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NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (14-14) at Orlando Magic (8-20)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (14-14) at Orlando Magic (8-20)

The suddenly surging Orlando Magic will carry a three-game winning streak into the finale of a five-game homestand Wednesday night when they host the Atlanta Hawks.

Orlando lost nine straight and 11 of 12 prior to a 116-111 overtime defeat of the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 7. That win led to successive home victories over Toronto on Friday and Sunday.

The winning streak is just the second of the Magic’s season, and the team’s longest since February 2021. The most recent time Orlando won four games in a row was the first four games of the 2020-21 season.

Rookie standout Paolo Banchero’s return to the lineup last month from a nearly three-week absence has helped buoy Orlando. Banchero’s 20 points Sunday marked his fourth consecutive game with at least 20. He is also averaging 8.8 rebounds in that stretch.

Second-year wing Franz Wagner also has keyed the Magic’s winning streak. He followed a season-high 34-point performance in the first win over Toronto with 23 points and 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range in the second victory.

Wagner has averaged 24.3 points in Orlando’s last four games, raising his season average to 19.8 points a game, second on the team behind Banchero’s 21.8.

The Hawks have beaten the Magic in both of their encounters this season.

Atlanta’s Trae Young hit for 30 points in Orlando on Nov. 30, and for 25 points in the Oct. 21 meeting in Atlanta, but his status for Wednesday’s third meeting is uncertain. Young missed the Hawks’ 128-103 loss Monday at Memphis due to a back injury.

His absence compounded what has been a difficult stretch for Atlanta, which has lost four of five and has slipped down to .500 for the season.

Without their top scorer available against the Grizzlies, the Hawks shot just 35.6 percent from the floor. Memphis shot 60.2 percent as Atlanta allowed at least 120 points for the fourth time in five games.

Atlanta went into Memphis, the first destination of a three-game road swing, also down Clint Capela with an Achilles’ injury, John Collins due to an ankle injury, and Dejounte Murray with an ankle sprain. Bogdan Bogdanovic sat on scheduled rest.

Orlando knows that full well. In addition to Banchero’s absence last month, the Magic just recently welcomed Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz back into the lineup but remain without Jonathan Isaac (knee), Chuma Okeke (knee), Wendell Carter Jr. (foot), and Jalen Suggs, who missed Sunday’s win as he continues to battle an ankle problem.

NBA Preview: Golden State Warriors (14-14) at Indiana Pacers (14-14)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Golden State Warriors (14-14) at Indiana Pacers (14-14)

The Golden State Warriors get an opportunity to avenge one of their rare home defeats this season when they visit the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night in Indianapolis.

The Warriors had won 10 in a row at home before the Pacers, on the sixth game of a road trip and the second night of a back-to-back, improbably stunned the defending champs 112-104 on a remarkable night by rookie Andrew Nembhard.

The first pick of the second round in June’s draft, Nembhard was so good against the Warriors that he earned mention alongside two of the NBA’s all-time greats, Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.

The Florida/Gonzaga product dominated the game with 31 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds — 13 more points, three more assists and two more rebounds than he’d had in any of his previous 18 NBA games.

Only six other rookies in league history have had a 31/13/8 game. Robertson and Jordan are on that list, which also includes Kevin Johnson, Steve Francis and Steph Curry.

Nembhard has totaled just 33 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists in four games since, with the Pacers having dropped three of the four. Two of those defeats, including an 87-82 setback against the Miami Heat on Monday, have come in three games since returning home from their seven-game Western trek.

The 82-point output against the Heat was about as unlikely as Nembhard’s earlier explosion against the Warriors. The Pacers had increased their shooting percentage in each of their previous six outings, going from 40 percent to 55.3 percent in the process, before plummeting to 35.4 percent against the Heat.

The poster boy for Indiana’s poor offensive showing was the usually reliable Tyrese Haliburton, who scored one point in 33 minutes, missing all nine of his shots and all six of his 3-point attempts.

With Haliburton out with an injury, Hield played the role of Nembhard’s supporting cast in the earlier win over the Warriors with 17 points.

The Warriors shot just 40.4 percent in that loss and were even worse (40 percent) in Tuesday’s loss at Milwaukee.

With Andrew Wiggins missing a fourth straight game (he’s expected to make it five in a row Wednesday), Golden State coach Steve Kerr chose to point to a disparity in free throws — which prompted five technical fouls — as his club’s chief problem against the Bucks.

A steady parade to the foul line would seem to be on Wednesday’s menu. Golden State has allowed more free throws than any other team in the NBA this season. The Pacers have given up the second-most.

NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons (7-22) at Charlotte Hornets (7-20)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons (7-22) at Charlotte Hornets (7-20)

With the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets each owning just seven victories, one will leave the other with the worst record in the NBA Wednesday night when they meet in Charlotte, N.C.

The Pistons have lost three consecutive games, while the Hornets have dropped five in a row.

Pistons coach Dwane Casey has tried to find winning lineup combinations in an effort to alter the negative results. For example, rookie Jalen Duren was moved into the role of starting center in place of Marvin Bagley III.

