ALEX MAG

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 21 of his 30 points in the first half as the Minnesota Timberwolves used a dominant second quarter to cruise to a 138-116 win against the short-handed Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

Edwards led seven Minnesota players scoring in double figures, pushing the Timberwolves to a commanding win after a pair of disappointing losses to New Orleans and the Los Angeles Clippers. Julius Randle has 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for Minnesota, which had lost three of four.

A game without much intensity changed early in the fourth when Atlanta's Mouhamed Gueye appeared to trip up Wolves center Naz Reid. The two came together in an altercation that included a crowd of people trying to break up the two players. Both players were ejected.

Newcomer Ayo Dosunmu, playing his second game after being acquired in a trade from Chicago, had 21 points off the bench as Minnesota led by as many as 31.

CJ McCollum had 38 points for the Hawks, who have lost four of five and were playing without Jalen Johnson (left knee inflammation), Dyson Daniels (right ankle inflammation) and newly acquired Jonathan Kuminga (left knee bone bruise).

Johnson was just named the Eastern Conference player of the week for the second time this season. Kuminga hasn't played since the trade from Golden State for Kristaps Porzingis.

McCollum had 18 of his points in the first quarter, but Minnesota used a 40-18 run from the end of the first to midway through the second for a 79-52 advantage. Atlanta got no closer than 16 the rest of the way.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Hawks against his former team.

Hawks: Play at Charlotte on Wednesday.

Timberwolves: Host Portland on Wednesday.

More AP NBA coverage:https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid and Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye were ejected Monday night after an altercation early in the fourth quarterof Minnesota's 138-116 win.

Gueye appeared to trip Reid, who got up and immediately got in the face of Gueye, setting off a scuffle. Players, coaches and arena staff tried to separate the two, but the pushing and shoving continued and Atlanta center Jock Landale fell to the floor in the fracas. At one point, Reid threatened a punch, but no punches were thrown.

Gueye was called for a foul on the play and, after a lengthy review, both players were ejected with double technical fouls.

Landale had scratches on his neck from the altercation, but stayed in the game.

Advertisement

Reid left the game with seven points and six rebounds as Minnesota recovered after a pair of disappointing losses to New Orleans and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Gueye had 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Hawks.

More AP NBA coverage:https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers will have their local television broadcasts produced and distributed by Major League Baseball this season.

MLB Local Team Rights Baseball

The Tigers' partnership with MLB, announced Monday, is unique because it also includes the Detroit Red Wings. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, which owns both franchises, will handle the broadcast production duties for hockey, while MLB assists with production distribution, beginning next season.

Red Wings games are expected to be carried on FanDuel Sports Detroit through the end of the season. However, the 13 NBA and seven NHL teams that have their games on FanDuel networks have been preparing for a worst-case scenario.

Main Street's 15 owned and operated networks under the FanDuel banner are on the verge of insolvency and going out of business if a new majority owner or investors are not found.

"Given recent uncertainty throughout the regional sports broadcasting industry, we recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey," Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said in a statement. "We have two of the top-rated broadcasts in our respective sports and remain focused on listening to fans about what matters most to them. What we've heard includes making sure our games are available throughout the market, providing a reliable streaming product, and producing a broadcast that's informative and entertaining in all the right ways. This is a great path forward in those areas, allowing us to provide a great experience for fans throughout our local market."

Advertisement

MLB will produce broadcasts for at least 14 teams this season. It also added the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals during the offseason.

Nine clubs, including the Tigers,terminated their dealslast month after the Main Street Sports Group, which operates the regional FanDuel Sports Network stations, did not make scheduled rights payments.

The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels still have not made a decision about local coverage plans.

MLB has touted expanded market reach when it takes over production of teams due to a combination of being on local cable systems, satellite and direct-to-consumer streaming.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/mlb

The two remaining lawsuits againstCleveland BrownsquarterbackDeshaun Watsonhave been dismissed by the women who filed them just weeks before they werescheduled to go to trial in February and March.

Both were among 27 lawsuits filed against Watson since March 2021, all by women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Of the 27 cases, 24 ended with confidential settlements and one was withdrawn shortly after being field in 2021. The last remaining two were dismissed with prejudice in Houston Friday Jan. 6, indicating they also were settled with confidential terms.

Plaintiffs attorney Tony Buzbee represented 26 of the 27 women, including one of the final remaining plaintiffs, Lauren Baxley, who previously declined to settle after filing suit in March 2021. She was one of the first women tocome forward publiclyand accuse Watson of misconduct during a massage session.

