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NBA play-in tournament picks and predictions to complete 2026 playoff picture The 2026 NBA Playoff bracket is almost set, and the chase for the championship begins with the play-in tournament.The NBA play-in tournament rules and format are simple. The No. 7 seed plays the No. 8 seed in each conference, and the winner gets the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The No. 9 seed plays the No. 10 seed in each conference, the winner of that game plays the loser of the 7/8 game for the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.The play-in tournament begins Tuesday evening with the 9/10 game in the East featuring the red hot Charlotte Hornets facing the Miami Heat in south Florida. The 7/8 game in the West follows with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic for the No. 7 seed, and the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers play an elimination game in the West.Let’s make picks for every game of the play-in tournament to complete the playoff picture.East 9/10 game: Charlotte Hornets at Miami HeatWould you believe the Hornets have been the best team in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2026? It’s true. After a terrible start, Charlotte went 33-16 with the league’s best net-rating at +10.5 since Jan. 1. It’s one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in NBA history, and it’s possible it could end on Tuesday night with a road game in Miami. Facing Erik Spoelstra in an elimination game is a terrifying proposition, and we’ve seen him win so many play-in tournament games before. The Heat have an elite defensive big man in Bam Adebayo, they have two excellent scorers in Tyler Herro and Norm Powell ready to rock, and they have been getting a good year out of Andrew Wiggins all season. I really think the Hornets will push the Detroit Pistons in round one if they can get into the playoffs, but it’s going to be really hard just to win this game. I’m going with Charlotte, but I don’t feel good about it.West 7/8 game: Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix SunsThe Blazers have developed into an elite defensive team, and it’s produced their first winning record in five years. Portland is No. 3 in defensive efficiency since the All-Star break with sophomore center Donovan Clingan emerging into arguably the team’s best long-term piece for his elite rim protection. Deni Avdija had a fantastic season, but he’s been slowed lately by a lingering back injury, and Portland will need him at his best to actually make it into the playoffs. No one expected Phoenix to be in this position entering the season. The Suns are one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, riding a top-10 defense and getting major contributions from Collin Gillespie, Dillon Brooks, and Grayson Allen that few saw coming. The Suns have also been beat up with injuries lately, but it seems like they should have their key pieces for this game. The battle between Portland’s Jrue Holiday and Phoenix’s Devin Booker will be must see. I’d expect an ugly, physical game where both teams have to grind out scoring possessions. Both teams should feel urgency to win this game, because they could be in for an even more difficult matchup in the next round if they lose.Pick: Portland Trail Blazers get the No. 7 seedEast 7/8 game: Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ersOrlando was my preseason NBA Finals pick, which was obviously a terrible call. The Magic just never found their groove in another injury-ravaged season, and it feels like head coach Jamahl Mosley should be on the hot seat even if they win this game. Orlando actually does have its key pieces available for this game, and I still think this team can be pretty good when Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are all in the lineup. Philadelphia has become Tyrese Maxey’s team this season as he’s ascended into an All-NBA talent. Joel Embiid’s health still hangs over the Sixers, but he should be ready to go for this game. Same goes for Paul George. I feel like Orlando is the bigger, more physical team in this matchup … unless Embiid roars back to form. The Magic have the perimeter defenders to make life hard on Philly’s guards, and I think Wagner should be able to score as a pick-and-roll ball handler if he gets the reps. Orlando has the upper hand barring a vintage Embiid performance.Pick: Orlando Magic get the No. 7 seedWest 9/10 game: Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles ClippersThe Warriors are just so beat up right now, to the point that Steph Curry, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis all have a minutes restriction in an elimination game. Did we mention Jimmy Butler is out for the year with a torn ACL, too? I just don’t see how the Warriors can win this game on the road given how well the Clippers are playing lately. Los Angeles has won eight of its last 12 entering the play-in tournament. Kawhi Leonard is playing at a First-Team All-NBA level, Darius Garland has looked good since coming over from Cleveland, and Brook Lopez still has a little bit left in the tank. The Clippers are going to roll, and the Warriors will be hoping for lottery luck.Pick: Los Angeles ClippersPredicted matchups in NBA play-in tournamentHornets over Sixers: The Hornets are going to be one of the best teams in the East next season. Getting into the playoffs this year is the perfect way to start their ascension as the conference’s team of the future. Whenever there’s an opportunity for Philly sports fans to have a meltdown, I’m always willing to take it. Hornets get the No. 8 seed.Clippers over Suns: Maybe I should know better than to doubt the Suns at this point. They are a really scrappy team that plays hard every night. I just think the Clippers have more top-end talent with Kawhi leading the charge. I would take the Clippers over whoever wins the West’s 7/8 game. Clippers get the No. 8 seed. #NBA #playin #tournament #picks #predictions #complete #playoff #picture

