Box: Kirkwood 75, Whitfield 62

As the Denver Nuggets enter the Western Conference playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, a breakdown of their first-round rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers: Who has the edge? Guards: D’Angelo Russell was a defensive liability in the Western Conference Finals last season, and his offense seemed to suffer from it. The Nuggets, namely Bruce Brown, played him off the floor.

Editor’s note: This is the ninth in a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, edge rushers and inside linebackers. Today: cornerbacks.  Broncos’ in-house moves: None Under contract: Pat Surtain II (two years), Riley Moss (three years), Ja’Quan McMillian (one year), Tremon Smith (one year), Reese Taylor (one year) and Art Green (one year) Need scale: 8.

A week after helping guide the University of Denver hockey team to its 10th national title, juniors Massimo Rizzo and Shai Buium signed entry-level contracts with NHL franchises. Rizzo inked a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers, while Buium agreed to a three-year pact with the Detroit Red Wings that starts in the 2024-25 season, the teams announced on Wednesday, Rizzo, 22, was the Pioneers’ No.

When Ross Colton scored his 15th goal of the season last month, he turned and jumped into the arms of Zach Parise. It was a great moment for Colton, who grew up in New Jersey with Parise as one of his favorite players. Colton has a photo of that embrace, and he intends to find a frame for it. He might want to grab another photo with one of his teenage idols Thursday night. Colorado Avalanche center Ross Colton (20) celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets with teammate Zach Parise (9) in the second period at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Just because Cleveland made another mistake by the lake does not mean the Broncos must reciprocate. Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton missed the first day of voluntary workouts this week — he is not required to attend — because he is angling for a new contract, according to an NFL Network report.

By RALPH D. RUSSO (AP College Sports Writer) NCAA athletes will be immediately eligible to play no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements — after the association fast-tracked legislation Wednesday to fall in line with a recent court order. The NCAA announced the Division I Council’s decision becomes official Thursday when its meeting adjourns.