Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers Game Preview

It’s Friday, December 20, and the Charlotte Hornets (7-20) and the Philadelphia 76ers (8-16) are all set to square off from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Hornets have lost 2 straight and 4 of their last 5 while Philly has won 3 of its last 5. These two clubs have already played 3 times this season. Philadelphia has won all 3 with the most recent clash a 121-108 win in Charlotte this past Monday.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Hornets at Sixers live today

Date: Friday, December 20, 2024

Time: 7 pm EST

Site: Wells Fargo Center

City: Philadelphia, PA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Hornets at Sixers

The latest odds as of Friday:

Odds: Charlotte Hornets (+490), Philadelphia 76ers (-675)

Spread: Sixers -12.5

Over/Under: 214 points

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s Hornets at 76ers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) likes Philadelphia to cover although he got it at a better number: Philadelphia -10.5
“Expecting the Sixers to bring Embiid back into action against a unit that has no answers at the center position right now. Fair should be in the range of -12 here by my numbers.”

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Hornets at Sixers game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Sixers on the Moneyline.

Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Philadelphia 76ers at -12.5.

Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 214.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Hornets vs. 76ers on Friday

Joel Embiid has played just 6 games this season. He has played twice in December – December 8 and 13.

Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points in Philly’s win at Charlotte on Monday. He also had 5 boards and 5 assists.

LaMelo Ball had 34 points and 13 assists in Charlotte’s loss at Washington last night.

Ball is 4th in the NBA averaging 30.4 points per game.

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
– Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
– Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
– Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
– Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

The post moranelkarifnews : Hornets at 76ers: Odds, predictions, recent stats, betting trends, and best bets for December 20 appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.

“I don’t think we… have done a good job of storytelling, of celebrating the game.”

Many fans’ perception of the modern NBA starts with the barbershop talk style of TNT’s beloved Inside the NBA with Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny “The Jet” Smith. It remains the best pre/post-game show in sports.

However, those are three players from another generation who — like virtually every older player — think the game reached its zenith when they played. There’s a “get off my lawn” vibe with that trio, who can often look down their nose at how the game has evolved since they were on the court.

That negativity is part of the problem — and not just that trio, but with game broadcasts and the media in general — and it ties into the league’s rating problems this season, Lakers coach J.J. Redick said before his team beat the Kings on Thursday night. When asked about the ratings issue and the rise in 3-point shots, Redick responded with this, via Sam Amick at The Athletic.

“I don’t think we … have done a good job of storytelling, of celebrating the game,” Redick said. “If I’m a casual fan and you tell me every time I turn on the television that the product sucks, well, I’m not going to watch the product. And that’s really what has happened over the last 10 to 15 years. I don’t know why. It’s not funny to me…

“This game should be celebrated,” Redick continued. “The league is more talented and skilled than it was 18 years ago when I was drafted. That’s a fact. There are more players that are excellent. There are more teams that are excellent…

“We don’t have anybody that’s willing to step up to the fact that this is an awesome game and we should talk about it and celebrate it in a positive way,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t critique it. We should critique it, but we should celebrate it. Nobody’s doing that, and the people that are have a small niche following on Twitter. And frankly, I would argue as well, that everyone in our ecosystem pays too much attention to what is said on Twitter. And part of this whole ratings discussion is because people on Twitter are talking about it.”

Redick is not the first to complain about this, and it’s obvious when NBA shows are compared to NFL versions, where players and coaches are criticized; however, the game as a whole is celebrated.

That said, many fans — including LeBron James — do not like the number of 3-pointers in today’s game. That is another complex issue.

NBA ratings are down 19% this season year-over-year, but why is a complex stew of reasons: A tight election year that drew people’s focus at the start of the NBA season, a general move away from people watching traditional broadcast and particularly cable television, and the evolving way in which younger generations consume games — almost half of NBA viewing is now done via streaming, and few people sit and watch an entire broadcast regular season game anymore. (The NFL/college football, with its fewer games, becomes event viewing that bucks the trend that is hitting not just the NBA but college hoops, the NHL and other sports). As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said recently, there is no singular “golden at bat” solution that would fix issues with the NBA game and its ratings.

How broadcasters treat the NBA game is one of those ingredients. However, the answer to fixing this issue is far more extensive than “take fewer 3-pointers.” Redick gets that.

