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NHL Preview: Ottawa Senators (22-23-3) at Montreal Canadiens (20-26-4)

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NHL Preview: Ottawa Senators (22-23-3) at Montreal Canadiens (20-26-4)

OTTAWA SENATORS NOTES:

LAST GAME: Jan. 28, 5-0 win vs. Montreal: Forsberg turned aside each of the 28 shots he faced to record his second shutout of the month as Ottawa emerged with a 5-0 victory over Montreal at Canadian Tire Centre. Giroux paced the way for the home side with his third three-point game of the season (two goals, one assist). DeBrincat opened the scoring for the Senators to become Ottawa’s fifth 40-point scorer this season while Joseph (with his second shorthanded goal of the year) and Brassard also found the back of the net. Holden provided two helpers to realize his first multi-assist game of the season. Montembeault made 31 saves to take the loss for Montreal. Scratches: Kastelic, Watson; Injuries: Norris, Talbot, Zub; Shots: OTT – 36, MTL – 28; PP: OTT – 1-3, MTL – 0-3.

BROADCAST INFORMATION: This evening’s game against Montreal will be broadcast regionally on TSN5 and RDS. On the radio, the game will be available locally via TSN 1200 (English) and 94,5 Unique-FM (French).

WHAT’S NEXT: Ottawa enters the NHL All-Star break ahead of meeting Edmonton at home on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. The contest will mark the first of two regular-season meetings and the lone matchup at Canadian Tire Centre.

INJURY REPORT: C Norris and D Zub are on IR and will not oppose the Canadiens this evening. G Talbot has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury. Total man-games lost: 174.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS: Re-assigned G Mandolese to Belleville (AHL) on Jan. 29; Recalled G Sogaard from Belleville (AHL) on Jan. 30.

OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL – History:
2022-23 (2-0-0): Dec. 14 @ Ottawa (3-2 win), Jan. 28 @ Ottawa (5-0 win), Jan. 31 @ Montreal, Feb. 25 @ Montreal
2021-22 (2-2-0): 2/26/22 @ Ottawa (2-1 loss), 3/19/22 @ Montreal (5-1 loss), 4/5/22 @ Montreal (6-3 win), 4/23/22 @ Ottawa (6-4 win)
Series record: Overall: 76-70-5-11; Home: 44-31-1-5; Away: 32-39-4-6
Last Ottawa win: @ Ottawa: Jan. 28 (5-0); @ Montreal: 4/5/22 (6-3)
Last Montreal win: @ Ottawa: 2/26/22 (2-1); @ Montreal: 3/19/22 (5-1)
Last OT result: 5/1/22 (3-2 OT loss) @ Montreal
Last shootout: 2/23/21 (5-4 SO win) @ Ottawa
Most goals, game: Scored: 8, (1/13/07, 8-3 win); Allowed: 8, (10/30/17, 8-3 loss); Both teams: 12, (3/24/08, 7-5 loss)
Last Game: Jan. 28, 5-0 win @ Ottawa; OTT Goals: Giroux (x2), DeBrincat, Joseph, Brassard; MTL Goals: None; OTT Scratches:
Kastelic, Watson; OTT Injuries: Norris, Talbot, Zub; OTT Goalie: Forsberg; MTL Goalie: Montembeault; OTT PP: 1-3; MTL PP: 0-3; Shots: 36-29.
Career vs. Montreal: Giroux leads all players in career games played (41), in goals (13), in assists (20) and in points (33); Tkachuk leads in penalty minutes (45) against Montreal.

ROAD SCHOLARS: The Senators have a record of 9-12-2 on the road this season … Brady Tkachuk leads with 10 goals on the road this season while also ranking first with 14 assists while the Senators serve as visitors … Through 23 road games this season, Tkachuk maintains the club lead with 24 points … The Senators registered an 18-20-3 record over 41 road contests in 2021-22.

BACK-TO-BACK GAMES: Ottawa will play back-to-back games on 12 occasions in 2022-23 and will open their sixth set of the season on Feb. 13 when the team hosts Calgary ahead of visiting the N.Y. Islanders the following night … The Senators played 17 back-to-back sets last season and earned a record of 6-9-2 in the first half of contests on consecutive nights (3-2-0 this season) while posting an 8-8-1 record (3-2-0 this season) in the second half of games on consecutive days.

ON THE POWER PLAY: The Senators are 49 for 186 (26.3%) on the power-play in 2022-23 … Drake Batherson leads with 11 powerplay goals while also maintaining the club lead with 21 points while the team enjoys a man advantage … Ottawa has recorded multiple power-play goals 12 times in an individual contest in 2022-23 after having done so 11 times in 2021-22.

ON THE PENALTY KILL: Ottawa has overcome 138 of the 169 occasions the team has been shorthanded in 2022-23 to maintain an efficiency of 81.2% through 49 regular-season games … The team has registered five (Joseph x2, Watson x2, Motte) shorthanded markers this season after recording nine such goals in 2021-22.

MONTREAL CANADIENS NOTES:

À SURVEILLER CE SOIR / KEEP AN EYE ON…

  • Les Canadiens et les Sénateurs s’affrontent ce soir pour la 162e fois en saison régulière. En incluant les matchs de séries, c’est le 173e affrontement entre ces deux équipes.
  • The Canadiens and Senators are facing each other for the 162nd time in regular season. Including playoff contests, tonight’s the 173rd matchup between the two teams.

