The 38th Royal Rumble event is right around the corner and WWE is making its final preparations for what looks to be the biggest Rumble event. WWE legend Booker T believes that the promotion could throw a curveball and have an unexpected winner in the match.
On a recent edition of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T stated that we could be in for a surprise this weekend.
“I really think in the Rumble this year, we’re going to get a totally unexpected win from somebody that you least likely expect to win the Royal Rumble. That’s my prediction, and the reason I say that is because we’re in a different time now. We’re not in … we’re not working under the old regime, this is something totally different now, so I can see having this moment to make that megastar that you were talking about. Who is it going to be? That’s the question,” he said.
At the time of writing, 15 men and 10 women have officially entered the match, but others will have a chance to declare themselves for the match on the January 31 edition of “WWE SmackDown.”
Please credit “Hall of Fame” when using quotes from this article, and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend, recently sat down for an exclusive interview to discuss his predictions for the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble. In the interview, Booker T shared his thoughts on what he believes will be the “unexpected outcome” of the highly anticipated event.
According to Booker T, he thinks that the 2025 Royal Rumble will see a surprise return from a former WWE superstar who has been out of the spotlight for quite some time. While he didn’t reveal the name of the superstar, Booker T hinted that this return could shake up the entire WWE landscape and potentially lead to some major storylines and rivalries.
“I have a feeling that we’re going to see a familiar face make a shocking return at the 2025 Royal Rumble,” Booker T said. “This superstar has been away from the ring for a while, but I believe they will make a huge impact and leave fans talking for weeks to come.”
Booker T’s prediction has already sparked speculation among wrestling fans, with many speculating on which former WWE superstar could make a surprise return at the Royal Rumble. While nothing is confirmed yet, Booker T’s insight and expertise in the world of wrestling certainly make his prediction one to watch out for.
As the countdown to the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble begins, fans will have to wait and see if Booker T’s prediction comes true and which unexpected outcome will unfold in the ring.
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Tax Day is coming on April 15, 2025 and yours might be one of the 62% of returns that ends up getting a tax refund. There are smart ways to use that money to invest in both your short- and long-term financial health if you get an unexpected refund,
Key Takeaways
A tax refund is a reimbursement from the government when you’ve paid too much in taxes during the year.
Tax refunds can happen if you fill out your W-4 incorrectly, overpay your estimated taxes, are eligible for a refundable tax credit, or receive the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2025.
You can use an unexpected tax refund to pay down debt, save for emergencies or college, invest for retirement, and even splurge a little.
Tax audits can also surprisingly result in refunds.
What Is a Tax Refund?
A tax refund happens when you’ve paid too much in taxes so the government sends you a reimbursement. This can happen with state or local taxes but the largest refunds come from the federal government. The average federal tax refund was $2,948 in April 2024.
Some taxpayers may know that they’re likely to receive a refund. A freelancer who pays estimated taxes may overpay each quarter to avoid an unexpected tax bill due to the possibility of higher-than-average income at the end of the year.
Other taxpayers may not know they’re going to receive a refund until they finish preparing their tax return and realize that the IRS is sending them some money.
You can check the status of your payment with the Where’s My Refund? tool on the IRS website if you expect to receive a tax refund,
Reasons You Could Get a Tax Refund
You might end up with an unexpected tax refund for several reasons.
Form W-4
Tax form W-4 is used to estimate how much income tax your employer should withhold from your paychecks and send to the Internal Revenue Service on your behalf. Your employer might have withheld too much all year if you didn’t complete the form correctly and you’d be entitled to get some of that money back.
You also might get an unexpected tax refund if you didn’t update your W-4 when you were supposed to. Your withholding rate should change if you had a major life change such as having a new baby, You’re probably having too much withheld from your paycheck if you didn’t update your W-4 with your employer after this kind of change.
Estimated Tax Payments
Many self-employed workers or freelancers make high estimated tax payments throughout the year to avoid a surprise tax bill in April. You’ll likely be entitled to a refund at tax time if you overpaid your estimated taxes throughout the year, especially if you didn’t account for business expenses when making estimated payments.
Tax Credits
A refundable or partially refundable tax credit such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit can result in a tax refund. Most tax credits only reduce the amount of tax you owe down to $0 and the government keeps any amount that’s left over. Refundable credits can be sent to you as a tax refund, however, if they’re greater than the amount of tax you would otherwise owe.
Recovery Rebate Credit
The Internal Revenue Service announced in 2024 that taxpayers who were eligible for stimulus payments in 2021 but who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit will receive those payments in 2024 and 2025. The payment will be sent directly to you if you filed your 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the credit. You can claim it when you file your 2024 tax return in April 2025 and you’ll receive the credit as part of your tax refund if you didn’t file taxes in 2021.
Being Audited
Another surprising reason you might get a tax refund is that you’ve been audited. “We actually are able to correct people’s accounts all the time,” says Alyssa Maloof Whatley, a tax attorney who specializes in disputes with the IRS. “It’s not like every audit will end in someone owing money.”
Taxpayers often think of an audit as the government trying to collect additional taxes, but Whatley explains that the most common cause is a computer program flagging something in their tax return that doesn’t match other information the government has on file. This can result in an unexpected refund in some cases.
What to Do With a Tax Refund
Your first instinct might be to simply increase your spending that month if you get an unexpected tax refund or use it for a splurge you couldn’t otherwise afford. “Don’t just go to, ‘Oh I’ve always wanted to go on this trip,’” advises Melissa Joy, CFP, CDFA, and president of Pearl Planning. She tells her clients to think carefully about where that money should go instead. “Ask yourself where you can alleviate pain or increase safety.”
