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MBB-FBS: Nevada Wolfpack (21-7) at Fresno State Bulldogs (10-17)

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MBB-FBS: Nevada Wolfpack (21-7) at Fresno State Bulldogs (10-17)

After earning their 21st victory of the season this past Tuesday, a 66-51 victory over San José State in which they put on an exceptional display on the defensive end of the court, the Nevada Men’s Basketball Team will hit the road for a two-game stretch away from home beginning with a contest against Fresno State Friday evening.

Nevada owns an impressive overall record of 21-7 this year entering Friday night’s contest, including a mark of 11-4 in Mountain West play and a perfect record of 14-0 at home.

The Pack took on Fresno State at the Lawlor Events Center two weeks ago, earning a 77-66 victory over the Bulldogs.

Nevada had four different players reach double-figures in scoring in the first matchup with Fresno State, led by 19-point outings from Kenan Blackshear and Will Baker.

Blackshear had an outstanding all-around performance in the game, reaching 19 points on an efficient 8-13 shooting from the field and 3-4 at the free throw line, while also dishing out a game-high seven assists and pulling down three rebounds. The senior point guard finished the contest with a game-high plus/minus of +17 in 35 minutes of action.

Baker dropped 19 points on 5-7 shooting from the field and 8-9 at the free throw line, in addition to pulling down five rebounds throughout the game.

Freshman Darrion Williams was phenomenal in the first contest against Fresno State, scoring a career-high 16 points on 4-5 shooting from the field, 2-2 from behind the arc, and 6-7 at the free throw line. Williams also pulled down a team-high eight rebounds, dished out five assists, and tallied one steal.

Jarod Lucas was the fourth Pack player to reach double figures in scoring, putting up 13 points while hitting 1-2 shots from behind the arc and draining all six of his free throw attempts in the game.

Nevada had one of their most efficient offensive performances of the season in the victory over Fresno State, as they finished the contest with shooting clips of 54.5 percent from the field (24-44), 50 percent from behind the arc (6-12), and 88.5 percent at the free throw line (23-26).

The Pack recorded 16 assists on 24 made field goals, and they outrebounded the Bulldogs 32-26.

Nevada also had a solid outing on the defensive end of the court in the first contest against Fresno State, limiting the Bulldogs to just 41.4 percent shooting from the field (24-58) and 31.3 percent from behind the arc (10-32).

Last Time Out

Nevada will enter Friday night’s matchup coming off of an impressive 66-51 victory over San José State in which they held the Spartans to an abysmal 36.4 percent shooting from the field (20-55) and 30.3 percent from behind the arc (10-33).

Individually, Baker led all scorers in the contest with a game-high 18 points on 6-10 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-6 at the free throw line, while also grabbing five boards.

Baker has continued to improve his numbers throughout the year; and, after dropping 18 points against SJSU he currently ranks 13th in the Mountain West in points per game (14.2 PPG), second in field goal percentage (56.5%), and fifth in free throw percentage (84.8%).

Williams had another sensational outing for the Pack, scoring 14 points, all of which came in the second half. He also pulled down five rebounds, dished out two assists, and tallied two steals. Williams was nothing short of exceptional in the second period, scoring 14 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting from the field, 2-2 from behind the arc, and 2-2 at the free throw line.

Williams continues to rank towards the top of the conference in rebounding this season, as the freshman currently ranks fourth in the Mountain West in rebounds per game, pulling down 7.2 per contest. Williams also ranks eighth in the conference in steals per game, as he is averaging an impressive 1.5 steals per contest.

Kenan Blackshear had an exceptional all-around performance for the Pack in the win over San José State, scoring 12 points on 5-7 shooting from the field, while also pulling down a team-high seven rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording one block.

Blackshear has now reached double figures in scoring in 19 straight games, and in 25 of 28 contests this season. He has also dished out at least three assists in 26 of 28 games this season for the Pack.

As he has done all season, Blackshear continues to rank in the top-15 of the Mountain West in a plethora of individual statistical categories. Entering Friday night’s game, Blackshear ranks third in the conference in assists per game (4.7 APG), sixth in steals per game (1.5 SPG), seventh in field goal percentage (46.2%), 10th in points per game (14.7 PPG), 11th in minutes per game (32.6 MPG), and 13th in free throw percentage (77.6%).

Jarod Lucas was limited to just one 3-point field goal against San José State; but, the senior guard found other ways to make a strong impact on the game, grabbing three rebounds and dishing out two assists, while finishing the contest with a game-high plus/minus of +17 in 28 minutes of action.

Lucas has scored in double figures in 25 of 28 games for Nevada this season, and he has knocked down multiple 3-pointers in 21 contests this year, including making three or more in 14 games.

Lucas continues to rank towards the top of the Mountain West in a multitude of individual statistical categories. Lucas is currently second in the conference in made 3-pointers (72), second in 3-point field goal percentage (39.6%), fourth in free throw percentage (85.9%), fourth in minutes per game (33.9 MPG), and fifth in points per game (16.8 PPG).

Junior forward Tré Coleman had another sensational defensive performance for Nevada, limiting the Spartans leading scorer and one of the premier players in the Mountain West, Omari Moore, to just 13 points on 5-15 shooting from the field and 2-8 from behind the arc as the primary defender.

Coleman also had a solid outing on the offensive end of the court, scoring seven points on 3-7 shooting from the field, while dishing out three assists and pulling down four rebounds.

Coleman enters Friday’s game against Fresno State ranked eighth in the league in blocked shots (26) and 14th in steals per game (1.0 SPG).