NBA play-in tournament picks and predictions to complete 2026 playoff picture

The 2026 NBA Playoff bracket is almost set, and the chase for the championship begins with the play-in tournament.

The NBA play-in tournament rules and format are simple. The No. 7 seed plays the No. 8 seed in each conference, and the winner gets the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The No. 9 seed plays the No. 10 seed in each conference, the winner of that game plays the loser of the 7/8 game for the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.

The play-in tournament begins Tuesday evening with the 9/10 game in the East featuring the red hot Charlotte Hornets facing the Miami Heat in south Florida. The 7/8 game in the West follows with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic for the No. 7 seed, and the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers play an elimination game in the West.

Let’s make picks for every game of the play-in tournament to complete the playoff picture.

East 9/10 game: Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat

Would you believe the Hornets have been the best team in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2026? It’s true. After a terrible start, Charlotte went 33-16 with the league’s best net-rating at +10.5 since Jan. 1. It’s one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in NBA history, and it’s possible it could end on Tuesday night with a road game in Miami. Facing Erik Spoelstra in an elimination game is a terrifying proposition, and we’ve seen him win so many play-in tournament games before. The Heat have an elite defensive big man in Bam Adebayo, they have two excellent scorers in Tyler Herro and Norm Powell ready to rock, and they have been getting a good year out of Andrew Wiggins all season. I really think the Hornets will push the Detroit Pistons in round one if they can get into the playoffs, but it’s going to be really hard just to win this game. I’m going with Charlotte, but I don’t feel good about it.

West 7/8 game: Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns

The Blazers have developed into an elite defensive team, and it’s produced their first winning record in five years. Portland is No. 3 in defensive efficiency since the All-Star break with sophomore center Donovan Clingan emerging into arguably the team’s best long-term piece for his elite rim protection. Deni Avdija had a fantastic season, but he’s been slowed lately by a lingering back injury, and Portland will need him at his best to actually make it into the playoffs. No one expected Phoenix to be in this position entering the season. The Suns are one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, riding a top-10 defense and getting major contributions from Collin Gillespie, Dillon Brooks, and Grayson Allen that few saw coming. The Suns have also been beat up with injuries lately, but it seems like they should have their key pieces for this game. The battle between Portland’s Jrue Holiday and Phoenix’s Devin Booker will be must see. I’d expect an ugly, physical game where both teams have to grind out scoring possessions. Both teams should feel urgency to win this game, because they could be in for an even more difficult matchup in the next round if they lose.

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers get the No. 7 seed

East 7/8 game: Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers

Orlando was my preseason NBA Finals pick, which was obviously a terrible call. The Magic just never found their groove in another injury-ravaged season, and it feels like head coach Jamahl Mosley should be on the hot seat even if they win this game. Orlando actually does have its key pieces available for this game, and I still think this team can be pretty good when Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are all in the lineup. Philadelphia has become Tyrese Maxey’s team this season as he’s ascended into an All-NBA talent. Joel Embiid’s health still hangs over the Sixers, but he should be ready to go for this game. Same goes for Paul George. I feel like Orlando is the bigger, more physical team in this matchup … unless Embiid roars back to form. The Magic have the perimeter defenders to make life hard on Philly’s guards, and I think Wagner should be able to score as a pick-and-roll ball handler if he gets the reps. Orlando has the upper hand barring a vintage Embiid performance.

