SneakerReporter 2019 NBA Week Preview 11/4-11/11

SneakerReporter 2019 NBA Week Preview 11/4-11/11

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by | Nov 5, 2019 | Featured, NBA

It would seem that the league has started to gain their footing, with all teams coming out with a W under the win column after this week. But now we take a look into this week and what match-ups that should be on everyone’s radar beginning with today’s game.

Kicking things off on a Monday we have a game against the Bucks and the Timberwolves. Both teams are coming off wins on Saturday against the Raptors and Wizards, respectively. Starting off with the Wolves, they’ve been able to pick up the slack with KAT being suspended after the altercation with Embiid in Philly. They had six players scoring in double figures last time out with 33 assists amongst the entire roster, and hope to do the same versus a very strong Bucks team. As for the Bucks, they’ve been showing glimpses of what the team was last season, despite losing some of their key players off the bench. They had decent scoring amongst their roster with only four players in double figures, but one of those players just so happens to be last year’s league MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Going into this game each team has specific keys to win the game. For the Bucks, they have to limit scoring and shut down passing lanes that could lead to open and easy shots. As for the Timberwolves, their biggest key to win is stopping Giannis.

On Tuesday we have a game against the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets. The Heat have recently gotten Butler back after sitting out the first couple of games. Although he’s still trying to get into the swing of things, he has a solid team surrounding him that can make things easier for him throughout the course of the season. As for the Nuggets, they’re right where we as NBA fans expect them to be towards the top of the Conference standings. The Heat have been playing much better than most initially speculated during the off-season, starting off with a record of 5-1. They’ve had good production throughout the entire roster with amazing contributions from rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro. A lot of these Heat players are really coming into their own, most notably Heat Center Bam Adebayo. While on the discussion of notable Centers, however, Adebayo and the Heat will be tested to say the least against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. The Nuggets have been able to consistently be a good team with their starting five. Add in Michael Porter Jr. back into the mix after missing out last season, and the team only gets better.

On Wednesday we’re in for what should be a battle between the Bucks and the Clippers. We’ve already touched upon the Bucks for Monday’s game but it should be really interesting to see last year’s MVP go up against last year’s NBA Finals MVP in Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers have really came out of the gates so far this season, playing a brand of basketball that has been exciting to watch for anyone who loves the game of basketball. This team has shown that they can still play a very good brand of basketball even without Paul George stepping onto the floor yet. Kawhi has been putting up insane numbers so far this season, leading the Clippers statistically in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. This may sound awfully familiar, for this is also the case for Giannis, leading the Bucks in the all five categories. This match-up is going to be a good one, with two of the league’s best going head-to-head on Wednesday night.

Moving onto Thursday, we got the Clippers again going up against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers are in for another challenge going up against one of the many powerhouse teams in the Western Conference, but if anyone were to stand a chance in my opinion, it would be Damian Lillard and the Blazers. The Blazers have started off the season with a record of 3-3 so far and hope to get some more under the win column. The backcourt duo of Lillard and McCollum have been their usual selves, leading the team in scoring, and hope that they can get some more production from the rest of their roster. This should be an interesting challenge for them, considering they will be facing a very strong defensive team with names like Kawhi, Beverly, and Harrell on the other end.

We’re moving to Friday’s match-up now, where the Miami Heat will be taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are currently standing at the top of the Western Conference, with the duo of James and Davis really coming into effect. Not only that but the veteran roster that this team has acquired over the offseason has seemed to be paying off, with players like Danny Green and Dwight Howard really coming into their own. Now with Kuzma back in the fold of things, the team has shown a lot of upside, winning with big margins as well as pulling out victories in close games. This match-up should be particularly interesting with a fairly young Heat team going up against a team with a lot of seasoned veterans in the Lakers.

Getting into the weekend, on Saturday we have a game between the Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs. The match-up between these two teams are very interesting to me, for they’re both organizations that take pride in playing team basketball, both teams having more than five players averaging double digit points. This game, like Friday’s, is also a bit of a young vs. old (for lack of a better word) match-up, with names like Taytum and Brown going up against veteran names like DeRozan and Aldridge. Regardless of are these teams facing off should be an interesting one to watch for those who appreciate team basketball.

