NBA DFS Picks and Building Blocks - Luka Docic Could Be the Next MVP

NBA DFS Picks and Building Blocks - Luka Docic Could Be the Next MVP

The NBA is back for another season, and with that comes the opportunity for a whole new crop of superstars to join the league. With so many players to choose from, it's tough to know who to take, and when to lay the bet. But there's one player who is a lock to make it to the All-Star Game, and could be the next MVP: Luka Docic.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA. His production has risen to 1.87 DraftKings points per minute this season, and he has been on a fantastic run the last six games. He's scored 43 points twice this year and his upside is pretty strong.

Giannis has the third highest usage rate in the NBA at 27.2%, and has a pretty good matchup. The Thunder allow the most fantasy points per game to opposing centers.

He's had a few games where he's logged over 40 points, and has averaged 14.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this year. But his production is largely based on playing time.

He's played 25 minutes or more in three of his last four games, but he may be slowed by an illness. If he plays more than 25 minutes tonight, he's likely to get fantasy points.

He's also a decent option on FanDuel. In his last outing, he posted an impressive 17 points, nine assists, and two steals.

It's unlikely he'll play more than 30 minutes tonight, but he could easily rack up close to a 30% usage rate. Isaiah Thomas leads the team in usage with a 27.2% average, and he should have a great night against the Thunder.

Another player to consider is De'Aaron Fox, who's averaging 37 points and 6.3 rebounds in his last three games. His average is only slightly higher than Giannis's, but his defense has been a huge factor in this stretch.

Anthony Davis

As we enter the final quarter of the NBA season, there are three players vying for a chance to take home the title. Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Jokic all rank among the top players in the league when it comes to fantasy value.

Despite a lower back tightness that has limited him to six games this year, Luka Doncic has been a great fantasy player. He is also the leader in DraftKings points per game at 63.

Although the Lakers are not in the playoff picture yet, they are closing in. They are only three games behind the Sacramento Kings. If they can keep up the momentum, they could find themselves in the Western Conference Finals by early January.

The Lakers have a tough matchup tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a slow start, the Lakers are 7-3 in their last 10 games. This has been a big turnaround for the team.

On the other side of the court, the Cavaliers have been among the best at protecting paint this season. Despite the loss of Jarrett Allen, the team's defense is still second in the league in defensive rating.

In addition to his ability to score, LeBron James has been a strong fantasy performer this year. He is averaging 5.6 assists and 25 points in the last 10 games. He has scored over 50 DKFP in seven of his past ten games.

Buddy Hield

There's plenty to like in the NBA DFS picks and building blocks on Tuesday, March 18. Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Buddy Hield are three of the top names to look at for the next game.

Luka Doncic, who was recently traded to the New York Knicks, has been one of the most efficient players in the league in 2018. He's averaging 1.92 DraftKings points per minute and has an incredible 42.0% usage rate.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who plays for the Hornets, has been one of the most productive players in the game in the last two games. In that time, he's averaged 61.2 Yahoo points, three assists, and two steals.

The Celtics are another of the most efficient teams in the league this year. Their star point guard Marcus Smart is also a solid buy-low option. Despite not having a monster performance in his last outing, he had 9 assists and two steals.

Jimmy Butler, who's been a solid player for the Heat, should have a good game. However, the Miami frontcourt is still a bit of a question mark.

Jalen Smith is a great value play on the Saturday slate. Although his salary is significant, he's produced over 25.0 DraftKings points in each of his last three games. His Bargain Rating is 96%.

Buddy Hield's shooting has been one of the best in the NBA this year. He's hit an astounding 10 of 16 FGs in the past two games and is one of the most efficient three-point shooters in the league.

Tyrese Haliburton

If you're looking for NBA DFS picks and building blocks, Tyrese Haliburton and Luka Docic are two players you'll want to consider. These two are both currently in the starting lineups of their respective teams and are in the right situation to produce.

Haliburton has been a consistent fantasy producer in his second season. He's averaging 14.5 points and 9.5 assists per game in 37 minutes. In addition to that, he also contributes seven rebounds and two steals.

The Pacers have won five straight games and are now in the playoff hunt. They've beaten the Clippers, Celtics, and Cavaliers. They've also allowed the seventh-most DK points in the league. This is a good spot to start a lineup on either site.

With the departure of De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton has been in a lead facilitator role. He's averaging 10 assists and seven rebounds in his last three games. Plus, he has a solid matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Haliburton has become one of the more reliable and cheap options on the slate. His average price is just under $9,000.

You may not have heard of Docic yet. But he's a great value for the money. He's averaging 1.36 DraftKings points per minute and leads the team in both categories.

As for the Kings, they've got a lot of mid-priced players on both sites. It's a good time to take a look at a few of them, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Mikal Bridges, and Harrison Barnes.

Damian Lillard

If you're playing NBA DFS, Damian Lillard and Luka Doncic are top building blocks to consider. Their stats are on fire in December, and they're likely to keep producing in upcoming games.

Despite a loss to the Warriors, Lillard is averaging 27.6 FD points and 10 assists. He also had a nice line against the Bucks, scoring 34 points and grabbing eight rebounds.

The Trail Blazers' schedule has them in Texas on Saturday, and they'll be looking to make it three straight wins in that state. They've won six of the eight games they've played in this stretch.

Portland is favored by double digits tonight. That's not too much for a team that's been decimated by injuries. Fortunately, there are some great options to choose from on this small slate.

Luka Doncic is one of the biggest stars in the NBA. He leads all point guards on this slate in per-minute production. He is also projected for the highest usage rate. And he's got a great matchup against the Golden State Warriors.

In a game in which the Portland Trail Blazers are a nine-point underdog, Luka Doncic is a solid play. His per-minute value is second on the slate, and his price is right.

While Luka Doncic has been hurt for most of the season, he's still a very solid option. He's produced 1.7 DraftKings points per minute this month, and he has been very active.

Ben Simmons

Luka Doncic is a 23-year-old Slovenian basketball player who is averaging over 20 points, six rebounds and a block per game while shooting over 60%. The youngster has been a big part of the EuroLeague winning Slovenian team, and his performance on the court has earned him international recognition.

One of the perks of being a point forward is being able to create open shots for teammates. This is the reason why NBA coaches are losing their minds over the new kid on the block.

Another important thing to know about Ben Simmons is that he is the NBA's best one-on-one defensive player. He has also been the best finisher in the league. It's also no secret that his teammates have been wanting more from him.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Simmons' biggest plus is his ability to slash. In his rookie season, he averaged 2.24 three-pointers. Despite his reluctance to shoot them, his new coach is happy to see him produce any production he can.

Although he has had a rough go of it, Joel Embiid has been a big part of the Sixers' success this season. He has helped lead the team to a top four seed and a homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Not to be outdone, Ben Simmons is the best slasher in the league. His former coach publicly exhorted him to shoot more threes.

Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic Highlight the Top 22 Stat Lines Starting in 2023

If you have been keeping track of the stats in the NBA you've probably noticed that Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic have been having some pretty big numbers. The two rookies have combined to make some pretty impressive lines in the first year of their careers.

Embiid scored 59 points in Philadelphia's 133-122 overtime win

Joel Embiid put together another solid night. He became the first player in NBA history with at least four 50-point games in a single season. The 76ers beat the Lakers, 133-122, in overtime.

Despite a slow start, the Sixers were able to find their footing in the second half. Harden stepped up against a competitive team and made good plays with Embiid.

Embiid's performance helped the 76ers to snap a three-game losing streak. His performance earned him the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the second time this season.

Joel Embiid's performance helped him join Michael Jordan as the only players in franchise history to score at least 50 points in two separate games. Embiid scored 20 points in the first quarter.

Despite a rough first half, Embiid remained the primary driving force in the 76ers' offense. In the fourth quarter, Embiid scored 26 of the team's 27 points.

Embiid was a key reason the Sixers beat the Los Angeles Lakers. Embiid's slashing defense and ability to hit pull-up jumpers helped the 76ers stay in front of their opponent.

Embiid had a strong first quarter, scoring 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting. But he turned the ball over five times. He was also missing his third 3-pointer.

Embiid did well on isolation play. He had a few strong plays in the first quarter, including a couple of drives to the basket.

Young's combination of 56 points and 14 assists was the most ever in a 55+ point game

Trae Young is one of the hottest stars in the NBA right now. After a slow start to the 2021-2022 season, the six-foot-1 point guard has been on a tear and has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. He signed a five-year max extension in August. Now, he's making history with his Hawks.

On Monday, the Hawks went to Portland and faced off against the Trail Blazers. Despite their sluggish start, the Hawks kept the game close. The Trail Blazers were leading by as much as a point in the first quarter. Nevertheless, the Hawks came out swinging in the second. A 3-pointer by Delon Wright put the Hawks up 37-36. But Trae Young responded with a 7-for-12 shooting performance, including a pair of triples.

In the end, the Hawks went on to lose 136-131. However, Trae Young made some history in the process. His performance put him in the company of Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Tiny Archibald.

It's not every day you see someone hit seven 3-pointers, but Trae Young did. Moreover, he tied his record for most 3-pointers in a single game.

Not only did he score 56 points, he also recorded the most assists in a 55-point game. This is the longest streak of assists in the NBA this season and the most assists in a 55-point-game in the NBA since 1996.

Doncic's 41-15-15 effort to get a Christmas win over Phoenix

The Dallas Mavericks have a win under their belt, and it was a good one. Luka Doncic had a triple-double and a stat line never seen before in the NBA. In fact, nobody has ever ended a season with 33.6 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds.

Doncic was the star of the show as the Mavericks went on a 10-3 run with 33.9 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game. His performance was the talk of the town and got the Dallas Mavericks to the finish line in style.

In fact, the Mavericks actually outscored the Knicks by a whopping 41-15 in the third quarter. This is an improvement over the team's second-half performance against the Pistons.

The best part is that the mavericks have a nice little streak going, averaging seven wins in their last nine games. They are now a full two games back in the loss column.

The Kia competition to the MVP trophy is a stacked field. Doncic is averaging a gaudy 33.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 8.7 rebounds, but he is not the only one in the mix.

One of the best things about Doncic is his ability to play with the best of them. He has passed well and has made some big threes. As a result, he has been a consistent force on the floor, and his aforementioned stat line is the real deal.

Covington averaged just 22 minutes per game

The Los Angeles Clippers boast one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. They have Paul George, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington. This triumvirate of "at the five" options has a knack for outscoring their opponents by nearly 44 points per game in less than 50 minutes.

Covington is a strong defender. He is the only player in the league to average a steal and block in every season in the last two years.

During the 2018-19 season, Covington has been a reliable bench presence for the Clippers when they needed it. He has logged a total of 6 games this year, averaging 12.8 points and 7.0 rebounds.

Robert Covington was named an All-Star this season and was voted to the league's Rookie of the Year team. The Clippers were also able to secure a two-year, $24 million extension for the small forward in the offseason.

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Covington attended Proviso West High School in Hillside, Illinois. He played college basketball at Tennessee State. In his sophomore and junior seasons, Covington averaged 13.3 and 17.5 points, respectively. His career began in the G League with the Grand Rapids Drive.

Robert Covington was a solid contributor during his freshman and sophomore seasons, averaging 13.5 and 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, respectively. As a junior, Covington was named a First Team All-Ohio Valley selection.

He was a solid, reliable outside shooter. He shot 38 percent from three-point range and averaged a 50 percent clip on his two-point field goal attempts.

Two amazing games without a single dunk

There's a lot of talk this season about the possibility of NBA MVP award winner Nikola Jokic becoming the first player to record an epic night in his NBA career. However, it's harder to win the award twice than it is to make it three times. So which players have accomplished the big three in the most impressive ways?

The NBA is a competitive league, so to be a contender it's important to put up the numbers. Luckily, there are players who have done just that. Here are a few that have impressed us this year and will have an opportunity to do so in 2023.

For starters, there's the dunk. Although it's not the most exciting statistic of all time, Derrick Williams does have a good feel for where to dunk and how to do it. He has shown the ability to do so more often this season and it will only help OKC's chances in the playoffs.

There's also the 3-point shot. While it's not the most impressive, it's certainly one of the most important. It's a great way to get a team's offense going.

Another is the steal. As the name suggests, there are a number of different statistics associated with this feat. If you're not familiar with the term, it means that you got a steal without even getting an opponent's rebound. This is a fairly new stat for the NBA.

Melton scored 33 points to complement his seven steals in Philadelphia's 133-122 overtime win

De'Anthony Melton scored 33 points to complement his seven steals in Philadelphia's 133-122 overtime win over Los Angeles. He is the first Sixer to reach the feat and the second NBA player to do so.

The Lakers were out to a 9-point lead in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter. But Joel Embiid led the charge, scoring 20 points in the first quarter. When the Lakers went to their bench, the 76ers were able to pull out a resounding win.

Although the Lakers led by as many as nine points in the fourth, James Harden was able to save the day for the Sixers. With five minutes left in the game, he made the first three-pointer of the night, tying the score at 92-92. In the process, he became the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double in his first two career games.

Joel Embiid also had a solid game, scoring 38 points, but his best scoring moment came in the first quarter, when he converted a pass from James Harden into a slam dunk over Thomas Bryant. As for the other big name performers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis each had an efficient night, combining for 23 and 21 points, respectively.

In terms of the stats, the Lakers were out-shot by a stout 17 points. And while they hit four 3-pointers, their defense was stout enough to leave plenty of room for the 76ers to work.

Tottenham Vs Aston Villa Odds Pick

Tottenham have been in the Premier League for a long time now and have had plenty of success. However, in their last match they suffered a defeat at the hands of Manchester City. As a result, they are looking for a much needed win against Aston Villa this weekend. They will be hoping to maintain their current momentum and get the season back on track.

Spurs' positive start

Tottenham Hotspur's early start in the Premier League is nothing short of impressive. Although the team hasn't played a perfect game yet, the players have adapted to a long season, and they've kept four clean sheets so far. The players have been healthy, and the manager has proven to be a tactical master.

While the team hasn't performed to its full potential yet, Spurs still have more than enough players to get the job done in the coming months. They have a legitimate plan B, and a great manager who can inspire his players to perform better.

There's no reason why the team shouldn't be in contention for the top four. The difference between being the second best team in the country and the fourth is only a few points. Keeping that gap close will put the club in a position to challenge for the title.

Tottenham haven't lost a match in their first seven games. That's a record. So far, they've won all three games they've played against teams outside the top six. In fact, they've been one of the only two unbeaten teams in the league.

They've scored more than their rivals, and their defensive performances are better than expected. For example, only Newcastle has conceded fewer goals than Tottenham in the first ten matches of the season.

Harry Kane has been the main attraction so far, scoring 10 of his 23 league goals. His goal against Wolves on Sunday moved him into the top five for goalscorers. He also set a new Premier League record, putting his goal on the board after 64 minutes.

Spurs may be missing their two most important players, but their other four are healthy. Son and Dele Alli are back, and Harry Kane is back in form. Even Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to return this week.

They haven't played their best so far, but that hasn't stopped them from finding some form in recent weeks. A victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday would put the team in a good place to finish the season.

Aston Villa's poor start

Aston Villa have begun the Premier League season in very poor form. Having lost three of their opening five matches, they sit in the bottom half of the table. They are now just three points away from the relegation zone. However, it is possible they can climb to the top half.

There is little doubt that the new manager, Unai Emery, will have the job of trying to turn things around. The former Arsenal coach has outlined ambitious plans for the club, focusing on long-term goals. But with only four games to go, they are already in a precarious position.

While Emery is likely to make a statement, he will have to lift the team out of the relegation quagmire before the World Cup break. This is the first step, but he also needs to get the players back on the same page.

One of the main reasons for the decline in Aston Villa's performance is their decision-making. Gerrard's lack of identity meant he wasn't able to get the players in the right positions.

As a result, Villa's game was largely a case of sitting back and taking a beating. It was also very frustrating for the Villa fans. In the last home game, they booed the players off the pitch.

After two wins in their opening two league games, Aston Villa lost to Newcastle United and Fulham. And they were beaten 3-1 at Chelsea. Since then, they have won only twice.

Aston Villa's poor start to the Premier League season has left them in the relegation zone, but they have a chance to turn it around. They have a huge game against Manchester City next week.

If Villa can avoid a defeat, they will go into the break in sixth place. However, if they can't beat the Gunners, they could be relegated. With a draw, the Villa will be just one point behind Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Leicester City, who are all fighting for a place in the Premier League.

It's time for a new era at Villa Park. Earlier this week, they sacked Steven Gerrard. He had been in charge for less than a year.

Hojbjerg's metronomic tempo-setter

If you are a fan of the Premier League, you've no doubt heard of Christian Eriksen and the midfielder that he is. While he hasn't scored a lot of goals, the Danish midfielder has been instrumental in Spurs' revival under new boss Erik ten Hag. In particular, Eriksen's ability to play in and around the middle of the park has been crucial to Spurs' progression, paving the way for youngster Harry Kane to shine. The midfielder has had the enviable task of replacing some of the more illustrious names of the past, and his performance at Old Trafford on Saturday was the icing on the cake.

To say that Eriksen isn't a huge draw would be a bit of a understatement, and a new deal for a top class midfielder isn't on the cards for at least another year. In the short term, a swap for Giovani Lo Celso could be on the cards. However, with apologies to the ol' boy, Eriksen has proved himself in a variety of roles. He has even been a factor in the most recent Champions League defeats, and is likely to be given the nod when the team assembles at Wembley in the coming weeks.

What's a bit of a shame is that Tottenham hasn't yet found a replacement for Eriksen, but with the new boy in town, it's probably a matter of time before the door is opened. Nonetheless, the most successful teams in England have learned the hard way that a midfielder of this caliber isn't something to take for granted. Indeed, Eriksen has a knack for the big leagues, and has proven himself a worthy successor to one of the world's most coveted players. Having a midfielder of this calibre in your ranks is the best thing you can do for the club. And, while the aforementioned Harry Kane has yet to score a goal, Eriksen has been a stalwart.

As with all of us, the human condition has its drawbacks, and one such drawback is Eriksen's ego. Fortunately, he isn't the only midfielder on the books at the moment, and he has been rewarded for his efforts with a number of starts in the big game. Hopefully, he will be able to do more of the same in the coming months.

Prediction

If Tottenham Hotspur win their New Year's Day clash with Aston Villa, then they will be in a good position to secure a top four spot in the Premier League. However, there is a big chance that they will struggle to maintain a clean sheet.

Spurs have a better record than Villa in recent times. They have not lost any of their last five meetings with them and have won seven of the previous eight. The Villa players have also shown a positive improvement under Emery.

While the team has made progress under Unai Emery, they have been unable to break through Tottenham's defensive walls. In their last eight away games, they have managed just two victories. Despite that, they have scored in all of their recent matches.

With Cristian Romero back in the squad, the defence will be settled. It's worth bearing in mind that he won the World Cup with Argentina and has returned to his former club.

Harry Kane has continued to be Tottenham's top goalscorer this season. He has scored 13 goals in 16 appearances. His goal in the previous match against Brentford was his quickest in the league. He also has the ability to create chances for other teammates.

Although the Tottenham defence will be under pressure, they should be able to hold up. The team has a strong attack and they should be able to get their opponents into a bit of trouble.

Tottenham will also have to do better than they did in the first half against Brentford. They were two goals down, yet came back to draw. That gave them a crucial three points. Hopefully they will be able to improve on their performance against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Tottenham's recent home form is impressive. They have won six of their eight matches at White Hart Lane. Their only defeats have come against teams outside the top 10. This means that they should be able to put on a more complete performance at home.

Aston Villa, however, are a tough team to beat. They have failed to score on 14 of their 18 trips to the Head Association this season.

Tottenham Vs Aston Villa Premier League Live Score Team News and Updates

When you're looking for live score team news and updates on the game between Tottenham and Aston Villa, the best place to start is right here. We'll cover everything from who has made the switch from Yves Bissouma to Pape Sarr to whether or not there will be any changes to Matt Doherty. Also, we'll discuss who we think is the most likely to play, and how the matchup is shaping up.

Spurs vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa is one of the top teams in the league at the moment. Despite losing their first game of the season, they have now won three straight and are in the hunt for a place in the top 10. They will be aiming to win back-to-back games against a Spurs side that have been poor in the past.

Tottenham are in fourth place in the table, just two points behind fourth placed Manchester United. They have won one of their last four matches, so a win against Villa would go a long way towards regaining their place in the top four.

Despite their struggles, Spurs still boast a strong bench, with Cristian Romero and Eric Dier back from injury. The duo are both capable of scoring. It is interesting to note that Tottenham have won 14 points from losing positions this season.

After a slow start, the Spurs started to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half. This was mainly due to Boubacar Kamara's performance. He was very strong in his tackles.

Tottenham had a good chance to score the goal of the game, but were unable to find a shot on target. Nevertheless, they are well positioned in the league, with only Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of them.

On the subject of goals, Harry Kane has scored the most in the competition. However, he has not had a single touch in the first half.

Aston Villa showed off a more creative side in the second half, though. Despite the lack of a clean sheet, they had the best chances of the game.

Impact Bailey is a strong option for Aston Villa

Aston Villa have a new player on their hands in the form of Leon Bailey. The winger has signed for the club on a deal worth $40 million, which is a decent fee for an orthodox winger.

He's been impressive, scoring three goals in 14 matches this season. His performance has also helped Villa to be a more dangerous team. However, there are still questions about his ability to provide a defensive contribution.

One of the reasons Bailey may have had a hard time last season was because he was not healthy for a long time. In fact, he missed four games during the season.

But he's been able to stay on the field in the last four matches, and he has had a few good moments during that span. During a match against Chelsea, he had a first-half goal, an assist and a cross.

Bailey isn't known for his defensive contributions, but he has been an effective midfield enabler. His per-90 statistics among the top Bundesliga sides are solid.

He has been able to register a few crosses, but his other contribution has been in terms of registering the most assists. Specifically, he has had 11 assists in 40 matches across all competitions, which is a fairly decent amount.

In terms of the technical side of things, Bailey has demonstrated the most ability to create half-spaces, which is a big deal in the Premier League. Similarly, he has been able to use a good old-fashioned playmaking cross to get bums off seats.

Despite this, Bailey's role in the Villa side is uncertain. Unai Emery has made it clear that he wants to turn him into a lethal striker.

Pape Sarr replaces Yves Bissouma

Pape Matar Sarr made his Tottenham debut on Sunday against Aston Villa. The young Senegalese midfielder spent last season on loan with FC Metz. Everton, Monaco, OGC Nice and Chelsea have all shown an interest in the player.

Despite being only 18 years old, Pape Matar Sarr has already had international honours in his past. He is the son of former goalkeeper Ibrahim Sarr and has a family pedigree in the game.

The 18-year-old is regarded as a future star. He has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton. His agent is Bernard Serin. Although he has played a total of nine minutes, Sarr has managed to make one tackle and one interception.

Bissouma was a highly popular player with Brighton fans. As the team finished ninth in the Premier League, it was felt that he was too valuable to leave mid-season. However, his form declined during a six-game losing streak in February and March.

Harry Winks is looking to secure regular first-team football. He has been overlooked by Gareth Southgate in England's plans for the past 18 months. Hopefully, the Spurs can move forward with a bid for Inter Milan midfielder Illan Meslier.

Pape Matar Sarr is a very young player, and is still developing physically. It will be crucial for him to grow physically to cope with competition. Having a big squad is important for Spurs, and he can't expect to be playing every game.

If he's good enough, he can also play in a more defensive role. However, he'll have to compete with Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The former Fulham midfielder has been praised by his head coach, Garry Potter. They have worked together since last season.

Emerson Eoyal replaces Matt Doherty

Matt Doherty replaced Emerson Eoyal in Tottenham vs Aston Villa Premier League Live Score Team News and Updates. Doherty has been in and out of the team all season. He is still looking to return to full fitness.

The former Manchester United and Leeds man made his first Premier League start in over a month and helped Spurs keep a clean sheet. However, he was jeered by the home supporters.

Tottenham Hotspur made a slow start to the season, losing three games in a row. They are now four points off leaders Leicester City. But fans are hopeful the club can turn things around.

With Ivan Perisic injured, Ryan Sessegnon could have a chance to replace him in the squad. The Belgian is versatile enough to play both sides of the field.

Meanwhile, the wing-back spot is open. It could be a battle for the spot with Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier.

It was a frustrating match for the home fans, who were left wondering how they would be able to make it through a match without Doherty. As it turned out, there was no bust-up between the Brazilian and the Spurs coaching staff.

Doherty has scored one goal and added four assists in the Premier League so far this season. He has started nine of the 15 matches he has appeared in. That makes him a viable fantasy option.

If he gets back to full fitness, he may have a chance to feature in the preseason. Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing him.

While there is no timetable for Doherty's return, he should be ready for the opening match against Southampton.

Matchup

Aston Villa will visit Tottenham on Sunday to battle it out for top of the table. Both sides are looking to improve their position and boost their chances of a spot in the Champions League next season.

The Villas were defeated at home by Liverpool 3-1 on Monday, while Spurs claimed a point in a 2-2 draw with Brentford. Unai Emery's side kept their cool to pick up the win.

Although Villa will look to make the most of their chances, the Spurs are the likely winners. They boast an impressive arsenal of attacking talent and should be more than able to overcome the visitors.

Tottenham have a decent record at Villa Park, winning seven of the last eight league games on the day. Their only defeat came in April 2015 when the defending champions beat them 1-0.

In addition to their impressive attacking force, the Spurs also have a good defence. This will be crucial as they face a tough opponent. While they are prone to sloppy starts, they have shown a lot of resilience and will be a tough team to beat.

The Spurs will also have to do their part to avoid a similar story to the one from earlier in the season. It's been a while since Tottenham has conceded the first goal of a Premier League game.

On the flip side, they are averaging the most goals per game of any other team in the division. However, they have been unable to score at will.

Despite their lukewarm performances, Tottenham are still in the hunt for a place in the top four. With the draw against Brentford, they are now only one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Tottenham Player Ratings Against Aston Villa

There will be a number of Tottenham players playing against Aston Villa in the Premier League. These will include Son P, Harry Maguire and Lloris Howler Kane. Each of these players have their own unique strengths, but all of them could potentially have a major impact on how Tottenham play.

Lloris Howler Kane

Aston Villa are no strangers to the top flight. The team has won seven top flight titles since its inception in 1874. Despite their recent woes, they are still one of the most successful clubs in the country. Their stout defence coupled with a solid midfield unit has helped keep them on track in the league. After a run of five defeats in six matches, Villa have now won four in a row. They are currently in second place.

Although their 1-0 victory over Spurs was not a walkover, it was a satisfying performance. Despite a spirited effort from the visitors, the final scoreboard was dominated by the mighty Spurs. It was also the first time the north Londoners have won a game away from home in the league since December 2012. As a result, the club will travel to Bramall Lane to defend their slim 1-0 lead. To make matters worse, the match was marred by a number of key mistakes from the hosts. This was not helped by an error from the visitors' goalkeeper.

Although they made a number of errors, the Spurs showed signs of improvement in the second half. Kane and Son, while not dazzling, were effective at defending their slender advantage. Despite the fact that they were without their usual wingers, they were not stymied by the opposition's defensive frailties. That said, a nippy change did not do much to stop the rampant Red Devils.

Not only did Tottenham fail to make the most of their slender advantage, but the team's slick defending let them down in the end. In addition to the usual suspects, the team was hamstrung by a late mistake by Jeffrey Schlupp and an own goal by Harry Maguire. On the other hand, the Villa midfielders shook off their early season slumber and showed glimpses of a return to form. With a number of players ill-fitted for the task, the home side were never quite at their best.

Son P

Tottenham Hotspur were outclassed 2-0 at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. Despite being the better team for most of the first half, Spurs' lead was blown out of proportion early in the second period. But a late substitution failed to help turn the game around.

Spurs' starting line-up featured a slew of players whose abilities matched their lack of experience. Hugo Lloris, Clement Lenglet and Harry Maguire dominated the centre-back position, with Matt Doherty and Ryan Sessegnon filling in as right-backs.

