Monday 12/19/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Spanish La Liga TODAY 19:45

Ath Bilbao

v

Celta Vigo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS2		5/6	13/5	10/3	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ATH BILBAO	RECENT FORM
H WA LA WH WA DA L​ Most recent​	2 - 1 0 - 2 1 - 1 4 - 0	H DH WA WA DA WH L​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Athletic Bilbao have lost just one of their last eight meetings between the sides

EXPERT VERDICT: Athletic Bilbao take pride in their form at the San Mames Stadium and The Lions - who have found only Barcelona too strong at home this term - will welcome the visit of Celta Vigo. Ernesto Valverde’s men have clinched 16 of their 23 points in Bilbao this season, while Celta are winless in four away matches and arrive on the back of a 3-0 battering at home to Seville.

RECOMMENDATION: Athletic Bilbao
2

Premier League TODAY 20:00

Everton

v

Liverpool

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		10/3	27/10	10/11	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT EVERTON	RECENT FORM
A LH DA LH DA LH W​ Most recent​	1 - 1 0 - 0 3 - 3 2 - 2	A DH WH WA LH DA W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: The last four league meetings at Goodison Park have finished in draws

EXPERT VERDICT: This Merseyside derby could end in a draw, just like six of the last eight matches between Everton and Liverpool. The Reds are in better shape but must do without Philippe Coutinho, while Everton's inconsistent campaign saw them beat Arsenal on Tuesday to maintain their unbeaten Goodison Park record in the Premier League this season.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Mike Dean STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Jackets win 9th straight
By The Sports Xchange

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Seth Jones scored 46 seconds into overtime as the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 Sunday, giving head coach John Tortorella his 500th NHL victory.
The Blue Jackets also extend the NHL's longest active win streak to nine games.
Brandon Saad scored twice for the Blue Jackets. Atkinson, on the power play, also scored for Columbus.
Jannik Hansen, Brandon Sutter, on the power play, and Daniel Sedin scored for the Canucks.
Tortorella, who has coached the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers and for one season in Vancouver, becomes the sixth active coach and 24th all-time to win 500 games.

Bruins 1, Kings 0
BOSTON -- Tuukka Rask turned aside 18 shots for his fourth shutout of the season and Jimmy Hayes scored just his second goal since February, leading Boston over Los Angeles.
Rask, improving his season record to 16-5-3, was not severely tested in his 34th career shutout. Hayes' second goal of the season came on a deflection of a shot by defenseman Colin Miller. It was also Hayes' second point of the season.
The Kings were blanked for the fourth time this season, the first time since Nov. 1, when they suffered their third straight shutout in a loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Jets 4, Avalanche 1
WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Winnipeg got two goals from Nikolaj Ehlers to earn a victory over Colorado at the MTS Center.
Rookie Patrik Laine scored his 18th of the season for the Jets, good for third in the league, on an odd-man break and captain Blake Wheeler converted the winning goal as the Jets won their second straight.
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 27 shots for the win, but Avalanche veteran Jarome Iginla spoiled his shut-out bid with a power-play goal with 2:01 to go in the game. It was his fourth of the season.

Rangers 3. Devils 2 (SO)
NEW YORK, NY -- The New York won its third straight game, and second in as many nights in the shootout, edging New Jersey at Madison Square Garden.
Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes scored for the Rangers and Michael Cammalleri scored for the Devils in the tie-breaking skills competition.
Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan scored for the Rangers in regulation while P.A. Parenteau and Miles Wood scored for the Devils.

Blackhawks 4, Sharks 1
CHICAGO -- Vincent Hinostroza and Ryan Hartman each notched a goal and an assist, and Chicago pulled away for a win over San Jose.
Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane also scored for the Blackhawks, who extended their winning streak to five games while earning at least one point for the seventh straight contest.
Joe Pavelski scored the Sharks' lone goal. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for San Jose.

Senators 6, Islanders 2
NEW YORK -- Mark Stone scored the tie-breaking goal late in the second period as Ottawa earned its second win in 24 hours by beating New York at Barclays Center.
Zack Smith scored two goals for the Senators, while Bobby Ryan, Derick Brassard and Tom Pyatt also scored Ottawa, which beat the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night.
Anders Lee and Anthony Beauvillier scored in the second period for the free-falling Islanders, who have lost five straight to fall into the Eastern Conference basement.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Predators (13-12) at Flyers (19-11)

Date: December 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- With his team's 10-game win streak in the rearview mirror following Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Stars in Dallas, Philadelphia Flyers general manager Ron Hextall is anxious to see how his team responds on Monday night when the Nashville Predators come to town.

"I think we've got a lot of work to do," Hextall told the South Jersey Courier-Post. "I'm really interested to see (Monday) because typically when you come off of one of these (streaks) you really want to respond the right way. Every game's important, but this is an important game, not necessarily win or loss, but in terms of how we play, the effort, the focus that's there. Human nature is that we're a little disappointed and we come back and maybe there's a letdown."

The Flyers' 10-game win streak was the third-longest in franchise history, but thanks to strong runs by the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, the Flyers (19-11-3) hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

"We knew we weren't going to win out the rest of the year," said goaltender Steve Mason, whose career-best, eight-game win streak was snapped on Saturday. "Different guys stepped up at key opportunities. It's something I think, if the going gets tough later on, not just individually, but as a team, something we can draw upon. This team has the capabilities to warrant a stretch like this and we'll start a new one on Monday."

Former Flyers coach Peter Laviolette and the Predators will have something to say about that. Considered one of the top teams in the Western Conference before the start of the season, the Preds (13-12-5) are three points out of a playoff spot.

After going 9-3-2 in November, Nashville is 2-4-2 in December and is just 3-9-2 on the road this season with a minus-20 goal differential.