"Case is settled," Buzbee said Monday. "That's all I can say about it. That's the last case so that ends my involvement with Deshaun Watson litigation."

Watson denied wrongdoing and said some of the encounters with these women were consensual. But the NFL investigated and eventuallysuspended him for 11 games in 2022.

Advertisement

The Baxley case was set for trial in Houston on March 30. The other remaining case was set for trial Feb. 18 and involved the only plaintiff who wasn't represented by Buzbee. That woman's attorney didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

That plaintiff had accused Watson of forcing her into oral sex during a massage session at theHoustonian Hotelin December 2020. Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, called her lawsuit a"sham" after it was filed in October 2022. He didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

All cases generally allegedmisconduct during massage sessionsin 2020 and early 2021, when Watson played for the Houston Texans. That team alsoreached confidential settlements with 30 womenwho made claims related to Watson's behavior and accused the team of enabling his behavior and failing to prevent it. In March 2022, the Texans traded him to the Browns, who gave him a five-year contract worth $230 million guaranteed.

But because of the suspension and injuries, Watson only has played in 19 games for the Browns since then. Last season, Watson, 30, didn't play at all after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer@Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Final two Deshaun Watson lawsuits dismissed by women who filed them

Tennis superstar Serena Williams could be on her way back to the court after being listed by theInternational Tennis Integrity Agencyas eligible to return on Feb. 22.

This comes nearly six months after Williams registered with the sports drug testing organization and, as of Monday, has been listed on the ITIA's website reinstatement page. While there is no official plan in place for Williams' return, thisprocess has opened a pathway for a return if she so chooses.

When news broke last year that Williams had signed up to re-enter the ITIA drug testing pool, she responded to fans via social media. "Omg yall I'm NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy."

Williams is one of the most decorated competitors in the sports history but has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open. She stepped away from the sport in 2022 to focus on family and other business ventures outside of her tennis career. At the time, Williams did not want to use the word "retiring," but chose to say she was evolving away from tennis.

Pro athletes who return to testing under ITIA supervision must provide information on their whereabouts, times when they can give samples and their location when not at official events. Athletes who retire while on the list and choose to come back later must be available for six months of testing before they can be allowed to officially return to competition.

Among Williams' treasure chest's worth of accolades are 73 career titles (23 Grand Slams), four Olympic gold medals and a career singles record of 858-156.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama circuit judge on Monday denied Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction, ending the 7-foot center's collegiate eligibility and his season with the Crimson Tide.

County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet cited that Bediako "failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to the injunctive relief that he seeks," according tocourt documents.

Bediako was playing under a temporary restraining order that allowed the former NBA G League player to join Alabama in the middle of the season despite questions regarding his collegiate eligibility.

NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement that he was glad the court "upheld the rules of our members."

"Common sense won a round today," Baker said. "The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students. College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away to go pro and now want to hit the 'undo' button at the expense of a teenager's dream. While we're glad the court upheld the rules our members actually want, one win doesn't fix the national mess of state laws. It's time for Congress to stop watching from the sidelines and help us provide some actual stability."

Alabama said it was disappointed in the ruling and called for consistency from NCAA decision-makers.

"We are disappointed in today's court ruling, denying the injunction for Charles Bediako," the school said in a statement. "While we understand the concern around competitive and developmental implications of former professional athletes participating in college, it is important to acknowledge reality. The NCAA has granted eligibility to over 100 current men's basketball players with prior professional experience in the G League or overseas. Granting eligibility to some former professionals, and not to others, is what creates the havoc we are currently in and why consistency from decision-makers is so desperately needed."

The 23-year-old Bediako was averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in five games Alabama went 3-2 in those games.

Attorneys for both sides — Bediako and the NCAA — argued their cases Friday. Bediako sued college basketball's sanctioning body in an effort to regain eligibility despite leaving Alabama for the NBA draft in 2023, signing a two-way NBA contract and playing the last three seasons in the developmental G League.

Bediako spent two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament twice. He wasn't selected in the 2023 draft, but he played for the Motor City Cruise in the NBA's G League as recently as mid-January.

His lawyers argued that Bediako remains within his five-year college eligibility window. The NCAA denied Alabama's initial petition, and NCAA President Charlie Baker and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey have made it clear they are opposed to Bediako's reinstatement.

Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said Friday that, regardless of the outcome of the case, Bediako will be allowed to remain on scholarship and work toward a college degree.

Alabama (16-7, 6-4 Southeastern Conference), which faces Mississippi on Tuesday, did not immediately comment on the court decision.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphereandhere(AP News mobile app). AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

The long 15-week wait is almost over as the NASCAR Cup Series regular season returns with its biggest annual event,the Daytona 500. This year will mark the 68th running of what has come to be known as "The Great American Race" on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway.

