Beth Mishler-Elmore | Heavy.com

‘Keep an Eye on’ Lakers Big Man as Option for Bulls, Insider Says

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 14:05:51 +0000

There isn’t a ton of optimism that the Chicago Bulls will make many — if any — major moves this offseason. Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas told the media after the NBA draft on June 23 that he has the support of the front office to spend, even if it means going into the luxury tax.

Don’t count on that happening, though. The Bulls have entered the luxury tax just once in their history, back in 2013, and it’s highly unlikely it will happen again this year. That means some middle-of-the-road talent will likely be heading to the Windy City.

A few players have been mentioned as names to watch for the Bulls, and one of those is Los Angeles Lakers center Mo Bamba. In a June 23 appearance on 670 The Score’s Bernstein & Holmes Show, insider Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times said the 25-year-old Lakers big would love to play for the Bulls.

Cowley: Mamba ‘Wants to Be a Bull’

Co-host Dan Bernstein asked Cowley if there might be a defensive-minded rim patroller available for a reasonable price and one name specifically came up.

“Keep an eye on Mo Bamba,” Cowley told Bernstein. “This is a guy that’s wanted to come to the Bulls for the last couple years. I don’t know if it was something that was engrained in him growing up and that’s what he saw … and that’s what he fell in love with, but this is a guy who wants to be a Bull.”

The sixth overall pick for the Orlando Magic in 2018, Bamba was traded to the Lakers last season as part of the four-team trade that ultimately sent Patrick Beverley out of L.A. The 7-foot, 230-pound center suffered a high left ankle sprain this past season, which forced him to miss over a month with L.A., but he had some good games when he was healthy.

Some notable games from Mo Bamba off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers:
• versus the Warriors:
10 points 13 rebounds 2/4 from 3
• versus the Thunder:
12 points 7 rebounds 3/4 from 3 1 steal 1 block

We need him back ASAP. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/90s7nCLORk

— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) March 29, 2023

While with the Lakers, Bamba averaged 3.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.6 blocked shots, shooting over 31% from beyond the arc in 9.8 minutes a game. Those numbers are down from the ones he put up in Orlando, when he averaged 7.3 points, 4.6 boards and shot just under 40% from downtown in 17.0 minutes of work per game.

Bamba has a non-guaranteed $10.3 million contract for 2023-24 that becomes fully guaranteed at the end of June, and it’s doubtful the Lakers will pay it, so he could very likely be a free agent soon.

Is There Room for Bamba in Chicago?

The Bulls are currently attempting to re-sign veteran big man Nikola Vucevic, who started all 82 games for them last season. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported on June 18 that the Bulls and Vooch are looking at something close to a three-year deal worth around $65 million.

Bamba would be an affordable backup option, with his salary likely falling in the $5-6 million range for next season. “Rim protectors don’t fall right into your lap. You have to cultivate one, or one has to come and play for you,” Cowley added. That’s true, but Andre Drummond, 29, was Chicago’s backup center last year.

Drummond has a $3.4 million player option he’ll need to decide on by June 29 (he’ll likely accept), but Bamba could be a real option if the Bulls want to move on from Drummond, who scored 6.0 points and grabbed 6.6 rebounds in 12.7 minutes of work last season.

It’s not major drama, but Chicago’s backup center position will surely be one to watch in the coming months.

NBA Draft 2023 Live Stream: How to Watch for Free

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 22:00:34 +0000

The 2023 NBA draft will take place on Thursday, June 22 at the Barclays Center in New York City.

The first round of the draft (8 p.m. ET start time) will be televised on ESPN and ABC, while the second round will be on only ESPN, but if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both come with a free trial.

Those are the two best live stream options if you’re cutting cable, but there are also some other alternatives, so here’s a full guide on the different ways to watch the 2023 NBA Draft streaming live online:

Note: Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 100-plus other live TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch the 2023 NBA Draft live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

Compatible devices for the FuboTV app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Fubo credentials to do that.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” ESPN is included in every one, and you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch the 2023 NBA Draft live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

Compatible devices for the DirecTV Stream app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your DirecTV Stream credentials to do that.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 40-plus other live TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Orange” bundle. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with the ESPN channels, and you can get your first month for half off:

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch the 2023 NBA Draft live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

Compatible devices for the Sling TV app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), airTV Mini, Oculus, Portal, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Sling credentials to do that.

Hulu With Live TV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which now also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+ at no added cost:

Get Hulu With Live TV

Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch the 2023 NBA Draft live on the Hulu app or Hulu website.

Compatible devices for the Hulu app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, PlayStation 4 or 5, Nintendo Switch, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Hulu credentials to do that.

Vidgo

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 65+ other TV channels on Vidgo, which does not come with a free trial:

Get Vidgo

Once signed up for Vidgo, you can watch the 2023 NBA Draft live on the Vidgo app or Vidgo website.

Compatible devices for the Vidgo app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, or Firestick, Apple TV, Chromecast, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or Android tablet.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Vidgo credentials to do that.

NBA Draft 2023 Preview

The San Antonio Spurs own the first overall pick this year, and they are widely expected to draft French phenom Victor Wembanyama. Wemby, as he’s called, is a 7’4″ center and he has been one of the most hyped prospects to come along since LeBron James.

The 19-year-old recently told J.J. Redick on the former NBA star’s podcast “The Old Man and the Three” that he didn’t feel pressured to live up to anyone’s expectations.

“No, I don’t feel any pressure on my shoulders, and I think the reason is because I try to live free,” Wembanyama said. “I’m trying to be a free mind at all times. And the way I play is just the way I truly want to play, and I’ve wanted to play my whole life. So, this is me, and I’m trying to show my true personality on the court and just be myself.”

The Spurs have had the No. 1 overall pick twice before, and they drafted a Hall of Famer each time, selecting David Robinson (1987) and Tim Duncan (1997). We’ll see if Wemby will have a similar career path.

Other players to watch in the draft this year include 6-foot-7 point guard Amen and 6-foot-7 wing Ausar Thompson of Overtime Elite. The twin brothers have a shot at becoming the first siblings drafted in the top 10, as both are incredibly skilled.

Scoot Henderson of the G League Ignite and Brandon Miller out of Alabama are thought to be the top two candidates to get drafted directly behind Wembanyama.

There could also be a good deal of drama, as has been known to happen on draft day. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks could all trade up in the first round.

Here’s a look at the draft order this year:

1. San Antonio Spurs
2. Charlotte Hornets
3. Portland Trail Blazers
4. Houston Rockets
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Orlando Magic
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Washington Wizards
9. Utah Jazz
10. Dallas Mavericks
11. Orlando Magic (via Bulls)
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Toronto Raptors
14. New Orleans Pelicans
15. Atlanta Hawks
16. Utah Jazz (via Timberwolves)
17. Los Angeles Lakers
18. Miami Heat
19. Golden State Warriors
20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers)
21. Brooklyn Nets (via Suns)
22. Brooklyn Nets
23. Portland Trail Blazers (via Knicks)
24. Sacramento Kings
25. Memphis Grizzlies
26. Indiana Pacers (via Cavs)
27. Charlotte Hornets (via Nuggets)
28. Utah Jazz (via 76ers)
29. Indiana Pacers (via Celtics)
30. LA Clippers (via Bucks)

Spain vs Croatia Live Stream: How to Watch for Free in US

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 16:30:03 +0000

Croatia and Spain will clash in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday, June 18 at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam.

In the United States, the match (2:30 p.m. ET start time) will be televised on Fox, but if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both include Fox and come with a free trial.

Here’s a full rundown of those options, as well as some other ways you can watch a live stream of Spain vs Croatia without cable:

Note: Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of Fox and 100-plus other live TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch Spain vs Croatia live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

You can also watch live on the Fox Spots app or FoxSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your FuboTV credentials to do that.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” Fox is included in every one, and you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch Spain vs Croatia live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

You can also watch live on the Fox Sports app or FoxSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your DirecTV Stream credentials to do that.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of Fox and 45-plus other TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Blue” package. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with Fox and FS1, plus you can get your first month for half off:

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch Spain vs Croatia live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

You can also watch live on the Fox Sports app or FoxSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Sling credentials to do that.

Hulu With Live TV

You can watch a live stream of Fox and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which now also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+ at no added cost:

Get Hulu With Live TV

Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch Spain vs Croatia live on the Hulu app or Hulu website.

You can also watch live on the Fox Sports app or FoxSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Hulu credentials to log in and watch.

Spain vs Croatia Preview

Croatia enters this match coming off a 4-2 win over the Netherlands. Andrej Kramaric, Mario Pasalic, Luka Modric and Bruno Petkovic all scored for Croatia in the win.

Zlatko Dalić, Croatia coach, had this to say heading into the match against Spain: “It’s a huge prize, the gold medal. We can’t have better motivation than that. We have put in a lot of energy, but we will try to recover. In six years, we have won three medals for Croatia; nobody believed we could do that. We are a superpower in football again and, besides all our problems, we showed that we have quality and character. We show that in our matches and it makes us happy and proud.”

On the other side, Spain got to the finals after handing Italy a 2-1 defeat in the semis. Yeremy Pino and Joselu put it in the net for the Spanish side. This will be Spain’s second straight appearance in the Nations League finals. La Roja lost to France the last time around, and it has another chance to win it all here.

“We know what [Croatia] are like; a very high-level team with great technical quality and some players with huge experience,” Spain manager Luis De La Fuente said. “They’ve reached the World Cup final and Nations League final so they are a very good side. They played extra time [in the semi-finals] but winning makes things easier. We’re not going to have much time to rest but we’re all very excited and I’m confident we will play at a high level.”

The two teams last met back in 2020, when they squared off in the round of 16 of the UEFA Euro 2020. Spain won, 5-3.

Here’s a look at the potential starting lineups for both teams:

Spain: GK: Unai Simon, Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Gavi, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Morata, Yeremy Pino

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Juranovic, Domagoj Vida, Josip Sutalo, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic; Mario Pasalic, Andrej Kramaric, Luka Ivanusec

2-Time All-Star Emerges as New Option for Heat Amid Bradley Beal Rumors

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 14:02:45 +0000

Could Zach LaVine be the perfect compliment for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo?

With Miami rumored to be interested in Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal, LaVine heading to South Beach feels like a long shot, but the way the chips have fallen so far in the offseason, it’s certainly a possibility.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported on June 15 that Chicago was asking around about LaVine, the team’s top scorer last season. Considering the Heat’s desire to add another difference-maker, LaVine could be an option.

“There’s been some level of understanding that (Miami is) trying to get Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo just another piece that can take the load off, especially during the regular season,” insider Shams Charania of The Athletic said on FanDuel TV on June 13.

The Tyler Herro Question

Charania also mentioned what trade pieces Miami might use: “Tyler Herro. They have three first round draft picks. That would be the base of the type of package that you’d need to go get a superstar player.”

The Heat, according to Charania, are one of two teams interested in Beal, but Miami has been averse to parting with Herro in particular. Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported on June 17 that the Heat wanted to still add a big name without letting Herro go, but that may not be possible.

Veterans Duncan Robinson, Victor Oladipo and Kyle Lowry are rumored to be players Miami would be willing to unload. Chicago could use Lowry, as the Bulls need a point guard badly, but the Bulls would likely push for Herro, too. LaVine is Chicago’s best scorer, and he’s coming off a very solid season. The Bulls would surely want a young player like Herro in addition to multiple draft picks if they’re going to let LaVine go.

Package discussed by Heat would be built around Lowry, with either Robinson OR Vic and another cap facilitating piece (Jovic and Highsmith would work). Number of draft picks is a question. https://t.co/W5FeqFVcEo

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) June 17, 2023

LaVine Would Help Heat, No Question

In 77 games with the Bulls last season, LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Over his nine-year career, the 28-year-old LaVine has averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 boards and 3.9 assists.

Butler scored 22.9 points a game during the regular season, leading the Heat, while Adebayo was second with 20.4 points per contest, also leading the team in rebounds (9.2).

There’s little question adding a player of LaVine’s ilk would give Miami a boost offensively. After finishing with an NBA-worst 109.5 points a game last season, the Heat could use another scoring threat.

Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation Bulls thinks a LaVine-to-Miami move isn’t crazy at all.

What if Suns Nab Beal?

“LaVine would give the Miami Heat the kind of reliable secondary scorer it surely needs,” Schuster wrote. “He would provide the spacing and shooting necessary to give Butler the room he needs to work, as well as the active off-ball presence that could slide in well around a solid playmaker in Adebayo. Miami held just the 25th-ranked offensive rating this regular season and shot the 4th-worst behind the arc. Adding LaVine into the mix would undoubtedly elevate that side of the ball.”

The Phoenix Suns are also rumored to be in the mix for Beal’s services, so Miami may have to pivot of Phoenix gets the Wizards star.

“Who is to say they wouldn’t turn their attention to LaVine?,” Schuster wondered about the Heat. “His scoring chops would only become that much more enticing, and he’s technically owed less than another potential trade candidate in the Wizards’ Bradley Beal.”

