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Nothing has been really easy for the Los Angeles Dodgers in what has been quite a turbulent start to the 2025 season. While they have managed to stabilize well heading into June, it does seem that there is a promising hope to look out for the team as they seek to improve their winning chances. Two of the big reasons for their impressive run? Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In the Dodgers’ recent showdown with the Cleveland Guardians, Yamamoto was explosive as he pushed the team to its somewhat first stress-free win in a long while. Heading into that showdown, Los Angeles has just claimed three out of the last nine games – and those needed extra innings to win as they have been blowing massive leads so far. The theatrics haven’t been fun to watch for the Dodgers so far, but with manager Dave Roberts finding ways to tweak his squad and show that Los Angeles has impressive depth, one can say that this is a promising look considering that Ohtani and Yamamoto’s recent big game led the team to a much-needed win so far. Tenacity by Yamamoto If there’s one way to say that this season has been worse for the Dodgers, maybe the fact that the injuries have been mounting is a starting point. Had it not been for his elite performance on Memorial Day, the Dodgers would have been in a dire mood right now searching for answers. Yamamoto woke up a promising lineup that has been on a lull in the past few games, and it cannot be denied that his six-inning, two-run start has proved to be pivotal so far. Now that has ended a streak of five runs in the last seven games before extra innings. Nothing has been easy for the Dodgers, but Yamamoto made it look like he could carry this team to bigger heights. “I mean, you could argue he’s been our most valuable player,” Roberts said, accounting for the rash of other injuries that have ravaged the rotation. “Just to be able to log six or seven innings and kind of reset your ‘pen, give us a good chance to win every time he goes out there, has been huge. I feel very confident in calling him the staff ace.” There was also a massive play in the third inning from Yamamoto. He had two on and no outs, but he managed to race on the mound, fielding a bunt that first baseman Freddie Freeman misread. Yamamoto then ran all the way to first himself before eventually tagging Wilson in the foot – forcing the Guardians to just keep one run and paving the way to a smooth victory. The Ohtani Spark Much like Yamamoto, Ohtani was firing from all cylinders and was able to drill a leadoff home run in the second straight game. The Japanese star now leads the MLB with 19 long balls as of the time of writing, and it could not have been any better for the Dodgers’ impressive victory. The Dodgers have always relied on Ohtani to make the big plays, and he did deliver in this clash with the Guardians to make sure that he would be able to put them on top. Ohtani also clocked his third career leadoff homer in the win. With the key victory, the Dodgers surge back into third with a 33-21 record, tied with the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets for the second spot.

Atlanta could not have timed it well perfectly in claiming their first win in the last eight games than this showdown against FC Cincinnati. The Five Stripes managed to cut through the passing lanes and disrupted plays left and right – all while scoring well on all cylinders as they staved off a comeback attempt to win it by 4-2. In a stretch that has seen a lot of drama unfold so far, it does seem that Atlanta is finally back to its winning groove. Fans are certainly looking forward to see them rise in the playoffs like they did last year, but now the job for the team is to get back on track in their games this season. Nothing has been easy for Atlanta – everything had to be earned as the team needed a lot of harsh, yet inspiring talks to get them up and running for impressive performances. Now more than ever, this is a great sign that the club may well be back to race their way to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference standings. A Progress to Remember Atlanta head coach Ronny Delia can be remembered calling out his players as “soft” in the game considering how poorly they have played in the past few games. That message seems to have been heard loud and clear not just by the squad, but with the rest of the league as well. “When you see that determination on set plays, when you see that people want to score, then you see a different team,” Deila said after Atlanta's first win since beating New York City FC on March 29. “You see that we want to clear the ball and we are first to the ball in the box. These kinds of things are key. Beating everybody seems to be quite a promising challenge, and yet Atlanta took off even with all the pressure at hand as they have seen four different scorers bring in the thunder. Goals from Derrick Williams, Ajani Fortune, Bartosz Slisz, and Jamal Thiare all contributed to the massive victory by Atlanta. By the Numbers If you look at the stat sheet, you’d be able to say that Cincinnati would be the clear winner had it not been for the score. Cincinnati had a total of 29 shots attempted compared to Atlanta’s 12, and they even had three more shots on target at 10. Cincinnati also held the ball for 63% of the game and completed a total of 588 passes for 90% pass accuracy. The only thing that was a win for Atlanta? Fewer fouls and zero yellow cards. The Five Stripes played the frustration game for Cincinnati, who only had goals in the second half of the game. This says a lot about the composed confidence that Atlanta has played with in this win compared to the previous matches. “We just need to understand that we can beat anybody, but we can also lose against anybody. This has to be the minimum when we talk about the discipline, when we talk about the killer instinct inside the boxes. Then we can prove our style and our play going forward.” Atlanta will now wrap up its three-game homestand against Orlando City tomorrow for a chance to get into back-to-back wins for the first time since the earlier games of the season.

