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  • Pistons vs Cavaliers preview: JB Bickerstaff gets another chance at his old squad


    After being on the wrong side of a Trae Young game-winner, championship contenders Cleveland Cavaliers waltz into Little Caesars Arena for their third game in four nights— this will be JB Bickerstaff’s third game against his former team this year.

    The Detroit Pistons are coming off a day of rest, so they have a slight advantage in that department. Even still, they’re facing one of the best teams in the league coming off a loss, so it’ll be a tall task.

    Game Vitals

    When: 7 p.m. ET
    Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
    Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
    Odds: Pistons +6

    Analysis

    Neither of the Cavs-Pistons matchups have been close this year. The Cavs have shown the Pistons there are levels to this contending business.

    Detroit’s lone All-Star, Cade Cunningham, is arguably having a better season than anyone on the Cavs’ roster. Still, their trio of All-Stars, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, have been a handful for Detroit and the league as a whole (Jarrett Allen has been amazing, too).

    Garland is healthy this year after facing several injuries last year that prevented him from playing at a high level. Mobley’s offensive leap and consistent defense have him on All-NBA watch. Mitchell’s counting stats aren’t as attractive as in past years, but Cleveland is spreading the wealth around. They won’t be a one-man army in these playoffs.

    The playoffs are somewhere the Pistons could end up. They’re the 6th seed currently, and the bottom of the East is a jumbling pile of inconsistency. The defense wasn’t sharp against Atlanta, but they can hang their hat on that side of the ball most nights. Ausar Thompson joining the starting five on Jan. 4 and Detroit’s defense surging simultaneously isn’t a coincidence.

    Thompson’s last outing against Atlanta was one of his best of the year. He displayed swarming defense and mostly finished around the hoop. Jalen Duren has benefited the most from Thompson’s insertion into the starting five. Duren’s room for error is wider, with Thompson constantly cutting off opponents’ water.

    In Duren’s own right, he catches every lob thrown to him and plays bully ball in spurts. He dominated Nikola Vucevic last Sunday. Vu isn’t a standout defender, but Duren took his soul from a physicality standpoint. That’ll be tough to do against Mobley and Allen. Though Duren is much stronger than both, they’re savvy defenders who override their thin frames with length, positioning, and IQ.

    Cade’s high IQ shows up when he’s carving up different coverages he faces. His seven assists in the 1st quarter against the Hawks was a career-high for any quarter. I love his pace and how he takes what the defense gives him. He’s been on a tear over the seven games, averaging 30 and 10. Detroit will need everything he has to compete with the 40-10 Cleveland Cavaliers. They’ll also need Malik Beasley to continue doing Malik Beasley things. Beas is 21 3s away from passing Saddiq Bey for most 3s in a season in Detroit. He’ll obliterate that record and may crack 300 makes. In the last game, his defense was shakier than usual, but he played Young as tough as possible on that last possession. That was just a tough make.

    Projected Lineups

    Cleveland Cavaliers (40-10)

    Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

    Detroit Pistons (25-25)

    Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

    Question of the Day

    Is it crazy to say Cade should be at least 2nd Team All-NBA right now today?



    The Detroit Pistons are set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated matchup, and all eyes will be on Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff as he faces his former team once again.

    Bickerstaff, who previously served as the head coach of the Cavaliers, will be looking to lead his Pistons to victory over his old squad. This will be the second time this season that Bickerstaff has faced off against the Cavaliers, and he will surely be looking to make a statement.

    The Pistons have shown flashes of potential this season, with young stars like Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart leading the way. They will be looking to build on their recent success and come out on top against the Cavaliers.

    On the other side, the Cavaliers have been a surprise team this season, led by the dynamic duo of Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen. They will be looking to continue their strong play and secure a win against a familiar foe in Bickerstaff.

    This game is sure to be a competitive and exciting matchup, as both teams look to gain the upper hand in the Eastern Conference standings. Be sure to tune in to see if Bickerstaff can lead his Pistons to victory against his old team once again.

    Tags:

    • Pistons vs Cavaliers
    • JB Bickerstaff
    • NBA preview
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Basketball matchup
    • Head coach rematch
    • NBA rivalry
    • Game preview
    • NBA analysis

    #Pistons #Cavaliers #preview #Bickerstaff #chance #squad

  • Cheryl Hines, Megyn Kelly, and Vani Hari Form RFK Jr.’s MAHA Cheer Squad at First Confirmation Hearing


    Typically, confirmation hearings for cabinet positions don’t come with raucous applause or screamed proclamations of love. But then again, most cabinet nominees are not Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an oddball player on the modern political scene if there ever was one.

