The Golden State Warriors took a gamble in their first-round series against the Sacramento Kings by bringing Draymond Green off the bench. In Game 5, that gamble paid off, as Green had one of his best playoff games since the 2016 NBA Finals, scoring 21 points and dishing out seven assists. This move allowed Jordan Poole, who may be inconsistent with his shooting, but provides spacing and finishing ability, to start, opening the court for the rest of the team. Kevon Looney also proved to be a crucial player, pulling down 22 rebounds and becoming the only player in playoff history to record 50+ rebounds, 20+ assists, and 5 (or fewer) turnovers in a three-game span. This new lineup has been exposing Domantas Sabonis's lack of rim protection, and the Kings have struggled to find an answer to defend the Warriors' new lineup. The Warriors may have struggled with spacing earlier this season when Looney and Green were on the floor, but in the past three games of this series, the Warriors are showing their strength in spacing, reminiscent of their strength during their four NBA titles. Will this move to bring Green off the bench be a permanent shift for the Warriors?
Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody's mother, Rona Moody, took to Twitter to express her appreciation for a fan spotted during their game against the Sacramento Kings. The tweet shows a photo of a random Warriors fan sporting Moody's No. 4 jersey at the Chase Center during the Warriors' Game 3 win over the Kings. The caption read, "I've worn my son's jersey every single game for two seasons straight to make sure that there was at least one in the arena every game. Planning to continue until I start to see others wearing it..... well I guess it's happening." Moody had a great game, scoring 13 points and three rebounds in his first game back from an illness.
Though a small event, the tweet has gone viral on social media platforms, spreading awareness of Rona Moody's dedication to her son and the recognition of a true fan. As for Moody, the young guard is playing in his second year in the league after being drafted 14th overall by the Warriors out of Arkansas in 2021. Moody's influence is growing on and off the court, making him an up-and-coming player to watch.
During the second quarter of a must-win Game 6 for the Sacramento Kings against the Golden State Warriors, Domantas Sabonis was elbowed in the face by Kevon Looney. Despite the injury, the referees did not call a foul on the play, leaving fans outraged. Slow-motion replays clearly show Looney's elbow connecting with Sabonis' face during a jump ball. Sabonis stayed in the game but registered only 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 turnovers. Sabonis was already playing with five fouls in the fourth quarter and was visibly frustrated, begging the referees to "let him play". Despite the injury, the Kings were firing on all cylinders, with De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk combining for over 50 points, and the Kings shooting 40% from beyond the arc. Sacramento ultimately won the game, priming themselves to force a Game 7 against the Warriors. This begs the question: did the referees miss a crucial foul during the game that could have hurt the chances of the Kings? Fans seem to think so, with social media lighting up with calls for more thorough refereeing in future games.
Golden State Warriors' general manager, Bob Myers, has stated that managing player minutes in the playoffs is more aggressive than in the regular season. This comes as reports suggest that head coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors medical team are closely monitoring the usage of Steph Curry, who has been averaging 39.5 minutes per game during the first round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings. In Game 4, Curry played for 42:42 minutes. Kerr is proposing to keep Curry's minutes at 38 minutes per game with five minutes rest each half. As head coach, Kerr acknowledges that he would alter plans according to playoff gameplay, with each game being different. Curry's 158 minutes in the series' first four games was the highest total on the team, with Klay Thompson (148) second and Andrew Wiggins (139) third. With the series tied at two games apiece, the Warriors will play their fifth game against the Kings, broadcast on ESPN and NBCSBA on Friday at 5 pm.
Draymond Green, forward for the Golden State Warriors, recently stated that he believes his teammate, Stephen Curry, is the best basketball player of all time. Green lauds Curry's intense confidence that sets him apart from other players. While Michael Jordan and LeBron James are often seen as the top contenders for the GOAT title, Green's sentiments are not so easily dismissed, as Curry's unique skill set, including his shooting ability, makes him a strong contender for the title. Curry currently holds the record for the most 3-pointers made in NBA history, and continues to have an impressive performance in the NBA playoffs, averaging over 30 points a game against the Sacramento Kings.
Green's statement also reflects the close relationship the Warriors' teammates share after having won four NBA championships together. While some may disagree with Green's opinions, it cannot be denied that Curry is a highly skilled and successful player who has set himself apart in the eyes of many fans and analysts alike.
