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Boxing Preview: Angel Fierro (20-1-2, 16, KOs) vs Eduardo Estela (14-1, 9 KO’s)

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Boxing Preview: Angel Fierro (20-1-2, 16, KOs) vs Eduardo Estela (14-1, 9 KO’s)

On March 4, Angel Fierrofacing Eduardo Estela will headline the latest installment of Matchroom Boxing’s popular fight night series, which will take place exclusively live on DAZN at the Polideportivo Arena in Culiacan, Mexico.

In what promises to be an explosive main event, Fierro (20-1-2, 16KOs) defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Estela (14-1, 9KOs), a former loser from Uruguay. The highly regarded WBO #5 Fierro is getting close to winning the 2023 World title, but first, he needs to defeat the extremely dangerous Estela, who just scored a career-high victory in November over previously undefeated Ruben Torres. Estela, whose promoter is former great Marcos Maidana, who will be present on fight night, has only lost once as a professional, in 2019 to rising Mexican powerhouse Mauricio Lara.

ANGEL FIERRO VS. EDUARDO ESTELA FIGHT DATE, START TIME
Date: Saturday, March 4
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. GMT
Main event ringwalks (approx): 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT
The card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe.
The fight will take place at the Polideportivo Juan S. Millan, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
The main card is set to get underway at 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. GMT with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT.

Fierro stated, “I am very happy to fight again in Mexico with my people.” I will demonstrate to them that I am prepared for a World title challenge and am looking forward to returning to the ring on March 4.

Estela declared, “March 4 is my time to shine.” I’m ready to put on yet another amazing performance after the biggest victory of my life. If I win against Fierro, I will be in the top tier of the 135-pound division, and he will not prevent me from doing so.

Although I am aware that I am entering hostile territory, this will only serve to motivate me further. I’m bringing everything I have, so Fierro better get ready.

At Super-Featherweight, Eduardo Nunez will fight Rodolfo Bustamante over ten rounds, providing the co-main event. The 25-year-old KO merchant known as “Sugar” Nunez enters the fight having won his only fight of 2022 in the tenth round in Culiacan in September. He is 23-1 with 23 knockouts. The Los Mochis man will be eager to continue his streak on March 4, but he faces tough competition from Bustamante (18-1-1, 11 KOs), who will fight for the first time in 2023 on his home turf.

Nunez stated, “I’m anxious, and we’ll prepare.” I’ve been putting in a lot of effort with my team, and I’m just waiting for March 4 to come around.

Bustamante stated, “I am very happy for this opportunity.” I’m coming with everything I’ve got, and I won’t let my Culiacan people down. I’m going to train hard.

Misael Rodriguez (12-0, 7 KOs), a 2016 Mexican Olympian, will compete against Rafael Ortiz over eight rounds at Middleweight. Criztec Balzaldua, a US #1-rated amateur, will make his professional debut against Alejandro Castillo over four rounds at Lightweight.

Rodriguez stated, “I feel happy and excited to fight on this great Matchroom card.” It’s great to fight in Culiacan, where I’ve fought twice and where people are familiar with boxing and have made me feel at home.

Matchroom south of the border had a breakout year in 2022, producing three unforgettable nights of boxing in the boxing-rich nation.

Hiroto Kyoguchi, the Japanese WBA Super Champion, defeated Mexico’s WBA Regular Champion Esteban Bermudez to defend his title in June. Rocky Hernandez, who defeated Jorge Castaneda, a highly regarded opponent, in the first round to become a breakout star, was also on that card. Mayerlin Rivas, the WBA 122-pound champion, made her long-awaited return on the card as well. She defeated Karina Fernandez spectacularly to keep her title.

Juan Francisco Estrada, the reigning Super-Flyweight King and pound-for-pound great, won a highly entertaining decision over fellow Mexican Argi Cortes in September when he returned to Hermosillo for the first time since 2019. The long-awaited trilogy with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez for Estrada, which he won in December, was established by the victory over Cortes. In a rematch of their 2021 title fight, Mexico’s current WBA champion Erika Cruz defeated Jelena Mrdjevonich to defend her title. Sivenathi Nontshinga of South Africa defeated Mexico’s Hector Flores to win the vacant IBF 108lb title in an instant classic that is widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in Light-Flyweight history. The fight was nominated for and won the award for the 2022 Fight of the Year by a number of boxing publications.

