Social media was sounding off late Monday and early Tuesday, following Michigan men’s basketball’s 69-63 win over UConn in the NCAA Tournament national-championship game.

Among the highlights …

Former President Obama, a big basketball fan:

Deontay Wilder gave his career an adrenaline boost this past weekend, beating Derek Chisora in London to put himself back in the mix at a high level.

Many felt that Wilder, once the long-reigning WBC heavyweight world champion, had given everything he had to the sport. Defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang in which the American looked unable to land his trademark right hand worried fans, but a spirited performance against Chisora showed there is still plenty of desire.

After knocking the Brit down twice and winning a split decision, Wilder said he intended to ‘clean up the division.’ Speaking to TalkSPORT about a long awaited clash with fellow former champion Anthony Joshua, the knockout artist from Tuscaloosa, Alabama said now was the time.

“Hey baby, now it’s time to shut up or put up. I’m willing, ready and able. A healed Wilder is a dangerous Wilder. I’ll come anywhere in the world to fight.”

The pair of power punchers have been on a long and frustrating parallel run in the division after failing to make an undisputed fight when Wilder held the WBC and Joshua the WBA, WBO and IBF. Another attempt to match them up recently collapsed when Wilder lost to Parker.

Now, with a growing sense of urgency given this is the final chapter of both careers and no real political or ranking obstacles in the way, the clash may be more likely than ever.

Things are rarely that simple in boxing, however, and an injury to Wilder’s hand may be the factor that could block the fight again. Joshua is expected to return towards the end of the summer – likely too soon for Wilder – before targeting another highly-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury.

In terms of other options, Wilder may have also fought himself back into the conversation for a shot at unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian had previously expressed an interest in the fight – looking to beat every big name from his generation – before instead signing to fight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.

Antoine Griezmann’s Barcelona story ended in the depths of misery but as he returns to Camp Nou in the Champions League quarter-finals, the French forward is desperate to close out his time with Atletico Madrid on the greatest of highs. Diego Simeone’s side, defeated in the 2014 and 2016 finals, have never lifted the trophy and veteran forward Griezmann, who will move to MLS side Orlando City at the end of the season, has not won a trophy with Atletico since the 2018 Europa League and subsequent UEFA Super Cup.

Griezmann switched Atletico for Barca in 2019, lasting just two years in the Catalan capital before returning to Simeone’s side on loan, and making the return permanent in 2022.

During that short stint in Barca colours Griezmann missed out on Atletico’s La Liga title win in 2021, a trophy that has eluded him through his career.

At Barca he was on the receiving end of the brutal 8-2 thrashing by Bayern in the 2020 Champions League quarter-finals, and failed to fit into the team alongside Lionel Messi.

Griezmann wants to leave Atletico, where he is the all-time top scorer with 211 goals, with major silverware in his hands at last, to add to the 2018 World Cup he won with France.

The first step towards that, since announcing the decision to depart last week, is at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the fifth meeting between Atletico and Barca this season.

Orlando wanted him to join by the end of March, but Griezmann said he would stay at Atletico, in no small part for a final shot at biggest trophy in the club game, as well as the Copa del Rey final.

The 35-year-old, one of Simeone’s very greatest soldiers during the coach’s 14-year reign, combined the work ethic the Argentine demanded with immense skill and quality.

“Griezmann is a maverick, it’s unbelievable how he plays football,” enthused Barca coach Hansi Flick last week. “It seems so light, it’s like he’s dancing.”

‘Something big’

Griezmann may not have won as many trophies as he would have liked, but has often dazzled with his elegance and vision.

“I hope we can do something big,” said Griezmann after helping Atletico crush Spurs 5-2 in the last 16 first leg, netting his side’s second goal.

Griezmann has rocked Barca before, scoring twice in the 2016 quarter-finals a decade ago to send Atletico through and knock out Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and Co, although that campaign ended in tears in the Milan final at the hands of rivals Real Madrid.

After Griezmann started in the 2-1 La Liga defeat by Barca on Saturday, there is the chance he may be used from the bench on Wednesday.

