Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets as part of ...

<p>Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets as part of next season's NBA Christmas Day schedule, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1953931824054317292">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Other Dec. 25 matchups include No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks visiting the Golden State Warriors, and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the San Antonio Spurs.</p><p>The Denver Nuggets will also face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a rematch of the Western Conference semifinals, while the New York Knicks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the holiday's only Eastern Conference tilt.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title=":christmas_tree: NBA Christmas Day 2025" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-PkAtV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/PkAtV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="333" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Knicks have played in the most Christmas Day games of any team, with 57 appearances to date. L.A. is second with 50 but has as many wins (25) on the day as New York.</p><p>Four of the clubs slated to play on Christmas Day will also be in action on opening night, with Houston traveling to Oklahoma City and Golden State visiting Los Angeles, per <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1953933022660604208">Charania</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NBA Opening Night" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-AnuuK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AnuuK/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="216" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>This year's season-opening schedule will air on NBC, marking the network's first NBA regular-season broadcast since 2002. ESPN and TNT shared the duties in previous years to start the campaign.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 24: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder plays defense against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game on January 24, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Report: Rockets-Lakers, Spurs-Thunder among NBA's Christmas Day lineup

Indiana Fever guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald will miss the remainder of the season due to...

<p>Indiana Fever guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/19443" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/19443">Sydney Colson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/95185" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/95185">Aari McDonald</a> will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL and a broken foot, respectively.</p><p>Both players suffered their injuries in Thursday's loss to the Phoenix Mercury.</p><p>With Fever star Caitlin Clark still recovering from a groin injury, Colson's and McDonald's injuries mean Indiana will only have nine players available Saturday against the Chicago Sky. Indiana can't add a player using a hardship exception until Colson or McDonald officially misses a game, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyREast/status/1953924596417061010">Forbes' Tony East</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Fever threw McDonald into the starting lineup following the All-Star break as Clark's replacement at point guard. The 26-year-old averaged 14 points and shot 52.6% from distance as Indiana mounted a five-game winning streak without its franchise star.</p><p>Colson played in 30 contests with the Fever this season, making six starts in her first year with the franchise. The 36-year-old spent the previous three campaigns with the Las Vegas Aces and was part of the group that won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 5: Aari McDonald #2 of the Indiana Fever brings the ball up court during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 5, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Fever guards McDonald, Colson out rest of season

George Kittle crashed San Francisco 49ers teammate Fred Warner's interview with the NFL Network o...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72637" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72637">George Kittle</a> crashed San Francisco 49ers teammate Fred Warner's interview with the NFL Network on Tuesday to "air a grievance" following the league's announcement of a new rule banning smelling salts.</p><p>"Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL. And I've been distraught all day," Kittle said during the live TV program as Warner laughed.</p><p>The tight end added that he would regularly use smelling salts before every offensive drive, though he noted the 49ers don't use them in practice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">George Kittle crashed the NFL Network set to drop the news that the league banned smelling salts and ammonia packets today — and he admits he uses them every single drive. <a href="https://t.co/1orx0wzhOa">pic.twitter.com/1orx0wzhOa</a></p>— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) <a href="https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1952836187447583188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>In a league-wide memo, the NFL cited a 2024 warning from the FDA regarding the "potential negative effects" of ammonia inhalants, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45909854/49ers-george-kittle-bemoans-nfl-new-ban-smelling-salts">ESPN's Nick Wagoner</a>. The memo also cautions that using these inhalants can mask neurological symptoms, including those used to identify a concussion.</p><p>After joking that he considered retiring in response to the new rule, Kittle requested a compromise with the league on an alternative solution.</p><p>"We have got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out," Kittle said. "Somebody come up with a good idea. That's all I had to get out there. Get that off my chest."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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49ers' Kittle 'distraught' by NFL's new smelling salts ban

The Boston Celtics are signing forward Chris Boucher to a one-year deal worth $3.3 million, his a...

