Rui Hachimura appears in new season of ‘Terrace House’ on Netflix

Hachimura first teased his appearance in August as the Japanese reality TV show has become a global hit among viewers.

After teasing an appearance on “Terrace House” back in August, fans of the hit Japanese TV show can now watch Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura in action.

“Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020: Part 2” was released in the U.S. on Netflix on Tuesday as Hachimura guests on the first episode, titled “All or Nothing.”

Based in Tokyo, Japan, the reality TV show follows three men and three women as they live together in a house while they get to know and date each other.

Hachimura, the first Japanese-born player to be selected in the NBA Draft, first teased his appearance in August as the show has become a global hit among viewers. The ninth overall pick filled in as a guest host on his episode after stopping by the filming studios.

Since entering the NBA, Hachimura has had an enormous following from his homeland and is often greeted in arenas across the NBA by his Japanese fans. Hachimura has signed endorsement contracts with a number of companies, including Jordan Brand.

Hachimura is currently sidelined for the Wizards with a groin injury and is expected to be re-evaluated later this week. In 25 games this season, Hachimura is averaging 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

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Washington Wizards at New York Knicks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Wizards and New York Knicks NBA matchup, with NBA betting odds, picks and best bets

The Washington Wizards (8-20) and New York Knicks (7-23) tip it off at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Wizards-Knicks odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


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Wizards at Knicks: Key injuries

Wizards: PF Rui Hachimura (groin) is nearing a return, but remains out. PG Isaiah Thomas (suspension) will serve the first of a two-game suspension. PF Davis Bertans (quadriceps) is also ruled out.

Knicks: SG Reggie Bullock (neck) is week-to-week, while SG Wayne Ellington (Achilles) is out indefinitely.

Wizards at Knicks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Monday at 3 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Knicks 113, Wizards 105

Moneyline (ML)

While the Wizards (+140) have dominated this series in recent seasons, especially against the number, the KNICKS (-167) are the play due to a rash of injuries and a suspension keeping the visitors shorthanded.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Knicks to win outright returns a profit of $5.99.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Taking the KNICKS (-3.5, -115) is going against the series trends, as the Wizards (+3.5, -106) are 14-6-1 ATS in the past 21 in this series — including 8-2 ATS in the past 10 trips to MSG. But the loss of Thomas and Bertans will be especially big for the visitors.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 228.5 (-115) has cashed in five in a row in this series. While the Over is the overwhelming trend lately for the Wizards, the Under is 13-4 in the past 17 for the Knicks at MSG, and 14-6-1 in their past 21 when working on a day of rest.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Luka Doncic is reportedly close to joining Zion, Rui at Jordan Brand

The Mavericks star is apparently close to signing an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is reportedly close to signing a multi-year endorsement deal with Jordan Brand, according to Tim Cato and Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Doncic has been seen wearing Jordan Brand shoes throughout the season as the news is likely a formality at this point though a deal has yet to be officially announced.

With Doncic in the fold now, Jordan Brand has put together quite a roster in recent memory. The Mavericks star joins the likes of Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Rui Hachimura, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul to endorse the apparel company.

Doncic was certainly viewed as perhaps the top sneaker free agent.

The second-year guard is third in the NBA in scoring and has emerged as an MVP candidate this season. He has become one of the most popular players around the world and shoe companies likely wanted to tap into his broad reach around the globe.

Doncic is averaging 29.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.9 assists in 25 games this season as the Mavericks are fourth in the Western Conference at 19-9.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Morant, Nunn maintain lead in Week 8

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the eighth week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

As the NBA has crossed over the quarter-mark of the 2019-20 season, several first-year players have been hit with injuries and are expected to miss some time for their respective clubs.

Of course, others have already dealt with injuries this season but have recovered and have continued to stay productive after missing some game action.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment rookies face each year is the longer NBA schedule. In college, most players appear in less than 40 games but that number will rise up to 82 in the NBA so that should be something to monitor over the course of the next month or so.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 8:

All stats are through games played on Dec. 17

5. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 16.1 points, 5 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Rank Last Week: 3

Speaking of injuries, Paschall recently missed two games for the Golden State Warriors after dealing with hip soreness. The second-round pick is set to return on Wednesday but he will be tasked with getting back on track. Prior to missing time, Paschall tallied just 10 points over his last two games combined, shooting just 25% (4-of-16) from the field. That stretch was easily his worst of the season after recently scoring in double figures in 13 straight games.

