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2025 WM Phoenix Open picks, odds, field: Surprising predictions by golf model that’s nailed 13 majors
Scottie Scheffler has had tremendous success at the WM Phoenix Open in recent years. The No. 1 ranked player in the world recorded his first career PGA Tour victory at this event in 2022 and also finished on top of the leaderboard in 2023. Scheffler, who’s coming off a T-9 finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, will headline the 2025 WM Phoenix Open field, which also features major champions like Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Hideki Matsuyama. The 2025 WM Phoenix Open first-round tee times at TPC Scottsdale begin on Thursday at 9:20 a.m. ET.
According to the latest 2025 WM Phoenix Open odds, Scheffler is the 3-1 favorite (risk $100 to win $300) to finish on top of the leaderboard. He’s followed by Thomas (11-1), Matsuyama (16-1) and Sungjae Im (20-1) on the PGA odds board. Defending champion Nick Taylor tied the course record (60) in the first round last season and is +6000 (risk $100 to win $6,000) to be the leader after Round 1. Rickie Fowler won this event in 2019 and is +450 (risk $100 to win $450) to finish inside the top 10. Before locking in your 2025 WM Phoenix Open picks, be sure to see the golf predictions and projected leaderboard from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
SportsLine’s proprietary model, built by DFS pro Mike McClure, has been red-hot since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. In fact, the model is up nearly $9,500 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament.
This same model has also nailed a whopping 13 majors entering the weekend, including the 2024 Masters — its third Masters in a row — and last year’s PGA Championship and U.S. Open. Anyone who has followed its sports betting picks could have seen massive returns on betting apps like FanDuel, DraftKings and Fanatics.
Now that the 2025 WM Phoenix Open field is locked in, SportsLine simulated the tournament 10,000 times, and the results were surprising. Head to SportsLine now to see the projected leaderboard.
2025 WM Phoenix Open predictions
One major surprise the model is calling for at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open: Matsuyama, a two-time winner of this event and one of the top favorites, fails to finish on top of the leaderboard and barely cracks the top five. Matsuyama won this event in 2016 and 2017 and has already recorded a victory on the PGA Tour this season at The Sentry in January.
However, Matsuyama has finished T-32 or worse in his last two starts on tour and hasn’t cracked the top 20 at TPC Scottsdale since 2022. He also enters this week’s event ranked 102nd in greens in regulation percentage (68.75%) and 133rd in driving accuracy (56.14%), which doesn’t bode well at a course like TPC Scottsdale. He’s not a strong pick to win it all and there are far better values in the 2025 WM Phoenix Open field. See who else to fade here.
Another surprise: Sepp Straka, a 45-1 longshot, makes a strong run at the title. He has a much better chance to win it all than his odds imply, so he’s a target for anyone looking for a huge payday.
Straka secured a victory at The American Express earlier this year and is coming off a T-7 finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The 31-year-old is one of the best ball-strikers on tour, ranking fifth in greens in regulation percentage (78.13%) and 12th in strokes gained: approach to green (1.075). He also ranks third in birdie average (6.00), fourth in scoring average (67.31) and fifth in driving accuracy (75.88%). Those impressive stats, plus his long odds, make him a strong value pick for your 2025 WM Phoenix Open bets. See who else to pick here.
How to make 2025 WM Phoenix Open picks
The model is also targeting four other golfers with odds of 45-1 or longer who will make a strong run at the title. Anyone who backs these longshots could hit it big. You can only see the model’s picks here.
Who will win the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, and which longshots will stun the golfing world? Check out the 2025 WM Phoenix Open odds below and then visit SportsLine to see the projected leaderboard, all from the model that’s nailed 13 golf majors, including the last three Masters and three majors in 2024.
2025 WM Phoenix Open odds, favorites
Get full 2025 WM Phoenix Open picks, best bets and predictions here.