"We have to find ways to win and get rolling and move up in the standings," said Predators center Mike Fisher, who scored Nashville's lone goal in a 2-1 home shootout loss to the Rangers on Saturday. "We know we can be better. We have to be better. We have to get back to the way we were playing a few weeks ago and start getting some wins.

"We're a confident group. We have the guys in here to do it. We're going to pick it up and just keep improving and getting better."

The Predators are the only team in the NHL without a win in overtime or by shootout (0-5) and are 0-for-7 in shootout attempts this season. Since 3-on-3 overtimes were introduced last season the Predators are 2-12 in games ended in OT.

"We've got to be better," Laviolette said.

"Overtime and shootouts just haven't been our friend for whatever reason," Fisher said. "It's frustrating."

The Predators are hoping defenseman P.K. Subban, who sat out Saturday's loss with an upper body injury, returns against the Flyers. He was scheduled to join the Predators on their two-game road trip, which continues Tuesday night in New Jersey.

Look for goaltender Pekka Rinne, who was rested on Saturday, to get the call against Philadelphia and Mason to start in goal for the Flyers.

Flyers backup goalie Michal Neuvirth, sidelined since Nov, 12 with a knee injury, is skating again but is not likely to return to action until after Christmas.

Center Sean Couturier (knee) and defenseman Mark Streit (shoulder) are also skating but are doubtful for Monday.

Philadelphia ranks third in the NHL on the power play (23.3 percent) but has gone three straight games without a power-play goal. The Preds ranks 19th on the penalty kill (80.4 percent).

Nashville allowed three or more goals in nine straight games before yielding just one in regulation on Saturday. Fisher has four goals in the last three games and nine for the year.

The Flyers also rank fourth in the NHL with 3.12 goals per game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Wings (14-14) at Hurricanes (13-11)

Date: December 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Detroit Red Wings are counting on a bringing a dose of confidence on the road with them.

If the result of one game is a sign of a turnaround, then they'll be glad to have new-found momentum as they meet the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night.

The Hurricanes are a hot team at home and they want to keep that in place especially as they showcase what appears to be a deeper and more versatile lineup.

But it's the Red Wings who have been out of sorts in recent weeks so they're hoping that Saturday night's 6-4 home victory against Anaheim is something to feed off.

"It has been a tough stretch here," center Frans Nielsen said. "It was good to see, good to get some confidence. We go on the road now, but it's a different feeling in the room."

Heading to Carolina could be a daunting assignment if the Red Wings are at all fragile. The Hurricanes have a nine-game home points streak (8-0-1) and have one more point overall than Detroit despite having played one less game.

Part of the success for Carolina has come with improvement on offense even if at times the goal-scoring itself has been problematic.

"We're generating way more quality chances than we were earlier in the year," Hurricanes coach Bill Peters said. "We're generating them, now we have to finish them."

The outcome against Anaheim snapped the Red Wings' four-game losing streak Saturday. The next three games are on the road for Detroit.

"Now you've got to build on it Monday," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. "You have to come out with the same compete level. For us to be a great hockey team, we have to have ultra, ultra, ultra compete."

If the Red Wings have looked vulnerable during their December struggles, it's another reason teams will want to pounce on them.

"It's a game of confidence," Nielsen said. "Every team you play is trying to outwork you and you have to be ready every night."

Blashill said the Red Wings made enough happen to land on the right side of some fortunate situations in their most-recent game.

"Part of that luck was shooting the puck," he said. "When you shoot the puck, (you can) make something out of nothing."

The Hurricanes haven't been invincible, but they've made headway with success on home ice during the past month.

Peters said the ability to roll with four lines has been an asset, particularly with a busy stretch of the schedule. Monday night's game will be the third in four nights for Carolina.

"I think it's beneficial when you can (use four lines)," Peters said. "Those guys are important guys. Now all of a sudden you're using those guys."

The lineup for the Hurricanes is mostly in place after injuries interfered with some groupings. That means more options for Peters, but something that he said works out for the best.

"Everybody's roles have shifted and changed a little bit now that everybody is healthy," he said. "... How you adjust and accept those roles are important on a team. It's not an individual sport."

The status of Detroit defenseman Mike Green seems uncertain considering he departed late in Saturday night's game with an undisclosed ailment.

The Hurricanes made a roster move Sunday by recalling defenseman Klas Dahlbeck, who had been with Charlotte of the American Hockey League.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Ducks (16-11) at Maple Leafs (12-11)

Date: December 19, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

TORONTO -- Randy Carlyle returns to the Air Canada Centre on Monday night to lead the Anaheim Ducks against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team he coached for 188 games over four seasons.

The Ducks need a win after losing 6-4 to the Detroit Red Wings Saturday to drop to 1-2 -- with 15 goals allowed -- halfway through a six-game road trip.

"I'd be a fool to say it wouldn't mean something special," Carlyle said of the possibility of winning against the Maple Leafs on their home ice.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are coming off the high of defeating the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 on Saturday on an overtime goal by Jake Gardiner.

"We played about as good as we could (Saturday), but it also shows we can play with everybody." Gardiner said. "When the Pittsburgh Penguins come in here, it's not like we're nervous or anything. We expect to win and that's every single night. Whatever team it is, we expect to win."

Carlyle, who was 91-78-19 with the Leafs before being replaced 40 games into the 2014-2015 season, also brings with him goaltender Jonathan Bernier, who played three season with Toronto through last season.

This is Carlyle's second stint with the Ducks, having led them from 2005-2011, winning a Stanley Cup championship in 2007.

The Ducks (16-11-5) had a team meeting Sunday and an optional practice. No doubt, defense was the main topic.

"You can't give up six goals and win in this league, or in any league," Carlyle said after Saturday's game. "We scored enough to win, but you can't give up more than two if you want to consistently win games."

The Ducks led 3-1 in the second period against the Red Wings.

After allowing four goals on 21 shots in the first two periods, Bernier was replaced by John Gibson in the third.

