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Patriots fans dont seem upset that kicker understood the assignment in loss to Giants

Tulane and SMU link up on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Yulman Stadium for the American Athletic Conference title. Fans looking to attend this college football game in person have plenty of options and can shop around at StubHub and *VividSeats. *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* If you need to travel outside your local area to get to this game, head over to TripAdvisor, VRBO, Marriott or Booking.com for deals on everything from car rentals to airfare to hotels. Who: Tulane vs SMU When: Dec. 2, 4 p.m. ET Where: Yulman Stadium Stream: fuboTV (free trial); or Sling; or DirecTV Stream Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats. Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: Football fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: SMU earns date in AAC title game but starting QB Stone injured in 59-14 rout of Navy DALLAS (AP) — Preston Stone threw three touchdown passes before suffering an injury in the second quarter and SMU cruised over Navy 59-14 on Saturday to advance to the American Athletic Conference championship game. Stone had already thrown for 322 yards on 14-of-19 passing when he went down awkwardly while being sacked with six minutes left in the first half. He was helped off the field then taken by cart to the dressing room. SMU (10-2, 8-0) will travel to New Orleans to play No. 18 Tulane next Saturday. After Stone, redshirt freshman Kevin Jennings is the backup followed by Iowa transfer Alex Padilla. Jennings took over for Stone and Padilla also saw action as did fourth-stringer freshman Keldric Luster. Tyler Lavine rushed for three touchdowns, Kelvontay Dixon had 125 yards receiving and two touchdowns on four catches and Isaiah Iwokobia had a 74-yard pick-6 in the third quarter for SMU’s final points. All three of Stone’s touchdown passes came in the first quarter when he threw for 275 yards, the most in a quarter by an FBS quarterback this season, and the Mustangs went out in front 28-0 on their way to a 52-14 halftime lead, their third 40-point half of the season. Navy (4-4, 5-6) scored on Daba Fofana’s run in the final minute of the quarter after Eli Neidenreich recovered a muffed punt at the 1. In the first minute of the second quarter, long snapper Will Benton recovered a muffed Navy punt in the end zone. The punt went through the returner’s legs but contacted his towel tucked into the back of his pants. SMU scored on seven of its eight first-half drives. Navy had five three-and-outs in the half, gaining zero net yardage on those possessions. SMU outgained Navy in the first half 452-139. For the game, SMU had 487 yards offense, playing conservatively in the second half. Navy finished with 253. Braxton Woodson threw for 71 yards with an interception and ran for 104 yards on 18 carries with a score for the Midshipmen. Navy will play Army on Dec. 9 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. ___ More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/ap_top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/mrxhe6f2 The Associated Press contributed to this article

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sports

Field hockey all-scholastics and league All-Stars

Kerin Birch (Walpole) Susannah Brown (Monomoy) Rita Calahane (Newburyport) Emily Carney (Franklin) Mackenzie Clarke (Belmont) Katie Colleran (Walpole) Mary Collins (Foxboro) Raena Crandall (Franklin) Aislin Devaney (Watertown) Bella DiFiore (Andover) Molly Driscoll (Watertown) Jill DuVarney (Acton-Boxboro) Rachel Egan (Watertown) Kerri Finneran (Central Catholic) Molly Hillier (Winchester) Kelly Holmes (King Philip) Drew Hussar (Dover-Sherborn) Avery Johnsen (Falmouth) Myles Lakin (Reading) Shea Larkee (Norwood) Ava Meehan (Bishop Feehan) Rose Memmolo (Andover) Kathryn Murphy (Bishop Feehan) Caelie Patrick (Manchester-Essex) Camille Perlov (Hopkinton) Khloe Schultz (Sandwich) Megan Smith (Case) Natalie Wall (Reading) HONORABLE