Pick: Orlando Magic get the No. 7 seed

West 9/10 game: Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers

The Warriors are just so beat up right now, to the point that Steph Curry, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis all have a minutes restriction in an elimination game. Did we mention Jimmy Butler is out for the year with a torn ACL, too? I just don’t see how the Warriors can win this game on the road given how well the Clippers are playing lately. Los Angeles has won eight of its last 12 entering the play-in tournament. Kawhi Leonard is playing at a First-Team All-NBA level, Darius Garland has looked good since coming over from Cleveland, and Brook Lopez still has a little bit left in the tank. The Clippers are going to roll, and the Warriors will be hoping for lottery luck.

Pick: Los Angeles Clippers

Predicted matchups in NBA play-in tournament

Hornets over Sixers: The Hornets are going to be one of the best teams in the East next season. Getting into the playoffs this year is the perfect way to start their ascension as the conference’s team of the future. Whenever there’s an opportunity for Philly sports fans to have a meltdown, I’m always willing to take it. Hornets get the No. 8 seed.

Clippers over Suns: Maybe I should know better than to doubt the Suns at this point. They are a really scrappy team that plays hard every night. I just think the Clippers have more top-end talent with Kawhi leading the charge. I would take the Clippers over whoever wins the West’s 7/8 game. Clippers get the No. 8 seed.

#NBA #playin #tournament #picks #predictions #complete #playoff #picture

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The 2026 NBA Playoff bracket is almost set, and the chase for the championship begins with the play-in tournament.

The NBA play-in tournament rules and format are simple. The No. 7 seed plays the No. 8 seed in each conference, and the winner gets the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The No. 9 seed plays the No. 10 seed in each conference, the winner of that game plays the loser of the 7/8 game for the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.

The play-in tournament begins Tuesday evening with the 9/10 game in the East featuring the red hot Charlotte Hornets facing the Miami Heat in south Florida. The 7/8 game in the West follows with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic for the No. 7 seed, and the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers play an elimination game in the West.

Let’s make picks for every game of the play-in tournament to complete the playoff picture.

East 9/10 game: Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat

Would you believe the Hornets have been the best team in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2026? It’s true. After a terrible start, Charlotte went 33-16 with the league’s best net-rating at +10.5 since Jan. 1. It’s one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in NBA history, and it’s possible it could end on Tuesday night with a road game in Miami. Facing Erik Spoelstra in an elimination game is a terrifying proposition, and we’ve seen him win so many play-in tournament games before. The Heat have an elite defensive big man in Bam Adebayo, they have two excellent scorers in Tyler Herro and Norm Powell ready to rock, and they have been getting a good year out of Andrew Wiggins all season. I really think the Hornets will push the Detroit Pistons in round one if they can get into the playoffs, but it’s going to be really hard just to win this game. I’m going with Charlotte, but I don’t feel good about it.

West 7/8 game: Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns

The Blazers have developed into an elite defensive team, and it’s produced their first winning record in five years. Portland is No. 3 in defensive efficiency since the All-Star break with sophomore center Donovan Clingan emerging into arguably the team’s best long-term piece for his elite rim protection. Deni Avdija had a fantastic season, but he’s been slowed lately by a lingering back injury, and Portland will need him at his best to actually make it into the playoffs. No one expected Phoenix to be in this position entering the season. The Suns are one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, riding a top-10 defense and getting major contributions from Collin Gillespie, Dillon Brooks, and Grayson Allen that few saw coming. The Suns have also been beat up with injuries lately, but it seems like they should have their key pieces for this game. The battle between Portland’s Jrue Holiday and Phoenix’s Devin Booker will be must see. I’d expect an ugly, physical game where both teams have to grind out scoring possessions. Both teams should feel urgency to win this game, because they could be in for an even more difficult matchup in the next round if they lose.