For much of this season Simeone has been sparing with his minutes, perhaps tipping him towards the decision to leave.

Another Atletico player who might one day follow the Frenchman’s path to Barcelona is striker Julian Alvarez, who is likely to start at Camp Nou and has been frequently linked with the Catalans.

The Argentine caused consternation in the Spanish capital earlier this season when he said “maybe yes, maybe no” over whether he was planning to stay at the club beyond the summer.

Barca, still not in a healthy financial position, may not be able to produce the hefty transfer fee the Rojiblancos would demand, after Alvarez arrived from Manchester City for £81.5 million ($108m) in 2024.

Alvarez has had a mixed bag of a season, but Simeone has repeatedly backed the forward who is in better form after a winter drought.

“Thank God he is back,” said Simeone after Alvarez netted against Barca in a 4-0 win in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg in February, with Griezmann also on target as Barca collapsed at the Metropolitano stadium.

Five-time winners Barca may be favourites for the tie but between Griezmann’s desire for a grand finale and Alvarez’s chance to dazzle his suitors, Atletico have the tools they need to cause an upset.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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The Minnesota Vikings spent a 3rd-Round pick on a wide receiver last year, and they might be on their way to doing it again if the draft rumor mill is on point. Minnesota met with Georgia State pass-catcher Ted Hurst a couple of weeks ago, and according to SI.com, he’s the main developmental prospect for the Vikings to target in 2.5 weeks.

Minnesota may still need another receiver, and Hurst checks the box as a late-round project with size.

Hurst currently ranks 76th on the Consensus Big Board, making him absolutely gettable for the purple team.

Hurst Fits the Vikings’ Search for More WR Depth

From somewhere, the Vikings may need one more WR for the regular season.

Hurst Picked as Vikings’ Top Development Fit

SI.com‘s Justin Melo sized up one development rookie for each NFL team on Monday, with Hurst getting the shoutout for Minnesota. Melo explained, “The Minnesota Vikings lost their No. 3 wide receiver Jalen Nailor to free agency. It won’t be a high priority, given Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form one of the better duos in the NFL.”

“Third-round sophomore Tai Felton only had three receptions last year. Enter Ted Hurst, a small-school threat from Georgia State with a dynamic vertical skill set. Hurst was incredible at the NFL Combine, running a 4.42 and leaping an 11-foot-3 broad jump at 6-foot-3. He’s a downfield winner.”

Hurst has also been frequently connected to the Miami Dolphins in the mock-draft cycle, with The Draft Network‘s Jaime Eisner picking him in Round 3 last week: “Getting a live look at Ted Hurst at the Panini Senior Bowl cemented his status as a day-two prospect. At nearly 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds, he pairs prototype size with unexpected short-area agility.”

“He operates as a refined route-runner, boasting the massive catch radius and contested-catch reliability you covet in a bigger target. He’s not a burner and needs to work on playing to his size with the ball in his hands, but he can develop into a long-term WR2-caliber player for the Dolphins.”

The Vikings’ Current WR Group

If Minnesota turns the Hurst visit into a draft pick and doesn’t add another free agent, the wide receiver room this summer would shape up like this:

• Justin Jefferson
• Jordan Addison
• Tai Felton
• Ted Hurst
• Myles Price
• Jeshaun Jones
• Dontae Fleming
• Joaquin Davis

With this group, the Vikings would merely have to hope that Felton or Hurst would be game-ready by Week 1. Otherwise, a free-agent signing would be necessary.

The Skinny on Hurst

Hurst, at 6’3″ and 195 pounds, uses his size to his advantage, especially when making contested catches. His game is built on strength and body control. However, his route running could be improved; he doesn’t consistently separate from defensive backs, which will likely impact his future role.

He banked 127 catches for 1,965 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 24 games. Not bad.

NFL Draft Buzz on Hurst: “Hurst fits best as a ‘Z’ receiver in an offense that uses motion and formation variety to manufacture free releases. That matters early in his career because press coverage remains a real problem, and NFL corners will be stronger and more disciplined than anything he saw in the Sun Belt.”