To wrap things up for the week on Sunday we have a game with the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns. The Nets have had their struggles so far this season with a record of 2-4, but should never be counted out with the roster that they have, specifically with Kyrie Irving. On the flip side of things, the Suns have gotten out to a surprising 4-2 this season. The Nets have been playing a solid brand of basketball with Kyrie leading the team in scoring by an astounding margin. Irving has averaged 30.5 points a game so far, with the next highest average being 18.8 in Caris LeVert. For the Suns, they have six players averaging double figures this season, which is a huge positive for Suns fans considering their 19-63 record last season. Having Devin Booker and Kyrie Irving face off against one another should be a very fun game to watch for NBA fans as well.

Nov 5, 2019 No Comments
Kyrie Curates His Creativity On The Nike Kyrie 6

Kyrie Curates His Creativity On The Nike Kyrie 6

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by | Nov 4, 2019 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

With Kyrie Irving’s fresh start in Brooklyn comes a fresh pair of kicks. The Nike Kyrie 6 is set to be one of the hottest Kyries in the history of his young but storied line. Alongside Benjamin Nethongkome, who has been working on the Kyrie line since the Kyrie 3, Kyrie Irving has created a shoe combines current technology with a purposefully retro aesthetic. This amalgamation is representative of Kyrie’s performance, dynamic and electrifying, as well as his eclectic, old soul character off the court. 

The Kyrie 6 has the staples of a perfect Kyrie shoe and Nethongkome has it down to a science, saying, “I know what Kyrie wants from an overall feel. There is a certain formula: An extra-padded tongue, almost SB style, and a cushy collar, combined with support in the midfoot.” The Kyrie 6 is also 5mm closer to the ground to pair with the dynamic new Traction 360 grip for improved feel on the court. Kyrie’s love for a midfoot strap stays true but for the Kyrie 6 they’ve opted for a more traditional strap in lieu of the Venus flytrap-style design of the Kyrie 5. The curved outsole of the Kyrie 5 also makes its return to provide the crafty point guard premium grip whether attacking, banking, or cutting. 

Visually the shoe is a calculated blend of Kyrie’s personality with an injection of the unadulterated cool the 90s era Nike shoes.  “The Zoom Airbag, 360 traction and the strap — the technology defines the functionality of the shoe.” said Kyrie. He then added “But it’s evolved into a beautiful design that incorporates different inspirations from past Nike shoes. What’s history without utilizing it and implementing it into your own style and your own swag?”

Kyrie’s unique personality also makes for some pretty cool detailing on the shoe as well. The pronounced heel counter once again features his beloved healer’s hand motif and the All-Seeing Eye appears on the midfoot strap as well as on the shoe’s traction pattern. His number 11 and his personal mantra “humble and hungry” make their return as well as what seems to be the Leo constellation. The Kyrie line has increasingly become an outlet for Irving’s personal loves and convictions with the Kyrie 5 having some of his most bold colorways yet. With the dynamic design of the Kyrie 6, Kyrie and his team at Nike are sure to continue to drop some of the most inspired colorways in Nike footwear. 

The Kyrie 6 will be available November 22nd and will retail for $130. Keep it locked for more colorways and collaborations. 

Nov 4, 2019 No Comments
Top 15 Kicks Worn During Week 2 of NBA Season

Top 15 Kicks Worn During Week 2 of NBA Season

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by | Nov 4, 2019 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

Things are heating up in the NBA as the calendar officially moves from October to November. The once high and mighty Warriors dynasty is even more in shambles this week with Steph Curry out 6-8 weeks with a broken hand. The Lakers seem to be a force to be reckoned with, having won 5 straight games since their opening night loss to the Clippers. The Nuggets and Clippers will have a stronghold on the Western Conference as well. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have the Philadelphia 76ers looking like a true contender in the East. Can the potent duo of Russell Westbrook and James Harden prove to be a working formula, even with little to no defense being played on that team?

The Nike Kobe 4 Protros are still being seen in large quantities throughout the league, but this week had older, classic silhouettes, sprinkled in. The Jordan XXXIV’s are on a path like no other Jordan signature shoe has been on in some time. With how well Jayson Tatum is playing right now it was smart of Jordan Brand to have him be the head endorser of MJ’s 34th edition to his line. Custom sneakers are becoming more prevalent in the NBA, as players get more creative with their ideas and what to base the custom artwork around. Additionally, will anyone be able to compete with P.J. Tucker this season when it comes to kicks on court, who isn’t a signature athlete? Look below to see who rounded out this week’s Top 15 Kicks Worn During Week 2 of the NBA Season.