"I can't really say much," Bernier said. "I think (Carlyle) wanted to obviously turn things around. Kind of spark the team. Obviously, you want to stay in there and battle all night. But he tried something where he tried to get the guys going and get momentum on our side."

Said Rickard Rakell, who scored two goals on Saturday: "We have to be better, stronger, around our own net, and better slowing down teams in the neutral zone."

The Maple Leafs (12-11-7) wrap up a five-game homestand Monday. They are 1-1-2 during the stand, with two of the losses coming in shootouts and the win in overtime.

The win Saturday was only their second in eight games.

"Obviously, we've been in a lot of games leading in the third," said Mitch Marner, who had two assists against the Penguins. "To pull this one out against a good team is pretty important for us. Now we've got to make sure we're ready for the next one. I think (the win means) a lot."

The Maple Leafs had 49 shots on the Penguins' goal on Saturday and have had 40 or more shots in two games in a row for the first time this season. They have had 40 or more shots in three of their past five games.

Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock likes to look at five-game segments with six points the goal for each segment.

The win on Saturday allowed the Leafs to reach that goal for only the second time this season with two wins and a point each for the two shootout losses. They were 2-1-2 during the segment.

"Obviously, it's a good win," Babcock said. "We got six points in the segment, that's what we're trying to do. Even though we suffered some shootout losses we were still able to get our six points."

Babcock explained why he uses five-game segments as his measuring stick.

"When the wheels are off and the standings don't look as good as they should, it gives you a focus," he said. "When the standings look too good, it still gives you a focus. It works both ways. It works when you're on the wrong side of things and it works when you're on the right side of things."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oilers (16-12) at Blues (17-11)

Date: December 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- The top two scorers in the NHL will be on the ice on Monday night when the Edmonton Oilers visit the St. Louis Blues.

Connor McDavid leads the league with 39 points so far this season while the Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko ranks second in the league with 37 points.

McDavid did not officially add to his point total on Saturday night, even though he scored the shootout goal which gave the Oilers a 3-2 victory at home over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tarasenko also was kept off the scoresheet on Saturday night for the first time in six games as the Blues could not hold four one-goal leads and lost 6-4 to the Chicago Blackhawks, only their second loss in regulation at home in 18 games this season. The Blues had earned at least one point in 14 consecutive home games, going 11-0-3.

McDavid has 12 goals and 27 assists but is in the midst of a scoring lull. He has not had a goal in his last four games and has just one assist over that span. Tarasenko has 15 goals and 22 assists this season. Prior to Saturday night, he had picked up 10 points in his previous five games on two goals and eight assists.

Scoring goals was not the problem for the Blues against the Blackhawks. It was their inability to keep Chicago players away from the front of the net, which put them in position for three of their goals.

It is a problem they will need to fix if they want to rebound against McDavid and the Oilers.

"Our execution 5-on-5 is good enough to beat certain teams, but if we want to play with the top dogs, we're going to have to execute at a higher level," said Blues coach Ken Hitchcock. "Our determination on our 1-on-1's is going to have to increase dramatically if we want to play with the big dogs."

What has helped the Oilers lately has been the play of center Leon Draisaitl, who had a goal and an assist on Saturday night and has 14 goals, two more than McDavid, this season.

"He's so important to our team right now," said coach Todd McLellan. "We still have some key people who are struggling to get on the scoreboard and Leon has been, maybe even more so that Connor, the guy who has been able to step up and fill that void of late. He's become an essential part of this team in a really short period."

The Blues will start backup Carter Hutton in goal, ending a streak of seven consecutive starts for Jake Allen. Hutton's last start came on Dec. 3. He will be looking for his first win since Nov. 5.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Flames (16-15) at Coyotes (11-15)

Date: December 19, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Calgary Flames coach Glen Gulutzan understands that Friday's loss to Columbus is something a lot of Blue Jackets opponents have endured this season.

"It's obvious that they're not doing it just to us," Gulutzan told the Calgary Herald of a team on an eight-game winning streak that started shortly after a 2-0 loss to the Flames. "They're doing it to a lot of teams in the National Hockey League, but we should have been prepared to elevate our game and we weren't."

Gulutzan hopes the Flames can rectify that problem when they face the Arizona Coyotes on Monday at Gila River Arena. Calgary (16-15-2) worked hard to get back into Pacific Division contention after a 5-10-1 start this season. They'd like to stay in contention.

"It's time to stop it where it is," Flames captain Mark Giordano said of a two-game losing streak that followed a six-game winning streak. "The last two games haven't been near good enough. We've been hurting ourselves with some big mistakes.

"We might have been getting away with a few things here and there when you're on a winning streak, but then you lose a few games and goals go in your net, you notice those more."

The Flames are healthy other than defenseman Ladislav Smid, who is out for the season while rehabbing a neck injury. But there is mild concern that goalie Chad Johnson has allowed four goals in back-to-back starts (he was pulled in one) after carrying the team in its climb back above .500.

The Flames are expected to back to Brian Elliott, whom they signed this summer as a free agent to become their No. 1 goalie.

Goaltending hasn't been an issue in Arizona, where Mike Smith ranks 10th in the NHL in save percentage (.930) despite playing behind a team that allows a league-high 35.6 shots per game.

Arizona is coming off a four-game road trip on which it went 2-2 but suffered lopsided losses to Pittsburgh (7-0) and Minnesota (4-1). The latter ended the team's two-game winning streak and stymied a third attempt at the team's first three-game winning streak this season.

"Guys are trying, and we want to win in every game we're involved in," said Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy, who returned to the lineup on Saturday at Minnesota after a three-game absence with an upper-body injury. "Sometimes it's hard to get going so that we can keep pushing and not let things pile up on us."

The Coyotes' minus-7.3 shot differential is the worst in the league, but coach Dave Tippett wasn't as concerned with that stat as he was with his team's inability to win individual battles in previous games.

