Five Takeaways from Heat’s Series Clinching Win Over Bucks

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With a 3-1 lead, the Heat headed right into Milwaukee for the potential closeout game.

Another Jimmy Butler/Heat comeback late in the fourth led to a wild finish.

Heat head to the second round…

Some takeaways…

#1: The early pull-up shooting from the PG crew: Gabe Vincent and Kyle Lowry.

Well, when it comes to the need for Jimmy Butler to get some help, it starts with pull-up shooting. Against this defense, a couple pull-ups can shift the profile for everyone. And well, Gabe Vincent and Kyle Lowry did that. On one hand you could point out Vincent having a higher usage and more shot attempts than Jimmy Butler at half, but he had 16 points on 50% shooting up to that point. It wasn’t even three point shooting dominance, it was finding gaps in those mid-range jumper pull-ups. As he exited and Kyle Lowry entered, he played a very similar game except he did it from beyond the arc. That put Miami in a pretty decent position offensively aside from the Butler bursts.

#2: The free throw shooting disparity.

24 to 8. That was the free throw shooting disparity at half between the Bucks and Heat, as Milwaukee tripled them up to that point. Luckily for Miami, the Bucks only knocked down 63% of those, but man was that whistle blowing often when it came to the attacks from the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo flying down the lane is as tough of a spot to be in when it comes to being a defender on the Miami Heat. Even if he initiates contact, it’s tough to recover as the foul is already in the process of being called. This isn’t even a moment of referee complaining, it’s recognizing Miami’s position as they fight to find a defensive structure that works. It pretty much looked like this in simple terms: no Bam means double, Bam means allow single coverage. All jokes aside, it felt like a win for Miami to survive that disparity and walk into half with only a 6 point deficit.

#3: Bam Adebayo tough times continue, but shows up when it matters…

There’s no doubt in my mind that Bam Adebayo is slightly injured at the moment. His bottom half seems to restrict him at times for total burst, but with that I add: those limitations aren’t an excuse for his recent play. No Tyler Herro meant he would be the clear cut secondary offensive option in this series. Yet it hasn’t felt like a trusted source. A 1 for 7 shooting first half sums it up decently well, but he just continues to get great looks inside the lane. Short jumpers, timely drives to the basket. He just can’t seem to connect right now. I think we’re also past the point of the reasoning being the need for actions being run for him. The shots just need to fall. And that’s what happened late in the fourth into OT on his way to a triple double. The passing and defense was loud and needed, before he fouled out late in OT.

#4: Third quarter: hot shooting from Bucks, cold perimeter defense from Heat.

It took until the third quarter before I found a game 2 theme, when they were in this building last. They matched energy and shot making early, but I kept saying they needed to find a way to slow it down or muck things up, because once the water shuts off for a stretch, it could get dicey. And well, the Bucks made that run late in the third as the Heat’s half court offense hit a wall. But the bigger key about that run was the Heat’s perimeter defense was mirroring game 2. The shooting was just tough to deal with from deep at that point from Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, but man Miami wasn’t making it any easier on themselves. You know what I sensed at that point: fatigue. The defense began to look lazier and much more tired with much of the close-outs, and yeah, that’s just a tough thing to fight against.

#5: Late-game madness…

102-86. The Bucks late 3rd quarter push felt like just the beginning as they took over the energy and flow. Yet with Jimmy Butler taking a breather, the Heat made the push. Adebayo still struggling to find his shot gets a tough left handed hook to drop, leading into a Love three off the kick. 8:30 to go, and Miami has cut it to 8. Spoelstra tried to get away with giving Butler some extra time of rest, but it felt like they squeezed as much as they could out of that five. Butler entered, and a Jrue Holiday step back 3 later it’s a double digit lead again. For the next few minutes, the odd part about the Heat’s defense was the placement of Butler. A lot of off-ball corner sitting with others running the offense. But then the 5 minute mark hit. He knocks down a pull-up elbow jumper, Strus get a block at the rim on the other end, and Heat finish the stretch with a Bam-Butler high/low action for the Butler finish. 5 point game. With the flow shifting now, they send Love off the screen for the three, but it’s off the mark. On the other end, Matthews knocks down a similar look, pushing the lead to 8 for a major swing. The Heat’s response: high-low from Bam to Jimmy for floater, high-low from Bam to Jimmy for layup and-1, Butler three. What a run. Antetokounmpo answers with an and-1 layup, as Bam Adebayo comes back with the jumper. Tie game. Middleton was fouled and sent to the line with under 30 seconds left, as they take a 2 point lead. Timeout. Butler and the Heat go for the kill yet again, as a right wing triple is the look for Butler, but it’s off the mark. Two Bucks free throws and they’re down 4. Heat inbound quickly and a Vincent pull-up triple cuts it to 1. Bucks throw it in, ball was loose, Lowry and Middleton fight for it, and a foul was called. Heat challenge, was successful, and ends in a jump ball at mid-court. Holiday gets fouled, knocks down 1 of 2, and Heat trail by 2 with 2 seconds left. Wild inbound play sends Butler to the rim, Vincent lobs, Butler finishes while falling to send to OT. Insane. Some more Butler madness continued with tough buckets, as the Heat have a 5 point lead with 2 minutes left in OT. Miami takes control late with a foul on a Strus three, as the Heat head to the second round…

Game 5: Panthers stay alive in series with 4-3 overtime win in Boston

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On the brink of elimination and a goal away from their season coming to an end, the Florida Panthers lived to fight another day after their Game 5, 4-3 overtime win against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden Wednesday night. 

