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Tag: Preview

  • Cavs vs. Nuggets: preview, odds, injury report, TV

    Cavs vs. Nuggets: preview, odds, injury report, TV


    DENVER — The Cavs begin their year-end West Coast trip on Friday night, facing a formidable test against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. Eastern.

    The Cavs (26-4) boast the NBA’s best record and enter Denver riding a five-game winning streak, with victories in nine of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Nuggets (16-12), a perennial Western Conference contender, are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Phoenix Suns.

    The Cavs have thrived under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson, whose adaptability has been the cornerstone of the team’s success. Atkinson showcased his flexibility in Monday’s win over Utah, countering the Jazz’s twin towers with a spacing-heavy lineup that featured Evan Mobley anchoring the defense as the lone big. Jarrett Allen, typically a linchpin, watched much of the fourth quarter from the bench as Atkinson and his staff opted for offensive firepower.

    That strategy won’t likely be replicated Friday. Against Denver, Allen’s presence will be critical in containing Nikola Jokic, the MVP frontrunner and the league’s most gifted offensive center. Jokic’s ability to dissect defenses with his scoring, passing, and basketball IQ demands a disciplined approach, and Allen’s rim protection will be a focal point.

    The Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon, sidelined by a calf injury, which removes a key vertical spacer and weakens Denver’s interior physicality. The Cavs, however, face their own availability concerns. Dean Wade (knee soreness) could miss his second straight game, leaving them short-handed on the wing, particularly with Isaac Okoro (right shoulder AC joint sprain) already out. The absence of two of their most versatile defenders adds pressure to fill those gaps against Denver’s length and offensive versatility.

    Atkinson’s ability to toggle between big and small lineups will again be tested, but his confidence in the Mobley-Allen pairing remains unwavering. The Cavs’ league-best offensive rating is a testament to the growing synergy between their core four, and the duo’s defensive versatility could be the key to thwarting Jokic’s brilliance.

    A win in Denver would set the tone for the Cavs’ road trip and further cement their status as legitimate title contenders. But it won’t come easy — especially against a Nuggets squad eager to protect their home court.

    Here’s what to know about the matchup:

    Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets

    Series: Final matchup of the regular season.

    Where: Ball Arena.

    When: 9:00 p.m. ET.

    The point spread: Cavs minus-2.5; O/U 236.5

    TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

    Injury report

    CAVS:

    Out:

    Isaac Okoro (shoulder); Emoni Bates (two-way); Luke Travers (two-way); Craig Porter Jr. (G-League assignment);

    Questionable:

    Dean Wade (knee)

    NUGGETS:

    Out:

    Aaron Gordon (calf); DaRon Holmes II (Achilles); Vlatko Cancar (knee).

    Probable:

    Jamal Murray (ankle)



    The Cleveland Cavaliers will be taking on the Denver Nuggets in an exciting matchup. Here’s a preview of the game, along with the latest odds, injury report, and where to watch on TV.

    Preview:
    The Cavaliers are coming off a tough loss to the Phoenix Suns, but they have shown flashes of potential with their young core of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. They will be looking to bounce back and secure a win against the Nuggets.

    On the other hand, the Nuggets have been playing well recently, with Nikola Jokic leading the charge as an MVP candidate. They have a strong supporting cast with Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, making them a formidable opponent for the Cavaliers.

    Odds:
    According to the latest odds, the Nuggets are favored to win this matchup. However, the Cavaliers have shown they can compete with top teams in the league, so anything can happen on game day.

    Injury Report:
    The Cavaliers will be without Kevin Love, who is dealing with a calf injury. The Nuggets, on the other hand, have a clean injury report with no key players sidelined.

    TV:
    Fans can catch the game on TV on ESPN. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET, so be sure to tune in to see this exciting matchup between the Cavaliers and the Nuggets.

    Tags:

    • Cavs vs. Nuggets
    • Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets
    • NBA game preview
    • Betting odds
    • Injury report
    • TV schedule
    • Basketball matchup
    • NBA game analysis
    • Cleveland vs. Denver game preview
    • Sports news updates

    #Cavs #Nuggets #preview #odds #injury #report

  • Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Brooklyn Nets

    Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Brooklyn Nets


    There’s something particularly cruel about NBA schedules sometimes. Fresh off a Christmas Day heart-breaker at Madison Square Garden, the Spurs are now being asked to drag their bodies to Brooklyn to face the Nets and yet another New York crowd.

    The basketball gods do have a sense of humor though. Victor Wembanyama, still buzzing from a 42-point Garden debut that left New York fans checking their phones to see when the Spurs visit next, gets to match up against Nic Claxton, another impossibly long big man who makes guards reconsider their life choices at the rim.

    The contrast should be fascinating: Claxton, the more traditional rim-runner, against Wembanyama, who spent his Christmas launching threes like a 7’4” Steph Curry impersonator.

    The Spurs are still searching for consistency in everything except their ability to make games interesting. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, usually coinciding with Wembanyama doing something that breaks basketball physics, but they’re still learning how to translate those moments into victories.

    If the Spurs want to avoid their 2nd three-game losing streak of the season, they’ll need to find answers to some tough questions: Can they keep the flame-throwing Cam Thomas from getting to his spots? Will their defense hold up when Wembanyama sits? Can they avoid the turnover bug that’s bitten them lately?

    Of course, as we saw in the Garden, sometimes all those questions become moot when Wembanyama decides to put on a show. And after that display, you can bet a lot of people will be tuning into this one.

    San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets

    December 27th, 2024 | 6:30 CT

    Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest |Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

    Spurs Injuries: None

    Nets Injuries: Bojan Bogdanovic – Out (Foot), Trendon Watford – Doubtful (Hamstring), Cam Thomas – Day-to-Day (Hamstring), Ziaire Williams – Day-to-Day (Knee), Dorian Finney-Smith – Day-to-Day (Leg)

    What to watch for

    Holiday Awesomeness

    It’s the holidays! If I’m having to sell you on reasons to curl up on the couch and watch this game, you might have clicked on the wrong website.