DERNIER MATCH / LAST GAME – OTT 5 VS. MTL 0 (@ CENTRE CANADIAN TIRE)
Buts MTL Goals –
Buts OTT Goals – DeBrincat, Giroux (AN/PP), Giroux, Joseph (DN/PK), Brassard
Gardien MTL Goalie – Montembeault (31-35)
Gardien OTT Goalie – Forsberg (28-28)
Avantage numérique MTL Powerplay – 0/3
Avantage numérique OTT Powerplay – 1/3
Meneurs MTL Leaders – TOI (Matheson – 25:43) ; S (Dvorak, Hoffman, Matheson – 4) ; HT (Anderson, Pezzetta – 7) ; BS (Savard – 4)

MATCHS À VENIR / UPCOMING GAMES
11 FÉV. VS. NY ISLANDERS 12h30 / 12:30 p.m.
12 FÉV. VS. EDMONTON 12h30 / 12:30 p.m.
14 FÉV. VS. CHICAGO 19 h / 7 p.m.
16 FÉV. @ CAROLINE 19 h / 7 p.m.
18 FÉV. @ TORONTO 19 h / 7 p.m.

RAPPORT MÉDICAL DE LA SAISON / SEASON INJURY REPORT
Joueur Player Date Blessure Injury Matchs ratés Games lost Retour Return
C. Price – Genou / Knee 50 –
P. Byron – Hanche / Hip 50 –
J. Evans – Bas du corps / Lower-body 7 –
B. Gallagher – Bas du corps / Lower-body 12 –
K. Guhle – Bas du corps / Lower-body 14 –
J. Slafkovsky – Bas du corps / Lower-body 6 –
S. Monahan – Bas du corps / Lower-body 25 –
C. Caufield – Épaule / Shoulder 4 –

RÉAFFECTATIONS, SIGNATURES ET TRANSACTIONS / ROSTER MOVES, SIGNINGS AND TRANSACTIONS
Les Canadiens ont cédé l’attaquant Owen Beck aux Petes de Peterborough (28/01)
The Canadiens have loaned forward Owen Beck to the Peterborough Petes (01/28)
Les Canadiens ont rappelé l’attaquant Owen Beck des Petes de Peterborough (27/01)
The Canadiens have recalled forward Owen Beck from the Peterborough Petes (01/27)
Les Canadiens ont cédé le gardien Cayden Primeau au Rocket de Laval (25/01)
The Canadiens have loaned goaltender Cayden Primeau to the Laval Rocket (01/25)
Les Canadiens ont rappelé l’attaquant Alex Belzile du Rocket de Laval (21/01)
The Canadiens have recalled forward Alex Belzile from the Laval Rocket (01/21)
Les Canadiens ont rappelé les attaquants Rafaël Harvey-Pinard et Rem Pitlick du Rocket de Laval (17/01)
The Canadiens have recalled forwards Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Rem Pitlick from the Laval Rocket (01/11)

STATISTIQUES D’ÉQUIPE / TEAM STATISTICS – AVANT LES MATCHS DU 30/01 – BEFORE GAMES ON 01/30
PTS (44 – 26e/26th)
V/W (20 – 27e/27th)
BP/GF (126 – 30e/30th)
BC/GA (184 – 28e/28th)
Tirs-PM/Shots-PG (27.8 – 30e/30th)
Tirs accordés-PM/Shots allowed-PG (34.1 – 28e/28th)
MÉ/Hits (987 – 28e/28th)
MP/PIM (636 – 2e/2nd)
AN/PP (14.8% – 32e/32nd)
DN/PK (73.5% – 29e/29th)

LES CANADIENS CONTRE CHAQUE DIVISION L’AN DERNIER / THE HABS VS. EVERY DIVISION LAST SEASON
Adversaire Opponent Fiche Record PTS Buts pour Goals for Buts contre Goals against
Atlantique 9-14-3 21 84 89
Centrale 3-9-4 10 39 65
Métropolitaine 6-17-1 13 55 103
Pacifique 4-9-3 11 43 62
Total 22-49-11 55 221 319
*Inclut les buts en fusillade / Includes the shootout goals

LES CANADIENS CONTRE CHAQUE DIVISION CETTE SAISON / THE HABS VS. EVERY DIVISION THIS SEASON
Division Fiche
Record
PTS Buts pour
Goals for
Buts contre
Goals against
Atlantique 4-9-1 9 28 57
Centrale 7-5-2 16 44 45
Métropolitaine 5-6-0 10 28 41
Pacifique 4-6-1 9 30 41
Total 20-26-4 44 130 184
*Inclut les buts en fusillade / Includes the shootout goals

MARTIN ST-LOUIS EN CHIFFRES / MARTIN ST. LOUIS’ NUMBERS…
Matchs/Games : 87
Victoires/Wins : 34
Fiche : 34-45-8
Points de classement/Standing points : 76

CANADIENS VS. OTTAWA
À vie / All-Time
CANADIENS vs. OTT 81-61-5-15 (162 PJ / GP)
Dom. / Home 45-27-4-5 (81 PJ / GP)
Étr. / Away 36-34-1-10 (81 PJ / GP)
Dern. Match / Last game:
D 5-0 L @ OTT (28/01/23)
S. Montembeault 4-35 | A. Forsberg 0-28
BG / WG: A. DeBrincat

