Author: baronmedianetwork

Top NBA games for January 22-28, 2024

By: Andrew Brown

Monday 22, 2024

Spurs vs 76ers 7:00pm

Who’s going to win: 76ers, The big man Embiid (Center) has been on fire this season, he hasn’t scored under 30 points since November the 15th and it looks like it won’t end either. He also is making a strong case for another MVP. 

Kings vs Hawks 10:00pm

Who’s going to win: Kings, the Hawks are good on offense but their defense puts up questions. They rank 22nd out of 30 teams defensively. If the Hawks want to win they either need Trae Young (Point Guard) to go off or just simply play good defense. 

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Tuesday 23, 2024

Knicks vs Nets 7:00pm

Who’s going to win: Knicks, the Knicks have been a much better team defensively and offense since acquiring OG Anunoby (Small/ Power Forward). They should easily win this game. 

Lakers vs Clippers 9:30

Who’s going to win: Clippers, it’s a battle for the best team in LA. The Clippers have a stacked team, the lakers… not so much. If the Lakers want to win, other players like D’Angelo Russel (Point Guard) and Austin Reaves (Shooting Guard) need to step up. 

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Wednesday 24, 2024

Suns vs Mavs 8:30pm

Who’s going to win: Suns, Two former teammates squaring off Kevin Durant (Power forward) and Kyrie Irving (Point guard). The Mavs have been on fire lately with Kyrie and Hardaway (Small Forward) combining for 83 a couple games ago, but I think they will cool down and drop this Game. 

Thunder vs Spurs 9:30pm

Who’s going to win: Thunder, This game won’t be close but it will be interesting to watch the two leading rookie of the year candidates who are also both over 7 feet tall Victor Wembyama (Center) and Chet Holmgren (Center). 

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Thursday 25, 2024

Heat vs Celtics 7:30pm

Who’s going to win: Celtics, It’s rival week one of the best weeks in the NBA. The Celtics should steamroll through the Heat as their roster is just unstoppable. 

Warriors vs Kings 10:00pm

Who’s going to win: Kings, The Warriors have been awful this year with them losing to basically the Memphis Grizzlies G-League a couple of games ago. The Warriors’ only way of winning is if Curry (Point Guard) goes off. Also expect the Warriors to trade most of their team, obviously except for Curry.

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Friday 26, 2024

Magic vs Grizzlies 8:00pm

Who’s going to win: Grizzlies, with the Grizzlies getting an impressive win over the Warriors this team is not a team to joke around with. With all of the injuries the Grizzlies have had this season players like GG Jackson the Small Forward from the University of South Carolina have had to step up. Having his best game of his career I expect him to get more minutes and have another career night against this team. 

Cavs vs Bucks 8:00pm

Who’s going to win: Bucks, Giannis (Power Forward) and Lillard (Point Guard) should have a game with the short handed Cavs but don’t expect Mitchell (Shooting Guard) to have a bad night. 

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Saturday 27, 2024

76ers vs Nuggets 5:30pm

Who’s going to win: 76ers, a huge matchup between the 20201 MVP Nikola Jokić (Center) and the 2022 MVP Joel Embiid. With Maxey (Point Guard) the 76ers have a hard duo to stop. 

Lakers vs Warriors 8:30pm

Who’s going to win: Lakers, A lot of people are saying that the Warriors dynasty is over and it looks like the truth. With Thompson (Shooting Guard) not shooting well, players not wanting to be there, and the Draymond Green (Power Forward) situation things are getting out of hand for the Warriors. If they want their players happy and if they want to win the need to trade sooner than later. 

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Sunday 28, 2024

Grizzlies vs Pacers 3:30pm

Who’s going to win: Pacers, with the Pacers acquiring Siakam (Power Forward) they might have found the piece they needed to reach the next level. When Halliburton (Point Guard) comes back from his injury he won’t have to carry the team as much and will have a lot more help. 

Raptors vs Hawks 6:00pmWho’s going to win: Hawks, with Jalen Johnson (Small Forward) dwelling before our eyes, he is what the Hawks need: a guy who could replace John Collins (Power Forward) who was traded to the Utah Jazz. As for the Raptors they have gone into rebuild mode making a good bit of moves this season. They also acquired 3 first round picks.

