. Jarod Lucas, who took a long time getting going, canned a couple of big shots. And Thompson was the best player on the floor, scoring 22 to go with four rebounds and four assists.

Thompson and Zach Reichle are four-year Beavers who are finally getting their moment in the sun after years of the program treading water. After early losses to Wyoming and Portland, this team started to show some promise with three straight Pac-12 wins in January, then another three-game streak near the end of the regular season. They took a belief with them to Vegas, despite the program having never won the Pac-12 tourney.

“Our guys never wavered,” Tinkle said, and that included their coach. This is his seventh year on the job, and after making the NCAA tourney his second season, this has been a long time coming.

“I’ll be honest,” Tinkle said. “You hear some murmurs in the background when we're going through some things, but we knew as a staff and we knew the people in our foxhole. We're never going to waver. And we never cut any corners to try to win at all costs.”

Pac-12 member Arizona is serving a self-imposed postseason ban. USC is going through the NCAA infractions process after a former assistant coach was caught up in the federal corruption probe. Oregon’s Nike connections have come under scrutiny.

There has been no smoke at Oregon State—but also no NCAA tournament success. Until now. The 12th-seeded Beavers are believers, and they’re on the cusp of making history.

Key defender returns to Pittsburgh by way of Jacksonville

In a strange twist, Tyson Alualu decided not to sign with the Jaguars and, instead, will return to Pittsburgh.

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49ers agree to terms with Nate Gerry

The 49ers have agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Nate Gerry, John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Gerry will sign a one-year, $1.12 million deal, according to Mike Kaye of NJ.com. The Eagles made Gerry a fifth-round choice in 2017, and he played four seasons in Philadelphia. He appeared in 46 games with [more]

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Are the Texans going to wait until after the draft to trade QB Deshaun Watson?

The Houston Texans have not traded quarterback Deshaun Watson. Are they going to wait until after the NFL draft?

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Why Warriors kept Timberwolves' protected draft pick at trade deadline

The Warriors held on to their valuable trade chip.

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Lonzo Ball misses third straight game with right hip flexor strain vs. Nuggets

Lonzo Ball will miss his third straight game on Friday with a right hip flexor strain.

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Shaq 'respects,' defends Draymond Green's greatest NBA defender claim

"I like players that talk about themselves like that."

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Norman Powell pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with jersey No. 24

Every second Im on the court, I give my heart and soul to the game, just like Kobe did."

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NBA playoff odds: How Warriors' 2021 chances changed post-trade deadline

The Warriors' playoff odds took a hit after the NBA trade deadline.

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Norman Powell gives us a glimpse of his defensive mindset with Trail Blazers

Powell takes pride on playing well on both sides of the ball.

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Hawks vs. Warriors: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel, rookie watch, previous result, start time on March 26

On the second leg of a back-to-back, the Golden State Warriors will host the Atlanta Hawks. Here are all the details on how to watch.

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NBA Rumors: Celtics met with Andre Drummond, have 'real shot' at signing him

The Boston Celtics reportedly are targeting Andre Drummond on the buyout market and met with the veteran big man on Friday.

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WATCH: Trail Blazers big man Jusuf Nurkic’s scores his first points since Jan. 14

The Bosnian Beast is finally back!

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Norman Powell eager to play alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum

Powell described himself as a gym rat that is ready to be an impactful two-way player.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Oscar De La Hoya Ends Retirement, Announces July 3 Fight

Oscar De La Hoya hasn't fought since losing to Manny Pacquiao in December 2008, four months before he announced his retirement.

Oscar De La Hoya announced his comeback fight for July 3, but an opponent has not been named yet. 

The 48-year-old said last August that

he planned on ending his retirement. He hasn't fought since losing to Manny Pacquiao in December 2008, four months before he announced his retirement.

"The Golden Boy" won gold at the 1992 Olympics before winning the WBO junior lightweight title in 1994. He would win his first 32 professional bouts before finally being defeated by Felix Trinidad by majority decision.

MANNIX: Oscar De La Hoya Is Still Looking For a Fight. Should He?

Since he retired, De La Hoya battled addiction struggles while his career as a promoter thrived. But he began training his way back into shape, rediscovering the drive to return to the ring.

"Look, it's been a long time, yes," De La Hoya said last August. "But actually my jab feels faster than ever. I have to make sure that my conditioning is perfect, my health is good. And that's going to take place in the next few weeks. So we'll see."