“His speed is good enough to threaten vertically, but he separates with acceleration and timing rather than blowing past coverage. That style translates if the body catches up. Expect him to push for the number three receiver role as a rookie in the right system, with third-down and red zone reps from Week 1 given his ball tracking, catch radius, and understanding of leverage.”

Hurst would instantly become the Vikings’ tallest receiver of those expected to make the September roster.

TBD added, “The drop issues need monitoring. His hands graded average across both Georgia State seasons, and that cannot persist against tighter coverage windows. But the combination of size, route feel, and athletic testing puts a real ceiling on this player.”

“With physical development and an expanded release package, he can grow into a starting outside receiver by year two. The tape backs that up more than the stat sheet does.”

Free Agents if Vikings Pass on Hurst

Pretend the Vikings don’t select a mid-round wideout because they just did that last year with Felton.

The current free-agent WR group looks like this as of April 6th:

• Brandon Aiyuk (if released by SF)
• Curtis Samuel
• DeAndre Hopkins
• Deebo Samuel
• Jauan Jennings
• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Keenan Allen
• Tyreek Hill
• Stefon Diggs

The Vikings have drafted just one Round 2 or 3 wide receiver in the last 19 years: Felton in 2025.

The Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals will continue their three-game divisional series on Tuesday at Progressive Field. Both teams are battling for early positioning in the American League Central.

The Royals won Game 1 on Monday, 4-2. Game 2 will start at 1:10 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the game on Guardians.TV, Royals.TV and MLB.TV.

Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals odds

Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115), Kansas City Royals (-105)

Run Line: Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-201), Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+165)

Total Runs: Over 7 (+100), Under 7 (-120)

(Source: DraftKings Sportsbook)

(NB: Odds are subject to change)

Preview – Starting Pitchers and Lineups

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher

Gavin Williams will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians. The righty pitcher has looked sharp in the early stages of the 2026 season. He carries a 2.25 ERA after two starts.

Williams relies on a high-velocity four-seam fastball that generated a significant whiff rate in his previous outing.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher

Noah Cameron will start on the mound for the Kansas City Royals. The lefty pitcher is looking to build on a stellar season debut against the Minnesota Twins. He earned a win and maintained a 1.80 ERA.

Cameron’s ability to command his secondary pitches will be crucial against the Giardians’ lineup that excels in contact hitting.

Cleveland Guardians potential lineup

Left Field Steven Kwan (L)

Center Field Angel Martinez (S)

Third Base Jose Ramirez (S)

First Base Rhys Hoskins (R)

Designated Hitter David Fry (R)

Shortstop Gabriel Arias (R)

Right Field CJ Kayfus (L)

Second Base Brayan Rocchio (S)

Catcher Austin Hedges (R)

Kansas City Royals potential lineup

Third Base Maikel Garcia (R)

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (R)

First Base Vinnie Pasquantino (L)

Catcher Salvador Perez (R)

Designated Hitter Carter Jensen (L)

Second Base Jonathan India (R)

Right Field Jac Caglianone (L)

Left Field Issac Collins (S)

Center Field Kyle Isbel (L)

(NB: S=Switch Hitter, R= Right-Handed Hitter, L=Left-Handed Hitter)

Prediction: Cleveland Guardians 4, Kansas City Royals 2

Gavin Williams has shown elite stuff early this season. His ability to overpower hitters should give him the advantage at home.

Noah Cameron has also been impressive. However, the Guardians lineup features several dangerous switch-hitters like Jose Ramirez, who can neutralize the lefty-on-lefty advantage.

With the Guardians playing at Progressive Field, they are the favorite to take Game 2 (Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115))

The Guardians pitching staff has been one of the most consistent in the league through the first two weeks. Both starters have ERAs under 2.30. Therefore, the likelihood of a low-scoring defensive battle is high (Total Runs: Under 7 (-120))

Expect the Guardians to lean on their bullpen to secure a narrow victory and cover the spread on the conservative side (Run Line: Guardians +1.5 (-201)