Duren is averaging 6.6 points and 7.3 rebounds but tends to be a better fit with post player Isaiah Stewart, Casey said.

Bagley, who is averaging 11.4 points in his 16 outings, is trying to increase his production in a reserve role.

Regardless of Detroit’s combination of post players, the Pistons will have to contend with Charlotte big men Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards. The Hornets’ duo has combined for 18.5 points and 15.7 rebounds per game. Yet in a 131-113 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, 76ers center Joel Embiid racked up 53 points.

Offensively, the Charlotte players who have carried the biggest load are guards Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. Each has scored 20 or more points in eight consecutive games.

While Rozier and Oubre have created a lot of scoring, the Hornets have faltered at times in transition defense.

Clifford said, too, that the Hornets are fouling too much.

Bojan Bogdanovic has led Detroit in scoring in three of the past four games, including a 38-point effort in Sunday’s 124-117 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

This week the Pistons learned that Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft, is expected to undergo season-ending surgery. He has been out for more than a month with an injured left shin.

This will be Charlotte’s first home game since the death of former coach Paul Silas, who passed away Saturday at age 79.

World Cup Preview: France at Morocco

Agate Editor
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World Cup Preview: France at Morocco

Africa will be represented in the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time in tournament history when Morocco hits the pitch Wednesday to face the defending champions, France. The Atlas Lions punched their ticket to soccer’s final four with a stunning 1-0 upset victory over Portugal in quarterfinal action, extending their unbeaten streak across all competitions to 10 matches. France returns to the semifinals for the sixth time in nine tournament appearances after eking out a hard-fought 2-1 win over England on Saturday afternoon.

France Vs Morocco Opening Odds
France has held steady since opening as a lofty -185 favorite. However, despite the champs’ impressive performance at Qatar 2022, Morocco has made slight gains, improving to +600 underdogs since opening as a +625 bet. The odds of Wednesday’s contest ending in a draw after 90 minutes have shortened to +305 after opening at +305, while the total is unchanged at 2.25.

Wednesday afternoon’s matchup marks the fifth all-time meeting between these teams and their first in non-friendly competition. France has won two of the past three clashes, settling for a draw in their most recent meeting in a 2007 friendly at Stade de France, and has outscored Morocco 8-3 over that stretch. And while this is Morocco’s first trip to the semifinals, the French are undefeated in their past three appearances.

Giroud Bolstering French Offense
France was fortunate to survive its quarterfinal matchup with England, getting outshot by a considerable 16-9 margin. The defining moment came in the 84th minute when Harry Kane stepped up to the spot for the second time in the contest but failed to convert on his second penalty attempt of the day.

With the biggest threat so far to their World Cup supremacy disposed of, Les Bleus now face the challenge posed by Morocco’s tournament-leading defense. Fortunately, the squad saw offensive contributions come from players not named Kylian Mbappe in Saturday’s win, with Olivier Giroud scoring his second goal in as many matches and his fourth of the tourney, and veteran forward Antoine Griezmann setting up both goals in the win over the Three Lions.

Mbappe remains a dominant force on the French attack. The Paris Saint-Germain star’s breakout performance has produced a tournament-leading five goals and has been key to France’s climb to strong +115 favorites as world champions. While Mbappe didn’t crack the scoresheet Saturday, he has failed to score in consecutive outings with Les Bleus only once while scoring 16 times over his past 17 appearances across all competitions.

Can Stingy Atlas Lions Survive French Assault?
If there were any doubts that Cinderella hails from Marrakech, they were quickly dismissed by the Atlas Lions’ impressive performance in Saturday’s 1-0 upset win over Portugal. For the fourth time at this tournament, and the eighth time in nine overall outings, Morocco kept a clean sheet. In fact, the only goal they have allowed over that stretch is an own goal scored in their 2-1 group-stage win over Canada.

Once again, the Atlas Lions saw their World Cup hopes preserved by the steady play of Yassine Bounou. The Canadian-born goalkeeper affectionately known as Bono shut down Portugal shooters, who outshot Morocco by a 12-9 margin. Overall, he has given up just two total goals while backstopping the national team to a 7-2-0 win-draw-loss record over his past nine appearances.

Bono’s stingy play has been crucial given the Atlas Lions’ struggles to find the back of the net, with the team potting just five markers to date in the tournament. Youssef En-Nesyri emerged as the hero Saturday with his second match-winning goal of the World Cup and has now scored five times in 10 appearances. However, the Sevilla attacker will face a challenge to do it alone against the high-powered French on Wednesday afternoon.

France Vs Morocco Game Prop: France To Record Shutout Win
Morocco’s clean-sheet run at Qatar 2022 has been truly impressive. However, they remain fortunate to still be alive after enjoying less than 24 percent possession in their win over Portugal. With even fewer opportunities likely to come Morocco’s way against the reigning champs, France offers value as a +115 bet at Bovada to post a shutout win.

France: Keys To Win
France must avoid a letdown after Saturday’s win and must avoid looking past the Cinderella Atlas Lions, who have earned their trip to the semis with wins over European powerhouses Belgium, Spain and Portugal. That means dictating the pace early and potentially opening the floodgates by striking early in the contest.

