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Steve Lichtenstein

@netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social
104 followers 23 following 441 posts

Former CBS & WFAN contributor. Now posting free sports content on Substack at: stevelichtenstein.substack.com

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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 17h
A #Yankees epitaph: Running it back to run in place. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/yankees-re...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Yankees Reprise ALDS Flameout
For a second consecutive postseason, the Yankees were eliminated at home in the American League Division Series by a better team from their own division when the Rays completed their three-game sweep ...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
3 games is too soon to hit the panic button. However, because the #NHL is such a competitive league, the #NJDevils can't ignore an area that has glaringly underachieved. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/a-non-pani...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
A Non-Panic Driven Tweak For Devils
When you’ve been outplayed like the Devils have been in their last two games, bleeding goals against, there’s a lot for Head Coach Sheldon Keefe to ponder.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Sunday's coaching mismatch showed why the #Jets haven't been able to get off the ground. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/another-je...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Another Jets’ Loss Brings Thoughts Of What Could Have Been
In January 2025, six NFL teams filled their head coach openings.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
We'll start to find out tomorrow if the #Yankees sudden change in approach at the plate was real & sustainable or a mirage brought on by the presence of their most hated rival. Link: #RepBx stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/rays-will-...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Rays Will Test Whether Yankees’ Improved Plate Approach Was Real Or A Red Sox-Fueled Anomaly
As the euphoria from the Yankees’ two-game blowout sweep of hated rival Boston in the Al Wild Card round recedes out of necessity into the reality of the next round, the ALDS against top-seeded Tampa ...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The #NJDevils season opener versus Philly had some frustrating deja vu, but this time they found a way to make everyone leave The Rock satisfied, not just the HC. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/devils-ope...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Devils Open Season With Likable Win
Jack Hughes made it ok for his coach to like the Devils’ season opener on Thursday night at Prudential Center.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This #NJDevils season will be about getting them back toward their natural speed-driven identity that was mystifyingly picked apart by the prior regime in the name of being “harder to play against.” Season predictions in link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/prediction...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Predictions For A Highly-Anticipated Devils Season
There are clearly reasons why this Devils iteration has fans excited about their prospects in the 2026-27 season that launches on Thursday against Philadelphia at Prudential Center.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
New post on three things #Nets fans should watch this preseason. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/nets-train...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Nets Training Camp Primer: Let The Competition For Minutes Begin
The Nets held their annual Media Day on Monday in preparation for Tuesday’s opening of training camp.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Warning: Glenn's gap is larger than it appears. #Jets stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/jets-so-cl...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Jets So Close And yet So Far
As a visual aid to Jets media, Head Coach Aaron Glenn has been holding his thumb and forefinger apart to highlight the small gap between where his club stands versus where they need to be to win games...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Looking where the #NJDevils' roster stands heading into the preseason finale. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/decisions-...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Decisions, Decisions: Devils’ Depth Makes For Intriguing Debate Over Final Lineup Makeup
On Friday, the Devils announced a slew of demotions to AHL Utica in advance of Saturday’s preseason finale at the Islanders.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Why the disconnect between Judge & Yankees management? Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/yankees-se...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Yankees Seem To Embrace Being Judged By A Lesser Standard
Why does it seem like Yankees management is nudging Aaron Judge off the 26-man roster for their impending best-of-three Wild Card series beginning next week?
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Glenn has it backwards. Sunday’s loss belongs in the dictionary to define who the #Jets have been over the last 15 years. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/a-defining...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
A Defining Jets’ Loss
Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn’s opening remarks at his postgame press conference following his club’s heartbreaking 20-17 overtime defeat on Sunday to visiting Green Bay was to assert, “This loss is not...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Haven’t forgotten, but Keefe’s history here has shown he is willing to make guys play uncomfortably—Hughes on the right, Nemec on the left, etc.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
For now, it seems like they want to give Chisholm first dibs on the 3rd pair. Doubt they make Diotte hang around as a 7D. Casey, maybe.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Some notes on the Evangelista extension & observations from the rookie scrimmages as the #NJDevils prepare to open training camp. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/devils-you...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Devils’ Young Players Could Be Key In NHL’s New Free-Spending World
Inflation is at the top of many folks’ minds in their everyday lives, so it’s probably silly of me to rant about it in relation to NHL contracts.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Delving into how the #Nets can fit their two scoring alphas into one cohesive offense. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/mulling-ra...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Mulling Randle/Porter Nets Fits
After two seasons of tanking, the Nets intend to try to win games in 2026-27.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
So much for the Revenge Game. #Jets stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/jets-toss-...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Jets Toss Saleh Bowl
For those in the press who made the lead-up to Sunday’s Jets season opener at Tennessee into a revenge-game “Saleh Bowl”, with the current Titans Head Coach Robert Saleh supposedly frothing at the mou...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Devils would really have to spit the bit for Keefe to be fired 20 games in. I’d call that very unlikely.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
New GM Mehta has already made his mark in an attempt to shift the #NJDevils' identity. Except, perhaps, for one key component. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/is-keefe-t...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Is Keefe The Right Coach To Lead New-Look Devils?