The post moranelkarifnews : J.J. Redick ties NBA’s rating issue to game broadcasts, media, ‘This game should be celebrated’ appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat Game Preview

It’s Friday, December 20, and the Oklahoma City Thunder (21-5) and Miami Heat (13-11) are all set to square off from Kaseya Center in Miami. The Thunder are currently 10-3 on the road with a point differential of 12, while the Heat have a 7-3 record in their last ten games at home.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Thunder vs. Heat live today

Date: Friday, December 20, 2024

Time: 8 pm EST

Site: Kaseya Center

City: Miami, FL

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Thunder vs. Heat

The latest odds as of Friday:

Odds: OKC Thunder (-125.00), Miami Heat (+105.00)

Spread:  OKC -1.5

Over/Under: 216.5 points

That gives the Thunder an implied team point total of 108.67, and the Heat 107.88.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday Thunder vs. Heat game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) likes the home team: Miami +1.5
“This is the 3rd game in 4 nights for OKC against a well-rested Miami team. A number of the issues that plauged the Thunder in the NBA Cup Final are likely to be on display here with a Heat team that can employ a very effective zone defense to exploit the cold shooting OKC squad.”

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Thunder & Heat game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.

Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Miami Heat at +1.5.

Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the under on the Game Total of 216.5.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Thunder vs. Heat on Friday

Miami is currently riding a 5-game home winning streak.

OKC is 17-1 in games decided by 10 points or less.

Chet Holmgren (hip) and Jaylin Williams (hamstring) both remain sidelined for the Thunder.

Miami’s Bam Adebayo is averaging a double-double: 16.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline, and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

– Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
– Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
– Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
– Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Does Jayson Tatum have a realistic chance to win NBA MVP this season? Here’s where the Celtics star stands in ESPN’s first straw poll.

Where Jayson Tatum stands in ESPN’s first NBA MVP straw poll originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

About a third of the 2024-25 NBA season has been played, so it’s a good time to look at the top candidates for the major individual awards.

None of them ignite a more heated debate than league MVP, and there’s no shortage of candidates this season.

ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps conducts multiple league MVP straw polls each season, and the voters are media members, many of whom will end up having a real vote for the award.

Bontemps released the results of his first poll Friday, and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is unsurprisingly in first place. He received a first-place vote on 57 of the 100 ballots.

Here’s a look at the top-five from Bontemps’ first straw poll:

Nikola Jokic, DEN: 827 total points (57 first-place votes)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC: 678 (24 first-place votes)

Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL: 643 (19 first-place votes)

Jayson Tatum, BOS: 267

Luka Doncic, DAL: 123

Jokic has won three of the previous four MVP awards, including last season. Jokic is making a very strong case to win it again, and if he does, he’ll join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six), Michael Jordan (five), Bill Russell (five), LeBron James (four) and Wilt Chamberlain (four) as the only players to win MVP four or more times.

Jokic is almost averaging a triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game, while shooting 56.4 percent from the floor and 50 percent from 3-point range.

He has plenty of competition for this year’s award, though, including from a couple players who have never won MVP before.

One of them is Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. The veteran forward leads the Celtics in points (28.3), rebounds (9.0), assists (5.5) and steals (1.2) per game. He’s the best player on the league’s best team.

Unfortunately for Tatum, because he plays with so many good players, it’s going to be very difficult for him to put up the kind of eye-popping stats often needed to win this award.

The last Celtics player to win league MVP was Larry Bird in 1985-86. It was the third of three straight MVP awards for Bird. Tatum will be in the mix for MVP throughout his career, and he might even win it at some point. But the most important thing for Tatum and the Celtics is winning championships.

They accomplished that objective last season, and they are fiercely determined to do it again in June.

The post moranelkarifnews : Where Jayson Tatum stands in ESPN’s first NBA MVP straw poll appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.

The Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) in California hosted a board meeting Thursday amid a controversy over a transgender cross country runner at Martin Luther King High School and students being reprimanded for protesting the athlete’s participation.

The board meeting will address recent allegations in a lawsuit that school administrators compared “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts to swastikas.

Protesters gathered outside the RUSD District Office, advocating for and against transgender inclusion. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Video footage of the meeting provided by parents to California Family Outreach Director Sophia Lorey showed a crowd of people hoisting the transgender pride flag and wearing shirts with similar colors. 

Lorey told Fox News Digital there were a few people outside the venue wearing the “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts, but they were outnumbered by the pro-transgender activists. 

The California Family Council, alongside the religious rights law firm Advocates for Faith and Freedom, held a press conference outside the district office ahead of the board meeting addressing the ongoing controversy.

Ryan Starling, the father of a girl at the school named Taylor who is involved in a lawsuit against the school, spoke at the press conference. The lawsuit alleges Taylor lost her varsity spot to a transgender athlete and that her T-shirt to express opposition to the athlete competing was compared to a swastika. 

“It’s just heartbreaking to see what my daughter has gone through this season,” Starling said. 

FATHER OF FEMALE RUNNER FORCED TO COMPETE WITH TRANS ATHLETE SHARES FURY OF SITUATION: ‘CAN’T EVEN DIGEST IT’

“This is unfair. This is completely unfair. It breaks my heart as a father to see my daughter go through this and have it stripped away from her, have her come up to me and just hug me. And I can’t do anything about it. So, it’s just heartbreaking.” 

An attorney representing Taylor in the lawsuit, Julianne Fleischer, previously told Fox News Digital the rhetoric from school administrators is “incredibly dangerous.” 

“When you have adults that compare a message ‘Save Girls’ Sports’ that promotes equality, fairness, common sense — when you have adults that compare that message to a swastika, which represents the genocide of millions of Jews, really, there are no words. I don’t know how you respond to that,” Fleischer said. 

Hundreds of students at Martin Luther King High School began to wear the T-shirts every Wednesday. The school responded by enacting a dress code that resulted in many of those students being sent to detention. But that didn’t stop them. The students kept wearing the shirts weekly.

The school recently stopped enforcing its dress code for the shirts.

Sources have told Fox News officials at nearby Arlington High School, Riverside Polytechnical High School and Romona High School have also seen students wearing them. 

In a statement previously provided to Fox News Digital, RUSD said it has allowed the transgender athlete to compete on the team because it must comply with California state law.

“It is important to remember that RUSD is bound to follow California law, which requires that students be ‘permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records,'” the statement said.

“As these matters play out in our courts and the media, opposition and protests should be directed at those in a position to affect those laws and policies, including officials in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento.” 

California has had laws in effect to protect transgender athletes in women’s sports since 2014. That year, AB 1266 took effect, giving California students at scholastic and collegiate levels the right to “participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) in California hosted a board meeting Thursday amid a controversy over a transgender cross country runner at Martin Luther King High School and students being reprimanded for protesting the athlete’s participation.

The board meeting will address recent allegations in a lawsuit that school administrators compared “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts to swastikas.

Protesters gathered outside the RUSD District Office, advocating for and against transgender inclusion. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Video footage of the meeting provided by parents to California Family Outreach Director Sophia Lorey showed a crowd of people hoisting the transgender pride flag and wearing shirts with similar colors. 

Lorey told Fox News Digital there were a few people outside the venue wearing the “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts, but they were outnumbered by the pro-transgender activists. 

The California Family Council, alongside the religious rights law firm Advocates for Faith and Freedom, held a press conference outside the district office ahead of the board meeting addressing the ongoing controversy.

Ryan Starks, the father of a girl at the school named Taylor who is involved in a lawsuit against the school, spoke at the press conference. The lawsuit alleges Taylor lost her varsity spot to a transgender athlete and that her T-shirt to express opposition to the athlete competing was compared to a swastika. 

“It’s just heartbreaking to see what my daughter has gone through this season,” Starks said. 

FATHER OF FEMALE RUNNER FORCED TO COMPETE WITH TRANS ATHLETE SHARES FURY OF SITUATION: ‘CAN’T EVEN DIGEST IT’

“This is unfair. This is completely unfair. It breaks my heart as a father to see my daughter go through this and have it stripped away from her, have her come up to me and just hug me. And I can’t do anything about it. So, it’s just heartbreaking.” 

An attorney representing Taylor in the lawsuit, Julianne Fleischer, previously told Fox News Digital the rhetoric from school administrators is “incredibly dangerous.” 

“When you have adults that compare a message ‘Save Girls’ Sports’ that promotes equality, fairness, common sense — when you have adults that compare that message to a swastika, which represents the genocide of millions of Jews, really, there are no words. I don’t know how you respond to that,” Fleischer said. 