    For the Nets’ fans’ perspective, visit NetsDaily.

    PtR’s Game thread will be up this evening for those who want to chat through the game. You can also follow along with the action through PtR’s Twitter feed.





    The San Antonio Spurs are set to take on the Brooklyn Nets in an exciting matchup tonight. The Spurs are coming off a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets, but they are looking to bounce back and secure a win on their home court.

    The Nets, on the other hand, are currently on a hot streak and have been playing some of their best basketball of the season. Led by their dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets are a force to be reckoned with.

    Both teams are known for their strong defensive play, so it will be interesting to see which team is able to come out on top in this defensive battle. The Spurs will need to contain Durant and Irving if they want to have a shot at winning this game.

    Overall, this game is shaping up to be a competitive and entertaining matchup between two talented teams. Make sure to tune in to see which team comes out on top in this exciting showdown.

    Tags:

    1. San Antonio Spurs
    2. Brooklyn Nets
    3. NBA game preview
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    6. Key players to watch
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  • Timberwolves vs. Rockets Preview: Minnesota Looks to Keep Christmas Joy

    Timberwolves vs. Rockets Preview: Minnesota Looks to Keep Christmas Joy


    Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets
    Date: December 27th, 2024
    Time: 7:00 PM CST
    Location: Toyota Center
    Television Coverage: FanDual Sports Network North
    Radio Coverage: Wolves App/iHeart Radio

    Deep in the Heart of Texas: Wolves Look for Redemption in Houston

    They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a much-needed Christmas Day win against the Dallas Mavericks—a victory sweeter than your grandma’s holiday fudge—the Wolves head to Houston tomorrow night, ready to avenge their NBA Cup loss in late November. That game, if you remember, had everything: drama, grit, a Rob Dillingham explosion, and ultimately heartbreak in overtime. This time, the Wolves are looking to rewrite the script and close out their 2024 Texas two-step on a high note.

    Christmas Cheer, But Don’t Get Complacent

    The Wolves’ win over Dallas wasn’t just another game—it felt like a potential turning point. Anthony Edwards played like the superstar we know he can be, hitting clutch buckets down the stretch. The defense was active, Rudy Gobert owned the paint, and Julius Randle’s bully ball came through when it mattered most. It wasn’t a perfect game by any stretch. Those first ten minutes of the fourth quarter nearly gave me an aneurysm, but it was enough to knock off the Mavs on their home court. That’s no small feat.

    But—and this is a big but—one win doesn’t solve everything. The Wolves have been maddeningly inconsistent this season. For every lockdown defensive showing, there’s been a head-scratching collapse. For every offensive burst, there’s a six-minute scoring drought that leaves us all wondering if the team forgot how to play basketball. Houston will demand 48 minutes of effort, not 36, not 42. The Wolves can’t afford to take their foot off the gas, especially against a Houston Rockets team sitting comfortably near the top of the Western Conference standings at 20-9.

    The Revenge Game Narrative

    Let’s rewind to late November. The Wolves faced Houston in an NBA Cup battle. After the game seemed well in hand for Houston, Rob Dillingham exploded off the bench to drag Minnesota back into contention. It was electric, it was exciting, and it was ultimately heartbreaking as the Rockets pulled away in overtime to crush the Wolves’ Cup dreams. Now, with both teams fighting for positioning in a stacked Western Conference, the stakes feel just as high—even if there’s no shiny trophy on the line.

    Keys to the Game: Taming the Rockets

    1. Clamp Down on the Backcourt

    Even without Dillon Brooks (who might return tomorrow), the Rockets’ guards are a handful. Fred VanVleet is a steadying force, and Jalen Green can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. The Wolves wing defenders—Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Anthony Edwards—need to bring the same defensive intensity they showed against Dallas.

    2. Control the Paint

    Rudy Gobert and Alperen Şengün is a matchup that could swing this game. Şengün has been a revelation for Houston, with his crafty post moves and sneaky-good passing. But Rudy just handled Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively, so he should be well-prepped for another battle down low. The Wolves’ bigs—Gobert, Naz, and Randle—need to protect the rim and dominate the boards to prevent Houston from getting easy second-chance points.

    3. Attack Houston’s Legs

    Here’s where scheduling works in Minnesota’s favor. The Rockets are on the road tonight against the Pelicans, while the Wolves have a day of rest after their Christmas Day win. Come the fourth quarter, tired legs could catch up to Houston. This is where Ant needs to go full-on beast mode, relentlessly attacking the rim and making the Rockets work on defense. The more the Wolves can tire the Rockets out, the better their chances will be down the stretch.

    4. Creative Lineups

    Chris Finch, this one’s for you. The Wolves starting five may be their best players on paper, but they haven’t always been their best lineup on the court. Finch needs to mix and match to find the combinations that work, especially if the offense starts to sputter. Rob Dillingham sparked the Wolves last time against Houston—could he do it again? Either way, Finch needs to stay flexible and not let the game slip away because of stagnant lineups.

    Why This Game Matters

    Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is a massive opportunity for the Wolves. They’re in a three-way tie for the eighth seed with Phoenix and Golden State. A win in Houston puts them at 16-14, which would be just four games behind the Rockets for the second seed. Yes, four games. That’s a Christmas miracle when you think about how many winnable games the Wolves have thrown away this season.

    A loss, though, and the Wolves risk slipping further into the dreaded play-in territory, where one bad night can end your season. With games against San Antonio and OKC looming to close out 2024, Minnesota needs to build momentum now.