MENTION Karissa Albin (Somerset Berkley) Abbie Allen (Ipswich) Mara Boldy (King Philip) Maddie Chase (Danvers) Katie Conway (Newburyport) Ella Costa (Gloucester) Erin Cottam (Oliver Ames) Kacey Curran (Durfee) Alexa Garthee (Barnstable) Grace Haskell (Dartmouth) Cat Holtz (Acton-Boxboro) Ellie Innes (Lincoln-Sudbury) Abby Johnson (Walpole) Quinn Jordan (Sandwich) Julia Lambert (Concord-Carlisle) Lindsay Rogers (Norwood) Lily Schmalz (Needham) Haylen Wilson (Hingham) KERIN BIRCH WALPOLE Making her third appearance in the Div. 1 state final, the two-time Boston Herald All-Scholastic was a major reason the Porkers captured their first championship since 2016. Birch scored 21 points and served a critical role at center back, earning Bay State Conference MVP honors. She’s headed to Bryant for field hockey next year. SUSANNAH BROWN MONOMOY The Sharks made the Div. 4 Final Four each of the three years Brown started, and the senior (21 goals, nine assists) registered a point in all but three games en route to Monomoy’s first state final appearance. Brown has 10 varsity letters across five sports, is president of two clubs, is a two-year MIAA student ambassador, a three-year peer tutor and peer leader. She’s set to play field hockey and lacrosse at Johnson and Wales while studying digital marketing. RITA CAHALANE NEWBURYPORT Cahalane ended a four-year varsity career with a bang, earning Cape Ann League MVP honors and helping the Clippers reach their first Div. 3 state final. The midfielder was a CAL First Team All-Star. She was a MSFHCA Best of 60 selection. She’s also a state champion in lacrosse,a High Honor Roll student, and a member of the National Honors Society and Best Buddies. Cahalane is undecided on her college plans. EMILY CARNEY FRANKLIN The junior enjoyed a breakout year with 29 goals and 19 assists, starring in the middle of a well-balanced title contender. Carney proved to be one of the best all-around players in the state on the way to a Hockomock League All-Star selection and a Div. 1 Final Four trip. She and the Panthers will have a great shot at their first state title next year before she heads to play at Fairfield. MACKENZIE CLARKE BELMONT Just a sophomore, Clarke turned heads with 21 goals and 22 assists. She earned a second Middlesex League All-Star and an All-District nod, as well as a MSFHCA Rising Sophomore selection. Belmont’s two-time team MVP already has 52 career points and hopes to play collegiate field hockey. She volunteers for Best Buddies, plays lacrosse and plays for the Northeast Elite club. KATIE COLLERAN WALPOLE The vaunted Porkers’ defense allowed just nine goals through 23 games and Colleran was at the center of it. A starter through each run to the last three Div. 1 state finals, the senior earned a Bay State Conference All-Star selection and her first state title. Colleran is an AP Scholar Award recipient, an Honor Roll student, a member of the National Honors Society and a three-sport athlete. MARY COLLINS FOXBORO Collins erupted for 35 goals and 22 assists, closing out her career with 160 points and two All-Scholastic selections. The two-time Hockomock League MVP followed her league Underclassmen of the Year Award in 2021 with three league all-star nods. A National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society member, Collins will play at Stonehill while studying early childhood education. RAENA CRANDALL FRANKLIN A junior, Crandall registered eight hat tricks on the way to 33 goals and 50 points. The Hockomock League All-Star was critical toward Franklin’s Div. 1 Final Four run, following up invitations to play in the Under Armour Select Games and the Nexus Regional Selection camp. She is a two-sport athlete, has over 300 hours of volunteering for the Lionsheart Community Service Organization, and hopes to play field hockey in college. AISLIN DEVANEY WATERTOWN Devaney anchored a Watertown defense that set a national record with 41 consecutive shutouts before securing its third straight Div. 3 state title. The senior earned Middlesex League All-Star and All-District honors, as well as