Hundreds of students at Martin Luther King High School began to wear the T-shirts every Wednesday. The school responded by enacting a dress code that resulted in many of those students being sent to detention. But that didn’t stop them. The students kept wearing the shirts weekly.

The school recently stopped enforcing its dress code for the shirts.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Sources have told Fox News officials at nearby Arlington High School, Riverside Polytechnical High School and Romona High School have also seen students wearing them. 

In a statement previously provided to Fox News Digital, RUSD said it has allowed the transgender athlete to compete on the team because it must comply with California state law.

“It is important to remember that RUSD is bound to follow California law, which requires that students be ‘permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records,'” the statement said.

“As these matters play out in our courts and the media, opposition and protests should be directed at those in a position to affect those laws and policies, including officials in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento.” 

California has had laws in effect to protect transgender athletes in women’s sports since 2014. That year, AB 1266 took effect, giving California students at scholastic and collegiate levels the right to “participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The post moranelkarifnews : Transgender athlete controversy sparks opposing protests at California school board meeting appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy joked last Christmas that he could not afford the traditional gifts given to the offensive linemen because of his rookie contract, but this year is a different story. 

The 24-year-old signal caller surprised his teammates with quite the gift this holiday season, gifting them all brand-new cars.  

“Boys, I just want to say Merry Christmas. I got some gifts for you guys — sorry for the wait, but if you want to follow me outside,” Purdy said in a video shared by the team on social media. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Once outside, the team saw nine brand-new cars: five Toyota Sequoias and four Toyota Tundras. 

“Oh, my God, I can’t believe this,” offensive tackle Nick Zakelj said with a laugh. 

“Listen to the purr,” guard Aaron Banks said as he revved the engine. “Purdy, that purr is Purdy.” 

“My mind is blown, honestly,” offensive tackle Jaylon Moore added. “This is probably the greatest gift I ever got in my life.”  

Last season, star running back Christian McCaffrey gifted the offensive linemen a custom golf bag, a certificate for fitted golf clubs and a bottle of tequila — a gesture usually reserved for the quarterback. 

49ERS’ DEOMMODORE LENOIR TORCHES SUSPENDED TEAMMATE FOR REFUSAL TO ENTER GAME: ‘LOST ALL RESPECT’

“Financially, I wouldn’t be able to cover that right now,” Purdy joked with reporters at the time. “Shout-out to him. Everyone loved it. So, thank you, Christian.”

Purdy is still on his rookie deal, a contract that pays him $985,000 this season. However, the fourth-year quarterback is due for a massive payday. 

As the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, “Mr. Irrelevant” stunned fans during his rookie season when he took over the starting role as the third-string quarterback following injuries to Trey Lance and eventually Jimmy Garoppolo. 

Purdy led the team all the way to the NFC Championship before suffering a devastating injury to his throwing arm. He returned the following season to lead the Niners all the way to the Super Bowl. 

Now, the 49ers are expected to lock down Purdy with a massive long-term contract extension in the offseason. 

“I think Brock has done nothing but play at a very, very high level,” tight end George Kittle said recently of what Purdy’s new deal might look like, per NBC Sports. “The nice thing about contracts is when you play at a high level, you can compare yourself to other people in the league and when other guys are getting paid $50-$60 million, and you’re a better quarterback than they are, it’s hard not to get that same amount of money.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy joked last Christmas that he could not afford the traditional gifts given to the offensive linemen because of his rookie contract, but this year is a different story. 

The 24-year-old signal caller surprised his teammates with quite the gift this holiday season, gifting them all brand-new cars.  

“Boys, I just want to say Merry Christmas. I got some gifts for you guys — sorry for the wait, but if you want to follow me outside,” Purdy said in a video shared by the team on social media. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Once outside, the team saw nine brand-new cars: five Toyota Sequoias and four Toyota Tundras. 

“Oh, my God, I can’t believe this,” offensive tackle Nick Zakelj said with a laugh. 

“Listen to the purr,” guard Aaron Banks said as he revved the engine. “Purdy, that purr is Purdy.” 

“My mind is blown, honestly,” offensive tackle Jaylon Moore added. “This is probably the greatest gift I ever got in my life.”  

Last season, star running back Christian McCaffrey gifted the offensive linemen a custom golf bag, a certificate for fitted golf clubs and a bottle of tequila — a gesture usually reserved for the quarterback. 