<p>The Boston Celtics are signing forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46591" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46591">Chris Boucher</a> to a one-year deal worth $3.3 million, his agent told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1952829181558943800">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Boucher, 32, spent the past seven seasons with Toronto, averaging 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds over 406 games.</p><p>Signing the former Raptor is the Celtics' second significant transaction Tuesday. Boston also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3320862" href="https://thescore.com/news/3320862">shipped</a> sharpshooting forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24291" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24291">Georges Niang</a>, whom they acquired in July, to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>At 6-foot-9, Boucher helps address a conspicuous hole in the Celtics' frontcourt rotation with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30792" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30792">Luke Kornet</a> now on the San Antonio Spurs and free-agent veteran<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12"> Al Horford</a> still unsigned. Boucher registered 10 points and 4.5 rebounds across 50 games with the Raptors last season, though he fell out of the rotation as the team shifted its focus to developing its younger players.</p><p>Boucher was the last remaining member of the Raptors' roster that won the 2019 championship.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 23: Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Scotiabank Arena on February 23, 2025 in Toronto, Canada.

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Celtics agree to 1-year deal with Boucher

The Boston Celtics are trading forward Georges Niang and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz ...

<p>The Boston Celtics are trading forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24291" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24291">Georges Niang</a> and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171876" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171876">RJ Luis Jr.</a>, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1952824522052088018">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Boston acquired Niang in July as part of the three-team deal that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> to the Atlanta Hawks.</p><p>Niang's $8.2-million salary for next season will <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1952824674309542023">reportedly</a> be absorbed into the $26.6-million trade exception the Jazz created when they sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45122">John Collins</a> to the Los Angeles Clippers in July. The move also gives the Celtics more space below the second apron of the salary cap.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Niang opened 2024-25 with the Cleveland Cavaliers before being sent to the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the February trade deadline. In a combined 82 games, the 32-year-old averaged 9.9 points per game on 46.1/40.6/79.3 shooting splits along with 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 18: Georges Niang #20 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a free throw during the game against the Miami Heat during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 18, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Celtics trade Niang to Jazz for rookie Luis

The New York Knicks are signing forward Mikal Bridges to a four-year extension worth $150 million...

<p>The New York Knicks are signing forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a> to a four-year extension worth $150 million, his agents told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1951036775868080529">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The new deal, which includes a trade kicker, prevents Bridges from becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. However, it will allow him to test free agency as soon as 2029, when he'll decide on a player option for the extension's final season.</p><p>Bridges, 28, averaged 17.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in his first year in New York while starting every game for a fifth straight season. At 37 minutes per contest, he was second on the Knicks only to fellow Villanova alum <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30695" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30695">Josh Hart</a> (37.6) for the most average minutes. He led the entire NBA in total game time last season, however, playing 3,036 minutes to Hart's second-ranked 2,897.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The maximum extension Bridges could have signed would have been worth $156 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/IanBegley/status/1951038362200187065">SNY's Ian Begley</a>, who notes that the minor discount gives New York some financial flexibility to flesh out the rest of its roster. The former 10th overall pick also could have negotiated for a fifth year from the Knicks - and likely more guaranteed money - if he let his contract expire and re-signed with the franchise next summer, per <a href="https://x.com/IanBegley/status/1951039378119115221">Begley</a>.</p><p>The Knicks surrendered significant draft capital to acquire Bridges from their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, in July 2024. In addition to trading Bojan Bogdanovic, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45077">Shake Milton</a>, and Mamadi Diakite, the Knicks parted with five first-round picks, the right to swap another first-rounder, and a future second-round selection to pry Bridges away.</p><p>Though his scoring dipped slightly from the 21.2 points per game he scored with the Nets, Bridges became one of the Knicks' most impactful members of now-dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation. New York posted its only negative net rating (minus-0.5) throughout the regular season during Bridges' off-court minutes. Meanwhile, the Knicks outscored opponents by 5.6 points per 100 possessions with Bridges on the court, the fifth-best mark on the team.</p><p>The Knicks now have four members of their starting core locked down through at least 2027-28: Bridges, Hart, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a>. Brunson and Anunoby each have player options for 2028-29, while New York controls a $22.4-million team option for Hart in 2027-28. Five-time All-Star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> is guaranteed under contract through 2026-27, though his deal features a $61-million player option for 2027-28 - his age-32 season.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 05: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Knicks, Bridges agree to 4-year, $150M extension

The Texas Rangers acquired left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the Minnesota Twins in exchan...

