Are Game 7’s Looming In The NHL/NBA’s First Round? Clippers No Show! Will Giannis Return? Cup Champ Golden Knights On The Brink? Mike Trout Injury: Is It Time To Trade Him?* Kentucky Derby Preview

I’m honored to welcome in a new partnership to the podcast. Are you familiar with Olipop soda? If not, you’ll definitely want to acquaint yourself with this healthy, crisp and refreshing beverage that has no GMO’s, organic with natural ingredients that you can read. They have the classics (Vintage Cola, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime) as well as new flavors that are irresistible (Banana Cream, Watermelon Lime and my favorite, Tropical Punch) Please go to www.drinkolipop.com, type in SODALOVE for 15% off of your purchase.

A new month is here and so is the latest podcast as I’ll take care of your sports fix with plenty to get into. On deck:

(4:05) As the calendar turns to May with a few sporting events on the horizon (PGA Championship, Indianapolis 500 & Kentucky Derby on Saturday) the first round of the NBA is nearing completion. What happened to the LA Clippers last night? They got waxed at home by 30 against the Dallas Mavericks. Will we see Kawhi Leonard attempt to play in a do-or-die Game 6? How about the Mavericks making a statement, not having to get back on a plane to play a Game 7 in LA? What a difference a week makes for the Boston Celtics? This time last week, I was highly irritated by the fact that the Miami Heat won a Game 2, literally dominated the final three games to move on to the second round? I’ll preview the remaining three series (Sixers-Knicks, Pacers-Bucks and Mavs-Clippers) Can we possibly get a Game 7? More than one? Perhaps all three?

(28:08) On the ice, the Dallas Stars have overtaken the series after going down 0-2 to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights. Will Vegas push it to the limit with a win in Game 6? The only other series of note in this first round are the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to win at home, after two losses at home to the Boston Bruins, to get back to Beantown for a winner take all Game 7. There are parallels between the opening round last year and this year for the B’s. Any pressure on them to close out the Leafs pronto? Nashville is looking to get back the game they gave away in Game 4 as the scene for Game 6 is in their building. Will we see Game 7’s from any of these series?

(42:42) As for what’s happening on the diamond, Angels star Mike Trout will be on the shelf for 6-8 weeks after suffering a torn meniscus that needs surgery. IF he comes back, stays healthy and productive (all big if’s) is it time for the front office to consider trading the future Hall of Fame? I’ll review the Yankees-Orioles series to date as the O’s took the first two of three. Is it important for them to win 3 of 4 over their division rivals? Then you had a melee between Brewers pitcher Abner Uribe and Rays OF Jose Siri which led to suspensions for them, including Brewer manager Pat Murphy among others. The Twins are in the midst of a ten game winning streak, but that comes with a big caveat. I’ll explain why as baseball moves into the third month of their schedule and peek at what lies ahead over the next four days.

(55:51) The 150th Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday. I’ll tell you who are the favorites to win. Who are the long shots? Could an underdog horse shock the world? We saw that a couple of years ago, so maybe we don’t want to see a horse who has no business winning. I’ll get into that as the first leg of Horse Racing’s Triple Crown is just about here.

(1:02:47) I spend a hot second discussing boxer Ryan Garcia being tested for a performance enhancing drug after his fight with Devin Haney not too long ago. And why is Oscar de la Hoya getting into it with Canelo Alvarez?

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Can The Heat/Panthers Delay Titles For Nuggets/Golden Knights? Mets Cohen Not Blowing Up Team. Rays: Built For Regular Season Only? Is Novak The GOAT? Belmont Blunder With Horses. UFC Nunes Retires

We're a week and change away from summer officially starting. If it's not warm in your neck of the woods, I'll ratchet up the intensity when it comes to heating up the airwaves as another fast paced podcast is forthcoming. On deck:

(2:53) With the fall & winter sports ready to crown a champion in the coming days, are we ready to enter the second phase of the Sports Dead Zone?

(4:10) The Nuggets are on the precipice of their first ever NBA championship as they won the two road games in Miami rather comfortably. Can the Heat thwart Denver's chance to clinch on their home court?

(14:20) Same could be said for the Vegas Golden Knights as they lost a tough Game 3 in the final minutes and overtime, but hung on for dear life at the end of Game 4 as they're on the brink of a Cup title. Will the Panthers rally the troops and take from their experience in the first round, where they were down 3-1 to the top seeded Bruins and pulled that series out in seven games? Or is it just Vegas's time to shine as they seek their first Cup win in franchise history?

(22:56) Sadly, the Mets are front and center when it comes to what's going on in baseball. They've lost eight of their last nine games, including a brutal third game in Atlanta. Owner Steve Cohen had a state of the union on his ballclub to say that he's not going to be reactionary and blow up the team. Is he right on this? I'll get into why this team has underachieved (i.e. Justin Verlander, anyone?) and are there any positive signs on the horizon? A team that's been on fire since the start of the season are the Tampa Bay Rays. Is it World Series or bust? Are they built more for the regular season than a short series? I'll discuss the red hot Oakland A's, winners of five in a row with a sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Arizona Diamondbacks have thrived in the NL West. Break up the Miami Marlins as they share an identical record with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

(39:17) Novak Djokovic is now the all time winningest men's player when it comes to Grand Slams as he won the French Open over Casper Ruud. Is he officially the GOAT? Give it up to Iga Swiatek on the women's side as she gutted out a three set performance over upstart Karolina Muchova to win her third French and fourth Grand Slam overall.

(46:58) The NFL will stay relatively quiet until training camp next month. There was some player personnel moves the past week. Frank Clark goes from Kansas City to Denver. Dalvin Cook was cut from the Vikings. Are the Dolphins interested? De'Andre Hopkins is visiting with the Patriots. Is that a good fit?

(48:53) Arcangelo wins The Belmont Stakes, but a couple of horses had died after races over the weekend. What is going on with this sport? Is there going to be a crackdown on what's been taking place over the last few years?

(50:57) UFC's Amanda Nunes retain her title belts with a victory on Saturday night versus last minute replacement, Irene Aldana. She announced her retirement right after the bout as I throw bouquets to her on a great career.

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NBA Conference Finals: Sloppy Celtics, Heat Attitude, Nuggets Time? Laker Adjustments. Unglamorous NHL Semifinal Matchups. Yankee 'Chirpgate'/NY Walk-Offs. PGA Championship Preview

Another week concludes with a fiery podcast as I deliver all the heat that the sports world has to offer. On deck:

(2:35) The Celtics sloppy play rears its ugly head in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night. They lose Game 1 at home to the Miami Heat as turnovers and missed shots doom them and lose home court advantage in the process. Will they be able to get the series even at 1-1? Denver's Nikola Jokic had a monster Game 1 as they hung on to beat the Lakers. Have the Lakers figured out a few things in preparation for a possible Game 2 upset? I'll also discuss the firing of Sixers coach Doc Rivers and how I'm still fuming over the Spurs winning the Draft Lottery and the probability of securing the next generational prospect, Victor Wembanyama.

(26:07) The Conference Finals in the NHL commence tonight. By any means, both of these matchup will likely not draw eyeballs to the sets, but I'll preview Florida-Carolina and Dallas-Vegas as to who'll make that next step to get to a Stanley Cup Final. In fact, which is the best draw that the NHL would want for a championship?

(34:43) As the MLB is more than a quarter into the season. The Dodgers are holding their collective breaths at the right arm of starting pitcher, Dustin May, who had to leave a game earlier this week with a right forearm strain. The Yankees have had an interesting week as you had 'Chirpgate', Aaron Boone's inexplicable ejection, the suspension of Domingo German and getting walked off in extra innings up in Toronto. Where the Mets had their own walk-off in their biggest win of the season vs. Tampa Bay. Will that be what the doctor ordered for a team that's severely underachieved this year at 21-23? How about the Padres, who have been just as bad as the Mets. And the Oakland A's light at the end of the tunnel will be in Las Vegas as they've purchased land to build a new stadium, set for 2027.

(43:20) Kentucky Derby winner Mage will race in The Preakness on Saturday. Is it possible that another victory is on the horizon, so there could be some Triple Crown buzz heading into The Belmont Stakes?

(44:42) I'll preview and discuss a couple of storylines (i.e. Rory McIlroy) the second Grand Slam golf major this year as the PGA Championship takes place up in Rochester, NY over the upcoming weekend.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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Jokic Suspension? Warriors/Knicks Up For Key GM 4's? Panthers Prowling Towards Cup? Rays Winning Ways, Braves Cruising, Pirates Back To Earth? NFL Schedule Talk. Derby Downer? Canelo Beat Who?

I'm jacked up and ready to share my thoughts on all of the happenings in the sports world over the past few days. On deck:

(2:53) For starters, I released a new podcast with a special guest. If you're a subscriber of the podcast, I'm sure you've already seen or listened to my discussion with Action Network's Maria Marino as we get into various topics surrounding her broadcasting journey, biggest influences, etc. You can also watch the full interview on YouTube Please subscribe, give it a like as I release content daily on that platform. I also send a birthday shout out to my grandson, Cameron, who turns eight as well.

(4:31) Devin Booker (who's been the best player to date in the NBA Playoffs) and Kevin Durant have led the attack from an 0-2 deficit to even their series vs. Denver. The big story out of last night's game was Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who had a brief run-in on the sidelines with Suns owner Mat Ishbia trying to get the ball from his arms. Is a suspension warranted to the former two-time MVP? The Celtics-Sixers series is deadlocked at two apiece as James Harden had another big game after a flop of a Game 3. Two big tests on the road for the Warriors & Knicks as they face critical Game 4's tonight. How this could define the Warriors as they defend their title?

(24:11) Who will stop the Florida Panthers? They've been flying since they roared back from a 3-1 deficit vs. Boston. Are they on a track to going to a Stanley Cup Final? What about the Seattle Kraken as they dismantle the Dallas Stars at home in Game 3? The Devils bounced back with a big effort in Game 3 vs. Carolina. Can the do the same in Game 4? And the Oilers got even with Vegas as the scene shifts to Edmonton for the next two. Why it's important for their psyche to win these next two in their building?

(36:44) Baseball has had an interesting first month plus as we approach the middle of May. The Rays continue their winning ways with a big come from behind win vs. the Yankees. While the Braves are starting to run away with the NL East as they have the biggest division margin (seven games) over any other in the sport. The Pirates are still in first place, but have come back to Earth as they've lost seven in a row. Plus, anything and everything happening throughout the MLB and even a few words about my dreadful Mets, who have hit the skids losing 11 of 14. There's also sad news to report as former Oakland A's great, Vida Blue passed away on Saturday at the age of 73.

(49:21) I'll share a prediction of what matchup will open the NFL season in Kansas City as the 2023 schedule will be released on Thursday.

(51:53) Mage wins the 149th Kentucky Derby, but it's an afterthought to more sordid details coming out of Churchill Downs as two more horses had to be put down after races leading up to the Run for the Roses. Will something be done about this? Is it time for this sport to go away completely?

(54:52) Canelo Alvarez defended his super middleweight title in his homeland of Mexico on Saturday night vs. John Ryder. John who? Did anyone pay attention or watch?

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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Embiid's Return, Butler's Health, AD's Importance, Suns Done Leads NBA. Pesky Panthers, Upstart Kraken, More Leaf Pressure? Scherzer's Demise? Cashman's Plea To Fans. The Abolishment Of Horse Racing?

The sports month of May is off to a flying start. Here to keep you apprised on all of that and then some, you know that I've got you covered as your trusted favorite little podcast host. On deck:

(2:45) Unfortunately, I have a mea culpa before I kickoff the pod as there is some construction (or a woodpecker, I jest) that may be heard in the background for the first 10-15 minutes or so. If you're able to hear it, my sincerest apologies ahead of time.

(3:20) The NBA Playoffs are officially in the second round. Newly minted MVP of the regular season, Sixers center Joel Embiid, returned to the lineup in Game 2 against the Celtics. Was it a good thing? Or should he have waited until Game 3 in Philadelphia? The Heat and Knicks are tied at 1-1. The big question is the health status of guard Jimmy Butler. Will he be in the lineup in Game 3? Denver is out to a 2-0 lead on Phoenix as the next two games will be in the Valley? Are the Suns done? Or can they still rise and be heard from? Then you have the Lakers-Warriors, with LA up 1-0 at the moment. Is Anthony Davis the key to the Lakers success and not LeBron James?

(22:05) Things are heating up on the ice as the Stanley Cup Playoffs head into their second round as well. The Devils stepped up and disposed their bridge and tunnel rival Rangers on Monday. Could this be a long offseason for New York as so much was expected heading into this year? New Jersey got off to the same start they did against the Rangers, at Carolina in Game 1 last night. Vegas took a 1-0 series lead vs. Edmonton, despite sniper Leon Draisaitl scoring four goals vs. the Golden Knights. Those pesky Panthers did not let down after their overtime heroics in Boston as the won Game 1 north of the border in Toronto. Is the pressure mounting after just one game for the Maple Leafs, considering they finally got out of the first round since 2004? And the Kraken have continued their winning ways, winning in Dallas to get a leg up on that series.

(34:29) Should Met fans (including yours truly) be concerned that Max Scherzer's best pitching days are behind him? I have quite a bit to say here, so you won't want to miss this. Yankees GM Brian Cashman had a state of the union on his ballclub, reassuring the fan base not to count them out. Was this necessary? I'll get into the latest of what's taking place on the diamond as baseball is more than a month in.

(49:47) The first leg of Horse Racing's Triple Crown kicks off on Saturday as the Kentucky Derby is just about here. Unfortunately there's been some news recently about horses that have been euthanized over the past week over at Churchill Downs. Is it time to consider that this archaic sport needs to be abolished? Meanwhile, I will preview what I know about the 149th Running of the Roses. Will we see another long shot win such as Rich Strike did last year?

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

Listen to "Embiid's Return, Butler's Health, AD's Importance, Suns Done Leads NBA. Pesky Panthers, Upstart Kraken, More Leaf Pressure? Scherzer's Demis" on Spreaker.

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Cup Final Has Lightning's Quest For 3-Peat, Avalanche Rest Or Rust? Curry's Brilliance/Waiting On Tatum. Yanks/Braves Flying, Dodgers/Brewers/White Sox Skidding. LIV Golf, Rich Strike, Rams Cap Magic.

Grateful to have you stop by to get my insight on what's happening in the sports universe as the latest episode has dropped! On deck:

(3:45) Are we surprised that the Tampa Bay Lightning have made it back to the Stanley Cup Finals? They sure made me look like a fool (if you've listened to my takes over the past year plus) They will go for their third straight Cup championship which hasn't happened in almost 40 years. I'll discuss their series win over the Rangers, as well as, a postmortem on the Rangers postseason. Then preview a Final that will have a rested, high powered Avalanche team against the two time defending champs with a prediction as to who'll raise the Cup when it's all said and done.

(23:36) The NBA Finals have been quite the battle as the Warriors led by Steph Curry, had a Game 4 for the ages in bringing the series back to the Bay Area tied at 2. What could we possibly expect over the next couple of games at the very least? Will the Celtics continue their perfect record after a loss? Same for the Warriors? What about Jayson Tatum as he's been subpar this series and needs to have that signature game? A lot to uncover as we get closer to crowning an NBA champion. Also, a new coaching hire in Charlotte (former Nets coach, Kenny Atkinson) Was it a good move?

(34:54) As I turn my attention to baseball, the Yankees and Braves are flying high, while the Dodgers, Brewers and White Sox (a tough few days for manager, Tony LaRussa) are sliding a bit. The Yanks have won 11 of 12, but the competition will heat up over the next two weeks. The Braves have a soft schedule as they chase the Mets in the NL East. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have lost 9 of 13 and will lose a key member to their starting rotation, the Brewers snapped an eight game losing streak and what was Tony LaRussa thinking about intentionally walking a batter with TWO STRIKES?? I'll cover the baseball landscape as we're a little more than a month from the All-Star Game.

(44:18) The first ever LIV Golf League event took place over the weekend where Charl Schwartzel was the winner pocketing almost more than half of what he would make at a major, let alone a regular golf tournament. With the PGA suspending players who've defected to the LIV league, not playing in any future events, will the current players on the Tour not make the jump and keep their Tour status in tact?

(47:27) I'll briefly discuss The Belmont Stakes and how Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike showed us who we exactly thought he would be, ending up in sixth place as Mo Donegal was your winner to close out the Triple Crown of Horse Racing.

(49:21) I'll cap off the pod with some news and notes in the NFL. Whether it's the ongoing Deshaun Watson saga, the Broncos impending new ownership and how do the Rams do it when it comes to manipulating the salary cap as they re-sign both Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp to big extensions to go along with Matthew Stafford, Bobby Wagner, Allen Robinson, etc.

(53:17) Of course, there's my Hero and Zero of the Week.

(54:33) And a programming note for the podcast this coming Thursday that I'll keep you up to date as we get closer. Follow me on any of my social media accounts which are connected below.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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Warriors On Cusp Of Finals. An Ugly Heat-Celtics Series. NHL's Panthers: Frauds? Oilers In Driver's Seat? Donaldson Dustup Fuels Yanks-White Sox. Thomas's Epic Comeback Wins PGA. French Open Preview

Here to deliver all that the sports world has to offer, you’ve come to the right place to get my opinions and analysis as we kick off the week with a loaded podcast. On deck:

(4:15) The NBA postseason has been anything but great, even good, for that matter. As evidenced by two Conference Finals that has one on the brink of conclusion (the Warriors taking a 3-0 series lead) and the ugliness of Games 2 & 3 between Miami & Boston. Game 3 did get interesting in the final few minutes, but I'll tell you why that game was tough to take if you're a Celtic fan? With both series potentially over by Wednesday night, there may be a case where you'll have EIGHT days between then and the start of the NBA Finals on June 2nd, which the league is privately holding their collective breaths.

(19:45) What happened to the Florida Panthers? The President's Trophy winner of the regular season could be out of the playoffs as early as tonight, as the Lightning have a commanding 3-0 lead in their best of seven series. Will they have any fight, or show some pride to avoid a sweep? The Battle of Alberta has the Edmonton Oilers in favor with a 2-1 series advantage. Are they in the driver's seat to win over their hated rival Flames? The Avalanche have a leg up on the Blues as they won Game 3 in St. Louis, which has led to a little controversy regarding Avs center, Nazem Kadri. He ran into Blues goaltender, Jordan Binnington, who is now lost for the remainder of the series. Kadri has received death threats from people out in social media because of this incident. How will this impact the Avalanche remains to be seen? And the Rangers have gotten themselves back in the series as the scene shifts to Madison Square Garden with a win over the Hurricanes.

(32:33) The White Sox and Yankees went at it over the weekend, where sparks flew between Yankees 3B Josh Donaldson and White Sox SS Tim Anderson. Donaldson's remark toward Anderson caused an uproar on the field and in the postgame of alleged racist undertones toward the shortstop, where Donaldson was pleading his case. Did Donaldson cross the line? Was it offensive? Should Donaldson be suspended for his actions? Albert Pujols hit two home runs yesterday to bring his all time number to 683. Will he catch or surpass Alex Rodriguez for fourth place in his quest to hit 700 for his career? I'll revisit the Max Scherzer injury as the Mets try to hold down the fort until his return, which could also coincide the return of Jacob deGrom in late June/early July. The Padres have played very well without Fernando Tatis Jr. and Blake Snell. They come off of a sweep of the Giants in San Francisco as they're just a half game back in the NL West behind the Dodgers. I'll take a trip throughout the major leagues and assess what's happening as we're starting to see some separation between the haves and have nots.

(47:41) The second golf major (PGA Championship) of 2022 was completed over the weekend. In dramatic fashion, Justin Thomas wins in a playoff vs. Will Zalatoris. The toughest loss of all was Mito Pereira who had the competition won, but double bogeyed on the 18th hole nullifying him of winning the PGA. Combine that with a furious comeback by Thomas. It was a not so great tournament but it did deliver a thrilling end as he wins his second PGA in his career.

(51:54) There's already been an upset at the French Open as Naomi Osaka was ousted in the first round. I'll preview both the men's and women's side as to who has a run in them to make it to a final. Although the men's bracket is puzzling as you have Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and young upstart, Carlos Alcaraz all on the same side to where one of those three could potentially not make it to a semifinal match, let alone a final.

(56:21) In closing, my Hero and Zero of the Week.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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Suns/Heat Feeling Pressure? Warriors/Bucks Push For 3-1 Leads. Bruins Comeback, Panthers/Rangers On The Brink? Rich Strike's Improbable Derby Upset. Canelo No-Show? Tennis's Next Great Star!

Brace yourselves sports fans. This is a jam packed, fast paced sports podcast to get your week off and running. I have tons to delve in as the sports world has much to offer on the latest episode. On deck:

(3:24) The Suns and Heat have given back 2-0 series leads to the Mavericks and Sixers respectively. Will both teams be able to thwart the underdogs and move onto a conference final? Do the Mavs or Sixers have the means to pull off an astonishing upset? Can Chris Paul bounce back from two subpar games? Is Joel Embiid's return enough to put them over the top? The Warriors ran the Grizzlies out of the gym on Saturday night, and in the process, the Grizz will be without their best player Ja Morant in Game 4. Does Memphis have any shot of winning in an enormous swing game in this series? Was Jordan Poole's tug on Morant's knee a dirty play? Also, can the Bucks take a commanding lead in their series against Boston with a win tonight? Will Jayson Tatum rebound from a nightmare game. A lot of intrigue has taken the second round by storm as the NBA playoffs march on.

(26:13) The Stanley Cup Playoffs has gotten off to a great start. We already have a team that's come back from an 0-2 deficit in the Boston Bruins. Will they have enough to overtake the Carolina Hurricanes and steal this first round series? The Florida Panthers have a lot to answer as their season could be on the brink with a pivotal Game 4 in Washington, down 2-1. Same could be said for the Rangers as they're staring at a 3-1 series possibility. What about their young, high prized draft picks? (Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere) The Rangers are hoping for more of a contribution in order to extend this series as far as they can go. Plus, Tampa gets back in the win column to tie up their series with Toronto. The Kings also even their series with the Oilers. Are the Flames in trouble vs. the Stars? Colorado is the only team in cruise control as they're on the verge of a sweep? And the Blues and Wild looks like it's going to go to a Game 7 as expected as I'll cover all that's happening on the ice as we get deeper into this first round.

(39:39) I'll take a look at the MLB landscape as there have been some injuries to reports (i.e. Marcus Stroman, Zach Wheeler) but with the first month of the season completed, I'll recap what's happening on the diamond as the Mets continue to win series and have the biggest division lead in the sport as of today, the Twins, White Sox, Angels & Astros have played well, the Brewers and Cardinals are holding it down in the NL Central and the NL West has been competitive to date.

(46:14) The Kentucky Derby provided an all time upset as Rich Strike, a horse that was filling in as an alternate for the scratched Ethereal Road at 80-1, wins over heavily favored horses Epicenter and Zandon to finish the first leg of the Triple Crown. Does Rich Strike have a shot to win at the Preakness? Is he a one-hit wonder?

(51:40) Canelo Alvarez was surprisingly dominated by Dmitry Bivol on Saturday night in a WBA super light heavyweight fight. Was that expected from a guy who only lost one other fight previously in his career?

(53:46) Charles Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje in UFC 274, but did not come out with the belt as the lightweight champion. Why was that the case?

(55:47) The next great tennis star has arrived. Carlos Alcaraz, an 18 year old Spaniard had an impressive run at the Madrid Open winning his fourth title of 2022. Who he beat in the process? You'll have to listen for yourself as this is a guy we'll have to pay attention to on the tennis circuit for years to come.

(58:13) In closing, my Hero and Zero of the Week.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

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LUMINARY: https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/jason-s-nazario/the-jayreelz-podcast/f9527dd9-47ea-4ed9-92cf-32af9bfa95ad?country=US

SPOTIFY TRAILER: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nZZlvPRAly5irLRSG2qxq?si=rTKCQKnZRNC_VK-_uIWNJA

AMAZON MUSIC: https://www.amazon.com/The-JAYREELZ-Podcast/dp/B08K58SW24/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+jayreelz+podcast&qid=1606319520&sr=8-1

SPOTIFY PODCAST LINK: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gkdtgroTFlaqPW1EBjVD

Listen to "Suns/Heat Feeling Pressure? Warriors/Bucks Push For 3-1 Leads. Bruins Comeback, Panthers/Rangers On The Brink? Rich Strike's Improbable Derb" on Spreaker.

Playoff Storylines (NBA: Play In, 76ers, Nets. NHL: Pens Psyche, Leafs Run?) In Quest For Titles, MLB's Lackluster Start? Brady vs. NE Highlight NFL Schedule. Preakness Letdown. PGA Preview

The sports season starts to intensify and I’ll make sure it’s all covered as Episode 194 is ready for consumption. On deck:

(5:00) The NBA playoffs are just about here, but first, the play-in tournament that’ll determine who’ll make it into the top-8 seeds in each conference. I’ll take a look at the four games (CHA-IND, WSH-BOS, MEM-SA, GS-LAL) and who’ll move forward to join the other six in the East & West. I’ll have all of the juicy storylines from the Sixers ‘process’, the Nets ‘win now’ moment. Are the Clippers mentally and spiritually ready to push their game to the next level? Do you believe in the Jazz & Suns, with lots more playoff talk to dissect. I’ll get into Alex Rodriguez teaming up to purchase the T’Wolves. The Hall of Fame Ceremony with induction to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and the late, Kobe Bryant. As well as, next years class highlighted by Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, Ben Wallace and Chris Webber. Let the debate begin. Is C-Webb a Hall of Famer? I’ll tell you why he isn’t!

(40:00) The Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun. The storylines aren’t aplenty as they are in the NBA, but with the Penguins losing Game 1 in OT yesterday, is their psyche taking a huge hit for their recent playoff failures? Will the Lightning-Panthers series be as advertised? After one game, it sure is. I’ll preview the other series that haven’t gotten underway, border restrictions for the Canadian team that makes it to the Cup Semifinals and more housecleaning at Madison Square Garden as David Quinn was dismissed as coach. Was it fair?

(55:18) Has the first quarter of the MLB season been lackluster? I’ll dive into the latest headlines, including, the Jarred Kelenic era opening in Seattle over the weekend.

(1:05:30) I’ll share my thoughts on the NFL schedule. Brady vs. the Patriots on October 3rd. Who has the hardest schedule in the league? Some of the Sunday night/Monday night docket and Tim Tebow is NOT to blame for him being signed to play TE in Jacksonville. You won’t want to miss that.

(1:21:34) Medina Spirit doesn’t get the job done as he finishes third in the Preakness. Will there be any buzz at the Belmont Stakes in three weeks? Probably not, but I have two instances where that could change.

(1:24:30) I’ll preview the second golf major of the year as the PGA is on the horizon. Who will be the one player I’ll keep an eye on in a stacked field? Will Brooks Koepka regain his PGA winning ways? Also, my prediction as to who will win?

(1:28:01) Plus, my Hero and Zero of the Week!

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

Listen to "Playoff Storylines (NBA: Play In, 76ers, Nets. NHL: Pens Psyche, Leafs Run?) In Quest For Titles, MLB's Lackluster Start? Brady vs. NE Highl" on Spreaker.

Rodgers Done In GB? NFL Draft Fatigue, Coverage & Conclusion. Phillies Wild Week. LBJ's Play In Comments Played Out? Bucks: Run At #1 Seed? NHL's TV Deal & Border Issue? Historic Derby Recap

Kicking off the fifth month of 2021 (already? Geez!) as I satiate your sports appetite on all that’s happening as Episode 192 is served. On deck:

(5:55) All of the hype, predictions and draft fatigue of the NFL is finally behind us, well, not just quite yet, as I delve into all that happened over the three day event in Cleveland. Overshadowing that is the news of Aaron Rodgers wanting out of Green Bay. Is this something that we need to watch out for on a day in-day out basis? I have to trash the opening minutes of the Draft coverage as there were a few things I did not like, to say the least. I share my thoughts on why did Denver pass on a QB in the first round? Did Chicago learn its lesson from a few years back in drafting Mitchell Trubisky to move up and select Justin Fields? Is Trey Lance the answer in San Francisco? What about Mac Jones in New England? Najee Harris? Rashod Bateman in Baltimore? I’ll have it all covered, including, is Richard Sherman and a reunion with the Seahawks forthcoming?

(38:47) The Philadelphia Phillies had a week to remember! Or forget? I’ll chronicle the past five days for the ballclub. The potential Royal Rumble of the NL East in 2021. The Dodgers are flailing and the Yankees are rebounding? And a familiar foe visits the Bronx this week in what should be a raucous setting.

(50:00) LeBron James is back in the lineup, but the Lakers are sliding quickly in the West. He has a few words about the play-in tournament as his team hovers near the seven seed in the conference. I have a few things to say about that as well. Are the Bucks making a push for the two seed in the East? A possible one seed? I’ll recap the latest playoff scenarios as we’re two weeks away from the seasons conclusion.

(1:02:45) The NHL joins forces with TNT as they did with ESPN a couple of weeks prior. What does this mean for visibility throughout the country? Also, the possible border issue between the US and Canada during the postseason? I have the easy fix. Are the Penguins peaking at the right time as they attempt to make one last run for Lord’s Stanley Cup? The Maple Leafs expectations for a long awaited Cup run this spring. And a new team is officially introduced to the NHL landscape as the Kraken of Seattle are in the fold.

(1:13:45) A Kentucky Derby recap as Medina Spirit wins the Run for the Roses by a half length. Does this bode well for a second victory at the Preakness in less than two weeks?

(1:19:14) Last but not least, my Hero and Zero of the Week.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

Listen to "Rodgers Done In GB? NFL Draft Fatigue, Coverage & Conclusion. Phillies Wild Week. LBJ's Play In Comments Played Out? Bucks: Run At #1 Seed?" on Spreaker.