4. De’Andre Hunter, Hawks

Stats: 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2 assists

Rank Last Week: 5

Hunter has been up and down since scoring a career-high 28 points on Dec. 10 but he is averaging 13.5 points over his last four games for the Hawks. The fourth overall pick is coming off of a 19-point performance Tuesday night in a blowout loss to the New York Knicks while he hauled in five rebounds and dished out four assists. Hunter has struggled with his shot selection this season, often forcing looks or taking shots out of his range, but with the Hawks losers of five straight, that may not be the biggest concern at the moment.

3. Tyler Herro, Heat

Stats: 14.2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention

Herro registers his highest ranking of the season this week after posting 16 points and 4.7 rebounds over his last three games for the Heat. After a scoreless performance on Dec. 10 and a seven-point outing on Dec. 13, Herro has combined for 41 points over his last two games, including a 22-point outburst on Monday. The 13th overall pick is fifth in rookie scoring and has been on the shortlist of standouts this season in his class.

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 16.1 points, 3.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1 steal

Rank Last Week: 2

After recording a career-high 36 points on Dec. 10, Nunn continued his strong play. Nunn is averaging 15.7 points and 4.7 assists over his last three games while he is shooting 43.8% from 3-point range. Perhaps his best highlight of the week came on Friday when he posterized Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee. Nunn adds an aggressive option on offense for the HEat and he has certainly displayed that this season. McGee would likely attest to that, as well.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 18.8 points, 6.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Rank Last Week: 1

Morant has proven to be the most dominant rookie so far this season and has continued to do so even after missing four games recently with back soreness. Since returning on Dec. 9, Morant is posting 20.8 points, 4.5 assists, four rebounds and one steal in four games for the Grizzlies. During that span, Morant even threw down perhaps the dunk of the year after posterizing Aron Baynes. He is coming off of a 20-point performance against the Heat on Monday as he helped the Grizzlies avoid an epic collapse after Miami erased a 17-point deficit.

Honorable Mention:

Rui Hachimura, Wizards: 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Hachimura will miss the next five games for the Wizards after suffering a groin contusion on Monday when he was inadvertently kicked by a teammate. The injury will put a hold on what was a productive month of December for the ninth overall pick. In eight games, Hachimura is averaging 17.3 points and 6.6 rebounds while he is shooting 49.1% from the field. Hachimura will be re-evaluated after Christmas and could be done until after the new year.

On the Rise:

Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

Clarke has been on a tear since returning from a four-game absence with an oblique injury. The first-round pick is averaging 18 points over his last three games, the most by a rookie over that span. He is shooting 72.4% from the field and 75% from 3-point range. Clarke is fourth in the NBA in field-goal percentage and has been among the biggest steals of the NBA Draft.

R.J. Barrett, Knicks

After dropping out of the rankings last week, Barrett returns after a career night on Tuesday when he recorded 27 points in a blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks. Barrett has battled through consistency issues this season but he showed off his overall game against the Hawks as the Knicks have suddenly won three of four.

Kevin Porter Jr., Cavaliers

Porter recently recorded a career-high 24 points against James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Dec. 11 and is averaging 13.3 points over his last four games. Porter has had an up and down campaign to this point but appears to be settling in for the Cavaliers.

Shout Out:

Admiral Schofield, Wizards

The second-round pick recently turned in his best stretch of the season for the Wizards after recording 23 points over his last two games in 20 minutes. Whether in the G League or NBA, Schofield has a knack for making the most of his time on the court.

P.J. Washington, Hornets

Like Hachimura, Washington recently suffered an injury that will keep him out for five games with a fractured finger. Washington has had a productive month of December, including back-to-back 13-point performances before suffering his injury.

Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 4 Power Rankings | Week 5 Power Rankings | Week 6 Power Rankings | Week 7 Power Rankings

Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura to miss 5 games due to groin injury

Rui Hachimura left the Wizards’ game on Monday night after the first half and did not return after suffering a groin contusion.

Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura will miss the next five games and will be re-evaluated after Christmas Day when the team returns from a four-game road trip.

The ninth overall selection appeared to be kicked in the groin by teammate Isaac Bonga on Monday night against the Detroit Pistons. Hachimura left the game after the first half and did not return after suffering a groin contusion.

Prior to suffering the injury, Hachimura recorded seven points and two rebounds in 17 minutes of work as he shot 3-of-4 from the field. Hachimura had started in each of the Wizards’ 25 games to this point as he prepares to miss his first extended action of the season.

Hachimura had scored in double figures in each of the last eight games for the Wizards prior to Monday night. He averaged 18.4 points over that span, the most among all rookies.

Hachimura is averaging 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists this season while he is shooting 48.2% from the field. He is fifth in scoring average and second in rebounding among rookies.

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Rui Hachimura leaves Wizards game vs. Pistons early due to injury

The Wizards announced that Rui Hachimura suffered an injury on Monday night against the Detroit Pistons and will not return.

Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura left Monday night’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons early due to a groin contusion and will not return, the team announced.

Hachimura suffered the injury as he attempted to grab a rebound on defense. He appeared to be kicked in the groin by teammate Isaac Bonga as the two were fighting for the rebound. Hachimura immediately went down on the court in pain before leaving the game.

Prior to suffering the injury, Hachimura recorded seven points and two rebounds in 17 minutes of work as he shot 3-of-4 from the field. The former Gonzaga product has started each of the Wizards’ 25 games to this point as he is posting 14.2 points and six rebounds.

The injury will snap an eight-game streak scoring at least 10 points as Hachimura is averaging 18.4 points over that span, the most among all rookies.

The Wizards were winning at the end of the third quarter, 96-91.

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Rui Hachimura was surprised photographers wanted to take his picture

As Hachimura entered Spectrum Center on Tuesday, the rookie was surprised to see a group of photographers there waiting to take his picture.

We now bring you your wholesome content of the day, starring Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura.

It has become something of a ritual now in the NBA for photographers to be lined up in the bowels of arenas waiting to snap pictures of players as they step off of the bus.

The routine has allowed players to show off their fashion side and their game-day outfits. It has even led to the creation of a Twitter account documenting the look of players across the NBA.

As Hachimura entered Spectrum Center in Charlotte on Tuesday night ahead of a matchup against the Hornets, the rookie was surprised to see a group of photographers there waiting to snap his picture.

As for his performance on the court, Hachimura recorded 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds in the 114-107 loss. After struggling with his consistency to begin the year, Hachimura has scored in double figures in seven straight games and is averaging 19.6 points over that span, the most among all rookies.

While the rookie hasn’t been the most stylish off of the court, his play on the court has him ranked among the best rookies in the league and that is likely a welcomed sign.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Ja Morant picks up where he left off

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the seventh week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant recently returned after missing four games due to back soreness after crashing into a courtside camera operator.

With Zion Williamson out following knee surgery, the top of the rookie class took a hit over the past week with Morant out of the lineup and R.J. Barrett struggling to stay consistent.

Of course, Morant returned on Monday night to lead the Grizzlies to a win over the Golden State Warriors. He recorded a team-high 26 points in that game and reasserted himself as the top rookie to this point of the season.

As Morant showed so signs of slowing down following his injury, some other rookies are beginning to pick up steam as the NBA begins the second quarter of the season.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 7:

All stats are through games played on Dec. 10

5. De’Andre Hunter, Hawks

Stats: 12.8 points, 4 rebounds, 1.9 assists

Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention

Speaking of pick up steam, Hawks rookie De’Andre Hunter has burst onto the scene over the past few weeks. Hunter recorded a career-high 28 points on Tuesday night in an overtime loss to the Miami Heat as he shot an efficient 11-of-17 from the field. Hunter recently dealt with a dislocated right index finger but showed no signs of any issues on Tuesday night. Hunter is up to seventh in rookie scoring this season but is averaging 14.5 points per game over his six games, good for sixth-best over that time period.

4. Rui Hachimura, Wizards

Stats: 14.4 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Rank Last Week: 5

After struggling with his consistency, Hachimura has quietly strung together quite a few impressive performances. The ninth overall pick has scored in double figures in seven straight games and is averaging 19.6 points over that span, the most among all rookies. Of course, that streak includes a career-high 30 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 1 and a 27-point performance two games later against the Philadelphia 76ers. The rookie appears to be finally finding his way with the Wizards and it has led to some improved play as of late.

3. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 16.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Rank Last Week: 2

As the Warriors struggle, Paschall is coming off of his worst outing of the season. The second-round pick recorded a season-low five points on Monday, snapping a streak of 13 consecutive games scoring in double figures. Paschall still leads the rookie class in total points scored, just topping Kendrick Nunn and Ja Morant. Paschall has thrived in isolation situations this season and has used his size and strength to get to the basket. He is having a strong rookie campaign to this point and now has the second-highest odds to win the Rookie of the Year award as a result.

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 16.2 points, 3.4 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1 steal

Rank Last Week: 3

The undrafted rookie reclaims the second spot in our rankings after a monster performance on Tuesday against the Hawks. Nunn recorded a career-high 36 points, finishing 14-of-26 from the field while adding six rebounds and four assists. Nunn is averaging 19 points over the past week as he appears to have broken out of a recent slump that saw him post 10.5 points over a four-game stretch. He is now just one of four rookies to record at least 30 points in a game this season, joining Eric Paschall, Ja Morant and Rui Hachimura.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 19.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Rank Last Week: 1

As previously mentioned, Morant returned on Monday after a four-game absence to lead the Grizzlies with 26 points in the win over the Warriors. Morant showed no signs of any lingering back issues during the game and fooled a number of Warriors players on a nifty pass fake for an easy bucket. The Grizzlies likely held Morant out to fully heal as the injury was not considered to be serious but it was certainly a plus to have Morant back out on the court Monday night.

