“Jayson Tatum is a Superstar”: Stephen A Smith Predicts Celtics’ 6ft 8” Forward will Usurp Nikola Jokic’s MVP Crown - The Sportsrush

With almost a quarter of the season already over, the league has witnessed some magnificent individual performances. Like always, the likes of Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic, among a few more superstars are having a pretty terrific start to their campaign. However, this 22-23 season, we have also seen unexpected MVP-like displays from Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and De’Aaron Fox.

Yesterday, after the rematch of the 2022 Western Conference Finals Warriors-Mavericks matchup, several fans and pundits spoke about the interesting duel between Curry and Doncic.

While analysts were discussing which of the two megastars was having a better season, Stephen A Smith decided to talk about Tatum’s chances of winning the Maurice Podoloff Trophy.

Also Read: NBA Twitter Marvels Over Jayson Tatum and Co’s Offensive Clinic vs. Hornets

“Jayson Tatum is special”: Stephen A Smith

On the recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take”, SAS spoke about the spectacular season JT has been having. Further, putting the Celtics star into the MVP conversations, the 55-year-old analyst said:

“I think that Luka is a leading candidate for the league MVP, Giannis. I will officially, on national television throw Jayson Tatum into that conversation, for the Boston Celtics. If you don’t know you should ask somebody, this brother is special.”

Smith continued, “He’s putting on a show and trying to make amends for his struggling performance in the NBA Finals. But, Jayson Tatum is a superstar in this league and he plays like one. Night in, night out basis, you got to contend with that brother. I put him right there.”

.@stephenasmith is putting Jayson Tatum in the MVP conversation 👀

“This brother is special. … Jayson Tatum is a superstar in this league and he plays like one.” pic.twitter.com/4gWboW8VoW

— First Take (@FirstTake) November 30, 2022

Averaging a staggering 30.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, the former Duke Blue Devil is leading the Cs to the best record in the entire association.

Smith is absolutely right, the 6-foot-8 forward is one of the early frontrunners to grab the MVP honors.

Stephen A Smith lauds Curry and Doncic after their duel

Stephen A. also spoke about the two stars who produced a pretty epic battle. First, the ESPN analyst spoke about the Slovenian MVP, who managed to put up a historic 41-point triple-double.

“Luka obviously is having a sensational season, and I think that it’s an inditement to some degree against the Dallas Mavericks. You gotta give him some additional help. You cannot ask Luka to carry the load that he’s carrying for so long. You gotta look at a star like that and you have to get complimentary pieces.”

Further, Smith simply stated Steph’s greatness following his 32/5/5 night at Dallas.

“Steph Curry is phenomenal. Steph Curry is a future Hall-Of-Famer, he’s the greatest shooter I’ve ever seen. The conditioning that he is in constantly moving without the ball, all of this other stuff, it’s magnificent.”

Also Read: Luka Doncic Hilarious Explains Why Mavericks Offense is So Slow, Before Insane 41-Point Triple-Double

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“Jayson Tatum is a Superstar”: Stephen A Smith Predicts Celtics’ 6ft 8” Forward will Usurp Nikola Jokic’s MVP Crown - The Sportsrush
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Lakers News: Injury Report For Pacers-L.A. - Sports Illustrated

After spending their last week on the road, your Los Angeles Lakers are looking mostly healthy ahead of their return to Crypto.com Arena, where they will do battle with Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and the rest of the Indiana Pacers who are not being considered as trade candidates for L.A. this season.

Per the league's latest injury report, the team's All-Star frontcourt of LeBron James and Anthony Davis has been listed as merely "probable" to play tonight. Davis missed the team's last game, yet another win against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, with a left calf contusion. James is hoping to play his third straight game after missing five straight with a left adductor strain.

Starting point guard Patrick Beverley will finish out his three-game suspension tonight. Dennis Schroder has filled in more than capably in his absence as a starter, and it would probably behoove Darvin Ham to permanently demote non-shooter Beverley when he does return later this week.

Two-way Lakers rookie players Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider continue to work with L.A.'s NBAGL affiliate in El Segundo, the South Bay Lakers, and will not be available tonight.

On the Pacers side, second-year small forward Chris Duarte is unavailable with a left ankle sprain and veteran center Daniel Theis remains out as continues to recover from a right knee surgery (although he didn't play a single second for the Pacers even before the surgery). Two-way Pacers players Trevelin Queen and Kendall Brown are questionable for Indiana. Veteran shooting guard Andrew Nembhard is questionable with a left knee bruise.