That’s true. Lavine is due $40 million next season, while Beal is set to make nearly $47 million. Still, LaVine remains a name to watch, but Miami seems to have its sights on Beal.

“I don’t consider a deal with Miami as unfathomable, but I certainly wouldn’t label it as the most likely landing spot,” Schuster added.

Eastern Conference Powerhouse Could Be Trade Destination for Zach LaVine

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:22:15 +0000

Zach LaVine and Jimmy Butler together on the same team?

It would be a nightmare scenario for Chicago Bulls fans, but recent reports surrounding both the Bulls and the Miami Heat have made it a possibility.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported on June 15 that the Bulls “have started contacting teams, quietly gauging the trade interest in” LaVine, a two-time All-Star and the team’s leading scorer. As it happens, the Heat are in the market for a star player who can score.

“They’re going to explore seeing what the star market is out there,” NBA insider Shams Charania said about the Heat on FanDuel TV on June 13. “There’s been some level of understanding that (the Heat are) trying to get Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo just another piece that can take the load off, especially during the regular season.”

Count Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation Bulls among those who thinks the two teams could at least have a conversation.

Heat & Bulls Might at Least Have a Convo About LaVine

Zach LaVine shot 68% at the rim this year (per Cleaning the Glass), one point off a career-best.

For someone who has always had a thin frame, LaVine can generate a ton of power at the basket when he needs to. Some examples of finishing through contact vs. the Raptors. pic.twitter.com/TJvZtXghJ5

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) April 14, 2023

“There is no denying they are in a good position to attract stars yet again after making two Finals appearances in four seasons. Not to mention, they currently have the kind of assets needed to make a deal work,” Schuster wrote about the Heat on June 13. “If the Bulls were to enter sell mode this offseason, I have to imagine the two parties have at least one conversation. And I think we all know around whom that conversation would center.”

Two days later, the Bulls are reported to have gone into sell mode. Just the thought of sending LaVine to South Beach has to make many Bulls fans cringe.

In 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent LaVine, Kris Dunn and the No. 7 overall pick — a pick that turned into budding star Lauri Markkanen, who the Bulls also later traded away — to Chicago in exchange for Butler and the No. 16 selection that year.

“LaVine would give the Miami Heat the kind of reliable secondary scorer it surely needs,” Schuster added. “He would provide the spacing and shooting necessary to give Butler the room he needs to work, as well as the active off-ball presence that could slide in well around a solid playmaker in Adebayo.”

So, what might the Bulls get in return for LaVine, who is due over $40 million per year each of the next three seasons?

Tyler Herro, Draft Picks Miami’s Likely Comp

“They’re going to explore seeing what the star market is out there… Do they circle back on Kyrie Irving?” 🍿@ShamsCharania on #Heat looking to get another star piece. #HEATCulture #RunItBack with @MichelleDBeadle @ChandlerParsons & @bansky pic.twitter.com/tFj0SBmSUr

— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) June 13, 2023

Charania also discussed Miami’s potential trade chips, led by shooting guard Tyler Herro. “Tyler Herro. They have three first round draft picks. That would be the base of the type of package that you’d need to go get a superstar player,” he said.

The 28-year-old LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 77 games last season (stats via ESPN).

Herro, who is only 23, averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 67 games. He missed the postseason after breaking his hand, but he’s coming off back-to-back 20-point seasons and he has shown a good deal of potential. Miami could also add sharpshooting forward Duncan Robinson to any potential trade package.

Still, Schuster admitted LaVine-to-Miami probably won’t happen.

“My best guess would be that Chicago tries to speak with several other candidates first if a big splash is on their minds,” Schuster noted. “Top teams in this year’s lottery like the Hornets (No. 2) and Trail Blazers (No. 3) should undoubtedly be at the top of their wishlist.”

That’s true, but it’s equally true the Bulls, who don’t have a first-round pick this year, could use some draft capital. Schuster also noted there has been smoke surrounding the Heat and LaVine before. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype wrote in early January of 2023 that some NBA executives thought the Heat would have interest in trading for the Bulls star.

Stay tuned, Bulls fans. It could be an eventful summer, and it’s just getting started.

Resurfaced Video of Ayesha Curry Sets Twitter Off

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:34:43 +0000

Steph and Ayesha Curry cannot seem to shake the gossip hounds or the harsh judgments that often populate social media.

The Golden State Warriors superstar and his wife, entrepreneur and television personality Ayesha, have been enjoying the offseason by doing everything from golfing to hanging at Smash City Rage Rooms. None of their recent activities have gone viral, but a video that is years old featuring Ayesha somehow managed to stir up a huge reaction on Twitter seemingly out of nowhere.

Ayesha, a chef and restaurant owner who has been a judge on multiple Food Network programs, initially appeared on an episode of the talk show “Girl Chat,” which originally aired on back in 2017, according to one of its hosts, Loni Love. In a segment on that episode, a shirtless waiter came out from backstage to deliver drinks to the panel and in response to the muscular servant, Ayesha jokingly pretended to take off her wedding ring.

Twitter had lots of unsolicited opinions.

Twitter Goes Off About Video That’s Nearly 2 Years Old

In the above clip, at around the 1:25 mark, cohost Tamera Mowry-Housley called for the aforementioned waiter to bring out some drinks, and when he did, Ayesha, laughing the entire time, pretended to take off her ring.

To say reactions were strong is an understatement.

“Fake taking your ring off on National TV is so crazy, Pray for Steph Curry,” one wrote in response.

Fake taking your ring off on national tv is so crazy, Pray For Steph Curry😭 pic.twitter.com/i0wPX41VmW

— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) June 13, 2023

“Ayesha Curry is attracted to any man that isn’t Steph Curry,” another wrote.

Ayesha Curry is attracted to any man that isn't Steph Curry 😭😭😭 https://t.co/C1oTYTUvkV

— Alex 💫⚪🔴 (@ManLikeAlex831) June 13, 2023

Another Twitter user evoked a comparison between Ayesha and the often criticized wife of Patrick Mahomes, Brittany, who has made headlines for her outspokenness.

“People may find Mahomes wife annoying but there’s no questions about her loyalty and devotion to he and their family. Can we absolutely say the same about Ayesha?” they wrote.

“Not even Steph Curry is safe,” another added.

ain’t no way Ayesha Curry trying to take off her ring on live television 😭 not even Steph Curry is safe 😔 pic.twitter.com/2ZLR3tioAO

— DonkeyDraymond (@JamesFrauden13) June 15, 2023

Others accused Ayesha of embarrassing her spouse.

Ayesha Curry when it’s time to embarrass her husband https://t.co/IhKA8gZYzW pic.twitter.com/dW3y605ost

— the nba aint real anyhow (@_G0ldBandz) June 13, 2023

It wasn’t all negative, though.

“Can y’all please… for the love of all that is good and holy… leave Ayesha Curry alone?,” academic Marc Lamont Hill tweeted.

Can y’all please… for the love of all that is good and holy… leave Ayesha Curry alone?

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) June 15, 2023

Cohost Love also chimed in, noting Ayesha “adores her husband” and “was joking showing her personality.”

That was back in 2017 as a guest co host.. Ayesha was joking showing her personality… She adores her husband .. but WB should remove those old azz clips the show is over.

— Loni Love (@LoniLove) June 15, 2023

Others weren’t about to use the clip to “bully” Ayesha.

At this point y’all just be finding stuff to bully Ayesha Curry. That The Real clip is nothing and almost 10 yrs old.

— Chanell Hill LCSW-S (@ChanellDeNea) June 14, 2023

Steph & Ayesha Have Been Dealing With Trolls for Years

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

This isn’t the first time Ayesha has battled public perceptions or internet trolls. In January 2022, Instagram gossip page Deuxmoi, which has now been re-named the Jasmine Brand, strongly suggested the Currys may have an open marriage.

“Have it on good authority that this well-known NBA couple aren’t as faithful in love as their social media and image make them out to be!” the post read. “They both have side hookups and flings but keep it very private to keep up the perfect family image they show to the world. I was shocked to learn, they’ve been together for so long.”

Ayesha responded to the accusations on a different Instagram post when a fan was judgmental of her.

“Don’t believe everything you read. Do you know how ridiculous that is?” Ayesha replied, via Style Caster. “Don’t disrespect my marriage like that. Please and thank you.”

Steph and Ayesha have been married since July 2011 and have three kids: Riley, 10; Ryan, 7; and Canon, 4. Ayesha has yet to comment on the resurfaced video, but that’s probably because she and Steph are having too much fun this summer.

The Currys enjoying a peaceful summer.

*That old Ayesha Curry video pic.twitter.com/BuSC46TvaA

— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 16, 2023

Bulls Trade Proposal Swaps Lonzo Ball & Patrick Williams for Top-Tier Point Guard

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:53:40 +0000

I t’s no secret the Chicago Bulls could use a solid starting point guard.

The Bulls added veteran Patrick Beverley via the buyout market in February, but he’s a free agent and will likely land elsewhere. He’s also nearly 35. They also have Ayo Dosunmu, who is going into his third-year.

Dosunmu has started 91 games over his two seasons in the NBA and has averaged 8.7 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds in just over 26 minutes a game. If the Bulls thought he was the answer, they likely wouldn’t have added Beverley and started the veteran over the 23-year-old Dosunmu.

The team’s “Big 3,” veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, shooting guard Zach LaVine and center Nikola Vucevic — the latter of whom the team plans to re-sign — have been the subject of trade speculation for months. But John Hollinger of The Athletic thinks the Bulls could keep the Big 3 intact while also adding Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet, who is about to hit free agency.

VanVleet for Patrick Williams & Lonzo Ball?

As first reported by ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, VanVleet, 29, declined his $22.82 million player option and will be an unrestricted free agent in July. Hollinger thinks a sign-and-trade between Toronto and Chicago, while highly unlikely, is a remote possibility. Here’s why.

“VanVleet is from nearby Rockford, Ill. Even if the Bulls are not a real contender, that could factor into VanVleet’s decision-making,” Hollinger wrote on June 13. “Whether or not Chicago would make Patrick Williams available here is probably the key for any potential deal, but again, the fit makes sense.”

The Bulls might be willing to move Williams if it meant getting VanVleet in return. Williams is young (he turns 22 this summer) and he scored a career-high 10.2 points a game this past season. He was also one of 10 players in the league to play in all 82 games, so he’s bound to gauge the interest of some teams.

An impressive feat for Patrick Williams and Nikola Vucevic as they were two of just ten players to play all 82 games this season 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bm9vTi8Z2s

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) April 10, 2023

“A VanVleet sign-and-trade for the Bulls seems pretty unlikely, but let’s play along,” Hollinger wrote. “The only future draft pick Chicago can include is a 2024 top-14 protected first from Portland that may not convey for a few years, so the centerpiece of any deal would likely be forward Patrick Williams. On the flip side, the Bulls would need Toronto to take Lonzo Balls’ contract that pays $42 million over the next two years, with a near-zero expectation that he ever plays for the Raptors.”

Record scratch. That last bit about Toronto taking on $42 million for Ball, a player whose NBA future is in question, seems like the longest of long shots. Still, a sign-and-trade is a decent possibility for FVV.

Not a surprise here. Fred VanVleet will likely command a contract similar to what Jalen Brunson received last summer (4-years, $104 million).

If the Raptors retool or rebuild entirely, FVV sign-and-trades could be a real possibility as well. https://t.co/DCHZZ7Phr6

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 12, 2023

Money Could Limit the Bulls

“Whether that package is even remotely enticing largely depends on how you feel about Williams; for the Bulls, they would need to use their non-taxpayer MLE to sign a starting 4 to replace him,” Hollinger added. “Other tweaks and additions might flow from there — could Toronto use Coby White? Could the Bulls use Chris Boucher? Will VanVleet’s price be high enough that the Bulls have to put in another small contract, such as Derrick Jones, Jr.? — but the core of the deal would have to be Ball, Williams and the Portland pick for VanVleet.”

An All-Star a season ago after scoring 20.3 points and dishing out 6.7 assists per game, VanVleet started 69 games last season and averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and a career-high 7.2 assists. He was also third in the NBA in steals last season (1.8 per game). There’s no doubt he’d be a welcome addition to Chicago’s backcourt, but the Bulls would only be able to afford him if they moved Ball’s contract, as VanVleet also won’t come cheap.

Spotrac has him projected to sign a new deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $28.56 million, and the Bulls are currently over the league’s salary cap by $56 million. Shedding Williams’ $10 million deal and Ball’s $40 million contract would free up plenty of room, to be sure, but the issue is getting any takers for Ball, who has had three surgeries on his knee since the start of 2022.

If the Bulls can move on from Ball, they absolutely should, but it’s hard to see any team taking on the remainder of his deal.

Heat & Mavs Could Swap Sharpshooters in 3-Team Deal, Says Analyst

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:29:32 +0000

The Miami Heat promise to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch this offseason.

