MEN’S BASKETBALL: The Boston Celtics brushed aside Brooklyn 136-86 to maintain their position as leading team in the NBA, four games ahead of their nearest challengers Minnesota. Reigning champions Denver let a 16-point lead slip as they lost again to Sacramento and Steph Curry hit 41 points, becoming the first player to score seven three-pointers in four consecutive games, as Golden State lost 130-125 to the LA Clippers.

MEN’S CYCLING: Industrial action by Spanish farmers caused the first two stages of the Vuelta a Andalucia to be cancelled when there were not enough police available to marshal the event. The race will start tomorrow with an unscheduled time trial starting in Jaen before tomorrow’s hilly circuit around Lucena and Sunday’s final stage. With last year’s winner Tadej Pogacar not competing Santiago Buitrago is the pre-race favourite.

MEN’S RUGBY UNION: New signing Jarrod Taylor goes straight into the Scarlets squad for their match with Munster as the United Rugby Championship resumes this evening. The Scarlets are currently languishing just four places off the bottom of the table, 12 points adrift of tonight’s visitors. Fellow strugglers Zebre welcome Edinburgh to Parma in tomorrow’s other fixture. Table-topping Leinster play second-placed Benetton on Saturday.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Reigning champions Shamrock Rovers kick off the new League of Ireland season against Dundalk tomorrow night. Shamrock are aiming for a fifth successive title, a feat Dundalk almost achieved when they lifted the trophy five times between 2014-19. Newly promoted Galway take on St Patrick’s, fellow new boys Waterford face Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers are at Bohemians and last year’s runners-up Derry meet Drogheda.