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Jamal Murray and Miami Heat’s Slump | F.A Cup Preview | The Potential Tush-Push Ban and What’s Next for the Chiefs?
18 Plays22 days ago
In this week’s episode of Who’s Got The Ball? the lads have a chat about Jamal Murray’s form and whether or not he can turn it on again in the playoffs, before diving into the Miami Heat’s current slump. Switching to football James and Shane previewed the F.A Cup Quarter-Final round. To finish up, the lads spoke about the potential ban of the tush-push in the NFL and if the Chiefs can continue to succeed with their current roster?
Gan Seans continues with the score at 21-11 to Shane & there is an update on the WGTB Multi-Sport Power Rankings.
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Transcript
Introduction and Premier League Break
00:00:09
Speaker
Well lads, so welcome back to another episode of Who's Got The Ball. This week we are on to episode 11. Seems like, we can we said this couple of weeks ago, but like, seems like a a lot of episodes, but it feels like it's also not been this many at the same time too.
00:00:26
Speaker
um So how are you getting on Shane? What's the crack? No, I'm going hold on now just getting through it, you know yourself, just kind of waiting for the Premier League to come back now eventually in the next month or so because it just feels like the break goes on and on forever with the FA Cup kind of break now as all of us.
Ireland vs Bulgaria: Improvements and Issues
00:00:42
Speaker
Watch Ireland over the weekend get through against Bulgaria. They always make hard work for us. They played some nice football at times over the two games as well, so maybe the future is a bit brighter than we were thinking when we were talking about them last week.
00:00:55
Speaker
Yeah, true. a lot some Some good stuff, I think. It's still the same kind of issue, though, with that missing in midfield. And I don't know, unless John Patrick or something takes a big leap in the rest of the season, I don't see how that gets fit before the qualifiers. But at least we but look a bit more competitive, even though was just Bulgaria.
Carlo Match Disappointment and Subs
00:01:15
Speaker
But look, we get the job done. That's the main thing.
00:01:18
Speaker
Exactly. um and need an order For me, I went to the Carlo match at the weekend. It was fairly dismal because obviously they couldn't get promoted anymore. So I played a lot of subs. There was a bit of a fall off there between and the quality in the other weeks. And this week, I have to say, it wasn't very impressive. But look, it was the final game of the season. didn't really matter. So look, we'll take we'll take another loss on the chin before we move in move forward in the season. But Yeah, wasn't ideal to pay the full price to go up there and see second string team. A second team, yeah.
00:01:52
Speaker
Yeah, so that being in Dr. Cullen Park as well, it's obviously they're not in in a state-of-the-art stadium there or something like that. No, it's it's definitely not a five-star hotel you were in anyway.
00:02:03
Speaker
Absolutely freezing up there, but for luck, you have to put in the hard yards if you want to celebrate a good win in the in the summer. slo Exactly.
Limerick's Uncharacteristic Performance and Cork's Rise
00:02:11
Speaker
Yeah, not too good for Limerick either, what's going on?
00:02:15
Speaker
I don't know. it's like it was ah There was a lot of players playing their first game of season as well. They're kind a bit of a mix and match team as well, but only scoring 115 is very unlimered-like over the whole John Kyder era. i Really, do the points have been going over 25, 26, 27, 30 points kind of nearly every week. So to drop to 115, a of shock. Now, I didn't actually see it. I was...
00:02:37
Speaker
and know a commitment sports and I all I can do is hope that it was kind of just one of those and just move on. It won't be as bad. i think Cork looked really impressive, though.
00:02:48
Speaker
Really, really impressive. They were top class. I think in my eyes now, they're the team to beat. Yeah. Zero like second gear in that game. They could have won by a lot more. Yeah. Yeah, it'll all come together now in the championship. This is only the league, so not to take it too much into it. Not to get the heart.
00:03:06
Speaker
Exactly, 100%. But yeah, still nice to get a few days out of and a few days out over to over the earlier months, especially for us to get a few wins as
Jamal Murray and Denver Nuggets Playoff Analysis
00:03:15
Speaker
well. That was nice. But let's get into the to the American sports.
00:03:19
Speaker
Let's fly over to the Atlantic. and we're going straight to the Mile High City. We're going to Denver, and I'm going to talk about Jamal Murray. so This is somebody this season who has been very, let's say, divisive, the opinions of him amongst the media.
00:03:35
Speaker
I think he received a lot of... hate for a number of reasons. so First of all, I kind of agree that he clearly doesn't put in his maximum effort in every game.
00:03:48
Speaker
and That's something that is said about him a lot, especially recently, that you can tell that he hasn't been putting in that effort, and possibly that people expect of him, especially since of his big contract that he recently signed.
00:04:00
Speaker
It's a bit bit funny seeing a bit of a less effort, but he has been an excellent playoff performer in the past. so I don't really see too much of an issue right now. Yes, he doesn't perform every single night, but what's to say he won't turn it around come playoff seasons again?
00:04:16
Speaker
He has played more minutes this season than usual, up to 36.4. That's with the lesser roster, I suppose, less coverage there. But he still has similar stat lines to his other seasons. He's around 22 points, four rebounds, six assists, and his shooting percentages are pretty good, around 48.
00:04:35
Speaker
and Field goal, 40% from the three and 89% from free throws. So look, to me, i think I'm willing to see what happens when it goes into the playoffs. I still think he'll turn it on. And like you like he kind of did the other night against Houston, he just turned it on. And you can see what he does when he has to.
00:04:55
Speaker
Yeah, so I was going to bring up that Houston game as well because they were on a rotten run of form and obviously then they're going to beat Houston both. like I'd be on day more of the downer side than the upper side with him, like the media would be. like i don't tin he I don't think he heat ever maximises what he can do.
00:05:14
Speaker
like jump for I know averaging 22 points is really, really good and his minutes are up as well, but he's the kind of player that should be probably... average and closer to 30, I think. 22-4-6 on the season, is is it's it's an it's probably an average like NBA player.
00:05:30
Speaker
For his contract, it's not enough, I think. Exactly, yeah. like he He should be average closer to 30, and especially when he is playing as many minutes as he is as well, and with Jokic being out at the moment too, he hadn't really stood up as much as I expected he was going to stand up when Jokic has been out.
00:05:47
Speaker
Barrett Houston game where he was like, he was on fire during the night against Houston. But aside from that, he hasn't really put anything extra in. Yeah. Or from like, for me, from the outside looking in, his averages have just kind of stayed the same across those four games that Jokic has missed.
00:06:01
Speaker
Instead of going up with like, oh, we're missing the main man. Now someone else needs to step up and kind of, to kind of like dish it out to all these teams. And he just hasn't been doing it. And as you said, the contract he's on, like yeah he needs to do more to earn the money he's been paid.
Miami Heat's Loss Streak and Tanking Strategy
00:06:15
Speaker
Yeah, and it some of the teams they played as well, like over that stretch, you look at when he does perform and when he doesn't. So like against the Lakers, he dropped 26 points and on 56% shooting and they won by five points. The whole team in general scored 131, which is a pretty high scoring game. um And then look at how he played against the Timberwolves.
