Fresh Takes with Russo & Felice presented by FingerLakes1.com

The conference finals in the NBA and NHL are nearing conclusions, with varying storylines in each series. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the Knicks and Timberwolves looking to extend their seasons on the brink of elimination. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Carolina finally won a game in the conference finals, but it may be too little, too late against the Panthers. The Stars also look to extend their series against the Oilers as they look to return to the Stanley Cup Final with a potential rematch against the Panthers.

The NBA takes center court on today's Fresh Takes. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the latest in the playoffs as the Pacers take the first spot in the conference finals. The guys react to the draft lottery as the Mavericks locked in the first overall pick. Lastly, they make their picks for the PGA this weekend at Quail Hollow.

The NBA Playoffs have hit a high gear in the second round. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the crazy round so far as the Knicks look to follow the Pacers lead to taking two from the higher seed. The guys then talk about the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Game Sevens taking place out west. Lastly, the guy review Thunderbolts*, which they saw over the weekend.

It has been an interesting NBA Playoffs so far, but one thing that has caught the eye of many is the intensity amplified. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the perceived increased physicality and chippiness. Next, the guys talk about the NFL Draft and the many storylines including a notable draft slide and prank phone calls. Lastly, the guys discuss the Seneca 7 from this past weekend.

The NFL Draft is this week. Nick Felice and Paul Russo talk about what to expect and whether Nick is excited for the Giants selection. The postseason is here for the NBA and NHL. Nick and Paul discuss the latest in the playoff pictures as the first rounds are being played. This weekend, the Seneca 7 takes its yearly lap around Seneca Lake. The guys talk about the event as Nick will be running, and Paul will be driving a team during the event.

The transfer portal never seems to close. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss what became one of the biggest sports headlines from the weekend as Nico Iamaleava departed Tennessee after holding out from a spring practice. The guys react to the initial news and what to expect now that a whole new way the portal can operate opens. Next, the guys discuss Rory McIlroy clinching the career grand slam in golf by finally winning The Masters. Lastly, Paul recaps his trip to Bristol for the NASCAR weekend.

The Florida Gators took home their third men's basketball championship this week. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the game against Houston and discuss all things related to the Final Four, including Duke's collapse and Houston's handling of the final moments on Monday. The guys discuss Nick's trip to Pittsburgh to watch his beloved Pirates but also feature the controversy surrounding the team's handling of the Clemente Wall in right field. Lastly, Paul previews his trip this weekend to Bristol Motor Speedway.

The first full weekend of the MLB season is in the books, and torpedo bats are the talking point. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the weekend and debate whether the bats really make a difference or not. The Final Four is set for March Madness, and the guys discuss what to look forward to this weekend, as the bracket has gone chalk for the semifinals for the first time since 2008.

It is a favorite each year on Fresh Takes, the MLB season preview episode. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss all things for the upcoming baseball season. From what to expect in each division to who will come away with the World Series crown, they cover it. The guys also take a few minutes on March Madness with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight this weekend.

Time to get those brackets busted, it is time for March Madness. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the 2025 edition of the NCAA Tournament. They review which games have their attention and where those potential upsets could come from. They also discuss the latest from the first four games and whether teams deserve to be in the tournament.

March Madness is about to start, and tickets are being punched this week. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss what to look for in conference tournament week leading up to Selection Sunday. The guys debate who will go dancing and who will be left at the door. They also discuss whether the other postseason season tournaments will have the flair they had in the past, thanks to a new tournament based on NIL. With the new NFL year here, Nick and Paul discuss the early surprises from the opening days of moves.

There was no exact plan for Fresh Takes, but it wasn't for long. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discussed the opening season of TGL. The guys talked about the latest from the NFL as they enter a new year and how the NBA is shaping up with 20 games to go. Lastly, Nick pays tribute to Kingda Ka, once the world's tallest roller coaster.

With the 4 Nations in the rearview mirror, the NHL has the headlines once again. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss Capitals' legend Alex Ovechkin nearing Wayne Gretzky's all-time career goals tally. Meanwhile, a couple of veterans in the MLB and NFL are potentially on the move. The guys talk about whether Matthew Stafford departs the Rams via trade and if we will see Nolan Arenado outside of Cardinal red this upcoming baseball season.

