Jane Njoku, Author at Matchplug Blog

Jayson Tatum says title ends ‘debate’ on his elite status

Fresh off an NBA title and signing a historic contract extension over the weekend, Jayson Tatum visited Sin City for his first Team USA training camp practice on Monday.

“A hundred percent,” Tatum said, shortly after participating in his first practice here after being excused from the opening two days of preparation for the Paris Olympic Games. “Just being at the topic of discussion of so many debates or whatever it is … ‘Can he lead a team? Is he a top-five player?’

“There’s still a lot of things I guess they can debate. But now I’ve done something that they can’t debate: I’ve won a championship. Having that under my belt, like obviously it’s still conversations to be had or whatever people want to say, but they always got to refer to me as an NBA champion.”

There is no arguing that Tatum and the Boston Celtics followed up leading the league with 64 regular season victories by going 16-3 in the postseason. This is second only to the 16-1 mark by the Golden State Warriors in terms of playoff winning percentage since the NBA went to four seven-game rounds in the playoffs.

Tatum said that the championship parade last month was “the best two hours of my life” and that it was hard to explain how “insane” the atmosphere and energy were in the city that day, as the Celtics beat long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, to become the NBA leader with 18 championships.

However, if anyone was wondering that the Celtics, especially coach Joe Mazzulla would be relaxing after winning that first championship, Jayson made it clear that would not happen.

“Joe is already trying to draw up s— for next season,” Tatum said with a smile. “And I was like, ‘Joe, f— that. We just won a championship. Enjoy it. Relax.’

“Like, I’m not worried about any sets that he’s trying to put in right now. We had a laugh about it, because he’s just so driven — which we all are, but it’s like, man, we worked so hard for this. So we got to enjoy it.”

Tatum is also enjoying Boston’s roster continuity entering next season. The team has re-signed centres Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman in free agency. They inked both Jayson and All-Defensive Team guard Derrick White to long-term contract extensions.

Currently, Boston has kept 13 of 15 players from its championship-winning roster, with first-round pick Baylor Scheierman replacing Oshae Brisset and SVI Mykhailiuk. Tatum is excited for this change, stating that he hopes everyone from last season’s team will be back.

Tyreek Hill ‘excited to see where I fit’ into new WR market

This NFL offseason has washed in a wave of new wide receiver contracts, resetting the top of the market position. One player hoping to ride this wave is Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill, who said he was thinking about his next deal and is thrilled to see what his new pay standard would mean for him.

“I’m very excited to just be a part of the old wave, which was $30 million, and Justin Jefferson came and surpassed that, man,” Hill said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. “So, very proud of those guys, happy for obviously my teammate (Jaylen) Waddle getting his new deal. For guys like me, that’s great. I’m 30 years old, also looking for a new deal. So, very, very excited to see where I fit into that category. It’s amazing.”

When Hill signed his present four-year, $120 million extension with the Miami Dolphins after joining through a trade from Chiefs, his $30 million annually average was at the top of the rankings for the position.

But only in the last three months, three players have exceeded that average, according to Over the Cap. This includes Minnesota Vikings’ Jefferson, who set the new high mark with his $35 million per year average. Hill’s teammate Waddle also signed a three-year $84.75 million extension that is just below his average.

Hill is set to receive $19.665 million in 2024, the last year with guaranteed money, indicating that the time has come for him to get an extension to put his salary more in line with current standards for a player of his calibre. He has been one of the best at his position joining the Dolphins, earning first-team All-Pro honours both years while also continuing his streak of making the Pro Bowl each of his eight seasons.

This most recent year, Hill led the league by averaging 112.4 yards per game, with a total of 1,799 yards, just short of his goal of becoming the first WR to break 2,000 yards in a season. But, how paying him fits into the Dolphins’ future plans could be complicated because the team is spending money in other places.

For now, Hill said he is not focusing on the money, and his immediate priority still remains leading his team to postseason glory, which has eluded them despite succeeding in the regular-season.

“Oh yeah, for sure, so very excited for it, man, but the real goal is to win the Super Bowl,” Hill said. “It’s cool to get paid and all that, but you know being able to win a Super Bowl and bring something special to the city of Miami, that’s something that can live with us forever. I believe that’s very monumental for all of us. Create greatness, man.”

MLB EXPERT PICKS: Detroit Tigers VS Cleveland Guardians betting Predictions

The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians will meet at Comerica Park tonight, to play the second match in a three-game series. Don’t miss Tigers VS Guardians.

