Author Archives: Anoop Uppal

T-Wolves push Golden State to the brink

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(Photo: Draft Kings Network, NBA)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead in there 2nd round matchup against the Golden State Warriors just like I predicted. This win now gives the T-Wolves a chance to book there ticket to there 2nd straight Conference Finals appearance. 

Anthony Edwards and Julias Randle carried the way for the T-Wolves in this game Randle had 31 points and Edwards had 30 in this game 4 match up. Edwards ignited a huge run in the 3rd quarter where the game was still in reach for either team the Wolves went on a 17-0 run with Edwards putting up 11 points in the 17-0 run. After this run the Wolves did not look back as they held this lead all the way up until the end of the game. 

Minnesota’s defence played a huge part in this game as Jaden McDaniels had a great game grabbing 13 boards and putting up 10 points for a double double. McDaniels efforts really showed as he stopped Golden State star jimmy butler from having the breakout game me and many other people expected. Rudy Gobert played a big part in the paint keeping the warriors out of there he had 6 boards 8 points and 1 block. The Warriors playing without superstar Steph Curry struggled from beyond the arc just shooting an abysmal 8 of 27, compared to Minnesota who shot 16 of 34. 

Steph Curry will likely miss game 5 in Minnesota on Wednesday at the Target Center, but i have a sneaky suspicion that Curry might fast track his return to try to save the Warriors season on Wednesday. Golden State have a history of Star players returning a little bit faster than expected in 2019 both Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant came back rushed to face the Toronto Raptors in the NBA finals both stars suffered career altering injuries that kept them sidelined for years. The question is Steph Curry is 36 year old he is getting no younger is it worth it to bring him back and risk his injury becoming more significant? In my opinion Golden State has maybe 2 more years left with Curry so i think its not worth it. Steph is a fierce competitor though thats why he is a future 1st ballot Hall Of Famer we will see if he returns. For the Wolves i think the game plan stays the same keep shooting that 3 ball, feed off the crowds energy and smother Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga in the half court. Do those things and you might have another Conference Finals appearance on your hands.   

Mavs capture the Flagg

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(Photo: NBA)

The NBA Draft Lottery went down last night and the results were shocking. The draft which was held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago last night delivered a stunning outcome. The Dallas Mavericks who had a 1.8% chance of winning the Lottery won the NBA Draft Lottery. With the Lottery win this Mavericks team is now in position to draft generational talent Cooper Flagg in the upcoming draft in June.

Flagg, is an 18 year old superstar from Maine, he is widely regarded as a generational talent and he has all the intangibles to be the next generational talent. He stands at 6’9″ and weighs 225 he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in collage at Duke. He also lead the Blue Devils to a final 4 appearance in just his freshman year. His unbelievable basketball IQ and his anchoring defence have drawn comparisons to NBA legends. He is one of the most hyped prospects in a long time people knew this kid was special all the way back in middle school and the public has been watching him since his days at Montverde academy which has produced countless NBA talent and the best high school basketball teams of all time.

The Mavericks unexpected lottery win comes after there most tumultuous season yet. Coming off the backs of a NBA Finals appearance things were looking up for the Mavs, but in a shock move the Mavs ended up trading away the man who took them all the way to the finals in Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. Mavericks fans were not happy about this trade as protests were held outside of there arena and fire Nico (there general manager) chants were heard on multiple occasions in Dallas. Fans hope they can turn this franchise around again as they get a re do with another generational talent. 

Else where the San Antonio Spurs got the second overall pick as the Spurs who already have Victor Wembanyama get another lottery pick as they prepare for there future of what seems to be an exciting time to be a Spurs fan. The 76ers off the backs of a horrible season which saw star player Joel Embiid and rookie Jared McCain go down with season ending injuries ended up getting the 3rd pick in this years draft. 

The 2025 draft is scheduled for June 25th and 26th and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn New York. With the draft order now determined teams are locking in on scouting to find there teams next superstar. 

