NEWS » the league, but I still think he wants to prove it, and thats

During a news conference on Wednesday, Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams was asked about the most pressing topic in the NBA: Kevin Durants impending free agency.How will the 22-year-old New Zealander follow Durants free-agent frenzy? Oh, thats easy. [I will] just flick him a text and see what hes [going to] do, I guess, Adams said.As the Thunders breakout star during the 2016 NBA playoffs, one would think Adams might have some influence over Durants decision. But Adams seems happy just to have Durants phone number.I aint trying to pressure him, Adams said. And by the way, Im real low on the totem pole. Im lucky enough to get his number.Durant will meet with the Thunder on Thursday before flying to Long Island to meet with the five other teams on his free-agency list over the weekend. George Gervin Jersey . 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Reassurance came from Paul Tesori, his caddie and close friend whose newborn son is in intensive care in a Florida hospital. "Paul sent me a text this morning, just told me he loved me and wanted to go out and fight as hard as I would any other day," Simpson said Sunday after doing just that. MIAMI -- Its a matchup for the Marlins Park marquee -- Jose Fernandez vs. Clayton Kershaw in a battle of All-Star pitchers.But given the Miami Marlins recent slide out of primary contention for a National League wild-card playoff berth, perhaps this marquee should be shifted off Broadway.Because of the recent slump by the 69-71 Marlins, Fridays matchup may be bigger for Kershaws Los Angeles Dodgers. This will be the first start off the disabled list for Kershaw, who hasnt pitched since June 26 due to a back injury.If the three-time Cy Young Award winner is indeed the Kershaw of old, it would be hugely positive news for the Dodgers (79-60), who lead the San Francisco Giants by five games in the battle for the NL West title.Kershaw, a 28-year-old lefty, was dominant this year before his injury, posting an 11-2 record with a 1.79 ERA.For his career, Kershaw is 125-58 with a 2.39 ERA. He is the type of pitcher who can push the Dodgers -- if everything breaks right -- a long way in the 2016 postseason.But, to get back to a point in which Kershaw flat-out dominates opponents, he said he will need some time.At this point, its more of a pitch-count deal, making sure I can contribute and not just kind of go out there, Kershaw told media members earlier this week. Were still working the kinks out.Kershaw said that it helps that its after Sept. 1, and the Dodgers -- like all teams -- have an expanded roster and more relievers available in case he doesnt last long on the mound.When hes right, Kershaw features two-seam and four-seam fastballs, ranging between 91 and 95 mph, and mixes in a nasty curve and an even nastier slider.Kershaw will match up against Fernandez, who is four years younger but is already a two-time All-Star and one of the best right-handers in the game.Fernandez is 13-8 with a 3.03 ERA this season. For his career, he is 35-17 with a 2.62 ERA. Fernandez truly shines is at Marlins Park, where he is almost unbeattable at 27-2.ddddddddddddFernandezs home-road splits have become even more pronounced this year. He is just 3-6 with a 4.46 ERA on the road but is 10-2 with a 1.91 ERA at home.Kershaw, meanwhile, is 4-1 with a 2.29 ERA on the road this year.Fans at Marlins Park should be prepared for a show because Fernandez has immense pride and wears his emotions on his uniform sleeves. He will no doubt be jacked up to face a pitcher of the caliber of Kershaw, six-time All-Star and the NL MVP in 2014.I think Jose enjoys these big matchups, Marlins shortstop and fellow Cuban native Adeiny Hechavarria said in Spanish. He belongs in a group with the best pitchers in the league, but I still think he wants to prove it, and thats good.Fernandez will also try to prove himself at the plate, a role he relishes. He is a very good hitting pitcher, as his .273 batting average this season proves.In 128 career at-bats, Fernandez has four doubles, one triple and two homers, and the Dodgers cant take him lightly with a bat in his hands.Most of the time, though, the Marlins will let their real hitters take their chances against Kershaw, and that lineup of batters has received a boost this week as several players have returned from injuries.First baseman Justin Bour (ankle) and outfielder Marcell Ozuna (wrist) returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday. Right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (groin) came back on Tuesday but only as a pinch-hitter.Maybe Marlins manager Don Mattingly will give Stanton -- perhaps the most feared power hitter in the NL -- his first start since the injury on Friday against Kershaw, adding to what would be a crowded marquee.The Marlins, who trailed the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals by five games entering Thursday nights action, can certainly use the boost that Stantons bat could provide. ' ' '