Jack Norris 
Former Celtics centre Robert Parish has praised current Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Parish, promoting his book ‘The Chief’, commended Mazzulla for his leadership. Parish drew comparisons between the current team and the championship-winning squads of the 1980s.
The DP World Tour returns this week for the first tournament of the Asian Swing at the Hainan Classic in China. South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence will be at this week’s Hainan Classic. Angel Ayora could seize his chance after a series of strong performances.
Barcelona SC are set to visit Libertad FC in the Liga Ecuabet. Barcelona will be looking for their first away victory in the tournament. Libertad will aim to maintain their strong home form.
Lionel Messi has become only the second player to score 900 career goals. He achieved the milestone in Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup match against Nashville SC. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other player to reach the mark.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, currently second in the Metropolitan Division, face the Carolina Hurricanes, who lead the division. The Penguins are hoping to close the gap in the standings. Sidney Crosby is expected to return for the Penguins.
Lucas Moura has been included in São Paulo’s squad for their match against Atlético-MG. The match is scheduled for Wednesday in the Brasileirão. Moura has previously voiced concerns about playing on artificial surfaces.
The Boston Celtics are aiming to strengthen their hold on the East as they prepare to face a struggling Golden State Warriors team. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to distance themselves from the crowded middle of the West when they play the Houston Rockets. Both games are must-watch viewing.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Radu Dragusin spoke about the team’s draw against Liverpool. He noted the team’s defensive solidity and the importance of the point gained at Anfield. Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed fan frustration after the match.
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has previewed the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg against Tottenham. Simeone explained how his side would handle their 5-2 lead from the first leg, insisting that Atlético need to score first. He highlighted that they need to “play the match where it is.”
Every English team has work to do to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals. Six matches have resulted in four losses and no wins for English clubs. Chelsea, Spurs and Man City have to overturn three-goal deficits, while Liverpool have to come from behind; Arsenal and Newcastle are level in their ties.