Knicks take down Celtics to take 3-1 series lead

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( Photo: Gulf News, NBA)

The New York Knicks just took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals, following a 121-113 victory at MSG, however this game was over shadowed by something very big. Jayson Tatum went down late in the 4th quarter and initially it looked like a sprained ankle, but looking at further replay that is not what happened. Tatum extends his leg out snd goes down immediately holding his lower part of his leg. Tatum had such a great game today as well up to that point having 42 points 8 rebounds and 4 assists really putting the Celtics on his back. I am no doctor but that to me looked like an achilles injury prayers go out to Jayson Tatum he is such a young athlete only one can hope it’s not as serious as it looks. An MRI is scheduled to take place so hopefully Tatum is all good. Here is a doctors tweet sharing his concern about the Tatum injury.  https://x.com/DrJesseMorse/status/1922112270626066579

Despite having a 14 point lead in this game the Celtics managed to blow another lead in this series it has been a pattern as in all 3 New York wins they have been down by double digits in the 2nd half. This win has New York one game away from a conference finals appearance the Knicks haven’t been to a conference final in over 25 years. The series now shifts back to TD Garden in Boston, and more than likely the defending champion Celtics will be without there star player.

The Knicks depth and resilience has shown in this series and they have proven they can win in Boston. There ability to capitalise on the Celtics mistakes has been second to none this series, but do not count the Celtics out. Even though they will probably not have there best player available for game 5 this Celtic team is still stacked. Guys like Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingus and 6th man of the year Payton Pritchard will have to step it up in the possible absence of Tatum. The Celtics in 2023 were down 3-0 to the Miami Heat and they forced a game 7 in that series even though they did lose, they showed incredible fight and became only a handful of teams to almost come back down 3-0. A 3-0 comeback has never been accomplished in NBA history, but u know what has been accomplished a 3-1 comeback so do not count out the Boston Celtics. 

Golden State looks to even series without curry

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(Photo: Yahoo Sports, NBA)

The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a weird position as they are down 2-1 in there 2nd round series match up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. To make matters worse for Golden State they have no Steph Curry who has been out since early game 2 with an ankle sprain and experts predict Curry could be back in time for a game 6 if we make it there. The Warriors are going to have to adapt on the fly and change up there offence as they need at least 1 win to see Curry in action again, and as a kid who has grown up seeing a Warriors dynasty and Steph Curry do the impossible a billion times i wouldn’t be surprised if he comes back and the whole series energy shifts because even at 36 years old he is one of if not the most dangerous player in the NBA today. 

In Currys absence though Jonathan Kuminga and Jimmy Butler both had 30 point performances but it was not enough to lead them to a game 3 victory. On the other side of the floor Anthony Edwards had one of his best playoff games so far dropping 36 points 4 rebounds and 4 assists on 13-28 from the field. Julias Randle continues his nice playoff run as he had a triple double in this game having 24 points 12 assists and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves depth really showed this game compared to the lack of depth on the other side of the floor with Golden State. A positive sign though for Golden State was Jimmy Butler leading the charge he hasn’t had the best of playoffs so far but when Curry goes down Butler is next up in the order. Jimmy was very physical getting to the hoop and knocking down his patented mid range jumpers.https://x.com/big_business_/status/1921388362151190815

If the warriors can get this Jimmy in every game do not be surprised if they steal a game shorthanded. 

Game 4 is a huge match up Golden State does not want to go down 3-1 and they wont even have Steph Curry to help them fight elimination if they lose tonight, so Golden State need to figure out there offence if they want to win this game. For Minnesota they need to keep relaying on there depth and size to continue to wear down Golden State. In game 4 my prediction is Jimmy butler will have a big game and Golden State will keep it close but Minnesota will come out of Chase Center with a 3-1 series lead.  

Oilers Vs. Knights Game 4 preview

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(USA Today, NHL)

The oilers and Knights are set to clash in a pivotal game 4 of the Western Conference semis in Edmonton. The Oilers currently lead the best of 7 series 2 games to 1 but the momentum has shifted dramatically in a 4-3 victory for the Golden Knights on last Thursday, where the Knights scored the go ahead goal with .4 seconds left to pull them back into the series. 

