Jane Njoku, Author at Matchplug Blog

Columbus Crew hold MLS Cup 2023 victory parade

“Why not run it back next year, right?” Morris from Columbus Crew says.

Columbus Crew homegrown midfielder Aidan Morris said those wishful words on Tuesday while thanking thousands of supporters for attending their MLS Cup 2023 victory parade that ended at Lower.com Field.

The Crew, with Saturday’s 2-1 victory over LAFC, have officially added a third star above their crest. And depending on the scenes out of Ohio’s capital city, the celebrations have showed no signs of slowing down.

IT'S A PARTY IN COLUMBUS 🍾🏆 pic.twitter.com/jgZdEzzKs3
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 12, 2023

We love you, Columbus 😝 pic.twitter.com/hx1OD7xyeg
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 12, 2023

Finishing things up here with Wise Men #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/Otcx6ipUz4
— Brianna Mac Kay (@brimackay15) December 12, 2023

“Damn, I think they heard that down in Cincy” #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/VbCB3ZFXsh
— Ty Fisher (@FisherTyler__) December 12, 2023

“Why not run it back next year?” pic.twitter.com/9NAFYl53zw
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 12, 2023

All Together Now & Forever 🖤💛

We can’t thank you enough for your MASSIVE support throughout the season. You make our Club and our city special. pic.twitter.com/n5bDN7zoRy
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 12, 2023

We salute you @ColumbusCrew! #CBJ | #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/gDs1KbSF2R
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 12, 2023

Matt LaFleur: Packers ‘learned a valuable lesson’ in defeat by Giants

The Green Bay Packers lead by Matt LaFleur, got a hard lesson on Monday night at MetLife Stadium, losing 24-22 to the New York Giants: never underestimate an opponent.

“Obviously, extremely disappointed,” Packers head coach LaFleur said after the loss, via the official transcript. “I think our team learned a valuable lesson in terms of if you don’t play your best, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing, where you’re playing them, when you’re playing, you’re not going to win the game. We lost the turnover battle and weren’t good enough in situational ball, third-down red zone. We had plenty of opportunities. Give New York credit, they went out there, and they played better than we did tonight. This game is about execution, and we didn’t execute to the best of our ability.”

The Giants entered the match 4-8 with little to play for. LaFleur’s team was 6-6, on a three-game win streak, including wins over Detroit and Kansas City with the postseason in sight.

It seemed like a youth-filled Packers had been reading the press-clipping on time, expecting an easy win.

Jordan Love missed a host of throws and turned the ball over on back-to-back possessions, his first game with two-plus giveaways since Week 10. The offense delayed repeatedly in the red zone. The defense could not pressure the QB and allowed New York run through it late. And Keisean Nixon muffed a punt on time in the third quarter that flipped the script in New York’s favor.

“You can look and nitpick each phase of the game,” LaFleur said. “Special teams wasn’t good enough. Offense wasn’t good enough. Defense wasn’t good enough. All three collectively, and when you’re bad in all three phases, that’s what happens. You lose the game.”

If Giants undrafted sensation Tommy DeVito proved anything, it is that an underestimated NFL team, will burn its opponents.

After more than a month of excellent, upward-trajectory performance, Love struggled, reverting to early season issues that saddled an ineffective offense and could not find the range deep.

“Not good enough,” Love said of his play. “Obviously, not good enough to get the job done there at the end. Obviously two costly turnovers hurt us a lot. Just not good enough.”

Despite getting outplayed, the Packers took a late lead following a Saquon Barkley fumble that Love turned into a TD to Malik Heath. But a defense that surprisingly could not pressure the QB gave up the game-winning field goal drive.

The Packers missed a chance to put a game’s distance between themselves and the rest of the NFC wild-card competitiors. LaFleur’s club stayed in the No. 7 slot ahead of L.A. Seattle, Atlanta, and New Orleans, but their margin for error was scraped with a battle against the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers on tap this Sunday.