    Final Thoughts: The Gift of Redemption

    This is the part of the season where good teams separate themselves from the pack. The Wolves have the talent to be one of those teams. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance. They’ve locked down defensively. They’ve hit big shots in big moments. But they’ve also been maddeningly inconsistent.

    A win in Houston would send a message: the Wolves are back. It would erase some of the sting from that NBA Cup loss and show that this team has learned how to close out big games. And it would give Wolves fans something to cheer about heading into the new year.

    So here’s hoping the Wolves keep the holiday spirit alive, bring the effort for all 48 minutes, and light up the Rockets like a Christmas tree. Because let’s face it—after the ups and downs of this season, we could all use a little cheer.

    Happy holidays, Wolves fans. Let’s see if our squad can keep the good vibes rolling in H-Town.



    The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to take on the Houston Rockets in a highly anticipated matchup on Christmas Day. The Timberwolves, who have been playing some of their best basketball of the season as of late, will look to keep the holiday joy alive with a win against the struggling Rockets.

    Despite a slow start to the season, the Timberwolves have shown signs of improvement in recent games. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 21.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Anthony Edwards, the first overall pick in this year’s draft, has also been impressive, averaging 15.2 points per game.

    On the other hand, the Rockets have been struggling to find their rhythm this season. With a record of 3-20, they currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, they have shown flashes of potential with Christian Wood leading the team in scoring with 23.5 points per game.

    In this Christmas Day matchup, the Timberwolves will look to capitalize on their momentum and continue their winning streak. The Rockets, on the other hand, will be looking to turn their season around with a much-needed win.

    Be sure to tune in to this exciting game on Christmas Day to see if the Timberwolves can keep the holiday joy alive with a win over the Rockets. It’s sure to be a thrilling matchup that you won’t want to miss!

    Tags:

    Timberwolves vs Rockets Preview, NBA match preview, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Christmas Day game, basketball matchup analysis, game preview, key player matchups, sports news, game predictions, NBA playoffs, basketball season, NBA recap.

    #Timberwolves #Rockets #Preview #Minnesota #Christmas #Joy

  • Preview: Leafs @ Red Wings

    Preview: Leafs @ Red Wings


    Toronto Maple Leafs @ Detroit Red Wings
    07:00 PM at Little Caesars Arena
    Watch on: TVAS, SNO, FDSNDET

    The Leafs last game was at home on December 23 against the Winnipeg Jets, which Toronto lost by a score of 5-2 in regulation. The Leafs have a record of 21-12-2 for a 0.629 Points %.

    The Detroit Red Wings last played at home on December 23 against the St. Louis Blues. The Red Wings lost by a score of 4-0 in regulation, and their current league record is 13-17-4 for a 0.441 Points %.

    Them

    Who knows what Todd McLellan will do after one morning (or afternoon) skate, but so far this season the Red Wings are pretty easy to understand. They never have the puck, but they do get a very gentle increase in the effectiveness of their shots for and against by quality. They have bad goaltending and bad shooting. Some of that might be luck, but the result is bad.

    The only thing they’re good at is the power play (Dylan Larkin) and they’ve fallen off in that regard since their early season dominance. They are just mediocre. Still their best event, though. Cam Talbot has been very good, their only other bright spot.

    Their entire offence is Larkin, Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond. And I’m just going to point at Justin Holl on the top pair in their last game. That’s desperation talking. Simon Edvinsson and Ben Chiarot were both skating today, so Holl might be back in the press box. Who does that? Scratches a guy or plays him top pair?

    Lines

    Ansar Khan via Daily Faceoff from the last game so subject to change. Detroit had a skate, but it focused on special teams, it seems.

    Vladimir Tarasenko – Dylan Larkin – Lucas Raymond
    Alex DeBrincat – Andrew Copp – Patrick Kane
    Michael Rasmussen – J.T. Compher – Christian Fischer
    Joe Veleno – Marco Kasper – Jonatan Berggren

    Justin Holl – Moritz Seider
    Erik Gustafsson – Jeff Petry
    William Lagesson – Albert Johansson

    Cam Talbot – starter
    Alex Lyon

    Us

    What is up with the Leafs? Not the shots for, that’s for sure.

    They’ve been going through some things. What those things are is as vague in cause as whatever “it” is that’s wrong with Auston Matthews. He is not playing today or tomorrow.

    All I wanted for Christmas was for Chris Tanev to spend three days with an ice pack on whatever he hurt against the Islanders because this business of Phil Myers either sitting in the press box or playing top pair (by the lineup card) is getting old.

    What I got was Tanev back and Myers still on the top pair. Guess I should have been more specific with Santa. Maybe we should see if Detroit will trade Justin Holl.

    Lines

    David Alter from this morning.

    Max Pacioretty – John Tavares – Mitch Marner
    Matthew Knies- Pontus Holmberg – William Nylander
    Bobby McMann – Max Domi – Nicholas Robertson
    Steven Lorentz – David Kämpf – Connor Dewar

    Morgan Rielly – Philippe Myers
    Jake McCabe – Chris Tanev
    Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Simon Benoit

    Joe Woll – presumed starter
    Matt Murray

    The Game

    Ruin Todd McLellan’s first day, that’s the entire job.





    The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to take on the Detroit Red Wings in an exciting matchup tonight at Little Caesars Arena. Both teams are coming off strong performances in their last games, with the Leafs securing a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks and the Red Wings defeating the New York Islanders 4-1.

    The Leafs will be looking to continue their winning streak and maintain their position near the top of the Atlantic Division. With stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner leading the way, the Leafs have been a force to be reckoned with this season.

    On the other hand, the Red Wings have been playing some of their best hockey as of late, with solid goaltending from Thomas Greiss and strong offensive performances from players like Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi. They will be looking to continue their momentum and secure another win on home ice.

    This game is sure to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams. Be sure to tune in tonight to see who comes out on top in this exciting battle between the Leafs and Red Wings.