Nevada received solid production from their bench in the win over San José State.

Redshirt-freshman Nick Davidson scored six points, grabbed two rebounds, and recorded one block in 15 minutes of action, while fellow freshman Trey Pettigrew scored four points in just 3 minutes off the bench.

Senior guard Hunter McIntosh made his first appearance of the season against the Spartans, coming off the bench to record two assists in 11 minutes of playing time.

Nevada will face another difficult road challenge Friday evening against an extremely athletic Fresno State team who has fared much better at home than on the road this year.

Scouting Fresno State

The Bulldogs hold an overall record of 10-17 and a mark of 6-10 in conference play this season.

Fresno State boasts one of the top defenses in the conference this year, as they currently rank second in the Mountain West in opponent points per game, limiting their opponents to just 64.6 points per contest this season.

The Bulldogs have been particularly solid at protecting the paint, as they rank sixth in the conference in blocks per game, averaging 3.2 per contest.

Fresno State’s backcourt has been solid throughout the season, as the duo of Isaiah Hill and Jemarl Baker are combining to average 23.7 points per and 6.2 assists per game this year.

Hill is putting up 12.3 points per game on 39.2 percent shooting from the field, while also dishing out 3.7 assists per contest.

Baker is averaging 11.4 points per game on 36.7 percent shooting from the field, in addition to dishing out 2.5 assists per game.

Isaih Moore has provided a strong presence in the paint for the Bulldogs this season, as the 6-10 senior forward is averaging 11.5 points per game on 53.6 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the arc, as well as grabbing a team-high 7.3 boards per contest.

Nevada will need to limit production from Fresno State’s trio of Hill, Baker, and Moore, and dominate the glass, while having another efficient offensive outing in order to earn their 22nd victory of the season and start the two-game road trip on a strong note.

Series History

Nevada and Fresno State have faced off on the court 58 times throughout history, with the Pack holding a 36-22 advantage over the Bulldogs in the all-time series.

NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (17-43) at Minnesota Timberwolves (31-30)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (17-43) at Minnesota Timberwolves (31-30)

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets will meet in Minneapolis on Friday to resume regular-season competition after the All-Star break.

Before beginning their crucial four-game road trip on Sunday, the host Timberwolves will have a chance to play at home in Friday’s matchup. During the trip, Minnesota will play each NBA team from California, three of which are currently in position to qualify for the postseason.

The Timberwolves are well-positioned to advance to the play-in round after the break. They are eighth in the Western Conference, one half game behind sixth, but only one and a half games ahead of Utah, the Western Conference’s last team out of the play-in picture.

After moving D’Angelo Russell to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the deadline in a deal that brought veteran Mike Conley from the Jazz to the Timberwolves, Minnesota is prepared for this stretch while still adjusting to lineup changes.

Conley had nine points and 12 points in his first two games with Minnesota. In the second game, which was a win over Dallas, he also had nine assists. Conley, on the other hand, shot just 0-for-6 from the field in the Timberwolves’ final game before the break, and he didn’t score for over 33 minutes against Washington.

More roster changes are expected for Minnesota in the final six weeks of the regular season, including the possibility of Karl-Anthony Towns returning to the lineup. The Athletic reported on February 17 that Towns could return for the final 10 to 15 games of the season, despite being out since Nov. 30 with a calf injury.

In the interim, Minnesota’s main attraction is still All-Star Anthony Edwards. Edwards has participated in all 61 games this season and scores a team-best 24.9 points per game.

Edwards, a star in his third season, had scored 31 or more in three of his last four games, including 34 against Washington the day before.

Edwards scored 25 points in the Hornets’ previous meeting with Charlotte on Nov. 25, when the Hornets were without LaMelo Ball, a sensational player from the same 2020 draft class.

Ball won the Rookie of the Year award in 2020-21 over Edwards. He is currently leading Charlotte in points and assists per game with 23.3 and 8.4 respectively. He scored 30 points, had 15 assists, and grabbed six rebounds in a victory over the Atlanta Hawks and 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in victories over the San Antonio Spurs for the Hornets before the break.

Coming out of the break, the Hornets have the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference and are 11 1/2 games out of the final play-in spot. However, Charlotte’s three-game winning streak will be extended with a victory in Minnesota, a milestone the Hornets have yet to reach this season.

For Charlotte, this is their fourth two-game winning streak of the season.

NBA Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers (38-24) at Atlanta Hawks (29-30)

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NBA Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers (38-24) at Atlanta Hawks (29-30)

When the Atlanta Hawks play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, returning from the All-Star break, they will have new bench leadership.

The Hawks fired coach Nate McMillan during the break and hired Joe Prunty as his interim replacement.

Prunty began his coaching career in 2000 as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs under coach Gregg Popovich. Since then, he has worked as an assistant with Cleveland, the Dallas Mavericks, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Brooklyn Nets, the Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks.

Prunty was a staff member in Milwaukee from 2014 to 2018 and served as interim head coach there, achieving a record of 21-16. Since 2021, Prunty has been the lead assistant in Atlanta.

When McMillan took over for Lloyd Pierce in March 2021 and led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference final that season, he was regarded as a hero. However, McMillan had multiple headbutts with Trae Young, a high-scoring guard, and the team entered the break eighth in the East with a disappointing 29-30 record.

Before the break, the Hawks had lost their last two games and have lost eight of their last 13 games. The main problem has been defense: In the final two games before the break, Atlanta let the Charlotte Hornets score 144 points and the New York Knicks score 122 points in games that were never close.

