上海花千坊-上海1314贵族宝贝-上海龙凤花坛

The 2024-25 NBA regular season has less than a month remaining, and two Eastern Conference rivals will square off on Tuesday when the Atlanta Hawks visit the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte is 17-50 overall and 10-24 at home, while Atlanta has a 32-36 record and is 15-19 on the road. The Hawks are currently seventh in the East but have faded to 5.5 games back of the Pistons in the race to stay out of the NBA play-in tournament, while Charlotte has the second-worst record in the conference.

Tipoff is at at 7 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. Atlanta is favored by 6.5 points in the latest Hornets vs. Hawks odds, per SportsLine consensus, and the over/under is 236.5 points. Before entering any Hawks vs. Hornets picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 22 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 151-111 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 20-10 (67%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

The model has set its sights on Charlotte vs. Atlanta. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Hawks vs. Hornets:

Hornets vs. Hawks spread: Charlotte +6.5
Hornets vs. Hawks over/under: 236.5 points
Hornets vs. Hawks money line: Charlotte +209, Atlanta -258
Hornets vs. Hawks picks: See picks at SportsLine
Hornets vs. Hawks streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Today
Atlanta
Charlotte
-8 -111
+8 -109
-321
+256
O233.5 -107
U233.5 -118
Click here to get half-off your first month, quarter, or year of sports picks! Start winning now!
Why the Hawks can cover
The Hawks took a 122-114 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday and have now lost two games in a row. However, Onyeka Okongwu dropped a double-double with 21 points and 15 boards, and Trae Young was another key player, recording a double-double of his own with 28 points and 12 assists.

Young is battling an Achilles injury but is listed as probably for Tuesday’s matchup, and he’s averaging 24.0 points per game to go along with a league-leading 11.5 assists per contest. Atlanta has won all three games in the season series over the Hornets but is only 1-2 against the spread in those matchups. See which team to back at SportsLine.

fanduel logo rectangle
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
if Your Bet Wins
Claim bonus
21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Why the Hornets can cover
Meanwhile, the Hornets were blitzed 123-88 by the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Mark Williams was the lone bright spot for Charlotte, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, a blocked shot and a steal in just under 25 minutes of action.

LaMelo Ball suffered through a 5-for-18 shooting night and only had 16 points and five assists. However, he’s averaging a career-high 25.4 points per game while dishing out 7.2 assists per outing. The Hornets had also covered the spread in four of their previous five games before the blowout loss to Los Angeles. See which team to back at SportsLine.

How to make Hornets vs. Hawks picks
The model has simulated Atlanta vs. Charlotte 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is leaning Under, projecting 227 combined points. It’s also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in almost 70% of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Hawks vs. Hornets on Tuesday, and which side of the spread hits in nearly 70% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Hornets vs. Hawks spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.

Where to bet on NBA games
Here are some of the sportsbooks to bet on NBA games today, along with the various NBA sportsbook promos they currently offer.

Legendary San Antonio Spurs coach and president Gregg Popovich is still recovering from a stroke he suffered in November and will not return to the sidelines this season. He hopes to coach again in the future, however, and recently addressed the team for the first time since his stroke.

Spurs forward Keldon Johnson revealed what happened during that late-February meeting in an interview with ESPN, and it’s clear that Popovich is still locked in on what’s happening on the court.

“Everybody shut the f— up when he walked in,” Johnson said. “That’s just how it’s always been with Pop. Obviously, he’s still recovering. But he was still cussing. ‘Y’all need to play defense. Y’all need to rebound.’ Knowing that, shit, he really is watching the games because he’s calling out specific situations, was huge.

“It was what we needed. I feel like he brought that life, that spark. That Pop that we all knew and loved. He came into that meeting and that’s who he was. It was like he didn’t skip a beat.”

Popovich, 76 and already a Hall of Famer, has made excellent progress since November. Ramona Shelburne and Michael C. Wright reported in their story that, “another source said the coach has advanced in five months of rehab to the point where many who suffer strokes progress over nine months.”

But being an NBA coach requires far more than just being able to walk and lead team meetings. Will Popovich be healthy and strong enough to resume the full-time grind? That’s still to be determined. What is clear, though, is that the Spurs will give Popovich every chance to resume his role.