Pick: Portland Trail Blazers get the No. 7 seed

East 7/8 game: Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers

Orlando was my preseason NBA Finals pick, which was obviously a terrible call. The Magic just never found their groove in another injury-ravaged season, and it feels like head coach Jamahl Mosley should be on the hot seat even if they win this game. Orlando actually does have its key pieces available for this game, and I still think this team can be pretty good when Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are all in the lineup. Philadelphia has become Tyrese Maxey’s team this season as he’s ascended into an All-NBA talent. Joel Embiid’s health still hangs over the Sixers, but he should be ready to go for this game. Same goes for Paul George. I feel like Orlando is the bigger, more physical team in this matchup … unless Embiid roars back to form. The Magic have the perimeter defenders to make life hard on Philly’s guards, and I think Wagner should be able to score as a pick-and-roll ball handler if he gets the reps. Orlando has the upper hand barring a vintage Embiid performance.

Pick: Orlando Magic get the No. 7 seed

West 9/10 game: Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers

The Warriors are just so beat up right now, to the point that Steph Curry, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis all have a minutes restriction in an elimination game. Did we mention Jimmy Butler is out for the year with a torn ACL, too? I just don’t see how the Warriors can win this game on the road given how well the Clippers are playing lately. Los Angeles has won eight of its last 12 entering the play-in tournament. Kawhi Leonard is playing at a First-Team All-NBA level, Darius Garland has looked good since coming over from Cleveland, and Brook Lopez still has a little bit left in the tank. The Clippers are going to roll, and the Warriors will be hoping for lottery luck.

Pick: Los Angeles Clippers

Predicted matchups in NBA play-in tournament

Hornets over Sixers: The Hornets are going to be one of the best teams in the East next season. Getting into the playoffs this year is the perfect way to start their ascension as the conference’s team of the future. Whenever there’s an opportunity for Philly sports fans to have a meltdown, I’m always willing to take it. Hornets get the No. 8 seed.

Clippers over Suns: Maybe I should know better than to doubt the Suns at this point. They are a really scrappy team that plays hard every night. I just think the Clippers have more top-end talent with Kawhi leading the charge. I would take the Clippers over whoever wins the West’s 7/8 game. Clippers get the No. 8 seed.

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Japan and Pakistan agree to cooperate on Middle East issues<div> <p>Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, agreed Monday to work together to ease tensions in the Middle East at an early date.</p><p>In their 15-minute telephone conversation, held after the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace deal in negotiations mediated by Pakistan, Takaichi stressed that “restoring the stabilization of the Strait of Hormuz …is urgently needed.”</p><p>Sharif responded that his country seeks to continue working with Japan toward an early de-escalation of the situation and to ensure the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p>Takaichi expressed appreciation and support for Sharif and other Pakistani officials’ efforts to mediate U.S.-Iranian talks, and said that “a final agreement should be reached promptly through dialogue.”</p><p>The Japanese prime minister explained that she has been in contact with the leaders of both the United States and Iran, and that she intends to continue diplomatic efforts.</p><p>Also on Monday, Takaichi held telephone talks with Vietnamese President To Lam and reaffirmed their countries’ cooperation in bolstering the energy resilience of the entire Asian region.</p><p>“Vietnam has the world’s sixth-largest rare earth reserves, and cooperation is extremely important for economic security,” Takaichi told reporters.</p><p>The two Asian leaders also discussed the situation in the South China Sea, where China is ramping up coercive activities, North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs, and the abduction of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang decades ago.</p> </div>#Japan #Pakistan #agree #cooperate #Middle #East #issuespakistan, sanae takaichi, middle east, PAKISTAN-JAPAN RELATIONS, IRAN

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Australia leads the medal tally table with 12 medals at the end of Day 2 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday, July 25. Australia enjoyed a productive day, winning five gold, two silver and five bronze medals.

