“IRS Layoffs Causing Refund Delays? Learn How to Check Your Status and Get Your Money Faster”
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If you worked last year, you might have a tax refund check coming your way if you file. The Internal Revenue Service began accepting returns from taxpayers on Jan. 27.
According to IRS data, the bureau expects nearly 140 million Americans to file taxes. But when will that check or direct deposit arrive?
Here is what you need to know about tax deadlines, how to check your payment return status, and when to expect your return.
On the IRS.gov site, taxpayers who filed their returns can see their refund status on the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. To see the status, you must enter the following information:
Once the information is entered, you will see one of the following:
The timeline for your refund depends on how you filed the tax return.
If you file electronically, your return is processed much faster than if you file a paper return and wait for a check. According to the IRS, most refunds are issued in less than three weeks.
The IRS advises taxpayers not to depend on receiving a refund by a specific date, particularly when making significant purchases or paying bills. Some returns may need further review, which could take more time.
There is a bevy of reasons why a tax return gets delayed. Here are the most common reasons, as per the IRS:
Federal income tax returns for 2024 must be filed by April 15, 2025. Americans residing overseas have an extended deadline of June 16, 2025, to file.
The IRS clarifies that the timestamp in your time zone when submitting your electronic return determines its timeliness. For those submitting paper returns, the IRS will consider them on time if they are correctly addressed, have sufficient postage, and are mailed and postmarked by the due date. For electronic filers, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. local time.
If you’re eagerly awaiting your tax refund from the IRS, you may be wondering, “Where is my refund?” Fortunately, there are easy ways to check the status of your tax return and find out when you can expect your money.
One of the simplest ways to check your refund status is to use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on their website. All you need to do is enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund. The tool will then provide you with the current status of your refund, including whether it has been processed, approved, or sent out for payment.
Another option is to call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954. Make sure to have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund on hand when you call.
It’s important to remember that the IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of receiving your tax return. However, if you filed electronically, you can expect to receive your refund much sooner than if you filed by mail.
If you’re still waiting for your refund and the IRS refund tool or hotline doesn’t provide any information, it may be worth reaching out to a tax professional for assistance.
Don’t forget that the deadline for filing your taxes is April 15th, so be sure to submit your return on time to avoid any penalties or interest charges. And if you’re due a refund, make sure to check the status regularly so you can plan accordingly for when your money will be coming in.
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#refund #check #IRS #tax #return #status #deadlines
War. Colonization. Atomic bombs. I know these things are bad. But if there’s one thing I hate more than nuclear hellfire, it’s losing in games – so when Firaxis’ latest turn-based strategy Civilization 7 dangles these options in front of me as a means of beating slimy Ben Franklin and his diplomacy-loving ways, I gobble up its sinful platter like the greedy little war criminal I am.
Civilization 7 brings a lot to the table, and not all of it requires abandoning your morality to play with. Fans of the series will find a map that’s livelier than ever, city management that won’t overload your brain, and one of the most engaging endgames ever devised. While predecessor Civilization 6 crammed in similar depth without quite managing to convey all of it clearly, Civilization 7 feels like a cohesive next step for the franchise – and when a few quirks are ironed out, this will be the series’ best modern iteration to date.
Fast facts
Release date: February 11, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Firaxis
Publisher: 2K
Whether you’re a returning fan or stepping into Firaxis’ iconic 4X (exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination) strategy series for the first time, Civilization’s core premise remains largely the same. Starting with one settlement, you’ll grow your empire across a randomly-generated world with the goal of seizing victory through scientific, cultural, militaristic, or economic means. It’s a tried-and-true formula, but Civilization 7 takes a couple of big risks that shake it up creatively.
The first thing you’ll notice is that you no longer pick a Civilization and get to work. Instead you choose a leader – who remains with you through an entire campaign – while your Civilization choice changes at several points based on your playstyle and leader’s historical background. Rolling with Confucius, for example, opens up Ming China as an option, due to his real-world background, but with multiple iron mines in the bag, I could also go Norman.
I was worried this feature would dilute the identity of factions, but that’s not the case. Rather than picking a civilization with a unique unit that’s obsolete 50 turns in (or one that doesn’t turn up for another 200) you now get to pick a total of three civs that are relevant for their entire duration, all with the nifty perks and special units you would expect from past Civ games.