“It’s Pop’s decision,” one person close to the situation told ESPN. “He’s earned that.”

This has been a difficult season in San Antonio even beyond Popovich’s health scare. Star big man Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the remainder of the season in February after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder, and recently acquired point guard De’Aaron Fox underwent season-ending surgery on his finger this month.

After playing .500 ball through the first 36 games, the team has understandably struggled over the last two months. Now 28-39 on the season, the Spurs are four games out of a Play-In Tournament spot and headed for a sixth straight lottery appearance.

The Los Angeles Clippers will battle the Cleveland Cavaliers at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday at the Intuit Dome. Los Angeles is 38-30 overall and 23-10 at home, while Cleveland is 56-11 overall and 26-6 on the road. The Cavs are 16-1 in their last 17 games, while the Clippers have won six of their past seven contests. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley (foot) is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Clippers.

The Cavs are favored by 3 points in the latest Cavaliers vs. Clippers odds via SportsLine consensus, and the over/under is 231.5 points. Before entering any Clippers vs. Cavaliers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the advanced computer model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 22 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 151-111 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 20-10 (67%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

The model has set its sights on Cleveland vs. Los Angeles. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for the game:

Clippers vs. Cavaliers spread: Clippers +3
Clippers vs. Cavaliers over/under: 231.5 points
Clippers vs. Cavaliers money line: Clippers: +127, Cavaliers: -152
Clippers vs. Cavaliers picks: See picks here
Clippers vs. Cavaliers streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Today
Cleveland
L.A. Clippers
-3 -111
+3 -109
-149
+125
O232.5 -110
U232.5 -110
Click here to get half-off your first month, quarter, or year of sports picks! Start winning now!
Why the Clippers can cover
The Clippers simply couldn’t be stopped on Sunday as they easily beat the Hornets 123-88. James Harden had a dynamite game for the Clippers, shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc and dropping a double-double with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Another player making a difference was Kawhi Leonard, who went 9-for-16 en route to 23 points, six boards and five assists. The Clippers dominated the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds.

The Clippers have been playing extremely well on the defensive end of the floor this season. Los Angeles is giving up 108.4 points per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. In addition, the Clippers are 6-1 in their last seven home games against the Cavaliers. See which team to pick here.

caesars logo rectangle
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost, code: CBSDYW
Claim bonus
Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, KY, LA, MD, ME, NY, OH, TN, VA, or WY. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add’l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C. (OLG Class A licensed Operator), KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER, MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, KY, LA, MD, ME, NY, OH, TN, VA, or WY. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add’l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C. (OLG Class A licensed Operator), KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER, MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, KY, LA, MD, ME, NY, OH, TN, VA, or WY. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add’l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C. (OLG Class A licensed Operator), KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER, MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).
Why the Cavaliers can cover
Meanwhile, after a string of 16 wins, the Cavaliers’ good fortune finally ran out on Sunday. The Cavs fell to the Magic 108-103. Despite the defeat, Cleveland will enter Tuesday’s contest full of confidence. That’s because the Cavaliers have won each of their last 11 games on the road. Cleveland is also 5-1 against the spread in its past six meetings with the Clippers.

The Cavaliers are scoring 122.5 points per game this season, which ranks second in the league. Guard Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 24.2 points per game. Darius Garland has also been extremely effective for the Cavs, averaging 21.0 points and 6.7 assists per game. See which team to pick here.

A year ago, Colorado took to the field for one of the most highly anticipated college football spring games in recent memory. It marked the official debut of Deion Sanders, who immediately re-energized a program that hadn’t won more than five contests in any of the six seasons leading up to his hiring. Fans packed Folsom Field to form a sellout crowd and the whole affair was broadcast nationally on ESPN.

Colorado’s 2024 spring game, by comparison, doesn’t have nearly as much buzz surrounding it. That being said, it’s equally as important, if not more so. Most assumed that, no matter how much hype Sanders generated in his first year with the program, it would be a long road toward rebuilding Colorado.

The Buffaloes actually exceeded expectations by going 4-8 in their first year, anchored by a 3-0 start that saw them climb into the top 20 of the AP poll. Things didn’t go as well from there, but Sanders provided a glimmer of hope with the emergence of stars like his quarterback son Shedeur Sanders and all-world athlete Travis Hunter.

