USA versus Iran is more than just a game

Clouded in a haze of human rights turmoil, the U.S. Men’s National Team faces Iran in the final match of the Group stage at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

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1. USA versus Iran is more than just a game

Clouded in a haze of human rights turmoil, the upcoming match between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Iran in the final match of the Group stage at the 2022 FIFA World Cup has become both a showcase for new talent from both sides, and a hotbed of political grievances that have been simmering just below the veil of a whitewashed surface for years. The Sporting Tribune’s Chandrima Chatterjee explains why Tuesday’s match between USA and Iran is more than just a game.   

For the men of both teams, it does a disservice to deny them the credit for their accomplishments, their journeys, their work. For their fan bases, for their nations and their families, it discredits everyone to ignore the underlying realities of human rights violations that extend off the pitch. The best of this global game is when both inner and outer worlds are in balance and harmony. But humans are masters of looking in the other direction when something makes us uncomfortable. Now we must uncover our eyes from the political tornado encircling this Tuesday's match as both teams face potential elimination. Of course, there is no keeping politics out of soccer this World Cup.

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2. Chargers ‘finish the game on their terms’

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley was aggressive on Sunday and it paid off in their 25-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Sporting Tribune’s Fernando Ramirez has the latest from the Chargers’ win to improve their record to 6-5.

It seems like every week Chargers games come down to the last drive. The last two weeks didn’t fall in their favor. On Sunday, it did after they beat the Arizona Cardinals 25-24 to improve to 6-5 on the season. This was the second straight game in which quarterback Justin Herbert looked comfortable in the pocket, thanks to the return of receiver Keenan Allen. The defense struggled, but they were able to come up with two turnovers thanks to safety Derwin James. Chargers coach Brandon Staley also decided against going for the tie and overtime but instead put the ball in his quarterback’s hand and let him determine the outcome.

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3. Rams lose 5th straight in nightmarish title defense

The Rams fall to 3-8 after losing seven of their last eight games during one of the worst title defenses in history. The Sporting Tribune has more from the Rams’ 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes threw for a touchdown and rookie Isiah Pacheco rushed for another to fuel the host Kansas City Chiefs to a 26-10 victory over the injury-riddled Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Mahomes connected on 27 of 42 of his passing attempts for 320 yards. He completed passes to 10 different receivers and Harrison Butker made four field goals to send the Chiefs (9-2) to their fifth straight win.

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4. LeBron leads Lakers to second straight win against Spurs

After going 0-6 on the road, the Lakers have won two straight games against the Spurs in San Antonio and have won five of six overall. The Sporting Tribune’s Rey Moralde on the suddenly streaking Lakers.

As you can see in the box score, it was a defensive struggle. The Lakers came out on top, 143-138. Okay, you got me. Of course, it wasn't a defensive struggle. And if you like buckets, this was the game to watch. It's the highest scoring game in this NBA season with 281 total points. Anthony Davis was a late scratch from this game. So, the Lakers had to find a way to score. Can't say they didn't have trouble finding the offense.

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5. Golden Knights need to find remedy for Thanksgiving hangover

Back-to-back losses at T-Mobile Arena over the weekend was not in Bruce Cassidy's script. Now he has to flip the scenario with his team headed on the road. The Sporting Tribune’s Steve Carp has the latest from Las Vegas.

Thanksgiving hangovers are not uncommon. In fact, they’re usually expected and come in varying degrees of lethargy. For the Vegas Golden Knights, the weekend was indeed dark. Not even the debut of the team’s Reverse Retro jerseys which glow in the dark could guide them into the light. Losses to Seattle (4-2) Friday and Vancouver (5-1) Saturday have the team in a bit of a perplexed state. Suddenly, the goaltending’s not as sharp. The breakouts are not as crisp. The offense is stagnating. The penalty kill has struggled.

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6. UNLV’s season may not be over

A 27-22 win on Saturday over in-state rival Nevada gave UNLV a 5-7 record which might be good enough to go to a bowl game thanks to a high APR. The Sporting Tribune’s Steve Carp has the latest on UNLV’s bowl chances.

Normally, this would be a grand way to finish a football season. A win over your in-state rival in front of the biggest home crowd of the year. The most wins in four years for the program. Standout individual performances and sending the seniors off on the right note. But in a year that seems anything but normal, UNLV may not be done playing. Despite a 5-7 record, which was achieved with a 27-22 win Saturday over Nevada in front of 24,873 at Allegiant Stadium, the Rebels may still find themselves in a bowl game despite the lack of a requisite six wins.

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7. Odds and Ends presented by Circa Sports

Here are some odds at Circa Sports if you’re thinking about placing a wager today:

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8. Ticket Time presented by TickPick  

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

Indiana Pacers at Los Angeles Lakers: $42

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9. On the Air presented by Pirnia Law

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region:

7:30 p.m. – Indiana Pacers at Los Angeles Lakers – Spectrum SportsNet

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10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune 

On Friday’s show, the crew talked to WWE Superstars Bianca Belair and Rey Mysterio about WrestleMania coming to Los Angeles.  

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Fan in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

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That’s it for today. Talk to you all tomorrow!