In a few summer months, Sunny Mehta has already made his mark on the Devils.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Another #Jets season is upon us. Some predictions in a new post at this link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/2026-jets-...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
2026 Jets Predictions
The Jets have been flying under the radar through the preseason, but that will change this Sunday when they travel to Tennessee in the 2026 regular season opener.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A caution to those folks banking on a #Nets leap now that the 2-year tank is over. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/the-nets-s...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
The Nets Should Be Better, But…
In the final week of last season’s dreadful campaign, the tanking Nets, despite trotting out a rotation containing the equivalent of a G League also ran, won a pair of games.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
A look at where the #Jets stand entering their final preseason game. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/after-a-fr...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
After A Fruitful Offseason, Jets Still Have Many Concerns
Almost all NFL fan bases exude some level of optimism during the preseason.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Boone's #Yankees get a boost from addition AND subtraction. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/unerring-f...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
Unerring Faith In Struggling Players A Recurring Yankees Boone-Doggle
It was probably just a coincidence that the Yankees busted out for eight runs on 11 hits during Cody Bellinger’s return to the lineup in Sunday’s 8-3 victory over the visiting pests from Toronto.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
From all #Nets fans who haven't had many reasons to celebrate, cheers to @chriscarrino.bsky.social, the newest #NaismithHOF Curt Gowdy Award recipient. Link: stevelichtenstein.substack.com/p/a-moment-w...
stevelichtenstein.substack.com
A Moment Worthy Of Celebration For Depressing Nets
On the basketball court, the Nets have too often come up short in the talent department.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The #Yankees have somehow managed to tread water through their productive outfield's injury plague. Can they sustain it without major reinforcements? Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Do The Yankees Have Enough Dog For The Dog Days?
For a team so reliant on the explosiveness from Aaron Judge, the Yankees should feel rather fortunate that they’ve treaded water since the stress fracture in the outfielder’s right rib shut him down o...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
The #Jets tend to lower the bar for success. 2026 is on track to follow the same script. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
What Would Qualify As A Successful Season For Jets Fans?
The Jets’ rookies report to training camp on Saturday, with the veterans to follow on July 28.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Analyzing how the arms race in the East affects a key #Nets decision. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
How East’s Emerging Great Race Affects Nets
The East is no longer Least.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
What's next, #Nets? Marks can't possibly think this roster will be competitive, even with the growth from last year's Draft class and trying to win games this season. Link below includes a silly trade thought: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
What Next, Nets?
Now that the Summer Leagues have concluded, the usually entertaining NBA offseason may resume its course.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
The #Nets got what they needed to see from Demin at the ##NBASummerLeague. Fans particularly loved the increased frequency of basket attacks. However, the word "leap" is being bandied about too haphazardly based on my viewings. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Egads, Nets Fans. Let’s Pause On The Egor Hype
Early in Nets Summer League action, Egor Demin received a pass above the three-point line.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The #NJDevils hope their new FA addition will help address the major issues they had with finishing scoring chances last season. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Devils Address Finishing Deficiency With Bet On Big Man(tha)
Given the paucity of high-end skill in the free agent market this offseason, the Devils’ signing of left wing Anthony Mantha to a 2-year, $9.5 million contract on Wednesday shouldn’t be judged too har...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Even in a contrived & utterly meaningless setting like the #NBASummerLeague, you can tell Brown moves differently. Link: #Nets open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
What Brown Can Do For The Nets
Track star speed is not a necessity to achieve NBA success.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
t's always foolish to post takeaways from meaningless #NBASummerLeague action. I did it anyway--here's some reactions, or overreactions, from the #Nets Sacramento portion of their SL slate. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Overreacting To First Impressions At Nets Summer League
The Nets rolled out two of their rookies and some of their returning sophomores for the first of their two-prong Summer League slate in Sacramento this weekend.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
The most amazing thing to me about the whole Balogun affair is that even people who follow soccer are amazed at the corruption. The sport is rife with it. At least this scandal occurred before the match, so no excuses, Belgium. Link: #USMNT open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Soccer Is Corrupt? You Don’t Say