Morocco: Keys To Win
In an offensive mismatch on paper, the best hope for the Atlas Lions to advance will come from another stout defensive performance. With several French players entering the match with yellow cards, Morocco will benefit by maintaining the frustrating defensive form that worked so well against Portugal, but will likely live or die by the performance of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

France is unbeaten in 3 straight World Cup semifinals.
Morocco has kept clean sheets in 8 of 9 matches.
OVER 2.5 is 5-1 in France’s past 6 World Cup matches.

A’s agree to terms with INF/OFs Díaz and Peterson on two-year contracts

MLB Editor
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A’s agree to terms with INF/OFs Díaz and Peterson on two-year contracts

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland A’s agreed to terms with infielder/outfielders Aledmys Díaz and Jace Peterson on two-year contracts through the 2024 season, the club announced today.  To clear space on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated infielders Ernie Clement and Yonny Hernandez for assignment.

Díaz hit .243 with 12 home runs, 38 RBI and a .691 OPS in 92 games with Houston last year.  He started games at six different positions, including 22 in left field, 18 at second base, 16 at shortstop, eight at third base, seven at designated hitter and five at first base.  

Díaz is a .266 career hitter with 74 home runs, 269 RBI and a .763 OPS in 582 games in seven seasons in the majors with the Cardinals (2016-17), Blue Jays (2018) and Astros (2019-22). The 32-year-old right-handed hitter batted a career-high .300 with 17 home runs and 65 RBI in 111 games as a rookie with St. Louis in 2016 and was named to the National League All-Star team that year.  Díaz slugged a career-high 18 home runs in 130 games with Toronto in 2018 but has played in 92 games or fewer in each of the last four seasons with Houston.  The native of Cuba has appeared in 32 postseason games for the Astros over the last four years.

Peterson played in 113 games with Milwaukee in 2022 and batted .236 with a career-high eight home runs, 34 RBI and a .698 OPS.  He added 33 walks for a .316 on-base percentage and was successful in 12-of-13 stolen base attempts.  The 32-year-old left-handed hitter started 67 games at third base, nine in right field, three at first base and two in left field and also appeared in three games at second base and one at pitcher.

Peterson made his Major League debut with San Diego in 2014 and has played for the Padres, Atlanta Braves (2015-17), New York Yankees (2018), Baltimore Orioles (2018-19) and Brewers (2020-22) during nine seasons in the majors.  He batted .241 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI in 206 games over his final two seasons with the Brewers after hitting .209 with nine home runs and 61 RBI in 240 games over his previous four seasons.  Peterson is a .231 career hitter with 36 home runs and 207 RBI in 740 games but also has a .321 on-base percentage.  He has played every position except catcher in his career, with his most playing time coming at second base (324 games) and third base (171 games).

Clement was claimed off waivers from Cleveland on Sept. 23 and went 1-for-18 in six games with the A’s.  He was on the Opening Day roster for the Guardians and batted .200 with three doubles and six RBI in 63 games over two stints.  The 26-year-old right-handed hitter combined for a .184 average with four doubles, six RBI and a .452 OPS in 69 games overall and also hit .238 with four home runs, 17 RBI and a .729 OPS in 21 games with Triple-A Columbus.

Hernandez was claimed off waivers by the A’s from the Diamondbacks on Nov. 3.  He had three stints with the Diamondbacks in 2022 and went 2-for-24 (.083) with two walks in 12 games.  The 24-year-old switch hitter combined for a .241 average, one home run, 31 RBI, and a .673 OPS in 71 games with Triple-A Round Rock in the Texas organization and Triple-A Reno.  Hernandez made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2021 and is a .198 hitter with six RBI and 13 stolen bases in 55 career games in the Majors.

NFL: Week 15 Injury Report — Tuesday

NFL Editor
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NFL: Week 15 Injury Report — Tuesday
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Thursday night
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
 The 49ers did not practice Monday. The Monday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 MondayQB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot), DT Kevin Givens (knee), S Tarvarius Moore (knee), DT Hassan Ridgeway (pectoral), WR Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee), CB Samuel Womack (concussion)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 MondayDT Arik Armstead (foot, ankle), DE Kerry Hyder (ankle), RB Christian McCaffrey (knee), QB Brock Purdy (oblique, rib), CB Ambry Thomas (ankle)
Practice
 TuesdayPractice Not Complete
 
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
 The Seahawks did not practice Monday. The Monday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 MondayRB DeeJay Dallas (ankle), DE Shelby Harris (illness), S Ryan Neal (knee), DT Al Woods (Achilles)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 MondayS Joey Blount (back), RB Kenneth Walker (ankle)
 
    FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 MondayTE Will Dissly (calf), WR DK Metcalf (hip)
Practice
 TuesdayPractice Not Complete
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS on Saturday
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
 
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayCB Brandon Facyson (illness), CB Kenny Moore (ankle)
 
    FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayT Braden Smith (illness)
 
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
 The Vikings did not practice Tuesday. The Tuesday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayT Blake Brandel (knee), CB Cameron Dantzler (illness), LB Jordan Hicks (ankle), DT Harrison Phillips (back)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayC Garrett Bradbury (back), DT James Lynch (shoulder), S Harrison Smith (neck)