00:06:39
Speaker
He had 12 points. They lost by 20%. against the Timber ah sorry against the Wizards he had 24 points now so not so bad but they need to be winning against the Wizards and they lost by 3 points like he should have took that game by the scruff of the neck and just said no we're not leaving here without a win like literally in your own arena and you're going to go out and do that and then to the Trailblazers 10 points again and they lost by like 19 points now there's nothing on
00:07:09
Speaker
The Timberwolves and the Blazers, like Timberwolves have been obviously a strong playoff level team. Blazers look a little bit better this season, but those games, at least in the Timberwolves one, needs to be close and they need to be winning the Blazers game and the Wizards game, even without Jokic. They need to be. And that's on him because of, like we mentioned, the money he's paid.
00:07:30
Speaker
He needs to man that load. And I think... they could well finish second still in the West. They could finish third. They could finish fourth. But I don't really fancy them too much against a Clippers or a Warriors or a Timberwolves in the first round.
00:07:43
Speaker
I think they could really... i think, to be honest, I think they're probably the second best team in terms of talent in the West. But if he's not going to show up in the way i think I think he will, but if he doesn't in the way I think he will, I don't think they'll take down any of those three teams that I just mentioned.
00:08:01
Speaker
I agree with you on there because like you can't just have Jokic come in and do it all again. He needs help. He clearly needs help because he's out now with an elbow injury, I believe it is, and it's because...
00:08:12
Speaker
to be conspiracy theory here now, but it could be with all the shooting he's having to do, everything he's having to do, because he doesn't have that help. And Jamal Murray should be the man who's out there putting up 30 points alongside Jokes' 30. He should be the man that, I just said, that Wizards game.
00:08:28
Speaker
Losing to the Wizards at home, when you're pushing the guests, to be to beat the second in the West and get maybe a better team, Like, Joe, the Rockets are, they're good, but they're nothing special. Like, I'm saying that myself, like, the Wizards, sorry, not the Wizards, the Nuggets should be finishing second in the West.
00:08:44
Speaker
And yeah if you can't trust the lads you're paying the big money to step up when Jokic is out, then, as you said, they're not going to enter in playoffs. Yeah. And I know he's he is a good playoff player flair and he might be holding himself back a bit because he knows, oh, we're guaranteed top four here now, really. But just don't lose to the Wizards. Have a bit of pride in what you're doing. Yeah.
00:09:03
Speaker
Yeah, and I also think that like that i think there's a way you can plan it where like they might want to finish in a certain seeding to get a certain matchup. And I think that's bogus as well. I hate when teams do that because any of these teams, like they should be going out and saying, we can beat them. like We're going to get where we want to be.
00:09:22
Speaker
We'll do the best we can in the regular season when it's up there for grabs like a second seed. we'll get it and we'll see what happens. I think they're scared to play the Timberwolves again, I honestly do because of what happened last year.
00:09:32
Speaker
And I hate that kind of avoidance thing. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. And the Timberwolves are just a good matchup against the Nuggets. So the Nuggets need to go out and prove to people that they can take down this matchup.
00:09:46
Speaker
um So look, let's see, there's a lot up in the air. If he can't hit the heights he did the year that they won the championship in the playoffs, there should be no stopping him. But It's hard to think that he will, considering how inconsistent he's been this season, whether or not that's through effort or not, it still should be a lot better.
00:10:02
Speaker
Just one more
Miami Heat's Offensive Struggles
00:10:03
Speaker
thing on him. So you're saying there about how he'd he turned it on in playoffs, but when someone is playing like he is at the moment, it's not as easy as it is to just flick that switch and just all of a sudden be become postseason Murray.
00:10:15
Speaker
right as opposed to regular season where he needs to be kind of he needs to be putting up to 25 30 point games consistently it's easier to go from that to like 35 40 winning games than it is going from like 10s to 20s to 10s and trying to push on and then be like, oh, I'm going to throw up 35 now. I don't see how he does come postseason, just turn this on and become Demand Murray. We saw the year they won the title. I'm not convinced of him. And I think anyone who comes up against him will be licking their lips, I think.
00:10:45
Speaker
Yeah, the only reason I still think that they will is because he kind of does surprise you in that way. that The two years he has performed really well in the playoffs, he hasn't been that good in the regular season.
00:10:57
Speaker
Or not not not that good, but similar statistically to now. But now again, as we mentioned, this season he's playing more minutes, so he should have more output. So this is probably, in terms of per minutes, this isn't the same as other seasons. So yeah, I think your point is very valid there. I can't argue with that.
00:11:15
Speaker
Yeah, I'm happy to move on now if you're done with it. Yeah, work away, man. Go for your team. i They're thinking my picks is the Miami Heat, and I picked them because I don't know where this run of form has come out of and how they've gone from kind of pushing for a playoff play-in position to now talks of them tanking.
00:11:35
Speaker
Like, if they're going to tank, they've surely done at the start the season, but to just – they've now lost 10 their last 11. They've forgotten how to shoot. Like every single player on the team has forgotten how to shoot. They're now 29 41.
00:11:49
Speaker
So they were nearly at a 500 level before this run started. Now all of a sudden they can't do anything. And the main reason I brought it up was I wanted to get your opinion on teams like this deciding mid-season is just their tanking or three quarters of the way through the season to say, oh yeah, let's just go lose every game now and get a higher draft pick. I know they have a loss of space coming up in cap. I think they have about 80 million coming up in cap space. So Like they have to kind of have the position there to to do a big rebuild if they want.
00:12:22
Speaker
Potentially bring in one superstar. But to go from a team who are pushing for playoffs, definitely going to get a playing position from where they were. And now losing 10 and 11, losing to absolutely everyone.
00:12:33
Speaker
Like, How does it happen? Where does the run like this come from? I don't know. The first literal line I wrote here is that they're stinking it up. like They're literally that's stinking up the westt the East right now, and considering how poor the East has been at times. But I don't know.
00:12:48
Speaker
In terms of my opinion on that, like It depends the situation. like for Obviously, I think, I'm not saying this to be an excuse for it to be biased or whatever, but in the Sixers situation, it makes a lot more sense because their main guys are injured and they didn't get it going at all this season.
00:13:08
Speaker
And so, yeah, they can tank right now and they kind of need to to keep their pick since it is top six protected. So if they don't finish in the bottom six teams, it's going to the Thunder. So they have to tank if they want their pick.
00:13:21
Speaker
Whereas if this is what the Heat are thinking about doing, now, to be honest, I don't think they will, all it being like this Heat culture, Eric's culture, all that stuff. I honestly think that like they're still 10th in the East, so they're still in the playing and the Raptors are five and a half games back and the Raptors are tanking as well.
00:13:40
Speaker
and I think they've been tanking since start the start of the season. To be honest, yeah they started winning a few games lately as well for absolutely no reason. and So that's made the gap smaller, and it's funny because one team who you think they need to push on and be better, they just lose 10 games in a row.
00:13:56
Speaker
And then a team like the Raptors, you're like, you need to lose. What are you doing? They're winning like six out of their last 10. So, yeah, I agree with it in certain cases. I also don't agree with it when it's like a...
00:14:07
Speaker
like a perennial tank that you're like doing it every year on year on year, like the Sixers did before. Like the Rockets did up until about a year ago, where they had Silas. Like he was there just the time because he but clearly not a good head coach. like And that drove me insane watching him for three years.
00:14:24
Speaker
Losing, losing, losing, putting up 10, 15 losses in a row. I can only imagine what Heathlands are going through at the moment where they were looking good. Like they were 29 and 31, I think, in around that, 28 and 31. So yeah.
00:14:37
Speaker
They're around 500. And then all of a sudden, yeah, and now all of a sudden they've lost 10. And they literally cannot shoot. No one on there, the court can shoot from anywhere. Tyler Hero can't put up a shot to save his life at the moment. know what's going on. Which is madness from where he was at the earlier season. We were only singing his praises before the All-Star break. Yeah, exactly. He couldn't miss a treat.
00:14:55
Speaker
And now he literally can't put up an up now. It's like winning the three-point contest, that put a curse on him. Like, because... Like, suddenly he's not been able to perform. But look, ah I still think that... I think they're absolutely stinking it up They might, might, might make it out of the plane.
00:15:14
Speaker
But they're going to be in the plan, definitely. They'll finish in the top 10. Yeah, they will. I think they'll probably finish 10th. But I don't think they're going to try to lose. And I think they will turn it around a little bit. I could see them winning maybe six of their next 10 games or something like that.
00:15:29
Speaker
and Like they did just beat the Hornets, which is the exact team you want to go up against when you're on a 10-game slide. Yeah, you you want the Hornets or the Wizards, really, when you are on a slide like that. If you're not trying to keep losing, you want to play one of those two and make it easy for you to win.
00:15:43
Speaker
That's it, exactly. But they've scored the fifth least points in the league this season at 109. And they're also fifth worst in the league in terms of free throws attempted. So they're not getting into the paint and drawing fouls. They're not slowing the game down when it has to be slowed down. They're letting games get away from them.
00:16:02
Speaker
They're not getting to the line. And there it's like, OK, the Celtics don't get a lot of free throws, but that's because they shoot a crazy amount of threes. And then you're looking at the Heat.
00:16:13
Speaker
They're shooting 38 threes per game, which is quite a lot, but it's only on the 36% average across the whole whole team, which is 17th in the league. So it doesn't really add up. And one guy who I really want to kind of put the...
00:16:27
Speaker
put a lot of pressure on here is Terry Rogier. What on earth is he doing? Like, he's shooting 39% from the field, 30 from the three, 11 points per game. This man is getting 25 million this year.
00:16:40
Speaker
The same money that Jalen Brunson is getting this year. And he's doing absolutely nothing. and He has been disgraceful for them. Yeah, he was the one I have on the list there as well, kind of like the main problems they're going through at the moment.
00:16:54
Speaker
Like he's another man who has just forgotten how to shoot, forgotten he's forgotten to do everything. Like his turnover, they're after going up as well. Everything is, everything this bad has gone up and everything this good has gone down all for him in the last 10 games. And yeah just say like he's getting the same money as Jalen Brunton and Jalen Brunton is flying at the moment. He's, he's shooting out of this world. He's,
00:17:14
Speaker
And that's where that's going back now. That's not kind of been a flash in the pan either. He's been doing that for maybe last 10, 15 or 20 games. Like so like Terry Roldman needs to kind of needs to pull his head out now and just kind of get back to what he was doing because like Miami here in serious trouble. Otherwise, if they can't get him and Tyler Hero back able to shoot again.
00:17:35
Speaker
Yeah. And I thought when they signed him, I thought that would be a good addition when they had Jimmy there. And then it was just like, he's just been poor since they got him. And it's just a very downward spiral kind of, I think I thought he was a solid player previously and I liked him at times and I liked him when he was at the Hornets, but this is just really, really bad. And it's kind of sorry to watch the way he's playing, but hopefully Hero can turn things around. They're going to need Andrew Wiggins to really step up.
00:18:04
Speaker
He's only played like 13 games for them so far. He had a big game now in that win against the Hornets, so maybe he can kick on. But then, as we've seen in recent seasons, he's not a guy you can really rely on to be consistent. An interesting game is tonight when they're playing the Warriors. So we have Jimmy playing back against the Heat Wiggins playing back against Warriors. So...
00:18:25
Speaker
That'll be an interesting one
Correction: Miami Heat vs Warriors Upset
00:18:26
Speaker
now. Obviously, that would be have been played by the time you guys are listening to this, but I think that's a pretty interesting game here on Tuesday night. What do you think? I think the Warriors are going to absolutely make a joke out. oh like what i Yeah, the Warriors by 15 or 20, I'd say. They're just going to pull away. and like the first half might be close, and then Miami will just do what they've been doing for last 10 games and just kind of Nobody crumble and then the Warriors will just pull away kind of and Jimmy Butler is going to put up. Oh, he's going to go crazy.
00:18:52
Speaker
Yeah, he's he's just gone to like you forget about if his fifteen assist game he' gone have zero system forty nine points doesn' something matter like that he' just going to, tear him apart on his own tonight. Oh, he's going to be going, can see him getting three or four blocks as well, just absolutely feeling it. like And the big celebration every time. Yeah, I'll be watching that and of tomorrow morning anyway, for sure. Yeah, that's going to be a good one.
00:19:15
Speaker
Well lads, James here. um Just thought this it was very funny, coming back to edit this after the fact. um If you don't know already, the Heat won the game hundred and twelve eighty six They were literally 17 points up at the half, the game was over, and Jimmy had 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and not a singular block.
00:19:36
Speaker
So, we couldn't have been more wrong.
00:19:42
Speaker
um but yeah that's that's pretty much all I have on the heat do you anything else for no I just i kind of more want to talk about like your opinion on the tanking and we've gone to that so I'm happy enough with that Jeff for you right yeah um well let's move on then to the football so we're going for something a little bit different since as you mentioned at the start it's f FA Cup weekend which is so weird to come back from from an international break and go into like quarter finals of the FA Cup so we only have eight teams playing or only seven from the Premier League and then ah We have to wait till midweek next week for but for a bit of action again. But look,
00:20:16
Speaker
What we're going to do is a bit of a preview on the games and who we think is going to win
FA Cup Match Predictions: Fulham vs Palace and Brighton vs Forest
00:20:21
Speaker
each. So I'll take the Saturday games maybe. I'll go with my predictions first. We'll talk about them and you then you can respond with your predictions and then maybe you'll go with Sunday first. that is the First of all, on Saturday at quarter past 12 in the afternoon, we've got Fulham at home to Palace.
00:20:39
Speaker
So what I've gone for here is a Crystal Palace away win. I think I like i do like Fulham at home, but looking at their record at home, honest I honestly thought it was better than this, but Palace's away record is nearly the exact same as Fulham's home record in the league.
00:20:56
Speaker
So they're very similar playing field in terms of that. Obviously, two London teams, it'll be an interesting one, but Palace have only lost once since February, and and that was to Everton. And you're looking at them there, Baton Villa a few weeks back, 4-1.
00:21:10
Speaker
Very impressive at times, and I think... Yeah, that like look you had them in your power rankings only a couple of weeks ago because of how well they've done. So I think yeah i think that's that's one that I think could be an away victory there. And then for the quarter past five game on Saturday, we have Brighton at home to Forrest.