49ERS’ DEOMMODORE LENOIR TORCHES SUSPENDED TEAMMATE FOR REFUSAL TO ENTER GAME: ‘LOST ALL RESPECT’

“Financially, I wouldn’t be able to cover that right now,” Purdy joked with reporters at the time. “Shout-out to him. Everyone loved it. So, thank you, Christian.”

Purdy is still on his rookie deal, a contract that pays him $985,000 this season. However, the fourth-year quarterback is due for a massive payday. 

As the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, “Mr. Irrelevant” stunned fans during his rookie season when he took over the starting role as the third-string quarterback following injuries to Trey Lance and eventually Jimmy Garoppolo. 

Purdy led the team all the way to the NFC Championship before suffering a devastating injury to his throwing arm. He returned the following season to lead the Niners all the way to the Super Bowl. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Now, the 49ers are expected to lock down Purdy with a massive long-term contract extension in the offseason. 

“I think Brock has done nothing but play at a very, very high level,” tight end George Kittle said recently of what Purdy’s new deal might look like, per NBC Sports. “The nice thing about contracts is when you play at a high level, you can compare yourself to other people in the league and when other guys are getting paid $50-$60 million, and you’re a better quarterback than they are, it’s hard not to get that same amount of money.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The post moranelkarifnews : 49ers’ Brock Purdy impresses after gifting offensive lineman brand-new cars for Christmas appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.

In a battle of Oregon quarterbacks, the veteran reminded the rookie who is boss.

Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers dominated the second half en route to a 34-27 win over Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos’ offense was running on all cylinders early – Audric Estime found the end zone for the first score of the game, and Bo Nix threw touchdowns to both unlikely targets in Michael Burton and Devaughn Vele. Gus Edwards’ first quarter touchdown tied it, but the Chargers’ offense stalled afterward. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles did catch a break, though, as the Broncos were called for fair catch interference as time expired on their punt, giving the Chargers a “fair catch kick,” which Cameron Dicker nailed from 57 yards out. Thus, the Broncos led 21-13 at the half. Amazingly, the last successful fair catch kick was back in 1976 … by the San Diego Chargers.

Denver kicked a field goal to start the third quarter, but they committed a late hit on third down to give the Chargers 1st and goal. They took advantage, and Edwards scored again, but their two-point conversion was no good, keeping it a 24-19 game in favor of the Broncos. 

However, after forcing a punt, Herbert found Derius Davis for a score, and Joshua Palmer made a great tip-toe grab for the two-point conversion, giving Los Angeles a 27-24 lead with 12:23 to go.

CHARGERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OBSCURE NFL RULE WITH FREE KICK FIELD GOAL LAST SUCCESSFUL IN 1976

The Chargers were able to contain the Broncos for the rest of the night, and after a big run by Herbert on 3rd and 10 with under four minutes left, Los Angeles was able to waste even more clock. A couple of plays later, Hassan Haskins scampered into the end zone, and it was a 34-24 LA lead with 2:27 to go. 

The second the Broncos got in field goal range, they kicked to make it a seven-point deficit, valuing time over the touchdown. However, their onside kick was unsuccessful, and the Chargers were able to waste away the rest of the clock for the win.

In all, it was 21 unanswered points for the Chargers, who now sit in second place in the AFC West behind the 13-1 Kansas City Chiefs, before that late field goal.

Herbert finished 23 for 31 with 284 yards and his two touchdown passes. Ladd McConkey led the team with six receptions for 87 yards, and it was the eighth game in a row the rookie had 50-plus receiving yards. He is one game away from tying the all-time rookie record set by Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014.

Nix impressed yet again, going 29-for-40 with 263 yards.

Both teams completed passes to 10 different receivers – the 20 combined pass-catchers are the most in the NFL this season.

The Chargers can coast into the playoffs, as their final two games are against the Patriots and Raiders, but both are on the road. As for Denver, it’s a tougher finish with Cincinnati and the Chiefs on the docket.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

In a battle of Oregon quarterbacks, the veteran reminded the rookie who is boss.

Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers dominated the second half en route to a 34-27 win over Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos’ offense was running on all cylinders early – Audric Estime found the end zone for the first score of the game, and Bo Nix threw touchdowns to both unlikely targets in Michael Burton and Devaughn Vele. Gus Edwards’ first quarter touchdown tied it, but the Chargers’ offense stalled afterward. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles did catch a break, though, as the Broncos were called for fair catch interference as time expired on their punt, giving the Chargers a “fair catch kick,” which Cameron Dicker nailed from 57 yards out. Thus, the Broncos led 21-13 at the half. Amazingly, the last successful fair catch kick was back in 1976 … by the San Diego Chargers.

Denver kicked a field goal to start the third quarter, but they committed a late hit on third down to give the Chargers 1st and goal. They took advantage, and Edwards scored again, but their two-point conversion was no good, keeping it a 24-19 game in favor of the Broncos. 

However, after forcing a punt, Herbert found Derius Davis for a score, and Joshua Palmer made a great tip-toe grab for the two-point conversion, giving Los Angeles a 27-24 lead with 12:23 to go.

CHARGERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OBSCURE NFL RULE WITH FREE KICK FIELD GOAL LAST SUCCESSFUL IN 1976

The Chargers were able to contain the Broncos for the rest of the night, and after a big run by Herbert on 3rd and 10 with under four minutes left, Los Angeles was able to waste even more clock. A couple of plays later, Hassan Haskins scampered into the end zone, and it was a 34-24 LA lead with 2:27 to go. 

The second the Broncos got in field goal range, they kicked to make it a seven-point deficit, valuing time over the touchdown. However, their onside kick was unsuccessful, and the Chargers were able to waste away the rest of the clock for the win.

In all, it was 21 unanswered points for the Chargers, who now sit in second place in the AFC West behind the 13-1 Kansas City Chiefs, before that late field goal.

Herbert finished 23 for 31 with 284 yards and his two touchdown passes. Ladd McConkey led the team with six receptions for 87 yards, and it was the eighth game in a row the rookie had 50-plus receiving yards. He is one game away from tying the all-time rookie record set by Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014.

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Nix impressed yet again, going 29-for-40 with 263 yards.

Both teams completed passes to 10 different receivers – the 20 combined pass-catchers are the most in the NFL this season.

The Chargers can coast into the playoffs, as their final two games are against the Patriots and Raiders, but both are on the road. As for Denver, it’s a tougher finish with Cincinnati and the Chiefs on the docket.

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If it looked as though Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was irate with referees at the end of Thursday night’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, that would be incorrect to assume. At least, that is what Mazzulla would like people to think. 

Following the 117-108 loss, Mazzulla charged the court looking to have words with official Justin Van Duyne seemingly in reference to the back-to-back technicals the official gave him and Celtics forward Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarter. 

Several people had to hold Mazzulla back. He was eventually ushered off the court without incident. 

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During his postgame presser, Mazzulla said he received a technical for walking on the court – something he admitted he should not have done. However, when asked what “message” he was trying to deliver at the end of the game, Mazzulla had an interesting explanation. 

“I hadn’t seen them in a while, so just a ‘Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,’” he said with a serious expression. 

“I wasn’t sure I was gonna see them before the holiday, and you just can’t let a moment go by where you wish someone the best to them and their families.”

CELTICS HEAD COACH ADMITS HE’D ‘RATHER WATCH SOMETHING ELSE’ AS NBA RATINGS DECLINE

Brown, however, was not wishing anyone a happy holiday in his interactions with game officials. 

“I said to (Van Duyne), ‘You called a tech for no reason.’ He said, ‘If you say to it me again, I’m going to call another tech,’” Brown said, explaining that he approached Van Duyne to clarify what Mazzulla’s tech was for.   

“You can’t threaten guys with a technical foul, that’s not part of the game either. If you want to fine guys for gesturing and all that stuff – fine that. That’s some bulls—.”

Mazzulla will have the chance to spread some more holiday cheer when the two teams meet again on Saturday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

If it looked as though Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was irate with referees at the end of Thursday night’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, that would be incorrect to assume. At least, that is what Mazzulla would like people to think. 

Following the 117-108 loss, Mazzulla charged the court looking to have words with official Justin Van Duyne seemingly in reference to the back-to-back technicals the official gave him and Celtics forward Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarter. 

Several people had to hold Mazzulla back. He was eventually ushered off the court without incident. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

During his postgame presser, Mazzulla said he received a technical for walking on the court – something he admitted he should not have done. However, when asked what “message” he was trying to deliver at the end of the game, Mazzulla had an interesting explanation. 