Pay Off High-interest Debt
“On the debt side, it starts with the interest rates,” says Joy. High-interest debt like credit card debt, personal loans that have a high interest rate, or a home equity line of credit can feel impossible to get on top of because the interest payments add up quickly.
It can help you eliminate a large part of that debt or even all of it if you suddenly have money from a tax refund. “Pay off things that should be short-term debt but have turned into medium or long-term baggage,” says Joy. “You’ll feel less burdened right away.”
Build Up Your Emergency Reserves
Consider using your tax refund to create an emergency fund if you don’t have high-interest debt to pay off. This kind of reserve can help prevent you from taking on high-interest debt in the first place when something unexpected happens. Even a small emergency fund can save you from having to put a surprise expense like a car repair or a broken refrigerator on a credit card.
“People can be afraid to use their emergency fund but that’s what it’s there for,” Joy points out. “Things are always going bump in the night so having an emergency reserve can really save you from having to tap into that high-interest debt.”
Save for Retirement
The next thing to tackle is saving for retirement if you’re not carrying high-interest debt and you have something saved for an emergency. Opening a retirement savings account can come with tax advantages as well as contribute to your future financial health.
You can open a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA regardless of whether you have another retirement account through your employer. A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars so you don’t have to pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement. A traditional IRA lowers your tax bill now. The total contribution for any kind of IRA in 2025 is $7,000.
You can open an IRA through brokerage accounts and banks.
Avoid Student Debt
Paying off long-term debt can weigh down your financial life even if you aren’t paying high interest rates. A large chunk of money from a tax refund can help you put a significant dent in those payments.
“Focus on smaller, more enduring debt like student loans that have just been there forever,” suggests Joy. And you can use your tax refund to help your kids avoid it if you don’t have student loan debt of your own. “Maybe you put half toward your student loans and half toward a 529 plan so your kids aren’t saddled with that kind of debt in the future.”
Splurge a Little
It’s smart to invest in your long-term financial health, but it’s frustrating to get an unexpected windfall and feel like you don’t get to spend any of it. You may want to set aside a little bit of your tax refund for something fun after you’ve put most of your money toward your big-picture goals.
“It’s okay to invest in your current self,” Joy says. That could be something recreational like a trip with a friend or loved one or professional such as a course or certification that will improve your resume. “Don’t spend it all that way,” Joy advises. “But it’s okay to give yourself a budget for a certain percentage that’s a splurge.”
The Bottom Line
It can be exciting to get a refund at tax time but ultimately, Joy says, a yearly refund shouldn’t be your goal. “That means you’ve lent your money to the government,” she explains. “You could be using that money throughout the year and keeping control of it yourself.”
Be thoughtful about how you use it, however, if you do find yourself with an unexpected refund. Invest in your long-term financial health by paying down debt, planning for emergencies, or saving for retirement. It’s okay to have a little fun with your money, however, after you’ve got those covered.
“Everyone needs a splurge now and then,” Joy says. “Just be smart about how you’re spending that money.”
Have you recently received an unexpected refund from the IRS? It may come as a surprise, but there are a few possible reasons why you may have received this refund. Here’s what it means and what you should do next.
1. Possible Reasons for the Unexpected Refund:
– You may have overpaid your taxes in previous years and the IRS is now issuing a refund to correct the error.
– You may have claimed tax credits or deductions that you were previously unaware of, resulting in a larger refund than expected.
– There may have been a mistake in the IRS’s calculations, leading to a higher refund than anticipated.
2. What to Do Next:
– Check your tax return to ensure that all of your information is accurate and that you have claimed all eligible credits and deductions.
– If you believe the refund is a mistake or if you have any questions about the refund, contact the IRS for clarification.
– If the refund is legitimate, consider how you would like to use the money. You may want to save it, invest it, or use it to pay off debt.
Remember, receiving an unexpected refund from the IRS is not always a cause for concern. However, it’s important to understand why you received the refund and what steps you should take next. If you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the IRS for assistance.
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Thirty-eight people were injured this week on a United Airlines flight that was headed to Washington, D.C., from Lagos, Nigeria, officials in Nigeria said, after the plane experienced what the airline described as “a technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement.”
Six people were treated at a hospital for their injuries, the Nigerian authorities and the airline said.
United described the injuries to the six people as “minor,” though the Nigerian authorities described them as “serious.” The Nigerian authorities also said 32 others on the flight had minor injuries.
Video and images on social media show the distress and disarray on the plane, with passengers speaking over one another as food and meal trays are strewed throughout the cabin.
United did not offer more details on what it said was a “technical issue” or about the extent of the movement or any potential causes, but said the matter was being investigated.
“We are working with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to understand the cause,” the airline said.
The Federal Aviation Administration referred questions to the airline and the authorities in Nigeria.
The flight, which left Nigeria on Thursday night for Washington Dulles International Airport, was forced to return to Lagos for an emergency landing early on Friday. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, had 245 passengers and 11 crew members on board.
The aircraft was flying over Ivory Coast when it returned to Nigeria, according to information from FlightRadar24, a site that compiles public information about aircraft locations, flight paths and altitude.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said on social media that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries. An additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries, the statement said. The nature of the injuries was not disclosed.
“Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilized and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja,” which is in the state of Lagos, the authority said. It said the plane did not sustain any major damage.
In an emailed statement on Saturday, a representative for United Airlines said the four passengers and two flight attendants had been discharged from the hospital.
The episode happened about 90 minutes after takeoff, according to data from FlightRadar24, when the jet descended abruptly.
Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, on Saturday noted the similarities between the United flight and an episode in March when a Latam Airlines plane suddenly plunged during a flight to Auckland, New Zealand, injuring dozens of passengers.
“The public may not know for a couple of weeks to a month but the investigators are going to know within a couple of days,” Mr. Guzzetti said of the cause. “They’re going to download the flight data recorder and they’re going to interview the flight crew and also listen to the cockpit voice recorder.”
Anthony Brickhouse, a professor of aerospace safety at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., said the episode “highlights the fact that passengers need to stay in their seatbelts as much as possible on aircrafts, even when the captain turns off the seatbelt light.”
Yesterday, chaos erupted on a United Airlines flight when an unexpected aircraft movement left 38 passengers injured. The flight, which was en route to Chicago from New York, experienced a sudden jolt that threw passengers out of their seats and caused panic throughout the cabin.
According to reports from passengers on board, the unexpected aircraft movement occurred during a period of turbulence, causing the plane to lurch violently to one side. Passengers were thrown from their seats, and some even hit their heads on the overhead compartments.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene upon landing in Chicago, where 38 passengers were treated for various injuries, including cuts, bruises, and neck and back pain. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
United Airlines has issued a statement apologizing for the incident and assuring passengers that the safety and well-being of their customers is their top priority. The airline is currently investigating the cause of the unexpected aircraft movement and working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As more details emerge, we can only hope that the passengers injured on this flight make a full and speedy recovery. Travelers are reminded to always fasten their seatbelts during flights and to stay alert in case of unexpected turbulence or aircraft movements.
As fantasy baseball enthusiasts gear up for the upcoming season, the focus shifts from big-name players to potential sleepers who could make a significant impact. Among these hidden gems lies Junior Caminero, a rising star from the Tampa Bay Rays, poised to shake up the AL East division in 2025.
Junior Caminero’s introduction to the MLB scene was somewhat subdued, with a late 2023 debut that didn’t attract much attention outside hardcore baseball circles. Despite a quiet rookie season in 2024 due to injury setbacks, Caminero’s potential remains untapped, hinting at a breakout year ahead.
Standing at an imposing 6’1″ and weighing 220 lbs, Caminero possesses the physical attributes of a power hitter, complemented by elite bat speed that sets him apart from his peers. His impressive exit velocities and hard-hit rates in 2024 showcased his raw offensive talent, foreshadowing a promising future once he secures a regular spot in the Rays’ lineup.
Moreover, the shift of the Rays’ home games to George Steinbrenner Field in 2025 bodes well for Caminero, as the stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions could amplify his power-hitting capabilities. Coupled with his stellar performance in the Dominican Winter League, where he is currently excelling, Caminero’s potential for a breakout season in 2025 seems increasingly likely.
As fantasy baseball managers delve into their draft strategies, keeping an eye on Junior Caminero as a potential sleeper pick from the AL East could prove to be a game-changer, offering a blend of untapped potential and promising indicators of future success. Stay tuned for Caminero’s journey as he navigates the upcoming season, aiming to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive MLB landscape.
The Rise of the Phoenix in MLB: Anticipate the Unexpected as Minor Leaguers Gear Up for a Historic Home Run
As the MLB season heats up, all eyes are on the minor leagues as a rising star emerges from the shadows. With an unexpected power surge, this young player is setting the baseball world on fire and proving that anything is possible in America’s pastime.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement as this underdog defies expectations and smashes home run records left and right. With each swing of the bat, the crowd holds its breath, wondering just how far this phenom can go.
But it’s not just about the numbers for this player – it’s about the passion and determination that fuels their rise to the top. With a fire in their eyes and a drive like no other, they are ready to take on the big leagues and show the world what they are made of.
So buckle up, baseball fans, because the rise of the Phoenix in MLB is just beginning. Anticipate the unexpected and get ready for a historic home run that will go down in the annals of baseball history. This is a story you won’t want to miss.
Forty-six-year-old Boston police officer John O’Keefe laid lifeless on the lawn of a colleague’s home in January 2022, dead from blunt force trauma to the head and hypothermia.
His then-girlfriend Karen Read, a former finance professional, stood accused of fatally running him over in a drunken fight before fleeing the scene — but the jury in her case, deadlocked after a 26-hour deliberation, wasn’t convinced.
“I tried to save his life at six in the morning. I was covered in his blood. I was the only one trying to save his life,” Read told a group of reporters at the time.
She had become an “unexpected celebrity,” of sorts, PopCrime TV host Lauren Conlin said, offering her perspective in Fox Nation’s latest true-crime deep dive, “Karen Read: Killer or Convenient Outsider?”
Crowds hoisted up signs demanding she be set free, proclaiming her innocence. The widespread defense of someone accused of murder, Conlin added, was unexpected.
Karen Read, who stood accused of murdering her boyfriend John O’Keefe, sits in court.(Fox Nation)
“She’s very compelling,” former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro said. “She genuinely seems perplexed and genuinely upset.”
But was Karen Read John O’Keefe’s killer or just a convenient outsider in the case? Firsthand accounts from the people who best knew the couple – and the case – shed some light on the mystery – the twists and turns of the crime, the trial and what to expect from Read’s retrial – in the Fox Nation series hosted by Judge Jeanine Pirro.
“John and Karen appeared to have a normal relationship, but we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” said Conlin. The couple met at a party in the early 2000s and dated briefly, but reconnected during the COVID pandemic and their relationship quickly became serious.
As a nor’easter barreled toward the town of Canton, Massachusetts, heavy snowfall and gusting winds loomed, but the couple didn’t plan on hunkering down to wait out the storm.