“We better have a short memory,” LaFleur said after the game. “You’ve got to learn from it and move on. We’re on a short week now against a team in Tampa that is fighting for their playoff lives and the leaders of their division. So, we’re going to have to play a lot better than we did tonight in order to come out on top.”

Related NFL News:

Titans QB Will Levis heads improbable 14-point comeback against Dolphins despite early miscues.

will levis heads 14-point comeback against Dolphins

Titans QB Will Levis heads improbable 14-point comeback against Dolphins despite early miscues

Successive Tennessee Titans turnover turned a tied tussle in Miami into a 14-point deficit lead by Will Levis, in the blink of an eye in the fourth quarter.

A botched punt by Eric Garror succeeded by a Will Levis horific pitch attempt to Derrick Henry took the Titans from plucky to seemimgly doomed as the Dolphins cashed in on both miscues to go up 14 points with lower than five minutes left.

Then, the improbable comeback began.

Levis lead a lightning nine-play, 75-yard drive where the Tennesse score in only 1:54, with the QB hitting DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown with 2:40 left. The two-point conversion slashed the lead to six points.

Mike Vrabel’s defense induced a fast three-and-out, getting the ball back to Levis with 2:14 to play. It was ample time for the big-armed rookie to cut through a wilting Miami defense. Levis hit an open Hopkins for 36 yards, then tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo for 16 to put Tennesee on the doorstep at the two-minute warning. Two plays later, Henry dove into the end zone. Comeback concluded.

The Titans became the first team to win a match where they trailed by 14-plus points with under 3:00 minutes left since the Saints in Week 11, 2017 against Washington (34-31 in overtime), per NFL Research. From Week 12, 2017, until the Tennesee’s Week 14 victory, trailing by 14+ points with under 3:00 minutes left were 0-582.

“We did a lot of things that were going to cost us, obviously, the turnovers and the mistakes,” Vrabel said via the team’s official website. “But we did more positive things late. The defense got some stops, and when the offense needed to come through, they came through.

“It doesn’t have to be that hard. But I’m proud of the character of this football team, competing. I’m really proud of these guys.”

Levis night was filled with twists, turns, peaks and valleys that will excite any roller-coaster designer. It began with a three-and-out, then the bottom fell out of the ride with a pick-six right into the lap of Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler.

Then the rookie began the slow climb, helping send the Titans into a fourth-quarter tie. The horrible pitch play seemed to silence Titans’ chances. But Levis powered through the final two drives, standing quietly in the pocket and delivering rockets when needed.

He finished with 327 passing yards, a career high on 23 of 38 attempts with a TD and an INT while taking just one sack despite an offensive line that has been through the wringer this season.

“I was just sticking to the game plan,” Levis said. “Throwing to the open guy, trusting that I didn’t necessarily need to be forcing anything. That happy medium of pushing it down the field but throwing to the open guy.”

With the ground game stymied – Henry: 17 carries, 34 yards, 2 TDs. Levis applied big plays to Hopkins and running back Tyjae Spears to kickstart the offense late and made the right reads in the red zone. His ability to maneuver the pocket and fix his eyes downfield is powerful for a young quarterback.

Chalk up another win for Vrabel’s squad, which keeps proving it will fight no matter the situation. Even down big with less than three minutes left.

“This is the best I’ve felt after a game,” edge rusher Arden Key said. “I hope everyone remembers what it takes to get this feeling. Didn’t nobody think we were going to win. Everybody thought it was going to be another Miami vs Broncos thing, with them putting 70 points on us. … It’s a good win, a hard-fought win.”

Related NFL News:

Matt LaFleur: Packers ‘learned a valuable lesson’ in defeat by Giants.

NBA announces 5 Christmas Day games

The Holiday tradition of NBA basketball on Christmas Day comes back for the 76th time, and for the 16th season in a row, a full five-game slate of Christmas Day games will keep the hoops action rolling from morning until night.

