Basketball

Vanessa Bryant gifts LSU Women’s Basketball Nike Kobe 6 sneakers ahead of Elite 8 win vs. Miami

Published

2 months ago

March 28, 2023

darragh

Right as the women’s LSU team were heading into the Elite Eight matchup against the Miami Hurricanes this weekend, the Tigers were gifted Nike Kobe 6 shoes courtesy of Vanessa Bryant.

We don’t know if these sneakers were magical, but they sure were an inspiring gesture, as the Louisiana side took this motivation to court on Sunday night and beat the Florida team 54 to 42.

The team got Kobe 6 Grinches thanks to Vanessa Bryant 💚 pic.twitter.com/U9Rqvzus5w

— LSU Women’s Basketball (@LSUwbkb) March 25, 2023

As you can see in the tweet above, the LSU athletes were visibly cheering in excitement as they realized it was Vanessa who gave them the presents, as well as discovering the sneakers were a “grinch” colorway edition.

Before this weekend’s contest, the Tigers were coming off an impressive Sweet Sixteen triumph over the Utah Utes, with foward LaDazhia Williams playing one of her best performances of the campaign, dropping 11 out of her 14 shots with a season-high 24 points to her name.

LSU sophomore Angel Reese also contributed immensely to her squad, hitting 17 points and winning 12 rebounds that night, making it her 31st double-double of her season so far, now tied with with Mississippi State Bulldogs Teaira McCowan’s 2018/19 campaign for the most in the division’s history.

Their performances have been caughting the attention of fans all over the United States, including celebrities like Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne, who took it to social media to show his support of the LSU women’s team and especially rooting for Reese’s new record.

LSU are the first team to earn a spot in the Final Four

This past Sunday, the Tigers were on fire against No.9 seed from Miami, who’ve had an impressive run in March Madness so far, until they encountered the Louisiana squad, now considered definite title-contenders for this NCAA Tournament.

LSU’s dominant defensive performance earned it the first spot in the Final Four of the 2023 women’s NCAA tournament. Take a look at the highlights of their Elite Eight victory over Miami in the link below:

After the game, Louisiana coach Kim Mulkey shared what this feat means to her and the squad. “What really makes me smile is not cutting that net down,” she said. “It’s looking around at all those LSU people, looking at the team I get to coach, and experience it for the first time. This is the first time any of them have been to the Final Four.”

Alexa Morris led her team in points again this weekend, dropping a total of 21 against the Hurricanes. As for Reese, she achieved yet another double-double, scoring 13 points, and winning 18 rebounds last night, including 14 defensive efforts and securing the team’s lower end of the court.

“We worked so hard, and we did everything that coach Mulkey said,” Angel Reese said, as they are headed to Dallas to confront the Final Four. “And now look at us!”

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Basketball

NBA Playoffs 2023 Is Most Watched Postseason Since 2012

Published

20 hours ago

June 3, 2023

darragh

It may not be the NBA Finals matchup that fans and advertisers were hoping for but the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets are the last two teams standing.

The 2023 NBA Finals will mark just the second time in the 13 years that LeBron James, Steph Curry, or both won’t be playing for an NBA Championship.

Instead, the spotlight will be shifted towards Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Heat’s Jimmy Butler.

Regardless of the outcome of the NBA Finals, the 2023 Playoffs has been a major success for the league. In fact, the 2023 NBA Playoffs will be the most-watched on ESPN platforms since 2012. This year’s postseason averaged 4.7 million viewers per game across the ABC/ESPN, TNT and NBA TV platforms, making it the most-watched playoffs in 11 years.

The Heat vs Celtic Game 7 averaged nearly 12 million viewers on Monday night, marking TNT’s most-watched Eastern Conference Finals ever.

While the 2023 NBA Playoffs have quietly become one of the most-watched editions, there are still doubts and skepticism over the lack of star power in the Finals, which could affect TV ratings.

The NBA 2023 Playoffs Viewership

Questions still surround the two teams in the Finals on whether the matchup could hurt the ratings on ABC.

Last year the Finals between Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics averaged 12.4 million viewers. In 2022, viewership was up by 22% compared to the Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns in 2021.

Based on the current numbers, the 2023 NBA Finals viewership should increase. Through the first 31 games, the NBA Playoffs averaged 5.579 million viewers on the ESPN platform, moving up 9% from last year.

However, Jokic vs Butler doesn’t carry the same magnitude as LeBron James or Steph Curry, and big names matter, especially when it comes to TV ratings.