00:21:29
Speaker
and And I've also gone for an away win here as well. Now I have Brighton in my power rankings, but I just think Forrest... after beating them 7-0 only a couple of months back, I just think that Brighton, yes, they will want to kind of get their revenge on that. But I just think Forrest, they're in a different kind of gear this season. And I think they can end this Brighton run.
00:21:52
Speaker
um And really i think they really want to get to the levels of getting close to winning a trophy. I know they're in the top four, but I think they'd really want to press on now in this f FA Cup. So I could see two away wins there on Saturday. What do you think for those two games?
00:22:07
Speaker
First thing want to say is that like of these four games, if any team doesn't put out their strongest XI, then it's a shambles, I think, because City being kind of the biggest did like the only kind of established Big Six team that are left, it's a massive chance for any of the other, definitely if the other six, Preston maybe not as much because they're kind of they're kind of, they are pungent way above their way there now to be this far even. But like, if Fastenbillet don't put out their best team, Forest don't put out their best team, then I think it's it would be utterly ridiculous.
00:22:39
Speaker
Especially after international break. Exactly, yeah And kind of you'll get minutes back into legs of the players who didn't go away as well. So, I like i think Fulham will beat Palace. Okay.
00:22:50
Speaker
um i i just have i have a funny view i think mark was still a great manager um i do obviously glad's great manager as well but i think this is like fulham's best chance of doing anything and the college is going to be rocking at half 12 on saturday morning as well so i can see bullen winning that but i agree with you i think forest will beat brighton that seven nil is still going to be kind of that's going be well in the memories of both teams yeah right yeah brighton are on a massive run and Runs like that always come to an end. I know we say this literally every week from a window when we're picking our gone chances, runs a run that always come to an end. so
00:23:25
Speaker
And I think Forest would still have the number of Brighton. And end I just said, they're in the top four, but they they really want the trophy this year as well. If they could get top four and an FA Cup final, then it would be their best year in 20 years. It would be absolutely incredible for them. So I do see forests probably Forest 2-0 and Fulham 2-1 would be my score guesses for the two Saturday games.
00:23:46
Speaker
Okay, okay. and i I think the Fulham one was probably the hardest one for me to predict, honestly. Same for me, yeah. I think they're such a similar level, to be honest. And I like boat managers,
00:23:59
Speaker
I like both squads. I like the way both teams play. So, yeah, and it's a kind of a bit of a derby there as well. But, yeah, it's good. We're both on the Forest page for similar reasons. yeah But you want to give us your Sunday. So what do you think?
Sunday's FA Cup Predictions: Aston Villa and Man City
00:24:11
Speaker
Yeah, so in terms of the Sunday, um I think the first game was the easiest one to pick. I'd say it the same for you as I lived. it The half one on Sunday, you have Preston hosting Aston Villa, and there's no way it's not going only one way. like But there's no way that Preston is going to put up they're just they won't be strong enough to match Aston Villa if Aston Villa put out the rest of the If Asensio is back-faced, I'm not sure. writing key I'm not sure if he's in the Spain squad, but if he's back-faced, Rashford's on fire, Watkins is on fire. It's going to be too much for him.
00:24:41
Speaker
Robbie Brady playing left back up against Asensio potentially will just be be something for Irish fans to watch behind the couch. yeah I think Villa will probably be easy enough to or 3-0, I think. and The other game, though, was difficult.
00:24:54
Speaker
Really difficult. And I have gone with Bournemouth to beat City, but I think it's going to go to extra time. and maybe all the way to penalties. I think... That'd be a nice way to wrap up the weekend. Yeah, 100%. I think with the way Bournemouth have been playing this season, they're they're were a good match for City, especially at Dean's Court as well.
00:25:13
Speaker
I just think it's going to be a really, really tough game for Man City. Man City aren't in the best run of form. I know they beat Newcastle then got a draw against Brighton, but outside of that, they've been sticking it up pretty much all season.
00:25:25
Speaker
yeah And Bournemouth have been in a good run up until recently as well when they lost as far as No, Drupaspares, sorry. They're trying to up to the Drupaspares bus. I can see Bournemouth, another team, kind of, there's a big, probably their best chance of winning a trophy in the next five or ten years with the way the things have fallen from.
00:25:43
Speaker
If they can knock out City, then they'd be right up there in a really good shower getting there. and And might take extra time, it might take penalties, but I do see them getting past City this year. I think City, the way City's season has gone,
00:25:56
Speaker
it wouldn't surprise me they did go and win an FA Cup and still sneak into top four. Well, don't think it's going to happen. What you think, Canem? and't I don't know about the... I don't i really don't think they're going to win the FA Cup City, but maybe the top four. But um I think for the two games on Sunday, anyway, I've gone with Villa. I think, yeah, like you said, it's the easiest one, to be honest.
00:26:16
Speaker
It's a funny one because, you know, like, I feel like if they were playing, like, a team that's in, like, League One or something, you'd be still a bit more iffy about it. I just feel like Preston are, like, in a position in the championship right now, like, bottom half, that kind of thing is just, like, you're just ruled them out straight away.
00:26:35
Speaker
yeah I think if they were in the playoff mix in the championship or top three in League One or something, I'd honestly be like, OK, maybe you never know really here. But this one is almost a lock for me. like I think Villa will do the business on them, definitely. And if they i think definitely if City get knocked out, Villa surely have to be the favourites to win it all. Oh, God, yeah. Especially with Emery as well, because he yeah he knows how to win cups.
00:27:00
Speaker
He's always known how to cups. I think they should be the favourites, to be honest. But yeah, Emery definitely is a factor there. And then I've gone with the same as you as well. I've gone with Bournemouth. I kind of said that there's, they could, like I've mentioned a good few times already, but they love causing chaos in their games and Pep just can't stand that.
00:27:18
Speaker
And he doesn't know how to counteract it. And we've seen it a number of times that he can't counteract it very effectively this season, which is probably one of the things that's driving him the most mad, like that he's not able to,
00:27:29
Speaker
counteract this chaos kind of play and physicality and stuff so I think Bournemouth will get one over on them I think if it was in the Etihad, I might feel a bit differently. It would be a different story for me if it was within in the Etihad. I'd be back in City all day.
00:27:43
Speaker
Yeah, just having it at home is different. The fact that it's in that small stadium, it'll be rocking. Fans are all close to the pitch. I think the City players will be under a lot of pressure because they'll know that this is their last chance of winning something this season. So, yeah, I think Bournemouth too.
00:28:00
Speaker
I think they'll get there. Yeah. Let's see what happens, but I think that would that would be a really nice line-up to have, you know, Forrest, Villan, Bournemouth left, and then one of the other two.
00:28:10
Speaker
Yeah, I think that would be like a really nice final four group, and what do you think? Yeah, I think just want to go back to a point you made on Preston there, kind of how they're they're kind of sitting in the middle of the championship. Like, they're not going up, they're not going down, so their season is kind of...
