Travis Kelce Wins David Njoku's Celebrity Home Run Derby in Dramatic Fashion
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Travis Kelce Wins David Njoku’s Celebrity Home Run Derby in Dramatic Fashion

Travis Kelce showed up and showed out at Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku's celebrity softball game on Saturday.

Kelce won the home run derby competition in the closing seconds, smacking his 11th homer on his last swing to narrowly defeat former Browns running back Kareem Hunt, who hit 10.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end triumphantly flipped his bat and sprinted around the field in a victory lap after clinching the win.

Njoku is hosting the charity softball game for the first time Saturday at Classic Auto Group Park, the home of the Cleveland Guardians' High-A affiliate Lake County Captains. NFL players aside from Kelce participating in the event include Browns stars Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper, among others.

Kelce grew up about 13 miles south of Classic Auto Group Park in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

"He's one of the purest human beings I've ever met in my life, honestly," Njoku said of Kelce on Saturday before the event. "Always means well. Just a great overall dude."

Now that Kelce is hoisting the home run derby trophy, the softball game is set to begin later Saturday afternoon.

Cleveland Browns, David Njoku, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL, Travis Kelce
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Kahleah Copper Thanks Diana Taurasi for Classy Move Before Mercury's Game-Winner
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Kahleah Copper Thanks Diana Taurasi for Classy Move Before Mercury’s Game-Winner

Guard Kahleah Copper was the hero Friday night in the Phoenix Mercury's 81–80 victory over the Minnesota Lynx at Footprint Center.

The Mercury trailed 80–78 with 5.1 seconds left when Phoenix coach Nate Tibbets drew up a play for the potential game-winner. Guard Sophie Cunningham inbounded the ball to center Brittney Griner, who handed it off to Copper for an open look from three. Copper swished it. Ball game.

After the game, Copper revealed the original play Tibbetts drew up was designed for Taurasi to take the last shot. But the 41-year-old veteran told the coach that Copper should take it instead.

"It means a lot," Copper said of Taurasi's unselfish gesture. "What she is for this for this franchise, what she is for women's basketball, what she's done in her career. Clearly, she's a winner. She could have easily been like, 'O.K., cool, let's run it for me.' But it speaks to her character being unselfish and, like I said, being a winner."

Copper scored a game-high 34 points on 13-of-23 shooting against the Lynx. It was Copper's fourth 30-piece in 11 games this season and just four points shy of her career high of 38 points—achieved against the Atlanta Dream on May 18.

The Mercury (5–6) sit in fourth place in the Western Conference after 11 games. Winners of two of their last three games, the Mercury will visit the Dallas Wings on Sunday.

Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury, WNBA
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Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Expert Prediction and Odds for NBA Finals Game 2 (Bet Boston Early)
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Expert Prediction and Odds for NBA Finals Game 2 (Bet Boston Early)

Game 1 of the NBA Finals was all Boston, as the Boston Celtics opened up the biggest first-quarter lead in a Game 1 in NBA history on Thursday night and cruised to a 107-89 win to take a 1-0 series lead.

Boston is now -400 to win the NBA Finals – an implied probability of 80 percent – and it is heavily favored again in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead.

Dallas’ role players struggled in Game 1, as PJ Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., Daniel Gafford,  Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II gave the team very little on offense. Kyrie Irving (12 points) also shot terribly from the field, going 6-for-19. 

What’s most impressive about Boston’s Game 1 win was that Jayson Tatum (6-for-16 shooting, six turnovers) did not play well by his standards, and the C’s still cruised to a win. 

Jaylen Brown (22 points on 7-of-12 shooting), and Kristaps Porzingis (20 points on 8-of-13 shooting) took over the game in the first half, especially Porzingis in the first quarter. 

Unless Dallas’ role players – and Irving – step up in Game 2, there’s a good chance Boston leads this series 2-0 before it shifts back to Dallas. 

Here’s a look at the latest odds, key players to watch and my best bet for Game 2 of the NBA Finals: 

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

Moneyline

Total

Mavericks Injury Report

Celtics Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving: There are no two ways around it, Kyrie Irving was awful in Game 1 on Thursday night, shooting just 6-for-19 from the field and 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, finishing with 12 points. Dallas’ offense mustered just 89 points – despite 30 from Luka Doncic – and Irving is the clear player that needs to step up in that category for the Mavs to keep up with this vaunted Boston attack. 