The Heat made it all the way to the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed, something that has only been done once before, but the offseason always brings change, and rumors are already swirling that Miami may be ready to take some big swings in the coming months.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported on June 13 that Miami will be in the market for a superstar to pair with Eastern Conference Finals MVP Jimmy Butler, and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald echoed that sentiment. “The most realistic avenue for the Heat to improve its team is trading for a player who’s already under contract for next season,” Jackson wrote, also noting the Heat are expected “to pounce if a star becomes available.”

If no big deals can be worked out or no superstars become available, though, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report pitched a possible three-team trade that would send 3-point specialist Duncan Robinson packing and would bring Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks to South Beach.

Will Heat Keep Duncan Robinson Around?

DUNCAN ROBINSON GIVES THE HEAT ADDED MOMENTUM ON THEIR 31-13 RUN#NBA #HEATCulture #MileHighBasketball

pic.twitter.com/ERkPLtGtLT

— Court Side Heat (@courtsideheat) June 13, 2023

Miami will certainly have some decisions to make about the contracts of a few returning players. Kyle Lowry is set to make around $29 million next season on an expiring deal, which is a lot of money to pay an aging backup point guard.

Robinson also has another problematic contract. Robinson has an $18 million salary for the 2023-24 season, although his value may have been boosted by his solid performance in the postseason. Robinson averaged 9.3 points and 2.1 rebounds a game in the playoffs, also hitting 44.2% of his shots from beyond the arc in 18.2 minutes per contest.

Those were better numbers than he put up during the regular season, when he scored 6.4 points a game and shot a career-worst 32.8% from downtown. Considering Robinson’s recent struggles, Buckley seems to think Hardaway would be a better option for Miami — although Buckley notes Hardaway’s four-year, $75 million contract is a bit of an overpay for his services.

“The Heat could have major interest in a player like Tim Hardaway Jr., who is overpaid for being a shooting specialist,” Buckley wrote. “Unlike Duncan Robinson, though, the 31-year-old at least still provides the shooting. He can be a bit streaky, but when he is on, he’ll have unguardable stretches.”

Would Hardaway Be Better for the Heat Than Robinson?

Duncan Robinson picks off the pass from Nikola Jokic and drives it in transition 😤pic.twitter.com/xp7bCZ07x1

— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCP) June 10, 2023

Buckley also notes that a third team would likely have to be involved in the swap. “As Dallas gets into desperation mode to fix its roster around Luka Dončić, it would almost certainly have interest in unloading Hardaway’s deal. The Heat have to find a way to add him while subtracting Robinson, likely in a three-team trade that gives the Mavericks win-now help and a third team a long-term asset or two.”

Hardaway, 31, played small forward last year after primarily being a shooting guard over his career, so he’s versatile enough to move around a bit. Last season, Hardaway played in 71 games (45 starts) and averaged 14.4 points and 3.5 rebounds a game and he shot 38.5% from distance. It was his ninth straight season scoring 14 or more points

Is Hardaway better for Miami than Robinson? There’s little doubt he might score more, but it wouldn’t warrant shipping Robinson off. Hardaway is two years older, and it can be argued Robinson is the better shooter from distance.

In the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Robinson shot over 40% from 3-point range. Hardaway has never done that once in his 10-year career. Robinson had a down year for Miami, but he showed up when the team needed him most in the playoffs. The Heat might include him in a trade for one of those stars mentioned earlier, but swapping him for Hardaway feels like a lateral move at best.

How to Watch US Open Golf 2023 Without Cable

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 05:38:47 +0000

The best golfers in the world are set to compete in the 123rd U.S. Open, which will be played at the Los Angeles Country Club for the first time.

The tournament will be televised on USA Network (Thursday and Friday) and NBC (Thursday through Sunday).

But if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on Peacock TV, FuboTV or DirecTV Stream.

Here’s a full rundown of those options, as well as some other ways to watch the 2023 US Open live online without cable:

Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

Peacock TV

If you’ve used up all your free trials for other streaming services (more on those below), this is the cheapest way to watch a live stream of the US Open.

It also offers the most extensive coverage of the tournament, as Peacock Premium–which costs $4.99 per month–will have a simulcast of the daily NBC broadcasts, as well as exclusive coverage in the morning of the first, second and final rounds:

Get Peacock TV

Once signed up for Peacock, you can watch the 2023 US Open live on the Peacock TV app or Peacock TV website.

Compatible devices for the Peacock TV app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, PlayStation 4 or 5, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of USA Network, NBC and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch the 2023 US Open live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Fubo credentials to do that.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” USA Network and NBC are included in every one, and you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch the 2023 US Open live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your DirecTV Stream credentials to do that.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of USA Network, NBC (live in select markets) and 40-plus other TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Blue” package. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with these channels, and you can get your first month half off:

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch the 2023 US Open live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Sling credentials to do that.

Hulu With Live TV

You can watch a live stream of USA Network, NBC and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+ at no extra cost:

Get Hulu With Live TV

Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch the 2023 US Open live on the Hulu app or Hulu website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Hulu credentials to do that.

US Open 2023 Preview

This will be the third major of 2023, and it will take place on a 7,423-yard, par-70 course that has five par-3s and three par 5s.

Former winners competing this year include Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose, Webb Simpson, and Rory McIlroy. After winning the PGA Championship, Koepka will be a frontrunner here, as will Masters winner John Rahm.

Standing in their way is last year’s winner, Matt Fitzpatrick, who is looking to repeat again.

“This year, I would say, is quite a bit different,” Fitzpatrick said, per ESPN. “I feel like the start of the year I had a good, obviously, first event in Hawaii and then got injured, and that kind of felt like it set me back quite a bit for February and March. Ended up obviously playing well in April. I feel like my game is kind of getting in the right place.”

This will also be the first major competition since the recent merging of the PGA Tour and LIV golf, so there promises to be drama galore. “I think ultimately when I look at the bigger picture, 10 years down the line, this is going to be good for the game of professional golf,” McIlroy said. “I still hate LIV. I hope it goes away.”

Here’s a look at the top competitors in the Open this year, along with the respective odds of winning for each, via CBS Sports:

Scottie Scheffler +650
Jon Rahm +800
Brooks Koepka +850
Viktor Hovland +1000
Rory McIlroy +1100
Patrick Cantlay +1400
Max Homa +1600
Xander Schauffele +1800
Justin Thomas +2500
Jordan Spieth +2500
Collin Morikawa +2500
Cameron Smith +2500
Tony Finau +2500
Dustin Johnson +2800
Cameron Young +3500
Matt Fitzpatrick +3500
Tyrrell Hatton +4000
Hideki Matsuyama +4000
Bryson DeChambeau +4000
Sungjae Im +4000
Jason Day +4000
Tommy Fleetwood +4500
Joaquin Niemann +5000
Sam Burns +5000
Shane Lowry +5000
Rickie Fowler +5000
Sahith Theegala +5500
Justin Rose +5000
Wyndham Clark +7000
Corey Conners +7500
Joonhyung (Tom) Kim +8500
Patrick Reed +8500
Adam Scott +9000
Talor Gooch +10000
Denny McCarthy +10000
Louis Oosthuizen +12500
Keegan Bradley +12500
Si-Woo Kim +12500
Russell Henley +12500
Gary Woodland +12500
Mito Pereira +12500
Kurt Kitayama +12500
Keith Mitchell +15000
Tom Hoge +15000
Harris English +15000
Carlos Ortiz +15000
Justin Suh +15000
Phil Mickelson +15000
Abraham Ancer +15000
Min Woo Lee +15000
Lucas Herbert +17500
Victor Perez +17500
Seamus Power +17500
Adrian Meronk +17500
Taylor Moore +17500
Cam Davis +17500
Thomas Pieters +20000
Chris Kirk +20000
Eddie Pepperell +20000
Austin Eckroat +20000
K.H. Lee +20000
Taylor Montgomery +20000
Harold Varner +20000
Jason Kokrak +20000

USA vs Mexico Live Stream: How to Watch for Free

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:06:35 +0000

Mexico and the United States are set to clash in the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League semifinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, June 15.

In the United States, the match (10 p.m. ET start time) will only be televised on Univision (Spanish broadcast), but if you don’t have cable or if you want to watch the English broadcast of the match, you can watch a live stream on Amazon Prime or Paramount+, which both come with a free trial.

Here’s a full rundown of those options, as well as some other ways you can watch a live stream of USA vs Mexico:

Note: Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime subscribers (Prime comes with a 30-day free trial) can watch all Paramount+ content via Prime Channels. You can try both Amazon Prime and the Paramount+ Channel at no cost with a free trial right here:

Prime Paramount+ Free Trial

Once you’re signed up for the Prime Paramount+ Channel, you can watch USA vs Mexico live on the Amazon Video app or Amazon website.

Compatible devices for the Amazon Video app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), Xbox One or Series X/S, PlayStation 4 or 5, various smart TV’s, Xiaomi, Echo Show or Echo Spot, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

Paramount+

This is ultimately the same as the Amazon Prime option above, only you’ll watch on Paramount’s digital platforms instead of Amazon’s. You can watch the match live via Paramount+ (“Premium” plan), which comes with a free trial:

Paramount+ Free Trial

Once signed up for Paramount+, you can watch USA vs Mexico live on the Paramount+ app or Paramount+ website.

Compatible devices for the Paramount+ app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Firestick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Samsung Smart TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of Univision and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a seven-day free trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch USA vs Mexico live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” Univision is included in every one, while TUDN is in “Ultimate” and up, but you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch USA vs Mexico live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

USA vs Mexico Preview

The United States has been on a bit of a hot streak against Mexico, winning its last five games in the series. For the U.S., all eyes will be on striker Folarin Balogun, who is making his USMNT debut here. Balogun had 21 goals and two assists in Ligue 1 play, and he’s expected to give the American side a spark.

“In addition to having big-game experience and top-level talent, what’s great about this group overall is the familiarity and understanding that’s been built together these last four years about our style and our culture,” interim coach B.J. Callaghan said about his squad, via Soccer Wire. “We’re excited to integrate some of the newer faces as we set out to achieve our first goal of the summer in defending the Concacaf Nations League title.”

Callaghan just took over as interim coach a few weeks ago, so it will be interesting to see how the Americans respond.

On the other side, Mexico is fresh from a win over Guatemala and a 2-2 tie against Cameroon this week. Both were friendlies. El Tri will be without two key players in this one, however, as both Raul Jiminez and Hirvilg Lozano will be unavailable.

The winner of this match will go on to face the winner of Canada vs. Panama.

Here are the officials for the match:

Referee: Ivan Barton (SLV)
AR1: David Moran (SLV)
AR2: Juan Francisco Zumba (SLV)
4th Official: Walter Lopez (GUA)
VAR: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
AVAR: Ismael Cornejo (SLV)

And a look at the rosters for both teams:

Mexico:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna; 6/0), Luis Malagön (Club América; 2/0), Guillermo Ochoa (Salernitana/ITA; 135/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Julián Araujo (Barcelona B/ESP; 6/0), Gerardo Arteaga (Genk/BEL; 18/1), Jesús Gallardo (Monterrey; 84/1), Victor Guzmán (Monterrey; 2/0), César Montes (Espanyol/ESP; 34/1), Israel Reyes (Club América; 7/2), Jorge Sánchez (Ajax/NED; 30/1), Johan Vásquez (Cremonese/ITA; 8/1)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Edson Álvarez (Ajax/NED; 61/3), Luis Chávez (Pachuca; 16/1), Sebastián Córdova (Tigres UANL; 14/3), Oberlín Pineda (AEK Athens/GRE; 52/7), Luis Romo (Monterrey; 29/1), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul; 42/0)

FORWARDS (4): Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul; 43/10), Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord/NED; 10/2), Ozziel Herrera (Atlas; 3/0), Henry Martín (Club América; 31/7), Érick Sánchez (Pachuca; 12/1), Alexis Vega (Guadalajara; 26/6)

United States:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Drake Callender (Inter Miami; 0/0), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC/CAN; 12/0), Matt Turner (Arsenal/ENG; 26/0)

DEFENDERS (7): Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/ITA; 24/2), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 8/0), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 34/2), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 21/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 4/0), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City/ENG; 1/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 39/3)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Johnny Cardoso (Internacional/BRA; 6/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 14/0), Weston McKennie (Leeds United/ENG; 43/11), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 25/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 18/4), Alan Soñora (FC Juárez/MEX; 2/0),

FORWARDS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 30/7), Folarin Balogun (Stade Reims/FRA; 0/0), Taylor Booth (Utrecht/NED; 2/0), Ricardo Pepi (Groningen/NED; 14/6), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 58/23), Tim Weah (Lille/FRA; 29/4), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 3/1)

Bulls Named Prime Landing Spot for Lakers Starter in Free Agency

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:43:02 +0000

With the 2022-23 season officially in the books, it’s time for the Chicago Bulls to make a decision: will they break up the core of their team and start a rebuild, or will they do what executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas has said they’re going to do, which isn’t much.