The much-anticipated return of Mauricio Lara to Mexico City marked the end of Matchroom’s year in Mexico. The top-rated Featherweight contender appeared in his home city for the first time in more than two years, and he did not disappoint, brutally stopping former title challenger Jose Sanmartin within three rounds. It was a brutal defeat from arguably the sport’s most entertaining fighter, preparing him for his first World title fight against Leigh Wood, which will be broadcast live on DAZN on February 18 in Nottingham, England.

Eddie Hearn stated, “I cannot wait to return to Mexico for another great night.” In 2022, we had a wonderful year south of the border; All of our fight nights were exciting, and I anticipate that we will resume in March. If Fierro can deal with Estela in a stylish manner, he will knock on the door of Lightweight World title competition and join the big boys.”

ANGEL FIERRO VS. EDUARDO ESTELA FIGHT CARD
Angel Fierro vs. Eduardo Estela; Lightweight
Eduardo Nunez vs. Jesus Ceyca; Super featherweight
Misael Rodriguez vs. Aaron Guerrero; Middleweight
Yair Benjamin Gollardo-Lozano vs. Bernardo Jiminez Suarez; Super middleweight
Dilshodbek Ruzmetov vs. Jesus Moroyoqui; Light heavyweight
Criztec Bazaldua vs. Jose Armando Bustamante Islas; Lightweight

Boxing Preview: Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) vs Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs)

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Boxing Preview: Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) vs Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs)

Hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will face Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo in a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The 10-round middleweight co-main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd, who will fight power-punching Armando Reséndiz. Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia, both young middleweights who have never lost, will fight in a 10-round bout to get the show started.

WHAT TIME IS THE FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO FIGHT?
Date: Saturday, March 4
Main card: 1 a.m. GMT / 8 p.m. ET
Main event ringwalks (approx): 4 a.m. GMT / 11 p.m. ET
The fight will take place at the Toyota Arena, Ontario, California.
Showtime will broadcast the fight in the U.S.
The main card is set to get underway at 1 a.m. GMT / 8 p.m. ET with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 4 a.m. GMT / 11 p.m.

According to Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions, “Saturday, March 4 will be headlined by an explosive clash of exciting styles, as Brandon Figueroa and Mark Magsayo are sure to go toe-to-toe to secure their standing in the featherweight division.” Magsayo has the chance to regain his status after losing his title in a close fight the last time they met. Brandon made his featherweight debut in July of that year with a spectacular performance. The stage is set for a thrilling night live on SHOWTIME and at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, with another certified action fighter, Jarrett Hurd, stepping into the ring in the co-main event against the up-and-coming Armando Reséndiz, and hungry young middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia in the TV opener.

In his 126-pound debut, the 26-year-old Figueroa was dynamic. He was 22-1-1 and had 17 knockouts. He defeated Carlos Castro in the sixth round on SHOWTIME in July 2021. His last fight was in 2021’s Fight of the Year against Stephen Fulton Jr., which some observers believed ended in controversy due to Figueroa’s loss by majority decision. Figueroa, a native of Weslaco, Texas, became the first person to defeat former division champion Luis Nery in their championship match on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight due to his unwavering pressure and youthful enthusiasm. By defeating Nery, Figueroa won the WBC 122-pound world title, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who had previously held the WBC lightweight world title.

Figueroa stated, “I can’t wait to get back in the ring to do what I love.” Being up against a former featherweight champion like Magsayo gives me a lot of motivation because I want to fight the best. Because neither of us likes to back down, I’m confident that we’ll give the fans a great fight. This is my chance to really show the world what I can do at 126 pounds, and I’m just excited to win and prove it.”

In January 2022, Filipino boxer Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) defeated boxing’s then-longest-reigning male world champion Gary Russell Jr. to win the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. He became the latest champion from the boxing-rich Philippines. On March 4, Magsayo will attempt to get closer to regaining that title after losing to Rey Vargas in a split decision in July despite dropping Vargas in round nine. The 27-year-old won his first shot at the title by knocking out Julio Ceja in the 10th round of a fight in August 2021, when Ceja was trailing on the scorecards. Magsayo, who trains with Freddie Roach in Southern California, has stopped former title challenger Chris Avalos in the sixth round and has won by decision in 12 rounds over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles.

