Tom Brady will ride with Jimmie Johnson during Indy 500 parade laps

Tom Brady will ride with Jimmie Johnson during Indy 500 parade laps

Seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady will get a feel for IndyCar's speed when he rides with seven-time NASCAR Cup series champ Jimmie Johnson during the parade laps ahead of the start of the Indianapolis 500. Before the 109th running of the Indy 500 on May 25, IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will bring back a two-seat version of the IndyCar for the first time since 2019. Brady, who is now an in-game NFL analyst for Fox, will ride with Johnson as part of an agreement between Penske Entertainment and Fox Sports, who will serve as IndyCar's exclusive broadcast partner for the first time this year. Johnson raced in the Indy 500 just once, in 2022, when he finished 28th after crashing with several laps remaining. He qualified in the 12th position. Brady made a cameo in one of the Fox IndyCar commercials that was aired during Fox's NFL coverage. In the ad, the narrator said two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden might have "the greatest jawline in sports" before Brady appeared on camera and quipped, "He's not that handsome." Fellow Fox NFL analysts Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski also will have roles at the event. Strahan will serve as the celebrity pace car driver ahead of the drop of the green flag, and Gronkowski will be a roving reporter around the grounds throughout the six-hour window of Fox's coverage.

byRicky Wilson

in

May 14, 2025

Tom Brady will ride with Jimmie Johnson during Indy 500 parade laps

Tom Brady will ride with Jimmie Johnson during Indy 500 parade laps Seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady will get a feel for...

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Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porzingis sitting out 2nd half of Game 5 vs, Knicks: 'He couldn't breathe'

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porzingis sitting out 2nd half of Game 5 vs, Knicks: 'He couldn't breathe'

Kristaps Porziņģisonly played 12 minutes in the Boston Celtics'127-102 winover the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their second-round NBA playoff series. He only scored one point, along with one rebound and one block. Asked why Porzingis didn't play in the second half, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said, "He couldn't breathe." In Wednesday's victory, that created an opportunity forLuke Kornetto play what was likely the best game of his career with seven blocks, 10 points and nine rebounds. Not only was he a strong defensive presence, but he also moved well in Boston's half-court game, setting screens and cutting to the basket for dunks and layups. (Kornet shot 5-of-5 from the floor.) LUKE KORNET DOING IT ALL FOR BOSTON ☘️pic.twitter.com/cgYHPgkcDO — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT)May 15, 2025 However, Mazzulla insisted that Porzingiscould have played if necessary. But the two of them decided at halftime that he would sit out, despite the game being tied at 59-59. The coach also told reporters that he expected Porzingis to play in Game 6 of the series on Friday. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla started Porzingis in Game 5 after startingAl Horfordat center for the past three games in the series. Boston went with a bigger lineup with Tatum out, starting Porzingis and Horford withJaylen Brownin the frontcourt.Derrick WhiteandJrue Holidaystarted at guard. pic.twitter.com/ePjJeoQVR6 — Follow @MrBuckBuckNBA (@jfkvbjkcc)May 14, 2025 Mazzulla may have been right that a bigger lineup was necessary against the Knicks' frontline with Tatum out. But it was Kornet andSam Hauserwho provided the needed energy, especially on defense at the basket. Yet for those who believe the Celtics can't repeat as NBA champions without Porzingis making an impact — especially withJayson Tatumsufferinga season-ending torn Achilles injury— the center's lack of effectiveness has to be a concern. Porzingis has been struggling with an upper respiratory illnessthroughout the season, which the Celtics say is a a non-COVID-19 illness, andplayed 13 minutes in Game 1, scoring no points. "I'm dealing with some — I don't know how to call it. I'm just not feeling my best. I'm not feeling my best at all," Porzingis said after Game 2,via Boston.com. "It kills me inside that it's happening in this moment." Porzingis saidhe felt better in Game 4and played 24 minutes. But whatever energy he had on Monday wasn't there on Wednesday. The question now for the Celtics is whether or not they're a better team with Kornet on the court and if that will be enough to win two more games against the Knicks.

byRicky Wilson

in

May 14, 2025

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porzingis sitting out 2nd half of Game 5 vs, Knicks: 'He couldn't breathe'

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porzingis sitting out 2nd half of Game 5 vs, Knicks: 'He couldn't breathe' Kristaps Porzi...