 

A back and forth game saw the Panthers score the first goal of the game for just the second time in the series. The team that scored first through the first four games ended up winning.

 

8:26 into the first, Anthony Duclair opened the scoring. Carter Verhaeghe carried the puck behind the Bruins net, taking goaltender Linus Ullmark out of position. Duclair batted Verhaeghe’s shot-pass out of mid-air to score his first goal of the playoffs. 

 

The Panthers held onto their one goal lead into the first intermission, but it took Boston just a few minutes out of the break to tie the game, off of a Brad Marchand power play goal.

 

Boston flat out dominated the second period, outshooting the Panthers 18-8. The Panthers were holding onto the tie until the dying minutes of the period where playoff Sam Bennett picked up his third goal of the series to give Florida a 2-1 lead.

 

Florida led the Bruins after the first two periods for the first time all series. 

 

A big story of tonight’s game was Boston’s resilience all night. Three times the Panthers took the lead in regulation and three times the Bruins tied the game. 

 

With the game dwindling down, the Panthers were called for too many men on the ice with 3:35 left in a 3-3 game. The Bruins who had been peppering Sergei Bobrovsky all night had a chance to basically end the game if they could score their third power play goal of the night. 

 

The Panthers came up strong on the kill and overtime seemed on the horizon in Boston. 

 

With 7.7 seconds left in the third, Florida had a faceoff in the Bruins zone. It looked like the Panthers would have the last chance of regulation, but that wasn’t the case. Florida fumbled at the blue line and Marchand turned on the jets to get a last second breakaway on Bobrovsky. 

 

With about a second left in regulation, Marchand ripped what would have been the game winning shot towards Bobrovsky. The Panthers goalie stood tall and denied Marchand for his 40th save of the game. He finished the night with 44 saves.

 

The teams were heading to overtime for the first time in the series. 

 

Now in sudden death OT, both teams were expected to play it carefully and only take a chance if the coast was clear. 

 

Six minutes into overtime, Verhaeghe chased down a puck behind the Bruins net on the forecheck. A bad passing attempt by Ullmark found its way to Verhaeghe rather than a Bruins player. 

 

Verhaeghe’s off angle shot found its way to Matthew Tkachuk in front of goal and the Panthers star forward iced the game with the overtime winner.

 

The Panthers were able to win their second playoff game on the road in Boston to force a Game 6 back at home in Sunrise on Friday with the series at 3-2 in favor of the Bruins.

Panthers fly to Boston facing elimination – Get Duclair and Ekblad back, Lomberg and Bennett questionable

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SUNRISE – With Game 5 one day away, the Florida Panthers will head to Boston today with the hopes of returning to Sunrise with another game on the schedule.

 

The Panthers held a practice today at FLA Live Arena with most of the team in attendance.  Both Aaron Ekblad and Anthony Duclair were full participants today after missing Game 4 to injury.

 

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that both Ekblad and Duclair would be “good to go” for Game 5.

 

While two players come back into the lineup, there’s question marks surrounding another pair of Panthers. 

 

Sam Bennett and Ryan Lomberg were the only two players to not be on the ice today at practice.

 

Maurice said that he expects “one of them in for sure”, while the other will be a gametime decision. He did not specify which player would be the game time decision.

 

Bennett missed Game 1 with a lingering injury that had kept him out of the lineup for the last 12 games of the regular season. Bennett is a point-per-game in this series and is a key player as the Panthers’ second line center. 

 

Ryan Lomberg played in all 82 regular season games as well as the first four games of the playoffs. 

 

Both Bennett and Lomberg played their normal minutes in Sunday’s Game 4 loss. 

 

As for the starting goalie, Maurice didn’t say who would be in the net tomorrow, which was expected. Alex Lyon started Games 1-3, giving up nine goals over that span. Sergei Bobrovsky conceded five goals in his Game 4 start, while also giving up one goal in his short third period stint in Game 3.

 

Down 3-1 in the series, the Panthers locker room still has full confidence that they can turn the series around and return home for a Game 6 on Friday. 

 

“We’re not out of this series, we still got a lot more in our locker room, now it’s just do or die,” Sam Bennett said on Monday. 

 

The Bruins can advance to the second round with a win on Wednesday night, but they’ll still have some breathing room if they can’t get the job done at home tomorrow. The Panthers know the task at hand won’t be easy, but they have no other choice but to win – otherwise they’ll be packing up their lockers this week. 

 

“Essentially we got three Game 7’s coming up, we’re just going to focus on Game 5 right now,” Panthers defenseman Josh Mahura said. “Obviously it’s not the easiest situation to be in, but we’re not out of it. It’s the first team to four.”

 

Puck drop will be tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston. 

 

If the Panthers can get out of Boston with a win, there will be a Game 6 on Friday in Sunrise.

Five Takeaways from Heat’s Win Over Bucks

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Let’s just say this:

Jimmy Butler is just insane.

