The News, the games and the picks By Ivan Pirron

The News

The news this week was that San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the team announced Thursday.

The condition of Wembanyama, 21, was diagnosed upon his return to San Antonio after the All-Star weekend in San Francisco, the Spurs said.

The Spurs reportedly believe the blood clot is an “isolated condition,” and are optimistic that Wembyyama will make a full recovery in time for next season.

Wembanyama, a favorite to be named Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 46 games this season. He is the NBA leader in blocks for the second consecutive year, with 3.6 per game last season and 3.8 per game in 2024-25. “Wemby” was last season’s Rookie of the Year, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in his debut NBA season.

The Games and Picks

Liga MX

Saturday, February 22

León vs. Tigres

Led by James Rodríguez, León is the undefeated leader of the 2025 Liga MX Clausura with 20 points, three more than three-time champion América, with whom they tied 1-1 on Wednesday night with a goal from the Colombian star.

Including the Concacaf Champions Cup, Tigres have won just one of their last six away games, while León has gone eight home games without a loss.

In the last three, James Rodriguez has one goal and three assists.

Pick: Leon 2-1 Tigres

Guadalajara vs. Pachuca

You may not have noticed, but Chivas have gone five games without losing at home. Pachuca has been doing well away from home recently, winning two of the last three away games.

Three of the last four games between Chivas and Tuzos in Guadalajara have ended in a scoreless draw.

Pick: Chivas 1-1 Pachuca

Pumas vs. América

Including the Concacaf Champions Cup, Pumas have gone five home games without losing. América has only one loss on the road in the last eight Liga MX games, and that was a 4-0 loss to Toluca in November of last year.

Pumas has struggled against América recently at home, winning only one of the last seven against Las Águilas at Ciudad Universitaria. Pumas, however, beat América in both of their 2024 meetings.

Pick: Pumas 1-1 América

Premier League

Saturday, February 22

Arsenal vs. West Ham United

Arsenal is second in the Premier League, with 53 points, seven behind leaders Liverpool. West Ham is 16th out of 20, with just 27 points.

Mikel Merino debuted at the weekend as Arsenal’s “nine” and scored two goals in the win against Leicester.

Including all competitions, West Ham has won just one of its last seven away games. Arsenal has won eight of its last nine at home against West Ham.

Pick: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

Sunday, February 23

Manchester City vs. Liverpool

City has won its last three home games in the Premier League.

Liverpool lead the Premier League with 60 points, 16 more than Pep Guardiola’s team, who were recently humiliated and eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid.

The Citizens have only lost one of their last eight at home against Liverpool.

The Reds have only one win in their last four away games, including the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League.

Pick: Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City

La Liga

Sunday, February 23

Real Madrid vs. Girona

Real Madrid had not gone three games without a win in La Liga since November 28, 2020. Including Champions League and La Liga, Girona have six losses and only one win in their last seven games.

The Merengue team has only been able to win one of the last three against Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Pick: Real Madrid 3-1 Girona

Copa del Rey

Tuesday, February 25

Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid

Barcelona has won four straight in all competitions, including a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday, good for taking the lead in La Liga.

Atlético de Madrid has lost just one away game in its last 12 games in all competitions.

Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s main striker, has 20 goals and leads La Liga, three ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé.

Pick: Barcelona 2-1 Atlético Madrid

Serie A

Saturday, February 22

Torino vs. Milan

Torino has won just one of its last eight home games in Serie A.

Milan has won three and lost two of its last four, including Coppa de Italia, Serie A and Champions League.

Torino won its last two at home against Milan.

In five games with Milan, Santi Giménez has scored three goals and one assist; in Saturday’s win over Verona, Giménez scored the winning goal.

Pick: Milan 2-0 Torino

Bundesliga

Saturday, February 22

Bayern Munich vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

Bayern Munich has scored a Bundesliga-leading 65 goals in 22 games, while Eintracht Frankfurt has conceded 29 goals in 22 games (fifth in German soccer).

Eintracht Frankfurt averages 2.2 goals per game, but Bayern Munich allows 0.9 goals per game.

Pick: Bayern Munich 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt