Atlanta, GA

Columbus Crew starting Jacen Russell-Rowe vs. Atlanta United displays the club’s depth

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2024

Columbus Crew starting Jacen Russell-Rowe vs. Atlanta United displays the club’s depth

Crew coach Wilfried Nancy has never shied away from mixing up the starting 11.

“My decision could be, regarding the chemistry, regarding the interactions between few players,” Nancy said. “But after that, I can have a decision also about the profile, reading the profile. … So, it depends. There was a lot of things that I’m going to have to see and adjust.”

On Saturday in Columbus’ season opener against Atlanta United, the second-year coach opted to start forward Jacen Russell-Rowe over Alex Matan and Christian Ramirez.

Though Matan, who started every playoff game last season, had just returned to full training on the Monday before the match after he “felt something in his quad,” Nancy stated that the decision to start the 21-year-old wasn’t the injury. Rather, it was based on that day’s matchup. Against Atlanta, Nancy thought, Russell-Rowe could succeed.

In his 75 minutes of play, Russell-Rowe took three shot attempts, two missing far left. The lone score of Columbus’ 1-0 victory came off the boot of striker Cucho Hernandez. Despite a stat line showing no goals, Russell-Rowe remains confident.

“It comes from within,” Russell-Rowe said. “I’m a striker and I can’t be worried about scoring my chances. It’s hard to explain it, but I know I’m going to score my chances, and I have to think that way. I can’t think ‘what if I miss?’ or ‘what if the next one doesn’t go in?’ I just have to focus on when I get my next chance, I’m going to score.”

Russell-Rowe felt the start was a reward for a strong training camp performance. After his first full season with the first team in which he scored four goals across 21 regular-season games that included four starts, the forward has been continuing to integrate into the main group during the preseason.

“Coming in confident and then building better relationships with the other forwards, other players,” Russell-Rowe said. “People I didn’t really have a strong relationship with, coming into this season, and I think that helped me a lot, just feel comfortable on the field.”

Before the start of the season, Nancy stated that there are a number of players with different playing styles who can fill in at left forward. In addition to Russell-Rowe, Matan and Ramirez, there’s Columbus newcomer Marino Hinestroza.

Signed in the offseason from Club de Futbol Pachuca of Liga MX, the 21-year-old Hinestroza brings an ability to handle the ball and go one-on-one with the defense. He’s a greater attacking threat than the other options at the position.

Hinestroza and Russell-Rowe are younger talents who can capitalize on the fact that Columbus will have a heavy schedule this season. Matan and Ramirez bring experience and proven success with the club. Ramirez scored two game-winning goals in the postseason.

“The biggest message that I think I keep playing in my mind is there’s so many times in our career where we want more games and more opportunities, so that everybody can get involved,” Ramirez said. “The potential and possibility of having so many games is really exciting. … When everybody’s opportunity comes, to fully grasp that and show what you can do. “

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

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Atlanta, GA

Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions

The Philadelphia 76ers (14-10) and Atlanta Hawks (14-12) meet Sunday. Tip-off from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, is set for 6 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the 76ers vs. Hawks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Hawks lead 1-0

The 76ers beat the Indiana Pacers 115-105 Friday, covering as 5-point home favorites with the Under (221) cashing. C Joel Embiid led the team with 39 points on 12-for-23 shooting. Philadelphia has found its rhythm, winning 4 of its last 5 games while going 3-2 against the spread (ATS). It is 14-9-1 ATS on the season.

The Hawks lost to the Detroit Pistons 142-115 on Friday, failing to cover as 7-point road underdogs as the Over (233) hit. G Nickeil Alexander-Walker led all scorers with 22 points and 4 made 3-pointers. Atlanta, after a 10-5 November, has gone just 1-4 in its last 5 games, covering 3 times in that stretch. It is 14-12 ATS on the season.

