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Injured New York Knicks Center Reaches Landmark
The medical news that the New York Knicks had to report on Saturday night wasn’t all bad.
Things, in fact, started rather optimistically: before dealing with OG Anunoby’s non-contact pain that forced his departure from the second half of what became a 128-112 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Tom Thibodeau revealed that center Mitchell Robinson inched toward a new landmark when it comes to his return from a lasting ankle injury.
“Everything has gone very smoothly in terms of the rehab. So the next step will be the clearance for regular contact,” Thibodeau said in the lead-up to the anticipated interconference tilt, per Peter Botte of the New York Post. “The controlled contact, you know what’s coming. So you can brace yourself for it. So once you get out of that, where you’re just playing and reacting, that will be the next step. He’s pretty close.”
Robinson’s metropolitan fate has been an eternal talking point in this rollercoaster season, one where trading him and keeping him around for a seventh season in blue and orange has gained equal support. The potential loss of Anunoby’s defensive firepower may force the hand of the former party, even if Robinson stands as the Knicks’ most attractive asset on their current ledger.
While far from anything concrete, Thibodeau’s latest update is perhaps the most optimistic he has had for Robinson at any point this season. The Manhattan staple has not played since the Knicks playoff run last spring, dealing with ankle woes that ate away of his sixth metropolitan tour. Karl-Anthony Towns has taken his place in the Knicks’ starting five while Precious Achiuwa has been the top spell option.
Even with this latest landmark, however, it’s still extremely unlikely that Robinson plays before the trade deadline: the Knicks’ last two games before Feb. 6 consist of a back-to-back that begins on Monday at home against Houston (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG/NBA TV) and a Tuesday visit to Toronto.
Injured New York Knicks Center Reaches LandmarkNew York Knicks fans have reason to celebrate as injured center Mitchell Robinson has reached a major milestone in his recovery. Robinson, who has been sidelined with a foot injury, has taken a significant step forward in his rehabilitation process.
The talented young center has been working tirelessly to get back on the court and help his team compete at the highest level. His dedication and determination have paid off, as he has reached a landmark in his recovery that signifies progress and a return to action may be on the horizon.
Knicks fans are eagerly anticipating Robinson’s return, as his presence on the court has been sorely missed. His shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and overall defensive impact make him a crucial part of the team’s success.
As Robinson continues to make strides in his recovery, the Knicks and their fans can look forward to his imminent return and the boost he will provide to the team. Stay tuned for updates on Robinson’s progress and his eventual return to the court.
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Looking for a Data Center Investment Opportunity That’s Not Nvidia? This Stock Could Be for You.
For much of the last two years, Nvidia has been the biggest player in town when it comes to data center processors.
Graphics processing units (GPUs) are among the most important types of hardware underpinning the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution are. Between them, Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices essentially own the market for these advanced parallel-processing chipsets — data centers around the globe are outfitted with the wares of these two semiconductor specialists.
While that’s good news for Nvidia and AMD, there are other opportunities in the data center realm that I think many investors are overlooking. One such opportunity is Vertiv (VRT -3.83%), a stock that should really be on your radar as big tech’s investments in AI infrastructure continue to scale up.
What makes Vertiv unique?
One can imagine GPUs as being like a car’s engine; they provide the computing power that’s needed to train and run AI models. In that analogy, data centers can be thought of as the body of the vehicle. They are essentially enormous storage units that house vast arrays of server racks, each of which in turn is outfitted with loads of chip clusters.
The power those sites consume is enormous. According to a report from the Department of Energy, data centers accounted for approximately 4% of U.S. electricity in 2023. But it expects consumption levels to triple by 2028 — when it forecasts data centers will account for up to 12% of electricity demand domestically. One of the biggest factors influencing that rising demand? AI, of course.
But it’s not just processing that’s pulling all that electricity. A hard-working GPU server gets hot — and too much heat reduces chips’ performance and their lifespan. So servers and data centers have to be kept cool.
Today, temperatures are usually controlled in data centers through traditional methods such as fans and air conditioning systems. Vertiv provides an array of hardware for constructing data centers, but one area it specializes in is an emerging technology known as liquid cooling, and it’s gaining momentum.
The chart illustrates Vertiv’s revenue trends over the last several quarters. The slope of the company’s revenue growth is steepening at a considerable rate — but it’s where that growth stems from that has me most excited.
VRT Revenue (Quarterly) data by YCharts.
During the company’s third-quarter earnings call back in October, CEO Giordano Albertazzi said he was “very encouraged by the acceleration of liquid cooling revenue” and called it a “visible contributor” to the company’s recent growth.
Considering the company’s order book has increased by 37% over the last 12 months, I’m inclined to agree with Albertazzi.
Vertiv should benefit from AI infrastructure tailwinds
After companies experience phases of exponential growth, it becomes harder for them to impress investors. That said, I don’t think Vertiv has even hit its stride yet.
Over the last several weeks, a number of important announcements have been made related to AI infrastructure spending. For starters, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joined Oracle‘s Larry Ellison and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son at the White House shortly after President Trump’s inauguration to announce the formation of a $500 billion AI infrastructure project called Stargate. This news broke concurrently with Microsoft announcing an $80 billion data center project of its own, and Meta Platforms showcasing a $65 billion spending project on AI-related infrastructure.
I view the rise in capital expenditures from hyperscalers as a major tailwind for Vertiv in the long run. However, there is one big development to consider before scooping up shares of Vertiv right now.
Image source: Getty Images.
Is Vertiv stock a buy right now?
Over the last few days, you likely have been hearing about a new AI start-up out of China called DeepSeek. To summarize, DeepSeek built a generative AI model that’s meant to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
DeepSeek’s team says they trained their model using legacy chips from Nvidia rather than cutting-edge GPUs — a notion that has caused widespread chaos in the capital markets. In theory, if DeepSeek is as powerful as it claims to be, then new rival models could likewise be developed and powered using less expensive hardware. In which case, tech companies might not need to spend nearly as much capital as they expected to on the latest GPUs and new data centers.
How this situation will actually play out is as yet unclear. Among investment bankers, Wall Street research analysts, and technology enthusiasts, there are a host of varying opinions about DeepSeek and its capabilities. More so, there is a lot of conflicting reporting regarding how DeepSeek built its model. There is an existing scenario that the model was built using more sophisticated hardware than initially claimed.
The reason this is important is that the introduction of DeepSeek could inspire big tech to trim their capital expenditures (i.e., infrastructure budgets). Should this occur, I would expect Vertiv’s business to experience some form of deceleration as well.
Right now, Vertiv trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30. That’s a bit higher than the average P/E of the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), which is about 24.
In a world where DeepSeek didn’t exist, I’d say that Vertiv was deserving of a premium, given the tailwinds from rising AI infrastructure spending. But given the contrary story lines and unfolding details regarding DeepSeek, it has gotten harder to predict how hyperscalers will spend in the near and medium terms.
For now, I think the prudent strategy is to listen to earnings calls from big tech and pay keen attention to their plans for AI infrastructure spending. From there, cross-referencing this information with the guidance Vertiv offers during its fourth-quarter earnings call in early February should help clarify what the company’s prospects look like.
Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Adam Spatacco has positions in Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Oracle. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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#Data #Center #Investment #Opportunity #Nvidia #StockWest Virginia State Wildlife Center to host 48th annual Groundhog Day celebration | WV News
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is gearing up to host its 48th annual Groundhog Day celebration on February 2nd. The event, held at the wildlife center in Upshur County, promises a fun-filled day for all attendees.Visitors can look forward to seeing the beloved resident groundhog, French Creek Freddie, as he emerges from his burrow to predict the weather for the coming weeks. The celebration will also feature live music, food vendors, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
In addition to the festivities, guests will have the opportunity to explore the wildlife center and learn about the various native species that call West Virginia home. From black bears to bobcats, there’s plenty to see and discover at the center.
So mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun and festivities at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center’s 48th annual Groundhog Day celebration. Don’t miss out on this beloved tradition in the Mountain State!