“Blow up, rebuild — it’s not on our minds,” Karnisovas said after Chicago’s season ended in the play-in tournament in mid-April, via NBA.com. The Bulls ended a four-year playoff draught in 2022 after finishing with a 46-36 record that season, but they took a step backwards this year, finishing sub .500 with a 40-42 mark while failing to make the playoffs.

The Bulls executive VP did note that it would be a “priority for us to change our shooting profile” this offseason, and it’s likely the Bulls are going to scour the market for a point guard and perhaps a 3-point specialist. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks the Bulls could get both in one player in former Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers starter D’Angelo Russell.

Russell Could Be Available if Lakers Don’t Re-Sign Him

Russell, the second overall pick for L.A. in 2015, has bounced around a bit over his eight seasons in the NBA, also playing for the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors. Playing for the Timberwolves since 2019, he landed back with the Lakers in a three-team trade this past season that also involved the Utah Jazz.

The 27-year-old guard is in his prime and is coming off a season in which he had career highs in both 2- and 3-point shooting, making 46.9% of his two-pointers while hitting 39.6% of his shots from beyond the arc (stats via Basketball Reference).

He had a poor showing in the postseason, however, and the Lakers may want to move on, as Russell is an unrestricted free agent.

“Russell isn’t a pure floor general, but he’s another talented ball-handler to mix in with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine,” Swartz wrote. “The 27-year-old averaged 17.8 points and 6.2 assists and shot 39.6 percent from three between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers this year. If the Lakers choose to chase Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul or another point guard, Russell could be looking for a new home.”

While with the Lakers, Russell scored 17.7 points, handed out 5.7 assists and netted 3.5 rebounds a game, which is far better than anything the Bulls produced at the position last year.

Swartz also mentioned Miami Heat starter Gabe Vincent or re-signing veteran Patrick Beverley as options for Chicago in free agency, but it’ll likely all come down to money.

Russell Would Be Offensive Upgrade Over Pat Bev

In 22 games (and 22 starts) with the Bulls, Pat Bev put up 5.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 27.5 minutes a game. A Chicago native, Beverley, who was added via the buyout market, enjoyed playing for his hometown team, but his potential price tag may not be worth his services.

Beverley turns 35 in July, and he mentioned on his podcast in April of 2023 that he’d like to get paid around $13 million per year. If that’s what the market is, Chicago may want to take a look at Russell, although the team can’t afford to overpay him, either.

Russell just completed the final year of his four-year $117.3 million contract, and John Hollinger of The Athletic has him projected to make just under $27 million a year when he inks his next one. Well, he would be an office of upgrade over Beverley, his defense isn’t anywhere near as good as Pat Bev’s, so there’s that to consider. The Bulls also won’t want to overpay anyone.

Chicago can’t afford a $27 million a year player without letting some potential returning free agents walk and/or making a few changes. The team has the mid-level exception, which would allow it to add a free agent for around $12 million per year, but the Bulls won’t want to cross the luxury tax threshold, which is set at $162 million.

Per Spotrac, the most the Bulls will likely have to spend after all guaranteed salaries and dead cap from non-guaranteed salaries are deducted will be $15 million.

Thus, players like Russell may be out of reach unless Karnisovas decides to shake it up.

Jimmy Butler Called Out After Heat Lose to Nuggets in Finals

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:44:19 +0000

The Miami Heat fell short in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, losing in five games, but as the No. 8 seed in the East, the Heat exceeded expectations while giving its fans an entertaining ride along the way.

The Heat took down three of the top four seeds in the conference to make it to the finals, beating the top seeded Milwaukee Bucks, the No. 4 seed New York Knicks and the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics. Led by forward Jimmy Butler, Miami, who had the lowest-scoring offense in the league during the regular season (109.5 points per game), won the play-in tournament and went further than any previous play-in winner.

Still, the Heat couldn’t overcome two-time MVP Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets, who took the series and won their first NBA championship with a 94-89 victory in Game 5.

Despite his incredible efforts throughout the postseason, many fans and analysts alike took to Twitter to take shots at Butler after the loss.

Twitter Reacts to Jimmy Butler, Heat After Finals Loss

Butler finished with 21 points in Game 5, going 5-of-18 on his field goal attempts in game 5, also adding three rebounds, five assists and three steals (stats via Basketball Reference). He scored 13 of his team-high 21 points in the fourth quarter, but he also had a critical turnover late in the game and he missed a potential game-tying shot.

Jimmy Buckets averaged 21.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in five games against the Nuggets and he tallied 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists throughout the playoffs, but he didn’t put up huge numbers in Game 5, and Twitter had plenty to say about it.

Playoff Jimmy tonight:

🧱 21 PTS
🧱 5-18 FG
🧱 1 clutch TOV
🧱 Bricked game-tying 3

He’s just Jimmy now, no Buckets 😤🥶🧱 pic.twitter.com/OjuCol7NPt

— BrickMuse (@BrickMuse) June 13, 2023

Butler didn’t have a great night shooting in the final game of the series, making 27.8% of his shots from the field, and that was noted also:

Jimmy Butler is 2/12 from the field and there’s only 6 mins left in the game 😳 pic.twitter.com/JchMbEpYnL

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 13, 2023

It was the second time Butler has lost in the finals while with the Heat, (the first time was back in 2020) and some fans chided Butler for that:

Playoff Jimmy Butler 0-2 in NBA Finals
pic.twitter.com/G7hNLHICHI

— Le5-6 (@deepyy_) June 10, 2023

⁃Jimmy Butler 0-2 in the finals
⁃No more “playoff jimmy” tweets
⁃Miami Heat gentlemen swept
⁃Jimmy with the worse finals performance from a star in the last 10 years pic.twitter.com/bSIKyKHdwf

— Mike (@MikeAdxx) June 13, 2023

It’s also possible — although Butler denies this — that the sprained ankle he suffered in Game 1 of the conference semifinals on April 30 limited him in the following games. Butler averaged 37.6 points a game in Round 1 against the Bucks, and he wasn’t nearly as explosive in any subsequent series.

Analyst Will Manso, who covers the Heat, noted that the Heat star’s ankle could be a factor:

That Jimmy turnover in a big spot is a fitting and disappointing end to this series. Butler never looked like himself and the Heat had no chance with him like that.

— Will Manso (@WillManso) June 13, 2023

Twitter can be a disparaging place, but there weren’t only negative responses to Butler’s game. Some focused on the success Miami has had since Butler’s arrival:

🏀 Since Jimmy Butler got to the Miami Heat, they have the most playoff wins in the NBA (38) and are the only team to have made two NBA Finals since.

Discussed all things Finals last night with @RyanMSampson on @NYPostSports 💥https://t.co/dTbTclQYA2 pic.twitter.com/W6IPn7ckbr

— Bryan Fonseca 🇵🇷 (@BryanFonsecaNY) June 13, 2023

While others noted Butler and starting center Bam Adebayo may need a better supporting cast around them in order to win it all:

Jimmy Butler will be the first to admit his game was subpar, but the Heat are nowhere close without him. He was the leader of an *incredible* run. Him and Bam are close, Miami needs to figure out how to get them over the top

— Rohan Nadkarni (@RohanNadkarni) June 13, 2023

Butler Takes Blame, Credits Teammates After Game 5 Loss

To his credit, Butler owned his mistakes after the Heat’s Game 5 loss. When Butler was asked his thoughts on the game’s final minutes, he gave a candid reply: “That I turned the ball over. That’s what stood out,” Butler said.

He also took the time to shower his teammates with praise. “You never know what the team is going to look like next year, the year after that. I’m just grateful,” he said.

“I learned so much, they taught me so much. I wish I could have done it for these guys because they definitely deserve it. The one thing that I’m going to take from it is how great I am for being able to compete with them,” he added.

Now, with the offseason officially underway, Miami will likely make some significant moves to help Butler and Adebayo. Whatever the Heat decide to do, Twitter will surely have an opinion about it.

Warriors Named Prime Landing Spot for Heat Vet in Free Agency

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:54:54 +0000

The NBA offseason is officially underway, and there’s little doubt the Golden State Warriors will be making some alterations to their roster. The question is whether the Dubs will trade away any of their higher-priced contracts or keep their core together while adding a noteworthy role player or two.

The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on June 12 that Golden State could trade “anyone besides” superstar Steph Curry, but also noted the Warriors have “no plan for a salary dump trade this summer.” Perhaps the likeliest move for the team will be to add some affordable free agents who could turn into difference makers.

In his June 11 column for Bleacher Report, Greg Swartz listed one hole every team can fill in free agency this summer, and when it came to the Warriors, he stressed the importance of adding affordable depth pieces, noting Miami Heat vet Kevin Love, who is a free agent, might be an ideal addition.

Kevin Love Would Be Solid Backup Big for Warriors

The Heat came up short in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, but Love was one of several key role players who helped the team make it as far it did. Love joined Miami via the buyout market in the spring, and he wound up starting 17 games and playing in 21 during the regular season.

He averaged 7.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20 minutes a game for Miami this year (stats via Basketball Reference) and his outlet passes in the playoffs against the New York Knicks ignited the Heat.

Kevin Love was right on the money with the outlet pass 💰

📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/gwV0e6V7hM

— ESPN (@espn) May 6, 2023

Swartz thinks Love, Nuggets center/forward Jeff Green or Indiana Pacers big man George Hill could be potential targets for the Dubs largely due to their affordability.

“Golden State will need to search for additional help who will agree to play for the veteran’s minimum, selling players on the chance to win a championship instead of cashing in elsewhere,” Swartz wrote. “This means vets who are nearing the end of their careers but can still play postseason minutes when called upon. Players like Green, Love and Hill would all fit this bill, if they’re willing to take a pay cut, of course.”

Steve Kerr Recently Praised Heat Players

The Warriors fell in the Western Conference Semifinals, and the team’s players and coaches have been watching the remainder of the postseason unfold. In a June 5 appearance on The Draymond Green show, Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed fondness for what he saw from the Heat on the court.

“None of those guys on Miami are sitting there saying, ‘Well I didn’t play’ or ‘Man, they put in so and so.’ They’re just all about winning,” Kerr told Green, adding:

“When you have that championship mentality, every guy is bought in. Every guy is just trying to win. Nobody cares about any of that stuff. You don’t go into the locker room saying, ‘Oh well I should’ve played more,’ you just want to win. And that’s the beauty of finding that magic when you have a championship team is that everybody’s bought in and it makes the decisions for the coach really simple.”

Whether Love was one of the players who impressed Kerr in the postseason is unclear, but what is clear is the Warriors’ financial stress.

Golden State has a current roster cap of $210 million, which is over the league’s luxury tax threshold by $48 million, so Love, who made just over $3 million last season, would certainly be affordable, and he’d surely find playing alongside Curry and company appealing.

We’ll see how it shakes out this offseason.

Man City vs Inter Live Stream: How to Watch for Free in US

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 14:00:43 +0000

Manchester City and Inter Milan will clash in the UEFA Champions League Final at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium on Saturday, June 10.

In the United States, the match (3 p.m. ET start time) will be televised on CBS and TUDN, but if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on Amazon Prime, Paramount+, FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which all come with a free trial.

Here’s a full guide on the different ways you can watch a live stream of Man City vs Inter online for free in the US:

Note: Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime subscribers (Prime comes with a 30-day free trial) can watch all Paramount+ content (which includes every Champions League match) via Prime Channels. You can try both Amazon Prime and the Paramount+ Channel at no cost with a free trial right here:

Prime Paramount+ Free Trial

Once you’re signed up for the Prime Paramount+ Channel, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the Amazon Video app or Amazon website.

Paramount+

This is ultimately the same as the Amazon Prime option above, only you’ll watch on Paramount’s digital platforms instead of Amazon’s. You can watch every Champions League match live via Paramount+ (“Premium” plan), which comes with a free trial:

Paramount+ Free Trial

Once signed up for Paramount+, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the Paramount+ app or Paramount+ website.

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of CBS, TUDN and 100-plus other live TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” CBS is included in every one, while TUDN is in “Ultimate” and up, but you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

Man City vs Inter Preview

Both teams enter this game healthy, with no major injury concerns on either side. Inter’s Joaquin Correa is still nursing a calf injury, but he is expected to play. Man City’s Kyle Walker is also expected to suit up and contribute, although whether he’ll start remains a question mark.

Man City has won both the Premier League championship along with the FA Cup title, and it will be looking to win the treble with a victory here. Inter has two significant victories of its own after winning the Supercoppa Italiani and the Coppa Italia, but it will still be a huge underdog in this game.

“Manchester City have won two trophies (this season), but so have Inter. They will be facing an opponent who deserve to be in Istanbul as much as they do,” Inter coach Simone Inzaghi said heading into the matchup.

For its part, Man City, who tied Real Madrid 1-1 before beating them again 4-0 in the semis, is vowing to stay focused and take it one match at a time.