All hell broke loose in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final when both Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman put up impressive goal-scoring performances. That allowed the Edmonton Oilers to break away in the clash as they went off for a 6-1 rout and ensured that they now stand up with a 2-1 series lead – just a few more wins away from punching a ticket to the Stanley Cup Final. The goal was to steal at least one win on the road to begin the series – and the Oilers accomplished that so far. Now they are turning the winning groove on their hands with the hopes of eventually returning to the big stage and continuing their unfinished business. The Oilers are still the heavy favorites to win it all, and it cannot be denied that they are expected to be back with the series looking to be in their favor. Nothing has been easy in this Western Conference Final between the Oilers and the Stars so far. Both teams have been throwing punches at each other and it has definitely set up the Oilers for a prime opportunity to advance to the next round. An Oilers Domination Hyman had an assist to add to his game, while Evan Bouchard scored a goal and an assist. Both Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane each had three assists for the Oilers, and the no. 3 seed of the Pacific Division continues to thrive when it matters most. Even Stuart Skinner bounced back with a promising total of 33 saves. “You have to win games different ways. You have to have dominant nights, you have to have nights where maybe your goalie is better than theirs,” McDavid said of the team’s impressive victory. “You have to have nights where your special teams gets it done. That wasn’t tonight, although I thought the kill was good. Edmonton has relied on the classic 5v5 pattern on the attack, and it has worked like a charm for the team in the playoffs. This moves them away from the usual power play focus. Since it hasn’t clicked well for the team, Edmonton has found different ways and made adjustments to win in each chance they got. Oilers forward Connor Brown left the game in the second period after being hit along the boards by Stars defenseman Alexander Petrovic. There remains to be no update regarding the forward’s status for the next game. An Opportunistic Chance The Oilers have gone up 2-1 in a playoff series for the 24th time in its history. Edmonton stands with a promising 21-3 record whenever they are up 2-1, and with this series being that way, expect the Oilers to chase more wins in the coming games. After all, they are halfway from returning to the Stanley Cup Final once more. “It’s ebbs and flows,” Skinner said. “You can feel it right away, and sometimes you don’t feel it right away. I wish I felt it all the time, but that’s just something that comes with it, and I think for myself it’s coming out of the last game, too. I felt really good, so I’m just trying my best to keep that going.” It is never easy to be perfect whenever you’re gunning for a long playoff chase, and it seems that the Stars now have their backs against the wall and will likely be going for a do-or-die chase in the coming days.