Following another busy offseason that saw Sanders shuffle plenty of his staff — including major changes at both coordinator positions — and turn his roster over via the transfer portal once more, there’s the hope that the Buffaloes could push for a bowl game as they move over to the Big 12 Conference. That campaign gets started Saturday as Colorado’s 2024 squad takes the field for the first time in front of fans.

How to watch 2024 Clemson spring game live
Date: Saturday, April 27 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Folsom Field — Boulder, Colorado
Live Stream: Pac-12 Network

2024 Colorado spring game storylines

1. How does the offensive line look?: Anybody who watched Colorado’s offensive line last season knows it has to get a lot better for the team to improve in 2024. Sanders certainly took note of that fact and cleaned house — again. Three starters and several depth pieces transferred away and the Buffaloes moved on from offensive line coach Bill O’Boyle, hiring rookie coach Phil Loadholt to fill his position. Colorado also added five offensive linemen via the portal, which could constitute an entirely new starting lineup. Saturday may not be the best indication about how this unit will shape up in the fall. Due to injury and the transfer portal losses, Colorado might struggle to field a complete two-deep. But that means players like five-star freshman Jordan Seaton should get plenty of opportunity to shine.
2. Plenty of opportunity for running backs: Colorado has three running backs on its roster entering the spring game. No, you did not read that wrong. Three. All four of its top backs from last season are gone. Three entered the transfer portal during the spring window, including lead rusher and former blue-chip prospect Dylan Edwards. There’s help on the way; Ohio State running back transfer Dallan Hayden recently committed, and the Buffaloes have been hard at work finding other names in the portal. But Hayden and any other potential additions won’t be there until the summer. That means Colorado’s top running back Saturday will likely be walk-on Charlie Offerdahl, who generated some buzz last spring before fading out of the limelight. Class of 2024 three-star Micah Welch will feature heavily in his first real action as a Buffalo, as well.
3. Keep an eye on Colorado’s defensive backs: Concerns elsewhere aside, Colorado boasts plenty of defensive talent in the secondary. Hunter is back as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. Shilo Sanders is a solid safety with plenty of experience and play-making ability on the backend. Colorado’s staff has been confident in Omarion Cooper as Hunter’s running mate, and transfer additions like safety Preston Hodge (Liberty) and cornerback DJ McKinney (Oklahoma State) add to the wealth of potential starting options. With former Cincinnati Bengals safety coach Robert Livingston stepping in as defensive coordinator and presiding over their development, Colorado’s secondary has all the pieces to take huge strides this year.

Colorado welcomed fans for its spring game as it prepares for Year 2 of the Deion Sanders era in Boulder. Though the weather did not cooperate with advantageous conditions, the game itself provided enough thrills for the fans who showed up to get a sneak peak of what’s to come in 2024.

The Buffs transfer portal activity has been high, both with landing top-rated players like Dallan Hayden from Ohio State, but also losing some notable contributors from last season like running back Dylan Edwards. That creates some interesting roster situations for the spring game, which is why the scrimmage itself was scored as offense-against-defense with a wide collection of contributors getting reps on both sides of the ball.

All the transfer activity has sparked some speculation about Colorado’s future with Deion Sanders, specifically tied to whether he plans to remain its coach after his sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back Shilo Sanders, leave Colorado. The Buffs coach addressed that speculation head-on Saturday, saying explicitly that he is “not following his kids to the NFL.”

When asked what he tells recruits in the 2025 and 2026 cycles, Sanders said “I tell them the truth. … I tell them I’m a father, not a baby daddy. I don’t follow my kids. I pave roads for my kids. I build generational wealth for my kids. I lead my kids. I don’t follow my kids. So, I do not plan on following my kids to the NFL. But I’m thankful, I’m glad that you already pretty much put them in the NFL. That means you believe in them wholeheartedly.”

“I’m not that kind of father,” he continued. “I have work to do here. I absolutely love it here. It’s beautiful here, especially yesterday it was. Knowing this weather it’s going to be beautiful tomorrow because we have no commitments on the field. I’m serious, I absolutely love it here, man. I really do. I would never think a young brother from the South would really love it in this part of the country, but I really do.”

