NHL roundup: Reinhart leads Sabres over floundering Flyers
By The Sports Xchange
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Sam Reinhart had a goal and two assists to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night.
William Carrier, Evander Kane and Marcus Foligno also scored for the Sabres, who won two in a row and three of their past four. Anders Nilsson was solid between the pipes and made 39 saves.
Brayden Schenn scored the lone goal for the Flyers. Steve Mason made 23 saves.
Hurricanes 5, Blue Jackets 3
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Jordan Staal scored on a strange deflection to break a third-period tie as Carolina maintained its strong play on home ice with a victory the Columbus at PNC Arena.
Staal's goal, which came with 16:10 remaining, was his first in eight games. Jeff Skinner, Derek Ryan and Brock McGinn scored in the second period for the Hurricanes, who won 12 of their last 14 home games. Victor Rask added an empty-net goal with 20 seconds to play.
Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson and Brandon Saad were credited with goals for the Blue Jackets.
Bruins 5, Blues 3
ST. LOUIS -- Frank Vatrano and Torey Krug each scored and set up a goal to lead Boston over St. Louis.
Brad Marchand added two goals and Brandon Carlo one for the Bruins.
Patrik Berglund, Kyle Brodziak and Colton Parayko scored for the Blues.
Predators 2, Canucks 1 (OT)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Calle Jarnkrok's shorthanded goal at 4:58 of overtime lifted Nashville over Vancouver at Bridgestone Arena.
Pekka Rinne made 29 saves for the win for the Predators, while Ryan Miller stopped 24 shots for the Canucks but saw his five-game winning streak end.
Brandon Sutter scored in regulation for the Canucks and Austin Watson tallied for the Predators.
Blackhawks 4, Red Wings 3 (OT)
CHICAGO -- Duncan Keith scored a power-play goal 38 seconds into overtime and Corey Crawford made 33 saves as Chicago beat Detroit to win its fourth straight game.
Tanner Kero, Bryan Campbell, and Richard Panik also scored for the Blackhawks.
Luke Glendening. Andreas Athanasiou and Tomas Tatar scored for the Red Wings.
Sharks 5, Oilers 3
EDMONTON, Alberta -- San Jose Sharks dominated Edmonton at Rogers Arena.
Mikkel Boedker, who had three goals all season, scored three in the first two periods to give the Sharks a lead they would never relinquish. Logan Couture and Brent Burns also scored for the Sharks.
Matt Benning, Oscar Klefbom and Drake Caggiula scored the Oilers goals.
Ducks 2, Stars 0
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- John Gibson posted his second shutout in four days and Jakob Silfverberg scored Anaheim's first power-play goal at home in nearly a month in a win over Dallas that wraped up a 4-1-0 homestand at Honda Center.
Silfverberg also set up Andrew Cogliano's third-period goal for the Ducks, who stayed even with the San Jose Sharks atop the Pacific Division.
Gibson finished with 34 saves in his third shutout of the season and ninth of his career.
By The Sports Xchange
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Sam Reinhart had a goal and two assists to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night.
William Carrier, Evander Kane and Marcus Foligno also scored for the Sabres, who won two in a row and three of their past four. Anders Nilsson was solid between the pipes and made 39 saves.
Brayden Schenn scored the lone goal for the Flyers. Steve Mason made 23 saves.
Hurricanes 5, Blue Jackets 3
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Jordan Staal scored on a strange deflection to break a third-period tie as Carolina maintained its strong play on home ice with a victory the Columbus at PNC Arena.
Staal's goal, which came with 16:10 remaining, was his first in eight games. Jeff Skinner, Derek Ryan and Brock McGinn scored in the second period for the Hurricanes, who won 12 of their last 14 home games. Victor Rask added an empty-net goal with 20 seconds to play.
Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson and Brandon Saad were credited with goals for the Blue Jackets.
Bruins 5, Blues 3
ST. LOUIS -- Frank Vatrano and Torey Krug each scored and set up a goal to lead Boston over St. Louis.
Brad Marchand added two goals and Brandon Carlo one for the Bruins.
Patrik Berglund, Kyle Brodziak and Colton Parayko scored for the Blues.
Predators 2, Canucks 1 (OT)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Calle Jarnkrok's shorthanded goal at 4:58 of overtime lifted Nashville over Vancouver at Bridgestone Arena.
Pekka Rinne made 29 saves for the win for the Predators, while Ryan Miller stopped 24 shots for the Canucks but saw his five-game winning streak end.
Brandon Sutter scored in regulation for the Canucks and Austin Watson tallied for the Predators.
Blackhawks 4, Red Wings 3 (OT)
CHICAGO -- Duncan Keith scored a power-play goal 38 seconds into overtime and Corey Crawford made 33 saves as Chicago beat Detroit to win its fourth straight game.
Tanner Kero, Bryan Campbell, and Richard Panik also scored for the Blackhawks.
Luke Glendening. Andreas Athanasiou and Tomas Tatar scored for the Red Wings.
Sharks 5, Oilers 3
EDMONTON, Alberta -- San Jose Sharks dominated Edmonton at Rogers Arena.
Mikkel Boedker, who had three goals all season, scored three in the first two periods to give the Sharks a lead they would never relinquish. Logan Couture and Brent Burns also scored for the Sharks.
Matt Benning, Oscar Klefbom and Drake Caggiula scored the Oilers goals.
Ducks 2, Stars 0
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- John Gibson posted his second shutout in four days and Jakob Silfverberg scored Anaheim's first power-play goal at home in nearly a month in a win over Dallas that wraped up a 4-1-0 homestand at Honda Center.
Silfverberg also set up Andrew Cogliano's third-period goal for the Ducks, who stayed even with the San Jose Sharks atop the Pacific Division.
Gibson finished with 34 saves in his third shutout of the season and ninth of his career.
Preview: Panthers (18-16) at Islanders (15-15)
Date: January 11, 2017 7:00 PM EDT
NEW YORK -- The last time the New York Islanders hosted the Florida Panthers was April 24, when Islanders captain John Tavares authored the most dramatic hockey moment the Barclays Center has seen by scoring in double overtime to give New York a series-winning victory over the Panthers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
Tavares' dramatic goal will seem a lot further away than a mere 270 days Wednesday night, when the reeling Islanders host the Panthers in the lone game between the teams this season at Barclays Center.
The Islanders fell to the Arizona Coyotes 2-1 in a shootout Saturday. It was the second straight 2-1 loss to a Western Conference also-ran for New York (15-15-8), which lost in overtime to Colorado on Friday.
The losing streak has stalled the momentum the Islanders created before their "bye week," which they entered off a 4-1-0 stretch. New York has the fewest points in the Eastern Conference a season after reaching the conference semifinals for the first time since 1993.
"Before the break, everything seemed to be going in for us," Shane Prince told Newsday following Saturday's loss. "It's obviously frustrating to get two points and only score two goals."
The Islanders won't be alone Wednesday in feeling as if last spring happened long ago. The Panthers, who reached the playoffs in 2015-16 for only the second time in the last 15 seasons, are two points out of third place in the Atlantic Division. But Florida (18-16-8) is only 7-7-7 since Tom Rowe replaced Gerard Gallant, who was fired following an 11-9-1 start.
The Panthers are coming off a 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday, when goalie Roberto Luongo moved into fifth place on the NHL's all-time list by earning the 448th victory of his career.
Afterward, Luongo was more concerned with the Panthers' perilous standing in the Eastern Conference than his place in NHL history.
"I think right now, I just want to get some wins," Luongo said. "Our goal is to make the playoffs, so that's what my focus is on, 100 percent. The other things will take care of (themselves) and we'll reflect on them when it's all said and done. But as a group, we have one goal in mind, and that's to play good every night, keep collecting some point and try to get back in this thing."
Luongo is likely to oppose Thomas Greiss in a rematch of the starting goalies in last spring's playoff series. Greiss, who became the Islanders' unquestioned starter when Jaroslav Halak was waived Dec. 30 and eventually assigned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League, stopped 63 of the 66 shots he faced in regulation and overtime of New York's last two defeats.
The game Wednesday is the first of two straight between the Islanders and Panthers, who oppose each other in Sunrise, Fla., on Friday.
Date: January 11, 2017 7:00 PM EDT
NEW YORK -- The last time the New York Islanders hosted the Florida Panthers was April 24, when Islanders captain John Tavares authored the most dramatic hockey moment the Barclays Center has seen by scoring in double overtime to give New York a series-winning victory over the Panthers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
Tavares' dramatic goal will seem a lot further away than a mere 270 days Wednesday night, when the reeling Islanders host the Panthers in the lone game between the teams this season at Barclays Center.
The Islanders fell to the Arizona Coyotes 2-1 in a shootout Saturday. It was the second straight 2-1 loss to a Western Conference also-ran for New York (15-15-8), which lost in overtime to Colorado on Friday.
The losing streak has stalled the momentum the Islanders created before their "bye week," which they entered off a 4-1-0 stretch. New York has the fewest points in the Eastern Conference a season after reaching the conference semifinals for the first time since 1993.
"Before the break, everything seemed to be going in for us," Shane Prince told Newsday following Saturday's loss. "It's obviously frustrating to get two points and only score two goals."
The Islanders won't be alone Wednesday in feeling as if last spring happened long ago. The Panthers, who reached the playoffs in 2015-16 for only the second time in the last 15 seasons, are two points out of third place in the Atlantic Division. But Florida (18-16-8) is only 7-7-7 since Tom Rowe replaced Gerard Gallant, who was fired following an 11-9-1 start.
The Panthers are coming off a 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday, when goalie Roberto Luongo moved into fifth place on the NHL's all-time list by earning the 448th victory of his career.
Afterward, Luongo was more concerned with the Panthers' perilous standing in the Eastern Conference than his place in NHL history.
"I think right now, I just want to get some wins," Luongo said. "Our goal is to make the playoffs, so that's what my focus is on, 100 percent. The other things will take care of (themselves) and we'll reflect on them when it's all said and done. But as a group, we have one goal in mind, and that's to play good every night, keep collecting some point and try to get back in this thing."
Luongo is likely to oppose Thomas Greiss in a rematch of the starting goalies in last spring's playoff series. Greiss, who became the Islanders' unquestioned starter when Jaroslav Halak was waived Dec. 30 and eventually assigned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League, stopped 63 of the 66 shots he faced in regulation and overtime of New York's last two defeats.
The game Wednesday is the first of two straight between the Islanders and Panthers, who oppose each other in Sunrise, Fla., on Friday.
Preview: Canadiens (25-10) at Jets (20-20)
Date: January 11, 2017 7:30 PM EDT
WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Winnipeg Jets are hoping they can continue scoring by committee until their top sniper returns to the line-up.