10 DERNIERS MATCHS CONTRE OTTAWA / LAST 10 GAMES VS. OTTAWA:
28/01/23 – MTL 0 @ OTT 5
14/12/22 – MTL 2 @ OTT 3
23/04/22 – MTL 4 @ OTT 6
05/04/22 – OTT 6 @ MTL 3
19/03/22 – OTT 1 @ MTL 5
26/02/22 – MTL 2 @ OTT 1
05/05/21 – MTL 1 @ OTT 5
01/05/21 – OTT 2 @ MTL 3 (P/OT)
17/04/21 – OTT 4 @ MTL 0
03/04/21 – MTL 3 @ OTT 6

CETTE SAISON CONTRE OTTAWA / THIS SEASON VS. OTTAWA
Match #1: 14/12/2022 @ OTT – D/L 3-2
Match #2: 28/01/2023 @ OTT – D/L 5-0
Match #3: 31/01/2023 @ MTL
Match #4: 25/01/2023 @ MTL

MEILLEURS BUTEURS CONTRE OTTAWA / LEADING GOAL SCORERS VS. OTTAWA:
1) Brendan Gallagher (10-13-23, 41 pj/gp)
2) Evgenii Dadonov (7-7-14, 17 pj/gp)
3) Josh Anderson (7-4-11, 26 pj/gp)

MEILLEURS POINTEURS CONTRE OTTAWA / LEADING SCORERS VS. OTTAWA:
1) Brendan Gallagher (10-13-23, 41 pj/gp)
2) Sean Monahan (6-10-16, 25 pj/gp)
3) Jonathan Drouin (5-10-15, 27 pj/gp)

MENEURS MINUTES DE PÉNALITÉ CONTRE OTTAWA / MOST PENALTY MINUTES VS. OTTAWA:
1) Brendan Gallagher (57, 41 pj/gp)
2) David Savard (27, 22 pj/gp)
3) Josh Anderson (24, 26 pj/gp)

NHL Preview: Los Angeles Kings (28-18-6) at Carolina Hurricanes (32-9-8)

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NHL Preview: Los Angeles Kings (28-18-6) at Carolina Hurricanes (32-9-8)

LOS ANGELES KINGS NOTES:

JAN. 31 vs. Carolina Hurricanes – 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT) // Venue: PNC Arena // TV: Bally Sports West // Radio: iHeartRadio

  • The LA Kings visit the Carolina Hurricanes for the second, and final, meeting between these two clubs this season (4-2 L on Dec. 3).
  • The Kings aim to split the season series with the Hurricanes.
  • Tonight’s game marks the final stop of a six-game road trip prior to the NHL All-Star Break (5-3 L on Jan. 21 at NSH; 2-1 W on Jan. 22 at CHI; 4-3 OTW on Jan. 24 at PHI; 4-3 W on Jan. 27 at FLA; 5-2 L on Jan. 28 at TBL).

WARM-UPS
1) Tonight marks the final game for the Kings prior to the NHL All-Star Game. The team will return to the ice on Feb. 11 against the Pittsburgh Penguins as the organization honors former captain Dustin Brown with the retirement of his No. 23.

2) Blake Lizotte is riding a three-game point streak (2-1=3) vs. the Hurricanes.

3) Rasmus Kupari appeared in his 100th career NHL game on Saturday night, becoming the 24th skater from the 2018 NH Draft class to reach such mark.

4) Viktor Arvidsson sits two games shy of his 500th career NHL game.

5) Only Carolina (7) has more shorthanded goals since Jan. 1, 2023 than the Kings (3).

vs. CAROLINA^ ALL-TIME:
All-Time Record: 38-36-8-2
Home: 24-15-3-0
Away: 14-21-5-2
OT: 5-2 (5 ties)
Shootout: 1-0
2021-22: 0-2-0
2022-23: 0-1-0
^-against Carolina franchise (dating back to HFD)

FRANCHISE LEADERS vs. CAROLINA^:
Luc Robitaille – 30 GP, 41 PTS (23-18=41)
Bernie Nicholls – 25 GP, 36 PTS (17-19=36)
Dave Taylor – 34 GP, 35 PTS (12-23=35)
Marcel Dionne – 25 GP, 35 PTS (19-16=35)
Wayne Gretzky – 16 GP, 34 PTS (9-25=34)
*-denotes active roster player
^-against Carolina franchise (dating back to HFD)

LAST MEETING vs. CAROLINA: Dec. 3, 2022 – LAK 2 vs. CAR 4
Venue: Crypto.com Arena
LAK Goals: Kaliyev (9), Fagemo (1)
CAR Goals: Skjei (3), Necas (12), Aho (10), Svechnikov (15)
Goalies: LAK: Quick (L, 27 saves, 31 shots) CAR: Kochetkov (W, 31 saves, 33 shots)
LAK PP: 1-for-4
LAK PK: 2-for-3

THE NEXT THREE:
Sat., Feb. 11 | vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | 7:30 p.m. PT | Bally Sports West | LA Kings iHeart Radio Audio Network
The Kings will honor former captain Dustin Brown with the retirement of his No. 23 to the Crypto.com Arena rafters.

Mon., Feb. 13 | vs. Buffalo Sabres | 7:30 p.m. PT | Bally Sports West | LA Kings iHeart Radio Audio Network
The Kings have won six of their last eight meetings against the Sabres at Crypto.com Arena (6-2-0).

Fri., Feb. 17 | at Anaheim Ducks | 6:00 p.m. PT | ESPN | LA Kings iHeart Radio Audio Network
The Kings aim for their fifth consecutive win over Anaheim.