CJ Stroud v The Ravens

by: Ben Reynolds

CJ Stroud historic rookie season began with being selected #2 overall in the latest NFL draft. He immediately made a splash in the league by leading the Texans to a 10-7 season after they finished 3-13 just one season ago. However, standing in his way to further go this playoff run is the second ranked defense in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens. This stellar defense was the first team in NFL history to lead the league in PPG allowed (16.5/game), total sacks (60), and takeaways (31) at the end of the regular season. Along with this trifling defense, the Ravens also have the MVP front runner in Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson is a pure game changer who has the ability to take over any game at any given time. His speed and athleticism mixed with his ability to read defense will pose a very difficult challenge to the Texans defense. Not only will CJ Stroud have to score against one of the top defenses but the Texans defense will have to try and contain the most electric player in the NFL. Although, last week CJ Stroud and the Texans took on the Browns who had the #1 ranked defense in the league. Not only did the Texans win but they erupted in an impressive 45-14 win. This proved that the Texans can score on the best defenses in the league which gives them a very good chance in this upcoming game. ESPN has only given the Texans a 16.5% chance of winning this game, but anything can happen in the NFL and this matchup serves as a must watch game for the upcoming weekend. A high scoring shootout is to be expected as the MVP front runner takes on the Rookie of the Year front runner this Saturday at 4:30 PM.  

Why the Packers are going to win the Super Bowl.

By Connor Hanson

When I look at the packers I see a really young team that has completely filled out the shoes that they are expected to. They had no expectations at the beginning of the year due to an injury filled wide receiver room while still being really young, and an unproven quarterback that had a rough first couple starts in the absence of Aaron Rodgers. 

Last weekend the Packers played the Dallas Cowboys, which were the favorites to win the game on every website that does odds. And why wouldn’t they be, they had to play against the most lousy run defenses I’ve ever had the chore of watching, while combining with a quarterback with no playoff experience. Despite all this the Packers shocked the world and pummeled the Cowboys in an avalanche of scoring due to effortless throws by Jordan love.

This weekend the Packers matchup with one of the most explosive offenses of all time in the San Francisco 49ers. Offense is going to have to win the Packers this game, because the 49ers are going to put up points either way, we are just going to have to score more.

Is it Finally Baltimore’s Year?

By: Dylan Jones

Baltimore Ravens WATCH: QB Lamar Jackson Trains With WRs Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers - Sports Illustrated Baltimore Ravens News, Analysis and More

As the road to the Super Bowl is on the horizon, the Baltimore Ravens have looked to be a clear favorite. Lamar Jackson has been playing great football and is projected to win the Most Valuable Player. This year is also brings the most weapons that Jackson has had around him during his time in Baltimore. Some of these weapons include veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr, 1st round draft pick Zay Flowers, third year receiver coming back from injury Rashod Bateman, tight end Mark Andrews and rookie running back Keaton Mitchell.  The defensive line has been playing the best it has played in a very long time. I think this is due to the offseason signing of Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney was the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft so the potential was there it was just a matter of getting him to produce. Many labeled him as a bust, but this year he is helping out this defense to take the next step.

The Ravens were great in the regular season, but now it’s win or go home. The Ravens are dealing with a lot of major injuries like tight end Mark Andrews, star safety Kyle Hamilton, and rookie running Keaton Mitchell so that already starts them behind the 8-ball because they won’t be 100%. Now Lamar Jackson has had some phenomenal regular seasons like when he won the MVP in 2019, but once again that is the regular season. Throughout his career, he has not played his best football during the playoffs. It is also very hard to count out Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. They have had their struggles, but Mahomes is still an elite quarterback and performs well in the playoffs. I am not saying the Ravens can not get it done, but they are definitely not my pick to win Super Bowl 58. 

In Search of the Next Book

By: Adam Pelletier and Addison Thornton

“If it Bleeds” by Stephen King is a collection of four short stories all in one book. Each story has its own unique twist, and they all have the same yet intriguing amount of mystery. This selection of stories includes “Mr Harringan’s Phone” which has its own Netflix adaptation. Also included are “The Life of Chuck,” “If it Bleeds,” and “Rat.” Between dystopian societies and changing identities, King’s attention to detail and word usage remains as good of quality as it almost always is. His consistency through these stories is good, as each of them has an entirely different yet very well thought out narrative. 