Stephen Curry has been on fire this playoff season, leading the Golden State Warriors to a crucial win against the Sacramento Kings. However, it's not just his talent on the court that's driving his success. Curry's family is a major source of support for him, and it's showing in his performance. After the game, the star celebrated with his wife Ayesha and daughter Riley, showcasing a special handshake they have. The couple also has two other children, Ryan and Canon, who have been seen displaying impressive ball-handling skills themselves. The Currys come from a family of athletes, including Steph's father Dell and brother Seth, as well as his mother Sonya, a college volleyball star. Despite the family's athletic prowess, Curry stresses that there's no pressure on his kids to follow in their footsteps. Ultimately, he wants his children to find their passions and supports them in whatever they choose. In the meantime, the Curry family continues to cheer on the Warriors, with Steph putting on an impressive performance on the court.
As the NBA playoffs continue, all eyes are on Tyrese Maxey and Stephen Curry to lead their respective teams to victories in their upcoming games. Maxey’s Philadelphia 76ers aim to level with the Brooklyn Nets while Curry’s Golden State Warriors face the Sacramento Kings. With much of the pregame attention focused on these two players, it is worth considering some of the options for prop bets.
A strong option for Maxey would be betting on him to make over 2.5 threes. While he was relatively quiet in game one of the playoffs, Maxey has shown that he can score from beyond the arc and is averaging 14.5 field goal attempts since the all-star break. Against a Nets team that allows opponents to shoot over 36% from deep, Maxey may be poised for a breakout performance.
Meanwhile, Curry’s consistent scoring ability makes picking him for over 29.5 points a safe bet. Despite the Kings’ recent woes, Curry should be able to continue to put up impressive scoring numbers. He has already cleared this line in three of his five games against the Kings this season, including the playoffs.
As always, these prop bets are up for grabs and could go either way. But if Maxey and Curry play as expected, they could very well provide a significant payout for those who bet on them.
Draymond Green has always been known for his defensive prowess, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2016-17 season. However, he has shown that he can bring his offensive firepower when his team needs it the most. Green's highest-scoring game of his career came in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trailblazers, where he poured in 37 points, going 8-12 from beyond the arc. He also had nine rebounds and eight assists, putting up a near triple-double. Despite Green's brilliant performance, the Warriors lost the game 120-108, although they won the series 4-1.
Green's second-highest scoring game of his career was when he scored 32 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. In the third-highest scoring game, Green scored 31 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he also had 15 rebounds and nine assists, coming close to a triple-double once again.
Green scored 29 points in the fourth-highest scoring game of his career, where the Warriors played against the New Orleans Pelicans. The fifth-highest scoring game of Green's career came in the 2017-18 season, where he scored 28 points against the Charlotte Hornets. It is clear that Green can be an offensive threat when his team needs him to step up.
Despite a recent finger injury, De'Aaron Fox, the Kings' star point guard, has announced that he will play in the upcoming Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors. Fox suffered an avulsion fracture to the tip of his left index finger, which is his shooting hand during the last game. There's precedent for players succeeding despite this injury: for example, Kobe Bryant played the whole 2010 playoffs with an avulsion fracture to his finger, which he treated with a splint and later a tape job. Fox was seen practicing his shooting technique on Tuesday with a splint on the finger. However, it is unclear whether Fox's shooting and ballhandling would be affected. Despite these uncertainties, the Kings are likely to prefer an injured Fox to their other options, and the Warriors would probably prefer facing an injured, rather than fully-fit Fox. Fox's ability to play through the pain will be key –-- given he has not shown any hesitation to take physical contact, we'll see how he reacts to unexpected contact. Fox's playing in Game 5 could be a game-changer or a factor worth watching.
Andrew Wiggins has faced an incredibly difficult year with injuries causing him to miss a significant amount of games. However, his performance in the first four games of the Battle for Northern California has demonstrated that he is rising to the challenge for the Warriors. During the playoffs so far, Wiggins has been a key player for the team, performing in both an offensive and defensive capacity. He has been instrumental in the Warriors' defense against De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings, limiting them to an average of 28.2 points per game across the series. Kerr comments that the Warriors need him to perform in both positions to win. Wiggins' teammates have also praised his performance with Jordan Poole stating that they need him to lead the way.