The Jets used goals by defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and right winger Blake Wheeler to defeat the Calgary Flames 2-0 at the MTS Centre on Monday night, but other players are hoping to step up into the void left by Patrik Laine's concussion when they challenge the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old rookie, who has 21 goals this season, has been off the ice since being rocked by an open-ice hit from Buffalo's Jake McCabe on the weekend.
Drew Stafford, who moved up from the fourth line into Laine's spot alongside left winger Nik Ehlers and center Mark Scheifele, is planning to carry at least his share of the load. The Milwaukee native scored 21 for the Jets last year and notched 31 in the 2010-11 season. He has bulged the twine just three times this season, although he did miss 15 games due to injury.
"This is something I've been doing my whole career," the 31-year-old told the Winnipeg Free Press. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity and will do my best to help this team in whatever way I can and contribute and help win games. If that's playing there and hopefully providing some offence, it's something I look forward to and relish the opportunity."
Stafford assisted on Byfuglien's goal on Monday night.
Even though Laine wasn't on the ice yesterday, he did generate some headlines with news that he has been selected to play in the NHL all-star game later this month in Los Angeles. The Jets have not set any timetable for his return but he has been spotted in civvies and smiling during practices. He watched the Calgary game from the press box with his girlfriend.
The Canadiens canceled practice Tuesday morning following their 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals the night before. The Habs will be well-represented in Los Angeles with coach Michel Therrien, defenseman Shea Weber and goalie Carey Price selected for the mid-season festivities.
The netminder, who backstopped Canada to victory in the World Cup in the fall and the 2014 Olympics, hasn't displayed his all-world form lately, allowing three or more goals in five of his last six starts.
The Canadiens have a 1-2-2 record in those five games and while his overall record remains stellar at 20-6-4, he is ranked fifth in the NHL in save percentage (.928) and sixth in goals-against average (2.12).
Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that Price wouldn't set the hockey world on fire this year considering he missed almost all of last season with a serious knee injury.
The Habs were tearing up the league when Price went down in late November immediately went into free-fall, missing the playoffs.
Therrien said even if Price doesn't play out of his mind this year, he expects his troops to be better equipped to weather any storms.
"Big difference (from last year)," the coach told the Montreal Gazette. "First of all, I'll say the leadership group is doing a fantastic job. Kids are coming into a really different atmosphere. The team spirit has been great since Day 1 and the leadership group is doing a fantastic job."
The Canadiens will fly out immediately after Wednesday's game in advance of meeting the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. It's expected Al Montoya, who played two seasons with the Jets from 2012-14, will start one of those games.
Date: January 11, 2017 7:30 PM EDT
WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Winnipeg Jets are hoping they can continue scoring by committee until their top sniper returns to the line-up.
The Jets used goals by defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and right winger Blake Wheeler to defeat the Calgary Flames 2-0 at the MTS Centre on Monday night, but other players are hoping to step up into the void left by Patrik Laine's concussion when they challenge the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old rookie, who has 21 goals this season, has been off the ice since being rocked by an open-ice hit from Buffalo's Jake McCabe on the weekend.
Drew Stafford, who moved up from the fourth line into Laine's spot alongside left winger Nik Ehlers and center Mark Scheifele, is planning to carry at least his share of the load. The Milwaukee native scored 21 for the Jets last year and notched 31 in the 2010-11 season. He has bulged the twine just three times this season, although he did miss 15 games due to injury.
"This is something I've been doing my whole career," the 31-year-old told the Winnipeg Free Press. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity and will do my best to help this team in whatever way I can and contribute and help win games. If that's playing there and hopefully providing some offence, it's something I look forward to and relish the opportunity."
Stafford assisted on Byfuglien's goal on Monday night.
Even though Laine wasn't on the ice yesterday, he did generate some headlines with news that he has been selected to play in the NHL all-star game later this month in Los Angeles. The Jets have not set any timetable for his return but he has been spotted in civvies and smiling during practices. He watched the Calgary game from the press box with his girlfriend.
The Canadiens canceled practice Tuesday morning following their 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals the night before. The Habs will be well-represented in Los Angeles with coach Michel Therrien, defenseman Shea Weber and goalie Carey Price selected for the mid-season festivities.
The netminder, who backstopped Canada to victory in the World Cup in the fall and the 2014 Olympics, hasn't displayed his all-world form lately, allowing three or more goals in five of his last six starts.
The Canadiens have a 1-2-2 record in those five games and while his overall record remains stellar at 20-6-4, he is ranked fifth in the NHL in save percentage (.928) and sixth in goals-against average (2.12).
Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that Price wouldn't set the hockey world on fire this year considering he missed almost all of last season with a serious knee injury.
The Habs were tearing up the league when Price went down in late November immediately went into free-fall, missing the playoffs.
Therrien said even if Price doesn't play out of his mind this year, he expects his troops to be better equipped to weather any storms.
"Big difference (from last year)," the coach told the Montreal Gazette. "First of all, I'll say the leadership group is doing a fantastic job. Kids are coming into a really different atmosphere. The team spirit has been great since Day 1 and the leadership group is doing a fantastic job."
The Canadiens will fly out immediately after Wednesday's game in advance of meeting the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. It's expected Al Montoya, who played two seasons with the Jets from 2012-14, will start one of those games.
Preview: Penguins (26-8) at Capitals (26-9)
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
WASHINGTON - Something has to give when Metropolitan Division rivals with winning streaks meet Wednesday night in Washington.
The host Capitals (26-9-5) have won six straight, including the win that ended the Columbus Blue Jackets' 16-game win streak, and the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins (26-8-5) own a five-game streak.
The teams are part of a three-way tie for second place -- along with the New York Rangers -- in the division behind Columbus.
Washington, which opens a three-game homestand, matched its season-high winning streak with a 4-1 win Monday night in Montreal. Winger Alex Ovechkin had a goal and two assists, giving him 999 career points. The goal was number 544 and tied him with Canadiens legend Maurice Richard for 29th place on the NHL's all-time goal's list.
"Ovi is big on the big moments. I think he recognizes how great The Rocket was and to just tie (Richard's goal total) in this building would be pretty special, so it was really good," Capitals head coach Barry Trotz told the team's website. "And then he got real close to that thousandth point. I think it should be right for him to get that one in Washington in front of our own fans."
Red hot goalie Braden Holtby's bid for a third straight shutout ended when the Canadiens tied the score early in the third. He completed the longest scoreless streak of his career, 169 minutes and 12 seconds.
"It's almost a good thing that it snapped, then it's not a distraction, we can focus on playing and the guys showed a lot of character coming back," Holtby told NHL.com.
Holtby has four shutouts in his last 12 starts.
"He's like (Montreal's Carey) Price, in that he's very calm and pucks hit him in the chest," Penguins center Nick Bonino told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "He's always well-positioned.
"You have to make passes. You have to make him move. You have to screen him a little bit."
In 15 career games versus Pittsburgh, Holtby is 6-7-2 with a 2.59 goals-against average (GAA) and .918 save percentage.
The Penguins returned from a week-long layoff to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2 Sunday for their fifth straight win.
Six different players scored and Marc-Andre Fleury made 28 saves. He has won seven of his last eight decisions.
Goaltender Matt Murray, who missed the last two games with a lower body injury, is day-to-day. He practiced Tuesday for a second straight day.
Fleury is 20-11-2 with a 2.56 GAA versus Washington, while Murray is 1-2 with a 3.37 GAA.
Defenseman Kris Letang -- seven points in the last five games -- missed practice Tuesday with an illness that affected several Penguins.
"We're hopeful he's going to be OK," coach Mike Sullivan told the team's website regarding Letang's status for Wednesday. "But we'll watch him today and see how it goes. Obviously, he didn't feel well enough to skate today."
The Capitals will likely have winger T.J. Oshie (upper body injury) back after he missed Monday's game.
The teams split the first two meetings, with host Pittsburgh winning a shootout opening night and Washington routing the visiting Penguins 7-1 on Nov. 16.
"We didn't have our best effort," Penguins left winger Chris Kunitz told the Post-Gazette about the loss. "They kept laying it on us."
Ovechkin has 28 goals and 19 assists in 46 games against the Penguins, while Sydney Crosby's totals are 19 goals and 36 assists in 39 games versus Washington. Evgeni Malkin has 12 goals and 35 assists in 34 games against the Capitals.
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
WASHINGTON - Something has to give when Metropolitan Division rivals with winning streaks meet Wednesday night in Washington.
The host Capitals (26-9-5) have won six straight, including the win that ended the Columbus Blue Jackets' 16-game win streak, and the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins (26-8-5) own a five-game streak.
The teams are part of a three-way tie for second place -- along with the New York Rangers -- in the division behind Columbus.
Washington, which opens a three-game homestand, matched its season-high winning streak with a 4-1 win Monday night in Montreal. Winger Alex Ovechkin had a goal and two assists, giving him 999 career points. The goal was number 544 and tied him with Canadiens legend Maurice Richard for 29th place on the NHL's all-time goal's list.
"Ovi is big on the big moments. I think he recognizes how great The Rocket was and to just tie (Richard's goal total) in this building would be pretty special, so it was really good," Capitals head coach Barry Trotz told the team's website. "And then he got real close to that thousandth point. I think it should be right for him to get that one in Washington in front of our own fans."
Red hot goalie Braden Holtby's bid for a third straight shutout ended when the Canadiens tied the score early in the third. He completed the longest scoreless streak of his career, 169 minutes and 12 seconds.
"It's almost a good thing that it snapped, then it's not a distraction, we can focus on playing and the guys showed a lot of character coming back," Holtby told NHL.com.
Holtby has four shutouts in his last 12 starts.
"He's like (Montreal's Carey) Price, in that he's very calm and pucks hit him in the chest," Penguins center Nick Bonino told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "He's always well-positioned.
"You have to make passes. You have to make him move. You have to screen him a little bit."
In 15 career games versus Pittsburgh, Holtby is 6-7-2 with a 2.59 goals-against average (GAA) and .918 save percentage.
The Penguins returned from a week-long layoff to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2 Sunday for their fifth straight win.
Six different players scored and Marc-Andre Fleury made 28 saves. He has won seven of his last eight decisions.
Goaltender Matt Murray, who missed the last two games with a lower body injury, is day-to-day. He practiced Tuesday for a second straight day.
Fleury is 20-11-2 with a 2.56 GAA versus Washington, while Murray is 1-2 with a 3.37 GAA.
Defenseman Kris Letang -- seven points in the last five games -- missed practice Tuesday with an illness that affected several Penguins.
"We're hopeful he's going to be OK," coach Mike Sullivan told the team's website regarding Letang's status for Wednesday. "But we'll watch him today and see how it goes. Obviously, he didn't feel well enough to skate today."
