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The next step is imminent: after the long journey involving the legalization of gambling in Japan, the very first casino in the country, MGM Osaka, has officially broken ground. More than 20 years after the vision first materialized, MGM Osaka's groundwork is now being laid, and it is an $8.9 billion collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation, a Japan-based financial services firm. After more than two decades of planning, MGM Osaka, Japan's first integrated casino resort, has officially broken ground. The nearly $9 billion project, spearheaded by Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International and Japan's Orix Corporation, is now under construction on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. Company executives and dignitaries gathered on the 24th of April to celebrate the start of a development that Japan hopes will significantly boost its tourism sector. The massive $8.9 billion venture is projected to take five years to complete, with a grand opening slated for 2030. A milestone years in the making For Ed Bowers, CEO of MGM Resorts Japan, the groundbreaking marked a particularly emotional milestone. "I've been working on this for more than 15 years, and no one is happier than I am to see this happen," Bowers said during the ceremony. "It's not been an easy road, and we will continue to see challenges until and after this opens." Despite the hurdles, MGM remained committed while other major operators - including Caesars Entertainment, Las Vegas Sands, and Wynn Resorts - exited Japan's drawn-out gaming approval process. MGM's perseverance now positions it to dominate the emerging Japanese market. MGM holds a 42.5% ownership stake in the Osaka development, with Orix Corporation holding an equal share and the remaining stake split among local investors. The company projects MGM Osaka will become Asia's top-grossing casino, with an estimated annual gross gaming revenue of approximately $6 billion - surpassing the current leader, Galaxy Macau, which generates about $4.5 billion annually. A destination resort for Japan and the world MGM Osaka is all set to redefine Japan's tourism landscape. The integrated resort will offer 2,500 hotel rooms spread across three distinct brands: MGM Osaka, MUSUBI Hotel, and MGM Villas. Guests and visitors will also enjoy a sprawling 3,500-seat theater, over 400,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space, a world-class spa and fitness center, a wide array of restaurants and bars, a lush public park, a shopping mall, and a facility dedicated to promoting tourism throughout the country. The casino itself, by law, will occupy no more than 3% of the total indoor space. While specific gaming floor details are yet to be disclosed, MGM officials anticipate hosting around 200 table games and 2,000 slot machines. To safeguard against potential gambling addiction, Japanese nationals must pay a ¥3,000 (about $21) entrance fee to gain access to the casino. Residents of Osaka will pay an additional municipal charge, doubling the entry cost to $42. A long journey to Japan's casino market The idea of integrated resorts in Japan first gained momentum under the leadership of Shinzo Abe, the late Prime Minister, who championed the legalization of casinos to stimulate tourism and economic growth. Following years of legislative debate, Japan's 2018 gaming law allowed up to three integrated resorts to be licensed nationwide. Although the slow pace and strict regulatory environment discouraged many international operators, MGM remained steadfast. Former MGM Chief Executive Officer Jim Murren was among the earliest advocates, publicly supporting a Japanese expansion as early as 2014 and identifying Osaka as an ideal location. With construction finally underway, MGM Osaka is positioned to hold a monopoly on casino gambling in Japan when it opens in 2030. However, there is growing speculation that the Japanese central government may open a second bidding period for additional casino projects in 2026. As Japan looks to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional cultural attractions, MGM Osaka represents a bold step into the world of integrated resort entertainment. Once complete, the megaresort is expected to draw millions of visitors annually, transforming Yumeshima into one of Asia's premier leisure destinations.