“We know exactly how important the competition is,” Man City manager Pep Guardiola said. “We’re just focusing on what we have to do. I’ve seen as many Inter games as possible to try to get to know them as well as possible. What is important tomorrow is to put in the best performance we can. That will make the difference.”

Guardiola and company aren’t about to overlook Inter, either. “They can attack you down the middle, they can attack you out wide,” Guardiola added. “That is very difficult to control. If you get into one-on-ones, they can destroy you. We’re going to try and defend as well as possible and just try to put in a good performance.”

This will be the first time Man City and Inter Milan have faced each other. Here’s a look at the potential starting lineups for both teams:

Man City Predicted Starting Lineup: GK: Ederson, CB: Kyle Walker, CB: Ruben Dias, CB: Manuel Akanji, DM: John Stones, DM: Rodri, RM: Bernardo Silva, AM: Kevin De Bruyne, AM: Ilkay Gundogan, LM: Jack Grealish, and CF: Erling Haaland

Inter Predicted Starting Lineup: GK: Andre Onana, CB: Matteo Darmian, CB: Francesco Acerbi, CB: Alessandro Bastoni, RM: Denzel Dumfries, CM: Nicolo Barella, CM: Marcelo Brozovic, LM: Federico Dimarco, CF: Edin Dzeko and CF: Lautaro Martinez

Champions League Final 2023 Live Stream: How to Watch in US

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 12:00:38 +0000

Manchester City and Inter Milan will meet in the 2022-2023 UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday, June 10, which is set to be held at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium.

Here’s a full guide on the different ways you can watch a live stream of Man City vs Inter online for free in the US:

Note: Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

Amazon Prime

Prime Paramount+ Free Trial

Once you’re signed up for the Prime Paramount+ Channel, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the Amazon Video app or Amazon website.

Paramount+

Paramount+ Free Trial

Once signed up for Paramount+, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the Paramount+ app or Paramount+ website.

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of CBS, TUDN and 100-plus other live TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch Man City vs Inter live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

Man City vs Inter Preview

Man City has a ton to play for here. After winning the Premier League title and the FA Cup, Pep Guardiola’s team will be looking to complete the treble. They’ll need a win against Inter Milan first.

Inter defender Francesco Acerbi will have his hands full trying to contain Erling Haaland, who has a whopping 52 goals in 52 games for Man City. Haaland is also able to create opportunities for his teammates, so expect Inter to have a plan for him.

Inter finished in third-place in Italy’s Serie A, and it will be a huge underdog here. Lautaro Martinez led the Internazionale with 28 goals this season, and it’ll take a Herculean effort from him and his teammates to overcome a determined Man City squad.

“We all know City, we know that they’re the strongest team in the world,” Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi said. “Even in the few defeats they’ve suffered they’ve proved it. But it will be eleven vs. eleven. We know the journey we’ve taken to get here. We’ll play a match with a strong mentality.”

“What Pep’s done is build a squad of players that understand his way of thinking,” former English striker Peter Crouch said, via Eurosport. “If they don’t, they’ve been moved on. Now he’s got such a special team playing the way he wants to play football, and they look invincible, and unbeatable in every single position. You have to remember it’s one game, not over two legs. Anything can happen. They might get a man sent off, or something might happen tactically. Inter Milan, of course, have a chance, but I’d put them not favorites.”

City have scored 31 goals so far in the competition, while Inter has scored 19 times.

Here’s a look at the potential starting lineups for both teams heading into the matchup:

Heat Standouts Max Strus & Gabe Vincent in Line for ‘Insane’ Salary Bumps: Report

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:35:22 +0000

Max Strus and Gabe Vincent have been two of the more unheralded contributors for the Miami Heat during the team’s current playoff run.

Strus averaged 14.7 points a game in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks and 9.4 points a game in the Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics (all stats via ESPN). Vincent has been arguably better, netting 10.3 points and dishing out 4.7 assists a game in the semis while also averaging 15.8 points a game against the Celtics.

Both Strus and Vincent are set to be unrestricted free agents once the team’s season officially concludes and according to Darren Rovell of The Action Network, that “means insane bumps in salary are coming.”

Rovell: NBA Exec Believes Strus & Vincent Set to Get Paid

Look at Gabe Vincent's face after he made this three pointer 😂 pic.twitter.com/xOZK9T9jaE

— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) June 5, 2023

Strus, 27, and Vincent, 26, are both undrafted players who have managed to make names for themselves in the postseason. According to Rovell, at least one NBA executive thinks both players are about to cash in due to their respective performances in clutch games.

“I could see [Vincent and Strus] signing deals in the $15 million a year range,” the front office exec said, adding: “I’ve invested in players who had breakouts like these guys did and they turned out to be duds because they were just good in the system they were in. If it doesn’t work out, you might never really know why. The teams that are going to be paying $12 to $15 million for Gabe Vincent and Max Strus are low- to mid-tier teams and they are going to be asked to do more on a consistent basis.”

Strus currently makes $1.7 million a year, as does Vincent, so a $14 million increase per season isn’t too shabby.

The executive was also asked who he thought the better player was between Strus and Vincent and he chose the latter. “Strus sets up on the floor for his shot,” he exec told Rovell. “There’s nothing wrong with that. But Vincent is more of a creator.”

Strus Has Been Inconsistent in Finals vs Nuggets

Max Strus just knocked down his FOURTH three of the first quarter 🎯🎯

After going 0-10 from deep in Game 1, Strus has given Miami an early lead in Game 2 with 12 early points 😱pic.twitter.com/TTLWSf7M2f

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) June 5, 2023

Through three games in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Strus has run hot and cold, while Vincent has been a more consistent player.

Strus went 0-for-10 in Miami’s Game 1 loss, failing to score and finishing the five rebounds and three assists. He played far better in the Heat’s Game 2 win, shooting 40% from beyond the arc and finishing with 10 points. He cooled off again in Miami’s Game 3 loss, scoring three points while going 1-for-7 from downtown.

Vincent is averaging 16.3 points and 2.7 assists in three games against Denver. He has scored in double figures twice, although he had a forgettable Game 3, in which he finished with seven points after going 2-for-10 from the floor and 1-of-7 from 3-point range.

Vincent, who stepped up his game enough last season to replace veteran Kyle Lowry at point guard and move into the starting lineup, will likely end up signing for more than Strus, who has the ability to start but may be better as a role player coming off the bench.

Regardless, both have been instrumental for Miami in its Cinderella run to the Finals, and both are sure to be rewarded for it.

Bulls’ Coby White Displays Smooth Ball Handling Skills in New Video: LOOK

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:43:04 +0000

It’s a big summer for Coby White, and he knows it.

The Chicago Bulls guard is a restricted free agent, and all signs point to the team re-signing him after letting the market determine his worth first.

Bulls insider K. C. Jackson of NBC Sports projected in March that White could command $14-15 million a year moving forward now that his four-year, $24 million rookie contract is done with, and if he continues to improve on the court, that could turn out to be a value.

The seventh overall pick for the Bulls in 2019, White has been putting in some major work to improve his game this offseason. Johnny Stephene, an NBA skills trainer, shared a video of White working out, focusing on dribbling and ball handling — and the Bulls guard is looking beyond smooth.

NBA Trainer on Coby White: ‘All-Star Season Incoming’

Stephane, who has also trained Bulls veteran DeMar DeRozan for years, has been working with White since the team’s season ended in mid-April. A skilled ball handler himself, the skills coach seems entirely pleased with what he has seen from White, even going so far as making a bold prediction about the 2023-24 season.

“One of the most underrated players in the NBA. All-star season incoming,” Stephene captioned along with the video of White completing a series of impressive drills.

More Coby @CobyWhite doing work #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/5NLu0kvcNe

— Nothin’ But Bull (@BullNothin) June 8, 2023

After playing 69 games and starting 54 at point during the 2020-21 season, when he averaged 15.1 points, 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds in just over 32 minutes a game, White slipped into a reserve role with the Bulls, starting 19 games over the last two seasons.

Whether White can make his first ever All-Star game next season remains to be seen, but if he continues to grow, it’s a possibility.

Will White Stay at Shooting Guard Next Season?

Coby White balled out in Dallas tonight.

24 points | 10-17 FG | 7 reb | 11 ast pic.twitter.com/n0dzFDK4KB

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 8, 2023

The Bulls added Patrick Beverley on the buyout market in the second half of last season, and he served as the team’s starting point guard for the remainder of the year. With Pat Bev likely heading to another team in free agency, the idea of White moving to point — a position he’s familiar with but not married to — has been floated by some fans and analysts.

There’s a strong argument to make for keeping White at shooting guard, though.

His numbers dipped last season, but that was due to him playing a different role. Instead of setting up shots for his teammates from the point, White played shooting guard, where he could still create yet also focus on taking his own shots.

His numbers did dip a bit in 2022-23. White averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season (stats via Basketball Reference), but he also had a career-high field goal percentage (44%) and both his decision-making and his defense noticeably improved.

Will the team move him back to point anyway? If the Bulls don’t make any additions in free agency, it could happen.

“He’s a lot more equipped, I’d say, today to be maybe in that (starting point guard) role than he was a few years ago,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said about White after the season, via NBA.com. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in Coby just the way he’s gotten better,” he added.

There’s no question White will get some attention on the market this summer, so it will be interesting to see how much the Bulls will have to match to keep him around.

OU vs FSU Softball Live Stream: How to Watch WCWS Finals Online

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:22:26 +0000

The No. 3 Florida State Seminoles (58-9) will take on the No. 1 seed Oklahoma Sooners (59-1) in the NCAA Softball Women’s College World Series best-of-three championship series starting Wednesday night.

Every game (Wednesday 8 p.m. ET; Thursday 7:30 p.m. ET; Friday 8 p.m. ET) will be televised on ESPN, but if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on ESPN+, FuboTV or DirecTV Stream.

Here’s a full guide on the different ways you can watch a live stream of Oklahoma vs Florida State:

Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch Oklahoma vs Florida State live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Fubo credentials if you don’t have that.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch Oklahoma vs Florida State live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your DirecTV Stream credentials to do that.

ESPN+

If you’ve used up all your free trials for other streaming services, ESPN+ is the cheapest way to watch a live stream of the Women’s College World Series Finals:

Get ESPN+

ESPN+ also includes dozens of other live sports, every 30-for-30 documentary and additional original content (both video and written) for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (or $13.99 per month for a bundle of all three of ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu).

Once signed up for ESPN+, you can watch Oklahoma vs Florida State live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com.

Compatible devices for the ESPN app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Firestick, Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4 or 5, Xbox One or Series X/S, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), Samsung Smart TV, Oculus Go, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 40-plus other TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Orange” package. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with ESPN, and you can get your first month half off:

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch Oklahoma vs Florida State live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Sling credentials if you don’t have that.

Hulu With Live TV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+ at no extra cost:

Get Hulu With Live TV

Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch Oklahoma vs Florida State live on the Hulu app or Hulu website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a participating cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Hulu credentials if you don’t have that.

Oklahoma vs Florida State Preview

The Sooners enter this series on a 51-game winning streak, by far the best in the nation. Oklahoma handed Stanford a 4-2 loss in extra innings to move into the championship on the strength of Tiare Jennings’ bat. Jennings slammed a two-RBI double in the ninth inning to help the Sooners get to yet another championship.

This will be a best-of-three series, and it will be held at OGE Energy Field in Oklahoma City, so the Sooners may have the edge when it comes to crowd noise. Game 1 will take place on June 7, with Game 2 on June 8. If necessary, Game 3 will be played on June 9.

“We win a lot. And that’s fabulous,” Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso told USA Today. “But sometimes we’re so used to taking it for granted. This means a lot. This means a lot to get to the championship game.”

On the other side, Florida State handed the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers a 5-1 loss behind Katie Dack’s three-run home run to get to this point.

“The ultimate goal when you get here is can you have everything firing on all cylinders,” Florida State coach Lonni Alameda said, via the Associated Press. “There’s no book written on how to do that. You have to go from your previous experiences, your upperclassmen, what you think they can consistently bring, how you can grow your young ones.”

The Sooners have won back-to-back national championships, while FSU is looking for its first title since 2018.

These two teams met once during the regular season, with the Sooners beating Florida State, 5-4 on March 14. This will also be a rematch of the 2021 WCWS championship, which Oklahoma won in two games.

