Lakers success without Luka Doncic is fueling a bigger debate originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are doing what contenders are supposed to do this time of year. They are winning, defending, and finding answers in the margins. What they are not doing, at least right now, is relying on their biggest star.
Luka Doncic has been sidelined since early April with a hamstring injury, and yet the Lakers have opened their playoff series against the Houston Rockets with a 2-0 lead.

The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, where teams are finalizing their draft boards before things kick off in Pittsburgh on April 23.
There are a number of storylines to monitor heading into the first round, including multiple teams with two first-round picks, including the New York Jets (2, 16), New York Giants (5, 10), Cleveland Browns (6, 24), Kansas City Chiefs (9, 29), Miami Dolphins (11, 30) and Dallas Cowboys (12, 20).

Draft day is finally here, but what do the New Orleans Saints have in the works? The Saints are set up to be major players in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, whether they stay put at No. 8 overall, trade up in a bold move, or even look to move down and acquire more picks — something that hasn’t happened in almost two decades. To try and set expectations for Thursday night (and pick up the opportunity for some “I told you so’s” after the fact), we gathered bold predictions from each of our staff writers.

In the NBA playoffs, all it takes are a few extra foul calls to determine the outcome of a game. When games are close and everything is on the line, players bristle when a bad call or bad decision by a referee potentially affects a contest.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, however, took things to a whole other level following the team’s 120-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Booker called out NBA official James Williams by name after the contest, saying the ref had a “terrible” performance that would lead to fans questioning the “integrity of the sport.

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On SportsCenter, Katie Feeney goes behind the s

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Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Draft has finally arrived, and it will begin in just a few hours.
So, this is the perfect time to drop our top 100 players.
James Dator and Mark Schofield have poured through the film, looked at all the available testing, and put together this list of the top players in the draft.

The Los Angeles Rams are set to pick earlier than they have in any of the last nine years, holding the 13th overall selection in the first round. The last time they picked this high was in 2016 when they took Jared Goff first overall.
That doesn’t mean they’re certain to stay at 13, though. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Rams have explored the possibility of trading up, and they’ve also made calls about moving down the board.

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Final 3-round projections with Jordyn Tyson to Giants, Makai Lemon to Rams; Omar Cooper Jr. to Jets originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The 2026 NFL Draft is only a day and a half away. After a long pre-draft process that started in earnest with the 2025 college football season, the best pro prospects will finally have their names called in the first three rounds on April 23 and April 24 in Pittsburgh.

Ricardo Faty looks back on his career, Roma spell and lower divisions of Italian football
It was November 24, 2005, and Ricardo Faty’s life was about to change forever. Three years after leaving the Parisian suburbs for Strasbourg, Faty was finally making his mark at the professional level, stealing the show in a 1-1 draw against Roma in the UEFA Cup.

🚨 Official: the verdict is in for Lamine Yamal!
Season over.

Giants primed to shock NFL Draft with Carnell Tate-Jordyn Tyson decision originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Giants apparently don’t view Carnell Tate as the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Their WR1 is Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller.
And because of that, the Giants may shock the football world when they’re on the clock with the No. 5 pick on Thursday night.

Every NFL Draft inevitably produces a handful of prospects who slip past their projected range, only to emerge as impactful contributors far earlier than expected. Day 2, in particular, and as evaluated based on insights from NFL.com specifically their feature on 2026 draft sleepers, it has long been fertile ground for uncovering these hidden values—players who may lack elite hype but possess the production, traits, and football intelligence to outperform their draft position.

BOSTON — As the Philadelphia 76ers move forward with their Round 1 series with the Boston Celtics, they will have to continue to fight without Joel Embiid. The big fella underwent an appendectomy on April 9 and has been sidelined since as he recovers from the major surgery.
The Sixers did announce on Monday that he has begun a strength and conditioning program, but one should not expect Embiid to return any time soon. He still has to overcome so many obstacles to be able to return to play for Philadelphia.

After months of waiting, the 2026 NFL draft is finally here.
Wisconsin Badgers fans know their team has been trending in the wrong direction these past two seasons, but there are still a few players who should hear their name called in this year’s draft.
The 2025 NFL draft was memorable for plenty of reasons, as it took place in Green Bay, WI. One year later, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the honor of hosting the draft.
Close to 300 collegiate athletes will hear their names called over the next three days as they look to take their careers to the next level.

Liverpool top Premier League injury table with 9 players out ahead of Palace clash
The scale of Liverpool’s current injury problems has been laid bare ahead of our clash with Crystal Palace, with new Premier League data confirming we are the worst-affected squad in the division.

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.
The opening match of the World Cup is always a big deal. The host country kicks off the tournament hoping to get off to a strong start in front of its own fans.

The New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks are currently tied 1-1 in their NBA playoff series heading into Game 3 this Thursday. The Knicks hosted the first two games and the series now heads to Atlanta – Thursday night’s tipoff at State Farm Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. You can take an in-depth look at the playoff bracket for every NBA team right here, and check out the schedule for the rest of this week’s games below.
Here’s everything you need to know so you won’t miss Thursday’s game, or any other game in the Knicks vs. Hawks NBA playoff series.