For fans whose Christmas wish list contains watching NBA superstars, then this year’s lineup of matchups, will deliver that gift.

Seven of the nine players who have received the title of Kia MVP over the past 15 seasons will be in action for the Christmas Day games:

Lakers’ LeBron James (2009, ‘10’, ‘12’, ‘13)

Suns’ Kevin Durant (‘14)

Warriors’ Stephen Curry (‘15, ‘16)

76ers’ James Harden (‘18) and Joel Embiid (‘23)

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (‘19, ‘20)

Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (‘21, ‘22)

The defending Eastern Conference-champion Miami Heat head five other teams from their conference in the Christmas Day games, including the three teams they defeated to reach the NBA Finals:

Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. The past four teams to win the NBA title – The Los Angeles Lakers (2020), Bucks (2021), Golden State Warriors (2022), and Denver Nuggets (2023) – play on Christmas, with the last two champions meeting in the nightcap.

December 25: Bucks Vs. Knicks (Noon ET, ESPN)

The Knicks will extend their record for Christmas Day appearances (56) and look to tie the record for most Christmas Day victories (24) when they host the Bucks, who swept them last season. Milwaukee has won six consecutive head-to-head meetings.

A potential game in the 2023 Eastern Conference semifinals was disrupted after Milwaukee was upset by Miami in the first round. New York reached the East semi-finals after it defeated Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round behind the stellar play of Jalen Brunson.

Decemeber 25: Warriors vs. Nuggets (2:30 ET, ABC & ESPN)

Christmas night is topped off with a game between the past two NBA champions: the 2022 Warriors won the Nuggets in the opening round on their way to their fourth title of this dynasty, with two-time Kia MVP, Steph Curry adding his first Finals MVP to his resume.

Last season, the Golden State were knocked out before a potential clash with Denver in the conference finals as the Nuggets reached the Finals and won their first NBA title in franchise history with another two-time Kia MVP earning his first Finals MVP in Jokic.

December 25: Celtics VS Lakers (5 ET, ABC & ESPN)

The most talked about rivarly in NBA history adds another chapter to its blossming history as James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers face Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the Celtics. Both sides enter the season with their eyes set on being the first team to reach 18 NBA championships.

Last season, both competitions between the Celtics and Lakers entered overtime, with Boston winning by four points each match. Overall, Boston leads the all-time regular season series 165-133 and 43-31 vs. the Lakers in the playoffs, too.

December 25: 76ers vs. Heat (8 ET, ESPN)

This showdown will pit Embiid (the reigning Kia MVP and two-time scoring champ) against the defending Eastern Conference champion Heat, headed by former Sixers star Jimmy Butler.

Miami won the 2022-23 season series, 2-1, with each team securing a 20-plus point blowou victory. Heat, howver, got win No.2 in the series off an incredible acrobatic reverse layup by Butler with 90 seconds to play.

December 25: Mavericks VS Suns (10:30 ET, ESPN)

The first time Durant and Kyrie met as opponents after their three-seasons as teammates delivered a classic overtime matchup between the Mavericks and Suns. In that match, four player scored 30 or higher (Durant had 37 and Devin Booker had 36 for Phoenix; Luka Doncic had 34 and Irving 30 for Dallas) in the Suns’ 130-126 win.

That game left NBA fans clamoring for a playoff matchup that never materalized, but as a consolation, fans get a rematch for Christmas.

Related NBA News:

NBA releases ‘The Gift of Game’ in new Christmas Day campaign.

nba releases the gift of game christmas day special

NBA releases ‘The Gift of Game’ in new Christmas Day campaign

The NBA debuted its Christmas Day brand campaign: “The Gift of Game.’’ Celebrating the ageless tradition of basketball and capturing the magic of holiday hoops. “The Gift of Game’’ is now streaming across all @NBA platforms and on the NBA App. Read the full transcript below:

‘Twas the night before NBA on Christmas Day when all through the house, a family of fans would soon discover many players stirring and running about.