Boston Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis: How important was Kristaps Porzingis in Game 1? Well, he’s skyrocketed in the odds to win the NBA Finals MVP award. KP only played 21 minutes in Game 1, but his impact was undeniable. Boston was an impressive +13 in his minutes, and the big man finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 8-for-13 from the field and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. Could his role/minutes expand in Game 2?

In my series prediction, I mentioned two things that came to light in Game 1: 

Both things went in Boston’s favor in Game 1. 

Porzingis was the best player on the floor – especially in the first half – controlling the game on both ends with his size. 

Dallas was unable to get lobs at the rim to Gafford and Lively II – rendering them nearly useless on the offensive end – and Porzingis hunted and dominated the smaller Dallas players in switches on his way to an impressive shooting night. 

On the Dallas side, PJ Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., Maxi Kleber, Irving, and Tim Hardaway Jr. went 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic, whose teammates were shooting 57 percent from the field on his passes this postseason, had just one assist. 

That’s not going to cut it for Dallas, especially when the Celtics shoot 16-for-42 (38.1 percent) from beyond the arc. 

Boston seemed content playing Doncic straight up, and the rest of the Mavericks were unable to give the All-NBA guard much help. 

When it comes to betting on Game 2, I’m focusing on the first half, a place where Boston has thrived this season.

The Celtics let things slip in the third quarter, allowing Dallas to cut the lead to just eight points, but it responded with a quick 8-0 run to push things back up to 16 before a Mavs timeout late in the third. 

I want to avoid any letdown in the third quarter – or just a run where Dallas gets going – and take the C’s to cover the short first-half spread (Boston -3.5). 

This season, Boston is a league-best 63-32-1 against the spread in the first half. Dallas is 49-50 ATS, which isn’t a bad mark, but it’s way behind the C’s.

Boston looked comfortable and focused from the jump on Thursday night, and it has so many different offensive options to punish the Dallas defense.

This may end up being a closer game than Game 1 by the end, but I love trusting the Celtics to start fast like they’ve done all season long. 

Pick: Celtics 1H -3.5 (-110)

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Find Peter Dewey's betting record here You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Derrick Jones Jr., Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, NBA, NBA Finals, PJ Washington
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Jon Rahm Withdraws From LIV Golf Houston Event
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Jon Rahm Withdraws From LIV Golf Houston Event

Jon Rahm, who has struggled in the major championships so far this year, withdrew from the LIV Golf Houston event on Saturday afternoon due to a foot injury, with the U.S. Open looming next week.

Rahm, who won the 2023 Masters and is seventh in the Official World Golf Ranking, had an issue during Friday’s first round with a cut, or cuts, between his toes, leading to him seeking attention during the round.

He played on and shot 3-under-par 69 at the Golf Club of Houston, a round that included five birdies and a double bogey.

Rahm played six holes of his second round on Saturday before withdrawing. LIV Golf had yet to provide any further information.

The two-time major winner, who won the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, has yet to win on LIV Golf after becoming the biggest offseason signing for the league. He is the captain of his own team, Legion XIII. In seven events, Rahm has finished inside the top 10 each time, with two third-place finishes.

But he tied for 45th in his Masters defense and then missed the cut last month at the PGA Championship, his first missed cut in a major after making 18 straight.

Houston, LIV, LIV Golf, Rahm
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Mariners Celebrate Ty France's HBP Franchise Record With Hilarious Graphic
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Mariners Celebrate Ty France’s HBP Franchise Record With Hilarious Graphic

Ty France shattered a longstanding franchise record in Seattle Mariners history Friday night when he was hit by a pitch in the first inning during his team's 10–9 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

It marked the 90th time France was hit by a pitch over his five years in Seattle, dethroning former designated hitter Edgar Martinez, who was hit by a pitch 89 times across 2,055 games in a Mariners uniform. France only took 534 games to reach 90 HBP.

