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NBA Play-In Picks: Best Bets for Warriors vs Clippers and Magic vs 76ers | Deadspin.com  Jan 30, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) and center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) react after basket against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Either Stephen Curry or Kawhi Leonard will miss the playoff this season while a whole team of Portland Trail Blazers will be part of the festivities.That tells the story of what underachievers the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are entering their Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The season is over for the losing team while the winner gets another chance to make the playoffs on Friday.The Eastern Conference play-in game between the Orlando Magic and host Philadelphia 76ers is also on tap. Absentee-prone Joel Embiid (38 games) and Paul George (37) reminded us exactly who they are as neither player participated in half of Philadelphia’s regular-season games.GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS AT LOS ANGELES CLIPPERSGolden State likes to point to only having Curry for 43 games due to injuries as the reason for its decline but the franchise has been crumbling in the ruins even when he’s on the floor. We hate to see dynasty teams turn into the New Orleans Pelicans but this team is on pace to be that way next season.Curry can still bomb away with the best of them, so expect him to launch plenty of 3-point aerials. The confidence is always on high from outside and a big night from behind the arc would elevate the Warriors’ chances of winning.Stephen Curry to make the most 3-pointers in this game, +116 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Leonard has been carrying the Clippers most of the season and for all the time since James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 34-year-old averaged a career-best 27.9 points per game and has scored 20 or more points in 57 straight games.In the loser-goes-home contest, you can expect Leonard to continue being the man and perhaps turning in a 40-point performance. The Clippers surely aren’t going to be looking for Brook Lopez or Kris Dunn to double their averages, they are going to fully revolve around their best player like any other night.Kawhi Leonard to score 31-plus points, -111 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+  ORLANDO MAGIC AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERSEmbiid and George were expected to team up with Tyrese Maxey to give Philadelphia a nice three-player attack that would easily land a top-six playoff spot. Oops, that didn’t happen and Maxey was mostly a one-gang team while averaging a career-best 28.3 points per game.Embiid will miss the contest due to undergoing an appendectomy – OK, so this is more of a bad-luck thing so we’re not going to pick on him. His absence, though, just makes it even clearer that Philadelphia needs another big-time effort from Maxey to beat the Magic.Tyrese Maxey to score the most points in this game, -115 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Paolo Banchero was all-everything in the regular-season finale against the Boston Celtics with 23 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his fifth career triple-double. You know he will be primed for another solid game but the scoring line for Banchero (24-plus points, -109) is troublesome since he has scored fewer than 24 in eight of the past nine games.There’s also this – Desmond Bane has scored 10 total points over the past two games. Repeat – 10. He often scores that many in a single quarter. Yet earlier this month, he went 27, 27, 25 over a three-game stretch. It reasons that the good Bane will be back on display Wednesday.Desmond Bane to score 20-plus points, -112 Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #PlayIn #Picks #Bets #Warriors #Clippers #Magic #76ers #Deadspin.com