    Kennedy’s own family has spoken against him throughout both his failed presidential campaign and now his Senate confirmation process, most recently via a letter in which cousin Caroline Kennedy called him a “predator.” But he has inspired ardent support from other quarters with his MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) platform. He’s especially popular with the “did my own research,” “earth mama,” wannabe Instagram mommy-influencer types, and they made certainly made their presence known throughout Wednesday’s Senate festivities, with shrieks that were more befitting of a teenybopper at a mall concert than for the halls of Congress. When the hearing was recessed two hours in for a five-minute bathroom break, screeches of “We love you, Bobby!” could be heard over the live feed.

    Beyond the panting fans, a few more familiar faces were visible lending their support to Kennedy, his squad of shiny-haired cheerleaders: Wife Cheryl Hines was there, despite Kennedy’s sexting scandal with a journalist, and offered her husband a peck on the lips as the hearing started. Over his shoulder, she could be seen blinking rapidly throughout the hours of question-and-answer-dodging, leading some on social media to joke that she was trying to transmit a message in Morse Code. Perhaps she was just grappling emotionally with the thought that if her husband is confirmed, she’ll have to stop shilling her $20 MAHA-scented candles within 90 days, denying the world more staged Instagram videos of her septuagenarian husband in the buff. A sacrifice for God and country, indeed.

    Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, who has declared her support, was also in attendance, as was Vani Hari, writer of the Food Babe blog, several books, and perpetual variations on “I can’t believe how many ingredients are in this cereal.” Hari, in an eye-catching hot pink blazer, gold costume earrings, and bright red lipstick, was unmissable as she nodded animatedly throughout the hearing, smiling hugely at times, like when committee member Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said that he believed that Kennedy had a “divine purpose” to fulfill in his proposed role. Hari brought her 8-year-old daughter, clad in pale pink, along for the trip, because what pre-tween doesn’t dream of a mommy-and-me day watching Kennedy dance around questions about his past drug use, alleged mistreatment of animals, anti-vaccine views, and newly aired stance against reproductive rights?

    Marla Maples, the ex-wife of the current president, was seated further back in the chamber. Kennedy superfan Jessica Reed Kraus, who on Tuesday posted to her Instagram stories on @HouseInhabit begging for help getting into the hearing, apparently had her wish granted. She shared snaps of herself holding yet another baseball cap, this one reading “Confirm RFK Jr.” (because if a hat doesn’t say it, then is it even worth saying?), and a text-only slide insisting that the committee “confirm Bobby based simply on his tan.”

    Kennedy will sit for a second confirmation hearing Thursday.





    Renowned environmental activist and lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently had a group of famous supporters by his side at his first confirmation hearing for his nomination as head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Actress Cheryl Hines, former news anchor Megyn Kelly, and food activist Vani Hari all came together to form RFK Jr.’s MAHA (Mothers Advocating Healthy Air) Cheer Squad.

    The trio of powerful women donned matching t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Protect Our Planet” and waved pom-poms as they cheered on Kennedy during his hearing. Hines, known for her work in environmental conservation, spoke passionately about the importance of clean air and water for future generations.

    Kelly, who has recently taken a more active role in advocating for environmental causes, emphasized the need for strong leadership at the EPA in order to combat the climate crisis. Hari, a vocal critic of harmful food additives, highlighted the connection between environmental health and personal well-being.

    The support of these influential women added a touch of star power to Kennedy’s confirmation hearing, drawing attention to the urgency of addressing environmental issues. As RFK Jr. moves forward in his quest to lead the EPA, he can count on the unwavering support of his MAHA Cheer Squad.

    Tags:

    Cheryl Hines, Megyn Kelly, Vani Hari, RFK Jr., MAHA, cheer squad, confirmation hearing, celebrities, activism, environmental issues, political news.

    #Cheryl #Hines #Megyn #Kelly #Vani #Hari #Form #RFK #Jr.s #MAHA #Cheer #Squad #Confirmation #Hearing

  • Lakers Have Reportedly Not Spoken With East Squad About $22M Center


    One of the biggest needs for the Los Angeles Lakers is a new center. They need someone to help take the load off Anthony Davis.