Some takeaways…

#1: More incredible first quarter heroics from Jimmy Butler.

Well, 22 points on 9 of 10 shooting would be a pretty good game for somebody in this league. But try a quarter, as that was Jimmy Butler’s line after 12 minutes of play. The one stretch that turned it around included: a Love pick and pop with the expectation of an Antetokounmpo switch turning into a dive and dunk on Giannis, a pull-up 3 as Holiday sags off, takes Antetokounmpo in the low post before converting on a tough right hand scoop, and a transition elbow jumper. Oh, by the way, this was a minute and a half span. He completely took over in that opening quarter and couldn’t miss, with anything he touched turning to gold. I often detail his polished schematic reads, but if I can be honest: the dude was just hooping at the highest level.

#2: The beams pointing right at Bam Adebayo as Butler searches for help.

The first half stat-line: 2 points and 2 turnovers? A -11 in only 10 minutes of play? It was just bad, when it comes down to the level they needed from him. As I detailed before the game, they were intentional about running plays for him to start. Those first two possessions were a Adebayo elbow isolation into a turnover and a low box screen into a block at the rim by Brook Lopez. Just brutal results. He then picked up a pair of fouls and had to exit early, but that was far from the biggest problem. He just wasn’t acting as a primary offensive option, as that mid-range space wasn’t being utilized in that drop. This team simply won’t let him attack, and it seems to tap into the mental side for him. Just a bad first half, as Butler had to carry along his Minnesota third stringers.

#3: Role player evaluation: Duncan Robinson adding some offense, Haywood Highsmith bringing the defense.

As I detailed earlier, there wasn’t much help being thrown around from the Miami Heat early. But there were two guys that did their job. Duncan Robinson came out firing like birthday Duncan, as his shot just seems as confident as ever. First play of second quarter was a DHO for Robinson, blending into some high PnR stuff for pull-ups. He was doing the needed things as that spacer and filler for Tyler Herro. As for Haywood Highsmith, he entered after that Bam Adebayo foul trouble, and man was he doing the dirty-work. Hounding in the zone, defending post-ups, rebounding. He was playing a role that the Heat desperately need usually, but wasn’t as noticeable as the flashy scoring stuff just wasn’t there as a unit. But just two guys to keep some tabs on.

#4: The Bucks front-court….

The defensive front-court combo of Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the toughest to face in the league. Lopez just planted under the rim for rim protection as Antetokounmpo lurks weak-side for lengthy help. But well, they were even more noticeable offensively in this one. Should be noted that Antetokounmpo didn’t look to be favoring that back at all, aside from his sideline standing instead of sitting down with the potential of it locking up. His transition play was dominant, his half-court attacks put major pressure on Miami, and it opened up his big man partner. Lopez was the guy who really tore them up at all three levels. Efficiency from deep, activity around the rim offensively, and just a force for most match-ups. Each game has been a new story, but when those guys are that efficient, it’s tough to overcome…

#5: The fourth quarter…

As we sat back watching a Lowry-Vincent-Robinson-Martin-Zeller lineup to start the 4th, the feeling was in the air that this game had passed far from their grasp. But then you hear those words: “Jimmy Butler checks into the game.” A few floaters later, midway through the fourth, you kind of looked up saying to yourself: “how is this only a 9 point game?” With 6:30 left on the clock, Heat call timeout following Butler coming up with the fumble in the bottom of the pile. As Lowry throws it in with 2 seconds on the shot clock, he throws it right to a plethora of Bucks defenders who go in the other direction. Sums it up well. Even with that gut-punch, it’s somehow an 8 point after a Butler pull-up in transtion? Off a miss, he drives on Middleton to the cup: and-1. 5 point game. Just insanity. Back to defense, Lowry on Holiday strips it away, Martin grabs it, and gets fouled off a strong attack. 3 point game. Martin bangs a foot on the line jumper in the corner with the place going nuts, as Miami forces a turnover into a Butler dunk. Heat up 1. How? I have no clue. Antetokounmpo comes back with an and-1, as Martin swings right back with a triple. With energy shifting back and forth, a cold blooded three by Holiday puts them up 2. Fast forward to the Butler takeover: pull-up 3 after pull-up 3. Heat up 3 with 58 seconds left. And Butler closes it out. Heat up 3-1.

 

*****

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Florida Panthers Game 4 lineup news

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SUNRISE – The question of who starts in net this afternoon for the Florida Panthers is still a mystery.

 

Head Coach Paul Maurice told the media that we will find out who is in net at game time. 

 

In Game 3 Florida ran both of their goalies. Alex Lyon started the game and Sergei Bobrovsky came in to finish it. 

 

Both goalies took part in the “extremely” optional practice yesterday in Sunrise. 

 

As for the rest of the lineup, that remains a question that is to be answered at puck drop.

 

Aaron Ekblad and Josh Mahura both left Friday night’s game with injuries. Ekblad took a few shifts after initially  leaving the ice, but ended up calling it a game.

 

Ekblad did take part in yesterday’s optional practice, while Josh Mahura did not.

 

The Panthers called up defenseman Lucas Carlsson from AHL Charlotte earlier today. Whether that is just to have an extra body with Charlotte not playing until April 28 or him being in the lineup will also be known later today at warmups. 