Because beneath the stockings hung by the chimney with care, a basketball game had begun, and St. Nick (in his Nike Kobe 6 Reverse Grinches) had indeed been there.

Our family was nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of 3-pointers danced in their heads,

When down the stairs arose such fanfare and clatter, they sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.

What to their wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature hoop and ten toys in NBA gear.

With a tomahawk dunk so spectacular and insane they knew in a moment it must be King James.

Tatum hit a three with the flick of his wrist, and Jalen Brunson brought his gift with another assist.

They whistled and shouted at Joel’s celebration and Giannis, Luka and Joker’s toy recreations

When the game had concluded they returned to their boxes out of sight,

Exclaiming Merry Christmas to all, and from Steph Curry “Night, night!”

In extra vignettes, the family watches on gleefully as Curry challenges Jokic to a game of Ho-Ho-Horse, which The Joker takes a little too literally. Meanwhile, Luka and KD compare kicks, sizing up the Nike KD18 Ms. Wanda and the Jordan Brand Luka 2 ‘Field Trip,’ only to discover they have been outshined by grandpa, wearing the Nike Kobe 6 Protro, ‘Reverse Grinch,’ secured before its public release on December 15th.

Players in the cast of toys include NBA action figures of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Jalen Brunson, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Luka Dončić, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Nikola Jokić and Jayson Tatum.

The new Christmas Day campaign was co-produced with Translation, directed by Dave Scanlon with live-action and animation by Passion Pictures.

The NBA will feature five matches on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), with all matchups shown on ABC/ESPN for the 16th straight year. The Bucks play the Knicks to tip off the 76th edition of NBA on Christmas Day (noon ET, ESPN).

The next matchup features two of the most recent recipients of the Larry O’Brien Trophy as the 2022 champion Warriors visit the 2023 champion Nuggets (2:30 ET, ABC/ESPN).

Then in primetime, longtime rivals Lakers & Celtics meet on Christmas Day for the first time in 15 years (5 ET, ABC/ESPN).

The Christmas Day schedule ends with the 76ers taking on the Heat in Miami (8 ET, ESPN) and caps off with the Mavericks playing the Suns in Phoenix (10:30 ET, ESPN).

Related NBA Christmas Day News:

NBA announces 5 Christmas Day games.

Unlocking Success: A Guide to Maximizing Wins with Bonuses in Nigeria

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NHL Predictions Today: Edmonton Oilers VS New Jersey Devils Expert Picks

The New Jersey Devils clash with the Edmonton Oilers with both clubs hoping to level up from slow starts to the season. Both clubs will want to build off hot streaks and leap to the top of their divisions and Oilers VS Devils should be a thrilling matchup.

MatchPlug has the NHL Predictions today for the Oilers VS Devils. Use the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview.

Betting Preview for Edmonton Oilers VS New Jersey Devils NHL 2023 Regular Season

Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Canada.
Date: Sunday, December 10th, 2023
Time: 22:00
Teams to play: Oilers and Devils.
NHL Picks:

Odds as provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On Edmonton Oilers

1XBet Spread: -1
1XBet Total: Over 6.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.047
BetMGM Spread: -1.5
BetMGM Total: Under 7
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.65

Edmonton Oilers climb the standings with their offense taking lead, scoring 3.46 goals per game with 31 goals in the last six matches. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl scored 20 goals and 45 assists to lead the top line but the whole offense has stepped up. Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane combine for 31 goals and 39 assists. Defensemen Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm add 11 goals and 26 assists from the point to send Edmonton’s offense over the top.

The Oilers offense is great but the defense struggle, permitting 3.46 goals per game. Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci share 2.6 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents find open shots on the net easily. Additionally, goaltender Stuart Skinner struggle with a .888 save percentage and a 3.03 goals-against average on 480 shots with -7.6 goals saved above average.

