SPORTS

FC Barcelona looks to keep their winning form intact as they play city rivals Espanyol in Friday's Spanish La Liga showdown at Nou Camp.

Striker Olivier Giroud has been fantastic in this year’s campaign for Arsenal as he has contributed 5 goals in the English Premier League and 2 in the UEFA Champions League.

Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders have to start winning now if they are serious at a post-season run. They face-off Sunday afternoon when the Raiders aim for their first back-to-back wins in the 2013 NFL regular season while the Eagles hope to avoid a three-game losing streak.

The Toronto Raptors took care of the boards and business against the lowly Boston Celtics in their NBA season debut. They need to do more of the same when they visit the Hawks Friday night at the Philips Arena in Atlanta.

The Los Angeles Lakers surprised everyone in their season debut in the 2013-2014 NBA regular season. They fell back to earth in their second game after getting a serious beat down from the Golden State Warriors.

With zero upset victories in the previous round, the quarterfinals of the 2013 BNP Paribas Masters is set, featuring the top players in the world, and curiously, the same eight qualifiers who will be playing in the tennis season finale, the 2013 ATP World Tour Finals.

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose scoring 70 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant finally deciding to hang up his sneakers, and Houston Rockets star James Harden winning his first Most Valuable Player award.

The female and male rowing clubs of Warwick University have stripped down naked for the purpose of charity.

Aside from training, Maria Sharapova seems to be enjoying her time off the tennis court by attending social events.

Kate Upton is just everywhere these days. Upton appears on the cover of the latest issue of Golf Digest December issue with golf legend Arnold Palmer, who was named the sixth greatest player of all time by Golf Digest.

One of the most successful and hottest Sports Illustrated will make a rare appearance on the 2013 Emirates Melbourne Cup.

The good news for Toronto Raptors fans is that they are not totally in rebuilding mode. The bad news is that it could take them to the dreaded middle ground of mediocrity—battling for the lower seeds but not enough to win it all. The latter could be true now but they may be a few moves away from being real title contenders. For now they’ll settle being one of the most exciting teams in the entire league.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believed his relationship with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is better than ever after the two elite football tactician exchange feisty words few years ago.

Ashley Cole is very willing to sign a new contract with Chelsea, the left-back announced on Wednesday.

Boston Red Sox slugger Shane Victorino is proud of his accomplishment of winning the Gold Glove award at two different positions.

The Texas Rangers are reportedly interested to extend Nelson Cruz contract, a source close to situation disclosed on Thursday.

Paul George recorded 32 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists while George Hill added 19 points as the Indiana Pacers rallied in the fourth quarter to book a 95-90 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday at New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Kevin Love recorded 31 points and 17 rebounds and hit a game-tying trey at the end of regulation as the Minnesota Timberwolves went on to take 120-115 win over the young and rebuilding Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Target Center.

Dwight Howard chalked up 17 points and 26 rebounds while James Harded recorded 21 points and 5 assists as the Houston Rockets cruised to a 96-83 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Carmelo Anthony recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds while Raymond Felton added 18 points as the New York Knicks cruised to a 90-83 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.

Greg Monroe racked up 24 points and 16 rebounds while Josh Smith and Will Bynum added 19 each as the Detroit Pistons took a 113-102 win over the Washington Wizards at the Palace of Auburn Hill.

Rudy Gay finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds while Amir Johnson and DeMar DeRozan each scored 13 points as the Toronto Raptors beat the Boston Celtics 93-87 Wednesday at Air Canada Center.

Michael Carter-Williams recorded 22 points, 12 assists, 9 steals and 7 rebounds to kick off his NBA career on a winning lead, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 114-110 stunner against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Arena.

Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly said he's not thinking about tanking despite sporting a 3-5 record midway into the season.

Kansas City Chiefs never had a great shot at bringing back tight end Tony Gonzalez, a source close to situation reported on Thursday.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin is unlikely to make his debut this coming Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Pete Carroll confirmed on Thursday.

New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski reportedly participated in practice, but his activity remains limited as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri said he's going to evaluate every player on his roster before he makes any movement this season.

Houston Rockets swingman James Harden believes his team is ready for a big lift off this season after acquiring Dwight Howard last summer.