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West Virginia State Wildlife Center, Groundhog Day celebration, West Virginia events, WV wildlife, Groundhog Day activities, WV News, West Virginia State Wildlife Center events, WV Groundhog Day celebration
#West #Virginia #State #Wildlife #Center #host #48th #annual #Groundhog #Day #celebration #NewsLakers Have Reportedly Not Spoken With East Squad About $22M Center
One of the biggest needs for the Los Angeles Lakers is a new center. They need someone to help take the load off Anthony Davis.
Davis is hoping that the team will get a center who will start next to him. He has mentioned multiple times how he thinks that the best play he has on the court is from the power forward spot.
Los Angeles has been looking around at the price for other centers across the league. There are some starting centers who could be on the move.
Read more: Three-Team Trade Prediction Has Lakers Ship Out Rui Hachimura For Pacers Star
Despite the Lakers making calls to other organizations, it doesn’t sound like they have made a call about one specific Eastern Conference center.
That is Hawks center Clint Capela. Capela has recently been moved from a starting role to the bench by Atlanta.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are not interested in Capela. The Lakers seem to have turned their attention to some other options ahead of the trade deadline.
Capela actually wouldn’t be a bad option for the Lakers. He is someone who can grab a bunch of rebounds and is a good rim-runner.
He is also someone who can start or come off the bench, depending on the matchup. The Lakers are looking for any help they can get at center, so it’s unclear why they aren’t interested in him.
More Lakers news: Stephen A Smith Says Lakers’ LeBron James Should Stop Bronny James From Playing in NBA
Los Angeles has been linked to both a center and a guard before the trade deadline. It seems unlikely at this point that they add both with the deadline just a week away.
A guard seems like the bigger need from a basketball standpoint, but the Lakers might bring in a center instead just to make their superstar happy.
The Lakers know they need to make a move in order to be an NBA title contender. It remains to be seen which of these moves they make if they make a move at all.
As time goes on, this deadline is in danger of being a complete dud, just as last year’s was.
Capela is averaging 9.4 points, nine rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game this year.
More Los Angeles Lakers news: Lakers’ JJ Redick Offers Brutally Honest Assessment of Bronny James’ Rotation Minutes
Rockets Star Shouts Out Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant After First Career Game-Winner
For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly not had any discussions with an Eastern Conference team regarding a potential trade for their $22 million center. Rumors had been swirling in recent days about a potential deal involving the Lakers big man, but it appears that no talks have taken place.The Lakers are currently in the midst of a busy offseason, with rumors swirling about potential trades and free agent signings. However, it seems that any potential deal involving their center will have to wait, as the team has not been in contact with any Eastern Conference squads about a potential trade.
It remains to be seen if the Lakers will ultimately decide to move on from their center, or if they will look to build around him for the upcoming season. In the meantime, fans will have to wait and see what the team’s next move will be as they continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season.
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#Lakers #Reportedly #Spoken #East #Squad #22M #Center
The Center That Everyone Should Be Calling About This Trade Cycle
PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 18: Robert Williams III #35 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during … [+]
The 2025 NBA Trade Deadline is a little over a week away (Thursday, February 6), and while most of the conversation will revolve around whether or not Jimmy Butler and De’Aaron Fox will find new homes before the clock strikes 3:00 PM EST, there is one player that every team in search of a backup center should be inquiring about.
If you hadn’t already guessed from the cover image, that individual is Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III. Despite only playing 17 of his team’s 47 games, the former All-League Defender has shined bright in the moments he has been healthy, making him one of the better under-the-radar assets this trade deadline cycle.
Robert Williams The Defensive Stopper
Williams, aka “Timelord,” burst onto the scene during the 2021-22 NBA when he finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) voting and was named to the All-Defensive Second Time. Since then, Williams has struggled to stay on the court, but when he has been out there, his defensive impact remains indisputable.
This season in Portland is no different. Williams’ calling card as a defender is his ability to safeguard the most important real estate on the floor. Even with all the injuries he’s endured, his shot-blocking prowess and rim protection instincts are among the best the association has to offer.
On the season, Williams is in the 99th percentile in block rate. On top of that, opponents are shooting 19.1% worse than expected on shots within six feet of the rim when Williams is there to contest it (per NBA.com). Of the 76 centers who have played at least 15 games, Williams is second in this category (behind only his successor in Boston, Kristaps Porzingis).