Likewise, I’ve been dreading how Ages would work since Civilization 7’s reveal. Since the ’90s, Civilization’s whole deal has been unleashing players in a sandbox and letting them do their thing (see: war crimes) uninterrupted. Now, each match is divided into three segments – the opening Antiquity Age, followed by Exploration, and finally Modern.
It’s not always a smooth transition, as each Age has a hard stop that resets the board a little. This is particularly frustrating if you’re in the middle of something important. In one match, I was closing in on the end of a particularly bloody war and within reach of my mortal enemy Amina’s capital when the Age shifted from Exploration to Modern, ending our war and warping my soldiers back to my own distant territories. The rancid cherry on top? Some of the no-name civs who were trailing on the leaderboard got a major science boost through the interim, meaning my empire was promptly invaded by landships while its citizens were still marveling at the wonders of the wooden wheel.
That’s not an indictment, though. Since then, I’ve realized that it takes time to learn how Ages work. In previous entries you’d slowly build strength through the course of each game – conquering capital cities, hurtling towards space flight, or hoarding cultural wonders like a well-read toddler – until it all came to a head. In Civilization 7 victory is more measured, and to carry your momentum through to the next Age you need to complete Legacy Paths: a series of win conditions for each individual age, rewarding permanent bonuses. If you want to win through science, for instance, you’ll start by rushing to build libraries and academies in Antiquity, prioritize housing specialists in your cities through Exploration, and finally try to be the first civ in space during Modern. Doing so lets you carry powerful perks across Ages, whilst neglecting them is a surefire way to fall behind.
I’ve got mixed feelings. Legacy Paths and Ages make the early and mid-game feel a lot more dynamic, and freshen up a campaign’s later stages. But at times it feels like you’re being railroaded into one path – a little jarring, given the freedom of Civ’s sandbox approach up to this point. Although I’d like to see more objective varieties or pathways through these Legacy Paths, I do think that Ages (even if they’re a little heavy-handed) are an improvement to the formula, if only because the endgame is no longer ticking boxes until you reach a surefire win.
When all of that clicks, Civilization 7 is a thrill. Outside of the big gambles, the core Civilization experience is lightyears ahead of anything we’ve seen from the series before. Moving from one turn to the next is near-instantaneous, and besides the world looking sublime with its visual glow-up and warmer palette, it feels livelier than ever. Volcanic eruptions change surrounding tiles, rivers flood, and powerful storms can wreak havoc. I nearly missed out on colonizing a new continent (boo-hoo, I know) because a huge hurricane kicked up as my army was crossing the ocean, gaining on their ships as I furiously fear-hammered movement commands to reach the coast.
That liveliness extends to combat’s impressive fluidity. Army commanders allow you to stack units and transport them around in-sync, and can order simultaneous attacks that are worth utilizing – having every archer in range fire at once gives each unit involved more combat strength, for example, but you can also command mass pillaging or have everyone construct makeshift fortifications on their tiles.
During my first campaign as Xerxes, a three-way war with my continental neighbors Machiavelli and Himiko drew the attention of meddling outsiders Ben Franklin and Ashoka, World Renouncer. The latter two factions had no settlements in the continent, but decided to wade in anyway, landing masses of tanks and gun-toting infantry on our shores and transforming the countryside into a fiery wreck until I turned the sea into a killing field of my own with a blockade of battleships. I’ve sunk hundreds of hours into Civilization, but that single conflict is the most fun I’ve ever had with combat.
Strong Influence
Independent powers – a new cross of barbarians and city states – can churn out hostile soldiers early on. You’ll have to stock up troops of your own, or burn through Influence (Civ 7’s new take on diplomacy) to deal with them.
Commodifying diplomacy is an interesting choice (see Strong Influence). Firaxis has long tried to play around the fact that AI motivations can be inscrutable, and reducing it to a resource is an inelegant but mostly effective solution. Besides using it to push trade, scientific, and commercial agreements with other civs, Influence can boost your support for a war back home – whichever side of the battle has lower support takes some pretty harsh penalties in combat, so it’s important to keep the troops happy. But it’s also a step back in some ways, as gold can no longer be used to tantalize other civs into settling wars, and you can’t buy or sell settlements.