Roland Garros honored Rafael Nadal with an emotional tribute, celebrating his unparalleled legacy at the French Open. The ceremony took place on Court Philippe-Chatrier, marking the opening day of the tournament and commemorating the 14-time French Open champion's remarkable career. Nadal's connection to Roland Garros is legendary. Between 2005 and 2022, he secured 14 titles, amassing a 112-4 match record at the venue. His dominance on the clay courts of Paris earned him the moniker "King of Clay." In recognition of his contributions, a statue of Nadal's signature forehand was unveiled at the tournament grounds in 2021. The tribute ceremony featured a heartwarming video montage highlighting Nadal's journey from his 2005 debut to his final match in 2024. The crowd, many wearing "Merci Rafa" shirts, witnessed the unveiling of a plaque on Court Philippe-Chatrier, bearing Nadal's footprint and signature. Tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined the event, emphasizing the camaraderie and respect Nadal garnered throughout his career. A Legendary Rafa Moment In his speech, Nadal expressed profound gratitude to his family, fans, and competitors. He acknowledged the French Tennis Federation's role in his journey and reflected on the special place Roland Garros held in his heart. The ceremony concluded with Nadal, holding his young son, waving to the crowd, encapsulating a poignant farewell to the tournament that defined much of his career. “I didn't know anything about the ceremony. The only thing that I knew before going there was going to be a video when I go on, then my speech, and then a couple of surprises,” said Nadal when asked of the plaque. “They didn't want me to know that. Then when I saw [it], I thought it was going to be just for this year. Knowing that's going to be forever there, it's a present that I can't describe in words.” It is a huge honor for Nadal’s career – and he was emotional to see all of his massive achievements on the clay surface. It was a special moment that Nadal would never forget. This tribute not only celebrated Nadal's achievements but also underscored the deep bond between the tennis icon and Roland Garros, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come. “To have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot, and at the same time it's a great message for the world: That the best rivals, toughest rivalries probably in the history of our sport are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other,” said Nadal. A Historic Dominance by Nadal From his debut win in 2005 at just 19 years old to his final title in 2022, Nadal amassed an astonishing 14 French Open titles — a record that stands unmatched in the Open Era. With a staggering 112-4 win-loss record on the Parisian clay, Nadal maintained a winning percentage of over 96% at Roland Garros, a level of supremacy never before seen at a single Grand Slam tournament. His combination of heavy topspin, relentless movement, and mental fortitude proved nearly impossible to counter on the slow, red surface. Beyond Roland Garros, Nadal’s mastery on clay extended across the ATP Tour. He has won 63 clay-court titles, including 11 Monte Carlo Masters and 10 Rome Masters, making him the all-time leader in titles on that surface. His playing style — built around explosive lateral movement, a punishing lefty forehand, and unmatched consistency — perfectly suited the demands of clay. As noted on the official Roland Garros website, “Nadal didn’t just win on clay — he redefined how to play on it,” becoming a symbol of both technical prowess and emotional intensity on the court.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has levied fines of upwards of $50,000 against several sportsbook operators such as BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and PENN Sports Interactive. The regulator discussed issues with the sportsbooks due to noncompliance, and the discussion even delved into the rise of prediction platforms. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has imposed $50,000 in civil fines on four licensed sports betting operators for a series of noncompliance violations, while also reviewing two new incidents and briefly discussing the future of sports prediction markets during a packed commission meeting. BetMGM, PENN Sports Interactive, FanDuel, and Fanatics Betting and Gaming were all penalized for prior infractions, ranging from improper betting markets to marketing missteps. Multiple operators sanctioned for prohibited bets The largest fine of the day, $20,000, was handed to FanDuel for repeatedly accepting wagers on the Belarusian national soccer team - a market explicitly banned in Massachusetts due to the state's prohibition on betting involving Russian or Belarusian athletes or teams. According to the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau, FanDuel took 3,871 bets totaling $11,792 between March 2023 and March 2024, followed by another 178 bets valued at $5,829 in July 2024. FanDuel claimed it had misinterpreted the scope of the prohibition. Meanwhile, Fanatics Sportsbook was fined $10,000 for a similar offense, accepting 127 prohibited bets on Belarusian soccer from September 2023 to March 2024, totaling $968.13. Unlike FanDuel, Fanatics did not self-report the violation; it was uncovered by the state's sports wagering division. BetMGM also received a $10,000 penalty for accepting bets on