Author: lehang

The audience was electric with excitement as a teenage Taylor Swift took the stage to perform her “absolute favorite” George Strait tune. Every note she sang seemed to resonate deeply with the crowd, as fans couldn’t help but be swept up in the raw emotion and admiration she expressed for the King of Country. Her heartfelt tribute left the room in awe, with the crowd cheering in admiration, feeling the powerful connection between the young star and the country legend she so adored.

At this point, Taylor Swift could probably give a masterclass in performing at massive arenas. The pop star’s “Eras” tour has been an unstoppable force since 2023, grossing more than $1 billion. However, there was a time when the “Fortnight” singer needed all the advice she could get. And country legend George Strait was only too happy to dish it out.

See A Teen Taylor Swift Perform Her “Absolute Favorite” George Strait Tune

Much like Taylor Swift, George Strait has spent his career practically swimming in accolades. In 2009, the Academy of Country Music honored the “Troubadour” singer as its Artist of the Decade. Country music’s A-list filled the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to honor the country icon, including Toby Keith, Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift.

Still several months shy of her 20th birthday, Swift was firmly planted in her Nashville era back in the early aughts. The “Fearless” singer took the stage in a flowy white dress and bedazzled gold headband. As she prepared to play, Swift talked about being 16 years old and touring for the very first time as Strait’s opening act.

“I’d never been on a big stage before or sung in an arena, so I asked him if he had any advice,” Swift said. “And he said, ‘Yes, I do.’”

After a brief (but notable) pause, the young artist said, “I sensed I needed to ask a follow-up question.”

The crowd laughed, and Swift continued: “So I said, ‘How do you do that?’ And he said, ‘Just do it for about 25 years and it’ll feel real natural.’”

Clearly, the “Amarillo By Morning” singer taught her everything she knows.

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and it’s easy to forget Taylor Swift was once a fluffy-haired newcomer who needed reassurance about performing before sold-out crowds. But this just goes to show, you’ve got to learn from the best to become the best.

Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play again for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Brooklyn Nets. It is now his third straight game missed more than a week after their NBA Cup victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jan 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) arrives at the Emirates NBA Cup-Red Carpet before their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

He played in the lopsided loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and produced his usual numbers but sat out the second night of a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards.

He was again out in the win against the Chicago Bulls.

The Bucks listed him as questionable for the Thursday game but was scratched off few hours before the tip off.

Fans are both unhappy and confused with the development.

Others are disappointed because they will not see their superstar play.

Dec 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) tries to save the ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Dec 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) tries to save the ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Doc Rivers clarifies Giannis Antetokounmpo’s continued absence

The Greek Freak was previously out due to back spasms but the reason behind his absence against the Nets is for a different reason.

Rivers said the league’s current top scorer has recovered from the injury but is now dealing with an illness, something that he also did not identify.
Dec 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“He was expected to play and then whatever’s going around, it was just his turn, I guess,” Rivers told The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.

Rivers said “turn” because his other star Damian Lillard caught the illness first.

Good thing for the Bucks, the guys who are left are taking care of the business well, led by Khris Middleton who just returned from an ankle injury.

It’s been a chaotic advent season at Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake’s house — and new photos show just how wild things got! The 7^th Heaven alum shared “naughty” new pictures of her family’s Elf on the Shelf shenanigans, and we are definitely saving a few of these cute ideas for next year.

“Naughty ass elf ,” Biel captioned a post this week. She shared several photos from her family’s Scout elves, which were set up in various messy and silly situation. This includes an elf covered in flour and making a snow angel with a messy bag of marshmallows sprinkled around; a picture of an elf doing “target practice” with bottles of ketchup and mustard; a snap of an elf hiding in a toaster with a sign reading, “It’s toasty in here… keep it crisp this Christmas!”; and a picture of an elf using Christmas bows to climb up the wall.

Jessica Biel and husband Justin Timberlake at the premiere and Emmy FYC event of “Candy” held at the El Capitan Theatre on May 9th, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)Gilbert Flores/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

Some slides feature videos of the elves’ antics. Like when one of the elves slide on a string zipline right behind a Spider-Man action figure. Another time, the elf decorated the whole house with spiderwebs and plastic spiders, with a sign reading, “This really is a nightmare before x-mas!” Another time, the family’s elf left a bunch of printed-out pictures on the ground of himself posing with various toys and candy and hiding inside a pile of Justin Timberlake-hundred-dollar-bills on top of the scanner.

In addition to these, the family’s elf drew silly faces on photos of Biel’s and Timberlake’s kids Silas, 9, and Phineas, 4, threatening them with drawing on their faces “for real” if they act up. Still, nothing compares to slide 7, when an elf is ying on the bathroom counter with a toothbrush resting on its rear end and a note saying, “Silas thanks for letting me use your butt brush!” Ew!

“Looks like the adults are having more fun this Christmas than the kids ,” one person commented. There’s nothing like being a parent that keeps the joy alive this holiday season!
“This was epically done ” someone else praised. Even the official Elf on the Shelf account commented. “Oh, goodness! Well, you know elves match the personalities of their families, so of course, your elf would go EPIC!” they wrote. “We’ll be sure they go back for snow angel training before they return next year. ”

The “Selfish” singer also got in on the elf fun this year. He shared a video of his set-up, captioning it, “Daddy got ahold of the elf…”

The elf is set up on a paper DJ station, which is taped to a TNT from Minecraft. He even has dice headphones and a tiny Macbook computer, with a “DJ Fart-Butt” sign on the front. He pans the camera over to Biel, who is smiling in the corner. “Naughty ass elf,” he said, making her laugh.

“Parenting boys is a universal experience Merry Christmas ” one person commented. (As a mom of three boys, I can confirm!)

Lainey Wilson has teamed up with her country music hero, living legend Dolly Parton, to pay tribute to country music duo The Judds. Parton and Wilson joined their powerful vocals for their version of “Mama He’s Crazy” for the album A Tribute To The Judds, released on October 27, 2023.

The Judds released the song in 1984 as the second single from their first extended play, Wynonna & Naomi, and re-released it on their debut studio album, Why Not Me. It then became the duo’s first country No. 1 hit.

Two Country Icons Creating Beautiful Harmony

Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton’s rendition of “Mama He’s Crazy” is a beautiful homage to Wynonna and Naomi Judd. Wilson kicks things off, showcasing her pure country voice, which blends perfectly with the tune.

Parton joins in during the first chorus, adding harmony that made the version absolutely breathtaking. Later, she takes the lead with a delicate solo verse, and Wilson re-joins for another chorus. Together, they beautifully conclude the song.

Wilson grew up listening to songs by The Judds that she even called them “the soundtrack to my childhood.” So, she didn’t think twice when she was asked to join the list of star-studded artists lending their voice to A Tribute To The Judds. Adding Parton into the equation makes things even more exciting.

The singer-songwriter from Louisiana considers Parton as one of her musical heroes. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Wilson and Parton had to record their vocals separately. Wilson unfortunately missed the opportunity to meet Parton while they were making the recording.

It was only during the 2023 ACM Awards, where the country legend handed Wilson the award for Female Vocalist of the Year award, that she crossed paths with Parton for the first time. Wilson referred to meeting her musical hero as “the most surreal moment.”

Watch the video below to enjoy the song “Mama He’s Crazy” by Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton.

A look at Queen B’s holiday performance

Getty Images

The Beyoncé Bowl was one to remember. From the live band, to her iconic bleachers, a truck wrapped in denim, special guests, live horses and a floating stage, the show managed to capture the spirit of Texas as well as the spirit of her most recent album.

Through two quarters of Christmas Day football, the Baltimore Ravens had a 17-2 lead over the Houston Texans. And in between the action on the field, we got a show from the superstar singer. The Texas native took the stage at NRG Stadium in Houston to perform songs from her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” for the first time live.

She entered the stadium on horseback, singing “16 Carriages,” off her latest album. As she went through the tunnel, she passed a sign with sparklers that said “Cowboy Carter” and antique cars. She was wearing an all-white outfit, down to the cowboy hat, with a sash that also said the name of her chart-topping album.

Beyoncé was rumored to be bringing out surprise guests for the holiday show and she delivered. For her second song, “Blackbiird,” she was joined by four other singers: Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy and Tanner Adell. But they were far from her only guests.

When she took the middle of the field, her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who was featured on the album, was a background dancer. CBS Sports predicted ahead of the performance that two of her special guests would be Post Malone and Shaboozey, as they have done NFL performances in the past. Shaboozey and Post Malone also came out to perform the songs they are featured on in the album, “Sweet Honey Buckin” and “Levii’s Jeans,” respectively.

The final song was her hit single “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which she sang as the stage lifted up. She signed off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Beyoncé, named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard, did not disappoint and focused mainly on her latest album, rather than her past hits.

Here’s a look at her setlist:

“16 Carriages”
“Blackbiird” feat. Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy and Tanner Adell
“YA YA” with Blue Ivy Carter

“My House”
“SPAGHETTII”
“RIIVERDANCE”
“Sweet Honey Buckin” feat. Shaboozey

“Levii’s Jeans” feat. Post Malone
“Jolene” feat. a voiceover of Dolly Parton
“Texas Hold ‘Em”

“Cowboy Carter” marked Beyoncé’s first country album and featured icons from the genre as well as newcomers. She collaborated with Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Willie Nelson, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Willie Jones and Linda Martell.

Her past two halftime performances came during Super Bowls, as she took the stage in 2013 during Super Bowl XLVII and in 2016 during Super Bowl 50.

Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake delivered an unforgettable performance during the 2015 CMA Awards, combining their powerful vocals on a medley of “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Drink You Away.” This performance marked a pivotal moment for Stapleton, who not only took home three prestigious awards that night but also solidified his status in the country music scene. Their duet was a standout moment, captivating audiences and showcasing the seamless blend of R&B and country influences that both artists embody​.

Timberlake’s introduction of Stapleton was filled with admiration, setting the stage for a performance that would resonate with fans long after the show concluded. Their rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey,” a classic originally performed by David Allan Coe and later popularized by George Jones, perfectly highlighted Stapleton’s soulful voice. The song’s rich instrumentation and emotional depth allowed both artists to shine, drawing the audience into the moment​.

Since that iconic night, Stapleton and Timberlake have reunited on stage multiple times, including performances at the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and a surprise collaboration during a concert at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles​. Each appearance further cements their musical chemistry, demonstrating Timberlake’s appreciation for country music and Stapleton’s versatility as an artist.

The performance not only contributed to Stapleton’s rise to fame but also emphasized Timberlake’s ability to cross genres and connect with country music. The duo’s collaboration is a testament to the power of music to bridge gaps between different styles and bring artists together, leaving a lasting impact on fans​.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the NBA’s most successful and affluent players, has cultivated a lifestyle that epitomizes luxury and comfort. As a testament to his remarkable career and immense wealth, he resides in a magnificent $33 million mansion in the picturesque state of Wisconsin. This opulent residence not only serves as a place of retreat for Giannis and his family, but it also reflects the height of success and the rewards that come with years of dedication both on and off the basketball court.

The mansion, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Wisconsin, is a true marvel of modern architecture. Its design is a perfect blend of innovation and style, making it a one-of-a-kind home that stands out in both its surroundings and the world of luxury real estate. The sprawling estate features sleek lines, expansive windows, and meticulously manicured landscaping, all of which contribute to an exterior that exudes sophistication and grandeur. Approaching the mansion, visitors are immediately struck by its commanding presence, hinting at the lavish lifestyle that awaits inside.

Inside, the mansion continues to impress with an air of refinement and sophistication. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort, luxury, and elegance. The expansive living spaces are adorned with exquisite furnishings and tasteful decor, showcasing a level of artistry and attention to detail that can only be found in a property of this caliber. From the spacious living room, which serves as the perfect space for entertaining guests, to the gourmet kitchen, where culinary masterpieces are created by a team of professional chefs, every inch of the home is crafted to indulge the senses. The mansion’s design prioritizes both style and functionality, ensuring that each room not only looks stunning but also serves a practical purpose in the day-to-day life of its occupants.

One of the standout features of Giannis’ mansion is its state-of-the-art climate control system, which sets the property apart from others. This cutting-edge technology ensures that the mansion remains at the perfect temperature throughout the year, no matter what the Wisconsin weather may bring. The system is equipped with sensors that detect the changing seasons and adjust the temperature and ambiance of the home accordingly. In the sweltering heat of summer, the mansion stays cool with advanced air conditioning and shaded outdoor areas, providing a comfortable and refreshing environment. In contrast, during the harsh winter months, the mansion’s radiant heating system and cozy fireplaces offer a warm and inviting respite from the cold, ensuring that the Antetokounmpo family always has a comfortable sanctuary to retreat to.

Giannis’ home is not merely a place of comfort; it is also a place for family and memories. The mansion serves as a sanctuary where Giannis, his wife, and their children can spend quality time together, away from the public eye. Whether they are lounging by the pool in the summer or hosting lavish gatherings with friends and loved ones, the mansion offers a setting that is perfect for relaxation and entertainment. It is a space designed to cater to every need and create an atmosphere of serenity and joy for its occupants. The mansion’s luxurious features and expansive grounds also make it an ideal location for hosting memorable events and gatherings, further adding to its appeal as a hub of celebration and connection.

 

Beyond the physical beauty and technological innovation of the home, Giannis’ mansion is also a reflection of his journey and accomplishments. It stands as a symbol of the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that have propelled him to the top of his game in the NBA. The mansion is not just a display of wealth, but a manifestation of his success and the culmination of years of effort. It serves as a reminder of where he started and the incredible heights he has reached, both as an athlete and as an individual.

For Giannis and his family, their $33 million mansion represents more than just luxury living—it is a space where they can create lasting memories and enjoy each other’s company in a setting that is second to none. The mansion is a reflection of the lifestyle they’ve built together, one that is founded on love, success, and the shared experiences that come with it. Whether enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace or hosting a grand event for friends, Giannis’ home serves as the backdrop for moments of connection, relaxation, and joy.

As Giannis continues to build his legacy on the basketball court, his home stands as a testament to the life he has created off the court. It is a space that mirrors his journey, filled with both the tangible symbols of his success and the intangible memories that will last a lifetime. The mansion in Wisconsin is not just a place to live; it is a place that reflects the culmination of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s extraordinary career, a retreat where his family can bask in the comfort and luxury he has earned through years of hard work and determination.

In the end, Giannis’ mansion is much more than just a luxury property. It is a sanctuary, a symbol of success, and a reflection of the values that have driven him throughout his career. It serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work, and it provides Giannis and his family with a beautiful space to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This $33 million home is not just a testament to Giannis’ wealth, but to the incredible journey he has taken to become one of the NBA’s most beloved and successful stars.

No superstars, no problem for the Milwaukee Bucks as they won their second straight game without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, beating the Chicago Bulls 112-91 at the United Center on Monday night.

“It just tells you where we are now and where we were,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said. “I mean, early in the year we wouldn’t have won either game. Now we’re not only winning games, we’re winning with a cushion. I thought defensively tonight it was maybe one of our best defensive efforts.”

The championship core of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis Jr. helped the Bucks take early control of the game and never relinquish it, while Gary Trent Jr. scored 14 off the bench and fellow guards Andre Jackson Jr., Ryan Rollins, AJ Green and Delon Wright combined to score 31 points and pull down 16 rebounds.

Rivers ticked off all of those guards by name in his postgame review, noting how they kept Chicago’s perimeter players from getting into the paint and kicking out for quality three-point attempts. Milwaukee’s backcourt combinations also did a solid job defensively on Bulls all-star guard Zach LaVine, who finished with 14 points on 5 of 13 shooting, and Coby White who had 10 points on 4 of 11 shooting.

“Everybody that would guard those guys, they stepped up and made it tough on them,” Wright said of the effort on the two Chicago shooters. “Our bigs did a good job of helping, also. That’s a major part of stopping some of these dynamic guards, is having a good defensive pressure and also bigs helping you deter them from attacking the basket.”

Center Nikola Vučević led Chicago with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Jalen Smith had 14 off the bench for the Bulls.

Portis has his second straight double-double filling in for Antetokounmpo, scoring 19 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. He also continued his playmaking touch with six assists. Lopez and Middleton scored 21 points each as all nine rotation players scored.

“I love it, I love it, just because everybody works hard,” Middleton said of the balanced effort in replacing Antetokounmpo and Lillard. “They sacrifice so much when our main guys are out there doing what they do to complement them. But when those guys are out they get a chance to kind of prove what they had been working on, playing the game right way. They know they’re going to get a little bit more opportunities, a little bit more touches and we all know that, so it’s not selfishly saying, ‘I’m going to have a night tonight.’ We’re all trying to figure out how to help each other out.”

Defensive rebounding was key for Milwaukee, as Chicago shot just 41% overall (34-for-83) and 29.9% (9-for-43) from behind the three-point line while the regulars were in the game. The Bulls ended up with nine offensive rebounds for 13 second-chance points before the benches were emptied, but some of those missed shots were going to find their hands just by the sheer number of chance they had to snag some.

“They do crash the glass, they try to turn you over – we didn’t do either one of those things,” Rivers said. “Our guards rebounded their butts off tonight. They rebounded well last game. Then offensively we’re just really spreading the ball. Khris, Delon, I thought maybe his best game of the year. I thought he contributed the entire game for us tonight. Very happy for him.”
Milwaukee won for the fifth time in its last six games and improved to 16-12 while Chicago dropped to 13-16.

Khris Middleton shows all-star form

After rough start (1-for-4), Middleton looked every bit like a three-time all-star in the second quarter when he went 4-for-5 from the floor, including two rhythm pull-up three-pointers in a personal 10-0 run that pushed a 10-point Bucks lead to 49-29.

For his part, Middleton was reluctant to say it’s the best he’s felt because he wants to continue to get better but he did say, “It felt good. I just wanted to be aggressive. With Dame and Giannis out there’s going to be a lot more opportunity for me right now. Just trying to take advantage of it the right way.”

A little over a minute after his second three-pointer Middleton assisted on a Brook Lopez triple to account for 13 Bucks points in less than three minutes of game action.

“Sometimes in the sports world it’s always a ‘what have you done for me lately’ type of thing and that’s the type of world we kind of (live in); it sucks ’cause as a player we put so much time and we put so much work in and we kind of get shortcutted just because of one game or one performance or because of a stretch of games where you might not look to par, but he ‘Him’ though,” Portis said of Middleton’s play. “That’s all I really can say. Post fade, making the right reads, shooting the ball with confidence, the leadership he brings. I could keep going on and on about him. One of my favorite players to play with. Makes the game easier for me out there. When he on the court I don’t get doubled as much. So, it’s fun.”

Middleton came out firing in the second half, also, knocking down a 20-footer and then another pull-up three to have 17 points in just 14 minutes of play.

The 33-year-old forward backed up his season-best 18-point performance on Saturday against Washington with a 21-point showing in Chicago, making 9 of his 15 shots. He also had five rebounds and handed out five assists.

Middleton is still playing under a minute restriction however, as he once again was limited to 23:22 – though it was apparent he could’ve gotten to around 25 to seal the game if needed.
“These minutes have been fantastic for him,” Rivers said. “To keep him under 25 in the last two games when we have Dame and Giannis out, and still keep Khris under 25, that’s huge for us.”

Bulls shooting goes ice cold

Chicago changed its identity this season by electing to put up three-pointers at an increased rate, and the Bulls came into the game averaging the second-most three-point attempts in the league at 43.9. They have been making them, too, at a 37.7% clip that was good for eighth in the NBA.

