Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup is in doubt, according to the country’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali. He stated that under the current circumstances, Iran may not be able to participate. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of Iranian players.
Darryn Peterson’s candidacy for No. 1 in the NBA draft has been much discussed over the course of a tumultuous season. Issues with cramping and inconsistent play have heightened the perceived risk around taking him first. A big postseason run could help him change the narrative around his season.
Darius Garland’s time with the Cleveland Cavaliers saw him post a troubling -40 in the plus-minus category. However, since joining the Los Angeles Clippers, Garland has experienced a complete turnaround, posting a +55 through four games. The Garland-Harden swap could easily become equally satisfying for both the Cavaliers and Clippers alike.
Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128. The Clippers had their highest points total of the season. Minnesota dropped to sixth in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Clippers face a big decision regarding Bennedict Mathurin. Since being acquired from the Indiana Pacers, Mathurin has had some big scoring games, including tying his career-high of 38 points. However, his overall impact hasn’t been where it needed to be.
Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Houston Rockets 129-93. Jamal Murray contributed 30 points for Denver. The Nuggets now hold the tiebreaker over the Rockets, winning the season series 3-1.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the thick of a Western Conference playoff race. However, there is also attention on the World Baseball Classic, as assistant coach Micah Nori’s son, Dante, is playing for Italy in that tournament.
The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a frustrating 103-101 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The Blazers had a lead as large as 19 but turnovers and missed layups proved costly. Jerami Grant scored a game-high 24 points for Portland.
San Diego FC are set to face Toluca in the Concacaf Champions Cup. San Diego FC, who eliminated Pumas in the First Round, are unbeaten. Toluca defeated FC Juárez and are also unbeaten in Liga MX.
Carlos Alcaraz secured a straight-set victory over Casper Ruud to advance to the quarterfinal at Indian Wells. Alcaraz took down Ruud 6-1, 7-6(2). He is searching for his third Indian Wells title in four years.