With 17 days until the NHL playoffs, the final wild-card spots are still undecided. The Sabres have secured their first 100-point season since 2009-10 and are back atop the Atlantic Division. The Lightning, Hurricanes and Sabres are close for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama is surging in the Kia MVP race. He is averaging nearly as many blocks this season as some entire teams. Wembanyama is influencing wins at both rims.
Joel Embiid is set to miss the 76ers’ game against the Wizards due to illness. This absence follows Embiid’s recent return from an oblique strain. The 76ers are currently in a tight race for postseason positioning.
The Sixers are in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Their position depends on tiebreakers, particularly with the Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks. The team’s remaining schedule and the performance of their rivals will determine their playoff fate.
Atlético Nacional are set to play Cúcuta Deportivo in the Liga BetPlay. Nacional, already qualified for the playoffs, will host Cúcuta at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot. Cúcuta will be without Yair Abonía and Jaime Peralta as they look to move away from the relegation zone.
Derrick White has become one of the NBA’s best defenders since joining the Boston Celtics. Despite White’s defensive impact, one analyst suggests he won’t win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award primarily because of Victor Wembanyama. The analyst also notes that the league doesn’t typically award it to guards.
The Denver Nuggets are on the road against the Utah Jazz. Both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries. The Nuggets have three players listed on their injury report, including forward Aaron Gordon.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is having the best season of his career with the Atlanta Hawks. After joining the Hawks in free agency last summer, Alexander-Walker has helped the team to a 42-33 record. He is also making a compelling case for Most Improved Player.
The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat face off on ESPN. The Celtics hold a 15-7 regular season record against the Heat since the 2019-20 season. This rivalry has been marked by physical play and tough competition.
Coritiba and Vasco are set to clash at the Couto Pereira in Curitiba for the ninth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Coritiba are looking to bounce back after a defeat to Athletico, while Vasco aim to continue their unbeaten streak.