Nigeria occupies the second position with six medals, which includes three gold and three silver medals. The African nation dominated the para powerlifting events, in which it secured a couple of one-two finishes. Host Scotland is third with four medals, including two gold and two silver medals, while England are fourth despite having seven medals, due to an inferior gold medal count (one gold, three silver and three bronze medals)

India also opened its account with para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar’s bronze medal, and currently sits ninth in the table.

Table Position Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 Australia 5 2 5 12
2 Nigeria 3 3 0 6
3 Scotland 2 2 0 4
4 England 1 3 3 7
5 Canada 1 0 2 3
6 South Africa 1 0 1 2
7 New Zealand 0 2 0 2
8 Wales 0 1 0 1
9 India 0 0 1 1
9 Malaysia 0 0 1 1

Count as of 2:30 AM IST, July 25

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#CWG #Day #Medals #Tally #Australia #tops #charts">CWG 2026, Day 2 Medals Tally: Australia tops charts Australia leads the medal tally table with 12 medals at the end of Day 2 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday, July 25. Australia enjoyed a productive day, winning five gold, two silver and five bronze medals.Nigeria occupies the second position with six medals, which includes three gold and three silver medals. The African nation dominated the para powerlifting events, in which it secured a couple of one-two finishes. Host Scotland is third with four medals, including two gold and two silver medals, while England are fourth despite having seven medals, due to an inferior gold medal count (one gold, three silver and three bronze medals)India also opened its account with para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar’s bronze medal, and currently sits ninth in the table. Table Position Country Gold Silver Bronze Total 1 Australia 5 2 5 12 2 Nigeria 3 3 0 6 3 Scotland 2 2 0 4 4 England 1 3 3 7 5 Canada 1 0 2 3 6 South Africa 1 0 1 2 7 New Zealand 0 2 0 2 8 Wales 0 1 0 1 9 India 0 0 1 1 9 Malaysia 0 0 1 1Count as of 2:30 AM IST, July 25Published on Jul 25, 2026 #CWG #Day #Medals #Tally #Australia #tops #charts

Deadspin | Belgium hire coach Mark van Bommel to replace Rudi Garcia June 14, 2010; Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA; Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel (6) talks with midfielder Wesley Sneijder (10) during Group E play against Denmark in the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via Imagn Images Mark van Bommel was named the new head coach of Belgium’s national team. van Bommel will take over on August 15 and lead the team through the 2028 European Championship, joined by assistant coaches Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond, per a Belgium statement released Friday. The 49-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia, who departed the role this week at the end of his 18-month contract, having led Belgium to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, where they were knocked out by eventual winner Spain. The loss ended an unbeaten run of 18 matches stretching back to a 3-1 loss to Ukraine in March 2025. A former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder, Van Bommel has been out of a head coaching spot since 2023-24, his second season at the helm of Belgian club Royal Antwerp. In his debut campaign, he led the club to its first league title in 66 years. van Bommel also had coaching stints at VfL Wolfsburg (2021) and PSV Eindhoven (2018-19). He also served in assistant coaching positions for Saudia Arabia (2015-17) and Australia (2018). “Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best,” Van Bommel said. The Dutch native takes over a Belgium side currently ranked eighth in FIFA’s world rankings. He will be asked to end Belgium’s disappointing run of early exits at the next European Championships, where they have not progressed beyond the quarterfinals since the 1996 expansion. In the two most recent tournaments, the team has lost in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals. “Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and commitment are,” Van Bommell said.” We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud. I am looking forward to meeting the players, the staff and the supporters, and beginning this new chapter together.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Belgium #hire #coach #Mark #van #Bommel #replace #Rudi #GarciaJune 14, 2010; Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA; Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel (6) talks with midfielder Wesley Sneijder (10) during Group E play against Denmark in the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via Imagn Images

Mark van Bommel was named the new head coach of Belgium’s national team.

van Bommel will take over on August 15 and lead the team through the 2028 European Championship, joined by assistant coaches Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond, per a Belgium statement released Friday.

