“I have no idea,” Carlisle told reporters at the Pacers’ first post-All-Star break practice last Tuesday, according to Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. “And really no comment on it.”
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On Tuesday, though, during an interview with Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan, Carlisle offered more expansive comments, calling the process of the investigation that preceded the fine “shocking” and “ridiculous.”
“Yeah, you know, I didn’t agree with it,” Carlisle told hosts Kevin Bowen and James Boyd. “There was a league lawyer that was doing the interview that kind of unilaterally decided that Aaron Nesmith, who had been injured the night before and couldn’t hold the ball, should have played in the game, which just seems ridiculous.
“And during the interview process — I was not on it, but I heard details — we asked them if they wanted to talk to the doctors, our doctors, about it, because it’s something that was documented by our doctors and trainers. They said no, they didn’t need to, they talked to their doctors, who did not examine Aaron Nesmith. And we asked them if they wanted to talk to the kid, and they said no, they didn’t need to. So this was shocking. This was shocking to me.
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“And during the interview, they also asked if we considered medicating him to play in a game when we were 30 games under .500. So I was very surprised. You know, obviously didn’t agree with it.”
“Coach Carlisle’s description of the process that went into the decision to fine the Indiana Pacers is inaccurate,” a league spokesperson told Yahoo Sports on Tuesday. “An independent physician led the medical review. In addition, the Pacers’ General Manager and the team’s Senior Vice President, Sports Medicine and Performance were interviewed as part of the process. The Pacers confirmed that it had provided all of the information requested by the league and the team reported that an interview with Coach Carlisle or a team physician wasn’t necessary.”
The $100,000 fine stemmed from the Pacers’ Feb. 3 game against the Jazz. Indiana entered at 13-37, the worst record in the Eastern Conference, mired in a lost season after losing Tyrese Haliburton to a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, seeing starting center Myles Turner leave for Milwaukee in free agency, and sustaining a string of significant injuries to other contributors early in the season. Utah came in at 15-35, in 13th place in the West, struggling through a fourth straight losing season as it continues to try to rebuild after trading away former franchise cornerstones Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
In the second game of a five-game Eastern road trip, Utah ruled Jusuf Nurkić out for rest; sat Keyonte George with a left ankle sprain; and kept Lauri Markkanen on the bench for the final six minutes and 19 seconds. On the second night of a back-to-back, the Pacers held Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin out to rest; sat Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell to manage injuries to their lower back and left knee, respectively; and sidelined Nesmith with the left hand strain that Carlisle said on the radio on Tuesday he’d suffered in the previous night’s loss against Houston.
The Jazz went on to win, 131-122, with second-year guard Isaiah Collier playing the full 48 minutes, scoring 17 points and delivering a career-high 22 assists.
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In a Feb. 12 statement announcing the $100,000 fine, the NBA took issue with Indiana’s roster management on that particular night.
“Following an investigation, including review by an independent physician, the NBA determined that Pascal Siakam, a star player under the Policy, and two other Pacers starters, neither of whom participated in the game, could have played under the medical standard in the Policy, including by playing reduced minutes. Alternatively, the team could have held the players out of other games in a way that would have better promoted compliance with the Policy.”
Under the NBA’s Player Participation Policy, a “star” player is one who has made an All-Star or All-NBA team within the previous three seasons, and/or the All-Star Game in the current season. Siakam has earned consecutive All-Star selections.
The franchise tag salary for tight ends in 2026 is projected at roughly $16 million. Franchise tag values are calculated by averaging the top five salaries in the league at a given position.
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NFL teams have until March 3 to apply the franchise tag to a single player. Players under the franchise tag will then have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract. After that deadline passes, a player is required to play under the franchise tag, barring a holdout.
Pitts, 25, played in 2025 on the $10.9 million fifth-year team option of his four-year, $32.9 million rookie contract he signed as a first-round pick in 2021. He has totaled $43.9 million in career earnings.
After tallying 68 catches for 1,026 yards as a rookie, Pitts has failed to reach 1,000 yards again and has largely failed to meet the expectations that he arrived in the NFL with as the fourth overall pick. He entered the final year of his rookie deal without a contract extension.
