Davante Adams wants to remain a Raider in 2023

Despite the Raiders parting ways with Derek Carr, Davante Adams wants to stay in Las Vegas next season.

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1. Davante Adams wants to remain a Raider in 2023

Despite the Raiders parting ways with Derek Carr, Davante Adams wants to stay in Las Vegas next season and The Sporting Tribune’s Ryan Sakamoto has the latest from Raiders headquarters.

When the Las Vegas Raiders announced the benching of quarterback Derek Carr, one player that was very vocal about the move was two-time All-Pro wide receivers Davante Adams. Adams said he wouldn’t be in Las Vegas today if it weren’t for Carr, his good friend and college teammate, recruiting him to the Raiders. But he also said that playing for his hometown team having grown-up in East Palo Alto was a dream come true.

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2. Silver Knights come to big brother’s aid

The Golden Knights' AHL affiliate in Henderson has delivered during the Vegas Golden Knights' run of injuries in the last month. The Sporting Tribune’s Steve Carp has more on the on the Silver Knights providing a silver lining for their big brothers.

There was a sense of normalcy inside T-Mobile Arena Thursday night. Jack Eichel was back in the Vegas Golden Knights’ lineup after missing 11 straight games with a lower body injury. Having No. 9 on the ice was big, not just for 5-on-5 situations, but for the power play, where he helps quarterback things and is so smart with and without the puck. He also helped the Knights keep their collective heads above water at home with a goal and a pair of assists as Vegas defeated the suddenly struggling Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 to begin a season-long seven-game homestand. It was Pittsburgh’s sixth game straight game without a victory.

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3. UCLA shuts down a late rally by USC

After the Bruins led early the Trojans clawed their way back into the game but UCLA shut down USC’s late effort to pick up the victory, 60-58. The Sporting Tribune’s Kamran Nia has more from Pauley Pavilion.

The No. 10 UCLA Bruins pulled out the late win. Early dominance led them to victory, winning their eleventh straight game by beating their crosstown foe, the USC Trojans, 60-58. Early in the matchup, Adem Bona leaped up and blocked Kobe Johnson’s layup, then slammed in a transition dunk as Pauley Pavilion erupted with cheers. It was evident to the home crowd that early momentum was in the Bruins’ favor.

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4. Austin Ekeler earns Offensive Player of the Week honors

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career. The Sporting Tribune’s Fernando Ramirez has more from Chargers headquarters.

Austin Ekeler put on a show in the Chargers home finale against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. His performance earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career. Ekeler carried the ball ten times for 122 rushing yards plus two touchdowns. One of his bigger plays came in the second quarter, when he took a hand-off, followed his blocking, and sprinted 72 yards; only Rams cornerback Troy Hill touched him. “In my head, I remembered my old run from the Browns game, and I was just in my head thinking, ‘Do not get caught. Do not get caught. Pick up my knees and run.’ I had just enough speed to make it there,” Ekeler said.

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5. BINGO: Three Questions with Ralph Lawler

Ralph Lawler, who retired from broadcasting as one of the all-time greats after the 2018-19 season, remains beloved by Clippers followers across the world. His longevity and talent made him as identifiable to fans as just about any player in team history. The Hall of Famer agreed to provide some personal insight into the season for The Sporting Tribune and here’s a preview from this week’s dispatch.

Kawhi Leonard’s presence and return to near normal minutes and quality of play raises the potential for the Clippers in a very dramatic fashion. He impacts the game BIG time at both ends of the court. There seems to be some uncertainty over how much “small ball” benefits the team. It has been tough to tell for sure because of injuries. I do not think Coach Lue does anything that is equally or more important than winning. They will figure this out. This team has the potential to land the best record in the West. That would serve them well in the playoffs and that is why EVERY game is important.

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6. Angel City FC acquire No. 1 overall pick in NWSL draft

Angel City FC now hold the No. 1 selection in next week’s 2023 NWSL Draft after completing a pair of trades on Thursday. The Sporting Tribune has more on the blockbuster deal.

Angel City FC dealt its initial first-round pick (No. 5 overall), its second-round pick in 2024 and $200,000 to the Portland Thorns to acquire midfielder Yazmeen Ryan. Then the Los Angeles-based club traded Ryan and $250,000 to NJ/NY Gotham FC in exchange for the No. 1 pick. Angel City will use the selection to sign Harvard-Westlake’s Alyssa Thompson.

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7. Odds and Ends presented by Circa Sports

Here are some odds at Circa Sports if you’re thinking about placing a wager today:

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8. Ticket Time presented by TickPick  

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks: $32

Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers: $101

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9. On the Air presented by Coca-Cola

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

6:00 p.m. – LA Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves – Bally Sports SoCal

7:00 p.m. – San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks – Hulu

7:30 p.m. – Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers –  Spectrum SportsNet

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10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune 

On Thursday’s show, the crew welcomed back The Sporting Tribune’s Arash Markazi into the studio after his week-long trip to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl.   

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Fan in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

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That’s it for today. Talk to you on Monday!