To properly honor the moment, the Mariners' social media team prepared a special graphic depicting France grimacing as he was about to get beaned by a baseball.

France has led the big leagues in HBP twice in his career, getting beaned 27 times in 2021 and 34 times in '23. He has been hit by six pitches in 61 games so far this season.

France currently sits in 107th place in MLB history on the HBP leaderboard with 98 (he was hit by eight pitches while playing for the San Diego Padres from 2019 to '20). France has some painful work to do to climb that leaderboard, as he chases all-time HBP leader Hughie Jennings, who was beaned 287 times across 1,284 games from 1891 to 1918.

MLB fans loved the Mariners' funny graphic:

France and the Mariners return to the field at 4:10 p.m. ET Saturday to continue their series against the Royals.

MLB, Seattle Mariners, Ty France
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Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Respond to Jason Kidd Calling Brown Celtics' Best Player
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Respond to Jason Kidd Calling Brown Celtics’ Best Player

Could Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd be engaging in a little gamesmanship ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday?

Kidd minced no words during Saturday afternoon's press conference when he called Celtics star Jaylen Brown, not Jayson Tatum, Boston's best player.

Naturally, NBA fans and media alike were wondering if Kidd was trying to influence how Tatum and Brown come out and play in Game 2.

It's not the first time the Celtics' co-stars have been dealing with media narratives such as this, and they're clearly not interested in taking the bait.

"I don't have no reaction," Brown said. "It's a team game, we're trying to focus on that. Everybody has their own opinions."

When asked if he thought Kidd was trying to drive a wedge between himself and Tatum, Brown complimented his teammate, while reiterating that the team is locked in on the task at hand.

"I'm not sure. I don't know," Brown said of Kidd's perceived tactics. "We've been just extremely focused on what our roles and our jobs are. We've all had to sacrifice. Jayson's had to do that at the highest of levels, right? And I respect him and tip [my] cap for it. But right now, at this point, it's whatever it takes to win and we can't let any outside interpretations get in between that."

Tatum wasn't surprised that another media narrative was surfacing trying to divide the two best players on the team.

"No reaction," Tatum said when asked about the comments. "This is a team sport, right? We understand that. We wouldn't be here if we didn't have JB on our team. And we can say that for a lot of guys, right? We've all played a part in getting to where we're at, we understand that."

"You know, people try to drive a wedge in between us. I guess it's a smart thing to do or try to do. But we've been in this position for many of years of guys trying to divide us and say one of us should be traded or one's better than the other. It's not our first time at the rodeo."

Regardless of whether or not Kidd is trying to gain a psychological edge on Tatum, Brown and the Celtics, it does not appear to be working.

Sunday night will tell the true tale in Game 2. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, NBA Finals
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Bryce Harper Hits Soccer Celebration After Smacking Home Run in London vs. Mets
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Bryce Harper Hits Soccer Celebration After Smacking Home Run in London vs. Mets

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper seems right at home in London.

Harper, who walked the streets of London by day, is now hitting home runs by night during game action against the New York Mets on Saturday, as the Phillies slugger belted a game-tying solo home run during the top of the fourth inning, a frame that saw Philadelphia break the game open with a six-spot.

Then, to put a cherry on top of the home run, Harper, in an ode to soccer fans across London and the United Kingdom, perfectly hit a soccer celebration right in front of the Phillies' dugout.

Perfect form by Harper. The Phillies star is seeing the ball just as well across the pond as he did in the United States, as he reached base in his first three at-bats with a single, double and the solo shot.

Harper and the Phillies held a 6-1 lead over the Mets after four innings.

Bryce Harper, MLB, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies
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Massive Ravens-Chiefs Bet Indicates Interest in Week 1 Underdog
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Massive Ravens-Chiefs Bet Indicates Interest in Week 1 Underdog

The 2024 NFL season will get underway on Thursday, September 5th, when the Ravens head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs in a rematch of the AFC Championship Game.

The Chiefs opened as modest favorites at home in hopes of starting its quest for a three-peat off in a resounding fashion against a quality Ravens team that has the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson under center, but there is betting action towards the underdog.