In the ongoing drama regarding lottery courier services in Texas, Lotto.com has decided to sue the Texas Lottery Commission over its denial of the legality of lottery couriers in the state. Lotto.com is seeking intervention in the case of the proposed new rules that would effectively ban lottery couriers in Texas, as former Executive Director Ryan Mindell also resigns from his post. The ongoing drama between the Texas Lottery Commission, lottery couriers, and the fallout from a suspected rigged lottery drawing escalated further this week as Lotto.com filed a lawsuit against the TLC. The suit, lodged in Travis County Court, seeks to block newly proposed rules that would prohibit lottery couriers from operating in Texas. At the center of the dispute is former Executive Director of the TLC, Ryan Mindell, who abruptly resigned earlier this week. Lotto.com claims that Mindell's sudden rule change contradicts years of prior guidance from the commission, leaving couriers blindsided. TLC previously approved courier operations, suit says In its lawsuit, Lotto.com argues that the TLC repeatedly assured them that courier operations were legal under state law. The company submitted a series of exhibits, including correspondence from Mindell himself, confirming Lotto.com's legal standing. A key piece of evidence is a 2021 letter from Mindell, then the TLC's director of operations, explicitly stating that Lotto.com could operate in Texas without regulatory oversight. Mindell clarified that couriers merely facilitate the delivery of lottery tickets and do not sell them directly, thus operating outside the TLC's jurisdiction. A similar approval letter was also issued to another courier, Jackpot.com, reinforcing Lotto.com's position. QR code dispute sparks new tensions Despite these assurances, Lotto.com said tensions reignited in February of 2025 when TLC officials conducted a brief, five-minute inspection of Players Cafe, a retailer working with Lotto.com. Following the visit, TLC sent a show-cause letter to Players Cafe, citing noncompliance over the use of a QR code. According to Lotto.com, the QR code at issue was identical to one supplied by IGT, a major lottery technology provider, and previously disclosed to the TLC. The company contends that this accusation was part of a rushed campaign against couriers, spearheaded without following proper regulatory procedures. The lawsuit also criticizes the TLC for allegedly sidestepping state-mandated rulemaking processes. According to Lotto.com, the commission introduced, approved, and began enforcing new rules banning couriers within a two-day span - far shorter than the 30-day public notice required for new regulations under Texas law. Jackpot scheme intensifies scrutiny of couriers Public scrutiny of lottery couriers intensified after a 2023 newspaper investigation revealed a scheme where nearly all possible ticket combinations were purchased to guarantee a jackpot win. The strategy yielded a $95 million prize and prompted further concern when an $83 million jackpot followed shortly after. Although politicians, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, called for stricter controls on lottery couriers, Lotto.com's lawsuit asserts that couriers were not involved in the jackpot manipulation. Instead, Lotto.com claims TLC officials, including Mindell, mishandled internal controls - such as improperly approving a retailer's request for more than 20 additional sales terminals. In fact, Lotto.com CEO Thomas Metzger reportedly warned TLC and IGT officials about the risks associated with the extra terminals. Despite their concerns, TLC staff proceeded, and Mindell later admitted this was a "mistake." The suit also reveals text messages between Metzger and former TLC Executive Director Gary Grief. In one message, Grief invited Metzger to Austin to discuss group purchasing practices and the threat of jackpot "buyouts." Grief himself is now facing separate allegations in a different lawsuit, where he is accused of aiding the jackpot scheme. Couriers demand fair regulation As Lotto.com's lawsuit progresses, the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers issued a statement condemning the TLC's recent actions. "It is time to reconsider the agency's politically motivated decisions regarding lottery couriers and restart good faith collaboration between our companies and fresh leadership at the TLC," the group said. It continued that lottery couriers remain committed to operating within a regulatory framework that protects the integrity of the Texas Lottery while allowing millions of Texans a safe and convenient way to purchase tickets. The TLC is scheduled to meet on April 29 to discuss formally adopting new rules concerning couriers, a decision that could have major implications for the future of online lottery services in Texas.