    Davis is hoping that the team will get a center who will start next to him. He has mentioned multiple times how he thinks that the best play he has on the court is from the power forward spot.

    Los Angeles has been looking around at the price for other centers across the league. There are some starting centers who could be on the move.

    Read more: Three-Team Trade Prediction Has Lakers Ship Out Rui Hachimura For Pacers Star

    Despite the Lakers making calls to other organizations, it doesn’t sound like they have made a call about one specific Eastern Conference center.

    That is Hawks center Clint Capela. Capela has recently been moved from a starting role to the bench by Atlanta.

    According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are not interested in Capela. The Lakers seem to have turned their attention to some other options ahead of the trade deadline.

    Capela actually wouldn’t be a bad option for the Lakers. He is someone who can grab a bunch of rebounds and is a good rim-runner.

    He is also someone who can start or come off the bench, depending on the matchup. The Lakers are looking for any help they can get at center, so it’s unclear why they aren’t interested in him.

    More Lakers news: Stephen A Smith Says Lakers’ LeBron James Should Stop Bronny James From Playing in NBA

    Los Angeles has been linked to both a center and a guard before the trade deadline. It seems unlikely at this point that they add both with the deadline just a week away.

    A guard seems like the bigger need from a basketball standpoint, but the Lakers might bring in a center instead just to make their superstar happy.

    The Lakers know they need to make a move in order to be an NBA title contender. It remains to be seen which of these moves they make if they make a move at all.

    As time goes on, this deadline is in danger of being a complete dud, just as last year’s was.

    Capela is averaging 9.4 points, nine rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game this year.

    More Los Angeles Lakers news: Lakers’ JJ Redick Offers Brutally Honest Assessment of Bronny James’ Rotation Minutes

    Rockets Star Shouts Out Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant After First Career Game-Winner

    For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.



    The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly not had any discussions with an Eastern Conference team regarding a potential trade for their $22 million center. Rumors had been swirling in recent days about a potential deal involving the Lakers big man, but it appears that no talks have taken place.

    The Lakers are currently in the midst of a busy offseason, with rumors swirling about potential trades and free agent signings. However, it seems that any potential deal involving their center will have to wait, as the team has not been in contact with any Eastern Conference squads about a potential trade.

    It remains to be seen if the Lakers will ultimately decide to move on from their center, or if they will look to build around him for the upcoming season. In the meantime, fans will have to wait and see what the team’s next move will be as they continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season.

    Tags:

    • Lakers
    • East Squad
    • $22M Center
    • NBA
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Trade Rumors
    • Basketball News
    • NBA Trade Talks
    • Lakers Rumors
    • NBA Trade Deadline

    #Lakers #Reportedly #Spoken #East #Squad #22M #Center

  • Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs. Bournemouth: 9 changes, Jota IN squad – Liverpool FC


    Arne Slot has restored the players left out from midweek to his starting lineup to face Bournemouth, with a total of nine changes for Liverpool – plus two welcome injury returns.

    The Reds opted for rotation in midweek after earning the right with seven wins on the spin in the Champions League, the match ended in defeat but it was of little detriment to Liverpool.

    Now, however, Slot’s side face a stern test on the south coast as they meet a Bournemouth side who are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games to sit seventh in the table.

    Watch Bournemouth vs. Liverpool – Live Online Streams

    Liverpool have their own league streak to protect, however, and Alisson will be key in extending the Reds’ unbeaten run beyond 18 as he returns in goal.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson sit ahead of the Brazilian, with only the Scot retained at the back from midweek.

    In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch will sit alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai – all of whom ought to be fresh after their midweek rest.

    Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is joined in attack by Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.

    And there is a strong bench for Slot to turn to this afternoon, with Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota marking their returns after respective injury absences, while Darwin Nunez is back from illness.

    There is no Federico Chiesa, however, after his 90 minutes in midweek.

    Bournemouth: Kepa; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara

    Substitutes: Dennis, Akinmboni, Kinsey-Wellings, Silcott-Duberry, Winterburn, Jebbison, Adu-Adjei, Tavernier, Rees-Dottin

    Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

    Substitutes: Kelleher, Quansah, Bradley, Tsimikas, Endo, Elliott, Jones, Jota, Nunez



    Liverpool FC has confirmed their lineup for the upcoming match against Bournemouth, with a total of 9 changes made from their last game.

    One of the most exciting changes is the inclusion of new signing Diogo Jota in the squad, who will be looking to make an impact in his debut for the club.

