The Portland Timbers reignited their playoff hopes dramatically on Saturday night, pulling off a stunning comeback to keep their Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs dreams alive. With elimination looming, rookie striker Gage Guerra delivered a last-second equalizer in Game 2 of their Round One Best-of-3 Series against San Diego FC, setting the stage for a thrilling 2-2 draw that the Timbers eventually won 3-2 on penalties at Providence Park. The result forces a decisive Game 3, which will take place back in San Diego on November 9. “The whole team, the whole staff, we wanted another week,” said head coach Phil Neville following the victory. “With this attitude, I think we are a very dangerous team in this tournament.” Backed by a roaring home crowd, the eighth-seeded Timbers came out firing. Kristoffer Velde opened the scoring in the 18th minute, igniting the Providence Park faithful and putting the hosts in control early. However, top-seeded San Diego FC responded swiftly with their trademark attacking flair. Mexican international Chucky Lozano, returning from a two-match suspension.

Its going to be a tense MLS playoff showdown as Charlotte FC hosts New York City FC in the decisive third match of their best-of-three series. Read the preview for the Charlotte FC vs New York City FC game. With the tie finely balanced at 1–1, everything is on the line as both teams battle for a place in the second round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The kickoff is set for Saturday, November 8, 2025, and this winner-takes-all encounter promises to be a fireworks display.Read on for our Charlotte FC vs New York City prediction, betting preview, and expert insights — brought to you by MatchPlug, your trusted source for accurate football predictions and betting tips. Betting Preview for Charlotte FC vs New York City Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Date: Saturday, November 8th 2025 Time: 8:00 PM ET Teams: Charlotte FC vs New York City Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Charlotte FC Charlotte FC have shown remarkable resilience and defensive organization throughout this series. After holding New York to a 0–0 draw in the second leg, they went on to win 7–6 on penalties, keeping their playoff dreams alive. Under Dean Smith, The Crown have built their success around a rock-solid backline. They’ve conceded just once in their last four matches and have kept six clean sheets in their last 10, showcasing excellent tactical discipline and compact defending. Charlotte’s home form will be their biggest advantage in this decisive tie. They’ve been extremely difficult to beat at the Bank of America Stadium — losing only twice in their last 12 home games and never dropping back-to-back fixtures at home in that span. This match will be about composure, defensive stability, and capitalizing on moments in attack. Charlotte’s strong home record against New York  should give them confidence heading into this crucial clash. Betting on New York City FC New York City FC will feel they let the opportunity slip away in Game 2. Despite creating several chances and finishing the match strongly, they couldn’t find a breakthrough and ultimately fell short in penalties. Under Pascal Jansen, NYCFC have remained competitive but inconsistent . They’ve lost four of their last six matches, a concerning trend ahead of a high-pressure road game. Still, the visitors can take some encouragement from their two wins in their last three meetings with Charlotte. However, their recent away form has been worrying, with just one win in six road matches. Converting chances and avoiding defensive mistakes will be key if they hope to upset the odds and move on to the next round. MatchPlug Prediction for Charlotte FC vs New York City FC This matchup has all the ingredients for a dramatic playoff finale. Charlotte’s defensive strength, combined with their strong home record, makes them the more stable and confident side heading into Game 3. New York City FC have the talent to make this competitive, but their inconsistency and struggles away from home may prove costly. Charlotte’s organization, momentum, and home support should carry them through. Final Prediction: Charlotte FC Wins

The Utah Jazz will pay tribute to legendary former coach and executive Frank Layden. It will be done this season by wearing a special jersey patch in his honor. Layden, who served as the team’s coach, general manager, and president, passed away on July 9 at the age of 93. The patch will feature the name “FRANK” on the left chest of player jerseys throughout the season. Additionally, players and coaches will wear a “1” circle patch on their warm-up gear, starting with the team’s preseason game against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 8. The No. 1 jersey was retired by the Jazz in 1989 in recognition of Layden’s immense contributions to the franchise, both on and off the court. Layden is remembered as a beloved figure in Utah basketball, known for his humor, and pivotal role in shaping the team’s  success during the 1980s.

Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo exited early in Wednesday night’s 122-112 loss to the Denver Nuggets after feeling pain in his left foot. Adebayo left the game late in the first quarter and did not return. He was seen hobbling after the game and will undergo tests on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury. “We’ll figure it out,” Adebayo said afterward. Without their All-Star big man, Miami struggled inside as Nikola Jokic powered Denver with 33 points, 16 assists, and 15 rebounds for his fifth triple-double of the season. The Nuggets outrebounded Miami 61-38, including a 21-5 advantage on the offensive glass — their highest rebound total since May 2021. “Definitely tough,” said Heat guard Norman Powell. “We had good rhythm early, good energy. He was battling. I didn’t see what happened, but it was just tough.” Adebayo’s status for the Heat’s upcoming games remains uncertain.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a labral tear in his left shoulder, the team announced Wednesday. The 23-year-old will undergo surgery in Los Angeles on Thursday to repair the injury. Kessler had been off to an impressive start, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 70.3% from the field. He also showed major progress from long range, knocking down 6 of 8 three-point attempts after making only 11 in his previous three seasons combined. The 7-footer opened the campaign with 22 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, and added 25 points and 11 rebounds in a victory over the Phoenix Suns two games later. His absence is a major blow for the Jazz, who will now rely more heavily on John Collins and Walker Hendricks in the frontcourt rotation.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland made his long-awaited season debut on Wednesday night, helping his team to a 132-121 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Garland, back after offseason surgery on his left big toe, scored eight points and dished out four assists in 26 minutes, returning to his role as floor general for the Cavs. “Seeing the ball go through the hoop, passing the ball to 45 (Donovan Mitchell), Ev (Evan Mobley) and JA (Jarrett Allen) for sure,” Garland said postgame. “It was great to be back with the teammates. Being around them makes me happy.” The 24-year-old guard, who averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists last season, had missed the team’s first seven games following the surgery in June. The injury, a form of turf toe, also hampered him during last year’s playoffs. Without Garland, Cleveland’s offense had looked out of sync — ranking fifth-lowest in offensive rating (111.3) after leading the NBA last season. Head coach Kenny Atkinson noted that his absence forced stars like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley into unfamiliar offensive roles. Garland’s return provided the spark the Cavaliers had been missing as they improved their ball movement and tempo to earn a much-needed victory.

Beloved halftime performer Red Panda made her NBA return on Tuesday night in Chicago as the Bulls hosted the Philadelphia 76ers, just four months after breaking her wrist in a fall. Red Panda — real name Rong Niu — suffered a left wrist fracture during her July 1 performance at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx. She spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital after the incident. Her agent, Patrick Figley, said Niu first show back was on October 23 for an Amazon Prime event, and she has since performed at several universities. Known for her dazzling act, riding a unicycle while flipping bowls onto her head. Red Panda has been a fixture at NBA and college games for years, including a performance during Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City last June.

It came down to the final play, but the Los Angeles Lakers held on for a 118-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs, erasing a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Luka Dončić led the charge with 35 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists, including eight points in the final period to spark the comeback. The game ended in chaos when Marcus Smart stepped over the line while inbounding the ball with 0.1 seconds left. Julian Champagnie was fouled but missed his first free throw and intentionally missed the second, with Keldon Johnson failing to convert the putback attempt. “To come back without (Austin Reaves) and (LeBron James), it’s unbelievable,” Dončić said. “They fight every moment of the game. It’s so fun to play with them.” San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama (19 points, 8 rebounds), Jeremy Sochan (16 points), and Harrison Barnes (14 points) all fouled out. The Lakers improved to 7-2, marking the best stretch by any team featuring LeBron James without him in the lineup. “What a wild finish,” said commentator Mike Breen, while analyst Tim Legler added, “The Lakers dodged multiple bullets… but they ultimately get the win.”