The Capitals will likely have winger T.J. Oshie (upper body injury) back after he missed Monday's game.
The teams split the first two meetings, with host Pittsburgh winning a shootout opening night and Washington routing the visiting Penguins 7-1 on Nov. 16.
"We didn't have our best effort," Penguins left winger Chris Kunitz told the Post-Gazette about the loss. "They kept laying it on us."
Ovechkin has 28 goals and 19 assists in 46 games against the Penguins, while Sydney Crosby's totals are 19 goals and 36 assists in 39 games versus Washington. Evgeni Malkin has 12 goals and 35 assists in 34 games against the Capitals.
Preview: Sharks (25-14) at Flames (22-19)
Date: January 11, 2017 9:30 PM EDT
CALGARY, Alberta -- The contest played Jan. 29 will be the only one this year in which Johnny Gaudreau will enjoy being around Brent Burns.
On Tuesday, the two were among those named as Pacific Division representatives for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
First, though, Burns and the talent-laden San Jose Sharks will try to stymie the Flames star when the teams square off Wednesday night in Calgary.
"Last year I was excited to play with Brent Burns," Gaudreau said Tuesday afternoon. "He's kind of a funny guy, and he kept it pretty funny in the locker room. So I'm excited to see him."
Gaudreau was the lone member of the Flames named to the All-Star squad. Burns, who may be headed to his first Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, will be joined by Sharks right winger Joe Pavelski, goaltender Martin Jones and head coach Peter DeBoer.
It will be the first All-Star appearances for DeBoer and Jones, who worked his way up to the status of star after going undrafted out of the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League and was traded by both the Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins, landing in San Jose for the 2015-16 season.
"Obviously (Pavelski) and (Burns) are givens. I'm glad Marty Jones got rewarded," DeBoer told the Bay Area News Group. "It's a great story as far as the way he's come up and not been handed anything and worked for everything he's got. Now he's established himself. I'm very happy for him."
Wednesday's meeting will give the Flames a chance to see where they stand against an elite conference team. Calgary is coming off a weak effort in a 2-0 road loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.
Flames goalie Chad Johnson spoke after that defeat about how Calgary needs to come up with better efforts against better teams, such as San Jose.
"Teams that are right around you are a little different than the Phoenixes and Colorados," he said. "I think we are being tested. We have to respond to these tougher teams who are pushing a bit more than the Phoenixes and Colorados.
"That's where we are at -- we have to push a bit more and give a little bit more and trust ourselves and each other."
San Jose comes to Calgary fresh off a 5-3 win over the Oilers in Edmonton on Tuesday. Mikkel Boedker led the way with his fourth career hat trick, Burns had a goal -- his 16th to lead all NHL defenseman-- and two assists, and Jones made 33 saves for his 21st victory in 36 games on his 27th birthday.
The Sharks (25-14-2) top the Pacific Division behind DeBoer, who led them to the Stanley Cup finals last season in his first year behind the San Jose bench. The win over Edmonton give the Sharks five victories in their past seven road games and an overall road record of 11-9-1.
The Flames (22-19-2) are 11-10-0 in the Saddledome.
Date: January 11, 2017 9:30 PM EDT
CALGARY, Alberta -- The contest played Jan. 29 will be the only one this year in which Johnny Gaudreau will enjoy being around Brent Burns.
On Tuesday, the two were among those named as Pacific Division representatives for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
First, though, Burns and the talent-laden San Jose Sharks will try to stymie the Flames star when the teams square off Wednesday night in Calgary.
"Last year I was excited to play with Brent Burns," Gaudreau said Tuesday afternoon. "He's kind of a funny guy, and he kept it pretty funny in the locker room. So I'm excited to see him."
Gaudreau was the lone member of the Flames named to the All-Star squad. Burns, who may be headed to his first Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, will be joined by Sharks right winger Joe Pavelski, goaltender Martin Jones and head coach Peter DeBoer.
It will be the first All-Star appearances for DeBoer and Jones, who worked his way up to the status of star after going undrafted out of the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League and was traded by both the Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins, landing in San Jose for the 2015-16 season.
"Obviously (Pavelski) and (Burns) are givens. I'm glad Marty Jones got rewarded," DeBoer told the Bay Area News Group. "It's a great story as far as the way he's come up and not been handed anything and worked for everything he's got. Now he's established himself. I'm very happy for him."
Wednesday's meeting will give the Flames a chance to see where they stand against an elite conference team. Calgary is coming off a weak effort in a 2-0 road loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.
Flames goalie Chad Johnson spoke after that defeat about how Calgary needs to come up with better efforts against better teams, such as San Jose.
"Teams that are right around you are a little different than the Phoenixes and Colorados," he said. "I think we are being tested. We have to respond to these tougher teams who are pushing a bit more than the Phoenixes and Colorados.
"That's where we are at -- we have to push a bit more and give a little bit more and trust ourselves and each other."
San Jose comes to Calgary fresh off a 5-3 win over the Oilers in Edmonton on Tuesday. Mikkel Boedker led the way with his fourth career hat trick, Burns had a goal -- his 16th to lead all NHL defenseman-- and two assists, and Jones made 33 saves for his 21st victory in 36 games on his 27th birthday.
The Sharks (25-14-2) top the Pacific Division behind DeBoer, who led them to the Stanley Cup finals last season in his first year behind the San Jose bench. The win over Edmonton give the Sharks five victories in their past seven road games and an overall road record of 11-9-1.
The Flames (22-19-2) are 11-10-0 in the Saddledome.
Grand Salami - January
The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.
Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.
*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.
NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
1/1 3 16 19 OVER
1/2 3 15.5 13 UNDER
1/3 7 37.5 40 OVER
1/4 6 33.5 29 UNDER
1/5 7 37.5 45 OVER
1/6 6 32.5 26 UNDER
1/7 12 64.5 68 OVER
1/8 6 31.5 36 OVER
1/9 4 21 20 UNDER
1/10 7 37.5 41 OVER
1/11 4 - - -
1/12 9 - - -
1/13 7 - - -
1/14 12 - - -
1/15 4 - - -
1/16 7 - - -
1/17 9 - - -
1/18 5 - - -
1/19 8 - - -
1/20 6 - - -
1/21 11 - - -
1/22 6 - - -
1/23 6 - - -
1/24 10 - - -
1/25 4 - - -
1/26 13 - - -
1/27 No games scheduled - - -
1/28 No games scheduled - - -
1/29 No games scheduled - - -
1/30 No games scheduled - - -
1/31 14 - - -
The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.
Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.
*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.
NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
1/1 3 16 19 OVER
1/2 3 15.5 13 UNDER
1/3 7 37.5 40 OVER
1/4 6 33.5 29 UNDER
1/5 7 37.5 45 OVER
1/6 6 32.5 26 UNDER
1/7 12 64.5 68 OVER
1/8 6 31.5 36 OVER
1/9 4 21 20 UNDER
1/10 7 37.5 41 OVER
1/11 4 - - -
1/12 9 - - -
1/13 7 - - -
1/14 12 - - -
1/15 4 - - -
1/16 7 - - -
1/17 9 - - -
1/18 5 - - -
1/19 8 - - -
1/20 6 - - -
1/21 11 - - -
1/22 6 - - -
1/23 6 - - -
1/24 10 - - -
1/25 4 - - -
1/26 13 - - -
1/27 No games scheduled - - -
1/28 No games scheduled - - -
1/29 No games scheduled - - -
1/30 No games scheduled - - -
1/31 14 - - -
NHL
Wednesday’s games
Islanders are 5-3 in last eight games with Florida; under is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Florida lost three of last four visits to Brooklyn. Panthers lost six of last nine games overall, but won last three road games- their last seven games stayed under total. New York lost three of last four games, losing last two in OT/SO. Six of their last eight games went over the total.
Montreal won seven of its last ten games with Winnipeg, but lost 5-2/4-2 in last two visits to Manitoba. Last three series games went over total. Canadiens won three of last four overall, four of last five on road; over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Winnipeg won three of its last four games; they split last four at home. Four of their last six games went over the total.
Home side won last six Pittsburgh-Washington games; Penguins lost last two visits here, by 3-1/7-1 scores. Over is 2-0-1 in last three series games. outscored opponents 22-10 in winning their last five games; they lost two of last three on road. Over is 5-2 in last seven Penguin games. Capitals won their last six games, allowing one goal in last three; under is 2-1-2 in their last five games.
Calgary is 6-4 in last ten games with San Jose; road team won four of last five series games. Sharks won 5-4/2-1 in last two visits to Saddledome. Under is 2-0-1 in last three series games. San Jose won six of last nine games, splitting last four on road; their last three games went over the total. Flames won last three home games, outscoring foes 11-4; three of their last four games overall stayed under total.
Wednesday’s games
Islanders are 5-3 in last eight games with Florida; under is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Florida lost three of last four visits to Brooklyn. Panthers lost six of last nine games overall, but won last three road games- their last seven games stayed under total. New York lost three of last four games, losing last two in OT/SO. Six of their last eight games went over the total.
Montreal won seven of its last ten games with Winnipeg, but lost 5-2/4-2 in last two visits to Manitoba. Last three series games went over total. Canadiens won three of last four overall, four of last five on road; over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Winnipeg won three of its last four games; they split last four at home. Four of their last six games went over the total.
Home side won last six Pittsburgh-Washington games; Penguins lost last two visits here, by 3-1/7-1 scores. Over is 2-0-1 in last three series games. outscored opponents 22-10 in winning their last five games; they lost two of last three on road. Over is 5-2 in last seven Penguin games. Capitals won their last six games, allowing one goal in last three; under is 2-1-2 in their last five games.
Calgary is 6-4 in last ten games with San Jose; road team won four of last five series games. Sharks won 5-4/2-1 in last two visits to Saddledome. Under is 2-0-1 in last three series games. San Jose won six of last nine games, splitting last four on road; their last three games went over the total. Flames won last three home games, outscoring foes 11-4; three of their last four games overall stayed under total.
NBA roundup: Jazz take down Cavs
By The Sports Xchange
SALT LAKE CITY -- Gordon Hayward scored 28 points and collected nine rebounds, and Rodney Hood added 18 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 100-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
Six players scored in double figures for the Jazz, including Rudy Gobert, who had 11 points and 14 rebounds for his 27th double-double of the season. Utah won a third consecutive home game.
LeBron James scored 29 points and Kyrie Irving added 20 points to lead Cleveland. Tristan Thompson chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers saw a three-game road winning streak snapped.
Wizards 101, Bulls 99
WASHINGTON -- John Wall hit the game-winning jump shot with five seconds remaining as Washington rallied from an 18-point deficit for a win over Chicago.