In 2025, Pitts had his most productive campaign since his rookie season with 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns. His yardage tally was the second-highest in the NFL for a tight end behind Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals. He reached that tally despite shaky production at quarterback from Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins.
It was enough for the Falcons to prioritize using the franchise tag on Pitts. Whether it turns into a long-term contract for Pitts is yet to be seen.
With the Winter Olympics in the rearview, it’s time for baseball’s international competition to move into the spotlight. That’s right: We’re a little more than a week away from the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the sixth edition of the tournament.
Over the next few days, we’ll preview all 20 teams set to participate in the WBC. Let’s start with Pool A, which features Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Panama and Puerto Rico and begins play March 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Tournament history: Canada has appeared in all six previous editions of the WBC but has never advanced out of pool play.
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First game: March 7 vs. Colombia, 11 a.m. ET (12 p.m. local)
Key players: Canada probably has the best hitter and pitcher in this pool, so let’s focus on them. Josh Naylor, fresh off signing an extension with the Mariners, is a world-class hitter capable of pummeling lesser competition. The lineup around him is deep, but he’s Canada’s fulcrum. Jameson Taillon is the only hurler in this pool who started a postseason game in 2025. With Canada’s shallow pitching corps, he’ll need to cover as many innings as possible.
Guy you don’t know yet but should: Matt Wilkinson, more famously known as “Tugboat,” is a 6-foot-1, 250-pound southpaw in the Guardians’ system ready to steal your heart. He has a magic fastball and more grit than a construction site.
Biggest strength: Offensive firepower. Between Naylor, Tyler O’Neill and Owen Caissie, there’s some real lumber north of the border. But Canada has professionals up and down the order, with Otto Lopez, Abraham Toro and Liam Hicks. There’s not another team in this pool — and relatively few in the tournament — that can roll out a starting lineup of nine legitimate big-league position players. Canada’s offense could be a real separator in this tournament’s most even pool.
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Biggest weakness: Pitching depth. Jameson Taillon, Mike Soroka and Cal Quantrill are a really solid front three, but Canada doesn’t have much else. Only one other arm on this roster (Rob Zastryzny) appeared in a single MLB game last season. Not reeling in Guardians closer Cade Smith (he opted not to participate) could come back to haunt the Canadians. Delightfully, the Maple Leafs have pulled two Canadian baseball legends, James Paxton and Phillippe Aumont, out of retirement. Perhaps they can provide the requisite magic.
Tournament outlook: Canada is far and away the most accomplished baseball nation to have never reached the WBC knockout stage. And with none of the Western Hemisphere bigwigs (USA, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico) in Group A, this is a magnificent opportunity to right that wrong. Because even though Canada is missing some big pieces (Smith, Freddie Freeman, Nick Pivetta, Matt Brash, to name a few), this will be the most complete roster in Puerto Rico. Another pool-play exit would qualify as a massive, massive disappointment. Nathan MacKinnon, eat your heart out.
Tournament history: This is their third WBC, and while they’ve never emerged from the group stage, they managed a pool play victory in 2017 and 2023.
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First game: March 6 vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local)
Key player: Gio Urshela, the most accomplished Colombian hitter of his generation, had a downright dreadful, 0-for-14 performance in 2023. The veteran infielder needs to be more productive at the dish if Colombia is going to advance from the group stage.
Guy you don’t know yet but should: Michael Arroyo, a 21-year-old infielder in Seattle’s system, is the highest regarded Colombian prospect in the sport right now. Despite his lack of size (5-foot-8, 160 pounds), Arroyo profiles like a legit, above-average big-league hitter. He doesn’t really have a defensive home, but that won’t matter if he rakes like he’s supposed to.
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Biggest strength: Experience. Colombia returns a whopping 17 players from the previous tournament, the biggest tally in Pool A and tied for the second-largest in the entire tournament. Remember, this group showed pretty well in 2023, with an upset win over semifinalists Mexico and a one-run loss to Team USA. Such familiarity with the big stage could pay dividends, particularly in what will surely be a hostile environment in the opener against host Puerto Rico.