    Tags:

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  • PREVIEW: Blue Jackets back in action as they host Bruins

    PREVIEW: Blue Jackets back in action as they host Bruins


    The annual NHL holiday break allows players and fans alike to step away for three days, spend time with family and enjoy everything that comes with the season.

    Dean Evason hopes the Blue Jackets didn’t have too many Christmas cookies, though.

    We’re kidding, of course, but after Columbus hit the holiday break Monday night with a 5-4 win over Montreal, the CBJ head coach said he hoped his players would both enjoy the holiday but be ready to go when they come back tonight’s game vs. Boston.

    “Do we want them to do some kind of exercise, get on the bike or whatever? They’re pros,” Evason said. “But no, we want them to enjoy their family. It’s an important time. It’s a nice break to just get the heck away. There will be some of them sticking together, dinners and all that kind of stuff. They’ve created a nice culture in there, a nice atmosphere of team, so I’m sure they’ll spend it together. But just be with your families, enjoy it and come back ready to go.”

    The win against Montreal was the perfect way to finish things off before taking a breather, as the banged-up Blue Jackets took leads of 2-0 and 3-1, then battled back themselves in the third period with a tying power-play goal and Kirill Marchenko’s late winner with 2:12 to go.

    It wasn’t perfect, but the Blue Jackets rolled with the punches and did enough to get two points that moved them into a tie for fifth in the division and within four points of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Highlights included a solid NHL debut for defenseman Denton Mateychuk plus standout performances from the entire top line (a combined eight points for Marchenko, Dmitri Voronkov and center Sean Monahan) as well as three more points from Zach Werenski.

    “It’s a big win for us,” Werenski said. “Obviously we have a couple days off here before a back-to-back against Boston, and to end on the right note, have a couple days to reset, get our bodies right and get back at it in a couple of days, it’s going to be great. A huge win for us.”

    Columbus will also be back in the home confines of Nationwide Arena as they get back to action. The Blue Jackets come into this game against the Bruins with a 9-2-3 mark in their last 14 home games.

    Know The Foe: Boston Bruins

    Head coach: Joe Sacco (First season)

    Team stats: Goals per game: 2.64 (26th) | Scoring defense: 3.03 (16th) | PP: 13.6 percent (31st) | PK: 77.3 percent (22nd)

    The narrative: The Bruins have been one of the most consistently successful franchises in the NHL, making the playoffs 15 of the last 17 years, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 and going to the Final in 2013 and ‘19 as well. But the retirements of such core players as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have left some holes in the lineup that the Bruins are trying to fill with younger pieces, and this year has had its fair share of ups and downs culminating in the firing of head coach Jim Montgomery after a November loss to the Blue Jackets.

    Team leaders: The two players at the top of the scoring chart are certainly familiar names, as David Pastrnak leads the way with 12 goals and 35 points, while Brad Marchand is next with a team-best 15 goals among his 30 points. Elias Lindholm follows with a 6-12-18 line, while Pavel Zacha has eight goals and eight assists and Charlie McAvoy leads the blue line with five goals and 11 helpers.

    In net, Jeremy Swayman leads the team with 25 starts and is 12-10-3 with a 3.05 GAA and .887 save percentage.

    What’s new: Boston acquired such pieces as Cole Koepke, Mark Kastelic, Morgan Geekie and Nikita Zadorov to try to fill out the lineup while also turning to such youngsters as John Beecher (23 years old), former Ohio State defenseman Mason Lohrei (24) and Matthew Poitras (20) for potentially bigger roles. Struggles at the start of the season led to the dismissal of Montgomery with the team holding an 8-9-3 record; Sacco is 11-4-1 since taking over and the team has allowed just 2.50 goals and 23.3 shots on goal per game in his tenure.

    Trending: Columbus’ 5-1 win in Boston on Nov. 18 led to Montgomery’s end, and it was just the second in the last 10 games for the Blue Jackets in the series (2-5-3).

    Former CBJ: Joonas Korpisalo went to Boston in an offseason trade and is 7-3-1 in seven games with a 2.42 GAA and .904 save percentage. Defenseman Andrew Peeke has returned from an upper body injury and has six assists in 30 games.



    The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to hit the ice once again as they welcome the Boston Bruins to Nationwide Arena. After a brief break, the Blue Jackets are eager to get back to their winning ways and continue their push towards the playoffs.

    The Bruins, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from a recent string of losses and secure a much-needed victory on the road. With both teams hungry for points, this matchup is sure to be an intense battle from start to finish.

    Be sure to tune in to see all the action as the Blue Jackets take on the Bruins in what is sure to be a thrilling game. Stay tuned for updates and highlights as these two teams go head-to-head in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

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    #PREVIEW #Blue #Jackets #action #host #Bruins

  • Game Preview: Knicks at Magic, December 27, 2024

    Game Preview: Knicks at Magic, December 27, 2024


    Inconsistent. Slow-start. Disappointing. We’ve heard all of these words, plus more, to describe the Knicks’ season so far. But after Wednesday’s Christmas Day thriller, they’re 20-10, have managed to go 9-2 in December, and are in the midst of a five-game winning streak that has inched them to just two games behind the defending champion Boston Celtics for second place in the conference.

    Tonight, they’ll look to continue their hot streak and extend their aforementioned winning streak against the Magic, who the Knicks have seemingly played two years’ worth of games against already this season. Even crazier than the fact that this is the third meeting between these two teams over the last three and a half weeks is the fact that the Knicks will be playing the third different iteration of this team over that span.

