NBA Expert Picks: Dallas Mavericks VS Atlanta Hawks Predictions Tonight

Dallas Mavericks VS Atlanta Hawks is one game in a long string of clashes and thrilling NBA Action happening today the 18th of January. Mavericks vs Hawks is unarguably one of today’s most exciting matchups. The two teams will be playing against each other for the first time in this campaign, and while it is under different circumstances, fans wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see Trae Young and Luka Dončić play on the same court. As always, MatchPlug brings you the best preview and NBA Predictions Tonight surrounding the Dallas and Atlanta match. In this piece, you can view all the Basketball Predictions and available odds for this game. Read: Steph Curry Makes NBA History On Sunday In Chicago Bulls VS Golden State Warriors. Predictions and Betting Preview for Dallas Mavericks VS Atlanta Hawks Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas When: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 Time: 16:30 GMT Teams to play: Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks NBA Expert Picks: SPREAD -3.5 Odds as given on 1XBet and BetMGM. See San Antonio Spurs Break NBA Regular Season Game Attendance Record. Betting On The Dallas Mavericks Season Record: 24-21 1XBet Spread: -3.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.616 1XBet Over/Under: Under 231.5 BetMGM Spread: -3.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 1.61 BetMGM Over/Under: Under 232.5 While the Dallas Mavericks have had a far better year than the Hawks, tonight they’ll try to bounce back from a challenging five-game road trip where they won only one game; a development that pushed them down to fifth place in the Western Conference and now sitting 5.5 games off the top. Dallas’ last two losses in their road trip game happened at Moda Center to the Portland Trail Blazers who punished the Mavericks’ defense and made them unable to stop Damian Lillard, who scored a total of 76 points and 16 assists between the two games. But no matter, after scoring 123 points in their second game against Portland, Dallas played without Dončić present, making it a huge loss especially since Luka leads the team in points (33.8), assists (8.8), rebounds (8.9) and steals (1.6) per game. Additionally, while Dončić is the NBA’s offensive leader, the Mavericks only average 112.7 points scored per game. Betting On The Atlanta Hawks Season Record: 22-22 1XBet Spread: +3.5 1XBet Moneyline: 2.77 1XBet Over/Under: Over 231.5 BetMGM Spread: +3.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 2.35 BetMGM Over/Under: Over 232.5 Despite their few good performances this campaign, the Atlanta Hawks still struggle to stay on track. However, presently, they’ve managed to pull their record back to .500, thanks to a good stretch where they won their last three games, although now they have to maintain this pace to put their record in positive numbers after many days. Atlanta has faced challenges playing away this campaign; they have a 10-13 record in this area. But, after winning their last three games on the road they will definitely have their confidence boosted for their match against the Mavericks. They are already in high spirits following that 113-121 home win over the Miami Heat last Monday. Trae Young this season is averaging 27.5 points and 9.8 assists per game, facilitating a Hawks offense with an average of 115.1 points scored per game and in turn, helped a failing defense to average 115.9 points allowed. MatchPlug Prediction Dallas Mavericks’ offense has a pattern of being more effective when the team is playing at home, giving up 113.5 points scored on average and a 16-6 record. This means that they could take the visiting Hawks who have a weak defense. The Atlanta Hawks will mark Dončić because they want to destabilise Mavericks’ defense that struggled in their previous games but always give a great performance, especially at home, where they average 108.3 points allowed. Due to this, Young must be at his best if he wants to lead the Hawks to a good result tonight. NBA Picks for Tonight predict that since the Mavericks have played best at home since this campaign, and with Luka Dončić at the front lines, Dallas will limit Atlanta’s powers, giving them the edge they need to win this matchup. Final Prediction: Dallas Mavericks Spread. More NBA Previews: NBA Expert Picks: Oklahoma City Thunder VS Indiana Pacers Predictions Tonight.

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NFL divisional round schedule announced

NFL Announces Divisional Round Schedule

The NFL Divisional Round is now on schedule and five of the six games on Super Wild Card Weekend are in the books. This Saturday will feature the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles debut before the mega Cincinnati Bengals-Buffalo Bills rematch kicks off Sunday’s action ahead of an NFC showdown. Read also: NFL Playoffs: Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills All Win On Wildcard Weekend See the full NFL divisional round schedule below: Divisional Round Saturday, January 21 AFC: 4:30 p.m. (ET) (4) Jacksonville Jaguars at (1) Kansas City Chiefs (NBC, Peacock, Universo) NFC: 8:15 p.m. (ET) (6) New York Giants at (1) Philadelphia Eagles (FOX, FOX Deportes) Sunday, January 22 AFC: 3:00 p.m. (ET) (3) Cincinnati Bengals at (2) Buffalo Bills (CBS, Paramount+) NFC: 6:30 p.m. (ET) (5) Dallas Cowboys/ (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (2) San Francisco 49ers (FOX, FOX Deportes) Conference Championships Sunday, January 29 NFC: 3:00 p.m. (ET) NFC Championship Game (FOX, FOX Deportes) AFC: 6:30 p.m. (ET) AFC Championship Game (CBS, Paramount+) Related News: Chicago Bears Become No.1 Overall Pick In 2023 NFL Draft

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NFL Playoffs: Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills All Win On Wildcard Weekend

Cincinnati Bengals’ Sam Hubbard gave the longest fumble return in play-off history to hand the Bengals a 24-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens on wildcard weekend. Hubbard ran 98 yards in the fourth quarter to send the last season’s Super Bowl runners-up into week two of this season’s NFL playoffs. Last Sunday, the New York Giants for their own game, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-24. While the Miami Dolphins scared the Buffalo Bills before the pre-season Super Bowl favourites won 34-31. Cincinnati’s win brought a tense end to an intriguing day two of the wildcard weekend as all three games went down to the wire. Read: NFL Announces Divisional Round Schedule Bengals’ receiver Ja’Marr Chase scored an opening touchdown that was cancelled out by Baltimore’s JK Dobbins as the Ravens led 10-9 at half-time. Joe Burrow Cincinnati’s quarterback got in from a yard to cap an 83-yard drive before Tyler Huntley, who was covering for the Ravens’ injured quarterback Lamar Jackson, hit Demarcus Robinson for a 41-yard touchdown. That tied the score for both teams heading into the final quarter and as Huntley lunged for the end zone from a yard, the ball was knocked out of his hands. It fell right into Hubbard’s waiting arms and he raced downfield for an unbelievably match-winning score. New York Giants Secure Their First Play-off Win In 11 Years The New York Giants took the lead for most of the match at Minnesota, the third seed in the NFC; fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones secured a road victory in his first playoff appearance. Giants running back Saquon Barkley claimed a combination of 109 yards and two rushing touchdowns, the first from 28 yards, as New York gained a half-time lead of 17-14. Minnesota and New York scored a touchdown in the third quarter before a Vikings field goal made it 24-24 early in the fourth. Saquon then capped a 12-play drive with a two-yard score to restore New York’s lead and they held on for their first playoff victory since winning their fourth Super Bowl at the end of the 2011 season. Daniel Jones also became the first quarterback in play-off history to throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns while adding more than 70 rushing yards. This weekend the Giants will visit their NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles, who are the number one seed and had a bye to the divisional round. Damar Hamlin Inspires Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins bounced back from a 17-0 deficit to briefly lead 24-20 against the Buffalo Bills who drew inspiration from a recovering Damar Hamlin for their NFL playoffs game. Hamlin watched last Sunday’s game from his home where he is recuperating from the Cardiac arrest he suffered on the field on 2nd January. On Saturday the Bills’ safety visited his team for the first time since the incident. “There was a big line of guys ready to love up on him”, quarterback Josh Allen said. Allen had three touchdown passes and two interceptions. “It was a blessing come true to see him back in the facility.” Buffalo Bills are the AFC’s number two seeds and looked on course for a blowout win after Dawson Knox and James Cook scored. The Dolphins lost five of their last six games in the regular season and had to play Skylar Thompson their third-choice quarterback, but drew level when he found Mike Gesicki for a touchdown. A field goal tipped the Bills into a 20-17 lead at the half, only for Zach Sieler to score a defensive touchdown for the Dolphins after Allen fumbled. However, Buffalo quickly recovered and answered with two rapid touchdowns from Cole Beasley and Gabe Davis, and after getting back to within three during the final quarter, Miami could not get within scoring range on their final possession. The Bills will now relive an emotional matchup against the Bengals, in a rematch of the cancelled regular season game when Hamlin had a cardiac arrest. The first round of the NFL playoffs will conclude with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting the Dallas Cowboys at 01:15 GMT on Tuesday. Related News: Chicago Bears Become No.1 Overall Pick In 2023 NFL Draft