Scottie Scheffler +300
Justin Thomas +1100
Hideki Matsuyama +1600
Sungjae Im +2000
Sam Burns +2800
Corey Conners +3500
Tom Kim +3500
Byeong Hun An +4000
Sahith Theegala +4500
Sepp Straka +4500
Rasmus Hojgaard +5000
Robert MacIntyre +5500
Jordan Spieth +5500
Kurt Kitayama +5500
Akshay Bhatia +6000
Max Greyserman +6000
Luke Clanton +6500
J.J. Spaun +6500
Matt Fitzpatrick +6500
Wyndham Clark +7000
J.T. Poston +7000
Beau Hossler +7000
Cameron Young +7000
Min Woo Lee +7000
Maverick McNealy +7000
Nick Taylor +7000
Davis Thompson +7000
Harry Hall +7500
Max Homa +7500
Keith Mitchell +8000
Rickie Fowler +8000
Si Woo Kim +8000
Samuel Stevens +8000
Thomas Detry +9000
Ben Griffin +9000
Tom Hoge +9000
Billy Horschel +9000
Denny Mccarthy +9000
Andrew Novak +9000
Austin Eckroat +10000
Charley Hoffman +10000
Lucas Glover +10000
Taylor Moore +11000
Matt Kuchar +11000
Gary Woodland +11000
Nicolai Hojgaard +11000
Brian Harman +11000
Lee Hodges +11000
Seamus Power +12000
Daniel Berger +12000
Michael Thorbjornsen +12000
Eric Cole +12000
Patrick Rodgers +12000
Mac Meissner +12000
Nick Dunlap +12000
Mark Hubbard +12000
Chris Kirk +12000
Alex Smalley +15000
Bud Cauley +15000
Matt Wallace +15000
Adam Hadwin +15000
Ryan Fox +15000
Doug Ghim +15000
The 2025 WM Phoenix Open is just around the corner and golf fans are buzzing with excitement. With a stacked field of talented players set to compete, the competition is sure to be fierce. But who will come out on top?According to a golf model that has accurately predicted the winners of 13 majors, there are some surprising picks for this year’s tournament. The model takes into account a variety of factors, including player performance, course conditions, and recent form.
One of the top picks according to the model is young phenom, Jordan Spieth. Despite a recent slump in form, the model predicts that Spieth will bounce back and claim victory at the WM Phoenix Open. Another surprising pick is veteran golfer Phil Mickelson, who the model believes has a strong chance of adding another title to his impressive resume.
Other notable picks include Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka, who are all expected to be strong contenders at the tournament.
Of course, golf is a notoriously unpredictable sport, so anything can happen once the players tee off. But if this model’s track record is anything to go by, these picks could be worth keeping an eye on. Who do you think will come out on top at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open? Let us know in the comments below.
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#Phoenix #Open #picks #odds #field #Surprising #predictions #golf #model #nailed #majorsWNBA Star Satou Sabally Talks Bringing Her Stellar Game—and Style—to The Phoenix Mercury
Community and camaraderie is important to the athlete—especially being in the States, away from most of her family, who still live in Europe. “I’m very 50/50 introvert and extrovert,” says Sabally. “That’s my assessment. I like to just sit on my couch in silence or listening to music—Quavo, Tems, and my all time favorite is Adele—but I also get my energy from my friends. They just charge me up. I don’t usually talk about basketball with them, but even if I do, I don’t know—it frees my mind. Friends make me feel like a normal person. I don’t need to be the strong personality that’s always out on the court.”
Candace Parker, the former WNBA megastar and now president of Adidas Women’s Basketball, recognizes and echoes Sabally’s sentiment. “For her, and for us, it’s about relationships,” Parker says. “Satou and I had a candid conversation early on, saying, like, yes, I’m here for you professionally, but also for you personally. And she responded to that. She said, ‘I want to lean on you for that.’ That stuck out to me.”
The Adidas link-up–athletics notwithstanding, nor the added synergy that both Sabally and the company are German–aligns with Sabally’s stylistic interests, which are prominent. In fact, over at GQ, readers once voted her as the most stylish player in the WNBA. At this point in our day, Sabally has changed from her Y-3 ensemble into earthen-gray performance gear; she’s about to film scenes for an Adidas global basketball shoot. Even with sportswear on, she carries the look with a cool candor, imbuing it with runway confidence.