Spurs' midfielders were a mixed bag. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had a nice work rate, but rarely looked like getting much going. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma was too safe.

Spurs' best chances came from the first half. The midfielder wasted a good opportunity to test Hugo Lloris with a volley after a bouncing pass. Similarly, he could have put the ball in the net after a clever pass from Son.

Aston Villa were in fine form under Unai Emery, winning two of their last three games and coming within four points of a top-four place. They've also won seven FA Cups. However, they're still missing a key player in Leon Bailey. He's been sidelined with a knee injury.

Villa's only goal was a smart move by Emiliano Buendia. After a pass from John McGinn, Luiz dinked the ball over Hugo Lloris and into the back of the net. It was one of five shots the Brazilian took in the game, but it was also the only one that actually made it to the scoresheet.

Despite the win, Tottenham remain seventh in the table and face a tough run-in. Arsenal and Liverpool are both in the race for the title, while Manchester City are on course for a title. In contrast, Spurs will have to wait until January to beat Chelsea at Wembley.

Spurs were without Jordan Henderson and Lee Keun-hoon before the World Cup. Also ruled out were Thiago and Fabinho. As a result, Antonio Conte's men were left with just the one creative player in the first half.

In the end, Tottenham were unable to get anything out of the game. And their lack of creativity compared to Villa was a glaring miss.

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire's Tottenham player ratings against Aston Villa were not impressive. However, there are some positives to take from the match. The England defender has played solid football for United and helped to keep clean sheets.

Harry Maguire had a decent first half, but made a number of mistakes in the second half. He failed to recover from his error before conceding a free-kick that led to Tottenham's second goal.

Harry Kane looked a better player than usual, but his passing was poor. Harry Maguire dominated most of the midfield and won a number of big tackles and aerial duels.

Eric Bailly was meant to partner Harry Maguire, but he was very positionally all over the pitch. He didn't look like a good defensive player. It was a shame, as he had a lot to offer after coming on.

Erik Lamela was another bright spark. His quick feet won him the penalty, and he also elbowed Anthony Martial. Paul Pogba was quiet, but he played a decent midfield role.

Virgil van Dijk was widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. However, he was involved in a number of errors that led to goals. In the end, he wasn't quite good enough.

David de Gea had to work harder than usual. He made some great saves, but he wasn't alert enough. That made it tougher for Manchester United.

There were a number of opportunities for Villa. Ollie Watkins, Aaron White and Danny Ings all had decent chances. But Maguire and the rest of the back four couldn't cope with the speed of Villa's pace.

Maguire is still a reliable performer for the team he supports, but his performances haven't been inspiring this season. As a result, he's been booed by fans of the national side.

After the game, there was a bit of controversy regarding an incident between Scott McTominay and Son. A flailing hand was injured, and medical attention was required.

Harry Maguire's Tottenham player ratings against Villa were poor, but he showed great character to fight back against the bizarre home atmosphere.

Dejan Kulusevski Injured In Tottenham Vs Aston Villa

Dejan Kulusevski missed the Tottenham vs Aston Villa match because of a small muscle injury. The Serbian international was scanned after the match and he has since been discharged from the hospital. It is unclear what exactly caused the injury, but it is likely that he suffered a muscle strain.

Spurs conceded the first goal in each of their last seven matches

Dejan Kulusevski sat out Tottenham's game against Aston Villa because of a minor muscle injury. But it was a tough result for the north London club. They had conceded two or more goals in seven straight league matches.

Spurs were boosted by the return of Hugo Lloris and Cristian Romero. And they hoped that Dejan Kulusevski would only miss one match. However, the Serbian could not prevent the side from conceding two goals.

Harry Kane had a great opportunity to break the deadlock before half-time. He flicked a header off the line, but Ashley Young was able to clear it away.

Douglas Luiz had a number of chances on goal. After the break, the Brazil international finished off a team goal from John McGinn. The midfielder had five shots on target, and completed 92 per cent of his passes.

Tottenham Hotspur were on top for the first half, but they fell behind after a costly error by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Ollie Watkins flicked on a set-piece and Emi Buendia converted.

Tottenham failed to create much in the second half. There were also as many yellow cards as shots. In the end, the home fans had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

As a result, Spurs slipped to fifth in the table. The defeat means that the side has now lost three of their last six Premier League games.

Despite the defeat, Spurs are still three points ahead of Arsenal. Their run-in is a lot easier than it is for Arsenal. On Wednesday, the North London side will play Crystal Palace.

Aston Villa's victory has put more pressure on Antonio Conte. He has now won just three of his eight games in the Premier League.

Tottenham failed to register a single shot on target in the second half. However, the players still managed to improve on their performance in the first. This was the third consecutive league defeat for the north London side.

Spurs will be hoping that Rodrigo Bentancur can take over the starting role. It is not yet certain whether he will make the trip to Crystal Palace.

Dejan Kulusevski missed Tottenham vs Aston Villa due to a small muscle injury

Dejan Kulusevski missed Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 win over Aston Villa on New Year's Day because of a "small muscle injury". The Sweden player is expected to undergo a scan tomorrow to determine the extent of his damage.

Kulusevski is one of the best performers for Tottenham this season, and his injury comes at a bad time for the club. With Richarlison and Lucas Moura out of the squad, Tottenham will be short of options in the attacking half.

Spurs also had Rodrigo Bentancur out due to a thigh injury, and Christian Eriksen suffered a minor muscle injury. While they hope to have Kulusevski back in time for the January 4 match against Crystal Palace, the Swedish winger is not expected to play.

Kulusevski had been a top performer for Tottenham since manager Antonio Conte took over. He logged one assist on four crosses. Having moved to Tottenham on an 18-month loan from Juventus, Kulusevski has been one of the best players for the club.

