Formally undone

Sheffield United turned the clock back to 2019-20 as they kept their second clean sheet (in 27 games) of the 2020-21 season in a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Turf Moor on Wednesday. [ MORE: How to watch PL in the USA ] The victory changes very little in terms of Sheffield United’s impending relegation back to the EFL Championship, but it deals a massive blow to Aston Villa’s hopes of European qualification. 3 things we learned: Sheffield United – Aston Villa 1. Massive opportunity missed for Aston Villa : By definition, there won’t come any easier game the rest of the way for Villa, who coming into Wednesday were somewhat hopeful of a top-four finish. Taking on the last-place side — one with all of three wins on the season — should have been a mere formality. A gift from the schedule makers, at this critical — and busy — point of the season. 2. Blades still playing for Wilder : Sheffield United’s players could have well and truly quit on the 2020-21 … [Read more...] about Three things we learned: Sheffield United – Aston Villa

Australia Test captain Tim Paine assumed a different role in the final of the Cricket Tasmania Premier League on Monday as he came on to open the bowling for his team University of Tasmania against North Hobart at the Blundstone Arena. And to make the unusual sight even more memorable, Paine went on to pick up a wicket with his offspin bowling as well later in the contest. Paine, 36, started the contest with his military pace with a slip fielder in place. Eventually he switched from pace to spin and tasted success despite bowling a half-tracker with TS Rogers holing out on 52. That dismissal also broke a century stand which had put Hobart in control of the chase. Tim Paine … bowling? Tim Paine … opening the bowling?! Here’s his first over from the @CTPremierLeague One Day Final ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/iDQ9KbqN2X 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 8, 2021 The Australia Test captain, who is a wicketkeeper-batsman, has bowled a grand total of 36 deliveries … [Read more...] about WATCH: Australia Test Captain Tim Paine Bowls Offspin And Picks a Wicket

What did we learn in the Premier League over the weekend? [ MORE: How to watch PL in the USA ] Here’s a look at 10 things which stood out, as our writers Joe Prince-Wright (JPW), Nick Mendola (NM) and Andy Edwards (AE) share their observations from across the most recent Premier League games. [ VIDEO: Premier League highlights ] Let’s get to it. 1. Man City too much, as Alisson melts down (Liverpool 1-4 Man City): There will be talked about whether new signing Ozan Kabak should’ve slotted next to Fabinho or Jordan Henderson at the back, and we’re not sure whether it’s undeserved. Yes, Kabak is 20 and has just arrived from another league, but he was playing for an often under-siege Schalke side and is facing Bayern that different than Man City? He’s also a natural center back who is good with the ball and in the air. That said, Alisson’s day turned into a nightmare pretty much from the moment he made a fine save on Foden … [Read more...] about 10 things we learned in the Premier League – Matchweek 23

A deal has finally, formally been reached: The NBA season will start on Dec. 22. It will be proceeded by an intense and compressed free agency that will start Nov. 20, with the salary cap remaining flat with last season at $109 million. How did NBA players react to the deal to start the NBA season? It’s about the best anyone could expect, several sources told NBC Sports. The league’s broadcast partners set the terms — the Dec. 22 start to get games on Christmas Day, and ending before going head-to-head with the Tokyo Olympics starting July 23 next year — or they would have to open up the television contracts and talk adjustments. That was too much money for players and owners to risk losing. Players and agents gave basically the same response to Michael Scotto at Hoopshype. “We had no real choice,” one NBA veteran with over a decade of experience told HoopsHype. “I’m glad it’s still at $109 million. We have to be good partners, and … [Read more...] about Players react to deal to start NBA season: ‘No one is passing up that money’

Dwane Casey led a Raptors team that changed its offensive philosophy this season, won a franchise-record 59 games, and all that earned him the title of Coach of the Year as voted by his peers (and he could win the official NBA award, too). Friday, Dwane Casey was fired by Toronto. Beyond the questions of is this fair (no, but life isn’t fair) or is this the smart move comes another big one: Who will be the next coach of the Raptors? When word of Casey’s impending doom started to circulate around the league a couple of days ago, the buzz was they would go with one of their top assistants, an internal candidate who brings change but not much disruption. However, not long after the firing, the name of former Hawks’ coach Mike Budenholzer came up. So here are the potential new head coaching candidates for Toronto. • Mike Budenholzer. Let go by the Hawks and undone more by his unimpressive work as a GM than his coaching acumen. He may be at the top of Masai … [Read more...] about Who will be Raptors’ next coach? Mike Budenholzer? Jerry Stackhouse?