Wall led the way with 26 points and 14 assists as the Wizards (19-18) earned their 10th consecutive home win to move over .500 for the first time this season. Bradley Beal and Markieff Morris each had 19 points for Washington.
Denzel Valentine scored a career-high 19 points on five 3-pointers for Chicago. Carter-Williams and Robin Lopez each scored 14 points, and Rajon Rondo had 12 points in 27 minutes after not playing the previous five games.
Rockets 121, Hornets 114
HOUSTON -- James Harden recorded his 11th triple-double as Houston topped Charlotte,
Harden finished with 40 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Rockets needed his production after the Hornets mounted an incredible fourth-quarter rally into the lead. After Rockets reserve forward Corey Brewer sank a 3-pointer for a 108-90 lead with just over eight minutes left, the Hornets responded with a 21-2 surge.
Kemba Walker scored a team-high 25 points for the Hornets, and Frank Kaminsky added 22 points.
Raptors 114, Celtics 106
TORONTO -- DeMar DeRozan led the way with a 41 points as Toronto avoided a third straight loss, defeating Boston.
The Raptors closed out the fourth quarter on a 19-4 run to pick up their third consecutive home victory over Boston. The Celtics saw their four-game winning streak end.
Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas added a career-high 23 rebounds and 18 points. Kyle Lowry chipped in with 24 points, nine assists and four rebounds in the win. Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 27 points and seven assists.
Hawks 117, Nets 97
NEW YORK -- Dwight Howard and Dennis Schroder recorded double-doubles as Atlanta ran its winning streak to a season-high seven games with a victory over Brooklyn.
Howard collected 14 points and 16 rebounds in 27 minutes for his 25th double-double of the season. Schroder paced the Hawks with 19 points and 10 assists for his sixth double-double. Paul Millsap added 14 points and eight rebounds in his first game since the Hawks decided not to trade him for the time being.
Brook Lopez scored 15 of his 20 points after halftime for the Nets, but it was not enough. Brooklyn matched a season worst with its seventh straight loss, and it lost for the 24th time in 28 games.
Bucks 109, Spurs 107
SAN ANTONIO -- Malcolm Brogdon hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:08 to play and added a free throw in the final seconds, and reserve Michael Beasley scored a season-high 28 points as Milwaukee stunned San Antonio.
Jabari Parker scored 22 points while Brogdon had 17 and Greg Monroe added 14 for Milwaukee, which snapped a nine-game losing streak to San Antonio.
The Spurs got a game-high 30 points from Kawhi Leonard, his ninth 30-point game this season. Tony Parker, Danny Green and Jonathan Simmons each had 14 points for San Antonio, which saw its three-game winning streak end.
Warriors Heat
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Stephen Curry compiled 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in Golden State's hard-fought victory over Miami.
Kevin Durant chipped in with 28 points as the Warriors were able to overcome Heat center Hassan Whiteside's 28 points and 20 rebounds. Golden State recorded a fifth straight win over Miami despite playing without Klay Thompson (illness).
Tyler Johnson had 18 points, Goran Dragic 17 and James Johnson 14 for the Heat, who have lost four of five to start their road trip.
Kings 100, Pistons 94
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- DeMarcus Cousins scored 24 points and canned one of two key 3-pointers in the final two minutes as Sacramento rallied to a victory over Detroit.
Cousins went 4-for-5 from 3-point range, and his last one with 56 seconds remaining vaulted Sacramento to a four-point lead. Cousins' 3-pointer came after Detroit's Reggie Jackson missed the second of two free throws at the other end to keep the Pistons trailing 95-94.
Anthony Tolliver, making his second straight start, finished with 17 points and made two free throws with 5.5 seconds left to cap Sacramento's rally from a 70-52 third-quarter deficit. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points to lead the Pistons and was 6-for-8 from 3-point range.
Trail Blazers 108, Lakers 87
LOS ANGELES -- CJ McCollum scored 25 points, and Portland continued its dominance of Los Angeles, beating the Lakers for the 10th consecutive time.
Damian Lillard shook off an awful first half to collect 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Maurice Harkless added 14 points for Portland.
Luol Deng scored 13 of his 14 points in the first half to lead the Lakers, who scored only 30 points in the second half. Four of the Lakers' five starters failed to reach double figures.
By The Sports Xchange
SALT LAKE CITY -- Gordon Hayward scored 28 points and collected nine rebounds, and Rodney Hood added 18 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 100-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
Six players scored in double figures for the Jazz, including Rudy Gobert, who had 11 points and 14 rebounds for his 27th double-double of the season. Utah won a third consecutive home game.
LeBron James scored 29 points and Kyrie Irving added 20 points to lead Cleveland. Tristan Thompson chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers saw a three-game road winning streak snapped.
Wizards 101, Bulls 99
WASHINGTON -- John Wall hit the game-winning jump shot with five seconds remaining as Washington rallied from an 18-point deficit for a win over Chicago.
Wall led the way with 26 points and 14 assists as the Wizards (19-18) earned their 10th consecutive home win to move over .500 for the first time this season. Bradley Beal and Markieff Morris each had 19 points for Washington.
Denzel Valentine scored a career-high 19 points on five 3-pointers for Chicago. Carter-Williams and Robin Lopez each scored 14 points, and Rajon Rondo had 12 points in 27 minutes after not playing the previous five games.
Rockets 121, Hornets 114
HOUSTON -- James Harden recorded his 11th triple-double as Houston topped Charlotte,
Harden finished with 40 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Rockets needed his production after the Hornets mounted an incredible fourth-quarter rally into the lead. After Rockets reserve forward Corey Brewer sank a 3-pointer for a 108-90 lead with just over eight minutes left, the Hornets responded with a 21-2 surge.
Kemba Walker scored a team-high 25 points for the Hornets, and Frank Kaminsky added 22 points.
Raptors 114, Celtics 106
TORONTO -- DeMar DeRozan led the way with a 41 points as Toronto avoided a third straight loss, defeating Boston.
The Raptors closed out the fourth quarter on a 19-4 run to pick up their third consecutive home victory over Boston. The Celtics saw their four-game winning streak end.
Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas added a career-high 23 rebounds and 18 points. Kyle Lowry chipped in with 24 points, nine assists and four rebounds in the win. Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 27 points and seven assists.
Hawks 117, Nets 97
NEW YORK -- Dwight Howard and Dennis Schroder recorded double-doubles as Atlanta ran its winning streak to a season-high seven games with a victory over Brooklyn.
Howard collected 14 points and 16 rebounds in 27 minutes for his 25th double-double of the season. Schroder paced the Hawks with 19 points and 10 assists for his sixth double-double. Paul Millsap added 14 points and eight rebounds in his first game since the Hawks decided not to trade him for the time being.
Brook Lopez scored 15 of his 20 points after halftime for the Nets, but it was not enough. Brooklyn matched a season worst with its seventh straight loss, and it lost for the 24th time in 28 games.
Bucks 109, Spurs 107
SAN ANTONIO -- Malcolm Brogdon hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:08 to play and added a free throw in the final seconds, and reserve Michael Beasley scored a season-high 28 points as Milwaukee stunned San Antonio.
Jabari Parker scored 22 points while Brogdon had 17 and Greg Monroe added 14 for Milwaukee, which snapped a nine-game losing streak to San Antonio.
The Spurs got a game-high 30 points from Kawhi Leonard, his ninth 30-point game this season. Tony Parker, Danny Green and Jonathan Simmons each had 14 points for San Antonio, which saw its three-game winning streak end.
Warriors Heat
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Stephen Curry compiled 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in Golden State's hard-fought victory over Miami.
Kevin Durant chipped in with 28 points as the Warriors were able to overcome Heat center Hassan Whiteside's 28 points and 20 rebounds. Golden State recorded a fifth straight win over Miami despite playing without Klay Thompson (illness).
Tyler Johnson had 18 points, Goran Dragic 17 and James Johnson 14 for the Heat, who have lost four of five to start their road trip.
Kings 100, Pistons 94
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- DeMarcus Cousins scored 24 points and canned one of two key 3-pointers in the final two minutes as Sacramento rallied to a victory over Detroit.
Cousins went 4-for-5 from 3-point range, and his last one with 56 seconds remaining vaulted Sacramento to a four-point lead. Cousins' 3-pointer came after Detroit's Reggie Jackson missed the second of two free throws at the other end to keep the Pistons trailing 95-94.
Anthony Tolliver, making his second straight start, finished with 17 points and made two free throws with 5.5 seconds left to cap Sacramento's rally from a 70-52 third-quarter deficit. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points to lead the Pistons and was 6-for-8 from 3-point range.
Trail Blazers 108, Lakers 87
LOS ANGELES -- CJ McCollum scored 25 points, and Portland continued its dominance of Los Angeles, beating the Lakers for the 10th consecutive time.
Damian Lillard shook off an awful first half to collect 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Maurice Harkless added 14 points for Portland.
Luol Deng scored 13 of his 14 points in the first half to lead the Lakers, who scored only 30 points in the second half. Four of the Lakers' five starters failed to reach double figures.
Preview: Knicks (17-21) at 76ers (10-25)
Date: January 11, 2017 7:00 PM EDT
New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose, inexplicably absent from his team's home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, returned to the Knicks' practice facility on Tuesday.
Still to be determined is whether he will play Wednesday when the Knicks (17-21) face the Philadelphia 76ers (10-25) on the road.
Rose did not show up for the 110-96 loss to the Pelicans, and did not inform his teammates or Knicks officials that he would be absent. Multiple media outlets reported that team officials were unable to reach him by phone, and ESPN.com, citing unnamed sources, reported that Knicks representatives grew so concerned they went looking for him at his apartment.
The same outlet later reported that he went to Chicago to deal with a family situation, and that he returned for Tuesday's practice and met with general manager Steve Mills. The team announced he was fined and Rose met with reporters, saying "it was a family issue when quizzed about his absence.
Rose, a three-time All-Star and the 2011 NBA MVP while playing for the Chicago Bulls, was acquired in an offseason trade. He is averaging 17.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, but Yahoo Sports reported that Rose has grown increasingly frustrated with his role. First-year coach Jeff Hornacek has benched him in the fourth quarter of the last two games in favor of undrafted rookie Ron Baker.
Overall, the Knicks have lost eight of nine. Veteran forward Carmelo Anthony is once again the team's leading scorer (21.9), but he was ejected in the third quarter of Monday's game for arguing with referee Danny Crawford.
Reserve forward Kyle O'Quinn was ejected soon after that for a flagrant 2 foul on New Orleans star Anthony Davis, who collected 40 points and 18 rebounds in the game.
The Sixers have won three of four, most recently beating the Brooklyn Nets 106-95 on Sunday to match their victory total for all of last season. Rookie center Joel Embiid led the way with 20 points, and afterward said he has high hopes for the season.