Kulusevski has also been an important part of the club's midfield. With Richarlison and Lucas both out, the 22-year-old has been an important backup. Since joining in January, he has helped the team produce a number of good performances.

Kulusevski is one player who could benefit from getting more starts before the World Cup. This would allow him to improve his fitness before the tournament.

It's hard to believe that Spurs will start the new year with the same line-up that they had in the Boxing Day draw against Brighton. However, they will be without Richarlison and Lucas Moura, as well as Harry Kane. They will need to tweak the formation to compensate for these injuries.

The Spurs will have to make do without the two best players in the league, but they'll be able to do so with plenty of help from their other wingers. Bryan Gil and Yves Bissouma are expected to start in place of Kulusevski, and Eric Dier will come off the bench.

Despite the injuries, Tottenham are still in the hunt for a top-four spot. They currently sit fifth.

Douglas Luiz named player of the match

Tottenham Hotspur's stuttering start to the 2023/2024 Premier League season continued on Sunday when they were defeated 2-0 by Aston Villa at White Hart Lane. The defeat was a result of a goalless first half and a sloppy goalkeeping performance from Hugo Lloris. Despite their failures, Spurs remain in fifth position. They hope to qualify for the Champions League via a top four finish.

Aston Villa had the better of the first half, with Douglas Luiz playing a crucial role. He had five shots, including one that forced Lloris into a save. There were also a number of passes completed by the Brazilian.

After the break, Villa took advantage of a mistake by Lloris and opened the scoring. Watkins flicked a pass to Buendia, who finished from 10 yards. It was the opener of the season and the first time Villa have scored more than once in a match since November 2010.

In the closing stages, Luiz rounded off a fine move. John McGinn gave him the ball and he whipped in a brilliant pass. Rather than attempting a goalbound shot, he dinked it past Lloris.

In the end, it wasn't the best shot of the game. Villa were well-organised and kept Spurs at arm's length. However, Lloris was exposed by the Brazilian midfielder's long-range shot.

Aston Villa were able to take their game to another level in the second half. In the early stages of the match, Harry Kane had a header cleared off the line by Ashley Young.

Although Spurs possessed the ball for the majority of the first half, they were unable to break down the Villa defence. Fortunately, their defence was very solid. Goalkeeper Robin Olsen was also protected. Several home supporters left the stadium before the final whistle.

Aston Villa's impressive performance against a strong Tottenham side puts more pressure on Antonio Conte and his team. Villa remain unbeaten against the London club in four matches.

It was the first time Spurs had conceded the opening goal in seven consecutive league matches. But it was not the first time Emery's side had beaten Tottenham.

Match highlights

Dejan Kulusevski was ruled out of Tottenham's match against Aston Villa because of a muscle injury. His absence will allow Bryan Gil to get his first start of the season.

The injury comes at a bad time for Spurs. They have lost three of their last five Premier League games. And have also been hit with a spate of injuries. Luckily, they are still in fourth place, a point ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United. That means they will still be in the hunt for a top-four spot.

Antonio Conte will have to make some changes to his squad, however. He will be without Lucas Moura and Richarlison, who both injured their hamstrings in the World Cup. In addition, he will have to take some of his best players off. This includes Harry Kane and Eriksson, who both joined on loan from Juventus in January.

The Swedish attacker has contributed 13 assists from 28 Premier League matches. He joined on a one-year loan deal from the Italian side, and his presence will prove key for Tottenham.

With Lucas Moura and Richarlison out, the team will have to find new attacking options. Son Heung-min has been out for an extended period of time.

Tottenham will need to find a replacement for Son. His sloppiness in the box has been a problem, and he's never been given the credit he deserves.

Tottenham failed to score in the second half, and fell behind just five minutes into the period. Hugo Lloris' error was the reason for Buendia's opener, and Villa sprang into life.

Unai Emery has extended his unbeaten record against Tottenham to four games. However, his side were still unable to get back into the game. Instead, they went on to lose 2-0.

Spurs will be without their leading scorer for their next game, against Crystal Palace. They could also be without Rodrigo Bentancur, who hasn't played since Qatar. It's also unclear if Lucas Moura will be fit enough for Wednesday's game against the Eagles.

Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski will have a scan on Monday to assess his injury. He's expected to miss at least one match, but it's possible he'll be able to return midweek.

Why is 'HBO' Being Renamed From 'Discovery'?

The name 'HBO' has been around for more than four decades, but it's a name that will soon be getting a makeover. It's being renamed to Discovery, as the company is gearing up for a streaming competition with rivals Netflix and Hulu.

HBO Max stumbled out of the gate

One of the biggest streaming companies in the United States is Warner Bros. (WB), which has a direct-to-consumer business that includes HBO. It also owns Discovery+. The company is reportedly planning to merge its two services. But it is also under fire for a class-action lawsuit filed by investors.

According to the lawsuit, WBD lied to potential shareholders and inflated its HBO Max subscriber count. This is a violation of the Federal Securities Act, according to the plaintiffs. They claim that the number of subscribers was inflated as part of a strategic plan to sell more shares.

However, the company has acknowledged that its streaming business had a high churn rate. Churn means the number of subscribers that leave the service over a certain period of time. Unlike cable TV, the streaming industry has a much higher churn rate.

As a result, HBO Max had to pull content. A large number of movies and series were cut from the service. Some were targeted for removal because they were deemed unprofitable for the service. Others were removed to help Warner Bros. (WB) save money on residuals.

Meanwhile, HBO Max has started to add back content that was previously removed. This includes shows such as Gossip Girl. There's also a spinoff of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon.

However, it's unclear how long this new service will remain free. If the ad market keeps deteriorating, more cuts will be necessary. In addition, it's possible that the combined service will be offered at a discount. That would be a carrot for subscribers to spend more money on the service.