Other books I would recommend by Stephen King:

  • The Institute
  • Joyland
  • 1922
  • Billy Summers

From the world of Percy Jackson, The Sun and the Star is an amazing story focusing on two major characters from the series. Will Solace and Nico di Angelo embark on a journey to Tartarus in order to save a friend. 

Dreams and visions plague Nico of someone known to him crying out for help. They worsen until the Oracle issues a quest. However, Tartarus is no place for any mortal and few make it out alive. Nico, who survived it once, is less worried about the journey, but Will, who is a son of Apollo, will have a harder time in the depths of the underworld since it is against his very nature. The pair go to save their friend and encounter many others along the way. 

The Sun and the Star is an amazing action packed tale with some cute and sad moments as well. It gives a wonderful insight into the thoughts, lives, and relationships of these beloved characters from Rick Riordan’s world of Percy Jackson. 

Series and Books also by Rick Riordan:

  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians
  • Heroes of Olympus
  • The Kane Chronicles
  • Magnus Chase
  • The Trials of Apollo
  • Daughter of the Deep

Cooking with Luke B

By: Luke Banar

How to make my favorite homemade chicken Alfredo. 

Ingredients:

  • Pasta 
  • Chicken thighs or breasts
  • A big pot
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Half and Half creamer

First take the chicken breasts or thighs and cut the excess fat off of them. You can use as much or little chicken as you like. Take a large pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling add the chicken and cook until 180 degrees.  Then take out the chicken and cut it up using a knife and put your pasta in the same pot that your chicken was in and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. After the pasta is cooked you strain the water out of the pot and turn the heat down and add in your pasta and cut up chicken. Add your half and half gradually to thicken up the sauce. Then add the  Parmesan cheese and stir constantly to keep it from burning, after the Alfredo has thickened up and turn off the heat. Finally grab a bowl to fill with the delicious chicken Alfredo and if you are feeling fancy some parsley on the top will do the trick. 

NBA Picks Dec 10-17

by: Andrew Brown

Monday 11, 2023

Mavericks vs Grizzlies 8:00pm
Who’s going to win: Grizzlies, Bane just had his best career game against the Pistons. I think he’ll have another great game this season.
Pelicans vs Timberwolves 8:00pm
Who’s going to win: Pelicans, This game will be tough. The Pelicans have Zion and the Timberwolves have the best defense, but I think the Pelicans will somehow pull it out and get the win.

Tuesday 12, 2023

Mavericks vs Lakers 7:30pm
Who’s going to win: Lakers, The Mavs won’t be able to stop King James as they will be crushed by the Lakers.
Warriors vs Suns 10:00pm
Who’s going to win: Suns, with Clay Thompson not shooting well, Curry can’t carry the load so the Suns easily got this.

Wednesday 13, 2023

Hornet vs Heat 7:30pm
Who’s going to win: Hornets, I just have a feeling that LaMello will go and the Heat will not have their best game.
Pacers vs Bucks 8:00pm
Who’s going to win: Bucks, the in-season tournament rematch. After Haliburton disrespected Lillard, Lillard will get his revenge and teach him a little lesson to never disrespect a veteran.

Thursday 14, 2023

Cavs vs Celtics 7:30pm
Who’s going to win: Celtics, with the 7 footer Porzingis back the C’s should easily handle business.

Warriors vs Clippers 10:030pm
Who’s going to win: Clippers, James Harden will be back on track and will cook the Warriors.

Friday 15, 2023

Magic vs Celtics 7:00pm
Who’s going to win: Magic, for some weird reason the magic always beat the Celtics and the streak will continue.
Knicks vs Suns 10:00pm
Who’s going to win: Knicks, the Knicks have good depth and the Suns don’t really have a bench. This game will come down to who’s bench plays the hardest.

Saturday 16, 2023

Pistons vs Bucks 7:30pm
Who’s going to win: Pistons, the Bucks are going to underestimate the Pistons because of their losing streak and will be left scratching their heads after a terrible loss.
Thunder vs Nuggets 9:00pm
Who’s going to win: Nuggets, the Joker will have a field day against this thunder defense.

Sunday 17, 2023

Celtics vs Magic 3:00pm
Who’s going to win: Celtics, the Celtics will finally beat the Magic at home and it will not even be close.
Pelicans vs Spurs 3:30pm
Who’s going to win: Pelicans, Zion will obliterate the Spurs defense but I do expect the number one pick Wenbayama to have a good game in offense and defense.

Why was FSU Snubbed out of a Playoff Spot?