"We are seven or eight games out of the playoffs, so we have a chance," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We are learning. We are coming together. We are learning how to play with each other. We are just great now."
Philadelphia is 13th in the East, and 7 1/2 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot, but Embiid has established himself as the clear frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. He leads all first-year players, as well as his team, in scoring (19.4), rebounding (7.3) and blocked shots (2.4), while averaging just 25 minutes a game.
The team is restricting him to 28 minutes a night after Embiid, the third pick in the 2014 draft, missed two seasons following a pair of foot surgeries.
Sixers coach Brett Brown has struggled to find minutes for Embiid and two other highly drafted centers, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, but the last two games Brown has elected not to use Okafor at all.
Philadelphia signed rookie guard Chasson Randle to a 10-day contract on Tuesday. Randle, a Stanford product, averaged 21 points a game in 19 appearances for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League. He began the season in the Czech Republic.
Date: January 11, 2017 7:00 PM EDT
New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose, inexplicably absent from his team's home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, returned to the Knicks' practice facility on Tuesday.
Still to be determined is whether he will play Wednesday when the Knicks (17-21) face the Philadelphia 76ers (10-25) on the road.
Rose did not show up for the 110-96 loss to the Pelicans, and did not inform his teammates or Knicks officials that he would be absent. Multiple media outlets reported that team officials were unable to reach him by phone, and ESPN.com, citing unnamed sources, reported that Knicks representatives grew so concerned they went looking for him at his apartment.
The same outlet later reported that he went to Chicago to deal with a family situation, and that he returned for Tuesday's practice and met with general manager Steve Mills. The team announced he was fined and Rose met with reporters, saying "it was a family issue when quizzed about his absence.
Rose, a three-time All-Star and the 2011 NBA MVP while playing for the Chicago Bulls, was acquired in an offseason trade. He is averaging 17.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, but Yahoo Sports reported that Rose has grown increasingly frustrated with his role. First-year coach Jeff Hornacek has benched him in the fourth quarter of the last two games in favor of undrafted rookie Ron Baker.
Overall, the Knicks have lost eight of nine. Veteran forward Carmelo Anthony is once again the team's leading scorer (21.9), but he was ejected in the third quarter of Monday's game for arguing with referee Danny Crawford.
Reserve forward Kyle O'Quinn was ejected soon after that for a flagrant 2 foul on New Orleans star Anthony Davis, who collected 40 points and 18 rebounds in the game.
The Sixers have won three of four, most recently beating the Brooklyn Nets 106-95 on Sunday to match their victory total for all of last season. Rookie center Joel Embiid led the way with 20 points, and afterward said he has high hopes for the season.
"We are seven or eight games out of the playoffs, so we have a chance," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We are learning. We are coming together. We are learning how to play with each other. We are just great now."
Philadelphia is 13th in the East, and 7 1/2 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot, but Embiid has established himself as the clear frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. He leads all first-year players, as well as his team, in scoring (19.4), rebounding (7.3) and blocked shots (2.4), while averaging just 25 minutes a game.
The team is restricting him to 28 minutes a night after Embiid, the third pick in the 2014 draft, missed two seasons following a pair of foot surgeries.
Sixers coach Brett Brown has struggled to find minutes for Embiid and two other highly drafted centers, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, but the last two games Brown has elected not to use Okafor at all.
Philadelphia signed rookie guard Chasson Randle to a 10-day contract on Tuesday. Randle, a Stanford product, averaged 21 points a game in 19 appearances for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League. He began the season in the Czech Republic.
Preview: Wizards (19-18) at Celtics (23-15)
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
BOSTON -- It was just last week that Isaiah Thomas made it clear he should have been selected as the Eastern Conference player of the month for December.
Washington's John Wall, whose numbers - even a 52-point game - matched Boston's Little Big Man, was given the honor.
On Wednesday night, the talented guards go head-to-head as both the Wizards and Celtics play the latter half of a back-to-back at TD Garden.
Tuesday night, Wall recorded the last two of his 26 points with 5.9 seconds left as the Wizards rallied from 18 points down against a short-handed Bulls team. Washington won its 10th straight home game and rose above the .500 mark (19-18) for the first time since it was 6-5 on Nov. 24, 2015.
"Just to be playing the way were playing and the December we had was big for us," Wall said. "The way we started was terrible. If we didn't have a good enough December, we probably wouldn't be in this position to be a .500 team or better.
Up north, Thomas scored 27 points - his 22nd straight 20-point game - but the Celtics gave up 68 points in the second half, blew a 16-point third quarter lead and lost to the Toronto Raptors.
For the second straight night, the Celtics will have to deal with a talented opposing backcourt, but it looks like they'll be able to do it with Avery Bradley back in the lineup after he missed two games with a slight Achilles strain.
Nov. 9 at Washington, the Wizards spurted to a 26-point first quarter lead and Otto Porter's career night of 34 points and 14 rebounds led the Wizards to an easy win. The Celtics played without the injured Al Horford and Jae Crowder that night.
Boston's four-game winning streak was snapped Tuesday night, as it missed a chance to inch past the Raptors into second place (via tiebreaker) in the East. The Celtics also saw their impressive streak of four games in a row with at least 17 3-pointers come to a halt by going just 9-for-27 from behind the arc - falling to 23-15.
"We didn't make plays. We didn't make shots at the offensive end," Thomas said. "On top of that we didn't get stops."
In Washington, Wall also had 14 assists and six rebounds, while fellow guard Bradley Beal and Markieff Morris scored 19 points apiece.
"He is a winner," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said of Wall. "That is the bottom line. We have a team full of winners and that really helps. We are not always perfect, but I like the guys' mentality."
"I thought he made the right play on shooting that (winner). If they were going to jump out at him, the pass was the right play. It's not who makes the last shot, it's who makes the right play."
DeMar DeRozan scored 41 points and led the Toronto charge that caught and passed the Celtics.
"I probably saw more encouraging signs of progress than negative," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.
As far as coming home to play so quickly, Boston's Al Horford said, "It's hard, but this is how the NBA work. ... We need to get back home, rest up and get ready."
Said Thomas: "This week is big for us. We've got to go one game at a time and take care of home. We've got Washington (Wednesday) and then we'll go into Atlanta (Friday, Horford's first time back) and try to get one. "
The Celtics are 5-3, winning five of their last six back ends of back-to-backs, while the Wizards are just 1-6.
Wall scored 19 points and was ejected from the first meeting between the teams when he was hit for a flagrant-2 for a hit on Marcus Smart.
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
BOSTON -- It was just last week that Isaiah Thomas made it clear he should have been selected as the Eastern Conference player of the month for December.
Washington's John Wall, whose numbers - even a 52-point game - matched Boston's Little Big Man, was given the honor.
On Wednesday night, the talented guards go head-to-head as both the Wizards and Celtics play the latter half of a back-to-back at TD Garden.
Tuesday night, Wall recorded the last two of his 26 points with 5.9 seconds left as the Wizards rallied from 18 points down against a short-handed Bulls team. Washington won its 10th straight home game and rose above the .500 mark (19-18) for the first time since it was 6-5 on Nov. 24, 2015.
"Just to be playing the way were playing and the December we had was big for us," Wall said. "The way we started was terrible. If we didn't have a good enough December, we probably wouldn't be in this position to be a .500 team or better.
Up north, Thomas scored 27 points - his 22nd straight 20-point game - but the Celtics gave up 68 points in the second half, blew a 16-point third quarter lead and lost to the Toronto Raptors.
For the second straight night, the Celtics will have to deal with a talented opposing backcourt, but it looks like they'll be able to do it with Avery Bradley back in the lineup after he missed two games with a slight Achilles strain.
Nov. 9 at Washington, the Wizards spurted to a 26-point first quarter lead and Otto Porter's career night of 34 points and 14 rebounds led the Wizards to an easy win. The Celtics played without the injured Al Horford and Jae Crowder that night.
Boston's four-game winning streak was snapped Tuesday night, as it missed a chance to inch past the Raptors into second place (via tiebreaker) in the East. The Celtics also saw their impressive streak of four games in a row with at least 17 3-pointers come to a halt by going just 9-for-27 from behind the arc - falling to 23-15.
"We didn't make plays. We didn't make shots at the offensive end," Thomas said. "On top of that we didn't get stops."
In Washington, Wall also had 14 assists and six rebounds, while fellow guard Bradley Beal and Markieff Morris scored 19 points apiece.
"He is a winner," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said of Wall. "That is the bottom line. We have a team full of winners and that really helps. We are not always perfect, but I like the guys' mentality."
"I thought he made the right play on shooting that (winner). If they were going to jump out at him, the pass was the right play. It's not who makes the last shot, it's who makes the right play."
DeMar DeRozan scored 41 points and led the Toronto charge that caught and passed the Celtics.
"I probably saw more encouraging signs of progress than negative," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.
As far as coming home to play so quickly, Boston's Al Horford said, "It's hard, but this is how the NBA work. ... We need to get back home, rest up and get ready."
Said Thomas: "This week is big for us. We've got to go one game at a time and take care of home. We've got Washington (Wednesday) and then we'll go into Atlanta (Friday, Horford's first time back) and try to get one. "
The Celtics are 5-3, winning five of their last six back ends of back-to-backs, while the Wizards are just 1-6.
Wall scored 19 points and was ejected from the first meeting between the teams when he was hit for a flagrant-2 for a hit on Marcus Smart.
Preview: Grizzlies (24-16) at Thunder (23-16)
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
OKLAHOMA CITY -- It seems like every team in the NBA that is a legitimate title contender has some sort of "Big Three" in their lineup. From Golden State to Cleveland, offenses revolve around the scoring of their trios or foursomes in some instances.
Yet, for most of this season, Oklahoma City has pretty much been a "Big One." In many cases, Russell Westbrook has been the first, second and last option for the Thunder.
But lately, Oklahoma City has been building the foundation for their own really "Big Three." Along with Westbrook, centers Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are becoming more consistent offensive weapons as the Thunder enter Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Against Chicago on Monday, the two centers combined for 42 points and 16 rebounds. They shot 20 of 25 from the field as the Thunder earned an easy 109-94 victory. In Oklahoma City's win over Denver, Kanter and Adams tallied 30 points and 12 boards.
Kanter and Adams' emergence has given Oklahoma City more options to run its offense through instead of always having Westbrook initiate the plays.
"It makes it easier for everybody," Thunder guard Andre Roberson said. "That's what we try to do all along or with Russ. Try to put two on the ball and find the open man. That's how the game is played. They do a good job of passing out of the double team and taking advantage of it."
