SR – NBA Primetime Preview: Brooklyn Nets Vs. Denver Nuggets

SR – NBA Primetime Preview: Brooklyn Nets Vs. Denver Nuggets

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The second game of the night on TNT features the Denver Nuggets taking on the Brooklyn Nets on home ground, as both teams look to get back on track in this eleven-game season.

Kyrie Irving and Jamal Murray had pretty memorable duel the last time the two squared off inside the Pepsi Center, but it was ultimately Murray’s night as he dropped a cool 48 on Irving’s head during Kyrie’s last visit to Denver as a Boston Celtic, leading to Irving chucking the ball into the nosebleeds in Denver. That game was just another crumb of rubble onto the dysfunctional pile that was the Celtics’ 2018 campaign.

Now, Irving returns to the Mile-High city with an entirely new arsenal of new teammates, and a new jersey to don as this marks the first time Kyrie heads to the Southwest as a Brooklyn Net. The Nets had one of the most successful offseasons in recent memory, acquiring Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Durant in the matter of a day, adding them to a prospective, young and promising roster.

They’d know that Durant was to be out for the season after tending to a torn Achilles suffered in the NBA Finals back in June. What they didn’t know was how difficult it would be to overcome the growing pains of a obtaining new chemistry with new pieces while trying to win without him for a full year. The Nets sit at 4-6 and are slipping defensively, having the fourth-worst defensive rating in the NBA.

They’re currently riding a two-game losing streak with losses coming by way of the Jazz and Suns during their four-team road trip. Though the year is young, the Nets find themselves in a puddle now under .500 by two games, and in a startlingly competitive Eastern Conference, Brooklyn might want to hit the gas pedal as expeditious as possible if they still want to be considered as a piece in the playoff puzzle come April.

As for the Nuggets, a rare home loss to the undermanned, John Collins-less Atlanta Hawks was bad enough, but Jamal Murray letting Trae Young, who, might I add, is having an All-Star second season, score 42 on his head spells trouble for the Nuggets as Kyrie looks to avenge his loss to Denver last year. That defensive performance is unbecoming for the NBA’s ninth-most defensively efficient team, and they’ll be tasked with dealing with the Nets’ offense that makes opposing defenders switch at a quantifiable rate.

Still, it should be fun to see how the Nets’ frontcourt, more specifically DeAndre Jordan, matches up with arguably the most-skilled Center in the Western Conference in Nikola Jokic, and also how the perimeter defense of Brooklyn fares against the perimeter scoring ability of Jamal Murray, Torrey Craig, Gary Harris and the rest of Mike Malone’s lineup of guards ready to take the floor.

Nov 15, 2019 No Comments
BREAKING: Portland Trail Blazers To Sign Free Agent Carmelo Anthony

BREAKING: Portland Trail Blazers To Sign Free Agent Carmelo Anthony

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The year-long wait for one of the league’s all-time great scorers finally came to a sudden end Thursday night, as the Portland Trail Blazers pulled the trigger on signing Carmelo Anthony, who hasn’t laced up and played on an NBA floor since November 8th, 2018.

Anthony joins a team looking for a frontcourt floor spacer on the wing, and who better to sign than the 2013 NBA scoring champion and a 10x All Star. He’ll play alongside the talented backcourt of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, and will presumably start for a team that needs just a hint of another offensive spark, now sitting at 4-8 with connsecutive losses to the Warriors, Clippers, Nets and Raptors.

Anthony fits right into a rotation marred with injuries to their frontcourt depth (Zach Collins and Al-Farouq Aminu, just to name a few guys who are missing) and with an open roster spot available for him, this may be his last chance to get his NBA career back on track.

The deal, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, is non-guaranteed.

The Chicago Bulls were the last team to acquire Anthony after he was traded from the Houston Rockets in January, but it was clear the Bulls had no future plans to keep him around. They ended up waiving him on February 1st.

Just a year ago, the 35-year-old’s numbers with the Rockets spoke for themselves. He shot 40.5 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Nov 15, 2019 No Comments
SR – NBA Primetime Preview: Dallas Mavericks Vs New York Knicks

SR – NBA Primetime Preview: Dallas Mavericks Vs New York Knicks

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Aren’t Homecomings just the sweetest?

Tonight’s premiere NBA theatrics find themselves inside the “World’s Most Famous Arena”, or the Madison Square Garden, for short. Who the inhabitants of this historic venue are live in abhorrent infamy, back then and now, and aren’t quite the prime, step-right-up attraction of the town.

Yes, your treat as an NBA fan tonight is a Thursday-night matinee to see the New York Knicks play a basketball game. But tonight just isn’t any regular game, though.