Magsayo stated, “Figueroa and I both like to move forward, so everyone knows exactly what this will be like.” I want to reclaim my place in this division and provide the fans with the action they love. I’m prepared to deal with anyone they throw at me. I can’t wait to get back in the ring to perform once more because this is a genuine Mexican vs. Filipino matchup.”

In 2018, Hurd, who is 32 years old and is 24-2 with 16 knockouts, won a close decision to win the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles after defeating Erislandy Lara, the longtime champion, in the final round. In one of the best fights of 2019, the native of Accokeek, Maryland, would lose the titles by decision to Julian Williams. In February 2017, Hurd stopped Tony Harrison in the ninth round to become champion for the first time. He then defended the title against Austin Trout, another former champion. Hurd will return to the ring after losing to the difficult veteran Luis Arias in a split decision in June 2021.

Hurd said, “You must have forgotten, but I’m back to remind you what ‘Swift’ Jarrett Hurd is all about.” I want to dominate in this new weight class like I did at 154 pounds. On March 4, I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on in the gym and showcase my skills. I’m ready to make a big statement of my own, even though I know Reséndiz will make the most of this chance.

In April 2021, Reséndiz (13-1, 9 KOs) made a successful debut in the United States. He started the fight with an eight-fight streak of knockouts before defeating Quilisto Madera by decision. He was born in Nayarit, Mexico, and now fights out of Los Angeles. He is 23 years old. He returned in October to dominate Heber Rondon on his way to a second-round stoppage after dropping a decision to veteran Marcos Hernandez in September 2021.

Reséndiz stated, “I’ve been preparing very hard to take full advantage of the opportunity I have in this fight.” I am supported by a formidable team, and I am confident that they are maximizing my potential. We are all working toward the same goal, and the fans will enjoy a great fight as a result. I will not back down from my fight for the Mexican people.

Vidal, who was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, now fights out of Las Vegas under the direction of top trainer Bob Santos. Vidal is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. The 26-year-old defeated three previously unbeaten fighters in a row between November 2019 and November 2020, including Zach Prieto on SHOBOX, in an impressive streak: Edward Ortiz and Leopoldo Reyna’s The New Generation®. On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in July 2021, Vidal won by decision over veteran competitor Immanuwel Aleem. Since then, Vidal has won three more fights, most recently by unanimous decision over Gabriel Omar Diaz.

Vidal stated, “I am very happy to be back on SHOWTIME for my fourth fight in the U.S.” In America, I’ve already defeated two undefeated fighters, and I’m confident that this will be my third victory. I am grateful for this opportunity and my entire team, including my new trainer, Bob Santos. I’m training in Las Vegas, and I can’t wait to show off my punching power.”

Garcia, who is based in Phoenix, Arizona, has a record of 13-0 with 11 knockouts. In December, he won his fourth fight of the year, defeating Cruse Stewart by TKO in the second round, which was broadcast live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. Since turning pro in 2020, the 19-year-old has made rapid progress, defeating his first six opponents and five of his last six to establish himself as a rising prospect.

Garcia stated, “This fight is going to be a gateway for me.” On a large stage, this is a great matchup, which simply means that there will be more eyes on me. I’m fighting an older, undefeated fighter who has fought more times than I have. I’m only 19 years old. That simply demonstrates my fighting spirit. If I win, a lot of doors will open for me, and soon everyone will know what I can do.

FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO FIGHT CARD
Brandon Figueroa vs. Mark Magsayo; Featherweight
Amilcar Vidal vs. Elijah Lorenzo Garcia; Middleweight
Jarrett Hurd vs. Jose Armando Resendiz; Middleweight
Terrell Gausha vs. Brandyn Lynch; Super welterweight
Justin DeLoach vs. Travon Marshall; Welterweight
Enriko Gogokhia vs. Samuel Teah; Super lightweight
Miguel Angel Hernandez vs. Dario Guerrero-Meneses; Middleweight
Albert Gonzalez vs. Joseph Cruz Brown; Featherweight
Daniel Blancas vs. Kynndale Prather; Super middleweight

Boxing Preview: Lewis Ritson (23-2-0, 13 KO’s) vs O’hara Davies (24-2-0, 17 KO’s)

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Boxing Preview: Lewis Ritson (23-2-0, 13 KO’s) vs O’hara Davies (24-2-0, 17 KO’s)

Lewis Ritson and O’hara Davies’ highly anticipated duel has been scheduled for March 4. In the sport, both fighters have established themselves as skilled boxers, and they are now ready to face off in their long-awaited rivalry. The fight looks like it will be a thrilling one, with both fighters trying to outclass the other in a boxing match that will undoubtedly be stunning.