<p>The Texas Rangers acquired left-handed reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12722" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12722">Danny Coulombe</a> from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor-league starter Garrett Horn, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>Coulombe owns a career-best 1.16 ERA in 40 appearances this season. He's allowed just 21 hits in 31 innings while striking out 31 batters.</p><p>The move reinforces a Rangers bullpen dealing with multiple injuries, including to right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10583" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10583">Jacob Webb</a>, who landed on the injury list Wednesday with back spasms. Texas has also been without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3974" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3974">Chris Martin</a> since July 21 due to a strained left calf.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Horn has made a combined nine starts in 2025 between rookie ball and Single-A. In 18 1/3 innings with the Hickory Crawdads, the 22-year-old posted a 3.44 ERA.</p><p>Coulombe is the second bullpen arm acquired by the Rangers since mid-July. They also picked up José Ruiz from the Atlanta Braves on July 17 but parted with reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8152" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8152">Dane Dunning</a>. Ruiz has yet to make a major-league appearance with Texas.</p>

DENVER, CO - JULY 19: Danny Coulombe #54 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 19, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Twins ship Coulombe to Rangers

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes is expected to miss at least two months with a right h...

<p>Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes is expected to miss at least two months with a right hamstring injury, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AriA1exander/status/1950688193654985128">Ari Alexander of KPRC2</a>.</p><p>Paredes will reportedly seek a second opinion in hopes of avoiding surgery.</p><p>After getting that news, the Astros acquired former Gold Glove-winning third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10610" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10610">Ramón Urías</a> and cash from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Twine Palmer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 26-year-old Paredes has missed the last 10 games after Houston placed him on the injury list on July 20. Paredes suffered the injury while running to first base on a deep hit off the left-field wall against the Seattle Mariners.</p><p>Astros manager Joe Espada described Paredes' injury as "pretty significant" and suggested the All-Star would be sidelined for an extended period. Paredes also missed three contests in June due to a hamstring issue in his left leg.</p><p>He's slashing .259/.359/.470 (.829 OPS) in 409 appearances this season while leading the Astros in home runs with 19.</p><p>Urías has spent his entire career with the Orioles. The 31-year-old is having a down season at the plate, hitting .248/.300/.388 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs over 77 games. However, he's shown some power at times, hitting a career-high 16 homers in 2022.</p><p>His value is primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Urías, who won a Gold Glove in 2022, has tallied six defensive runs saved and three outs above average at the hot corner this season.</p><p>Palmer was Houston's 19th-round draft pick in 2024. The 20-year-old owns a 2.62 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 48 strikeouts and 27 walks across 15 professional outings.</p>

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 26: Balitmore Orioles third baseman Ramon Urias (29) runs the base after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning during the first game of a regular season Major League Baseball doubleheader between the Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers on April 26, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.

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Astros land Urías from O's with Paredes reportedly out long term

New York Liberty star forward Breanna Stewart has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in her right ...

<p>New York Liberty star forward Breanna Stewart has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in her right knee, head coach Sandy Brondello said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45863679/liberty-stewart-bone-bruise-knee-no-return-line">ESPN's Michael Voelpel</a>.</p><p>The Liberty don't have a return timeline for Stewart.</p><p>The two-time MVP hurt her knee just minutes into the first quarter of New York's loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday. Stewart didn't play Monday in the Liberty's 92-82 loss to the Dallas Wings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We want to be smart with it," Brondello said ahead of Wednesday's WNBA Finals rematch against the Minnesota Lynx. "If we can get her back at the end of August, I think that's great.</p><p>"It's big picture ... so when she's ready. But keep it fresh for the playoffs. I know she'll be back before then. How early she gets back before the end of the (regular) season, I don't know."</p><p>Stewart is averaging 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, and shooting 46.9% from the floor in 24 starts this season.</p>

BROOKLYN, NY - JULY 22: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty looks on during the game against the Indiana Fever during a WNBA game on July 22, 2025 at Barclays Center Arena in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Stewart out indefinitely with bone bruise in knee

The New York Mets traded for Baltimore Orioles reliever Gregory Soto on Friday, the club announce...