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Steph Curry makes history

Steph Curry Makes NBA History On Sunday In Chicago Bulls VS Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry is now 41st on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.  Last Sunday afternoon, the Warriors lost 132 -118 to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Illinois. Two-time MVP Steph Curry ended the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one block in 34 minutes of playing time. Furthermore, Curry made NBA history during the game by passing Pau Gasol to become number 41 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. See also: San Antonio Spurs Break NBA Regular Season Game Attendance Record Gasol in his time, scored 20,894 points over 1,226 regular season games, while Curry has only played 855 regular season games. At 34 years old, there is a chance that Curry who is still playing well, will likely go further down the list by the time his career ends. The four-time NBA Champion has led the Warriors to the NBA Finals in six out of the last eight seasons and in this time, they have won four titles. Following the loss on Sunday, Curry’s team are now 21-22 in 43 games; 17-5 at home and 4-17 in 21 games on the road away from the Chase Center. At the beginning of the season, Curry missed 11 straight games due to a shoulder injury, but he has played in the last three games. He is averaging an astounding 28.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.0 steals per contest (on 49.6% shooting from the field and 42.2% from the three-point range) in 29 games. The Golden State Warriors will play their next game against the Washington Wizards this Monday. Related: Anthony Davis To Start ‘Ramp-Up Process’ To Return To Lakers After Foot Injury

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San Antonio Spurs break NBA Game Attendance Record

San Antonio Spurs Break NBA Regular Season Game Attendance Record

San Antonio plays home games at AT&T Center but came back to the Alamodome as part of the team’s 50th-anniversary celebration. San Antonio (AP) – The San Antonio Spurs announced an attendance of 68,323 fans for their return to the Alamodome, which is a record number for an NBA regular-season game. See also: Steph Curry Makes NBA History On Sunday In Chicago Bulls VS Golden State Warriors Spurs, while celebrating their 50th anniversary season, returned to their former playing grounds to face the Golden State Warriors last Friday night. San Antonio Hall of Famer David Robinson was the one who announced the official attendance at the close of the third quarter. Robinson said, “Spurs fans have again set the standard for the league” Fans of the team began to chant”Go Spurs Go!” after the announcement. The given numbers shattered the previous record of 62,046 people who gathered to watch Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls play the Atlanta Hawks at the Georgia Dome on March 27, 1998. “Yeah, that’s pretty different,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said about the record crowd. “It’s a situation where you know… are they selling alcohol? I think that people will be pretty fired up. It is just an exciting moment for everybody. It is nostalgic for everybody. To have that many people in one building, to be able to play in front of them, is pretty damn exciting, actually. We hope it is a good game.” Although San Antonio now plays its home games at the AT & T Center, coming back to the Alamodome was a way to mark the Spurs’ 50th-anniversary celebration. While the team (13-29) is having one of the worst seasons in its history, playing at the Alamodome gave fans an opportunity to relive a former era for the team. “Having my son here with me, sharing a past and present memory, will be cherished by both of us for years,” said a Spurs fan, Eric Hernandez, who previously attended games at the Alamodome. The San Antonio Spurs franchise started off at the HemisFair Arena in 1973, but the Alamodome is where they took their first steps toward becoming one of the most respected franchises in the NBA. They played in the Alamodome from 1993 to 2002 before moving to the AT&T Center. It was in the Alamodome that San Antonio won its first NBA championship in 1999 and held its championship celebration in the downtown facility. The Alamodome was also where the 1996 NBA All-Star Game was hosted, it was where Michael Jordan was booed for winning MVP over former Spurs resident Shaquille O’Neal. “It’s crazy,” said Taro Kotani, a Spurs fan visiting from Japan. “The amount of people here. I’ve never been inside the Dome, so just imagining what it was like here during the ’96 All-Star Game and ’99 Finals is so nostalgic. I wasn’t there but this brings back lots of memories”. Kotani had planned his annual trip to San Antonio around Friday’s game because he wanted to be there when history was made. Related News: Anthony Davis To Start ‘Ramp-Up Process’ To Return To Lakers After Foot Injury

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MLB international signing day

