Hornets’ Kon Knueppel drops ‘potluck’ claim after Charlotte’s 136-point explosion

It was an explosive start to the season as the Charlotte Hornets’ offense came alive in a 136-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Impressively, all five starters for Charlotte scored in double digits, and four bench players also contributed 10 or more points in the Hornets’ season opener.

Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel described the team’s balanced scoring effort, saying, “It was kind of like a potluck tonight. Everybody was eating. That’s fun basketball, and that’s how it’s supposed to be played. So, hopefully, we can keep that going.”

Expectations for the Hornets were low heading into the season, with many analysts predicting a bottom-of-the-standings finish. However, Charlotte showcased something special in their dominant win over the Nets, giving their fans plenty to celebrate. In fact, the Hornets set a franchise record for most points in a season-opening game, according to Sam Perley of Hornets.com.

Leading the charge was Brandon Miller, who tallied 25 points on 8-for-19 shooting. LaMelo Ball also had a strong showing with 20 points and eight assists, while Miles Bridges added 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Rookie Kon Knueppel made an impressive debut, contributing 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Fellow rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner recorded a double-double in his NBA regular-season debut, posting 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Off the bench, Collin Sexton led with 15 points on 4-for-9 shooting. Moussa Diabate added 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, Tre Mann chipped in 12, and Tidjane Salaun finished with 10 points.

The Hornets’ balanced scoring played a major role in their big win. Beyond their shooting success, Charlotte also dominated the boards, winning the rebound battle 50-38—another key factor in the blowout victory.

With the season opener now behind them, the Hornets turn their attention to their next challenge. Charlotte will travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center, aiming to build on their impressive start and continue improving their position in the standings.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/charlotte-hornets/hornets-kon-knueppel-potluck-claim-charlotte-136-point-explosion

Maple Leafs Debut Surprising New Lines After Bad Loss

The Toronto Maple Leafs are back in action on Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres. This game comes after a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, a contest marked by a particularly rough second period that ultimately cost them the game.

### Line Combinations Shaken Up at Practice

When the team hit the ice for practice on October 23rd, head coach Craig Berube made significant changes to the line combinations, throwing the usual trios and duos into a blender. The result was a series of surprising new groupings that are sure to raise a few eyebrows among fans.

### Craig Berube Completely Shuffles the Top-Six

Some of the most notable shifts occurred within the top-six forward group. In their recent loss to the Devils, the top line featured Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Max Domi. The second line centered John Tavares with Matias Maccelli and William Nylander on the wings.

At practice on October 23, the top six looked like this:
– Bobby McMann
– Auston Matthews
– William Nylander
– Matthew Knies
– John Tavares
– Matias Maccelli

Bobby McMann has previously skated alongside Matthews this season, logging 3:13 together with Knies on the opposite wing. McMann’s strong scoring rate at even strength since the start of the 2023-24 season makes this new arrangement promising.

Shifting Knies down to the second line with Maccelli and Tavares also seems like a smart move. Knies can take on the role of finisher, benefiting from Tavares and Maccelli’s playmaking abilities.

### Bottom-Six Forwards and Extras

The third and fourth lines saw some adjustments as well, though not as dramatic as the top two lines. Nic Roy and Dakota Joshua remained on the third line, while Steve Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok continued as a pair on the fourth line.

Easton Cowan was inserted into the lineup, replacing the promoted Bobby McMann. This change resulted in Nick Robertson being shifted out of the lineup and Max Domi dropping down to center the new fourth line.

Head coach Craig Berube has praised Cowan’s work ethic, making his return to the lineup a reasonable decision. However, choosing to bench Robertson while the organization is actively trying to trade him raises some curiosity.

### Defensive Pairings Adjusted Without Chris Tanev

Earlier on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Maple Leafs announced that defenseman Chris Tanev had been placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 21, 2025. Following this move, the team recalled Dakota Mermis from the Toronto Marlies.

Here were the defense pairings observed at practice:
– Jake McCabe – Brandon Carlo
– Dakota Mermis – Erik Ekman-Larsson
– Simon Benoit – Philippe Myers

Mermis skated on what is believed to be Morgan Rielly’s pairing, although Rielly himself was absent from practice, according to David Alter of The Hockey News.

