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The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Denver Nuggets in the third game of this second round series. For the first time, the series shifts to Denver as the two sides meet in Ball Arena.
Oklahoma City and Denver will need to try to battle it out for the swing game of this series. With a quick turnaround including travel the side that lands the first punch tonight has the best chance to parlay that into a win.
The old adage in the NBA is that role players play better at home. The Denver Nuggets have yet to find the bottom of the net consistently from beyond the arc in this series and that has to swing at home. The Thunder have been really good on the road this season but have yet to shoot the ball well from deep in this setting on the road.
Through two games, the two sides have had time to feel one another out. This contest will be one that should see plenty of chess matches and wrinkles a plenty. Though, in Game 3, both bench bosses have elected to keep the starting five the same as the previous two tilts.
NBA Starting Lineup
Oklahoma City Thunder Starters
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G
Lu Dort, G
Jalen Williams, F
Chet Holmgren, F
Isaiah Hartenstein, C
Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup
Jamal Murray, G
Christian Braun, G
Michael Porter Jr., F
Aaron Gordon, F
Nikola Jokic, C
Up next, these two teams face off again in Denver on Sunday afternoon with tip-off slated for 2:30 PM CT.
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What the Celtics must do this season to still be a contender
The Boston Celtics were riding a high just a few months ago. After winning the 2024 NBA Championship behind Jayson Tatum’s MVP-level run and a suffocating defense, everything seemed aligned for another deep playoff run. But the 2025 postseason turned out to be brutal. Tatum suffered a torn Achilles in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season. Without him, Boston’s championship window has taken a massive hit, and the team’s front office hasn’t exactly eased the blow. Jrue Holiday was traded shortly after the Finals, Kristaps Porzingis was moved to clear cap space and Georges Niang was flipped for second-rounders. Its latest addition has been Chris Boucher on a $3.3M deal — a solid role player, but far from a needle-mover. What’s left is a roster that still features a strong backcourt, but one that feels dramatically imbalanced. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are a top-tier defensive tandem, Payton Pritchard continues to prove his worth as a spark plug off the bench and Anfernee Simons, acquired in the Holiday trade, brings serious scoring upside. On paper, it’s a solid perimeter group, but the problem is everything else. Boston’s frontcourt now lacks size, rim protection and versatility. Boucher can offer hustle and weakside shot-blocking, but he’s not a true anchor. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta have shown flashes but can’t be trusted over long stretches, especially against elite bigs. The Celtics are trying to hold on while lowering their apron expenses, but it’s clear they’ll need some creative maneuvering to stay competitive. One option is betting on internal growth. Simons has never been a strong defender, but Boston’s culture might bring out more from him on that end. Boucher will have to punch above his contract value. Most importantly, Brown will need to become more than a secondary star — he has to be a leader. That includes improving his decision-making, his passing under pressure and consistently taking on the toughest defensive assignments. The good news is that Boston’s perimeter defense could still be elite. White and Brown are capable of locking down backcourts. Pritchard plays with energy and there’s hope that Simons can improve within a more disciplined system. But with no real interior presence, it’ll be relying heavily on rotations and help defense every night. The Celtics do have some financial flexibility after clearing Porzingis and Holiday’s contracts. They might pursue a veteran, via trade, or take a flyer on a buyout candidate later in the season. But those moves won’t bring back the impact of Tatum or Porzingis. This version of Boston doesn’t have the talent to realistically win a title — but it could still be dangerous, especially if Brown embraces his role as the focal point and some of the younger players step up. There’s also the question of what this season means long-term. Is this just a one-year setback while Tatum recovers, or is this the beginning of a transitional phase for a franchise that might need to pivot sooner than expected? For now, the Celtics have no choice but to fight. They’ve got heart, playoff experience and one of the best defensive backcourts in the league. That won’t be enough to repeat as champions, but it might keep them in the mix. If they can grind out a playoff spot and stay competitive, that alone would be a victory. Still, the margin for error is razor-thin — and if things go sideways early, Boston could find itself facing much bigger questions than just how to survive one season without Tatum.