Shedeur shines in the rain
This is a Colorado team that has changed both its offensive and defensive coordinator since the start of the 2023 season, and while spring games aren’t going to show a lot in terms of scheme, it was notable to see players like Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and Shilo Sanders out in pads competing against their teammates.

Since it’s Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, there’s obviously a lot of interest around the football world about the 2025 class, and Shedeur is set to be a key piece of that discussion. He got things going early with a touchdown strike to LaJohntay Wester, a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver who arrived this spring after 45 career games at FAU.

.@ShedeurSanders ➡️ @la_wester 🕺

📺 Pac-12 Network pic.twitter.com/bH4aZKyDMw

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) April 27, 2024
A hard-earned scholarship
Walk-ons earning a scholarship have become one of the great highlights of spring games. Running back Charlie Offerdahl was the latest player to be celebrated by his teammates. The in-state native received some praise from Sanders before the news was made official in the locker room in front of the team.

Earned it. @CharlesOfferda1, you’re on scholarship 🦬 pic.twitter.com/pEzLATPqJc

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) April 27, 2024

Nebraska is heading into the 2024 season with some significant intrigue. The Cornhuskers are not only in Year 2 of the Matt Rhule era, but carrying one of their biggest recruiting wins in recent memory on the roster with five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Raiola is the son of a former Nebraska All-American Dominic Raiola and the nephew of current offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. His arrival in Lincoln did not come as a shock based on the school ties, but the fact that Nebraska won a recruiting battle that, at times, included commitments to both Ohio State and Georgia drew attention from across the college football landscape. This is one of the top quarterbacks in the class, and with his 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame, there’s not a lot of “need to develop” associated with his projections. If Raiola can competently run the offense, he’ll have a chance to start, and since the Cornhuskers haven’t had a player of his caliber at the quarterback position in a bit, there is going to be a lot of excitement about what he can accomplish, even as a true freshman in 2024.

Raiola did nothing to quiet the buzz about his potential in Nebraska’s spring game, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns on 16 of 22 passing with several highlight-worthy plays.

First came a 64-yard dime to Jaylen Lloyd, the leading receiver for the day, to put the Red team up 14-7 in the second quarter.

Dylan Raiola looked the part in @HuskerFootball’s spring game. 🤩

Watch the 5-star QB’s TD passes. ⤵️#B1GFootball x @RaiolaDylan pic.twitter.com/QnODFkYpbO

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) April 27, 2024
The good news for Nebraska is that while the buzz around Raiola, with his five-star profile and All-American pedigree, was significant, it was not as though his claim to QB1 was pre-determined. Heinrich Haarberg, the only returning quarterback with starting experience from last season, showed out as well with with two touchdown passes and no interceptions.

OK RICKY.@HKHaarberg10 finds @jbarney21_ for a 41-yard score.#GBR | @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/AOX6IbwmSl

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) April 27, 2024
Rhule should feel much better about his quarterback situation heading into 2024. The position was a liability last season, and at times, the reason why the Cornhuskers were coming up short in close games. Haarberg without turnovers can be a capable option with experience, while Raiola offers a much higher upside in addition to being the player for the future.

There is always a bit of caution when reacting to spring game stats and performances, particularly since we know coaches sometimes “script” the results to help push the right buttons for their team, but even in a scripted outcome it’s clear that both Raiola and Haarberg had a good day. That’s a big boost for Nebraska heading into the summer, and a good sign as the Huskers claim their spot in an expanded Big Ten that will welcome four competitive programs this summer.

For the first time in a long time, it feels like Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is happening. Chandler confirmed McGregor’s timeline for a summer UFC return and said he’s received official confirmation.

“I’ve got the official announcement, it’s happening this summer,” Chandler told TMZ Sports on Friday. “I can’t tell you the actual date, but it’s happening this summer.

“The official status is we have an agreement. We are fighting this summer. We’ll let the court of public opinion speculate on what the date is but it’s definitely this summer. We’re giving you a window that we’re going to be fighting in. But yes, it’s always been Conor and I.”

McGregor and Chandler have been trying to keep the spark alive for a fight that has gotten stale. Both parties finally being on the same page about a timetable is the most promising sign fans have had since the fight was first proposed last year. UFC president Dana White teased the matchup in February 2023 while promoting “The Ultimate Fighter” season 31. McGregor claimed earlier this year the fight would take place at UFC International Fight Week on June 29, which would align with UFC 303. White subsequently denied that it would take place that weekend.