Both the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat have only the 16th and 18th largest U.S TV markets, respectively.

The small TV market size has had some people questioning the Finals matchup. Fox Sports radio host, Doug Gottlieb has gone on to say that he thinks the Nuggets vs Heat will be a TV ‘dud’.

Will the Finals Be Worth Watching?

Even though a Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers matchup would have reignited the league’s longest standing rivalry, ESPN expert Mike Breen believes this rendition of the Finals with the Heats and Nuggets could generate the best pure basketball in years.

The Denver Nuggets are different and the Finals will showcase the two-time MVP Jokic after he just swept James and the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

According to LeBron, the Nuggets are the best team he’s played in the last four years as a Los Angeles Laker. That alone speaks volume of how good Nikola Jokic and company are. After the addition of Aaron Gordon, the team has morphed into an absolute matchup nightmare.

Even without a few of the league’s biggest stars, the 2023 NBA Finals will still be worth watching, thanks to some interesting storylines surrounding both the Nuggets and Heat.

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Heat vs Nuggets Odds, Picks, & Preview Game 2 2023 NBA Finals

Published

21 hours ago

June 3, 2023

darragh

On Sunday night, the Miami Heat face off against the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals; preview, odds, picks, predictions, and injuries for the Heat-Nuggets matchup are here. Sportsbooks show the Nuggets as 8-point favorites at home. Miami is 23-29 away, whereas Denver is 43-7 at home. BetOnline odds are below.

Heat vs. Celtics Preview | 2023 NBA Finals Game 2

🏀NBA Playoffs NBA Finals 2023 Game 2: Miami Heat @ Denver Nuggets
📊 Records: Heat (57-46, 44-56-3 ATS) | Nuggets (66-32, 54-43-1 ATS)
📅 When is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: Sunday, June 4, 2023
🏟 Where is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: Ball Arena | Denver, Colorado
🕛 What time is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: 8 p.m. ET
📺 TV Channels: ABC, ESPN2
💻 Free NBA Playoffs 2023 Live Stream: Jazz Sports
🎲 NBA Playoffs 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Odds: Heat +8 (-105) | Nuggets -8 (-115)

Heat vs. Nuggets Odds Game 2 of 2023 NBA Finals

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Heat vs. Nuggets Predictions | Game 2 of 2023 NBA Finals

Entering Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals, the Heat are aiming to pick up their first win against Denver since Aug. 1, 2020. Miami is 0-7 in its last seven matchups vs. the Nuggets. Miami fell to 1-6 all-time in Game 1s of the NBA Finals. The Heat lost the series opener in each of their title years — 2006, 2012, and 2013.

The Heat have won 41 straight playoff games when leading by 10 or more points at halftime, the second-longest streak in NBA history behind the Los Angeles Lakers (63 from 1985-2008). Miami’s last loss was in 2000 at the New York Knicks.

However, Miami trailed 59-42 at halftime of Game 1 and attempted just two free throws, breaking the NBA playoffs single-game record for fewest attempts from the line. Denver outscored the Heat 30-22 in the second quarter.

Bam Adebayo led the Heat in scoring and rebounds with 26 points and 13 boards in 40 minutes of action. Jimmy Butler scored a postseason-low 13 points. Miami is 1-3 this postseason when Butler is held to less than 20 points.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic finished Game 1 with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, becoming the eighth player to record a triple-double in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Miami fell to 3-1 in series openers this postseason, while Denver improved to 9-0 at home this NBA playoffs.

Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Nuggets have a 76.7% chance of winning Game 2 at home. Even if Tyler Herro (right hand) returns for Game 2, Denver should still take a 2-0 series lead at home. Herro was upgraded to questionable on Miami’s injury report. More NBA picks and predictions are on the main page.

Heat vs. Nuggets Injuries | NBA Finals Game 2 Injury Report

Miami Heat Injury Report

SG Victor Oladipo (knee; out for the season) | SG Tyler Herro (hand; questionable)

Denver Nuggets Injury Report

PG Collin Gilespie (leg; out indefinitely)

Heat vs. Nuggets Betting Trends | 2023 NBA Finals Game 2

Miami is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games.
The Heat are 0-7 in their past seven meetings against the Nuggets.
Also, the Heat are 1-7 in their previous eight road games vs. Denver.
Furthermore, the Nuggets are 11-0 in their last 11 straight home games.
Denver is 5-2 ATS in its past seven contests.
The point total has gone over in five of the Nuggets’ previous six matchups vs. Miami.