O’Keefe went to a bar with some friends and Karen arrived later. They mingled with another group, left, went to another house to socialize, and the night descended into chaos that ended with O’Keefe dead in a snowbank and a mystery that divided the community.
Karen Read departs Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts on Friday, August 9, 2024. Read, was accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend with a vehicle in January 2022.(Patriot Pics/Backgrid for Fox News Digital)
Some echo Read’s claim that the blame was pinned on her as part of a massive cover-up, including close friend, Jon Silveira.
He says Read and O’Keefe had a great relationship and the finger had been pointed at the wrong person.
“She’s just a phenomenal person, a phenomenal friend, someone you could always count on. She’s extremely hard-working. She always does much more than what would be asked,” he said.
“This is a massive cover-up, protecting powerful people, pinning it on an innocent person to destroy her life,” he said.
But Mauro isn’t convinced.
“The idea that all of these people got together to frame Karen Read just doesn’t hold water.”
Brendan Kane, a close friend of O’Keefe’s, thinks the act was intentional.
“Do I think she intended to scare him or hit him? I do,” Kane said. “She was mad. She was seeing red.”
But even after a deadlocked jury, court entanglements for Karen Read could be far from over. Within hours, the district attorney’s office declared their intention for round two.
What’s next for her? Silveira says “bring it on,” insisting Read will continue to receive support just as she did in the first case. Those in O’Keefe’s corner want another shot at a conviction, a chance for closure so his family can finally grieve.
Taylor Penley is an associate editor with Fox News.
Karen Read was just your average woman living in a small town, until one day she found herself thrust into the spotlight as an unexpected celebrity. But as her fame grew, so did the rumors and accusations surrounding her.
Now, her trial is being explored in a new Fox Nation series, which delves into whether Karen Read is a killer or simply a convenient outsider being scapegoated by the media and public.
The series promises to uncover the truth behind the headlines and shed light on the complexities of fame, justice, and the power of public perception. Tune in to see the shocking twists and turns of Karen Read’s trial, and decide for yourself whether she is guilty or innocent.
(Lot of 3 Comics) Unexpected #197 #198 #200 (DC 1980) Supernatural Bronze Age
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At long last, the 2025 Oscar nominations are here — and there are a number of snubs and surprises in the field.
Some people have expressed concerns about moving forward with the Academy Awards after wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles. Following a few delays in the nominations announcement, the show is planned to go on, airing March 2.
Emilia Pérez leads the pack with 13 nominations, despite its budding reputation as the villain of this awards season. Wicked and The Brutalist are close behind with 10 nods.
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Yahoo Entertainment is guiding you through which movies and actors many people were shocked to see make the list and shocked to see left out of the nominations.
The trio of core actresses from Emilia Pérez were often nominated for awards this season, but this time, Gomez missed out on a nod for her supporting role. Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña were both recognized by academy voters.
Challengers and Queer
Both of director Luca Guadagnino’s eligible films were shut out of the Oscars.
Winning a Golden Globe didn’t generate enough buzz to get Challengers a nomination for Best Score, and Daniel Craig missed out on an expected Best Actor nomination for Queer.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Though she has already racked up several nominations for her emotionally complex lead role in Hard Truths, she was snubbed by the Golden Globes and Oscars.
Angelina Jolie
Considered a frontrunner by many for her performance as the title character in Maria, she wasn’t among those nominated this time around for Best Actress.
A Real Pain
Though Kieran Culkin is dominating the Best Supporting Actor race this season and actor-director Jesse Eisenberg received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, the film itself wasn’t nominated for Best Picture.
Nickel Boys
The unique POV filming style used in Nickel Boys didn’t earn it a cinematography nomination, though it’s a welcome surprise to see it get a Best Picture nod.
Jon M. Chu
Though Wicked earned an impressive 10 nods overall, its director wasn’t nominated himself.
Surprises
Demi Moore in The Substance. (Universal Pictures/Courtesy of Everett Collection)
The Substance
Though the film has been part of awards conversations all along, it’s still surprising to see a campy horror film receive five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Coralie Fargeat and Best Actress for Demi Moore.
Nosferatu
Just like with The Substance, it’s unexpected to see a horror film rack up so many awards — but Nosferatu hasn’t been considered a contender as much as The Substance has. Its four nominations for Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling come as a huge shock.
Monica Barbaro
A Complete Unknown has been gaining momentum over the past few months, and a Best Supporting Actress nod for Barbaro cements the academy’s love for the film.
Sebastian Stan
The actor earned a double nomination at the Golden Globes for Best Actor in both categories — but he won for the comedy A Different Man. At the Oscars, he’s just nominated for portraying Donald Trump in The Apprentice.
I’m Still Here
Fernanda Torres earned a Golden Globe for her performance in the Brazilian drama, but it’s striking to see the film nominated for Best Picture.
In a surprising turn of events, Sebastian Stan and the film ‘I’m Still Here’ have received unexpected nods from critics and award shows, while Selena Gomez has been noticeably shut out.
Stan, known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and acclaimed performances in indie films, has been earning praise for his portrayal in ‘I’m Still Here’, a heartfelt drama about mental health and resilience. The film itself has also been gaining attention for its poignant storytelling and powerful message.
On the other hand, Selena Gomez, who has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her music and acting career, has unfortunately been left out of the awards conversation this season. Despite her talent and popularity, Gomez has yet to receive any major nominations for her recent projects.
While it’s always disappointing to see deserving artists overlooked, it’s heartening to see lesser-known talents like Sebastian Stan and ‘I’m Still Here’ getting the recognition they deserve. Here’s hoping that Gomez will have more opportunities to shine in the future and that the industry continues to celebrate a diverse range of voices and talents.
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After writing up the Western Conference portion of my official media ballot for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game on Wednesday, let’s do the same for the East.
(Quick refresher: You vote for three frontcourt players and two guards in each conference. Fan voting makes up 50% of the final result, with player and media ballots accounting for 25% each.)
All stats and records entering Thursday’s games.
East All-Star starters
FC Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
FC Jayson Tatum, Celtics
FC Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
G Jalen Brunson, Knicks
G Darius Garland, Cavaliers
The East’s best player: With apologies to Evan Mobley (whose name, spoiler alert, you’re about to see again in a few minutes) and Franz Wagner (who was playing at an All-NBA level before suffering the torn oblique that’s cost him the last six-plus weeks), I found the selection process for the Eastern frontcourt pretty easy, starting with Antetokounmpo, who’s been, for my money, the best player in the conference through the first half of the season.
He’s second only to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the league lead in scoring, fifth in rebounding and just outside the top 20 in assists per game, as the two-time MVP continues to refine his game by putting together the best playmaking season of his career. (Only Cade Cunningham, Chris Paul, Tyrese Haliburton and Trae Young have created more 3-pointers this season, according to PBP Stats.) He leads the NBA in points scored in the paint by more than 100 points; he is second in fast-break points, by six total points, to Christian Braun, who has played 155 more minutes. If Giannis decides he’s getting to the rim, he’s getting to the rim; all that’s left to determine is how much pain and embarrassment you experience in the process.
Milwaukee began the season flailing, stumbling out of the gates to a 2-8 record; the Bucks have the NBA’s third-best record and seventh-best net rating since, joining Oklahoma City, Boston and Memphis as the only teams to rank in the top seven on both offense and defense in that span. It’s not exactly as simple as Giannis effectively deciding, “Well, that’s enough of all that,” and then just changing everything … but it’s also not terribly far off from it. The list of players as adept as Antetokounmpo at bending an entire game to his will is either small enough to be counted on one hand, or it doesn’t exist. And if you don’t believe me, just ask SGA and the Thunder. The NBA Cup final might not count in the standings, but you can be damn sure they’re not going to forget what Giannis did in it anytime soon. The rest of us shouldn’t, either.
Joining Giannis up front: Tatum, who leads Boston in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals, continuing to put up monster numbers while pacing the-math-will-break-you offense and smothering, shapeshifting defense of the defending champion Celtics, who boast the NBA’s third-best record and net rating, and who have blitzed opponents by 11.2 points per 100 possessions with the soon-to-be six-time All-Star on the floor.
Over eight NBA seasons, plus an additional season-and-a-half’s worth of playoff games, Tatum has so finely tailored his game that it now appears nearly seamless. He ranges from good to fantastic at virtually every aspect of offense: from handling the ball in the pick-and-roll to setting screens for Boston’s guards to target a mismatch and put a smaller defender in the Walls of Jericho in the post; from spotting up on the weak side of the action to dotting a defender’s eye with a pull-up triple, which he’s done more often than any player save Anthony Edwards this season; from moving without the ball in the flow of Boston’s offense to walking down a defender in isolation, where he’s scoring 1.07 points per possession — 10th-best among players to finish at least 25 plays in iso, according to Synergy’s tracking. He brandishes all those weapons while ably transitioning into life as a point power forward, hauling in rebounds and dropping dimes at career-best rates, and capably guarding opponents of all shapes and sizes for a top-six defense.
Like the rest of the Celtics, Tatum’s shooting efficiency has tailed off a bit since the start of the season, when he looked like he might be poised to make an MVP run — and he’s still one of just 11 players scoring at least 25 points per game on above-average true shooting. The list looks a lot like an All-Star ballot … which makes sense, considering Towns and Brunson are both there.
New York’s deserving duo: Towns has served as a half-court decongestant whose ability to pull opposing centers out of the paint has helped create acres of space for his teammates to exploit, as well as an elite three-level scoring threat eminently capable of exploiting it himself, averaging 25.1 points per game on career-best .655 true shooting — something only eight players in NBA history have ever done for a full season. He’s also been dominant on the glass, leading the NBA in defensive rebounding rate and overall rebounding rate; he’s even provided improved rim protection since a rocky early start, holding opponents to a respectable 59.2% shooting at the cup since the start of December.
He’s been every ounce the transformational figure the Knicks hoped he’d be when they swung the mega-deal to import him on the eve of training camp — the best center in the conference and a tailor-made running buddy for Brunson, his partner in supercharging the NBA’s No. 2 offense. New York’s captain has authored a brilliant follow-up to last season’s All-Star and All-NBA breakthrough, averaging 26 points per game on sparkling 49/39/82 shooting splits to go with a career-high 7.3 assists per game.
Brunson is the stone-faced, stone-jawed, stone-shouldered on-court avatar of Tom Thibodeau, placidly and perpetually carving opponents up in the pick-and-roll, in isolation or when operating off the ball, producing 1.3 points per possession as a spot-up shooter — third best in the league among players to finish 100 such plays, behind only Michael Porter Jr. and, as luck would have it, Towns. It doesn’t seem like a player of Brunson’s dimensions and athletic profile should be able to consistently beat the kind of defenders he routinely sees … and then you watch him attack, take in the sum total of all those fakes, feints, jabs and sudden shifts in state, and you start wondering how anyone ever stays in front of him. (Only SGA drives to the basket more often.)
As has been the case ever since he arrived from Dallas, the Knicks go where Brunson goes. Good thing for them, then, that he goes pretty much wherever he damn well pleases.
