Logan Thompson: 14-2-2, 2.38 GAA, .916 save percentage
Game notes
One more time in 2024! This calendar year has had its ups and downs for the Bruins, but they’ll have a chance to head into 2025 on a positive note if they can win this afternoon.
These two teams last faced each other a little more than a week ago, a 4-1 Bruins win at TD Garden. That game was one the B’s better all-around games of the season, a game in which they allowed less than a dozen shots on goal. Here’s to hoping they can replicate that success.
In that game, the Bruins faced Charlie Lindgren, who has split time in the crease with Logan Thompson but has been second-best for the Caps. Lindgren started the Caps’ loss to Detroit on Sunday, so I’d imagine we’ll see Thompson today.
Alex Ovechkin, who recovered from a broken leg at warp speed, continued his assault on the all-time goals record, humbly scoring in each of his first two games back. The Russian Machine has seven goals in his last four games on either side of the injury.
After spending much of the season at the top of the NHL’s standings, the Caps now find themselves second in their division after New Jersey’s recent strong run of play. Still, the Caps remain a top-five team in both team offense (3rd at 3.67 GF/G) and team defense (5th at 2.64 GA/G), so it’s not like they’ve cooled off all that much.
As you’ve heard by now, the Bruins returned Fabian Lysell to Providence after his NHL debut on Saturday night.
In case you forgot and want to watch some other hockey today as well, this year’s Winter Classic will take place at 5 PM this evening at Wrigley Field in Chicago, with the Blackhawks facing the Blues.
That game will feature a slight Bruins-related wrinkle, as Jim Montgomery and Claude Julien (assistant with the Blues) will be able to say they coached games in two of America’s most famous stadiums.
(I also had no idea Claude was an assistant with the Blues. The more you know, etc.)
See ya tonight today!
The Boston Bruins will be heading to the nation’s capital to close out the year 2024 with a matinee matchup against the Washington Capitals. This will be a crucial game for the Bruins as they look to secure a spot in the playoffs and build momentum heading into the new year.
The Bruins have had a solid season so far, with key players like Patrice Bergeron and Charlie McAvoy leading the way. However, they will need to bring their A-game against the Capitals, who are always a tough opponent.
The Capitals, led by superstar Alex Ovechkin, have been playing well and are currently sitting at the top of the standings. This will be a challenging test for the Bruins, but they have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league.
Fans can expect an exciting and fast-paced game as these two teams battle it out on the ice. Will the Bruins come out on top and close out the year with a win, or will the Capitals prove to be too much to handle? Be sure to tune in to find out!
Here’s where we rely on bracket dynamics. When we get amazing upsets and Cinderella stories in one round of a tournament, order is usually restored with chalky outcomes in the next. And when we begin with extreme chalk, as we did in the first round of the College Football Playoff, we get some thrilling, tight, heavyweight matchups in the next round.
Or maybe we get the best of both worlds? The first-ever CFP quarterfinals start with another pair of potential underdog stories, with Boise State (against Penn State) and Arizona State (against Texas) making their playoff debuts. But we follow that with two games that feature evenly matched opponents: Ohio State and Oregon meet in a rematch of a one-point regular-season battle, then Georgia and Notre Dame square off for the fourth time. The first three meetings were decided by a total of 14 points, and this one has a 2-point spread.
The first round might have been blowout-heavy, but trust bracket dynamics. Here’s everything you need to know about the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
As we gear up for the highly anticipated College Football Playoff quarterfinals, here’s a breakdown of the upcoming matchups:
1. Alabama vs. Michigan State:
The top-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the fourth-seeded Michigan State Spartans in what is sure to be a thrilling showdown. Alabama’s high-powered offense, led by star quarterback Bryce Young, will face off against Michigan State’s stingy defense, anchored by standout linebacker Quavaris Crouch. Can the Spartans pull off the upset, or will the Crimson Tide continue their dominance on the road to another national championship?
2. Georgia vs. Ohio State:
The second-seeded Georgia Bulldogs will square off against the third-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes in a clash of titans. Georgia’s suffocating defense, led by standout defensive lineman Jordan Davis, will have their hands full against Ohio State’s explosive offense, led by Heisman Trophy finalist CJ Stroud. Will the Bulldogs’ defense be able to contain the Buckeyes’ potent attack, or will Ohio State punch their ticket to the next round?
Stay tuned as we witness these epic matchups unfold in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Who will emerge victorious and move one step closer to glory? Don’t miss a minute of the action!
The Granddaddy of Them All could give birth to this year’s national champion.
13 – 0 (10-0)
Jan. 1, 2025 – 5 pm et
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA
Eighth-seeded Ohio State, now among the favorites to win the College Football Playoff after a 42-17 dismemberment of ninth-seeded Tennessee in the first round, clashes with top-seeded Oregon, which beat the Buckeyes in a 32-31 instant classic in Eugene earlier this season. The winner of their rematch in the Rose Bowl for the CFP quarterfinals will reserve a date in Arlington, Texas, to face the winner of fifth-seeded Texas and fourth-seeded Arizona State in the Cotton Bowl with a date in the National Championship Game on the line.
Oregon is the last unbeaten team standing in college football, but that doesn’t mean the Ducks are without vulnerabilities. Sixth-seeded Penn State, also in the CFP quarterfinals, rushed the ball for 292 yards against them in the Big Ten Championship Game, and Oregon’s defense as a whole is just 55th nationally in yards allowed per carry (four).
That might not be the first area where the Bucks seek to shoot down the Ducks, however, as it’s the passing game that reignited Ohio State’s offense against the Volunteers, though there were run-game successes too. On the other side of the ball, an otherwise dominant Buckeye defense gets a chance to avenge the biggest blemish on its résumé this season.
All those stakes will play out before one of the sport’s most picturesque backdrops in Pasadena, California.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl,” Ryan Day said on Dec. 23. “The tradition of the Rose Bowl in the Big Ten obviously is well-documented and we understand that. This will actually be my third time being at the Rose Bowl and every time we go it’s a great experience.
“And you’ll certainly have a great opponent in Oregon, a lot of respect for them. Looking forward to the rematch. … I think when you think about some of the greatest venues there are in college football, certainly Pasadena and the Rose Bowl is right at the top of the list.”
The Headlines
Attack Early With the Pass
The Ohio State offense’s struggles against Michigan get much more attention for obvious reasons after a 13-10 loss in what is annually the regular season’s most important game, but the cracks were there the week before against Indiana following center Seth McLaughlin’s season-ending injury.
Stripping away TreVeyon Henderson’s 39-yard run with the game well in-hand in the waning minutes, Ohio State rushed for just 76 yards on 28 carries against the Hoosiers, a meager 2.7 yards per carry. Day even said after the victory over the Volunteers that the offense had been struggling even in that Indiana game, a 38-15 win aided in the scoring column by the team’s first punt return touchdown in a decade.
The Buckeyes saw a massive resurgence against Tennessee, both from their offense as a whole and their running game. Will Howard tossed the pigskin for more than 300 yards for the second time this season – the other being the first time Ohio State played Oregon – and OSU picked up 4.7 yards per carry. Its offensive line saw a rebound thanks in part to a rotation of Tegra Tshabola, Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery at offensive guard and stuck almost exclusively to gap schemes on the ground.
“I certainly thought we got good double teams on the inside guys, and I thought our pullers did a nice job on the defensive ends and the second pullers getting to the next level,” Day said. “I thought our running backs ran through contact and ran with velocity.”
Perhaps the bigger part of the offense’s rebound was its aggressive game plan, however. Ohio State came out and dialed up five pass plays out of six total play calls on its opening drive, including a 37-yard bomb from Howard to Jeremiah Smith for the contest’s first salvo.
JEREMIAH SMITH OPENS THE SCORING IN COLUMBUS WITH AN UNREAL GRAB
The Buckeyes would be advised to rely on the pass to open up their ground game once again against the Ducks. While Oregon’s pass defense is much better than its run defense statistically, ranked ninth nationally in the former and 33rd in the latter, there may be no group of defensive backs in the country that can consistently cover Ohio State’s world-beating wide receiver trio of Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate.
As was seen in the Tennessee game, if a defense is spaced out through the air, it becomes easier to run the football. That’s how the Buckeyes could establish balance on offense, as Day and Chip Kelly consistently preach – but either way, the plan should be to come out aggressive and sling the pigskin.
Vengeance in the Valley
Projected Starters
Ohio State
Pos
Oregon
OFFENSE
WILL HOWARD
QB
DILLON GABRIEL
TREVEYON HENDERSON
RB
JORDAN JAMES
JEREMIAH SMITH
WR
TRAESHON HOLDEN
CARNELL TATE
WR
EVAN STEWART
EMEKA EGBUKA
WR
TEZ JOHNSON
GEE SCOTT JR.
TE
TERRANCE FERGUSON
DONOVAN JACKSON
LT
JOSH CONERLY JR.
AUSTIN SIEREVELD
LG
NISHAD STROTHER
CARSON HINZMAN
C
IAPANI LALOULU
TEGRA TSHABOLA
RG
DAVE IULI
JOSH FRYAR
RT
AJANI CORNELIUS
DEFENSE
JT TUIMOLOAU
DE
JORDAN BURCH
TYLEIK WILLIAMS
DT
DERRICK HARMON
TY HAMILTON
DT
JAMAREE CALDWELL
JACK SAWYER
DE/OLB
TEITUM TUIOTI
SONNY STYLES
WLB
JEFFREY BASSA
CODY SIMON
MLB
BRYCE BOETTCHER
JORDAN HANCOCK
NB
BRANDON JOHNSON
DENZEL BURKE
CB
JABBAR MUHAMMAD
DAVISON IGBINOSUN
CB
NIKKO REED
CALEB DOWNS
FS
KOBE SAVAGE
LATHAN RANSOM
SS
TYSHEEM JOHNSON
For 12 of its 13 games this season, Ohio State’s defense has dominated.
Only one team has scored more than 17 points against the Buckeyes. Only one team has thrown for more than 201 yards against them. Only one team has averaged more than 5.1 yards per play against them.
In all three instances, that team is Oregon, which scored 31 points off of 341 passing yards and 7.6 yards per play vs. Ohio State on Oct. 12. The Buckeyes are the nation’s No. 1 scoring and total defense this season, but on that night in Autzen Stadium, they were forced to play the fool.
Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel completed 23 of 34 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score. Cornerback Denzel Burke had the worst performance of his career, allowing seven catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets, per Pro Football Focus.
In 18 targets across seven games since then, Burke has surrendered just 13 catches for 120 yards. Tennessee targeted him just once and the pass was incomplete. His mentality going into Wednesday isn’t one of going for some getback, though, contrary to the title of this section.
“I’ve been trying to stay away from that word vengeance,” Burke said on Monday. “Really just go out there and be me, man. Have fun and be me.”
Ohio State also failed to record a sack of Gabriel in the teams’ first meeting with just nine total pressures. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and staff re-engineered his defense in response, mixing more coverages and creative ways to get after the quarterback with blitzes and simulated pressures. It’s worked since the Oregon game. But the question now is whether it will work against the Ducks this time.
Schematics and Tactics
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning speaks at the Ducks’ Rose Bowl media day. (Credit: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images)
The battle of coaching staffs is always an underlying storyline entering games, but especially so in the upcoming rematch between Ohio State and Oregon.
Head coaches Day and Dan Lanning hold the highest winning percentages among active head coaches across the FBS, Lanning at .875 and Day at .870 for their respective careers. Day came up as an elite offensive mind that took Ohio State’s offense in a new direction with great success in 2018, Lanning was the defensive coordinator for one of the best defenses in the sport’s history in the 2021 national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Offensive coordinators Chip Kelly and Will Stein will match wits with defensive coordinators Jim Knowles and Tosh Lupoi. The game is an odd crossroads for Kelly, who played in the Rose Bowl on roughly a biweekly basis from 2018 through 2023 as head coach of UCLA, which uses the Pasadena-based national landmark as its home field.
Kelly was also Oregon’s offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2008 and its head coach from 2009 through 2012, losing to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl the first of those years in 2009. It’s a wild epicenter of his college coaching career, although he said on Saturday that he hasn’t really thought about it.
Coaching tactics played a pivotal role in Autzen Stadium on Oct. 12. An Oregon go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter came on a 27-yard zone read keeper by Gabriel, which caught the Buckeyes in man coverage as Sonny Styles ran with tight end Terrance Ferguson to the flat.
Lanning may have also intentionally put 12 men on the field to help waste time in the final 10 seconds of play before Howard slid down a second too late in the 32-31 loss, and in any case the sequence prompted a rare in-season rule change from the NCAA.
Spotlights will be on both coaching staffs as they try to put their players in optimal positions for success.
Watch Out For These Guys
Oregon DE Jordan Burch
The Ducks’ star defensive end missed the previous matchup between Ohio State and Oregon with a hamstring injury, and Burch’s presence alongside fellow star edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei might be the toughest test yet this season in pass protection for Buckeye offensive tackles Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar. In just nine games, Burch has 11 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks with five pass breakups.
“He’s a super powerful guy, really fast off the ball,” Fryar said. “He’s 6-6, 295, and he runs super fast. He’s going to be a great matchup to go against, and I think it’s going to be a battle.”
Oregon WR Tez Johnson
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson is the most dangerous option for quarterback Dillon Gabriel. (Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oregon has a war chest of options in the passing game that might only be rivaled by Ohio State’s, but Johnson is the most threatening among them. He has 78 receptions for 866 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, all team-highs.
Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson
The Buckeyes may or may not use a similar gap-scheme-centric approach to their running game as they utilized vs. the Volunteers, but Henderson thrived in that attack during the CFP’s first round. He collected 80 yards on just 10 carries with touchdown runs of 29 and 24 yards, adding four receptions for 54 yards. He had 10 carries for 87 yards the last time Ohio State played Oregon.
Oregon’s defense allowed both of Penn State’s running backs, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, to surpass 100 yards in the Ducks’ last game, the Big Ten Championship Game. If Ohio State’s offensive line can pave the way, as referenced above, there might be room for Henderson to maneuver for more big plays in the running game.
“Oh yeah. I’m ready to play. No matter who we played, I was gonna be ready.”– Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch on if he’s hungry for his shot at Ohio State
It remains to be seen what new impact Burch’s presence will have on Ohio State’s offense, but he’s eager for his opportunity against the Buckeyes. Oregon joined OSU in recording no sacks on Oct. 12, with 11 total pressures per PFF.
“Every game has an identity unto itself. Obviously, watching this most recent game, Ohio State played really well. They have a lot of strengths. They’re really good on both sides of the ball.”– Dan Lanning on what he’s seen on tape from Ohio State since it first faced Oregon
Both Ohio State and Oregon players and coaches across the board have expressed a sentiment that this game will be different in its look and feel than the first one between the two 2024 powers. Lanning’s only spoken highly of the Buckeyes’ capabilities since his team’s win two and a half months ago.
“It’s more of an edge, I feel like, and carrying that pissed-off mentality. Obviously not letting it affect you in a negative way, but making it remind you, ‘Hey, I’m going to go the extra inch here.’”– Will Howard on balancing emotions while aiming to get revenge on Oregon
Revenge, if it hasn’t already been made clear, is a massive narrative entering this game for Ohio State. Such emotions are never something that a team can let control it, but using them as fuel to take extra steps in preparation is what Howard and his teammates have tried to do.
Get Smart
Ohio State has a 9-2 all-time record vs. Oregon. The Buckeyes won the first nine games in the series, but Oregon has won the last two, defeating Ohio State 35-28 at Ohio Stadium in 2021 and 32-31 at Autzen Stadium earlier this year.
Ohio State has a 9-7 all-time record in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes have won their last four Rose Bowl appearances, most recently defeating Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl.
Ohio State is 4-4 all-time in College Football Playoff games.
Ohio State is 1-2 when facing the No. 1 seed in the CFP, defeating Alabama in the first-ever CFP in the 2014 season but losing to Alabama in the national championship game for the 2020 season and losing to Georgia in 2022.
This will be the third time in the last 50 years that Ohio State has faced a team twice in the same season. Ohio State’s last rematch came in 2019, when the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin in both the regular season and the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State lost to UCLA in the Rose Bowl after defeating the Bruins during the 1975 regular season.
The Rose Bowl will be Ohio State’s fourth game this season against a top-five team. The Buckeyes are 2-1 against top-five teams so far this year with the only loss coming to Oregon in the regular season.
Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn was the running backs coach at Oregon from 2022 until he joined Ohio State’s staff in April. OSU offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was Oregon’s head coach from 2009-12.
Oregon tight ends coach Drew Mehringer was a graduate assistant at Ohio State in 2012 and 2013.
Oregon’s roster includes two players from Ohio: Backup linebacker Jestin Jacobs (Englewood) and reserve offensive lineman Auston Mims (Akron). Ohio State has no players from Oregon.
ESPN’s College GameDay will be broadcast from the Rose Bowl on Wednesday morning (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), marking the fifth time GameDay will be in attendance for an Ohio State game this season, the most of any school.
How It Plays Out
Line: Ohio State -2.5, O/U 55.5
More Ohio State vs. Oregon Coverage
The strides Ohio State’s offense took against Tennessee were critical, as otherwise it’d feel like much more of an uphill climb for the Buckeyes to best Oregon. If their defense plays to its golden standard from the second half of the season and the offense uses an aggressive game plan to establish balance similar to the win over the Volunteers, there’s reason to like OSU’s chances here, even against the sport’s current No. 1 team.
Twelve of Eleven Warriors’ 14 staffers selected the Buckeyes to triumph over the Ducks and reached the semifinals of the CFP. The lone holdouts were the Eleven Dubcast duo of George Eisner and Johnny Ginter, the latter of whom was also the only pick against Ohio State vs. Tennessee. Twelve of 14 are also projecting a one-score game in a rematch between two of the best teams in college football.
31
27
The highly anticipated College Football Playoff quarterfinal clash between Ohio State and Oregon is just around the corner, and both teams are gearing up for a showdown of epic proportions.
The Buckeyes are coming into this game with something to prove, especially on the offensive side of the ball. After a lackluster performance against Michigan in the regular season finale, Ohio State’s offense is looking to show that their resurgence is no fluke. Led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and a talented group of wide receivers, the Buckeyes have the firepower to put up points in a hurry. Running back TreVeyon Henderson will also play a key role in the offense, as he looks to break through Oregon’s stout defense.
Speaking of defense, Ohio State will be seeking revenge against Oregon, who handed them a 35-28 loss earlier in the season. The Buckeyes’ defense has been solid all year, but they will need to step up their game against the Ducks’ potent offense. Linebacker Cody Simon and defensive end Jack Sawyer will be key players to watch as they try to contain Oregon’s dynamic playmakers.
This game is sure to be a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse programs, and both teams will be giving it their all to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Ohio State will be looking to prove that their resurgence is real and that they are a force to be reckoned with, while Oregon will be aiming to continue their success and advance to the next round. Be sure to tune in to see who comes out on top in this monumental clash.
Tags:
Ohio State vs. Oregon Preview, College Football Playoff, Buckeye Offense, Resurgence, Buckeye Defense, Revenge, Quarterfinal Clash, Ohio State Football, Oregon Football, College Football Playoff Preview, Ohio State Offense, Oregon Defense, College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
-Monday will mark the 72nd all-time meeting between the Beavers and Pilots, and the first since the 2020-21 season.
-Wayne Tinkle’s first road victory as a Beaver came against Portland, as the Oregon State won 65-58 in overtime in the seventh game of the 2014-15 season.
-This is the fourth time during Wayne Tinkle’s tenure that the Beavers have opened a season 10-3.
-The Beavers are among the nation’s leaders defensively, currently sitting: 12th in scoring defense (60.5) and 24th in Field Goal Percentage Defense (.368).
-Oregon State’s best full-season field goal percentage defense during the Wayne Tinkle era was 38.6 percent in 2014-15.
-OSU has held nine of its 13 opponents below 38 per- cent shooting from the floor, and has allowed over 65 points just three times.
-Oregon State has shot 45 percent or better from the floor nine time this season.
-As a team, the Beavers are shooting 50.7 percent in the second half of games and 42.0 percent from 3-point range in the second half.
– Oregon State’s three losses this season have come by a total margin of 18 points. By contrast, Oregon State’s average margin of victory in its 10 wins is 21.9.
-Michael Rataj is top-12 in the WCC in points per game, rebounds per game, field goal percentage, blocks per game and steals per game.
-Rataj is one of 20 players in the nation with six or more double-doubles this season.
-Oregon State is 7-0 this season when turning the ball over fewer times than its opponent.
-Head coach Wayne Tinkle is looking for his 309th career win.
Get ready for an exciting matchup between the Oregon State Beavers and Portland Pilots in this highly anticipated basketball game! Both teams are coming off strong performances and are looking to continue their success on the court.
The Oregon State Beavers are coming into this game with a record of 4-2 and are looking to build upon their recent victories. Led by standout players like Ethan Thompson and Jarod Lucas, the Beavers have shown they have what it takes to compete against tough competition.
On the other hand, the Portland Pilots are looking to bounce back from a tough loss and improve upon their 1-4 record. With players like Ahmed Ali leading the charge, the Pilots are determined to come out strong and play their best basketball against a tough opponent.
This game is sure to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams, so be sure to tune in and catch all the action as the Oregon State Beavers take on the Portland Pilots in what promises to be an exciting game of college basketball.
Live telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports
Amanda Anisimova vs Alycia Parks preview
Amanda Anisimova will open her 2025 season at the ASB Classic with a first-round encounter against another big-hitting American in the form of Alycia Parks.
Anisimova, the third seed at this year’s tournament, has struggled with injuries over the last few years. She has had some good starts to the season but has not played a full year on Tour for quite some time now.
The 2024 season brought with it some encouraging signs as she made the Australian Open third round, reached a WTA 1000 final at the Canadian Open and clawed her way back into the top-50.
Parks recently won a WTA 125k title. (Source: Getty)
Parks, meanwhile, also salvaged an underwhelming season on the main Tour with strong showings at the WTA 125 level. Not only did she make four finals at the level in 2024, she won three of them.
Her most recent title run came at Open Angers, where she beat a returning Belinda Bencic in the final. That said, her performance on the Tour remained poor as she won back-to-back main draw matches only once in the entire year.
Amanda Anisimova vs Alycia Parks head-to-head
Anisimova and Parks have never crossed paths on the Tour before, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Amanda Anisimova vs Alycia Parks odds
Player
Moneyline
Handicap Bets
Total Games
Amanda Anisimova
Alycia Parks
(Odds will be added once they’re available)
Amanda Anisimova vs Alycia Parks prediction
Anisimova will be the favorite to win on paper. (Source: Getty)
Both Amanda Anisimova and Alycia Parks often play a gung-ho brand of tennis, going after every ball. The high-risk game comes with its rewards, but there’s also a higher chance of the player going off kilter.
For Parks unfortunately, the latter was the case for a large part of the 2024 season. The American was not winning any free points off her serve and her groundstrokes were also often misfiring.
The 23-year-old did steady the ship but will need to be at her very best against someone like Anisimova, who can hit the ball just as big, if not bigger than her opponent.
When swinging freely, Anisimova can hit any opponent off the court. Her wins over Sabalenka and the ilk are testament to that. Provided that she is fully fit, Anisimova could prove too explosive for Parks on the given day.
Prediction: Anisimova to win in straight sets
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Edited by Tushar Bahl
Auckland 2025: Amanda Anisimova vs Alycia Parks Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction and Pick
In a highly anticipated match-up at the Auckland 2025 tournament, Amanda Anisimova will face off against Alycia Parks in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two rising stars in the world of tennis.
Anisimova, the young American phenom, has been making waves on the WTA tour with her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive style of play. With a career-high ranking of No. 15, she has already proven herself to be a formidable opponent for any player on the tour.
On the other hand, Parks, a talented Australian player, has been steadily climbing the rankings and has shown great potential with her all-around game. With a career-high ranking of No. 25, she will be looking to make a statement against Anisimova in this match-up.
In terms of head-to-head statistics, Anisimova and Parks have never faced each other on the WTA tour, making this match even more intriguing as both players look to establish dominance in their encounter.
Prediction:
This match is expected to be a close and hard-fought battle between two talented players. While Anisimova may have the edge in terms of experience and ranking, Parks has shown that she is capable of pulling off upsets and should not be underestimated.
In the end, I predict that Anisimova will come out on top in a three-set thriller, using her powerful game to overpower Parks and secure the win.
Pick: Amanda Anisimova to win in three sets.
Tags:
Auckland 2025, Amanda Anisimova, Alycia Parks, preview, head-to-head, prediction, pick, tennis matchup, Auckland tournament, player analysis, match preview, sports prediction
It’s experience versus youth in Brisbane! French superstar, Gael Monfils is all set to take on America’s Nishsesh Basavareddy in the Round of 32 of the Brisbane International. This is Monfils’ 22nd season on the tour and the 38-year-old Frenchman is still going stronger than ever! His one and only appearance at this tournament came in 2010. And Monfils managed to reach the SF at that time! Can he make a similarly deep run this time as well? Or will the young American put an early end to his campaign in Brisbane?
Gael Monfils vs Nishesh Basavareddy: Preview
Gael Monfils failed to win a title in the 2024 season despite playing a decent brand of tennis in some of the tournaments in the last twelve months. Take, for example, the Qatar Open: Gael Monfils reached the SF. However, he was defeated there by the Czech tennis player, Jakub Mensik by 4-6,6-1,3-6. Then his most notable performance came at the Mallorca Championships; even there, he reached the SF but fell short of reaching the final. Monfils is entering this contest following his walkover from the R16 clash against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti at the Vienna Open in October. The veteran’s longevity at the top of the sport has been set in stone for ages. And yet the niggling question begs to be asked: Can the Frenchman find his rhythm again after such a long gap?
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via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 25, 2022. France’s Gael Monfils in action during his quarter-final match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. REUTERS/Morgan Sette
Time will tell, definitely. But whether or not Monfils succeeds, it will certainly be an uphill climb either way. His 19-year-old opponent Nishesh Basavareddy has played some outstanding tennis last season. He reached the finals of multiple Challenger events this year. Apart from that, Basavareddy also clinched the titles at the Challenger Tiburon, US, and the Puerto Vallarta Open. And the sweetening the deal was his fair campaign at the Next Gen ATP finals, where he won 1 out of his 3 matches. Although he crashed out in the group stage itself, he soon received a main draw wildcard for his Grand Slam debut at the upcoming Australian Open. This boost of confidence is exactly what’s needed in a match against someone like Gael Monfils.
Monfils vs Basavareddy: Head-to-Head
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Gael Monfils has never faced this youngster before in his career. So currently, Nishesh Basavareddy’s H2H record against the Frenchman is at 0-0. Who could have the edge in Brisbane, though? Let’s find out.
Prediction: Monfils to win in straight sets
Gael Monfils’ experience may come out to be a bit hot to handle for this young American. Monfils (55) had a win-loss record of 25-21 in the last season, whereas, Nishesh Basavareddy (138) had an overall record of 49-18. However, the young American mostly took part in the Challenger events last year.
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Now if we look at their playing styles, Nishesh Basavareddy is known for his aggressive style of play. He often relies heavily on his powerful groundstrokes and quick footwork, allowing him to dominate rallies. Not only that, but observing and analyzing matches enabled him now to refine his techniques a bit, making him a formidable opponent on the court.
On the other hand, Monfils is more of a baseliner. He mainly relies on placement and consistency to beat his opponents. His incredible agility and court coverage – even at this advanced age – make him a really dangerous player on the tour. He can also jump from defense to offense pretty quickly. Considering all these factors, Gael Monfils might very well get through to the next round in Brisbane. What are your thoughts? Comment down below!
The ATP Brisbane tournament is set to showcase an exciting match-up between Gael Monfils and Nishesh Basavareddy. Both players will be looking to start their 2022 season on a high note with a strong performance in this match.
Gael Monfils, the veteran French player known for his athleticism and flashy shot-making, will be looking to make a statement in this match. Monfils has had a successful career on the ATP tour, with multiple titles to his name. He will be looking to use his experience and skill to dominate his opponent in this match.
On the other hand, Nishesh Basavareddy, a young and talented player from India, will be looking to make a name for himself on the ATP tour. Basavareddy has shown promise in his young career and will be looking to showcase his skills against a top player like Monfils.
In terms of head-to-head record, Monfils and Basavareddy have never faced each other before, making this match even more intriguing. Both players will be looking to assert their dominance and come out on top in this match.
Prediction:
It’s tough to predict the outcome of this match as both players have the ability to play at a high level. However, Monfils’ experience and track record on the ATP tour give him the edge in this match. Expect Monfils to come out strong and secure a victory in this match.
Overall, this match between Monfils and Basavareddy is sure to be an exciting one to watch. Tennis fans can expect to see some high-quality tennis from both players as they battle it out on the court. Stay tuned for what promises to be an entertaining match at the ATP Brisbane tournament.
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ATP Brisbane, Gael Monfils, Nishesh Basavareddy, preview, head-to-head, prediction, tennis match, ATP tour, Brisbane Open, player analysis, match preview, sports prediction, tennis showdown, ATP rankings
SAN FRANCISCO – The Cavs, riding a six-game winning streak and boasting an NBA-best 27-4 record, face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. Eastern, marking the second contest in a four-game road trip for Cleveland, who handled the Denver Nuggets with ease on Friday.
Monday’s game is a homecoming of sorts for Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson. After spending three seasons as an assistant under Steve Kerr, Atkinson returns to the Bay Area in charge of a Cavs team that has taken the league by storm with their offensive efficiency and defensive prowess. While Atkinson has brought elements of Golden State’s motion-heavy offense to Cleveland, the pleasantries will end at the opening tip as both teams seek a statement win.
The Cavaliers have separated themselves from the pack with a historically efficient offense, ranking first in field goal percentage (50.6%), 3-point percentage (40.9%), effective field goal percentage (59.7%), true shooting percentage (62.4%), and offensive rating (121.7). They also sit second in net rating (plus-11.4) and team points per game (122.7). Their offensive output, powered by their Core Four, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, has overwhelmed opponents during their current streak.
In their previous matchup against the Warriors on Nov. 8, Cleveland set the tone early, pouring in 83 first-half points en route to a 41-point lead at halftime. The Cavs’ relentless ball movement left Golden State’s defense scrambling, as Cleveland’s offense executed with precision. Every pass seemed to lead to a back-breaking jumper or a well-timed cut to the rim. Replicating that performance will be critical on Monday.
The Warriors (16-15) have struggled to find consistency, winning just three of their last 10 games. However, a hard-fought victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday offered a glimmer of hope. Stephen Curry remains the centerpiece of Golden State’s attack, but Cleveland’s defensive schemes have proven effective against him in the past.
In their November meeting, Cleveland held Curry to 12 points, including just 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. Much of that success was credited to Isaac Okoro and Garland, whose physicality and quickness at the point of attack limited Curry’s rhythm. With Okoro sidelined due to a right shoulder AC joint sprain, the Cavs will once again rely on Garland, who held Curry to just three points (1-of-3 from the field) in 4.5 minutes of matchup data, according to NBA.com. However, Cleveland will also utilize its team-based principles. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley anchor a formidable interior defense, while wings like Caris LeVert and Max Strus must step up to disrupt Golden State’s motion offense.
The battle at the perimeter will be pivotal. The Cavs’ switching defense aims to neutralize Curry’s off-ball movement and the Warriors’ penchant for 3-point barrages. On the other end, Cleveland’s ability to create open looks through Garland’s playmaking and Mitchell’s scoring versatility will test Golden State’s defensive rotations.
Atkinson has emphasized pace and unselfishness, and the Cavs’ season-high 40 assists in their most recent matchup against Denver reflects those values. The Cavs will look to exploit the Warriors’ defensive lapses by maintaining their sharp execution.
Expect a chess match between two coaches well-versed in each other’s tendencies. While Atkinson and Kerr share a mutual respect, their focus will be singular: securing a crucial win in the heat of competition.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
Series: Final matchup of the regular season.
Where: Chase Center.
When: 10:00 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavs minus-4.5; O/U 230.5
TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio
Injury report
CAVS:
Out:
Isaac Okoro (shoulder); Emoni Bates (two-way); Luke Travers (two-way); JT Thor (two-way).
WARRIORS:
Out:
Gary Payton II (calf); Brandin Podziemski (abdominal)
Probable:
Moses Moody (knee)
The highly anticipated matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams have been dominant forces in the NBA in recent years, and this game is sure to be a thrilling showdown.
In terms of odds, the Warriors are currently favored to win the game, with a spread of -6.5 points. However, the Cavaliers have proven to be a resilient team, and anything can happen on the court.
In terms of injuries, the Warriors will be without star player Klay Thompson, who is sidelined with a knee injury. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, are dealing with injuries to Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr., which could impact their performance in this game.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN, so fans can tune in to catch all the action. With both teams hungry for a win, this game is sure to be a must-watch for any basketball fan.
Who do you think will come out on top in this epic showdown between the Cavs and the Warriors? Share your predictions in the comments below!
The Denver Nuggets are entering the NBA season grind. The NBA Cup and Christmas Day are over, the All Star break, trade deadline and subsequent stretch run are two months away, there’s nothing left to do but grind through the Winter and try to pile up wins. For the Nuggets, that means taking care of business against teams like the Utah Jazz, even when on the road. Utah is once again headed towards another high lottery pick in their multi-year rebuild. They’ve won just seven games this season and while they have some promising young players like Keyonte George and talented vets like Lauri Markannen, they do not have a competitive roster. Denver needs to beat a team they’re supposed to beat tonight.
The Essentials
Who: Denver Nuggets (17-13) at Utah Jazz (7-23)
When: 7PM MST
Where: Two Hour Delay for “Technical Problems” Arena. Salt Lake City, UT.
How to watch/listen: Denver Stiffs does not condone piracy…unless it’s the romanticized 17th century type. Altitude TV where available, Altitude +, NBA League Pass for those not in the Nuggets market, Altitude Radio 92.5FM.
Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, Hunter Tyson, DeAndre Jordan
Brice Sensabaugh, Isaiah Collier, Johnny Juzang, Kyle Filipowski, Micah Potter
Even
Injury report: Aaron Gordon – out (calf), Vlatko Cancar – out (knee), DaRon Holmes II – out (achilles), Trey Alexander – out (G-League), PJ Hall – out (G-League); Keyonte George – questionable (ankle), John Collins – doubtful (hip), Taylor Hendricks – out (leg), Oscar Tshiebwe – out (G-League), David Jones Garcia – out (G-League).
The Three Things
The thing to watch for: stop the threes
Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) in the first half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Utah wins this game if Denver refuses to defend the three point line like they have in their most disappointing losses this season. Markannen is still a three point sniping stretch big, Jordan Clarkson is still a microwave who can get hot and kill you from outside, Collin Sexton is shooting 43% from three this season and a number of the Jazz reserves are solid shooters as well. Utah is right in the middle of the pack in terms of threes made per game but just twenty-third overall for points in the paint. It should be Denver’s focus on defense tonight to run the Jazz off the three point line and make them force the issue inside.
The thing to remember: now is the time
The Nuggets have looked clunky to start the season. Nikola Jokic said recently though that while the team is a long way from where they need to be, they’re in a good spot all things considered. I think that’s dead on. Not making excuses but the fact of the matter is Denver’s early season schedule was pretty brutal, the back to back over the weekend was the first set of consecutive home games Denver has had since November 10th. Sixteen of their first thirty games are against teams that are in the top eight of the standings in their conference. They’ve played six back to backs (which ironically seems to help them). On top of that Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have all missed multiple games. Outside of AG, Denver appears to be getting healthy and they’re currently in game three of a nine game stretch that has only two road games, neither against a team with a winning record. They’re currently 1-1 over that stretch. If Denver can go 6-3 during this period they’ll head in to an admittedly tough back half of January seven games over .500.
The thing to bet: Jamal Murray over 2.5 threes (+115)
Vegas is catching on to the fact that Jamal is figuring out. They’ve bumped his points line up to 23.5, but still haven’t bumped the 3 pointers line which is amazingly still giving out plus odds on over 2.5. Since Jamal returned from injury on December 13th he’s hit three or more three pointers in 4 of the seven games. The three he didn’t? The first game back from injury, the game he tweaked his ankle and the Christmas game where he played on said ankle that clearly wasn’t right. Since he’s returned he’s averaging six attempts a game and if we take out the Christmas outlier where he only attempted two that average goes up to almost seven attempts a game. So what are we asking here, do we think Jamal will go 3-7 from three? At +115 I’m taking that chance.
The Denver Nuggets are hitting the road for a quick trip to face off against the Utah Jazz in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams are currently vying for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference, making this game a crucial one for their postseason hopes.
The Nuggets will be looking to build on their recent success, as they have won four of their last five games. Led by All-Star center Nikola Jokic, Denver boasts a potent offense that ranks among the best in the league. Jokic has been putting up MVP-caliber numbers this season, averaging a double-double with over 26 points and 10 rebounds per game.
On the other side, the Jazz have been one of the top teams in the West all season long. Led by Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Utah has a strong defense and a high-powered offense that can light up the scoreboard on any given night.
This matchup between the Nuggets and Jazz is sure to be a thrilling one, as both teams have a lot on the line. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as these two Western Conference contenders go head-to-head in what promises to be a high-stakes battle.
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Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, NBA, basketball, game preview, Denver vs Utah, sports, match-up, rivalry, Mile High City, Rocky Mountains, Western Conference, NBA playoffs, basketball game, Denver basketball, Utah basketball.
All right, let’s do this one last time (yes I’m referencing 2018’sSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse). For the very last time in 2024, your New York Knicks will be taking the floor, and they’ll do so against the same Washington Wizards that the Knicks barely beat in overtime just two nights ago. Things will look a little bit different this time around though as the Wizards will get back veteran forward Kyle Kuzma, who missed Saturday night’s matchup with a rib injury, and Jordan Poole, who also missed the prior contest with a hip injury, is listed as probable.
Projected Starters
Starting at point guard once again will be the veteran Malcolm Brogdon. The 32-year-old is quietly having a solid year averaging 14.2PPG, 4.1RPG, and 3.6APG, and will look to build off of the 22-point game he had against the Knicks on Saturday.
If Jordan Poole is good to go, he’ll start. And he’ll be looking to have a bounce-back game. In the first meeting of the season between these two teams, Poole managed to score just eight points in 27 minutes in the 28-point blowout loss. Poole is having a nice resurgent year otherwise though as he is averaging 21.3PPG, and 5APG while shooting 40.7% from three, which are all career highs.
Bilal Coulibaly, one of the rare bright spots for this struggling and rebuilding Wizards team, will continue to get the start. Knicks fans who watched Jalen Brunson score 55 points with Coulibaly as the main defender may find it hard to believe, but Coulibaly has been an outstanding defender this season, so watching that matchup again tonight should be a fun one.
Being reinserted into the rotation, and the starting lineup for the first time since late November will be Kyle Kuzma. The 29-year-old forward is having a down year, averaging just 15.8PPG, which is the lowest of his career since 2021, and he, much like Poole, had a rough outing against the Knicks earlier this season, when he scored just 11 points.
Starting at center again will be the second overall pick from this summer’s draft, Alexandre Sarr. The French national has had a relatively slow start to his NBA career, averaging just 11.4PPG while shooting 39.9% from the field, and 30.8% from three, and is listed as questionable for tonight’s game with an illness.