While the whole league has seen some power shift with contenders struggling to win big and take a lead in their respective divisions whatsoever, it seems that fans of the New York Mets are having a better time at this point with the way the club has been gunning for a strong run in the season – even now leading the National League standings as of the time of writing. Dodgers, Padres, Giants, move along – there’s a new sheriff in town. It is the first time in a long while since we have seen the two New York teams dominate the top five of both leagues, which says a lot about how this season is ramping up to be a dominant run now more than ever. This week has been a rollercoaster. The Padres have fallen from grace after a strong start, and now the Giants are making their presence felt after so many years of being a farm team for many talents. With the Dodgers somewhat struggling to play at a high level, it did seem really evident that the Mets are taking advantage of this as they have now continued their climb on the big stage and are really setting the tone for their push. A Huge Rally Despite losing their recent game, it does seem that the pace is starting to actually pick up for the Mets, which in turn has been giving them better looks of winning now more than ever. This year seems to be the magical story for the Mets. Considering the fact that even their big acquisition in Juan Soto hasn’t made his presence felt yet, it does seem that they can score off big wins and make a huge rally in the season. The continued adjustment of both Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez is really impressive so far, considering that neither of these two players were able to make big strides in the previous campaign. So far, the way they are responding to losses and winning big afterward is huge, and it has been noted by Ryne Stanek, who has been on the tough strides of the team so far. “You just go back to work,” Stanek said Sunday. “I mean, that's the job. You go out there – I mean, they get paid to play ball, too. So like, you go out there and you execute your game plan and, yeah, a couple balls fall or squeak through or whatever happens like that – that's out of your control. You go out there and you execute and you move on, go to the next day and execute the next day.” Timely Dominance for the Mets The New York Mets are heating up in the right time. This has been the team’s best start since 2015, and that 10-year swing really shows how much they have improved after a long time of struggle. Notably, the Mets have excelled in close games, winning 10 of 13 contests decided by two runs or fewer, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. Offensively, the Mets have been consistent, with key players stepping up throughout the lineup. While specific statistics are not detailed in the available sources, the team's overall performance reflects a well-rounded offensive approach. Looking ahead, the Mets will aim to maintain their momentum as they continue their season. Their strong start positions them well for the challenges of the upcoming months, with the team focusing on sustaining their performance and building upon their early success.

In a move that brings a familiar face back to the Carolinas, the Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders. The 29-year-old South Carolina native, who was out of the NFL last season, is now set to rejoin the league and contribute to the Panthers' receiving corps. Renfrow entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick by the Raiders in 2019 after a standout career at Clemson University. During his college years, he was instrumental in the Tigers' national championships in 2016 and 2018. In his first three NFL seasons, Renfrow quickly established himself as a reliable slot receiver, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. Over his four-year tenure with the Raiders, he accumulated 269 receptions, 2,884 yards, and 17 touchdowns in 73 games.​ After being released by the Raiders in March 2024, Renfrow took a hiatus from professional football. Now, with the Panthers, he returns to a familiar environment. Renfrow's addition is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Panthers' receiving options, providing veteran experience to a group that includes Adam Thielen, 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, and 2025 eighth-overall pick Tetairoa McMillan. The Impact of Renfrow The addition of Hunter Renfrow to the Carolina Panthers brings a much-needed infusion of reliability and veteran savvy to an otherwise young and developing wide receiver room. Known for his elite route-running, quickness out of the slot, and sure hands, Renfrow is the kind of player who can instantly become a security blanket for quarterback Bryce Young. His experience working in timing-based offenses and finding soft spots in zone coverage will give Young a dependable target in key third-down situations — something the Panthers sorely lacked last season. Renfrow's presence also brings leadership and professionalism to a group that includes rookies and second-year players still adjusting to the NFL. His Pro Bowl season in 2021, in which he posted over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, proves he can produce at a high level when given consistent opportunities. Even if he's no longer the focal point of the offense, his ability to move the chains and contribute in the red zone could have a stabilizing effect on a young Panthers offense trying to find its identity under new head coach Dave Canales. Moreover, his veteran instincts and football IQ also mean he can line up in multiple spots and adapt to different schemes, making him a versatile asset in Carolina's evolving offensive system. If he can stay healthy and build chemistry with Young early, Renfrow has the potential to be one of the Panthers' most impactful offseason acquisitions. Aiding in the Young Project For quarterback Bryce Young, Renfrow's presence offers a dependable target in critical situations. Renfrow's history of precise route-running and ability to find soft spots in zone defenses will aid Young in progressing through his reads and making confident throws. With Renfrow's reliability, Young can focus on distributing the ball efficiently, knowing he has a seasoned receiver who can consistently move the chains. Renfrow's ability to contribute in both the passing and blocking games enhances this strategy, ensuring that the offense remains unpredictable and effective. His experience in high-pressure situations, including his Pro Bowl season in 2021, will be crucial in maintaining composure during critical moments.​ As the Panthers prepare for the 2025 season, Hunter Renfrow's addition is a significant step toward building a competitive and cohesive offense. His leadership, experience, and skill set complement the team's young talents, providing a solid foundation for success. With Renfrow in the fold, the Panthers are poised to make strides in their offensive development and contend in the NFC South.