INJURY & MGL REPORT
Player, Games Missed, Date(s), Status
F Alex Iafallo, 23 games, Oct. 18 – Dec. 3 (lower-body)
F Brendan Lemieux, 18 games, Nov. 14 – Dec. 20 (lower-body)
F Arthur Kaliyev, 17 games, Dec. 22 – Pres. (lower-body)
F Trevor Moore, 15 games, Dec. 27 – Pres. (upper-body)
F Gabriel Vilardi, 7 games, Nov. 27 (lower-body); Jan. 19 – Pres. (undisclosed)
F Carl Grundstrom, 6 games, Jan. 19 – Pres. (lower-body)
F Quinton Byfield, 6 games, Oct. 27 – Nov. 5 (illness)
F Viktor Arvidsson, 3 games, Oct. 13 (illness); Oct. 25 (illness); Jan. 11 (illness)
D Sean Durzi, 2 games, Nov. 19 – Nov. 22. (lower-body)
D Drew Doughty, 1 game, Dec. 11 (lower-body)
2022-23 Total Regular-Season Man-Games Lost: 98

RECENT TRANSACTIONS (as of 1/30/23)
Jan. 15 – Rasmus Kupari (F) loaned to Ontario (AHL).
Jan. 17 – Rasmus Kupari (F) recalled from Ontario (AHL).
Jan. 19 – Tobias Bjornfot (D), Samuel Fagemo (F) and Alex Turcotte (F) recalled from Ontario (AHL).
Jan. 19 – Carl Grundstrom (F) placed on injured reserve.

CAROLINA HURRICANES NOTES:

LAST GAME
The Hurricanes earned a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins at PNC Arena on Sunday. Sebastian Aho opened the scoring to extend his goal streak to four games, and Jordan Staal scored Carolina’s league-leading seventh shorthanded goal this month. Seth Jarvis and Paul Stastny also scored for the Hurricanes, as Brent Burns tallied an assist to extend his point streak to five games. Frederik Andersen stopped 24 of 25 shots faced in net, improving to 5-0-0 since returning from injury.

INJURY REPORT
Jake Gardiner, upper-body, missed 49 games (10/12-1/29)
Ondrej Kase, concussion, missed 48 games (10/14-1/29)
Max Pacioretty, torn Achilles, missed four games (1/21-1/29)
Jaccob Slavin, lower-body, missed four games (1/21-1/29)
2022-23 Man-Games Lost Due to Injury: 195

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Jan. 20 Placed Max Pacioretty on injured reserve

STREAKS
Brent Burns has tallied a point in five consecutive games (1/19-1/29: 2g, 3a)
Sebastian Aho has scored a goal in four straight games (1/21-1/29: 7g)
Martin Necas has earned a point in three consecutive games (1/25-1/29: 3g, 1a)

UPCOMING GAMES
DATE OPPONENT TIME TV RADIO
Jan. 31 Los Angeles 7 p.m. BSSO HRN
Feb. 1 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m. TNT HRN
Feb. 11 NY Rangers 7 p.m. BSSO HRN
Feb. 14 at Washington 7 p.m. BSSO HRN
Feb. 16 Montreal 7 p.m. BSSO HRN

  • All times are Eastern | BSSO = Bally Sports South | HRN = Hurricanes Radio Network

UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
DATE DAY LOCATION TIME
Jan. 31 Tuesday PNC Arena 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 1 Wednesday No morning skate
Feb. 2-4 OFF NHL All-Star Break
Feb. 5-8 OFF Bye Week
Feb. 9 Thursday PNC Arena 2 p.m.

  • All times are local. Times and locations are subject to change.

HURRICANES vs. KINGS SERIES NOTES
— Carolina is facing Los Angeles in the second and final meeting between the teams during the 2022-23 season.

— The Hurricanes and Kings are meeting for the 85th time in their histories. Carolina holds a 38-35-8-3 overall record, including a 23-13-5-1 home record and an 18-12-2-3 record since relocation.

— The Hurricanes lead the season series 1-0-0 in 2022-23 (Kings: 0-1-0), and they have registered a 9-2-1 record in the teams’ last 12 meetings dating back to 11/22/15.

— Carolina posted a 4-2 win over Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena on 12/3. Brent Burns (2a) and Martin Necas (1g, 1a) tallied two points, while Pyotr Kochetkov made 31 saves in net.

— Sebastian Aho has tallied nine points (5g, 4a) in 10 career regular-season games against Los Angeles.

— Brent Burns has tallied 50 points (17g, 33a) in 74 career regular-season games against the Kings, with the most assists, second-most points and third-most games played against Los Angeles of any active NHL player.

— Antti Raanta has posted a 6-0-1 record, 1.42 goals-against average, .957 save percentage and three shutouts in seven career games against the Kings, marking his most shutouts against any NHL opponent.

— Paul Stastny has registered 39 points (15g, 24a) in 50 career regular-season games against Los Angeles.

— Hurricanes Assistant Coach Tim Gleason skated in 125 games with the Kings from 2003-04, posting 28 points (2g, 26a). He was acquired by the Hurricanes along with Eric Belanger in exchange for Jack Johnson and Oleg Tverdovsky on 9/29/06.

— Kings Assistant General Manager Nelson Emerson played 263 games with Hartford/Carolina from 1995-98. Acquired from Winnipeg in exchange for Darren Turcotte on 10/6/95, he was traded to Chicago in exchange for Paul Coffey on 12/29/98.

GOING BACK-TO-BACK
The Hurricanes are opening their eighth of 14 sets of back-to-back games in 2022-23. Carolina is currently 4-2-1 in the first game and 6-0-1 in the second game of back-to-backs this season.