Here’s a look at some players to watch throughout the series:

Key Oklahoma Players:

Tiare Jennings, 2B: .426 batting average, 17 home runs, 65 RBI, .807 slugging percentage, .488 on-base percentage
Jayda Coleman, CF: .423 batting average, 18 home runs, 48 RBI, .814 slugging percentage, .543 on-base percentage, 16 stolen bases
Kinzie Hansen, C: .412 batting average, 13 home runs, 55 RBI, .771 slugging percentage, .442 on-base percentage
Jordyn Bahl, P: 21-1, 0.97 ERA, 137.1 innings pitched, 179 strikeouts, and opponent’s batting average of .16

Key FSU Players:

Jahni Kerr, OF: .357 batting average, 8 home runs, 15 doubles, 39 RBI, .571 slugging percentage, .392 on-base percentage
Kaley Mudge, OF: .353 batting average, 5 home runs, 17 doubles, 43 RBI, .539 slugging percentage, .415 on-base percentage
Kalei Harding, UTIL: .322 batting average, 10 home runs, 22 doubles, 48 RBI, .613 slugging percentage, .397 on-base percentage
Kathryn Sandercock, P: 28-3, 1.07 ERA, 183 innings pitched, 112 strikeouts, and opponent’s batting average of .184

Top NBA Insider Drops New Info on Steve Kerr’s Future With Warriors

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:17:34 +0000

The Golden State Warriors are set to go through some significant changes, particularly after former president and general manager Bob Myers stepped down on May 30.

Those changes could very well include a future without current head coach Steve Kerr, who is heading into the final year of his contract with the team. Extension talks are likely to begin this summer if they happen, but without Myers around, some are wondering how smoothly they’ll go.

When former Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams inked a six-year, $78.5 million deal to coach the Detroit Pistons on May 31, making Williams the highest-paid coach in the NBA, it likely changed the fiscal landscape a bit. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski says Williams’ deal will impact Kerr in particular.

“It’s going to significantly impact the head coaching landscape for high-level coaches, including Miami’s Erik Spoelstra (and) Golden State’s Steve Kerr,” Wojnarowski reported before Game 2 of the NBA Finals on NBA Countdown, as transcribed by Jack Murray of Bleacher Report. “Both of those coaches with one year left, next season, on their deal. Both I’m told in the $8 million annual range right now.”

Kerr Is Currently Making Under $10 Million a Year According to Reports

The details of Kerr’s current contract aren’t public knowledge, but it ends after the 2023-24 season. The current Warriors coach admitted in 2018 that he had signed an extension, but he refused to reveal any more information about it. Sportico reported Kerr making $9.5 million in 2021, and Woj said it was closer to $8 million.

If and when Kerr and the Dubs talk about an extension, Woj thinks Kerr may be able to cash in on the open market and could push for more from Warriors brass as a result.

“Both coaches—when you talk to owners, executives around the league—if they were on the open market, might be able to get what the new NFL coach in Denver [Sean Payton] got, in the neighborhood of $20 million a year,” Woj added, in reference to Spoelstra and Kerr.

Woj: Keep an Eye on Negotiations Between Kerr & Warriors This Summer

Steve Kerr addresses his future. There’s one year left on his deal. He said it’s not yet time to discuss an extension. He wants to keep coaching Warriors long term, but understands realities of business. “Look at your phone every day and see the next Hall of Fame coach fired.” pic.twitter.com/SFigwUm601

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 16, 2023

As Wojnarowski reported on May 30, Warriors owner Joe Lacob may be looking to promote his son Kirk or, more likely, current vice president of basketball operations Mike Dunleavy Jr., to replace Myers. Considering Myers hired Kerr and the two remain close, it’s fair to wonder how well the team’s next GM will be able to handle Kerr’s next deal.

“Bob and I have a great friendship, a great working relationship, and I absolutely hope he comes back,” Kerr said in mid-May about Myers prior to the former GM’s exit, per NBC Sports. “But it’s also a case where I want what’s best for Bob, and if he decides that he’s going to leave, of course, I’m going to support him 100 percent, and we will remain friends for a long time. I would miss him, but I support him regardless of what he does.”

This change in management coupled with Williams making over $13 million a year in Detroit makes Kerr’s contract situation something to watch moving forward, Woj says.

“It’s hard to imagine Erik Spoelstra leaving a Miami organization where he started 28 years ago as a video intern, 15 years as a head coach with two championships, but Steve Kerr is going to be a different situation. … This is an aging roster and the world view for Steve Kerr might be a little different,” Wojnarowski noted, adding: “So watch his negotiations this summer on an extension.”

NBA Scout: Heat’s Duncan Robinson ‘Could Be Part of a Larger Trade’

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:01:30 +0000

Duncan Robinson helped propel the Miami Heat to victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, scoring all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter.

Robinson, 29, signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Heat in August of 2021. It was the highest sum ever paid to an undrafted free agent at the time, but it’s a contract that has been widely regarded as a huge overpay.

One Eastern Conference executive told Heavy Sports insider Sean Deveney in December of 2022 that Robinson’s contract was the worst in the NBA, but after the Heat forward’s recent play in the postseason, one league scout believes the perception surrounding his deal is changing — and that makes Robinson much more tradable.

NBA Scout: Robinson’s Contract ‘More Movable Now’

Duncan Robinson flexes after the tough bucket 😤

Heat are on a 10-0 run‼️ pic.twitter.com/HlAvbkCHOV

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 5, 2023

After averaging just 6.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 16.4 minutes a game during the regular season (stats via ESPN), Robinson has stepped it up in the playoffs. He averaged 9.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks (20.2 minutes per game), shooting an incredible 73.7% from beyond the arc in that series.

He slipped a bit in Round 2 against the Knicks, netting 6.5 points and 1.0 boards a game while shooting just 27.1% from downtown (15.7 minutes a game). It was his performance in the conference finals against the Boston Celtics that really stood out, though. Robinson scored 11.4 points and hauled in 2.6 assists a game in the seven-game series, hitting 55.6% of his shots from 3-point land, averaging over 18 minutes a game.

The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson spoke to an Eastern Conference scout, and the perception about Robinson could be changing around the league, particularly after his recent clutch play. “The contract is more movable now than it seemed before the playoffs,” the scout told Jackson. “Before, it was a complete albatross contract. Now people are maybe going to take a second look and say this guy is much more viable and producing when it counts.”

Whether the Heat keep Robinson around or try to trade him remains to be seen — but the latter option is still very much on the table.

“He’s more closely living up somewhat to his contract, which I’m sure is a great relief to the powers that be there,” the scout added, in reference to Robinson. “He’s showing he has got more to his game than the three-point shooting, showing more stuff without the ball, has gotten to the basket a few times. He’s really good at moving without the ball. At least he gives effort defensively. Maybe they should have played him more this season.”

Robinson’s Playmaking Has Continued Into NBA Finals

In 2020-21, Robinson averaged 13.1 points and 3.5 rebounds a game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 40.8% from 3-point range. The following season, his numbers fell even more, as he scored 10.9 points a game and shot 39.9% from downtown.

With his stats slipping, he was relegated to the bench last season.

He has re-emerged in the playoffs, though, and his role in helping Miami beat Denver in Game 2 will be remembered in a big way if the Heat wind up winning the series. Robinson scored just three points in Game 1, but with Miami down by eight as the fourth quarter of Game 2 began, his 10 points made all the difference in Miami’s 111-108 win.

A lot of guys deserve love in this game, but man Duncan Robinson single handedly turned the tides of this game

What a performance

— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) June 5, 2023

Robinson’s performance so far in the postseason could also garner the interest of other teams who may be willing to take on the $17, $18 and $19 million he’s expected to make in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Still, interested teams may want another player — Tyler Herro comes to mind — according to Jackson’s report.

“The scout said to dump Robinson’s contract alone, the Heat likely still would need to attach a carrot, which Miami has been reluctant to do,” Jackson wrote on June 3. “But he also could be part of a larger trade — in other words, salary cap ballast — as part of a larger trade.”

If Robinson’s standout play continues against the Nuggets, Miami may want to keep him around. But if another team makes an intriguing offer, a trade is still an option.

Heat Receive Warning About Playoffs Standout Caleb Martin

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 14:26:31 +0000

Caleb Martin has been one of the most pleasant surprises for the Miami Heat in the 2023 playoffs.

The 27-year-old small forward averaged 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists during the regular season while shooting 35.6% from 3-point range (all stats from ESPN). Throughout 19 postseason games so far, Martin has elevated nearly every facet of his game, scoring 13.5 points and hauling in 5.6 boards per contest, also shooting 44% from downtown and 54.9% from the field.

In the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, Martin was particularly electric, netting 19.3 points a game. He was the team’s second-leading scorer behind Jimmy Butler, and he became the talk of Twitter after shooting 48.9% from beyond the arc while making over 60% of his shots from the field in that series.

He helped propel the Heat to the Finals, but one Eastern Conference scout told the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson the Heat should proceed with caution when it comes to expecting Martin to be the same guy he has been in the playoffs moving forward, particularly when it comes to paying him again.

Scout on Caleb Martin: Recent Success a ‘Small Sample Size’

Caleb Martin is on a three-year, $20.5 million contract that’s gotta be among the best non-rookie, non-max deals in the NBA.

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) May 28, 2023

Miami inked Martin to a three-year, $20.5 million extension in 2022 (numbers via Spotrac). He’s due just over $6.8 million next season, and he has a player option — which he will very likely exercise — when the 2022-23 season concludes.

So far, Martin is outplaying the heck out of that contract — but one scout isn’t so sure Martin’s stellar play will continue.

“You have to be cautious about drawing conclusions from this small a sample size; there’s such a gap between what he had done and how he played in the Boston series. But he’s gone way up in estimation because he did it on the biggest stage against Boston,” a scout told Jackson about Martin, adding:

“Everyone has seen him and knew he was an excellent defender who can make a shot, but nobody had seen this — a guy who’s a 20 point a game scorer and shooting 50 [percent] on threes. Plus, his self creation ability has really impressed me. He gets to the basket and he finishes. He’s not pigeonholed into being a spot up and catch shooter. He showed he’s a pull up guy, too. He really has becomes a three-level scorer.”

The scout then suggested Martin’s recent run can be attributed at least in part to the Celtics not paying much attention to him defensively.

“He has played out of his mind entering the Finals,” the scout told Jackson. “The question is if it’s something he can maintain at this level or close to it. The fact he has done it at this time of the year is significant. Boston didn’t pay attention to him. He will be on the scouting report more.”

Martin Having Slow Start to Series vs Nuggets

The Heat fell in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, losing to the Denver Nuggets, 104-93. Martin finished with just 3.0 points, four rebounds and a blocked shot, going 1-for-7 from the field in a lackluster shooting performance.

His struggles in Game 1 likely won’t continue, but he remains a top player to watch in the series.

Caleb Martin and Max Strus when they're not playing the Celtics.pic.twitter.com/tr9XRu0Rxi

— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) June 2, 2023

Martin came down with an illness after Game 1 and missed practice as a result. He remains questionable for Game 2, so we’ll see if he makes it onto the court, although he was out on the court a day before the game, which is a good sign.

Caleb Martin has been training just now in the Ball Arena so I guess he's feeling better…
Hopefully he can be able to play Game 2! pic.twitter.com/QshpS0mqhr

— Nacho García (@nachogarciad) June 4, 2023

Man City vs United Live Stream: How to Watch FA Cup Final in US

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 01:38:22 +0000

Man City and Manchester United will clash in the FA Cup final on Saturday, June 3 2023.

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In the United States, the match (10 a.m. ET start time) won’t be on TV, but anyone in the US can watch Manchester City vs Manchester United live on ESPN+ right here:

Get ESPN+

ESPN+ includes dozens of other live sports, every 30-for-30 documentary and additional original content (both video and written) for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (or $13.99 per month for a bundle of all three of ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu).

Once signed up for ESPN+, you can watch Manchester City vs Manchester United live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com.

FA Cup Final 2023 Preview

After winning the Premier League, Man City will have an opportunity to complete the treble with a win here coupled with a victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola and his squad are looking to match United’s 1998-99 feat under Sir Alex Ferguson, when they won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same year. The fact that United was the last team to accomplish this incredible feet gives the squad extra motivation to prevent Guardiola and company from doing so.

“Everybody knows what position we are in. It comes once in a lifetime, twice in a lifetime? Being champions in the Premier League three games before the end and to play two finals – that doesn’t come every season. Once we are there, first of all you have to relax and enjoy and do your best, but no-one can be sure we will be in that position again,” Guardiola said.

“There is still one game to go, and I am sure that these players will give everything to beat Manchester City next week,” Man United coach Erik ten Hag said.

“United have many threats and we know them well,” Man City defender Rúben Dias added. “We know who can be dangerous and how they can be dangerous. Overall United are dangerous because of the team they are and not any individual. Our biggest weapon is focusing on what we can do.”

These two teams last met on January 14 of 2023, when United won at Old Trafford, 2-1. City won had convincingly beaten Manchester United before that, 6-3, in October of 2022, so this one promises to be both eventful and entertaining.

Here’s a look at the potential lineups for both teams heading into this match:

Man United: GK: David de Gea, RB: Diogo Dalot, CB: Raphael Varane, CB: Victor Lindelof, LB: Luke Shaw, CM: Casemiro, CM: Fred, RW: Jadon Sancho, AM: Bruno Fernandes, LW: Alejandro Garnacho and ST: Marcus Rashford.

Man City: GK: Ederson, RB: Kyle Walker, CB: Aymeric Laporte, LCB: Nathan Ake, DM: John Stones, DM: Rodri, RW: Riyad Mahrez, AM: Ilkay Gundogan, AM: Bernardo Silva, LW: Phil Foden and Striker Erling Haaland.

Previous Meeting’s Line-ups:

Man United: David de Gea, Tyrell Malacia, Raphaël Varane, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Fred, Casemiro, Antony Martial, Marcus Rashford. Used Subs: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Antony, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho.

Man City: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Nathan Aké, Joao Cancelo, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez. Used Subs: Jack Grealish.

Heat vs Nuggets Game 1 Live Stream: How to Watch for Free

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:00:55 +0000

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat will head to Ball Arena to take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, June 1.

The game (8:30 p.m. ET) will be televised on ABC, but if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both come with a free trial.

Those are the two best live stream options if you’re cutting cable, but there are also some other alternatives, so here’s a full guide on the different ways you can watch a live stream of the Heat vs Nuggets online:

Note: Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of ABC and 100-plus other live TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch the Heat vs Nuggets live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Fubo credentials to do that.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” ABC is included in every one, and you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch the Heat vs Nuggets live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your DirecTV Stream credentials to do that.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN3 (which simulcasts ABC games) and 40-plus other live TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Orange” bundle. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with the ESPN channels, and you can your first month for half off:

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch the Heat vs Nuggets live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Sling credentials to do that.

Hulu With Live TV

You can watch a live stream of ABC and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which now also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+ at no added cost:

Get Hulu With Live TV

Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch the Heat vs Nuggets live on the Hulu app or Hulu website.

You can also watch live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Hulu credentials to do that.

Heat vs Nuggets Game 1 Preview

Denver beat Miami in each of the two games these two teams played against each other this season. The Nuggets won on the road, 112-108, on February 13. Jokic had a game-high 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Jimmy Butler had 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the loss.

The Nuggets also won at home on December 30, 124-119. Heat forward Tyler Herro led Miami in scoring in that loss with 26 points. Herro, who broke his hand in the first game of the playoffs, is expected to return around Game 3, but he likely won’t be ready before that.

Miami has been doing just fine without Herro, though, relying heavily on Butler, who has averaged 28.5 points a game throughout the playoffs. Butler is one of seven Heat players scoring in double figures this postseason, which has been a huge reason the team has made it this far. The No. 8 seed in the East, the Heat sent the 58-win Milwaukee Bucks and the 57-win Boston Celtics home, also beating the New York Knicks in the playoffs so far.

Now, Miami heads to Denver to face the top seed in the West.

“You get to the NBA Finals, it’s not about seeding anymore,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said heading into Game 1. “And for those who are thinking that this is going to be an easy series, I don’t even know what to say to you people. This is going to be the biggest challenge of our lives. This is the NBA Finals. You’re trying to win the first NBA championship in franchise history, and it’s going to be the hardest thing that we’ve ever done — which is the way it should be.”

The Heat are the underdogs again this series, but that may only serve as motivation for Butler and company.

“Everybody’s confidence is so high,” Butler said. “We got belief that we can do something incredibly special. So we’re gonna hit the ground running when we get to Denver, and I like our chances.”

“We have a bunch of guys that just love competition. Just drop us off anywhere and compete for it,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Put ourselves out there, open to all the criticism and everything… We don’t care what the rest of the world is saying. We don’t care who is criticizing who. You’ve got to line up between these four lines and let’s figure this out.”

Heat’s Jimmy Butler Makes Definitive Statement on His Future

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:42:17 +0000

Jimmy Butler has spent his last four seasons with the Miami Heat and based on his comments heading into Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals, he plans on spending the rest of his career playing in South Beach.

In a May 31 interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Butler, 33, discussed a number of things, including his the trajectory of his career and his belief that his current group of teammates can slay one more dragon in the form of Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

A standout at Marquette University, Butler was a first round selection in the draft for the Chicago Bulls in 2011. When Andrews reminded Butler of a comment he made years ago when he played in the Windy City — that the last thing he would ever want to wear was a Heat jersey — Butler smiled and, noting the irony, said his Heat jersey will be the last one he’ll ever wear.

Butler Spent His First 6 Seasons With Bulls

Jimmy Butler's relationship with the Miami Heat has come full circle ⭕ pic.twitter.com/Cg9kLG0GN4

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 1, 2023

He was a three-time All-Star over his six seasons in Chicago, but back in June of 2017, the Bulls shipped Butler and a draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and draft capital. Butler played in Minnesota for a year before getting traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent the bulk of the 2018-19 season. He landed in Miami the year after that and the rest is history.

Butler noted that when he was with the Bulls, the Heat were one of the league’s most dominant teams led by the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Wade, another Marquette alum, became Butler’s teammate when he played with the Bulls for the 2016-17 season and Butler talked about how things have changed since that time.

“When I came into the league, the Heat used to beat the Bulls all the time. They did, when they had the Big 3,” Butler told Andrews. “So me getting drafted (by) the Bulls, it was like: ‘We can’t like the Miami Heat. You can’t like D-Wade even though y’all went to the same school. Then, you fast forward and I’m playing with D-Wade on the Bulls. I’m like: ‘This guy’s not a bad guy.’ … Full circle, now it’ll be the last jersey that I wear.”

Butler on His Heat Teammates: ‘This Group Is Special’

Jimmy Butler vs. Jamal Murray 🔥

Bam Adebayo vs. Nikola Jokic 🔥

These NBA Finals matchups are going to be exciting to watch 🤩 pic.twitter.com/aDC3FpKubU

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 30, 2023

Butler averaged 24.7 points, 6.1 assists and 7.6 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. He was named the ECF’s MVP, but Butler told Andrews that personal accolades aren’t what he’s after. He wants the ring that has eluded him over his 12 years in the NBA.

“All I want is championships,” he said, also noting he has faith in the group of relatively unheralded players around him.

“I’m confident in myself as a basketball player and in the group of guys that I have around me,” Butler added. “This group is special. They really are. They really believe that: ‘I have to be the best version of myself, we have to be the best version of ourselves today and then once that day is over with, we’ll take it a day at a time.'”

You can watch Butler’s complete interview with Andrews below.

Heat’s Tyler Herro ‘Could Be Traded for a Star’

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:54:23 +0000

The Miami Heat are heading to the NBA Finals, where the No. 1 team in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, await.

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Heat throughout the playoffs so far has been how well the team has performed without starting forward Tyler Herro in the lineup.

Herro broke his hand in the first game of the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks, and showing plenty of pluck as the East’s eighth seed, the Heat became the first play-in team in history to make it all the way to the Finals. The fact that they made it so far without Herro, who started 67 games for them this past season, has some questioning whether Miami will shop the 23-year-old.

In his May 31 column for Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley named several young players under the age of 25 who “could be traded for a star,” and Herro was one of five players on the list.

Herro Should Have Robust Trade Market

The 13th overall pick for the Heat in 2019, Herro signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the team in 2022.

“If Miami is no longer convinced he’s a key part of this core, one would assume it would be eager to get this money off the books. If it is, the trade market should welcome him with open arms,” Buckley wrote about Herro.

There are a lot of “ifs” in those few sentences, but the 23-year-old forward averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season (stats via ESPN) and he has showed solid growth as both a shooter and facilitator.

“This may be nowhere near Herro’s peak. He is 23 years old, and this was his first season as a full-time starter. He also splits touches with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Give Herro more time to grow and more on-ball opportunities, and his stat sheet might explode,” Buckley noted, adding some teams may be willing to send a bigger-name player in exchange for the opportunity to see what Herro could grow into.

“Imagining what he could do without them is the kind of thing that could convince a stuck-in-the-middle team to send a star to South Beach and get a chance to build around Herro,” Buckley noted.

Herro Likely to Return in Finals vs Nuggets

Tyler Herro is aiming to return by Game 3, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/c1r2tOqyGD

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 30, 2023

Herro has not yet had a significant opportunity to make his mark during the postseason, but he should get his chance soon.

Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT reported on Twitter on May 29 that Herro will likely return for Game 3 against Denver. If he plays clutch ball and makes his presence felt, he could squash those trade rumors. But, if that happens, it could also gauge the interest of other teams even more.

“There’s a little soreness in my hand still,” Herro said, as reported by Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. “But it’s all just post-surgery scar tissue and stuff like that, that I’m trying to work through right now. I would love to come back for the Finals, but we’ll see how my hand feels. It feels good. I’m feeling good.”

Herro has averaged 17.7 points over his four seasons in the league and he has netted over 20 points a game in each of his last two seasons. He was also named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year after the 2021-22 season, so Buckley isn’t wrong to suggest Herro could have several suitors.

Herro has been floated as a trade piece in a possible Joel Embiid trade scenario and if the Heat falter in the Finals, any scenario could be possible in an effort to upgrade the roster.

Stay tuned.

Zach Lowe thinks there is an argument to be made that the Heat are playing better without Tyler Herro

"I think Tyler Herro’s injury may have actually helped them because now they play lineups with a maximum of one guy you could really hunt on defense and a minimum of zero… If… pic.twitter.com/D69iMoSQVd

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 22, 2023

How to Watch ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Season 31 Without Cable

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Mon, 29 May 2023 19:40:46 +0000

Season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” which features Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler as the head coaches, premieres on Tuesday, May 30.

The show (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT start time) will be televised on ESPN, but if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on ESPN+, FuboTV or DirecTV Stream.

Here’s a full guide on the different ways you can watch a live stream of “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 31:

Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch “The Ultimate Fighter” live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

You can also watch on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Fubo credentials if you don’t have that.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch “The Ultimate Fighter” live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

You can also watch on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your DirecTV Stream credentials to do that.

ESPN+

If you’ve used up all your free trials for other streaming services, ESPN+ is the cheapest way to watch the show streaming online:

Get ESPN+

ESPN+ will include every episode live and on-demand, plus it has dozens of live sports, every 30-for-30 documentary and additional original content (both video and written) for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (or $13.99 per month for a bundle of all three of ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu).

Once signed up for ESPN+, you can watch “The Ultimate Fighter” live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com.

Sling TV

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch “The Ultimate Fighter” live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

You can also watch on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Sling credentials if you don’t have that.

Hulu With Live TV

You can watch a live stream of ESPN and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+ at no extra cost:

Get Hulu With Live TV

Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch “The Ultimate Fighter” live on the Hulu app or Hulu website.

You can also watch on the ESPN app or ESPN.com. You’ll need to sign in to a participating cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Hulu credentials if you don’t have that.

‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Season 31 Preview

This season of the show, which has been dubbed “Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs Team Chandler,” will feature coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. Both fighters are set to square off in late 2023, with the announcement of the time and date of their bout coming at some point during the series.

This will be McGregor’s first foray back into the UFC world since he suffered a fractured tibia while fighting Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. McGregor was also a coach on the show back in 2015, and he says he is planning on doing an even better job this time around.

“I’ll certainly add to what I’ve learned since that time,” McGregor told UFC.com. “Also, it’ll be different because I’ll be getting involved in the practice my own self, as where the last time, I was coming out of a heavy bout with a gash on the eye; I had just won the featherweight world title. This time, I’m beginning to build into my own camp, so it’s going to be good all around.”

This season will focus on lightweight (155 lbs.) and bantamweight (135 lbs.) fighters exclusively. The winner will earn the title of Ultimate Fighter while also snagging a six-figure contract from UFC. The winning coach will also get bragging rights heading into the fall bout.

“I got eight heartbeats on my team. Eight athletes who I have the opportunity and the blessing to coach and I’m not going to take it lightly,” Chandler said. “Some who get their one last shot to make it into the UFC and some who have been looking at the bright lights from afar and now they get their opportunity. This is on ESPN the network for twelve episodes straight.”

Here’s a look at the names, ages and records of the fighters who will be competing this season, via ESPN:

MEN’S BATAMWEIGHT (135 lbs.)

Mando Gutierrez | 26 | 8-2 | East Lansing, Mich.
Trevor Wells | 27 | 8-3 | Temecula, Calif.
Carlos Vera | 35 | 12-3 | Falls Church, Vir.
Rico DiSciullo | 36 | 11-2 | Somerville, Mass.
Cody Gibson | 35 | 19-8 | San Luis Obispo County, Calif.
Timur Valiev | 32 | 18-3 | Moscow, Russia
Hunter Azure | 30 | 10-3 | Phoenix, Ariz.
Brad Katona | 31 | 12-2 | Dublin, Ireland

MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT (155 lbs.)

Landon Quiñones | 27 | 7-1-1 | Sunrise, Fla.
Aaron McKenzie | 26 | 11-2-1 | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Nate Jennerman | 30 | 16-5 | Sheboygan, Wis.
Lee Hammond | 26 | 5-0 | Dublin, Ireland
Austin Hubbard | 31 | 15-6 | Denver, Colo.
Roosevelt Roberts | 29 | 12-3 | Lathrop, Calif.
Kurt Holobaugh | 36 | 19-7 | Franklinton, La.
Jason Knight | 30 | 22-7 | Lucedale, Miss

Where to Watch Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday in US

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Mon, 29 May 2023 19:00:55 +0000

Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday will clash at Wembley on Monday, May 29 in the Sky Bet League One semifinals, with a bid in the championship game at stake.