MLB: A Look At All International Signing Day Deals

January 15 is known officially as the first day of the international signing period and this day means the world to prospects from across the globe who sign on to the MLB during the 11-month span. While it’s been called international signing day, other people have renamed it to “international day of joy.” This is because, for the prospects, it is their first step into playing professional baseball. It is also the day when their dreams come true. The signing period lasts through December 15, 2023. Below is a list of players from the MLB Pipeline’s list that have reportedly agreed to terms with clubs, and for how much. Unless otherwise noted, no clubs have confirmed these deals. 1. Ethan Salas, C, Ven: Padres + ($5,600,000) 2. Felnin Celeste, SS, D.R: Mariners ($4,7000,000) 3. Joendry Vargas, SS, D.R: Dodgers ($2,077,500) 4. Alfredo Duno, C, Ven: Reds+  5. Luis Morales, RHP, Cuba: Athletics ($3,000,000)  6. Derniche Valdez, SS, D.R: Cubs ($2,700,00) 7. Emmanuel Bonilla, OF, D.R: Blue Jays ($4,100,000) 8. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Bahamas: Rangers  9. Brando Mayea, OF, Cuba: Yankees ($,4,400,000) 10. Jun-Seok Shim, RHP, S. Korea: Pirates+ 11. Ariel Castro, OF, Cuba: Twins ($2,500,000) 12. Brailer Guerrero, OF, D.R.: Rays ($3,700,000) 13. Jesus Caba, SS, D.R.: Phillies ($3,000,000) 14. Ludwig Espinoza, SS, Ven.: Cubs ($1,500,000) 15. Rayner Arias, OF, D.R.: Giants ($2,800,000) 16 Janero Miller, OF, Bahama, Marlins  17. Camilo Diaz, OF, D.R.: Astros+ ($2,250,000) 18. Gian Zapata, OF, D.R.: D-backs ($950,000) 19. Angel Cepeda, SS, D.R.: Cubs ($1,000,000) 20. Luis Almeyda, SS, D.R.: Orioles+ ($2,300,000)  21. Esmil Valencia, OF, D.R.: Astros+ ($897,500) 22. Yophery Rodriguez, OF, Ven.: Brewers ($1,500,000) 23. Arnaldo Lantigua, OF, D.R: Dodgers ($697,500) 24. Robert Calaz, OF, D.R. Rockies ($2,500,000) 25. Yoeilin Cespedes, SS, DR: Red Sox (estimated $1,400,000)  26. Raymond Mola, OF, D.R: Pirates+ 27. Daiverson Gutierrez, C, D.R.: Mets 28. Welbyn Francisca, SS, D.R: Guardians+  29. Anthony Baptist, OF, D.R.: Mets 30. Tony Ruiz, OF, D.R. 31. Carlos Silva, C, Ven.: Twins 32. Enrique Jimenez, C, Ven.: Tigers+ ($1,250,00) 33. Filippo Di Turri, SS, Ven.: Brewers ($1,300,000) 34. Luis Guanipa, OF, Ven.: Braves  35. Kevin Ereu, SS, Ven.: Brewers ($1,400,000) 36. Reiner Lopez, RHP, Ven.: Cardinals+ ($500,000) 37. Yerlin Luis, OF, D.R.: Guardians+  38. Hendry Chivilli, SS, D.R.: Twins 39. Manuel Cabrera, SS, D.R.: Nationals+($500,00) 40. Darling Fernandez, OF, D.R.: Athletics (estimated $1,000,000) 41. Luis Reyes, RHP, D.R.: White Sox ($700,000) 42. Jeter Martinez, RHP, Mex.: Mariners ($600,000) 43. Cristopher Larez, SS, Ven.: Mets ($1,500,000) 44. Maikol Orozco, SS, Ven.: Tigers ($900,000) 45. Andy Acevedo, OF, DR.: Nationals+ ($1,200,000) 46. Edwin Solano, SS, D.R.: Nationals+ ($1,200,000) 47. Jeremy Rodriguez, SS, D.R.: D-backs (estimated $1,000,000) 48. Cristian Perez, OF, D.R.: Tigers+ ($1,100,000) 49. Marwys Jorge, RHP, D.R.: Royals ($450,000) 50. Felix Morrobel, SS, D.R.: Angels ($900,000) *+ Shows that the club has officially announced the signing. Signings Breakdown: Thirty-one of the players on the Top 50 International Prospects list of 2022 are from the Dominican Republic. 12 prospects are from Venezuela, three from Cuba, two from the Bahamas, and one each from Mexico and Korea. In terms of position, there are 20 infielders, 18 outfielders, five catchers, six pitchers, and one two-way player. Here are the international bonus pools for the 2022-23 signing period: Clubs that received a Competitive Balance Pick in Round B of the Draft (Athletics, Brewers, Mariners, Marlins, Rays, Reds, Tigers, and Twins) received a pool of $6,366,900) while clubs with a Competitive Balance Pick in Round A (D-backs, Guardians, Orioles, Padres, Pirates, Rockies, and Royals) received $5,825,500. The base signing pool for the Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Giants, Mets, Nationals, White Sox, and Yankees is $5,284,00. Los Angeles Angels, Phillies, and Red Sox each forfeited $500,000 from their pools for signing players who had rejected qualifying offers – Noah Syndergaard, Nick Castellanos, and Trevor Story – last off-season so each has a pool of $4,644,00. The Dodgers and Rangers each forfeited $1,000,000 from their pools for signing players who had rejected qualifying offers to lower their pool to $4,144,000. The Dodgers surpassed the luxury tax threshold the previous season and forfeited $1,000,000 for Freddie Freeman. The Rangers forfeited $500,000 each for Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Forfeited monies are redistributed to other clubs Teams will be allowed to trade international bonus slots during this signing period starting January 15 Guidelines: International players are eligible to sign with a Major League team between January 15 and December 15. They must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before September 1 the following year – in practical terms, this means players born between September 1, 2005, and August 31, 2006, will be eligible to sign in the upcoming signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance in order to be eligible to sign. These are some other prospects who signed for $300,000 or higher: Astros German Ramirez, SS, D.R. – $1,200,000 Eduardo Perez, OF, D.R. – $797,000 Athletics Ramon Landaeta, C, Ven. -.$750,000 Blue Jays David Guzman, OF, Ven. – $650,000 Samuel Acuna, RHP, Ven – $300,00 Cardinals  Bracewell Tavera, SS, D.R. – $450,000 Ruben Menes, RHP, D.R. – $400,000 Angel Gil, OF, D.R. $375,000 D-backs Yassel Soler, 3B, D.R. – $425,000 Dodgers Daniel Mielcarek, SS, D.R. – $397,500 Guardians  José Marcano, INF, Ven. – $800,000 Luis Merejo, INF, D.R. – $340,000 José Pirela, OF, Ven. – $320,000 Juan Frances, OF, Ven. – $320,000 Jonathan Martinez, INF, D.R. $300,000 Pirates Jonathan Rivero, C, Ven – $840,000 Rays Willian Trinidad, INF, D.R. – $500,000 Reds Alfredo Alcantara, SS, D.R. – $640,000 Rafhlmil Torres, SS, Ven. – $300,000 Rockies Alessander De La Cruz, D.R. – $650,000 Yeiker Reyes, OF, Ven, – $500,000 Jeremy Ciriaco, SS, D.R. – $500,000 Alison Zacarias, RHP,  D.R. – $500,000 Tigers Anibal Salas, OF, Ven. – $1,000,000 Twins Juan Hernandez, SS, Ven. – $350,000 White Sox Abraham Nunez, OF, D.R. – $700,000 Similar News Former Los Angeles Starting Pitcher Matt Harvey Looking To Make An MLB Comeback Brandon Belt Signed To Blue