Although the merger of HBO and Discovery+ may seem like a savvy move, it could be costly. The combined company must generate billions of dollars in free cash flow each year.

Additionally, combining the two companies could cause the HBO brand to be damaged. Depending on how the combined service is marketed, it could end up being confused with everything else on the streaming market.

However, the merger is expected to close early in the second quarter. As such, it is unlikely that the company will go back to operating as a stand-alone company.

Streaming competitor

With a new streaming platform launching in the first half of 2023, the company is focusing on lowering costs while continuing to deliver quality content. At the same time, the company is trying to pivot back to profitability.

Warner Bros. is also taking action to reduce its workforce and trim its cost structure. It plans to reduce its HBO division's workforce by 14%. However, while it is cutting costs, it is still spending money on HBO.

The company is currently working on a 10-year plan for the DC comics franchise. In the meantime, it is developing a diversified approach to programming to draw viewers of all demographics. Ultimately, it hopes to become the "go-to" service for viewers.

The company recently reported a loss of $1.5 billion for the second quarter of this year. That's on top of a year-over-year drop of 32.7% in its operating income. While it may not be a dividend-paying play, it has a rock-bottom valuation. If the company can find a way to outperform in the streaming market, it could be a good investment.

Discovery's biggest competitor is Netflix, but the company is making moves to compete in the streaming space. It's also working on a new platform that will combine the company's two streaming services, HBO Max and Discovery+.

The combined services will begin launching in the spring of 2023. They will be available to subscribers who pay for them, and will feature a mixture of factual and reality programming. But while it's possible for the streaming service to outperform Netflix, it's not yet clear how it will do so.

It's not surprising that the company has been busy slashing costs. After all, cable networks are experiencing a long-term decline in profits. Plus, streaming video rivals are increasing their own content offerings.

Aside from the cost-cutting, the new company will also introduce a more diversified programming lineup. This will include live sports and kids programs from the likes of ESPN and Cartoon Network. Eventually, it will also include TLC, HGTV, Eurosport, and Animal Planet.

Streaming is a huge opportunity for the company. However, it's a risky one. Investors have soured on the sector over the past year. As a result, the stock is now trading at a low of $11 a share. For comparison, it was trading at $24 a share before the merger was announced.

Class-action lawsuit

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Warner Bros. Discovery and two WBD executives. According to the lawsuit, these executives intentionally misled investors about the financial details of the merger.

The lawsuit claims that the company deliberately overstated its HBO Max subscriber numbers by 10 million. This information was not disclosed to Discovery shareholders. It also claimed that the streaming service had a high churn rate. That is, a large number of customers leave the service during a certain time frame.

Two Ohio public pension funds, the State Teachers Retirement System and the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, are the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit. They are also joined by public pensions in California and Massachusetts.

According to the lawsuit, the streaming service did not consider the cost of subscription. Rather than focusing on growing subscribers, the company concentrated on other business lines. As a result, the company's subscriber base did not expand, and it was losing millions of dollars.

In addition, the class action complaint accuses the company of violating SEC laws. According to the lawsuit, the company promised to find $3 billion in cost savings, and it did not. Instead, it raised subscription prices.

During the merger, the company also inflated the number of HBO Max subscribers. Those subscribers had not signed up for the service. However, the company had a database of those subscribers and could have known if they had not.

According to the suit, the company's plan to grow HBO Max subscribers did not account for the costs. This caused the business to be unable to compete in the streaming industry. Eventually, the company shut some of its business lines.

According to the lawsuit, the company's CEO, David Zaslav, only told investors about the closures after the merger. He also said that the company would "negatively adjust" its budget.

Two other Discovery executives were named in the lawsuit, including CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels. According to the lawsuit, they also had access to the company's data regarding the HBO Max streaming service.

The class action lawsuit alleges that the streaming company intentionally misled investors about the financial details of its merger. If you own Discovery common stock, you may be eligible for compensation without any out of pocket costs.

Downgrade from "buy" to "hold"

One analyst downgraded the company's stock rating, while several others maintained their previous ratings. The move comes after a tough first quarter for the combined firm. Discovery lost $3.4 billion in the first three months of the year, resulting in a 7% drop in its shares.

The MoffettNathanson report noted that the combined firm has a strong balance sheet, but it faces a number of challenges that could derail its ability to scale. Among them are the company's $50 billion in debt, and an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop. These challenges, coupled with a lack of a direct-to-consumer offering, have raised concerns.

However, the MoffettNathanson report outlined an upside to the merger, stating that Discovery + WarnerMedia have "more leverage" in negotiations. Additionally, the report notes that the company's current EBITDA shortage highlights its dependence on a linear cable network ecosystem.

Analysts debated the company's combined direct-to-consumer strategy. They also talked about how WBD had been cutting costs.

Wells Fargo equity analysts suggested buying the stock and closing their eyes for a moment, while JPMorgan gave a December 2023 price target of $22. However, they also suggested that investors wait for pro forma financials before making a decision.

Morgan Stanley, on the other hand, gave an overweight rating to the stock. However, it noted that the company is experiencing "some sales," and that its recent outperformance may have made it more appealing to investors.

The analyst cited the company's high financial leverage, which requires a good return to offset the risk of failure. He also cited the pending recession, cord-cutting, and the uncertain direction of the company's strategic decisions.

While the market's reaction to the non-cash impairment charge is likely to be overdone, it will still change the company's cash flow. Moreover, the worst case scenario will be hurting the company's short and long-term prospects.

On the conference call, Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall summarized the "growing pains" that the company has been experiencing. However, the firm believes that the company is working to turn profits. It has been restructuring costs to keep its balance sheet strong. Several other analysts, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, maintain their previous ratings for the company.