The Oilers face a huge challenge as there back up who became playoff starter Calvin Pickard is out for game 4 meaning Stuart Skinner will be back in his starting role for the time being. Here is a clip of him at morning skate. https://x.com/TonyBrarOTV/status/1921966553592959049

However Skinner has STRUGGLED in this post season posting a .817 save percentage and a 5.36 goals against average in 3 games played these playoffs. These numbers raise concerns about the Oilers ability to contain the Knights offence. 

Despite goalie troubles and defensive woes the Oilers offence is saving there tails right now. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to lead this Oilers team with Draisaitl already having a game winner this series and McDavid scoring a late goal yesterday. This team will have to rely on its offensive depth if they want to beat the Knights. Khris Knoblauch won’t give up on the defence though as he has hinted former Vancouver Canuck Troy Stecher could be making his playoff debut in game 4. 

The Oilers are slight Favourites heading into game 4 with the odds makers definitely knowing the offensive fire power the Oilers possess with them having the two best players in the world. If you are a betting man though taking Vegas at plus odds isn’t the worst idea though, Skinner is starting and he has not won a playoff game yet and as long as he is in net anything can happen. 

Tonights game 4 is a critical game in this series the Oilers must overcome there defensive and goalie struggles and say they do lose this game the pressure is just gonna get worse and worse for Stuart Skinner, as long as Skinner does not allow more than 4 goals the Oilers have a chance at winning. On the other hand the Knights must aim to build on there recent success and look to return serve and protect there home ice advantage. Fans should expect a close and tightly contested affair tonight any Oilers game this year in the playoffs has been must watch TV and with this game expect no different. 

Jets VS. Stars a game 4 preview

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(Photo: Global news, NHL)

The Dallas Stars take control of there second round match up with a 5-2 victory in game 3 taking a 2-1 lead in the series in there best of seven match up. The win from the Stars was fueled by a massive 3rd period in which Dallas scored 3 goals and 2 in quick fashion Goals coming from Mikko Rantanen and Alexander Petrovic. Petrovic’s third goal which was the eventual game winner sparked controversy as he appeared to kick the puck in the net. After a lengthy review the NHL determined that Petrovic did kick the puck but the Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck put the puck into his own net. Heres a clip of the goal https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1921698828392010195

Rantanen took home the first star of the game as he had 1 goal and 2 assists on the night giving him 3 points for the game. Giving him 18 points and 9 goals in his 10 playoff games played this year. Roope Hintz and star defence man Tomas Harley each also had a goal and an assist as well. Jake Oettinger made 23 saves on 25 shots, anchoring the Stars defence. 

Despite entering the 3rd period with the game tied the Jets couldn’t get anything going in the 3rd. The Jets have yet to pick up a road win these playoffs which is shocking because this is the team that won the Presidents Trophy. Looking a head to game 4 on Tuesday in Dallas the Jets face a must win on the road. Historically teams that take a 2-1 series lead usually go on and win that series and teams that take a 3-1 lead history usually sees the team with that type of lead go through to the next round. The Jets need to figure out there road play ASAP. 

On the other hand the Stars will try to capitalise on the Jets woeful road play and there strong home crowd to take a 3-1 series lead. With Rantanen playing the way he is he can single handedly change the Jets season in an instant. To be fair he is the reason Dallas has won game 1 and 3 against Winnipeg. As the series moves forward the keys for the Jets have to be to regain composure forget about that controversial goal and play the hockey that made you guys Presidents Trophy winners. For the Stars keep playing aggressive and feed off that amazing home crowd in Dallas its one of the hardest arenas to play in the NHL for a reason. Game 4 will be a very tightly contested game so buckle up.  