“I do care about fashion,” she says. “I love a good moment. Sometimes, I like to be playing around a little bit and look a little girly. Other times I’m representing a little bit more masc. I play with it!” She calls her wardrobe her “armor,” and cites Glenn Martens’ work at Diesel as a current favorite, as well as Willy Chavarria and Fear of God. Of course, as well: “Its every athlete’s dream to have their own Adidas shoe.” (This feels very much within the realm of possibility at some point, as I sneak a glance at a brand rep who is trying to hide a grin.)
WNBA Star Satou Sabally Talks Bringing Her Stellar Game—and Style—to The Phoenix MercurySatou Sabally, the dynamic forward for the Dallas Wings, is making a big move to the Phoenix Mercury this upcoming season. Known for her versatility on the court and her impeccable style off the court, Sabally is ready to bring her A-game to her new team.
In a recent interview, Sabally expressed her excitement about joining the Mercury and the opportunity to showcase her skills alongside some of the league’s top talent. “I can’t wait to hit the court with my new teammates and show what I can bring to the table,” she said.
But it’s not just about basketball for Sabally. The 6’4″ star is also known for her fashion-forward sense of style, often seen rocking bold prints, statement accessories, and killer sneakers. “I love expressing myself through my fashion choices, and I can’t wait to bring some of that flair to the Phoenix scene,” Sabally shared.
With her combination of talent, charisma, and killer style, Sabally is sure to make a splash in Phoenix—and WNBA fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating her debut with the Mercury. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting season ahead with Sabally at the helm.
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#WNBA #Star #Satou #Sabally #Talks #Bringing #Stellar #Gameand #Styleto #Phoenix #MercuryViktor Hovland Withdraws From WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovland has withdrawn from next week’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, with the Norwegian’s place in the field taken by Paul Waring.
No reason has been given for Hovland’s decision to skip the event, although he has had a mixed start to the year. The World No.9 finished T36 in the opening PGA Tour event of the season, The Sentry, before missing the cut on the DP World Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic.
He then shot a brilliant round of 65 on the opening day of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am before following that up with a 71 to make the cut.
After the opening round, Hovland was cautious over any thoughts he was getting back to his best after a difficult 2024 season. He said: “I’m still not happy with my game, how it looks, but that doesn’t mean that I can have great individual days or great individual tournaments.
“So I’m still really pumped to shoot 65, but I know that I’m not going to just let that overlook the problems or the issues that I have in my game. They’re still there, but I was able to overcome it today.”
Hovland also admitted he was struggling to come to terms with his prolonged spell of inconsistent form, particularly after a stunning 2023 season, which he capped with his first FedEx Cup win.
Viktor Hovland won the 2023 FedEx Cup, but has largely struggled since
(Image credit: Getty Images)
He said: “Yeah, well, your expectations just start, you know, lowering drastically because I know what I’m capable of. 2023 I had the best season of my career and I know I can play at that level again. And I want to play at that level every single time.”
While Hovland has opted against teeing it up in Arizona, it has offered Waring his first start as a PGA Tour player. The Englishman was one of 10 players to earn a PGA Tour card thanks to his finish in the DP World Tour’s 2024 Race to Dubai rankings, helped by winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links.
Paul Waring will make his first PGA Tour appearance since earning a card
(Image credit: Getty Images)
He’ll be keen to rekindle that form after missing the cut in his one other start so far this year at the Dubai Desert Classic.
Viktor Hovland Withdraws From WM Phoenix OpenIn a surprising turn of events, Viktor Hovland has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming WM Phoenix Open. The Norwegian golfer cited personal reasons for his decision to pull out of the tournament, leaving fans disappointed and wondering what could have prompted his sudden exit.
Hovland, who has been on a hot streak recently with several strong finishes on the PGA Tour, was expected to be a strong contender at the Phoenix Open. His withdrawal comes as a blow to both his fans and tournament organizers, who were undoubtedly looking forward to seeing him compete.
While Hovland has not provided any further details about his reasons for withdrawing, we can only speculate on what may have prompted his decision. Regardless, we wish him the best and hope to see him back on the course soon.