Westbrook will still overwhelmingly dominate the action offensively for the Thunder. But now, he at least is gaining trust that he doesn't have to do it by himself.
"My hand is always on the game," Westbrook said. "I just pick my spots and see what's open and what's not."
When the Thunder (23-16) face the Grizzlies (24-16) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, they will be taking on a squad that may be one of the few teams in the league built to battle them. With Mike Conley at point guard and Marc Gasol at center and Zach Randolph coming off the bench, they have a similar "Big Three" makeup.
But that wasn't the case earlier in the year. With Randolph coming off the bench for the first time, he has had to get adjusted to his new role.
But recent success against Golden State and Utah may mean more playing time together for Randolph and Gasol.
"I think teams are happy with the way we're playing, taking pressure off of them honestly," Randolph told ESPN. "Some guys told me on that other teams: 'Shoot, we're happy y'all guys aren't playing together anymore. It gives us a break.' It's already been proven. We've done proved enough and showed it. I think that's not the question. It's just coach wanting to play different and do a different style."
When the Grizzlies beat the Thunder Dec. 29 in their only other matchup so far this season, there were some pretty upset players in the Oklahoma City locker room when it was over. It revolved around reserve guard Troy Daniels heaving up a couple of late 3-pointers in the final seconds the 114-80 contest. It's something Roberson has not forgotten.
"At the end of that game I felt we got disrespected in a way," Roberson said. "They were launching 3s at the end. I didn't take that too kindly. It leaves a taste in your mouth after the game to be honest with you. We remember that."
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
OKLAHOMA CITY -- It seems like every team in the NBA that is a legitimate title contender has some sort of "Big Three" in their lineup. From Golden State to Cleveland, offenses revolve around the scoring of their trios or foursomes in some instances.
Yet, for most of this season, Oklahoma City has pretty much been a "Big One." In many cases, Russell Westbrook has been the first, second and last option for the Thunder.
But lately, Oklahoma City has been building the foundation for their own really "Big Three." Along with Westbrook, centers Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are becoming more consistent offensive weapons as the Thunder enter Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Against Chicago on Monday, the two centers combined for 42 points and 16 rebounds. They shot 20 of 25 from the field as the Thunder earned an easy 109-94 victory. In Oklahoma City's win over Denver, Kanter and Adams tallied 30 points and 12 boards.
Kanter and Adams' emergence has given Oklahoma City more options to run its offense through instead of always having Westbrook initiate the plays.
"It makes it easier for everybody," Thunder guard Andre Roberson said. "That's what we try to do all along or with Russ. Try to put two on the ball and find the open man. That's how the game is played. They do a good job of passing out of the double team and taking advantage of it."
Westbrook will still overwhelmingly dominate the action offensively for the Thunder. But now, he at least is gaining trust that he doesn't have to do it by himself.
"My hand is always on the game," Westbrook said. "I just pick my spots and see what's open and what's not."
When the Thunder (23-16) face the Grizzlies (24-16) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, they will be taking on a squad that may be one of the few teams in the league built to battle them. With Mike Conley at point guard and Marc Gasol at center and Zach Randolph coming off the bench, they have a similar "Big Three" makeup.
But that wasn't the case earlier in the year. With Randolph coming off the bench for the first time, he has had to get adjusted to his new role.
But recent success against Golden State and Utah may mean more playing time together for Randolph and Gasol.
"I think teams are happy with the way we're playing, taking pressure off of them honestly," Randolph told ESPN. "Some guys told me on that other teams: 'Shoot, we're happy y'all guys aren't playing together anymore. It gives us a break.' It's already been proven. We've done proved enough and showed it. I think that's not the question. It's just coach wanting to play different and do a different style."
When the Grizzlies beat the Thunder Dec. 29 in their only other matchup so far this season, there were some pretty upset players in the Oklahoma City locker room when it was over. It revolved around reserve guard Troy Daniels heaving up a couple of late 3-pointers in the final seconds the 114-80 contest. It's something Roberson has not forgotten.
"At the end of that game I felt we got disrespected in a way," Roberson said. "They were launching 3s at the end. I didn't take that too kindly. It leaves a taste in your mouth after the game to be honest with you. We remember that."
Preview: Rockets (31-9) at Timberwolves (12-26)
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
MINNEAPOLIS -- In a season full of second-half collapses, perhaps not one sticks out more for the Minnesota Timberwolves than the 111-109 overtime home loss to the Houston Rockets in December.
Minnesota, which has 12 losses this season when leading by double-digits, led by 12 points with 2:19 left in the game. Then, Houston forwards Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza each hit two 3-pointers as the Rockets closed regulation on a 14-2 run.
James Harden scored 10 of his 28 points in overtime and Houston stayed near the top of the Western Conference while burying the Timberwolves further down the standings.
The two teams meet again in Minnesota on Wednesday.
The Rockets (31-9) are still riding high after beating the Charlotte Hornets 121-114 on Tuesday night in Houston. Harden scored 40 points with 15 rebounds and 10 assists to become just the third player since the 1985-86 season to record back-to-back games with a triple-double and 40 points, according to STATS, LLC.
"Most important thing is winning and it's been a total turnaround from last year to this year," Harden said after Tuesday's game. "Winning and good things will come, individual stats."
The Timberwolves (12-26) are still trying to find their way and keep from slipping in the second half of games. Minnesota saw a 21-point lead vanish at home against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday but never relinquished the lead and won 101-92 to snap a four-game losing streak.
The December game is still fresh in the minds of the Timberwolves.
"I mean, I've learned from that game," Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns told the team's website on Tuesday. "We've all learned. Just going to go there, go into tomorrow with a certain energy, a certain passion, a certain excitement and we have to go out there and execute. And again, everything goes back to our discipline. If we're disciplined for four straight quarters, not many teams in this league can beat us."
The Timberwolves seemingly had one of the top teams in the West on the ropes, before Houston finished strong.
The Rockets, as they did in December, head to Minnesota with a nine-game winning streak.
"I definitely didn't know we'd be here," Houston coach Mike D'Antoni said after Tuesday's win. "The first 20 games, we thought we could be 11-9 and we'd be happy. So, we're plus 19 on that one. I just like the way we're playing. I like their energy and I think the defense is getting better."
D'Antoni said guard Eric Gordon, who scored 20 points with six rebounds and four assists in the previous meeting, won't travel with the team to Minnesota. Gordon is dealing with a toe injury.
The Timberwolves could also be without one of their top scorers in guard Zach LaVine.
LaVine left Monday's game with a hip contusion and is listed as questionable. LaVine scored 24 points in the previous matchup with the Rockets and is 31st in the league in scoring at 20.4 points per game.
"It was a weird play that he got bumped on," coach Tom Thibodeau told the team's website after Tuesday's practice. "But he'll be OK."
Tyus Jones entered Monday when LaVine left the game and scored seven points in 11 minutes. The little-used, second-year guard could see more playing time if LaVine is out.
"You've got to take advantage of your opportunity," Jones said after Monday's game. "It's next guy up. Zach went down and there can't be a fall off. If Coach calls, you've got to be ready to go in and pick up where Zach left off. Just trying to make sure I can do anything to help the team pull out a 'W' tonight."
Date: January 11, 2017 8:00 PM EDT
MINNEAPOLIS -- In a season full of second-half collapses, perhaps not one sticks out more for the Minnesota Timberwolves than the 111-109 overtime home loss to the Houston Rockets in December.
Minnesota, which has 12 losses this season when leading by double-digits, led by 12 points with 2:19 left in the game. Then, Houston forwards Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza each hit two 3-pointers as the Rockets closed regulation on a 14-2 run.
James Harden scored 10 of his 28 points in overtime and Houston stayed near the top of the Western Conference while burying the Timberwolves further down the standings.
The two teams meet again in Minnesota on Wednesday.
The Rockets (31-9) are still riding high after beating the Charlotte Hornets 121-114 on Tuesday night in Houston. Harden scored 40 points with 15 rebounds and 10 assists to become just the third player since the 1985-86 season to record back-to-back games with a triple-double and 40 points, according to STATS, LLC.
"Most important thing is winning and it's been a total turnaround from last year to this year," Harden said after Tuesday's game. "Winning and good things will come, individual stats."
The Timberwolves (12-26) are still trying to find their way and keep from slipping in the second half of games. Minnesota saw a 21-point lead vanish at home against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday but never relinquished the lead and won 101-92 to snap a four-game losing streak.
The December game is still fresh in the minds of the Timberwolves.
"I mean, I've learned from that game," Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns told the team's website on Tuesday. "We've all learned. Just going to go there, go into tomorrow with a certain energy, a certain passion, a certain excitement and we have to go out there and execute. And again, everything goes back to our discipline. If we're disciplined for four straight quarters, not many teams in this league can beat us."
The Timberwolves seemingly had one of the top teams in the West on the ropes, before Houston finished strong.
The Rockets, as they did in December, head to Minnesota with a nine-game winning streak.
"I definitely didn't know we'd be here," Houston coach Mike D'Antoni said after Tuesday's win. "The first 20 games, we thought we could be 11-9 and we'd be happy. So, we're plus 19 on that one. I just like the way we're playing. I like their energy and I think the defense is getting better."
D'Antoni said guard Eric Gordon, who scored 20 points with six rebounds and four assists in the previous meeting, won't travel with the team to Minnesota. Gordon is dealing with a toe injury.
The Timberwolves could also be without one of their top scorers in guard Zach LaVine.
LaVine left Monday's game with a hip contusion and is listed as questionable. LaVine scored 24 points in the previous matchup with the Rockets and is 31st in the league in scoring at 20.4 points per game.
"It was a weird play that he got bumped on," coach Tom Thibodeau told the team's website after Tuesday's practice. "But he'll be OK."
Tyus Jones entered Monday when LaVine left the game and scored seven points in 11 minutes. The little-used, second-year guard could see more playing time if LaVine is out.
"You've got to take advantage of your opportunity," Jones said after Monday's game. "It's next guy up. Zach went down and there can't be a fall off. If Coach calls, you've got to be ready to go in and pick up where Zach left off. Just trying to make sure I can do anything to help the team pull out a 'W' tonight."
Preview: Cavaliers (28-9) at Trail Blazers (17-23)
Date: January 11, 2017 10:30 PM EDT
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers will be coming into Wednesday night's Moda Center matchup with different mindsets after opposite results on Tuesday.
The Trail Blazers outscored the Los Angeles Lakers 53-30 in the second half en route to a 108-87 victory Tuesday night at Staples Center.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, fell behind early and never recovered in a 100-92 loss to Utah at EnergySolutions Arena.
CJ McCollum topped the 20-point mark for the eighth straight game with a game-high 25 points for Portland (17-23), which beat the Lakers for the 10th consecutive time.