Jake McCabe, who was previously paired with Tanev, has most frequently partnered with Brandon Carlo since Tanev’s injury. Simon Benoit and Philippe Myers formed the third defensive pairing. If this setup holds for Friday’s game, it will mark Myers’ first appearance this season. Last year, Myers recorded five points in 36 games, averaging 16:14 of ice time per game.

### What to Expect Moving Forward

It’s not surprising to see these new defensive and forward pairings given the circumstances around Tanev’s injury. How long these combinations last remains to be seen, but it will be interesting to monitor the team’s chemistry and performance once the puck drops on Friday night against Buffalo.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/surprising-lines-william-nylander-bobby-mcmann/

“Gilbert Told on Everyone” – NBA Fans Look Back on Gilbert Arenas’ Comments After String of Gambling Arrests

Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the FBI’s gambling probe.

This development has sparked renewed attention from fans, who recalled comments made by Gilbert Arenas back in August.

The arrests mark a significant moment in the ongoing investigation, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations involved. Fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-gilbert-told-everyone-nba-fans-look-back-gilbert-arenas-comments-after-string-gambling-arrests

NFL Insider Says Changes are Coming to Miami Dolphins

One of the bigger topics in the NFL this year that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon is the mess that is the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel have become a headlining duo on what some are calling the “Tua Wrongs Don’t Make a Right” tour—playing out on the 2025 Test Stephen’s Patience Tour. You should see the t-shirts.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport weighed in on the Dolphins’ job-security situation yesterday on YouTube with a take that pretty much everyone could expect. It’s fine—it’s not rocket science with the Dolphins right now—we all know the days of McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier are numbered.

“(The Miami Dolphins) are going to roll forward with what they have, hoping the results are different,” Rapoport said, highlighting the true insanity of Dolphins’ ownership. “I think one thing that the past week’s events has showed us is that change is coming to the Dolphins. Obviously, (Mike) McDaniel is someone that Stephen Ross really likes and respects. He supported him, he chose him, he has invested in him with a big-time contract extension. He does not want to fire him. The results, though, have to change.”

The reality? They won’t.

### Change Is Coming to the Miami Dolphins Organization

There must be a method to owner Stephen Ross’s line of thinking. With a failing head coach and a quarterback who, in all likelihood, needs a fresh start elsewhere, Ross could be thinking that McDaniel is still the guy to lead this ship—at least down the super-high-draft-pick road. In this view, they could draft a suitable replacement for the aforementioned signal-caller who needs to go.

Whether or not that’s actually the case, no one really knows. But Rapoport insists that change is coming one way or another.

“And I think because of the ugly losses, because of Tua Tagovailoa throwing teammates under the bus and then recanting and walking all of that back,” Rapoport continues, “it has forced the entire nation to look at the Miami Dolphins and say, ‘What are they gonna do?’ So the Dolphins are going to get back to work this week with the hopes that the results are different, but I can pretty confidently say change is coming to the organization. It’s just a matter of how and when.”

### Former Player: Dolphins’ Regime Has to End

Rapoport isn’t alone in calling for changes in Miami. Former Dolphins guard Richie Incognito weighed in, calling the entire situation a disaster.

“I hate the whole situation they have brewing down there,” Incognito said. “This is a dumpster fire, and you have McDaniel and Tua throwing bags of gasoline into the dumpster fire.”

Incognito didn’t hold back in his criticism of leadership within the organization.

“We look at this guy on TV, I do not see a leader of men. When I’m going out there on Sunday, and I want to rip someone’s head off, I’m not getting fired up by this guy’s (McDaniel’s) pregame speech.”

He also pointed the finger squarely at Tua.

“Tua, last week, was talking about guys being late and he’s talking about leadership. Well, the leadership starts and ends with Tua because you’re the franchise quarterback. Everyone was taking sides on ‘Was he pointing fingers at the locker room?’ I think when he said ‘leadership,’ he was pointing the finger at Mike McDaniel.”