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Lakers' Russell Westbrook left bloodied after flagrant 2 foul from Spurs' Zach Collins - USA TODAY

Adamson nips National U to stay in the hunt for Final Four spot - Sports Interactive Network Philippines

ADAMSON kept its flickering Final Four hopes alive with a 64-63 victory over National University on Saturday in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Senior guard Jerom Lastimosa knocked down a three-pointer with 5.5 seconds left to push the Soaring Falcons ahead by one.

NU’s Steve Nash Enriquez missed his three-point attempt at the buzzer.

Adamson improved to 7-6 and put pressure on La Salle (6-6) in the race for the No. 4 spot.

Congolese big man Lenda Douanga had 16 points and six boards as he carried Adamson's huge 13-2 third quarter finishing kick for a 53-48 lead entering the payoff period.

Lastimosa had seven points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block in 27 minutes for the Soaring Falcons.

"He made the most important shot of the game," said coach Nash Racela of his lead guard. "Every game to us is a do-or-die game. That's the mentality that we have going into every game. Kailangan manalo, manalo, manalo, to stay alive. That's the challenge."

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Didat Hanapi added nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from distance, while AP Manlapaz got eight in the conquest which was the team's third straight.

NU's loss sent it down to 9-5, already in the Final Four but to force a playoff for the No. 2 spot, its needs Ateneo to lose its last two matches against University of the Philippines and Adamson.

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Enriquez led the Bulldogs with 18 points and four boards, while Jake Figueroa had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

NU missed the services of rookie Kean Baclaan who served a one-game suspension after being ejected from the game agianst La Salle on Wednesday.

The scores:

Adamson 64 - Douanga 16, Hanapi 9, Manlapaz 8, Lastimosa 7, Yerro 4, Sabandal 4, Fuentebella 3, Jaymalin 3, Colonia 2, Barcelona 2, Manzano 2, Barasi 2, V. Magbuhos 2, Flowers 0, Torres 0.

NU 63 - Enriquez 18, Figueroa 13, John 10, Malonzo 7, Clemente 5, Tibayan 4, Yu 2, Palacielo 2, Manansala 1, Galinato 1, Minerva 0, Mahinay 0, Tulabut 0.

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Quarterscores: 18-14; 33-36; 53-48; 64-63.

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Five bold predictions for NFL Week 12: Sam Darnold upsets Broncos; Colts roll over Steelers on 'MNF' - CBS Sports

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Thanksgiving offered three juicy matchups to kick off Week 12, but we've still got a lot of intriguing matchups on the docket for this weekend. The Jets are starting Mike White in place of Zach Wilson as they look to revitalize playoff hopes. The Falcons and Commanders are squaring off in a battle of wild-card candidates. And Aaron Rodgers is headed to Philly, desperate to keep the Packers alive while facing the 9-1 Eagles.

In anticipation of the rest of the Week 12 slate, here are five bold predictions for the games ahead:

Making his 2022 debut as Carolina's third different starting quarterback in as many weeks, Darnold has a known chemistry with No. 1 wideout D.J. Moore, who's endured cold stretches while fielding passes from Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker. More importantly, D'Onta Foreman is due for a rebound against Denver's vulnerable run defense; and the Broncos' own offense, still slumping with Russell Wilson, could be in for a long day against a Carolina front boasting elite talent in Brian Burns and Derrick Brown.

Dalton has been red hot and ice cold in eight starts replacing Winston, but after folding against stingy fronts in Pittsburgh and Baltimore, he could be due for a turnover spree against DeMeco Ryans' high-flying unit, which just dominated the Cardinals in prime time. Desperate to remain in the NFC wild-card hunt, Dennis Allen may finally decide he needs the upside of Winston's arm. A switch would make for even better Week 13 drama, by the way, with the Saints set to rematch Winston's old friends in Tampa.

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The rookie looked fluid eating into Leonard Fournette's workload in Week 10, then had Week 11 to rest up while the latter continued to rehab a hip injury. Even if Fournette suits up Sunday, he won't be 100 percent, and Bucs advisor/former coach Bruce Arians has publicly identified White as an offensive catalyst moving forward. Combine all that with the fact Cleveland is surrendering more than 135 rushing yards per game, and the Arizona State product could be in for a monster day.

