Month: September 2020

Bronny James debuts at No. 30 in 247Sports’ 2023 Top 50 rankings

Bronny James is ranked 30th in 247Sports’ initial class of 2023 top 50 rankings, which were released on Wednesday.

Bronny James is one of the most recognizable names in the class of 2023, but he still has plenty of work to do to ascend to the top of 247Sports’ rankings.

247Sports released its initial class of 2023 top 50 rankings on Wednesday, with James coming in at No. 30. He is also the No. 4 combo guard in his class. DaJuan Wagner Jr., son of former NBA player DaJuan Wagner, claimed the top overall spot in the rankings.

“Athletically, James is impressive, and he’s continued to become more athletic over the last year,” 247Sports’ Evan Daniels said in James’ scouting report. “Where he impresses the most is with his feel for the game, vision and passing. While he’s projecting as an off guard/combo for now, the passing ability makes you wonder if he could eventually slide over to full-time point guard with development.

“James is also an impressive shooter with good shot mechanics. He’s comfortable pulling up for one- and two-dribble pull-ups, and has a lot of potential as a long-range shooter. It’s still early in the process, and ultimately his upside will be determined by his physical and skill growth.”

James, the son of Lakers star LeBron James, has garnered plenty of attention early in his basketball career. Not only does the spotlight shine on him because of his father, but he also plays at Sierra Canyon where, in 2019-20, he played alongside Kentucky recruit BJ Boston, Stanford recruit Ziaire Williams, and Zaire Wade, son of former NBA star Dwayne Wade.

James appeared for 34 games in Sierra Canyon as a freshman, averaging 4.1 points in 15 minutes per game. In December, James scored 15 points and earned game MVP honors after hitting a game-winning layup late in the game against his father’s alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary high school. ESPN aired 15 of Sierra Canyon’s games during James’ first high school season.

Unlike his father, James might not have the option of bypassing college and going straight to the NBA. Duke is the favorite to secure a commitment from James, as his 247Sports’ Crystal Ball currently reads 100% in favor of the Blue Devils.

49ers make wave of roster moves official ahead of Week 4

The San Francisco 49ers released long snapper Kyle Nelson as part of a wave of roster moves.

The 49ers on Wednesday announced a slew of roster moves, including the release of long snapper Kyle Nelson, and the addition of a new long snapper to take his place.

San Francisco waived Nelson after some recent struggles bubbled over into five poor snaps against the Giants in Week 3. It didn’t affect the team in that game, but they didn’t want to get to a place where it did have an impact on a win or loss.

Taybor Pepper was signed to a one-year deal to replace Nelson. He made his debut in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the Packers.  Pepper played four games that season, and snapped for the Dolphins all 16 games during the 2019 campaign. He’s the fifth long snapper the 49ers have had since the start of last season.

The team also made the signing of tight end Daniel Helm official. He’ll add depth with Jordan Reed nursing a knee injury that’s supposed to keep him out six-to-eight weeks. To make room on the roster, San Francisco placed linebacker and special teams ace Mark Nzeocha on Injured Reserve with a quad injury. Reed remains on the roster for now, but the expectation is he’ll go on Injured Reserve.

There was some movement on the practice squad as well. Offensive lineman William Sweet was released. With two spots open on their 16-man unit, the 49ers signed offensive lineman Cody Conway and tight end Charlie Taumoepeau.

Conway was an undrafted free agent who was with the Packers after signing with the Titans out of Syracuse in 2019. Taumoepeau was an undrafted free agent after this year’s draft. He signed with the Cowboys and also spent time with the Colts.

Texas football recruiting: Longhorns offer 2022 four-star RB

Texas has offered another RB in the 2022 class in Jamarion Miller. Stan Drayton is trying to lure another in-state prospect to Austin.

Texas has offered another running back in the 2022 class, Jamarion Miller. Running backs coach Stan Drayton is once again trying to lure another blue-chip in-state prospect to Austin. Jamarion is the younger brother of former Texas signee Damion Miller.

Continue reading “Texas football recruiting: Longhorns offer 2022 four-star RB”

Rams injury report: Akers still sidelined, Fuller limited Wednesday

The Rams held their first practice on Wednesday but are still without Cam Akers.

The Los Angeles Rams have begun preparation for the 0-3 New York Giants this week, practicing for the first time on Wednesday. Coming off a loss to the Bills in Buffalo, the Rams have their sights set on a 3-1 start.

They were shorthanded to start the week of practice, however, with some key players sitting out Wednesday. Sean McVay said Cam Akers remains day-to-day with a rib injury, while Jordan Fuller is still recovering from a shoulder injury that he suffered Sunday.

Akers sat out practice once again, while Fuller was limited – a positive sign for his availability Sunday.

Sebastian Joseph-Day and Josh Reynolds were also non-participants, though Reynolds’ absence was for an illness. Joseph-Day tweaked his ankle in Sunday’s loss.

Terrell Lewis was back at practice for the first time since being placed on the non-football injury list, which is good news. The Rams designated him to return, giving them a 21-day window to add him to the 53-man roster.

Check out the full injury report below.

A history of the Vikings going 0-3 . . .

The Vikings have never made the playoffs after starting a season 0-3.