As a team, the Blazers are in the 92nd percentile in opponent rim accuracy when Williams is on the court (per Cleaning the Glass). Overall, Williams is in the 87th percentile in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (DEF EPM), despite the team being near the bottom in defensive rating (27th).
What About The Injury History?
As we’ve already mentioned, Williams has a long and, frankly, concerning injury history. The most Williams has ever played in a season was during his breakout 2021-22 campaign when he played 61 of 82 regular season games. Since then, he’s never played in more than 35 games in a season, and he’s missed 153 of 211 games overall (72.5%).
Why trade for a player like that, you ask? Two reasons. First, Williams’ various injuries have diminished his value a great deal, meaning you can get an elite paint protector for a fraction of what it normally would cost you. In the past, it would likely require at least one first round pick to get someone with Williams’ knack for fortifying the interior. Now, however, he can probably be had for a matching salary and a few second round picks.
Second, Williams’ salary (he’s eating up 8.84% of the cap right now, per Spotrac) makes it so that you don’t need to depend on him to be your starting center. You can use him as an overqualified backup, which will enable you to limit his minutes and minimize his chances of contracting another injury.
Who Should Try And Trade For Williams?
Any team that is in the market for a backup big who can protect the rim while also offering some roll gravity (94th percentile rim accuracy), should be blowing up the Blazers’ phones for Williams. Some potential teams include the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers (as long as they don’t try to move Anthony Davis to the four), New York Knicks, and Sacramento Kings (as long as they don’t enter a rebuild).
Regardless, if Williams isn’t moved during this deadline, some team is missing out on the chance of getting a game-changing role player.
If you’re looking to trade in your vehicle, there’s one center that stands out above the rest: The Center That Everyone Should Be Calling About This Trade Cycle. With top-notch customer service, competitive trade-in values, and a wide selection of inventory to choose from, this center is the perfect place to make your next trade.Don’t waste your time dealing with other centers that may not offer you the best value for your trade. Instead, call The Center That Everyone Should Be Calling About This Trade Cycle and experience the difference for yourself. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way, making the trade process smooth and stress-free.
Don’t wait any longer to get the best value for your trade. Call The Center That Everyone Should Be Calling About This Trade Cycle today and see why we’re the top choice for savvy car buyers everywhere.
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Anne Hathaway Takes Center Stage As Verity Crawford
Anne Hathaway is making waves once again as she takes on the role of Verity Crawford, the protagonist of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling thriller novel, adapted for the big screen. Set to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative, the film promises to deliver drama, suspense, and the ever-charming presence of Hathaway, who is also serving as one of the producers.
According to PEOPLE, Hathaway’s character, Verity, finds herself embroiled in a mysterious and dark tale surrounding her family. The plot follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who, seeking financial stability, jumps at the chance to complete the books left unfinished by Verity, who is rendered unable to finish them after an unforeseen accident. Upon arriving at the Crawford estate, Lowen realizes things are not as straightforward as they seem. The story hints at chilling admissions sealed within Verity’s secret manuscript, forcing Lowen to discern whether the hidden truths are simply the makings of fiction or warnings from someone deeply disturbed.
Hathaway’s chemistry with director Michael Showalter promises to shine once again, having previously collaborated on “The Idea of You,” which debuted earlier this year. This partnership cements Hathaway’s return to the literary adaptation trend, as audiences have recently seen Hoover’s other bestseller, “It Ends with Us,” reach box-office success, leaving fans curious about future adaptations, including “Reminders of Him” scheduled for 2026.
Adding to the excitement surrounding her recent roles is the actress’s unwavering ability to confound aging perceptions. Hathaway, at 42, has left fans astonished by her seemingly ageless appearance. Clips resurfacing on social media platforms have incited reactions ranging from disbelief to admiration, with some fans jokingly dubbing her a ‘vampire.’ One fan commented, “She looks so good,” and another quipped, “It’s either she has amazing skincare or she’s not aging at all!” The enthusiasm reflects the actress’s impressive career from iconic roles in “The Princess Diaries” to “Les Misérables,” showcasing her remarkable versatility.