But they nearly shot themselves out of the game in the opening 24 minutes on Monday, going just 6-for-28 (21.4%) in the first half – including one stretch where they missed nine straight from the 7:36 mark of the first quarter to the 10:28 mark of the second. They also went 0-for-6 from the floor overall after taking an 11-8 lead, watching the Bucks take the lead for good with a 12-0 run that gave Milwaukee a 20-11 advantage.

The Bucks would lead by as many as 23 in the first half and even though Chicago had an 11-3 run late in the first half to trim the deficit to 10 and a 10-0 run in the middle of the third quarter that cut the Milwaukee lead to eight, it never really felt like the Bucks were ever in danger of losing control of the game.

Did you notice?

With 8:13 to go in the third quarter, Bulls guard Zach LaVine – a past slam dunk contest participant – got out on a fast break with Bucks guard Ryan Rollins in pursuit. But LaVine slowed down to get his body into Rollins, and then put down a rather unspectacular dunk. But it was a sign of respect for Rollins, who about three minutes prior had chased down Ayo Dosunmu and blocked the Bulls’ guard dunk attempt. LaVine had followed that play and got the offensive rebound and easy putback, but clearly he remembered that Rollins wouldn’t be one to give up anything easy in the open court.

5 numbers

2: Games this season featuring the starting lineup of Ryan Rollins, Andre Jackson Jr., Taurean Prince, Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez. It is the ninth starting lineup the team has used this season.

4-2: Bucks record without Damian Lillard this season.

5-2: Bucks record when Khris Middleton plays this season.

5-8: Bucks road record this season.

29: Games left in which point guard Ryan Rollins can be active for after he played 22 minutes against the Bulls on Monday night. The Bucks have 54 regular season games remaining. Rollins is currently a two-way player, and players signed to those deals can only be active for 50 games in a season. Rollins played in his 14^th game against the Bulls, but it was his 21^st listed on the active roster.Rollins would be eligible to play in more games should his contract be converted to a fully guaranteed deal, but to do that the Bucks must clear at least one roster spot.Bucks coach Doc Rivers: “Listen, we’re going to play who needs to play and if at some point we need to make a change we will. If he proves that. This is a competition always. And if not we’ll try to save as many days as we can.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out with back spasms

The Bucks’ MVP candidate missed his second straight game with back spasms. He began the day as questionable to play against Chicago, but after participating in the team’s shootaround at the United Center he was ruled out.

“He didn’t have to go through (shootaround), he just had to feel better and he didn’t so we just sat him down,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said.

What is the Bucks record without Giannis?

The Bucks are 3-1 this season in games Antetokounmpo has not played after the win in Chicago.

More:Analysis: A look at how the Milwaukee Bucks found their identity

Damian Lillard ruled out with illness

The all-star point guard began the day as doubtful to play with a right calf strain suffered in the Bucks’ Emirates NBA Cup run Las Vegas, but he was not visible at shootaround and was ruled out shortly thereafter. His injury designation was changed to being out with a non-COVID illness later in the day. This will be the second straight game he has missed, but the first with an illness.

“He’s doing much better,” Rivers said of Lillard’s calf injury. “I expect him to possibly be ready (Dec. 26), but then he gets sick.”

Bucks injury report

Giannis Antetokounmpo, out (back spasms)

Damian Lillard, out (non-COVID illness)

AJ Johnson, out (non-COVID illness)

Chris Livingston, out (non-COVID illness)

Bucks starting lineup

Guards: Ryan Rollins, Andre Jackson Jr.

Forwards: Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis

Center: Brook Lopez

What channel are the Bucks on?

The game will tip off at 7 p.m. and be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

Bucks vs. Bulls odds, over/under

Milwaukee is a 1.5-point favorite over Chicago, with the over/under at 231.5 points, per BetMGM.

Chile! This year for Christmas, Young Thug is handing out apologies, particularly to his boo Mariah The Scientist! On December 24, the rapper took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly apologize to Mariah after his spicy reaction to a viral video of a previous call with another woman while locked up on RICO charges in Atlanta. The woman, Leena Sayed, got poppin’ on social media as part of the Taz Angels group, but she is now dating and expecting a child with Devin Haney.