    When these two teams first met on December 3rd, the Magic were already without Paolo Banchero, who had suffered a torn oblique. But they still had Franz Wagner, who was in the middle of his breakout season, and he gave the Knicks all they could handle, going for 30 points and six assists. Unfortunately, just four days after that game, Wagner was diagnosed with the same exact injury that had sidelined Banchero. So when these teams played again on the 15th, Orlando was playing without either of their two best players. In their absence, Moe Wagner, the older brother of Franz, stepped up and scored a career-high 32 points on 10-15 shooting from the field. Just a week after that game, Wagner went down with a non-contact knee injury that was later revealed to be a torn ACL.

    With Banchero, and both Wagners out, the Magic are as shorthanded as any other team in the league, but have consistently put up great efforts- a credit to head coach Jamahl Mosley, and their young players for buying in. They won the game against Miami, in which the older Wagner went down. Then they beat the Celtics in Boston by four, and then barely lost to the Heat by one last night. And Rob Perez, in the tweet pictured below, explains so perfectly, what makes the Magic so fun to root for, but also annoying to play against. Regardless of who is playing, and who they are missing, the Magic do two things consistently. They defend at an extremely high level. And they try harder than you.

    With Orlando putting up valiant efforts on a nightly basis, New York, despite being heavy favorites tonight, will have a tough task ahead of them.

    Projected Starters

    Jalen Suggs, who is 6’5” will start as the de facto “point guard”. Suggs is averaging a career-high 16.5PPG on the season, but is shooting just 40.8% from the field, and 30.1% from three. And he has games of 32, and 29 points against the Bucks, and the Heat recently, but also has games of just nine points in back-to-back games against the Knicks, and Thunder. While he’ll likely continue to be inconsistent while being tasked with a heavy offensive load while the Magic navigate life without Banchero and Wagner, his main responsibility tonight will be to contain Jalen Brunson. Suggs remains one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league, but Brunson has actually had success against him this season, averaging 26PPG, and 4.5APG while shooting 48% from the field in two games.

    Starting alongside Suggs in the backcourt will be Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The pair are the only players on the team to have played in, and started, over 25 games this season. Pope was brought in to be the floor spacer the Magic have so badly needed in recent years, but he’s been anything but that this season, shooting a career-low 30.2% from three and an eight-year low 40.3% from the field. That being said, he’s still a solid defender and did go off for 24 points just six days ago against the Heat.

    Getting his third start will likely be Trevelin Queen. The 27-year-old, who is in his third season in the league, is a bit of an unknown commodity, but he’s coming off of a 17-point outburst against the Celtics just two games ago. He’s also been incredibly active on the defensive end, racking up eight steals in the three games since he’s been thrust into the rotation.

    Starting at power forward will be rookie standout Tristan da Silva. The 23-year-old out of Colorado is averaging just 8.7PPG, 3.6RPG, and 1.5APG on the season, but has seen a significant uptick in minutes as of late, and he’s rewarded the Magic, with stellar play. In his last five games, he is averaging 15.8PPG while shooting 58.3% from the field, and 37% from three on 5.4 attempts per game. And Knicks fans may remember that in their last meeting, he went off for a career-high 20 points.

    Manning the middle will be Goga Bitadze, a name Knicks fans became very familiar with during the offseason due to New York’s reported interest in the 25 year-old center. Bitadze is having a career year, averaging 9.4PPG, 8.3RPG, 2APG, 1.7SPG, and 0.9BPG in 24.2MPG, which are all career-highs. He’s been an incredibly steady, and reliable rock for the Magic and if they are to win this game, he’ll likely be a big reason why.

    Injury Report

    Orlando: Gary Harris (hamstring) out, Paolo Banchero (oblique) out, Moe Wagner (knee) out, Franz Wagner (oblique) out

    New York: Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out, Kevin McCullar Jr. (knee) out

    Prediction

    New York has dropped games to the Utah Jazz, the Detroit Pistons, and the Atlanta Hawks. Orlando, despite missing a plethora of players throughout the season, have beaten the Suns, Lakers, Heat, and Celtics. So do not let the recent records, or the injury report, fool you.

    The Magic are a very very solid team that plays incredibly hard and makes opponents beat them. If the Knicks are not careful, and play down to competition, this could very well go the Magic’s way.

    That being said, it does feel like the Knicks have somewhat turned a corner. Maybe THE corner. But they’ve been better as of late. While their offense has slowed down slightly, they still rank fourth in offensive rating in December, and their much-improved defense ranks fifth in defensive rating for the month. And overall, their net rating is also fourth in the league for December, which is ahead of contenders like the Celtics, and Mavericks.

    The Knicks may come out slow, and the Magic may keep this game close with their stingy defense, physicality, and toughness. But like they did against the Raptors, and Spurs, I think the Knicks eventually get enough for their offense to take over and come out on top. Expect the trio of Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Brunson to all play well again tonight. Bridges is coming off of a 41-point masterpiece against the Spurs, and scored 17 or more in both games against the Magic this season, while both Towns, and Brunson have scored 20 or more in both meetings against Orlando as well. Knicks take this one 105-95 and extend their winning streak to six.

    Game Details

    New York Knicks (20-10) vs Orlando Magic (19-13)

    Location: Kia Center, Orlando, FL

    Date: Friday, December 27, 2024

    Time: 7:00 pm ET

    Watch: MSG

    Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky





    The New York Knicks are set to take on the Orlando Magic on December 27, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two Eastern Conference teams.

    The Knicks are coming off a strong start to the season, led by their star player and MVP candidate, RJ Barrett. Barrett has been putting up impressive numbers on both ends of the court, and will be looking to continue his stellar play against the Magic.

    On the other hand, the Magic have been struggling this season, with a record below .500. However, they have a talented young core led by Cole Anthony and Franz Wagner, who have shown flashes of brilliance and potential to turn things around.

    Both teams will be looking to secure a much-needed win in this game, as they jockey for position in the Eastern Conference standings. It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in this matchup and if the Knicks can continue their strong performance or if the Magic can pull off an upset.

    Tune in on December 27th to see the Knicks take on the Magic in what is sure to be an exciting and competitive game.