Aside from her film projects, Hathaway remains relatively private about her personal life, especially concerning her marriage to actor Adam Shulman. An interesting twist adds to their narrative; during her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Hathaway discussed a whimsical conspiracy theory—that her husband might be William Shakespeare reincarnated. Responding to the light-hearted proposition, Hathaway remarked, “It would be great if it were true, but even if it’s not, it’s still kinda’ great.” This playful banter showcases Hathaway’s ability to engage with her fans, reinforcing the fascination surrounding her.
Looking forward, Hathaway is reportedly working on a sequel for “The Devil Wears Prada,” as well as plans for the third installment of “The Princess Diaries.” With more books by Colleen Hoover set to be translated onto the silver screen, Hathaway’s presence continues to be felt spanning generations as she straddles her vibrant career with adaptability.
It’s clear Anne Hathaway resonates deeply within the public consciousness—not merely as the versatile actress redefining age standards, but as someone who constantly evolves with each new endeavor. With her recent commitments and inherent charm, Hathaway remains at the forefront of Hollywood, ensuring fans will keep watching for years to come.
Anne Hathaway has once again proven her versatility as an actress in her latest role as Verity Crawford in the highly anticipated drama series. The Oscar-winning actress has captivated audiences with her portrayal of the enigmatic and complex character, bringing her to life with depth and authenticity.In a departure from her previous roles, Hathaway shines as Verity Crawford, a woman with a dark and troubled past who is thrust into the spotlight when her husband’s political ambitions threaten to unravel. Hathaway’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, as she navigates the complexities of Verity’s character with a raw and emotional intensity that is truly captivating.
As Verity Crawford, Hathaway commands the screen with a presence that is both powerful and vulnerable, drawing viewers in with her magnetic performance. With each episode, she delves deeper into the intricacies of Verity’s character, revealing layers of depth and complexity that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Verity Crawford is a testament to her incredible talent as an actress, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating performers. With each episode, she continues to impress and astound, reminding audiences why she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
Don’t miss Anne Hathaway’s unforgettable performance as Verity Crawford in this must-see drama series, where she takes center stage and delivers a tour de force performance that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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#Anne #Hathaway #Takes #Center #Stage #Verity #Crawford
Nick Richards’ performance exposes gaps in Suns’ center depth against quality teams
As I slouched into my seat at the Footprint Center last night, drowning in the pulsating chaos of Suns versus Clippers, I glanced to my left. The stranger beside me, equally engrossed in the mayhem, became my sounding board for a question that had been gnawing at me as the fourth quarter progressed. First, though…props to Buzz RX for the seats. You’re the real MVP. Anyway, it was the fourth quarter, tensions were rising, and I finally asked, “Where’s Nick Richards?”.
Nick Richards has exploded onto the Phoenix Suns scene, injecting a spark and a style of play at the center position this team desperately needed. An athletic, rim-running big with lateral quickness and shot-blocking ability, all qualities the Suns had been sorely missing. You weren’t getting that from Jusuf Nurkic. And Mason Plumlee? He doesn’t bring that to the table either.
In his five games with the Suns so far, Nick Richards has shown flashes of brilliance, but a concerning trend is emerging. While he’s been a force against weaker competition, his production drops significantly against tougher opponents.
Nick Richards since joining the Suns:
vs. DET, BKN, WAS: 16.3 PPG, 15 RPG in 28.3 mins
vs. CLE, LAC: 5 PPG, 5.5 RPG in 21.3 minsShines vs. weaker teams, struggles against tougher ones. Something to watch. #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/R5oTH7961e
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) January 28, 2025
There’s something head coach Mike Budenholzer sees that forces his hand against stronger opponents.
Take the Cleveland Cavaliers game, for example. Foul trouble derailed Nick Richards early. He picked up two offensive fouls and, with 6:20 left in the second quarter and the Suns down 42-35, he committed his third. Coach Bud had no choice but to sit him, opting instead to go small against one of the league’s top teams—a gamble that backfired.