Honorable Mention:

Tyler Herro, Heat: 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2 assists

Herro had back-to-back performances of at least 20 points over the weekend but followed that up by going scoreless Tuesday night in 23 minutes of action. Herro is tied with R.J. Barrett for fifth in scoring among rookies but his zero-point outing against the Hawks shouldn’t be a cause for concern moving forward.

P.J. Washington, Hornets: 12.2 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1 steal

Washington hit a bit of a wall toward the end of November but has come on strong for the Hornets since then. He is averaging 14.9 points and 4.4 rebounds over his last eight games, including a 20-point performance against the Hawks on Sunday. Perhaps most impressive in that outing is Washington got to the free-throw line 13 times, converting on 12 shots.

On the Rise:

Cam Reddish, Hawks: 8.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Reddish is fifth in scoring among all rookies over the last week, averaging 14.7 points while shooting 50% (7-of-14) from 3-point range. Reddish had a career-high 25 points on Dec. 4 as he continues to flash his potential this season.

Jaxson Hayes, Pelicans: 9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks

Hayes is finding consistent playing time now and is producing as a result. He is averaging 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in five December games and has scored in double figures in three straight games for the first time this season.

Matisse Thybulle, 76ers: 5.1 points, 1.5 steals, 1.3 rebounds

Thybulle recorded a career-high 20 points on Sunday and followed that up with 13 points Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. He is shooting 52.9% (9-of-17) from 3-point range over his last four games as he appears to be settling in with the Sixers.

Shout Out:

Luguentz Dort, Thunder

After beginning the season in the G League with the OKC Blue, Dort has spent the past three games in the NBA with the Thunder. He recorded his first bucket on Sunday and had nine points on Monday night.

Dropped Out:

R.J. Barrett, Knicks; Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

Week 2 Power Rankings | Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 4 Power Rankings | Week 5 Power Rankings | Week 6 Power Rankings

Ja Morant is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year in updated odds

With Zion Williamson sidelined, Morant has established himself as the top rookie of the class after his tremendous start.

Memphis Grizzlies first-round pick Ja Morant is the favorite to win the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year award, according to online sportsbook SportsBetting.ag.

With Zion Williamson sidelined this season following knee surgery, Morant has established himself as the top rookie of the class after his tremendous start.

The second overall pick is averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 18 games this season. Morant is leading all rookies in scoring average and assists, while he is fourth in 3-point percentage (43.2) among first-year players to appear in at least 10 games.

While Morant is the favorite now in the updated odds released on Tuesday, Eric Paschall and Kendrick Nunn have gained traction in the race after their strong starts to the season. The two players are second and third in scoring, respectively, among all rookies.

The full odds for the top seven, via SportsBetting:

  1. Ja Morant: +150
  2. Eric Paschall: +500
  3. Kendrick Nunn: +500
  4. Zion Williamson: +500
  5. R.J. Barrett: +600
  6. Rui Hachimura: +1000
  7. Coby White: +1600

As the NBA recently crossed over the quarter mark of the season, the odds will certainly continue to fluctuate as players separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

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Jaxson Hayes, Ja Morant receive ratings bump in latest ‘NBA 2K’ update

Jaxson Hayes and Ja Morant were among the rookies to see a change in their latest NBA 2K20 rating.

New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant were among the first-year players to receive a ratings bump in the latest ‘NBA 2K20′ update released on Friday.

After a few strong performances, Hayes’ overall rating increased by two from 74 to 76 in the latest update. He is averaging 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over his last five games.

Meanwhile, Morant saw his rating increase by one from 82 to 83 despite missing the last three games for the Grizzlies with back spasms after crashing into a baseline camera operator on Nov. 25.

As Hayes and Morant each saw their rating increase, several other rookies received changes in their overall mark:

  • R.J. Barrett: 78 (-1)
  • Brandon Clarke: 80 (+2)
  • Terence Davis: 76 (+2)
  • Rui Hachimura: 78 (+1)
  • Eric Paschall: 80 (+1)

After the latest ratings update, the top five rookies in the NBA are:

  1. Ja Morant: 83
  2. Zion Williamson: 81
  3. Brandon Clarke: 80
  4. Eric Paschall: 80
  5. Rui Hachimura: 78

The updated top five ratings among rookies likely isn’t a surprise to many as those players, with the exception of Williamson, have been among the top first-year players this season.

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