Thomas McPeek, a sports bettor from the state of Illinois, won $800,000 in sports bets this year. The 24-year-old from Chicago conducted research into football wagering that is said to give him an edge, and he was able to win because of his 'strategy.' But the two Caesars casinos where he won refuse to pay up - they say that he manipulated his wins and resorted to cross-state coordination and structuring. Thomas McPeek, a 24-year-old man from Chicago still living with his parents, saw sports betting as a fast track to financial independence. Rather than relying on pure luck, McPeek delved into studying parlays - bets that require several outcomes to align for a win - and honed in on football wagers where he believed he could find an edge. His research paid off handsomely, winning him a total of $800,000 across multiple casinos. However, two Caesars Entertainment properties are now refusing to honor his victories, claiming that McPeek's methods violated their betting policies. "It was a calculated attack," admitted McPeek. "(But) it's not like I can just snap my fingers and just make the bets win. They still have to win." The wins - and the refusals Between August and September of 2023, McPeek placed hundreds of bets, most of which failed. A few, however, produced massive payouts. FanDuel's sportsbook, located within Boyd Gaming's Blue Chip Casino in Indiana, honored his $127,000 win without issue. The situation was different at Caesars properties. The Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, and the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa, both refused to pay his respective $350,000 and $450,000 winnings. Instead, Caesars offered to refund the $50,000 McPeek spent placing the bets - a gesture he considers wholly insufficient. Why Caesars refused to pay McPeek argues that his strategies were legal and transparent, but Caesars pointed to violations of casino policies - specifically cross-state coordination and structuring - as justification for voiding his tickets. Cross-state coordination. As of now, betting in multiple states is not illegal - but coordinating bets across state lines can violate a casino's terms of service. It may also raise regulatory red flags, as it can be perceived as manipulating betting systems. Structuring. Structuring refers to breaking large wagers into many smaller bets, often to evade reporting requirements related to money laundering. Casinos are required by federal law to report cash transactions over $10,000. McPeek admitted to employing this tactic to stay under the radar, not for illicit purposes but to avoid detection. In an interview, McPeek confessed to even changing his appearance while betting. "I'll switch up the disguise - sunglasses," he said. "I'll hide my hair in my hat, I'll put it up in a bun." Despite his efforts, the casinos took notice - and took action. Legal battles and casino bans The Indiana Gaming Commission has already ruled against McPeek, supporting Caesars' decision to void his winnings at the Horseshoe Casino. His case concerning the Isle Casino in Iowa is still under review by state regulators. If he loses again, McPeek has stated his intention to file a civil lawsuit against Caesars Entertainment for the complete $800,000. Adding to his troubles, McPeek has been banned from re-entering all three casinos involved: Blue Chip, Horseshoe, and Isle Bettendorf. Although the duration of the ban is unclear, it likely extends to all Caesars properties nationwide. Despite his extensive research and strategic approach, Thomas McPeek's attempt to beat the odds has left him with no winnings - and possibly, no way back into the casinos he once frequented.