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Lakers (23-28) at New York Knicks (27-24)

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NBA Preview: Los Angeles Lakers (23-28) at New York Knicks (27-24)

LeBron James’ status up in air as Lakers oppose Knicks

LeBron James has shown few signs of aging despite being a month past his 38th birthday and playing in his 20th NBA season.

But Father Time may keep him from taking the court on Tuesday night, when James’ Los Angeles Lakers are slated to visit the New York Knicks in the first game of the season between the bicoastal rivals.

The Lakers will be completing a back-to-back set in New York after falling 121-104 to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. The Knicks haven’t played since Saturday night, when they fell 122-115 to the host Nets.

James sat out Los Angeles’ Monday game due to a left foot/ankle injury. Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Monday afternoon that the soreness in James’ foot is “really significant” and that the 18-time All-Star would be re-evaluated on Tuesday.

James has missed 11 games this season due to a variety of injuries but is averaging 30.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game — just shy of his best single-season marks in each category. He averaged 31.4 points when he was in Cleveland in 2005-06 and pulled down 8.6 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers in both 2016-17 and 2017-18.

In his most recent game, James flirted with a triple-double on Saturday and finished with 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the Lakers’ 125-121 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. The 74th 40-point effort of his career moved James within 117 points of surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most in NBA history.

One of James’ teammates made a bit of history on his own Monday as Russell Westbrook passed Hall of Famer Gary Payton for 10th place on the NBA’s all-time assist list. Westbrook now has 8,972 assists after racking up 10 at Brooklyn. Payton finished with 8,966.

In addition to playing without James on Monday, the Lakers were missing Anthony Davis (right foot maintenance). Los Angeles fell 2 1/2 games behind the 10th-place Utah Jazz in the Western Conference and 3 1/2 games behind the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks, who are in a virtual tie for fifth place — and the last two guaranteed playoff spots — in the Western Conference.

The Knicks will be looking to snap out of their latest valley in what has become a roller coaster of a season. The loss to the Nets was the fifth in seven games for New York, which has given up at least 115 points in six of those contests.

The Knicks preceded their current skid by winning seven of eight from Dec. 31 through Jan. 15, a stretch in which they never allowed more than 114 points. In December, New York went on an eight-game winning streak before enduring a five-game losing streak.

Add it all up and the Knicks are trying to avoid the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference. They enter Tuesday in seventh place — a game behind the Miami Heat and 3 1/2 games clear of the 11th-place Indiana Pacers — and are seeking to rediscover their defensive form on the perimeter.

New York is allowing opponents to shoot 34.9 percent from 3-point range, the fifth-best defensive mark in the NBA, but the Knicks allowed the Nets to shoot 55 percent (22 of 40) from long distance on Saturday.

NBA Preview: Miami Heat (28-23) at Cleveland Cavaliers (31-21)

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NBA Preview: Miami Heat (28-23) at Cleveland Cavaliers (31-21)

Despite being without Donovan Mitchell for the better half of the last two weeks, the Cleveland Cavaliers have managed to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference.

Mitchell has played in only two of Cleveland’s last seven games, and the Cavaliers will be hoping their superstar guard starts to return to form on Tuesday night when the Miami Heat come to town.

Cleveland currently sits at fifth in the East after losing four of its last seven games, a stretch that has largely been impacted by Mitchell’s lack of availability. A groin injury forced Mitchell to miss three games before he played 38 minutes in last Tuesday’s 105-103 loss to the New York Knicks.

The injury then flared up again, sidelining him for two more games, but he was back in action against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Mitchell logged just 20 minutes against the Clippers, scoring 11 points while dishing out three assists.

While the Cavaliers have run into some adversity that hadn’t been present during their 8-1 start to the season, Mitchell noted that the team needs to stay patient and realize it finds itself in the middle of a marathon, not a sprint.

The Heat could be carrying a similar mentality into Tuesday’s matchup after taking an ugly 122-117 loss to the lowly Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

Miami led 81-72 with just under four minutes left in the third quarter, but went into the final period trailing by five points and never got over the hump in the final 12 minutes. Jimmy Butler finished with 28 points and seven rebounds on 11-of-14 shooting in the loss, while Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo chipped in 24 and 17 points, respectively.

It was a rare defensive lapse for the Heat, who allowed the second-fewest points per game (108.4) in the league entering Tuesday. Cleveland happens to be the only team that surrenders less points to opposing teams at 106.9 per game.

That very Cavalier defense stole the show when these two teams last met on Nov. 20. Cleveland cruised to a 113-87 victory. Miami shot just 38.8 percent from the field and 19.4 percent from 3-point range, although the Heat were without Butler and Herro.

MBB-FBS: San Diego State Aztecs (17-4) at Nevada Wolfpack (16-6)

NCAABB Editor
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MBB-FBS: San Diego State Aztecs (17-4) at Nevada Wolfpack (16-6)

On Tuesday night, the University of Nevada Men’s Basketball team will seek to win their second consecutive home game against a ranked opponent for the first time in program history, as they are set to host the conference-leading San Diego State Aztecs at 8pm.

Tuesday night’s game will be sponsored by Nevada State Bank. The Nevada Men’s Golf, Men’s Tennis, and Volleyball teams will be signing autographs on the concourse prior to the start of the game. Tuesday night’s game will serve as the Nevada College of Business Night, with halftime including a Scholar Athlete Recognition.

The first 300 students to arrive will receive a free taco, courtesy of Del Taco, and one lucky student will have the opportunity to win $10,000 through the River City Logistics “Ship It to Win It” Putt.