This is particularly frustrating because razing settlements in war permanently penalizes your war support for every future conflict, which means that since you also can’t milk your rival for gold during peace negotiations, you sometimes have to absorb rubbish settlements rather than burn them to the ground. That in itself is another can of worms, as Civilization 7 goes big on expansion. Settlements are now divided into towns and cities, with the former acting as lower-maintenance support hubs for your cities.
All of that, paired simpler iteration of Civilization 6’s district system, means juggling your empire is far less of a headache. Because there are fewer penalties to expanding, you (and AI factions) tend to manage significantly more settlements. Finding unclaimed land is now genuinely scrappy, and racing to plant my flag in undeveloped continents has been the highlight of my time in Civilization 7. I’ve admittedly found myself engaging with the cultural side of Civ less because of it, though, and AI has an irritating habit of squeezing a town right outside of your established borders.
I had no idea what to expect from Civilization 7. Firaxis has a habit of scaring fans by announcing wild choices (hello, Marvel’s Midnight Suns) then pulling them off so slickly you forget there was ever any doubt. Civilization 7 isn’t quite so slick – with its heavy-handed Ages diplomacy rework – but it’s certainly a huge stride forward for the legendary strategy series, joining the clarity of Civilization 5 with the added depth of Civilization 6.
Ages will be more divisive – I personally think the system does wonders for the usual tedium of late-stage campaigns – while other features, like pairing Leaders with evolving civs, should be a staple going forward. Civilization 7 already feels like the best entry point yet, and with Firaxis’ habit of saving the real polish for expansions, I think this is going to become a grand strategy titan. Just keep an eye on that Ben Franklin fella – and don’t believe a word he says about any “war crimes”.
Civilization 7 was reviewed on PC, with a code provided by the publisher.
Whether you prefer turn-based or real-time map-painters, here are the best strategy games you should check out
Civilization 7 Review: A revolutionary strategy game that cements the series’ legendary status
As a long-time fan of the Civilization series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Civilization 7. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This latest installment in the beloved franchise is a true masterpiece, offering a level of depth and complexity that is unmatched by any other strategy game on the market.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Civilization 7 is the stunning visuals. The game looks absolutely gorgeous, with detailed landscapes, vibrant colors, and realistic animations that bring the world to life. The attention to detail is truly impressive, and it’s clear that a lot of care and effort went into creating this game.
But visuals aside, what really sets Civilization 7 apart is its gameplay. The core mechanics of the series are still present – you’ll still be building cities, researching technologies, and engaging in diplomacy with other civilizations. But Civilization 7 takes things to a whole new level with the introduction of new features and mechanics that add depth and complexity to the gameplay.
One of the most notable additions is the new cultural system, which allows you to influence the culture of your civilization and shape its identity. This adds a whole new layer of strategy to the game, as you’ll need to carefully balance your cultural output with your military and economic goals.
Another standout feature is the revamped diplomacy system, which offers more options for interacting with other civilizations than ever before. You can now form alliances, trade resources, and even engage in espionage to gain an advantage over your rivals. The AI has also been improved, making for more challenging and engaging gameplay.
Overall, Civilization 7 is a true masterpiece that cements the series’ legendary status. It’s a must-play for fans of strategy games, and a worthy addition to the Civilization franchise. If you’re looking for a game that will challenge your mind and keep you coming back for more, look no further than Civilization 7.
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#Civilization #review #revolutionary #strategy #game #cements #series #legendary #status
If there’s one team that seems to have the Memphis Grizzlies’ number this season, it’s the Houston Rockets.
Houston currently has a 3-0 regular season series lead over the Grizzlies with a chance to sweep it tonight. Fortunately for Memphis, the team will be as healthy as they’ve been all season, despite having a few key players listed on their injury report.
One of those key players is starting center Zach Edey.
Status Report: @memgrizz vs @HoustonRockets, January 30: pic.twitter.com/ss7NZb7nls
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 29, 2025
The Memphis Grizzlies listed Zach Edey as available against the Houston Rockets, but he will have to wear a face mask as he deals with a nasal fracture.