Wiggins' stats in the playoffs so far include an average of 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The Warriors will continue to rely on Wiggins in the remaining playoff games to help them advance to the next round, and his performance so far shows that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Draymond Green, a four-time All-Star and 2017 DPOY, has been an integral part of the Golden State Warriors team. He is one of the team's leaders and is known for his defensive skills. Recently, former Super Bowl winner Keyshawn Johnson discussed the team's chances of winning a championship with Green on the court. In response, Johnson called Green a "defensive liability." He further added that Green is the heart and soul of the team, which is important to have on the floor at times but becomes a little bizarre due to his off-court antics.
This is not the first time Green has been criticized for his behavior on and off the court. However, basketball analysts like Dan Patrick have argued that Green is a "necessary evil" that the team needs to win a championship. He bemoaned that Green is not getting the help he needs in controlling his temperament from the team's core. Green is a repeat offender of altercations, and he recently received a one-game suspension. Despite his off-court issues, Green continues to be an essential part of the Warriors' on-court production.
Former Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson certainly thinks so, noting that Looney has been a crucial part of the team's success over the years. Looney's contributions were on full display in Game 5 against the Sacramento Kings, where he outrebounded Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis to the tune of 22 rebounds, seven assists, and four points.
Looney has now recorded multiple 20-rebound games in the same playoff series, joining the ranks of Warriors greats Wilt Chamberlain and Nate Thurmond. Despite being undersized and lacking athleticism, Looney uses his impeccable nose for the ball to make himself indispensable. His value to the Warriors both on and off the court has not gone unnoticed, with former teammates and coaches singing his praises.
While it remains to be seen whether Looney's number will join the seven already retired by the Warriors, his teammates are glad to see him recognized for his hard work and selflessness. For now, Looney's focus is on helping the Warriors continue their playoff success and possibly securing his team a championship ring.
The Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers are set to face off on Friday night in the Game 6 round of the NBA playoffs. Lakers' Anthony Davis has expressed his determination to play extended minutes to help his team win; he previously expressed his willingness to play 48 minutes in a game. As a key factor in the Lakers-Grizzlies series, they have lost by 33 points in minutes played by Davis on the bench, while in his minutes on the court, they won by 38 points. The Lakers would be banking on the big man Davis to extend the playoffs with a win in Game 6, and fans have placed bets on his combined points and rebounds for the game. Despite his declaration, the number of minutes that he will play, however, will depend on the coach's decision. Lakers have already beaten the Grizzlies once, in their play-in game, and hope to do the same again to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Following a Game 2 blowout loss, Los Angeles Lakers fans took great pleasure in jeering Memphis Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks off the court after being ejected for hitting LeBron James in the groin. Brooks had made derogatory comments about his opponent before the game stating that he sees James as "old" and he wouldn't respect him until he scores 40 points. Brooks had a tough night, going 3-of-13 from the field, which prompted the Lakers' game plan to challenge him to shoot.
When reporters quizzed James about Brooks' comments during a Lakers practice session, he refused to get involved in the trash talk, focusing solely on Game 3, which is critical to the rest of the series. However, fans will likely be anticipating what may happen come Saturday night. Will LeBron James give Brooks the satisfaction of a 40-point haul or will he concentrate on leading the Lakers to an important win on home court? The contest, which pits the league's youngest star against its oldest, promised to be intense, featuring two teams with authentic animosity towards each other. So far, the series is still up in the air, played between two teams with no clear identity, with games dominated by players who are experiencing this kind of moment for the first time.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced that a lease for a new NHL arena in Ottawa is still on track to be signed by the fall. The Senators-led Capital Sports Development Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with the NCC in 2022 to build an arena in the LeBreton Flats area, and the commission is continuing discussions about the design of the site. Despite ongoing negotiations for the sale of the NHL team and uncertainty about future ownership, the NCC remains confident that potential buyers want to build the arena at LeBreton. The NCC has even met with several prospective buyers to ensure a smooth transition and working relationship with the new owners. However, it remains to be seen how much land the NCC is willing to allocate for the arena, beyond the six-acre parcel originally agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding. The continuous growth and urban developments in Ottawa make this arena project one of the most significant developments in the city's modern history, which could further boost its economy while bringing excitement to hockey fans in the region.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper, Ben Foster, attracted fans' attention when he accepted a short-term deal with Wrexham in March. There were suggestions that money was the primary attraction to the retired player. However, Foster insisted that it was his willingness to play for a "special club" for "peanuts.” Now one of the key players who helped Wrexham win the National League Title and secure a promotion to the English Football League, Foster’s deal expires in the summer. The 40-year-old player hinted that he might consider signing a new short-term contract. Foster has called the Wrexham squad "top class" and admits that contemplating leaving presents a challenge to him as he sees being part of the team is something special. Wrexham Football Club is co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have overseen the side's return to the Football League after 15 years away. Foster's previous experiences include ex-Manchester United, Watford and England. However, he may decide to put off his retirement and re-sign up for another spell.