On the ‘Chiefs Wire Podcast Interview Series’, we showcase new players, celebrities, and prominent NFL players with unique takes and stories about the Kansas City Chiefs.
Listen as Senior Writer Ed Easton Jr. speaks with retired All-Pro NFL running back Ricky Williams. He shared his thoughts on the Chiefs’ 2025 season and reacted to recent public criticisms of head coach Andy Reid.
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How to Watch NFL Draft 2026: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Each Round originally appeared on NESN.
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Start the clock. The 2026 NFL Draft has finally arrived.
The Raiders will kick off the annual event with the No. 1 overall pick. They are widely expected to select Fernando Mendoza, but after the Indiana quarterback is taken off the board, it’s unclear how the rest of the first round will play out.
This year, the Patriots will have 11 total picks.

NFL Draft announcers 2026: Meet the ABC, ESPN and NFL Network broadcast crews originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The long-awaited start of the NFL Draft is about to arrive, with Roger Goodell almost ready to announce the opening picks.
This year’s draft is in Pittsburgh, but the crew is still full of old reliable names that fans have welcomed into their homes for years. Three channels will feature this year’s draft coverage, with fans free to pick and choose which crew to tune in to.

How Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor went from soccer goalie to first-round NFL Draft prospect originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Max Iheanachor remembers life as a 13 year old in Nigeria a decade ago. 
This was before moving to the United States with his parents, his brother and two sisters. Before trying out AAU basketball. Before a junior college football coach in Los Angeles convinced him to try American football – a sport that was not offered at his high school.

Is it bad luck to wear green or carry $50 at the Kentucky Derby?
You’ll be swimming in a sea of bright colors during Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs, but there’s one color you might steer clear of when selecting your outfit. The only color typically frowned upon is green, but only for horse owners or trainers.
Why? Despite being the color of money, there’s a long-held superstition that wearing green supposedly brings bad luck on race day.
Also, many people who bet on the races think it’s bad luck to carry a $50 bill.

Report: Italy could replace Iran at World Cup as Trump envoy requests to FIFA
A remarkable diplomatic intervention has thrust Italian football back into the World Cup conversation, with a US special envoy confirming he has formally requested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s tournament.
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Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-born Trump envoy, told the Financial Times that he has personally approached both Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino with the proposal.

Inter Remove Buzzed-About Calhanoglu from the Market
Hakan Calhanoglu recently produced his best performance of the season, leading the comeback against Como and powering Inter to the Coppa Italia final. The star is in a precarious position, as his contract expires in 2027. He’d be due for a renewal to stay in normal situations, but he’ll stay regardless, Fabrizio Romano reports (via SOSFanta).
The Turkish international has been linked to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray more than a few times in the past.

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka was once again seen interacting with captain Rishabh Pant on the field following their heavy 40-run loss to Rajasthan Royals at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday. The hug sparked widespread speculation on social media, with fans sharing mixed reactions.
However, this time the mood appeared noticeably different. Unlike his earlier post-match interactions with LSG captains, often marked by a serious and intense demeanor that has drawn attention, Goenka was seen smiling warmly during the conversation with Pant.

SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 17: San Francisco 49ers Defensive End Nick Bosa (97) hugs general manager John Lynch before the National Football League game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers on November 17, 2019, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
49ers meet with Louisville DT Rene Konga as 2026 NFL Draft nears“Most projections peg Konga (6-3, 298 pounds) as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Alisson Becker of Liverpool drinks a coffee as he looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield on April 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After weeks of links between Liverpool FC goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Juventus, a credible report from MARCA’s Matteo Moretto is now saying that Alisson and the Italian giants have agreed on personal terms. Liverpool FC.

La Liga icon drops bombshell on Carvajal-Arbeloa conflict: ‘This is all about bad blood’
The internal situation at Real Madrid continues to attract attention, with growing focus on the strained relationship between Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Arbeloa. 
What initially appeared to be a sporting decision has now evolved into a deeper issue, and former goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has offered a strong and direct explanation.
Tensions between the experienced defender and the current manager have reportedly been present since the early days of Arbeloa’s tenure.

Today’s Papers: Calhanoglu stays at Inter, Reaction to Lazio Coppa Italia win & Motta heroics
Corriere dello Sport

The page leads with Lazio’s Coppa Italia heroics, “Lazio, è Maramotta,” celebrating their penalty shootout victory over Atalanta, with young goalkeeper Edoardo Motta saving four spot kicks.
Goals from Isaksen and Taylor proved decisive in a  shootout win after a 1-1 draw at 120 minutes, courtesy of strikes from Romagnoli and Pasalic. The Coppa Italia final will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on 13 May, Lazio vs Inter.

DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Pioneering coach Marie-Louise Eta has a chance to influence the battle for Champions League spots in the Bundesliga as her Union Berlin team takes on third-place Leipzig on Friday.
After Bayern Munich wrapped up the title last week, the focus shifts to a host of teams behind in a vibrant and often surprising fight for the top four places.
Runner-up Borussia Dortmund can seal a Champions League spot this weekend, while it could be a nervous few weeks for teams like Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester United captain Johnny Carey with the FA Cup after the final victory over Blackpool in 1948 [Getty Images]
Imagine finding the FA Cup under your parents’ bed.
It is one of the more extraordinary anecdotes from a chat I had recently with Mike Carey, 84-year-old son of legendary former Manchester United skipper Johnny Carey.
That 1948 triumph was a crucial part of the club’s rebuilding process under Matt Busby after the War.
It was clearly a different era, far removed from the glamour – and huge wealth – enjoyed by today’s topflight stars.

Bournemouth Join £30m Transfer Race for Bundesliga Star
Bournemouth Enter Race for Malik Tillman Amid Premier League Interest

Bournemouth’s recruitment strategy has often been defined by precision rather than spectacle, yet their reported interest in Malik Tillman signals a growing ambition to compete more aggressively in the transfer market. According to TeamTalk, the Cherries have joined a competitive queue for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, a player already open to the idea of testing himself in England.

Tillman’s situation at Bayer Leverkusen has developed with unusual speed.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 18: KJ Lacey Jr. #9 of the Texas Longhorns looks to pass the ball during the Texas Spring Football Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Scott Wachter/Getty Images for ONIT) | Getty Images for ONIT
It’s unclear whether returning starter Arch Manning will declare for the NFL Draft following the 2026 college football season, foregoing the incoming redshirt junior’s final season of Longhorns eligibility.

[BBC Sport]
FPL goes straight from a double gameweek into a blank gameweek and we’re missing some popular picks this week.
Manchester City, Bournemouth and Chelsea assets are all highly owned and none of those teams play in gameweek 34.
Many FPL managers will be free hitting and looking at Manchester United and Liverpool, who have home games against Brentford and Crystal Palace respectively.

Is Bryce Lance related to Trey Lance? Inside 2026 NFL Draft prospect’s connection to Chargers QB originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Lance family has been decked in starlight in recent years, with Trey Lance garnering interest — positive and negative — for his exploits in the professional game.
Four years after entering the league, Lance will be joined by another familiar face in the NFL ranks.

Jesse Lingard: Former Man United star makes history with Corinthians
Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard is already making history in Brazil.
Post-United career
The 33-year-old made his debut for Manchester United in 2014.
He went on to play 232 times for the club, scoring a total of 35 goals. Lingard famously scored the winner at Wembley in the 2016 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, and also found the net in the Community Shield final and League Cup final in 2017.

Rams could prioritize defense early in draft, says NFL GM originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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An anonymous NFL general manager says the Los Angeles Rams could prioritize defense with their first-round pick in the draft. 
The general manager told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the Rams will go away from the wide receiver expectations and will look for a pass rusher early in the draft.

ONE Championship will make history when the inaugural edition of ONE SAMURAI, the promotion’s new monthly event series, makes its big premiere this coming Wednesday, April 29.
The world’s largest martial arts organization will broadcast ONE SAMURAI 1 live to over 195 countries around the globe.
To find out where you can watch ONE SAMURAI 1 anywhere in the world, check below.

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Japan
Watch ONE SAMURAI 1 live via U-NEXT at 2:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST).

New York Giants draft picks tracker: Updated list of 2026 selections, next pick predictions originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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It was another losing season for the New York Giants, who finished 4-13, missing the playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons.
Last season, the Giants were able to get a new franchise quarterback in the first round, selecting Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. They also had the No.

Report: Man United Target €45m Benfica Midfielder
Manchester United Eye Richard Rios as Transfer Market Heats Up
Midfield priorities take shape

As the summer window begins to stir into life, Manchester United appear to be navigating a familiar tension, ambition set against pragmatism. According to a report by Caught Offside, Benfica midfielder Richard Rios has emerged as a credible option, though not yet the headline act.

Jess Warner Judd began her career as an 800m runner before progressing up through the distances [Getty Images]
Jess Warner Judd does not remember much about that night in Rome.
It has been a long and difficult journey since, but the 31-year-old speaks with admirable ease about the traumatic events which have led her to a London Marathon debut in 2026.
“I’m very lucky to have had sort of a second chance at running. It’s a second chance I just didn’t think I’d probably have,” Warner Judd tells BBC Sport.

Thunder star Jalen Williams grabbed his left hamstring after missing a contested layup and left the court in the third quarter of Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the Suns.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel won’t be with the team for the third day of the NFL draft Saturday, as he plans to be with his family this weekend outside of Massachusetts.

Here’s what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Western Conference’s first round.

#ESPN #NBA #injury #shaq #icyho

Draft day is here. And Daniel Jeremiah’s final mock draft is live. No surprise, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. But what about the rest of the top 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Jeremiah’s mock has one big trade in the top 10, as the New Orleans Saints move up to No. 3 to select Ohio State linebacker/EDGE Arvell Reese. At No. 4, Jeremiah has Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles going to the Tennessee Titans and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love heading to the New York Giants at No. 5.
At No.

On Inside The NBA, Ernie Johnson, Kenny “The Je