Edey has dealt with a decent amount of injuries during his rookie year with the Grizzlies, currently missing 14 out of the team’s 47 games. Through the 33 games that Edey has played, he’s averaged 9.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 58/39/66. On Saturday night against the Jazz, Edey had one of his best games of the season, putting up 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks on 63/67/88 shooting from the field.
The Grizzlies big man has been both a fantastic floor spacer, but also a defender and enforcer for the team. While his numbers may not pop off the page just yet, expect to be a huge player within the next couple of seasons as he plays along with Ja Morant.
The Memphis Grizzlies face off against the Houston Rockets at 9:30 p.m. EST on Thursday.
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Zach Edey’s Status for Grizzlies vs Rockets Game
Rising star Zach Edey’s status for the upcoming game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets is uncertain. The 7-foot-4 center has been dealing with a minor ankle injury and is currently listed as day-to-day.
Edey’s presence on the court has been a game-changer for the Grizzlies this season, with his dominant presence in the paint and ability to alter shots on defense. His offensive prowess has also been on display, showcasing his soft touch around the rim and improving post moves.
Fans are eagerly awaiting an update on Edey’s status for the game, as his presence could be crucial in securing a win for the Grizzlies against the Rockets. Stay tuned for more updates on Zach Edey’s status for this highly anticipated matchup.
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The Portland Trail Blazers have been hit hard by injuries this season. Those injuries are part of the reason why their season has gone off the rails this season.
Despite having won five of their last six games, they haven’t been able to get any closer to making the playoffs. They are still 13th in the Western Conference standings.
Still, their young guys will continue to try to keep winning as many games as they can. Portland wants their young guys to develop for the rest of the year.
Whichever players are left once the trade deadline passes will be viewed as part of the young core that they will build around. At one point, Matisse Thybulle was thought to be a core rotational piece.
Read more: Blazers News: Chauncey Billups Praises Scoot Henderson After Rising Stars Selection
Thybulle was traded from the 76ers to the Blazers a couple of seasons ago, and he was expected to be part of their rotation for years to come because of his strong perimeter defense.
Instead, that has not been the case. Thybulle has been injured for a lot of his time in Portland. In his first season with the Blazers, he played in just 22 games. Last season, he was able to play 65, which is much better.
Thybulle has yet to play a single game this season for the Trail Blazers. He is once again on the injury report ahead of their matchup against the Magic.
Thybulle is listed as out because of a sprained ankle. It’s the same ankle injury that has cost him the whole season up to this point.
The season will continue to be a frustrating one for Thybulle. He won’t be making his season-debut in the game against Orlando.
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It doesn’t look like Thybulle is going to be part of Portland’s core moving forward. If he can’t stay healthy, there is no reason for him to be figured as part of their plans in future seasons.
Thybulle is a free agent after next season. Until he gets back on the court, he has no trade value. It would be nice for Portland to add him to the mix, though.
For his career, Thybulle averages 4.8 points, two rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
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For more news and notes on the Portland Trail Blazers, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.
Matisse Thybulle Injury Update: Will he be playing in the Trail Blazers vs Magic game?
Philadelphia 76ers’ Matisse Thybulle has been dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of the lineup for the past few games. However, there is some good news for fans of the young guard.
According to recent reports, Thybulle has been making progress with his rehab and is considered questionable for the upcoming game against the Orlando Magic. While his status is still uncertain, there is a possibility that he could make his return to the court in this matchup.
Thybulle’s defensive prowess and energy on the court have been sorely missed by the 76ers, so his potential comeback would be a welcome sight for the team and their supporters.
Be sure to stay tuned for further updates on Matisse Thybulle’s injury status and whether he will be suiting up for the Trail Blazers vs Magic game.
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Will the Los Angeles Lakers’ 3-and-D swingman Dorian Finney-Smith suit up against the lowly Washington Wizards on Thursday night?
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According to the league’s latest injury report, the 6-foot-7 small forward is currently questionable to suit up through a right shoulder contusion.
Elsewhere on Los Angeles’ injury report, point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain) are officially sidelined for the contest.