MatchPlug has the MLB best bets today which you can rely on for Tigers VS Guardians. We are one of the Best sports betting sites to get previews for MLB matches.

Predictions And Betting Preview For Detroit Tigers VS Cleveland Guardians

Venue: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan.
When: Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.
Time: 23:40.
Teams to play: Tigers and Guardians.
MLB Expert Picks: UNDER 7.5.

Odds by 1XBet.

Betting On The Detroit Tigers

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.171
1XBet Over/Under: Over 7.5

The Detroit Tigers made a comeback after falling behind early this season. Four runs in the bottom of the 6th inning was enough to give them extra innings. Gio Urshela hit a homer and drove in three RBIs. Overall, the Tigers average 4.8 runs, while their pitching concedes 4.29 runs per match.

Detroit’s offense is 23rd in the MLB, while the pitching is ranked 13th. Riley Greene does not get enough attention, but he has delivered 17 home runs and driven in 45 RBIs so far this campaign. Reese Olson will start for the Tigers, he has a 3-8 record and an ERA of 3.22. In his last start against the Cincinnati Reds, Olson was in 5.2 innings and conceded three hits and two runs.

Betting On The Cleveland Guardians

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.737
1XBet Over/Under: Under 7.5

It cost them extra innings, but the Cleveland Guardians secured a 9-8 win. Josh Naylor played a strong game, striking a home run and driving in four RBIs. Starting pitcher Ben Lively went 5.1 innings, conceding seven hits and six earned runs. Cleveland averages 4.89 runs, while their pitching concedes 3.8 runs per game.

The Guardians’ offense is 7th in MLB, while their pitching is 4th in the league. Jose Ramirez has hit 23 home runs and drove in 76 RBIs so far this term. Tanner Bibee has a 7-3 record and an ERA of 3.67. In his last start against the San Francisco Giants, Bibee went 4.2 innings, conceding six hits and four runs.

MatchPlug Prediction For Detroit Tigers VS Cleveland Guardians

Olson having a 3-8 is considered unjust by experts, especially with how good his pitching is. However, the Tigers have often failed to give him any run support. Bibee has been strong this campaign, and he currently has an ERA of 3.67. The Guardians and Tigers bats will be cold here, and the game will struggle to reach the five run mark. Punters are advised to back under.

Final Prediction: Cleveland Guardians Under.

France coach Deschamps fires back at Swedish journalist

The French national football team, who are competing in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, have been accused of being boring to watch.

France are yet to score a single goal from open play in the tournament, as they get ready to face Spain.

Les Bleus coach Deschamps, while speaking to a Swedish journalist on Monday, said: “If you’re getting bored, watch another game. You don’t have to watch – it’s fine.

Watch: Spain VS France: Preview and Expert Football Prediction.

“It’s a special Euros. It’s very difficult for everyone, with fewer goals.

“It hasn’t been the same as in the past, but we share the desire to make French men and women happy through the results we have been getting, especially in a period that has been hard for our country.

“But if the Swedish are getting bored, it doesn’t bother me much.”

Salt Lake’s Diego Luna named Player of the Matchday

Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna has been named Player of the Matchday, thanks to his record of three-assists and one goal. The award was presented by Michelob Ultra for Matchday 25.

Luna was the star of Saturday’s 5-2 shootout with Atlanta United at America First Field; delivering three assists for the second time this campaign, to keep Salt Lake level on points (43) with LAFC and the LA Galaxy, teams leading Western Conference standings.

The midfielder is the first player in the team’s history to record three assists in more than one match. Luna is also the first MLS Player 20 years old or younger to produce up to 10 assists in a season since Talles Magno (10) did that for New York City FC in 2022.

This is the second time Luna is winning MLS Player of the Matchday award, after getting the accolade during Matchday 26 of 2023. He is still the youngest winner since taking home the title last year. Salt Lake now has four players who have won the Player of the Matchday prize this season. Cristian Arango received the honours in Matchdays 7, 10 and 18.

Real Salt Lake will face the Portland Timbers on Saturday night for Matchday 26 (10:25 pm ET | Apple TV – Free).

Mondesi to serve 6 years in jail in the DR

Ex-MLB outfielder Raúl Mondesi to serve 6 years in jail in the Dominican Republic

A Dominican court sentenced former Major League Baseball outfielder Raúl Mondesi to six years and nine months in Jail and fined $507,000 for corruption during his time as mayor of the city of San Cristobal.

Prosecutors accused Mondesi of embezzling $5 million when he was mayor between 2010 and 2016. The sentence was passed after a deal with the prosecutors’ office.