The 49-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia, who departed the role this week at the end of his 18-month contract, having led Belgium to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, where they were knocked out by eventual winner Spain. The loss ended an unbeaten run of 18 matches stretching back to a 3-1 loss to Ukraine in March 2025.

A former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder, Van Bommel has been out of a head coaching spot since 2023-24, his second season at the helm of Belgian club Royal Antwerp. In his debut campaign, he led the club to its first league title in 66 years.


van Bommel also had coaching stints at VfL Wolfsburg (2021) and PSV Eindhoven (2018-19). He also served in assistant coaching positions for Saudia Arabia (2015-17) and Australia (2018).

“Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best,” Van Bommel said.

The Dutch native takes over a Belgium side currently ranked eighth in FIFA’s world rankings. He will be asked to end Belgium’s disappointing run of early exits at the next European Championships, where they have not progressed beyond the quarterfinals since the 1996 expansion. In the two most recent tournaments, the team has lost in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals.

“Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and commitment are,” Van Bommell said.” We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud. I am looking forward to meeting the players, the staff and the supporters, and beginning this new chapter together.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Belgium #hire #coach #Mark #van #Bommel #replace #Rudi #Garcia">Deadspin | Belgium hire coach Mark van Bommel to replace Rudi Garcia June 14, 2010; Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA; Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel (6) talks with midfielder Wesley Sneijder (10) during Group E play against Denmark in the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via Imagn Images Mark van Bommel was named the new head coach of Belgium’s national team. van Bommel will take over on August 15 and lead the team through the 2028 European Championship, joined by assistant coaches Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond, per a Belgium statement released Friday. The 49-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia, who departed the role this week at the end of his 18-month contract, having led Belgium to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, where they were knocked out by eventual winner Spain. The loss ended an unbeaten run of 18 matches stretching back to a 3-1 loss to Ukraine in March 2025. A former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder, Van Bommel has been out of a head coaching spot since 2023-24, his second season at the helm of Belgian club Royal Antwerp. In his debut campaign, he led the club to its first league title in 66 years. van Bommel also had coaching stints at VfL Wolfsburg (2021) and PSV Eindhoven (2018-19). He also served in assistant coaching positions for Saudia Arabia (2015-17) and Australia (2018). “Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best,” Van Bommel said. The Dutch native takes over a Belgium side currently ranked eighth in FIFA’s world rankings. He will be asked to end Belgium’s disappointing run of early exits at the next European Championships, where they have not progressed beyond the quarterfinals since the 1996 expansion. In the two most recent tournaments, the team has lost in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals. “Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and commitment are,” Van Bommell said.” We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud. I am looking forward to meeting the players, the staff and the supporters, and beginning this new chapter together.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Belgium #hire #coach #Mark #van #Bommel #replace #Rudi #Garcia

The Carolina Panthers are trying to establish their legitimacy in 2026. NFC South winners by default last season with a paltry 8-9 record, it took layers of tiebreakers to settle the pecking order in the division between Carolina, Tampa, and Atlanta. Sure, the Panthers almost knocked off the Rams in the Wild Card round, but nobody remembers or cares about that now — its all about this season, and that made the start to the Panthers’ campaign critical to establish themselves as a team to watch.

They got attention for all the wrong reasons on Thursday. Second-year linebacker Nic Scourton went down early in the first practice on a non-contact injury, which was later revealed to be a torn ACL that will end his season before it began. Largely overlooked in the greater discussion of the NFL, Scourton had a huge rookie campaign for the Panthers that saw him finish with 47 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 4 QB hits in only eight starts. Doing more than enough to earn playing time, Scourton was expected to take a massive step in his second year across from free agent Jaelan Phillips, whom Carolina spent big money on in free agency to bolster their pass rush.