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The biggest Lakers absence, of course, will be nine-time All-Star Lakers center Anthony Davis, who is expected to be out for at least a week while he deals with his abdominal muscle strain.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin tweets that Jaxson Hayes will nab the starting gig at center with Davis absent.
Jaxson Hayes will start at center tonight in WAS with Anthony Davis (abdominal strain) out, Hayes said.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 30, 2025
Power forward/center Christian Wood, who had been expected to be one of Davis’ top backups heading into the 2024-25 season, has yet to make his debut while he continues to rehabilitate from a left knee surgery.
Reserve point guard Gabe Vincent, one of L.A.’s best perimeter defenders who can barely get anything cooking on the other end, is questionable to play through a left knee contusion. He has been shelved since L.A.’s 118-108 victory over the Golden State Warriors on January 25 with the ailment. 21-time All-Star power forward LeBron James, too, is questionable to play through his lingering left foot injury.
Three Wizards veterans and one disappointing 2024 NBA Draft lottery pick are all on the shelf. Center Marvin Bagley III (right knee sprain), forward Saddiq Bey (left knee ACL surgery), former 2023 Sixth Man of the Year point guard Malcolm Brogdon (right foot plantar fascia contusion) and rookie forward Alex Sarr (left ankle sprain) are all out.
Finney-Smith has been a boon to Los Angeles since the Lakers acquired him (and little-used shooting guard Shake Milton) in exchange for three second round picks, second-year forward Maxwell Christie and D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract last month. He has mightily helped shore up the Lakers’ defense on the wing, and is a reliable catch-and-shoot option.
The 31-year-old vet has shown off some surprising athleticism, even as one of the Lakers’ oldest players.
DORIAN FINNEY-SMITH MY GOODNESS
Throws down the RIM-ROCKING slam! pic.twitter.com/REzmi8gL2X
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025
Across his 12 healthy games for L.A., Finney-Smith has been averaging 6.2 points on an efficient shooting line of .458/.372/.800, along with 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.8 assists.
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Dorian Finney-Smith Injury Status For Lakers vs Wizards
Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith suffered a left leg injury during a recent game against the Houston Rockets. As the Mavericks prepare to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards in their upcoming games, fans are anxious to know Finney-Smith’s injury status.
According to reports, Finney-Smith is listed as day-to-day and his availability for the games against the Lakers and Wizards is uncertain at this time. The team is closely monitoring his progress and will provide updates as they become available.
Finney-Smith has been a key player for the Mavericks this season, averaging 10.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His absence would certainly be felt on the court, but the team is hopeful that he will be able to return to action soon.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dorian Finney-Smith’s injury status for the upcoming games against the Lakers and Wizards. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for the talented forward.
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LOS ANGELES — Freddie Freeman expects to be limited coming into Spring Training as he continues his rehab from right ankle surgery, but he believes he should be on track to play in the season-opening Tokyo Series.
The Dodgers’ star first baseman underwent a procedure consisting of debridement and the removal of loose bodies from his right ankle in early December. Freeman sprained his ankle on Sept. 25 and missed the last three games of the regular season, then played through the injury in the postseason.
Eight weeks after the procedure, he was able to hit for the first time. While Freeman thinks he’ll be ready to go as a hitter by the time Spring Training begins, he hasn’t been cleared to run yet.
“I think by the time I get to Spring Training … I should be probably full-bore hitting-wise, like taking batting practice with the guys, being able to do live BPs,” Freeman said on Saturday at DodgerFest. “But I don’t think I will be in the games at the beginning.”
Dodgers pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch on Feb. 11, and the first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 15.
Freeman said he is on track to begin a running progression when he arrives at Spring Training, which should push back his timeline to appear in Cactus League games. The Dodgers open their spring slate against the Cubs on Feb. 20.
During the first two rounds of the Dodgers’ 2024 postseason run, Freeman was clearly playing through a lot of pain. He missed two games in the NL Championship Series, then had enough time to rest his ankle before the World Series.
By that point, Freeman said he was feeling much better, and he figured that physical therapy and rest would be all he needed to get back to full health. But around Thanksgiving, there was still swelling in his ankle, and imaging revealed that he needed surgery.