<p>The New York Mets traded for Baltimore Orioles reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9551" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9551">Gregory Soto</a> on Friday, the club announced.</p><p>New York sent pitching prospects Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster to Baltimore in the deal. Aracena, 20, is the 19th-ranked prospect in the Mets' system.</p><p>Soto, a two-time All-Star, posted a 3.74 ERA in 45 appearances (36 1/3 innings) with the Orioles this year. He's slated to hit free agency this offseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The southpaw addresses a glaring need in the Mets' bullpen. Their only other left-hander, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3612" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3612">Brooks Raley</a>, made his season debut July 19 after missing 15 months recovering from Tommy John surgery.</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 12: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Gregory Soto (65) pitches during the game between the Miami Marlins and the Baltimore Orioles on July 12, 2025 at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD.

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Mets bolster bullpen, acquire Orioles' Gregory Soto

Dave Roberts hopes the Los Angeles Dodgers have nowhere to go but up after another difficult outi...

<p>Dave Roberts hopes the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> have nowhere to go but up after another difficult outing for their injury-plagued bullpen Tuesday.</p><p>"It better be rock bottom as far as how we've been pitching, how we've been playing defense," Roberts said after his team's 10-7 loss to the Minnesota Twins, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45801999/dodgers-bullpen-woes-full-display">ESPN's Alden Gonzalez</a>.</p><p>Los Angeles began to unravel in the sixth inning after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18594" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18594">Ben Casparius</a> entered in relief for starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a>, who recorded eight strikeouts and allowed three runs (one earned) in five innings. With the game tied, Casparius faced four batters but failed to record an out; he allowed Minnesota to load the bases with a pair of walks on either side of a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5766">Ty France</a> double, then gifted the Twins a go-ahead run by walking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12346" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12346">Royce Lewis</a> on four pitches. The 26-year-old then exited with a calf cramp but was charged with another two earned runs in the inning after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13669" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13669">Alexis Díaz</a> replaced him.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Dodgers surrendered another three runs in the seventh after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17941" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17941">Edgardo Henriquez</a> misplayed Lewis' two-strike, check-swing dribbler down the line by firing his throw well wide of first base and into right field. Henriquez, 23, was making his major-league season debut as the Dodgers are missing several of their first-choice relief options, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3013" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3013">Blake Treinen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8274" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8274">Michael Kopech</a>. They're also temporarily without $72-million closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5525">Tanner Scott</a>, who exited Monday's win with an injury and was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation Tuesday.</p><p>Los Angeles is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3312371" href="https://thescore.com/news/3312371">reportedly</a> seeking bullpen help ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. However, Roberts stressed that he has to be able to count on the team's current pitching depth in the meantime.</p><p>"It's difficult," the Dodgers skipper said. "(These are) the guys we have right now, and they're getting opportunities to make an impression. So that's on them.</p><p>"When you have certain guys down, you're put in leverage, bases loaded, nobody out, whatever it might be - you've gotta come in there and do your job. Some guys are, some guys aren't."</p><p>Despite losing 11 of their last 14, the Dodgers still hold a 3.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West and sit just 1.5 games back of the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers for the National League's best mark. However, since the start of their skid July 4, the bullpen has posted a collective 5.85 ERA - the fourth-worst mark in the majors in that span, per <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&amp;lg=all&amp;qual=y&amp;type=8&amp;season=2025&amp;month=1000&amp;season1=2025&amp;ind=0&amp;stats=rel&amp;team=0%2Cts&amp;startdate=2025-07-04&amp;enddate=2025-07-23&amp;sortcol=16&amp;sortdir=desc">FanGraphs</a>.</p>