An online sports betting bill filed in the state of Nebraska has failed to get the support it needed, and it is done for the year. LR20CA was introduced just last January by Senator Eliot Bostar and it gained approval in both the General Affairs Committee and the unicameral legislature, but the measure died down when a majority of legislators voiced their opposition to the sports betting bill. A legislative push to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska has come to a halt. Senator Eliot Bostar on Wednesday withdrew his proposal, LR20CA, which sought to authorize a constitutional amendment allowing voters to decide the fate of online sports betting during the 2026 general election. Despite early bipartisan support and initial success, the measure ultimately failed to sustain momentum, ending this year's efforts to expand Nebraska's sports betting market. Early progress, but mounting opposition Introduced in January, LR20CA gained early traction, passing through the General Affairs Committee and later securing a 27 to 16 approval in its first full-chamber floor vote earlier this month. However, the bill faced significant resistance during subsequent debates, with a majority of legislators voicing their opposition. Facing diminishing support, Bostar chose to pull the measure from consideration. It became clear that we would not have enough votes to proceed, Bostar said, signaling a pause rather than a complete abandonment of the effort. High-profile opponents included former Nebraska coach and political figure Tom Osborne and former Nebraska Governor Kay Orr. Their concerns, shared by other lawmakers, centered on the potential social costs of expanding gambling access, such as increased rates of problem gambling, bankruptcy, and drug abuse. Supporters cite economic benefits While opposition mounted over social concerns, supporters of LR20CA highlighted the financial advantages of regulating online sports betting. Bostar emphasized that Nebraska is currently losing an estimated $32 million annually in potential tax revenue to neighboring states with regulated markets and offshore operators. Proponents argued that a regulated framework would not only capture lost revenue but also help minimize the risks associated with illegal gambling markets. They believed that an organized system could offer safer, more transparent betting opportunities for Nebraskans while providing significant funding for public projects. What LR20CA proposed Bostar's legislative framework proposed the operation of up to six online platforms, each required to partner with licensed race tracks across Nebraska. Revenue generated from sports wagering would have been allocated to public education initiatives and the Nebraska Environmental Trust, an organization dedicated to conservation efforts. Major industry players, including Caesars, BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics, publicly backed LR20CA, hoping to establish a foothold in the Nebraska market. Although the bill's failure delays their plans, these operators may yet find another path forward through a public-driven ballot initiative. Public initiative and future legislative sessions Despite the legislative setback, proponents of online sports betting in Nebraska remain hopeful. The state's legislative session continues until June 9, and bills may carry over into the 2026 session. Additionally, a public initiative effort remains an option. To place online sports betting legalization on the ballot independently, organizers would need to collect signatures from 10% of Nebraska voters. Should such an initiative succeed, residents could still have a direct say on the matter in the 2026 election. Nebraska took its first steps into the sports betting industry in 2023 by legalizing retail wagering at licensed casinos. The process followed years of regulatory development under former Governor Pete Ricketts. However, current laws limit sports betting to in-person transactions and prohibit wagers on in-state collegiate events held within Nebraska. Efforts to modify these restrictions are ongoing. Earlier this year, Senator Tom Brandt introduced Legislative Bill 63 (LB 63), aiming to allow live and pre-match betting on local college sporting events. If passed, this would enable fans to wager on high-profile games involving the University of Nebraska, Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

No one could have seen this coming better than the Montreal Canadiens. After all, they are playing against the top seed in the Eastern Conference. So when they took a 2-1 lead against the Washington Capitals, it cannot be denied that they may have at least forgotten that this is a team capable of erasing leads no matter how big it is. The Capitals led the NHL in total comeback wins a 25 overall in the regular season, and this was no different considering how they managed to pull off a huge rally in the third frame, erasing a 2-1 deficit and then winning it by 5-2, which is certainly a huge closing push for one of the best teams in the league. Washington is now one win away from advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It has been an impressive season for the team so far, and they are really capping it off with a huge rally that has been deemed to be a majestic campaign to remember. Who knows, maybe they can actually close out the season with a Stanley Cup finish now more than ever. A Rally Like No Other Brandon Duhaime played hero for the Capitals as he scored the puck twice – which sparked the four-goal run for Washington as the Canadiens could not answer the surging offense from the team. Montreal squandered a 2-1 lead in front of their fans, and the crowd was stunned considering how they were so close to stealing one from their opponents. Logan Thompson, who had to exit in the previous game 3 loss, came back stronger and tallied a total of 16 saves to help the Capitals stay on the hunt in the final frame. It would go on to be one of the biggest finishes that has been hyped in the playoffs so far. If there’s one big takeaway in this win by the Capitals, it is that they are really capable of showing that they can own and dominate the ice when it matters most, which says a lot about their chances in the rest of the playoffs. “I think the thing we depend on is we’re a really tight group,” Washington forward Tom Wilson said. “There’s an accountability when you’re that tight with each other and you pull together. There’s accountability when you’re down in tough moments that you just want to pull for the guy next to you and you want to go out there and get it done, and it’s just a really cool thing when it can be any guy." A Satisfactory Game for Washington The Capitals have gone 0-5 on the power play in this game, while allowing Montreal to bring 2-4 of those goals to life – and yet, Washington escaped with the win. This just shows how flexible the squad is when it comes to playing their strengths. One part of the game is the power play, but then their relentless defense and quick passing transition did the deal to complete the comeback. “Remove all the power plays and penalty kills, I loved our game,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. “I loved our start, I loved our first, I loved our second. I thought the details inside of our game were good. We weren’t generating a bunch, but that was the way it played out.” A win at home in Game 5 will cap off Washington’s first round campaign and ensure them a slot in the next round, which could be a potential showdown with either the New Jersey Devils or the Carolina Hurricanes.

