Mid-Week Heat Check
10/20/2021By: Jeff Yoder
Good Morning,
The LCS series just got interesting, and the NBA season just tipped off. The mid-week heat check is in, and it’s another set of MLB Playoff games and 11 NBA openers tonight. Here we go.
Letter Rip!
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MLB
Dodgers & Astros Bounce Back
Photo: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
Dodgers Rally to Beat Braves (6-5); Astros Clobber Red Sox (9-2)
The LCS series entered Tuesday with a chance to bring us a clearer picture of a potential Red Sox-Braves World Series clash. Instead, it’s the Dodgers and Astros who bounced back. The Dodgers needed a four-run 8th-inning to avoid diving into a 3-0 hole against the Braves. Later in the night, Game 4 of the ALCS saw the Astros bury Boston (9-2) to tie the series at 2-2. Here’s how Tuesday’s games played out:
NLCS Gm 3: Dodgers def. Braves (6-5)
It looked for a moment like the Braves might grab a 3-0 lead in the NLCS, but a four-run 8th inning breathed life into the Dodgers’ World Series chances. After Atlanta pitcher Charlie Morton did all he could to get the Braves a 5-2 advantage through five innings, Cody Bellinger’s game-tying three-run homer knotted things up in the 8th. Moments later, Mookie Betts smacked the go-ahead double that proved to be the difference. Dodgers live on… (ATL Leads Series 2-1)
ALCS Gm 4: Astros def. Red Sox (9-2)
The nightcap in Fenway wasn’t kind to the home team as the Red Sox dropped their first home game of the postseason. Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman hit homers for the Astros. Altuve is now third all-time in postseason HRs (21). The Astros got the job done in Game 4 with a revolving door of pitchers that held Boston to just five hits after the Red Sox recorded 10-or-more hits in the first three games. (Series Tied 2-2)
Tonight’s Schedule
ALCS Gm 5: Astros at Red Sox (5:00 pm ET)
NLCS Gm 4: Braves at Dodgers (8:00 pm ET)
Additional Storylines
MLB: Jose Altuve Reaches 3rd on MLB Postseason HRs List
CBS Sports: Bellinger & Betts Rescue Dodgers From 3-0 Hole in NLCS
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NBA
Welcome Back, NBA!
Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images
Bucks Raise Banner Then Blow Out Nets (127-104); Warriors Outlast Lakers Before Curry’s Triple-Double (121-114)
The 2021-22 NBA season has officially arrived, and tip-off night featured some of the game’s biggest stars. The Milwaukee Bucks raised their championship banner and received their rings before the season-opening blowout against the Nets. In the nightcap, Steph Curry and the Warriors pulled away from the Lakers down the stretch. Tonight brings the real action with 22 teams on the court. Here’s the recap and the look-ahead:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (32 pts, 14 rebs, 7 asts) and Kevin Durant (32 pts, 11 rebs, 4 asts) went toe-to-toe in the season-opener after the Bucks’ championship presentation, but it was Milwaukee who pulled away in the fourth quarter. James Harden, Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton all added 20 points apiece.
Warriors def. Lakers (121-114)
The Lakers’ stars showed up in their opening night game, but the Warriors survived the opener despite a rough shooting night from Curry. He had just 20 points on 5-for-21, but his 10 assists and 10 rebounds made way for his first triple-double since 2016. LeBron James (34 pts, 11 rebs, 5 asts) and Anthony Davis (33 pts, 11 rebs) both played spectacular, but no other Lakers players scored in double figures. Russell Westbrook’s L.A. debut was disappointing with just 8 points.
Tonight’s Schedule
Pacers at Hornets (7:00 pm ET)
Bulls at Pistons (7:00 pm ET)
Celtics at Knicks (7:30 pm ET)
Wizards at Raptors (7:30 pm ET)
Cavaliers at Grizzlies (8:00 pm ET)
Rockets at Timberwolves (8:00 pm ET)
76ers at Pelicans (8:00 pm ET)
Magic at Spurs (8:30 pm ET)
Thunder at Jazz (9:00 pm ET)
Nuggets at Suns (10:00 pm ET)
Kings at Blazers (10:00 pm ET)
Additional Storylines
ESPN: Giannis Antetokounmpo on Bucks Title Banner: ‘That’s Going to be Forever’
B/R: Ben Simmons Kicked Out of Practice, Suspended for 76ers Season-Opener
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THE STORYLINES
The NFL enters Week 7 with a new set of power rankings. The Cardinals are still No. 1 with an unbeaten record, but the Ravens, Packers and Titans all climbing quickly. (USA Today)
The 2021-22 NBA Entrance Survey
Awards predictions, NBA Finals picks, the most intriguing teams and players, and more. From Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving to all the news and notes entering the 2021-22 season. (The Ringer)
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THE HEADLINES
Aaron Boone to Return as Manager of New York Yankees on 3-Year Deal
(ESPN)
Browns Optimistic QB Baker Mayfield’s Shoulder Injury Not Season-Ending
(Bleacher Report)
AAC Closing In On Massive 6-School Expansion to Reshape Conference
(Yahoo! Sports)
Jaguars Release Veteran Kicker Josh Lambo in Favor of Matthew Wright
(CBS Sports)
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