Complete Recap Raiders vs. Seahawks: Good, Bad, Ugly
SEATTLE, Wash.—The Las Vegas Raiders returned Pete Carroll to the Pacific Northwest at beautiful Lumen Field tonight, but it wasn’t the outcome the future Hall of Fame head coach desired. The Raiders completed their first preseason game of the year with a 23-23 tie. It was a typical first preseason game for both teams in which they looked sloppy, made plenty of mistakes, but also gave their respective fan bases some things to cheer about. Pete Carroll was encouraged by his team competing to the very end. The Good Rookie quarterback Cam Miller had an impressive performance as he transitions from FCS to the NFL. Although it's worth noting that he wasn't facing the Seattle Seahawks' starting lineup, or even most of their second team, Miller completed six of seven passes for 76 yards and threw one touchdown, achieving an outstanding rating of 151.5. How big is the transition from FCS to the NFL? He mentioned in the locker room that he had never needed to use a silent snap count in college. Isaiah Pola-Mao (IPM), the emerging star, made a terrific interception early in the game against a strong group of Seahawks players. I believed that when he arrived as an undrafted free agent, he would need some time to develop, but that he had the potential to play at this level. So far, he has done nothing to change that opinion. I think he is a year away from reaching his full potential, but I expect him to become a Pro Bowl-caliber starter by 2026. Thomas Booker, a third-year defensive tackle from Stanford, delivered his best performance of the preseason tonight. He showcased impressive motor and mobility, making a strong statement on the field. He ended the game with four tackles but played a significant role in several other plays as well. The phrase "Can’t keep a good man down" perfectly describes sophomore running back Dylan Laube's journey. At the start of camp, there was speculation that if rookie Tommy Mellott could successfully transition to the role, Laube might be left behind. However, Laube has stepped up impressively, excelling on special teams and delivering a remarkable performance on offense. He recorded four rushes for 31 yards, one catch for six yards, and scored one touchdown. The Bad Wide receiver Alex Bachman has had one of the best preseasons of anyone on the team, earning a spot on the 53-man roster. However, a non-contact injury late in the first half raised concerns. During the game, he recorded two catches for 36 yards, but another impressive catch that gained significant yardage was nullified by a penalty committed by rookie offensive tackle Charles Grant. Carroll said afterward, when I asked about Bachman, that he had been hurt earlier in camp, but did return. The Ugly Aidan O’Connell, in the first half, had a challenging performance. He underthrew a deep ball intended for an open Dont’e Thornton, leading to an interception. Later, he was baited into making another poor throw, resulting in his second turnover of the game. Describing O'Connell's performance in the first half as disappointing would be an understatement; it was nothing short of ugly. He was 9/18, for 114 yards and had an abysmal rating of 30.6 to end the first half. Credit the Raiders and AOC. I didn't think they would keep AOC in to start the 2nd half. They did, and he immediately rewarded them with a TD drive, culminating in a TD pass to Dylan Laube—an enormous confidence builder for AOC. He finished the night 18/30, for 205 yards. His rating rose to 63.9. Find us on X (formerly Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and Instagram @HondoSr and talk to us in 2025 about the Raiders and more. While here, check out our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE to discuss all Raiders content in 2025.
Palworld Studio Adds Another 'Exciting Game' to Its Growing List of Hits
Palworld Studio’s publishing division seems to have a knack for grabbing attention lately, and they’re not slowing down. The studio behind the highly anticipated monster-collecting survival game Palworld just announced they’ve signed yet another “very exciting game” to their lineup. And yes, we’re all ears—though we’re still trying to figure out how they balance releasing one banger after another without breaking a sweat. Their latest announcement follows hot on the heels of their impressive work backing a new horror game featuring talent tied to Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy. It seems their publishing arm is becoming the go-to for delivering games that make players pause their beloved playthroughs and say, “Alright, fine, take my money.” What’s next, world domination? At this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised. Palworld’s Publishing Momentum is Unstoppable It’s no secret that Palworld itself has been a major talking point in the gaming sphere. This isn’t just your average monster-collecting game; it’s a delightfully chaotic mashup of Pokémon-like creature taming mixed with dystopian survival elements. And yes, you can wield guns while standing alongside your adorable (and potentially exploitable) pals. If that doesn’t scream absurd fun, what does? But what’s intriguing about Palworld Studio is how their publishing arm continues to expand with titles that don’t just ride on the coattails of Palworld’s buzz. Instead, they’re curating a diverse collection of innovative games that somehow scream “this is worth your time” even before you hit the download button. It’s becoming apparent that they’ve tapped into something most publishers can only dream of. From Horror to