"I've been playing pretty efficiently over that stretch," McCollum said. "I'm being aggressive, trying to make the right moves to help my team win."
Damian Lillard scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half, most of them after a third-quarter altercation with the Lakers' D'Angelo Russell that earned technical fouls for both players. Lillard was 1 for 10 from the field in the first half and 6 for 11 after intermission.
"You should always let sleeping dogs lie," Portland forward Ed Davis said. "They woke him up. Bad move by them."
The Blazers, who held the Lakers to 12 points in the third quarter. It was a season-low for any quarter by the Lakers and a season low for any quarter by a Blazer opponent.
"We did a good job of defending without fouling and getting back into transition to eliminate their easy baskets," McCollum said. "That was the difference in the game."
McCollum said he is looking forward to the Cavaliers' annual visit to Portland.
"We're both come off back-to-backs," he said. "Cleveland is a very good team. We just have to take advantage of our home crowd and try to put on a show. It is going to be mind over matter."
The Cavaliers (28-9) are 2-1 to start their six-game road trip, but coach Tyron Lue is not pleased with how they're taking care of the ball. They had 20 turnovers in a Sunday win over Phoenix and 18 in the setback at Utah.
"If you turn the basketball over and you're taking bad shots ... if you don't play the right way, it can come back to bite you," Lue said.
The last time the Blazers and Cavaliers met up, Cleveland's Kevin Love had a career game in a 137-125 victory Nov. 23 at Quicken Loans Arena. The Portland native scored 40 points, sinking 8 of 12 from 3-point range. Love had 34 points in the first quarter -- three shy of Klay Thompson's NBA record for points in any quarter -- sinking 11 of 14 shots, including 8 of 10 from 3-point land. Love outscored the Blazers 34-31 during the Cavs' 46-point first quarter.
Kyle Korver made his debut in a Cleveland uniform Tuesday night at Utah without the benefit of a practice or shootaround. The veteran guard, acquired Monday in a trade with Atlanta, was 0 for 2 on 3-point attempts and scored two points on 1-for-5 shooting.
Said teammate LeBron James: "The first thing I told him was, 'If you want to fit in, shoot the ball every time you get it. Shoot it as soon as it touches your hands. Shoot it. We don't care.'"
James said five Cavs have the "ultra green light" to shoot: Korver, Love, J.R. Smith, Channing Frye and James Jones.
"Then we got a green light for Kyrie (Irving), and a flashing light for myself," James said.
Date: January 11, 2017 10:30 PM EDT
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers will be coming into Wednesday night's Moda Center matchup with different mindsets after opposite results on Tuesday.
The Trail Blazers outscored the Los Angeles Lakers 53-30 in the second half en route to a 108-87 victory Tuesday night at Staples Center.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, fell behind early and never recovered in a 100-92 loss to Utah at EnergySolutions Arena.
CJ McCollum topped the 20-point mark for the eighth straight game with a game-high 25 points for Portland (17-23), which beat the Lakers for the 10th consecutive time.
"I've been playing pretty efficiently over that stretch," McCollum said. "I'm being aggressive, trying to make the right moves to help my team win."
Damian Lillard scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half, most of them after a third-quarter altercation with the Lakers' D'Angelo Russell that earned technical fouls for both players. Lillard was 1 for 10 from the field in the first half and 6 for 11 after intermission.
"You should always let sleeping dogs lie," Portland forward Ed Davis said. "They woke him up. Bad move by them."
The Blazers, who held the Lakers to 12 points in the third quarter. It was a season-low for any quarter by the Lakers and a season low for any quarter by a Blazer opponent.
"We did a good job of defending without fouling and getting back into transition to eliminate their easy baskets," McCollum said. "That was the difference in the game."
McCollum said he is looking forward to the Cavaliers' annual visit to Portland.
"We're both come off back-to-backs," he said. "Cleveland is a very good team. We just have to take advantage of our home crowd and try to put on a show. It is going to be mind over matter."
The Cavaliers (28-9) are 2-1 to start their six-game road trip, but coach Tyron Lue is not pleased with how they're taking care of the ball. They had 20 turnovers in a Sunday win over Phoenix and 18 in the setback at Utah.
"If you turn the basketball over and you're taking bad shots ... if you don't play the right way, it can come back to bite you," Lue said.
The last time the Blazers and Cavaliers met up, Cleveland's Kevin Love had a career game in a 137-125 victory Nov. 23 at Quicken Loans Arena. The Portland native scored 40 points, sinking 8 of 12 from 3-point range. Love had 34 points in the first quarter -- three shy of Klay Thompson's NBA record for points in any quarter -- sinking 11 of 14 shots, including 8 of 10 from 3-point land. Love outscored the Blazers 34-31 during the Cavs' 46-point first quarter.
Kyle Korver made his debut in a Cleveland uniform Tuesday night at Utah without the benefit of a practice or shootaround. The veteran guard, acquired Monday in a trade with Atlanta, was 0 for 2 on 3-point attempts and scored two points on 1-for-5 shooting.
Said teammate LeBron James: "The first thing I told him was, 'If you want to fit in, shoot the ball every time you get it. Shoot it as soon as it touches your hands. Shoot it. We don't care.'"
James said five Cavs have the "ultra green light" to shoot: Korver, Love, J.R. Smith, Channing Frye and James Jones.
"Then we got a green light for Kyrie (Irving), and a flashing light for myself," James said.
Preview: Magic (16-23) at Clippers (26-14)
Date: January 11, 2017 10:30 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES -- With Chris Paul back in the lineup and a renewed attention to defense, the Los Angeles Clippers are playing well again.
The Clippers will attempt to extend their four-game winning streak when they play the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night at Staples Center.
Los Angeles (26-14) regrouped over the past four contests after dropping six in a row. The majority of those losses occurred without Paul, who was nursing a sore left hamstring, and Blake Griffin, who remains out after undergoing knee surgery last month.
However, Paul returned Friday in a 106-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings, hitting some clutch free throws to seal the win late, and was outstanding Sunday in a 98-86 win over the Miami Heat.
Although he isn't completely up to speed physically, Paul finished with 19 points, 18 assists and six rebounds in 29 minutes against the Heat. Clippers coach Doc Rivers was able to rest Paul for much of the fourth quarter since his club increased a 13-point halftime edge to more than 20 points in the final period.
"I think (Paul) is good, but we are (regulating his minutes) anyway," Rivers said. "Our whole thing (Sunday) was once we got a 20-point lead, Chris came out, and whenever Miami cut it, we put him back in. I knew we had two more days (off), so I figured we'd get him through this game, and it just gives us more time for him to get right."
The Clippers have experienced plenty of success recently against the Magic (16-23). Los Angeles has won six in a row over Orlando, with the average margin of victories more than 15 points. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-108 in their last meeting on Dec. 14 at Orlando.
The Magic, who lost 111-95 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, have had a few days in the City of Angels to work on their weaknesses. Losers of five of the past six, Orlando has been inconsistent on offense and lacking on defense.
Still, Magic coach Frank Vogel is perplexed by his team's performances.
"It's tough to figure out, and we just have to feel the game out better," Vogel said. "When we're too perimeter-oriented and the shots aren't falling from the perimeter, we've got to drive the basketball more and get it inside and not settle. This team doesn't pass the ball instinctually very well, and we preach it all the time.
"We show them the situations where they can improve, and they show flashes where they are making a real genuine effort and it looks good, but it leaves us for whatever reason."
The Orlando players are exasperated.
"Very frustrating," said forward Aaron Gordon, who managed just two points and missed all five of his field-goal attempts, including four 3-pointers, against the Lakers. "It's January, a new year. We don't expect to beat every team, but you are trying to make a push, trying to establish yourself with who you are in the league throughout the whole season, and (Sunday) we didn't show it at all."
Date: January 11, 2017 10:30 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES -- With Chris Paul back in the lineup and a renewed attention to defense, the Los Angeles Clippers are playing well again.
The Clippers will attempt to extend their four-game winning streak when they play the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night at Staples Center.
Los Angeles (26-14) regrouped over the past four contests after dropping six in a row. The majority of those losses occurred without Paul, who was nursing a sore left hamstring, and Blake Griffin, who remains out after undergoing knee surgery last month.
However, Paul returned Friday in a 106-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings, hitting some clutch free throws to seal the win late, and was outstanding Sunday in a 98-86 win over the Miami Heat.
Although he isn't completely up to speed physically, Paul finished with 19 points, 18 assists and six rebounds in 29 minutes against the Heat. Clippers coach Doc Rivers was able to rest Paul for much of the fourth quarter since his club increased a 13-point halftime edge to more than 20 points in the final period.
"I think (Paul) is good, but we are (regulating his minutes) anyway," Rivers said. "Our whole thing (Sunday) was once we got a 20-point lead, Chris came out, and whenever Miami cut it, we put him back in. I knew we had two more days (off), so I figured we'd get him through this game, and it just gives us more time for him to get right."
The Clippers have experienced plenty of success recently against the Magic (16-23). Los Angeles has won six in a row over Orlando, with the average margin of victories more than 15 points. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-108 in their last meeting on Dec. 14 at Orlando.
The Magic, who lost 111-95 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, have had a few days in the City of Angels to work on their weaknesses. Losers of five of the past six, Orlando has been inconsistent on offense and lacking on defense.
Still, Magic coach Frank Vogel is perplexed by his team's performances.
"It's tough to figure out, and we just have to feel the game out better," Vogel said. "When we're too perimeter-oriented and the shots aren't falling from the perimeter, we've got to drive the basketball more and get it inside and not settle. This team doesn't pass the ball instinctually very well, and we preach it all the time.
"We show them the situations where they can improve, and they show flashes where they are making a real genuine effort and it looks good, but it leaves us for whatever reason."
The Orlando players are exasperated.
"Very frustrating," said forward Aaron Gordon, who managed just two points and missed all five of his field-goal attempts, including four 3-pointers, against the Lakers. "It's January, a new year. We don't expect to beat every team, but you are trying to make a push, trying to establish yourself with who you are in the league throughout the whole season, and (Sunday) we didn't show it at all."
Free NBA Picks: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews
You have to love youth. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, the clear leader for NBA Rookie of the Year and a likely future multiple-time All-Star, said after Sunday's win at Brooklyn with a straight face that he thought the 76ers could make the playoffs. Let's not put the cart before the horse, big man. It's nice that the 76ers already have 10 wins, matching last season's total. This team has some really intriguing young pieces, and I can't wait to see Philadelphia whenever Ben Simmons is able to debut this season. But to quote former NFL coach Jim Mora: Playoffs? Playoffs!!?? "It's an amazing thing to really have this mindset of potential playoffs in just a matter of a year," said fellow big man Nerlens Noel, who has lobbied Philadelphia's front office for a trade all year. "Guys are really looking forward to it. Presuming everything stays on the right road with health and the direction we're going now, we're playing good basketball, that's definitely a possibility." Maybe next year. I would now rather have Philadelphia's future, however, than some mediocre team caught in the middle like a Chicago.