a MSFHCA Best of 60 selection. She finished with 57 points, adding to success in ice hockey (league all-star) and the classroom (High Honor Roll student). She heads to Union College for field hockey. BELLA DIFIORE ANDOVER One of Andover’s biggest game-changers en route to a third straight Div. 1 state finals trip, DiFiore finished her junior campaign with 17 goals and 15 assists. Her 67 career points has her in range to crack 100 next year. Elite speed contributes toward success in ice hockey and lacrosse as well, and she is a High Honor Roll student. MOLLY DRISCOLL WATERTOWN Driscoll finished her four-year varsity career without a single loss as Watertown’s most decorated scorer, posting 60 goals and 20 assists to finish with program-bests in goals (150) and points (218). The two-time All-Scholastic earned four Middlesex League All-Star and All-District selections, and is a league all-star in ice hockey and lacrosse. She is a High Honor Roll student with a 3.98 GPA. After a post-grad year, she’ll play field hockey for Boston University. JILL DUVARNEY ACTON-BOXBORO By leading the Revolution in goals (28) and assists (17) for a second straight year, DuVarney was unanimously voted Dual County League Player of the Year and was selected to the DCL All-Conference team. The junior was a key leader for Acton-Boxboro in reaching the Div. 1 state quarterfinals and is committed to American University. RACHEL EGAN WATERTOWN A third-year varsity starter, Egan enjoyed a breakout year and contributed toward another unbeaten Raiders season with 24 goals and 15 assists. The junior was named a Middlesex League All-Star and All-District selection while surpassing 60 career points. She’s a High Honors student with a 4.27 GPA while also running indoor and outdoor track. Egan is committed to play at Holy Cross. KERRI FINNERAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC Finneran’s 100th career point nearly willed the Raiders to the Div. 1 state semifinals, but her junior season ended in the quarterfinals with a school-record 34 goals and 14 assists. The midfielder’s impressive hits helped her earn Merrimack Valley Conference co-MVP honors, adding to standout seasons in basketball and lacrosse. Finneran is an Honor Roll student. MOLLY HILLIER WINCHESTER Recording the school’s second-best save percentage ever (.8906) didn’t come easy, as Hillier was often tasked in goal with big workloads amid a run to the Div. 1 second round. Her stellar performances earned her Middlesex League All-Star and All-Conference nods, as well as a spot in the MSFHCA Best of 60. Also an ice hockey captain, Hillier is a member of the National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society. She will enter the pre-med track in college. KELLY HOLMES KING PHILIP Much of the Warriors’ offense was orchestrated by Holmes, seen in the 37 assists she racked up. The senior wrapped her career with 105 points (68 assists), earning three Hockomock League All-Star selections. She’s also an All-Scholastic in ice hockey, plays lacrosse and is headed to Saint Anselm next year. DREW HUSSAR DOVER-SHERBORN A two-way force, Hussar’s presence was felt all over the field as part of a second straight trip to the Div. 3 state semifinals. She earned the Tri-Valley League Small MVP award, posting six goals and 10 assists. The senior three-sport athlete is a two-time TVL All-Star, a National Honors Society member, and won a trio of underclassmen academic awards. She will play field hockey at MIT. AVERY JOHNSEN FALMOUTH Johnsen drove Falmouth’s offense, resulting in the program’s first 100-point career. The senior forward, a four-year starter, earned the Cape and Islands League MVP award, adding to four league all-star selections. Johnsen is a High Honor Roll student, and a member of the National Honors Society, National Math Honors Society and National Art Honors Society. She is also an All-Scholastic in ice hockey. She will play field hockey at Appalachian State and study dentistry. MYLES LAKIN READING Lakin was one of the most formidable goalies in the state with 17 shutouts in 23 