TALKING IT UP

Rapaport brings popular podcast to Warehouse Live on Saturday

Miachael Rapaport will be at Warehouse Live on Saturday. Ronald Martinez/BIG3/Getty Images

Saturday Aug. 18 Warehouse Live will play host to actor and outspoken sports fan Michael Rapaport. The Manhattan native will be in town to record an episode his podcast and will be featuring a local Houston celebrity as well.

His aptly titled podcast, I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast, is released weekly and has been in syndication since 2015. Co-hosted by Gerald Moody, the show’s approach is an in-your-face, no-holds-barred sports podcast that also covers a wide array of topics ranging from current events to movies and music. Rapaport is no stranger to controversy, and demonstrates his willingness to skirt the line on taboo subjects in practically every episode.

Rapaport’s entertainment career has spanned over two decades in the film and TV industry. His iconic, gruff, New York personality shapes the tone of the show on its own, providing the listener with an open and almost personal connection to every episode recorded.

His latest episode, released Aug. 14, tackled everything from Tiger Woods’ most recent performance at the PGA Championship, to President Donald Trump’s former aide, Omarosa Manigault’s latest allegations against him. It then steers into friendly dating advice for Philadelphia 76ers second year point guard Ben Simmons, before lambasting Chicago’s mayor for his perceived inability to control the city’s infamous gang violence problem. It’s an unfiltered roller-coaster production with a conversational feel.

While the direction of the show itself on Saturday promises to be a mystery, the guest host for Houston is anything but. Local rapper Paul Wall will be joining Rapaport on stage to bring a little local perspective from a fellow sports fan.

Tickets are still available for $28 advance, and $32 the day of the show.

 

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The Texans host the Steelers at NRG this Sunday. Composite Getty Image.

What: Texans vs. Steelers

When: 10/1 12pm CST kickoff

Where: Houston, TX NRG Stadium

TV/Radio: KHOU-TV, KILT-Radio

Betting Lines: Steelers -2.5 (-120), O/U 42 (-110) *As of this writing

The Watt Brother Bowl takes place on Sunday. I'm calling it that because the Texans are honoring their all-time great J.J. while they're playing his younger brother and current hell raising edge rusher for the Steelers T.J. The Steelers have won four of the last five matchups vs. the Texans by an average score of 28-17. The biggest difference is that the Steelers have a second year starter at quarterback in Kenny Pickett, and the Texans have a rookie in C.J. Stroud. When you look at the two quarterbacks, both organizations have full faith in each guy. Both teams have tried to build a defense to help their young signal callers. Both are still trying to surround their franchise guys with weapons.

When the Steelers have the ball: Here's a game where Will Anderson Jr can make headway as a proven EDGE. Stacking consistent performances together and helping your team win games by making winning plays. It helps that Pickett has tiny hands. This was a knock on him during draft season last year. Hand size for a quarterback impacts grip. That can not only impact accuracy, but it could make it easier to strip the ball from him.

While he doesn't have the weapons to torch this defense, Pickett does hand the ball off to Najee Harris who's more than capable. Averaging only 67 yards rushing as a team can't be taken lightly. Denzel Perryman is expected to miss the game Sunday, so hopefully that won't help jumpstart the Steelers' run game. The Texans defense will have to key in on the run, given that they average giving up 117 a game on the ground. Those aforementioned weapons may not be scary, but the injuries to the defensive backs has hurt. Tavierre Thomas is expected to miss the game recovering from hand surgery. Jimmie Ward coming back last week showed what happens when they have a top safety back there, especially when the pass rush is turning up. Hopefully, the Texans can capitalize again this week, with safety Jalen Pitre expected to return to action.

When the Texans have the ball: Good luck stopping Tank Dell and Stroud! These guys have already established themselves as a formidable duo three games into their careers. A great way to get that connection going is to pound the rock. The Steelers are giving up over 150 yards on the ground per game so far this season. That's also a good way to keep T.J. at bay while J.J. watches. With Laremy Tunsil and Josh Jones both expected to miss the game, here are the offensive line starters: Austin Deculus, Kendrick Green, Jarrett Patterson, Shaq Mason, and George Fant.

Making the younger Watt brother slow down a bit instead of going balls to the wall after Stroud because a run could be coming will help the pass game tremendously. Stroud will have to continue to make quick decisions, but even quicker this game. I wouldn't be surprised to see his first pick of his career here, given the pressure he's most likely to be under. Especially when your offensive line starters were mostly all backups to begin this season.

Outcome: I failed to place a money line bet on the Texans last week because the game started and the live bet wasn't as profitable. I wanted to take a chance on them given their recent record against the Jags. Looking at their last five vs. the Steelers, one would say why make that bet this week? It's because I believe in Stroud more than I believe in Pickett. While T.J. Watt is a different kind of monster, Will Anderson Jr is on his way to becoming something special. Texans win/cover, and hit the over, but barely: Texans 24, Steelers 20.

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