Axios

The Biden administration would really prefer that people "lay low" on Super Bowl Sunday.

Why it matters: This is the first national event that features multi-family gatherings since New Year's, with growing concerns about the COVID-19 variants.

The NBA will begin requiring players to wear KN95 or KF94 masks in all instances where masks are required (i.e. on the bench during games).

Why it matters: Many Americans are still grabbing the most available or comfortable masks, but not necessarily the most effective ones. Having the NBA's most visible stars wearing them could help send a message.

Red Sox owner John Henry is seeking city approval to build 2.1 million square feet of office, residential and retail space on eight acres of land near Fenway Park, the Boston Globe reports.

Details: The project includes plans to permanently shut down Jersey Street (currently closed on game days) to create a pedestrian plaza alongside the ballpark. A mixture of storefronts and taller buildings would line Jersey Street, according to renderings (see above).

Professional golfers are hitting the ball such long distances that courses can't keep up. Now, golf's governing bodies appear ready to act.

Driving the news: The USGA and the R&A (Europe) jointly announced Tuesday that they will explore four potential changes intended to curb distance gains:

The 2021 Australian Open, which begins Monday, will be the most normal sporting event the world has seen in nearly a year.

Driving the news: Up to 30,000 spectators a day will be allowed to attend the two-week event, Victoria state sports minister Martin Pakula said this weekend.

23.2 million Americans plan to bet a total of $4.3 billion on Sunday's Super Bowl, according to new American Gaming Association research.

• 7.6 million plan to bet with an online sportsbook, up 63% year-over-year.
• 1.8 million plan to place a bet with a bookie, down 21%.