Nevada is coming off of a 68-62 road loss to UNLV this past Saturday; however, they have been exceptional in games following a loss this season, as they own a perfect mark of 5-0 while outscoring their opponents by an average of 7.6 points per game after each loss.
Jarod Lucas led the way offensively for the Pack against the Rebels, scoring 15 points on 2-3 shooting from behind the arc and 5-5 at the free throw line, while also tallying a season-high two steals. 

Following the 15-point outing, Lucas has now reached double figures in scoring in 20 straight games and in 21 of 22 contests this season. Lucas has also drained at least two 3-pointers in 19 of 22 games this season for Nevada, including hitting three or more 3-pointers in 12 contests for the Pack.

Lucas continues to be one of the top scorers in the Mountain West, as he ranks fourth in total points scored (373 points) and fifth in points per game (17.0 PPG). Lucas also ranks third in made 3-pointers per contest (2.7 per game) and fifth in free throw percentage (84.3%). 

Kenan Blackshear scored 14 points, dished out six assists, pulled down five rebounds, and recorded two steals against UNLV. Blackshear has now reached double figures in scoring in 13 straight games and in 19 of 22 contests this season. The senior guard has also dished out at least three assists in 20 of 22 games this year.

Blackshear ranks in the top-15 of the Mountain West in a multitude of categories this season. After tallying six assists against UNLV, Blackshear has recorded 102 assists this season, which ranks fourth best in the league. Blackshear is also currently fourth in steals per game (1.8 SPG), fifth in assists per game (4.6 APG), ninth in free throw percentage (81.2%), and 10th in points per game (14.8 PPG). 

Blackshear has been particularly exceptional in games following a loss this season, as he is averaging 19.8 points per game on 57.6 percent shooting from the field, in addition to 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game in five contests after a loss this season.
Freshman forward Darrion Williams had another solid performance for the Pack against UNLV, scoring 13 points on 4-9 shooting from the field and 3-7 from behind the arc. His three made 3-pointers matched a career-high for Williams, and the freshman also recorded three rebounds in the game. 

Williams was named Mountain West Freshman of the Week on Monday for the third time this season after averaging 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game last week.

Williams continues to rank at the top of the Mountain West in rebounding and steals, as he is currently sixth in the conference in rebounds per game (7.4 RPG) and seventh in steals per game (1.7 SPG). 

Will Baker struggled offensively against the Rebels; but, he pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds in the contest, marking the first time this season that he has achieved double figures in rebounding. 

Similar to Blackshear, Baker has been sensational in games following a loss this season. In five games after a loss this year, Baker has averaged 19.6 points per game on 63.9 percent shooting from the field and 37.5 percent from behind the arc, while grabbing 5.2 boards per contest. 

Baker enters Tuesday night’s contest ranked sixth in the conference in both field goal percentage (54.5%) and free throw percentage. 

Nevada received solid play from their bench against UNLV, as Nick Davidson, Tyler Powell, and Trey Pettigrew combined to score 15 points for the Pack.

Davidson scored seven points while knocking down 5-5 shots at the free throw line, and Powell chipped in six points, draining 2-3 shots from behind the arc. 

As a team, Nevada has continued to excel at the free throw line this season, most recently knocking down 15 of 17 attempts against UNLV. Nevada currently ranks fifth in the country in free throw percentage (79.4%), while also being tied for 10th in made free throws and tied for 28th in total attempts.

Defensively, Nevada ranks in the top-five of the Mountain West in an abundance of statistical categories entering Tuesday night’s game. The Pack is currently third in opponent field goal percentage (41.5%), fourth in turnovers forced (289), fourth in steals per game (6.4 SPG), fifth in defensive rebounding (26.5 per game), and fifth in opponent 3-point field goal percentage (33.5%).

Nevada will commence Tuesday night’s matchup with a perfect record of 10-0 at the Lawlor Events Center; however, they will face arguably their most difficult test yet, as they look to improve to 11-0 at home and knock off another ranked opponent. 

Scouting San Diego State
San Diego State comes into Tuesday night’s matchup with an overall record of 17-4, including a mark of 8-1 in Mountain West play, as they currently sit in first place in the conference standings. 

The Aztecs have been impressive on both ends of the court this season, as they rank fourth in the conference in points per game (74.5 PPG) and third in opponent points per game (66.0 PPG).

The Aztecs have been outstanding at forcing turnovers, as they rank second in the league in turnovers forced this season with 303. San Diego State has also been lethal from behind the arc this year, holding an impressive clip of 36.5 percent from three as a team this season.

Individually, senior guard Matt Bradley has paced the Aztecs offense this season, as he enters Tuesday’s game leading the team in scoring at 13.1 points per game on 35.6 percent shooting from three, while ranking third on the team in rebounding (4.1 RPG).
Fellow senior guard Darrion Trammell is also having a strong season for San Diego State, as he ranks second on the team in scoring (11.2 PPG) and first in assists (3.6 APG). 
Junior guard Lamont Butler completes the San Diego State starting backcourt, and he is averaging 9.9 points per game on 45.0 percent shooting from the and 33.7 percent from behind the arc this year. 

6’10” forward Nathan Mensah has provided a strong presence in the paint on both ends of the floor for the Aztecs this season. He is averaging 6.7 points per game, a team-leading 6.0 rebounds per contest, and is recording 1.5 blocks per game this year.

Nevada will need to have an efficient offensive outing, preventing the Aztecs from getting open looks from deep in transition while also winning the rebounding battle, if the Pack hopes to achieve an 11-0 record at the Lawlor Events Center this season.

