Jack Norris 
Maxime Raynaud is having one of the best rookie seasons by a big man in Sacramento Kings history. He is currently averaging 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and shooting 56% from the field in just 25 minutes per game. Max is currently 5th in the NBA’s rookie ladder also.
UNLV escaped with a 75-72 win against UC Irvine in the first round of the NIT. Dra Gibbs-Lawson blocked a potential game-tying 3-point attempt with eight seconds left. Kimani Hamilton led the Rebels with 14 points.
The Denver Nuggets routed the Philadelphia 76ers 124-96. Christian Braun scored 22 points, and Nikola Jokic had 14 assists for Denver. Philadelphia played without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Milwaukee Bucks fans are being surveyed about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health after he appeared to injure his ankle and knee. The survey asks whether the Bucks should shut him down. The poll also includes questions about the NCAA tournament and Cam Thomas.
Cruz Azul are on the verge of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup after a dramatic comeback victory in the first leg against Monterrey. They head into the second leg with a 3–2 aggregate lead. A draw in the second leg would be enough to see them through.
Clayton Kershaw will not be on the United States roster for the World Baseball Classic semifinals. The retired pitcher is being replaced by reliever Jeff Hoffman. Kershaw will remain with the team through the tournament despite being removed from the roster.
Roman Anthony’s performance at the World Baseball Classic has been a talking point. His teammates at Red Sox camp have expressed their admiration for the 21-year-old. Anthony’s contributions have included key home runs and a strong overall batting record.
Rumours circulated about Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock potentially starting in the World Baseball Classic final. However, USA manager Mark DeRosa has denied those rumours. DeRosa stated that Nolan McLean will start the game for USA.
Team USA arrived at its World Baseball Classic championship matchup with Venezuela representing another American squad that has had recent success in international competition — Team USA hockey. The players sported game-worn USA men’s hockey sweaters from this most recent Winter Olympics. The look was coordinated through a connection between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jack Hughes.
Williams Abreu of Venezuela hit a solo home run against the USA in the WBC. This increased Venezuela’s lead. Abreu previously hit a逆転3ラン against Japan.