NBA Play-In Picks: Best Bets for Warriors vs Clippers and Magic vs 76ers | Deadspin.com
NBA Play-In Picks: Best Bets for Warriors vs Clippers and Magic vs 76ers | Deadspin.com  Jan 30, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) and center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) react after basket against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Either Stephen Curry or Kawhi Leonard will miss the playoff this season while a whole team of Portland Trail Blazers will be part of the festivities.That tells the story of what underachievers the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are entering their Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The season is over for the losing team while the winner gets another chance to make the playoffs on Friday.The Eastern Conference play-in game between the Orlando Magic and host Philadelphia 76ers is also on tap. Absentee-prone Joel Embiid (38 games) and Paul George (37) reminded us exactly who they are as neither player participated in half of Philadelphia’s regular-season games.GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS AT LOS ANGELES CLIPPERSGolden State likes to point to only having Curry for 43 games due to injuries as the reason for its decline but the franchise has been crumbling in the ruins even when he’s on the floor. We hate to see dynasty teams turn into the New Orleans Pelicans but this team is on pace to be that way next season.Curry can still bomb away with the best of them, so expect him to launch plenty of 3-point aerials. The confidence is always on high from outside and a big night from behind the arc would elevate the Warriors’ chances of winning.Stephen Curry to make the most 3-pointers in this game, +116 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Leonard has been carrying the Clippers most of the season and for all the time since James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 34-year-old averaged a career-best 27.9 points per game and has scored 20 or more points in 57 straight games.In the loser-goes-home contest, you can expect Leonard to continue being the man and perhaps turning in a 40-point performance. The Clippers surely aren’t going to be looking for Brook Lopez or Kris Dunn to double their averages, they are going to fully revolve around their best player like any other night.Kawhi Leonard to score 31-plus points, -111 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+  ORLANDO MAGIC AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERSEmbiid and George were expected to team up with Tyrese Maxey to give Philadelphia a nice three-player attack that would easily land a top-six playoff spot. Oops, that didn’t happen and Maxey was mostly a one-gang team while averaging a career-best 28.3 points per game.Embiid will miss the contest due to undergoing an appendectomy – OK, so this is more of a bad-luck thing so we’re not going to pick on him. His absence, though, just makes it even clearer that Philadelphia needs another big-time effort from Maxey to beat the Magic.Tyrese Maxey to score the most points in this game, -115 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Paolo Banchero was all-everything in the regular-season finale against the Boston Celtics with 23 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his fifth career triple-double. You know he will be primed for another solid game but the scoring line for Banchero (24-plus points, -109) is troublesome since he has scored fewer than 24 in eight of the past nine games.There’s also this – Desmond Bane has scored 10 total points over the past two games. Repeat – 10. He often scores that many in a single quarter. Yet earlier this month, he went 27, 27, 25 over a three-game stretch. It reasons that the good Bane will be back on display Wednesday.Desmond Bane to score 20-plus points, -112 Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #PlayIn #Picks #Bets #Warriors #Clippers #Magic #76ers #Deadspin.comJan 30, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) and center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) react after basket against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Either Stephen Curry or Kawhi Leonard will miss the playoff this season while a whole team of Portland Trail Blazers will be part of the festivities.

That tells the story of what underachievers the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are entering their Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The season is over for the losing team while the winner gets another chance to make the playoffs on Friday.

The Eastern Conference play-in game between the Orlando Magic and host Philadelphia 76ers is also on tap. Absentee-prone Joel Embiid (38 games) and Paul George (37) reminded us exactly who they are as neither player participated in half of Philadelphia’s regular-season games.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS AT LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Golden State likes to point to only having Curry for 43 games due to injuries as the reason for its decline but the franchise has been crumbling in the ruins even when he’s on the floor. We hate to see dynasty teams turn into the New Orleans Pelicans but this team is on pace to be that way next season.

Curry can still bomb away with the best of them, so expect him to launch plenty of 3-point aerials. The confidence is always on high from outside and a big night from behind the arc would elevate the Warriors’ chances of winning.

Stephen Curry to make the most 3-pointers in this game, +116 (DraftKings)

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Leonard has been carrying the Clippers most of the season and for all the time since James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 34-year-old averaged a career-best 27.9 points per game and has scored 20 or more points in 57 straight games.

In the loser-goes-home contest, you can expect Leonard to continue being the man and perhaps turning in a 40-point performance. The Clippers surely aren’t going to be looking for Brook Lopez or Kris Dunn to double their averages, they are going to fully revolve around their best player like any other night.

Kawhi Leonard to score 31-plus points, -111 (DraftKings)

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ORLANDO MAGIC AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Embiid and George were expected to team up with Tyrese Maxey to give Philadelphia a nice three-player attack that would easily land a top-six playoff spot. Oops, that didn’t happen and Maxey was mostly a one-gang team while averaging a career-best 28.3 points per game.

Embiid will miss the contest due to undergoing an appendectomy – OK, so this is more of a bad-luck thing so we’re not going to pick on him. His absence, though, just makes it even clearer that Philadelphia needs another big-time effort from Maxey to beat the Magic.

Tyrese Maxey to score the most points in this game, -115 (DraftKings)

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Paolo Banchero was all-everything in the regular-season finale against the Boston Celtics with 23 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his fifth career triple-double. You know he will be primed for another solid game but the scoring line for Banchero (24-plus points, -109) is troublesome since he has scored fewer than 24 in eight of the past nine games.

There’s also this – Desmond Bane has scored 10 total points over the past two games. Repeat – 10. He often scores that many in a single quarter. Yet earlier this month, he went 27, 27, 25 over a three-game stretch. It reasons that the good Bane will be back on display Wednesday.

Desmond Bane to score 20-plus points, -112

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#NBA #PlayIn #Picks #Bets #Warriors #Clippers #Magic #76ers #Deadspin.com

Jan 30, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) and center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) react after basket against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Either Stephen Curry or Kawhi Leonard will miss the playoff this season while a whole team of Portland Trail Blazers will be part of the festivities.

That tells the story of what underachievers the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are entering their Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The season is over for the losing team while the winner gets another chance to make the playoffs on Friday.