Mondesi, whose son Adalberto Mondesi was a big league shortstop, spent six years under house arrest, meaning his sentence has already been completed.

While he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Raúl Mondesi won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1994 and competed in the All-Star Game one year later. He was in the MLB for 13 seasons and won two Gold Gloves.

Mondesi’s MLB career also includes a session with the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves. He concluded his career with an average of .273, 217 home runs and 860 RBIs.

After he left Major League Baseball, Mondesi began his political career in San Cristobal, where he was a lawmaker between 2006 and 2010. Following his service as mayor, he bid for the senate but lost.

Dominican prosecutors levelled several charges against Raúl, such as falsification of documents, criminal association, and malfeasance.

Chris Patrick becomes Capitals general manager, Brian MacLellan still president of hockey operations

Chris Patrick was named senior vice president and general manager of the Washington Capitals on Monday.

Meanwhile, Brian MacLellan, who was Washington GM for the past 10 seasons, will stay on as president of hockey operations, a title he got in 2023. MacLelland will keep overseeing every area of hockey operations and Patrick will report to him.

Patrick is the seventh GM in Capitals history. He recently completed his 16th season with the team and first as associate GM.

“We are thrilled to announce Chris’ promotion to general manager,” Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said. “Chris is a dedicated and hard-working executive who is fully prepared for this next step in his career. His vision, extensive experience, hockey acumen and player evaluation make him the perfect leader to drive our team forward. We are confident that he will thrive in this new role.”

Patrick first joined the Capitals in 2008 in a player development and scouting role and served as a pro scout, director of player personnel, assistant GM and associate GM. As associate general manager, he monitored Washington’s analytics department, player contract negotiations, hockey operations staff, player personnel and budget and team scheduling matters.

Additionally, Patrick managed the Capitals’ professional scouting staff and worked closely with the Hershey Bears, Washington’s American Hockey League affiliate, which won the Calder Cup the past two campaigns.

While overseeing Hershey, Patrick played a pivotal role in developing many Washington prospects to reach NHL level, He also employed two coaches, Spencer Carbery and Todd Nelson, who have won AHL Coach of the Year awards with Hershey. Carbery was named Capitals coach on May 30, 2023. In his past positions, Patrick handled scouting drafted players at the collegiate and junior levels.

“With Dick Patrick as chairman, Brian as president and Chris as general manager, we believe we have a dynamic leadership team in place to continue to guide our hockey operations department forward,” Leonsis said. “Over the past decade, Brian has excelled as the head of our hockey operations department, helping bring the Stanley Cup to Washington and maintaining our team’s consistent competitiveness. Brian’s leadership, experience, and vision for our hockey team, combined with Chris’ impressive track record and successful tenure as an executive, talent evaluator and guardian of our minor league partnerships, position our hockey operations team for a successful future.”

For MacLellan, this would be his 24th season with the Capitals, including stints as GM, assistant GM, director of player personnel and as a professional scout. He became GM on May 26, 2014 as George MchPhee’s replacement.

Netherlands VS England: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

England will meet the Netherlands for the first-time in the Euro 2024, during the second semi-finals match on Wednesday night. Netherlands VS England will be held at Westfalenstadion, Dortmund.

Use MatchPlug to get the Tomorrow prediction, today, picks, odds, and analysis for Netherlands VS England. We are a Winning Prediction Site to get Euro 2024 previews.

Predictions and Betting Preview For Netherlands VS England

Venue: Westfalenstadion, Dortmund.
When: Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.
Time: 20:00.
Teams to play: Netherlands and England.
Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 2.732.

Odds provided by 1XBet.

Betting On Netherlands

1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.29

The Netherlands had to fight to get this far in the Euro 2024 tournament. They sneaked up on Turkey in the quarter-finals, to steal a 2-1 victory, scoring their two goals within six second-half minutes.

The Dutch, have shone bright in some moments during the contest, despite missing two of their best midfielders before the Euros started. Thanks to Cody Gakpo, they have the most in-form goalscorer, and a strong defence too.

Betting On England

1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.732.

England reached the semi-finals in a rather dramatic manner, winning a tough penalty shoot-out against Switzerland after their quarter-final ended 1-1 following extra time.

The Three Lions are yet to bare the claws in this tournament, as fans and critics alike await them to reveal their best form. They were disorganised against Switzerland for extended periods. But, their individual quality, with Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane are still spectacular.

MatchPlug Prediction For Netherlands VS England

Austria breached the Netherlands defence easily in their group game against the Dutch, and this is something England can hope to repeat on Wednesday. Experts expect this match to be a tight on, but the Three Lions experience should prevail.

