frank-layden

Jazz to honor late former coach Frank Layden

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.

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bam-adebayo

Heat’s Bam Adebayo leaves with foot injury

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.

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qalker-kessler

Jazz’s Walker Kessler to miss rest of season after shoulder surgery

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.

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darius garland

Darius Garland returns as Cavaliers top 76ers in season debut

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.

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red panda

Red Panda, Niu returns to NBA stage after wrist injury

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.

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lakers vs spurs

Lakers edge Spurs 118-116 after wild final sequence

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.”

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Football Prediction Today: Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City

Sheffield Wednesday will host Norwich City at the Hillsborough Stadium on Wednesday in another round of the 2025-26 EFL Championship campaign. Read on for our full preview and Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City prediction! This midweek clash features two sides desperate to change their fortunes near the bottom of the EFL Championship table. Both teams have struggled for form this season, and this matchup could prove crucial in shaping the early relegation battle. MatchPlug brings you expert insight, analysis, and betting predictions for all EFL Championship fixtures. Betting Preview for Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City Venue: Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield Date: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2025 Time: 7:45 PM BST Teams: Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City Odds via 1XBet Betting on Sheffield Wednesday It has been a turbulent campaign for Sheffield Wednesday, both on and off the pitch. The Owls find themselves bottom of the Championship table with -5 points, having been deducted 12 points by the EFL due to financial irregularities earlier in the season. Despite the off-field chaos, Danny Röhl’s side showed resilience in their goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion last weekend. While the result offered a glimmer of hope, Wednesday’s overall form remains worrying. They are winless in their last seven league matches, losing four of those, and have managed only one home victory all year — a 4-2 triumph over Derby County back on New Year’s Day. Scoring has been a major issue, with the Owls finding the net just eight times in 13 games, while conceding nearly double that. If they are to stand any chance of survival, they will need their experienced players  to rediscover their form and inspire the side at Hillsborough. Betting on Norwich City Norwich City have endured a dreadful start to their own Championship campaign, and pressure is mounting on head coach Liam Manning, who has struggled to steady the ship at Carrow Road. The Canaries fell 2–0 at home to Hull City on Saturday, conceding twice in the second half and extending their winless streak to six matches. The defeat also marked their first home loss to Hull since 2010, adding to the growing frustration among the Norwich faithful. Currently sitting 23rd in the table with only eight points from 13 matches, Norwich are in danger of being dragged into a full-blown relegation scrap if their form doesn’t improve soon. The team’s recent attacking woes have been glaring. Manning will hope for a response from forwards Josh Sargent and Jonathan Rowe, while midfield creativity from Gabriel Sara remains key to unlocking a shaky Sheffield Wednesday defense. However, confidence is low, with no wins on the road since mid-August. MatchPlug Prediction for Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City This game has all the makings of a gritty, low-scoring relegation battle. Both sides are struggling for goals and see this fixture as a must-win opportunity to spark a turnaround. Sheffield Wednesday will have the backing of their home crowd, but their inability to convert chances and shaky defense remain huge concerns. Norwich City, meanwhile, have the better squad on paper but are in equally poor shape, with their six-match losing streak hanging over them. Given both sides’ lack of cutting edge in front of goal, we anticipate a cagey contest with few clear chances and plenty of tension. Final Prediction: Draw

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Van Dijk urges Liverpool to ‘stay calm’ after win over Real Madrid

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said the English champions must build from the back after producing their best performance. They beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Before a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, Liverpool had lost six of their previous seven games and gone 10 matches without a clean sheet. Madrid arrived in Merseyside in free-scoring form, but were limited to very few opportunities as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois prevented an embarrassing score for the 15-time European champions. “It is easy to say now because we won twice in a row. In a world of chaos you have to stay calm and see perspective of things,” said Van Dijk. “We all know how football works – it can change overnight.” Arsenal lead Liverpool by seven points at the top of the Premier League and have also won their opening four Champions League games thanks to a run of eight consecutive clean sheets. Liverpool face another huge test of their title defence on Sunday when Van Dijk faces Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has struck 26 times this season for club and country.

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Vlahovic reconsidering Juventus future under new boss Spalletti

Just a week after Luciano Spalletti replaced Igor Tudor as Juventus manager, Dusan Vlahovic’s outlook in Turin appears to have completely changed. The Serbian striker, who had previously decided not to renew his contract, is now reportedly open to staying. All  thanks to Spalletti’s early impact and renewed faith in him. Vlahovic impressed in Spalletti’s first match against Cremonese and followed it up by scoring Juventus’ only goal in their 1-1 Champions League draw with Sporting CP. The new coach has spoken glowingly about the 24-year-old, and insiders suggest there’s fresh optimism that Vlahovic could extend his stay beyond this season.

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southampton vs qpr

Football Prediction Today: QPR vs Southampton

Queens Park Rangers host Southampton on Wednesday. Read on for the full preview and Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton prediction. Both clubs aim to bounce back from difficult spells of form. QPR are looking to steady their season and climb back into the top half of the table, while Southampton enter a new era after parting ways with Will Still. MatchPlug delivers expert analysis and correct predictions for all EFL Championship fixtures. Let’s dive into our full breakdown and betting insight for Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton! Betting Preview for Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton Venue: Loftus Road Stadium, London Date: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2025 Time: 7:45 PM BST Teams: QPR vs Southampton Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Queens Park Rangers Queens Park Rangers are desperate to get back on track after another disappointing result at home, where they fell 4–1 to Ipswich Town last weekend. It marked their third defeat in four games, a stretch in which they’ve conceded seven goals while scoring just three. This sudden downturn has been frustrating for manager Julien Stéphan, especially considering the solid run that preceded it. Currently sitting 14th in the Championship with 18 points from 13 matches, QPR remain within striking distance of the playoff positions. Betting on Southampton For Southampton, it’s been a miserable few weeks. The Saints suffered their third consecutive defeat after losing 2–0 to Preston North End at St. Mary’s Stadium last Saturday. It has been a steep decline for a side that began the season with promise. Since their opening-day win over Wrexham, Southampton have gone winless in 11 of their last 12 league matches (6 draws, 5 defeats), sliding down to 21st place, just above the relegation zone. The Saints’ biggest issue has been in front of goal, they’ve failed to score in three of their last five matches and have looked short of confidence in the final third. Defensively, they’ve also been vulnerable, particularly late in games, where concentration has often faded. MatchPlug Prediction for Queens Park Rangers vs Southampton This matchup pits two struggling sides against each other, both desperate to turn their fortunes around. QPR have shown glimpses of potential but have failed to sustain momentum, while Southampton enter this clash amid managerial upheaval and a crisis of confidence. Historically, meetings between these two clubs have been tight, and with both struggling defensively, we can expect an open contest but one that may ultimately end without a clear winner. QPR will benefit from home advantage, but Southampton could rally under new interim management, making a share of the spoils the most likely outcome. Final Prediction: Draw

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