 

Carlsson had a phenomenal regular season with the Checkers – putting up 54 points in 61 games. In Charlotte’s first three playoff games this season, he has 4 points. 

The Bruins currently lead the series 2-1.

 

Puck drop is at 3:30 p.m. ET at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise.

 

Tonight’s Betting Odds – Presented by BettorEdge 

 

Bruins: Winner -146  Spread (-1.5)  +175 Over (6) -107

Panthers: Winner +146 Spread (+1.5) -175 Under (6) +107

 

Use code: 5RSN

Five Takeaways from Heat’s Win Over Bucks in Game 3

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The Heat took care of business in game 3 behind Jimmy Butler’s leading play, but everybody followed behind for a leveled stat sheet across the board. High level shooting helps.

Before I talk about the game though, the air was sucked out of the building after Victor Oladipo had another incident.

His knee buckled, the stretcher came out which he declined, and the entire Heat bench was in pain.

Some takeaways…

#1: Jimmy Butler’s first quarter masterclass…

Jimmy Butler dropped 17 points in the opening 12 minutes of this game, but that base stat wasn’t the impressive part. It was how he was doing it. For one, he decided to form into Steph Curry mid-quarter which was a fun twist. Three triples in that span as the Bucks were basically daring him to take it. Screen comes, Jrue Holiday disrespectfully slips under staring, and Butler just kept capitalizing. But the true art of that quarter was that he scored 17 points with absolutely elite defense being played on him. When it comes down to players defending Jimmy Butler, not many do as good a job as Jrue Holiday does. Strength, quickness, and overall activity. Yet Butler didn’t care. It wasn’t even affecting him, which made that first quarter one of the best I’ve seen him play. (Which says A LOT)

#2: Happy Birthday, Duncan Robinson???

Who would be the 8th guy? That was a common question pregame around the arena after Kevin Love officially got the start. After Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin, would they go big with Cody Zeller? Defense with Victor Oladipo or shooting with Duncan Robinson? Well, he actually went with both of those last two options. And before I get to the first guy, man was it good to see Robinson play like that. Early in the second quarter, he runs a pick and roll in an empty corner, finds space on the left wing, and knocks it down. Right after, he sprints toward Bam Adebayo for a hand-off on the short wing, hitting a tough fade-away to provide that spark. To cap off his run, a transition possession led by Oladipo leads to a toss to Robinson running full speed, who bangs another one. They need any role player fire they can get with Tyler Herro out, and that version of Duncan is a cool sight.

#3: From a game perspective, Victor Oladipo showed out. But an unfortunate end to the game…

I often express the two sides of the Victor Oladipo experience. As he sits outside the rotation looking in, the uneven shot selection seems to hold him back, while the perimeter defense is screaming to be utilized. As Coach Spo called on him to replace Jimmy Butler for the final 24 seconds of the first quarter, it was a loud 24 seconds. Inbound to Holiday as Oladipo presses, moving laterally off every burst Jrue tries to make. Ends in a miss at the rim as he hounded, leading into second quarter minutes. Did that short span win him his playing time tonight? I believe so. He continued to do some incredible on-ball things with his overall activity, which leaves you unable to keep your eyes off of it. Then the finish to the game ended in that scene I detailed earlier. Extremely sad stuff.

#4: Caleb Martin: the connector role to perfection.

There were some loud performances across the Heat’s roster tonight that deserved praise. Certain scorers, other defenders. But the most underrated and necessary of them all to me was Caleb Martin. The complete definition of a bridge on both ends. Defensively he didn’t have many 1-on-1 challenges with the Heat’s shaded help constantly, but his back-line consistency was big on that end. As for the offense, he was generating a lot of the good things that we were seeing. Pushing pace to get things brewing in the open court, but mostly his overall movement in the half-court. Quick slashes, hitting guys in the dunker spot on the move, and needed attacks. Wasn’t anything flashy, but I thought he was big in this one.

#5: It’s 2-1. Time to really pounce on this series.

We still don’t know the status of Giannis Antetokounmpo moving forward, but I’d guess he’s making a strong push to return Monday in game 4 as they have a chance to go down 3-1 in the series. But the issue is we have to monitor of everybody, as Jimmy Butler took a similar spill in this game that sent him to the locker room. Either way, the Bucks are going to be hungry. Yet the Heat need to be hungrier. We saw this play out in Milwaukee this week, as the Heat punched first then followed it up with a no energy performance in game 2. They should’ve learned their lesson though, now it’s time to take control of the series. Barring Jimmy Butler’s health, Monday is the true needle pusher.

Boston Celtics’ Most Famous Player: Who Is He?

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Just as defining the greatest player in NBA history is a challenge with answers ranging from Michael Jordan to LeBron James to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, so too is defining who is the most famous player in a franchise’s history. Would it be fair to compare a player from the 1950s to one of the 1990s to a player of today? 

 

With limited media coverage during the early years of the league to the growth of the game on television to today’s instant gratification on social media, knowledge and awareness of a player impacts their level of fame and popularity. 

 

Who Deserves A Shot In The Hall Of Fame?

When it comes to the Boston Celtics, winners of 17 NBA Championships, as well as 37 players in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and 23 jersey numbers hanging in the rafters of TD Garden, the team is arguably one of the most successful sports franchises in all of sport. These accomplishments make pinpointing who the Celtics’ most famous player is a challenge.