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Jordan Spieth popular pick to complete career grand slam

Jordan Spieth popular pick to complete career grand slam

It has been eight years since Jordan Spieth has won a major tournament and three years since he has won an event of any type, but that hasn't deterred bettors who believe the 31-year-old is primed to complete the career grand slam this week. Spieth is the biggest liability in the entire PGA Championship field at BetRivers, where he has been backed by 4.2 percent of the total bets and 3.8 percent of the money wagered on this week's winner at Quail Hollow. His odds opened at +4000 but have lengthened to +6000. Rory McIlroy won his first major in 11 years at last month's major to complete his career grand slam. The "major" difference, however, is that McIlroy is ranked No. 2 in the world and had already won twice in 2025. Spieth's most recent victory came at the 2022 RBC Heritage. He is currently ranked 48th in the world and is coming off a tie for 34th at last week's Truist Championship. Spieth does have three top-10 finishes this year, but none of them have come at a major or signature event. Still, bettors have been drawn to his longshot odds. BetMGM's second biggest liability is world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the co-favorite at +500 along with McIlroy. Scheffler leads the field with 27.8 percent of the money backing him to win this weekend, followed by McIlroy at 15.6 percent. The book's third biggest liability is LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau, who has drawn 13.0 percent of the money while seeing his odds shorten from +2200 to +800. "With Rory completing his grand slam in Augusta, bettors now turn to Jordan Spieth to do the same with a victory in the PGA Championship. Speith is the worst result for us, and not far behind is Scottie Scheffler fresh off a dominating performance at the Byron Nelson," BetMGM senior trader Matt Wall said. "Bettors are also rooting for Bryson DeChambeau, as his odds have shrank to +800 while the book is rooting for Rory to win, which is surprisingly a good result for us right now." Scheffler is the biggest liability to be the leader after Thursday's first round, followed by DeChambeau and McIlroy. McIlroy finishing in the top 5 this week has been the most popular prop bet of the event. --Field Level Media

byRicky Wilson

in

May 14, 2025

Jordan Spieth popular pick to complete career grand slam

Jordan Spieth popular pick to complete career grand slam It has been eight years since Jordan Spieth has won a major tournament and three ye...

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NFL Week 1 lines: Eagles, Chiefs open season as favorites

NFL Week 1 lines: Eagles, Chiefs open season as favorites

The opening week of the 2025 regular season features spotlight games in Philadelphia, Sao Paulo, Buffalo and Chicago, and oddsmakers generally leaned toward the home teams with the early lines released Wednesday. The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles are a seven-point favorite over the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 Kickoff Game, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are road favorites against the New York Jets in the only game with a point total under 40 in Week 1. Here's a full rundown of 2025 odds (courtesy of FanDuel) for all games scheduled Sept. 4-8: Thursday, Sept. 4 Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Money line: Eagles -330, Cowboys +265 Total: 46.5 points Friday, Sept. 5 Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers 8 p.m. ET on YouTube, Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo Money line: Chiefs -142, Chargers +120 Total: 44.5 points Sunday, Sept. 7 New York Giants at Washington Commanders (-7) 1 p.m. ET, Northwest Stadium, Landover, Md. Money line: Commanders -350, Giants +280 Total: 45.5 points Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5) at Atlanta Falcons 1 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Money line: Buccaneers -126, Falcons +108 Total: 48.5 points Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) 1 p.m. ET, EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville Money line: Jaguars -144, Panthers +122 Total: 46.5 points Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts (-1) 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Money line: Dolphins -104, Colts -116 Total: 45.5 points Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots (-2) 1 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass. Money line: Patriots -156, Raiders +132 Total: 43.5 points Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at New York Jets 1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. Money line: Steelers -156, Jets +132 Total: 39.5 points Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5) at Cleveland Browns 1 p.m. ET, Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland Money line: Bengals -240, Browns +198 Total: 45.5 points Arizona Cardinals (-4.5) at New Orleans Saints 1 p.m. ET, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans Money line: Cardinals -200, Saints +168 Total: 41.5 points San Francisco 49ers (-1.5) at Seattle Seahawks 4:05 p.m. ET, Lumen Field, Seattle Money line: 49ers -124, Seahawks +106 Total: 45.5 points Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-7) 4:05 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver Money line: Broncos -350, Titans +280 Total: 41.5 points Detroit Lions (-1.5) at Green Bay Packers 4:25 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. Money line: Lions -122, Packers +104 Total: 49.5 points Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams (-2.5) 4:25 p.m. ET, Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif. Money line: Rams -146, Texans +124 Total: 46.5 points Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (-1.5) 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y. Money line: Bills -122, Ravens +104 Total: 51.5 points Monday, Sept. 8 Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) at Chicago Bears 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC, Soldier Field, Chicago Money line: Vikings -110, Bears -106 Total: 45.5 points --Field Level Media

byRicky Wilson

in

May 14, 2025

NFL Week 1 lines: Eagles, Chiefs open season as favorites

NFL Week 1 lines: Eagles, Chiefs open season as favorites The opening week of the 2025 regular season features spotlight games in Philadelph...