It’s Kristaps Porzingis’ first real game inside the Garden since his ACL tear in early 2018. And, it’s kinda his first 48 minutes back on the Garden hardwood, but not in Knicks blue and orange.

And of course, who loves to profile nightly NBA drama more than Turner Sports, right? This evening’s contest between the Dallas Mavericks (6-4) and the New York Knicks (2-9) will be nationally broadcasted on TNT as a vehicle to really sell the story of the prodigal son of New York returning to the very franchise he spurned for greener grasses.

And during the team introductions, where it’s actually unclear if they’ll grace Porzingis with a “thanks for all you’ve done for us” scoreboard video, that story will be sold, no debate necessary.

The storyline coming into this four-quarter contest is probably going to be way better than what’s going to be taking place on the court. The Knicks are a mess, from top to bottom if we’re not beating around the bush. Their head coach is literally in waiting for his pink slip any day now, as Dave Fizdale has shown an inadequacy to spread minutes among his best players. Fans want both James Dolan and Steve Mills gone (and probably arrested for destroying heir franchise), but what else is new.

If there are any positives, RJ Barrett has had a solid rookie season, averaging 16 points a game and shooting at 35 percent from deep. Not bad, but obviously not enough to trudge the Knicks through their offensive woes that have dropped them to the bottom of the NBA.

And the worst of all, Knicks organizational members and Knicks infrastructure will be subjected to witnessing a rusty Porzingis shake off all that oxidation against a Knicks starting five that will have all the difficulty in the world in keeping him from looking like the Unicorn again.

And while on that topic, KP’s early-season troubles haven’t been that worrisome (18.3 ppg. off 40.1 percent shooting and 37.5 percent three-point shooting) considering that Luka Doncic has, more often than not, looked like one of the league’s most unstoppable forces. I mean, he’s already drawn expectations of being the Slovenian Larry Bird with how unbelievable he’s been in scoring, assisting, and playmaking.

Not only is he the youngest player in league history to record more than 12 Triple-Doubles, passing the likes of Magic Johnson and LeBron James (his idol), he’s making an increasingly undeniable case to be the best scorer on the planet.

In his second year. at 20 years old. Yeah.

In comparing how he stacks up against other MVP award nominees, the Slovenian Sniper is currently in the top 12 in the big three traditional statistical categories. He is averaging 28.3 points per game (5th in the league), 10.3 rebounds per game (12th in the league) and 9.1 assists per game (2nd in the league).

He is also averaging a steal a game and is shooting at an improved rate at just about everywhere on the court. Though the statistical proof says he isn’t as proficient from deep (31.8 percent) the rest of his current shooting percentages are at 48.5 percent from the field, 84.4% free throw and an impressive 62% from everywhere inside the arch.

To contextualize all of those stats, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league’s Most Valuable Player, is 4th on the NBA’s scoring leaders, 2nd in rebounding and 14th in assists through ten games. Luka is averaging more points per game than Kawhi Leonard, the most recent Finals MVP, and is 13 spots higher on the scoring list than LeBron James, sixteen places higher than the King on the rebounding chart and only trails James by a spot in assists.

Story short, Luka is probably going to go off tonight for another memorable away Garden performance, and the Knicks will be hard-pressed to find the answer to stop him.

When Porzingis’ name is announced, boos and cheers will ring and reverberate throughout the Garden’s woodwork and Knicks faithful have to go through seeing the guy they cheered and boasted for dismantle them on live television, but who knows, with these games this year, any upset or statistical anomaly can happen at the drop of the hat.

But probably not in this one.

Nov 15, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns (TNF Week 11)

Primetime Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns (TNF Week 11)

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With six weeks left in the regular season, every game is even more important than the last. That is particularly true in the case of the two teams facing off on Thursday Night Football. The Pittsburgh Steelers make their way to the “Dawg Pound” to face the Cleveland Browns in an AFC North rivalry game. Both teams are chasing the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the division but both are a few games back and the Ravens don’t look to be relinquishing their top-dog status anytime soon. Pittsburgh has won four straight games and has gone from counted out to a potential playoff participant. Even without Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have been able to find their footing thanks to a strong defense and steady play from backup quarterback Mason Rudolph. The offense still has all-pro weapons in running back James Conner and wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster. Meanwhile, the Browns won the offseason and a lot was expected of them heading into the 2019 season. Yet, they have only managed to win three games to date and are much closer to a top-10 draft pick than making the postseason. A win tonight keeps hope alive in Cleveland and with the game coming at home it will likely feel like the entire state of Ohio is tuned in hoping to see their team turn the season around. Odell Beckham Jr. has not produced as advertised by an inability to connect with Baker Mayfield has been the real problem. Cleveland’s defense also looks nothing like what they did in their dominant preseason play. The winner of tonight’s game will be looking to convert it into a winning streak to end the year.

