Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: How Stanford stacks up against Cal Northridge Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) and the Cardinal prepare to meet the Cal State Northridge Matadors Sat Dec 27, 2025 (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson Thu Dec 25, 2025:

#1 How will Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie control the paint against Northridge’s forwards, and can the Matadors limit his rebounding and scoring impact?

#2 Can guard Benny Gealer’s scoring and perimeter shooting provide the offensive spark Stanford needs if Northridge clogs the lane?

#3 What role will forward Chisom Okpara’s play in orchestrating the Cardinal’s offense, and how effectively can he distribute the ball against a tough CSUN defense?

#4 Will AJ Rohosy’s contributions on both ends of the floor (scoring, defense, rebounding) be a factor in Stanford controlling the tempo early in this matchup?

#5 With bench scoring from players like Chisom Okpara and Benny Gealer, can Stanford maintain offensive balance if its starters struggle to find rhythm against Cal State Northridge?

Join Michael Roberson for the Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong: Islanders Pelech gets gamer to defeat New Jersey; Rangers clobber Capitals 7-3; plus more NHL news

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New York Islanders Adam Pelech scores a second period goal against the Washington Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont NY on Tue Dec 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 How did Adam Pelech’s late game-winning goal lift the New York Islanders over the New Jersey Devils, and what role did David Rittich play in the victory?

#2 What sparked the New York Rangers’ offensive explosion in the third period against the Capitals, and how did Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin contribute to the win?

#3 In the Panthers’ comeback against the Hurricanes, how did Sam Reinhart’s playmaking and contributions from Anton Lundell and Sergei Bobrovsky fuel the turnaround?

#4 What impact did Steven Stamkos’ overtime goal have for the Nashville Predators in their 3-2 win over the Wild, and how did Roman Josi and Ryan O’Reilly factor into the game?

#5 The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3, how did William Nylander and Sidney Crosby influence the game for their respective teams?

Join Jessica Kwong for the NHL podcasts everyother Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: McCaffrey and Purdy could give Bears fits all day Sunday

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for five touchdown passes against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football Dec 22, 2025 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Christian McCaffrey has been a central part of San Francisco’s offense, posting over 1,000 rushing yards and contributing heavily as a receiver, making him a dual-threat that defenses must plan around. How will the Bears’ defense handle 49ers star RB McCaffrey?

#2 Can Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ passing attack overcome Chicago’s pass rush and ball hawking defense?

#3 49ers tight end Goerge Kittle has been a key offensive weapon for San Francisco, and his status or performance could shape how the 49ers attack against the Chicago defense. What impact will 49ers Kittle’s health have on the game?

David Zizmor does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pistons’ First-Half Onslaught Too Much as Kings Fall 136-127

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DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 23, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action for their final game before Christmas on Tuesday night at Golden 1 Center. The Kings welcomed the best team in the Eastern Conference of the NBA to town as Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons took on the Kings. The Pistons have taken the league by storm the last two seasons and held the best record in the East at 23-6 heading into the contest. The Kings, fresh off their win against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, looked to make it a winning streak on Tuesday as the game tipped off at 7 p.m. PST.

The Pistons defeated the Kings 136-127 in front of a good crowd on Christmas Eve Eve.

In the first quarter, the Kings struggled mightily to contain the Pistons in the paint and in transition. The Pistons scored 24 points in the paint compared to the Kings’ 12 points and had 11 fast-break points in comparison to the Kings’ two. The Kings were dominated on both ends of the floor by a team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. The Pistons outscored the Kings 37-24 to take the early 13-point lead as Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 10 first-quarter points. DeMar DeRozan was cooking early for the Kings with 11 points, but it was proving too little.

In the second quarter, the Kings kept a better pace with the Pistons, but the Pistons continued to build their lead. The Pistons outscored the Kings 38-34 in the second to take the 75-58 lead into halftime. DeMar DeRozan was doing his best to keep the Kings in the game as he scored 23 points in the first half, which led all scorers. In the first half, the Pistons outscored the Kings in the paint 44-24 and on fast-break points 21-4.

During the second quarter, it appeared as if Keegan Murray injured his right calf as he landed awkwardly after a block. He did not come out of the locker room to start the third quarter, and shortly thereafter the Kings ruled him out for the rest of the game with a right calf injury.

In the third quarter, the Pistons continued the offensive onslaught, outscoring the Kings 40-39 in the quarter. Through three quarters, the Pistons had scored 115 points on the Kings and were in firm control with an 18-point, 115-97 lead going into the fourth.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings showed some fight and battled until the end with the Pistons. In the end, the Pistons defeated the Kings 136-127, but only after the Kings outscored the Pistons 30-21 in the fourth in an attempt to battle back into the game.

Doug Christie was pleased with his team’s effort in the second half on Tuesday, and how some of his interior changes may be leading to some success.

“If you just look at the last three games from the very first Portland game, we went big with Keegan at the three, and I think that those big guys on the interior, they help with confidence… anything that comes off of that backboard is ours. Anything that drives down the lane is going to be contested. And when you as a perimeter player have that behind you, it’s just a confidence that I can be a little bit more aggressive.”

DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with a valiant 37-point effort in the Kings’ loss as Russell Westbrook added 27 points. Tobias Harris led the scoring for the Pistons, dropping 24 in 29 minutes of action.

Up next: The Kings will stay home for the Christmas holiday and then take on the Dallas Mavericks on December 27 at 2 p.m. PST in Sacramento.

Golden Knights Rout the Sharks, Win 7-2; Celebrini, Graf Extend Point Streaks, Loss streak hits

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San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (3) and Vegas Golden Knights Mitch Marner (93) fight for the puck at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas Tue Dec 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

LAS VEGAS- The San Jose Sharks were defeated 7-2 by the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday. Bret Howden, Mitch Marner, Colton Sissons, Tomas Hertl, Mark Stone and Reilly Smith scored for the Golden Knights (17-8-10). Carter Hart made 21 saves for the win. Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf scored for the San Jose Sharks (17-17-3). Yaroslav Askarov started the game for San Jose and made 12 saves on 16 shots. Alex Nedeljkovic made seven saves on ten shots in the 7-2 loss at the T Mobile Center.

The loss was the third in a row for the Sharks, and the lopsided score was more reminiscent of last season than this one. “When you’re chasing a game down five nothing, after the first against a team like that, it’s tough sledding,” said Ryan Reaves after the game. He described the Sharks’ game as “Doing everything the exact opposite of what we talked about before the game.”

Bret Howden started the scoring at 1:49. Skating into the zone, Howden passed the puck to Braeden Bowman, who passed it right back for Howden’s snap shot. An assist also went to Reilly Smith.

Next up was Mitch Marner with a power play goal at 9:07. From the hash marks, Marner sent the puck to the net and it went off of SJ21’s skate. Assists went to Noah Hanifin and Pavel Dorofeyev.

At 11:37, Colton Sissons made it 3-0. Skating into the zone two-on-one with Keegan Kolesar, trading passes, Sissons scored with a wrist shot from close in. An assist also went to Brandon Saad.

Tomas Hertl scored with a snap shot at 14:57 from the edge of the faceoff circle. An assist went to Dorofeyev.

The Sharks pulled Askarov out after that goal and sent in Nedeljkovic. On the first shot Nedeljkovic faced, Mark Stone scored with a backhand. Assists went to Ivan Barbashev and Kaeden Korczak.

At the end of the first period, The Sharks had just five shots on goal to Vegas’s 17. The Sharks toook two penalties and Vegas took one.

Macklin Celebrini trimmed the Vegas lead by one at 6:49 of the second period. Celebrini caught a pass in the slot and took his shot. That pass came from Tyler Toffoli.

Reilly Smith restored the five-goal lead at 18:50 with a slap shot off a pass from Korczak. An assist also went to Bowman.

In the second period, the Sharks had even fewer shots on goal, only four. Vegas had just five. The Sharks took the only penalty in the second.

Mitch Marner scored his second of the game at 5:22 of the third. Marner skated into the zone with Stone and Barbashev three-on-two. Marner, in the middle, caught a pass from Stone and scored with a wrist shot.

Collin Graf scored his tenth of the season at 8:04. Graf scored on a rebound from Toffoli’s shot. An assist also went to Alexander Wennberg.

The shots in the third were 14-4 San Jose.

The Sharks next play on Saturday in Vancouver at 7:00 PM PT against the Canucks.

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: 49ers leave little doubt in crushing the Colts on Monday Night Football 48-27

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San Francisco 49ers tight end Christian McCaffrey (23) bolts past the Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) and and defensive tackle Grover Steward (90) in the first half at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers (11-4) left little doubt and left it all on the Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis with a crushing 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts (8-7) on Monday Night Football.

#2 San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy had the hot hand and lots of protection throwing for five touchdown passes in getting the win against the Colts.

#3 Next up for the 49ers the Chicago Bears (11-4) at Levi Stadium on Sunday Night Football Dec 28th at 5:25pm PT. The Bears have won seven of their last eight games could this be a game that could go right down to the wire?

David Zizmor does the San Francisco 49ers podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Abracadabra: The Golden State Warriors Beat The Orlando Magic, 120-97

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Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 makes a reverse layup in the first quarter of their NBA game against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (Photo Credits to Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic 120-97 on Tuesday night at Chase Center, pulling away in the fourth quarter for a major home victory on City Edition Night.

The Golden State was wearing Nike NBA City Edition uniforms, which pay tribute to the team’s Oakland history. The jerseys feature Oakland’s iconic tree, which represents strength and growth, while the shorts reflect the Bay Bridge’s suspension cables, highlighting both the team’s history and its present.

Both squads entered the game with momentum after breaking their losing streaks two days prior, and their sense of urgency to keep winning was evident. The Warriors began the game with a starting lineup of Moses Moody, Quinten Post, Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green, and Stephen Curry.

Curry added another milestone to his remarkable career, extending his streak of 70 consecutive games with a made three-point field goal, the NBA’s longest active streak, after hitting a three in the first half.

Despite the historic moment, the Golden State struggled to shoot from beyond the arc early on. In the first half, the Warriors shot 3-of-18 (16.7%) from three-point range and committed five turnovers, matching their turnover total at halfway the previous game. However, Golden State took a small 58-57 lead into halftime, relying on defensive tenacity and interior scoring. Moses Moody led the Warriors at halftime with 11 points, going 4-for-6 from the floor, including 2-for-4 from three.

Golden State regained its flow after halftime thanks to Stephen Curry’s third-quarter eruption. Curry scored 15 points in the third, helping the Warriors gain momentum and take an 84-81 lead with little over two minutes left in the quarter.

The game was physical throughout, with both teams constantly attacking the paint. Each team finished with more than 40 points in the paint, as hustle plays, loose balls, and contested possessions defined the night. Every basket felt earned, with early holiday-level passion on both sides of the court.

The Warriors blew up the game early in the fourth quarter. Orlando was scoreless for the first three minutes, while Golden State went on a 10-0 run to increase their lead. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody gave energy and crucial scoring down the line, as Orlando missed its final eight attempts.

Golden State’s confidence grew as the quarter went on. Four Warriors scored in double digits, and the squad forced 17 Orlando turnovers before the halfway point of the fourth quarter. With perimeter shooting still poor, Golden State focused on the interior, scoring 60 points in the paint in the final two minutes of play.

It was pretty clear Golden State won when the score hit 113-94. The Warriors relied on hustling, ball movement, and key bench performances to capitalize on their minutes and stay focused until the final buzzer.

Golden State won 120-97, improving to 9-4 at home. The Warriors’ mentality was based on resilience and toughness in the paint, and they delivered, limiting the Orlando Magic to 14 points in the final quarter. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 26 points, going 10-for-23 from the floor and adding six assists and three rebounds. With the victory, the Warriors returned to .500 for the first time since December 12th, extending their winning run to two games.

Golden State will now focus on a big game on Christmas Day, when the Warriors face the Dallas Mavericks at 2 p.m., live on ABC/ESPN. The game will be the Warriors’ first look at No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, who came in averaging 18.8 points per game, and former Golden State, 4-time NBA Champion, Klay Thompson returns to the Bay.

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic: The battle continues between the Reign and Barrcuda Saturday at Tech CU

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San Jose Barrcuda host the Ontario Reign at Tech Cu on Sat Dec 27, 2025 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda were in command with a three goal with a win over the Ontario Reign 6-3 Sunday at the Toyota Center.

#2 The Barracuda with the win improve to 17-9-1-1 second in the AHL Pacific Division behind the first place Colorado Eagles. The Barracuda are only three points behind the Eagles for that coveted first place spot.

#3 Marko, the Barracuda got goals in the first period from Jimmy Hunington for his fifth goal, Kasper Halttunen scored his sixth goal, and Shane Bowers picked up his first goal of the season what’s your impression of these scorers and that opening period.

#4 The Barracuda would add three more insurance goals with Filip Bystedt scoring his eighth goal in the second period. In the third period the Barracuda scored twice with Patrick Giles with his fifth goal, Pavol Regenda scored his fourth goal for the Barracuda’s sixth goal of the game.

#5 Two days after Christmas the Barracuda are at it again on Sat Dec 27th against the Ontario Reign at Tech CU. You’ve had a chance to see these two teams match up how do you see this match this Saturday?

Join Marko Mondays for the San Jose Barracuda podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:Light the Beam the Kings end their long 10 game skid

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Sacramento Kings Dennis Schoder (17) and Russell Westbrook (18) share congratulations after defeating the Houston Rockets in overtime at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 21, 2025 (Sacramento Kings X photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

1.The Sacramento Kings took on the Houston Rockets last night still without two of their major players Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis at Golden 1 Arena. Is there any relief on the horizon for Sacramento- what is the status of their returns?

2.The Kings got a great start in the early minutes of the the game Sunday night but the Rockets made up the difference after starting slow and began to extend their lead leading up to their halftime lead.

3.This game got intense in the fourth quarter in fact the Kings had a very real chance to clock a win pulling to within one point with three minutes left in the game. Once again they had a great opportunity to close out the fourth quarter and the game.

4.After trailing going into the final minutes of regulation who stepped up for Sacramento to secure the win for the Kings.

5.Next up for the Kings will another home game taking on the Eastern Conference leaders the Detroit Pistons this Tuesday night. What challenges do the Pistons bring into this game?

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason is heard each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Kings Rally Past Rockets in Gritty 125-124 Overtime Win at Golden 1 Center

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Dennis Schroder #17 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the game winning three point basket during the game against the Houston Rockets on December 21, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Houston Rockets came to Sacramento on Sunday to take on the Kings at 7 p.m. PST inside Golden 1 Center. It was a rare Sunday night start for the Kings, who were on the second night of a back-to-back after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, 98–93. On Sunday, the Kings battled back to win a gritty overtime thriller, 125–124.

In the first quarter, the Kings and Rockets traded baskets in what was a competitive 12 minutes of basketball. The Kings jumped out early on the Rockets as they started the game firing on the offensive side of the ball — something we don’t normally see from the Kings. However, Alperen Şengün led the Rockets back later in the quarter as Houston outscored the Kings 31–30. Şengün led the Rockets with six points, and Keegan Murray led all scorers in the first quarter with 10 points. The Kings’ shooting woes appeared to continue from Saturday into Sunday, and they looked to snap them in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, it was all Rockets as the Kings tried to stay in the game. The Rockets outscored the Kings 37–27 in the second quarter to build an 11-point lead, 68–57, going into halftime. Şengün continued to pressure the Kings’ interior defense as he was getting whatever he wanted against Maxime Raynaud in the paint. The Kings continued to struggle from deep, shooting 28 percent, but their overall field-goal percentage was respectable at 50 percent in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, the Kings finally made a small dent in the Rockets’ lead. The Kings outscored the Rockets for the first time in the game, 25–23, in the third quarter as the Kings’ defense turned up the intensity. Still, the Kings would need a huge fourth quarter to have a chance against the Rockets as they entered the fourth down 91–82.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings played one of their better quarters in the last few weeks. The Kings outscored the Rockets 30–21 as they continued the defensive pressure, and Keegan Murray went on a heater on the offensive side of the ball. Murray scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, but it was Russell Westbrook who was the hero for the Kings. As time in the fourth quarter was winding down, Westbrook hit a three from the corner opposite the Kings’ bench to tie the game at 113. The Kings would go to overtime as they looked to defeat the Rockets.

In overtime, the Kings outscored the Rockets 13–12 and defeated Houston by the final score of 125–124. Dennis Schröder was the hero for the Kings as he hit a corner three with 2.2 seconds to go in the game to put the Kings up 125–124. The Rockets drew up a play for Kevin Durant to end the game, but he missed the shot from the elbow as time expired.

It was a big win for the Kings, who hadn’t won a game at home since November 24 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Kings were led by Keegan Murray and DeMar DeRozan, who had 26 and 27 points, respectively, in the game.

After the game, Doug Christie was happy with the effort and style the Kings have been playing with in their last three games.

“I really think that our last three games have been very targeted towards what we want and how we want to play… there’s a competitiveness that is a must. It’s an absolute must to even compete in our league. So we have to find that.”

Up next, the Kings will stay home to take on the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PST.