Young leads the Hawks with an average of 26.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, followed by Dejounte Murray with an average of 20.7 points and 6.1 rebounds.

On Thursday, Cleveland played a home game against the Denver Nuggets, who lead the Western Conference, 115-109. After winning seven consecutive games, the Cavaliers have lost two in a row.

Evan Mobley scored 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Cavaliers against the Nuggets, and Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland each scored 22 points. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff claims that after deviating from the game plan, Cleveland lost its way and was outscored 14-4 the remainder of the game, despite having a four-point lead with 5:48 left.

Mobley, who controlled the game for three quarters, only made two shots in the fourth quarter and did not score a point.

Before the Denver matchup, Mitchell had scored 29 or more points in four consecutive games. He scores 27.2 points on average.

This season, the Hawks and Cavaliers will play each other three times, the second of those times coming on Friday. On Nov. 21, Mitchell scored 29 points and had nine assists, helping Cleveland to a 114-102 victory at home. Young had 10 rebounds and 25 points. The series will end on March 28 in Atlanta between the teams.

After missing the game on Thursday due to load management, Cleveland’s Ricky Rubio is likely to play again on Friday. Since returning from knee surgery that caused him to miss the first 42 games of the season, Rubio has not played in consecutive games.

Boxing Card Preview: Subriel Matias (18-1-0, 18 KO’s) at Jeremias Ponce (30-0-0, 20 KO’s)

Fight Editor
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Boxing Card Preview: Subriel Matias (18-1-0, 18 KO’s) at Jeremias Ponce (30-0-0, 20 KO’s)

Popular knockout artist Subriel Matias will face undefeated Argentine Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship on Saturday, February 25 live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis, headline a Premier Boxing Champions event. The fight will decide one of the kingpins of the red-hot super lightweight division.

The 10-round welterweight co-main event featuring the return of Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James and the 2016 Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta will air on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Elvis Rodriguez, an exciting super lightweight contender, faces Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in a 10-round fight to start the show.

TIMES ARE MATIAS VS. PONCE? Date: Saturday, February 25 Most important card: Main event ringwalks (approximately): 9 p.m. ET/2 a.m. GMT The fight will take place at The Armory in Minneapolis, and viewers in the United States can watch it on Showtime at 11 p.m. Eastern Time / 4 a.m. GMT. The main event ringwalks are scheduled for 11 p.m. ET/4 a.m. GMT, and the main card is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET/2 a.m. GMT.

Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions, stated, “The 140-pound division is one of the hottest in boxing, and a new champion will be crowned at the weight when Subriel Matias and Jeremias Ponce meet in an anticipated clash on Saturday, February 25.” To stop the unbeaten and highly motivated Ponce, Matias, one of the sport’s most powerful punchers, will need to be at his best. In addition to a second 140-pound match between Elvis Rodriguez and Joseph Adorno, The Armory’s fan favorite Jamal James will return to the ring to face Alberto Palmetta and attempt to begin a second title defense. Fans in Minneapolis or watching on SHOWTIME will want to make sure they catch this packed lineup from beginning to end.

Matias, who is 30 years old and is 18-1 with 18 knockouts, fights in a seek-and-destroy style that is difficult for his opponents to see. With all 18 of his victories coming via stoppage, including his last six in the fifth round or later, he possesses early and late KO power. In 2020, he lost only once in his career, losing to Petros Ananyan via 10-round unanimous decision, which he later avenged. After the defeat, Matias, who is from Farjado, Puerto Rico, defeated Malik Hawkins and Batyrzhan Jukembayev via stoppage. In the rematch, he stopped Ananyan by TKO in the ninth round, carefully exhausting and wearing down his opponent before dropping him and ending the fight.

Matias stated, “I’m very thankful that there is now a date for this fight so that I can finally realize my dream and become world champion.” I’ve been in Mexico for ten months, away from my family, getting ready for when the time came to enter the ring. There is nothing that will prevent me from seeing it now that I have it in my sight.

When Ponce (30-0, 20 KOs) fights Matias, it looks like a fight between an immovable force and an unstoppable object. Ponce will be making his debut in boxing in the United States. Ponce, 26, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, aspires to join the long line of legendary Argentine boxers who came before him. By beating Lewis Ritson by TKO in the tenth round in June 2021, he put himself in position to fight for the IBF title. In preparation for the title fight, he has been busy. In November 2021, he stopped Michel Marcano by knockout in the second round, and in April of that same year, he beat Achiko Odikadze by TKO.

According to Ponce, “I promise that I am coming into this fight prepared to do whatever it takes to reach my dream and become a world champion.” This is my fight in my head, and I already have the title. I’ll show everyone who stands in my way why I’m undefeated and why I’ve earned this position.

James (27-2, 12 KOs) of Minneapolis will fight for the first time since losing to Radzhab Butaev in a slugfest in 2021, snapping his seven-fight winning streak. The 34-year-old is fighting at The Armory for the fifth time in his career. Between April 2018 and July 2019, he won four of his previous five fights there. James won victories over rival Abel Ramos and former Champion Antonio DeMarco during that run. James has also won fights against seasoned competitors like Javier Molina and Wale Omotoso. His only loss was against Yordenis Ugas, a former world champion.

James stated, “Training is going well, and I’m working hard as usual.” After such a long absence, I’m very excited to compete again, especially since it will be in my hometown. Palmetta will try his best, but I doubt it will be enough. I’m determined to win and demonstrate that I belong among the top five welterweights of this era.