Knicks at 76ers (TBA)
New York is officially imploding. It lost for the eighth time in nine games Monday, 110-96 to New Orleans. Both Carmelo Anthony and Kyle O'Quinn were ejected and Derrick Rose simply went AWOL and didn't show up for the game. I don't know anything more about this as of this writing but will certainly delve deeper into it later in the week. Rose is apparently fine but attended to a family matter back in Chicago. One problem: He never told the team. Reports are that he's pouting for being benched the past few fourth quarters by Jeff Hornacek. Must be rough being a millionaire multiple times over and being paid to play basketball. Philadelphia won in Brooklyn on Sunday, 105-95. Embiid had 20 points. The Nets led by 11 at halftime, but the Sixers scored the first 13 points of the third quarter. Point guard Sergio Rodriguez returned after a three-game absence with a sprained left ankle but he came off the bench. This is the first meeting of the season between New York and Philadelphia. The Knicks have taken the past five in the series.
Key trends: The favorite is 6-1 against the spread in the past seven meetings. The "over/under" is 4-1 in the past five.
Early lean: Wait on Rose.
Grizzlies at Thunder (-6, 207)
First of an ESPN doubleheader. Memphis beat Utah 88-79 on Sunday for a second straight win. Mike Conley had 19 points and Marc Gasol 17. Memphis had nine 3-pointers, snapping a string of five straight games where it recorded at least 10 outside the arc. The Grizzlies have totally reinvented themselves offensively. Oklahoma City won its second in a row Monday, 109-94 in Chicago. Russell Westbrook was a rebound shy of a triple-double, and the Thunder caught a break that Bulls star Jimmy Butler was really sick and had just one point. He probably should have simply sat out. Memphis won the first meeting vs. OKC 114-80 on Dec. 29. Westbrook was tossed for two technicals in the third quarter, but it was already a 16-point lead for the Grizzlies.
Key trends: The home team is 8-1 ATS in the past nine meetings. The over is 6-0 in the Grizzlies' past six on the road.
Early lean: Thunder and over.
Rockets at Timberwolves (TBA)
Houston hosted Charlotte on Tuesday with Eric Gordon questionable. Minnesota ended a four-game losing streak with a 101-92 home victory over Dallas on Monday. Karl-Anthony Towns had 34 points and 11 rebounds, and Ricky Rubio added 13 points and a season-high 15 assists. The Wolves shot 56.3 percent. Zach LaVine left early in the fourth with a bruised left hip and did not return, so he might sit this one out. The Rockets have beaten Minnesota in 12 of the past 13 overall, including eight in a row since the Wolves' 112-110 home victory on April 11, 2014.
Key trends: The road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 9-1 in the previous 10.
Early lean: Wait on Gordon and LaVine.
Wizards at Celtics (TBA)
Washington hosted Chicago on Tuesday, while Boston was in Toronto with Avery Bradley missing a second straight game due to a strained Achilles' tendon. Thus I doubt he plays here. Washington won the first meeting vs. Boston 118-93 on Nov. 9 in D.C. It was 34-8 after one quarter and already over. Otto Porter had 34 points and 14 rebounds for the Wiz. Boston has won the past three in the series at home.
Key trends: The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 5-2 in the past seven in Boston.
Early lean: Wizards might sit Bradley Beal in second of back-to-back so wait on that.
Magic at Clippers ( -9, 208)
Orlando lost its third straight Sunday, 111-95 at the Lakers. The Magic trailed by two at the break but missed their first 10 shots in the second half to fall into a big hole. Orlando finished with just nine third-quarter points. Los Angeles won its fourth consecutive Sunday, 98-86 over Miami. J.J. Redick had 25 points and Chris Paul 19 points and 18 assists. Austin Rivers sat out with the flu. Los Angeles won its sixth straight in this series on Dec. 14 in Florida, 113-108. Rivers had 25 points in his hometown. Aaron Gordon had 33 points for the Magic.
Key trends: The Magic are 1-4-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 6-2 in the past eight.
Early lean: Clippers and under.
Cavaliers at Trail Blazers (TBA)
Second ESPN game. Cleveland was in Utah and Portland was at the LA Lakers on Tuesday. Thus I have a feeling a key Cavalier or two -- i.e. LeBron James or Kyrie Irving -- might take a seat here as it's the team's third game in four nights. Portland generally plays everyone in both ends of a back-to-back if healthy. The Cavaliers beat the visiting Trail Blazers in one of the highest-scoring games of the season, 137-125 on Nov. 23. Kevin Love had an NBA-record 34 first-quarter points and finished with 40. LeBron had a triple-double and Damian Lillard had 40 points for the Blazers.
Key trends: The Cavs are 1-5 ATS in their past six in Portland. The over is 4-1 in Portland's past five vs. the East.
Early lean: Wait on the key Cavs.
by Alan Matthews
You have to love youth. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, the clear leader for NBA Rookie of the Year and a likely future multiple-time All-Star, said after Sunday's win at Brooklyn with a straight face that he thought the 76ers could make the playoffs. Let's not put the cart before the horse, big man. It's nice that the 76ers already have 10 wins, matching last season's total. This team has some really intriguing young pieces, and I can't wait to see Philadelphia whenever Ben Simmons is able to debut this season. But to quote former NFL coach Jim Mora: Playoffs? Playoffs!!?? "It's an amazing thing to really have this mindset of potential playoffs in just a matter of a year," said fellow big man Nerlens Noel, who has lobbied Philadelphia's front office for a trade all year. "Guys are really looking forward to it. Presuming everything stays on the right road with health and the direction we're going now, we're playing good basketball, that's definitely a possibility." Maybe next year. I would now rather have Philadelphia's future, however, than some mediocre team caught in the middle like a Chicago.
Knicks at 76ers (TBA)
New York is officially imploding. It lost for the eighth time in nine games Monday, 110-96 to New Orleans. Both Carmelo Anthony and Kyle O'Quinn were ejected and Derrick Rose simply went AWOL and didn't show up for the game. I don't know anything more about this as of this writing but will certainly delve deeper into it later in the week. Rose is apparently fine but attended to a family matter back in Chicago. One problem: He never told the team. Reports are that he's pouting for being benched the past few fourth quarters by Jeff Hornacek. Must be rough being a millionaire multiple times over and being paid to play basketball. Philadelphia won in Brooklyn on Sunday, 105-95. Embiid had 20 points. The Nets led by 11 at halftime, but the Sixers scored the first 13 points of the third quarter. Point guard Sergio Rodriguez returned after a three-game absence with a sprained left ankle but he came off the bench. This is the first meeting of the season between New York and Philadelphia. The Knicks have taken the past five in the series.
Key trends: The favorite is 6-1 against the spread in the past seven meetings. The "over/under" is 4-1 in the past five.
Early lean: Wait on Rose.
Grizzlies at Thunder (-6, 207)
First of an ESPN doubleheader. Memphis beat Utah 88-79 on Sunday for a second straight win. Mike Conley had 19 points and Marc Gasol 17. Memphis had nine 3-pointers, snapping a string of five straight games where it recorded at least 10 outside the arc. The Grizzlies have totally reinvented themselves offensively. Oklahoma City won its second in a row Monday, 109-94 in Chicago. Russell Westbrook was a rebound shy of a triple-double, and the Thunder caught a break that Bulls star Jimmy Butler was really sick and had just one point. He probably should have simply sat out. Memphis won the first meeting vs. OKC 114-80 on Dec. 29. Westbrook was tossed for two technicals in the third quarter, but it was already a 16-point lead for the Grizzlies.
Key trends: The home team is 8-1 ATS in the past nine meetings. The over is 6-0 in the Grizzlies' past six on the road.
Early lean: Thunder and over.
Rockets at Timberwolves (TBA)
Houston hosted Charlotte on Tuesday with Eric Gordon questionable. Minnesota ended a four-game losing streak with a 101-92 home victory over Dallas on Monday. Karl-Anthony Towns had 34 points and 11 rebounds, and Ricky Rubio added 13 points and a season-high 15 assists. The Wolves shot 56.3 percent. Zach LaVine left early in the fourth with a bruised left hip and did not return, so he might sit this one out. The Rockets have beaten Minnesota in 12 of the past 13 overall, including eight in a row since the Wolves' 112-110 home victory on April 11, 2014.
Key trends: The road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 9-1 in the previous 10.
Early lean: Wait on Gordon and LaVine.
Wizards at Celtics (TBA)
Washington hosted Chicago on Tuesday, while Boston was in Toronto with Avery Bradley missing a second straight game due to a strained Achilles' tendon. Thus I doubt he plays here. Washington won the first meeting vs. Boston 118-93 on Nov. 9 in D.C. It was 34-8 after one quarter and already over. Otto Porter had 34 points and 14 rebounds for the Wiz. Boston has won the past three in the series at home.
Key trends: The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 5-2 in the past seven in Boston.
Early lean: Wizards might sit Bradley Beal in second of back-to-back so wait on that.
Magic at Clippers ( -9, 208)
Orlando lost its third straight Sunday, 111-95 at the Lakers. The Magic trailed by two at the break but missed their first 10 shots in the second half to fall into a big hole. Orlando finished with just nine third-quarter points. Los Angeles won its fourth consecutive Sunday, 98-86 over Miami. J.J. Redick had 25 points and Chris Paul 19 points and 18 assists. Austin Rivers sat out with the flu. Los Angeles won its sixth straight in this series on Dec. 14 in Florida, 113-108. Rivers had 25 points in his hometown. Aaron Gordon had 33 points for the Magic.
Key trends: The Magic are 1-4-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 6-2 in the past eight.
Early lean: Clippers and under.
Cavaliers at Trail Blazers (TBA)
Second ESPN game. Cleveland was in Utah and Portland was at the LA Lakers on Tuesday. Thus I have a feeling a key Cavalier or two -- i.e. LeBron James or Kyrie Irving -- might take a seat here as it's the team's third game in four nights. Portland generally plays everyone in both ends of a back-to-back if healthy. The Cavaliers beat the visiting Trail Blazers in one of the highest-scoring games of the season, 137-125 on Nov. 23. Kevin Love had an NBA-record 34 first-quarter points and finished with 40. LeBron had a triple-double and Damian Lillard had 40 points for the Blazers.
Key trends: The Cavs are 1-5 ATS in their past six in Portland. The over is 4-1 in Portland's past five vs. the East.
Early lean: Wait on the key Cavs.