“When they went in, they didn’t know if they were going to have to repair some of the ligaments, because I had torn some of my ligaments, as well, in my ankle,” Freeman said. “It was quite a nasty injury I had. Luckily, in those four weeks, the ligaments and tendons had healed enough where they didn’t have to fix my tendons and ligaments.”
After hitting for the first time since his surgery in the two days leading up to DodgerFest, Freeman said he feels good and has recovered well. He’s also glad to be back in action — while he said he normally takes a fair amount of time off from swinging in the offseason, he started to feel “antsy” around mid-January, when he still had not taken any swings.
For the second straight year, the Dodgers have an abridged Spring Training because they are playing abroad to open the season. This year, they’ll play two against the Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, from March 18-19.
As we eagerly anticipate the start of the 2025 MLB season, all eyes are on the future of Freddie Freeman. The beloved Atlanta Braves first baseman has been a cornerstone of the team for years, but his contract is set to expire after the 2024 season.
Fans are holding their breath, hoping to see Freeman back in a Braves uniform for Opening Day in 2025. However, rumors have been swirling about potential contract negotiations and the possibility of Freeman testing the free agent market.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, the Braves front office has expressed their desire to keep Freeman in Atlanta for the long haul. Freeman himself has also voiced his love for the city and the team, so there is hope that a deal will be reached before the start of the season.
As we countdown to Opening Day, Braves fans are anxiously awaiting the official announcement of Freddie Freeman’s status for the 2025 season. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
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Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves, MLB, 2025 Opening Day, baseball, sports, player update, contract status, free agency, lineup, stats
#Freddie #Freeman #status #Opening #Day
Since being offloaded from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the club’s blockbuster trade for 10-time All-Star center/power forward Anthony Davis in 2019, now-New York Knicks swingman Josh Hart has evolved into one of the most beloved role players in the NBA.
He’s now a one-man wrecking crew, capable of defending everyone from Darius Garland to LeBron James. Standing at just 6-foot-4, the 29-year-old Villanova product is an impressive rebounder for his size.
got 10 minutes to spare?
perfect. here’s every josh hart rebound of 2025. pic.twitter.com/EeDaGO3733
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 31, 2025
Though he began his New York tenure as a reserve, Hart has become the club’s permanent starting shooting guard this season, following a flurry of summer trades that brought in All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns and All-Defensive Team small forward Mikal Bridges.
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Across 47 healthy bouts this season, Hart is averaging 13.9 points on .556/.353/.813 shooting splits, 9.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.6 steals a night.
Hart is exactly the kind of impressive two-way wing that the Lakers essentially brought in with their lone trade of the year so far, when they ditched D’Angelo Russell’s expiring deal, power forward Maxwell Lewis, and three second round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for 3-and-D small forward Dorian Finney-Smith and little-used reserve guard Shake Milton. Finney-Smith is not the rebounder or passer Hart is, however.
Per the league’s latest injury report, Hart is considered questionable to suit up through a sore right knee. Backup center Mitchell Robinson is on the shelf as he continues to recuperate from a left ankle surgery, while wing Pacome Dadiet is out with a great toe sprain in his right foot. Two-way player Kevin McCullar Jr. is putting in reps with the Westchester Knicks, New York’s G League affiliate.
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Ahead of the game, Finney-Smith and backup point guard Gabe Vincent have seen their statuses improved to probable, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Finney-Smith is dealing with a right shoulder contusion, while Vincent has a left knee contusion. Backup small forward Cam Reddish, who has fallen out of J.J. Redick’s rotation, will miss the bout due to undisclosed personal reasons.
Lakers-Knicks injury update: Dorian Finney-Smith (right shoulder contusion) and Gabe Vincent (left knee contusion) have been upgraded to probable. Cam Reddish (personal reasons) is out.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 1, 2025
Davis remains out for L.A. with his abdominal muscle strain, as does his backup Christian Wood, who has yet to play in a game this season for the 27-19 Lakers while recovering from a left knee surgery. Second-year point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino is out with a strained left hamstring. Starting forwards Rui Hachimura (left calf soreness) and LeBron James (left knee injury management) are considered probable to suit up.