Palmetta, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is now a professional boxer. Prior to turning pro in November 2016, he was 18-1 with 13 knockouts. Since 2017, the 32-year-old has won 11 of his last 12 fights, 11 of which were stopped by decision. In addition to an impressive run that included victories over the previously undefeated Erik Ortiz, veteran challengers Tre’Sean Wiggins, and Saul Corral, Palmetta also defeated Yeis Solano via decision in October 2021 and defeated Thomas Mendez in three rounds in November of that year.

Palmetta stated, “This is a great opportunity for me, and I’m training hard in Las Vegas to take full advantage of everything that’s in front of me.” I’ve competed for my nation in the ring for a number of years, including at the Olympics, and I’m entering on February 25 to make Argentina proud. I know I’m going to James’ hometown, but that will only make it more difficult for me to raise my hand.

After dropping his first fight of his career, a majority decision defeat to Kenneth Sims Jr., Rodrguez (13-1-1, 12 knockouts) has defeated his last two opponents. His most recent fight took place in March 2022 on SHOWTIME at The Armory, where he defeated Juan Jose Velasco in the seventh round. The 27-year-old exploded onto the scene in his first 11 fights, winning by knockout. In 2020, he won an impressive five fights. Rodriguez, who currently resides and trains in Los Angeles, California, is originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. “I can’t wait for February 25,” Rodriguez stated. I’ve been waiting and getting ready in camp for this chance to show off my skills. Although Adorno is a formidable fighter, he stands in my way. Simply stated. I need to make a big statement in this fight if I want to get a shot at the title this year.

Adorno (17-1-2, 14 KOs) enters this fight having won three of his previous fights, the most recent of which was a unanimous decision victory over Hugo Alberto Roldan in the main event of SHOBOX: The Current Generation® Following a draw with Jamaine Ortiz in April 2021 and a loss in March 2022 on SHOWTIME to then-unbeaten Michel Rivera, his current winning streak began. The well-known coach Raul “Chino” Rivas trains the 23-year-old, who was born in Union City, New Jersey, and now resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania. After a stellar amateur career in which he amassed a record of 178-22 and twice defeated Shakur Stevenson, Adorno turned professional in 2016 at the age of 17. In his first ten professional fights, he has won by knockout in nine of them.

Adorno stated, “I’m training hard and putting in the work to make this my crossover fight.” I have more experience, rank higher, and am the real A-side fighter. I intend to emulate my stablemate Kenny Sims’ dominance over Rodriguez. They chose the wrong battle. He is entitled to the side billing. Check out my qualifications. I am the stronger, more skilled, and talented fighter.

NHL Morning Skate – Feb. 24, 2023

NHL Editor
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NHL Morning Skate – Feb. 24, 2023

* Connor McDavid, David Pastrnak and Tage Thompson combined for six goals Thursday as the Oilers, Bruins and Sabres prevailed in high-scoring games.

* For the first time since entering games on Dec. 9, the Red Wings are in a playoff position! Detroit dealt New York its first regulation road loss in nearly two months to leapfrog Pittsburgh and Florida for the Eastern Conference’s final Wild Card spot.


* Friday’s six-game slate features a pair of national broadcasts in Canada as the Sabres square off with the Panthers and the Jets face the Avalanche.
 


McDAVID, THOMPSON SET NEW CAREER HIGHS FOR GOALS AS “ROCKET” RACE TIGHTENS
Oilers captain Connor McDavid (46-63—109 in 59 GP) and Sabres forward Tage Thompson (39-36—75 in 56 GP) scored two and three goals, respectively, to establish new single-season career highs and help their teams earn wins Thursday. Thompson moved within seven goals of League leader McDavid in the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy race, with Buffalo holding three games in hand on Edmonton – David Pastrnak (42-37—79 in 57 GP), who tallied once in the Bruins’ back-and-forth victory versus the Kraken, ranks second with 42.

* McDavid (2-2—4) recorded his ninth four-point outing of 2022-23 and scored his second career penalty-shot goal as the Oilers (32-19-8, 72 points), who occupied the Western Conference’s first Wild Card spot entering play, moved past the Kraken (32-20-6, 70 points) and Kings (32-19-8, 72 points) for second place in the Central Division. McDavid’s nine four-point performances are the most by a player in a single season since 1995-96, when Mario Lemieux (16), Jaromir Jagr (9) and Peter Forsberg (9) all had as many.
 


* Thompson tallied his League-leading fourth hat trick of the season (also Jan. 3, Dec. 7 & Oct. 31) and Ilya Lyubushkin scored a shorthanded goal in overtime as the Sabres (29-23-4, 62 points) moved within two points of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. The former needs one tally to become the 13th different 40-goal scorer in franchise history and first since Jeff Skinner (40 in 2018-19), who had the primary assist on two of Thompson’s three markers Thursday.
 


RED WINGS CLAIM EAST’S FINAL WILD CARD SPOT; MINNESOTA ALSO CLIMBS STANDINGS

* Andrew Copp (1-2—3) collected three points against his former club as the Red Wings (28-21-8, 64 points) snapped the Rangers’ 10-game road point streak to leapfrog the Penguins (27-21-9, 63 points) and Panthers (29-25-6, 64 points) for the Eastern Conference’s final Wild Card spot. Copp was acquired by New York on March 21, 2022 and had 8-10—18 in 16 games with the Rangers, which marked the most points through the remainder of the season among all players moved on deadline day.

* Marc-Andre Fleury (30 saves), who was acquired by Minnesota at the 2021-22 NHL Trade Deadline, blanked the Blue Jackets for the first time in his NHL career as the Wild (32-21-5, 69 points) surpassed the idle Avalanche (31-19-5, 67 points) for third place in the Central Division. Fleury became the first goaltender in League history to record a shutout against 29 different franchises – the next-closest netminders are Ed Belfour, Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek and Tomas Vokoun (all w/ 27).

* More notes can be found in the #NHLStats Pack for the 2022-23 NHL Trade Deadline presented by OFX, with exactly one week to go before this season’s deadline (3 p.m. ET on March 3).
 


COMEBACK NOTES APLENTY IN THURSDAY’S #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
Thursday’s edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates featured more notes from all 10 games, which included multi-goal comeback wins by the Devils, Golden Knights and Canucks as well as Vancouver forward Andrei Kuzmenko achieving a notable NHL feat:
 

* Kuzmenko scored the game-tying goal with 29 seconds remaining in regulation to help Vancouver erase a multi-goal, third-period deficit to force overtime and set the stage for Elias Pettersson’s coast-to-coast winner. The Canucks rallied from a multi-goal deficit to win for the seventh time in 2022-23, tied for the second-most in franchise history behind only 2009-10 (8). For Kuzmenko, it was the second consecutive game in which he evened the score in the final minute of regulation (also 59:44 in 5-4 SO L at NSH on Feb. 21).
 

  
QUICK CLICKS

* ‘NHL Mash-Up’ set to debut on YouTube with hosts Kathryn Tappen, Dominic Moore
* Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand both factor on same shorthanded goal for 32nd time
* Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway go to Bruins in three-team trade with Capitals, Wild
* NHL Trade Buzz: Jakob Chychrun ‘professional’ while awaiting move from Coyotes
*Nazem Kadri‘s philanthropy work continues to better his communities

FRIDAY FEATURES PAIR OF PIVOTAL CLASHES ON SPORTSNET, TVA SPORTS

Friday’s six-game slate is highlighted by the Sabres (29-23-4, 62 points) squaring off with the Panthers (29-25-6, 64 points) on Sportsnet and the Jets (35-22-1, 71 points) facing the Avalanche (31-19-5, 67 points) on TVA Sports. Buffalo or Florida could move into the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, while Winnipeg and Colorado can claim first and third place, respectively, in the Central Division.
 

NBA Preview: Brooklyn Nets (34-24) at Chicago Bulls (26-33)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Brooklyn Nets (34-24) at Chicago Bulls (26-33)

The Brooklyn Nets begin the season after the All-Star break in a very different frame of mind than when play began in October.

The Chicago Bulls are the same.

In 2022-23, both teams had big hopes, but as the Bulls play the Nets on Friday, preseason expectations and midseason reality don’t exactly match.

In recent weeks, Brooklyn traded superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, while Chicago lost six straight games before the break to lose its chance of qualifying for the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.

The Nets are still fifth in the East, but they are aware that playing without their best players will be difficult. Brooklyn’s remaining leading scorer and rebounder is Nic Claxton, who averages 12.8 points per game.

Brooklyn’s best path to success, according to coach Jacque Vaughn, whose contract was extended on Tuesday, is through defense.

Therefore, the goal on offense is for the Nets to accelerate.

Chicago is looking for its first victory since beating San Antonio by 24 points at home on February 6 to extend its winning streak to three games.

The Bulls’ fourth three-game winning streak of the season came during this surge, but inconsistency and injuries have prevented them from going on an extended run.

During the All-Star break, the Bulls signed veteran point guard Patrick Beverley, a native of Chicago, with the intention of boosting the team’s energy and strengthening the position in time for a run at the playoffs. After Orlando reached a buyout agreement following a February 9 trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, Beverley was waived.

Chicago is trying to win the season series against Brooklyn for the second year in a row after winning two of the first three meetings. On Feb. 9, the Nets defeated the Warriors 116-105 at home thanks to 25 points from Spencer Dinwiddie.

DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls’ leading scorer, said on Thursday that his hip is feeling better after participating in a non-contact practice on Wednesday.

This season, LaVine is scoring an average of 26.7 points against the Nets.

NBA Preview: Miami Heat (32-27) at Milwaukee Bucks (41-17)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Miami Heat (32-27) at Milwaukee Bucks (41-17)

The Milwaukee Bucks will host the visiting Miami Heat on Friday night as both teams resume play following the All-Star break.

Before the break, the Bucks defeated the Bulls 112-100 in Chicago on Thursday, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo missing nine minutes with a right wrist injury.

Brook Lopez led the way with 33 points, followed by 22 points from Jevon Carter, 15 from Jrue Holiday, and 15 points from AJ Green, who came off the bench and shot 5-for-7 from beyond the arc.

In the All-Star Game, Antetokounmpo played just enough to dunk on the first play and then leave. He has since had his wrist examined in New York, and it was determined that he had a sprained ligament, but he did not sustain any other serious injuries. ESPN reports that he will undergo treatment and should be able to return “once the pain subsides.”

On Feb. 15, Miami lost to the Nets 116-105 in its final game before the break in Brooklyn. New Nets star Mikal Bridges, who had 45 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, was no match for Miami.

Miami was led by Bam Adebayo, who scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Max Strus had 18 points, and Gabe Vincent had 21.