00:28:25
Speaker
Petering to an end, for one people I hate that term, but it's the best way to put it, that they're almost on the beach. Whereas there's no way they can turn it on enough to get one over on the Sostenible team. I would be shocked if they come out here and get Villa 1-0 or 2-1 or something. I just don't see it happening.
00:28:40
Speaker
Other than that, i think you I think the other three games will be very, very tight, all three of them. Yeah, no, I think that I think they will. And I think that meant, like you mentioned, if it went to like extra time or penalties in that game, that would be really like an exciting way for Bournemouth to get through. Um, so it's an interesting one. I wonder, will any of these games go to extra time or penalties? I'd like to see one of them at least go into penalties. It's always a good crack in the FA Cup, but, uh,
00:29:08
Speaker
Yeah, that's all that's all we kind of have on those ones. So those are predictions and let's see how we got on in them. So kind of moving on to another prediction game. So we have gone chance now.
00:29:18
Speaker
So last week, Shane back again with another five-pointer.
NBA Matchups and Gun Chance Picks
00:29:23
Speaker
Here we go. He's back on top. I almost followed up. I had to two wins and then Clippers were very close against the Thunder. They lost by two points, so that let me down. So now the gap is 10 points again. So just as I clawed a bit back, the man's gone 10 again. So do you want to go first this week since you're the victor from last week?
00:29:44
Speaker
Yeah, why not? So I've gone out one football and two basketball this week. So I have actually put my money where my mouth is and I backed Forrest to beat Brighton on this. So Forrest are Brighton are 4-5.
00:29:55
Speaker
So Forrest are odds on. When I checked this morning, they were on the end. I think it stayed the same. I think Forrest at at a great price. I think it's mad. I really do think it's mad. unless they're kind of I i didn't don't didn't write down what the draw was, but unless they're back in the draw on going to extra time, I couldn't believe Forrest were 3-1, so I think they're a great best.
00:30:15
Speaker
and My other two are actually safe and enough in the end in the NBA this week, so I've gone for the Wizards with 15 and 56 to beat the Nets, who were twenty three and forty nine there are 49. They're two really, really terrible, terrible basketball on teams.
00:30:30
Speaker
It's going to be a nighttime stinker, I think. Oh yeah, I can't wait to stay up to 4 o'clock in the morning to make sure the weather will beat the Nets. And then I've gone for the Suns, who have 35 and 37, to beat the Timberwolves, who are 41 and 32.
00:30:44
Speaker
I think it's a closer match-up than the record today. I think the Suns are kind of dera they're hot and cold, but they are in a 6-4 run at the moment. so yeah and you You never know, what could they could beat the Timberwolves and get me another 5-pointer, hopefully, too. 10 points is too close, I don't like it, I need you further back.
00:31:03
Speaker
Yeah, well, look, we're either both going to do well or both going to do badly this week because I've also gone for Forrest away at Brighton. So, yeah, same reasons that we already highlighted before, same prices I've got here. I've also gone for the Suns to beat the Timberwolves because I just think that now that it's getting to this stage where the Suns need to win a few games to in ensure they make it into the play, and I think Durant will probably turn it on a bit and it'll do the business. I think sometimes they can perform and They did last night, they beat the Bucs in a pretty entertaining game. So I think they could go out and beat the Timberwolves on Saturday.
00:31:40
Speaker
think it's Friday night at midnight. night then And then third one I've gone for is the Bulls to beat the Lakers. So one that I picked last week already and I came up. So they're playing again this weekend and back in Chicago again.
00:31:55
Speaker
So the Bulls are 32 and 40 and the Lakers are 43 and 27. So still big gap there.
00:32:00
Speaker
despite the Bulls beating them last week. So look, it's not broke. Don't fix it. Going to go back to that again. That is one of the ones that I really hope comes into you as well, because the Lakers are starting to annoy me a bit as well. So kind of bring them back down to earth a bit as well if they lose again.
00:32:15
Speaker
Yeah, to the Bulls again. They're getting too close to the Rockets now for my from my liking. They're only three games back on the Rockets now, so someone needs to put their boot in on them again. I had my Josh Giddey prediction that he's going to get a triple-double on LeBron's head.
00:32:29
Speaker
ah win that game last time and that he did he almost had a quadruple double man had like eight steals so let's see that again from josh kitty uh bulls are for some reason on some serious form since they got rid levine um really turned their season around but massively yeah and kobe white dropping like 20 points and at least in the last 20 games he's had 35, 36 and 37 in his last three I think the youngest player in Bulls history to have 35 plus points in three games even younger than when Michael Jordan did it I'm pretty sure so yeah the Bulls are on an 8-2 run and they've won their last three they're probably safe enough in ninth now to probably finish eighth or ninth in the play-in as well but they will be pushing for that top eight
00:33:16
Speaker
They probably would have got up to the eighth, only the Hawks are looking pretty good now too recently, actually. so Yeah, it's the Magic, Hugh. The Magic are four games ahead of them. like They could catch that between now and the end of the season.
00:33:27
Speaker
We'll see. Yeah, and the Magic are dropping a little bit. So, yeah, let's see what happens. But those are my three picks. So I'm looking to claw back a bit of points now. So it's 21 and 11 to Shane right now. Yeah.
00:33:40
Speaker
Yeah, after making a bit headway, have to start all over again. But that's the way it goes. So on to the NFL now.
Kansas City Chiefs Offseason Strategy
00:33:47
Speaker
Do want to go ahead and give us give us your topic first?
00:33:51
Speaker
i just wanted to talk about the Chiefs. Obviously, they had a stinker of a um a Super Bowl. And we talked about them at that time. But it's kind of come to me again that I haven't been overly impressed with what they've done in free agency.
00:34:06
Speaker
They brought in some good players. Jaylen Moore, think, is a brilliant addition to kind of protect mattrick of Patrick Mahomes. And they brought in Jerry Tillery, the past Russian. But they've res re-signed Kareem Hunt and then signed Elijah Moore.
00:34:20
Speaker
Sorry, is it? Elijah Mitchell. Elijah Mitchell, sorry. So they signed Elijah Mitchell and so they're four running backs. They have Pacheco, Hunt, Mitchell and Yimamad Steele.
00:34:33
Speaker
Kelsey is only going one way and it's not back towards the top. So it's Noah Gray, kind of the next tight end one there, but they need to sign one. He had his most productive season last year with five touchdowns, 40 receptions and an average of 11 yards of reception. So that is a good start to kind of taking over but it's very hard to replace kelsey like for life because what he's done candace has been outrageous but i just want to get your opinion on like what you think they have done this off season and do you see them kind of getting back towards conference finals again back towards super bowls again next year because i really don't want this time and it's kind of up when you underestimate the chiefs that's when they're at the most dangerous but this year i really do i really do think they're going to have an off year this year
00:35:19
Speaker
Yeah, i think I think when you posed this question, I thought it was interesting because I was like, in the short term, no, I don't think they're going to be back to the same heights.
00:35:30
Speaker
But then when you look at the fact that Mahomes and Reid are there, you can't really say no. um And definitely you can't say no in the long term. like They've got Mahomes there. So I think they're going to be a different team when they do come back to where I don't think it'll be next season. I agree with you there.