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2025 NFL schedule release: Bills-Ravens rematch tops 8 best primetime games

2025 NFL schedule release: Bills-Ravens rematch tops 8 best primetime games

NFLteams are in the thick of the offseason. Rookie minicamps are in the rearview as players for every franchise are in voluntary workouts ahead of offseason training activities (OTAs) and training camp. All 32 teams have a full roster of undrafted free agents, rookies, free agents and veterans. Each franchise will trim its roster over the coming months ahead of Week 1 of the regular season. The reigning Super Bowl championPhiladelphia Eagleswill ring in the new seasonat home against NFC East foeDallas Cowboyson Sept. 4. Thanks to the NFL's rotating schedule, we've known for months all of the opponents each team will face in the regular season. But we haven't known which weeks teams will play and when until now. The NFL's released the full 18-week schedule for the 2025 season. Plenty of exciting matchups are on deck as reigning playoff teams and hopeful contenders alike face off throughout the season. But things always are a bit more important under the lights. Here are our picks for the top five primetime games this season: Primetime wastes no time in giving football fans an exciting game to watch. These two teams met in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs last season and provided a thrilling back-and-forth game in snowy conditions. It will likely be a bit warmer in Buffalo to open the season, which could see even more points from two potent offenses led by the last two NFL MVPs. Another chapter ofJosh AllenandLamar Jackson. Sign us up. How to watch: 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock Two weeks later, it's time for theRavensto host an NFC playoff team. Detroit may be without longtime coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn but they still have one of the best rosters in the NFL. Baltimore can have some early-season woes (look no further than their loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024), which may give theLionsan early opportunity in a brutal road schedule for 2025. How to watch: 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+ These two teams have opposing strengths. Cincinnati had one of the best offenses in the league last season en route to a 9-8 record. Denver boasted one of the best defenses in the league in a 10-7 campaign that ended in the first round of the playoffs. Cincinnati's defense could be better in 2025, and Denver's offense may take a step forward in quarterbackBo Nix's second season. That's enough to have us intrigued by an AFC tilt on Monday night. How to watch: 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+ These two teams met for the season opener in 2023 and gave us a down-to-the-wire finish. Since then, Detroit has made one NFC championship game, and Kansas City has gone 1-1 in the Super Bowl. This is yet another tough road matchup for the Lions in 2025. Kansas City retooled in the offseason with changes on both sides of the ball. The Lions should test them in this Sunday night tilt. How to watch: 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock Washington quarterbackJayden Danielshad one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. The Commanders had a surprising turnaround and made the franchise's first NFC championship game since 1993. Daniels and company will have to prove it wasn't a one-time aberration. What better way to test that than against the Chiefs on the road in primetime? Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will throw plenty of curveballs at the young quarterback. How to watch: 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+ These two teams met in a grueling, physical playoff game in the wild-card round of the playoffs a year ago. Philadelphia won 22-10 in the first step to their championship title. Philadelphia lost offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is now the head coach in New Orleans. They'll likely have a top-10 defense again this year with coordinator Vic Fangio returning and another year of development from their star rookies last year. Green Bay's defense could also improve in year two under Jeff Hafley. Green Bay must show that it can contend with the top teams in the NFC. It's hard to find a better way to prove that than against the defending champions. How to watch: 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+ The NFC championship game many expected last season will happen this year in primetime. These two teams lost a combined three of four coordinators in the offseason but remain two of the best rosters in the conference. This is the final of Detroit's primetime games, barring a change in Week 18 against the Bears. It comes a week after a road game against Washington. Meanwhile, Philadelphia will be fresh off their "Monday Night Football" game on the road against the Packers. How to watch: 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock The top primetime games of the season round out with a battle between two of the final four teams in the AFC playoffs a year ago. Buffalo's offense should be dynamic again and the defense could be improved thanks to offseason additions. Houston has a new offensive coordinator in place, and the impressive defense could improve with development and additions via trade and the draft. Houston needed a field goal as time expired to beat Buffalo a year ago. We could see another close battle once again. How to watch: 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL schedule release: Best primetime games of 2025 season

byRicky Wilson

in

May 14, 2025

2025 NFL schedule release: Bills-Ravens rematch tops 8 best primetime games

2025 NFL schedule release: Bills-Ravens rematch tops 8 best primetime games NFLteams are in the thick of the offseason. Rookie minicamps are...

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