games, and came up huge in the program’s first Div. 2 state championship. A two-time Middlesex League All-Star and All-Conference player, Lakin is also a Joanne Paquette Award winner and High Honor Roll student. The senior will head to WPI. SHEA LARKEE NORWOOD Coming off a missed season due to injury, Larkee shattered the school’s single-season scoring record with 45 goals and 20 assists. The junior won Tri-Valley League MVP honors in leading the Mustangs to their first Div. 2 state final. Larkee is a NFHCA All-Region First Team selection and a two-time TVL All-Star. She is a member of the National Honors Society and serves as class secretary. AVA MEEHAN BISHOP FEEHAN A four-year starter through the Shamrocks’ transformation from a young program into a contender, Meehan earned three straight Catholic Central League MVP honors. The repeat Boston Herald All-Scholastic will have a chance to keep contending by heading to reigning national champion North Carolina. She’s a four-year Honor Roll student, Spanish National Honors Society member and a member of Patriot Field Hockey Club. ROSE MEMMOLO ANDOVER Memmolo was a defensive fixture for Andover in reaching its third straight Div. 1 state final, and the senior earned Merrimack Valley Conference co-MVP honors. The two-time champion posted seven defensive saves to go with six goals and 12 assists. She’s a two-time MVC All-Conference pick, a MSFHCA Best of 60 selection, Joanne Paquette Academic All-Star and National Honors Society member. Memmolo also stars in ice hockey. KATHRYN MURPHY BISHOP FEEHAN Murphy was a key catalyst in turning the Shamrocks from a one-win team to a title contender, solidifying the midfield as a four-year starter. The senior notched six goals and 11 assists, earning a second Catholic Central League All-Star selection and a MSFHCA Best of 60 nod. A member of Patriot Field Hockey Club, Murphy will play at the University of New Hampshire. CAELIE PATRICK MANCHESTER-ESSEX A 16-goal, 15-assist season not only led the Hornets in points for Patrick’s fourth time, but the two-time All-Scholastic midfielder also won Cape Ann League Baker Player of the Year honors. Manchester-Essex has reached the Div. 4 Final Four three straight times largely due to the four-time CAL First Team All-Star, and she was selected for the MSFHCA Best of 60. She’s headed to Providence College for field hockey and to study psychology. CAMILLE PERLOV HOPKINTON The Hillers’ rise over the last few seasons is largely attributed to Perlov, whose 27 goals and 11 assists put her over 100 career points. The senior midfielder followed a Tri-Valley League MVP season last year with a second TVL All-Star nod and a MSFHCA Best of 60 selection. She’s been a High Honor Roll student since her freshman year. A three-sport athlete, she coaches youth field hockey. Perlov will play at Fairfield. KHLOE SCHULTZ SANDWICH Already a three-year starter, Schultz finished her sophomore season as the South Shore League MVP with 28 goals and 17 assists. Her feats have earned all-star nods from the SSL and Cape and Islands League, helping Sandwich reach the Final Four this year and consecutive state finals trips. The center midfielder is also an ice hockey star and High Honors student. MEGAN SMITH CASE Smith broke the school’s record for goals in a season with 44, and added 13 assists en route to a second straight South Coast Conference MVP award. The four-time all-star finished her high school career with a program-best 108 goals, and was a MSFHCA Best of 60 selection. She ranks third in her class as an Honor Roll student and two-sport athlete. Smith will play field hockey and study finance at Bryant. NATALIE WALL READING A defensive force, Wall closed out her career by earning Middlesex League Liberty MVP honors and guiding the Rockets to their first Div. 2 state title. She was named all-conference for a second straight year and was an all-star for a third. The MSFHCA Best of 60 selection is a three-sport athlete, a High Honor Roll student and a National Honors Society member. She looks to pursue dentistry after graduating. LEAGUE