Incognito sees deeper issues beneath the surface.

“When you have people constantly late in a professional sports organization, that shows fractures. That shows favoritism. That, to me, is the biggest flaw in this entire operation.”

### What’s Next for the Dolphins?

One can only wonder if there are office pools in South Florida taking bets on when the hammer finally falls. Does McDaniel get fired before Tua actually gets benched? When will Grier have to turn in his playbook? Are parlays available?

As the Dolphins continue to stumble, one thing is clear: change is inevitable. The only question left is how soon it will come—and how deep the overhaul will be.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/mike-mcdaniel-tua-tagovailoa-stephen-ross-ian-rapoport/

Lakers Coach JJ Redick Gives Encouraging Update on Luka Doncic’s Injury

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared a promising update on Luka Doncic‘s injury ahead of Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Doncic was favoring his right groin late in the Lakers’ opening night loss to the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, coach JJ Redick told reporters after Wednesday’s practice that Doncic was a full participant. Redick described the injury as minor, but the Slovenian superstar did undergo treatment.

“He seems to be fine. I don’t think it’s anything major. He got some treatment this morning, and we didn’t practice long, but he was a participant in practice,” Redick said.

This was an encouraging update, considering Doncic’s previous issues with muscle-related injuries last season. He underwent a different offseason regimen this past summer, focusing on his body, health, and conditioning. The hard work and dedication paid off based on how well Doncic performed for Slovenia at the 2025 EuroBasket.

He also looked fantastic in the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors, finishing with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 119-109 defeat.

### Doncic Downplays Injury

Speaking at the postgame press conference on Tuesday, Luka Doncic was asked about his injury and whether it was serious. Doncic downplayed the issue and called it “nothing.” He said it was a hip issue but sounded very optimistic.

“It’s probably nothing. Just felt it a little bit because my hip went (the opposite) way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing,” Doncic said.

Obviously, some Lakers fans were concerned to see Doncic uncomfortable and in pain. The franchise has heavily invested in “The Don” this offseason, signing him to a three-year, $165 million extension, according to Spotrac.

The Lakers were already without LeBron James, who has been dealing with sciatica since late July to early August. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this week that James is targeting a return to action by mid-November.

According to Fox Sports, Doncic has had multiple injuries to his calf, knee, back, ankle, groin, and quad since December 25, 2024.

### Lakers’ Depth In Question

The Lakers entered the 2025-26 NBA season filled with hope after Luka Doncic signed an extension and LeBron James opted into the final year of his contract. However, CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin pointed out after the Lakers’ opening night loss to the Warriors that the team’s depth isn’t strong.

With James out, coach JJ Redick cannot solely rely on Doncic and Austin Reaves for the majority of their offense.

“You simply cannot rely on two dudes combining for 69 points, 18 assists and 17 rebounds while logging a combined 76 minutes, especially if you’re still losing the game. Those are not sustainable numbers through any lens,” Botkin wrote.

Redick will have to find ways to get their role players going, especially Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent, who both started against the Warriors. Hachimura had nine points in 36 minutes, while Vincent produced just two points in 29 minutes.

The Lakers’ ability to find additional contributors will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the season without their star players at full health.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers/jj-redick-update-luka-doncic-injury/

Heat’s Terry Rozier arrested in FBI gambling probe

NBA star and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested on Thursday, October 23, 2025, by the FBI. The news broke earlier that morning, sending shockwaves through the basketball community.

Rozier’s arrest is connected to an illegal sports betting and poker game scheme. According to reports, there have been “numerous” arrests related to this investigation.

Currently, Rozier is a member of the Miami Heat and is entering his second year with the team. He was originally drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 2015 NBA Draft as the 16th overall pick. After several seasons with Boston, Rozier played for the Charlotte Hornets from 2019 until 2024 before joining the Heat.

This is a developing story, and more details will be provided as they become available. Stay tuned for updates.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/miami-heat/heat-news-terry-rozier-arrested-fbi-gambling-probe

“We first met each other here in 2008” – Deccan Chargers legend catches up with Rohit Sharma during AUS vs IND 2025 2nd ODI [In Picture]

Cricket legend and former Deccan Chargers wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist recently caught up with India’s Rohit Sharma ahead of the second ODI between India and Australia.