“I hadn’t seen them in a while, so just a ‘Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,’” he said with a serious expression. 

“I wasn’t sure I was gonna see them before the holiday, and you just can’t let a moment go by where you wish someone the best to them and their families.”

CELTICS HEAD COACH ADMITS HE’D ‘RATHER WATCH SOMETHING ELSE’ AS NBA RATINGS DECLINE

Brown, however, was not wishing anyone a happy holiday in his interactions with game officials. 

“I said to (Van Duyne), ‘You called a tech for no reason.’ He said, ‘If you say to it me again, I’m going to call another tech,’” Brown said, explaining that he approached Van Duyne to clarify what Mazzulla’s tech was for.   

“You can’t threaten guys with a technical foul, that’s not part of the game either. If you want to fine guys for gesturing and all that stuff – fine that. That’s some bulls—.”

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Mazzulla will have the chance to spread some more holiday cheer when the two teams meet again on Saturday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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The post moranelkarifnews : Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla quips that he wished ref a ‘Merry Christmas’ in irate postgame outburst appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.

It’s no secret the NBA is facing an uphill battle.

The league’s declining ratings have stretched far beyond just the first week and have continued as Christmas Day, normally an NBA spectacle, approaches.

Many reasons have been tossed around as to why ratings are down, but the common suggestion is that the regular season is becoming a lot like what the All-Star Game has been recently.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In recent years, the midseason contest has become full of deep 3-pointers, uncontested dunks and almost zero defense. Now, we are seeing a record pace of 3-pointers made, missed and taken in general, all while a lack of defense has become apparent.

This year, the NBA All-Star Game will be a four-team tournament the league hopes will add some competitive juice.

LeBron James admitted “the last couple of years have not been a great All-Star Game,” but he knows the NBA faces bigger issues, and the 3-pointer might be largely to blame.

CELTICS HEAD COACH ADMITS HE’D ‘RATHER WATCH SOMETHING ELSE’ AS NBA RATINGS DECLINE

“Listen, it’s a bigger conversation. It’s not just the All-Star Game, it’s our game in general. Our game, there’s a lot of f—ing threes being shot. So it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game,” James said Thursday.

James is averaging 5.7 3-pointers attempted per game; his career-high is eight from the 2021-22 season. He added that “something had to change” regarding the All-Star Game.

“I was not part of the committee. It’s different, but I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see when we get there. It’s different. Obviously, any time you make some type of change, there’s gonna be some [blowback]. I don’t know. I have my ideas of what could possibly work, but I’m not gonna do that. We gotta do something.”

Ratings for games on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV are down 25% from last year. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently pointed at a lack of cable TV in households as a contributing factor.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

It’s no secret the NBA is facing an uphill battle.

The league’s declining ratings have stretched far beyond just the first week and have continued as Christmas Day, normally an NBA spectacle, approaches.

Many reasons have been tossed around as to why ratings are down, but the common suggestion is that the regular season is becoming a lot like what the All-Star Game has been recently.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In recent years, the midseason contest has become full of deep 3-pointers, uncontested dunks and almost zero defense. Now, we are seeing a record pace of 3-pointers made, missed and taken in general, all while a lack of defense has become apparent.

This year, the NBA All-Star Game will be a four-team tournament the league hopes will add some competitive juice.

LeBron James admitted “the last couple of years have not been a great All-Star Game,” but he knows the NBA faces bigger issues, and the 3-pointer might be largely to blame.

CELTICS HEAD COACH ADMITS HE’D ‘RATHER WATCH SOMETHING ELSE’ AS NBA RATINGS DECLINE

“Listen, it’s a bigger conversation. It’s not just the All-Star Game, it’s our game in general. Our game, there’s a lot of f—ing threes being shot. So it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game,” James said Thursday.

James is averaging 5.7 3-pointers attempted per game; his career-high is eight from the 2021-22 season. He added that “something had to change” regarding the All-Star Game.

“I was not part of the committee. It’s different, but I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see when we get there. It’s different. Obviously, any time you make some type of change, there’s gonna be some [blowback]. I don’t know. I have my ideas of what could possibly work, but I’m not gonna do that. We gotta do something.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Ratings for games on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV are down 25% from last year. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently pointed at a lack of cable TV in households as a contributing factor.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The post moranelkarifnews : LeBron James offers theory for declining NBA ratings: ‘We gotta do something’ appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.

