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UNLV star guard Dedan Thomas Jr. missed practice on Friday, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season. The sophomore point guard, who leads the Rebels with 15.6 points and 4.7 assists per game, was seen wearing a shoulder brace while watching from the sideline at the Thomas & Mack Center, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Head coach Kevin Kruger remained vague when addressing Thomas' status, declining to confirm whether he would miss Saturday’s home game against Colorado State (17-9, 11-4 Mountain West) or any future contests. With UNLV (14-12, 8-7 MW) fighting for positioning in the final five games of the regular season, the uncertainty surrounding their top scorer is a significant concern.
Kruger’s response when asked about Thomas’ return was cryptic:
“We expect everyone to be back.”
This statement was in reference to other injured Rebels, including Rob Whaley Jr. and Jace Whiting, both of whom have seen limited action this season due to injuries. Kruger also suggested that Thomas, like several teammates, was being held out for precautionary reasons, adding that players are at various points on the injury spectrum.
Thomas suffered the apparent injury during UNLV’s 52-51 win at Fresno State on Feb. 15, with Kruger acknowledging that he had been “banging into people” throughout the game. However, he refused to give specifics on Thomas’ condition, saying only that he had been pulled from contact drills in practice.
When pressed about reports that Thomas is out indefinitely, Kruger once again gave an unclear response, leaving Rebel fans and analysts guessing about the team’s best player’s availability for the crucial stretch run.
READ MORE FROM UNLV REBELS ON SI
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UNLV Men's Basketball Preview: How to Watch Rebels vs. Colorado State
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With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit into the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability, and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts, and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Two Rivals Emerge as Trade Suitors for Penguins' Erik Karlsson: Report
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been a team that opposing sides have been watching all offseason long. Pittsburgh has a few veteran players who could be on the move via trade, and it could see the front office be very active. With the Penguins in full rebuild mode, the team seems to be looking ahead to the future. One player that has been discussed in different deals is veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson. Karlsson still has two years remaining on his current contract, including this upcoming season. The veteran is owed $11.5 million in each year, so any team that would trade for him would need to take on his high salary. According to NHL insider Shayna Goldman, the options for the Penguins in any potential Karlsson trade have started to dwindle. But the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators were mentioned as potential options to land the star defender. Last season with the Penguins, Karlsson scored 11 goals and 42 assists over 82 games. Karlsson showed impressive production for Pittsburgh, and he could be a valuable asset to any team that would trade for him. At this point in his career, Karlsson likely wants to play for a contending team. Both the Hurricanes and Senators could provide him with this, with both sides making the playoffs last season. Pittsburgh could likely net some strong future assets in any Karlsson deal, giving them more of a path forward. Trading for a player like Karlsson could be risky due to his age, but this could also be a move to help push a team over the hump in the quest to win a Stanley Cup title.
Chicago Sky Announce Angel Reese Update for Indiana Fever Game
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese missed Thursday night's game against the Seattle Storm due to a back injury. It was the second blowout loss in as many games for the Sky, who now sit at 7-17 on the WNBA season, five losses back of a postseason spot. The injury to Reese is a concerning development for a Sky team with little to no margin for error right now. An All-Star for the second straight season, Reese has averaged 13.8 points and 12.5 rebounds in 22 games for Chicago in 2025. As they eye a date with the Indiana Fever on Sunday, the Sky have announced an official Reese update. Seen going through individual drills on Saturday, Reese was on the court seemingly testing out her back ahead of Sunday's afternoon affair in Chicago. Following her morning work, Reese was officially listed as questionable on the injury report. Reese is joined on the injury report by several of her teammates, including rookie guard Hailey Van Lith who was a surprise addition with an ankle injury. As it pertains to Reese, this update should not come as much of a surprise. While she was eventually ruled out against Seattle, she did start the day questionable, which is the same approach Chicago is taking on its latest injury report. That said, Reese not being ruled out a day in advance is good news. It indicates she has a chance to play, which also suggests the injury is not too serious — aligning with comments made by head coach Tyler Marsh who has been reiterating Reese is day-to-day with this back injury. With Caitlin Clark expected to miss this game with a groin injury, the contest could be without both she and Reese.
Commanders Training Camp Observations: Terry McLaurin ends holdout but theres more to it, Jayden Daniels gets lick back at rising defender
The Washington Commanders are participating in their final training camp practices before the pads come on Tuesday July 29th, and there was no shortage of headlines today. I was in Ashburn, Virginia on Sunday for the fourth practice of training camp for the Commanders and came away with a lot of observations on and off the field. It was a hot one as fans reported for the first time today and it ended up being well worth the heat. McLaurin ends holdout, but there's more to it Commanders All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin officially reported today for the first time since training camp kicked off, but he is still without a new contract. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter posted on X that this does NOT mean progress has been made on a contract. He was also moved to the Active/PUP list with a reported ankle injury. HC Dan Quinn said before practice that the ankle injury is nothing new. “We knew at the end of last season the ankle was something that he was dealing with as it goes," Quinn told the media. "So, it's not so uncommon that that lingers into the offseason. . .We don't know much today. I'll have some more follow up. The medical side is doing the assessments and seeing where he is at." This is still a big step in the right direction with McLaurin being at Commanders Park and showing the team that he has done everything possible on his side. McLaurin also spent time with fans after practice even though he isn't practicing with the team and signed autographs. I also spotted McLaurin on the field with his agent Buddy Baker talking, so maybe this update today can put pressure on the Commanders to get a deal done. Expect an even better Mike Sainristil in his second season I can't express enough how impressed I am with Mike Sainristil. Every player on defense could be wearing a blank burgundy jersey and I could still point him out in every play because of his energy and how he flies around the ball. Sainristil was the talk of practice on Friday and he picked right back up on Sunday with a lot of pass breakups and an insane interception on a deep Jayden Daniels throw while covering rookie Jaylin Lane. Jayden Daniels and Jaylin Lane got their lick back One of the things I highlighted about McLaurin's absence is that other WRs get the chance to build a report with Jayden Daniels and they did just that today on arguably the best training camp play I've seen in my many many years of going. A few drills after Sainristil picked off the Daniels to Lane attempt, the franchise QB threw a DART to the corner of the end zone to the rookie Lane who lept over Sainristil AND safety Quan Martin for an unbelievable grab. The jury is still out on if he got both feet in, but I dont care, it was an incredible answer back at the defense after Sainristil got his interception and Daniels let him hear it after the grab. There's no lack of competitiveness between the young bucks on the team and it'll continue leading up to the season. The defense looks much improved I know I've been praising Sainristil a lot the last few days, but honestly the entire defense impressed me at practice for many reasons. After dominating practice Friday, the corners collected more pass breakups today and the defensive line rotations generated pressure and would-be sacks. Adding pads will make the practices even more physical and competitve and the defense can really flex it's muscles starting next week. I think a lot of my worries about the defense have been calmed for now. Commanders will honor Washington legend The Commanders also announced at training camp that they will honor an all-time great by inducting former WR Santana Moss into the Ring of Fame Week 1 against the New York Giants. Moss was surprised when he heard the news and even addressed the crowd on hand at training camp to express his gratitude and appreciation. The "Cowboy-Killa" was one of the few bright spots in the darkest times as a Washington fan and I can honestly say he deserves it. The franchise continues to make the right moves off the field for those that paved the way for the current state of the team. Moss also continues to give back as an analyst for the team's broadcast team. I'll have more detailed breakdown observations on the offense and the defense in the next articles, as well as more live practice updates, so be sure to check A to Z Sports for all of the latest on the Washington Commanders.
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