The first weekend of 2025 without football didn't leave much to not be discussed. Nick Felice and Paul Russo talk about the 4 Nations Face-Off as it has gripped much of the talking points across sports. At the same time, the NBA had another clunker of an All-Star Weekend, the guy discuss if anything can save the NBA from a similar fate the NFL had with the Pro Bowl. Next the guys talk about the latest in college hoops as the regular season begins to wrap up. Lastly, Nick and Paul talk the Daytona 500 that saw William Byron go back-to-back in the race.

No three-peat in the NFL, as the Eagles defeated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the game and what were the key differences in a game that ultimately wasn't all that close. With no football now, the guys shift focus to baseball and NASCAR as the sports descend upon Florida and Arizona to get their season underway.

It is Super Bowl week which means it is the podcast all about the big game. Nick Felice and Paul Russo look at the championship game for the NFL and discuss what to expect, who will be the x-factors, and some of the best and most unique bets to make. The guys then make their predictions for the game and who will win. Before the podcast wraps up, Nick and Paul discuss an already active NBA trade deadline that kicked off with the shocking trade of Luka Doncic from Dallas to the Lakers.

The Chiefs made it through the AFC again, and the Eagles make another appearance in the Super Bowl. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap Conference Championship games in the NFL as Kansas City and Philadelphia will meet next week in the Super Bowl. The guys also do a whip around of other sports during a slower week in the sports world.

The Washington Commanders surprised the NFL and joined the Chiefs, Bills, and Eagles in Conference Championship Sunday. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the Divisional Round and look ahead to this weekend with the Super Bowl waiting in the wings for two teams. Next, the guys discuss the latest in the hoops world as the NBA races to the trade deadline and college basketball is making headlines for coaching antics.

The football gods blessed fans this year craving for the good old days. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap Wild Card Weekend in the NFL that saw the Commanders win a playoff game for the first time in 20 years, the Bills roll the Broncos, and leave many people wondering if there will be any magic in the Divisional Round. The College Football Playoff Championship Game is set in Atlanta as Notre Dame will take on Ohio State. The guys preview the big game, make their picks for the weekend, and discuss the Baseball Hall of Fame again with the Class of 2025 set to be announced early next week.

Playoff football is now in full effect nationwide, as the NFL heads to Wild Card Weekend. Nick Felice and Paul Russo preview the weekend ahead to see who will head to the Divisional Round. The guys turn to college football as Thursday's College Football Playoff Semifinal begins. They preview those games as well and make their picks for the week.

The College Football Playoff quarterfinal round saw upsets in all four games, as the lower seeds took down the top four seeds in the playoff. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the rust vs. rest debate and what these games showed for future teams in the playoff. The guys then talk about the NFL where they enter the final week of the regular season with spots in the postseason and seedings on the line. They make their picks for the week and finish the podcast with some NBA talk with Jimmy Butler looking to move on from the Miami Heat.

It has been a busy week with football nearly every day. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the NFL from Week 16 and into Week 17 with the NFL on Christmas. The guys talk whether it was a success and if we will see more of it in the future. In the college football world, the first round of the College Football Playoff left much to be desired, but the discussion around it has been less than ideal. Nick and Paul reflect on the games and look ahead to the quarterfinal rounds that see four of the classic bowl games make an appearance.

The newest form of the College Football Playoff gets underway this weekend. Nick Felice and Paul Russo preview the games that will set the quarterfinals. The guys discuss Week 15 in the NFL which saw the Bills continue their offensive onslaught and the Falcons making a tough decision about what to do at quarterback. Nick and Paul make their picks and recap the NBA Cup.

Football news never takes a break, even during a silent week. Bill Belichick is heading to the college ranks as the new head coach for UNC. Nick Felice and Paul Russo break down that news and the College Football Playoff that saw chaos erupt on Saturday and Sunday. They next focus on the NFL as the Bills fell to the Rams, the Chiefs snuck out another win, and the final push to the postseason began. The guys wrap up with MLB Free Agency beginning and Juan Soto signing with the Mets.

Thanksgiving weekend gave plenty to talk about in the football world. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the NFL in Week 13 saw a second snow game of the season and a restart of discussion on quarterback safety. Next, the guys move on to college football where Syracuse flipped the College Football Playoff discussion. The guys make their picks for the week and discuss the latest college hoops.