LPGA Tour events - at a time when the league had not yet been approved as a wagering market. Between March 2023 and May 2024, BetMGM processed 1,934 bets totaling $1,642.46 before the LPGA gained approval as a valid betting market in the state. PENN Sports Interactive was also fined $10,000 after inadvertently sending promotional materials to individuals who had enrolled in the voluntary self-exclusion program. This misstep raised concern among some commissioners, including Eileen O'Brien, who called the error 'troubling' and advocated for a higher fine. However, the commission ultimately agreed to the IEB's recommended penalty. Two new violations sent for further review In addition to handing out fines, the MGC reviewed two new potential noncompliance events that may lead to further penalties. Fanatics Betting and Gaming accepted 36 prohibited bets on Heisman Trophy futures, a market not approved in Massachusetts. The bets, totaling $545.70, were placed between January and March 2025. The commission voted to return the matter to the IEB for further investigation. DraftKings also came under scrutiny after offering 89 player prop bets on an NCAA men's basketball game between Oregon and Arizona on March 23, 2025. The bets involved points totals for individual players and amounted to $1,655 in wagers - violating restrictions on college player props. This case, too, was sent back to the IEB. Prediction market discussion stays cautious The commission also held a brief discussion on sports prediction markets, which involve trading on the outcome of future events, such as election results or sporting outcomes, often through platforms like Kalshi and Robinhood. MGC Chair Jordan Maynard stressed that the update was not intended to spark "soundbites," and reiterated that the safest method of betting remains through Massachusetts' licensed operators. Deputy General Counsel Justin Stempeck outlined the basic structure of prediction markets and noted that jurisdictional authority is still being contested. Several states are attempting to regulate these markets, while platforms argue they should fall under federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Commissioner O'Brien requested continued updates on ongoing legal disputes in this space, though no formal action was taken by the MGC. As Massachusetts' legal sports betting market continues to mature, the MGC remains focused on maintaining compliance among operators and protecting consumers. While most violations reviewed were administrative in nature, the commission emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive oversight in a highly regulated environment.

According to a recent report, more teens in the state of Minnesota are gambling and placing sports bets. Even though sports betting is illegal in the state, fans are still finding ways to make bets, and the number of sports betting teens are growing as we speak, which may fuel gambling addiction among the youth. Though sports betting remains illegal in Minnesota, the activity is surging among one unexpected group: teenagers. According to a new report, almost 8% of Minnesota's 8th, 9th, and 11th graders reported gambling at least once a week in 2022 - and experts believe those numbers are only climbing. Despite ongoing legislative debate over legalizing sports gambling, the ease of access through mobile apps and informal bets has made it a growing part of teen culture. Gambling becomes a cultural norm among teens Dr. Serena King, a professor of psychology at Hamline University, has studied youth and problem gambling for two decades. In her recent publication, Frequent and Problem Gambling in Public School Students, she explores data from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey - a statewide assessment conducted every three years. "I think what it tells us is it's culturally embedded in our community", said King. "Around 70 - 80 percent of our sample who were gambling that often, were gambling on sports and games." King noted that the gambling took both formal and informal forms - from playground bets to unregulated apps. "Both were pretty high in terms of the self-report among frequent gamblers", she said. Data likely underrates the scope Because the report is based on 2022 data, experts suspect the issue has only intensified. Susan Sheridan Tucker, Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling's Executive Director, said evidence from educators suggests that gambling among students is becoming more frequent and more accessible. "Teachers are very much acknowledging that they are seeing their students gamble on their phones", she said. "It's so accessible. If your child is gambling more than once a week, honestly, that should be a red flag." Limited resources to meet rising need While MNAPG tried to evaluate gambling addiction risks during legislative talks on sports betting last year, the challenge remains: there are not enough treatment providers. More than 250,000 people in Minnesota identify as problem gamblers, and 56,000 are estimated to meet the clinical diagnosis for gambling addiction. Yet, only 17 licensed providers currently serve the entire state. "This is an addiction that isn't covered by insurance", said Sheridan Tucker. "And without legal sports betting, there's no direct funding stream to support prevention and treatment." Should the state legalize sports betting, funding could increase - but at a