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Matt Harvey

Former Los Angeles Starting Pitcher Matt Harvey Looking To Make An MLB Comeback

Harvey has not pitched in over a year. Former Los Angeles Angels RHP Matt Harvey is looking to make an MLB comeback. MLB Insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote  “Matt Harvey is hoping to pitch again this year” in a recent article. The Right Hand Pitcher has not pitched since the 2021 season when he played in 28 games for the Baltimore Orioles. That year, he went 6-14 with a 6.27 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. In 2020, Harvey made seven appearances with the Kansas City Royals, going 0-3 with an ERA of 11.57 and a WHIP of 2.74. Prior to that, Matt spent the 2019 season with the Los Angeles Angels. He ended the season with a career-worst (at the time) 7.09 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP in just 59.2 innings (12 starts). He also played for a while with the Cincinnati Reds and spent his five seven-plus seasons with the New York Mets. When he was at the peak of his career, Harvey was an All-Star in 2013 and had sub-three ERAs in 2012, 2013, and 2015. However, the 33-year-old is well removed from that part of his career and hasn’t enjoyed much success since 2016. Any MLB team may take a chance on Harvey and give him a role that fits his current skill set. But for now, there is no indicator that he would get a chance, particularly at the major league level. Read More MLB News: Brandon Belt Signed To Blue Jays In One-Year Deal

