![[SPORTS] NETS CAN’T CONTINUE WINNING WAYS AS MAVS STAY HOT](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8646-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
Texas Fold Em’
There are games when you look the 82-game schedule that you’re supposed to win and supposed to lose. A fourth game in six nights, all four in different cities, fall in line with the games you’re supposed to lose.
The Brooklyn Nets fell to the Dallas Mavericks 119-113 at the American Airlines Center as they could not make it two-in-a-row on the road on back-to-back nights.
Harrison Barnes scored a game-high 28 points for the Dallas Mavericks as they won for the fifth time in six games.
Dallas got what they want when they wanted to on the offensive end of the floor, shooting 48.7 percent from the floor and 40.7 percent from downtown.
The Brooklyn Nets hung in there with Dallas for much of the game, tying the game early in the fourth quarter, but their inability to rebound the basketball — particularly late while trying to climb back to take the lead — failed them in Dallas.
Allen Crabbe scored a season-high 27 points for the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, drilling seven 3-pointers from beyond the arc.
His shooting helped to keep Brooklyn afloat on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense was a step slow most of the night.
Brooklyn received 19 points and seven assists from Spencer Dinwiddie and 17 points and nine rebounds from Ed Davis off the bench, but Dallas’ bench countered those performances.
Devin Harris and J.J. Barrea each scored 18 points off the bench while Maximilian Kleber contributed 11 points.
That guy Luka Donic was pretty good as well, as he finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.
A forgettable loss in which the other team just outplayed them, Brooklyn shouldn’t have much trouble digesting this one.
The Brooklyn Nets will host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Barclays Center on Friday afternoon as they look to avenge last week’s loss.
What are your thoughts on Brooklyn’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] BURKE, KNICKS HANG ON TO BEAT CELTICS IN BOSTON](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8643-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
Win, Win, Win, Win
The New York Knicks entering Boston on the second night of a back-to-back came in looking for an upwards trajectory.
One of the more surprising developments to begin this season is the fact that the Knicks weren’t the only team playing on Wednesday night looking for the same as well, and now alarms are ringing.
The New York Knicks squandered a huge lead to the Boston Celtics but still came away with a 117-109 win at the TD Garden Arena on Wednesday night to snap their six-game losing streak.
Trey Burke scored 29 points while collecting 11 assists and six rebounds as the Knicks beat the Celtics for the first time since December 21st of last year.
Scoring 18 of his 29 points in the first half, He scored on two huge baskets with under a minute left in the game as he hit a jumper off the backboard and a 3-pointer over Jayson Tatum to ice the game on his next shot attempt.
The former Michigan alum is enjoying one of the best stretches of his career as he is averaging 25.7 PPG off the bench for the Knicks over his past four games.
Leading by eight after the first quarter, the New York Knicks opened up a 26-point lead in the second quarter as the Knicks scored 39 points in the quarter.
Boston battled back to cut into the large deficit near the end of the first half and early in the third quarter got the game within 10 points on several occasions.
New York would ballon the lead to 21 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics — aided by free throws — made a huge rally with the efforts of Gordon Hayward and Marcus Morris proving key.
They cut New York’s lead to four with 1:05 remaining in the game after a Gordon Hayward 3-pointer and then to three points after Al Horford split a pair of free throws at the line.
As mentioned, it would be Trey Burke playing the hero here, turning back the scrappy but struggling Boston Celtics, who fell to 9-9 on the season.
The New York Knicks (5-14) banged home 15 3-pointers in Beantown on Wednesday night, taking advantage of lackadaisical defense by the Boston Celtics.
They would also shoot 49.4 percent from the field while holding Boston to 39.2 percent from the field.
Kyrie Irving scored a team-high 22 points, but on just 9-for-25 shooting, and six Celtics finished in double figures, but it would not be enough in what was their third consecutive loss.
A day after playing a close one at home with the Portland Trail Blazers in a losing effort, New York’s effort level on the road vs a team that coming into the season was looked at as favorites to reach the NBA Finals from the Eastern Conference was nothing short of impressive.
New York was expected to get rolled, but it was David Fizdale’s Knicks doing the rolling for the most part. Cleaning up their ability to hold onto a lead and not have to play in a nail biter down the stretch is a point of improvement that players like Trey Burke even acknowledged in his halftime interview before heading to the locker room.
Tonight, they didn’t fold like they have on several occasions this season, but nonetheless, allowing Boston to nearly steal this one was frightening for any Knicks fan watching the game.
The New York Knicks will return home to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Madison Square Garden as they look for their first home victory since October 29th.
What are your thoughts on New York’s impressive win in Boston? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] GONZAGA TAKES DOWN DUKE IN MAUI](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8630.jpg?resize=1000%2C600&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
No. 3 Gonzaga Survive No. 1 Duke in Hawaii
The Gonzaga Bulldogs understood if they were to reach the Finals of the Maui Invitational, the team standing across from them in all likelihood would be the Duke Blue Devils.
