The Philadelphia 76ers, currently seventh in the East, face a significant challenge against the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. The Sixers will be shorthanded, missing several key players. The Thunder are near full strength, welcoming back Jalen Williams.
Mike Blair, Scotland’s most-capped halfback, has joined Dave Rennie’s All Blacks coaching team as attack coach. Blair, who previously held assistant coaching roles with Glasgow, Scotland, and Kobe, will move to New Zealand subject to a work visa.
Jaqueline Adina Cristian, ranked No. 36, is scheduled to compete against Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 5, in the Round of 16 at the Miami Open presented by Itau. Pegula is the favourite with odds of -901, while Cristian is the underdog at +525.
Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are set to face each other in the Miami Open Round of 16. Sabalenka dominated Caty McNally, while Zheng came back to win against Madison Keys. Zheng seeks her second win in three matches against Sabalenka.
West Virginia and Kentucky will face off in a second-round NCAA Tournament matchup. Both teams are known for their defensive strengths, though they approach it in different ways. West Virginia relies on ball pressure and quickness, while Kentucky utilises height and shot-blocking.
Hailey Baptiste, the Washington, D.C. native, is set to play in the Round of 16 at a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career. This comes after securing a victory over world No. 9 Elina Svitolina. Baptiste has been focusing on trusting her game and herself.
Randy Bennett is reportedly in serious discussions to replace Bobby Hurley at Arizona State. He has led St. Mary’s to 12 NCAA Tournament berths in 25 years. Some consider Bennett a potential home run hire for ASU.
Real Madrid are heading into the international break on a high after their 3-2 comeback win over Atletico Madrid. Alvaro Arbeloa enjoys a far stronger position now, after triumphs against teams led by Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Vinicius Jr. has contributed 11 goals and four assists in 16 matches under Arbeloa.
No. 6 Notre Dame will face No. 3 Ohio State with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. The Irish downed 11th-seeded Fairfield. Notre Dame are seeking a fifth straight trip to the Sweet 16.
Sorana Cîrstea is set to meet Coco Gauff in the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 tournament in Miami. Gauff acknowledged Cîrstea’s capabilities and recalled their prior match at the Australian Open. Cîrstea advanced by defeating Elise Mertens.