Nick Felice and Paul Russo give thanks a day early this week on Fresh Takes. The guys dive into Week 12 of the NFL recapping all the action from around the league. Next, they visit college football as the playoff picture got thrown for an even crazier loop following several upsets. Finally, they make their picks for the week and discuss what they'll be up to on Thanksgiving.

The Bills did it, they ended the Chiefs' undefeated run in 2024. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the game and the rest of the NFL from Week 11. They guys make their picks for Week 12 which has six teams on the bye. The guys focus on college football next that saw a shake-up in the rankings with Tennessee losing to Georgia. Lastly, Nick and Paul talk about the NBA as the NBA Cup is in full swing and the Cavaliers finally lost a game after starting 15-0.

The NFL didn't disappoint once again in Week Ten. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the weekend that saw more nonsense in Dallas and a nice table setting for a huge AFC game this weekend. The guys make their picks and head to college football where the SEC continues to shake up the CFP landscape. Nick and Paul wrap up the podcast discussing what is going on with Bronny James and the NASCAR playoff system hitting a low point among fans.

Locked in the middle on 55 straight days of football, Fresh Takes must ask, are we the midweek MACtion? Nick Felice and Paul Russo dive into another week of football news from the NFL and college football worlds. They make their picks for the weekend and highlight some important games to tune in to as the College Football Playoff had its first rankings released. The NASCAR championship is here, and the guys discuss how the drivers got there on the heels of a major controversy in Martinsville.

When the Hail Mary was thrown in Washington on Sunday, it may have already cemented the early legacy of Jayden Daniels. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the crazy play and what was an exciting weekend for the NFL. In college football, it ended up being not as bloody a weekend as it could have been with a relatively quiet weekend ahead. Lastly, the guys discuss the World Series so far with the Dodgers mostly in control over the Yankees through four games.

It has been an unusually active trade market in the NFL. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the latest from the league as well as recapping Week Seven and prepare for Week Eight. The guys then turn their focus to the college football scene with Alabama taking another loss and a major slate of games await in Week Nine. Lastly the guys talk the NBA as the season has tipped off in the association.

The biggest news of the football weekend may have been the Oregon Ducks securing a big win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. Of course, the NFL said otherwise. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the headlines from Saturday and Sunday. The guys recap their picks from the weekend and lock in their selections for the upcoming football slate. Big Brother 26 wrapped up over the weekend as well, the guys offer their thoughts on the season and the winner from the summer in the house.

Robert Saleh became the first coach fired in the 2024 NFL season. Nick Felice and Paul Russo talk about the circus of the Jets so far and other headlines from Week Five. The guys make their picks for Week Six. It is a big week of college football with the Red River Rivalry and Ohio State heading to Oregon, the guys preview the games and make their picks for the weekend.

The NFL through the first four weeks is a mix of good and bad. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the week for games and make their picks for Week Five. The guys then move to college football and saw an early game-of-the-year candidate in Georgia and Alabama. In addition to football, hockey is starting, and the MLB enters the postseason.

Monday night was the Jayden Daniels show for the NFL. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the Commanders QB and the other major headlines from the NFL in week three. They recap their picks and make their selections for week four. The guys talk about the weekend that was in college football and make their picks for the week.

Nick Felice and Paul Russo have plenty to get to in Fresh Takes. In the NFL, the Ravens dropped their game and now questions must be asked. The guys discuss the potential issues in Baltimore and other teams across the league. In the college football landscape, Florida State is struggling. Nick and Paul discuss how much longer Mike Norvell may have a job. They make their picks for the weekend and recap NASCAR in Watkins Glen.

It wasn't a perfect week in the NFL, but week one is in the books. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap an interesting week in the NFL. They make their picks for week two and see some big early-season matchups for some teams. Next, they focus on college football and the upset headlined week two of the season. The guys wrap up the podcast discussing NASCAR in Watkins Glen this weekend.

A classic episode of Fresh Takes returns for the 2024 football season. Nick Felice and Paul Russo get you ready on the eve of the NFL season. The guys break down all of the major offseason headlines, the things to look forward to in the season and predict the Super Bowl champion. The guys also discuss the latest in college football with week one in the books.

College Football is back this weekend. Nick Felice and Paul Russo begin the classic preview season for the sport. They offer their thoughts on the 12-team playoff and make their picks for the first games on the schedule. The guys then shift their focus to the Little League World Series. Lastly, Paul has been on the road the past couple weekends, he recaps the Savannah Bananas experience and his first time at Michigan International Speedway.

