Morning sports update: Lonzo Ball says he’s better than Markelle Fultz – Boston.com

The Bruins notched a huge win Tuesday night, the NFL is changing some rules, and one of the NBA’s top prospects says he’s better than another.

Lonzo Ball says ‘I’m better than’ fellow draft prospect Markelle Fultz: Lonzo Ball said he is a better player than Markelle Fultz, citing his ability to “lead a team better” than the Washington star. Ball and Fultz are widely considered to be the top two prospects in this year’s NBA draft. Ball, who declared for the draft last Friday after UCLA was eliminated from the NCAA tournament, addressed the debate between himself and Fultz during an interview Tuesday with ESPN 710 LA. (ESPN)

Tuukka Rask backstops Bruins to important 4-1 win over Predators: Tuukka Rask’s return provided the Boston Bruins with a much-needed boost of energy Tuesday night. Rask made 24 saves following a one-game absence and the Bruins beat the Nashville Predators 4-1, improving their playoff chances in the process. (Boston.com)

Bruins’ Tuukka Rask answers critics with a victory: “He really worked hard to find pucks in traffic,” coach Bruce Cassidy said of his No. 1 goalie after the Bruins’ 4-1 win. “They created some good opportunities. Even the goal against, he found it. They just tipped it at eye level.” (Boston Globe)

Red Sox get testy over Tyler Thornburg’s shoulder problems: Somewhere, the chain of communication was missing a link. The Red Sox are backtracking on comments made by both manager John Farrell and reliever Tyler Thornburg less than three weeks ago. (Boston Herald)

NFL owners revamp video replay for officiating: One day after approving the Oakland Raiders’ move to Las Vegas, the owners sped up discussions on dozens of subjects. That led to a change in handling officiating of video replays; eliminating “leapers” trying to block field goals or extra points; adding protections for defenseless receivers running their routes; and further discussions with the players about loosening restrictions for on-field celebrations. (Boston.com)

USA Hockey, women’s players reach agreement to avoid boycott: Players and USA Hockey finalized the deal Tuesday night and announced it in a joint statement just three days before the tournament begins in Plymouth, Michigan. It’s a four-year agreement that pays players beyond just the six-month Olympic period. (Boston.com)

Roger Goodell says he will attend the Patriots’ 2017 season opener: The NFL commissioner told reporters at the league’s spring meetings Tuesday that he plans to be in Foxborough for the Thursday night Week 1 home opener. It will be the first time Goodell has attended a game at Gillette Stadium since the Patriots’ 2015 AFC Divisional round game against the Baltimore Ravens — or, in other words, nearly 32 months. (Boston.com)