00:35:47
Speaker
I'm kind of questionable about some of the um decisions they made now I do like that they added Christian Fulton at cornerback but he is a bit injury prone and after Jalen Watson getting injured last season look if the three him Watson and McDuffie are all fit then that's a serious backfield and it's a serious secondary that needed a bit of help after letting Snead go from the year prior but Still questionable there with the injuries. And then Jalen Moore, I know you mentioned he is solid when he came in for the Niners in the last season at times, but he has been like a backup. And I don't know why they paid him 30 million over two years, considering he's been a backup for most of his career.
00:36:28
Speaker
Now, I do think he's a solid player, but I just question the money. I think kind of trying to fill that left tackle role has been something they've been desperate to do for a long time. And Now, a couple of deals I did like was giving Trey Smith the franchise tag, but they do need to sort out a contract for him right now because He's already been out in the media this week saying that they were talking about T Higgins getting his contract built out after the tag and he was the only other player to get tagged. He's the highest paid guard in the league this year, yes, but it's only a one year tag deal.
00:36:59
Speaker
He's 25 years of age. He's probably the best right guard in the league. So they need to sort out a contract for him before he starts turning a bit sour, especially if things go badly this season. He might want to out if they haven't sorted a deal out for him and I think retaining linebacker Nick Bolton, who was also a team captain in the playoffs, I think he's been very good for them over the last few years. so Great tackler, rarely misses a tackle, so I think that was important too.
00:37:26
Speaker
and But those are kind of the the positive things on them that I thought they did. But I agree with you and in general that it's been very underwhelming. I don't think they've done enough for me to go after that Super Bowl. Oh yeah, they're going to turn it around this season.
00:37:40
Speaker
Yeah, especially in in the O-line as well. That clearly needed so much help after watching the Super Bowl. And they haven't really, like, they haven't brought in anyone standout to be like, oh, he's going to make a massive upset O-line.
00:37:51
Speaker
And so drafting someone for an O-line is always risky as well because don't know if they are going to come in, they're going to be strong enough, if they're going to be good enough. So I thought they would do more in free agency with to kind of strengthen the O-line and give Hachim Mahomes a lot more help because he clearly needed it watching that Super Bowl. I know he that he had that one massive pass but outside of that he had no space or no time at all against the Eagles and he clearly needed help but they haven't given him.
00:38:18
Speaker
Yeah, that left tackle position has been a problem for a long time now so I don't think Jalen Moore is the but solve. He's a good player to have there but they they need to improve it more than that. I think it was interesting to run it back with Hollywood Brown this season. yeah i think I don't know. I think maybe they're hoping that now that Rice is going to be, hopefully for them anyway, fit for the season, that they can do what they wanted to do with him in the slot and Hollywood Brown going deep with Worthy.
00:38:47
Speaker
I think we'll see. We'll see if it works. They tried it last year. They're going to try it again now. But I think the main thing is that when they come back, I think...
00:38:58
Speaker
Previously, when they had Tyreek Hill, they were very explosive on offense, and that's the way they played. High scoring, they relied on Mahomes a lot. Then they shifted away from that to a more defensive approach.
00:39:10
Speaker
Now, I think they'll stay with that this season because it's what's worked recently. It's what suits their roster. But I think that fans and kind of media may get a bit antsy on them if they continue to put up like less than 20 points per game, less than 30 points per game. and and they start losing a lot of close games, then they might have to pivot again back to this explosive-style offense and let Mahomes just let rip.
00:39:34
Speaker
and But I could see that happening, but not soon. I think maybe in a year or two. and But I would hope be hopeful that that's the way they go back to in the future. But what do you think of as an idea like that?
00:39:45
Speaker
I actually... I'm the opposite to you on that, because I think they are going to go back to that explosive play this year with the three wide receivers they have. and don't think the three wide receivers are... world beaters with any stretch. I don't think they have a Tyree kill, but they have Xavier Worthy and they have Honeywell Brown who do love to go deep.
00:40:04
Speaker
yeah And as we we said this at the time, that like yeah there's no way they go into next year again and can win 15 close games. It doesn't happen. That was a freak that season. They just had a complete freak season.
00:40:15
Speaker
There's no way he's going to risk it going in and, oh, if we just score 19 points, we hold the other team to 18. I can see him going in. That's why they've signed all these running backs as well that they're going to just make They're going to get strong people running. They're going to get strong wide receivers running deep, going to get Mahomes thrown, and they're going to be aiming to be putting up 35 points again, I think, this season. Yeah.
00:40:34
Speaker
But I don't think it's going to work as well. As Joe on paper, it might look always going to be great, but like i just I don't see him doing anything this coming season. I think it'll be massive transition here, and then we'll see the year after.
00:40:48
Speaker
He might train up the year after then. That's kind of my main view, to be honest, as well. like I agree with you that they're trying to do this now, but I like i don't think they will, is kind of what I mean. like I think we'll still see them scoring low amounts of points because they don't have but like a real world leader there.
00:41:07
Speaker
I think Wordy and Brown, while good weapons, I think... I don't think they can do the things that they would need in an ah an explosive offense. And I think they may have to fully buy back into what they had previously in the future if if Mahomes wants to go that way. And obviously it'll depend a lot on his opinion too, because obviously he's the guy over there. But yeah, I think there's there's an improvement AFC obviously as well. So it's going to make it even harder for them this season, like with looking at how how good the Bills were last year.
00:41:38
Speaker
They've retained a lot of guys. The Ravens will have ah um a point to prove this season. The Bengals have a point to prove. The Chargers in their own division are pushing on. So it's a tougher AFC, and I don't think this year will be their year.
00:41:52
Speaker
and But then again, they'll be thinking Pacheco and Reiss are back, and we've we've got a point to prove here. So you can never write them off, but I i think, yeah, i'm I'm fairly confident to say that they're not going to They're not going make the conference finals this year, in my opinion. Yeah, I don't think so either. One of the things I've written down when I was going through their attacking options, I wrote down that they don't, in my opinion, they don't have a wide receiver one.
00:42:17
Speaker
All their lads will be great wide receiver two to a superstar. They don't have anyone that is going, they don't have a Tyree Kill, they don't have a Jamar Chase, they don't have anyone that kind of gets people...
00:42:28
Speaker
paying big bucks to go and see him like dode there's the three wide receivers they have are a small bit underwhelming now they could put me wrong because pat they have Fashima Holmes and he can do anything he wants in the football but on paper they did in my opinion they don't have anyone who's a standout wide receiver one yeah I think Rice is the closest to that but obviously the injury didn't help and I think with Kelsey being more injured teams will know the ball's gone sorry not injured more aging and You never know, he might get banged up a couple of times if he tries to play too hard. But like kate he is used to be in the first option. Teams know where the ball is going.
00:43:04
Speaker
It freed up Bryce a lot in the season previous to this one. But now they'll know the ball is going to Bryce. So I think, yeah, it's going to make life a lot more difficult for him. But ah yeah, that's that's my opinion on the Chiefs. Do you have anything else before we move on to the tush push?
00:43:21
Speaker
No, let's get going on this.