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As of now, Josh Hart’s injury status for the upcoming game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks is uncertain. Hart suffered a knee injury in the Lakers’ last game and is currently listed as day-to-day. Lakers fans will have to wait for further updates from the team’s medical staff to determine if Hart will be able to suit up against the Knicks. Stay tuned for more information on Josh Hart’s injury status.
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#Josh #Hart #Injury #Status #Lakers #Knicks
Will Ferrell’s Elf was a huge hit (Credit: New Line Cinema).
While there have been some rumors suggesting a sequel was in the works, Ferrell has remained adamant about not wanting to make another installment. During a recent podcast appearance, the actor was asked about why a sequel to the 2003 cult classic never materialized. Ferrell revealed his hesitance to make it for one understandable reason. Here is what Will Ferrell had to say about the Elf not getting a sequel.
Will Ferrell shared the real reason why Elf 2 never…
I was offered a crazy amount of money: Will Ferrell’s Biggest Reason For Not Making Elf 2 Despite 2003 Film’s Cult Classic Status
Will Ferrell has been offered a hefty sum of money to reprise his role as Buddy the Elf in a sequel to the beloved holiday film Elf. However, the comedian has turned down the opportunity, citing his desire to leave the original film untouched.
In a recent interview, Ferrell explained that while he appreciates the financial incentive, he believes that Elf’s legacy should remain untarnished. “Elf is a classic, and I think it’s best left as a standalone film,” he said. “I don’t want to risk ruining what we created with a subpar sequel.”
Ferrell’s decision has disappointed many fans who have been clamoring for a follow-up to the 2003 hit. Despite the potential financial gain, the actor is staying true to his artistic integrity and choosing not to cash in on the film’s success.
While Elf 2 may never come to fruition, fans can still enjoy the original film’s timeless humor and heartwarming message every holiday season. And who knows, maybe someday Ferrell will have a change of heart and don the green tights once again. Until then, we’ll just have to settle for rewatching the original on repeat.
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#offered #crazy #amount #money #Ferrells #Biggest #Reason #Making #Elf #Films #Cult #Classic #Status
UPDATE 2: Fortnite update 33.30 is available to download now, although you won’t be able to enjoy the new content until downtime ends after 11am.
According to the game files, Fortnite OG Season 2’s loot pool includes Small Shields, Multi-Surface Damage Trap, Boogie Bomb, Suppressed Pistol, Cozy Campfire, Chug Jug, Minigun, Crossbow and Impulse Grenade.
The Battle Pass skins (which you can see above) are Sparkle Diva, Cuddle Team Specialist and Knight Conqueror.
According to Hypex, the Fortnite Avatar crossover will be introduced as part of the update, alongside Jujutsu Kaisen.
UPDATE: Epic Games has disabled matchmaking before taking the game offline in full.
Fortnite and all companion game modes will be offline for maintenance from 9am GMT until around 11am GMT.
Epic Games will keep this article updated with all the latest information, so keep checking back for leaks and downtime news.
ORIGINAL: Fortnite fans are counting down to the release of update 33.30, which introduces OG Chapter 1, Season 2.
Epic Games has confirmed that update 33.30 and OG Season 2 will have a January 31 release date on PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Android.
Unfortunately, however, fans won’t be able to check out the new content until after a period of server downtime, which begins at 9am GMT UK time.
You can see the OG Season 2 Battle Pass skins in the picture at the top of the page.
The news was announced by Epic Games on X, alongside confirmation that a popular point of interest will be included in Season 2.
“Meet you at Tilted Towers?” reads an Epic post. “Downtime for v33.30 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand.”
Because of the size of the update and amount of new content, chances are servers will be offline for longer and file sizes will be bigger.
As you can see from the map and trailer below, points of interest include Junk Junction, Haunted Hills, Pleasant Park, Anarchy Acres, Snobby Shores, Tilted Towers, Greasy Grove, Shifty Shafts, Flush Factory, Fatal Fields and Salty Springs.
That’s on top of Dusty Depot, Tomato Town, Wailing Woods, Lonely Lodge, Retail Row and Moisty Mire.
As you can see from the trailer, the Boogie Bomb is back, alongside remixed versions of classic skins, such as the Black Knight and Sparkle Specialist.