 

As with the classic G.O.A.T argument, maybe the most famous argument should be classified by era. With a limited number of televised games (13 in 1953, 20 in 1954), no internet, and regional print media, comparing it to the seemingly never-ending reach that today’s players have certainly put one group at a distinct disadvantage. 

 

If you regularly search for Boston Celtics sports betting promo codes, you should be familiar with the names below.

The Champ

Eleven NBA Championships, five MVPs, twelve All-Star Game appearances, and five rebounding titles. One would think with all of those accolades that Bill Russell would be a shoo-in for the most famous member of the Boston Celtics franchise. 

 

Standing at just 6’9”, which was tall for his era, Russell proved that the game could be won on the defensive end of the court, averaging just 15 points a game. A phenomenal athlete, Russell was known for his ability to run the court and finish the transition bucket.  However, it would be his 22.5 rebounds and an estimated 6-8 blocks per night (blocks were not an official stat when Russell played) that helped the Celtics become one of the two winningest franchises in the NBA. 

 

A member of all four NBA Anniversary Teams, the admiration, and respect for Russell would be felt league-wide when it was decided that the NBA Finals MVP would be named in his honor. Russell was one of the league’s first African-American superstars and the first to win an NBA Championship as a coach. Following his passing in 2022, the NBA would retire his #6 jersey leaguewide, the only player to hold such an honor. 

 

Unfortunately for Russell he played and lived in an era in which he had to endure a lot of racial abuse and controversy with fans and even the media, causing him to become known for being selfish and uncooperative which hurt his public status. 

The Hick From French Lick

Though half of the credit must be given to Earvin “Magic” Johnson (which Celtics fans will probably hate to admit), Larry Bird helped to impact the success of the Boston franchise, but more importantly, the league itself. 

 

He wasn’t the highest of flyers by any means and definitely not the quickest on the court and certainly not the most marketable, but Bird endeared himself to the blue-collar Boston faithful through his grit, determination, and desire for nothing less than a championship. Despite his lack of athleticism, Bird would put on a performance each night, providing the team with whatever it needed. Considering he shared the lineup with three other Hall of Fame teammates, Bird’s contributions were over and above everyone else.

 

A three-time champion, three-peat MVP, twelve-time All-Star, and Rookie of the Year, Bird was the founding member of the 50/40/90 club, an accomplishment he achieved twice in a row. 

 

Although his offensive arsenal was mostly ground-bound, Bird wowed fans with his shooting, his creative passing, and his ability to back up his infamous trash-talking. 

 

The Verdict

 

Whereas one made his presence known on the defensive end, the other countered offensively. Yet both endeared themselves to the city of Boston and Celtics fans around the world with their dedication to winning. 

 

One is arguably the greatest winner in team sports, while the other is credited with helping to keep the league alive. As for the answer to the question of who is more famous, the answer is in the eye of the beholder. 

Best Online Betting Sites 2023 in India

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In the online betting market at the moment there is a huge number of bookmakers that compete with each other. How do you know which site to trust? Indeed, sometimes it is extremely difficult to understand which bookmaker is reliable, whether they will keep the confidentiality of user data, or whether the player will be able to withdraw his winnings. The answers to these questions can be found in this article as well as on Betraja.in, a site with a large number of up-to-date reviews.

Popular Criteria

First of all, let’s consider what positions players focus their attention on when choosing a bookmaker.

  • Bonuses.

Each bookmaker strives to attract as many users as possible through profitable offers. Most often there are betting sites with a welcome bonus. The welcome bonus is activated after registration;

  • Betting Options.

Someone prefers football, and someone prefers cricket. If the site contains a large number of sports categories, and at the same time, you can bet on various world sporting events in them, then the site only benefits from this. Because people are attracted to diversity;

  • Banking Options.

In the age of information technology, you just need to link your card to your account on the betting platform and calmly make a deposit and withdraw winnings. However, now there are a lot of payment methods, and of course, if common online wallets are not presented on the site, then the user simply does not want to create a new wallet specifically for this site. It is easier for the player to find the site that has the option of paying with his wallet;

  • Minimum Deposit and Withdrawal.

For new bettors, it is very important that the minimum deposit amount is as small as possible. At first, many people are afraid to make big bets or are afraid for their money, because they do not trust bookmakers;

  • Mobile App.

For some bettors, this criterion is very important, since they do not have constant access to a PC. Many players place bets while commuting or while standing in line. The mobile application is very convenient for active use of various devices;

  • Customer Service.

Above, we have listed the main points that users pay attention to when choosing a gambling platform. Of course, do not forget about country restrictions, live streaming, low juice and others.

Safety and Security

If you have found a betting site with criteria that fully suits you, you should think about safety and legality. Many factors must be taken into account. One of the most important points to pay attention to is the gambling license. Most often it is Curacao License. This type of license allows players to absolutely legally carry out this type of activity and withdraw winning money to their accounts. Also, do not forget about gambling restrictions in some countries.

Variety of Sports to Bet on

As noted above, an important role in choosing the best sports betting site is played by the ability to bet on a large number of different sporting events of all kinds of sports. Accordingly, one of the main duties of a bookmaker is to follow the main sporting events in the world. Below is a list of sites with popular types of sports betting:

  • Hockey betting sites;
  • Football betting sites;
  • UFC betting sites;
  • Greyhounds betting sites;
  • Golf betting sites, etc.

There are ample opportunities to bet on many different sports. The large bets are made and a huge number of bonuses are provided on these kinds of sports. The best online sports betting site usually include events and matches not only from the major leagues, but also from lesser known ones. There are certain sports that all decent bookmakers offer to bet on. You can bet on them no matter where you register an account. However, the best online bookmakers differ from the rest in that they design their sports betting markets with due regard for not so popular sports. Not every bookmaker is able to calculate such a wide range of sports bets. Being the best means that bookmakers have to cover a very wide range of betting tastes.

2023 NFL Mock Draft

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The 2023 NFL Draft is just days away and NFL teams are finalizing their big boards and start to focus on draft day. This 2023 NFL Mock Draft answers the biggest questions on where the quarterbacks will be going, potential trades and big surprises.

In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft I will be focusing on the first round and finally give my thoughts on what the Dolphins will do with their first pick in this years draft.

Top 10 Mock Draft

1) Carolina Panthers: QB C.J. Stroud

As of now, the betting market has QB Bryce Young to be selected first. However, I believe new Panthers Head Coach Frank wants a prototypical QB for the scheme he’ll bring to Carolina in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

2) Houston Texans: QB Bryce Young

The connections are too great for Bryce Young to not be selected by Houston. Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans have spoke highly of Young. While Young does not fit the mold of your typical NFL Passer, he’s reminiscent of another QB (Kyler Murray) that was taken high with other elite traits at the QB position.

3) Detroit Lions (Projected Trade with Arizona): QB Anthony Richardson

Now this will make the biggest headlines in the 2023 NFL Draft if this actually happens. Yes, Jared Goff has done well with the Lions last year, but having Richardson in this Lions offense, with this many weapons and a good OL would set the Lions up for success in the future.

4) Indianapolis Colts: QB, Will Levis

Mayo loving QB Will Levis has been making waves in the pre-draft process. Scouts and NFL Media are raving about Levis playing in a pro-style offense at Kentucky. The Wildcat prospect has enough tools to work with, athleticism and ran a pro style offense with no run game, a bad OL and subpar receivers in the SEC. new HC Shane Steichen has worked with many QB’s in the past and could fit him up to be the next Colts QB.

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): DL Jalen Carter

Jalen Carter is exactly what the Seattle Seahawks need in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The Georgia Bulldog prospect is a monster up front, pairing him up with Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed is another step in revamping their front four and getting back to playing Championship caliber defense.

6) Arizona (Projected Trade with Arizona): EDGE Will Anderson

This is the best scenario for the Cardinals as there becomes a frenzy on QB’s and they take the best player available in the draft and gain picks to start their rebuild. Anderson is a blue chip prospect and the best player at his position. He has the athleticism, build, and arm length to make relentless plays against the pass and run

7) Las Vegas Raiders: OT Paris Johnson

With Jimmy Garoppolo as their new Qb, the Raiders will need protection up front. Johnson has the  a really nice prototype at OT-size, length, and quickness- for the Raiders to become a nasty unit up front. Kolton Miller is their LT for now and Johnson has only played a year at LT, he’s versatile enough to play RG. He’s an elite run blocker that will pave the way for Josh Jacobs.

8) Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Tyree Wilson

The Falcons need help with their pass rush, especially as they were ranked 26th in ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate. Wilson gives the Falcons a player with elite traits and measurables in a rotating pass rush group that will develop his skills and pass rush moves.

9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): OT Peter Skoronski

The Chicago Bears are in desperate need of any and all offensive linemen to protect QB Justin Fields. The best available OL for Ryan Poles on the board is Northwestern Peter Skoronski. According to the Bears evaluation chart, Length is a big requirement to play OT. Skoronski fits as a Guard with his measurables.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): RB Bijan Robinson

Death, Taxes, and Howie Roseman picking up value as one of the best General Managers in the NFL. Analytics be damned! Bijan rules and the Eagles try to continue to surround newly paid QB Jalen Hurts with more talent to make another run at the Super Bowl. Robinson and Hurts’ gravity with their legs will put defenders in a bind.

The Middle picks

11) Tennessee Titans: OT Broderick Jones

The Titans lost a lot of veteran offensive lineman in free agency and need to get younger, especially with Tannehill and Henry getting older. Tennessee gets bigger and stronger up front with the big UGA Bulldog. Jones has insane upside and is a great fit for Tennessee’s power running game.

12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland): WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Jaxson Smith-Njigba might be the best WR in this years class and certainly the first WR taken in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. While JSN might not be super fast, he’s an exceptional route runner, creates separation and gets downfield. He’ll pair up well in Houston with Bryce Young and John Metchie III.

13) New York Jets: OT Darnell Wright Tennessee

The rest of the world is waiting on the Aaron Rodgers saga, I’m not. The Jets need help at their Tackle position. The Jets depth chart at Tackle is paper thin and Wright becomes their best OL regardless of whoever is playing QB.

14) New England Patriots: EDGE Nolan Smith

The New England Patriots do not have any other pass rushers under contract beyond 2023 besides Matthew Judon and 2021 draft pick Ronnie Perkins. Smith is an athletic freak. He’s comparable to Haasan Reddick and gives Bill Belicheck a versatile player in the front seven.

15) Green Bay Packers: EDGE Myles Murphy

The Packers are currently looking to select a pass rusher in the draft and Murphy is the best option on the board. Murphy is a higly athletic pass rusher along the lines of what GM Brian Gutenkest likes in pass rushers. Murphy’s explosive off the edge but needs to better his technique against the run.

 

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16) Washington Commanders: CB Devon Witherspoon

Washington is in dire need of a cornerback and Witherspoon is the first corner off the board. Witherspoon’s the best corner on the board and offers position flexibility. Witherspoons learning curve in the Commanders defense would be minimal as Illinois ran a similar style in 2022.

 

17) Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Christian Gonzalez

Gonzalez is one of the many corners the Steelers have brought in for a draft visit and also need secondary help. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, he is an ideal size to matchup with bigger and stronger wide receivers at the NFL level especially in the AFC.

18) Detroit Lions: CB Joey Porter Jr.

As the run on CB’s start, the Lions bolster their defense with an NFL Bloodline prospects. After the trade of Okudah, the Lions level up in the secondary. With Porter’s versatility means he’ll fill in anywhere he’s needed and a good schematic fit for the Lions.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Brian Branch

Todd Bowles needs a thumper in the middle of his defense and someone who can wear multiple hats while doing it well. Branch is that player. He’s a do it all defender with good instincts in coverage and speed as a blitzer. As of now the Bucs need a nickel defender and someone who has the ability to also play safety. Branch is the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Rounding out the teens

20) Cincinnati Bengals (Projected Trade with Seattle): TE Dalton Kincaid

This is a pretty shocking trade to pull off, especially for a TE. However, this TE class is absolutely loaded and Kincaid is the best pass catching TE there is to help bring more firepower to an electric Bengals offense.

21) Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnson

There are targets up for grabs in LA, and Johnston fits a similar profile to the type of receivers the Chargers have drafted in the past. Size, RAC, and toughness. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams aren’t getting any younger.

22) Baltimore Ravens: CB Deonte Banks

Deonte Banks stays home in Maryland in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Banks is a natural fit in Mike MacDonalds system and great in man coverage. Banks is a young infusion in a well tenured defensive back group that dealt with injuries last season.

23) Minnesota Vikings: WR Zay Flowers

It would not shock me if the Minnesota Vikings trade back to gain more draft capital, however; if a top WR2 prospect like Zay Flowers is avaliable, I think they take him. It’s a good move to pair up Zay Flowers with Justin Jefferson, two really good separators that can do damage against top CB’s.

24) Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Calijah Kancey

The Jaguars have a void in the interior of their defensive line. Calijah Kancey gives the Jaguars a young, but dominant core for the next couple of years. While Kancey does not have the measurables, he was disruptive and a productive force at Pitt and can line up anywhere on the front seven to make the Jaguars a multiple front.

25) New York Giants: WR Jordan Addison

An extremely productive receiver at Pitt with Kenny Pickett and at USC with Caleb Williams, Addison goes to newly paid Giants QB Daniel Jones to give the football Giants a brand new playmaker they have desperately needed into their offense. Addison is a refined route runner that can lineup in the slot and move around the field.

26) Dallas Cowboys: DL Bryan Bresee

This pick goes against the grain of what the Cowboys have done in the first round, they’re all about flashy players on offense, TE feels like a safe pick but they have pressing needs at defensive tackle. While Dallas’ defense is strong they need someone in the middle of the line to make it stout. Having Breese, coming off an ACL injury, but young and talented to play by Micah and DeMarcus Lawerence would set the Boys DL for the future

27) Buffalo Bills: EDGE Lukas Van Ness

Recent history suggest Bills draft defense in the first round, especially amongst the front seven. Buffalo gets a physical but raw defender in Lukas Van Ness in this 2023 Mock Draft.  Van Ness is a project early on but having him learn the tools of the trade behind DaQuaon Jones, Ed Oliver, and Von Miller will benefit his development. His upside is not to be taken lightly. The Bills defense is built from the inside out, and the rugged Hawkeyes pass rusher would fit the culture and could be a critical rotational edge rusher as a rookie.

28) Seattle Seahawks (Projected Trade with Cincinatti): G O’Cyrus Torrence

In a whirlwind trade with the Cincinatti Bengals, the Seattle Seahawks get tremendous value in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. One of the best offensive lineman in the draft lands up in Seattle to form a young offensive line that provides a long term fixture at guard. Geno Smith gets another year to prove himself behind an OL that ranked 27th in the NFL per PFF with two rookie tackles.

29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): DL Mazi Smith

The Saints need to shore up the interior of their defense, especially after losing three starters in Shy Tuttle, David Onyemata, and Marcus Davenport. The consensus points to Michigan prospect Mazi Smith to settle down in the Bayou. Smith is a classic run stuffer for a Dennis Allen Saints defense with athleticism on early downs. They ranked 24th against the rush, Mazi is a big bodied presence for the Saints.