Now that dream is over, but that wasn’t the only bad news out of Charlotte this week. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung that will lead to him starting the season on the PUP list, with the tentative plan to have rookie Monroe Freeling take over the spot in his absence. This exacerbates issues along the offensive line, with the Panthers still waiting to see when left tackle Ikem Ekwonu can return to action as he recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon he suffered in the playoffs. It’s expected that Ekwonu will suit up “at some point this season” according to GM Dan Morgan, but there’s no real timeline on that possibility.

If you needed a cherry on top then Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is also hurt, recovering from a foot injury he sustained while running which required stitches. He’s expected to return soon, but it’s just a little extra salt in the wound.

The trench issues are the real story here, and it’s a mess for Carolina. If there was one position on either side of the ball they couldn’t sustain injuries it was EDGE rusher and offensive tackle — now they’re in flux at both positions. The injury to Scourton is a massive bummer for Panthers fans, but it’s more or less a continuation of the pass rush issues they’ve faced for several years now. The absenses at offensive tackle is the real problem. Bryce Young has been without any form of continuity on the line since arriving in Carolina, and this promised to be the first year he’d have some semblance of reliability — that’s gone now, and will put even more pressure on the QB entering his fourth year.

Carolina has just under two weeks before they face the Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame game. It’s hardly something to get too worked up over, but there is a reality where the Panthers need to show some fight in that game, at least from the rotational players who are now getting called up, otherwise, we might be sounding the alarm bells about this team in August.

#Panthers #nightmare #opening #training #camp">The Panthers had a nightmare opening to training camp The Carolina Panthers are trying to establish their legitimacy in 2026. NFC South winners by default last season with a paltry 8-9 record, it took layers of tiebreakers to settle the pecking order in the division between Carolina, Tampa, and Atlanta. Sure, the Panthers almost knocked off the Rams in the Wild Card round, but nobody remembers or cares about that now — its all about this season, and that made the start to the Panthers’ campaign critical to establish themselves as a team to watch.They got attention for all the wrong reasons on Thursday. Second-year linebacker Nic Scourton went down early in the first practice on a non-contact injury, which was later revealed to be a torn ACL that will end his season before it began. Largely overlooked in the greater discussion of the NFL, Scourton had a huge rookie campaign for the Panthers that saw him finish with 47 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 4 QB hits in only eight starts. Doing more than enough to earn playing time, Scourton was expected to take a massive step in his second year across from free agent Jaelan Phillips, whom Carolina spent big money on in free agency to bolster their pass rush.Now that dream is over, but that wasn’t the only bad news out of Charlotte this week. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung that will lead to him starting the season on the PUP list, with the tentative plan to have rookie Monroe Freeling take over the spot in his absence. This exacerbates issues along the offensive line, with the Panthers still waiting to see when left tackle Ikem Ekwonu can return to action as he recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon he suffered in the playoffs. It’s expected that Ekwonu will suit up “at some point this season” according to GM Dan Morgan, but there’s no real timeline on that possibility.If you needed a cherry on top then Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is also hurt, recovering from a foot injury he sustained while running which required stitches. He’s expected to return soon, but it’s just a little extra salt in the wound.The trench issues are the real story here, and it’s a mess for Carolina. If there was one position on either side of the ball they couldn’t sustain injuries it was EDGE rusher and offensive tackle — now they’re in flux at both positions. The injury to Scourton is a massive bummer for Panthers fans, but it’s more or less a continuation of the pass rush issues they’ve faced for several years now. The absenses at offensive tackle is the real problem. Bryce Young has been without any form of continuity on the line since arriving in Carolina, and this promised to be the first year he’d have some semblance of reliability — that’s gone now, and will put even more pressure on the QB entering his fourth year.Carolina has just under two weeks before they face the Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame game. It’s hardly something to get too worked up over, but there is a reality where the Panthers need to show some fight in that game, at least from the rotational players who are now getting called up, otherwise, we might be sounding the alarm bells about this team in August. #Panthers #nightmare #opening #training #camp

If you needed a cherry on top then Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is also hurt, recovering from a foot injury he sustained while running which required stitches. He’s expected to return soon, but it’s just a little extra salt in the wound.