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Gino Odjick Former NHL Player Dies At Age 52

Gino Odjick Former NHL Player Dies At Age 52

Odjick led the NHL in penalty minutes during the 1996-97 season. Former National Hockey League (NHL) veteran player Gino Odjick died of a heart attack at a Vancouver hospital on Sunday, where he was going to get leg bandages. He was 52 years old. In 2014, Odjick was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a disease that attacks the organs and the heart. Following the news of his death, three out of the four teams that Odjick used to play for sent their condolences. New York Islanders wrote on their Twitter page, “The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn the passing of former family member, Gino Odjick. The team extends our condolences to the Odjick family and friends.” Odjick played for 12 years in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens, between 1990 and 2002. In the history of the Canucks, Gino holds the record for minutes spent in the penalty box with 2,127. For the 1996-97 campaign, Odjick led the league in penalty minutes at 371. The chairman and governor of the Canucks, Francisco Aquilini said in a statement: “Gino was a fan-favourite from the moment he joined the organization, putting his heart and soul into every shift on and off the ice. He inspired many and embodied what it means to be a Canuck. Personally, he was a close friend and confidant, someone I could lean on for advice and support. He will be deeply missed.” NHL News: David Pastrnak Lifts B’s In Road Trip Finale With Hat Trick.

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Highly-rated 19-year-old Striker Jhon Duran Signed By Aston Villa

Highly-rated 19-Year-Old Striker Jhon Durán Signed By Aston Villa 

Chicago Fire striker Jhon Durán was signed for $22m by Aston Villa after a massive breakthrough season in Major League Soccer. Durán is leaving Major League Soccer for the Premier League. The signing deal hinged on the Colombian teenager gaining a visa and passing a medical test in England. Premier League’s Aston Villa have signed Colombia International Jhon Durán from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire in a deal worth almost $22 million. Before Villa drafted him, some other Europe clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool were hoping to get the striker who scored eight goals in 27 games for Fire last season. But he was scouted by Aston Villa, earning him his first cap for Colombia. Durán had already played thrice for Colombia and is now the second Chicago Fire teen to leave the MLS for the EPL, following in Gabriela Slonina’s footsteps. Slonina joined Chelsea for $15m last August. ESPN reports that the deal to take Jhon to Birmingham, England is worth $18m, with $4m for performance-related add-ons. Colombian club Envigado, where Durán started his career, is also entitled to a percentage of the transfer fee. When confirming the move, Aston Villa said, ‘the deal is subject to the player passing a medical, agreeing personal terms, and obtaining the necessary work visa.’ If the deal is finalized without any hitches, Durán’s move would be one of the three biggest in MLS history. His $22m transfer would match the amount Bayern Munich paid Vancouver Whitecaps for full-back Alphonso Davies. But it would rank behind the $26m Newcastle United paid to sign Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United back in 2019. Before now, Durán’s career has been watched with great interest by a number of English Premier League clubs, like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea. According to reports out of Colombia, Liverpool in the past, sent the same scout that discovered Luis Diaz at Porto before he joined the Reds, to watch Durán. Portuguese club Benfica was also said to be scouting the Fire striker, he appeared on the front page of Record, a newspaper in Portugal, back in December as teams’ interests in him grew. Chicago Fire coach Ezra Hendrickson, when speaking on Durán said, ‘He is a player that, once he gets it all together, he can be a really really special player. He has all the tools.’ In January 2021, Fire sporting director Georg Heitz defined Durán as being “really gifted”. “He is not only physically interesting especially if you consider his age, but also technically, he’s really good in front of the goal, he’s good in the box, he’s smart, he’s quick with his feet. A raw talent, but really gifted,’ Heitz told the Athletic. Durán is currently away with the Colombian national team as part of the 2023 South American Under – 20 Championships. More MLS News: Gareth Bale Announces Retirement From Major League Soccer

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New York Rangers VS Montreal Canadiens Predictions Today