That’s a challenge they were up for.
In a entertaining thriller, the Gonzaga Bulldogs picked up a 89-87 victory over the Duke Blue Devils on Wednesday night at the Lahaina Civic Center to win the Maui Invitational.
Rui Hachimura led the Bulldogs with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks as he came up huge for Gonzaga, including a basket to give them the lead at 89-87 with 1:17 left to play.
Brandon Clarke made a game saving block on a driving RJ Barrett, who’s layup attempt was sent away in the final seconds before the buzzer sounded.
Gonzaga dominated throughout, holding a double digit lead at the end of the first half and then leading by as many as 16 points early in the second half.
Duke’s talented trio of Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish led the charge in the second half to draw Duke to a tied game in the final two minutes after the large deficit, but Gonzaga’s defense held serve to preserve a game they almost let slip away.
Both teams entered 5-0, with head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s Blue Devils getting much of the attention, with freshman phenoms Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett fueling a team that dominated Kentucky in their first game of the season in a 118-84 shellacking.
They met their match on Wednesday night in the now 6-0 Gonzaga Bulldogs, who should now leap frog the Blue Devils for No. 1 in the College Hoops Rankings.
What are your thoughts on Gonzaga’s victory over Duke? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NFL WEEK 12 PICKS: COWBOYS TOP REDSKINS IN DALLAS](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8629.jpg?resize=777%2C437&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
Cowboys Will Feast On Thanksgiving
Week 11 Results: 7-6
Record this season: 101-60
I hope everyone out there has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys some Turkey as well as time with their family and friends on this special Holiday.
If you’re having trouble doing either, keep in mind we could be in for quite a meal on Thursday with three intriguing matchups in their own right.
Week 12 of the NFL season has no shortage of divisional drama as there will be a total of eight division games this week.
The headliner of the week is a Thanksgiving day NFC East showdown between the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, with the winner leaving with first place in the division.
Elsewhere, The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers renew their rivalry at U.S. Bank Stadium as the Packers look to avoid having their postseason hopes damaged in a make or break game.
Gobble, Gobble everybody and enjoy the games!
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
Just two weeks ago the Chicago Bears defense harassed Matthew Stafford into two interceptions and sacked him six times in a 34-22 win. Mitchell Trubisky threw three touchdowns in that one, and while we don’t know what to expect on a game-by-game basis from him, Detroit’s opposing quarterbacks to throw for 10 touchdown passes over the past four weeks.
Prediction: Chicago Bears 27 Detroit Lions 16
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
The last time Colt McCoy played the Dallas Cowboys, he led a shocking upset in Dallas. But that was then and this is now, and as of right now it’s hard to foresee the Redskins winning a game without some absurdity in turnovers being forced, which in hindsight wouldn’t be surprising consider Washington is third in the NFL in takeaways.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 24 Washington Redskins 17
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are peaking right now, and it’s due to one part of the team that often gets overlooked, the offensive line. The Saints offensive line is giving Drew Brees as much time as he needs while opening up holes consistently for the run game. These two aspects that the Saints are especially great at will be too much for the Saints, who m gave up 43 points to New Orleans in the first matchup.
Prediction: New Orleans Saints 45 Atlanta Falcons 23
San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The San Francisco 49ers are 0-5 on the road, but if you look at which team has been playing better football, it’s the 49ers. Turnovers will determine this one, and no other team is better at giving the ball away than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 23 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are struggling and seeing their season slowly but surely slipping away after a 4-1 start. Luckily for the Bengals, A.J. Green is set to return, a move that will bolster a Bengals pass offense in desperate need of a lift.
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 33 Cleveland Browns 27
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
We’ll learn a lot about the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. The question is this, are they going to give up? The team is hampered with injuries and Carson Wentz doesn’t look as razor sharp as they are coming off one of the worst losses in franchise history last Sunday. Giants are playing well, but the Eagles should be able to rattle Eli Manning enough to squeak out a win.
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles 30 New York Giants 26
New England Patriots at New York Jets
The New England Patriots will be as healthy as they’ve been in a while on Sunday, but if they go out and let this be a competitive game, it’ll most likely be because Tom Brady looks all the more like a 41-year old quarterback should. Odds say that won’t be the case vs the Jets defense, and I agree.
Prediction: New England Patriots 31 New York Jets 17
Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills
Jalen Ramsey vs Josh Allen. The matchup we’ve all been waiting for since mid-August. The Buffalo Bills will surely try him in one way or another. At this point, it’s Buffalo looking to win and us questioning if Jacksonville has anything left to give after last week’s stinging 20-16 loss to Pittsburgh.