Trinity Rodman, the daughter of five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman, called out her father for the “joke” apology he posted on social media after an interview the soccer star gave earlier this week when she spoke out about their strained relationship. 

Appearing on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Trinity spoke openly about their relationship and said the NBA Hall of Famer has largely been absent from her life. 

“He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else,” she said. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The interview prompted the former Chicago Bulls star to issue his own apology on social media, claiming that he’s previously been told not to attend her games and that Trinity had been told to ignore his repeated attempts to contact her. 

“Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you wanted me to be but either way I still tried and I still Try and Never will Stop. I will keep Trying even when you’re being told as an adult not to respond to my phone calls. I will try even when it’s difficult and if it takes a long time. 

“I’m always here And tell you all the time rather it’s your voice or voicemail how proud I am. I always had one wish and it was I wish my kids would call me and come see me. Hopefully one day I can get that. I’m here and I’m still trying pick up the phone you have my number, You see me calling, I’m still here.”

DENNIS RODMAN OFFERS APOLOGY TO SOCCER STAR DAUGHTER AFTER SHE RIPS HIM ON PODCAST

Unsurprisingly, the public apology was not received well by the U.S. women’s national team star.

“A joke,” she wrote to her Instagram story Thursday. “The response alone. And the attention. Wiping my hands with it and I’m done. Thank you.” 

​​Trinity, who also plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League, called her father an “extremely selfish human being” during the lengthy interview. 

“I think everything has always been about him. He’s gone through s—, but at the same time, I’m like, he loves the spotlight. He loves the cameras. He loves bringing his children on stage and being like, ‘Oh, these are my kids.’ All that stuff and even the mind … the mind f—, but like, for me emotionally, he’s put me through, like, oh my gosh.”

Trinity’s mother, Michelle Moyer, divorced Dennis Rodman in 2012. In the podcast, she said her mother tried to shield her and her brother, DJ Rodman, who plays in the NBA’s G League, from their father’s chaotic lifestyle growing up. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Trinity Rodman, the daughter of five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman, called out her father for the “joke” apology he posted on social media after an interview the soccer star gave earlier this week when she spoke out about their strained relationship. 

Appearing on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Trinity spoke openly about their relationship and said the NBA Hall of Famer has largely been absent from her life. 

“He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else,” she said. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The interview prompted the former Chicago Bulls star to issue his own apology on social media, claiming that he’s previously been told not to attend her games and that Trinity had been told to ignore his repeated attempts to contact her. 

“Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you wanted me to be but either way I still tried and I still Try and Never will Stop. I will keep Trying even when you’re being told as an adult not to respond to my phone calls. I will try even when it’s difficult and if it takes a long time. 

“I’m always here And tell you all the time rather it’s your voice or voicemail how proud I am. I always had one wish and it was I wish my kids would call me and come see me. Hopefully one day I can get that. I’m here and I’m still trying pick up the phone you have my number, You see me calling, I’m still here.”

DENNIS RODMAN OFFERS APOLOGY TO SOCCER STAR DAUGHTER AFTER SHE RIPS HIM ON PODCAST

Unsurprisingly, the public apology was not received well by the U.S. women’s national team star.

“A joke,” she wrote to her Instagram story Thursday. “The response alone. And the attention. Wiping my hands with it and I’m done. Thank you.” 

​​Trinity, who also plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League, called her father an “extremely selfish human being” during the lengthy interview. 

“I think everything has always been about him. He’s gone through s—, but at the same time, I’m like, he loves the spotlight. He loves the cameras. He loves bringing his children on stage and being like, ‘Oh, these are my kids.’ All that stuff and even the mind … the mind f—, but like, for me emotionally, he’s put me through, like, oh my gosh.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Trinity’s mother, Michelle Moyer, divorced Dennis Rodman in 2012. In the podcast, she said her mother tried to shield her and her brother, DJ Rodman, who plays in the NBA’s G League, from their father’s chaotic lifestyle growing up. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The post moranelkarifnews : Trinity Rodman rips former NBA star dad for ‘joke’ apology after opening up about strained relationship appeared first on Moran Elkarif | Moran Elkarif sport Stories.