Coming back from a 3-1 deficit is one of the rare feats in NBA history that has often been seen as a tough challenge, and it cannot be denied that not all teams have managed to beat the odds, especially when your season is on the line and backs are against the wall. That is the case for the Los Angeles Lakers today, who have just lost Game 4 and are now one loss away from being eliminated. After being up 94-84 by the end of the third quarter, the Lakers tried to hold on to their lead for the whole fourth quarter. The surging Minnesota Timberwolves offense couldn’t be denied, and they would later take a 108-107 lead with 3:21 left to play after Naz Reid drilled a three coming off an assist from Julius Randle. The Lakers and the Wolves would then exchange buckets all the way to the finish, with Austin Reaves missing out on a three at the last second. Had it gone in, it would have been tied at the buzzer and would have given the Lakers a chance to fix their mistakes in overtime. Instead, the Lakers will return home down 1-3 and on the brink of elimination. The Anthony Edwards Explosion Anthony Edwards averaged 19.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the regular season against the Lakers. In four games, he’s scored 22 points, 25 points, 29 points, and in this win – a whopping total of 43 points. While it is a surprise, it is the first time that he actually led the Wolves in scoring, and it came when it mattered most. Julius Randle scored 25 points, 7 assists, and 3 assists against his former team, while Jaden McDaniels proved that he is still a standout player after dropping 16 points and 11 rebounds – including a key three-point play late in the game which allowed Minnesota to stay on the lead heading into the final seconds of the game. The Lakers were led by Luka Doncic’s 38 points, and LeBron James finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Rui Hachimura answered the call this time as he scored 23 points while Austin Reaves chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds, but could not drill the game-tying three that could have sent the game to overtime. James and Doncic played 46 minutes each – the most by a duo in a game not heading to overtime. Not that it mattered at the end of the game as the Lakers went on to lose by three. The 3-1 Dilemma For the first time, there are now a total of five playoff series in the first round in which a team has a commanding 3-1 lead. It is worth noting that there have been six times in which a trailing team tried to pull off a comeback from a 3-1 deficit. Out of those tries, only three have been successful in beating the odds and win – advancing to the conference semifinals after that. In the case of the Lakers, this may well be an insurmountable scenario. Game 5 will be at their home, which should add to their advantage at least, but it would be hard to close out on the road against the Wolves in a potential Game 6. Should they win two straight, the momentum would be on their side and will likely be able to win in seven. Let’s not forget, the Lakers have LeBron James, who led the only team out of 33 squads to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, which says a lot about their chances of pulling off the impossible.