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In the United States, the match (10 a.m. ET start time) won’t be on TV, but anyone in the US can watch Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday live on ESPN+ right here:

Get ESPN+

Once signed up for ESPN+, you can watch Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday live on the ESPN app or ESPN.com.

Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday Preview

Sheff Wed is fresh from one of the most memorable comebacks in recent memory. Down 4-0 to Peterborough United after the first leg, Darren Moore’s squad their won its May 18 match, 5-1 before also winning 5-3 in the shootout to move on. Michael Smith, Lee Gregory, Reece James, Liam Palmer and Callum Paterson all scored for The Owls.

On the other side, Barnsley is fresh from a 1-0 victory over Bolton on May 19. Liam Kitching scored the game’s only goal in the 24th minute. Barnsley has won two of its last three games and manager Michael Duff thinks his squad could do some damage as underdogs heading into this one.

“You can dress it up, but they are older and have a lot more experience and have thousands more league appearances than what we have,” Duff told Yorkshire Live. “That might help them. It might not. Our youth and almost naivety might help us. We won’t know until the game pans out. There’s two distinct ways of playing. We know we can hurt them, but we also know that they are a huge club with big players and big players step up in moments a lot of the time. It’s enjoy the day as much as we can, but we are not going for a day out, but to win.”

Heading into the match, Moore had nothing but respect and praise for Duff.

“Am I surprised with the work he’s done at Barnsley? No,” Moore said about Duff. “Why am I not? Because he is thorough and meticulous with his work and a worker and sees and understands the game and he’s very astute with his approach in terms of how he sets his teams up and understanding the strengths and weaknesses. He’s shown a level of consistency with wonderful leadership qualities. He is clear and methodical in his approach and clear in his views.”

A few things that could be factors here: Barnsley has been a bit streaky of late, failing to score in two of its last five games. Also, the Reds have averaged 2.17 points a game playing at home, while Sheffield Wednesday had averaged 1.75 points per match at away games. If Sheff Wed stays hot and gets a goal or two early, a comeback could be difficult for Barnsley.

The Reds and The Owls have faced each other 18 times, with Sheff Wed winning seven, Barnsley winning five. Six of their matches have ended in draws.

Here’s a look at the potential starting lineups for both teams:

Barnsley possible starting lineup: Isted; Thomas, Kitching, Andersen; Williams, Kane, Phillips, Connell, Cadden; Cole, Tedic

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup: Dawson; James, Ihiekwe, Iorfa; Patterson, Bannan, Palmer, Johnson; Windass; Gregory, Smith

French Open 2023 Live Stream: How to Watch Online in US

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sun, 28 May 2023 09:00:32 +0000

The first round of the 2023 French Open will kick off on Sunday, May 28 at Roland Garros in Paris, France.

In the United States, daily coverage of the tournament will be televised on Tennis Channel or NBC.

If you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream of the tournament on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both include Tennis Channel and NBC and come with a free trial.

Those are the two best live stream options if you’re cutting cable and you want a free option, but there are also some other alternatives, so here’s a full guide on the different ways you can watch the 2023 French Open streaming live online:

Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of Tennis Channel, NBC and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch the 2023 French Open live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” NBC is included in every one, while Tennis Channel is in “Choice” and up, but you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch the 2023 French Open live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

Peacock TV

If you’ve used up all your free trials for other streaming services, this is the cheapest way to watch a live stream of the French Open–coverage of most days of the tournament, including the men’s and women’s semifinals and finals, will be available on Peacock Premium, which costs $4.99 per month or a limited-time offer of $19.99 for a year:

Get Peacock TV

Once signed up for Peacock, you can watch the 2023 French Open live on the Peacock TV app or Peacock TV website.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of Tennis Channel, NBC and 40-plus other TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Blue + Sports Extra” package. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with sports channels, and you can get your first month half off:

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch the 2023 French Open live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

French Open 2023 Preview

This year, the tournament will take place from Sunday, May 28 until Sunday, June 11.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal won the Open last year, but for the first time since he made his debut in the event in 2005, the reigning champ won’t compete. With Nadal out, that leaves Carlos Alcaraz and veteran Novak Djokovic as the potential favorites to win the men’s singles title.

Djokovic and Nadal have both won 22 Grand Slam titles, and American tennis great John McEnroe believes Nadal’s absence could give the 36-year-old Nakak additional motivation.

“It’s his quest to be the best ever and win the most majors so right now it looks like he’s the only guy left who could break more records,” McEnroe said, via Eurosport. “He’s tied with Rafa so this is an opening. He’s had a tough year and a half in a lot of ways and he’s also done some incredible things. Novak, he’s always looking for some inspiration, some fuel, and he’s got some now and he’s got a great chance.”

On the women’s side, world No.1 Iga Swiatek defeated Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-3, to win the women’s singles championship last year. Swiatek’s top competitors include Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Barbora Krejcikova.

The 21-year-old Swiatek has been battling through a thigh injury in recent weeks, but she says it’s nothing to be concerned about heading into the tournament.

“Luckily nothing serious happened, so I had a couple of days off,” Swiatek said at Media Day in Paris, via WTA Tennis. “I’m still recovering from the thigh injury, but I’ll be good for my first round. That’s the most important thing for me. … I just love coming back here no matter what my ranking is or no matter what my previous results are.”

In men’s doubles, Rohan Bopanna and his partner, Matthew Ebden, are among the favorites, as are Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni. In women’s doubles, Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova and Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula should be the top contenders.

Here’s a look at the tournament schedule:

Sunday May 28 Men’s singles, women’s singles – first round
Monday May 29: Men’s singles, women’s singles – first round
Tuesday May 30: Men’s singles, women’s singles – first round
Wednesday May 31: Men’s singles, women’s singles – second round
Thursday June 1: Men’s singles, women’s singles – second round
Friday June 2: Men’s singles, women’s singles – third round
Saturday June 3: Men’s singles, women’s singles – third round
Sunday June 4: Men’s singles, women’s singles – fourth round
Monday June 5: Men’s singles, women’s singles – fourth round
Tuesday June 6: Men’s singles, women’s singles – quarter-finals
Wednesday June 7: Men’s singles, women’s singles – quarter-finals
Thursday June 8: Women’s singles – semi-finals | Mixed doubles final
Friday June 9: Men’s singles – semi-finals
Saturday June 10: Women’s singles final | Men’s doubles final | Wheelchair final
Sunday June 11: Men’s singles final| Women’s doubles final

How to Watch the Indianapolis 500 Without Cable

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sun, 28 May 2023 03:48:48 +0000

The 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The race (12:45 p.m. ET start time) will be televised on NBC.

If you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both include NBC and come with a free trial.

Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of NBC and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch the 2023 Indy 500 live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Fubo credentials to do that.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” NBC is included in every one, and you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch the 2023 Indy 500 live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your DirecTV Stream credentials to do that.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of NBC (live in select markets) and 40-plus other TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Blue” package. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with sports channels, and you can get your first month half off:

Get Sling TV

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch the 2023 Indy 500 live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Sling credentials to do that.

Hulu With Live TV

You can watch a live stream of NBC and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+ at no extra cost:

Get Hulu With Live TV

Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch the 2023 Indy 500 live on the Hulu app or Hulu website.

You can also watch live on the NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com. You’ll need to sign in to a cable provider to watch this way, but you can use your Hulu credentials to do that.

Indy 500 Preview

As always, the 200-lap race will be 2.5-miles (4.02-kilometers) and there will be 33 drivers competing this year. There will be eleven rows with three drivers in each row, with nine former winners of the race competing in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”.

The forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s, so the weather shouldn’t be a factor. Academy Award winning actor Adam Driver will wave the green flag, while Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Jewel will sing the national anthem.

Chip Ganassi Racing, with Honda cars driven by Scott Dixon, Takuma Sato and Alex Palou, among others, is the favorite to win. Palou clocked the fastest pole position speed in history (234.217 mph) and will be starting from the pole in row 1, with Felix Rosenqvist (Chevrolet) and Rinus VeeKay (Chevrolet) also in the row.

While Palou is the favorite, Santino Ferrucci, who will be in row two in the fourth overall spot, is one underdog to watch. “If everything just runs its course normally and there’s no wild hiccups for anybody, we are definitely one of the cars that can win,” Ferrucci said. Will Power (Team Penske, Chevrolet) is another potential upset candidate.

Defending Indy 500 champion Marcus Ericsson will also be looking to defend his title. “I don’t think it’s a pressure. I think it’s a privilege to know that you drive for an organization that can provide us with four cars that’s super fast and that we expect to be up front and fight for the win,” Ericsson told the Haverhill Gazette. “I think that’s something to be proud of, and I think all four of us are super excited about this opportunity.”

Here are the top 20 times from Friday’s Carb Day run:

Takuma Sato, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda, 227.885 mph
Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda, 227.285
Will Power, Team Penske, Chevrolet, 226.953
Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda, 226.945
Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Autosport, Honda, 226.872
Agustin Canapino, Juncos Hollinger, Honda, 226.532
Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport, Honda, 226.300
Romain Grosjean, Andretti Autosport, Honda, 226.286
Josef Newgarden, Team Penske, Chevrolet, 226.766
Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske, Chevrolet, 225.565
Tony Kanaan, Arrow McLaren SP, Chevrolet, 225.400
Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet, 225.378
Jack Harvey, Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan, Honda, 225.251
Alexander Rossi, Arrow McLaren SP, Chevrolet, 225.233
Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP, Chevrolet, 225.114
David Malukas, Dale Coyne Racing, Honda, 225.019
Benjamin Pedersen, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Chevrolet, 224.905
Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda, 224.751
Marco Andretti, Andretti Autosport, Honda, 224.702

USA vs Germany Hockey Live Stream: How to Watch for Free

Beth Mishler-Elmore — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:00:50 +0000

The United States will clash with Germany in the IIHF men’s World Championship semifinals on Saturday, May 27 in Tampere, Finland.

In the US, the game (11:20 a.m. ET start time) will be televised on NHL Network, but if you don’t have cable, you can watch a live stream on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both include NHL Network and come with a free trial.

Those are the two best live stream options if you’re cutting cable, but there are also some other alternatives, so here’s a full guide on the different ways to watch USA vs Germany streaming live online:

Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page

FuboTV

You can watch a live stream of NHL Network and 100-plus other live TV channels on FuboTV. You’ll need the main channel package and the “Sports Plus” add-on, both of which can be included in your free seven-day trial:

FuboTV Free Trial

Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch USA vs Germany live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” NHL Network is in “Ultimate” and above, but you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:

DirecTV Stream Free Trial

Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch USA vs Germany live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.

Sling TV

You can watch a live stream of NHL Network and 45-plus other live TV channels via Sling TV’s “Sling Orange + Sports Extra” bundle or “Sling Blue + Sports Extra” bundle. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the cheapest long-term streaming service with NHL Network, plus you can get your first month for half off:

Sling TV Free Trial

Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch USA vs Germany live on the Sling TV app or Sling TV website.

USA vs Germany Preview

The United States got into the semis by beating Czechia, 3-0. Cutter Gauthier, who has a team-high seven goals so far in the tournament, scored for the Americans, while Nick Perbix and Matt Coronato also had goals in the win.

“This was a tough game and I’m really proud of our team and how we stuck to our game plan,” United States head coach David Quinn said after the win. “There’s a real selflessness to our team and that’s been evident from the outset.”

Germany is coming off a 3-1 upset of Switzerland, with John Peterka and Nico Sturm both scoring in the second period. Maxi Kastner also scored for the Germans.

“It’s a pretty amazing feeling right now,” German forward Justin Schutz said after the victory. “We just said we have to play our game. We lost the first three games in the group stage, all close, then we won four straight. We have a lot of confidence. Our game is just good forechecks, hard on the guy, pucks deep, good in the D zone. That’s what we did today. … The people in Germany were like, let’s just make the quarterfinals, but we knew we could maybe do better. I think two weeks ago I would have said yes to the quarterfinals, but we knew today we could go to the semis, and we are. Now we want to win it all!”

These two teams met in the preliminary round on May 15, with the United States eking out a 3-2 victory. The Americans won with just over five minutes remaining in the game, and Gauthier had seven shots on goal in the win, the most on either team. Keeping him in check will be huge for the Germans if they want to advance to the finals.

Despite falling to the Americans just a few weeks ago, Germany is feeling confident heading into this matchup. “I don’t think we need to change anything, we played fantastic against them. … Stick to the game plan, I’m confident we can beat them,” Sturm said about the U.S. after Germany advanced to the semis.

The winner of this game will move on to face the winner of Canada vs. Latvia in the finals.