30) Philadelphia Eagles: OT Anton Harrison

It’s like General Manager Howie Roseman loves Sooner Prospects. First Lane Johnson, then Jalen Hurts, next up in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is Anton Harrison. Harrison just had a top 30 visit with the Eagles. Harrison is reloaded into the Eagles offensive line to continue their dominant run game and protect Jalen Hurts. Also, Eagles Coach Jeff Stoutland loved what Harrison was able to do in the pass rush drop drill at the Combine.

31) Kansas City Chiefs: TE Michael Mayer

Man would this be a selection for the Kansas City Chiefs. Pairing up one of the best TE prospects in this draft class with a future Hall of Famer in TE Travis Kelce. The Combination of Mayer and Kelce will be destructive for opposing defenses as the Chiefs would do damage in 12 personnel. Michael Mayer can do the dirty work in the trenches and pick up yards in the passing game.

Bonus

51) Miami Dolphins: TE Darnell Washington

Darnell Washington is hard to miss if he’s available on the board. At 6’7 and 265 pounds, Washington is a freakishly good athlete that relies on his strengths to block in-line and can catch passes at his size. He’s hard to take down. It’ll take some time for Washington to become a tactful blocker in Miami, but he does strengthen the blocking aspect of Miami’s offensive line.

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

Five Takeaways from Heat’s Loss to Bucks in Game 2

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Giannis Antetokounmpo missing, and the Bucks not missing should sum this game up pretty well.

An offensive explosion leaves the Heat in the dust as they tie up the series 1-1.

Heat head back to Miami to protect home court.

But first, some takeaways from game 2…

#1: The Bucks insanely dominant offensive first half, the Heat’s underwhelming perimeter defense.

When it comes to describing the ways that first half went aside from listing off 81 points scored, 12 of 21 from three, and the overall energy controlling for the Bucks, there honestly was a common denominator to all of their problems: perimeter defense. After the Heat planted Max Strus on Brook Lopez in game 1, the Bucks adjusted. He completely took over early in this game inside, as the Bucks hit the 40 point mark in paint points in the first half. We can blame lack of size or the guy fronting down low, but their issues didn’t lie there. Instead it was the entry passes being made with ease after strolling right into a paint touch. When looking at the lineups they’re running, it’s clear we shouldn’t be surprised, but that’s the way Miami has gotten by in this structure. If the ball pressure isn’t there, the defense isn’t there.

#2: The interchanging spot without Tyler Herro.

To quickly zoom out from all of the specifics for a second, the Heat have had some decisions to make regarding the replacement for Tyler Herro. The early stint went to Duncan Robinson as he stepped into his starting role, and the idea of it was much better than game two’s result. No actions involved, zero shot attempts, and a pair of quick fouls as one came on a triple that went down. Victor Oladipo rotated into the bunch, and he was much better than originally expected. The question is always about stepping back from constant on-ball reps, and if his pull-ups can fall against a team that blocks off the rim. And well, they were dropping early which was a good sign. But aside from those two, many Heat fans were calling for more Kevin Love next to Bam Adebayo as they were getting blitzed in the paint. This shooting performance was what it was, but they need to find the next move.

#4: A giant downgrade in the pace department.

Talk about a tale of two games. As I sat here in game 1 describing the things that went right, a big part of that was the Heat randomly increasing pace a large amount which shifted much of their offensive looks. Getting to their initial actions, letting Jimmy Butler loose a ton, and making that four verticals deep bomb to not have to operate against the Bucks’ set defense every time down. Well, that wasn’t the case in this one. Right from the jump, I said to myself, yeah they don’t have the same transition urgency as they did the other night. Walking it down the floor, back against the shot clock more often than they wanted, and less movement as a whole. I’m not saying I expected Miami to go from one of the lowest pace teams to top of the league, but it’s about a recognition of matchup and the need for energy. Game 1 it was noticed, game 2 it was left in the past.

#4: I have some matchup questions…

After already beating the drum of the Brook Lopez paint factor, it should be noted that I didn’t have a problem with stick with that matchup. Force Brook Lopez to beat you and get off the three point line was a trial run. But the two primary Bucks players saw a new individual matchup tonight, and both seemed to have their way. Jimmy Butler on Jrue Holiday, Gabe Vincent on Khris Middleton. Why? Yeah let me be upfront, I have no idea. Holiday had a 21 point first half himself, but that wasn’t due to a matchup problem, he just found open gaps off secondary attacks. Middleton, on the other hand, liked what he saw. A skilled 3 level scorer who can play with his back to the basket now has a 6 foot guard attached to him? Well okay. It wasn’t even an out of this world Middleton performance, but the point still stands. Switching up those matchups felt odd, and I definitely wouldn’t keep that going heading into game 3.

#5: Zoom out: time for the reset.

So now that we addressed this game enough and everything that went wrong, perspective is necessary. It’s only 1 win on the road to grabbing 4. And if we’re being honest, the Heat already did their job by stealing a game in Milwaukee’s building. The two issues with that is 1) they acted like a team in game 2 that already got what they needed and 2) the guy in MVP contention should be returning pretty soon. But either way, a total reset is needed, and all the focus lands on protecting home court. They get another two day break before they get back to business, as we should monitor that knee for Butler who was rubbing it on the bench late in the third. Reset, adjust the game-plan, and control the energy again back in your own building.