Whitecaps draw in comeback

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(Photo: Los Angles Times, MLS)

In week 12 of the 2025 MLS season the Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC fought too a 2-2 draw in BC Place on Sunday night. The game showed the never give up attitude of the Whitecaps who overcame a 2-0 deficit. Huge comeback that sees the Whitecaps gain a valuable point which helps them stay a top of the Western Conference standings. 

The game started with LAFC taking an early lead in the first half Marky Delgado scoring the first goal and Denis Bouanga converting a penalty in the 19th minute. Vancouver was shook and fans were in shock. The visitors seemed to have taken control of the game but the Whitecaps had other plans. 

Striker Brian White took control and spearheaded a Whitecaps comeback scoring two goals to level the score. The first goal came off a header with a great cross from Sebastian Berhalter who also has been playing great the son of former USMNT coach Greg Berhalter. The second goal was set up by CMNT player Ali Ahmed with him getting a head on the ball in the box which found White for the equalizer. The game was not done yet though as LAFC still had some push back in them. LAFC’s Jeremy Ebobisse got a huge chance in the 90th minute to score a late winner, but Vancouvers goalie Yohei Takaoka saved the game as he got enough of the shot to make the ball go over the net. LAFC even got another chance of the ensuing corner, but Takaoka was up too the challenge making another difficult save. Heres rhe clip of him making the unbelievable save in question. https://x.com/WhitecapsFC/status/1921958556640633015

Takaoka’s heroics did not get him Man of the Match but those honours went to teammate Brain White. The Whitecaps with this draw are still at the summit of the Western Conference with 27 points and are un beaten in there last 11 games in all competition. On the other hand LAFC sits in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with 18 points still good enough to have a playoff spot. 

The Whitecaps look to keep there un beaten run going as they face Austin FC next in there MLS game. Austin FC sit in a play in spot right now so I am predicting a little bit of a faster start from the Whitecaps in there up coming game and a three to one victory in Austin. 

Jays sweep in Seattle

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(Photo: MyNorthwest.com, MLB)

The Toronto Blue Jays completed a sweep of rivals Seattle Mariners this weekend capping off a successful 5-2 road trip where the jays reached back to the .500 mark and they also stopped the 9 series wins in a row Seattle had. In the series opener the Jays took the game 6-3, setting the tone for the weekend. Saturdays game mirrored Fridays, as the Jays also won 6-3 again with the highlight in that game being Bo Bichette’s 2 run homer in the 5th inning. 

The series ended last night as the Jays continued there domination in Seattle with a 9-1 victory in T-Mobile park. George Springer lead the way on Sunday with a 3 run home run moon shot. Down below the Springer Dinger and some stats on Springers action packed year.  https://x.com/Hall_Thomas_/status/1921681528154685764  Addison Barger also picked up his first homer of the season. Eric Lauer picked up the win in this contest delivering 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball allowing 1 hit and striking out 5. The Blue Jays had 15 hits this game with a whole lotta team contributing from the top of the order to the bottom. Nathan Lukes had a huge game going 3 for 3 and driving in 1 run. Myles Straw also drove in one and former Mariner Jonatan Clase drove in 2 runs. The bottom of the order made up of 5 of the 9 runs and for a Jays team with very inconsistent bats this year if the bottom of the order can get going that is huge.  

Seattles only run came in the third inning from a solo homer coming from Dylan Moore. Mariners starter Bryce Miller struggled in his outing, allowing seven runs on eight hits through 5 innings of work. Miller also had a rough start his time out before that against the athletics in that game giving up 4 runs in 4 innings pitched. 

This sweep marks a huge turnaround for the Jays who had previously lost there mini series in Anaheim after losing the first two, ending the series on a winning effort coming into Seattle .The teams so far these last few games balanced offence and unbelievable pitching and defence were huge factors in sweeping the Mariners. I know it’s a little early ( its never too early)

but the Jays find themselves one game out of a a wildcard spot. The Jays look to carry this momentum into there up coming home series against division rivals Tampa Bay Rays as they keep climbing the American league latter. 