Prediction
New York, despite Saturday night’s too-close-for-comfort thriller, is heavily favored tonight, and rightfully so. The Knicks carry an eight-game winning streak into tonight and are among the best teams in the league this month on both sides of the ball. But Washington should get a boost with both Poole and Kuzma returning, and Brunson is unlikely to go for 55 points again tonight. The Wizards should see some regression themselves as Justin Champagnie likely won’t explode for 31 points on 13-15 shooting, Carlton Carrington likely won’t go for 17, Brogdon likely won’t score 22 either. But with the Knicks barely eking out a win, and needing 85 points combined from Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York must be sure to address their slow starts and three-point defense. Because if they don’t, there’s a chance that they suffer what would be an embarrassing loss and a devastating way to end not only the year but also the winning streak.
That being said the Knicks should still take this one. The trio of Brunson, Towns, and Mikal Bridges should continue to fire on all cylinders, and between some more defensive urgency, and the Wizards cooling off, New York should come out on top.
Game Details
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM ET Place: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. TV: MSG, NBATV Follow:@ptknicksblog and bsky
The New York Knicks will be taking on the Washington Wizards on December 30, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two Eastern Conference teams.
The Knicks, led by their young star point guard and scoring machine, will be looking to continue their winning streak and solidify their position in the playoff race. With a strong defensive presence in the paint and a dynamic offense, the Knicks will be a tough team to beat.
On the other hand, the Wizards will be looking to bounce back from a recent loss and come out with a vengeance against the Knicks. With veteran leadership and a balanced scoring attack, the Wizards will be a formidable opponent for the Knicks.
Both teams will be looking to make a statement in this game and showcase their talents on the court. With playoff implications on the line, this game is sure to be a thrilling and competitive matchup.
Make sure to tune in on December 30th to catch all the action as the Knicks take on the Wizards in what is sure to be a game to remember. Let’s go Knicks! #Knicks #Wizards #NBA #GamePreview
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ORLANDO, Fla. — In the era of the College Football Playoff, transfer portal and postseason opt-outs, bowl games can be viewed as glorified exhibitions — but don’t tell that to the two teams playing in Tuesday’s Citrus Bowl.
See, neither Illinois nor South Carolina was supposed to be here. Both the No. 20-ranked Illini (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) and No. 15-ranked Gamecocks (9-3, 5-3 SEC) greatly exceeded their 5.5-win over/unders this season, earning bids to one of the premier non-CFP bowl games.
For both teams, Tuesday’s 2 p.m. CT kickoff at Camping World Stadium provides an opportunity to cap one of the best seasons in their respective program’s history.
Both the Illini and South Carolina are looking to notch a 10-win season for just the fifth time in program history and further propel their programs forward under a fourth-year head coach, Illinois led by Bret Bielema (27-22, 18-18 Big Ten) and South Carolina led by Shane Beamer (29-21, 15-17 SEC).
“This game means a lot,” Illinois junior tight end Tanner Arkin said. “I think Coach said something that only four or five teams have had 10-win seasons, so to have a chance to do that and be written into the Illinois history books would be awesome. That 10-win mark, that’s why we’re here and that’s our goal. It would be awesome.”
Added Illinois junior safety Miles Scott: “Honestly, it’s a chance to make history. We’ll be I believe the fourth team to win 10 games in Illinois history. It’s huge in terms of the grand scheme of things. But at the end of the day, it’s just another game. We’ve got to see it as that and not put so much on it. We’re prepared for the moment.”
For the Illini, the game also can help propel the program into an offseason of further fortifying the roster and the future of the program. A 10th win — and the program’s first against the SEC (Illinois is 0-6 against SEC opponents) — could further propel Bielema’s build by increasing interest from ticket buyers, donors and recruits.
Bielema was brought in to sustain success and beating an SEC team some argued was deserving of CFP consideration would further raise expectations for a program that hasn’t had three winning seasons in four years since 1992 and has never had three 8+ win seasons in the span of four seasons. A win over the Gamecocks would give more belief that Illinois can reach those goals, and even be a CFP contender itself, in 2025.
“This is a really fun group overall with the energy they bring. To have a special place in Illinois football history I think is really cool,” Bielema said. “I’ve also been selling — obviously 10 wins is a big deal — the catapult this can be to the 2025 [season] as a team that we would not shy away from as a team that would hopefully be a playoff type team. The chemistry that we have and the unique players that we have, if we get all these guys to come back would be pretty special.”
The Citrus Bowl is just around the corner, and we have an exciting matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Both teams had strong seasons and will be looking to end the year on a high note with a bowl victory.
Illinois comes into the game with a 6-6 record, finishing fourth in the Big Ten West division. Led by head coach Bret Bielema, the Fighting Illini have shown flashes of potential throughout the season and will be looking to pick up a big win in the Citrus Bowl.
On the other side, South Carolina finished the season with a 6-6 record as well, placing fifth in the SEC East division. Head coach Shane Beamer has done a great job in his first season with the Gamecocks, and they will be eager to come out on top in this bowl matchup.
When it comes to predicting the outcome of this game, it’s a tough call. Both teams have had their ups and downs throughout the season, but I believe that South Carolina will have the edge in this matchup. The Gamecocks have a strong defense that can make life difficult for the Illinois offense, and I think they will come out on top in a close game.
My prediction: South Carolina wins a hard-fought battle, 24-21. Be sure to tune in to the Citrus Bowl to see which team comes out on top in this exciting matchup.
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Citrus Bowl preview, Illinois vs South Carolina, college football picks, Citrus Bowl game analysis, Illinois Fighting Illini, South Carolina Gamecocks, college football bowl game preview, Citrus Bowl predictions, Illinois vs South Carolina matchup, Citrus Bowl betting tips.
