Nikola Jović out for at least 4 weeks with injury

Nikola Jović will be absent for at least four weeks with a broken bone in his right hand, the Miami Heat announced Tuesday. The Heat, currently ninth in the East, are chasing a top-six finish to secure a direct playoff spot so this is a major setback for the team’s push for a guaranteed playoff spot. Nikola Jović suffered the injury during Sunday’s game against Milwaukee and was diagnosed with a fracture at halftime. He was sidelined at Monday’s game in Atlanta and was evaluated by team doctors on Tuesday, who set the four-week recovery timeline. He has been given a splint to wear until he’s re-evaluated. “I feel for Niko,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I know how much he’s put into this.” Jović, averaging 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds this season, is expected to miss at least 15 games. The earliest he could return is March 25, when Miami faces the Warriors.

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Nets’ Nic Claxton suspended for one game without pay

The NBA announced that Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has been suspended for one game without pay after getting his six Flagrant Foul this season. Claxton entered Monday’s game with five points and picked up a Flagrant Foul 1 in the fourth quarter of the Nets’ 107-99 loss to the Wizards. As punishment, he will miss the team’s next game against the Thunder at Barclays Center and will not be paid for the game.

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Joel Embiid Undergoes Knee Testing Amid 76ers’ Ongoing Struggles

Joel Embiid sat out of the 76ers game as his left knee injury continues to cast doubt on whether he’ll be playing in the nearest future. The All-Star center underwent testing Monday, with more scheduled for the following day, and was ruled out for Philadelphia’s 142-110 loss to Chicago. Embiid’s absence from this game marked his 38th missed game of the season. The uncertainty of his return has left the struggling Sixers uncertain about their next steps—whether it’s rest, surgery, or playing through the pain, depending on test results. Despite growing concerns, head coach Nick Nurse has denied rumors indicating that Joel Embiid will be out for the rest of the season.

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Iguodala officially retires as winner of NBA Finals MVP and 4 titles

Andre Iguodala has officially retired his number at The Warriors. He signed to the warriors in 2013, unsure of what the future held for him. Through multiple sacrifices, hard work and consistency, he contributed to four championships, highlighted by an NBA Finals MVP win in 2015, their first title in four decades. Last Sunday the Warriors honored Andre Iguodala as a part of their dynasty by honoring the retirement of his No. 9 jersey and raising it to the rafters at Chase Center. “It’s been a wild journey, but it’s been a beautiful blessing,” Iguodala said in his speech.

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Lawson Crouse Late Goal Pushes Utah Past Blackhawks

Lawson Crouse scored the game-winning goal with 7:48 left in regulation, leading the Utah Hockey Club to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center on Tuesday. As Utah continues to build its identity, Crouse believes the team is moving in the right direction. “It’s a lot of fun when we play this way,” he said. “Everyone’s contributing, and it pushes us to be the best we can be.” Lawson Crouse’s backhand shot beat Chicago goalie Arvid Soderblom, marking his first home goal since Nov. 29. “You can see he doesn’t overthink the game,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. “I like the way he played, the pace he played. I think that line was excellent again tonight. “Obviously, they got the big goal as well, but the pace and the key moment, they were really good.”

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Rockets’ Jabari Smith Returns After missing 22-Games

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. returned to action Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing 22 games due to a broken left hand. Coming off the bench, Jabari Smith played 38 minutes in Houston’s 121-115 win, finishing with 15 points (including 4-of-6 from three) and nine rebounds before fouling out. “It was just a little bit of everything,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of Smith’s return. “Easing him back into it … we’ll see how he looks, and everything is kind of open moving forward.”

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Mike Trout Hits First Homer Since April

Angels star Mike Trout is getting back into rhythm, launching his first Cactus League home run against the Reds on Wednesday—his first in-game homer since last April. Starting as the designated hitter after debuting in right field on Monday, Mike Trout crushed a solo shot to left off veteran reliever Bryan Shaw in the third inning. It’s a good sign for the three-time MVP, who plans to maintain a healthy lifestyle after battling a series of injuries over the past four seasons.

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Paul Goldschmidt Believes Cardinals Can Succeed Without Him

Paul Goldschmidt cherishes his time—playing alongside legends like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright, and winning the 2022 NL MVP— he regrets the team’s struggles over the past two seasons, which led to his departure. If his production had been better and St. Louis had made the playoffs, he might still be there instead of joining the Yankees. Now, as he adjusts to a new team, he remains hopeful the Cardinals can turn things around.

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Cubs Welcome Sammy Sosa Back as Guest Instructor

Sammy Sosa returned to the Cubs’ spring training complex for the first time in over 20 years, amazed by the team’s upgraded facilities. “This building looks like Disney World,” Sosa said with a hearty laugh. “My goodness. Incredible. Beautiful. We didn’t have that when we played.” Wearing a Cubs uniform for the first time since 2004, Sosa joined as a guest instructor, working with hitters after recently mending ties with the organization.

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Bryce Harper feeling better after HBP

Bryce Harper expected to be fine after he was hit on his right arm by a fastball moving at 92 mph on Wednesday afternoon at TD Ballpark. His team confirmed that his right triceps is bruised and there was nothing serious, it didn’t even need X-rays. “Fine, I think,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said after a 9-6 victory over the Blue Jays. “The trainer’s report — we’ll check him tomorrow — but it’s a contusion in the triceps area. We’re not overly concerned at all.” Blue Jays young left-hander Richard Lovelady was the one who threw a first-pitch inside fastball to Harper in the sixth inning and six pitches later, he hit him. “I can’t speak for the kid, but maybe he was a little nervous,” Thomson said. “It’s Bryce Harper.”

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