QB Matchup: Mason Rudolph vs. Baker Mayfield

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Rudolph has performed about as well as could be expected given the circumstances he entered into. Many thought he was the next in line to become Pittsburgh’s starters when he was drafted and now he’s gotten that opportunity. In college, Rudolph put up astounding numbers with the Oklahoma State Cowboys mostly thanks to his ability to connect on deep throws. With his primary target, James Washington, on the Steelers roster, the assumption was that he could have similar success in the NFL. However, he really hasn’t been great at any one specific skill but he’s good enough to not lose games.

Baker entered the season with a lot of pressure–and national magazine cover stories–on his shoulders. Despite not starting every game, he set the record for most touchdown passes thrown by a rookie quarterback. With Odell Beckham Jr. joining the team and Nick Chubb breaking out as a rookie too, Cleveland’s offense had enough weapons to be good if everything clicked. Well, things have yet to click. Freddie Kitchens’ first full year as a head coach and offensive coordinator has been a disappointment. Mayfield has taken a step back from his rookie season and has turned the ball over at a high-rate. In last week’s win, he’s arguably had his best performance of the season.

RB Matchup: James Conner vs. Nick Chubb / Kareem Hunt

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In his second season as the Steelers starter, James has been good when he is on the field. Injuries have acted as a bump in the road for Conner but thankfully none have been serious enough to keep him sidelined for a long period of time. His ability to be an every-down back helps open up things for all aspects of Pittsburgh’s offense. When he’s hot this team is really tough to defend against. Conner is capable of bursting any run, screen pass, or swing pass for a long gain and immediately turn the game’s momentum.

Last week, we saw the debut of Cleveland’s two-man backfield unit of Hunt and Chubb. Hunt was another addition that this team thought would be able to have a big impact on their season, even though he was suspended for half of the year. In his first game back, he looked as good as he did during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Chubb has taken a step up this season and has been the most consistent piece of the Browns’ offense this year. He’s capable of breaking off a big run on every snap. he’s strong, powerful, fast, and quick. If any slight alley opens up along the offensive line expect Chubb to break through it for a big gain.

WR Matchup: Juju Smith-Schuster vs. Odell Beckham Jr.

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Antonio Brown is no longer a member of the Steelers but Smith-Schuster has proven to all that he is capable of being the team’s number one option. Juju can play as a slot receiver or line up out wide. He’s one of the most versatile players at his position and continues to get better each season. Cleveland recently got their top two cornerbacks (Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams) back on the field so they’ll have bodies to throw at him. Tracking how Juju is used tonight will say a lot about how the Steelers coaching staff views their secondary.

On the other side of the field, Cleveland has arguably one of the most talented wide receivers in league history. Odell had been putting up big numbers with the New York Giants but the team didn’t find much success. They opted to move on from him after signing him to a five-year contract extension. The losing has continued with the Browns but his numbers have taken a big dip also. Against Buffalo, the plan seemed to force-feed Beckham Jr. no matter what, however, it didn’t really work out for all parties. Pittsburgh isn’t known for great corner play if there’s any chance for him to have an explosive, season-defining game this meeting is his best opportunity.

TE Matchup: Vance McDonald / Nick Vannett vs.  Demetrius Harris

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The tight end production has been a struggle for both teams. Vance McDonald was expected to have a big year coming into the season bu an injury early sidelined him. In his absence, the team went out and got Nick Vannett from the Seattle Seahawks. Now, both players are back and healthy for the Steelers. Tonight, one of them could potentially be a difference-maker as the Browns defense has struggled to contain opposing tight ends for most of the season.

Cleveland was hoping that David Njoku would have a breakout season, but they lost him for the season early and they have been trying to replace his production ever since. Ricky Seals-Jones has had a couple of big performances but he is dealing with health issues and is questionable for this game. That leaves Demetrius Harris as the team’s best choice. Harris is a solid option and with Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry at wideout and Hunt and Chubb in the backfield, the Steelers will have to focus elsewhere which could result in good looks for Harris throughout tonight’s game.

DEF Matchup: Minkah Fitzpatrick vs. Myles Garrett

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It is not hyperbole to suggest that Steelers defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick is on track to be the Defensive Player of the Year. Since being acquired from the lowly Miami Dolphins in an in-season trade, the Pittsburgh defense has seen vast improvements on that end. Fitzpatrick has managed to get five interceptions, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown. Some player’s go entire seasons without producing any of those numbers, Fitzpatrick has managed to get those in just seven games.