Against the Nets, Miami was without Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, Victor Oladipo, and Nikola Jovic. Oladipo is experiencing problems with his ankle, Herro sustained a concussion to his left knee, and Lowry hopes to return from his knee injury by the end of February. Their whereabouts for the game on Friday are unknown.

Budenholzer told reporters that Milwaukee has a lot of injury news, most notably that Bobby Portis and Jae Crowder are likely to play on Friday. Portis has been out since January 23 with a knee injury, and Crowder hasn’t played this season because he was traded to Milwaukee after waiting in Phoenix.

Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton (knee), Pat Connaughton (calf), and Antetokounmpo were all able to practice in some capacity; however, their status for Friday has not been disclosed; however, it is anticipated that Antetokounmpo will not participate in the game.

This season, Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks with 31.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. With 19.4, Jrue Holiday is second on the team and leads with 7.1 assists and 1.3 steals. With 14.5 points and 2.4 blocks per game, Brook Lopez leads the pack.

Eight players have scored in double figures in Miami’s previous games, with Butler leading the way with 21.7 points and Adebayo with 21.6. In addition, Butler has two steals per game, and Lowry leads the team with 5.3 assists.

As the Bucks attempt to split the series, this will be their fourth and final meeting this season in the Eastern Conference. Miami won both of its games at home, while Milwaukee’s Bucks defeated Miami 123-115 on Feb. 4 in Milwaukee.

NBA Preview: New York Knicks (33-27) at Washington Wizards (28-30)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: New York Knicks (33-27) at Washington Wizards (28-30)

After overcoming slow starts, the Washington Wizards and New York Knicks both entered the All-Star break in the thick of the race for a playoff spot.

The Wizards rebounded to compete for one of the four play-in spots, while the Knicks recovered enough to move into the top six in the Eastern Conference.

When the Knicks play the Wizards on Friday night, they will continue their push for the playoffs.

New York had won 33 of its first 60 games before the break. The Knicks are 23-14 since December 3 and in sixth place, half a game ahead of the Miami Heat.

Before the break, New York had won three straight games, scoring at least 120 points in each one, against the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks. The Knicks reached 120 points in three consecutive games for the second time this season.

Brunson, who has scored 31.9 points per game over his last seven games, was the driving force behind New York’s strong finish before the break.

In New York’s final game before the break, a 122-101 victory over Atlanta on Feb. 15, Brunson scored 28 points.

After receiving Josh Hart in a trade from Portland at the deadline, New York will play its fourth game. In his first three games with the Knicks, Hart has made 9 of 14 3-point attempts, netting 51 points.

Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ starting center, could return after missing 14 games with a right thumb injury that required surgery. Robinson has resumed full-contact practice after suffering an injury in the first quarter of a loss to Washington on January 18.

Although Washington’s early struggles were longer than those of the Knicks, the Wizards are now attempting to get out of a play-in race. From November to December, the Wizards went on a 10-game skid. 18 to drop to 11-20, but have since gone 17-10.

Since Washington’s victory in New York on January 18, it has gone 10-4, moving up from 12th to ninth. Wes Unseld Jr., the coach, is curious to see if his team can move into the top six with 14 home games remaining.

A remarkable comeback by the Wizards sent them into the break. On February 16, they beat the host Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106 after rallying from a 20-point deficit to score 38 points in the fourth quarter.

For the third time in four games, Bradley Beal scored at least 30 points. In the final four or more minutes, he scored 13 of his season-high 35 points. After missing two games with a sore left foot, Beal has missed 22 games this season and is averaging 27.2 points in his last five games.

NFL Network, NFL+ and NFL Digital Media to provide comprehensive on-location coverage of 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

NFL Editor
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NFL Network, NFL+ and NFL Digital Media to provide comprehensive on-location coverage of 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Live Coverage of 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by NOBULL On-Field Drills –

Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5 on NFL Network

Additional Live Coverage of On-Field Drills on NFL+ –

‘Players Only Combine’ Shows Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5

‘Scouting Combine Today’ Streams Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5 on NFL.com & the NFL Channel

NFL Network, NFL+ and NFL Digital Media offer multi-platform coverage of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by NOBULL from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Beginning Tuesday, February 28, NFL Network provides more than 50 hours of live Combine week coverage – the 18th Combine covered by NFL Network – offering the first look at the 2023 NFL Draft class highlighted by quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson, elite defensive prospects Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr., and more.

This year, NFL Network coverage of the Combine again extends into primetime beginning Thursday, March 2 with five hours of live coverage of the defensive linemen and linebackers starting at 3:00 PM ET and continuing until 8:00 PM ET.

Coverage continues with five hours of live coverage of the defensive backs and special teams on Friday, March 3 at 3:00 PM ET, and seven hours of live coverage of the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends on Saturday, March 4 at 1:00 PM ET. NFL Network’s Combine coverage concludes with six hours of live coverage of the offensive linemen and running backs on Sunday, March 5 starting at 1:00 PM ET.

In addition to NFL Network, NFL+ provides live coverage of on-field positional drills with Players Only Combine Presented by NOBULL, streaming Thursday at 3:30 PM ET, Friday at 4:00 PM ET, Saturday at 2:00 PM ET and Sunday at 1:30 PM ET.

NFL Network, NFL+ and NFL Digital Media feature a 48-person roster of talent to cover the Combine, including NFL Draft experts Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis and Bucky Brooks. Host Rich Eisen anchors NFL Network’s coverage of the on-field workouts joined by Jeremiah in the booth at Lucas Oil Stadium. Additional coverage is provided by Davis, Chris Rose, Peter Schrager, Ian Rapoport, Stacey Dales and Jamie Erdahl (Saturday), as well as New York Jets cornerback and 2022 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner (Friday).