McGregor, while doing the media rounds for his new movie “Road House” this week, also said that the fight would take place this summer.

“The call has been made and we’re a go,” McGregor said on “The MMA Hour.”

“This means this summer, the Mac is back. So with I’m happy with my time I’ve got in the lead-up to it, I’m happy with where I’m at, and everything just works out in God’s name. And I’m ecstatic where I’m at. I’ve got great news the other day.”

Both fighters have had their careers on ice since the fight was first proposed. McGregor hasn’t been seen in the Octagon since suffering a leg injury in his trilogy loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Chandler is also coming off a loss to Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022.

The third time proved to be a charm for Corey Anderson as he won the light heavyweight championship in the main event of Bellator Belfast on Friday night. Anderson outworked and out-grappled Karl Moore in his third chance to win Bellator gold.

Moore hurt Anderson in the first round with heavy left hands and a head kick. Anderson responded with a takedown to grind out the remaining time in the opening frame and regain his bearings.

Having found success with the takedown late in the first round, Anderson fully locked in on trying to wrestle his way to victory. When Moore was able to defend the takedowns, he was stuck with his back to the cage as Anderson held on to the clinch. In the third round, Anderson’s desire to fight on the floor was nearly his undoing as Moore locked in a deep armbar that left Anderson scrambling until he was able to slip out of the hold.

COREY ANDERSON ESCAPES THE ARMBAR! 👀#BellatorBelfast | LIVE NOW
➡️ https://t.co/Dpuq4Xv6Jh pic.twitter.com/ttc8Zr0dMz

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 22, 2024
When the fight was on the feet and at striking distance, Moore often did good work with his hands, connecting with many clean punches. Unfortunately for Moore, those moments were few and far between because he could not prevent Anderson from closing distance and turning the fight into a grappling contest.

After five rounds, Anderson took a unanimous decision by scores of 49-46, 49-46, 50-45.

Anderson had twice challenged Vadim Nemkov for the light heavyweight championship. In the first fight with Nemkov, Anderson was winning the fight but a clash of heads resulted in a no-contest just seconds before the end of the third round. The rematch saw Anderson come out flat and get outworked before losing a unanimous decision.

After Nemkov vacated the light heavyweight championship to move to heavyweight, Anderson made good in his third bid to win a major championship.

Patricio Pitbull returns to form, defends crown
In the co-main event, Patricio Pitbull showed there’s still some gas left in the tank. Entering his featherweight championship defense against Jeremy Kennedy, Pitbull had lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his career, dropping a decision against Sergio Pettis in a bid to win the bantamweight title and then getting knocked out by Chihiro Suzuki after taking the 154-pound fight on extremely short notice.

Back at featherweight, Pitbull flashed moments where he looked like his old self, battering Kennedy’s lead leg with heavy kicks while dealing with a steady diet of jabs coming from the challenger.

In the third round, Pitbull connected with some heavy punches that put Kennedy on unsteady legs. Once Kennedy was wobbled, Pitbull didn’t take his foot off the gas, continuing to flurry with punches, elbows and knees before Kennedy slumped to the canvas, forcing the referee to jump in at the 4:07 mark of the round.

WHAT A PERFORMANCE FROM THE BELLATOR GOAT! 👑

Patricio Pitbull stops Jeremy Kennedy in the third! 🔥#BellatorBelfast | LIVE NOW
➡️ https://t.co/Dpuq4Xv6Jh pic.twitter.com/0ftme4h9sa

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 22, 2024
The victory was Pitbull’s second defense of his third reign as Bellator featherweight champion and his first victory since December 2022.

Rose Namajunas is looking to rejuvenate her career in a new division. She’ll have to pass a difficult grappling test if she wants to enter title contention at flyweight first when Namajunas battles Amanda Ribas on Saturday night from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Ribas (13-4) knows a thing or two about moving weight classes. She is ranked No. 7 and No. 8 in the women’s strawweight and flyweight divisions, respectively, one of the very few fighters ranked by the UFC in two divisions. Ribas has more experience than her opponent at 115 pounds and that’s a good thing. She’ll want every advantage she can find in her first UFC main event against her first former champion. Ribas has bounced between wins and losses over the last seven fights, but Saturday marks a chance to break the habit.