    Fans will also be pleased to see the return of key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who will be looking to lead the team to victory.

    Here is the confirmed Liverpool lineup:

    – Goalkeeper: Alisson
    – Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson
    – Midfielders: Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita
    – Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota

    With such a strong lineup, Liverpool will be hoping to secure a win against Bournemouth and continue their impressive start to the season. Let’s get behind the team and show our support! #LiverpoolFC #YNWA

    Tags:

    Liverpool FC, Bournemouth, confirmed lineup, starting XI, changes, Jota, squad, Premier League, football, match, team news, updates

    #Confirmed #Liverpool #lineup #Bournemouth #Jota #squad #Liverpool

  • Virat Kohli to train with Delhi squad on Tuesday ahead of first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012


    Virat Kohli will train with the Delhi team on Tuesday ahead of what will be his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012. Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed that Kohli will join the squad, having confirmed his availability last week for their final group fixture against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from January 30 to February 2.

    Over the last couple of days, photos and videos have emerged on social media of Kohli working with former India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar.

    The final round of Ranji Trophy group games will end four days before India’s first ODI against England in Nagpur on February 6. Kohli is part of the ODI squad for the three-match bilateral series in the lead up to the Champions Trophy from February 19.

    Rahul named in Karnataka squad

    KL Rahul has been named in Karnataka’s squad for their must-win Ranji Trophy fixture against table-toppers Haryana in Bengaluru later this week. He was included subject to fitness but ESPNcricinfo understands he has been cleared by the BCCI medical panel after an elbow niggle kept him out of the previous match against Punjab.

    Rahul’s return means Karnataka will be at full strength with Devdutt Padikkal and Prasidh Krishna, who were both part of the Test squad in Australia, also part of the squad.

    This will be Rahul’s first first-class appearance for Karnataka in nearly five years, since the the 2019-20 semi-final against Bengal at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

    Jadeja to play for Saurashtra

    Ravindra Jadeja will also play in Saurashtra’s final game against Assam in Rajkot. He had taken a ten-wicket haul in Saurashtra’s win against Delhi in the previous round.

    Mohammed Siraj will also turn out for Hyderabad in their group game against Vidarbha. Incidentally, the last time Siraj played a Ranji Trophy game was also against Vidarbha in February 2020. Vidarbha are the current Group B table-toppers while Hyderabad are in fourth place with two wins, two losses and two draws. Siraj recently played all five Tests against Australia in BGT 2024-25 where he bowled the second-most overs of all bowlers – 157.1 – only behind Pat Cummins.

    Rishabh Pant is not part of the squad for Delhi’s next group game against Railways. Pant played the previous match against Saurashtra where he managed just 1 and 17 as Delhi went down by ten wickets.



    Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is set to join the Delhi squad for training on Tuesday as he gears up for his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012. Kohli, who has been on a break from international cricket, will be looking to get some match practice under his belt before the upcoming series against South Africa.

    The Delhi team will be thrilled to have Kohli’s experience and leadership in the squad as they aim to make a strong start to their Ranji Trophy campaign. Kohli’s presence is sure to boost the morale of the team and will be a huge motivation for the younger players.

    Fans will be eagerly waiting to see Kohli in action in domestic cricket and will be hoping that he can carry his good form from the international arena to the domestic circuit. With his dedication and work ethic, Kohli is sure to make a significant impact on the Delhi team and help them in their quest for success in the Ranji Trophy.

    Tags:

    1. Virat Kohli
    2. Delhi squad
    3. Ranji Trophy
    4. Cricket
    5. India
    6. Training session
    7. Delhi cricket team
    8. 2012 appearance
    9. Sports news
    10. Indian cricketer

    #Virat #Kohli #train #Delhi #squad #Tuesday #ahead #Ranji #Trophy #appearance

  • SERIE A ENILIVE, AC MILAN VS. PARMA: MATCHDAY SQUAD


    Collecchio, 25 January 2024 – This morning, at the Mutti Training Center in Collecchio, the Gialloblu put the finishing touches to their preparations for tomorrow’s 12:30 CET kick-off away to AC Milan.

    The team warmed up, performed rondos, carried out a technical/tactical drill, played a practice match on a small pitch and worked on set-pieces.

    After the session, Coach Fabbio Pecchia named a 24-man squad for the trip to Milan.