Colts blow out Steelers on 'Monday Night Football'

The matchup screams ugly, low-scoring affair, but consider that the Steelers could be down two key players in Jaylen Warren, who brings much-needed pop to Najee Harris' plodding ground game; and center Mason Cole, the first line of defense to rookie QB Kenny Pickett. Consider also that Indy boasts a top-10 "D" that just limited the Eagles to 17 points, and all Matt Ryan and Co. might need is a few scoring drives to run away with this. Pittsburgh's porous secondary should afford opportunities for Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell to go off.

Maybe it's not that bold, considering Cincinnati is favored even as a visitor. But it's about time someone takes advantage of Tennessee's No. 30-ranked pass defense. With Ja'Marr Chase set to return, Joe Burrow could be in for a big showcase, exacting revenge on a "D" that terrorized him with nine sacks in the 2021 playoffs. Derrick Henry figures to log another nice stat line, but forced to air it out to match Burrow, Ryan Tannehill could find himself in more trouble than he's encountered in weeks.

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NFL DFS: DraftKings, FanDuel daily Fantasy football picks, stacks for Week 12, 2022 include Chris Godwin - CBS Sports

USATSI

The Week 12 NFL DFS player pool is packed with household names for NFL DFS lineups. Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has caught 26 passes for 413 yards and five touchdowns over the last three weeks. He's already reached double-digit touchdowns for the sixth time in his last seven seasons and could be a solid option for NFL DFS stacks with quarterback Derek Carr. Meanwhile, Titans running back Derrick Henry has been a staple of NFL daily Fantasy football lineups for years and is showing no signs of slowing down, as he enters Sunday with a league-leading 1,010 rushing yards. He'll take on a Bengals defense that gave up two touchdowns to Steelers running back Najee Harris last week. Before you make your NFL DFS picks for Sunday's Week 12 slate on sites like DraftKings and FanDuel, be sure to check out the NFL DFS advice, strategy and projections from SportsLine daily Fantasy expert Mike McClure.

McClure is a legendary professional DFS player with over $2 million in career winnings. His methodology has led to enormous cashes on FanDuel and DraftKings. He took down two high-stakes tournaments on FanDuel in 2020 and recorded a pair of top-10 finishes in tournaments with over 130,000 entrants on DraftKings. His lineups also finished inside the top 1% in more than a dozen other tournaments.

He uses a powerful prediction model that simulates every snap of NFL action, taking factors such as matchups, statistical trends and injuries into account. This allows him to find the best DFS values that he shares only with members at SportsLine.

This year, he's already won the DraftKings Millionaire Maker twice and the FanDuel Million once. Now, McClure has turned his attention to Sunday's Week 12 slate and locked in his top daily Fantasy football picks. You can only see his picks and analysis at SportsLine.

Top NFL DFS picks for Week 12

One of McClure's top NFL DFS picks for Week 12 is Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin at $6,000 on DraftKings and $7,000 on FanDuel. Up until a 161-yard rushing outburst two weeks ago in London against the Seahawks, Tampa Bay's historically poor running game had forced the team to throw it prolifically, and Tom Brady enters Week 12 averaging 42.7 pass attempts per game.

That volume has been key to Godwin's NFL daily Fantasy football value, as he's pulled in 48 receptions in eight games so far this season. Godwin has only managed to produce 475 yards and one touchdown with that volume, but the score did come in Tampa Bay's last game against Seattle and he's now had at least six receptions in his last seven games.

Part of McClure's optimal NFL DFS strategy includes rostering Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill at $8,800 on DraftKings and $9,200 on FanDuel. Hill had a touchdown catch for the second consecutive game last week against the Browns and still leads the NFL in receptions (81) and receiving yards (1,148).

Hill has played four games this season in which he has reached double-digit receptions and had at least 160 yards. That upside is exactly why NFL DFS players are tapping into Hill on an almost-weekly basis. He has another juicy matchup in Week 12 against the Texans. Houston ranks 26th in the NFL in adjusted yards allowed per pass attempt (6.7) and has allowed 100-yard games to Michael Pittman Jr., Courtland Sutton, Marvin Jones and Mike Williams already this season. You can see the rest of McClure's NFL DFS advice here.