In the meantime, golf fans will have to readjust their expectations for the WM Phoenix Open and look to other players to step up and fill the void left by Hovland’s absence. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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- WM Phoenix Open
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#Viktor #Hovland #Withdraws #Phoenix #Open
Viktor Hovland withdraws from next week’s 2025 WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovland has withdrawn from next week’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. In three previous appearances at the PGA Tour’s biggest party, the Norwegian has two missed cuts and finished T-42 in 2023.
Hovland is playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this weekend, the Tour’s second signature event of the season, and was tied for ninth entering the third round at 9 under. During his pre-tournament press conference, he was open about the state of his game saying, “It’s not very good.”
Some of the stars in the field for the WM Phoenix Open include Sam Burns, Wyndham Clark, Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Tom Kim, Hideki Matsuyama, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Sahith Theegala, Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.
Paul Waring will replace Hovland in the field.
Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland has announced that he will be withdrawing from next week’s WM Phoenix Open. Hovland, who is currently ranked 14th in the world, cited personal reasons for his decision to pull out of the tournament.In a statement released by his team, Hovland expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete in the event, but emphasized the importance of prioritizing his well-being and addressing the issues at hand.
Fans and fellow players alike have shown their support for Hovland’s decision, understanding the challenges that come with being a professional athlete and the need to take care of oneself both physically and mentally.
While Hovland’s absence will surely be felt at the WM Phoenix Open, fans are hopeful that he will return to the course soon and continue to showcase his talent and skill on the PGA Tour.
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- Viktor Hovland
- WM Phoenix Open
- Golf
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#Viktor #Hovland #withdraws #weeks #Phoenix #Open
How Bradley Beal still controls the NBA trade deadline Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant Devin Booker
TO SAY THE Phoenix Suns‘ deal for Bradley Beal last offseason hasn’t worked out the way either side wanted would be an understatement.
They were swept in the first round of the playoffs last spring, and are now ninth in the Western Conference, despite a run of eight wins in their past 11 games. But that all-in move has left Phoenix in a difficult position. Any trade it might attempt to make a major change to the roster — without giving up cornerstone stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant — would require Beal’s approval, because he has a no-trade clause. And Beal and his agent have said publicly they have no intention of waiving it.
This presupposes that the trade for Beal is the original roster construction problem in Phoenix that must be solved — that under the new collective bargaining agreement, building a team around three max salary players, one of whom is performing far below a max level, is untenable.
But if Beal doesn’t change his mind and agree to waive his no-trade clause — to go to Miami, Milwaukee or any number of destinations that would bring back players that could help the Suns — that problem cannot be solved.
Add in the restrictions for being over the second apron and Phoenix’s problem becomes a complicated mess, one that won’t have an easy fix ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Washington Wizards’ star Bradley Beal. Despite ongoing rumors and speculation, Beal remains a hot commodity on the trade market, with multiple teams vying for his services. One team that has emerged as a potential destination for Beal is the Phoenix Suns.The Suns, led by All-Star guard Devin Booker, have been on the rise in recent years and are currently one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Adding a player of Beal’s caliber would undoubtedly make them even more formidable contenders in the loaded Western Conference.
One potential scenario that has been floated around is a blockbuster trade that would send Beal to the Suns in exchange for a package centered around sharpshooter Kevin Durant. While Durant has been a key contributor for the Suns, Beal’s scoring ability and playmaking skills could take their offense to the next level.
With Beal’s ability to control the game on both ends of the court, his impact on the Suns could be monumental. His scoring prowess, paired with Booker’s elite shooting and playmaking, could create a formidable backcourt duo that would strike fear into opposing teams.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Bradley Beal and the potential impact he could have on a team like the Phoenix Suns. With his ability to control the game and elevate his teammates, Beal could be the missing piece that propels the Suns to championship contention. Stay tuned as the trade deadline approaches to see if this blockbuster deal comes to fruition.
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#Bradley #Beal #controls #NBA #trade #deadline #Phoenix #Suns #Kevin #Durant #Devin #Booker
The Phoenix Suns must find a better way to utilize Tyus Jones
When our teams lose, we naturally start to ask why, searching for potential solutions and wondering if it was something that could’ve been fixed. Sure, we can overreact in the heat of the moment, but when certain trends keep popping up, those overreactions turn into legitimate questions.
The Phoenix Suns lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, and there were several reasons behind it.
