Latest news with #EasternConferenceFinals
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Drake reveals he lost $8 million in sports gambling after successful $750,000 wager on IPL final
Drake is one of the popular names in the music fraternity. The rapper enjoys a strong fan following because of style and swag. Apart from this, the Canadian sensation is also involved in sports gambling. He had earlier garnered attention when he placed a successful wager on RCB to win the IPL 2025 final. However, now it has come to light that not all his bets have been that successful, Drake revealed the downside of being associated with betting. . Drake lost $8 million on sports betting Drake, who is usually present at major global sports events, is actively involved in sports gambling/betting. In a new post on Instagram Stories, he revealed that he incurred losses of $8 million in a month after placing bets of over $125 million on sports events. Drake lost $124m in a month to gambling. If he continues like this,sooner or later he'll be in debt. That's 2billion naira gone. He, however, did not specify the sports involved. That said, the NBA finals and the NHL playoffs were last month. He had earlier placed a bet of $750,000 on the IPL 2025 final, backing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru against the Punjab Kings. The former eventually won the tournament for the first time ever. What's the Drake Curse? Drake's association with sports betting has led to the 'Drake Curse', a pop culture phenomena based on the idea that any athlete or sports team backed by him usually ends up underperforming. Serena Williams, for instance, lost the 2015 U.S. Open semifinals after being seen with him. Similarly, earlier this year, the self-declared 'flawed sports bettor' placed a $1.25 million bet on the Ice Hockey team Toronto Maple Leafs emerging victorious in Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. However, that did not happen as The Leafs were eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite this, he has placed an $800,000 bet on Game 6 of the NBA Finals, with the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the series. He has also wagered $600,000 on a Thunder win and another $200,000 on them winning by 6–10 points. If both bets prove to be correct, he could earn about $1.7 million
Dominion Post
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Former WVU hoops standout Deuce McBride authors children's book
MORGANTOWN — Move over Dr. Seuss, it's time to make room for Dr. Deuce. Former WVU standout and New York Knicks guard Deuce McBride is now an author. On Wednesday, McBride announced on social media the release of his children's book 'Deuce: The Champion of Friendship.' The book can be found on and sells in paperback for $17. The project is a part of McBride seeking to 'build my legacy off the court,' he said on a social media post. The news comes just days after McBride, 24, and his girlfriend, Ana Zortea, welcomed their first child, a girl named Ace. According to the description on Amazon, the 40-page book is, 'powerful themes of empathy, inclusion, and teamwork. Deuce reminds readers that real champions aren't just the ones who win games — they're the ones who lift others up. 'Based on the real-life values of NBA player Miles 'Deuce' McBride, this story is perfect for readers ages 7–11, young athletes, and any child who's ever felt like an outsider.' The message of the book revolves around characters Deuce and Lily, who play basketball at their local court every weekend. Everything changes when they meet Ravi, a shy new kid who's never felt like he belonged. With a basketball tournament approaching, Deuce must decide if he wants to play on the team with the best players or stand alongside Ravi on a different team. In two seasons at WVU, McBride played in 60 games and averaged 15.9 points per game as a sophomore. He opted to enter the 2021 NBA Draft after his sophomore season and was taken by the Knicks in the second round. He just completed his fourth season in New York, helping the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He played in all six games against the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals, averaging 18.2 minutes of action and 5.5 points per game. McBride had his best season as a pro in 2024-25, averaging 9.5 points and 2.5 assists per game. He started 10 of the 64 games he played. McBride has one season remaining on his three-year deal signed in 2023 that pays him $13 million.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tyrese Haliburton Risking Long-Term Health? ESPN's Shams Charania Reveals Alarming Calf Strain Update
Tyrese Haliburton (Image via Getty Images) Tyrese Haliburton , the Indiana Pacers' All-Star point guard, has been playing through a significant right calf strain suffered during Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury, confirmed by MRI, occurred when Haliburton stumbled in the first quarter and immediately showed concern for his right calf—the same leg previously injured during the Eastern Conference Finals, though Haliburton clarified that the earlier issue was with his ankle, not his calf. Despite the severity, Haliburton has insisted on playing, stating, 'It's the NBA Finals. I've worked my whole life to be here. If I can walk, then I want to play'. He has not been placed under a minutes restriction, but the Pacers' staff is closely monitoring his condition during games. Short-Term Outlook of Tyrese Haliburton's Injury: NBA Finals and Immediate Aftermath Tyrese Haliburton's performance has been visibly affected. In Game 5, he scored just four points and failed to make a field goal, a clear indication of his limited mobility and explosiveness—traits central to his game. In Game 6, despite a shaky start, he managed to contribute 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals in the first half, showing resilience but also the ongoing impact of his injury. The Pacers have officially listed Haliburton as 'questionable' for games, with his status determined close to tip-off after fitness and strength tests. This underscores the seriousness of the injury and the risk of aggravation with continued play. Long-Term Outlook: Beyond the Finals According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Haliburton's calf strain is a 'multi-week' injury. If not for the high stakes of the NBA Finals, he would likely be sidelined for an extended period to allow for proper healing. Calf strains, particularly those significant enough to limit a player's movement and explosiveness, typically require several weeks of rest and rehabilitation. Playing through such an injury increases the risk of aggravation or even more severe muscle or tendon damage, which could impact offseason training and the start of the next NBA season. The Pacers ' medical staff will almost certainly recommend a period of rest and targeted rehabilitation once the Finals conclude, regardless of the outcome. This would involve physical therapy focused on calf strength, flexibility, and gradual return to basketball activities. Tyrese Haliburton's long-term prognosis is generally positive if managed appropriately. Most athletes recover fully from calf strains with proper care, but a rushed return or repeated aggravation can lead to chronic issues or