"There's a lot of situations where we got beat one-on-one, and we didn't beat anybody one-on-one," Tippett said. "That's, a lot of times, what the game comes down to."

Smith is likely to start again in goal for the Coyotes, who did not practice on Sunday. Arizona returned home without any significant injuries.

Left winger Max Domi (hand surgery) and center Brad Richardson (broken tibia and fibula) are the only players unavailable. Both are out indefinitely.

This is the third of five matchups between Calgary and Arizona this season. The Flames won the first two meetings in overtime by 2-1 scores.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grand Salami - December

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
12/1 12 64.5 70 OVER
12/2 2 10 8 UNDER
12/3 12 63 58 UNDER
12/4 7 36 40 OVER
12/5 4 21 30 OVER
12/6 9 49.5 49 UNDER
12/7 4 20.5 29 OVER
12/8 10 54.5 58 OVER
12/9 6 30.5 26 UNDER
12/10 10 53 68 OVER
12/11 8 42 32 UNDER
12/12 2 10.5 10 UNDER
12/13 10 54.5 69 OVER
12/14 4 21.5 30 OVER
12/15 8 42.5 49 OVER
12/16 7 37 34 UNDER
12/17 10 52 50 UNDER
12/18 6 31 31 PUSH
12/19 5 - - -
12/20 12 - - -
12/21 2 - - -
12/22 10 - - -
12/23 12 - - -
12/24 No games scheduled - - -
12/25 No games scheduled - - -
12/26 No games scheduled - - -
12/27 10 - - -
12/28 5 - - -
12/29 12 - - -
12/30 4 - - -
12/31 11 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Monday’s games

Flyers won their last four games with Nashville; Predators lost four of last five games in this building. Over is 2-0-1 in last three series games. Nashville lost six of last eight games, three of last four on road; over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Philadelphia won ten of its last 11 games; winning last five at home. Over is 4-2-1 in Flyers’ last seven games.

Detroit won seven of last ten games with Carolina; three of last four series games went over the total. Red Wings won their last four visits to Raleigh. Detroit is off a 1-4 homestand* but they did win last two road games; over is 4-2-2 in their last eight games. Hurricanes is 4-3 in its last seven games, but 0-3 in game following last three wins- they won three of last four at home. Over is 3-1 in Carolina’s last four games.

Toronto won eight of its last nine games with Anaheim; Ducks were outscored 21-11 in losing last four games in this building. Over is 6-3 in last nine series games. Anaheim won four of last six games but lost four of last five road games; over is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. Maple Leafs lost six of last eight games, four of last five at home. Last eight Toronto games stayed under the total.

Edmonton won last two games with St Louis after losing previous eight to the Blues; Oilers were outscored 17-8 in losing last four visits here. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Edmonton lost five of last seven games overall, three in row on road. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. St Louis lost three of last four games; they’re 4-2 in last six home games. Blues’ last three home games went over total.

Calgary won its last three games with Arizona with last two wins in OT; Flames won three of last five trips to desert. Eight of last nine series games stayed under. Calgary lost last two games 6-3/4-1 after winning six in row before that- they won last two road games. Flames’ last three road games stayed under. Coyotes lost three of last four home games, are 3-7 in last 10 games overall. Under is 7-1-1 in their last nine games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'NBA- Off one point exact loss'

After coming up one point short in an NBA regular season contest one would assume teams should have a chip on their shoulder and come out looking to make a statement next time they hit the court.

In testing the theory, surprisingly teams do not always have the ability to bounce back after the aggravating event. In fact, since 2012 teams are just 85-110 straight-up, 87-104-4 against the betting line after being nipped by one point exact on the scoreboard.

Breaking those numbers down further, a consistent long term patterns tells us to 'Play-On' any favorite running the hardwood against a team off a one point exact loss. That's because it will result in a money-making 62.0% hit rate as chalks are 67-39-2 against the betting line split between 46-25-2 ATS on home court, 21-14 ATS wearing road jersey's.

Although, a winning percentage of 62.0% is considered major success, we can improve the hit rate to a whopping 79.2% by 'Playing-On' any home chalk of -4.0 to -6.5 points facing a road team off a one point demoralizing effort (19-4-1 ATS).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA roundup: Beal's 41 lift Wizards past Clippers
By The Sports Xchange

WASHINGTON -- Bradley Beal scored 41 points and sank six 3-pointers as the surging Washington Wizards rallied past the Los Angeles Clippers for a 117-110 win on Sunday evening.
Markieff Morris scored 23 points and John Wall added 18 points and 11 assists for the Wizards, who set a season high with their third consecutive win. Washington made 12 of 15 field-goal attempts in the fourth quarter and finished 53.1 percent from the field and sank 10 of 19 3-point attempts.
The Wizards overcame an 11-point deficit in the second half and trailed the Clippers 102-95 midway through the fourth quarter.
Blake Griffin topped Los Angeles with 26 points and added seven rebounds and seven assists. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan had 13 points and 17 boards, while Chris Paul finished with 13 points and 12 assists.

Spurs 113, Pelicans 100
SAN ANTONIO -- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points in 26 minutes, and Manu Ginobili added a season-high 17 points as San Antonio earned its fourth consecutive win.
After the game, the Spurs retired the No. 21 jersey of former power forward Tim Duncan in a typically understated ceremony. Duncan's 19-year career, all with San Antonio, featured five championships. The Spurs' .710 winning percentage during Duncan's tenure was the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and was the best in all of the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB over that time.
Kawhi Leonard added 13 points for San Antonio. Alexis Ajinca led the Pelicans with 16 points, while Buddy Hield added 14.

76ers 108, Nets 107
PHILADELPHIA -- Rookie center Joel Embiid scored a career-high 33 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:43 left, and Philadelphia beat Brooklyn to snap an eight-game home losing streak.
Embiid, who shot 12 of 17 from the floor, also contributed 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. Ersan Ilyasova added 22 points and Robert Covington had 15 for the Sixers, who won for just the third time in their last 13 games.
Brook Lopez had 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for Brooklyn, which dropped its ninth straight road game. Joe Harris generated 19 points, matching his career high, and Jeremy Lin chipped in 16 for the Nets.