That leaves one starting backcourt spot: With all due respect to Trae Young (leading the NBA in assists by nearly two dimes a night as the leader of the kind of stunningly seventh-seeded Hawks), Cade Cunningham (now breathing freely in a better-spaced offense and playing like exactly who he was drafted to be for the very stunningly sixth-seeded Pistons) and several other Eastern guards having excellent seasons, it’s got to go to one of the members of the league-leading, defense-destroying 36-7 Cavaliers.
I think it’s going to go to Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland’s leading scorer and signature superstar, demonstrating admirable leadership through his willingness to take a step back, with his minutes, shot attempts, touches, time of possession and usage rate all at or near career lows. And that’d be perfectly fine. But while I’d agree that Mitchell is the Cavs’ best player, I think it’s reasonable to believe that Garland has had the team’s best season — a bounce-back campaign coming off a disastrous 2023-24 that has seen the about-to-turn-25-year-old remind the NBA-watching world that he’s one of the brightest lights in it.
Garland has shot and scored more efficiently than Mitchell — he is literally two made field-goal attempts and, after an uncharacteristically errant night from the charity stripe against the Rockets on Wednesday, four made free throws away from being the only player in the NBA this season on pace to join the 50/40/90 club — while also curbing his turnover rate despite posting his highest usage rate since Mitchell arrived in Cleveland. He’s outpacing Mitchell in a slew of all-in-one metrics — estimated plus-minus, value over replacement player, player efficiency rating, box plus-minus, win shares — while ranking among the league’s best crunch-time performers, scoring 58 points in 52 “clutch” minutes on 20-for-31 shooting (64.5%) with 10 assists against just two turnovers. Last season, Cleveland went from hammering opponents when Mitchell played without Garland to getting outscored when Darius ran the show. This season, though, the Cavs have been nearly as dominant in Garland-only minutes — one huge reason why they’ve been so relentlessly, historically excellent.
It’s reasonable to argue that Garland’s only been able to play this freely and brilliantly because of the attention that Mitchell demands … but I think it’s also reasonable to counter that Mitchell’s only been able to comfortably take a step back because of just how overwhelming Garland has been. Both deserve to represent Cleveland at Chase Center; to me, though, it felt appropriate to give Garland the slight edge in recognition of just how far he’s come since this time last season, and just how high the Cavs have soared as a result.
East All-Star reserves
Whew. OK. Now that I’ve explained my choices for the part of this exercise that counts, let’s pivot to the portion that doesn’t: who I’d pick as reserves to round out the East’s roster.
Remember: While fans, players and media members vote on starting lineups, NBA coaches alone decide the makeup of each conference’s bench. To the extent that what I think ever matters, it doesn’t count for squat here. Which, if I’m being honest: Pretty liberating!
Here are the seven players — three frontcourt players, two guards, and two “wild cards,” which can come from either group — that I’d pick to complete the East roster:
FC Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
FC Pascal Siakam, Pacers
FC Jaylen Brown, Celtics
G Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
G Cade Cunningham, Pistons
WC Trae Young, Hawks
WC Damian Lillard, Bucks
No-brainers: Mitchell — nearly as productive and efficient as ever on a per-minute, per-possession basis, the leading scorer for the best team in the East — an easy pick for a reserve guard spot. His teammate, Mobley, whose case for inclusion as a first-timer I recently laid out, also snags one of the frontcourt spots.
New head coach Kenny Atkinson has empowered the fourth-year forward to do more of everything for the revamped Cavs, and the result has been career-best scoring volume and efficiency to go with now-customary elite rim protection, switchability and all-around defensive smothering. That all adds up to a top-15-to-20 two-way player in the eyes of all-in-one metrics like estimated plus-minus, player efficiency rating, win shares, box plus-minus and value over replacement player — the kind of résumé that, when you’re also the starting 4 for a team flirting with a 70-win pace, gets you a ticket to the show.
Cunningham’s 15th in the NBA in scoring and third in assists; the only other player in the NBA scoring, rebounding and assisting at the rates Cade has this season is Nikola Jokić. He’s third in the NBA in true usage — a stat developed by author and former Milwaukee Bucks staffer Seth Partnow that looks at players’ shot attempts, assist opportunities, turnovers and total possessions played; a way to measure their total offensive involvement and the size of their role — for a team that scores at an above-average clip when he’s on the court and at a near-Wizardian rate without him. The Pistons, a laughingstock for the better part of the last 15 years, enter Thursday in sixth in the East; it’s one of the cooler stories in the sport this season, and Cunningham is the driving force behind it. He’s in.
Right above Detroit in the middle of the Eastern standings? The Pacers, who’ve been one of the hottest teams in the NBA for the last six weeks, and while other players (namely Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard) might be more central to that surge, it’s Siakam who has been Indiana’s most consistently excellent performer since the season’s opening tip.
Siakam’s averaging a team-high 20.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on career-best shooting — 75% at the rim, 48% from midrange, 41% from 3-point land — while virtually never losing the ball. (Among 105 players who use at least 20% of their team’s offensive possessions, Siakam has the second-lowest turnover rate — a microscopic 6.9% — behind only old Raptor buddy Chris Boucher.) A player who entered the NBA as a gangly ball of energy out of New Mexico State, subsisting on energy and broken plays, has become a high-end operator adept at punishing defenses all over the court — working in isolation, screening and short-rolling, filling the lane in transition, or, his bread and butter, taking defenders down into the post.