Series History
Nevada and San Diego State have faced off 31 times throughout history, with the Aztecs holding a 25-6 advantage in the series. San Diego State won the most recent matchup between the two squads in January by a final score of 74-65.

MBB-FBS: Northern Illinois Huskies (8-13) at Western Michigan Broncos (6-15)

NCAABB Editor
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MBB-FBS: Northern Illinois Huskies (8-13) at Western Michigan Broncos (6-15)

The Northern Illinois University men’s basketball team begins a two-game road trip on Tuesday night, Jan. 31, as the Huskies travel to Kalamazoo, Mich., to take on Western Michigan. Game time against the Broncos is slated for 6 p.m. CT and the contest will be available on ESPN+, 94-9 WDKB and The Varsity Network app.

NIU has had recent success on the road as the Huskies won each of their last two trips away from home, topping Miami, 81-77, in Oxford (Jan. 17) and Eastern Michigan, 88-67, in Ypsilanti (Jan. 21). NIU’s four road wins overall this season are tied for the second-most in the conference behind only Kent State’s five.

David Coit (Columbus, N.J.) has led the way as of late for the Huskies, scoring in double figures in eight of the last 10 games. Coit is 10th in the Mid-American Conference in scoring at 15.9 points per game and tied for sixth in league play, averaging 18.5 points per game.

Anthony Crump (Inkster, Mich.) has scored in double figures in three of the last four games, averaging 9.3 points per contest during that stretch while shooting 73.3 percent from the field.

In league play, NIU is second in the MAC in three-point shooting at 38.9 percent and third in field goal percentage, shooting 46.7 percent.

The Broncos bring a 6-15 overall record in Tuesday night’s contest, including a 2-6 mark in league play. Five of Western Michigan’s six victories have come at home this season. WMU is coming off a narrow 70-69 setback at Central Michigan on Saturday (Jan. 28). Western Michigan leads the MAC in rebounding margin at +7.3, which ranks 14th-best nationally. The Broncos are second in the league in rebounds per game averaging 38.1 per contest, which ranks 46th in the country. 

Last season, NIU won the only meeting between the Huskies and Broncos, 85-56, in Kalamazoo (Feb. 1, 2022). The win in last season’s meeting was NIU’s first in Kalamazoo since March 4, 2006, snapping a 14-game road losing streak to the Broncos. The last time NIU won back-to-back games on the road against Western Michigan came during the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons, winning 65-63 on Feb. 28, 1981, and 60-59 on Jan. 13, 1982.

Following Tuesday’s trip to Western Michigan, the Huskies will be back on the road on Saturday, Feb. 4, when they visit Bowling Green.

Giroux, Nylander and Vasilevskiy Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NHL Editor
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Giroux, Nylander and Vasilevskiy Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NEW YORK – Ottawa Senators right wing Claude Giroux, Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander and Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Jan. 29.

FIRST STAR – CLAUDE GIROUX, RW, OTTAWA SENATORS

Giroux led the NHL with 4-3—7, recording multiple points in all three of his games to power the Senators (23-23-3, 49 points) to a 3-0-0 week. He collected 1-1—2 in each of his first two outings, a 2-1 victory against the New York Islanders Jan. 25 (featuring his 49th career game-winning goal and third of 2022-23) and a 6-2 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs Jan. 27. Giroux then registered 2-1—3, his 65th career three-point performance and third of the season (also Nov. 12 at PHI: 0-3—3 and Dec. 3 vs. SJS: 2-1—3), in a 5-0 win versus the Montreal Canadiens Jan. 28. The 35-year-old Giroux – who has multiple points in three straight contests for the 12th time in his career and first time since April 3-8, 2022 (2-4—6 in 3 GP w/ FLA) – is averaging nearly a point per game during his first season with Ottawa, totaling 19-28—47 in 49 appearances.

SECOND STAR – WILLIAM NYLANDER, RW, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Nylander also posted 4-3—7 (in four contests) to propel the Maple Leafs (31-12-8, 70 points) to three wins in four starts. He recorded 2-2—4, all in the second period, in a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders Jan. 23. Nylander then picked up his 400th career point (in his 488th NHL game) with an assist in a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers Jan. 25. He finished the week with one goal in each of his last two outings, a 6-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators Jan. 27 and a 5-1 triumph over the Washington Capitals Jan. 29. The 26-year-old Nylander, who established career highs in goals (34), assists (46) and points (80) last season (81 GP; 0.99 P/GP), leads Toronto and ranks 14th in the NHL with 28-31—59 through 51 total games in 2022-23 (1.16 P/GP).

THIRD STAR – ANDREI VASILEVSKIY, G, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Vasilevskiy stopped 96 of the 102 shots he faced, compiling a 3-0-0 record, 2.00 goals-against average and .941 save percentage to guide the Lightning (32-15-1, 65 points) to a perfect week. He earned his 250th NHL victory (in his 399th appearance) with 33 saves in a 4-2 win against the Minnesota Wild Jan. 24. Vasilevskiy then turned aside 37 shots in a 3-2 triumph over the Boston Bruins Jan. 26 before closing the week with 26 saves in a 5-2 victory against the Los Angeles Kings Jan. 28. The 28-year-old Vezina (2018-19) and Conn Smythe (2020-21) Trophy winner, who will be participating in his fifth career NHL All-Star Game this weekend, shares third place in the League with 23 wins in 36 total starts this season (23-12-1, 2.51 GAA, .918 SV%).