cost. "It's a double-edged sword", explained King. Legalization would mean more protections and education, but also greater exposure, especially for youth, she continued. Early exposure often leads to lifelong addiction Sheridan Tucker emphasized that many people in recovery trace their first exposure to gambling back to childhood. "One of the first questions asked is, "What was your first exposure to gambling?" And almost inevitably, they're talking about experiences as young kids", she said. Experts advise parents and educators to look out for these warning signs of problem gambling: Increased incidence of gambling Spending more time gambling than intended Talking only about wins, not losses Lying when it comes to money usage Turning to other outlets like alcohol or video games to cope with gambling stress To open a constructive dialogue, King and Sheridan Tucker recommend: Talking with your child during a relaxed time, like a car ride Collaborating on boundaries around technology use Paying attention to time and money spent on games and gambling Engaging with apps and games together to understand their impact Avoiding fear tactics - instead, express concern and care As mobile access continues to blur the lines between games and gambling, Minnesota families face an urgent challenge: how to protect kids from a rapidly evolving and increasingly normalized risk.

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana has signed the bill seeking to ban sweepstakes casino operators in the state, making Montana the first-ever US state that officially prohibits sweepstakes casinos online. While Senate Bill 555 doesn't specifically state sweepstakes casinos, the bill seeks to ban casino operators that make use of dual currencies in gambling. Other states have introduced similar bills, but Montana is the very first state to sign it into law. Montana has officially become the first state in the nation to outlaw online sweepstakes casinos, following the signing of Senate Bill 555 by Governor Greg Gianforte. The new legislation, which goes into effect on October 1, prohibits internet gambling platforms that use dual-currency models - commonly associated with sweepstakes-style online casinos. While the bill does not explicitly mention "sweepstakes," it was crafted to target operators that allow users to place bets using one currency and redeem prizes in another - a hallmark of many online sweepstakes platforms. According to the bill's language, any online gambling operation that "knowingly transmits or receives gambling information" and "makes payouts of any form of currency" falls under the prohibition. Strict penalties for violators Under the new law, violators could face severe penalties, including felony charges, fines of as much as $50,000, and prison sentences of up to 10 years. The legislation underscores Montana's intent to draw a hard line against emerging forms of online gambling that operate in legal gray areas, especially those offering casino-style experiences under the guise of sweepstakes or promotional gaming. The House and Senate in Montana both passed SB 555 in April, setting the stage for Governor Gianforte's signature this week. While several states have introduced similar legislation, Montana is the first to see such a bill successfully enacted. Industry group denounces the bill's ambiguity The Social and Promotional Games Association, a trade group representing sweepstakes operators, has sharply criticized the new law. In a statement, an SPGA spokesperson argued that the bill's broad and ambiguous language could have far-reaching consequences beyond its intended targets. "Montana just criminalized everyday digital promotions with a law so broadly written it fails to name what it bans," the spokesperson said. "It's a dangerous precedent that could undermine consumer trust, business innovation, and long-standing legal marketing practices." The SPGA further warned that the vague phrasing might inadvertently criminalize free-to-play sweepstakes and other promotional contests that do not involve real-money gambling. Broader legislative efforts struggle elsewhere Montana's move comes as other states deal with how to regulate or prohibit online sweepstakes casinos. Earlier in the year, the Senate of Mississippi became the first legislative body to pass a bill aimed at banning such platforms. However, that legislation ultimately failed in a conference committee amid broader discussions about legalizing online sports betting. Similarly, attempts to pass comparable bans in Florida, Arkansas, and Maryland also fell short. Despite the setbacks, several other states currently have active bills under consideration, reflecting growing concern over the legality and consumer protection issues surrounding online sweepstakes gambling. Montana's new law may serve as a catalyst for other states considering action against sweepstakes casinos. As these platforms continue to gain popularity - often marketed as legal alternatives to traditional online gambling - state lawmakers face increasing pressure to define and regulate their operations. The enactment of SB 555 marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over how best to address the evolving landscape of online gambling. Whether other states follow Montana's lead remains to be seen, but the move has certainly reignited national attention on the legality and ethics of sweepstakes-based gaming.