The meeting took place at the iconic Adelaide Oval, setting the stage for an exciting contest between the two cricketing powerhouses. Fans were eager to see the camaraderie between the two stars as the series progressed.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-we-first-met-2008-deccan-chargers-legend-catches-rohit-sharma-aus-vs-ind-2025-2nd-odi-in-picture

Lions Lose Veteran Linebacker Immediately After He Returns From Injury

The Detroit Lions waited three weeks to get veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham back after a serious injury, but now he will be sidelined for at least a month—and potentially the entire season.

The team placed Cunningham on injured reserve following a hamstring injury he suffered in last week’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cunningham had just returned from a three-week absence due to another hamstring injury, making this latest setback a significant blow to his season and the team.

### Lions Lose Key Depth

Cunningham was ruled out to return last weekend during the Lions’ 24-9 victory over the conference-leading Buccaneers due to the hamstring injury. As Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire noted, this loss removes a key special teams player and situational defender from the roster.

“There is no indication if Cunningham, who plays primarily on special teams but has also worked in short-yardage and red zone packages throughout the season, will be able to return in 2024,” Risdon wrote. “The Lions facility is closed and staff are off until next week. For the year, the 30-year-old has seven tackles and one tackle for loss (TFL).”

Cunningham joined the Lions as a free agent this offseason, adding veteran experience to the linebacking corps. The 30-year-old has appeared in 106 NFL games with 86 starts, accumulating 716 total tackles over his career. This season, he has played a limited role in Detroit, featuring in four games with seven total tackles.

### Backups Come Through in the Secondary

The Lions have already faced numerous challenges on defense, particularly in the secondary. Several cornerbacks have been sidelined due to injury, and safety Brian Branch served a one-game suspension after sparking a skirmish during the team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite these setbacks, the Lions employed what head coach Dan Campbell referred to as their “Who?” secondary against the Buccaneers. Remarkably, they held Tampa Bay’s potent offense to just nine points, showcasing the resilience and depth of the team’s backup players.

As the season progresses, the Lions will need continued contributions from their depth players to navigate these injury hurdles and maintain competitive performances on defense.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-zach-cunningham-injured-reserve/

ETH and XRP Rally While BlockDAG’s BWT Alpine Formula 1® Partnership Redefines the Top Crypto to Invest In

**Ethereum & XRP Gain Bullish Momentum, While BlockDAG’s $0.0015 Price & F1® Partnership Position It as a Top Crypto to Invest In**

Market sentiment across major cryptocurrencies has improved as long-term investors refocus on utility and strategic partnerships, driving real-world exposure. Ethereum (ETH) and XRP are showing renewed optimism, supported by robust network fundamentals and growing institutional participation. Meanwhile, BlockDAG (BDAG) is attracting significant attention with its impressive presale nearing $430 million, an exclusive $0.0015 TGE code price offer, and a high-profile partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team.

### Ethereum Maintains Bullish Momentum

Ethereum’s price prediction continues its upward trend, benefitting from expanding layer-2 adoption and renewed institutional interest. Currently trading around $3,050, ETH has gained roughly 10% over the past week, driven by increased transaction volumes on major scaling solutions such as Arbitrum and Optimism.

Technical analysis shows support near $2,950, with potential upside targets around $3,250. Upcoming protocol upgrades are expected to further reduce gas fees, enhancing user experiences for DeFi and NFT applications. Ethereum’s ability to consistently attract developers and maintain liquidity dominance reaffirms its status as the leading smart contract platform.

Institutional demand is strengthening as asset managers expand their ETH holdings ahead of 2025. For investors evaluating the top cryptocurrencies to invest in, Ethereum’s blend of maturity, scalability, and ongoing innovation ensures it remains a core portfolio asset.

### XRP Extends Recovery as Market Confidence Grows

XRP’s price movement highlights improving investor sentiment following Ripple’s legal clarity and expanding real-world adoption. Trading near $0.63, XRP has maintained strong support levels while daily trading volume exceeds $1.3 billion.