“It’s crazy because my fights are always like this,” Ribas told CBS Sports. “It’s good because I always make a war. It’s not just pitter-patter. It’s always fighting with emotions. I was trying to get better at that because sometimes I think with my heart. I need to fight smarter, to think with my brain and listen to my coaches.”

Check out the full interview with Amanda Ribas below.

Namajunas (12-6) fell short in her flyweight debut against Manon Fiorot in Paris last fall. It was a surprising move up considering Namajunas was coming off a split decision loss to Carla Esparza for the UFC women’s strawweight championship. It was an appalling performance from both fighters, but Namajunas was still very much near the top of the pecking order. Recent back-to-back wins against current champ Zhang Weili kept her at the top end of the 115-pound weight class. It seems, however, that her path forward is at flyweight. Namajunas admits she rushed the Fiorot but believes her frame and framework are now better tuned.

“I think I could have maybe taken a little more time,” Namajunas told CBS Sports. “Now I feel like my body is more filled in and a little more dense.

“Even stylistically, I’m a little more grounded with some of my footwork. I think there was a phase where I moved around a lot. I’m still going to do a lot of moving, but when it’s time to sit down on a punch, it will be more grounded. I think that helps more defensively too so I’m not just jumping into something or running into something.”

Check out the full interview with Rose Namajunas below.

Below is the rest of the fight card for Saturday with the latest odds before we get to a prediction and pick on the main event.

Amanda Ribas vs. Rose Namajunas: The biggest X factor in this fight is the absence of renowned coach Trevor Wittman in Namajunas’ corner. Namajunas did not have Wittman for her failed flyweight debut. She said it was circumstantial at that time, but Namajunas informed CBS Sports that she’ll fight once again without Wittman with no confirmation that they’d reunite. Wittman’s void was enough for people to reconsider betting on Namajunas. A vocal portion of the online blamed Namajunas’ fiancee and cornerman Pat Barry for her panned title loss against Esparza, crediting Wittman as the voice of reason among her coaches.

Even without Wittman, I think Namajunas is too steep a challenge for Ribas. Namajunas has been competing against the best strawweights in the world for a long time. Ribas hasn’t come close to that level of competition. Ribas won’t have the size advantage that other flyweights have on Namajunas, nor the elite wrestling required to overwhelm her. I expect Ribas to get picked apart at range. I need to see how Namajunas’ power translates up a weight class but the fact that Ribas has been stopped by strikes in 75% of her losses gives me some confidence in the finish. Namajunas via TKO3

Igor Severino took his dogfight with Andre Lima too literally. An exciting scrap at UFC Fight Night on Saturday came to a shocking end after Lima wound up with a terrible bite mark on his arm.

Lima and Severino were competing in the second fight on the early preliminary card. The flyweights had produced plenty of action between thumping strikes and exciting grappling tangles. A fight shaping up to be a banger was abruptly paused after a protest by Lima.

Referee Chris Tognoni called a timeout and separated the fighters during a takedown attempt by Severino. Lima accused his opponent of biting him, leading to further investigation from the referee. The original replay showed Severino’s face buried in Lima’s bicep but it was difficult for the viewer to gauge what happened.

Andre Lima picks up the win over Igor Severino due to a DQ from Severino, who bit Lima’s arm 😳 #UFCVegas89 pic.twitter.com/NQTJuSh9G3

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 23, 2024
A closeup visual of Lima’s arm, pictured below, left no doubt about. Lima sported a deep bite mark on his left arm that compelled the referee to swiftly disqualify Severino in Round 2.

Not something you see every night in the Octagon 👀 #UFCVegas89 pic.twitter.com/v46iqBf74J

— UFC (@ufc) March 23, 2024
The bizarre outcome not only cost Severino his UFC debut but also sabotaged his previously undefeated record moving him to 8-1. Lima improved to 8-0 on Saturday night. UFC CEO Dana White told reporter Kevin Iole that Severino would be cut for his actions in the fight.

“Those were two up-and-coming undefeated fighters,” White said. “If you get frustrated and want out of the fight, there are plenty of ways to do it, but the worst thing you can do is bite your opponent. Now, you get cut and lose the biggest opportunity of your life. Not to mention, he’s going to have real problems with the NSAC.”