NBA champion Thunder clinch Western Conference top seed

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the Western Conference top seed and best record in the NBA with a 128-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

Center Chet Holmgren poured in 30 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, and NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points and 11 assists for the reigning champion Thunder, who notched a seventh straight victory to improve to 64-16 with two games left in the regular season.

Oklahoma City snagged the West's top seed for the third year running, and with the best overall record they'll have home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

"It's extremely important," said Holmgren, who added five assists, two steals and four blocked shots. "Just knowing that in the event of a game seven it's always going to be at home. We saw that in the playoffs last year twice, so it's extremely important.

"It's great to see that the hard work has paid off in one way, and now we've got more to do," Holmgren added.

OKC's win means the surging San Antonio Spurs are locked into the second seed in the West.

San Antonio cruised past the Portland Trail Blazers 112-101 despite the absence of superstar Victor Wembanyama -- who sat out with a bruised rib -- and Stephon Castle.

De'Aaron Fox scored 25 points to lead a balanced Spurs attack. Keldon Johnson scored 20 points off the bench and rookie reserve Carter Bryant contributed 17.

The Denver Nuggets tightened their grip on third place in the West, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 136-119 behind a triple-double of 14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists from Nikola Jokic.

Three-time MVP Jokic posted his 34th triple-double of the season, the 198th of his career, to help Denver win their 10th straight -- their first double-digit win streak of his tenure.

Jamal Murray scored 26 points to lead eight Nuggets players to score in double figures as Denver edged further ahead of the injury-hit Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed.

Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit welcomed star guard Cade Cunningham back to action with a 137-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cunningham, who had missed 11 games with a collapsed lung, scored 13 points and handed out 10 assists in just under 26 minutes on court.

Jalen Duren scored 21 points to lead the Pistons, who had seven players score in double figures.

The Pistons have locked up the top seed and home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the return of Cunningham and teammate Isaiah Stewart, sidelined since March 13 with a calf strain, was a welcome opportunity to build their fitness before the playoffs start on April 18.

"There is no way to replicate NBA basketball," Bickerstaff said.

- Cavs hold off Hawks -

In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points, Evan Mobley added 22 points and 19 rebounds and James Harden chipped in 21 points as the Cavaliers held off the Atlanta Hawks 122-116, denying the Hawks' bid to clinch a playoff berth.

The Cavs, who notched a fourth straight win, are assured of a top-four seed in the East and are chasing the New York Knicks for third.

The Hawks are fifth in the East, but they are just half a game ahead of sixth-placed Toronto and could still slip into the play-in tournament that will see the seventh- through 10th-placed teams battle for the last two playoff spots.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 25 points and Jonathan Kuminga added 24 off the bench for Atlanta, who cut an 18-point fourth quarter deficit to two but could get no closer.

The Orlando Magic kept their hopes of escaping the play-in alive with a fourth straight win, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 132-120.

bb/lga

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Five weeks into the 2026 USL Championship season, only four clubs remain unbeaten — and El Paso Locomotive FC is one of them.

In their first year under head coach Junior Gonzalez, the Locos are off to an impressive start, posting three wins and a draw through their first four league matches. While the results have been strong, the driving force behind the early success is clear: El Paso’s attack is firing on all cylinders.

The Locomotive have scored 10 goals in just four matches, making them one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the USL Championship. Their goal total currently ranks second in the league, a testament to both efficiency and consistency in the final third.

Leading the charge is a trio of standout performers — Alex Mendez, Rubio Rubin, and Amando Moreno — who have accounted for all 10 of the team’s goals so far this season.

Rubin and Moreno have been especially impactful, each finding the back of the net four times. Their early production has placed them in a four-way tie for the league’s Golden Boot lead, firmly establishing both players as key figures in the title race for top scorer.

As a unit, El Paso’s attack has shown chemistry, balance, and the ability to capitalize on chances — all encouraging signs for a team looking to contend in a competitive Western Conference.

The Locomotive will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive and continue their goal-scoring form this weekend when they travel to face Hartford Athletic on Saturday.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.

Crystal Palace make club history tonight as they welcome Fiorentina to Selhurst Park for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final.

The Eagles have moved into their first-ever major European quarter-final following a hard-fought 2–1 aggregate victory over AEK Larnaca in the Round of 16.

Manager Oliver Glasner oversees a squad that has shown remarkable resolve in continental competition, remaining unbeaten in Europe this season.

Palace sit 14th in the Premier League but see this tournament as a unique opportunity to secure their first major piece of silverware.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, travel to South London with significant European pedigree, having reached the final of this competition in both 2023 and 2024. Under coach Paolo Vanoli, the Viola have found form at the right time, entering this tie following a Serie A win over Hellas Verona.

They reached the last eight by defeating Raków Częstochowa 4–2 on aggregate. Notably, this is the first competitive meeting between these two sides, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.

Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Match preview and team news

• Date: Thursday, 9 April 2026
• Kick-off: 20:00 BST
• Venue: Selhurst Park, London
• Referee: Donatas Rumšas (LTU)
• VAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)
• Last Meeting: First competitive meeting

Team news

Crystal Palace

The Eagles suffered a late double blow ahead of tonight’s clash. Notably, Eddie Nketiah is ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury in the final minutes of Wednesday’s training session.

Consequently, Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to lead the line. Adam Wharton is fit to feature in midfield after a minor knock during the international break. Dean Henderson also returns to the starting eleven after missing the last two matches through illness.

Fiorentina

The visitors are without their leading goalscorer, Moise Kean, who is struggling with a tibia injury. Furthermore, Fabiano Parisi and Manor Solomon are also unavailable for the trip to London.

Notably, former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea captains the side, while English winger Jonathan Rowe is expected to start after being involved in five goals in his last six European appearances.

Form

Crystal Palace

Palace have been imperious at Selhurst Park in Europe, keeping three clean sheets in their four home matches this term. While their domestic form has been inconsistent, the Eagles have shown clinical edge in the knockout stages. Statistically, Palace have a 70% progression rate in two-legged ties throughout their history.

Fiorentina

Fiorentina arrive in London unbeaten in their last three matches, including an impressive draw against league leaders Inter. The Viola have excelled in the latter stages of this competition recently, but have struggled to secure clean sheets on the road. They are currently 15th in Serie A, making the Conference League their primary target for the season.

Predicted lineups

Crystal Palace Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Johnson, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Guessand; Mateta

Fiorentina Predicted XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Kayode, Martínez Quarta, Ranieri, Biraghi; Fagioli, Mandragora, Richardson; Bernardeschi, Beltrán, Rowe

How to watch Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina?

The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage begins at 19:00 BST.

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The Arizona Cardinals have been connected to Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa for months as a potential target for them at the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Nothing has been said about any potential red flags with his health, but perhaps there should be one.

Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Mauigoa decided to go to Indianapolis last week as part of the NFL combine health recheck.

He wanted to have imaging done on his back, as he had a minor issue that caused him discomfort at the end of the season, although he did not miss any games. He started 42 consecutive games to end his college career.

He doesn't need surgery and has no symptoms of it, although some teams requested further testing.

Rapoport notes that this is not expected to cause him to fall in the draft, but it will be something to watch.

After all, Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson, projected as an early first-round pick, fell to the 47th pick because of a supposed knee issue for which he had no symptoms.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2026 NFL draft: OL Francis Mauigoa undergoes medical recheck

The rugby league season is under way, with the BBC offering extensive coverage throughout.

The BBC is broadcasting every round of the Challenge Cup this season but the action does not stop there.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of big games to look forward to on the BBC across Super League as well as the World Club Challenge.

Here's your guide to what the BBC is showing in 2026, so you won't miss a thing.

2026 rugby league fixtures live on the BBC

Saturday, 10 January – Thatto Heath Crusaders v Seaton Rangers (Challenge Cup first round) – iPlayer

Saturday, 24 January – Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven (Challenge Cup second round) – iPlayer

Sunday, 8 February – London Broncos v Bradford Bulls (Challenge Cup third round) – iPlayer

Sunday, 15 February – Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors (Super League) – iPlayer

Thursday, 19 February – Hull Kingston Rovers v Brisbane Broncos (World Club Challenge) – BBC Three

Saturday, 28 February – Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity (Super League) – BBC Two

Friday, 13 March – Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos (Challenge Cup fourth round) – iPlayer

Saturday, 21 March – Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers – BBC Two

Saturday, 28 March – Leigh Leopards v Toulouse Olympique (Super League) – BBC Two

Friday, 3 April – Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos (Super League) – iPlayer

Saturday, 11 April – Hull Kingston Rovers v York Knights (Challenge Cup quarter-final) – BBC Two

Sunday, 12 April – Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors (Challenge Cup quarter-final) – BBC One

Saturday, 2 May – Wigan Warriors v Bradford Bulls (Super League) – iPlayer

Saturday, 9 May – Fixture to be confirmed (Challenge Cup semi-final) – BBC One/BBC Two

Sunday, 10 May – Fixture to be confirmed (Challenge Cup semi-final) – BBC One/BBC Two

Thursday, 14 May – Huddersfield Giants v St Helens (Super League) – iPlayer

Saturday, 30 May – Challenge Cup Final – Men's and Women's double header – BBC One

Saturday, 6 June – Wakefield Trinity v Hull Kingston Rovers (Super League) – BBC Two

Friday, 17 July – St Helens v Catalans Dragons (Super League) – iPlayer

Saturday, 25 July – Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls (Super League) – BBC Two

Saturday, 29 August – Hull FC v Warrington Wolves (Super League) – BBC Two

Saturday, 19 September – Super League elimination play-off – BBC Two

Saturday, 26 September – Super League semi-final play-off – BBC Two

Saturday, 3 October – Super League Grand Final - Highlights on iPlayer and then BBC Two