Magic 109, Raptors 79
ORLANDO, Fla. -- DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points in just 30 minutes as Toronto waltzed past Orlando.
It was the third consecutive game DeRozan scored at least 30 points. He made 13 of 21 shots and added five rebounds and four assists, doing as he pleased against the outmatched Magic. The Raptors won for the fifth time in the past six games, with Jonas Valanciunas scoring 16 points and grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds.
Evan Fournier led the Magic with 15 points. Elfrid Payton had 13 points, and Serge Ibaka scored 10.

Celtics 105, Heat 95
MIAMI -- Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points before getting ejected, and Avery Bradley added 20 points to lead Boston past Miami.
With 3:02 left in the fourth quarter, Thomas inadvertently swung an elbow that bloodied the right cheek of Miami's Justise Winslow. Thomas was ejected on the play due to a flagrant-2 foul.
The Heat lost their second game in a row. Miami's Hassan Whiteside produced 23 points and 17 rebounds, while Goran Dragic posted 31 points and seven assists.

Jazz 82, Grizzlies 73
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Gordon Heyward scored 22 points, Rudy Gobert added 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Utah pulled away for a win over Memphis.
Three-pointers by Boris Diaw, Heyward and Shelvyn Mack broke open a 66-all tie midway through the fourth quarter. A couple of inside buckets by Gobert, who dominated the paint, helped seal the win for the Jazz.
Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 14 points, and Zach Randolph added 12 points off the bench. Memphis lost for the third time in four games.

Mavericks 99, Kings 79
DALLAS -- A balanced scoring attack and early feisty defense from Seth Curry led Dallas past Sacramento.
Curry, who played for the Kings last season, was a pest defensively in the first half, getting deflections and a couple of steals that helped set the tone for Dallas. He finished with 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, five rebounds, four assists and the pair of steals in 28 minutes.
Outside of DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings, who beat the Mavs in Dallas by 31 points just 10 days earlier, had nothing going. Cousins finished with 33 points and scored 14 in the first quarter.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wizards (12-14) at Pacers (14-14)

Date: December 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers will host the Washington Wizards on Monday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington (12-14) will be playing their second game in as many days, as they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday 117-110. The Wizards have come on strong lately, winning their last three games and five of their last six after a slow start to the season. However, they are just 1-4 this season on the second night of a back-to-back. They've also struggled on the road (2-8) while the Pacers have thrived at home (10-4).

Bradley Beal scored 41 points against the Clippers.

"We showed our hand, so there's no excuses for us moving forward," Beal told the Washington Post. "We're embracing one another, and embracing the challenge. The last couple games we've been accepting that challenge defensively."

John Wall and Paul George were drafted first and 10th, respectively, in 2010. They've each had success in previous games against each other. Wall averaged 23.7 points and 8.3 assists against the Pacers last season. Paul George averaged 33 points in the three meetings with Washington last year, including a 38-point night in their last game.

Both of these teams are in the top-10 in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage. They've also scored and turned the ball over at nearly identical rates on the season. The guards on each side will make for an interesting match-up.

The Pacers (14-14) have been the definition of a .500 club so far this season. After beating Detroit on Saturday night, Indiana pushed its record to .500 for the 12th time this season. It never won or lost more than two straight games, and it has been within two games of the .500 mark all season long.

"We've struggled with our consistent play," coach Nate McMillan told pacers.com. Some of it is change in mindset of players, and getting them to focus on the defensive end of the floor. A lot of our guys, and a lot of guys in the NBA are offensive minded. When they're struggling on offense, they take it to the defensive end. But you can always play defense."

Paul George agreed: "We're a team that's ready and prepared for the good teams and we come out flat against the weaker opponents," George said. "It's kind of who we've been. We're still trying to find an identity. The best thing about it is I think we're going towards the right direction."

George may be on to something, as the Pacers are 10-6 in their last 16 games against teams other than Golden State.

Both teams are battling some injuries. Washington will be without former Pacer Ian Mahinmi (sore right knee), Danuel House Jr. (right wrist fracture), Kelly Oubre Jr. (concussion), and possibly Jason Smith (questionable with a strained right hamstring). The Pacers will be without Monta Ellis (right groin strain) and Rodney Stuckey (left hamstring strain.)

This will be the first of four match-ups between these two teams this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hawks (13-14) at Thunder (16-11)

Date: December 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Since coming over in a trade from Philadelphia, Jerami Grant has become Oklahoma City's version of a Swiss army knife. No matter what the job, the 6-foot-9, 210-pound Grant has the tools to handle it.

This was evident Saturday night during the Thunder's 114-101 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Grant knew he would be coming off the bench, but he had no idea at what position it would be until coach Billy Donovan told him as he went into the game.

"It's fine," Grant said. "You always have to be ready. You always have to be ready for whatever comes at you. Especially being in the position I'm in, being able to play different positions, you always have to be ready."

Against the Suns, he ended the night with eight points, five rebounds and a plus/minus of plus-11. That was tied for the second-highest on the team.

Grant has lined up as center, power forward, small forward and even some shooting guard. It takes a lot homework and study to make sure he has his positions down.

"You have to know everybody's tendencies, regardless of who is on the court," Grant said. "I think everybody should know everybody's tendencies. I watch a ton of basketball so I kind of know most people's tendencies in the league already. I watch a lot of film with the coaches and go through our scouting report."

The Thunder will need Grant in the same frame of mind Monday night, when they host Paul Millsap and the Atlanta Hawks (13-14) at 7 p.m. in the Chesapeake Energy Arena

Millsap is one of the more versatile power forwards in the NBA. He can score on the low block and also step out and hit 15-foot jumpers with consistency. He leads the Hawks with an average of 17 points is second in rebounds (eight) and assists (3.7).