 
BALTIMORE RAVENS at CLEVELAND BROWNS on Saturday afternoon
BALTIMORE RAVENS
 The Ravens did not practice Tuesday. The Tuesday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayDE Calais Campbell (not injury related – resting player), QB Lamar Jackson (knee), CB Marcus Peters (not injury related – resting player), WR Demarcus Robinson (illness)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayQB Tyler Huntley (concussion), T Morgan Moses (knee), T Ronnie Stanley (not injury related – resting player), P Jordan Stout (right knee), G Kevin Zeitler (knee)
 
CLEVELAND BROWNS
 The Browns did not practice Tuesday. The Tuesday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayWR David Bell (thumb, toe), DE Jadeveon Clowney (not injury related – resting player, ankle), WR Amari Cooper (not injury related – resting player, hip), DE Myles Garrett (not injury related – resting player, shoulder)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayS John Johnson (knee), TE David Njoku (knee), CB Denzel Ward (shoulder)
 
    FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayG Hjalte Froholdt (ankle), CB A.J. Green (toe), DE Chase Winovich (knee)

 
MIAMI DOLPHINS at BUFFALO BILLS on Saturday night
MIAMI DOLPHINS
 The Dolphins did not practice Tuesday. The Tuesday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayT Terron Armstead (toe, pec / knee), CB Elijah Campbell (concussion), WR River Cracraft (calf), LB Melvin Ingram (not injury related – resting player), S Eric Rowe (hamstring), RB Jeffery Wilson (hip)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayQB Teddy Bridgewater (knee), WR Tyreek Hill (ankle), CB Kader Kohou (thumb, neck), TE Durham Smythe (quadricep, knee), DT Justin Zimmer (back)
 
    FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayLB Elandon Roberts (ribs)
 
BUFFALO BILLS
 The Bills did not practice Tuesday. The Tuesday practice report is an estimation.
Practice Report
    DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayC Ryan Bates (ankle), LB Matt Milano (knee), DE Jordan Phillips (shoulder)
 
    LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayFB Reggie Gilliam (ankle), DT Ed Oliver (pectoral)
 
    FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
 TuesdayQB Josh Allen (right elbow), CB Cameron Lewis (forearm), C Mitch Morse (elbow)

The Starting 11 — Every Team Has Four Games Left As NFL Playoff Push Intensifies

NFL Editor
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The Starting 11 — Every Team Has Four Games Left As NFL Playoff Push Intensifies

Every team in the NFL has four games remaining and only one playoff berth has been secured, with the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (12-1) becoming the first team to clinch a spot in the postseason last week. 2022 marks the fifth season since 2002 in which one-or-fewer playoff berths were clinched entering Week 15.

At this point, there are five teams who missed the postseason in 2021 that are currently in playoff position: BALTIMORE (9-4) and MIAMI (8-5) in the AFC and MINNESOTA (10-3), the NEW YORK GIANTS (7-5-1) and WASHINGTON (7-5-1) in the NFC. Since 1990, a streak of 32 consecutive seasons – at least four teams have qualified for the playoffs in every season that were not in the postseason the year before.

In eight of the past 12 seasons, including each of the past four, a team with a losing record after 13 games has qualified for the postseason. There are nine teams this season who enter Week 15 with five or six wins, including TAMPA BAY (6-7), who currently leads the NFC South, and DETROIT (6-7), winners of five of their past six.

The Starting 11 takes a look at where each division race lies heading into Week 15… 

1.     AFC EAST: Each of the four teams in the AFC East – BUFFALO (10-3), MIAMI (8-5), NEW ENGLAND (7-6) and the NEW YORK JETS (7-6) – have a winning record this season. Along with the 2022 NFC East, it marks first time since the 2014 AFC North that all four teams in a division have a winning record through their first 13 games.

  • Buffalo is set to host Miami on Saturday night (8:15 PM ET, NFL Network) in their second meeting of the season, with the Dolphins earning a 21-19 victory in Week 3. Last week, quarterback JOSH ALLEN recorded his 24th career game with at least one touchdown pass and one rushing touchdown, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer FRAN TARKENTON (24 games) for the fourth-most such games in NFL history, as the Bills notched their fourth-consecutive 10-win season.
  • The Patriots are seeking a playoff berth for the 13th time in the past 14 seasons. BILL BELICHICK has led his team to the playoffs in 19 different seasons and can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer DON SHULA for the most postseason berths as a head coach all-time.
  • The Jets are looking to make the postseason for the first time since 2010. Over the past three weeks, quarterback MIKE WHITE ranks third in the NFL with 317.3 passing yards per game while the Jets offense ranks third with 420.3 total yards of offense per game over that span.

2.     AFC NORTH: The BALTIMORE RAVENS (9-4) and CINCINNATI BENGALS (9-4) currently sit atop the AFC North division standings. The two teams are scheduled to meet in Week 18.

