DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in his first game back in nearly two weeks to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 127-117 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. The triple-double was Jokic’s NBA-leading 30th of the season. The reigning NBA MVP missed the team’s previous five games with an injured left ankle. Michael Porter Jr. added 23 points for the Nuggets. It was the Bucks’ first game since it was announced star guard Damian Lillard had been diagnosed with blood clots in his right calf. Milwaukee was also without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was sidelined with a sprained left foot. Brook Lopez had 26 points for the Bucks.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey each scored two goals to help the Montreal Victoire secure the first PWHL playoff spot after a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Frost on Wednesday night. Montreal (11-6-3-6) moved into sole possession of first place in the standings after its first regulation win in its last six road games (1-1-2-2). Toronto had pulled into a first-place tie earlier in the evening with a win against Boston to reach 45 points. Minnesota (7-5-4-10) was back at home for the first time in 36 days. The Frost have scored just 13 goals over the last seven games, with five of those coming in a win over Ottawa on March 7.
The Milwaukee Brewers visit the New York Yankees in the season opener for both teams this afternoon. Pregame at 1:30 p.m. First pitch at 2:05 p.m. on AM1240 & 96.5FM.
The Minnesota Twins visit the St. Louis Cardinals in their season opener.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have moved forward with a roster revolving around J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback. They have tabled consideration of Aaron Rodgers, but left the door open at least a little for the four-time NFL MVP who was released recently by the New York Jets. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah confirmed that the Vikings had extensive conversations about and with Rodgers. He said McCarthy being the starter this season is the outcome the team wants and headed toward. McCarthy was the 10th pick in the 2024 draft. He didn’t play as a rookie because of a knee injury.