Oklahoma City won the first matchup with the Hawks in Atlanta. They are expecting an even tougher test this time around, especially with the uncertainty of the injured Victor Oladipo playing.

"They are a physical team" Grant said. "I know they are going to come back and try and get us back."

Atlanta enters the contest coming off a loss to Charlotte Saturday. After the game, center Dwight Howard and point guard Dennis Schroder went directly to the practice court to hash out missed opportunities, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Schroder had six assists, but none led to points for Howard.

In his first season in Atlanta, Howard is posting solid numbers at 14.2 points and 13 boards a game. Yet, the Hawks find themselves hanging around .500 and haven't been able to break through yet.

"It's frustrating. We're all competitive," Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told Peachtreehoops. "We want to win. I'd say frustrated. Our guys are competing, guys are trying to make plays."

As with every team that comes into Oklahoma City, slowing down Russell Westbrook will have to be at the top of the list of things to do for the Hawks. But Westbrook showed with his career high 22 assists and 13th triple-double of the season on Saturday that he's not doing it alone. That is also evident on defensively.

"When we defend we put ourselves in position to win games. That has to be our identity," Westbrook said. "When we defend at a high level we usually have a good chance of winning the game."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pistons (14-15) at Bulls (13-13)

Date: December 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Chicago Bulls and visiting Detroit Pistons both find themselves at a crossroads heading into Monday's game at the United Center.

The Bulls (13-13) have lost three consecutive games and six of the past eight. The team's recent lethargy has prompted critics to ask whether players have tuned out second-year coach Fred Hoiberg.

Bulls forward Taj Gibson said he and his teammates -- not Hoiberg -- deserved blame for the recent skid.

"We're definitely buying into what Fred is telling us, but at the same time Fred isn't on the court," Gibson told the Chicago Sun-Times. "People want to forget that sometimes. We have to do a better job. He's coaching his tail off, and it's hard when you're trying everything possible. You've got to look at the roster. We've got a lot of young guys, man, and not that much experience."

Hard questions also face the Pistons (14-15) after back-to-back blowout losses by a combined 29 points. The locker room was closed for more than 45 minutes Saturday night because of a players-only meeting.

"I did a lot of the talking," Pistons forward Marcus Morris told the Detroit Free Press. "I said at the end of the meeting that we have to make a decision. Everybody go home tonight and decide on what you want to do. Do you want to be a winning team or do you want to continue to get embarrassed? Are you going to play for the next man beside you or are you going to play for yourself?"

The game marks the second of four meetings between the teams. On Dec. 6 in Auburn Hills, Mich., the Pistons pulled away for a 102-91 win over the Bulls thanks to a team-high 22 points from forward Tobias Harris.

Chicago has had better success at home, where it is 7-5 this season. The Bulls have won six of eight home games when they score at least 100 points.

Detroit is 6-10 on the road, but coach Stan Van Gundy's team has fared better during the past few weeks. The Pistons have won five of their past seven road games.

Forward Jimmy Butler leads the Bulls with an average of 24.8 points per game. Guard Dwyane Wade has added 19.5 points per game in his first season in Chicago.

For the Pistons, Harris is the top scorer at 16.1 points per game. Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope averaging 14.8 points and guard Reggie Jackson is not far behind with 14.3 points per game since he returned from a knee injury Dec. 4.

Detroit might be without forward/center Jon Leuer, who missed Saturday's game against Indiana because of back spasms. Leuer has averaged 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 28 games this season.

Gibson exited Chicago's game against Milwaukee on Friday night because of a right hip contusion. However, Gibson returned to practice Sunday and could be available against Detroit.

If Gibson plays, look for him to compete hard for his embattled coach.

"It's tough to be in his position, but like I said, we have to be the ones that go out and do the job for him," Gibson told the Chicago Sun-Times. "He can stress all the things we need to do in meetings, but we've got to do a better job. Just overcome this wave. Every team goes through it. We've got to get it together."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Suns (8-19) at Timberwolves (7-19)

Date: December 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves have suffered some tough losses already this year, but none might have been harder to stomach than their late-game collapse on Saturday night against Houston.

The young Timberwolves led the Rockets by 12 points with just over two minutes to play. That lead was quickly squandered and Minnesota eventually lost in overtime.

It was a game the Timberwolves had in their grasp but instead turned it into their 19th loss of the year.

"That was unacceptable. We shouldn't have lost that game," guard Zach LaVine said after Minnesota's collapse at Target Center. "We can't just let that happen. We played too good of a game to let that slip through our fingers."

The loss overshadowed another big night for second-year center Karl-Anthony Towns, who put together his second 40-point game of the season. Towns had 41 points and 15 rebounds, but James Harden and the rest of the Rockets still found a way to rally against Towns and the Timberwolves.

Now Minnesota (7-19) will try to forget about Saturday's loss by hosting the Phoenix Suns (8-19) on Monday night in Minneapolis. Like the Timberwolves, the Suns have struggled to string together wins through the first quarter of the 2016-17 season.

Phoenix enters Monday's matchup having lost two straight and six of its last eight. The Suns dropped a road game Saturday at Oklahoma City 114-101.

As Thunder star Russell Westbrook has done to so many other teams, he put up a triple-double against Phoenix. His 28 points, 22 assists and 11 rebounds were all reasons the Suns suffered a double-digit loss.

Phoenix players couldn't help but be impressed with the impressive statistics Westbrook keeps producing.

"You're frustrated with the loss. You're out there trying to win," Suns big man Tyson Chandler told The Oklahoman after Saturday's game. "But I'm a student of the game. I've always respected what he did, regardless of the numbers he's putting up. He's putting his will over the game."