The Olympics are on the final stretch. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the latest from Paris including Team USA's chances in basketball and the insane run of Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky. Next, the guys turn their focus to the MLB. The guys talk about where teams stand post-trade deadline. They also talk about the woeful White Sox who stared down being on the wrong side of MLB history this week.

Nick Felice and Paul Russo enter the dog days of summer on Fresh Takes. The Olympics are back and are underway. The guys talk about the games and what they hope to see from the United States. A summer staple has also started, as Big Brother started last week. Nick and Paul give their thoughts on the season and what they hope to see in season 26.

Back in the studio after the holiday week, Nick Felice and Paul Russo have plenty to get to on Fresh Takes. The guys tackle NBA and NHL free agency as the leagues begin a new year. Next, they move on to the world of baseball, as the summer heats up, new storylines are developing around the league with the All Star Game looming.

We have a new Stanley Cup Champion. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap the Panthers game seven victory over the Oilers. The guys discuss the Knicks making a trade to reunite Mikal Bridges with the remaining Villanova team players. They also talk about the NBA Draft that begins on Wednesday night.

The Boston Celtics secured their 18th championship on Monday. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss a lackluster NBA Finals that saw the Mavericks never really in the series. The guys remember baseball legend and American icon Willie Mays who passed away Tuesday at 93. They also touch on the Stanley Cup Final and more baseball talk.

It is a big three style Fresh Takes. Nick Felice and Paul Russo preview both the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals as young stars have their shot at winning their first championship. They discuss what to look for in each series. The guys also tackle Caitlin Clark's first few weeks in the WNBA as talk surrounding opponents and her own team intensified following rough play.

It was a busy Memorial Day weekend of sports and Fresh Takes tackles as much as possible. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the NBA Playoffs being a flop in the Conference Finals. The Celtics have already advanced, and the Mavericks will look to do the same on Thursday. Next, the guys talk about Angel Hernandez retiring from umpiring in the MLB. Nick and Paul wrap up the podcast talking about Kyle Larson's disappointing attempt at The Double and pay homage to Bill Walton.

Another exciting week of sports has come and gone, and Fresh Takes is ready to discuss. Nick Felice and Paul Russo talk about the NBA Playoffs that now see one traditional market remain. They talk about the Nuggets falling in game seven to Minnesota and what really went wrong with the Knicks. The guys talk about the Oilers finally getting over the hump and advancing to the Western Conference Finals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Lastly, it is motorsports Christmas this Sunday, Nick and Paul talk about the big day featuring Kyle Larson running the double and a fight from the NASCAR All Star Race last Sunday.

The action has turned up to 11 in the sports world and a new Fresh Takes tackle some of those headlines. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the much-anticipated MLB debut of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. Next, the guys talk about the continuing NBA and NHL playoffs as recently minted three-time MVP Nikola Jokic gets a foothold in the Nuggets-Timberwolves series, and the Bruins-Panthers series gives out a true old-time hockey feel. The guys wrap up the podcast reviewing Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which they saw over the weekend.

It was a weekend filled with horsepower in the United States. Nick Felice and Paul Russo recap it all on Fresh Takes. The guys talk about the Kentucky Derby and the photo finish that saw Mystic Dan claim victory. F1 made its return across the Atlantic in Miami saw Lando Norris secure his win. Nick and Paul talk about that race and the closest finish in NASCAR history as Kyle Larson snuck out the win in Kansas on Chris Buescher. The guys also talk about the latest in the winter sports playoffs.

The times are changing in the worlds of basketball and hockey. Nick Felice and Paul Russo discuss the changing of the guard on Fresh Takes. The guys talk about the more than likely end of the LeBron with the Lakers era but the deeper signal that it shows. They talk about the rest of the playoffs in the NBA as emotions and series hit a fever pitch. Nick and Paul also discuss the NHL where they deal with era-ending time as the Capitals and Lightning bow out early. Lastly, Nick and Paul talk about the MLB a month in and the storylines that have developed in recent days.

Fresh Takes tackles the NBA Playoffs this week. Nick Felice and Paul Russo review a chaotic but excellent start to the basketball postseason. They discuss the heightened observations around late-game officiating.  They guys talk about the NFL Draft this weekend and how they hope their teams build for the future.