Wrexham's dreams of promotion to the English Football League (EFL) were hindered after their 0-0 draw with Barnet, which could have left them needing two wins to secure promotion. The match was marred by a "cheat" row involving Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson and opposing goalkeeper Laurie Walker, who had Callum McFadzean sent off in the second half for a foul on Walker. Parkinson was infuriated by the decision and challenged Walker after the game, but Walker defended the referee by saying McFadzean "came straight through and kicked [him] straight in the face." Parkinson is now facing a touchline ban for his red card, and Wrexham plans to appeal the decision. Wrexham can secure promotion by winning their next two games, but their chances hinge on their appeal against McFadzean's red card.
The 2023 NFL Draft is approaching, and many scouts and analysts have begun to question the character concerns that surround 22-year-old Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Carter has pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing, and he was briefly forced to depart from the NFL Scouting Combine to face an arrest warrant following a car accident that killed his Georgia teammate and a UGA recruiting analyst. Carter also allegedly struggled to finish some field drills during the Bulldogs' pro day.
Despite these off-field concerns, evaluators acknowledge Carter's immense on-field talent, with some calling him the best player in the entire draft class. Carter is an All-American and an extra-large freak athlete with a disruptive presence, boasting explosive first-step quickness and heavy hands as a destructive run stopper and pocket pusher. Many predict he will be taken in the top 10, with Seattle and Detroit likely being interested at picks 5 and 6, respectively.
Whether Carter's character concerns will ultimately push him down the draft board is still unknown, but with the draft just days away, many teams will have to make a decision about his value soon.
Seattle Seahawks' coach, Pete Carroll, dropped hints that left NFL fans buzzing about who the team will pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In what is now being considered “Draft Clues," Carroll tweeted a series of hints one after the other. Football enthusiasts are interpreting those tweets to mean that the Seahawks might pick University of Florida quarterback, Anthony Richardson. The first tweet was a retweet of a promotion for the fourth season of Netflix's Love is Blind, which could point towards the Seahawks selecting a quarterback that they haven't seen much of. Richardson has started only one season in college. The second clue, a remix of Nirvana's song, Lithium, indicates Richardson's otherworldly speed and athleticism. The third clue was a tweet with an image of actor, Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies, Action Jackson in the eponymous movie, and Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore. This tweet (and a previous tweet featuring a throw from Kelsey Plum) could stand for Florida’s mascot, the Gators. Allegedly, coaches have mentioned Richardson's strength throughout and after his playing days at Florida. Reports have emerged that the Seattle Seahawks have indeed selected Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, ahead of the Indianapolis Colts.
Formula 1's sprint race format, introduced during the 2021 season, is back on the calendar this year with some changes. There will be six sprint races, unlike the prior season where only three took place. The sprint races will be held over a condensed race distance of 100 KM on Saturdays, following qualifying rounds earlier on the same day. Unlike full-length races, no pit stops are needed during sprint races. This season there will be a new session called F1 Sprint Shootout, which will serve as a standalone qualifying session for the sprint race to determine the grid, happening before the sprint race on the same day. Certain tires must be used during the Shootout session, creating a new challenge for drivers. This year's F1 Sprint will begin before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku at the end of April.
Moreover, only 19 drivers will take part in the Formula 1 sprint race today in Azerbaijan due to Logan Sargeant's crash during Q1. Sargeant's car has been withdrawn, leading to changes in the grid's position with Alexander Albon taking the 12th spot, while Nico Hulkenberg will move up into his 13th spot. Additionally, Esteban Ocon is withdrawing his grid positions for both today's sprint race and tomorrow's Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, allowing improvements to be made to his Alpine car's set-up. Ocon has to start both races from the pits due to the changes made on his car's set-up; therefore, the positions of all other drivers have shifted. Finally, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who will be starting in P1 for the sprint race today, says that the team aims to continue leading the race as they have worked a lot on the car.