Minnesota and Phoenix have the second- and third-worst records in the Western Conference, respectively. While the Suns are just 4-11 on the road this season, the Timberwolves haven't been much better at home. Minnesota's record at Target Center is 3-10 after Saturday's overtime loss.

The two teams met in early November in Phoenix, with the visiting Timberwolves leaving Arizona with a 98-85 win. In that game, a big fourth quarter by Minnesota was needed to claim the victory.

Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points in his first matchup with the Suns, and Towns had another double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds.

If Minnesota wants to secure another victory over Phoenix, the Timberwolves will have to have a short memory and forget about the way Saturday's game against the Rockets fell apart in a hurry.

"We just let one go, that's it," Towns said Saturday. "We just have to move on to the next game and get ready."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mavericks (7-20) at Nuggets (11-16)

Date: December 19, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

DENVER -- The Dallas Mavericks handed the Denver Nuggets their most frustrating loss a week ago.

While it hurt at the time, it might have been the turning point for Denver's still-young season. Since that 112-92 defeat in Dallas on Dec. 12, the Nuggets (11-16) won two straight while averaging 129.5 points a game.

A return to full health is a big reason, and so is a change in the starting lineup. Coach Michael Malone moved Wilson Chandler into the power forward spot and shifted Nikola Jokic to center, bumping Jusuf Nurkic to the bench.

The results are undeniable, although it is just two games into the new look.

"I like what I see, but I'm by no means happy on the farm thinking we've got it all figured out, let's make reservations for the playoffs," Malone said after the Nuggets' 127-114 win over the New York Knicks on Saturday. "It's two games, it's a small sample size, but I like what I've seen."

It is a big change from how he was feeling following the contest in Dallas last week. Losing by 20 to the Mavericks a few years ago was nothing to be angry about, but these Mavericks are in last place in the Western Conference. Denver wasn't competitive in the game.

"You can just throw this one out of the window," Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay said. "We played horrible. Our defense wasn't there. ... Give them credit, though. They made a lot of shots. We got to let this one go and try to move forward in a positive way."

For now, the problem seems to be solved. Denver's offense is moving the ball and hitting shots, and the defense is doing enough to win.

The wins have been few and far between for Dallas (7-20), in large part because of injuries. Dirk Nowitzki has played just five games this season because of a right Achilles strain. J.J. Berea (left calf strain) has played six games, and Andrew Bogut (right knee) has missed 11 games.

The good news is Dallas may get all of them back by the start of 2017, which would make a big difference. The Mavericks have lost 11 games by 10 or fewer points, showing they are in games but don't have the weapons to close them out.

"There's just stretches where we just can't score and we get in trouble," Nowitzki told The Dallas Morning News. "I think our defense is solid. Once we get all our offensive weapons back, we should be fine."

They were fine Sunday in a 99-79 win over the Sacramento Kings. Six Dallas players scored in double figures, with guard Devin Harris contributing 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists off the bench.

Dallas will need that kind of production if it wants to beat the Nuggets for the second time in eight days. Denver is firing on all cylinders offensively, and with the points coming from everywhere, it is hard to pick one player to stop.

"We've just got to keep this going," said Nuggets guard Gary Harris, who had 16 points against New York, his second game back from a foot injury. "I like the energy we're playing with on both ends of the floor. We're having fun."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Monday’s games

Washington three in row, five of last six games; their last five games went over total. Wizards are 3-2 as a road underdog. Indiana won/covered its last four home games; they’re 6-4 as home favorites. Last four Pacer games stayed under total. Pacers won four of last five games with Washington in series where road team won five of last six series games. Wizards won three of last four visits here. Over is 6-1 in last seven series games.

Detroit lost three of its last four games; they won/covered last five road games. Under is 6-2 in Pistons’ last eight games. Chicago lost last three games by 26-11-5 points; they’re 3-4 in last seven home games (2-5 vs spread). Five of Bulls’ last six games stayed under total. Pistons won six of last eight games with Chicago; Detroit won by 3-4 points in last two visits to Windy City. Under is 4-2 in last six series games.

Atlanta is 3-2 in its last five games after a 1-10 skid; Hawks are 4-6 as road underdogs. Three of last four Atlanta games went over. Oklahoma City won seven of its last nine home games; they’re 9-4 as home favorites. Last seven Thunder games stayed under total. Thunder won six of last eight games with Atlanta; under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Hawks lost last three visits here, by 2-8-13 points.

Phoenix lost six of its last eight games; they’re 9-5 as road underdogs. Over is 7-3 in Suns’ last ten games. Timberwolves lost five of last six games; they’re 3-2 vs spread as home favorites. Over is 7-4 in their last eleven games. Minnesota won three of last four games with Phoenix; five of last six series games stayed under the total. Suns lost last three visits to Twin Cities, by 2-30-5 points.

Dallas lost its last nine road games (2-7 vs spread); they’re 1-3 if they played night before. Over is 5-3 in last eight Maverick games. Nuggets won three of last four games; they’re 4-4 as home favorites. Over is 10-1-1 in last twelve Denver games. Mavericks won six of last seven games with Denver; over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Dallas lost three of last five games in this building.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Samford Bulldogs (7-3) at Florida State Seminoles (11-1)

Date: December 19, 2016 2:00 PM EDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- No. 23 Florida State will bring a seven-game win streak into Monday's rare afternoon game against Samford.

The Seminoles have gotten there with depth, defense and a deluge of scorers.

Just as expected when the season began, sophomore guard Dwayne Bacon -- a potential 2017 NBA Draft lottery pick -- leads the team with an average of 17.2 points per game. He has reached double figures in 21 straight games and has the ability to take over when the Seminoles (11-1) need it most.

With Florida State leading a three-win Manhattan team by just five points at halftime on Saturday, Bacon stormed out of the locker room with eight quick points to set the stage for another win.

Complementing Bacon is heralded freshman forward Jonathan Isaac, who at 6 feet 10 brings a Kevin Durant-esque style of play that opponents are having a world of trouble containing. He's averaging almost a double-double so far this year at 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Isaac scored in double figures in his first eight games of his college career before missing time with a hip injury.