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76ers at Hawks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): 76ers +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Hawks -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread: 76ers +4.5 (-105) | Hawks -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

76ers at Hawks key injuries

76ers

C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
G Tyrese Maxey (illness) doubtful
G Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) out
F Trendon Watford (adductor) out

Hawks

G Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ankle) questionable
C Kristaps Porzingis (illness) out
G Trae Young (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

76ers at Hawks picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 114, Hawks 111

BET 76ERS (+155).

The Hawks have fallen off a cliff, and their defense has gone with them. They are 1-4 over their last 5 outings and have allowed at least 123 points in 5 of their last 8 games. Their offense hasn’t matched that shortcoming, scoring 100 points or fewer in 2 of their last 5 contests.

The 76ers, on the other hand, are surging, and their defense has been much improved from earlier in the season. They have held 4 of their last 5 opponents to 105 points or fewer and haven’t given up more than 112 points in December (through 5 games). Philadelphia has won 3 straight on the road.

Take 76ERS (+155).

PASS.

The preferred option is the moneyline, thanks to the enhanced odds. The spread is also playable, particularly with the 76ers.

BET UNDER 226.5 (-110).

The 76ers have gone Under in 5 straight games, and while their defense has stepped up, they have scored 116 points or fewer in their last 4 contests. They are 11-13 O/U on the season.

The Hawks are 3-2 O/U in their last 5 games, largely due to their weak defense, which is less likely to be exploited given that the 76ers rank 20th in pace. Expect a slower-tempo game and take UNDER 226.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Atlanta, GA

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

The Atlanta Braves have locked down two free agents. One bolstered the bullpen while the other diversified their options on the offense. Now, from what we’re hearing, the attention has turned to fortifying the rotation.

We are gaining an idea of who the Braves are targeting on the starting pitching market. Framber Valdez and Michael King appear to be the top two free-agent options they’re taking a look at, per source. The goal would be to land one of the two. How far along any potential talks are or if they’re currently talking at all is unclear. We just know now that these two are preferred targets.

Previous reports said that the Mets and Giants had previously chatted with Valdez. King is on the radar of the Tigers and Cubs. There are contenders in play for these same guys.

Signing a free agent is their plan A for acquiring starting pitching depth. What we are hearing confirms the willingness to cough up a draft pick to make a big signing. Both have a qualifying offer attached to them.

That being said, they are willing to go out on the trade market if needed and in a specific circumstance. Plan B is to make a deal for Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta.

The 2025 All-Star has been rumored to be a trade candidate since the start of the offseason. What we are hearing lines up with previous speculation as to the type of moves the Braves could make. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggested the Braves make a move for Peralta, and part of that suggestion included a potential trade piece that would likely be dealt in this scenario.

The Brewers would likely want to make the centerpiece of the return the Braves’ No. 2 prospect, JR Ritchie. However, the Braves would likely prefer to hang onto Ritchie. They see him as a key piece of their future. They would likely prefer to make the centerpiece of the deal Hurston Waldrep, who showed significant promise once she was called up toward the end of last season.

Another player would likely be dealt along with one of the two names. The Braves would like to know whether an extension would be in play. They wouldn’t want to make the move for strictly a rental.

However, the Brewers want to get a trade done during the offseason. If he’s on the roster during the regular season, it would put them in a bind. They don’t see him as someone they’ll be able to keep around, but if they’re contending, they can’t trade him at the deadline. He would have to stick around for a push, and then he would walk.

Meanwhile, the Braves are pushing to have a top-five payroll in the league for next season. That puts them in the position to take on one of the two possible free-agent signings or take on a contract extension in a potential trade.

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Atlanta, GA

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Two people are dead following a fiery crash on Interstate 75 in Atlanta, according to police.

The crash occurred shortly before 3:15 a.m. Saturday on southbound I-75 near Cleveland Avenue Southwest. According to police, a Kia Sportage was traveling on I-75 when the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to exit at Cleveland Avenue.

Police said the vehicle left the roadway, hit a pole and subsequently caught fire.

Two unidentified occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators with the Atlanta Police Department Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine what led to the crash. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

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