When Richards returned with 10:09 left in the third quarter, the Suns were already in a 67-48 hole. In his 10 minutes during the second half, Richards struggled to make an impact, going just 1-of-2 from the field, grabbing one rebound, and committing two more fouls. It was a tough outing for the big man in a game where the Suns desperately needed him to shine.
Last night against the Clippers, Nick Richards clearly struggled to handle the massive presence of Ivica Zubac. The Harden-Zubac pick-and-roll relentlessly tore apart the Suns’ defense, with Zubac finishing the game with six dunks.
The numbers tell the story: in the 5:43 minutes that Richards was tasked with guarding Zubac, he allowed 17 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting. It was a tough matchup that exposed cracks in the Suns’ interior defense.
Phoenix strutted into halftime with a 13-point lead, a cushion built largely during moments when Nick Richards wasn’t on the floor. He was the lone Sun with a negative plus-minus at the break, posting a -4 in the first half.
Then came the third quarter, where the Suns did what they’ve become infamous for: leaving their energy back in the locker room. A lifeless 20-6 run by the Clippers obliterated that once-comfortable lead. And who was manning the center position during that collapse? You guessed it. Nick Richards.
Coach Bud decided to pull Richards with 5:52 left and he never looked back. The moment he came out of the game, the Suns went on a 10-3 run.
When I asked about riding the game out with Mason Plumlee, coach Budenholzer responded that Mason, “was playing well. His activity, both defensively and offensively. Really felt like he was everywhere.”
The truth? Mason Plumlee outshined Nick Richards in this one. It was a matchup tailor-made for him. Maybe it’s because he knows the Clippers’ system from his time there last season, but Plumlee was the Suns’ best chance to secure the win. Plain and simple.
Lord knows I’ve been driving the hype train for Nick Richards. I was all in on his addition to the Suns, believing he filled a glaring hole in the roster. But last night, and against Cleveland, was a humbling reminder: Richards has his limitations. He’s not prime Shaq. He’s not even Suns Shaq. He’ll have his moments, no doubt, but there’s a reason he’s making $5 million a year.
Some matchups just don’t suit him, and unfortunately, those tend to be against quality teams thus far. The kind of opponents you need him to thrive against. His lob threat brings a dimension to the Suns’ offense that’s been sorely missing, but it doesn’t matter if he’s stuck on the bench. Just ask Jusuf Nurkic.
Thankfully for the Suns, they have just enough depth to adjust and throw different looks at opposing teams. Mason Plumlee stepped up in a big way last night. While he didn’t light up the scoreboard — finishing with 0 points — his impact was undeniable. Plumlee posted a team-best +22 and clogged up the paint just enough to disrupt Zubac, helping the Suns hold off the Clippers.
He logged 11 critical minutes in the fourth quarter, proving his value as a defensive presence. Across three games against the Clippers this season, Plumlee has matched up with Zubac for 8 minutes and 41 possessions, holding him to just 10 points. It’s not flashy, but it’s exactly what the Suns needed.
This is why the Suns might still be in the market for another center. Sure, the idea of holding five centers sounds absurd — it’s a third of your roster — but if the Suns can somehow move off Jusuf Nurkic’s contract while adding another center, it could be the best-case scenario as the trade deadline approaches.
Bradley Beal isn’t going anywhere, and while Richards has shown flashes of value, he’ll need to prove more against the tougher competition looming ahead. Leaning on Mason Plumlee alone isn’t a sustainable solution. Having flexibility in terms of player archetypes at the center position is helpful, but ultimately, the Suns need Richards to step up.
I return to my conversation with the stranger next to me at last night’s game. Upon asking where the newly acquired center was, they responded with a question of their own. “Is that the new guy?”. I guess they aren’t on the hype train. And honestly, after last night, I can’t say I blame them.
Nick Richards’ performance exposes gaps in Suns’ center depth against quality teamsThe Phoenix Suns suffered a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, and one glaring issue that was exposed was their lack of depth at the center position. With Deandre Ayton sidelined due to injury, the Suns turned to Nick Richards to step up in his absence.
However, Richards struggled to contain the Bucks’ dominant frontcourt, as he was outmatched by the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. Richards finished the game with just 2 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes of play, highlighting the Suns’ need for a reliable backup center against quality opponents.