Biggest weakness: Lack of star power. This team doesn’t have a single position player projected to be on an Opening Day MLB roster. That’s far from a death sentence — international play is a different beast — but Colombia managed just two homers in four games last time around. That’s a tough way to live.
Tournament outlook: Losing journeyman hurler Nabil Crismatt to an elbow injury looks like a heavy loss for this group. Thankfully, there’s José Quintana, the greatest Colombian pitcher ever by a country mile. He didn’t play in 2023 and should provide quite a shot in the arm. Colombia needs to win his start, keep scores low and try to string a few timely hits together.
Which two teams will advance from the most competitive pool in this year’s WBC?
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Tournament history: Cuba finished second in the inaugural WBC in 2006, losing to Japan in the final. They’ve participated in every edition and most recently managed a surprise semifinal finish in 2023.
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First game: March 6 vs. Panama, 11 a.m. ET (12 p.m. local)
Key player: Livan Moinelo has been one of the best pitchers in NPB over the past decade and would slot into the middle of an MLB rotation, were he to come Stateside. The 30-year-old tossed 167 innings of 1.46 ERA ball with 172 strikeouts last season. He’s probably the only Cuban starter with top-shelf stuff and the skills to command it. Make sure you tune in for his start.
Guy you don’t know yet but should: Raidel Martinez led NPB with 46 saves last season and is widely considered the best closer in the league. It’s high-ride fuzz from a deceptive, over-the-top arm angle. He could be in an MLB ‘pen right now.
Biggest strength: Putting the ball in play. Shorter swings. Not looking to drive the ball.
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Biggest weakness: Position-player talent. Factors both political and baseball-related have turned the once fertile Cuban baseball pipeline dangerously dry. There aren’t many Yordan Alvarez’s and Luis Robert Jr.’s matriculating toward the bigs anymore. That unfortunate reality, in addition to ideological rifts within the Cuban baseball world that keep the best active big leaguers from playing, means this roster is almost entirely devoid of offensive talent. It’s mostly Mexican Leaguers, minor leaguers and has-beens. Alexei Ramirez making this roster at age 44 is both a very cool story and a sad indictment of the state of Cuban baseball in 2026.
Tournament outlook: It’s important to note that the Cubans’ unexpected semifinal run in 2023 was aided by a weak group and a fortunate quarterfinal matchup against Australia. That roster, as harsh as it sounds, did not have the talent of a semifinal team. And this squad is definitively worse. Cuba used to dominate the international baseball space, with three Olympic golds, 12 Pan American golds and 25 World Cup titles. Those days are long gone.
Tournament history: Panama made the first two tournaments in 2006 and ‘09 before failing to qualify in 2013 and ‘17. They returned in 2023 and went 2-2 but again failed to make it out of the group stage.
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First game: March 6 vs. Cuba, 11 a.m. ET (12 p.m. local)
Key players: The starters not named Logan Allen. Allen started 29 games for the AL Central champion Guardians last year, but he’s the only pitcher for Panama currently on an MLB 40-man roster. Ariel Jurado was one of the best starters in the Korean Baseball Organization last season, but he’s more deception than stuff. Guys such as Jaime Barría, Paolo Espino and Andy Otero have strong track records in Mexico and assorted winter leagues, but all are on the downswings of their careers.
Guy you don’t know yet but should: Enrique Bradfield Jr. was an Orioles first-rounder in 2023 out of Vanderbilt. He’s a true throwback, a low-power, high-contact center fielder with top-of-the-charts speed. If he gets on base in the WBC, he’s going.
Biggest strength: The infield. Former Met Rubén Tejada caught the headlines — because, oh my god, Rubén Tejada is still playing — but Edmundo Sosa (3B) and José Caballero (SS) should be the difference-makers. Both are luxury utilitymen for MLB contenders and have tons of big-game experience. Leo Jimenez (2B) was up and down with the Jays last year. Miguel Amaya (C) knows what he’s doing behind the dish. Johan Camargo (1B) has been around the block. This is a solid group.