As longtime Las Vegas bookmaker Jimmy Vaccaro, currently with the South Point, notes, the Ravens are receiving a good amount of attention in the early betting process. One big bettor took the three points with Baltimore on opening night, and given how far away it is from kickoff, the Las Vegas book is likely staying with the Chiefs as 2.5-point home favorites before more action comes in on the home favoirte.

The Ravens closed as 4.5-point home favorites in the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs at home, but struggled to generate many scoring chances, losing 17-10 to KC. Now, one bettor is wagering that the spread has shifted too far in favor of the two-time defending champions.

For what it's worth, the Ravens are 12-2 against the spread as an underdog when Jackson starts, 9-5 straight up. Can he do it again? Here are the updated odds for the opening game of the season.

Spread

Moneyline:

Total: 47 (Over -110/Under -110)

Odds courtesy of Bet365

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

2024 NFL Odds, 2024 NFL Week 1, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Lamar Jackson, NFL Big Bet, NFL Odds, Patrick Mahomes
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Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Explains Why Jaylen Brown is Celtics' Best Player
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Explains Why Jaylen Brown is Celtics’ Best Player

There is no shortage of respect from Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd towards Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

Despite Brown being snubbed from both the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams this season, he has keyed the Celtics' playoff run, showing incredible two-way prowess en route to capturing Eastern Conference finals MVP.

Brown continued the momentum into Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, scoring a team-high 22 points, while adding six rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals in Boston's 107-89 win in Game 1.

Kidd was asked about the difficulty of game-planning for Brown, and his message was clear.

"Well, Jaylen's their best player," Kidd said during Saturday's media availability. "Just looking at what he does defensively. He picked up Luka full court. He got to the free throw line. He did everything, and that's what your best player does. Just understanding he plays both sides defensively and offensively at a high rate, and he's been doing that the whole playoffs.

"We talk about the Eastern Conference MVP, and it seems like he's continued to pick up where he left off. So he's playing at a high rate. We just got to be a little more physical with him and again, we gotta keep him off the free throw line and out of the paint, because he was finishing at a high rate or getting fouled and getting to the free throw line."

Brown has been Boston's most consistent player throughout the playoff run thus far, even if he doesn't garner the accolades like his teammate and first-team All-NBA selection Jayson Tatum.

Regardless, the Celtics will need both Brown and Tatum to be at their best in order to capture the franchise's 18th title this month.

Game 2 between the Celtics and Mavericks is set for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday at TD Garden in Boston.

Celtics, Jason Kidd, Jaylen Brown, Mavericks, NBA Finals
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Home Plate Angle of Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto Pitching vs. Yankees Was Frightening
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Home Plate Angle of Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto Pitching vs. Yankees Was Frightening

One can imagine that attempting to hit against major league pitching is one of the most difficult feats in professional sports.

But nothing does that sentiment justice quite like home plate camera angles of at-bats.

There were two such camera angle shots during the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2-1 win over the New York Yankees on Friday night at Yankee Stadium—and they were frightening.

The first saw Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who tossed seven innings of shutout ball against the Yankees, fire a 97 MPH sinker that shattered New York slugger Giancarlo Stanton's bat as he grounded out to Mookie Betts at shortstop in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Then, two frames later in the bottom of the sixth inning, Yamamoto, facing Yankees star Aaron Judge, fired a 97 MPH heater for a called strike, an offering that was caught on a home plate camera angle in a video posted onto X, formerly Twitter, by Rob Friedman.

The scariest part about these angles is that they still don't do true justice as to how fast the pitches are coming out of Yamamoto's hand.

And Yamamoto certainly was lighting up the radar gun on Friday night, as his four-seam fastball boasted an average speed of 97 MPH, up 1.5 MPH from his season average of 95.5, en route to the seven-strikeout performance against one of the best lineups in MLB.

The Dodgers (40-25) and Yankees (45-20) will lock horns again on Saturday at 7:35 p.m. ET, with Gavin Stone (6-2, 2.90 ERA) on the mound for Los Angeles and Nestor Cortes (3-4, 3.46 ERA) opposing him for New York.

Giancarlo Stanton, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, New York Yankees, Yoshinobu Yamamoto
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