The Suns have relied heavily on Ayton to anchor their defense and provide rim protection, but without him on the court, they struggled to contain the Bucks’ interior scoring. This raises concerns about their center depth moving forward, especially against elite teams in the league.
It’s clear that the Suns need to address their center depth in order to compete with the best teams in the league. Whether it’s through the trade market or free agency, Phoenix must find a reliable backup center to provide support for Ayton in his absence.
Overall, Nick Richards’ performance against the Bucks exposed the Suns’ vulnerabilities at the center position, and it’s a problem that they must address sooner rather than later if they want to make a deep playoff run.
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- Phoenix Suns center depth
- Nick Richards performance
- NBA center depth analysis
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- Suns center rotation scrutiny
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KeyBank Center will be the place to be Friday night
Former Sabres player and current color analyst Rob Ray is set to become the 44th member of the team’s Hall of Fame.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Sabres will be back in action Friday night at KeyBank Center against the Nashville Predators, but there will be much more to see than the game itself.
The team will honor and celebrate former Sabres player and current color analyst Rob Ray as he is set to become the 44th member of the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame.
“Just think of Rob as the ultimate Buffalo Sabre that has been involved in this organization for a long time,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said.
The first 10,000 fans at KeyBank Center will receive a commemorative pin set.
Doors open at 5 p.m. The pregame ceremony will begin promptly at 6:05 p.m., and the event will feature tributes to Ray’s career. There will also be some appearances from other Sabres Hall of Famers.
Sabres Hall of Famers who will be in attendance include:
- Don Luce (Class of 1986)
- Larry Playfair (Class of 1998)
- Bill Hajt (Class of 2000)
- Wayne Redshaw (Class of 2000)
- Rip Simonick (Class of 2000)
- Mike Foligno (Class of 2004)
- Jim Lorentz (Class of 2010)
- Danny Gare (Class of 1994)
- Sandra Jeanneret (Representing Rick Jeanneret, Class of 2012)
- Ryan Miller (Class of 2023)
Other Sabres alumni who will be there include:
- Donald Audette
- Matthew Barnaby
- Eric Boulton
- Tim Connolly
- Randy Cunneyworth
- Jason Dawe
- Gord Donnelly
- Bob Halkidis
- Pat Kaleta
- Zenon Konopka
- Grant Ledyard
- Adam Mair
- Terry Martin
- Brad May
- Tony McKegney
- Gerry Meehan
- Scott Metcalfe
- Craig Muni
- Wilf Paiement
- Andrew Peters
- Craig Rivet
- Ric Seiling
- Darryl Shannon
- Derek Smith
- Ken Sutton
- Jason Woolley
Are you ready for an epic night of entertainment? Look no further than KeyBank Center this Friday night! With a lineup of exciting events and performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.Whether you’re a sports fan looking to catch a hockey game or a music lover eager to see your favorite band perform live, KeyBank Center has you covered. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd is buzzing, and the energy is palpable.
So grab your friends, grab your tickets, and get ready for a night to remember at KeyBank Center. Don’t miss out on the action – this Friday night, KeyBank Center will be the place to be!
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5.0When is country singer Lainey Wilson coming to Blossom Music Center?
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Country singer Lainey Wilson is bringing her 2025 “Whirlwind World Tour” to Northeast Ohio with a concert scheduled for Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7. There are a number of pre-sale opportunities, however, which are listed as follows:
The show at Blossom Music Center will feature special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Lauren Watkins.
“In just the past year, Wilson was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, performed during the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Halftime Show, won Best Country Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards, three awards at the 59th ACM Awards and two awards at the 58th CMA Awards, where she also made her hosting debut alongside Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan,” according to a press release from Live nation. “Wilson also received two awards at this year’s ACM Honors: The prestigious Triple Crown Award — presented to those who have won ACM Entertainer of the Year, Female/Male Vocalist of the Year and New Female/Male Vocalist of the Year — and the Milestone Award, which is given to an artist who has had an unprecedented or outstanding year in country music.”
“Get Ready to Party: Lainey Wilson Is Coming to Blossom Music Center!”
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