The Eastern Conference play-in game between the Orlando Magic and host Philadelphia 76ers is also on tap. Absentee-prone Joel Embiid (38 games) and Paul George (37) reminded us exactly who they are as neither player participated in half of Philadelphia’s regular-season games.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS AT LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Golden State likes to point to only having Curry for 43 games due to injuries as the reason for its decline but the franchise has been crumbling in the ruins even when he’s on the floor. We hate to see dynasty teams turn into the New Orleans Pelicans but this team is on pace to be that way next season.

Curry can still bomb away with the best of them, so expect him to launch plenty of 3-point aerials. The confidence is always on high from outside and a big night from behind the arc would elevate the Warriors’ chances of winning.

Stephen Curry to make the most 3-pointers in this game, +116 (DraftKings)

Our Current Best Offers

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Leonard has been carrying the Clippers most of the season and for all the time since James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 34-year-old averaged a career-best 27.9 points per game and has scored 20 or more points in 57 straight games.

In the loser-goes-home contest, you can expect Leonard to continue being the man and perhaps turning in a 40-point performance. The Clippers surely aren’t going to be looking for Brook Lopez or Kris Dunn to double their averages, they are going to fully revolve around their best player like any other night.

Kawhi Leonard to score 31-plus points, -111 (DraftKings)

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Underdog
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ORLANDO MAGIC AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Embiid and George were expected to team up with Tyrese Maxey to give Philadelphia a nice three-player attack that would easily land a top-six playoff spot. Oops, that didn’t happen and Maxey was mostly a one-gang team while averaging a career-best 28.3 points per game.

Embiid will miss the contest due to undergoing an appendectomy – OK, so this is more of a bad-luck thing so we’re not going to pick on him. His absence, though, just makes it even clearer that Philadelphia needs another big-time effort from Maxey to beat the Magic.

Tyrese Maxey to score the most points in this game, -115 (DraftKings)

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Paolo Banchero was all-everything in the regular-season finale against the Boston Celtics with 23 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his fifth career triple-double. You know he will be primed for another solid game but the scoring line for Banchero (24-plus points, -109) is troublesome since he has scored fewer than 24 in eight of the past nine games.

There’s also this – Desmond Bane has scored 10 total points over the past two games. Repeat – 10. He often scores that many in a single quarter. Yet earlier this month, he went 27, 27, 25 over a three-game stretch. It reasons that the good Bane will be back on display Wednesday.

Desmond Bane to score 20-plus points, -112

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Shreyas Iyer has told me not to take pressure; it’s his job as captain to do that: Nehal Wadhera <div id="content-body-70865687" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Nehal Wadhera was deep in conversation with Shreyas Iyer at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of Punjab Kings’ IPL clash against Mumbai Indians. </p><p>The youngster, who has struggled for form with just 27 runs in three innings, was keen to pick his captain’s brain on rediscovering his rhythm.</p><p>Shreyas, known for his calm demeanour, listened patiently before offering a simple yet impactful piece of advice. “He told me to play without any pressure and said that, as captain, it’s his job to take the pressure,” Wadhera said.</p><p>“That tells you a lot about him as a leader. He enjoys the pressure, and you can see that in his performances and his batting,” he added.</p><p><b>Preview | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/mumbai-indians-vs-punjab-kings-ipl-2026-match-preview-mi-v-pbks-rohit-sharma-injury-news/article70865541.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Under-fire Mumbai Indians to be tested by high-flying Punjab Kings</a></b></p><p>“It’s a big thing for a captain to say this to a player, that you just play your game, don’t worry about the results as I’m here to handle the pressure and take the team over the line. These are the kind of conversations we have in the dressing room.”</p><p>Wadhera also highlighted the positive environment fostered by head coach Ricky Ponting, crediting him for instilling confidence in the squad.</p><p>“He just speaks positively. He doesn’t have any negative words in his dictionary,” Wadhera said.</p><p>“Even if a player gets out, he focuses on the positives. A batter doesn’t fear failure because he knows he has the backing of the coach.”</p><p>With strong support from both captain and coach, Wadhera believes the environment within the Punjab Kings camp allows players the freedom to express themselves.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #Shreyas #Iyer #told #pressure #job #captain #Nehal #Wadhera

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com   The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. How the Patriots could win this tradeConsidering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.   #Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

Basketball players don’t usually peak in their thirties. But Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, who is 32 years old and in her 10th WNBA season, is playing some of the best basketball of her career.