Betting On The New Jersey Devils

1XBet Spread: +1
1XBet Total: Under 6.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.16
BetMGM Spread: +1.5
BetMGM Total: Over 7
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.25

The New Jersey Devils turn their season around with their offense leading the way, scoring 3.63 goals per game with 12 goals in the last three matches. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Tyler Toffoli have scored 32 goals and 51 assists to lead the top two lines, but the rest of the offense unit have been great too. Erik Haula, Ondrej Palat, and Alexander Holtz share 18 goals and 18 assists. Defensemen Luke Hughes and John Marino added five goals and 21 assists from the point to open up the offense.

New Jersey’s offense is great but the defense pulls them down, permitting 3.67 goals per match. Marino and Jonas Seigenthaler combine for 1.7 defensive point shares but the rsst of the unit struggle, allowing opponents easily find open shots on the net. Additionally, Akira Schmid struggles with a .902 save percentage and a 3.03 goals-against average on 295 shots with -0.5 goals saved above average.

MatchPlug Prediction On Edmonton Oilers VS New Jersey Devils

The Oilers should curb the Devils’ offense with Darnell Nurse, Cody Ceci, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers at the blue line and limiting shots on the net. This should allow Skinner many easy saves. Edmonton should win the match with a powerful performance on the home ice to extend their win streak to seven matches.

Final Prediction: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline.

NHL Predictions Today: Columbus Blue Jackets VS Florida Panthers Expert Picks

The Florida Panthers clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets at Jackets VS Panthers, with both sides moving in different directions this campaign. The teams hope to improve in the Eastern Conference and the upcoming matchup should be an entertaining one.

Use MatchPlug to get the NHL Predictions today for the Jackets VS Panthers. You can trust the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview.

Betting Preview For Columbus Blue Jackets VS Florida Panthers NHL 2023 Regular Season

Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio.
Date: Sunday, December 10th, 2023
Time: 19:00
Teams to play: Blue Jackets and Panthers.
NHL Picks:

Odds as provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On The Columbus Blue Jackets

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Total: Over 6.5
1XBet Moneyline: 4.12
BetMGM Spread: +1.5
BetMGM Total: Under 6.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 3.00

The Columbus Blue Jackets are having a tumultous season with their offense struggling, scoring just 2.86 goals per match. Boone Jenner, Johnny Gaudreau, and Adam Fantili shared 24 goals and 24 assists to head the top two lines but the rest of the offense struggle. Just four skaters sored six goals or higher and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense due to this.

Columbus’ offense struggles but the defense has disappointed them, permitting 3.50 goals per game with 16 goals in the last four matches. Zach Werenski and Ivan Provorov combine for 2.3 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit struggle, allowing oponents to fire shots on an open net. Additionally Spence Martin can’t make a .892 save percentage and 3.57 goals-against average on 333 shots with -3.8 goals saved above average.

Betting On The Florida Panthers

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Total: Under 6.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.721
BetMGM Spread: -1.5
BetMGM Total: Over 6.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.40

The Florida Panthers are having a fantastic season with their offense improving and scoring 3.08 goals per match. Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, and Carter Verhaeghe scored 38 goals and 42 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has done well too. Evan Rodrigues, Matthew Tkachuk, and Kevin Stenlund share 16 goals and 32 assists, while defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Niko Mikkola add 10 goals and 14 assists from the point to open up the offense.

Florida’s offense may be great but the defense has been fantastic, permitting just 2.54 goals per match with only five goals in the last two matches. Gustav Forsling and Niko Mikkola combine for 4.2 defensive point shares and 88 blocked shots, while Ekman-Larsson and Dmitry Kukilov combine for 2.5 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. Additionally, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been fantastic with a .913 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average on 550 shots with 5.1 goals saved above average.

MatchPlug Prediction On Columbus Blue Jackets VS Florida Panthers

The Panthers, who only permit 2.54 goals will restrict the Blue Jackets offense with Forsling, Mikkola and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone. They’ll limit shots on the net, allowing Bobrovsky make plenty big saves. Florida should win the match and cover the spread in a dominant away victory.