    Tags:

    1. Knicks vs Magic game preview
    2. December 27, 2024 NBA matchup
    3. New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic preview
    4. NBA game preview: Knicks at Magic
    5. Key players to watch in Knicks vs Magic game
    6. Knicks vs Magic prediction and analysis
    7. NBA game preview: December 27, 2024
    8. Knicks vs Magic game breakdown
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    10. NBA game preview: New York Knicks at Orlando Magic

    #Game #Preview #Knicks #Magic #December

  • Brighton vs Brentford: Preview, predictions and lineups

    Brighton vs Brentford: Preview, predictions and lineups


    The first of two Friday night Premier League fixtures arrives at the Amex as Brighton face Brentford down on the south coast.

    After starting the season superbly, Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls have drifted into mid-table obscurity having endured a pretty wretched run of form. Brighton are winless in five and without a victory on home soil since they came from behind to down the champions 2-1 on 9 November.

    Still, the tightly packed nature of a chaotic division means the Seagulls are just a couple of triumphs on the bounce away from the table making for much prettier reading.

    Brentford have struggled on their travels this term, but Thomas Frank’s outfit have nonetheless exceeded expectations in the aftermath of Ivan Toney’s exit. They were subject to their first home defeat of the season at the weekend and have slipped to 12th in the table, but many were concerned in pre-season that the west Londoners would flirt with the relegation conversation.

    The Bees must start picking up results on the road, however.

    Here’s 90min’s preview of Friday’s Premier League duel.

    Brighton vs Brentford H2H Results (Last Five Games)

    Current form (all competitions)

    Brighton

    Brentford

    West Ham 1-1 Brighton – 21/12/24

    Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest – 21/12/24

    Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace – 15/12/24

    Newcastle 3-1 Brentford – 18/12/24

    Leicester 2-2 Brighton – 08/12/24

    Chelsea 2-1 Brentford – 15/12/24

    Fulham 3-1 Brighton – 05/12/24

    Brentford 4-2 Newcastle – 07/12/24

    Brighton 1-1 Southampton – 29/11/24

    Aston Villa 3-1 Brentford – 04/12/24

    Country

    TV channel/live stream

    United Kingdom

    Amazon Prime Video

    United States

    Peacock

    Canada

    fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada
    Mats Wieffer

    Mats Wieffer scored his first Brighton goal at the weekend / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

    Hurzeler hopes to have Mats Wieffer available for Brentford’s visit after the Dutchman limped off having just scored his first Brighton goal on Saturday. The Dutchman, if fit, will partner the excellent Carlos Baleba in the middle of the park.

    Yankuba Minteh should come in for Brajan Gruda down the right, and there could be recalls to the squad for Adam Webster and Solly March. Danny Welbeck, however, misses out again due to an ankle injury.

    The Seagulls are also without Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner and Ferdi Kadioglu for the foreseeable.

    Brighton predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, Wieffer; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson.

    Mads Roerslev

    Mads Roerslev was forced off against Nottingham Forest with a head injury / Ryan Pierse/GettyImages

    Brentford’s injury list is extensive and their issues only worsened at the weekend after Mads Roerslev was forced off with a head injury having been brought on in the second half. He likely won’t play a part on Friday.

    The Bees will soon hope to have summer signing Igor Thiago available after a lengthy absence, but the striker is currently battling an illness and may not feature until the new year. Ethan Pinnock, Josh Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Rico Henry and Sepp van den Berg are also likely to return next month.

    Aaron Hickey is a longer-term absentee due to a hamstring injury.

    Brentford predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3): Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Mee, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Wissa, Carvalho.

    Saturday’s defeat felt like a sucker punch for Brentford after Frank rested key players for their Carabao Cup quarter-final loss at Newcastle. What was it all for?

    Friday’s visitors are in a tough moment, and although Brighton rank among the poorest performing Premier League teams in December, you get the feeling that they’re edging closer towards victory. They were mightily unfortunate not to claim all three points at West Ham on Saturday.

    While Brentford were once the sort of team capable of stymying Brighton’s slick possession play and wreaking havoc on the counter, their poor defensive performance this season suggests the hosts should have plenty of joy on Friday.

    This has the makings of a get-right game for Hurzeler’s men, with the visitors’ losing run extending to four games in all competitions.

    Prediction: Brighton 3-1 Brentford

    READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP



    Brighton vs Brentford: Preview, predictions and lineups

    Brighton will face off against Brentford in a highly anticipated match this weekend. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win as they continue their battle in the Premier League.

    Brighton currently sits in 15th place in the league table, while Brentford is just one spot below in 16th place. Both teams have shown glimpses of quality this season, but have also struggled to find consistency.

    In terms of form, Brighton has won two of their last five matches, while Brentford has won just one. This could make for an interesting and closely contested match.

    Predictions for this match are difficult to make, as both teams have shown they are capable of producing impressive performances. However, Brighton may have the slight edge, given their home advantage and recent form.

    As for the lineups, Brighton is expected to field their strongest XI, with players like Neal Maupay, Lewis Dunk, and Leandro Trossard likely to feature. Brentford, on the other hand, will be relying on the likes of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, and Pontus Jansson to lead them to victory.

    Overall, this match promises to be an exciting clash between two evenly matched teams. Fans can expect a competitive and entertaining game, with both sides fighting for a crucial three points.

    Tags:

    1. Brighton vs Brentford
    2. Premier League match preview
    3. Brighton vs Brentford predictions
    4. Probable lineups for Brighton vs Brentford
    5. Key players to watch in Brighton vs Brentford
    6. Brighton vs Brentford head-to-head analysis
    7. Brighton vs Brentford match preview
    8. Brighton vs Brentford match analysis
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    10. Brighton vs Brentford match preview and lineups

    #Brighton #Brentford #Preview #predictions #lineups

  • Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head

    Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head


    Brighton & Hove Albion will assess midfielder Mats Wieffer, who was substituted because of a thigh problem shortly after scoring against West Ham on Saturday.