Los Angeles, CA - July 21: Los Angeles Dodgers head coach Dave Roberts walks off the field during the game as the Dodgers take on the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium Monday, July 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Roberts hopes this is 'rock bottom' for Dodgers' bullpen

Tyrese Haliburton doubts that there's a single, identifiable cause for the NBA's recent string of...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> doubts that there's a single, identifiable cause for the NBA's recent string of torn Achilles tendons, including his own, which will sideline the Indiana Pacers star for the 2025-26 season.</p><p>"Everybody thinks we play too many games, play too many minutes - all those things could be true, but I don't think that that is what is causing these injuries," he said Tuesday on "<a href="https://youtu.be/xYNEKYUCrq8?t=476">The Pat McAfee Show</a>. "Last season, if I'm not mistaken, I don't think there was a single Achilles tear. And it was the same amount of minutes, same amount of games, right? Guys didn't suddenly get larger in the course of a year.</p><p>"So I don't think that anybody has necessarily the answer. I think injuries are just bad luck sometimes and that's just what happened, but I think that's just what happens in sports sometimes. I think there's no way to really control it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Haliburton was one of three NBA stars to tear his Achilles this past postseason alone. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (now back with the Portland Trail Blazers) tore his in the first round against the Pacers before Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum suffered the same injury in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.</p><p>Haliburton's tear occurred minutes into Game 7 of the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder after the Pacers guard appeared to have shaken off a calf issue that had bothered him since Game 2. Following his surgery in late June, the 25-year-old said he had <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3303616" href="https://thescore.com/news/3303616">no regrets</a> about playing in the all-or-nothing contest despite the pre-existing calf issue.</p><p>NBA commissioner Adam Silver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3304305" href="https://thescore.com/news/3304305">revealed</a> at the draft that the league had already partnered with experts to study the recent spike in Achilles tears before Haliburton's injury. Another four tears Achilles tears happened during the regular season. Fellow Indiana players <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93886" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93886">James Wiseman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96062">Isaiah Jackson</a> suffered two of them; Wiseman's occurred after playing just four-and-a-half minutes in the Pacers' season opener.</p><p>Like Haliburton, Silver pushed back on the length of the season as a factor, pointing instead to the extent to which young players push their bodies year-round.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 19: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Haliburton blames recent spike in Achilles tears on 'bad luck'

Marcus Smart has agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards and will join the Los Angeles Lak...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24740" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24740">Marcus Smart</a> has agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards and will join the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1946678940052975982">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The 31-year-old guard will reportedly sign a two-year, $11-million contract with Los Angeles.</p><p>The Lakers waived guard Jordan Goodwin in order to make room on the roster for Smart.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After Washington permitted Smart's agent to speak to other teams, Doncic personally reached out to Smart, hoping to convince him to join him on the Lakers, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1946684099697004791">basketball insider Marc Stein.</a></p><p>The former Defensive Player of the Year began the 2024-25 campaign with the Memphis Grizzlies but was shipped to Washington at the deadline in an unexpected cost-cutting move. He averaged a combined nine points, 3.2 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals with both teams, coupled with shooting splits of 39.3/34.8/76.1.</p><p>Though multiple injuries limited him to just 19 games with Memphis, Smart's on-court defensive rating of 105.7 points allowed per 100 possessions was the team's best mark by any player with at least 200 minutes last season.</p><p>Smart will likely bring a more defensive-minded presence to the Lakers' backcourt, balancing out the scoring provided by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> and five-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>. He also helps make up for the loss of forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11858" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11858">Dorian Finney-Smith</a>, who was arguably the team's best defender last season but joined the Houston Rockets in free agency.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: Marcus Smart #36 of the Washington Wizards brings the ball up court Toronto Raptors during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Report: Smart signing with Lakers after Wizards buyout

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu won the Three-Point Contest for the second time in her care...