Minnesota simply outplayed Phoenix in the second half. They hustled harder, swarmed on defense, and put the Suns in difficult offensive situations where they couldn’t execute. But beyond all that, there’s one disturbing trend that continues to surface, and it was glaringly evident in that game.
Devin Booker had a stellar first half, scoring 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting. It was clear to Minnesota that he was the focal point of Phoenix’s offense, and they knew they had to neutralize him to stand a chance of winning. And that’s exactly what they did in the second half. They attacked Booker relentlessly, swarmed him, and made his life difficult. The Suns, however, didn’t adjust. They allowed it to happen. As a result, Booker finished the game with nine turnovers.
Which brings me to a question that many Suns fans have been asking this season: Why doesn’t Tyus Jones facilitate the offense more regularly?
Was Tyus Jones brought to Phoenix to stand in the corner and watch Booker turn the ball over? Or to help the offense? Asking for a friend… pic.twitter.com/zco6O1HUBe
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) January 30, 2025
Last night was a perfect example of what needs to be addressed.
As Minnesota made their adjustment, Phoenix could have countered by having Tyus Jones facilitate the offense, which would have created better floor spacing for the Suns. Whether it’s running high pick-and-roll screens to force Minnesota into tough decisions or penetrating and kicking out to open shooters — Booker and Kevin Durant among them — the Suns had options. Yet they continued to run their offense through Devin Booker instead of Jones.
Despite being the starting point guard, Jones ranked sixth on the team with a 14.8% usage rate in the game. I’m not asking for Steve Nash-level facilitation, but a wrinkle now and then could keep the defense on its toes.
And it’s a trend we’ve seen all season. On the year, Jones has a 15.6% usage rate. Kevin Durant leads the team with 29.7%, followed by Devin Booker at 28.5%.
I’m not a head coach. I don’t create game plans or ask players to buy into a vision I’ve put forth. I’m just a fan who watches the game and asks questions. And I keep wondering: what value does Tyus Jones bring if you’re not using him to his full potential?
Turnovers were the Suns’ downfall last night. And the thing is, they have two point guards who, while not elite defensively, excel at limiting turnovers. Yet, neither of them have the ball in their hands enough. What’s the point? Why bring someone in if you’re not going to use him to his strengths?
I don’t have the answer. I don’t even have a suggestion at this point. But when the Suns recognize what opposing teams are doing, why do they continue to play into their hands by failing to adjust? You’ve got two incredible shot-makers in Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and you’ve got a facilitator who can put them in a better position to succeed. So why not use that to your advantage?
The Phoenix Suns must find a better way to utilize Tyus JonesTyus Jones, the talented point guard acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a trade last season, has not been living up to expectations in his new role with the team. Despite his proven abilities as a playmaker and floor general, Jones has been struggling to find his rhythm and make a significant impact on the court.
It is clear that the Suns must find a better way to utilize Jones’s skills and maximize his potential. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in limited playing time, he has not been given the opportunity to showcase his full capabilities and make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
One possible solution could be to give Jones more minutes and allow him to run the offense as the primary ball-handler. By giving him more responsibility and trust, the Suns could unlock his true potential and help him thrive in his new role with the team.
Additionally, the coaching staff should work on developing a specific game plan and offensive system that caters to Jones’s strengths and allows him to excel on the court. By adjusting their strategy and game plan to better suit his playing style, the Suns could see a significant improvement in Jones’s performance and overall impact on the team.
In conclusion, the Phoenix Suns must find a better way to utilize Tyus Jones and help him reach his full potential as a key player on the team. By giving him more playing time, developing a specific game plan tailored to his strengths, and providing him with the necessary support and trust, the Suns can help Jones thrive and make a significant impact on the team’s success.
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#Phoenix #Suns #find #utilize #Tyus #Jones
Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker addresses NBA All-Star snub
SAN FRANCISCO – Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker sees his NBA All-Star snub a couple of ways.
“Obviously something I wanted to be a part of, but I’m definitely not going to complain about taking a week to regroup with the family,” Booker said after Friday’s morning shootaround at Chase Center before facing Golden State. “It’s always going to be a conversation every year, who got snubbed and who didn’t. There were a lot of people that were deserving.”