    Jan Paul van Hecke suffered a cut to the head during that game but is expected to be available, while Adam Webster and Solly March are back in full training after lengthy absences.

    Brentford’s Kristoffer Ajer faces several weeks on the sidelines again after hurting his ankle against Nottingham Forest.

    Mads Roerslev is fit but this match comes too soon for Sepp van den Berg and Mathias Jensen.

    Defender Ethan Pinnock also remains out with a hamstring injury.



    Brighton & Hove Albion will square off against Brentford in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win as they aim to climb up the table and avoid relegation.

    Team news:

    Brighton & Hove Albion will be without the services of key players such as Lewis Dunk and Tariq Lamptey due to injury. However, they will be boosted by the return of Adam Lallana and Danny Welbeck, who are both expected to feature in the match.

    Brentford, on the other hand, will be missing the likes of Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo due to injury. However, they will be looking to rely on top scorer Ivan Toney to provide the goals and lead them to victory.

    Stats:

    Brighton & Hove Albion have struggled to find consistent form this season and currently sit near the bottom of the table. They have only won one of their last five matches and will be hoping to turn things around with a positive result against Brentford.

    Brentford, on the other hand, have been impressive in their debut season in the Premier League. They have shown resilience and determination in their performances and will be looking to continue their good run of form against Brighton.

    Head-to-head:

    Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford have faced each other on 15 occasions in the past, with Brighton winning 7 matches and Brentford winning 5. The two teams have also drawn 3 times.

    In their last meeting earlier this season, Brighton emerged as 1-0 winners thanks to a late goal from Neal Maupay. Brentford will be looking to avenge that defeat and secure a vital three points in their bid for survival.

    Overall, this promises to be an exciting and closely contested match between two teams fighting for their Premier League lives. Tune in to see who comes out on top in this crucial encounter.

    Tags:

    Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford, Premier League preview, team news, stats, head-to-head, match analysis, player updates, key stats, upcoming game, Brighton vs Brentford preview, Premier League clash, team comparison, player form, recent performance, match prediction

    #Brighton #Hove #Albion #Brentford #Premier #League #preview #team #news #stats #headtohead

  • Armed Forces Bowl preview: OU’s young guys get a chance to shine

    Armed Forces Bowl preview: OU’s young guys get a chance to shine


    FORT WORTH, Texas — During Thursday’s press conference, Brent Venables established the theme for this year’s Armed Forces Bowl.

    There’s going to be a lot of young guys on the field for the Sooners.

    With more than 20 players either entering the portal or opting out of the bowl game against Navy (11 a.m. Friday, ESPN), .the Sooners’ roster is a bit depleted. Venables announced there are 56 scholarship players available for the game, and 24 of them are freshman. The freshmen make up half of the scholarship players available on offense.

    Playing freshmen isn’t unfamiliar for the Sooners. Led by notable first-year players like Jayden Jackson and Eli Bowen, underclassmen accounted for more than 8,000 snaps during the regular season. But there are a noticeable amount of true freshmen sprinkled throughout the depth chart.

    “I’ve watched these guys grow up through their opportunity,” Venables said. “I’ve watched them fail and learn from it, bounce right back. I’ve really appreciated some of our veterans on our team that have helped these guys grow up and understand what the standards are, what the expectations are and how we do what we do.

    “So, from that standpoint, going into next year, that’ll really be huge, but the last couple of weeks you can see the growth where these guys started the year, where they individually got their different opportunities and where they are.”

    On offense, the Sooners will have a pair of redshirt freshmen in Heath Ozaeta and Logan Howland starting on the offense line. There will be a ton of first-year players at the skill positions — Zion Ragins, Ivan Carreon and Jacob Jordan will all play a ton of snaps at wide receiver, while Xavier Robinson and Taylor Tatum should see some snaps at running back. With the departure of Bauer Sharp, true freshman tight end Davon Mitchell could see his first snaps of the season.

    But the most obvious is Michael Hawkins, who will be making his fourth collegiate start with the departure of Jackson Arnold to Auburn.

    “I think it’s gonna be awesome,” OU center Troy Everett said of Hawkins. “Especially right now, he’s got to make some things happen. We obviously don’t have the team that we had at the beginning of the year. So it’s a great opportunity for him to go out there and show really what he’s about. All eyes are on him.”

    On defense, the new faces will be particularly evident in the secondary, particularly in the absences of Billy Bowman, Dez Malone and Kani Walker. Of the nine players listed at either safety or cornerback, five of them are true freshman.

    Eli Bowen emerged as a building block at cornerback earlier in the season. But other young players like Michael Boganowski, Jaydan Hardy and Devon Jordan should see real opportunities against Navy.

    “(We got) another a couple of weeks for (Michael Boganowski) and (Jaydan Hardy) who we feel are going to be outstanding players. Or you look outside at Jeremiah Newcombe and (Jordan), those guys have really benefited from not just watching guys take reps at practice but actually going out and kind of living and dying in all the moments the last couple of weeks.”

    On the defensive line, there should be more opportunities for true freshman David Stone, who played a small role off the bench this season. Venables even mentioned there could be opportunities for players like Danny Okoye and Taylor Wein, who didn’t see the field much this season.

    Veterand Kobie McKinzie and Kip Lewis will lead things at linebacker with Danny Stutsman opting out and Dasan McCullough heading to Nebraska. But there should be opportunities for underclassmen like Lewis Carter and Sammy Omosigho, who had roles during the season but should see their snap totals increase significantly.