Hopeful Anticipation The recent horror game they helped bring to life is evidence of Palworld’s ability to pick winners. Featuring developers with experience on mammoth titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy, this game blurred the line between spine-tingling chills and jaw-dropping visuals. The kind of game that makes you want to leave the lights on, but also keeps you glued to the screen. This success wasn’t just a one-off. It proved that their publishing arm isn’t about quantity for the sake of it, but about finding games with real potential to connect with audiences. And now, with the news of their next “exciting game” signing, the studio is making it clear they’re not just a one-hit (Palworld) wonder. What Makes Palworld Studio Unique? What’s refreshing about the Studio is that they’re building a reputation not only for their own creations but also for their keen eye as a publisher. They’re choosing projects that feel distinct, well-crafted, and most importantly, fun. This combination of bold decision-making and a knack for gaming trends is likely why they’ve been so successful in catching the attention of hardcore gamers and casual players alike. While some publishers flood the market with games that feel like clones of one another, Palworld seems laser-focused on quality and originality. Whether it’s through survival horror or creature-collecting madness, they’re ensuring that each game they touch carves its own identity in the vast gaming landscape. What’s the Mystery Game? Of course, the identity of their latest “very exciting game” is still under wraps, and we’re left to speculate (read “obsessively refresh the news feed”) about what it could be. Is it another survival title? A new RPG with mind-blowing mechanics? Or perhaps something totally out of left field? The one thing we do know is that Palworld Studio has already proven its ability to deliver. Their track record alone is enough to keep gamers invested, and whatever this new project is, expectations are sky-high. No pressure, right? What Does the Future Hold for Palworld Studio? With Palworld still riding a tidal wave of hype and their publishing portfolio growing stronger with every announcement, it’s safe to say Palworld Studio has carved a spot for themselves as a major player in the industry. And if their next project lands as well as their previous efforts, they might just redefine everyone’s expectations for what a modern game studio and publisher can achieve. While we wait (impatiently) for their sensational mystery game to be revealed, all eyes are on Palworld. Will their unique blend of chaos and charm live up to the hype when it eventually drops? Judging by their track record, we’re willing to bet on it. Why Palworld Should Be On Your Radar If you haven’t been following the studio’s meteoric rise, you’re missing out. Whether it’s their quirky and ambitious Palworld or their growing list of well-crafted published games, everything this studio touches seems to turn into a hit. And with their latest announcement promising yet another gem on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to keep Palworld Studio on your radar (and your wishlist). Stay tuned, because if one thing’s clear about Palworld Studio, it’s that they’re just getting started.
Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd Makes 1 Promise Amid Frustrating Setbacks
The Green Bay Packers are excited to find out what a whole healthy season from running back MarShawn Lloyd can contribute to their offense. Sure, the Packers have an elite running back as the top option on the ground in the form of Josh Jacobs, but Lloyd presents an exciting potential that remains untapped, in large part because of health setbacks. Lloyd played in only one game in 2024, his first season in the NFL. In the 2024 offseason, he dealt with hip and hamstring injuries. In Week 1 of the 2024 season, the former USC Trojans star running back suffered an ankle injury that landed him on the injured reserve. Just when he was about to get back to action, he was hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy. Lloyd looked forward to the 2025 offseason and was among the most noticeable players in training camp until suffering a non-contact injury that has since sidelined him. Despite all that he’s gone through, Lloyd remains optimistic. Lloyd determined to make an impact in Year 2 with Green Bay Packers “It did. It does,” Lloyd said when asked about whether the setbacks had bothered him (h/t a video posted by Dominique Yates of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel). Selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Packers, Lloyd knows that it’s “going to be fun” once he gets unleashed on the field again. “But at the end of the day, I just got to stay in my face, you know, I feel like everything happens for a reason when, you know, when it’s time, you know, like I said, God’s gonna give me the strength to be able to do things I need to do. And when he lets me loose, it’s going to be a fun one. It’s going to be a good one. I’m excited to play with, you know, guys like Josh Jacobs, guys like Amalia Wilson, and guys like Chris Brooks. So it’s going to be, it’s going to be fun. I’m excited.” It remains to be seen whether Lloyd will get the green light to see some snaps in this coming Saturday’s preseason game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. But at least he’s already started rehabbing, which is a good sign for his chances to play in the Packers’ 2025 season opener at home against the Detroit Lions.
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