  • The Ravens have won six of their past seven games and are 3-0 against divisional opponents this season as they prepare to visit the CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-8) on Saturday (4:30 PM ET, NFL Network).
  • Baltimore is looking to go “from worst to first” after finishing tied for last place in the division last season. In 17 of the past 19 seasons, at least one team finished in first place the season after finishing in last or tied for last.
  • Cincinnati has won five consecutive games, the longest active winning streak in the AFC, and visit the TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-7) on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, CBS). The Bengals are looking to secure back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 2012-15 (four consecutive seasons).

3.     AFC SOUTH: The TENNESSEE TITANS (7-6) lead the AFC South and have a chance this season to secure a third-consecutive division title.

  • The JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-8) are currently second in the division and are coming off a Week 14 victory over Tennessee. In the win, quarterback TREVOR LAWRENCE became the youngest player (23 years and 66 days old) in NFL history with at least 350 passing yards, three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown in a game. The Jaguars are slated to host the Titans in Week 18.

4.     AFC WEST: The KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (10-3) lead the AFC West and look to earn a seventh-consecutive division title, which would tie the 1973-79 Los Angeles Rams for the second-longest streak of division titles in NFL history.

  • Last week, quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES, who leads the league with 4,160 passing yards in 2022, joined Pro Football Hall of Famer PEYTON MANNING as the only players in NFL history with at least 4,000 passing yards in five of their first six seasons.
  • The LOS ANGELES CHARGERS sit in second place in the division and enter Week 15 as one of four AFC teams with a 7-6 record. Last week, quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT passed for a season-high 367 yards and has 13,056 career passing yards, surpassing ANDREW LUCK (12,957) for the most passing yards by a player in his first three seasons all-time.

5.     NFC EAST: All four teams in the NFC East – PHILADELPHIA (12-1), DALLAS (10-3), WASHINGTON (7-5-1) and the NEW YORK GIANTS (7-5-1) – have winning records this season and the division currently holds four of the seven NFC playoff spots. There have only been three previous divisions to qualify at least four teams for the postseason in the same year, none of which have occurred since realignment in 2002: the 1998 AFC East, 1997 NFC Central and 1994 NFC Central.

  • Last week, Philadelphia became the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season, their second-consecutive trip to the postseason under head coach NICK SIRIANNI. Quarterback JALEN HURTS recorded his 10th rushing touchdown in the win and became the first quarterback in NFL history with at least 10 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.
  • Dallas has won four consecutive games, including a dramatic comeback win last week over Houston in which quarterback DAK PRESCOTT drove the Cowboys offense 98 yards for the game-winning touchdown that began with under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Since Week 7, when Prescott returned from an injury sustained in Week 1, Dallas has the league’s highest-scoring offense (35.7 points per game).
  • There has not been a repeat NFC East division winner since 2004, the longest active streak among divisions in the NFL and the longest such streak in league history.

6.     DID YOU KNOW?: WASHINGTON (7-5-1) is playing its second consecutive game against the NEW YORK GIANTS (7-5-1), sandwiched around the Commanders’ Week 14 bye. The two teams tied, 20-20, in Week 13. Since the 1970 league merger, a team has played two consecutive regular-season games against the same opponent twice before. It happened last season for Cleveland, when they lost to Baltimore in Week 12, took its bye in Week 13 and then avenged the loss with a win in Week 14 over the Ravens. The only other instance was during the 1991 season, when the Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Diego Chargers in Week 9, then lost to the Chargers two weeks later in Week 11. Both Seattle and San Diego had a Week 10 bye that season.

7.     NFC NORTH: The MINNESOTA VIKINGS (10-3), under first-year head coach KEVIN O’CONNELL, lead the division and look to secure their first division title since 2017. A rookie head coach has qualified for the postseason in each of the past six seasons (2016-21). Miami’s MIKE MCDANIEL and the New York Giants’ BRIAN DABOLL are also rookie head coaches who have their teams in a playoff spot entering Week 15.

  • The Vikings have won nine games by one score (eight points) this season and can become the third team ever to win 10 games within a single season by eight points or fewer, joining the 2019 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS and 1978 HOUSTON OILERS.
  • The DETROIT LIONS can become the first team since Cincinnati in 1970 to make the playoffs after beginning a season with one-or-fewer wins in their first seven games.

8.     NFC SOUTH: TAMPA BAY (6-7) holds a one-game lead over both ATLANTA (5-8) and CAROLINA (5-8) atop the NFC South as the 2020 Super Bowl champions search for their first ever back-to-back division titles. The Buccaneers are scheduled to face the Panthers in Week 17 and the Falcons in Week 18.

  • Since TOM BRADY joined Tampa Bay in 2020, the Buccaneers have the third-highest winning percentage in December and January regular-season games (.833; 10-2) trailing only GREEN BAY (.909; 10-1) and BUFFALO (.846; 11-2).
  • Atlanta rookie quarterback DESMOND RIDDER is expected to make his first start at NEW ORLEANS (4-9) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX) and can become the sixth rookie quarterback to start a game during the 2022 season. This would mark the seventh consecutive season in which at least six rookie quarterbacks started at least one game.
  • Carolina, who are 3-1 in their last four games and 3-0 at home under interim head coach STEVE WILKS, are set to host PITTSBURGH (5-8) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS).
  • Both Atlanta and Carolina look to qualify for the playoffs after beginning the season 0-2. In six of the past 10 seasons (2013-21), at least one team that began the season 0-2 has made the postseason. 