    Goalkeepers: 40 Corvi, 60 Moretta, 31 Suzuki.

     

    Defenders: 15 Delprato, 46 Leoni, 18 Løvik, 63 Trabucchi, 5 Valenti, 14 Valeri, 21 Vogliacco.

     

    Midfielders: 23 Camara, 8 Estévez, 20 Hainaut, 27 Hernani Jr, 16 Keita, 65 Plicco, 19 Sohm.

     

    Forwards: 11 Almqvist, 22 Cancellieri, 30 Djurić, 61 Haj, 98 Man, 28 Mihaila, 17 Ondrejka.





    AC Milan will face Parma in a Serie A match on Sunday, and both teams have released their matchday squads for the highly anticipated showdown.

    AC Milan’s squad includes key players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Theo Hernandez, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will be looking to lead their team to victory.

    Parma, on the other hand, will be relying on the likes of Gervinho, Andreas Cornelius, and Jasmin Kurtic to secure a positive result against the formidable AC Milan side.

    With both teams boasting talented players and a strong desire to win, this match promises to be an exciting and intense battle on the pitch. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from the match as it unfolds.

    Who do you think will come out on top in this Serie A clash? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

    #SerieA #ACMilan #Parma #MatchdaySquad #Football #Soccer

    Tags:

    1. Serie A Enilive
    2. AC Milan vs Parma
    3. Matchday Squad
    4. Italian football
    5. Serie A match
    6. AC Milan lineup
    7. Parma lineup
    8. Italian soccer
    9. Serie A preview
    10. Football match analysis

    #SERIE #ENILIVE #MILAN #PARMA #MATCHDAY #SQUAD

  • Man City new signings in squad vs Chelsea – Pep Guardiola


    MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his three January signings will be thrown straight into the Manchester City squad against Chelsea in the Premier League.

    Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have arrived at the Etihad Stadium after City splashed more than €142 million ($148.9m) in a week during the January transfer window.

    Guardiola has said all three will be included in the squad to face Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, mainly because he’s still dealing with a number of injuries to key players.

    “Yeah [they will be in the squad], we don’t have players,” Guardiola said. “We didn’t train much because we travelled [back from Paris]. All together they didn’t meet once.

    “Omar [trained] on Thursday. The others a little bit but not all together.

    “Vitor is young, a huge personality. Khusanov has already settled, and playing in the French league he’s handled fast players. Omar, from the first training session, I think he will adapt quickly.”

    Marmoush is the most eye-catching of City’s three new arrivals, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal which could rise to €75m ($78m).

    The 25-year-old enjoyed a blistering start to the season in Germany with 15 goals in 17 Bundesliga games.

    “The reason why [City signed Marmoush] was the potential,” Guardiola said. “Last season we didn’t do much [in the transfer market] with the exceptional quality of the team. We anticipate two, three more for the summer.

    “The club thought he was for the future for many years. He has quality in the final third.”

    City will be without Rúben Dias against Chelsea. He made his comeback from injury in the 6-0 win over Ipswich but was forced off at half-time during the 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

    Jeremy Doku will also be absent.



    Manchester City fans were thrilled to see Pep Guardiola’s new signings in action as they took on Chelsea in a highly-anticipated match.

    The Spanish manager made some bold moves in the transfer window, bringing in top talent to strengthen his squad. Fans were eager to see how these new signings would fit into the team and make an impact on the pitch.

    Among the new faces in the squad were defensive stalwart Ruben Dias, creative midfielder Ferran Torres, and exciting winger Jack Grealish. These players were brought in to add depth and quality to an already impressive City squad.

    Fans were excited to see how these new signings would fare against a tough Chelsea side, and they were not disappointed. The new additions seamlessly integrated into the team, showcasing their skills and making a positive impact on the game.

    Pep Guardiola’s new signings proved their worth, showing that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. City fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead with these talented new players in the squad.

    Tags:

    1. Man City new signings
    2. Man City squad
    3. Man City vs Chelsea
    4. Pep Guardiola
    5. Premier League
    6. Football transfers
    7. EPL
    8. Soccer news
    9. Manchester City FC
    10. Transfer rumors

    #Man #City #signings #squad #Chelsea #Pep #Guardiola

  • Scouting UCF: Cyclones look to regroup against feisty UCF squad – CycloneFanatic.com


    After a tough loss at West Virginia on Saturday, the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones (15-2, 5-1) aim to regain their footing Tuesday night when they host the UCF Knights (12-5, 3-3) at Hilton Coliseum (7:00 p.m., ESPN+).