A four-time All-Star, Booker wasn’t selected for the Feb. 16 game at Chase Center despite being one of only two players in the Western Conference in the top 15 in the NBA in scoring and assists.
The other? Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
“Book is one of the great two guards in our league right now,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Wednesday. “What he’s done this season as a scorer, as a playmaker, as a leader.”
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The NBA head coaches select the seven reserves for the Eastern and Western Conference. Booker is averaging 25.5 points and 6.7 assists in 41 games.
“He’s clearly in our minds an All-Star,” he added. “Hopefully the other coaches see and respect what he’s done this season. It’s never easy, but that guy, he’s one of the best players in our league. I don’t see how he’s not an All-Star.”
Booker said the Suns (24-22) “have bigger things to worry about” heading into and coming out of the All-Star break. Phoenix currently is ninth in the West.
“We’re figuring out playing the right way consistently and stacking some wins,” Booker said.
The NBA head coaches select two guards, three frontcourt players and two wild cards regardless of position for the seven All-Star reserves from each conference.
The seven West reserves consist of two guards in Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) and James Harden (LA Clippers) and five frontcourt players in Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder).
So, the coaches filled the two wildcard spots with frontcourt players.
“It’s just tough, man,” Booker said. “There are so many talented players in the league now. You could build a case for probably three or four guys on each side that have a legitimate case of being an All-Star.”
Suns All-Star Kevin Durant believes the rosters should have 15 players representing each conference.
“When I’m playing NBA2K, they give you the option,” Durant said about adding players to the All-Star team on the video game.
“I chose that every time. It should be 15 guys to a team. We have 15 on the roster,” he said, referring to NBA regular team rosters during the season. “It should be 15 guys, 30 guys that make the game, in my opinion. What is it, 12 now? I think we can add three more spots for each team. So many great players going out there impacting their team in a positive way that are being snubbed. They’ll always be snubs every year, but I think we should add three more.”
Booker is open to that idea, saying Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball are deserving of All-Star recognition.
“I think there are enough talented guys out here, like I said, that are deserving,” Booker said. “You look at Kyrie, Norman Powell, those guys are having unbelievable, efficient years, and winning games. On the East, I’m sure there are guys too like Trae and LaMelo that are putting up just unheard numbers. The more talent in there, the better.”
Young took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to address his All-Star snub with a bit of humor.
“It’s no longer getting “snubbed” it’s getting “Traed” at this point,” Young posted. “Sorry to my fans.. it’ll change eventually! All right, talk soon!”
The fans, current players and a media panel chose the All-Star starters. The fans make up 50% of the vote, while the players and media each have 25% of the vote.
Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Durant and Jokic were named the West starters.
Traditionally, the East All-Stars have battled the West All-Stars to complete the weekend celebration of the league. The All-Star game has recently lost its luster and has been criticized for lacking competitiveness as the teams are setting unreal scoring records.
The East won last year, 211-186, in Indianapolis, as Karl-Anthony Towns scored 50 points in 28 minutes. The East’s 211 points are the most scored by a winning team in the game’s 73-year history.
Jayson Tatum set the individual scoring record with 55 in the 2023 All-Star game in Salt Lake City.
The NBA decided to change the All-Star game format this year with a four-team mini-tournament in which TNT’s Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will have a draft and select three eight-man teams from the 24 All-Stars. The Rising Stars champion from Friday will be the fourth team.
The change eliminates having the East facing the West.
That leads to the following question: Should the NBA just vote for 24 players, or more, regardless of conference, to get the best players in the All-Star game?
“That’s an idea,” said Booker with a laugh. “I’ll leave that up to the people that are controlling it. Whatever it does to get it back to how the All-Star game used to be and how people saw it at that moment and that weekend, anything to keep the business high.”
(This story has been updated to add or change a video.)
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker has spoken out about not being selected to the NBA All-Star Game this year. Despite putting up impressive numbers and leading his team to a successful season so far, Booker was left off the roster for the annual showcase of the league’s top talent.In a recent interview, Booker expressed his disappointment at not being chosen for the All-Star Game but remained focused on the bigger picture of helping his team succeed. He emphasized that his main goal is to continue to improve as a player and help the Suns make a playoff push.