When you factor in possessions where he draws help and passes out rather than shooting himself, Siakam’s post-ups have produced nearly 1.17 points per possession for the Pacers, according to Synergy — a rate of scoring efficiency that sits right between SGA and Jokić — with the Pacers routinely generating good looks when they try to work through him to the block (even if he doesn’t necessarily get the look himself). The value of his size and versatility extends to the other end of the court, too: A Pacers team that has struggled mightily at times to match up with big wings and get stops has defended at a near top-five level with Siakam on the floor. Haliburton determines Indiana’s ceiling, but for the first three months of this season, Siakam has established its consistently competitive floor with perpetually high-end two-way play; that, too, is a version of stardom, and it’s one that I think merits an All-Star spot.
For the final frontcourt reserve spot: I went with Brown, the reigning Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP, who — even in a down year shooting the ball — remains a vital No. 2 option on the second-best team in the conference.
Brown opened up the season misfiring, but he has averaged 23 points per game on 47/35/75 shooting splits for the last 30 games. He’s posting career-high assist and free-throw attempt rates, marrying an increased playmaking role — especially out of the post, where Joe Mazzulla will often use him as a mismatch weapon against smaller defenders to pry open great looks — with his solemn duty to bring juice and inject an element of randomness into Boston’s attack with his slashing and end-to-end forays on the break. The Celtics score 14.4 more points per 100 possessions in transition with Brown on the court than off it, field a top-six defense with him taking on some of the toughest assignments in the league night to night and have remained elite in non-Tatum minutes when Brown’s there to anchor the attack. The advanced metrics have never totally loved Brown’s production, but his importance to the defending champs’ operations on both ends of the court earns him a spot on my bench.
The last two: That leaves me with a whole bunch of players for the wild-card spots. One went to Young, whose 11.6 assists per game, again, leads the NBA by nearly two dimes per game — and is on pace to be a top-25 assist season of all time.
Young’s own scoring efficiency has tailed off — he’s shooting a career-low percentage on 2-pointers, thanks largely to a dip on the typically money floaters with which he’s long tortured dropping bigs — but he remains one of the NBA’s premier manipulators of a defense, and among the league’s most bankable offensive engines. According to the Points Created metric introduced by Zach Kram of The Ringer, Young’s generating 52.5 points per 36 minutes of floor time for the Hawks this season — more than any player in the league besides Jokić, Giannis and SGA. A revamped Atlanta roster that ranks among the youngest in the NBA scores at a top-10 clip when Young’s at the controls and is very much in the thick of the race for a top-six spot in the East due in large part to the fact that he operates on the ball as effectively as any player in the NBA.
For the last spot, we’ll go with Lillard, who’s been better across the board in his second season in Milwaukee, bumping his midrange and long-distance efficiency back up to their customarily excellent marks while developing even better chemistry with Antetokounmpo in the two-man game and getting increasingly comfortable working off the ball (a little) more often.
Amid a group of worthy and tightly bunched candidates who all kind of rock-paper-scissors’d their way through the advanced metrics — this guy’s ahead of the rest in VORP, but this other guy has the edge in EPM! and so on — I decided to go with the dude who’s averaging 25 and 7 on .623 true shooting for a team in line for home-court advantage in Round 1. Reasonable people can differ, but I don’t think I’d lose sleep over that one … and, since I don’t actually pick the reserves, you shouldn’t, either.
As we look ahead to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, fans and analysts are already buzzing with excitement and speculation about who will make the cut for the Eastern Conference team. While there are plenty of familiar faces and perennial All-Stars to choose from, one unexpected choice is generating a lot of buzz.
In a surprising twist, rising star and fan-favorite guard, 22-year-old Jalen Green of the Detroit Pistons has secured a spot as a starter for the Eastern Conference team. Despite being in only his third season in the NBA, Green’s electrifying scoring ability, flashy dunks, and clutch performances have made him a standout player in the league.
Joining Green in the starting lineup for the East are perennial All-Stars like reigning MVP Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, two-time All-Star Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, and veteran point guard Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets.
As for the reserves, the Eastern Conference team boasts a formidable lineup with players like Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards, Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, and rookie sensation Cade Cunningham of the Orlando Magic making their All-Star debuts.
While some may be surprised by Green’s inclusion as a starter, there is no denying his impact on the court and his growing popularity among fans. With a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talent, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game promises to be an exciting showcase of the best and brightest players in the league.
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NBA All-Stars 2025, East Conference, NBA All-Star starters, NBA All-Star reserves, East Conference selection, NBA All-Star game, unexpected choice, NBA news 2025, basketball stars, NBA East starters, NBA East reserves, 2025 NBA season
On Wednesday, January 22, Alaina revealed she is expecting her first child with her husband Cam Arnold, whom she married in February 2024.
In a statement shared with People, Alaina confirmed the news of her pregnancy after hinting about it in her latest music video, “Those Kind of Women,” where she accentuated her growing baby bump.
“It’s all about the women who raised me,” she said of the song. “I was really fortunate to be raised around a bunch of very strong women. And when we cut this song, when we recorded this song, I was not pregnant nor thinking about becoming pregnant,” Alaina told People.
“It’s funny how things fell into place. It literally changed the song for me. I already loved it, because it’s about the women who raised me. But, now I am going to be a woman raising a child.”
Alaina hasn’t yet shared publicly if she is expecting a son or a daughter.
“[I didn’t know] I can love something that I haven’t even really held yet. I feel the baby inside me, and it’s kicking me and doing all of the things. It’s like I was the Grinch or something, and my heart grew,” she told People.
Alaina said learning she was pregnant “bonded” her and her husband “even more” than their marriage did, People reports.
“My love for him grew that day of getting married, and then finding out we were having a baby together. Walking through this experience with him has been unbelievable.”
”I’m looking forward to watching my husband be a dad,” Alaina continued. “He is so obsessed with our animals; he’s a big nurturer in general. In fact, when I was getting ready to marry him, that was something that I knew would be one of the best things about being his wife, was being able to parent with him.”