This stability is supported by new cross-border payment corridors and partnerships with financial institutions across Asia and the Middle East. Analysts forecast XRP could target $0.70 in the near term if current momentum continues.

On-chain data reveals increasing wallet activity, and liquidity on Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) network remains consistent. XRP’s ability to integrate with regulated financial frameworks makes it one of the few digital assets positioned for mainstream financial use.

Its combination of institutional relevance and steady network growth keeps XRP among the most-watched assets as 2025 approaches. For investors seeking long-term, utility-based exposure, XRP remains a top crypto choice.

### BlockDAG’s $0.0015 TGE Code Offer & F1® Partnership Redefine Market Exposure

BlockDAG’s exclusive partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team marks a breakthrough moment for blockchain visibility. Announced during the Singapore Grand Prix, this collaboration integrates BlockDAG into the elite world of motorsport, linking speed, precision, and innovation with decentralized technology.

Through this partnership, BlockDAG gains exposure to millions of Formula 1® viewers worldwide. The collaboration features branding integration, fan engagement experiences, and educational campaigns aimed at introducing blockchain to a mainstream audience.

The partnership perfectly aligns BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team’s engineering excellence with BlockDAG’s scalable architecture — both driven by efficiency and high performance.

Currently, the BDAG coin is available at a special price of $0.0015 in Batch 31. This discounted rate can be unlocked by using the TGE code, which also increases the buyer’s rank for airdrop access.

Having raised nearly $430 million and sold over 27 billion coins to more than 312,000 holders, BlockDAG is preparing for its much-anticipated Genesis Day event on November 26.

BlockDAG’s hybrid Layer-1 architecture combines Proof-of-Work and Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technologies to deliver up to 15,000 transactions per second. Independent audits by CertiK and Halborn verify the system’s reliability and security, bolstering investor confidence.

The BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership elevates BlockDAG beyond mere technical innovation, positioning it as a globally recognized brand at the intersection of blockchain and motorsport. This expansion in visibility and trust has made BlockDAG a top crypto to consider for those seeking both innovation and mainstream credibility.

### Key Takeaway for Investors

Both Ethereum and XRP signal growing confidence across established crypto assets through promising price predictions and network developments. However, it is BlockDAG’s exclusive $0.0015 TGE code offer, near $430 million presale achievement, and partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team that exemplify the new direction of blockchain evolution—where real technology meets global exposure.

With over 27 billion coins sold to more than 312,000 holders and Genesis Day drawing near on November 26, BlockDAG’s combination of verified security, scalability, and world-class branding positions it as the top crypto to invest in for 2025.

As BlockDAG transitions from presale to official launch, it sets a new standard for how transparency and strategic partnerships define success in the modern crypto landscape.

**Presale & Community Links**
[Website]
[Telegram]
[Discord]

*This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related activities. Coindoo will not be liable for any damages or losses resulting from reliance on any content or services mentioned.*

**About the Author**
Krasimir Rusev is a seasoned journalist specializing in cryptocurrencies and financial markets. With years of experience covering analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, he provides readers with in-depth and reliable insights into the latest crypto market trends. His expertise makes him a valuable resource for investors, traders, and enthusiasts alike.
https://coindoo.com/eth-and-xrp-rally-while-blockdags-bwt-alpine-formula-1-partnership-redefines-the-top-crypto-to-invest-in/

3 least impressive Vancouver Canucks players 5-1 shellacking by Pittsburgh Penguins ft. Kevin Lankinen

The Vancouver Canucks suffered a heavy defeat on Tuesday night, falling 5-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG Paints Arena.

From the opening puck drop, the Penguins dominated the game, showcasing strong offensive pressure and solid defense. The Canucks struggled to keep pace, ultimately succumbing to the Penguins’ relentless attack.

This loss marks a challenging moment for Vancouver as they look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games. Fans will be hoping for a stronger performance in the next matchup.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/3-least-impressive-vancouver-canucks-players-5-1-shellacking-pittsburgh-penguins-ft-kevin-lankinen

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