<p>New York Liberty star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/55066" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/55066">Sabrina Ionescu</a> won the Three-Point Contest for the second time in her career Friday.</p><p>Ionescu scored 30 points in the final round to hold off defending champ <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/32607" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/32607">Allisha Gray</a> of the Atlanta Dream, who could only register 22 points.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sabrina Ionescu puts up a MONSTER 30 PTS to reclaim her STARRY 3-Point Contest title 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/qgRwN2OPTQ">pic.twitter.com/qgRwN2OPTQ</a></p>— WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1946375763722178686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Liberty guard joins Chicago Sky legend Allie Quigley as the only players to win multiple Three-Point Contests. Ionescu's win also secured an All-Star Friday sweep for New York after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18106" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18106">Natasha Cloud</a> won the Skills Challenge earlier.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron, Los Angeles Sparks veteran Kelsey Plum, and Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull also participated in Friday's main event. Hull was selected as a last-minute replacement for teammate Caitlin Clark after the Fever star had to bow out of the weekend's festivities with a groin injury.</p><p> </p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 18: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty smiles during the WNBA Starry 3-Point Contest on July 18, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Ionescu wins Three-Point Contest to cap Liberty sweep 

New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud defeated the Seattle Storm's Erica Wheeler in the final to w...

<p>New York Liberty guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18106" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18106">Natasha Cloud</a> defeated the Seattle Storm's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/17531" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/17531">Erica Wheeler</a> in the final to win the 2025 WNBA Skills Challenge on Friday.</p><p>Cloud edged Wheeler by 1.1 seconds in the final round to secure the victory. The Liberty wing completed the course in 36.4 seconds after Wheeler set the mark to beat at 37.5 seconds.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Natasha Cloud KIA Skills Challenge CHAMPION! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/mHkERQ0mR5">pic.twitter.com/mHkERQ0mR5</a></p>— WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1946367663782969674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cloud earned a $55,000 prize with the win.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wheeler's Storm teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/15247" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/15247">Skylar Diggins</a>, Minnesota Lynx guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27221" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27221">Courtney Williams</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/32607" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/32607">Allisha Gray</a> of the Atlanta Dream - last year's Skills Challenge winner - also competed. Gray, who won the Three-Point Contest last season, also defended her crown in the shooting competition Friday but fell to Liberty star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/55066" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/55066">Sabrina Ionescu</a> in the final.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 18: Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty celebrates after winning the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge on July 18, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Cloud narrowly beats Wheeler to win Skills Challenge

Jason Crowe Jr., the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 class, is committing to Missouri, he anno...

<p>Jason Crowe Jr., the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 class, is committing to Missouri, he announced Friday on <a href="https://x.com/247Sports/status/1946324035001831489">CBS Sports HQ</a>.</p><p>Crow, the top-rated point guard on the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/rankings/scnext300boys/_/view/espnu100">2026 ESPN 100</a>, is the first five-star recruit of the class to commit to any school. He's also the second-highest ranked commit in the program's history, behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60530" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60530">Michael Porter Jr.</a></p><p>The 6-foot-3 California native chose the Tigers over Kentucky, Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, and Alabama, among others.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Just the coaching staff with coach (Dennis) Gates and all of the other coaches believing in me," Crowe said about choosing Missouri, according to <a href="https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/missouri-basketball-lands-commitment-of-five-star-guard-jason-crowe-jr--251846416/">247Sports' Travis Branham</a>. "Even though they came in late into the recruiting process, they gave me the keys and told me I have to work hard, and the team will revolve around me."</p><p>Crowe finished the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League as the competition's top scorer, dropping 26.5 points per game in four contests for the Oakland Soldiers.</p>

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 05: A detailed photo of the Missouri Tigers logo during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 05, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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Missouri secures commitment from 5-star point guard Crowe

Saturday's All-Star Game will feature a much faster pace than WNBA fans are accustomed to.  The l...

