>>Illinois Annihilates Longwood
(Champaign, IL) — Illinois ended the first half on an 18-to-4 run and cruised to a 92-45 win over Longwood at the State Farm Center. Aaron Jordan scored 22 points and Trent Frazier added 20 for the Fighting Illini, who have won two of their last three games to improve to 8-and-4 on the season. Illinois will play New Mexico State Saturday at the United Center.
>>NFL Says Goodell’s Recent Extension Will Be His Last
(Irving, TX) — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will not get another extension when his new contract expires in 2024. NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart tells NFL Network that Goodell’s recent extension will be his last. The 58-year-old inked a five-year extension last week to remain commissioner, a position he’s held since 2006. Goodell disputed the report when speaking with the media.
>>Colts Host Broncos Tonight
(Indianapolis, IN) — Lucas Oil Stadium is the sight of “Thursday Night Football” as the Colts host the Broncos this evening. Indy looks to snap a four-game slide and enters the game at 3-and-10. The Colts will be sporting an all-blue uniform as part of the NFL’s Color Rush series. Kick-off is at 8:25 p.m. and the game airs on NBC.
>>Marlins Shipping Ozuna To Cardinals
(Lake Buena Vista, FL) — The Marlins are trading away another All-Star as they continue to rebuild. Multiple outlets report they’ve dealt outfielder Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals, pending a physical. The “Miami Herald” reports the Fish are getting a package of prospects in return, including pitcher Sandy Alcantara. Ozuna had a career-year in 2017, hitting .312 with 37 home runs and 124 RBI.
>>Cards, Rays Discussing Deal For Colome?
(Lake Buena Vista, FL) — It’s the last day of baseball’s Winter Meetings in Florida. The “Post-Dispatch” reports the Cardinals are talking with the Rays about a trade that could send closer Alex Colome [[ KAHL-oh-may ]] to St. Louis and outfielder Randal Grichuk to Tampa. Third baseman Evan Longoria has also been discusses as a part of that deal.
>>White Sox Making Push For Machado
(Undated) — The White Sox could be in the mix for one of the best position players in baseball. The Athletic is reporting Chicago is making an attempt to acquire Orioles third baseman Manny Machado. The Sox have one of the top farm systems in baseball. Machado will become a free agent after the 2018 season, but the report states Chicago would make a trade with the idea of signing him to a long-term contract.
>>Report: Angels Acquire Kinsler From Tigers
(Undated) — The Angels are shoring up their middle infield. According to multiple reports, Los Angeles has acquired second baseman Ian Kinsler from the Tigers for minor leaguers Troy Montgomery and Wilkel Hernandez. Kinsler hit .236 with 22 home runs and 52 RBI last season. The 35-year-old spent the last four years in Detroit after starting his career with the Texas Rangers.
>>Bulls Execute Late To Clip Jazz
(Chicago, IL) — Nikola Mirotic scored 29 points to help lead the Bulls past the Jazz, 103-100, at the United Center. Kris Dunn nailed a step back jumper with 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give the Bulls a two-possession lead. Chicago has now won four in-a-row after losing its previous 10 games to improve to 7-and-20. The Bulls are at the Bucks tomorrow night.
>>Paul George Wins In Return To Indianapolis
(Indianapolis, IN) — Boos rained down on Paul George during his return to Indianapolis, but the Thunder were able to come away with a 100-95 win over the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was George’s first game back in Indiana since forcing a trade away from the Pacers in the offseason. George scored 12 points on 3-of-14 shooting, with five assists and four turnovers.
>>Indiana Pacers To Host 2021 NBA All-Star Game
(Indianapolis, IN) — The NBA All-Star Game is returning to Indianapolis for the first time since 1985. Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement yesterday that the Indiana Pacers will host the event in 2021 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This year’s All-Star Game will be played in Los Angeles in February, followed by Charlotte in 2019 and Chicago in 2020.