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Biggest weakness: Probably the pitching depth. Panama has a ton of dudes scattered across the international baseball world, but few can be considered sure things.
Tournament outlook: It’s still unclear whether Cardinals DH Iván Herrera is going to play. Like many players in this pool, the hulking slugger has had trouble securing insurance. If he suits up, that’s a big deal, considering the dearth of home run juice on this roster. Either way, Panama has a sneaky-fun roster with tons of speed that could play tricks on opposing catchers.
Tournament history: Puerto Rico has appeared in every edition of the WBC. They’ve lost in the final twice: in 2013 to the Dominican and in 2017 to Team USA.
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First game: March 6 vs. Colombia, 6 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local)
Key player: With superstars Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa unable to secure insurance to participate, Nolan Arenado becomes Puerto Rico’s most important and most famous position player. Almost 35 years old, the 10-time Gold Glover isn’t the player he once was. Still, he’s one of the few every-day big leaguers in this lineup. This will be Arenado’s third time playing in the WBC; he suited up for Team USA in 2017 and ‘23.
Guy you don’t know yet but should: Bryan Torres has lived quite a baseball life. The 5-foot-7 lefty signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2015 but ended up in independent ball with the Milwaukee Milkmen after stalling out in Double-A with the Giants. He proceeded to obliterate the American Association before winning back-to-back MVP awards in the Puerto Rican winter league. That pushed Torres back into affiliate ball with the Cardinals, who tossed him on the 40-man this past winter after he posted a .905 OPS in Triple-A in 2025. His well-earned inclusion on this roster is a silver lining of Puerto Rico’s unfortunate insurance saga.
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Biggest strength: Relief pitching. Edwin Díaz, whose high-profile injury in 2023 contributed to the more stringent insurance policies this time around, is the headliner here, as the sport’s top closer. But PR’s bullpen is more than just Eddie D. Fernando Cruz is slated to handle the eighth inning for the Yankees in 2026. José Espada, Rico Garcia, Jorge López and Jovani Morán all appeared in the bigs last season. This is easily the best bullpen in this group.
Biggest weakness: Offensive star power. Not having Lindor, Correa or Javier Báez — the three best Puerto Rican hitters of the past decade — is an enormous bummer and a huge blow to Puerto Rico’s chances. So too was losing George Springer to injury. Those omissions leave Team PR with a real power vacuum; Heliot Ramos is the only player on this roster who cranked more than 12 homers in MLB last season.
Tournament outlook: The atmosphere in San Juan was always going to be absolutely sensational, no matter who takes the diamond. This is the first time since 2013 that Puerto Rico is hosting WBC games, something that has been a double-edged sword for second-tier teams in recent history. In the past two editions, not a single non-USA/Japan host survived the group stage. Puerto Rico will need big starts from Seth Lugo and José De Leon to stop that trend and emerge from this very balanced group.
Trent Williams is one of the San Francisco 49ers’ most valuable players.
But the All-Pro left tackle carries a significant salary cap hit in 2026 as he enters the final year of his contract with no more guaranteed salary. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two sides are “struggling to find a contractual solution” to reduce his scheduled $38.8 million salary cap hit for next season.
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If the two sides can’t reach a compromise, Williams could ultimately be headed for a release and free agency, per the report.
If so, the 49ers would lose a key player in their effort to return to Super Bowl contention. And Williams would become one of the most coveted free agents on the market for contenders seeking to upgrade their offensive line.
Neither Williams nor the 49ers had addressed his contract status for the 2026 season at the time of Tuesday’s report.
Trent Williams’ future with the 49ers is unclear.
(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)
Will 49ers let their OL anchor walk?
Williams is a 12-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro and arguably the best offensive lineman of his generation. Even at 37 years old last season, he remained one of the best left tackles in the game while earning second-team All-Pro honors.