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Clippers (28-25) at Chicago Bulls (23-26)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Los Angeles Clippers (28-25) at Chicago Bulls (23-26)

As the up-and-down nature of their season continues, the Chicago Bulls at least have felt good about relying on the recent steadiness from big man Nikola Vucevic.

After contributing 26 points and 13 rebounds to Saturday’s road victory against the Orlando Magic, Vucevic enters Tuesday’s visit from the Los Angeles Clippers with 12 double-doubles in the past 14 games.

That has vaulted Vucevic to sixth in the league with 28 double-doubles.

Tuesday marks the beginning of a four-game homestand for Chicago, which has won five of the past six games in its own building.

Vucevic led the Bulls with 17 rebounds and seven assists in their most recent home game, a 111-100 victory against Atlanta on Jan. 23. He had six assists against the Magic, his former team, and is averaging 3.3 assists per game this season.

At Orlando, Vucevic displayed his versatility as the Magic struggled to contain him, while also trying to keep track of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who scored 32 points each.

DeRozan has scored at least 25 points in five straight games since returning from a quadriceps strain.

The Clippers are coming off Sunday’s 122-99 loss at Cleveland, which snapped a season-best five-game winning streak.

Los Angeles fell to 1-1 on its six-game road trip while playing without Kawhi Leonard (knee), Paul George (knee) and Reggie Jackson (Achilles soreness). The trio each played during Saturday’s victory at Atlanta.

No additional back-to-backs are scheduled for the trip, which will end a stretch that sees the Clippers play 10 of 11 on the road.

Should he suit up, Leonard will attempt to extend his nine-game streak of shooting at least 50 percent from the field on at least 10 attempts.

He was 12 of 20 for 32 points against Atlanta on Saturday, maintaining the league’s longest streak of 50 percent or better shooting on at least 10 shots. No Clippers player has reached 10 games in the category since Blake Griffin in November 2013.

Being at full strength has helped Los Angeles realize its potential.

The Bulls lead the all-time series 68-55 and swept the two-game season series in 2021-22. That included a 135-130 home victory in overtime on March 31 behind 50 points from DeRozan.

Miami Marlins acquire right-handed reliever Matt Barnes and cash considerations from Boston Red Sox

MLB Editor
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Miami Marlins acquire right-handed reliever Matt Barnes and cash considerations from Boston Red Sox

MIAMI – The Miami Marlins today acquired 2018 World Series Champion and 2021 American League All-Star reliever Matt Barnes along with cash considerations from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for left-handed reliever Richard Bleier.

Barnes, 32, has appeared in 429 games across parts of nine seasons – all with the Red Sox, collecting 556 strikeouts with a 4.07 ERA and just 200 walks. He is one of just two AL pitchers with 40-plus appearances in a single season six times since 2016 (other, Ryan Pressly). In 12 career Postseason outings, Barnes is 2-0 with a 0.79 ERA (11.1 IP/1 ER), holding opponents to a .175 average.

The native of Danbury, Connecticut, recorded a career-high 24 saves for the Red Sox in 2021, earning All-Star honors for the first time in his career. He made 44 outings last year, going winless with a 4.31 ERA (39.2 IP/19 ER) and 8 saves, including a 1.59 ERA (22.2 IP/4 ER) and 6 saves in his final 24 appearances.

He was selected 19th overall in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Red Sox out of the University of Connecticut. He currently resides in Fort Myers, Fla.

NBA Preview: New Orleans Pelicans (26-25) at Denver Nuggets (34-16)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: New Orleans Pelicans (26-25) at Denver Nuggets (34-16)

The last time the Denver Nuggets lost consecutive games, it lit a fire that led to 19 victories in a stretch of 22 games, with the team’s latest chance for a rebound Tuesday when the New Orleans Pelicans pay a visit.

Since an out-of-character three-game skid in early December, Denver has been one of the best teams in the NBA, although the team is in the midst of another hiccup.

The Nuggets dropped a game 107-99 in Milwaukee on Wednesday, when four of their five starters did not dress, and then failed to redeem themselves in a 126-119 road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.

The Nuggets still sit atop the Western Conference and can solidify that position with four of their next five games at home, where they are 22-4. They start the stretch with slumping New Orleans, which has lost eight in a row and dropped from near the top of the conference to eighth place.

Denver’s losing streak could be at four and counting if not for escaping with a 99-98 win at New Orleans on Jan. 24. Nikola Jokic returned from a two-game absence because of a hamstring injury and hit the winning shot in the lane with 16.9 seconds left to rescue the Nuggets.

The loss to the 76ers on Saturday came after the Nuggets led by 15 late in the third quarter. A defensive collapse the rest of the way proved costly.

The bright spot in the loss was the return of Michael Porter Jr., who had been away from the team for three games to tend to a family matter. Porter’s brother, Coban, was arrested after an alleged involvement in a fatal crash in Denver last weekend.

Porter scored 20 points in 29 minutes and gave the Nuggets some needed outside shooting.

New Orleans has been scuffling in part due to injuries. Zion Williamson (hamstring) hasn’t played since Jan. 2 and is expected to be out until early February, while CJ McCollum (thumb) and Brandon Ingram (toe) missed Sunday’s 135-110 loss at Milwaukee.

Ingram is expected to play Tuesday, taking the court for the third time in four games after missing 29 contests with the toe injury.

The Pelicans are trying to keep things in perspective during their losing streak.

Tuesday will be the third of four games between the teams this season. New Orleans earned a 121-106 victory on Dec. 4 when Denver was in the midst of its three-game skid. The teams wrap up the season series on March 30 at Denver.

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