9.     NFC WEST: The SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (9-4) are set to visit the SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-6) on Thursday Night Football (8:15 PM ET, Prime Video) and with a win, can qualify for the postseason for the second-consecutive year and earn their first NFC West division title since 2019.

  • In Week 14, rookie quarterback BROCK PURDY became the first rookie in the Super Bowl era with at least two touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and a passer rating of 125-or-higher in his first career start.
  • Seattle, who is currently a half game behind the Commanders and Giants for an NFC Wild Card spot, is aiming to make the postseason for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Quarterback GENO SMITH leads the NFL this season with nine games of at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher. 

10.  TREND TIME: A look at the NFL schedule over the final four weeks …

  • There are five teams – Chicago, Green Bay, Las Vegas, Seattle and Washington – who will finish with three of their last four games at home.
  • There are five teams – Arizona, Dallas, Detroit, the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants – who are scheduled to finish with three of their final four games on the road.
  • Each of Cincinnati’s final four games are against teams currently in playoff position, while seven other teams will face a team currently in a playoff spot in three of their final four contests. 

11.  CLOSE GAMES: There have been 158 games within one score (eight points) in the fourth quarter through Week 14 (76 percent of games) and 92 games decided by six points or fewer, both the most through Week 14 in NFL history. The average final score margin of 9.52 points this season would be the lowest for a full season since 1932 (9.13).

WEEK 15 NFL SCHEDULE

(All times Eastern)

Thursday, December 15San Francisco at SeattlePrime Video8:15
    
Saturday, December 17Indianapolis at MinnesotaNFLN1:00
Baltimore at ClevelandNFLN4:30
Miami at BuffaloNFLN8:15
    
Sunday, December 18Pittsburgh at CarolinaCBS1:00
Philadelphia at ChicagoFOX1:00
Kansas City at HoustonCBS1:00
Dallas at JacksonvilleFOX1:00
Atlanta at New OrleansFOX1:00
 Detroit at New York JetsCBS1:00
Arizona at DenverFOX4:05
New England at Las VegasFOX4:05
Tennessee at Los Angeles ChargersCBS4:25
Cincinnati at Tampa BayCBS4:25
New York Giants at WashingtonNBC8:20
   
Monday, December 19Los Angeles Rams at Green BayESPN/ABC8:15

NFL Transactions 12-13-22

NFL Editor
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0
NFL Transactions 12-13-22

The following are the NFL transactions for Tuesday, December 13. Transactions will be published each day after they are circulated to NFL clubs. This public version will include waiver requests, assignments via waivers, terminations, free agent signings, reserve list and practice squad additions and deletions, and trades.

WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS


WAIVER REQUESTS (All are NO RECALL)

ARIZONA
    Mullen, TrayvonDBClemson   

ATLANTA
    Williams, DamienRBOklahoma   
         From Reserve/Injured
         Vested Veteran

BUFFALO
    Brewer, C.J.DTCoastal Carolina   

CAROLINA
    Nixon, DaviyonDTIowa   

HOUSTON
    Benjamin, EnoRBArizona State   

INDIANAPOLIS
    Coutee, KekeWRTexas Tech   
         Vested Veteran

TAMPA BAY
    Fatukasi, OlakunleLBRutgers   


    CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Wednesday, 12/14/22



TERMINATIONS VIA WAIVER SYSTEM

NEW ORLEANS
    Andrews, JoshGOregon State   

TENNESSEE
    Adeniyi, OlasunkanmiLBToledo   
    Schobert, JoeLBWisconsin   

ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

BUFFALO
    Bryant, BrandinDTFlorida Atlantic   

INDIANAPOLIS
    Kalinic, NikolaTEYork, Can.   
         From Indianapolis Practice Squad

LAS VEGAS
    Muti, NetaneGFresno State   
         From Denver Practice Squad


RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS

CLEVELAND
    Owusu-Koramoah, JeremiahLBNotre Dame   
         Reserve/Injured

DENVER
    Boone, MikeRBCincinnati   
         Reserve/Injured

LAS VEGAS
    Brown, JayonLBUCLA   
         Reserve/Injured

PHILADELPHIA
    Siposs, ArrynPAuburn   
         Reserve/Injured



PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS


ADDITIONS

ATLANTA
    Landman, NateLBColorado   

BUFFALO
    Beasley, ColeWRSouthern Methodist   
         Veteran

CAROLINA
    Hayes, TaeDBAppalachian State   

GREEN BAY
    Delance, JeanTFlorida   
    Menet, MichalCPenn State   

HOUSTON
    Doaks, GerridRBCincinnati   

INDIANAPOLIS
    Foster, RobertWRAlabama   
         Veteran

LAS VEGAS
    Mauga, Kana’iLBSouthern California   
    Wright, WillieGTulsa   

NEW YORK JETS
    Spencer, MarquissDEMississippi State   

PHILADELPHIA
    Harris, AnthonyDBVirginia   
         Veteran
    Kern, BrettPToledo   
         Veteran

