Shams Charania: Clippers center Ivica Zubac is available to return to action for Saturday’s home game against the Boston Celtics, as L.A. goes for seven wins in a row, sources tell ESPN. Swift comeback for Zubac, who attacked his rehab after sustaining a Grade 2 ankle sprain over two weeks ago.

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Ivica Zubac cleared to return against Boston

Duane Rankin: Suns injury update: Grayson Allen (knee) OUT. Suns coach Jordan Ott said Grayson Allen did do 5-on-5 yesterday, responded well to it. Just looking to do that again, see the response, before returning to action. #Suns

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Grayson Allen (knee) OUT. Suns coach Jordan Ott said …

Dalton Johnson: Jonathan Kuminga has been downgraded to questionable with a back issue for the already super shorthanded Warriors against the Thunder @nbcswarriors.bsky.social

bsky.app

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jonathan Kuminga has been downgraded to questionable …

Alabama football is battling to win former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman.

According to a report by On3‘s Steve Wiltfong, the Crimson Tide is one of five programs that is “strongly in the mix” for the 5-star transfer prospect.

Since Coleman entered the portal on Dec. 29, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and USC have also emerged as contenders, per Wiltfong.

REQUIRED READING: Alabama DB recruiting ex-teammate, transfer portal WR Cam Coleman to UA

Coleman is a native of Phenix City, Alabama, and opted to stay in his home state in December of 2023 after initially having committed to Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M in July that same year.

Wiltfong reported that Coleman is currently in Austin being courted by the Longhorns, who have “high” confidence that they can secure the rising junior, and will potentially visit College Station after his visit at Texas. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Coleman is planning to take trips to Texas Tech, USC and Alabama following his visits to Texas and Texas A&M.

Texas Tech is another team to keep an eye on due to what Wiltfong described as a “significant NIL offer.”

Wiltfong did not provide additional information on where Alabama or USC stood among the schools vying to bring Coleman to the Lone Star State. However, Crimson Tide defensive back Red Morgan − Coleman’s former high school teammate at Central Phenix City − said ahead of the Rose Bowl that he has been texting Coleman “every day,” and that he plans to do so until “he (Coleman) makes a decision.”

Coleman and Morgan won a Class 7A state championship at Central in 2023 and played football together from the time they were seventh graders competing in youth leagues.

Coleman is the No. 1 player in On3’s transfer portal rankings after tallying 1,215 yards on 84 receptions over the last two seasons on The Plains. In the 27-20 loss to Alabama in November, Coleman had four catches for 26 yards and no touchdowns.

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football ‘strongly in the mix’ for Auburn transfer Cam Coleman | Report

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. has made the most of the opportunity he’s been given this season with the team’s injuries. He’s continually changed the momentum of games with his rebounding and defensive energy. It’s been exactly what a team that’s struggled in both of those categories has needed.

“He’s another guy that used this summer to take everything he can do to another level,” Donovan Mitchell said of Porter.

Much of Porter’s offseason focus was on conditioning so that he could become a high-energy reserve guard who could make a noticeable impact defensively.

“He’s doing a better job getting into the ball on the pick-and-roll,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said when asked about Porter’s defensive improvements. “He’s more physical. He’s got good hands, too, so he’s active in the passing lanes.”

Porter has always had a good nose for the ball. He’s averaging 0.6 blocks and a steal per game. That may not seem like a lot, but considering his minutes and position as a guard, that puts him in the 98th percentile for block percentage and 92nd percentile for steal percentage among combo guards.

His development as a better overall defender has allowed the parts of the game that he’s always been good at to show through more clearly.

“He does every little thing that you need,” Mitchell said about Porter. “Picks up full court, can initiate the offense, can get downhill to create. When we’re in together, he makes my life a hell of a lot easier. So it’s definitely great to have him having this impact.”

Opposing coaches are seeing Porter’s impact as well.

Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman may have a different respect for Porter than most. He was the lead assistant for Denver when Porter exploded for 21 points and four assists as an undrafted rookie to defeat the defending champions in 2023.

“He killed us a couple years ago,” Adelman said. “So there’s some bad memories there.”

Porter was surprisingly helpful during the beginning of his rookie season, but he couldn’t keep that success going once the opponent’s scouting report adjusted. A shaky outside jumper held him back. That has improved significantly in the last two years.

Porter’s improved outside shot, combined with his development on the defensive end, has turned him being a serviceable third point guard into someone who emerged as the team’s backup point guard over the last two games.