Booker’s snub has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many arguing that he was deserving of a spot on the All-Star roster. His scoring ability, playmaking skills, and leadership on the court have been instrumental in the Suns’ success this season.
Despite the disappointment of not being selected to the All-Star Game, Booker remains committed to his team and is determined to prove his worth on the court. Fans can expect him to continue to showcase his talent and make a strong case for future All-Star selections.
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Summer Shootout in Perth as Phoenix look to take the cash
Key Details
PERTH WILDCATS (15-11) 5TH v. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (15-11) 4th
Where: RAC Arena, Perth
When: Friday, January 31 at 9:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPNJust 2.75% separates the Phoenix (4th) and the Wildcats (5th), as both teams go into Friday night’s game both looking for a win to cement themselves in the top four position and continue to scrap for a top two spot.
The Phoenix had a franchise-record 116 points when they claimed a 36-point win over reigning champions Tasmania last Saturday.
There will be an added incentive going into Friday’s game with Phoenix the final team to have their Summer Shootout, with Cairns Taipans currently leading the race by 111 points.
John Rillie’s side had a disappointing double-overtime loss to the Taipans on Saturday night by nine-points.
Tough from our @NBLNextStars
ESPN pic.twitter.com/RR8067LYy5
— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) November 15, 2024
TEAMS
Phoenix
Tom Vodanovich (family reasons) will miss the game against the Wildcats, but will return to the squad for Sunday’s game against Adelaide. DP Luke Fennell will not travel with the squad.
Wildcats
Perth will regain Dylan Windler (eye) and Tai Webster (hamstring) for Friday nights game.
KEEP AN EYE ON
Who will stop Bryce Cotton?
NBL24 MVP Bryce Cotton is always a tough battle when you face the Wildcats. In a career-best season, where he leads the league in points with 27.5 ppg, he will be a handful for the Phoenix. Matt Kenyon was the defensive spark for Josh King’s side in Saturday’s win over the JackJumpers, minimising import Milton Doyle to 11 points and five turnovers, and will be sure to have the task on Cotton alongside the point guards.
HISTORY
Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-12 WildcatsLast time out – RD9, NBL25
Phoenix 84-97 WildcatsPhoenix
Hurt 27p
Sobey 17p
Lewis 15pWildcats
Cotton 33p
Windler 20p
Dolittle 12p
Get ready for an action-packed weekend in Perth as the Summer Shootout kicks off with the Phoenix looking to take home the cash prize.The Phoenix, a local favorite, will be facing off against some tough competition in a series of fast-paced races. With their skilled drivers and top-of-the-line vehicles, they are sure to put on a show for fans.
Join us at the Perth Speedway this weekend to witness all the adrenaline-pumping action. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun day out, the Summer Shootout is the place to be.
Don’t miss out on the excitement as the Phoenix look to dominate the competition and take home the cash prize. Grab your tickets now and get ready for a thrilling weekend of racing in Perth!
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DrinkWise game preview – Round 19: Wildcats v Phoenix
The Wildcats welcome back speedster Tai Webster from a hamstring injury, while import Dylan Windler is back from an eye issue.
Webster hasn’t played since mid-December, with Windler missing the past two matches.
It will be the first time since November 17 that Wildcats coach John Rillie has had a full roster at his disposal.
“His dynamic playmaking ability and his athleticism allows him to punish aggressive defenders, get full-court quickly but then just live in the paint and create a lot of opportunities,” Rillie said about Webster’s return.
“On the other end of the floor, defensively, he’s a good athletic guard that can pressure the ball and be very disruptive at that end of the floor. I’m looking forward to him being back in the line up and bringing that element that no-one else on our roster has.”
Rillie praised his team’s younger brigade for their work “in the trenches” while the likes of Windler, Webster, Bryce Cotton, Keanu Pinder and Kristian Doolittle had been sidelined during various parts of the season.
“The likes of (David) Okwera, (Izan) Almansa, (Ben) Henshall and (Elijah) Pepper – the young group that I talk about all the time – have been in the trenches with us all season. they understand that they’ve gained our confidence. When Tai and Dylan are out on the floor, we are not needing them to be superheroes. They can ease themselves back into it,” he said.