NFL Rule Change Debate: Banning the Tush-Push Play
00:43:24
Speaker
Let's get going on on this this rule change. so Obviously, every year we've got the teams proposing rules to be changed. and This year, the Packers pro proposed an amendment to Rule 12, Section 1, which is to prohibit an offensive player from pushing a teammate who is lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap immediately at the snap.
00:43:49
Speaker
So if the Packers' proposal passes, that section would then be amended to say that no offensive player may immediately push or throw their body into a teammate and in in an attempt to gain yardage.
00:44:02
Speaker
So it's basically a 10-yard penalty for attempting a tush-push or a QB sneak with somebody driving you from behind. So that would just eliminate the whole game, but the whole... play because no one's going to do that without the push from behind so what do you think of this i think it's ridiculous i think so there i just i don't agree with it like think they're doing it because of how well the eagles have maximized it over the last three or four years and no one has been able to come next to near getting as good as the deals and they're like well if we can't beat them we're just going to take the right from them and
00:44:37
Speaker
I just like no one has been seriously injured from doing this. Like it hasn't caused any injuries. It has caused a couple of head on heads. Obviously it's going to. But the quarterback sneak is head to head constantly. Even if the quarterback goes on his own, he'd go kind of head first into traffic.
00:44:52
Speaker
Like I think trying to ban is just nonsensical. It annoyed me reading back and reading through some of the proposals on it. Like I think Yeah, it's just like if you're going banning that because you're good at it, then go and ban Saquon Barkley from running and stop Plattamon Holmes throwing the ball. So it's it's kind of like, see I know that's a bit extreme, obviously, like what's just because one person really, really good at it doesn't mean you can just ban it because, oh, well, let's stop them doing it because I can't do it.
00:45:21
Speaker
Yeah, exactly. it's not I think it's not in the nature of sports to just go like some team has like perfected this play. So, oh, but that's not fair anymore. So they're not allowed to it.
00:45:32
Speaker
It's not like as well, like you're looking at um you know the Eagles and Bills, right? If you look at their stats on it, they've scored a touchdown or achieved a first down on 87% of attempts, while the rest of the NFL has just been successful at 71%. That's according to yeah ESPN research. So I think that That is a point in itself that if every single team is doing this at a high level and they propose this and they gave the reason that was like for health reasons or injury reasons, then you'd say, okay, fine. All the teams are doing it just as well. It's fair, but it's not fair because the Bills and the Eagles have built a roster.
00:46:09
Speaker
built a strong, big O-line. They've got a good, strong running back, a good, strong quarterback. They've built the perfect teams, especially in the case of the Eagles, to do this exact play.
00:46:20
Speaker
You can't just come and take it away from them now because... you know, you don't like it anymore and it's not entertaining to watch. Well, like, learn how to stop it then. You need to figure out a way to stop it. Don't be coming up here with this.
00:46:32
Speaker
You need to get rid of this because it's not fair. And there's health concerns surrounding it. Like, yes, okay, of course, the health of the players is important, but that's not the reason that you're proposing this.
00:46:43
Speaker
Yeah, 100%.
00:46:45
Speaker
Like, you did da joe to come at it with, oh, our players are getting hurt. Like, I looked at the ESPN research as well, and there's been no significant injuries to anyone yeah across the last three years from the Tush-Push.
00:46:58
Speaker
Like I know people have people have gotten hurt they've set out a snap and then they' come back. Like no one has gotten seriously injured from this. And to use that as the kind of, oh, this is our motivating factor behind this. It's not.
00:47:09
Speaker
The motivating factor is that you can't do it as well as the Eagles and the Bills can do it. And now you're like, no, let's just stop them doing it all together. As you just said there about how like the Eagles in particular they built a team around doing this.
00:47:23
Speaker
Their quarterback is unbelievable at doing it. Their centre is so good at doing it. Jason Kelsey was good at doing it beforehand. yeah like when When they replace Jason Kelsey, they replace someone can do it at Hush-Push. yeah don like It's that kind of a thing. And now you just want to go, oh no, let's just rip this up and start it again. They can find something else to do.
00:47:39
Speaker
And literally we just got a load of massive men and they're like, yeah like this is what you're doing and we're doing it well. Yeah, i just I think it's ridiculous. if If this rule passes, I'll be human, to be perfectly honest. think it's I think it'll be the most ridiculous thing they could do.
00:47:52
Speaker
I don't think it will, because it needs 24 yes votes to pass. But then again, you never know. um I think there might be enough teams that think that they still could use it in their place.
00:48:05
Speaker
So I don't know. I think it could could end up being close if the Packers convince a few teams. I heard Raheem Morris, the Falcons head coach, already said yeah that he thinks it should be banned too. So there's one vote already, and I'm sure there'll a lot more in a similar vote. I'm not sure the Chiefs will vote the Everett of it as well after losing the Super Bowl to him there. So there's another one from the bell like us. You know, one that should be banned more is Mahomes going down the sideline and trying to get somebody to hit him as he's going out of bounds.
00:48:34
Speaker
There should be a penalty and a 10-yard penalty for that kind of carry-on because like I hate that so much. Now, he doesn't do it that much and he's using the rules as the way they are and manipulating them as all good players do.
00:48:49
Speaker
But I hate watching that too where it's like baiting somebody to to hitch you out of bounds to get some kind of a flagrant penalty. I hate that stuff. Yeah. Yeah, that's neither here nor there. that's not the That's not what we're talking about here, so I'll i'll move on from that. and Yeah, I think Tushpush, we both want to keep it in the league, so fingers crossed that we'll stay in.
00:49:10
Speaker
So let's move on then to our power rankings to wrap things up.
Sports Power Rankings and Final Thoughts
00:49:15
Speaker
Joanna, give us your your rundown of last week and then what you've gone with this week. Yeah, so last week I had the Thunders had taken over top spot. The Cavs were second. to Newcastle on the back of their cup final win were up to third.
00:49:28
Speaker
The Rockets were fourth. Liverpool were fifth. And the Celtics were sneaking in at sixth, even though they were on an incredible run of form. um I've gone for a massive change of this week. So obviously we didn't have any football and I couldn't put Ireland in because they're not a club team. So I've gone for five basketball and i'm one football this week.
00:49:46
Speaker
Oh, nice. So the Thunder stay top for me now. I think they are, they are now the best team of basketball. and Despite the fact I've said that about the Cavs for a time. Probably eight of the 11 weeks have said the Cavs are the best in basketball, but the Thunder have proven to be more robust than the Cavs have been over last couple of weeks.
00:50:03
Speaker
The Celtics have jumped up the second for me. oh um i think when it comes down to it, they will beat the Cavs. We said this a couple of weeks back as well for anyone who'd been watching that. we We said when it comes down to it in the playoffs that the Celtics will have the nows to beat Cavs.
00:50:17
Speaker
Yeah. and So i think like i think they're a really, really good basketball team. They haven't really lost anyone. They've just <unk>ve been tipping away nicely. They're 9-1 now as well.
00:50:27
Speaker
And they're just they're tipped they're just flying along. They won't catch the Cavs. They won't win. day i actually don't think they can win it anyway. I think the Cavs have that wrapped up. I think they're a better team than the Cavs now.