    The game marks UCF’s first-ever visit to Hilton and only the second meeting between the two programs. Iowa State secured a 60-52 victory in Orlando last season and will look to replicate that success at home, where they’ve been nearly unbeatable the last couple seasons.

    The Cyclones suffered their second loss of the season in Morgantown, snapping a 12-game winning streak. Their 56 points against West Virginia were the fewest they’ve scored in a game this season.

    Head coach T.J. Otzelberger expects his team to bounce back with the energy and support of a raucous Hilton Coliseum crowd, which has witnessed 28 consecutive Iowa State victories, the second-longest active home winning streak in the nation.

    Cyclones’ Power

    Curtis Jones has been a revelation for Iowa State this season. Initially a key reserve, Jones has stepped into the starting lineup due to injuries and hasn’t missed a beat. Averaging 19.3 points per game, the Big 12’s second-leading scorer has recorded seven 20-point performances. His scoring ability will be pivotal against a UCF team that allows a conference-worst 77.4 points per game.

    Keshon Gilbert continues to showcase his all-around game, leading Iowa State in minutes and assists. The senior guard has earned two Big 12 Player of the Week honors this season and was recently named to the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List. Gilbert’s court vision and defensive intensity will be critical in setting the tone for the Cyclones. Look for Gilbert to get his offense going early to help set the tone for Iowa State.

    Defensive stalwart Tamin Lipsey anchors the Cyclones’ backcourt. The Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection leads the team in steals and ranks second in assists. Lipsey’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and spark fast breaks will be key against UCF’s dynamic trio of guards.

    In the frontcourt, Saint Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson has been a force on the boards, leading the team in rebounding. Jefferson’s four Big 12 Newcomer of the Week awards underscore his impact on both ends of the court.

    Additionally, Dishon Jackson’s presence in the paint, highlighted by his team-leading 1.9 blocks per game, gives the Cyclones a formidable interior defense.

    UCF’s Challenges and Strengths

    UCF enters Tuesday’s matchup after a heartbreaking 69-68 loss to No. 8 Houston. The Knights led by one with under five seconds left, only for Houston to score on a baseline drive to secure the win. Despite the loss, UCF’s performance against a top-tier opponent demonstrates their potential to compete with the Big 12’s best.

    Keyshawn Hall leads UCF with 16.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-7 guard has proven he can take over games, including a 40-point, seven rebound, and six assist explosion against Arizona State earlier this season. However, Hall struggled against Houston, managing just six points while grabbing 11 rebounds. Iowa State’s defense will look to contain Hall and limit his offensive impact. Look for Joshua Jefferson and Nate Heise to take this defensive assignment.

    Darius Johnson, a four-year starter, is UCF’s backbone. Averaging 14.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, Johnson is a two-way threat. His ability to knock down three-pointers at a 41.7% clip makes him a constant perimeter danger. Jordan Ivy-Curry, the Knights’ third leading scorer, contributes 14.2 points per game and adds versatility to their backcourt.

    The Knights also boast an emerging talent in 7-foot-2 freshman Moustapha Thiam. A dominant shot-blocker, Thiam has already recorded three games with five or more blocks this season. His interior presence could disrupt Iowa State’s offense if the Cyclones struggle to establish spacing.Keys to the GameRebounding Battle: Brandton Chatfield has been a standout on the offensive glass, consistently earning the Cyclones second-chance opportunities.

    UCF, meanwhile, relies on Hall and Thiam to control the boards. Winning the rebounding battle will be crucial for both teams. The Cyclones have struggled rebounding early on in games, look for UCF to be very aggressive on the boards early. Three-Point Shooting: Iowa State’s abysmal 1-for-17 performance from beyond the arc against West Virginia was an anomaly.

    The Cyclones, led by Milan Momcilovic’s 44.3% three-point shooting, need to rediscover their rhythm from deep. With Momcilovic sidelined due to injury, other players must step up to fill the void. A guy like Nate Heise has proven that he can be formidable three-point shooter but has struggled so far this season (25%). Last season at Northern Iowa, Heise shot 35.6%. It’s only a matter of time till he gets going. Turnovers: Both teams thrive on forcing mistakes.