Williams, who is in her third year playing for head coach Cheryl Reeve on the Lynx, is averaging a career-best 17.8 points, along with 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. She’s shooting 50% from the field and 44.4% from three — both career-highs — while turning the ball over just 1.8 times per game, her lowest figure since 2022.

She is coming off a season-high 30-point explosion against the Phoenix Mercury on Monday night. In that 34-point victory, Williams shot 13-of-20 from the field in 29 minutes — the fewest minutes played in a 30-point game in franchise history.

And, the Lynx are thriving. They are currently riding a 5-game win streak and have a league-best 7-2 record. They have outscored opponents by an average of 12 points per game, the highest point differential in the WNBA (for reference, the Dallas Wings and Golden State Valkyries are tied for the next-best differential at +6.2, so no one else is particularly close).

Olivia Miles, Natasha Howard have also been powering the Lynx’s early success

Williams has been the team’s leading scorer (and the 11th-leading scorer in the WNBA), but she’s far from the only reason why the Lynx find themselves on top of the standings.

Natasha Howard is also undergoing a revival; the 34-year-old is averaging 16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while anchoring the team’s defense. Kayla McBride is averaging 13.2 points per game (while shooting an uncharacteristically low 28.6% from three), and Nia Coffey is averaging a career-high 9.9 points per game and playing some of the best basketball of her career.

But the most impactful player might be No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles, who is averaging 15.8 points, 6.2 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 49.5% from the field. Miles has taken the mantle at point guard, allowing Williams to be more of a primary scorer than a playmaker, which is her natural position.

The Olivia Miles / Courtney Williams fit in the backcourt has been seamless.

“Court, the second I stepped on the court was like ‘Go run the one, I’ll be your running mate,‘” Miles said last week, per Andrew Dukowitz. “It’s so easy with her — she’s in her natural position, she’s where she’s thriving. I think she’s playing some of her best basketball that I’ve seen. It’s so easy to play with her, it’s easy to play with everyone — when you have people who are willing to let you be you and trust you.”

Now, the Lynx, despite losing key rotation players like Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman, and Bridget Carleton in the offseason, find themselves at the top of the standings.

#32yearold #WNBA #guard #leagues #players">32-year-old WNBA guard has been one of the league’s best players  Basketball players don’t usually peak in their thirties. But Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams, who is 32 years old and in her 10th WNBA season, is playing some of the best basketball of her career.Williams, who is in her third year playing for head coach Cheryl Reeve on the Lynx, is averaging a career-best 17.8 points, along with 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. She’s shooting 50% from the field and 44.4% from three — both career-highs — while turning the ball over just 1.8 times per game, her lowest figure since 2022.She is coming off a season-high 30-point explosion against the Phoenix Mercury on Monday night. In that 34-point victory, Williams shot 13-of-20 from the field in 29 minutes — the fewest minutes played in a 30-point game in franchise history.And, the Lynx are thriving. They are currently riding a 5-game win streak and have a league-best 7-2 record. They have outscored opponents by an average of 12 points per game, the highest point differential in the WNBA (for reference, the Dallas Wings and Golden State Valkyries are tied for the next-best differential at +6.2, so no one else is particularly close).Olivia Miles, Natasha Howard have also been powering the Lynx’s early success Williams has been the team’s leading scorer (and the 11th-leading scorer in the WNBA), but she’s far from the only reason why the Lynx find themselves on top of the standings.Natasha Howard is also undergoing a revival; the 34-year-old is averaging 16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while anchoring the team’s defense. Kayla McBride is averaging 13.2 points per game (while shooting an uncharacteristically low 28.6% from three), and Nia Coffey is averaging a career-high 9.9 points per game and playing some of the best basketball of her career.But the most impactful player might be No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles, who is averaging 15.8 points, 6.2 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 49.5% from the field. Miles has taken the mantle at point guard, allowing Williams to be more of a primary scorer than a playmaker, which is her natural position.The Olivia Miles / Courtney Williams fit in the backcourt has been seamless.“Court, the second I stepped on the court was like ‘Go run the one, I’ll be your running mate,‘” Miles said last week, per Andrew Dukowitz. “It’s so easy with her — she’s in her natural position, she’s where she’s thriving. I think she’s playing some of her best basketball that I’ve seen. It’s so easy to play with her, it’s easy to play with everyone — when you have people who are willing to let you be you and trust you.”Now, the Lynx, despite losing key rotation players like Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman, and Bridget Carleton in the offseason, find themselves at the top of the standings.  #32yearold #WNBA #guard #leagues #players

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