For Players Only Combine on NFL+, NFL Media analysts Kurt Warner, Steve Smith Sr., Joe Thomas, Shaun O’Hara, Maurice Jones-Drew and Michael Robinson are joined by Calais Campbell (Thursday), Matthew Judon (Thursday), Dwight Freeney (Thursday), Devin White (Thursday), Joe Haden (Friday), Sauce Gardner (Friday), Kenny Moore (Friday), Jordan Poyer (Friday), Adam Thielen (Saturday), Dawson Knox (Saturday), Dallas Goedert (Saturday), Taylor Lewan (Sunday), Dion Dawkins (Sunday), Aaron Jones (Sunday) and Jamaal Williams (Sunday), along with host Rhett Lewis, exclusively for NFL+ subscribers. Coverage also features exclusive preview content from NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, including his NFL+ Combine Primer and Mock Draft Explained.

Live NFL Network coverage of the 2023 NFL Combine Presented by NOBULL is available across devices (smartphone, PC, tablet and connected TVs) through the NFL app and NFL Network app for subscribers of participating NFL Network providers. Visit NFL.com/watch for more information on how to watch.

For a full list of Combine participants as well as the latest news and analysis, visit NFL.com/combine.

Editions of NFL Now air throughout the week on NFL Network from Indianapolis beginning Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 AM ET, and continuing Wednesday – Friday at 1:00 PM ET hosted by Andrew Siciliano and Rhett Lewis, along with Chief National Reporter Steve Wyche, Scott Pioli and Cynthia Frelund. Additionally, Peter Schrager joins Good Morning Football from Indianapolis starting Tuesday, February 28 through Friday, March 3 at 7:00 AM ET.

In addition to NFL Network and NFL+’s coverage of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, fans can follow all of the action from Indianapolis digitally with the following:

  • Scouting Combine Today – One-hour Scouting Combine Today shows stream on NFL.com and the NFL Channel Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5 leading up to NFL Network’s live coverage of the Combine on-field workouts. Bucky Brooks, Lance Zierlein and Rhett Lewis anchor each day’s coverage from inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Scouting Combine Today streams Thursday and Friday at 2:00 PM ET, and Saturday and Sunday at 12 Noon ET
  • Move the Sticks – Daily editions of the Move the Sticks Podcast will be released Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 5 with Bucky Brooks, Lance Zierlein and Rhett Lewis
  • Prospect Interviews – Each day of the Combine, Kimmi Chex provides interviews with the prospects following their on-field workouts, which will air across multiple NFL Media platforms
  • Combine Tracker – Each day of the Combine, track the highest performers of the day with the Combine Tracker available on NFL.com, sorted by event and position
  • Written Content on NFL.com – Throughout the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, NFL.com’s stable of writers have everything happening in Indianapolis covered. NFL.com’s Around the NFL writers provide extensive news coverage of NFL head coach/GM press conferences, prospect press conferences, key measurements and notable on-field performances. Additionally, Bucky Brooks unveils his latest Mock Draft, Daniel Jeremiah reveals his updated Top 50 prospect rankings, Chad Reuter evaluates prospects’ performances determining whose stock rose/fell at the end of each day’s events, and Nick Shook spotlights the top performers in Indianapolis

NFL Network & NFL Digital Media 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Talent

Judy Battista                           Senior National Columnist

Bucky Brooks                          Analyst

Sherree Burruss                      Reporter

Kimmi Chex                            Host

Bridget Condon                       Reporter

Stacey Dales                           Reporter

Charles Davis                         Analyst

Rich Eisen                               Host

Jamie Erdahl                           Reporter

Cynthia Frelund                      Analyst

Mike Garafolo                          NFL Network Insider

Mike Giardi                              Reporter

Daniel Jeremiah                      Analyst

Maurice Jones-Drew               Analyst

Rhett Lewis                             Host

Steve Mariucci                        Analyst

Shaun O’Hara                         Analyst

James Palmer                         Reporter

Tom Pelissero                         NFL Network Insider

Scott Pioli                                Analyst

Ian Rapoport                           NFL Network Insider

Michael Robinson                   Analyst

Chris Rose                              Host

Omar Ruiz                               Reporter

Peter Schrager                        Host

Andrew Siciliano                     Host

Steve Smith Sr.                       Analyst

Joe Thomas                            Analyst

Sara Walsh                             Reporter

Kurt Warner                             Analyst

Cameron Wolfe                       Reporter

Steve Wyche                           Chief National Reporter

Lance Zierlein                         Analyst

Following is NFL Network’s day-by-day Combine week coverage schedule:

Tuesday, February 28

7:00 AM ET – Good Morning Football – LIVE

10:00 AM ET – NFL Now – LIVE

4:00 PM ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Aidan Hutchinson – Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions, 2022 Week 2

7:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – LIVE

8:00 PM ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Christian Watson – Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers, 2022 Week 10

11:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – Encore

12 Midnight ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Kenneth Walker III – Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 2022 Week 7

3:00 AM ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Christian Watson – Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers, 2022 Week 10

Wednesday, March 1

7:00 AM ET – Good Morning Football – LIVE

10:00 AM ET – Good Morning Football – Encore

1:00 PM ET – NFL Now – LIVE

3:00 PM ET – NFL Now (1-hour edition) – Encore

4:00 PM ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Brock Purdy – Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers, 2022 NFC Wild Card

7:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – LIVE

8:00 PM ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens, 2022 Week 17

10:30 PM ET – Senior Bowl Recap

11:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – Encore

12 Midnight ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Aidan Hutchinson – Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions, 2022 Week 2

3:00 AM ET – NFL Rookie Showcase: Travon Walker – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans, 2022 Week 14

Thursday, March 2

7:00 AM ET – Good Morning Football – LIVE

10:00 AM ET – Good Morning Football – Encore

1:00 PM ET – NFL Now – LIVE

3:00 PM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Defensive Linemen & Linebackers – LIVE

  • 3-hour cutdown version airs at 9:00 PM & 1:00 AM ET

8:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – LIVE

12 Midnight ET – NFL Total Access – Encore

Friday, March 3

7:00 AM ET – Good Morning Football – LIVE

10:00 AM ET – Good Morning Football – Encore

1:00 PM ET – NFL Now – LIVE

3:00 PM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – Defensive Backs & Special Teams – LIVE

  • 3-hour cutdown version airs at 9:00 PM & 1:00 AM ET

9:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – LIVE

12 Midnight ET – NFL Total Access – Encore

Saturday, March 4

7:00 AM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – Defensive Linemen & Linebackers (3-hour cutdown version) – Encore

10:00 AM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – Defensive Backs & Special Teams (3-hour cutdown version) – Encore

1:00 PM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers & Tight Ends – LIVE

  • 3-hour cutdown version airs at 9:00 PM & 1:00 AM ET

8:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – LIVE

12 Midnight AM ET – NFL Total Access – Encore

Sunday, March 5

7:00 AM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – Defensive Backs & Special Teams (3-hour cutdown version) – Encore

10:00 AM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers & Tight Ends (3-hour cutdown version) – Encore

1:00 PM ET – 2023 NFL Scouting Combine – Offensive Linemen & Running Backs – LIVE

  • 3-hour cutdown version airs at 8:00 PM & 12 Midnight ET

7:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – LIVE

11:00 PM ET – NFL Total Access – Encore

Boxing Preview: John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) at Luis “Callado” Padilla (15-3-2, 2 KOs)

Fight Editor
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Boxing Preview: John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) at Luis “Callado” Padilla (15-3-2, 2 KOs)

One of boxing’s most energetic and fan-friendly fighters, NABA Super Flyweight Titleholder John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles will headline the first Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN show of the year at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Thursday, February 23. Ramirez will defend his NABA title against Luis “Callado” Padilla (15-3-2, 2 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico. The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

“Excited is an understatement. When I left football for boxing I always envisioned a stage like this to showcase my hard work and dedication and I’m sincerely grateful to have the opportunity now,” said “Scrappy” Ramirez. “It has been a long road to get here but I want to thank my team, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA and Mr. Gilberto Ramírez, Oscar and Eric, and all my fans and supporters from across the world for this opportunity. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to headline this show at Fantasy Springs on DAZN.”

WHAT TIME IS ‘SCRAPPY’ RAMIREZ VS. PADILLA?
Date: Thursdasy, February 23
Time: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. GMT
Main event: 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT
The fight will take place at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino in Indio, California.
The card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe
The main card is set to get underway at 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. GMT with the Ramirez vs. Padilla fight set to take place at around 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT.

“As promised, Golden Boy is delivering the best fight nights,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “On February 23, fight fans will get to see talented, rising prospects who have star potential. Scrappy Ramirez is a prime example of that – the fans will be able to feel the energy he brings as our special main event.”

As chief support of the card, Coachella Valley’s beloved, undefeated local fighter Manuel “El Meny” Flores (14-0, 11 KOs) will measure up against Mangua, Nicaragua’s Marvin Solano (24-8, 8 KOs). The eight-round bantamweight fight will be guaranteed action, as Flores’s last six fights have all been knockouts.

Here’s what the fighters had to say:

AZAT “CRAZY A” HOVHANNISYAN, SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER: “When the contract came to fight Nery, I was so thankful! I thought, finally the time has come. I’ve waited 3 1/2 years for this opportunity. I respect Nery, but in 10 days it will be war. I think I will win.

“Even though I am not fighting in Armenia, people will feel the strong Armenian presence at the fight. I am proud to represent both Armenia and Los Angeles.”

JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, NABA SUPER FLY WEIGHT TITLEHOLDER: “I came from the bottom. Everyone told me I was too old to start my career boxing. But I did it my way and now I’m the main event for a Golden Boy show. It’s real simple. Work hard and stay focused and you can accomplish anything. I’m all in.”

RICARDO “EL NIÑO” SANDOVAL, FLYWEIGHT FIGHTER “I learned a lot from my last fight, especially paying more attention to what my trainer is telling me to do during the fight. I deviated from the plan and the fight didn’t go my way. I took two weeks off after my loss and I got back into the gym. It’s boxing. I’m glad to be back on Feb. 18 and show fans that I am back.”

RAMIREZ VS. PADILLA FIGHT CARD
John “Scrappy” Ramirez vs. Luis Padilla; For the NABA junior bantamweight title
Manuel Flores vs. Franklin Gonzalez; Bantamweights
Lorraine Villalobos vs. Katherine Lindenmuth; Strawweights
Stefanie Cohen vs. Leanne Calderon; Bantamweights
Zachary Spiller vs. Kaleel Carter; Heavyweights
Grant Flores vs. Christopher Gonzalez; Welterweights

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