For the Browns, their defense is led by 2017 first-overall pick, Myles Garrett. A physical marvel, Garrett has the size and speed to be a real impact player on the defensive line. Last season he showed the progress of potentially becoming one of the top pass rushers in the entire NFL. That production has continued but Garrett remains one of the most heavily penalized defensive linemen. With Roethlisberger (who seemingly never went down on a potential sack attempt) out, there’s a chance for him to make a real impact getting to Rudolph off the edge. If he can make plays tonight things could turn out differently than they have for most of the year for the Browns.

PREDICTION: Steelers 31 , Browns 21

Nov 15, 2019 No Comments
SR NFL Power Rankings (11/14)

SR NFL Power Rankings (11/14)

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Each week, SneakerReporter will put out their power rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

With Week 11 kicking off tonight (Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns), 8:20 PM EST on Fox and NFL Network) it’s time to unveil where each team sits.

The fun begins below and be sure to check back each Thursday to track how far up or down your favorite team moves from week-to-week.

 

1. Baltimore Ravens 7-2 (LW: 4)

Lamar Jackson is the MVP we deserve.

 

2. New England Patriots 8-1 (LW: 2)

The bye week was good to them, not only did the 49ers lose but AFC challengers in Buffalo and Indianapolis also took losses.

3. San Francisco 49ers 8-1 (LW: 1)

7 MORE GAMES JIMMY GAROPPOLO, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

 

4. Seattle Seahawks 8-2 (LW: 6)

Taking advantage of a rookie kicker choking is a glorious way to end an opponent’s undefeated season.

5. Green Bay Packers 8-2 (LW: 5)

All aboard the Aaron Jones hype train.

 

6. New Orleans Saints 7-2 (LW: 3)

Narrator: they did NOT destroy the Falcons last week.

7. Houston Texans 6-3 (LW: 8)

Deshaun Watson continues to put this team on his back.

8. Minnesota Vikings 7-3 (LW: 11)

That Dalvin Cook fellow is quite the player.

9. Buffalo Bills 6-3 (LW: 10)

The Bills need a win this week to keep themselves in the playoff discussion going forward.

10. Kansas City Chiefs 6-4 (LW: 7)

PATRICK MAHOMES CAME BACK AND THEY STILL LOST!

 

11. Carolina Panthers 5-4 (LW: 14)

Kyle Allen couldn’t pull off the upset at the frozen tundra but the team looked good trying.

 

12. Tennessee Titans 5-5 (LW: 17)

What a performance by this team in Week 10.

 

13. Pittsburgh Steelers 5-4 (LW: 16)

Minkah Fitzpatrick can do no wrong.

 

14. Indianapolis Colts 5-4 (LW: 9)

The Cardiac Colts were Brian Hoyer’d last week.

 

15. Philadelphia Eagles 5-4 (LW: 15)

They are no longer just keeping pace, they are tied for first in the NFC East after their bye.

16. Dallas Cowboys 5-4 (LW: 12)

Dallas are who we thought they were.

 

17. Oakland Raiders 5-4 (LW: 20)

Jon Gruden and the Raiders have a winning record!

 

18. Los Angeles Rams 5-4 (LW: 13)

Jared Goff is starting to look mightily overpaid.

 

19. Jacksonville Jaguars 4-5 (LW: 19)

NICK FOLES IS BACK!

 

20. Chicago Bears 4-5 (LW: 24)

Can they carry over last week’s offensive explosion through the rest of the year?

 

21. Denver Broncos 3-6 (LW: 21)

Brandon Allen was amazing this whole time, who knew?

 

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-6 (LW: 25)

Tampa Bay has at least been scrappy this season.

 

23. Cleveland Browns 3-6  (LW: 26)

The last six Browns coaches have all been fired after facing the Steelers, no pressure Freddie Kitchens!

 

24. Detroit Lions 3-5-1 (LW: 18)

This team without Matthew Stafford is dreadful.

 

25. Arizona Cardinals 3-6-1 (LW: 22)

Kyler and Kliff could make for an interesting buddy cop film title.

 

26. Los Angeles Chargers 4-6 (LW: 23)

This just isn’t their year.

 

27. Atlanta Falcons 2-7(LW: 30)

Dan Quinn ACTUALLY saved his job with that win over the Saints.

 

28. Washington Redskins 1-8 (LW: 28)

Dwayne Haskins, Derrius Guice, Terry McLaurin, get a good look at your future Washington.

 

29. Miami Dolphins 2-7 (LW: 31)

They. Won. ANOTHER. Game.

 

30. New York Jets 2-7 (LW: 32)

The battle for New York (New Jersey) was pretty much the Spider-Man meme come to life.

 

31. New York Giants 2-8 (LW: 27)

Make that 0-8 WITH Saquon Barkley this year.

32. Cincinnati Bengals 0-9 (LW: 30)

Their path to the number one pick just got even more open.

Nov 14, 2019 No Comments