recurring injuries. Key Considerations for the Offseason Expect Haliburton to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation immediately after the Finals, with imaging and functional tests to assess the extent of healing and any secondary damage. The Pacers may opt for a conservative approach, holding Haliburton out of summer league, international play, or strenuous offseason workouts to ensure full recovery. The team's medical and training staff will likely develop a personalized rehab and conditioning plan to minimize the risk of recurrence and restore his trademark explosiveness and agility. Also read: Latest update on Tyrese Haliburton's injury report for Indiana Pacers vs OKC Thunder NBA Finals Game 6 (June 19, 2025) Tyrese Haliburton's determination to play through a multi-week calf strain has been crucial for the Pacers' Finals hopes, but it comes with risks that extend beyond the current series. Barring complications, a full recovery is expected with proper rest and rehabilitation. However, his offseason will likely be dominated by recovery efforts, and the Pacers will prioritize his long-term health to ensure he returns at full strength for the 2025–26 NBA season. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tyrese Haliburton plays through calf strain in game 6 of 2025 NBA finals vs. Thunder
Tyrese Haliburton injury status and pregame clearance Live Events Tyrese Haliburton's 2025 NBA playoffs and finals production Haliburton's late-game impact highlights Pacers' 2025 playoff run (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Tyrese Haliburton returns for Pacers in NBA finals game 6 despite calf injuryIndiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton started in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Thursday night, June 19, while managing a strained right calf. The All-Star played through the injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder with the Pacers down 3-2 in the series and facing elimination on their home has dealt with persistent lower leg issues during the finals, and his right calf strain worsened in Game 5. Although he returned to play the remaining three quarters of that game, he was limited offensively, scoring just four points from the free throw line while adding seven rebounds and six read: 2025 NBA finals game 6: Haliburton's status, rebounding, turnovers key for Pacers vs. Thunder 'There's no set minutes limit,' Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said before Thursday's game. 'We will watch and monitor things very closely ... and we'll go from there.'Carlisle confirmed that Haliburton passed all strength and mobility checks during Thursday's walkthrough and pregame evaluation. The 24-year-old guard participated in warmups and took part in shooting drills shortly before being cleared to start. He contributed a free throw and a three-pointer in the fourth head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged that his team prepared as if Haliburton would be available.'He's a great player,' Daigneault said. 'If there's one thing we know, you don't underestimate great players... I have no doubt he's dealing with stuff, but we're expecting him to come out and play like a great player would play.'Haliburton is averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and an NBA-best 9.1 assists per game during the 2025 postseason. In the NBA finals, he has posted averages of 15 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. Despite reduced scoring in Game 5 due to injury, Haliburton has made key contributions in high-leverage moments throughout Indiana's playoff read: Thunder vs Pacers: How to watch Game 5 of NBA Finals - Live streaming, date, time and other details The guard missed the final two games of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals due to a hamstring injury. The Pacers lost both contests by three points each without him. Haliburton later returned that summer to help Team USA win gold at the Paris the past several days, he has received extensive treatment including hyperbaric therapy, acupuncture, massage, electrical stimulation, and kinesiology taping.'I have a lot of trust in our medical staff. I have a lot of trust in our organization to make the right decision,' Haliburton said Wednesday. 'There's been many situations through the course of my career where they've trusted me on my body... I want to be out there. That's the plan.'Haliburton has delivered several game-winning plays during the 2025 NBA playoffs. His buzzer-beating jumper in Game 1 of the NBA finals gave Indiana a 111-110 victory over Oklahoma City. He also hit game-winners against the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks earlier in the April 29, Haliburton scored a layup with 1.4 seconds left to complete a comeback and eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks. On May 6 in Cleveland, he hit a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining to cap another rally. On May 21 at Madison Square Garden, he made a buzzer-beating jumper to force overtime after Indiana trailed by nine with under a minute read: NBA Finals: Thunder inch closer to title, beat Pacers in Game 5 to take 3-2 lead Haliburton's presence in Game 6 was considered vital, even at less than full strength, as Indiana sought to extend the NBA finals to a decisive Game 7.
Indianapolis Star
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Will Tyrese Haliburton play in Game 6 of NBA Finals?
INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will be available for Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite a right calf strain. The Thunder lead the series 3-2 heading into Thursday's 8:30 p.m. game in Gainbridge Fieldhouse and have a chance to clinch the series. "Tyrese will play," Rick Carlisle opened his pregame news conference. "He was strength-tested at 5 p.m., and did very well. Went through walk-through. there's no set minutes limit, but we will watch and monitor things very closely." Haliburton suffered the injury when he stumbled trying to drive to the rim in the first quarter of Monday's Game 5. He remained in the game and played 34 minutes but scored just four points and missed all six of his field goal attempts. He had an MRI on Tuesday and acknowledged on Wednesday it showed a calf strain, but said, "I'm a competitor. I want to play. I'm going to do everything in my power to play." He said he expected to do around-the-clock treatment on his leg until game time. Carlisle said Wednesday that Haliburton's status would be a game-time decision. Re-live the Pacers unbelievable run to the 2025 NBA Finals with IndyStar's commemorative book Haliburton earned third-team All-NBA honors for the second straight season in 2024-25, averaging 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game and leading all NBA players with at least 50 appearances in assist-to-turnover ratio at 5.61. In the playoffs, he's averaging 17.9 points and 9.1 assists per game, the highest figure of any player in the playoffs. He's hit dramatic game-winning or game-tying shots in each of the Pacers' four historically improbable comeback wins in the postseason — victories over the Bucks in Game 5 of the first round, the Cavs in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals and the Thunder in Game 1 of the Finals.