The 2023 NFL draft first round had only 31 picks because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their 21st pick in the draft for illegally tampering with QB Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton when they were under contract with other clubs. As a result, the draft had one less pick in the first round. The remaining 31 teams made their selections, with the New York Jets acquiring Aaron Rodgers in a seismic trade, shifting the balance of power to the AFC. Despite the reduction in picks, the Tennessee Titans hosted TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who is seen as one of the top receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL draft. Although there are doubts about his ability as a route-runner and consistency in traffic, Johnston's physical attributes and big-play threat could make him a dangerous number one receiver in the NFL. Meanwhile, dark horse college teams were predicted to become this season's CFP Cinderella in the forum post with Wisconsin representing the B1G conference. With the first round of the NFL draft having only 31 picks, football fans may still look forward to the later rounds and anticipate the impact these new young players will make in the NFL.
Carrington Valentine, former University of Kentucky cornerback, has emerged as a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft. With a strong 2022 season, Valentine showcased his elite speed and physicality and has caught the eye of several NFL teams. Valentine expressed his desire to be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that he grew up supporting and one that could use his speed in the defensive backfield. The Bengals also hosted Valentine for a pre-draft visit, suggesting that they may have interest in selecting him.
However, Valentine's projected draft round is between round 5 and undrafted, which means he might not be capable of holding his ground from day one in the NFL. He may need to first prove himself as a special teams player. Nevertheless, with his impressive skills, Valentine has the potential to become a reliable cornerback with some work on his technique. His aggressive style and physicality have been strengths of his game, but he still needs to work on covering bigger wide receivers and avoiding vulnerability on short and intermediate routes. Overall, Valentine is an exciting prospect that could bring an extra spark to the Bengals defense if they choose to draft him.
Pewter Report previews the 2023 NFL Draft with a focus on the nickelback position for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs's head coach Todd Bowles replaced cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting with safety Antoine Winfield Jr. in the slot last year, but Winfield had a lackluster performance with just one interception. The team may consider using rookie Zyon McCollum if he performs efficiently in his position. Pewter Report also provides a list of potential draftees for the nickel back position. In addition, NBC Sports analysts weigh in on the Bucs' first-round pick, suggesting that the team chooses either an offensive tackle or an EDGE. Pewter Report will analyze further draftee options in order to bring in younger and more talented players. The 2023 NFL Draft will begin on April 27 and end on April 29, and will be viewable on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes.
The 2023 NFL draft is just around the corner, and the Seattle Seahawks are faced with some big questions. Firstly, will they use their pick at number five or trade it? This leads to another significant question - could the Seahawks trade up or down with their 10 picks in total, including two first-round picks? As the Seahawks are hoping not to draft near five in the future, they may want to ensure they get one player on their big board with a first-round grade. However, there have been recent discussions speculating that Seattle's cap situation could force them to trade down as they have just $6.2 million in cap space, making it difficult to squeeze in 10 draft picks worth $9.6 million. Additionally, who will the Seahawks select as their top pick? NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah suggests Florida Gators standout Anthony Richardson may be in play for Seattle with the 20th overall pick. Finally, as the rest of the 2023 NFL draft unfolds, we'll see whether Seattle's selections pay off in the long run.
With the lucrative NFL salary cap continuing to rise, one of this year's crop of quarterbacks is poised to become the league's first $60 million a year player. CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are the headliners of this year's draft class. The average annual salary benchmark for elite quarterbacks has increased by 150% in the past decade. As the NFL pushes towards its $25 billion revenue goal, a $300 million cap looks inevitable which will unlock even more riches for quarterbacks. However, there are always questions surrounding draft picks and how well they will perform in the NFL. Some scouts have raised concerns about whether Young’s frame can withstand the punishment of the NFL, while other evaluators have questioned Stroud’s reportedly low S2 Cognition test scores.
In other draft news, the Chicago Bears assistant general manager, Ian Cunningham, had little to reveal when asked whether the team would take a chance on draft pick Jalen Carter. Cunningham praised Carter's talent, saying there was "no denying" it, but "the best decision for us and our organization" would be made. The Bears have the ninth overall pick and plenty of weaknesses to address after finishing with the worst record in the league last season.