 

 

15. Q4 Sports The Specialist “Flint Tropics” Custom – Langston Galloway – Detroit Pistons

 

     

 

 

14. Reebok Answer V BBC Icecream (ComplexCon 2019) – Montrezl Harrell – Los Angeles Clippers

 

     

 

 

13. Nike Shox BB4 P.E. – Vince Carter – Atlanta Hawks

 

     

 

 

12. Jordan XXXIV P.E. – Rui Hachimura – Washington Wizards

 

     

 

 

11. Nike Adapt BB Custom – Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies

 

     

 

 

10. Li-Ning Way of Wade 7 “Rick Ross” – Montrezl Harrell – Los Angeles Clippers

 

     

 

 

9. Nike Kobe 8 All-Star “Area 72” – Allonzo Trier – New York Knicks

 

     

 

 

8. Jordan XXXIV P.E. – Cody Zeller – Charlotte Hornets

 

     

 

 

7. Jordan Why Not Zer0.2 SE “Rocko’s Modern Life” – Russell Westbrook – Houston Rockets

 

     

 

 

6. Nike Kobe 5 “Draft Day” – Buddy Hield – Sacramento Kings

 

     

 

 

5. Jordan XXXIV “Blue O” P.E. – Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics

 

     

 

 

4. Nike Lebron XVII P.E. – Lebron James – Los Angeles Lakers

 

     

 

 

3. Nike Kyrie 5 “Mom” x Sneaker Room (ComplexCon) – Kyrie Irving – Brooklyn Nets

 

     

 

 

2. Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Scream” Custom – Gary Harris – Denver Nuggets

 

     

 

 

1. Nike Lebron VIII “112” (Clark Kent) – P.J. Tucker – Houston Rockets

 

     

Nov 4, 2019 No Comments
BREAKING NEWS: Miami Dolphins Running Back Mark Walton Suspended for Four Games

BREAKING NEWS: Miami Dolphins Running Back Mark Walton Suspended for Four Games

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by | Nov 4, 2019 | Featured, NFL

The celebration in Miami didn’t last long. Just a day after winning their first game of the season and erasing any chance of being named the worst team in NFL history, the Miami Dolphins lost a key piece.

Running back Mark Walton was suspended four games due to an arrest during the offseason prior to him becoming a member of the Dolphins.

Miami just traded former starter Kenyan Drake at the deadline after Walton usurped him in the pecking order in the backfield. This leaves Kalen Ballage as the lone running back on the team who has attempted a rush this season.

 

 

Nov 4, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

Primetime Preview: Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

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by | Nov 4, 2019 | Featured, NFL

 

This divisional matchup has produced a lot of great memories and on Monday night they will look to continue that. Both teams are in need of a huge win with the Philadelphia Eagles moving to 5-4 in the division. We begin with the New York Giants who made the move to go to Daniel Jones early in the season over Eli Manning. Jones has shown a lot of promise in his starts but also has shown that he’s still a rookie trying to navigate through the NFL as there will be bumps in the road. Jones has thrown for 1,466 yards and 10 touchdowns with 7 interceptions. A lot of his mistakes came against that stout New England Patriots defense but other than that game he’s shown a lot of growth and promise. Against the Cowboys, Daniel Jones will have to look to his playmakers Evan Engram and Saquon Barkley in order to be successful. Saquon Barkley is a generational talent and he can change the course of any game in the blink of an eye. The last time these two teams met Saquon went off for 120 yards rushing on 11 rushes. He will look to continue that against the Cowboys tonight in New York. When Saquon is in a zone he can beat you running and receiving out the backfield. The run after the catch for Saquon is incredible because he can hit you with a mean stiff arm and with the combination of his speed it will be tough for the Cowboys to hold that to a minimum. The wide receiver core for the Giants has been banged up all season as it’s pretty much the next man up mentality as Golden Tate will be the number 1 tonight. With Sterling Shepard back in the concussion protocol look for Tate and Engram to soak up a lot of targets against that Cowboys defense tonight. The Giants offense has been okay on the year but the defense has looked suspect at times with teams being able to throw all over the secondary. If the New York Giants are going to win this game they will need for the defense to at least try to slow down the high powered Cowboys offense a little bit if they want to even make this a game. The Cowboy defense will have their hands full with Saquon Barkley all night and if the Giants win this game it will be on his tree-trunk legs for the night.