Oilers lose on a buzzer beater

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(Photo: Vegas Hockey Now, NHL)

The Edmonton Oilers suffered a heartbreaking lose 4-3 to the Vegas Golden Knights in their second round matchup on Saturday night. The loss came in crazy fashion as re acquired Golden Knight Reilly Smith got the puck in the slot waited patiently went around Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner and shot the puck which hit star player Leon Draisaitl’s stick and went into the back of the empty net. Originally fans had thought the shot had hit the post but after a short review by officials the crowd in Rogers Place knew that the game was over. This was one of the latest game winning goals in NHL playoff history.  https://x.com/spittinchiclets/status/1921411387969974630

The Oilers had entered Rogers Place with a lot of confidence of the back to back Victories in Vegas, And it wasn’t gonna stop there as early in this game Correy Perry scores 2 goals to give the Oilers the quick 2-0 lead. The Golden Knights did not panic though as they scored 2 right back in quick fashion to tie the game heading into the 2nd period. The knights would then add a 3rd making it 3-2 heading into the 3rd period, But as we have seen these playoffs you can never count out the Oilers. The Oilers had a shaky start to the 3rd and the game was slowly slipping away from them, but a goal from the captain Connor McDavid at 3:03 of the 3rd period put the Oilers back on even terms with the Knights. 

However the Knights Capitalised on the last play of the game before overtime. A heads up play by William Karlsson who brought the puck into Oilers territory and just through the puck to the middle. As you guys know then Smith scored the winner with .4 left on the clock to make this a series. 

The loss ended a six game win streak for the Oilers in this years playoffs. The Oilers fans though do not seem to be worried and i kind of get it. The way these Oilers just seem to outscore there worries these playoffs it makes sense. The only issue I can find with the Oilers is the man in between the pipes Stuart Skinner is 0-3 these playoffs and with Calvin Pikard being out for game 4 Skinner us going to have to step it up. The Oilers will look to rebound tonight in Edmonton, aiming to regain control of this series and move one step closer too the Western Conference Finals.   

Leafs back to there old ways?

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(Photo: CBC,NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost last night 2-0 in Sunrise, Florida meaning the Panthers even up this second round contest 2-2. In my article after the Leafs went up 2-0 in the series one of the keys to winning games was goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had too be much better, and he did exactly that. The 36 year old future Hall Of Famer posted a 21 save shut out. Do not let the low shot count fool you he made some massive saves including some big saves in the 3rd period off of Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. 

In this game the Leafs came out very undisciplined taking 4 minor penalties in the first period. This star studded Panthers team had to take advantage of one of these penalties and thats exactly what they did as carter verhaeghe put one in the back of the net too give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. After that the Panthers had countless opportunities but Leafs goalie Jospeh Woll stood on his head the entire game really giving the Leafs a chance to come back in this game. The Leafs how ever did not re pay there goalie as they played a very not good game don’t get me wrong they did have chances but it was no where near enough push back as the Leafs needed. 

Late in the 3rd period Sam Bennet who has been a thorn in the side for Toronto all series scores a beautiful goal to seal the victory for the Panthers. https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1921748066014577081.

This game marks a shift in momentum with the Panthers coming back from 2-0 series deficit. Now all the pressure is back on Toronto going into game 5.  For Toronto too win game 5 they need to address there disciplinary issues they faced this game, and captain Matthews NEEDS to step it up. He has had about 0 offensive production this series and in 9 games played in his career after the first round he has 0 goals. He needs to wake up in order for Toronto to even have a chance in game 5. 

In my opinion i think the series has completely flipped and I just do not see a way in which the Maple Leafs can come back here. Toronto is not a team who plays well under pressure as they have a recent history of blowing leads in the playoffs. Even if Toronto does manage to win game 5 there numbers in closeout games are horrendous and yes they did beat an Ottawa team but even in that game 6 it was shaky, and maybe you can get away with it against an inexperienced team in Ottawa, but playing the defending Stanley Cup champs I don’t think they have it in them.