That’s why we “are practicing/practiced” hard today although it is Sunday.

[z7655431]

Our team has fallen from the top of the list to bottom since we won our first game two months ago. That’s why we “are practicing” hard today although it is Sunday.
[FONT=Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]In the quotes, can I use "practiced" (the simple past tense) instead? Which tense is better here?[/FONT]

 

[Boris Tatarenko]

Not a teacher nor a native speaker.

If they're still practising, "are practising" is correct.

 

[z7655431]

If they've finished practicing, what verb tense should I use?

 

[tzfujimino]

In that case, both "practiced" and "have practiced" are possible, in my opinion.

By the way, have you ever clicked on 'Like/Thank', z7655431?

 

[Tarheel]

I would only use past tense if you are finished practicing for the day.