In all, 41 drivers will take the green flag on Sunday, Feb. 15 — out of 45 entrants — including former seven-time series champion Jimmie Johnson, who is being granted an Open Exemption Provisional, meaning the two-time Daytona 500 winner is locked into the field, but cannot earn championship points or prize money.

William Byron is looking to become the only driver ever to win three straight Daytona 500s after joining select company with his second straight win in the 2025 edition. That list includes Richard Petty (1973-74), Cale Yarborough (1983-84), Sterling Marlin (1994-95) and Denny Hamlin (2019-20).

This year's Daytona 500 will feature eight previous winners, with Hamlin entering with the most Harley J. Earl trophies at three.

Daytona 500 TV/streaming schedule

All times Eastern

Wednesday, Feb. 118 p.m.:Front-row qualifying (FS1)

Thursday, Feb. 127 p.m.:Qualifying duel 1 (FS1)8:45 p.m.:Qualifying duel 2 (FS2)

Advertisement

Sunday, Feb. 152:30 p.m.:Daytona 500 (Fox)

Daytona 500 race details

Track:Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile high-banked tri-oval) in Daytona Beach, FloridaBanking:Turns - 31 degrees | Tri-oval - 18 degrees | Backstretch - 3 degreesRace length:200 laps for 500 milesStage lengths:Stage 1 - 65 laps | Stage 2 - 65 laps | Stage 3 - 70 laps

Daytona 500 qualifying format

The biggest race on the NASCAR calendar also features a unique qualifying format not used on any other race weekend. On Wednesday night all entered cars will turn one lap at top speed, the order of which is determined by a Tuesday night draw of numbers. The top 10 drivers then go into a shootout with the top two times from that session setting the front row for Sunday's race.

The remaining cars are dropped — as evenly as possible, along with the top two qualifiers — into two 60-lap qualifying "duels" to be run Thursday night that set the field from spots three through 41. The finishing order for the first duel determines the inside row slots and the finishing order from the second duel sets the outside row.

The four open (non-chartered or provisional) entries will not make the field.

Top drivers and best bets for the Daytona 500

Owing to the unpredictable nature of the Daytona 500, two-time defending champion William Byron enters with the third-best odds at +1200. Ryan Blaney enters the week with the best odds at 10-to-1 while his Penske teammates aren't far behind as Joey Logano is +1100 and Austin Cindric is at +1400.All odds courtesy of BetMGM.

Best odds to win the Daytona 500

• Ryan Blaney +1000

• Joey Logano +1100

• William Byron +1200

• Austin Cindric +1400

Yahoo Sports' Nick Bromberg recommendsspreading smaller bets around a handful of drivers rather than big wagers on one or two top names. He suggests good mid-tier value can be found in 23XI Racing's Bubba Wallace (+2200) as Wallace has the highest average Daytona finish of anyone in the field at 14.4, including two second-place runs. If you're looking for a longshot, Bromberg points out that Josh Berry's (+3500) Wood Brothers team has an alliance with the aforementioned favored Penskes while Erik Jones (+4000) has five straight top-20 finishes at Daytona and won this event back in 2018.

Daytona 500 entry list

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletAustin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske FordAustin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletNoah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports FordKyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletBrad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing FordDaniel Suárez, No. 7 JR Motorsports ChevroletKyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletChase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletTy Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletDenny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaRyan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske FordA.J. Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletChris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing FordChase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaChristopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaJosh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing FordJoey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske FordBubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing ToyotaWilliam Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletTodd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports FordRiley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing ToyotaChandler Smith, No. 36 Front Row Motorsports Ford*Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports FordJustin Allgaier, No. 40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet*Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team FordJohn Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club ToyotaErik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club ToyotaJ.J. Yeley, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet*Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing ToyotaRicky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports ChevroletAlex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletCody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing FordTy Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaRyan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing FordAnthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet*Casey Mears, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford*Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota*Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletCarson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletB.J. McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet*Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Legacy Motor Club ToyotaConnor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletShane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletCorey LaJoie, No. 99 RFK Racing Ford*

*-Open entry, not guaranteed to make the 41-car field.

Daytona 500 race week weather

According to Yahoo Weather, the forecast is ideal all week with daytime highs ranging from 67-76 degrees. There is only a single-digit percentage chance of rain all week … except for race day. That chance climbs to a 25% chance of rain right around the scheduled green flag (2:30 p.m. ET) on Sunday.