In addition to protecting Brock Purdy’s blindside, Williams is the anchor of San Francisco’s run game and a key to All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey’s success. McCaffrey has previously said that Williams “might be the best player I’ve ever seen.”
The 49ers, meanwhile, are coming off a competitive season in which they finished 12-5 despite a litany of injuries to key players. They’re hoping to return several key players from injury, including All-Pro defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner next season, though tight George Kittle is looking at an extended absence and murky future after sustaining a late-season ruptured Achilles tendon.
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But the 49ers have their sights set on contending for a Super Bowl next season. They’d obviously like for Williams to be a part of those plans. But for now, the cost appears to be too much for the 49ers, and Williams’ future with the team is in doubt.
Konnor Griffin hit at least .325 in Low A, High A and then Double A last year. This year, as MLB’s top prospect, he’s already making major-league fireworks. Griffin, just 19 years old but standing an imposing 6-foot-4 and 220-plus pounds, launched a pair of Pittsburgh Pirates home runs during a 16-7 spring training win over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.
Both of the homers left JetBlue Park, otherwise known as “Fenway South,” in Fort Myers, Florida.
Griffin, playing shortstop and batting seventh for the Pirates, demolished Suárez’s second-inning curveball and deposited it over the second level of Monster seats.
That dinger traveled 374 feet and scored two. His next one went even farther.
The Mississippi native took a Seth Martinez sweeper for a 440-foot ride in the fourth inning. That solo shot also flew over the southern Green Monster.
“He’s obviously a freakish athlete,” Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski said afterward, per Tribune-Review Sports’ Kevin Gorman. “I haven’t been able to be around him a whole lot, other than just seeing him this spring and watching some videos from last year, but you can tell he’s definitely going to hit.
“There’s not a whole lot of swings that you see like that, especially for a teenager. I mean, the best way I can say it is that his bat is in the zone forever.”
Mlodzinski added: “It’s not fair to say it’s a long swing, but the bat path just looks like it’s going to be on the ball the whole way, and he was able to show that today.”
Less than two years after the Pirates selected Griffin No. 9 overall in the MLB Draft, he’s already turning heads this spring, but he’ll have to force the Pirates’ hand if he wants to be an Opening-Day starter.
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That kind of debut would be ahead of schedule; however, there’s no denying his five-tool talent.
In 122 minor-league games last year, Griffin posted 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 65 stolen bases and a .942 OPS. He is a name to know, and he has a bat to watch.
The Olympic men’s hockey gold-medal game between the U.S. and Canada was watched by 20.7 million viewers across NBC, Peacock and USA Network, NBC announced on Tuesday.
The average live audience was recorded at 18.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock between 8:15 a.m.-11 a.m. ET. It is the second-most watched hockey game ever on NBC after the 2010 men’s gold medal game between the two countries, which Canada won in overtime and drew 27.6 million viewers.
The women’s gold medal game was part of a massive overall Olympics day for NBC. The network announced that it averaged about 26.7 million viewers in total on Thursday, which made it the largest Winter Games weekday audience since 2014.
The U.S. women’s dramatic victory resulted in the program’s third gold medal — all against Canada — and first since the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang.
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Milan Cortina Olympics earn biggest ratings since 2014
Inter Milan is out of the Champions League after failing to outscore Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt over two legs. The Serie A leaders fell 3-1 in the first leg and dropped Tuesday’s matchup 2-1 despite keeping opposing goalkeeper Nikita Haikin very busy over the 90 minutes.
After a goalless first half, Jens Petter Hauge took advantage of a Manuel Akanji mistake in the 58th minute and netted his sixth Champions League goal of the season. Petter Hauge scored in both legs against Inter Milan.
Håkon Evjen then added a fifth for the visitors with a stunning 72nd-minute strike.
Inter Milan, last year’s Champions League runners-up, went out in desperate fashion finishing with 30 shot attempts and seven shots on goal, but putting only one past the line.