After that? There's no shortage of Seminoles who are also contributing to the fast start as 13 players are currently averaging double-figure minutes.

In addition to Bacon and Isaac, seven other Florida State players are averaging six points or more, led by guards Xavier Rathan-Mayes (9.8 ppg) and Terance Mann (9.6 ppg).

Add in stifling defense -- the Seminoles are holding opponents to 68 points per game and averaging almost 10 steals and six blocks -- and it's easy to see why Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton is enjoying his best start since the 2003-04 season.

"We're still learning and we're still growing," Hamilton said. "But the great thing about this team is our potential. We've not reached that yet."

The next game will be another chance to grow. Samford, winner of four straight, comes in at 7-3, and Hamilton told the Tallahassee Democrat on Sunday that the Bulldogs have his team's attention.

"They're a very good basketball team," Hamilton told the paper. "They've got three Division I transfers. Two guys shooting over 50 percent from 3, two guys shooting 39, 38 percent from three, a guy who's had several double-doubles.

"There's no question that they have our attention. We won-t be sleep-walking, I can guarantee you that."

One reason Florida State can't relent is Samford sophomore center Wyatt Walker.

Walker heads into Monday's game ranked second in the nation with eight double-doubles this season and is seventh in the country in rebounds per game (11.6) and No. 8 in total rebounds (116). Walker is also ranked 11th in the nation in defensive rebounds per game (8.0).

Walker isn't even one of the three Division I transfers that worries Hamilton.

In the offseason, Samford added former Ole Miss senior forward Terry Brutus, former UMass guard Demetrius Denzel-Dyson and one-time Auburn forward Alex Thompson.

"I think these guys take the talent level of the team up a notch, first of all," Samford coach Scott Padgett said. "Then, if you look at their size, strength and length, it's another level than what we've had. They are all three guys who will help us in different ways this season."

The series history between the teams is pretty lopsided.

Samford has never defeated Florida State, going 0-11 in the series. The Bulldogs and Seminoles first met Jan. 20, 1950, with Florida State winning 59-58 at home. The most recent meeting between the teams was Dec. 2, 2007, when Florida State won 61-45 in Tallahassee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Western Illinois Leathernecks (3-7) at Purdue Boilermakers (9-2)

Date: December 19, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- While the reference points are very different, No. 15 Purdue and Western Illinois head into Monday night's game in Mackey Arena feeling good about themselves.

The Boilermakers (9-2) rallied from a 17-point, first-half deficit on Saturday in Indianapolis' Bankers Life Fieldhouse to defeat No. 21 Notre Dame 86-81, getting 26 points and 10 rebounds from Caleb Swanigan and 20 points and 10 rebounds off the bench from Vince Edwards.

It was Purdue's first victory against Notre Dame since the 1965-66 season, and it was the Boilermakers' first victory against a Top 25 nonconference opponent since defeating then No. 24 St. Mary's (Calif.) in the 2012 NCAA tournament in Omaha, Neb.

Western Illinois (3-7) got 15 points and nine rebounds from Brandon Gilbeck and 14 points and 14 rebounds from Mike Miklusak on Saturday in a 75-59 victory at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, snapping a four-game losing streak.

Purdue, which has won four in a row since a loss at 2013 NCAA champion Louisville, played excellent defense in the second half in rallying to beat Notre Dame, outscoring the Fighting Irish 48-29 in the final 20 minutes.

It was the Boilermakers' largest comeback victory since erasing an 18-point deficit against St. John's in Madison Square Garden on Nov. 27, 1998 -- 18 years ago.

"Team defense is a lot easier for us when we just talk to each other," Edwards said. "I don't feel like I am where I want to be defensively. I am working toward being back to an all-around type of guy. I didn't have the start to the season that I wanted, but it's still a long season."

Edwards (11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds) was the difference-maker against Notre Dame and hopes to fill that role again against Western Illinois.

"Against Notre Dame, I was just trying to light a spark," Edwards said. "We always knew we were a capable team. The performance against Notre Dame speaks for itself."

And according to coach Matt Painter, Edwards' recent effort since losing his starting job also speaks for itself.

"We need to have Vince Edwards on the floor," Painter said. "Vince probably was the key to the Notre Dame game. Swanigan had huge numbers, but to have a guy come in and have that kind of energy and get offensive rebounds like Vince did is great.

"Vince was driving the basketball and passing the basketball. He is just a good all-around player. He has been very good the last four games, and each game has been different. One game, he had eight assists, and the next game he had 18 points on only a handful of shots."

For Western Illinois coach Billy Wright, continued big numbers from Gilbeck and Miklusak would be nice.

"Saturday's win reassures what we have been working on since summer and fall workouts," Wright said. "It all came together against Milwaukee.

"Now, we move on to (Purdue), and the key thing we talked about in the summer was consistency and sustainability. We just need to be consistent and sustain."

Purdue center Isaac Haas (14 points and five rebounds a game) said the Boilermakers are a confident team heading into their final two nonconference games -- Norfolk State comes to Purdue on Wednesday night -- before opening Big Ten play on Dec. 28 against Iowa.

"Beating Notre Dame shows that we can go into a neutral site or an away site and win," Haas said. "It improves your resume. Louisville and Villanova are good teams, and so is Notre Dame. Against Louisville, I didn't feel like we had the focus that we needed to win."

Swanigan, whose 16.8 points and 11.1 rebounds leads Purdue, warns his teammates to stay focused this week against two opponents the Boilermakers should beat.

"We can't drop one of these next two," Swanigan said. "We need to keep the ball rolling on into the Iowa game."

Purdue continues to play without fifth-year graduate transfer reserve point guard Spike Albrecht, who is receiving treatment for lower back pain. Painter said Albrecht is out indefinitely.