 

 

Just like the New York Giants have Saquon Barkley the Cowboys have Ezekiel Elliott. Tonight will be the night for Elliott to feast against the Giants defense he hasn’t been able to stop any running backs. The last time these two played Zeke only had 53 yards rushing but that was a Zeke coming in from missing training camp on his holdout. Now that we are halfway into the season the Cowboys will be looking to feed their running back who they believe can bring them to the Superbowl. One thing about Ezekiel Elliott is the fact that he’s grown as a pass-catching back and someone that Dak Prescott can depend on at any moment in the game. Usually, quarterbacks have tight ends as safety blankets but in this case, Dak always looks for number 21 at all times. This has been the season for Dak Prescott as he’s been off to a great start with 2,123 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Dak has been playing like a man that wants/needs to get paid and he’s been running the offense smoother than the past years. Dak should be able to have a field day against the weak secondary of the New York Giants as they give up a lot of passing yards and passing touchdowns. Look for Dak Prescott to find his healthy and ready to go number 1 receiver on the team, Amari Cooper, as he’s been a complete monster all season with or without his injuries. Last time Amari Cooper saw the Giants he had 6 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. We should see a repeat of that in this game tonight against the Giants as there was no way Jenkins was going to be able to hold him in that secondary. The Cowboys defense has been the biggest question for this team as far as them being complete. If this defense can get it together against the Giants that will be a great sign for moving forward. The Cowboys secondary has been struggling as it was noticeable because they were trying to pry Adams from the Jets.

 

 

Both teams need this game badly but this should be a semi-shootout as the running backs will try to lead their teams. The edge goes to the Cowboys as they have the quarterback, wide receiver, running back trio that can score at any moment of a game. The Giants are banged up and that would make it tough for anyone against the Cowboys who are coming off a bye waiting for you. This division is always close when it’s crunch time and these games do matter in a division that truly hates each other on the field. We should be in for a real treat tonight as NFL fans and it will be a battle either way regardless of who wins this game.

 

Score Prediction: Dallas Cowboys Win (28-17)

Nov 4, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens

Primetime Preview: New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens

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by | Nov 4, 2019 | Featured, NFL

 

The undefeated (8-0) New England Patriots will be heading to Baltimore to battle the Ravens and their leader Lamar Jackson. This will be the first test for the Patriots defense on the season as they face off against one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. The Patriots schedule hasn’t been tough at all and this will be their first true test so we can see what they’re really made of. One thing we know about Bill Belicheck is that he’s going to try to take away the best player but in this case, it’s the quarterback. The Patriots don’t want Jackson to get comfortable in the pocket at all and want him to try and force throws all night. Jackson has been great at decision making this season as he has shown when to run and when to throw.

 

This season Jackson has a lot of playmakers alongside him as they brought in Mark Ingram for big games like this so they can try to run the ball and clock to keep Tom Brady off the field. Ingram has been able to ground and pound all year which has helped Lamar get his throws off keeping the defense honest. The Patriots will have their hands full as the Ravens have some great receivers as well. Hollywood Brown and Mark Andrews have been huge targets for Jackson all season so they will try to continue that against the best defense in the NFL. The Ravens did improve on the defensive end as they now have Marcus Peters and Earl Thomas in the secondary trying to shut down some of Brady’s weapons in the receiving core. The Ravens and Patriots have always been a good rivalry and the Ravens will do whatever they can to make sure they get the win.

 

 

The Patriots have the best coach and best quarterback in the NFL and they’ve shown that all season with their start. This is the most complete Patriots since the 2007 season and the defense has been unbelievable this season. The way the defense has played this season has been a breath of fresh air for Tom Brady and the offense. This defense has had a light schedule but they have been destroying all the teams in their way. This defense doesn’t allow any touchdowns and they don’t like anyone throwing on them either. The Patriots lead the NFL in takeaways and that has helped Tom Brady be able to have a great field position and also it has put the offense in a better position to win. The Patriots lost Gronk, Gordon, and have a banged-up James White but this hasn’t stopped them. The Ravens will try to make it tough on Brady but the way this run game has been kicking it into high gear with Sony Michel has been a huge turnaround from the beginning of the season. It seems like the Patriots can throw anyone on the offensive side and Brady will make them look like a star.

 

 

 

This Patriots team can beat you in all phases of the game it seems like this season and the Ravens would have to play a perfect game to even have a chance to win. The Patriots offense, defense, and special teams have been excellent all season long and will try to confuse the Ravens throughout the game. The Patriots will be leaning on Julian Edelman heavy in the offseason like they have all season if they want to win this game. Julian Edelman has become the safety blanket for Tom in this offense and the Patriots can’t overlook the Ravens at all as this should be a great Sunday Night Football duel.

 

Score Prediction: New England Patriots Win (34-24)

Nov 4, 2019 No Comments