While Thugger and Leena Sayed have been chit-chatting about the moment online, Mariah The Scientist and Devin Haney have yet to speak. So, what exactly went down between Thugger, Mariah The Scientist, and Leena? Let’s get into the hot chocolate that brewed on the social media streets in the last few days, and how Mariah The Scientist reacted to Thug on Christmas morning!

WYA Mariah The Scientist!? Young Thug & Devin Haney’s Lady Say THIS After Their Viral Jail Call

As mentioned, the video call shows Leena Sayed visiting Thug in jail and holding what seems to be an emotional conversation. Law & Crime was the first to share the private chat in a nearly 15-minute video on Dec. 23. In the clip, they seemingly addressed a previous interaction. Thugger told the influencer that they were not aligned, but she claimed otherwise and repeatedly apologized. Later in the clip, she tells him, “I love you” and “I don’t like anyone,” before sobbing. In addition to tearing up, Thug told Leena that he doesn’t “want to be a burden.” Watch the video below to see what else was said!

Leena was seemingly the first to address the viral clip on December 23. On Instagram Stories, she explained that the jail call video happened before she met her “BD,” meaning Devin Haney. “I would never talk to Thug or any other man.” Meanwhile, Thugger’s response on the same day caused the clip to really skyrocket on social media.

On X, he wrote, “Man me and twin was talking bout some whole other serious sh*t, I don’t know y she spoke on loving other people or anything else cause ain giving no f*ck bout no h**s or n****s I’m the capital P lol that’s my twin and nothing else. Never have never will lol.”

Two minutes later, he added, “I can have that lil sh*t right now if I wanted it, but she been pushing the P harder than n****s lol. That’s the twin…I got who I want.” And who he “wants” in the scenario appears to be Mariah, who publicly held him down while he was going through his high-profile RICO case.

Keep in mind that this isn’t the first time Young Thug’s been caught up with another woman while behind bars. In January, he went viral after folks online peeped that he had several photos of his ex-fiancée, Jerrika Karlae.

After Young Thug’s first response on X, Leena circled back to Instagram Stories on Christmas Eve with another clarification.

“Lol I’m nobody’s twin, I’m 100% down for my baby daddy with whatever he do and whoever else he f**k with and that’s why y’all mad.”

Meanwhile, the father of her unborn child, Devin hasn’t spoken out about the entire viral situation. However, before the internet mess, he did announce the cancellation of his fight against Lamont Roach.

Thugger Apologizes To Mariah

For hours on December 23 and 24, the internet consumed Thugger and Leena’s response to the viral jail call and Devin’s silence. An hour before Christmas started on the East Coast, Young Thugger seemed to retract his approach to the video with Leena. He apologized to Mariah The Scientist and expressed his love for her.

“Sorry to my baby for all this bullsh*t on the internet. I love u baby and f**k em all we know what’s up with us,” Thug wrote. One minute later, he wrote “AySayTwin.” 

“I love yo game more than life mommy,” he added in another post.

Thugger Gives Update On His Christmas Morning

While The Scientist is keeping it silent online, she MIGHT BE keeping it short with Thugger offline. On Christmas Day, he hopped on X to update his 6.5 million followers on how his morning was starting out. He didn’t name-drop his boo, but he wrote: “She so mad, I said Merry Christmas and she said thank u.”

In less than 30 minutes, the post had over 5,700 reports and more than 1,000 comments. Despite it being a holiday morning, over 2.3 million accounts have already viewed the rapper’s post, too.

Aside from the Leena drama, Law & Order also stirred the pot between Mariah and him when they released ANOTHER of Young Thug’s jail calls on Christmas Eve. In this one, he’s seen discussing his relationship with Mariah with a male visitor. He told the man that Mariah loves him “too much” and that she’d be heartbroken if he messed up their bond. However, he added that he is in love with The Scientist. At the time of the phone call, he told his homeboy that he hadn’t spoken to another woman besides her in 10 days.