    Iowa State’s defensive pressure, spearheaded by Lipsey and Gilbert, averages 8.5 steals per game. UCF counters with Johnson, who ranks sixth nationally in steals per game. The team that takes better care of the ball will have a significant edge. Iowa State has been turnover prone the last couple games.

    In their last three games, the Cyclones have turned the ball over 15, 13, and 14 times. That’s a high margin for a team that averages less than eight a game. Tuesday’s game is a significant test for both programs. Iowa State’s 28-game home winning streak is tied for the second-longest in school history. Coach Otzelberger, who boasts an 86-37 record at Iowa State, is on track to become the first Cyclones coach to lead the team to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first four seasons.

    For UCF, the game represents an opportunity to solidify its place in the Big 12 and build their NCAA Tournament resume. The Knights have already secured three Quad 1 victories this season, including a win over Texas A&M in their opener. A win in Ames would further validate their ability to compete in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.





    Scouting UCF: Cyclones look to regroup against feisty UCF squad – CycloneFanatic.com

    After a tough loss last week, the Iowa State Cyclones are looking to bounce back against a strong UCF squad. The Knights have been playing well this season and will provide a tough challenge for the Cyclones.

    UCF is known for their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel has been putting up big numbers this season and will test the Cyclones’ defense. Iowa State will need to tighten up their pass coverage and put pressure on Gabriel to have success in this game.

    On the other side of the ball, the Cyclones will need to establish their running game early to keep the UCF defense on their toes. Running back Breece Hall will be key in this aspect, as he looks to continue his impressive season.

    Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams. The Cyclones will need to regroup and come out strong to secure a victory against the feisty UCF squad. Stay tuned to CycloneFanatic.com for all the latest updates and analysis on this game.

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    #Scouting #UCF #Cyclones #regroup #feisty #UCF #squad #CycloneFanatic.com

  • FC Barcelona’s Champions League Squad List For Benfica Has A Surprise


    FC Barcelona’s squad list for its Champions League league phase trip to Benfica on Tuesday had a surprise when it was published via the club’s official website and social media accounts on Monday afternoon.

    We of course know that Dani Olmo will play no part in the fixture after he suffered a right calf strain.

    Barca’s big money summer signing from RB Leipzig had returned to good form after a slump to end 2024, which could have been influenced by his problems being registered to play past December 31.

    After that obstacle was cleared, Olmo featured in the 5-2 Spanish Super Cup final win versus Real Madrid and as a false nine against Real Betis as the Andalusians were soundly beaten 5-1 in the Copa del Rey last 16.

    Olmo travelled to Getafe for Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw, making it off the bench but picking up the mentioned injury which Barca confirmed the following day.

    “Dani Olmo has an overload in the calf of his right leg. He is out for the next game and a return to the dynamic with the team will be determined according to his evolution,” correspondence on the matter in Spanish read.

    While Olmo will certainly miss the Benfica clash, he is also doubtful for a Sunday night league meeting with Valencia.

    In the meantime, his absence has allowed Ansu Fati to return to the fold, after the number 10 was omitted from head coach Hansi Flick’s last four squad lists before him finally making one to travel to Lisbon.

    In prematch press conferences as of late, Flick has explained why Fati has been snubbed at a time the youngster and Lamine Yamal of his era is being linked with a potential move to the Premier League.

    “He was injured, but after the injury he didn’t show us his one hundred percent. And it’s a shame for him and for us, he did not give it his all. He has to work like everyone else and give his best, that’s what we want,” Flick said ahead of the Betis showdown.

    Though they are not direct positional rivals as such despite Olmo being able to operate on the left wing, Fati needs to take advantage of Olmo’s absence to try and work his way back into Flick’s plans.



    FC Barcelona’s Champions League Squad List For Benfica Has A Surprise

    FC Barcelona has announced their squad list for the upcoming Champions League match against Benfica, and there is a surprise inclusion that has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.

    The surprise addition to the squad is none other than young academy graduate, 18-year-old striker Ansu Fati. Fati has been out of action for several months due to a knee injury, but has recently returned to training and has impressed the coaching staff with his progress.

    Many had expected Fati to be eased back into action slowly, but his inclusion in the squad for such an important match signals that the coaching staff have full confidence in his abilities and fitness.

    Fans are excited to see Fati back in action and are hopeful that he can make a big impact in the match against Benfica. With Barcelona looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign, Fati’s return could provide a much-needed boost to the team.

    Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and potentially game-changing match as Barcelona take on Benfica with Fati in their squad.

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