By: Jones DesChamps

In the midst of chaos during this college football season, the College Football Playoff Committee has caused uproar amongst loyal fans. As the final season of the four team playoff concludes, the committee has made its most controversial decision yet. By leaving an undefeated, power 5 conference champion out of the playoff picture, the committee has decided to exclude a flawless team from being crowned as one of the most deserving teams in the country. Although this point has been proven by the professional analysts as a proper decision, it is beyond evident that Florida State was cheated out of a chance at a national championship. 

To begin, throughout the history of the college football playoff, no undefeated power 5 conference champion has ever been left out. Not only that, but it is the committee’s job to put in the MOST DESERVING TEAMS, not the best four teams. If it’s their job to put in the most deserving teams, then how is a team that hasn’t lost a game left out of the playoffs. Not only that, Florida State has neutral or away wins against Clemson, Louisville, and LSU, all three of which are ranked wins. If you believe that it is the committee’s job to put the BEST four teams in the playoffs, then history does not side with your answer. In 2015, the committee allowed Michigan State into the playoffs, a team who was clearly not one of the best four teams in the country but made it in because they deserved it. The same thing has happened with Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and TCU throughout history, by allowing bad, yet deserving teams into the playoffs. So, it’s evident that the committee does not care about who’s better, but they care about who’s the most deserving. 

Secondly, a large reason that Florida State was eliminated from playoff contention was because of the season-ending injury that their star quarterback, Jordan Travis, suffered three weeks ago. Not only is it ridiculous to discipline a team for winning all of their games but punishing a team because of a player’s injury is unreasonable, too. It is completely outrageous to exclude an undefeated conference champion, who has won their last two games with a backup quarterback, from the playoffs. That quarterback, who apparently isn’t good enough, has gotten the job done. How is it appropriate to penalize a perfect team with over eighty scholarship players because of a wrong step taken by one of those players? Correct, it’s not appropriate. Yes, if injuries would have taken over a team, that’s one thing, but one player doesn’t lead a team to zero losses. Clearly, this team was cheated out of a chance to bring home a trophy. 

So, as it’s blatantly obvious, the College Football Playoff Committee failed in doing their job and has robbed a deserving team of a chance at history. 

Does Alabama have a real chance to beat Georgia in the SEC championship this week?

by: Clark Kinney

It seems year in and year out Alabama always seems to wiggle themselves into the playoff picture no matter the team they have and this year is no different. Despite some early quarterback questions and a loss to Texas in the second game of their season, Bama is coming hot into the SEC championship vs. Georgia. Georgia is the back to back national champions and are undefeated so far this season but some believe they are not as good as they have been. This is looking like it could be a very good matchup. 

Jalen Milroe, the Alabama quarterback, has been looking very good in his past few games. Some people have questioned his pocket presence and arm talent, but he has shined throwing and running as of late. Milroe can flatout fly and has been running all over SEC defenses week in and week out. Alabama complements an extremely athletic quarterback with a crazy receiving core featuring Ja’Corey Brooks, Jermaine Burton, and Kobe Prentice to name a few. Bama also has a very good defense and have held opponents to just about 313 yards of offense per game which is very good considering their tough SEC schedule filled with high powered offenses. 

On the other hand, the Georgia Bulldogs are just flat out good. As mentioned before, Georgia is unbeaten so far this season and have only lost one game in the past 3 years. However, Georgia lost almost all of their starting defensive players to the draft along with their starting quarterback, Stetson Bennet IV. Despite the losses, the Dawgs have looked good and have had some key wins over solid opponents including a 30-21 victory over 9th ranked Missouri, a 38-10 victory over Tennessee, and a crushing 52-17 victory over 11th ranked Mississippi. Their offense is good with Alabama transfer Carson Beck at quarterback and almost a guaranteed future first round pick Brock Bowers at tight end. Along with everything else, their defense is good too allowing an average of just 294 yards of offense per game which tops Alabama’s defense. 

Even though Georgia is very, very good and have been for a while now, I just think it is so hard to bet against Alabama even though they are likely the underdogs. Also, Alabama’s coach Nick Saban is one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Georgia’s coach Kirby Smart is a former assistant coach of Saban and Saban has a whopping 28-3 record against his former assistants. So, do I think Alabama has a real chance to beat Georgia in the SEC championship this week? Yes, and I think they will beat them.