Circa Sports, a popular Nevada sportsbook, has introduced the biggest-ever survivor prize pool in the US - a prize pool of $15 million guaranteed, a significant change from the guaranteed prize pool of $10 million from last season. The Circa Survivor contest, where the contestants choose a single NFL team for each week to win the game, is all set to launch the new prize pool, the biggest payout for sports betting in US history. Nevada-based sportsbook Circa Sports is rewriting the playbook for legal sports betting contests with a historic announcement. On Thursday of last week, the brand revealed that its wildly popular Circa Survivor competition will feature a record-setting $15 million guaranteed prize pool - the largest in the history of legal sports betting contests in the United States. The Circa Survivor challenge requires contestants to select one NFL team to win every week, with a unique twist: they cannot pick the same team more than once throughout the season. The last participant or participants standing - those who correctly pick a winning team every week without being eliminated - claim the prize. Circa Sports Chief Executive Officer Derek Stevens expressed excitement over the milestone. We're thrilled to make history with this year's contests, noted Stevens. This is a major leap forward for the Survivor format and an exciting challenge for NFL fans and bettors across the country, he continued. Survivor contest grows in popularity The increase in prize money - from $10 million last season to $15 million this year - reflects the rapid rise in popularity of survivor-style betting pools. These contests offer a strategic alternative to traditional point-spread wagering, focusing instead on correctly picking winners. In the 2024 edition of Circa Survivor, eight contestants emerged victorious and split the final prize of $14,266,000. The growing prize pool and high-stakes nature of the contest have drawn serious attention from seasoned bettors and NFL fans alike. Circa Millions VII returns with $6M prize pool Alongside the Survivor contest, Circa Sports is also bringing back its Circa Millions VII competition. This contest requires participants to select five NFL picks each week, combining skill, research, and a bit of luck across the season. The prize pool for Circa Millions VII will remain at a minimum of $6 million, continuing its status as one of the most competitive and lucrative NFL contests in the country. Introducing Circa Grandissimo: a contest for high-rollers Circa Sports is also launching a luxury-level survivor contest called Circa Grandissimo. With an eye-popping entry fee of $100,000, this elite contest promises a guaranteed prize pool of $1.5 million. "Circa Grandissimo pays homage to some of the biggest bets in Las Vegas - and this is by far the grandest wager we've ever made on Circa Sports," Stevens said. The contest mirrors the rules of the Circa Survivor but is clearly geared toward high-stakes bettors and professionals seeking a next-level challenge. The addition of Circa Grandissimo sets a new benchmark for exclusivity and payout potential in the US sports betting landscape. Sign-ups open through September 6 Registration for all three contests - Circa Survivor, Circa Millions VII, and Circa Grandissimo - begins immediately and runs through September 6. Each entrant must register in person in Nevada, though entries can be submitted weekly either in person or via a designated proxy. These contests offer more than just potential windfalls - they've become a cultural phenomenon among NFL fans and sports betting enthusiasts. With unmatched prize pools and the thrill of weekly elimination, Circa's contests are shaping the future of legal sports betting competitions. As NFL season approaches, Circa Sports continues to cement its reputation as a leader in innovation, high-stakes excitement, and fan engagement in the evolving world of American sports betting.