Final Prediction: Florida Panthers spread.

NBA PREDICTIONS: Charlotte Hornets VS Miami Heat Expert Picks

The Charlotte Hornets host Miami Heat on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 for a Hornets VS Heat matchup happening at the Spectrum Center. It is the second fixture between these Southeast Division rivals this season. Miami is favoured by 3 points against Charlotte.

For a Sure Win Prediction Today, look to MatchPlug for the NBA Predictions Tonight for Hornets VS Heat.

Predictions and Betting Preview For Charlotte Hornets VS Miami Heat 2023 NBA Regular Season

Venue: Spectrum Center, Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina.
Date: Tuesday, December 12th, 2023
Time: 01:00
Teams to play: Hornets and Heat.
NBA Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 1.73.

Odds by BetMGM and 1XBet.

Betting On The Charlotte Hornets

1XBet Spread: +3.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.635
1XBet Over/Under: Over 220.5
BetMGM Spread: +3.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.35
BetMGM Over/Under: Under 222.5

The Charlotte Hornets have won 6 of the 17 matches where it was mentioned as moneyline underdog this season (35.3 %). In matches they’ve played as a moneyline underdog with odds of +136 or longer, Hornets went 5-9 (35.7%).

When they score over 111.5 points, the Hornets are 7-6 against the spread and 7-6 overall.

The Hornets’ average implied point total on the season (117.9 points) is 8.9 points more than its implied total in this game (109 points).

Betting On The Miami Heat

1XBet Spread: -3.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.73
1XBet Over/Under: Under 220.5
BetMGM Spread: -3.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.62
BetMGM Over/Under: Over 222.5

Miami Heat has been chosen to be the favourite in 12 matches this season and has won nine times in those fixtures. This year, they won five of seven matches listed as -160 or better on the moneyline.

The Heat’s 112.4 points per game record are 8.9 lower points than the Hornets conceded (121.3). When Miami scores over 121.3 points, it is 3-2 against the spread and 3-2 overall.

Miami has an average implied point total of 113 this season, which is one point more than its implied total in Monday’s match (112). So far this season, the Heat has outscored its implied point total for this same fixture 11 times.

MatchPlug Prediction Charlotte Hornets VS Miami Heat

Miami is the 20th-ranked scoring team (112.4 PPG) in the NBA, while Charlotte is ranked 26th in points per game (121.3) in NBA action. The Hornets rank 16th in offense (113.4 PPG), while Heat is the ninth-ranked defense (11.5).

The Heat have out-scored their opponents by only 19 points this campaign (0.9 points per game on average), and opponents of the Hornets have outscored them by 159 more points on the year (7.9 per game).

Miami Heat has an implied win probability of 61.5% according to the moneyline laid down by oddsmakers for this fixture. Charlotte Hornets has an implied moneyline win probability of 42.4% in this game.

Final Prediction: Miami Heat Moneyline.

LaMelo Ball suffers ankle strain, misses rest of Hornets vs. Magic game

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was ruled out Sunday after he had a right ankle strain against the Orlando Magic.

Ball had an akward fall in the second quater after attempting a layup against Orlando forward Paolo Banchero and had to be taken to the locker room.

LaMelo Ball went to the locker room after an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/8wRXewACHZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 27, 2023

Charlotte later announced that Ball had strained his right ankle and would not be coming back. The ankle LaMelo Ball injured vs. Orlando is the same one he had surger on in March.

Despite Ball’s absence, Magic lead by just 95-92 when Anthony went in for a 3-point play with 10:12 remaining. He stole a pass and sent it to Wagner for two free throws, then assisted Banchero’s 7-foot bank shot. Hornets did not get the lead under five and eventually lost, 130-117.

Ball is having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging career highs in scoring (25.9 ppg) and assists (8.6), while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.9% on 3s (also career bests). He has not played in a full season and was restricted to 36 games in 2022-23 because of ankle injuries.