The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at 0-3 to start the 2020 season.

As you might expect, the odds are not in the Vikings’ favor after starting 0-3.

Here’s a history of the Vikings after starting a season 0-3:

  • 2013: 5-10-1 (missed playoffs)
  • 2011: 3-13 (missed playoffs)
  • 2002: 6-10 (missed playoffs)
  • 1967: 3-8-3 (missed playoffs)
  • 1962: 2-11-1 (missed playoffs)

The Vikings have now started 0-3 six times in team history and have not made the playoffs once.

Their win average is 3.8 wins when starting 0-3. That’s not great!

The good news in Week 4 is that the Vikings will go up against another 0-3 team: The Houston Texans.

We’ll see if the Vikings can get back on track, earn their first win of the season and make what would be an unlikely run to the playoffs.

Top basketball target JD Davison moves up commitment date

JD Davison, the No. 1 point guard in 2021 according to the 247Sports Composite, has moved his commitment date up yo Oct. 3, according to 247Sports.

JD Davison, the No. 1 point guard in 2021 according to the 247Sports Composite, has moved his commitment date up to Oct. 3, according to 247Sports.

The 6-foot-3 and 175-pound Davison is the No. 9 overall recruit and has a final six of Auburn. Alabama, Kansas, LSU, Memphis and Michigan.

He spoke earlier with 247Sports about his top schools and his fit with Auburn.

“They fit my play-style, they got coach [Bruce] Pearl and coach [Wes] Flanigan, some great coaches and they have great point guards come through there.”

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook named FedEx Ground Player of the Week

Cook ran for a career-high 181 yards in Week 3 against the Titans.

After running for a career-high 181 yards in Week 3 against the Titans, Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been named the FedEx Ground Player of the Week.

Cook ran for those 181 yards on 22 carries (8.23 yards per carry). He also found the end zone once.

On the season, Cook has 294 rushing yards, a mark that ranks third in the NFL.

Cook will have the next chance to add to his total on Sunday afternoon in Houston against the Texans. There’s a good chance Cook will have a big day considering the Texans have allowed 565 rushing yards in three games this season, a mark that ranks last in the NFL.

This is the third time Cook has won the award.

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers: NBA Finals, Game 1 live stream, TV channel, start time, odds

The underdog Miami Heat will meet the Los Angeles Lakers in game one of the NBA Finals, stream all the action here.

The Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers will meet in game one of the NBA Finals from the ‘bubble’ in Orlando, Florida.  The Heat have been on a roll so far these playoffs, knocking off both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics to make it to the NBA Finals.  The Lakers with Anthony Davis and LeBron James have steamrolled teams since the playoffs began.

With names like Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Duncan Robinson you might not think much of this Heat team but the way they are ‘gelling’ with Jimmy Butler behind them is a thing of beauty.

Can this underdog Miami Heat team come to play and compete against the favorites, Los Angeles Lakers?  Tune into the NBA Finals, Game 1 tonight, and follow the NBA Finals action right here!

NBA Finals, Game 1

 Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers

  • When: Wednesday, September 30
  • Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: ABC, ESPN Deportes
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Prediction: If you have been following my picks since the playoffs, I’m a big Miami Heat fan and this won’t change going into the NBA Finals.  They are great when getting points and you must take them if they do, they will always keep these games close even if they don’t win the game outright.

Bet: Miami Heat +4.5. Under 217.5

NBA Finals Playoff Schedule

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Game 1: Wed, Sept. 30 Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 9:00 p.m. ET
Game 2: Fri, Oct 2 Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 9:00 p.m. ET
Game 3: Sun, Oct 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
Game 4: Tues, Oct 6 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat, 9:00 p.m. ET
Game 5*: Fri, Oct 9 Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 9:00 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Sun, Oct 11 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Tues, Oct 13 Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers, 9:00 p.m. ET

* if necessary

NBA Odds and Betting Lines

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds last updated Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-4.5).  O/U: 217.5

Want some action on the NBA? Place your legal sports bets on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ, and WV at BetMGM. 

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49ers injury report: George Kittle has 1st full practice since Week 1

49ers tight end George Kittle was a full participant in practice — a good sign for his availability vs. the Eagles.

The 49ers on Wednesday got a small bit of good news in their practice report, although things still aren’t exactly promising on the injury front. George Kittle did return to practice as a full participant to open practice leading up to Week 4 though, which is a promising sign for his availability Sunday night against the Eagles.

Kittle sprained his knee in the first half of the 49ers’ season opener and missed Weeks 2 and 3. He returned as a limited participant in practice last week. Now he’s back to practicing in full.

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was back in practice as well after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury. Running back Jerick McKinnon suffered a rib injury in Week 3 and wound up practicing as well.

Jimmy Garoppolo and Raheem Mostert are still among those not practicing.

Here’s the full practice report from Wednesday:

Did not participate

DE Dee Ford (back)
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle)
LB Dre Greenlaw (quadricep)
CB Emmanuel Moseley (concussion)
RB Raheem Mostert (knee)
TE Jordan Reed (knee)
CB K’Waun Williams (hip)

Full participation

TE George Kittle (knee)
RB Jerick McKinnon (ribs)
CB Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring)