Month: June 2021

This month marks the tenth anniversary of Bon Iver’s self-titled sophomore album, which solidified Justin Vernon’s project as an indie rock powerhouse, and eventually earned him a handful of Grammys (see above). To celebrate ten years of this pivotal record, Steve and Ian are putting aside their opposing views on Bon Iver to spend an episode reflecting on the outfit’s catalogue and lasting impact.

In the decade since the release of Bon Iver, Justin Vernon has made a name for himself as one of the least predictable and most adventurous artists of recent memory, with a series of ultimate “grower” albums that end up shifting listeners’ tastes, that somehow exist in the same timeline as recent massive collaborations with Taylor Swift. This week, Steve and Ian discuss whether “Woods” is one of the most important indie rock songs of the 21st century, and how much Vernon’s association with Kanye actually accounts for his credibility in the indie world.

In this week’s Recommendation Corner, Steve is digging Australian indie-pop outfit The Goon Sax’s forthcoming LP Mirror II, while Ian is plugging Militarie Gun’s new EP All Roads Lead To The Gun.

New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 43 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify below, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts here. Stay up to date and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here.

E3 isn’t officially kicked off just yet, but Thursday’s Summer Games Fest brought lots of gaming news with it, including a George R.R. Martin project that had fans talking. Elden Ring finally got a trailer on Thursday, along with a January 2022 release date that had fans talking about the From Software project.

But while a new title from the makers of Dark Souls and Bloodborne looks intriguing as ever, those more concerned with the going-ons in Westeros had a lot to say about the author of the Song of Ice and Fire series doing more work outside of the Thrones universe. Though Elden Ring got plenty of traction on Thursday, it was Martin’s name that trended on Twitter as fans reacted and made jokes about the long-awaited next installment in Martin’s fantasy epic.

We already saw the Game of Thrones TV series surpass the plot of the last book, which was published in July of 2011. Martin is apparently hard at work on that next book, though he’s blown past a number of self-imposed deadlines and given scant details outside of some blog posts every now and again.

Which is why news that his Elden Ring will see the light of day in a few months made for a lot of jokes about the book many people are desperate for him to finish.

As some writers pointed out, maybe Martin not saying much about the project is actually a good thing.

Honestly, some could get why he’s dragging his feet a bit.

Martin said in the summer of 2020 that he’s living a “very boring” life in exile trying to finish The Winds of Winter, but so far we’ve seen no pages from the notoriously slow writer. And any news about work that isn’t that book is going to irk fans, even if that work looks like something they’d very much want to play on PC or console.

I’ve seen my fair share of bad Wheel of Fortune guesses over the years.

There was poor Shermian, who just needed the first and last word to solve a puzzle but ended up bungling the whole thing; and this guy’s dirty mind (it’s A Streetcar Named Desire, not A Streetcar Naked Desire, although maybe it should be); and who could forget this act of hubris. Shout out to “bridal and gold shower,” too. But Thursday’s episode of the syndicated game show had one of my all-time favorite terrible guesses.

As seen above, the category was “People” and the board read: TH_ N__T __N_R_T__N. To be honest, I didn’t know the answer, but I knew it wasn’t “The Best Buttercup,” which is what contestant Matt guessed. Or maybe he said “The Best Buttercut.” It’s hard to tell, but neither is close to being right (the actual answer: “The Next Generation”). Even Pat Sajak sounded confused. After Matt tried to solve the puzzle, the host replied, in a deadpan voice that would make the late, great Alex Trebek proud, “Uh, no. Oddly enough, no.” Matt ended up winning the episode (although he wasn’t able to get the bonus puzzle), but that’s not what he’ll be remembered for.

As it related to Kanye West, last week’s episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians was a big one. In it, Kim Kardashian spoke as frankly as she ever had about her and West’s relationship troubles, saying that the situation made her feel like “a f*cking loser.” Last night was the series finale of the show, and during the episode, Kardashian spoke about why she decided to divorce West.

Speaking with Kris Jenner, Kardashian began:

“I just feel like I’ve worked so hard in life to achieve everything that I’ve wanted to, and I’ve lived up to my expectations and achieved ten times more than I even thought was humanly possible, but I don’t have a life to share that with. Like, I do — obviously my kids and everything — but am I just going to sit here and think, ‘OK, my kids fulfill me and I’m good?’

I never thought I was lonely. I always thought that’s totally fine: I could just have my kids, my husband moves from state to state, and I just am on this ride with him, and I was OK with that. And then after turning 40 this year, I realized, like, ‘No, I don’t want a husband that lives in a completely different state.’ To me, I thought, ‘Oh my god, that’s when we’re getting along the best,’ but then that is sad to me and that’s not what I want.”

She went on to talk about how while she appreciated all of West’s grand gestures, she doesn’t feel like their lives and interests had enough overlap:

“I want someone where we have the same shows in common. I want someone that wants to work out with me. Like, every single day, Khloé and Tristan and I would workout at 6 a.m., the three of us, and I was third-wheeling it for a good eight months in quarantine, and I was so envious of that. I was like, ‘Wow, it’s, like, the little things I don’t have.’ I have all the big things. I have the extravagant everything you can possibly imagine and no one will ever do it like that — I know that, and I’m grateful for those experiences — but I think I’m ready for the smaller experiences that I think will mean a lot.”

She concluded, “I’m numb. Like, I’m tired of that, but I do know that I will be happy. I didn’t come this far just to come this far and not be happy.”

Looking at Kardashian’s outfit in the scene and comparing it to an Instagram post, BuzzFeed News speculates the conversation was filmed in mid-January, about a month before Kardashian filed for divorce. However, Kardashian spoke about turning 40 years old “this year,” and her 40th birthday was on October 21, 2020. So, it’s also possible the chat took place in late 2020.

Watch some clips from the Keeping Up With The Kardashians finale below.

Summer’s almost here, and that might mean getting outside more, but also one more important thing: summer shows. Netflix made sure that the content won’t slow down, and in fact, things are speeding up with productions kicking into high gear around the globe. This week, a wildly popular French heist show returns, and a food-travel show is here to encourage you to gain several vicarious pounds. There’s also an animated Sony movie coming to your living room, some thriller movies, and a fresh and sharp-looking new original anime series from the streaming service. There’s somehow more, too, so we earmarked the best picks.

Here’s everything else coming to (and leaving) the streaming platform this week.

Lupin: Part 2 (Netflix series streaming 6/11)

This (the fancy French heist show starring Omar Sy) turned out to be a smash hit for Netflix in January. The overwhelming reaction even led the streamer to hustle fast to release Part 2, so that everyone could see how the beloved gentleman burglar would take revenge (against Hubert Pelligrini) for the abduction of his son, and by the way, we could probably use a lot more heisting as well? Give it to us. Of course, after that train station switcheroo in last season’s finale, we can expect police to redouble their efforts. So, Assane reenters as the most wanted man in France, and of course, he’ll tempt fate while executing a new plan that puts himself at risk. Along the way, black tie events, high-speed car chases, speeding motorboats, thrown punches, and a trip to the catacombs are in the cards. Everyone will eventually learn that they should never underestimate our protagonist because, my god, he never runs out of energy or ingenuity. “Nothing but magic,” as we hear Omar Sy say at the end of the trailer.

Fresh, Fried & Crispy: Season 1 (Netflix series streaming on 6/9)

You might gain 10 pounds while watching this show, which would fit right in with Guy Fieri’s adventures. The so-called Grandfather of Food Reviews on YouTube, Daym Drops, takes a cross-country trip across the United States to find the most decadent fried foods possible. There’s deep-fried Oreos (in San Diego), extra-crispy pork chops (in Birmingham), and more on the menu, and not only does he pop into actual restaurants, but home kitchens and food trucks are also part of the hunt. Get your appetites ready.

Trese: Season 1 (Netflix series streaming 6/10)

The anime game grows bolder on this streaming service with a Manila-set series where mythical Philippine creatures (who are both malevolent and of supernatural nature) live among unaware humans. The title character, a detective named Alexandra Trese, finds herself going up against these creatures, who are apparently the rulers of the criminal underworld.

Wish Dragon (Netflix film streaming 6/11)

This Sony Pictures Animation movie revolves around a working-class college student and a cynical but powerful dragon who can grant her wishes and help realize dreams. Yet the film gets super existential while mulling over what’s really worth wishing for in life.

Awake (Netflix film streaming 6/9)

This post-apocalyptic yarn follows a mysterious global event that leaves mankind without sleep and without all electronics. A troubled ex-soldier might be able to fix things through a “cure” that happens to be her daughter, although she might lose her mind before she can piece everything together. Yikes.

Tragic Jungle (Netflix film streaming 6/9)

This story’s set in the 1920s Mayan jungle, where lawlessness and mythical ways rule near the Mexico-Belize border. A group of Mexican workers collide with a mysterious Belizian woman, which of course sends them into a desire-filled state, although there’s something else afoot. That would be the awakening of the legendary Xtabay being that might seal their destiny.

Here’s a full list of what’s been added in the last week:

Avail. 6/5
Kitty Love: An Homage to Cats

Avail. 6/7
Vampire Academy

Avail. 6/9
Awake
Fresh, Fried & Crispy
L.A.’s Finest: LA’s Finest: Season 2
Tragic Jungle

Avail. 6/10
A Haunted House 2
Camellia Sisters
Locombianos

Avail. 6/11
Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce): Season 2
Lupin: Part 2
Skater Girl
Trese
Wish Dragon

Avail. 6/13
The Devil Below
Picture a Scientist

And here’s what’s leaving next week, so it’s your last chance:

Leaving 6/17
Bob Lazar: Area 51 & Flying Saucers

Leaving 6/21
Dark Skies

A gentleman thief, a blockbuster action film, an adaptation of a feel-good Broadway musical, a mercurial trickster, and so much more. Do you want to know where you’ll find the best bang for your buck among the streaming services? This week, the competition is incredibly fierce, and honestly, you might end up with a lot of queue carryovers in the weeks to come. Fortunately, we are here to help you decide what’s best to watch now and watch later, and the good news is that there’s a super enjoyable action film starring Mark Wahlberg on Paramount+. In other words, it is microwave popcorn time.

However, three other streaming services put up huge fights in the battle for the best, and HBO Max comes out on top for simultaneously streaming a theater release that we really need to see during our current times, along with the return of the coolest skater ladies. The runner up this week would be Netflix, which brings us the debut of Loki and an ASMR series that’s a tribute to Disney’s legacy. Then Netflix busts into the game with Lupin‘s heist-loving comeback, a truly mouthwatering food-travel show, and extra options as well. Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, and Hulu also weigh in with fresh selections, and don’t forget about that post-punk-lady-band Peacock show that arrived last week. Here’s everything that you should consider putting in your queues this weekend.

HBO Max

In The Heights (Warner Bros. film on HBO Max) — John M. Chu adapts the Broadway musical (that starred Lin Manuel-Miranda) into a feature film that, as our own Mike Ryan writes, may have landed by fate at precisely the right time. The feel-good production is playing simultaneously in theaters and WarnerMedia’s streaming service, so pick your venue accordingly, and then settle in and enjoy Anthony Ramos in the Miranda role while witnessing the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and dreams unfold. The message of this film — that communities find their stick-together strength within their individual members — couldn’t be more needed than during our current global situation.

Betty: Season 2 premiere (HBO series on HBO Max) — Like a breath of the most refreshing, free-wheeling air possible, HBO’s Betty will soon glide back into our lives. It’s what we really need to heal our pandemic-addled minds, and somehow, director Crystal Moselle managed to gather the Skate Kitchen crew back up for a second season and film on the streets of New York City. The main players are all back — Rachelle Vinberg as Camille, Ajani Russell as Indigo, Dede Lovelace as Janay, Moonbear as Honeybear, and Nina Moran as Kirt — and they’re still making the act of soaring through the streets look like the coolest thing on Earth. In their defense, Betty really is the coolest show on TV these days, and we could all stand to live vicariously these days.

Starstruck: Season 1 Premiere (HBO Max series) — Comedian Rose Matafeo stars in this comedy show about a young London woman who’s juggling two dead-end jobs and accidentally sleeping with a famous movie star, portrayed by Nikesh Patel. What could have been an amusing anecdote ends up being much more than that, and the cast also includes Sindhu Vee, Emma Sidi, and Minnie Driver.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Warner Bros. film on HBO Max) — The Devil’s simultaneously coming to a living room or theater near you for this third The Conjuring movie, as the second-highest-grossing franchise (James Wan can’t stop) roars back. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as paranormal dream-team Lorraine and Ed Warren, and this time, the story’s ripped from the headlines. As the film’s title indicates, this case revolves around a 1980s murder case, in which a defendant claimed that the Devil, you know, made him kill and other unspeakable things.

Full Bloom: Season 2 Premiere (HBO Max series) — The botannical-battle series returns with a whole new crop of up-and-coming florists from around the U.S. They’ll leap into individual and team challenges to highlight their vibrant creative visions and compete for a $100,000 nest egg to jumpstart their own business.

Disney+

Loki: Season 1 Premiere (Disney+ series+) — Tom Hiddleston has an absolute blast playing the mercurial trickster of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and we shall reap the benefits while he helps (and hinders) the Time Variance Authority during the process of cleaning up the timeline. Likewise, Owen Wilson is entertaining as hell (even while saddled with a lot of exposition) as the MCU’s smoothest time cop. This is definitely not the Loki you’re used to (he died in Avengers: Infinity War), but he’s still a delightful scamp, and the show is all about setting up the multiverse. We’re lucky to have this pair to guide us into the future.

Zenimation: Season 2 (Disney+ series+) — If you’re into the whole ASMR thing, you’ll wanna check out this show that’s chock full of animated soundscape that are, in effect, molded from the aural experiences of iconic Disney scenes. Enjoy crashing waves and frigid forests and more while this tribute to the best of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ legacy of sights and sounds.

Cruella (Disney movie on Disney+) — Yes, Cruella de Vil is finally getting her origin story. Even if you don’t agree that she needed one, no one can argue that Emma Stone is the actress who could deliver a damn good time in this role. Granted, the film starts out slow (the runtime’s over two hours) with a protracted childhood era that doesn’t illustrate much about why she villained out and murdered puppies. Yet it does speed up, with lots of mayhem and a cackling Emma hanging off a truck in a billowing dress. Fashion can be evil! Also, the soundtrack feels like a character in its own right.

Netflix

Lupin: Part 2 (Netflix series) — This (the fancy French heist show starring Omar Sy) turned out to be a smash hit for Netflix in January. The overwhelming reaction even led the streamer to hustle fast to release Part 2, so that everyone could see how the beloved gentleman burglar would take revenge (against Hubert Pelligrini) for the abduction of his son, and by the way, we could probably use a lot more heisting as well? Give it to us. Of course, after that train station switcheroo in last season’s finale, we can expect police to redouble their efforts. So, Assane reenters as the most wanted man in France, and he’ll tempt fate while attending black tie events, high-speed car chases, speeding motorboats, thrown punches, and a trip to the catacombs.

Fresh, Fried & Crispy: Season 1 (Netflix series) — You might gain 10 pounds while watching this show, which would fit right in with Guy Fieri’s adventures. The so-called Grandfather of Food Reviews on YouTube, Daym Drops, takes a cross-country trip across the United States to find the most decadent fried foods possible. There’s deep-fried Oreos (in San Diego), extra-crispy pork chops (in Birmingham), and more on the menu, and not only does he pop into actual restaurants, but home kitchens and food trucks are also part of the hunt. Get your appetites ready.

Awake (Netflix film) — This post-apocalyptic yarn follows a mysterious global event that leaves mankind without sleep and without all electronics. A troubled ex-soldier might be able to fix things through a “cure” that happens to be her daughter, although she might lose her mind before she can piece everything together. Yikes.

Wish Dragon (Netflix film) — This Sony Pictures Animation movie revolves around a working-class college student and a cynical but powerful dragon who can grant her wishes and help realize dreams. Yet the film gets super existential while mulling over what’s really worth wishing for in life.

Sweet Tooth: Season 1 (Netflix series) — Team Downey (Robert Jr. and Susan) brings us this awe-inspiring story based upon a comic-book by creator Jeff Lemire, who whipped up a post-apocalyptic fairytale about what happens when a great sickness (which is poorly dealt with by humans) ends with a miracle. In this case, this would be the appearance of “hybrids,” babies who are born half-human and half-animal, and we’ll meet a young deer-boy, Gus, (Christian Convery), who teams up with a reluctant protector, Tommy Jepperd (Nonso Anozie), for a cross-country quest. The comic has been described as “Mad Max Meets Bambi,” and Will Forte also plays a pivotal role. You’re in for a real (sweet) treat if you surrender to this adventure.

Paramount+

Infinite (Paramount+ film) — As hard as it might seem to believe, Mark Wahlberg stabs an airplane in this summer blockbuster movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua, that’s coming straight to your living room tonight. Wahlberg is going up against reincarnated warriors known as “Infinites,” and he might be having flashbacks from multiple lives as well. He’s self-medicating, too, and driving a motorcycle off a cliff, so yeah, get your microwave popcorn ready for this gloriously dumb action film.

Amazon Prime

Flack: Season 2 (Amazon Prime series) — This series began on Pop TV, and Amazon picked it up for a second season for good reason. This is some damn fine guilty-pleasure escapism, even if it feels like an amalgamation of many shows and movies (includingThe Devil Wears Prada, Scandal, Sex and the City) that you’ve seen before. Anna Paquin, who portrays Robyn, who’s part of a PR agency that’s ridiculously good at hiding the most outrageous celebrity scandals imaginable. The show’s dark but breezy, and this season will see more collisions between work and home life, and as always, there will be love affairs and shady dealings and drug-induced benders and, yes, almost much everyone on this show is a terrible person, but oh, the comeuppance is a blast to watch.

Dom: Season 1 (Amazon Prime series) — This crime drama hails from Brazil with subtitles, but there’s a lot of Ozark and Sons of Anarchy vibes on display to make a non-dubbed effort worth the watch. Dom revolves around a middle-class Rio de Janeiro boy, Pedro, who falls into the lucrative realm of cocaine and eventually rises toward the top (or sinks toward the bottom, depending on one’s perspective) of the criminal underworld. It’s all based on a true story of the gang-related exploits that dominated the country’s aughts tabloids, given the juicy reality of Pedro’s father working for police intelligence, and yes, one should expect the lines of morality to go grey here. Dom‘s also a high-adrenaline adventure, so don’t watch this one while hoping to relax.

Apple TV+

Home Before Dark: Season 2 (Apple TV+ series) — Young investigative journalist Hilde returns following her small-town move (from Brooklyn), which led to her discovery of a cold case that her father (and everyone else in town) had previously attempted to bury. This season promises to be (literally) explosive, and Hilde will take on a corporation while trying to expose the truth, which could risk her own life and that of her family.

Lisey’s Story (Apple TV+ limited series) — There seemingly cannot be enough Stephen King TV adaptations out there, and this project presents the story of a widow, once married to a legendary novelist, and who is rediscovering repressed memories while cleaning out his desk. Because she needs even more nightmarish curveballs thrown her way, Lisey must also fend off a stalker fan of her husband, and there are (naturally) going to be some otherworldly shenanigans afoot.

Hulu

Love Victor: Season 2 (Hulu series) — Simon’s happy ending in the first round shall be followed up by adventures for Victor, the new guy in town, who’s wrestling with his own identity and attempting to fit in while realizing that everyone (whether they admit it or not) is having the same issues. Betsy Brandt is now onboard as Felix’s mother, and expect plenty of melodrama as new relationships cause riffs and jealousy concerning older ones and those that you’d think are firmly in the past. Love is rarely ever easy, but this cast of characters might renew your faith in the concept if you thought you were over romance.

The New York Times Presents: Who Gets To Be an Influencer? (FX documentary film series on Hulu) — Hot on the heels of the controversial Britney Spears installment, the New York Times continues bringing essential stories to the forefront. This week, the publication chronicles a pioneering mainstream Black “creator mansion,” Collab Crib, which seeks to reach social media stardom. All the while, they’re working against the grain, and they tackle their plight in a profound manner.

Peacock

We Are Lady Parts: Season 1 (Peacock series) — A Muslim female post-punk band called Lady Parts looks for a lead guitarist in this subversive series, which follows the ups and downs of the group as they seek a real gig. A geeky, hard-sciences Ph.D. recruit named Amina Hussain ends up being the unlikely lucky lady to pick up the ax, and she’s soon swept up into the group’s anarchic energy. Naturally, Amina’s caught between two worlds, that of her conservative friends and the irresistible lure of the band’s joyful spirit. Together, they’re fearless, rowdy, and sexual and every ultra-religious family’s nightmare. As a show, it’s silly and irreverent and inspiring; for sure, you’ve never seen women like quite this on your TV screen.

After 14 years (gasp!), 20 seasons (double gasp!) and more than 270 episodes (what is wrong with us as a society?!), E!’s long-running reality series Keeping Up With the Kardashians mercifully came to an end on Thursday night and Jimmy Kimmel wanted to talk about it. Calling it both “a major milestone in reality TV history” and the “rear-end of an era,” Kimmel—like so many of us—seemed simultaneously bemused and impressed that the first family of reality television has kept audiences interested for so long, saying:

“You know, when the Kardashians got started, I was skeptical. I think we all were. I don’t think we thought this would stand the test of time, but it has. This family has given us 270 episodes of television over the past 900 seasons, so we thought it was only right to bid farewell to each member of the Kardashian clan and here we go:

Goodbye, Kim.
Goodbye, Khloe.
Farewell, Kourtney.
So long, Kris, Caitlyn, Kendall, Kylie, Keely, Kitty, Collie, Kammy, Comey, Toothy, Kaley Cuoco, Keebler, Condi, Kanye, Kitana, Caboodle, Kaboobie, Chamillionaire, Katrina, and Rob. Goodbye all of you.”

After stating that it would be impossible to put together any sort of adequate sendoff in the form of a clip packet, Kimmel instead created a best-of compilation of Kris Humphries’ finest moments from the show. All two of them. Humphries, you may remember, is a former NBA player who became Kim’s second husband for a hot minute (the equivalent of 72 days) in 2011. In mid-October of that year, E! did a full-on media blitz to promote its two-part “Kim’s Fairytale Wedding” extravaganza. Three weeks later, the fairytale was over: Kim filed for divorced, Humphries countered asking for an annulment. Cue Barbra Streisand singing “Memories.”

While Kimmel admitted that he never did keep up with the Kardashians, he was curious to know how the dad was doing—which provided him with the perfect segue to talk about reality-star-turned-aspiring-politician (and occasional Kimmel adversary) Caitlyn Jenner’s appearance on The View earlier that day. And to share his opinion that “Caitlyn Jenner has a better chance of being the next Batman than she does governor of California.”

You can watch the full clip above; it starts around the 3-minute mark.

The Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets continue their best-of-seven journey on Friday evening with Game 3 in the Mile High City. Phoenix leads the series by a 2-0 margin after bludgeoning the Nuggets by a 123-98 margin in Game 2 on Wednesday. As a result, the Nuggets face an uphill battle that begins in a pressure-packed spot as the series shifts to Denver.

The Nuggets are a tremendous offensive team, led by 2020-21 NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. While Jokic was at least reasonably effective in Game 2, Denver’s supporting cast was not, and the team struggled to a below-average offensive efficiency mark as a result. In the series, the Nuggets are shooting just 43 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three-point range, and they are also attempting only 13 free throws per game. Returning home could be helpful to boost the efficiency of role players, but the Nuggets are also short-handed due to injury, and Michael Porter Jr. is on the injury report (as probable) with back tightness.

For Phoenix, everything is coming easy in this series through two games. The Suns are scoring more than 1.25 points per possession, an elite figure, and they are generating 28.5 assists per game with only 8.5 turnovers per contest. Chris Paul (17 points, 15 assists and no turnovers in Game 2) and Devin Booker lead the way as often, but Deandre Ayton (17.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 65 percent shooting) is also enjoying success. As a team, the Suns are posting 51/43/87 shooting through two games, taking full advantage of a Nuggets defense that is not elite under any circumstances.

From a betting standpoint, Game 2 went Under the total of 224 points and Phoenix covered the closing point spread of six points as a favorite.

Game 3 TV Info

Tip Time: Friday, June 11; 10:00 p.m. ET
TV Network: ESPN

Game 3 Betting Lines (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Series Prices: Suns (-910), Nuggets (+570)
Spread: Nuggets -1.5 (-114), Suns +1.5 (-107)
Total: Over 223.5 (-112), Under 223.5 (-109)
Money Line: Nuggets (-124), Suns (+104)

The second round matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks shifts to Georgia on Friday evening. The series is knotted at 1-1, with Game 3 potentially providing a swing point in the best-of-seven clash. Atlanta won Game 1 behind an explosive effort from Trae Young, while Philadelphia found some defensive answers and leaned on Joel Embiid over the course of a comfortable Game 2 win.

Though Embiid is officially listed as questionable for Game 3 with a knee issue, he has been the best player in the series. The All-NBA center has dominated an individual matchup against Clint Capela and, even with the Hawks throwing double teams in his direction, Embiid has 79 points and 22 rebounds in two games. The rest of Philadelphia’s offense hasn’t been off-the-charts, but the 76ers did find their footing in the first half of Game 2, particularly with Tobias Harris attacking the rim and the Hawks struggling with their transition defense.

Unfortunately, Atlanta will be without De’Andre Hunter for the rest of the season as a result of a meniscus injury. Hunter did not play in the first two games, but his absence was felt, with the Hawks seemingly one big wing short when dealing with Harris and Ben Simmons. Still, Young provides sky-high upside offensively, and Atlanta does have a bevy of shooters. Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari provided a significant punch in reserve duty during Game 2, and they could be X-factors for Game 3 and beyond.

From a betting standpoint, Game 2 went Under the total of 225.5 points and Philadelphia covered the closing point spread of 6.5 points as a favorite.

Game 3 TV Info

Tip Time: Friday, June 11; 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Network: ESPN

Game 3 Betting Lines (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Series Prices: 76ers (-250), Hawks (+200)
Spread: 76ers -1 (-109), Hawks +1 (-112)
Total: Over 225 (-109), Under 225 (-112)
Money Line: 76ers (-114), Hawks (-105)

Game 3 Player Scoring Props (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Kevin Huerter O/U 11.5 Points (Over -113/Under -113)
John Collins O/U 14.5 (-113/-113)
Louis Williams O/U 6.5 (-113/-113)
Danny Green O/U 8.5 (-113/-113)
Seth Curry O/U 14.5 (-105/-122)
Joel Embiid O/U 32.5 (-113/-113)
Danilo Gallinari O/U 12.5 (-106/-121)
Ben Simmons O/U 13.5 (+102/-129)
Trae Young O/U 27.5 (-113/-113)
Clint Capela O/U 11.5 (-120/-107)
Bogdan Bogdanović O/U 17.5 (-113/-113)
Tobias Harris O/U 20.5 (-113/-113)

The Jazz pulled off a comeback in the second half of Game 1 against the Clippers to escape with a three-point win thanks to a monstrous performance from Donovan Mitchell and a clutch block at the buzzer from Rudy Gobert.

In Game 2, Mitchell picked up where he left off with 27 points in the first half (and 37 for the game), dancing on the Clippers with stepback threes that drew the Clipper defense higher opened up the paint for driving lanes later — but the stepback was always there when he wanted it.

It was Utah’s turn to take a 13-point lead at the break in Game 2, and the tables were turned as the Clippers made a furious second half rally led by a surprising figure in Reggie Jackson, who led L.A. in scoring with 29 points on 11-of-19 shooting (4-of-8 from three), with 24 of those coming in the second half.

Every time the Clippers made a run to cut the Utah lead down to a one possession game, the Jazz had an answer. In the third quarter it was Jordan Clarkson (24 points) who pushed their lead back out to seven going to the fourth, as he caught fire with Donovan Mitchell taking a much-needed break.

The most successful L.A. run came in the mid-fourth, as Kawhi Leonard made his imprint on the game known with a steal and ferocious dunk to pull the Clippers within a possession of the Jazz once again.

After that it was the hero of the second half, Reggie Jackson, who came through with back-to-back threes to give the Clippers their first lead of the game at 101-99 with 6:37 to play in the fourth.

But as was the story all half, the Jazz answered back. It started with Joe Ingles hitting an absurd high arcing runner that clipped the top of the backboard, followed by timely threes from Bojan Bogdanovic and Royce O’Neale to regain a 7-point lead. Ingles capped off the 14-2 run with a three of his own to send the Jazz crowd into a frenzy and give Utah a 113-103 lead.

At the same time, the Clippers went cold at the worst possible time, missing eight straight field goals as Utah took control of the game before Jackson, fittingly, ended the drought with a layup. Paul George would then get an and-1 to make it a five-point game with a minute to play, but the inability of the Clippers to match the Jazz’s shotmaking down the stretch proved too much for them to overcome. Donovan Mitchell put the game on ice with a runner over Luke Kennard to give the Jazz a 117-111 win.

The only late drama involved an off-ball foul between Paul George and Donovan Mitchell that left the Utah star guard on the floor in pain before he got up and split his free throws, creating a bit of concern for his health heading into Game 3 — although Mitchell insisted after the game he just got run into and it hurt in the moment but he was fine now.

The difference on the night for Utah was their three-point shooting, as a team the went 20-for-39 from distance and shot 55.3 percent from the field overall. On the other side, Jackson was sensational, Kawhi was his usual self, and George showed up big in the second half to finish with 27 points, but as a team they just couldn’t match Utah’s continued shooting onslaught, going 11-for-30 from deep (36.7 percent). The Jazz now take a 2-0 series lead and the Clippers find themselves in familiar territory down two games, which means they can lean on their first round experience but this time have to come back against a more complete team.