Prediction: Buffalo Bills 22 Jacksonville Jaguars 10
Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens
The Oakland Raiders were victorious last week in Arizona, but face a stiffer challenge here. Joe Flacco may miss another game here and Lamar Jackson may get another start, but no matter, the Oakland Raiders defense should provide Baltimore’s offense with a lift.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 27 Oakland Raiders 15
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are hurting after a tough loss in Detroit, and now return home to face a well-rested Seattle Seahawks team that’s shown they can win on the road.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 24 Carolina Panthers 22
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are coming off a loss, and a big reason why is because they lost the turnover battle 3-0. That isn’t likely to continue against a team that turns the ball over with as much frequency as Arizona. A rookie quarterback on the road vs an upset Philip Rivers?
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 30 Arizona Cardinals 9
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
The Pittsburgh Steelers have won six straight, but they’re playing it particularly close on the road this season. They did that in Week 11 against a Jaguars team that was riding a five-game losing streak, Denver is much better team and Mile-High is particularly tough to play in for a team like Pittsburgh that relies on its pass rush.
Prediction: Denver Broncos 30 Pittsburgh Steelers 27
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are going strong right now, and Andrew Luck is at the center of it all. Speaking of centers, Indianapolis’ offensive line is pass protecting for Andrew Luck as well as we’ve seen in his career. Against a Dolphins team short of a pass rush, that should mean a huge day for the Indianapolis quarterback.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 30 Miami Dolphins 22
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers played to a tie back in Week 2, and a big reason why was because of special teams…and also a poor roughing the passer penalty. Now, the Vikings get the Packers at a low point, losers of three out of four. The pass rush of the Vikings hasn’t traveled on the road as much, but at home it’ll be the difference in another high scoring affair as they force Green Bay into a late turnover to seal the game.
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings 33 Green Bay Packers 27
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are winning because of their defense, which is one of the most underrated units in the league led by J.J. Watt. The Titans had trouble in pass protection last week vs Indianapolis as Marcus Mariota left with an injury in the first half. No matter if it’s Mariota or Blaine Gabbert, the Texans defense will make this a long night for both.
Prediction: Houston Texans 23 Tennessee Titans 14
What are your thoughts on this week’s slate of games? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] 9-7 AND IN? MAKING SENSE OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS PLAYOFF CHANCES](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8628-1-1.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
A Giant Puzzle
Odell Beckham Jr. told everyone leading into the New York Giants Week 10 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers that the goal for New York was a 9-7 finish and making the playoffs.
While winning eight consecutive games isn’t farfetched considering their schedule, the making the playoffs bit is.
If the Giants are going to make the playoffs at 9-7, they’ll need some help getting there.
Here is my guide to the G-Men making a return back to the postseason in 2018.
9-7 It Is, But What Will They Have To Do To Get There?
They’ll have to take care of business first this Sunday vs a Philadelphia Eagles team at a personal low coming off a 48-7 massacre last Sunday vs the New Orleans Saints.
After that, the schedule sees them having to face the division leading Chicago Bears, two teams also fighting for a playoff birth in the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis, and their NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.
That’s a tough task, and the FPI thinks so as well. Of the Giants remaining six games, they are only favored to win their Week 15 matchup at home vs the Tennessee Titans.
Winning the NFC East Is The Best Avenue
Of course with what I mentioned already, the Giants are a long shot to get a NFC Wildcard birth at 9-7 (I’ll get into that in just a bit).
Any chances of realistically making the playoffs this season will have to be by winning the NFC East. By taking care of the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday, the Washington Redskins on the road in 14, and the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week 17, they’ll finish 3-3 in the division.
Oddly enough, they need the Dallas Cowboys to win on Thanksgiving vs the Washington Redskins, and they’ll also need Dallas and Washington to either finish 8-8 or worse or finish 9-7.
Regarding the latter, Dallas has to lose their remaining conference games after this Thursday as they are currently 4-3 vs the conference, which means they’ll have to finish with a 5-7 conference record.
The Giants with a tiebreaker in the season series and a 6-6 conference record — should they win out — would have a better record than Dallas if it comes down to a tiebreaker.
It would take Washington 2-4 in the NFC East to win a tiebreaker with them at 9-7.
Is The Wildcard Possible?
It would take a miracle for the Giants to rise to the sixth and final playoff spot. Consider that the Seattle Seahawks, for instance, play the San Francisco 49ers twice and the Arizona Cardinals once down the stretch.
That puts Seattle at eight wins should they take care of business and they play the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers — each vying for playoff spots as well and in front of them. Due to a 6-6 conference record, it’ll be take teams in front of them completely nosediving for New York to get in.
What are your thoughts on the Giants playoff chances? Leave your comments below!