The Golden State Warriors dropped their Game 2 clash with the Houston Rockets, and it turned out to be one of the most crucial losses as not did they only lose the game in a whopping 109-94 score, but they also lost Jimmy Butler when the game has barely started – now raising a possibility that they may be shorthanded heading into Game 3. Butler only played eight minutes in the Game 2 loss for the Warriors and did not return after he made an exit in the first quarter. This forced the rotation for Golden State coach Steve Kerr – opting to put Jonathan Kuminga for more minutes in Butler’s stead. The Warriors have gone 0-3 whenever the latter plays more than 20 minutes – and he played 26 minutes in the loss. It can be remembered that Butler dropped an efficient 25 points on 10-19 shooting in the Warriors Game 1 win, along with seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals – showing just why he has been important for the Warriors in their second-half turnaround. With his status now uncertain, it seems that the Warriors will have some tough challenges moving forward against this gritty Houston squad. Butler’s Untimely Injury Butler suffered a pelvis contusion after taking a hard fall when he was fouled by Rockets guard Amen Thompson late in the first quarter. It appeared that Thompson pulled down Butler in an attempt to grab a rebound, but further review showed that the Houston guard was inadvertently pushed coming off multiple players and was falling down when he also accidentally grabbed Butler’s legs on the way down. In the resulting play, Butler fell on his tailbone, to which he grabbed as soon as he got up. The Warriors forward walked to the other end of the court while obviously in pain, shooting one of his two free throws before he was later taken out of the game and immediately went to the locker room. Later in the game, it was revealed that Butler did indeed suffer an injury and would not return for the rest of the game. He is slated to have an MRI exam today. Butler finished with three points and two rebounds before he left the game. The Warriors also had another injury problem in Brandin Podziemski, who left the game in the first quarter with a stomach ailment. While it is not serious, Kerr already said before the game that the guard was struggling with a stomach problem because of the recent food he ate. Life Without Butler In the aftermath of Butler’s exit, the Warriors were outscored 28-18 in the first quarter, and the Rockets went on to plow through Golden State for the rest of the game. The Warriors stayed within striking distance but could not claim the lead with the lack of offense – mostly stemming from Butler. Stephen Curry struggled to score and finished with 20 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. The supporting cast for the Warriors also struggled as a result, with Moses Moody and Quinten Post scoring 12 points each. Kuminga, who took over Butler’s minutes in the rotation, finished with 11 points on 4-12 shooting. He did not play the final game of the season against the Los Angeles Clippers, nor did he log minutes in the Play-In win against the Memphis Grizzlies and in Game 1 against the Rockets. Without Butler, it seems that Kerr’s rotation will be forced to come up with an inclusion for Kuminga. Considering that the Warriors have not won in any game where he played more than 20 minutes, maybe the four-time champion coach will find a way to keep the Warriors in the series.

It is rare for rookies in the Major Leagues to come up with a winning stride and a promising push in their games, especially when the season is still young and they haven’t had a lot of impressive games to begin with. That isn’t the case for Nick Kurtz as he came up with his first MLB hit to set his league debut at a high note. Selected fourth overall by the Athletics, Kurtz’s journey to the big leagues hasn’t been that easy. Just a year ago, he was just taking classes at Wake Forest as a junior, and now he’s one of the big pros at the Sutter Health Park bringing in his talents for Oakland this season. He just began his professional career nine months ago – and to be able to reach the Majors on such quick pace is a huge feat. The Athletics called him up earlier this Monday, and Triple-A Las Vegas manager Fran Riordan relayed the message – to which Kurtz did not initially believe until he saw it to be true at this point. Now he’s swinging the bat in Oakland and is expected to come up with more explosive performances moving forward. A Dream to Reality If you told fans that a rookie would be swinging big for the A’s today, no one would probably believe you. Kurtz wore no. 16 for the first time in the Majors, and while no one expected him to suit up, he did come up with instant impact for the team, clubbing his first RBI single coming off Rangers starter Kumar Rocker in the first inning – claiming his first Major League hit at his FIRST at-bat as well. In the Classes A and AA, Kurtz was batting .368 with four homers and 13 RBI in 12 games. He also made his appearance in the 2024 Arizona Fall League, batting .353 with seven extra-base hits and 11 RBI in 13 games for Mesa. Kurtz’s Triple-A run was also impressive – where he hit seven home runs with 24 RBI and a 1.040 OPS in just 20 games. A’s GM David Forst claims that he is definitely comfortable in playing Kurtz almost every day in the rotation. This means that the rookie will be taking over as the first baseman, while Tyler Soderstom will likely take a tour of various positions such as the left field and the designated hitter spot. Solving Hiccups The only problem in bringing Kurtz is the fact that he doesn't really improve the defense, especially if the team is going to move players out of position, such as the case for Soderstom. However, there are still expectations that Kurtz will acclimate to the squad right away and find a way to fit in while also coming up with contributions ont he defensive end. Many experts believe that Kurtz has a very advanced approach when it comes to the plate, and they are not wrong – at least based on his offensive metrics in the Minors, where he had big numbers off the charts. That was also seen yesterday in the A’s win over the Rangers, where he tagged a 1-2 96 mph fastball from Rocker – blowing past a diving Marcus Semien and bringing it to the right field at an exit velocity of 112.2 mph. To make his debut even sweeter, his run earned him a standing ovation from the Sutter Health Park crowd as he high-fived his first-base coach Bobby Crosby.

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