Durant gets ready for Suns debut
PHOENIX — Kevin Durant is expected to make his Phoenix Suns debut on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Suns made the announcement on social media Tuesday. The 13-time All-star came to Phoenix on Feb. 9 in a blockbuster trade that sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four firstround picks to the Brooklyn Nets.
Durant hasn’t played for the Suns while recovering from a sprained knee ligament. The 34-year-old is still one of the game’s elite scorers, averaging nearly 30 points per game this season.
Firewolves acquire forward Fox
The Albany Firewolves acquired Jake Fox from the Panther City Lacrosse Club for a sixth-round pick in the 2024 entry draft and a thirdround pick in the 2026 Entry Draft. Fox, a third-year forward from Johns Hopkins University, has four goals and three assists in six games so far this season.
Nadal to skip two tournaments
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Rafael Nadal pulled out of the upcoming hard-court tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami because of the left hip flexor injury that has sidelined him since the Australian Open. The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s withdrawals were expected but still raise questions about when he will be able to return to action.
Djokovic’s winning streak at 18
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Top-ranked Novak Djokovic held on to beat Czech qualifier Tomas Machac 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (1) at the Dubai Championships in his first match since winning his 10th Australian Open title. Djokovic, who next faces Tallon Griekspoor, is 13-0 this season and extended his overall winning streak to 18 matches.
Top Austin seed out early
AUSTIN, Texas — Top-seeded Magda Linette was eliminated from the ATX Open in the first round with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 loss to 88th-ranked Varvara Gracheva.
Tar Heels hire former NFL coach
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina hired former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens as its run-game coordinator and tight ends coach. The school announced the hiring Tuesday, with Kitchens named to replace John Lilly after Lilly joined Frank Reich’s staff with the NFL’S Carolina Panthers.
Pole vault champ Richards dies
INDIANAPOLIS — Bob Richards, a two-time Olympic pole vault gold medalist who became an ordained minister, died Sunday. He was 97.
Marco Andretti set to return
Marco Andretti will attempt to defend the only professional championship of his career when he returns this summer to Superstar Racing Experience, the all-star series created by Tony Stewart. Andretti was among five Indycar drivers named to the series. Stewart, who intends to compete in the full six-race season, won the inaugural SRX championship in 2021.