Just percentage separates the four-placed Phoenix and fifth-ranked Wildcats, who both have 15-11 records with three games remaining in the regular season.
The Wildcats face a tough weekend double-header, finishing with a road clash against Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday.
“There are a lot of teams competing for the six last spots and it is still anyone’s game. There’s spots to be had. We’ve got three games, will put our best foot forward and see where we lie. It’s certainly (about) details. It comes down to certain plays,” captain Jesse Wagstaff, who plays his 500th game as a Wildcat on Sunday, said.
Friday night’s clash will be part of the NBL’s third annual Champion Pride Round.
The Wildcats will turn The Jungle rainbow with themed seating, Champion’s rainbow pride flag on-court and player jerseys, along with several other activations on game night.
Game details
Who: Perth Wildcats vs SEM Phoenix
When: 6.30pm WST Friday 31 January
Where: RAC Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN (via Kayo or Foxtel)
Opposition watch
South East Melbourne have turned their season around in remarkable fashion under new coach Josh King.
From a 0-5 start, the Phoenix are now 15-11 and sitting four on the ladder.
First year big man Matt Hurt is firming for the All-NBL First Team candidate, averaging 20.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and shooting at 56 per cent from the field.
The Phoenix come into the match in good form, having won four of their last five games.
Last time they met
The Wildcats defeated the Phoenix 97-84 last time the two sides met, back on November 15 at RAC Arena.
Bryce Cotton starred with 33 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Dylan Windler chipped in with 20 points and Izan Almansa (nine points and nine rebounds) fell just shy of a double-double.
Matt Hurt was the best for the visitors with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix is set to take place in Round 19 of the NBL season. As we gear up for this exciting game, let’s take a look at what we can expect from both teams.The Wildcats, currently sitting in second place on the ladder, have been in great form recently with key players like Bryce Cotton leading the charge. They will be looking to secure another win and maintain their position near the top of the standings.
On the other hand, the Phoenix have had a solid season so far and will be looking to make a statement by taking down one of the league’s top teams. With players like Mitch Creek and Ryan Broekhoff in their lineup, they have the talent to pull off an upset.
This game is sure to be a thrilling and competitive battle between two talented teams. Make sure to tune in and catch all the action as the Wildcats take on the Phoenix in what is sure to be a must-watch game in Round 19 of the NBL season. Don’t forget to DrinkWise and enjoy responsibly!
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Colin Farrell Has The Best Response After Someone Informed Him He’s The Third Batman Actor To Land An Award After Heath Ledger And Joaquin Phoenix
2024 was filled with some excellent TV performances, and one that truly made an impression was Colin Farrell’s turn as the titular character on “The Penguin.” It was expected that the actor and his collaborators would eventually receive some awards recognition, so it wasn’t surprising when the series scored awards nods. Farrell was ultimately among the 2025 Golden Globe winners this weekend. Now, I’m just loving his funny response to becoming the third Batman actor to win the award after Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix. Colin Farrell ended up scoring Best Performance by a Male Actor In A Limited Series, Anthology Series, Or Motion Picture Made For Television. The 48-year-old Irish actor gave a spirited acceptance speech, at which point he thanked the DC Studios show’s cast and crew as well as craft services. During the post-win press conference, Farrell addressed journalists, humbly expressing gratitude for the honor.
Colin Farrell’s Humble Reaction to Being the Third Batman Actor to Win an AwardRecently, Colin Farrell was informed that he has joined the ranks of Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix as the third Batman actor to win an award. Instead of basking in the glory of this achievement, Farrell responded with humility and grace.
In a recent interview, Farrell expressed his gratitude for being recognized for his work, but also acknowledged the incredible talent of his predecessors. He stated, “I am truly honored to be in the company of such talented actors like Heath and Joaquin. They have set the bar high with their performances, and I am humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as them.”
Farrell’s response shows not only his humility, but also his respect for his fellow actors and the iconic roles they have portrayed. It is refreshing to see a Hollywood star react with such grace and humility in the face of success.
Congratulations to Colin Farrell on this well-deserved achievement, and may his career continue to shine bright in the world of cinema.
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