Lewis Ritson has been competing in the sport for a long time. He has a respectable record of 23 wins and two losses. His aggressive demeanor and willingness to take on any challenge have always made him famous. Ritson wants to show that he is still the best fighter in the business with this fight. In order to ensure that he is prepared for the strenuous battle that lies ahead, he has put in a lot of effort training and honing his skills.

WHEN IS LEWIS RITSON VS. OHARA DAVIES? DATE, START TIME
Date: Saturday, March 4
Main card: 2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. GMT
Main event ringwalks (approx): 5 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. GMT
Watch LIVE on FITE TV!
The fight will take place at the Newcastle Arena, Newcastle, England
The main card is set to get underway at 2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. GMT with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 5 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. GMT.

Ritson has also made it clear that he wants to win. He has stated that he will put on a show for the fans in order to demonstrate that he still possesses the ability to defeat the best. On the night of the fight, he is certain to give it his all and come into the ring with complete self-assurance.

In the ring, O’hara Davies is no slouch either. He is determined to win, having amassed an impressive record of 24 wins and 2 losses. He has put in a lot of work training and will undoubtedly fight Ritson well. In order to win, he has been practicing both his mental and technical skills.

Additionally, Davies is eager to demonstrate his talent on a grand stage. He has stated that he wants to provide the fans with a fantastic performance and is determined to demonstrate that he can surpass Ritson. Both fighters will be eager to show that they are the best, so expect a thrilling fight.

Boxing fans should have a good time on March 4th. The showdown between Ritson and Davies, which has been highly anticipated, will undoubtedly be thrilling. Both fighters are determined to demonstrate their superiority and will undoubtedly deliver an intense and captivating show. Boxing fans are in for a treat as it promises to be an epic battle.

LEWIS RITSON VS. OHARA DAVIES FIGHT CARD
Lewis Ritson vs. Ohara Davies
Thomas Patrick Ward vs. Otabek Kholmatov
Lee McGregor vs Alexis Boureima Kabore
Adam Cope vs. Brayan Mairena
Ewan Mackenzie vs. TBA
Steven Cairns vs. Jakub Laskowski
Ben Rees vs. Konstantin Aleksandrov
Callum Walton vs. Zdenko Bule

NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (32-32) at Los Angeles Lakers (30-33)

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NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (32-32) at Los Angeles Lakers (30-33)

With star player LeBron James out for at least the next two weeks with a right foot injury, Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham is adjusting quickly as his team pursues a playoff spot.

Fortunately for the Lakers, center Anthony Davis will return to the lineup on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves to kick off a five-game homestand.

On Wednesday, the undermanned Lakers prevailed 123-117 over the Thunder in Oklahoma City, their fifth victory in their last seven contests.

Davis didn’t play against the Thunder because Davis didn’t want to miss the second game of a back-to-back. The right foot injury forced the eight-time All-Star to miss 20 games earlier this season.

Additionally, the Lakers have been without point guard D’Angelo Russell, who is likely to miss his fourth consecutive game due to a right ankle injury.

The Lakers prevailed over the Thunder through collective effort despite the absence of three key players. Dennis Schroder had 26 points, Troy Brown Jr. had 19, which was his best performance of the season, and Austin Reaves also had 19.

Ham stated that in the absence of James, multiple players will need to continue to step up.

In the victory over Oklahoma City, Reaves made 8 of 9 free throws and 5 of 5 field goals. By scoring at least 17 points in three of his last four games, the second-year professional has quickly adjusted to playing a bigger role.

The Lakers are vying with a number of teams for a spot in the play-in tournament, including Minnesota, which is currently ranked No. 11 in the Western Conference. Position 8 The teams that finished seventh through tenth in each conference play for the Nos in the tournament. 7 and 8 playoff seeds, respectively.

With a road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, the Wolves ended a three-game losing streak. Minnesota outscored the Clippers 60-38 in the paint thanks to six double-digit scoring performances from its players.

In the victory, Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and has averaged 15.4 points in his last five games. The forward, who is in his third year, also played great defense against Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Minnesota has won its last two games against the Lakers, including a 111-102 victory on Oct. 28. Anthony Edwards is averaging 24.6 points on 45.8% shooting.