“He’s been really good this year,” Adelman said. “When he got thrown in that game (as a rookie), and the way he played, coming away from it saying, ‘Man, that kid can really play.’ Now to see his career get going, I think it’s a cool thing. It’s one of the coolest parts about the NBA.”

Happy New Year from The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones dissect two of the most interesting teams in the league to this point: the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.

How good are they/ What are the growth areas? How seriously should we take them come playoff time?

Then, the guys discuss the breakout campaign Jaylen Brown is currently on.

They close with thoughts on the upcoming Unrivaled season, slated to tip off on Monday.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at  | Spotify | YouTube

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Happy New Year from The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones dissect two of the most interesting teams in the league to this point: the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.

How good are they/ What are the growth areas? How seriously should we take them come playoff time?

Then, the guys discuss the breakout campaign Jaylen Brown is currently on.

They close with thoughts on the upcoming Unrivaled season, slated to tip off on Monday.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at  | Spotify | YouTube

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

On paper, Tatsuya Imai certainly seemed like a potential fit for the Mets. 

He’s still just 27 years old, brings a ton of potential upside coming over from Japan, and wasn’t commanding too much in free agency with his market not developing as hoped. 

However, the team reportedly was never serious about pursuing the right-hander before he reached an agreement on a three-year pact with the Astros on Thursday. 

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, that’s because the Mets weren’t sold on Imai as an impact starter. 

With the way his contract with Houston is set up — including incentives based on innings pitched and opt-outs after every year — it seems other clubs may have felt the same way. 

Imai pitched to a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts over 162.2 innings last year for the Saitama Seibu Lions. 

There are, however, some concerns about the righty making the transition to the States. 

So now, the Mets will have to turn their attention elsewhere if they hope to add to their rotation this offseason. 

Feinsand again connected them to Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez, two of the best available in free agency.

It remains to be seen if David Stearns will shell out the money and years the top arms are seeking, though. 

Here is the latest news and buzz surrounding free agent outfielder/first basemanCody Bellinger and his chances of returning to New York with the Yankees or Mets…

Jan. 2, 5:22 p.m.

As the offseason continues, it seems the Yankees have formally made an offer to Bellinger earlier this week, per the NY Post’s Jon Heyman.

It’s no surprise the Yankees did so, as Bellinger is the team’s No. 1 target this offseason, but Heyman added that with both sides in a weekslong standoff, the Mets can’t be ruled out. 

Other teams linked to Bellinger are the Dodgers, where the outfielder started his career, and the Giants. Heyman also adds the Blue Jays as a potential landing spot if Toronto does not land Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette. 

Dec. 26, 9:50 a.m.

While the holiday season has lowered the hot stove temperature, it appears the Yankees’ hopes of re-signing Cody Bellinger remain high enough.

A reunion with the star outfielder is still a priority in the Bronx, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, and the club feels “pretty confident” he won’t move boroughs for a deal over in Queens.

The pursuit of Bellinger is also endorsed by the Yankees’ captain. Heyman reports Aaron Judge is “a big advocate” for a long-term commitment with the former MVP, who hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI as a one-year rental in pinstripes last season.

It’s unclear when Bellinger will take himself off the free-agent market, but with high demand from championship contenders, some projections have him earning around $30 million annually on a six-year contract. The Yankees may have to sweeten the pot in order to convince him to stay.

Dec. 14, 7:35 p.m.

While reports indicated that the San Francisco Giants “do not anticipate making the nine-figure investment” required to sign free agents this offseason, they aren’t checked out of the marketplace altogether.

The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reported recently that the Giants “have checked in on” Cody Bellinger, the Yankees’ No. 1 target.

Bellinger proved to be a big part of the Yanks’ last season, contributing well on both sides of the ball with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and a .272/.334/.480 slash line for an .813 OPS (125 OPS+ and wRC+) while ranking in the 93rd percentile in outs above average (seven) and with 12 defensive runs saved.

Dec. 4, 11:42 a.m.

While other suitors are certainly in the mix, Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ No. 1 target, and the club is making a “big effort” to bring him back, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Heyman lists the Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers as other possibilities.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan has previously reported that signing Bellinger would be a “multipart move” for the Yankees, as the club would almost certainly need to move one of their other outfield pieces –potentially Jasson Dominguez or up-and-coming prospect Spencer Jones.

With Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer, the Yanks would have a surplus of outfielders if Bellinger was to re-sign.