Final Prediction: Netherlands Moneyline.

MLB EXPERT PICKS: Baltimore Orioles VS Chicago Cubs betting Predictions

The Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles will meet at the Oriole Park tonight, to play the first match in a three-game series. Don’t miss the Orioles VS Cubs.

MatchPlug has the MLB best bets today which you can rely on for Orioles VS Cubs. We are one of the Best sports betting sites to get previews for MLB matches.

Predictions And Betting Preview For Baltimore Orioles VS Chicago Cubs

Venue: Oriole Park, Baltimore, Maryland.
When: Tuesday, July 9th, 2024.
Time: 23:35.
Teams to play: Orioles and Cubs.
MLB Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 1.615.

Odds by 1XBet.

Betting On The Baltimore Orioles

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.615
1XBet Over/Under: Over 8.5

The Baltimore Orioles weekend was set against the Oakland Athletics. The Orioles suffered a blowout defeat on Saturday 19-8, but won against the Athletics 3-2 on Friday and 6-3 Sunday for a series victory. Sunday’s win had four runs in the first inning and three RBI from a Heston Kjerstad home run.

Dean Kremer will start for Baltimore tonight. He is 4-4 so far with a 3.93 ERA in 10 starts. Over Kremer’s 81 career matches (80 starts), he is 26-24 with a 4.30 ERA.

Betting On The Chicago Cubs

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.379
1XBet Over/Under: Under 1.5

Over the weekend, the Chicago Cubs faced the Los Angeles Angels. They lost 7-0 Saturday but other than that, they won the series two victories, 5-1 in the opener and 5-0 in the finale. In Sunday’s match, the Cubs scored 6.1 clean frames from starter Hayden Wesneski on one hit and one walk.

On Chicago’s injury list is SP Javier Assad (forearm) who could be activated from the list before the All-Star break. RP Colten Brewer was put on the 60-day IL Sunday with a fractured left hand. The Cubs have not yet announced who will start for them tonight.

MatchPlug Prediction For Baltimore Orioles VS Chicago Cubs

Experts choose the Orioles to win this match, as they have played well in their last three series, and maintain a strong offensive unit. Baltimore scored 17 runs in three matches this past weekend, but conceded seven or more in two of the last four. But they still have an advantage over the Cubs.

Final Prediction: Baltimore Orioles Moneyline.

spain vs france: preview and expert football predicton

Spain VS France: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

After successfully eliminating every team in their path, Spain and France will clash tonight in the first Euro 2024 semi-final battle. Watch Spain VS France.

Use MatchPlug to get the Football Prediction for today, picks, odds, and analysis for Spain VS France. We are a Winning Prediction Site to get Euro 2024 previews.

Predictions and Betting Preview For Spain VS France

Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich.
When: Tuesday, July 9th, 2024.
Time: 20:00.
Teams to play: Spain and France.
Expert Picks: MONEYLINE 2.842.

Odds provided by 1XBet.

Betting On Spain

1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.842

Spain has solidified their place as the favourites for the trophy with a series of impressive performances. They are the first team to secure a place in the final four of the tournament by beating hosts Germany in an extra-time thriller in Stuttgart. It was a remarkable victory for Spain, the only team to get a win in every game of the Euro 2024 so far.

La Roja took the lead for most of the second half thanks to Dani Olmo’s goal. Mikel Merino stopped a penalty shootout with a last-gasp 119th-minute header after Florian Wirtz had equalised dramatically in the last stages of normal time.

Betting On France

1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.17

France on the other hand, needed a penalty shootout to send Portugal home later on the same day La Roja beat Germany. They achieved this feat after a laborious goalless draw through 120 minutes. Les Blues finally subdued the Portuguese with a 5-3 scoreline in penalty.

Their victory over Portugal, will do very little to ease their worries around Didier Deschamps and his poor style of play during the European Championship. Deschamps’ style is yet to bring a goal of their own in open play for France. But, they are now one match away from a third major final in four tournaments.

MatchPlug Prediction For Spain VS France

Spain is the most superior squad at the Euros but were ragged and exhausted as their quarter-final race took its toll. La Roja is not the deepest and suspensions could affect this match. France has a good defence while their attack is lackadaisical and Deschamps does not know how to make it come alive.

If Les Blues can deepen their squad, frustrate Spain and attack on the counter then their strategy could pay off to upset a young Spanish side that has no experience in facing these group of opponents.

Final Prediction: Spain Moneyline.

Jane Njoku