Being down by 20 points on the road for the New York Knicks is something that isn’t new to the team. Alas, it proved to be real when they also overcame that same deficit this time against the Indiana Pacers – with their backs against the walls and the season dangerously on the line, the Knicks showed life when it mattered most. The Pacers have been notorious all playoffs when it comes to pulling off stunners and upsets in their games – and have done just that in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. But before they could go on and spin up a huge finish in Game 3, The Knicks responded in the second half and went on a courageous run that saw them get back on track. This was a chance that the team had been waiting for, and now this is starting to become a series. Indiana has been in the driver’s seat this series for the first two games, and it looked like the same in Game 3 as they erupted for a 28-19 run in the second quarter. None of this was quite expected to begin with, and yet the Knicks managed to keep their cards on the table in what seems to be the most important victory of their playoff run. A Slugfest from Three No team in the Conference Finals has shot well from three in this year’s edition. Both teams in the West are shooting just close to 30% from the field, and neither have the two teams in the East has done any better. In this game, the Knicks shot 34.4% with 11 threes made off 32 attempts. The Pacers, on the other hand, struggled mightily to shoot any three-pointers as they went 5-of-25 in that stretch of Game 3. Tyrese Haliburton was off and finished with 20 points and six assists – far from his usual numbers of high-volume assists. Pascal Siakam, who had a massive Game 2 performance with 39 points, ended up with 17 points and four rebounds. No other Pacers player scored more than 20 points by the end of the game. While it was a slugfest from three, the free throws have seen a massive galore. A total of 63 shots from the charity stripe were attempted in the game, with both teams making 27 each. A Fueled Comeback New York was down heading into the fourth quarter, only to claw their way back with impressive performances from both Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. KAT was scoring one bucket after another in the fourth before eventually cutting into the Indiana lead with his athleticism – from grinding into the paint all the way to drilling threes, it has been a big game for him with 24 points and 15 rebounds – leading all scorers in the game. Brunson, on the other hand, came alive in the closing moments of the game as he helped New York keep its small lead by the end of the game. The Clutch Player of the Year was able to convert multiple buckets down the stretch to keep Indiana from coming back as they did in the past few games. New York also played nine-deep in its roster for the first time, which was really quite a different look considering that no starter played 40 minutes of action in this game. Fatigue has been a huge factor in the Knicks’ struggles, and it seemed that they managed that well this time.

If there’s a moment that Brenton Strange has waited for, this would be the chance to prove that he can go side by side against the best players in the world. As the Jacksonville Jaguars seek to trust him with the tight end spot, this may well be the shot he’s looking for all along. But is he responsible enough to bring the best of his game this time? For two seasons, Strange has lurked behind Evan Engram on the lineup for the Jaguars. He has lived under the shadows in the tight end depth chart – and the second-rounder could not have asked for a bigger chance to prove his worth than to be on the top of the list this time around after Engram was released. Nothing has been easy for the Jaguars over the years. Strange, for what it is worth, has also not seen the bigger game on a consistent basis as he always comes off the bench as a second option. Now more than ever, it seems that the tight end will earn the brightest spotlight of his career with the hopes of finally earning the role on a full-time basis. On the Proving Ground for Strange Simply put, the spotlight for Strange is going to be the whole 2025 season now more than ever. Nothing has been easy for the tight end, and he has got to be excited to see the chance finally come into reality with the hopes of showing that he has what it takes to convince the entire management that he can actually thrive when it matters most. "I'm definitely ready for it," Strange said about the incoming opportunity for the tight end. "I have a lot of confidence in myself and I've always had a lot of confidence in myself. I feel like I'm always one of the best players on the field. I feel like that's the mentality I bring." He did have some flashes of chances to prove his worth. The Jaguars dealt with the injuries for Engram, and that led to some promising chances for Strange to step in with 10 starts. So far, he finished third in total catches with 40 – even having two touchdowns and just behind rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. with 411 receiving yards in 17 games played. Can Strange Flourish in the Spot? Heading into his third year with the Jaguars, it is expected that the tight end is going to find some big struggles and adjustments that need to be made to further supplant his claim on the TE1 spot. There are, after all, veteran options for the team such as Johnny Mundt, Hunter Long and Quintin Morris. The difference? None of them show the same upside on the passing lanes as Strange has shown in his first two years. The three veterans combined for just a total of 31 receptions – which is a far cry from Strange’s impressive numbers. The thing is, Strange still has a lot of potential as well. "I think I have room to grow for sure," Strange said of his advantage. "And I have room everywhere. That's not just as a receiver. That's being a blocker, being a leader on this team, I have so much more room to grow. I'm excited for that. It's gonna be challenging, but I'm up for the challenge. I know I'm capable." That is a promising look for Strange this time around considering that the Jaguars have also brought in head coach Liam Coen this offseason with the hopes of seeing some drastic changes. This is definitely a look for him to keep a promising grasp of the TE1 spot moving forward.