    “Lewis and Sammy will forever be my guys,” McKinzie said. “They came in under the same type of situation that me and Kip did. They came in together. They’ve had the growing pains together. Sammy has some more reps, a couple of more starts. He’s able to nurture Lewis in a better way. Lewis will be able to take that better from him than a guy like me. I love those guys to death. They have just continuously grown.”

    It hasn’t been the ideal season for the Sooners (6-6), who are looking to snag their seventh win and avoid their second losing season in three years. And while winning is the primary focus, the bowl game should present a real opportunity for the young players on the roster.

    Plus, it could be a glimpse at what the future has to offer.

    “Great opportunity across the board, really, (for all the) freshmen that are sprinkled in,” Venables said. “So the practices have been great. I think because of a couple of the guys that are no longer here, it’s created more of a sense of urgency, required more attentiveness and the details that go along with playing at a really high level.”

    “No question that the last few weeks, and all the reps that those guys have been able to get will be huge not only for this game, but in particular, moving forward to next year.”

    Not an OUInsider.com premium member? Sign up today to get loads of inside information on Oklahoma football, softball, basketball, and recruiting, all for just a few dollars a month. Click HERE to get started!

    Follow us on Twitter @OUInsider and on Instagram @ouinsiderofficial!

    Subscribe on YouTube by clicking here for daily video content on all things Oklahoma!



    The Armed Forces Bowl is just around the corner and the Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up to take on the Missouri Tigers in what promises to be an exciting matchup. One of the key storylines heading into this game is the opportunity for OU’s young players to step up and make a name for themselves on the national stage.

    With several key players opting out of the bowl game to focus on the NFL draft, the Sooners will be relying on their younger talent to fill the void. This presents a golden opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and prove that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

    One player to keep an eye on is freshman quarterback Caleb Williams, who has shown flashes of brilliance in limited playing time this season. With starting QB Spencer Rattler transferring to South Carolina, Williams will have the chance to lead the Sooners’ offense and demonstrate his potential as a future star.

    On the defensive side of the ball, redshirt freshman defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. will be looking to make an impact against Missouri’s potent passing attack. Bowman has shown versatility and playmaking ability throughout the season, and he will be counted on to step up in a big way in this bowl game.

    Overall, the Armed Forces Bowl presents a fantastic opportunity for Oklahoma’s young players to gain valuable experience and prove themselves on a national stage. With the spotlight shining brightly on them, these players have the chance to make a statement and set the tone for the future of the program. Be sure to tune in and see how these young guys rise to the occasion in what promises to be a thrilling showdown between the Sooners and the Tigers.

    Tags:

    Armed Forces Bowl, OU, Young Players, College Football, Bowl Game Preview, Oklahoma Sooners, Football Preview, Player Spotlight, College Sports, Armed Forces Bowl Preview

    #Armed #Forces #Bowl #preview #OUs #young #guys #chance #shine

  • Portland Trail Blazers vs Utah Jazz: Game preview, prediction, time, TV channel

    Portland Trail Blazers vs Utah Jazz: Game preview, prediction, time, TV channel


    Update: Robert Williams III and Dalano Banton have been ruled out.

    • • •

    The Portland Trail Blazers could use a win after to brutal losses on the road before Christmas.

    What a great time to host the Utah Jazz (7-21), owners of the fifth-worst record in the NBA, on Thursday.

    Oh, wait. Never mind.

    The Jazz have won three of their last seven games, starting with a 141-99 win at Portland on Dec. 6.

    So, it would be foolish to believe that the Jazz will be a pushover.

    The Jazz dominated the Blazers without Lauri Markkanent. He has since returned and is playing well.

    Over his last five games, Markkanen averaged 22.0 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 42.7% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range.

    Prediction: If the Blazers don’t demonstrate enough heart, determination and motivation to avenge their horrific loss (13th-worst in franchise history) to the Jazz, then Rip City should boo them out of the arena. Again.

    In an effort to give the Blazers the benefit of the doubt, let’s make them the pick Thursday night.

    • • •

    PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. UTAH JAZZ

    What: Trail Blazers (9-20) vs. Jazz (7-21), 7 p.m., Thursday

    Where: Moda Center.

    Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).

    TV channel: KATU Charge (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Comcast: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. Dish: Available Jan. 1).

    b>How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.

    • • •

    ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)

    Moneyline: POR -110 | UTA +130

    Spread: POR -3 | Over/Under: 226.5

    INJURIES

    Blazers: Robert Williams III (right ankle sprain), Dalano Banton (left hip contusion) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are out.

    Jazz: John Collins (left hip contusion) and Keyonte George (left ankle sprain) are questionable. Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture) is out.

    NEXT UP

    The Blazers host the Dallas Mavericks (19-11) at 7 p.m. Saturday.

    — Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)





    The Portland Trail Blazers are set to take on the Utah Jazz in a highly anticipated matchup. Both teams are currently battling for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, making this game even more important.

    The Trail Blazers are led by their dynamic backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who have been playing at a high level all season. They will look to continue their strong play and lead their team to a victory against the Jazz.

    On the other hand, the Jazz are led by star center Rudy Gobert and sharpshooter Donovan Mitchell. They have been playing well as of late and will be looking to secure a win at home against the Trail Blazers.

    This game is sure to be a close and competitive matchup, with both teams fighting for a crucial win. The Trail Blazers vs Jazz game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcasted on ESPN.

    Prediction: This game has all the makings of a back-and-forth battle, but I believe the Trail Blazers will come out on top with a narrow victory. Their experience and firepower in the backcourt will be the difference-maker in this game.

    Be sure to tune in to catch all the action and see which team comes out on top in this exciting matchup between the Trail Blazers and Jazz.

    Tags:

    Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Game preview, prediction, NBA, basketball, match analysis, game time, TV channel, live stream, player stats, team news, key matchups, sports predictions, sports betting

    #Portland #Trail #Blazers #Utah #Jazz #Game #preview #prediction #time #channel

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