How to make NFL DFS lineups for Week 12

McClure is also targeting another undervalued player who could explode for huge numbers on Sunday. This pick could be the difference between winning your tournaments and cash games or going home with nothing. You can only see who it is, and the rest of McClure's NFL DFS picks, at SportsLine. 

Who is Mike McClure including in his optimal NFL DFS lineups for Sunday? And which under-the-radar player is a must-roster? Visit SportsLine now to see optimal NFL DFS picks, rankings, advice, and stacks, all from a DFS expert who has won over $2 million with his daily Fantasy picks, and find out.

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Saudi Arabia stuns Lionel Messi's Argentina in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history - CNN

Lusail, Qatar CNN  — 

Saudi Arabia produced one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history Tuesday, beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 in an astonishing Group C match.

Many had expected the South American team, ranked third in the world, unbeaten for three years and among the favorites to win the tournament, to sweep aside its opponent, ranked 48 places below it in the world rankings.

All the pre-match talk focused on Messi, one of the greatest players ever who is playing in what is likely to be his last World Cup. The Argentina captain scored an early penalty to put his side in the lead, but two second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned the game on its head.

The thousands of Saudi fans inside the Lusail Stadium couldn’t believe what they were watching as they celebrated their unexpected victory.

Such a comeback hadn’t looked remotely possible for much of the match. Argentina controlled the game after taking the lead but whatever Saudi manger Hervé Renard said at halftime worked. His team came out with a new-found belief and stood toe-to-toe with Argentina’s world-class team.

Saudi Arabia players celebrate their shock win.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Al Dawsari’s incredible winner from distance – and subsequent acrobatic celebration – will become one of the moments of this or any World Cup and undoubtedly, in time, an ‘I-was-there’ moment for fans.

As full-time neared, fans cheered every tackle and save as if they were goals and, when the match did indeed end, Saudi Arabia fans reacted with frenzy.

Both sets of players sunk to their knees, from disbelief and exhaustion. Messi, who so many had come see play, looked distraught as he walked off with Saudi fans cheering his name ironically.

According to sports data group Gracenote, which is a Nielsen company, Tuesday’s result was the biggest upset in the history of the competition.

“The most surprising World Cup win ever according to Gracenote was USA’s victory over England in 1950 with a 9.5% chance of victory for the US team but Saudi Arabia’s chance of victory today was estimated at 8.7% so takes over at number one,” it said in a statement.

As much as this was a historic win for Saudi Arabia, it was a humiliating defeat for Argentina who capitulated on the biggest stage.

Saudi players smiled and laughed with reporters as they left the stadium, a stark contrast to the Argentine squad who walked with their heads down onto the team bus. Messi was one of the few to stop and speak to journalists and even stopped for photos.

Saudi Arabia players celebrate their victory over Argentina on Tuesday, November 22. Saudi Arabia won 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski reacts after he missed a second-half penalty during a 0-0 draw against Mexico on Tuesday.

Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty Images

Tunisia's Yassine Meriah stretches to defend a header from Denmark's Andreas Cornelius during their 0-0 draw on Tuesday.

Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari does a flip after scoring his team's second goal against Argentina.

Luca Bruno/AP

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi reacts during the match against Saudi Arabia. Messi opened the scoring with a 10th-minute penalty, but the Saudis rallied with two goals in the second half.

Ebrahim Noroozi/AP

US forward Timothy Weah celebrates after scoring a first-half goal against Wales on Monday, November 21. The match ended 1-1.

Matthew Ashton/AMA/Getty Images

US fans stand for the national anthem prior to the Wales match.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Walker Zimmerman fouls Wales' Gareth Bale in the box, conceding a second-half penalty that Bale would convert to tie the match at 1-1.

Pedro Nunes/Reuters

Welsh and American players walk onto the field Monday.

Elsa/Getty Images

The Netherlands' Cody Gakpo celebrates his second-half goal that gave the Dutch a 1-0 lead over Senegal in their World Cup opener on Monday. The Netherlands added a second goal just before the final whistle to win 2-0.

Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Senegal's Ismaila Sarr eyes the ball during Monday's match against the Netherlands.

Petr David Josek/AP

The Senegal-Netherlands match kicks off at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Senegal fans wait for the start of their team's match against the Netherlands.

Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

England players celebrate after Raheem Sterling scored a goal during their match against Iran on Monday. England won 6-2.

Frank Augstein/AP

Iranian fans hold up a sign that reads "Woman Life Freedom" during the match against England on Monday. Anti-government protests have entered a third month back in Iran. Outside the stadium before the game, CNN witnessed a number of Iran supporters wearing protest T-shirts, with slogans such as "Free Iran" or "Rise with the women of Iran."

Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, center, celebrates England's second goal with colleagues David Lammy, left, and Lucy Powell, right, in his parliamentary office at the Palace of Westminster in London.

Stefan Rousseau/PA Images/Getty Images

Jude Bellingham scores England's first goal against Iran.

Peter Cziborra/Reuters

England players take a knee before the start of the Iran match. England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed Sunday that the team would be making the symbolic gesture. "We think it's a strong statement that will go around the world for young people in particular to see that inclusivity is very important," Southgate said.

Hannah Mckay/Reuters

Iranian players line up during the national anthems before the match. They did not sing during their anthem.

Marko Djurica/Reuters

A light show is displayed over the skyline in Doha on Sunday, November 20.

Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Enner Valencia, third from left, celebrates after scoring a second goal against host nation Qatar in the tournament's opening match. Ecuador went on to win 2-0.

Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Spectators leave Al Bayt Stadium before the end of the Qatar-Ecuador match. No host country had lost a World Cup opener before.

Robert Michael/DPA/Picture Alliance/Getty Images

Valencia slots a penalty kick past Qatari goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb to open the scoring in the 16th minute of Sunday's match.

Robert Michael/DPA/Picture Alliance/Getty Images

A fan attends the Qatar-Ecuador match on Sunday. Qatar is the first Islamic country to host a World Cup.

Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Qatari fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Fans drink beer as they watch the match from a fan zone in Doha. No alcohol is being sold inside the stadiums during the World Cup. Qatar tightly regulates alcohol sales and usage.

Francisco Seco/AP

A family watches the opening match from their home in Doha.

Ibraheem Al Omari/Reuters

People watch as fireworks go off before the start of the opening match.

Aijaz Rahi/AP

People dance in Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony.

Pawel Kopczynski/Reuters

A girl waves a Qatari flag Sunday at a fan zone in Doha.

Moises Castillo/AP

Actor Morgan Freeman and Qatari YouTuber Ghanim al Muftah take part in the opening ceremony Sunday.

Natacha Pisarenko/AP

La'eeb, the official mascot of this World Cup, flies during the opening ceremony. La'eeb is an Arabic word meaning super-skilled player.

Dylan Martinez/Reuters

A performer plays drums during the opening ceremony.

Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

People watch the opening ceremony from a cafe in Baghdad, Iraq.

Ahmed Saad/Reuters

South Korean singer Jung Kook performs at the opening ceremony.

Natacha Pisarenko/AP

Dancers light up the ground during the opening ceremony.

François-Xavier Mart/AFP/Getty Images

A view inside Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony.

Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

There was also more good news for Saudi fans who believe in a touch of destiny.

The last three teams to beat Argentina at a World Cup either went on to win the competition – Germany and France in 2014 and 2018 respectively – or reach the final – Croatia 2018.

“I’m feeling very proud of my team. This is one of the craziest games I’ve seen in my whole life,” fan Yazid Aldakheel told CNN. “Beating Argentina, one of the best teams in the world, it’s like a dream.

“Playing in the World Cup is good, beating Argentina is something else, it’s a different world.”

Argentina will hope to recover against Mexico in its next group match on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia faces Poland.

Two goalless games

In the second match of the day, Christian Eriksen made his return to major international football as Denmark kicked off its World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Tunisia in Group D.

The Manchester United midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the pitch at the European Championships last June and his return to international football is nothing short of miraculous.

Tunisia, which had the backing of tens of thousands of fans, held on for an impressive point. Denmark improved in the second half and had a goal ruled out for offside before substitute Andreas Cornelius was denied by the post.

The Danes also had a last-minute penalty appeal turned down.

Another goalless game followed on Tuesday, but it also wasn’t without drama.

Poland star Robert Lewandowski had a penalty saved as his team was held to a 0-0 draw against Mexico.

The forward had been brought down by Hector Moreno in the second half, but he was denied his first World Cup goal as Guillermo Ochoa produced a superb save from the spot kick.

Don Riddell and Ali Howorth contributed to reporting.

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