As for regular Fortnite, update 33.30 will also add new content and features across the various game modes.
For starters, Godzilla will be vaulted following the recent Kong event, while new crossovers will join the game files.
This includes the next batch of Jujutsu Kaisen skins, as well as the AC Milan crossover.
There’s also a chance we’ll get some leaks for any potential end of season event and Chapter 6, Season 2 themes.
Fortnite Ballistic will add the Drum Gun, all the while making various gameplay changes and bug fixes.
Speaking of which, you can check out the early update 33.30 patch notes below.
Fortnite update 33.30 patch notes…
GENERAL
• Incorrect Emote order in the Emote Wheel.
– Emotes assigned to the Emote Wheel may appear in the wrong order, i.e. the Wheel appears to be incorrectly rotated.
• Homescape Wrap not animating.
– The Homescape Wrap does not animate when viewed or equipped due to an issue. We are working to resolve this, and will update this card as we have identified and deployed a fix.
BATTLE ROYALE/RELOAD/OG
• Display issues in split screen when three or more players are signed in.
– If three or more players are signed in to a console and play Fortnite in split screen mode while the third player is not in the game, they may notice a third display pop up instead of the intended two.
• [PC/EGS] Players unable to enter build mode using build tools bound to the F key.
– We’ve identified a keybind overlap issue affecting multiple build keybinds on keyboard. The fix to address these conflicts is in the works and will be coming with the v33.30 game update.
• Players might get stuck in a sliding animation while moving around regularly.
– Occasionally, players may find themselves stuck in a sliding animation when moving or standing still after using the sliding mechanic as intended.
• Structures at BURD drop Stone instead of Metal.
– When harvesting resources at the BURD gas station, some metal structures may drop Stone instead of intended Metal.
FORTNITE MOBILE
• Unable to pick up ammo or items while using a Medkit/Shield
– Potion.Players may be unable to pick up any ammo or items while under the Medkit/Shield Potion effect – even if they have available Inventory slots.
BALLISTIC (via Hypex)
• New Drum Gun Added – Costs 3,500 Credits
• You can no longer use Gadgets during buy phase
• Rift Device plant bonus: 500 -> 200 Credits
• Hyper SMG cost: 1500 -> 1800 Credits
• Frenzy Shotgun cost: 1600 -> 1500 Credits
• Reaper Sniper cost: 5000 -> 4700 Credits
• Hammer Shotgun: Point-blank dmg up, mid-range dmg up, long-range dmg slightly down & headshot multi reduced from x3 to x2
• Frenzy Shotgun: Point-blank dmg slightly up, mid-range dmg slightly up & long-range dmg slightly down
• Reaper Sniper: Faster first-shot accuracy recovery & mag size increased from 3 to 5
Fortnite Season 2 OG Server Status: Update 33.30 Patch Notes, Battle Pass Skins, and Map Reveal
Hey Fortnite fans! Season 2 is in full swing and we’ve got some exciting updates to share with you. The OG servers are up and running smoothly, so you can jump into the action without any interruptions.
Update 33.30 brings some new features and improvements to the game. Here are the patch notes:
– New weapon: The Plasma Rifle – a powerful energy weapon that can take down enemies in seconds.
– Map changes: The map has been updated with new locations and points of interest for you to explore.
– Bug fixes: Various bugs and glitches have been addressed to improve the overall gaming experience.
But that’s not all! The Season 2 Battle Pass is here with a new set of skins and cosmetics for you to unlock. From sleek cyberpunk outfits to futuristic accessories, there’s something for everyone in this season’s Battle Pass.
And last but not least, the map has undergone some changes with new areas to discover and conquer. Keep an eye out for hidden loot and new challenges as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of Fortnite.
So grab your squad, gear up, and get ready to battle it out in Fortnite Season 2. Good luck and may the Victory Royale be yours!
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Fortnite Season 2, OG server status, update 33.30, patch notes, Battle Pass skins, map, gaming news, entertainment, Fortnite latest updates, online gaming, multiplayer gameplay, Battle Royale, Fortnite Chapter 2, new features, gaming community, competitive gaming.
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