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Bodø/Glimt, which has played five total matches — all in the Champions League — since the Norwegian Eliteserien ended in late November, will now advance to the Round of 16. Friday’s draw will determine whether they play Sporting or Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Newcastle ended Qarabağ’s time in the Champions League with a 9-3 aggregate win. The Premier League side gave themselves a big cushion with a 6-1 victory in the opening leg and added to it with a 3-2 conquest on Tuesday. They will next face either Barcelona or Chelsea.
Atlético Madrid is also advancing following a 7-4 aggregate win over Club Brugge. Alexander Sørloth netted a hat trick and USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso scored a golazo during Tuesday’s 4-1 victory.
Atléti will meet Liverpool or Tottenham in the next round.
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Bayer Leverkusen will advance and face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich after protecting their 2-0 first leg lead against Olympiacos to knock out the Greek side.
Here’s how Tuesday’s Champions League action went down live:
Live coverage is over23 updates
Yahoo Sports Staff
A stunner at the San Siro! Bodø/Glimt advances to face either Sporting or Manchester City. Will their Cinderella run continue in the Round of 16?
Yahoo Sports Staff
Leverkusen advances 2-0 on aggregate. Th German side will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Newcastle dismantles Qarabağ 9-3 on aggregate.
Sean Leahy
Bodø/Glimt remains ahead 5-2 on aggregate.
Sean Leahy
Håkon Evjen put Bodø/Glimt up 5-1 on aggregate with a stunning 72nd minute strike.
Sean Leahy
Petter Hauge’s sixth Champions League goal and second against Inter Milan over the two legs has put the Norwegian ahead 4-1 on aggregate and closer to the Round of 16.
Sean Leahy
After falling behind 2-0 in the first six minutes, Qarabağ has come out strong in the second half against Newcastle. Unfortunately, it will likely not be enough as the Magpies remain ahead on aggregate 9-3.
Ronaldo and Christian Vieri were honored prior to Inter Milan’s match at San Siro on Tuesday.
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Marcus Thuram had two chances in the opening 18 minutes with Inter Milan trailing 3-1 at the San Siro.
Sean Leahy
Sandro Tonali and Joelinton scored within the opening six minutes of the match to put the Magpies up 8-1 on aggregate over the Azerbaijan side.
Sean Leahy
The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 will take place on Fri., Feb. 27 at 6 a.m. ET. It will be streamed online via UEFA’s website, YouTube channel and the Champions League app.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City are the top eight sides and will be drawn against the winners of the eight playoff matches over Tuesday and Wednesday.
Champions League playoff draw
Winners to face Arsenal or Bayern Munich Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Winners to face Liverpool or Tottenham Galatasaray vs. Juventus Atlético Madrid
Winners to face Barcelona or Chelsea Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain Qarabağ vs. Newcastle United
Winners to face Sporting or Manchester City Benfica vs. Real Madrid Bodø/Glimt vs. Inter Milan
Champions League knockout round schedule
Playoffs: Feb. 17-18 and 24-25 Round of 16: March 10-11 and 17-18 Quarterfinals: April 7-8 and 14-15 Semi-finals: April 28-29 and May 5-6 Final: May 30 (Puskás Aréna, Hungary)
An Alexander Sørloth hat trick and a terrific strike from USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso helped Atlético Madrid down Club Brugge 4-1 (7-4 on aggregate) on Tuesday.
The La Liga side will now move on to the Round of 16 to face either Liverpool or Tottenham.