The trench issues are the real story here, and it’s a mess for Carolina. If there was one position on either side of the ball they couldn’t sustain injuries it was EDGE rusher and offensive tackle — now they’re in flux at both positions. The injury to Scourton is a massive bummer for Panthers fans, but it’s more or less a continuation of the pass rush issues they’ve faced for several years now. The absenses at offensive tackle is the real problem. Bryce Young has been without any form of continuity on the line since arriving in Carolina, and this promised to be the first year he’d have some semblance of reliability — that’s gone now, and will put even more pressure on the QB entering his fourth year.

Carolina has just under two weeks before they face the Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame game. It’s hardly something to get too worked up over, but there is a reality where the Panthers need to show some fight in that game, at least from the rotational players who are now getting called up, otherwise, we might be sounding the alarm bells about this team in August.

#Panthers #nightmare #opening #training #camp">The Panthers had a nightmare opening to training camp

The Carolina Panthers are trying to establish their legitimacy in 2026. NFC South winners by default last season with a paltry 8-9 record, it took layers of tiebreakers to settle the pecking order in the division between Carolina, Tampa, and Atlanta. Sure, the Panthers almost knocked off the Rams in the Wild Card round, but nobody remembers or cares about that now — its all about this season, and that made the start to the Panthers’ campaign critical to establish themselves as a team to watch.

They got attention for all the wrong reasons on Thursday. Second-year linebacker Nic Scourton went down early in the first practice on a non-contact injury, which was later revealed to be a torn ACL that will end his season before it began. Largely overlooked in the greater discussion of the NFL, Scourton had a huge rookie campaign for the Panthers that saw him finish with 47 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 4 QB hits in only eight starts. Doing more than enough to earn playing time, Scourton was expected to take a massive step in his second year across from free agent Jaelan Phillips, whom Carolina spent big money on in free agency to bolster their pass rush.

Now that dream is over, but that wasn’t the only bad news out of Charlotte this week. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung that will lead to him starting the season on the PUP list, with the tentative plan to have rookie Monroe Freeling take over the spot in his absence. This exacerbates issues along the offensive line, with the Panthers still waiting to see when left tackle Ikem Ekwonu can return to action as he recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon he suffered in the playoffs. It’s expected that Ekwonu will suit up “at some point this season” according to GM Dan Morgan, but there’s no real timeline on that possibility.

If you needed a cherry on top then Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is also hurt, recovering from a foot injury he sustained while running which required stitches. He’s expected to return soon, but it’s just a little extra salt in the wound.

The trench issues are the real story here, and it’s a mess for Carolina. If there was one position on either side of the ball they couldn’t sustain injuries it was EDGE rusher and offensive tackle — now they’re in flux at both positions. The injury to Scourton is a massive bummer for Panthers fans, but it’s more or less a continuation of the pass rush issues they’ve faced for several years now. The absenses at offensive tackle is the real problem. Bryce Young has been without any form of continuity on the line since arriving in Carolina, and this promised to be the first year he’d have some semblance of reliability — that’s gone now, and will put even more pressure on the QB entering his fourth year.

Carolina has just under two weeks before they face the Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame game. It’s hardly something to get too worked up over, but there is a reality where the Panthers need to show some fight in that game, at least from the rotational players who are now getting called up, otherwise, we might be sounding the alarm bells about this team in August.

#Panthers #nightmare #opening #training #camp

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