Alaina admitted that they weren’t trying to get pregnant yet, hoping to start that process in 2025.
“Now I’m scared because I don’t feel like I passed any sort of test,” she shared. “They don’t make you take a test on being a mom. It’s crazy. People are like, ‘What’s your plan with the birth? And what’s your plan here?’ And I’m like, listen, ‘God’s plan. It wasn’t my plan.’”
She also believes her late father had a hand in everything that transpired in the months following his death.
“I do think that my dad passed away and got a stair up in heaven and was like, ‘Hey, we got to work something out down there to send the family something good.’ And it has been such an unexpected blessing.”
“We obviously still talk about and are dealing with the grief of my dad, but this baby has healed a lot of that for us … like it’s a little piece of my dad that will live on.”
Country Music Star Lauren Alaina Is Pregnant With 1st Baby: An ‘Unexpected Blessing’
Country music sensation Lauren Alaina has just announced some exciting news – she’s expecting her first child! The 26-year-old singer took to social media to share the joyous news with her fans, calling the pregnancy an “unexpected blessing.”
Alaina, who shot to fame after appearing on American Idol in 2011, shared a heartfelt message alongside a series of photos showing off her growing baby bump. In the post, she expressed her gratitude for this new chapter in her life and thanked her fans for their continued support.
“I am overjoyed to share that I am expecting my first child,” Alaina wrote. “This baby is truly an unexpected blessing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this new journey I am about to embark on.”
The singer, known for hits like “Road Less Traveled” and “Getting Good,” has been open about her struggles with body image and self-acceptance in the past. She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and inspire others to embrace their true selves.
Fans and fellow celebrities alike flooded Alaina’s post with messages of congratulations and well wishes. Country music star Carly Pearce commented, “OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!! So incredibly happy for you!!!” while actress Reese Witherspoon wrote, “What wonderful news! Congratulations, Lauren!!”
As Alaina prepares to welcome her little one into the world, she is sure to receive an outpouring of love and support from her devoted fan base. We can’t wait to see this talented artist embark on this new journey of motherhood and continue to shine both on and off the stage. Congratulations, Lauren! #LaurenAlaina #BabyOnBoard #UnexpectedBlessing
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Lauren Alaina, Country Music Star, Pregnant, 1st Baby, Unexpected Blessing, Celebrity Pregnancy Announcement
More than a year after its premiere, a comedy film that was written and starred by several Saturday Night Live cast members has surprisingly become a streaming sensation. With different degrees of popularity, NBC’s long-running sketch comedy program has served as a springboard for 11 feature films based on some of its most cherished routines and characters since its debut in 1975. The Blues Brothers, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, was the first motion picture to be released. It made over $115 million at the box office, well above its $27 million production budget.
The success of Wayne’s World (1992), starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, encouraged Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels to seek other popular character film adaptations. Following this, films like It’s Pat, Stuart Saves His Family, A Night at the Roxbury, Superstar, and The Ladies Man were made, and in 1993, Coneheads brought back characters from the 1970s.
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure Of Foggy Mountain has emerged as an unexpected success in the streaming arena.
It Holds the 7th Position on Peacock’s Top 10
In the streaming space, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain has become an unexpected success. The 2023 movie, which was made by and stars the comedy group Please Don’t Destroy, which joined SNL in 2021, tells a fictionalised story of the group’s search for wealth hidden inside a neighbouring mountain. Ben Marshall, John Higgins, Martin Herlihy, former SNL writer Conan O’Brien, Meg Stalter, X Mayo, Nichole Sakura, Cedric Yarbrough, Sunita Mani, and SNL cast member Bowen Yang also appear in the movie.
Over a year after its premiere, the movie has now experienced unexpected popularity on streaming services. Just yesterday, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain unexpectedly made its way into Peacock’s Top 10 in the United States, according to FlixPatrol. It rates higher than Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda 2, and Speak No Evil, but lower than Despicable Me 4, Twisters, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Penguins of Madagascar, Conclave, and Sing 2.
What Has Contributed to the Streaming Success of Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure Of Foggy Mountain?
SNL Recently Resumed After Its Holiday Break
Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain was first overlooked when it was made available for streaming on Peacock in November 2023. However, the movie surprisingly made an appearance in Peacock’s Top 10 in January 2024. Although the causes of this spike are still unknown, it might coincide with Dave Chappelle’s hosting of Saturday Night Live’s 50th season premiere on January 18. Whatever the reason, even though it comes more than a year later, it seems that Peacock subscribers are enjoying Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain for its deliciously ridiculous humour.
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been the breeding ground for some of the biggest comedy stars in Hollywood, and now one of its former cast members is seeing unexpected streaming success two years after the release of their film.
Former SNL cast member, John Mulaney, who left the show in 2012, wrote and starred in the film “John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch,” which was released in 2019. The film received positive reviews upon its release, but it didn’t quite make a big splash at the box office.
However, fast forward two years later, and “John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch” is now experiencing a surge in popularity on streaming platforms. With more people staying home and looking for new content to watch, the quirky and nostalgic film has found a new audience and is resonating with viewers in a whole new way.
Fans of Mulaney’s stand-up comedy and SNL work are rediscovering the film and falling in love with its unique blend of humor, music, and heartfelt moments. The film’s catchy songs and hilarious sketches are making it a favorite among comedy lovers, and it’s quickly becoming a cult classic.
The unexpected streaming success of “John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch” just goes to show that sometimes, great content takes time to find its audience. And in this case, it’s clear that Mulaney’s comedic genius is standing the test of time and continuing to delight fans in new and unexpected ways.