SAN FRANCISCO
    Dwumfour, MichaelDTRutgers   

TENNESSEE
    Hogan, KevinQBStanford   
         Veteran
    McCloud, ZachLBMiami   
    Roos, JordanGPurdue   


REVERSIONS FROM ACTIVE/INACTIVE LIST

ARIZONA
    Cooper, PharohWRSouth Carolina   
    Williams, MaxxTEMinnesota   

NEW ENGLAND
    Collins, JamieLBSouthern Mississippi   
    McGrone, CameronLBMichigan   


PRACTICE SQUAD; INJURED

NEW YORK JETS
    Harris, MarcellLBFlorida   
         Does Not Count on Practice Squad
 SAN FRANCISCO
    Johnson, DontaeDBNorth Carolina State   
         Does Not Count on Practice Squad



CONTRACTS TERMINATED BY CLUB

ATLANTA
    Ferguson, ParkerGAir Force   

BUFFALO
    Stevenson, MarquezWRHouston   

CAROLINA
    McCrary, NateRBSaginaw Valley State   

DENVER
    Agim, McTelvinDEArkansas   

GREEN BAY
    Heflin, JackDTIowa   
    Westbrook, DedeWROklahoma   

PHILADELPHIA
    Blair, MarquiseDBUtah   
    Tate, AudenWRFlorida State   


CONTRACTS TERMINATED BY PLAYER

DENVER
    Muti, NetaneGFresno State   
         (Also see ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS)

INDIANAPOLIS
    Kalinic, NikolaTEYork, Can.   
         (Also see ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS)

NEW YORK JETS
    Marshall, JonathanDTArkansas   



OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS


SUSPENSION LIFTED BY COMMISSIONER
    Antwine, IsraelDTOklahoma State   
         From Suspended by Commissioner
         Remains a Free Agent


DE-ACTIVATIONS (All are 12/12)

ARIZONA
    Coward, RashaadTOld Dominion   
    Luketa, JesseLBPenn State   
    McSorley, TraceQBPenn State   
    Moore, RondaleWRPurdue   
    Murphy, ByronDBWashington   
    Washington, CharlesDBFresno State   

NEW ENGLAND
    Bledsoe, JoshuahDBMissouri   
    Harris, DamienRBAlabama   
    McGrone, CameronLBMichigan   
         (Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
    Meyers, JakobiWRNorth Carolina State   
    Mills, JalenDBLouisiana State   
    Roberts, SamDTNorthwest Missouri State   
    Wynn, IsaiahTGeorgia

NHL Morning Skate – Dec. 13, 2022

NHL Editor
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NHL Morning Skate – Dec. 13, 2022

* The Penguins, Rangers and Canadiens all collected comeback wins Monday to improve the 2022 total to 589 and establish a new benchmark for the most in a calendar year in NHL history, besting 2018 (587).
 

* Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his 18th 10-win season and Jordan Binnington hit 100 career victories as both goaltenders reached milestones Monday.

* Alex Ovechkin (797) continues his “Road to 800” on a 12-game Tuesday as he now sits just a hat trick away from the elusive benchmark.

PENGUINS SCORE LATE, RANGERS SCORE QUICK AS BOTH COMPLETE COMEBACKS
The Penguins benefitted from a go-ahead goal in the final 35 seconds of regulation and the Rangers scored twice in seven seconds as the two clubs accounted for two of the three instances of a team recording a comeback win Monday (also MTL) – 2022 has now featured 589 comeback victories which established a new benchmark for the most in a calendar year (previously 2018: 587).

* Evgeni Malkin scored the go-ahead goal at 59:25, which stood as the winner, and Tristan Jarry extended his point streak to 11 games (9-0-2) – the longest run by a Penguins goaltender since Marc-Andre Fleury in 2011-12 (12 GP; 11-0-1) – as Pittsburgh extended its win streak to six contests. It marked Malkin’s 79th career game-winning goal which allowed him to surpass Jaromir Jagr for sole possession of the second most in Penguins history. Sidney Crosby tops the list with 83. 



* With New York facing a two-goal deficit in the second period, Vincent Trocheck and Kaapo Kakko spurred a Rangers rally by scoring two goals in seven seconds – tied for the fastest two by a team in a game this season (also MTL & NJD) – before Filip Chytil completed the comeback with his first career overtime winner to halt New Jersey’s road winning streak at 11 games.

GOALTENDERS HIT MILESTONES MONDAY
A pair of goaltenders helped guide their team to victory Monday while reaching career milestones in the process:

* Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced to snap Connor McDavid’s seven-game goal streak and hold the Oilers to one goal or fewer for just the fourth time this season. Fleury, who improved to 10-7-1, recorded his 18th season with at least 10 wins and joined Martin Brodeur (20x), Patrick Roy (18x) and Terry Sawchuk (18x) as just the fourth goaltender in NHL history to do so.