NBA Preview: Memphis Grizzlies (38-23) at Denver Nuggets (44-19)

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NBA Preview: Memphis Grizzlies (38-23) at Denver Nuggets (44-19)

When they defeated the Denver Nuggets by 18 points on Saturday in a Western Conference matchup of the top two teams, the Memphis Grizzlies demonstrated how dominant they can be.

Memphis will have to play on the road if it wants to reach the West’s top seed. On Wednesday night, the Grizzlies defeated Houston to end an eight-game road losing streak; however, on Friday night, they will face a challenging opponent in Denver.

The teams meet for the third and final time, with each team having won at home.

Memphis needs to win on Friday night because the Nuggets have a five-game lead over them, four of which are losses. The Nuggets would hold the tiebreaker and a commanding lead with one month remaining in the regular season if Denver wins.

The Grizzlies hope that their Friday night victory over the sagging Rockets will carry over.

Despite a report this week about an alleged incident he was involved in at a summer pick-up basketball game, Memphis star Ja Morant is performing well. Morant was reported to the police, but no charges were brought against him.

Morant scored 20 points against Houston and 39 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

For the past three months, the Nuggets have been dominant in basketball and are nearly unbeatable at home (28-4). Since Dec. 6, they have only lost one game at Ball Arena.

It helps that Denver has Nikola Jokic, who has won the MVP two times. He would become the first player since Larry Bird in 1984-86 to win the award three times in a row if he wins it again. While shooting 63.3 percent from the field, Jokic is averaging a triple-double of 24.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game.

Now that the Nuggets are getting closer to full health, he has been getting a lot of help. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon each average 17.0 points per game, and Jamal Murray, who returns from a three-week absence to add more scoring punch, is averaging 20.1 points per game.

As the regular season winds down, Denver’s offense is on point, and its defense has been one of the best in the NBA over the last 41 games. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who can concentrate on one player to free up the rest of the defense, was brought in this summer.

NBA Preview: Utah Jazz (31-32) at Oklahoma City Thunder (28-34)

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NBA Preview: Utah Jazz (31-32) at Oklahoma City Thunder (28-34)

Will Hardy, the head coach of the Utah Jazz, wants his team to go back to basics.

Hardy hopes that Utah can recover from a loss to San Antonio on Tuesday night at home. On Friday, the Jazz begin a six-game road trip that will last the entire season. They will play the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Jazz missed an opportunity to move above.500 in a 102-94 defeat on Tuesday, three nights after easily defeating the visiting Spurs by 118 points on Saturday.

Utah has committed at least 20 turnovers in all but one of the last four games, averaging 19.5 per game.

Utah’s trip starts with games against the Thunder. They will play once more Sunday evening.

Since the All-Star break, neither the Jazz nor the Thunder have had enough players.

Jordan Clarkson missed Tuesday’s game with a right thumb sprain, and Utah’s Collin Sexton has missed the past three games with a left hamstring strain. Clarkson took part in some of the practice on Thursday, but it is still unknown if he will be able to return on Friday.

In the defeat on Tuesday, Ochai Agbaji broke his right lower leg, but he is expected to play on Friday.

For the fifth game in a row, the Thunder are likely to be without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander has been in the NBA’s health and safety protocol for the last two games despite recently having an abdominal strain.

Oklahoma City will be without forward Kenrich Williams for the remainder of the year, although Gilgeous-Alexander is anticipated to return soon. In the defeat against Sacramento on Tuesday, Williams’ left wrist suffered a rupture of the scapholunate ligament. Williams would need surgery to end his season, the Thunder said on Thursday.

Even though Williams only averages 8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 53 games, he has contributed significantly to Oklahoma City’s success this season. With Williams on the floor, the Thunder outscored their opponents by 4.0 points per 100 possessions, whereas without Williams, they have a net rating of -0.7. Additionally, he leads the NBA with 26 draws this season.

A five-game losing streak that has lasted the entirety of the season has put Oklahoma City’s chances of making the play-in tournament in jeopardy.

In Oklahoma City’s 123-117 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, Josh Giddey had 17 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, just one rebound shy of a triple-double. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Giddey for his attack on Los Angeles’ smaller guards.

Giddey, on the other hand, wants more.