Projected Miami Heat Starting Lineup

PG Tyler Herro | SG Max Strus | PF Gabe Vincent | SF Jimmy Butler | C Bam Adebayo

Projected Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup

PG Jamal Murray | SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | PF Aaron Gordon | SF Michael Porter Jr. | C Nikola Jokic

Heat vs. Nuggets Picks Game 2 | 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Predictions

For other betting statistics, the Heat are 41-24 as favorites, 16-22 as underdogs, 24-27-1 over/under away, and 23-28-1 ATS away. Miami is 0-7 ATS in its past seven meetings versus Denver. For some reason, the Heat have struggled to win at Ball Arena. Perhaps it’s the high altitude.

On the other side, the Nuggets are 53-19 as favorites, 13-13 as underdogs, 20-29-1 over/under at home, and 31-18-1 ATS at home. Denver has won 11 straight home games, so their win streak will likely continue. Jokic is averaging a triple-double this postseason.

Our betting experts here at Basketball Insiders are projecting the Nuggets to win Game 2, the Heat to cover the spread, and for the point total to go under 215.5. Herro is listed as questionable on Miami’s injury report. When the 2022 Sixth Man of the Year returns, it should make things more interesting.

Pick the Nuggets to win! If Herro plays in Game 2, his addition will help Miami to cover the spread. For those new to sports betting, check out our handicap betting guide. Other NBA picks and predictions are on the main page.

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How to live stream Heat vs Nuggets Game 2 online for free

Published

22 hours ago

June 3, 2023

darragh

How to watch or stream Sunday night’s Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets matchup for Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals? These five streaming services carry ABC and ESPN2 — fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV. However, there’s a better way to watch NBA games for free.

Leading into Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals, the Nuggets are 7-0 in their last seven head-to-head meetings against Miami. In Game 1, Denver defeated the Heat 104-93 at home. For Game 2, sportsbooks show the Nuggets as 8-point favorites at home. BetOnline odds are featured below.

How to Watch Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 With A Free Live Stream

Although fuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream only offer free trials to first-time subscribers, there’s one other method to watch NBA games for free. Sports betting sites allow registered gamblers to watch any game for free after placing a bet.

Jazz Sports is one of the best sports betting sites that allows bettors to stream NBA games for free after they’ve placed a wager. This site offers same day payouts, daily casino promotions, and 24/7 bookmaking.

Follow the four steps below to watch any 2023 NBA Playoffs game live stream with Jazz Sports for free.

Click here to sign up for Jazz Sports.
Create an account and make a qualifying deposit.
Place a bet on the Heat vs. Nuggets game.
Stream Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals for free.

How to Watch Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2

For Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Heat and Nuggets, this matchup will air live Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN2. Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Nuggets have a 76.7% chance of winning Game 2 over Miami at home to take a 2-0 series lead.

Click the Jazz Sports link below to watch the free live stream.

🏀NBA Playoffs 2023 NBA Finals: Miami Heat @ Denver Nuggets
📅 NBA Playoffs NBA Finals 2023 Game 2 Date: Sunday, June 4, 2023
🕙 What time is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: 8:30 p.m. ET
🏟 Where is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: Ball Arena | Denver, Colorado
📺 TV Channels: ABC, ESPN2
💻 Free NBA Playoffs 2023 Live Stream: Jazz Sports
🎲 NBA Playoffs 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Odds: Heat +8 (-105) | Nuggets -8 (-115)

Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 Odds

On Sunday night, the Heat (57-46, 44-56-3 ATS) enter this road matchup 41-24 as favorites, 16-22 as underdogs, 24-27-1 over/under away, and 23-28-1 ATS away. Our computers here at Basketball Insiders are projecting Denver to win, Miami to cover the spread, and for the point total to go under 215.5.

Furthermore, the Nuggets (66-32, 54-43-1 ATS) are 53-19 as favorites, 13-13 as underdogs, 20-29-1 over/under at home, and 31-18-1 ATS at home. Denver has won its last 11 straight home games. The Nuggets are 7-1 in their past eight home games against the Heat as well.

Next, Miami is 0-7 ATS in its previous seven meetings versus Denver. The point total has gone under in the Heat’s last five games. But the total has also gone over in 10 of Miami’s past 14 road games.

Check out the Game 2 odds below for the Heat vs. Nuggets game. For more information on how to watch or stream other NBA games, go to the main page.