* Jordan Binnington (184 GP) made 25 saves in his 12th NHL shutout for win No. 100 in his career. He required the third-fewest games to reach the century mark with the franchise from the start of their Blues tenure, behind Brian Elliott (175 GP) and Jake Allen (176 GP). Meanwhile, his 12 career shutouts are the third most by a Blues netminder through their milestone victory, behind Elliott (24) and Allen (15).




HYMAN SCORES ON #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
Zach Hyman’s 10th goal of the season found its way into Monday’s rendition of #NHLStats: Live Updates as he became the fourth Oilers player to score 10 in 2022-23. Hyman recently released a reading of the third children’s book he’s authored, ‘The Magician’s Secret.’ The eight-year NHL veteran is passionate about creative writing and uses it as an escape from the pressures of being a professional athlete – his entry into the world of authorship began when he won a creative writing contest in seventh grade which turned into the basis of his first book. Hyman, who believes hobbies outside of hockey are an important way for players to stay refreshed, always keeps a notepad close to write down ideas – his fourth book is in the works.


QUICK CLICKS
 

* Gary Bettman hiring as NHL Commissioner 30 years ago changed face of hockey

* Gary Bettman recognized for 30 years of service as NHL Commissioner

* NHL salary cap for 2023-24 to be discussed at Board of Governors meeting
* NHL Fantasy: Nick Alberga talks to Jason Robertson about gameday habits, being a role model

* Color of Hockey: Ryan Kuwabara makes history as Niagara coach
* Women in Hockey: Meghan Hunter


OVECHKIN ENTERS TUESDAY’S GAME A HAT TRICK FROM 800
Alex Ovechkin (17-13—30 in 30 GP), who has scored four goals across his last three games, enters Tuesday’s nationally televised contest against the Blackhawks on ESPN in the U.S. and Sportsnet ONE in Canada a hat trick away from becoming the third member of the NHL’s 800-goal club.

*  Ovechkin, whose 28 regular-season hat tricks sit tied for sixth in NHL history, has netted a three-goal game against 17 different franchises – fifth most in NHL history. However, he has never scored a hat trick against the Blackhawks and has just one multi-goal appearance against Chicago in 21 games versus the franchise.
 

* Among the two current members of the 800-goal club, Wayne Gretzky managed just one hat trick against the Blackhawks (60 GP) while Gordie Howe potted seven three-goal games versus Chicago (316 GP) – only Maurice Richard (10) netted more against the franchise.

* ICYMI: NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti caught up with Alex Ovechkin (797) and talked to him about the magnitude of closing in on Gordie Howe (801) for second on the NHL’s all-time goals list. Ovechkin recalled meeting Howe at the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal. A signed photo of them together in the locker room is one of Ovechkin’s prized possessions.
 

Lindgren, Thompson and Nylander Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NHL Editor
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Lindgren, Thompson and Nylander Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NEW YORK – Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren, Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Dec. 11.

FIRST STAR – CHARLIE LINDGREN, G, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Lindgren led the NHL in both wins (4) and saves (111), going 4-0-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .949 save percentage to help the Capitals (14-12-4, 32 points) move within one point of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He stopped 28 shots, including all 11 he faced in the third period, in a 3-2 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers Dec. 5. Lindgren then yielded one goal in each of his next two starts, making 29 saves in a 4-1 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers Dec. 7 and 25 stops in a 4-1 win versus the Seattle Kraken Dec. 9. He finished the week with 29 saves in a 5-2 triumph over the Winnipeg Jets Dec. 11. The 28-year-old Lindgren, who signed with Washington during the offseason, has appeared in 12 total games in 2022-23, compiling a 6-3-2 record, 2.79 goals-against average and .910 save percentage.

SECOND STAR – TAGE THOMPSON, C, BUFFALO SABRES

Thompson shared the League lead in both goals (5) and points (7) across three outings to guide the Sabres (12-14-2, 26 points) to a 1-1-1 week. He posted 5-1—6, including 4-1—5 in the first period, in a 9-4 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets Dec. 7. In doing so, Thompson matched the NHL record for goals in one period, set franchise marks for goals and points in any period, and tied the Buffalo record for goals in a game. He then added one assist in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Dec. 9 before being held off the scoresheet in a 3-1 defeat versus the Penguins Dec. 10. The 25-year-old Thompson has played in 28 total contests this season, ranking among the NHL leaders in goals (3rd; 21), shots on goal (3rd; 130), points (4th; 41), power-play goals (t-4th; 9) and power-play points (t-8th; 16).

THIRD STAR – WILLIAM NYLANDER, RW, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Nylander registered 3-4—7 in three games to power the Maple Leafs (18-5-6, 42 points) to a perfect week as they extended their point streak to 14 contests dating to Nov. 12 (11-0-3). He failed to record a point in a 4-0 win against the Dallas Stars Dec. 6, but rebounded with 1-1—2 in a 5-0 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings Dec. 8. Nylander then factored on all five Toronto goals in a 5-4 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames Dec. 10, producing 2-3—5 (including assists on both the tying and winning tallies) as part of his first career five-point performance. The 26-year-old Nylander, the eighth overall pick from the 2014 NHL Draft, has collected 17-16—33 in 29 total appearances this season to share eighth place in the League in goals and rank 17th in points.

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