<p>Saturday's All-Star Game will feature a much faster pace than WNBA fans are accustomed to.</p><p>The league announced several changes to the 2025 All-Star Game on Wednesday, including the use of live substitutions and the reintroduction of circular 4-point shot zones for each team. Live replacements will only be permitted when a team has possession in their backcourt, and a squad can substitute only one player per possession.</p><p>The WNBA is also drastically cutting free throws to speed up the game's pace. Players will only be required to shoot from the line in the final two minutes and any overtime periods. All other fouls that result in free throws will instead be converted into points. Additionally, the shot clock will be reduced from 24 to 20 seconds, although offensive rebounds will still reset the clock to 14 seconds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The league previously used the 4-point zones, quicker shot clock, and automatic free-throw points in the 2022 and 2023 All-Star Games. However, it opted to return to a more traditional format last season when Team WNBA faced Team USA.</p><p>This year's All-Star Game will feature opposing squads captained by Indiana Fever star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> and reigning MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/48780" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/48780">Napheesa Collier</a> of the Minnesota Lynx. The two drafted their respective rosters as captains after finishing in the top two of fan voting.</p><p>The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET in Indianapolis.</p>

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WNBA All-Star Game to use live subs, bring back 4-point shots

Three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns and plan...

<p>Three-time All-Star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a> agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns and plans to sign a two-year, $11-million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers once he clears waivers, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1945536796382654553">Shams Charania of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The pact will include a player option in the second year, Charania adds.</p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/news/3307783">Reports</a> surfaced earlier in July that Phoenix was considering buying out Beal from the remainder of his contract. The 32-year-old was owed $110 million through the 2026-27 season but agreed to give back $13.8 million as part of the buyout deal, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/FredKatz/status/1945539510554558534">The Athletic's Fred Katz</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Once placed on waivers, Beal can formally join the Clippers after 48 hours. The 13-year vet will form part of another Big Three in L.A. with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Phoenix acquired Beal in a trade from the Washington Wizards in 2023, but the trio of Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant failed to gain momentum amid several injuries, leading the Suns to trade Durant to the Houston Rockets earlier this summer.</p><p>Beal will likely step into the starting two-guard role vacated by the Clippers' trade of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12144" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a> to the Miami Heat. L.A. still has enough financial room to add another veteran minimum contract to its payroll, according to insider <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1945544457576702012">Marc Stein</a>.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 31, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Report: Beal signing with Clippers after agreeing to Suns buyout

Welcome to our monthly look at the various individual awards in the WNBA and who merits a mention...

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WNBA Awards Watch: A'ja, Thomas combat Collier for top honors

Victor Wembanyama has been medically cleared after recovering from the deep vein thrombosis in hi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> has been medically cleared after recovering from the deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder that kept him out for all 36 games following last season's All-Star break.</p><p>"It just happened," Wembanyama told French outlet L'Equipe, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45740391/spurs-victor-wembanyama-cleared-return-blood-clot">ESPN's Michael C. Wright</a>. "I got the green light from the Spurs' medical staff just (on Friday). Phew, I'll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again."</p><p>The Spurs shut down the French 7-footer in February after he reportedly complained of low energy through the All-Star break. The 21-year-old had just competed in his first All-Star Game as a reserve but underwent testing upon his return to San Antonio that revealed deep vein thrombosis - a blood clot - in his shoulder.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wembanyama, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists in 46 games last season. The former No. 1 overall pick had been predominantly healthy before the condition surfaced, missing just three games in November due to a bruised knee and two contests in early December because of back soreness. Wembanyama also missed a narrow Feb. 1 loss to the Heat with an undisclosed illness.</p><p>San Antonio has bolstered its roster around its franchise star ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, selecting former Rutgers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171821" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171821">Dylan Harper</a> and Arizona product <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171819" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171819">Carter Bryant</a> with the No. 2 and No. 14 overall picks in this year's draft. To add positional cover for Wembanyama, the club also signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30792" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30792">Luke Kornet</a> away from the Boston Celtics in free agency and acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2041" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2041">Kelly Olynyk</a> in a trade with the Washington Wizards.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 11: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 11, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)