A woman from Texas is suing the Texas Lottery over an $83.5 million prize, which ended up being frozen due to the mounting political backlash in the lottery. The unlucky woman bought the winning ticket through a lottery courier in February, but her prize winnings were frozen amid investigations by the Texas Attorney General and the Texas Rangers. A woman who believed she had won a life-changing $83.5 million Texas Lottery jackpot has filed a lawsuit against the state after her winnings were frozen due to a sweeping investigation into lottery couriers. The plaintiff, whose identity remains confidential, purchased her winning ticket online through a courier service in February - just as political and legal scrutiny of the lottery courier industry intensified. Her attorney, Randy Howry, emphasized that she was an innocent player caught in the crossfire of a broader controversy. "It was the thrill of victory and then the agony of defeat," stated Howry. "She's been caught up in a situation where she thought her life had changed. Now it's been jerked out from under her, and no one's given her a reason why." Frozen winnings amid syndicate scandal The woman's jackpot has been frozen by order of the Texas Attorney General's Office and is now under external investigation by the Texas Rangers. This is part of a broader probe into the misuse of lottery couriers by a European syndicate that, authorities allege, manipulated the April 22, 2023 draw by purchasing 25.8 million tickets - enough to cover every possible combination. This sophisticated operation is believed to have netted the syndicate not only the $95 million jackpot from that draw but also millions more in secondary prizes. The group is allegedly tied to the founders of the UK-based sportsbook operator Colossus Bets and claimed its winnings through a shell company, Rook TX, incorporated in Delaware. Legitimate purchase or collateral damage? Despite her use of the same courier infrastructure exploited by the syndicate, the woman maintains she acted independently and legally. The service she used, Jackpocket.com, procured her ticket through an authorized lottery retailer, which at the time was sanctioned by the Texas Lottery Commission. While courier services have since been banned in Texas, they were considered legitimate at the time of her purchase. "If the Texas lottery is going to allow people to play by their rules and then they won't pay, at the end of the day what integrity does the Texas lottery have?" asked Howry, directly challenging Texas Governor Greg Abbott's commitment to preserving lottery integrity. Lawsuit filed, commission under fire The woman's lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Travis County District Court and seeks the full payout of her $83.5 million jackpot. In response, Steve Helm, Lottery Commissioner, confirmed the claim is under review and is also part of a wider external investigation. This legal action adds to growing criticism of the Texas Lottery Commission, which had previously endorsed courier services as a way to boost ticket sales. In the wake of the scandal, however, the commission's judgment has come under intense scrutiny. Legislative fallout: the future of Texas Lottery in question In response to the syndicate scandal and the commission's perceived failure to prevent abuse of the system, state lawmakers have introduced legislation that could reshape or even dismantle the Texas Lottery altogether. Separate bills were recently proposed and approved in both the Texas House and Senate aiming at dissolving the Lottery Commission and initiating a thorough review of the state's lottery operations. These developments highlight the serious implications of the courier scandal, not just for individual players like the woman now suing the state, but for the future of the lottery in Texas itself. As investigations continue and political pressure increases, the state faces tough questions about how it regulates gaming and protects players - especially those who played by the rules and still walked away empty-handed.