FIFA is a disgrace.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Marks' moves have yet to appreciably move the #Nets' needle forward. He does, however, have the cap space & Draft capital to not fall so much further behind all the rapidly improving competitors in the East. To quote Judge Smails: We're waiting! Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Nets’ Moves Whet Fans’ Appetite For More
For those waiting on Nets General Manager Sean Marks to make more than a ripple at the start of the new league year to accelerate the rebuild, the wait will have to continue, even as much of the Easte...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
It's one thing for Mehta to competently clean house of the prior #NJDevils regime's mistakes; it's quite another to restock the roster with quality. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
More On Mehta’s Plate Than Cleaning Up Past Devils’ Mistakes
Like any new caretaker, Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta’s first order of business appears to be discarding the mistakes of the past.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
I agree that’s possible. The issue is most evaluators believe his ceiling is low, like 3rd line center.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
You’re free to hope that’s the case. Hischier was much more advanced skill wise—he was an NHL player at 18.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
The new #NJDevils GM makes his first mark. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Mehta Has Command On Devils
Devils fans understood that new General Manager Sunny Mehta was likely to operate differently from his predecessors.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Stars worthy of using cap space are rarely available as free agents. It helps to have midlevel contracts to use as matching salaries to pair with young players/picks in trades. Turner & Mamu wouldn’t qualify as “big names.”
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
It is a lot. They’ll have to overpay in FA. The cap & apron numbers are set. The good news is they have a lot of cap flexibility—I just read they might be able to leverage the timing of the Randle trade so as to not lose any space.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Maybe 4 years, $70 million?
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
New post on a couple of #Nets options to solve their most pressing problem. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Solving The Nets’ Big Problem
A recurring theme for much of Sean Marks’ decade-long reign as General Manager has been the Nets getting outmatched at the center position.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
I’m not all that encouraged.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The #Nets had to get this #NBADraft right. We'll see how it plays out. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Notes From Long-Awaited Nets Draft Night
If the Nets’ rebuild isn’t fully erect in a few years, it won’t be because of a lack of opportunities.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Some names for the #NJDevils to consider in Friday's first round of the #NHLDraft to help restock the depleted prospect pool up front. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Forward Progress At Top Of Devils’ Target List For Draft
Under the category of no good deed goes unpunished, the Devils will be selecting 12th in Friday’s NHL Draft because they closed out last season ethically with 14 wins in their last 23 meaningless game...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Did a quick analysis of the #Nets trade for Randle--not quite a wash, but not a game changer either. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Breaking Down Randle Trade To Nets
Raise the floor!
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
The consensus among #Jets writers is that Mougey will stay clear of Sorsby on the basis that character questions trump talent. It’s absolutely the easier sell. But you know what’s harder? Finding a franchise quarterback. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
Weighing The Jets’ Risk Of Gambling On Addicted QB
For those like the evaluator in the post by ESPN’s Rich Cimini who wondered why quarterback Brendan Sorsby did not simply declare for the 2026 NFL Draft following his solid junior season at Cincinnati...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I joined the parade (no, not that one). I took swings on who the #Nets should take next week. Mock me if you must. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
A Nets Mock Draft
With the NBA Draft mere days away, the only thing known is how little is known.
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The #Nets should avoid doling out max money to very good but not All-Star caliber players. That’s the path to becoming Sacramento East. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
The Case Against Nets Signing Reaves
HoopsHype.com’s Michael Scotto, a diligent reporter, added gas to the smoke around the potential pairing of the Nets and Lakers free agent Austin Reaves when the new league year opens for business in ...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The typically unstable #Jets are trying a new blueprint with their offense this season, hoping to catch a spark from the #NBA champion Knicks. Unfortunately, they're missing one key ingredient. Link: open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
The Jets Are Trying To Mimic Knicks' Winning Formula, Absent One Key Ingredient
As the celebration of the Knicks’ end to their 53-year NBA Championship drought rolls on for (at least) the next few days, it’s no wonder why many fans of another cursed New York area pro team have re...
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Steve Lichtenstein @netsjetsdevilsfan.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The point of a ticket is to set an orderly manner for fans to attend the corresponding event. The initial procurements were never intended to be investments. Change is possible, though fantastical. Link: #NBA #Knicks #Nets open.substack.com/pub/stevelic...
open.substack.com
A Fantasy Ticket Back To Affordability
The NBA just completed a successful season.
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