00:50:38
Speaker
yeah The Rockets are up to third for me. and For me now, it was more and like I said it last year as well. It's not even about what they're doing or who they're beating. It's the fact that they're 9-1. I don't think we had many 9-1 runs last year. We were atrocious last year. Oh no, definitely not last year.
00:50:55
Speaker
The basketball watching this year compared to last year is like two different teams. The jumping class been unreal and we'll probably get over 50 wins this year now, which is going to be just... Be correct. I said it, yeah, I said at the start about when we're talking about to tanking, how watching the Rockets for three years, just tank and tank and tank and just for this now, it's almost worth it, I suppose. I can't wait. I can't wait to watch the Rockets and playoffs again. I think it's going to be great and they're up to turn for me.
00:51:21
Speaker
and My one football team sneak in here, you'll never guess who it is. It's Liverpool.
00:51:27
Speaker
So I know that they had a really bad week coming up the international week, but they are still 12th there at the top the Premier League. They are still the best team in England. And if anyone is staying in there, it is going to be them. um I have the Cavaliers in fifth. They're six and four in the last ten. They're not on the best run of form, but they do have their division clenched.
00:51:44
Speaker
They are still class. They are. they're They're going to be a match to anyone. And i have the Warriors in sixth. we You pick them as your kind of your plucky little underdog to win the title.
00:51:55
Speaker
Yeah, Jimmy Buckets is Jimmy Bucketing. They're just there and they're really, really good team to watch. And I just deserve to be in here over any of the Premier League teams because obviously they didn't play, but no one had really stood out.
00:52:08
Speaker
I actually only saw a thing during the week, sorry to harp on now, but no team the Premier League has won five games in a row this year in the league alone. Well, that's crazy. Including Liverpool.
00:52:19
Speaker
Including Liverpool. Liverpool have never won five games in a row. They've drawn one at some point in a run of five games. They haven't won five games in a row over the course of the season. That seems really mad. Yeah. is that like I wonder when have we had a season like that recently. That is madness. I don't think so. Because like you had last year, I think City won 14 in a row or someone won 14 in a row last year. so Whoa, that's crazy.
00:52:41
Speaker
Yeah. Unless you get on tears anyway. Nice with the stats just blowing me away with the stats as I lead in here, trying throw me off. I've gone with... What I've gone with not the same as you. haven't gone heavily on the NBA. I just kind of kept...
00:52:58
Speaker
My same football teams in because I thought, you know, they didn't warrant to be dropped out. But I like what you've done because, yeah, there is no standouts really in the football, as you've mentioned, for various reasons. So, yeah, can't knock what you've done. But what I've gone with is I've stuck with the Thunder at first.
00:53:15
Speaker
um As you mentioned, best team in the NBA. Still, I'm going to keep sticking with them as I have from the start of the season that they're going to win it all. They've won six in a row. They're 9-1 in their last 10. Newcastle stayed in second. I just thought no reason to drop them down there. Although Liverpool haven't played, they've actually moved up a spot because the Cavs were higher. And I just thought, no, you have to move Liverpool up because the Cavs have been very poor losing four in a row.
00:53:40
Speaker
and So they're third. Then I've got the Celtics as a new entry. As you mentioned, they've they've been very good. They've only lost the Thunder and the Cavs in the month of March. They've won all their other games.
00:53:53
Speaker
So there's no reason for them not to be and This high up, considering how good they've been recently. and I think I've mentioned it a couple of times, but they've been ramping up very, very nicely. and Then I've gone for a new addition in fifth. I've gone with the Clippers. so They're 8-2 in their last 10.
00:54:10
Speaker
and They just lost narrowly to OKC in my gun chance pick. But Kawhi looks excellent. He looks very similar to... what he did um at his peak. Obviously, the physicality is a little bit less, but he's still doing things a lot.
00:54:26
Speaker
and Similarly to the way he used to, he hasn't lost anything, I think, in terms of skill. I think he's ramping up now at a nice pace. Harden looks really good. I just like the way they play in general, and I think looking at some of the games, their Kauai is getting double and triple teamed now by defenses, so that's going to be interesting in the playoffs if if he can get back to that level.
00:54:48
Speaker
and So, yeah, I think they've they've gone in there. was between them and the Warriors and the Thunder, and I just think on the last week's form, I've gone with the Clippers there. And then to round out the six, I just stayed with Brighton.
00:54:59
Speaker
um kind of As I mentioned before, they didn't play, so I didn't think to drop them out. But i yeah, that's my six. So yeah, that's pretty much thats pretty much my my reason on my six there. But yeah, a lot of interest in and NBA action at the moment.
00:55:12
Speaker
Because dropping out for you is not something I saw coming, to be honest now. I didn't think they were going to drop out completely after week. They probably deserved it because there is there's a lot of of teams who've had better weeks than them.
00:55:24
Speaker
Yeah, I think over the last two weeks, I think. you You can see that from like both of us had them first, I think. and yeah we Yeah, we bought them first two weeks ago and then the Thunder took over last week and now they've dropped out of yours completely.
00:55:34
Speaker
Yeah, and they're down to 15 years. So that's a look at like how they're falling a little bit from Grace. I think they will steady the ship, but It was in a bit of an abysmal week there for them last week, losing four in a row.
00:55:47
Speaker
yeah I think it's our fault it's our fault for praising Mitchell. Mostly your fault for saying that they're the best team in the league, I think. Let's put it all on you. I'm mine bad at everything, bare gun chance it seems. I curse everyone, bare the teams that are playing gun chance.
00:56:02
Speaker
And you you do the opposite for Bronny. You absolutely tore him to bits and then he came out firing. And then last night in the G League, dropping like 40 points. Here we go. 39 and 70% is just ridiculous. bo We've got Steve May saying he knew he was going to be good. We've got Shane here live saying that he absolutely loves the man.
00:56:25
Speaker
don't know if those are the words I say, but I'll let you away with it this one. I'll call it out in post-production.
00:56:33
Speaker
not Let's see. Let's see with him. yeah quite as It was funny, though, because you slated him, and then I was like, oh, I saw him have one good game, so i was like, of course going to have to tag Shane to this. but Yeah, that's the same much yeah that's that's pretty much what we've got for this week, lads.
00:56:49
Speaker
Thanks for listening. A little bit shorter than the last couple of weeks because we didn't have a guest on, but we've got another person lined up. and If not next week, the week after we're going to have someone on about the NFL draft. So keep an eye out for that if that's something you're interested in.
00:57:03
Speaker
and Thanks again for listening. Give us a listen. and Give us a subscribe, a like um on whatever platform, and we really appreciate it. Shane? And if anyone has anything they'd like us to talk about, just drop a comment on anything as well. And we'd be happy to pick Anton up. So if anyone wants us to kind of talk about a specific part of the NFL or the NBA or anything, if they want us to drill down into a team, just let us know and we'd be happy to do it. Like we have...
00:57:28
Speaker
it would be kind of good as well for it to take our mind off picking what we need to talk about as well and give someone else a chance to just to have a word as well and see if there's so there's anything you want to talk about just drop a comment or just message it privately either or as well yeah good show good show we might throw up something on the instagram there a question box if somebody wants to leave any suggestions for next week so i like that yeah nice one all right lads appreciate and hope we get you back here again next week see you later look lads