This season, the teams have met four times, the second of those being on Friday. Lauri Markkanen scored 43 points for Utah, which prevailed in overtime to win the first game 120-119 in Salt Lake City on February 23.

NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns (34-29) at Chicago Bulls (29-34)

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NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns (34-29) at Chicago Bulls (29-34)

During Kevin Durant’s acclaimed Phoenix Suns debut, Devin Booker gleefully stole the spotlight.

Booker hopes for a comeback on Friday, when the Phoenix Suns face the Chicago Bulls to continue their road trip.

On Wednesday, Booker led Phoenix to a 105-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets with 37 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. The Suns recorded their 13th win in their last 18 games thanks to the three-time All-Star’s 15 of 26 field goal attempts, including three 3-pointers, and Deandre Ayton’s 16 points and 16 rebounds.

In his first game since being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets last month, Durant scored 23 points. In his first game since suffering a right MCL sprain on Jan. 8, the 2013-14 NBA Most Valuable Player and 13-time All-Star made 10 of 15 shots from the floor and showed no signs of slowing down.

As he made his comeback from injury, Durant was restricted in time, and if coach Monty Williams decides to err on the side of caution, he could miss Friday’s game. The Suns play their final four games on Sunday in Dallas, which would be Durant’s chance to see Kyrie Irving, his former Nets teammate.

In a victory over the Bulls on November 30, Phoenix prevailed 132-113. Ayton finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while Booker scored 51 points in the first three quarters before sitting out the fourth.

In Chicago’s 117-115 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Zach LaVine, who scored 21 points in that game, came off the bench to score 41 points. The two-time All-Star missed all seven free throw attempts and shot 14 of 20 shots, including 6 of 9 attempts from three-point range, to fall two points short of his season-high total.

LaVine hit a three-pointer late in the third quarter to increase the Bulls’ lead to 100-79. However, Chicago capitalized on the Pistons’ inability to call a timeout in the final minutes of the fourth after seeing its advantage nearly evaporate.

Even though the Bulls won for the third time in four games after a six-game skid that was the longest of the season, coach Billy Donovan expressed concern for his team.

NBA Preview: New York Knicks (37-27) at Miami Heat (33-30)

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NBA Preview: New York Knicks (37-27) at Miami Heat (33-30)

Since acquiring tough reserve Josh Hart, the New York Knicks, who are 7-0, are scheduled to play the Miami Heat on Friday night.

As they continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings, the Knicks will strive for their eighth consecutive victory.

On Wednesday night, when the Knicks beat the Brooklyn Nets 142-118, it definitely did. Jalen Brunson, a point guard for the Knicks, scored a game-high 39 points, 30 of which came in the first half.

On Wednesday, Brunson shot 15 of 18 shots, including 5 of 6 attempts at a 3-pointer. He also had five rebounds and six assists.

Hart, who was acquired from Portland prior to the NBA trade deadline, scored four points, pulled down four rebounds, gave five assists, and made two steals as a reserve against New York. In his seven appearances for New York, he has averaged 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

Hart, Brunson’s former Villanova teammate, has contributed to the Knicks’ potent duo of power forward Julius Randle and Brunson.

The 28-year-old Randle is currently averaging team highs of 25.0 points and 10.5 rebounds, both of which are on track to become career highs. For the second time in three seasons, Randle was named to the NBA All-Star team this season.

The 26-year-old is averaging 23.8 points and 6.2 assists per game, both of which are on track to become career highs. From the free-throw line, Brunson is shooting 41.0 percent and 83.6 percent.

The shooting guards RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes, as well as Mitchell Robinson, a double-double threat, are just two of the Knicks’ other standouts in their lineup.

On February 2, the Knicks defeated the Heat 106-104 at home. In the teams’ one and only meeting thus far this season, Miami’s Tyler Herro missed a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Overall, Miami has lost five of its last six games, including a disappointing home defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 119-96. Despite playing without All-Star center Joel Embiid, Philadelphia prevailed.

Jimmy Butler, Miami’s leading scorer, left the game in the fourth quarter because of a sore right knee. Due to a knee injury, Heat starting point guard Kyle Lowry has missed ten games in a row.

The Heat’s 19-11 record at home, including an 8-2 record in their ten most recent outings in Miami, is good news for Miami.

However, New York is tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the second-best NBA road record, going 18-12.