Sean Leahy
Newcastle (4-4-2): Aaron Ramsdale, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Alex Murphy, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton,m Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, William Osula, Nick Woltemade
Qarabağ (3-4-2-1): Mateusz Kochalski, Badavi Hüseynov, Kevin Medina, Matheus Silva, Marko Jankovic, Pedro Bicalho, Elvin Cafarquliyev, Daniel, Camilo Durán, Abdellah Zoubir, Joni Montiel
Sean Leahy
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Yann Sommer, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni, Yann Bisseck, Piotr Zielinski, Davide Frattesi, Nicolò Barella, Federico Dimarco, Luis Henrique, Marcus Thuram, Pio Esposito
Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3): Nikita Haykin, Jostein Gundersen, Odin Bjørtuft, Fredrik André Bjørkan, Fredrik Sjøvold, Patrick Berg, Sondre Brunstad Fet, Hakon Evjen, Kasper Høgh, Jens Petter Hauge, Ole Didrik Blomberg
Sean Leahy
2025-26 Champions League playoff draw
The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 will take place Friday at 6 a.m. ET. It will be streamed online via UEFA’s website, YouTube channel and the Champions League app.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City are the top eight sides and will be drawn against the winners of the eight playoff matches over Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Winners to face Arsenal or Bayern Munich Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Bayer Leverkusen
Winners to face Liverpool or Tottenham Galatasaray vs. Juventus Atlético Madrid
Winners to face Barcelona or Chelsea Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain Newcastle United
Winners to face Sporting or Manchester City Benfica vs. Real Madrid Bodø/Glimt
We have an action-packed episode of The Big Number for you! First, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss the controversial way the Utah Jazz are utilizing Jaren Jackson Jr.
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Next, the duo dives into the league-wide tanking concerns and why it is a significant issue in light of the NBA gambling indictments. What solutions can the league establish? Later, Dan and Tom discuss the small numbers, including James Harden’s role in the Cavaliers’ success and why Donovan Mitchell is thriving with Harden.
Also, they break down how many teams will have salary cap space this summer, the number of trades the Bulls have made and whether the Bulls are a hopeless organization.
Plus, they discuss the suspensions following the Detroit Pistons-Charlotte Hornets fight earlier this week. What are the implications of the suspensions for the race in the East? Can the Pistons maintain their top spot?
All that and more on The Big Number! The Big
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Number: 00:00:28 The Little Numbers: 00:26:19 Pistons and Hornets Suspensions: 00:41:46
NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the pre-game press conference. Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa (Photo by Soeren Stache/picture alliance via Getty Images)
(Photo by Soeren Stache/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Tottenham have parted ways with Thomas Frank, and the big question is: was he really the problem? The boys dig into what’s actually happening at Spurs, whether the issues run deeper than the head coach, and which managers could realistically step in to fix things. Is this about tactics, recruitment, ownership — or something bigger?
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Then Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez joins the show for an honest and revealing conversation. He opens up about recovering from his ACL injury, doing “quick maths” in his head about the World Cup timeline the moment he got hurt, and what it will take to fight his way back into the U.S. Men’s National Team picture. Vazquez also shares what it was really like playing in Liga MX — from nonstop media attention to the intensity of fan culture — and how it compares to MLS. Plus, we get the full origin story of his “Superman” goal celebration (yes, including the capes).
To close it out, the boys react to the 2026 MLS kit reveal and give their unfiltered best and worst picks. Which clubs nailed it? Which designs should’ve stayed in the concept phase? We’re handing out praise, roasting questionable choices, and ranking the fits you’ll be seeing all season long.
Timestamps:
(11:00) – Thomas Frank sacked! What is the issue at Tottenham?
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(20:00) – Discussing possible replacement for Tottenham
We have an action-packed episode of ‘The Dunker Spot’ coming your way!
Steve Jones and Nekias Duncan give you the latest news and updates surrounding the 2026 All-Star Weekend. They dive into their predictions for Team USA vs. World, who will come out victorious in the skills competitions and what to expect with the new format.
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Next, they dive into the news of the NBA fining the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers hefty amounts for tanking. Does the league have a tanking problem? What are possible solutions?
Plus, Angel Reese is back in Unrivaled! They give their takeaways, recap the 1v1 tournament and preview the latest matchups.
All that and more!
1:03 Rising Stars showcase preview 9:29 3-point contest preview 14:35 Shooting Stars competition preview 18:07 Dunk contest preview 22:14 New format expectations 27:26 All-Star replacements 32:16 Lineup predictions 35:26 Key players to watch 38:25 Team USA vs. World predictions 39:02 Jazz & Pacers fined 47:40 Unrivaled takeaways & thoughts
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the 2025 KIA Skills Challenge as part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at Chase Center on February 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