NHL Expert Picks: New York Rangers VS Montreal Canadiens Predictions Today

Montreal will play a game on the road, as they face off with New York at Madison Square Garden in the New York Rangers VS Montreal Canadiens game. NHL Scores show that the Canadiens has a 17-22-3 record, while the Rangers have a 24-12-7 record. Both teams have played each other once this season, with New York, winning the matchup. The game between Rangers and Canadiens will happen today at 14:00, so ahead of the game, MatchPlug has brought you some reliable NHL Predictions Today you can use to inform yourself before the start of the game. Predictions and Betting Preview for New York Rangers VS Montreal Canadiens Where: Madison Square Garden, New York When: Sunday, January 15, 2023 Time: 14:00 GMT Teams to play: New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens NHL Expert Picks: Spread -1.5 Odds presented by 1XBet and BetMGM. New York Rangers And Montreal Canadiens Prediction These are some expert NHL predictions surrounding today’s game between the Rangers and Capitals. New York Rangers Win 5 Out Of Their Last 6 Games Season Record: 24-12-7 BetMGM Spread: -1.5 BetMGM Moneyline:1.35 BetMGM Over/Under: Under 6 1XBet Spread: -1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 1.645 1XBet Over/Under: Under 5.5 The Rangers were a -130 favourite in their last game and they beat the Dallas Stars 2-1 in overtime. Adam Fox scored the overtime winner and he had an assist. K’ Andre Miller scored a goal, and Igor Shesterkin blocked 24 out of 25 shots from their opponents. New York’s offense has been playing well recently, they scored 4 goals or more in 5 out of their last 9 games. Rangers rank 16th in goals per game and 9th in shots per game. Artemi Panarin leads with 46 points and Mika Zibanejad is next with 45 points. Mika and Chris Kreider both lead the Rangers with 19 goals. Vincent Trocheck has 31 points and Kreider has 30 points. The Rangers’ defense and goaltending have been good too this season. The team ranks 6th in goals against per game and 7th in shots against per game. Igor Shesterkin’s record is 20-6-6 with a 2.4 GAA and .917 SV%. Jaroslav Halak has a record of 4-6-1 with a 2.85 GAA and .896 SV%. Adam Fox on the other hand has 44 points, he is 3rd in points, 4th in goals, and third in assists amongst all the defensemen in the league. Fox is on a six-game point steak. K’Andre Miller has 23 points and is on a five-game point streak. Montreal Canadiens Play Back To Back On The Road Season Record: 17-22-3 BetMGM Spread: +1.5 BetMGM Moneyline: 3.25 BetMGM Over/Under: Over 6 1XBet Spread: +1.5 1XBet Moneyline: 4.62 1XBet Over/Under: Over 5.5 The Montreal Canadiens are on the back end of continuous back-to-back road games. Their offense has been poor. Montreal ranks 29th in goals per game and 30th in shots per game. They scored two or fewer goals in 7 of their last 10 games. Nick Suzuki leads the team with 35 points, and Cole Caufield follows with 25 goals and ranks 8th in goals in the NHL. Kirby Dach has 26 points this year. In addition to their defense faltering, the Canadiens’ defense and goaltending have both been poor too. They rank 29th in goals per game and 28th in shots against per game. Jake Allen’s record reads 10-16-1 with a 3.52 GAA. While Sam Montembeault has a record of 7-6-2 with a 3.39 GAA and .902 SV%. MatchPlug Prediction New York has been playing really well lately, winning 5 of their last 6 games. Their offense works too, they have scored 4 or more goals in 5 of the last 9 games. The Rangers’ defense and goaltending have been very good too this season. Rangers rank 6th in goals scored against per game and 7th in shots against per game. Igor Shesterkin’s 20-6-6 with a 2.4 GAA and .917 SV% record shines through. In the past too, New York has won 4 out of the last 5 games with Montreal, and also defeated them on January 5th this season with a 4-1 score. On their own part, the Canadiens have been bad recently, losing 8 out of their last 10 games. Offense, defense, and goaltending have all been awful for them this season. They rank 29th in goals per game, 30th in shots per game, 29th in goals against per game, and 28th in shots against per game. With the Rangers playing at home, and the Canadiens playing road games back-to-back, New York will win this match by two or more goals. Final Prediction: New York Rangers against the Spread. NBA News: David Pastrnak Lifts B’s In Road Trip Finale With Hat Trick

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