When all of this is added up, the Heat are under more and more pressure. As of Friday, they are seventh in the Eastern Conference, 3 1/2 games behind the fifth-place Knicks.

Miami has acquired backup Cody Zeller and five-time All-Star Kevin Love from the buyout market in the last two weeks.

Love’s passing, including his outlet heaves to teammates streaking up the court, has impressed Spoelstra particularly.

NBA Preview: Brooklyn Nets (34-28) at Boston Celtics (45-18)

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NBA Preview: Brooklyn Nets (34-28) at Boston Celtics (45-18)

On Wednesday, Jayson Tatum came out of a shooting slump, which could hurt the Brooklyn Nets when they play the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Tatum scored 41 points in a 117-113 victory over Cleveland, following two subpar performances since the All-Star break. In addition, he had eight assists and 11 rebounds in the victory, which came just two days after Boston’s 109-94 loss to New York.

In Boston’s three games since the All-Star break, Tatum shot 36.6% from the field and 24% from behind the 3-point arc, leading up to the Cavaliers game on Wednesday. In the game against Cleveland, he shot 13 of 21, including 4 of 6 attempts from behind the 3-point arc.

Tatum is averaging 30.3 points per game going into Friday’s game.

Against the Cavaliers, Al Horford made six 3-pointers, matching his career high.

Since trading Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets, on the other hand, have been moving in the wrong direction. In the first half of Wednesday’s 142-118 defeat to New York, Brooklyn allowed 81 points. The team’s four-game losing streak was extended by that setback.

Brooklyn is 7-18 in its last 25 games and has lost six of its last seven. The Nets—whether from Brooklyn or New Jersey—have never allowed more than 81 points in a halftime period than the Knicks did.

In 12 of the team’s 16 quarters played since the All-Star break, Brooklyn has allowed at least 30 points.

Ben Simmons won’t be able to play against the Celtics because of soreness in his knee, according to Brooklyn coach Jacque Vaughn.

NBA Preview: Portland Trail Blazers (29-33) at Atlanta Hawks (31-31)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Portland Trail Blazers (29-33) at Atlanta Hawks (31-31)

When Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers make their one and only appearance in Atlanta on Friday to take on the Hawks coached by Trae Young, two of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA will be in the spotlight.

Lillard scored 71 points on Sunday against the Houston Rockets and 41 points on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, who defeated them 121-110. He has 7.1 assists and 32.3 points per game, which ranks third in the league going into Thursday’s action.

In the last three games, Young has scored at least 30 points, including 31 on Tuesday against Washington, which was a 119-116 defeat. Young is averaging 27.1 points and 10.1 assists per game, which ranks him 10th in the league heading into Thursday’s action. Last season, he scored 56 against Portland.

Dejounte Murray, Murray’s backcourt teammate, had a career performance against the Blazers in their first meeting. Murray had a career-high 40 points, seven assists, eight rebounds, and no turnovers. According to Elias Sports, he is the first Hawk to achieve those results since the 1977–78 campaign.

This is the second time the two teams have met this season. On its own court, Portland prevailed 129-125 on January 30. In that game, Lillard scored 42 points, and he has scored 30 or more points in five of his last five games against Atlanta. The Hawks have won their last three games in Atlanta, including last season’s 122-113 victory.

Both teams’ hopes of making the playoffs depend on this game.

For the No. 1 spot, Portland is 1 1/2 games behind New Orleans. a chance to participate in the play-in tournament and a spot in the Western Conference’s top ten. When the Blazers lost to the Pelicans, they missed a chance to gain ground.

Six of its last nine games and four of its last five are losses for Portland. Atlanta is the first game in a six-game East Coast road trip for the Blazers.

No. 1 is Atlanta. Eighth in the Eastern Conference, three games behind No. 6 Brooklyn for last place in the playoffs. The Hawks will play their final four games of a four-game homestand following the All-Star Game. The remaining four games will be played on the road.

Atlanta will play its second game under the direction of head coach Quin Snyder. On Wednesday, Snyder was in charge, but he left a lot of the game decisions up to assistant Joe Prunty, who led the team to two wins after Nate McMillan was fired.

After missing three games due to a right ankle sprain, Anfernee Simons returned to Portland. However, Simons had to be taken to the locker room after injuring the same ankle in the third quarter against New Orleans. He will be decided on game day.

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