ALL-STARS BAY STATE CONFERENCE Olivia Alper, Lily Schmalz, Megan Ledbury (Needham); Kaitlyn Uller, Kayla Bohlin, Sophia Weene (Wellesley); Cara Facey, Maddie Hunt (Milton); Caitlyn Naughton, Kerin Birch, Izzy Adams, Elena Govoni, Katie Colleran (Walpole); Alison Curron, Callie Burchill (Braintree); Molly Newbold (Brookline); Emerson Hebert-Maccaro, Olicia Norchi (Natick); Izzy Lubbe-Lynch, Macy Goodwin (Newton North); Anna DeBonis (Framingham) CAPE AND ISLANDS ATLANTIC: Alexa Garthee, Ally McEneaney, Penny Baroni, Chloe Egan (Barnstable); Susannah Brown, Emily Layton, Emery Cappallo, Sam Clarke (Monomoy); Avery Johnson, Makenna Metcalf, Jane Hostetter, Gabrielle Ferriera, Isabella Hawkins (Falmouth); Jenna Richard, Alaina Manuel, Megan McDowell, Charleigh Hicks (Dennis-Yarmouth); Cate Miltimore (Nauset) MVP: Avery Johnson LIGHTHOUSE: Caroline Allen, Suz Peraner, Shelbi Harimon, Maddie Lombardi, Mayson Lower, Caroline Collette (Nantucket); Shea Ryan, Maeve Shortt, Kaylee Anthony (St. John Paul); Sofia Balsas Fuentes, Reese McCracken, Charlotte Scott, Elaina Cacchiotti (Martha’s Vineyard); Molly Reino, Eva Wood, Samantha Orcutt (Sturgis) MVP: Caroline Allen CAPE ANN LEAGUE Ayantu Porter (Amesbury); Ella Tucker (Essex Tech); Abbie Allen (Ipswich); Gia Marotta, Taylor Valiton (Lynnfield); Caelie Patrick, Ella Chafe, Abby Kent (Manchester-Essex); Rita Cahalane, Ciara Geraghty, Katie Conway, Delaney Woekel (Newburyport); Alyssa Mutti (North Reading); Cat Colvin, Katherine Flaherty (Pentucket) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rita Cahalane CATHOLIC CONFERENCE Shannon MacLeod, Kaitie Ryan, Emily Coughlin (Notre Dame Hingham); Morgan Belyea, Antonia DiZoglio (Malden Catholic); Olivia Ruggieri, Kasey Lanagan (Ursuline) DUAL COUNTY LEAGUE ALL-CONFERENCE: Anna Leverone, Ellie Innes (Lincoln-Sudbury); Catherine Holtz, Jill Duvarney (Acton-Boxboro); Bridget Delduchetto, Coco Curran, Cortney Leung (Weston); Allison Hovsepian (Waltham); Avery Swenson, Hadley Swenson (Concord-Carlisle); Allison Lombardo (Westford); Madison DiPerna, Maya Billings (Bedford); Talia Macchi (Wayland) THORPE: Caroline McBride, Emily Chen, Shannon Patrick (Acton-Boxboro); Julia Lambert, Kate Francini, Crista Celi (Concord-Carlisle); Liv Bigelow, Katie Drummons (Lincoln-Sudbury); Autumn Humphrey, Emily Lux (Westford); Jane Temaglio (Newton South) FOLEY: Molly Ross, Libby Galton, Celia Lawlor (Weston); Kayla MacKenzie, Juliana Fry (Waltham); Emma Zocco (Wayland); Ava Derderian (Bedford) MVP: Jill Duvarney, Cortney Leung HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE Siobhan Landers, Siany Ortez Amaya (Attleboro); Haley Wernig, Raena Crandall, Emily Carney, Sophia Cuneo (Franklin); Kelly Holmes, Mara Boldy, Nikki McDonald (King Philip); Lola Varricchione, Emma Redding (Mansfield); Samantha Fazo (Milford); Kennedy MacEachern (Taunton); Laura Valkanas, Carolyn Schiavo, Maggie McCready, Izzy Cusack (Canton); Val Beigel, Mary Collins, Ella Campbell, Cam Collins (Foxboro); Emily Burnham, Kelsey Thompson (North Attleboro); Erin Cottam, Eva Connolly (Oliver Ames); Morgan Groppi (Stoughton) MVP: Mary Collins MAYFLOWER ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Avery Avila, Makayla Grace, Isabella Babb, Colleen Smith, Jada Thurston (Westport); May Munro, Kylee Mulvey, Tessa Luke (Southeastern); Ava Brogioli, Jaydn Morrell, Sophia Sheehy (Wareham) MVP: Avery Avila MERRIMACK VALLEY CONFERENCE Bella DiFiore, Casey Michael, Lucy MacLean, Maddie DiGiorgio, Mia Batchelder, Rose Memmolo (Andover); Kerri Finneran, Bella Angluin, Rianna Lembo, Sophia Creegan (Central Catholic); Ava Balan, Jenna Nigro, Kate Harrison (Chelmsford); Brenna Corcoran (Haverhill); Drea Defreitas (Lowell); Alex Tardugno, Chloe Pickett (Methuen); Eliana Kaplan, Julianna Taylor (North Andover); Avery Della Piana, Katerina Schille (Tewksbury) Player of the Year: Kerri Finneran, Rose Memmolo MIDDLESEX LEAGUE LIBERTY: Myles Lakin, Autumn Mathews, Ava Goodwin, Natalie Wall, Caroline Gallegios, Kendall Graves, Libby Quinn (Reading); Mackenzie Clarke, Lola Rocci, Tess Desantis, Carly Gaziano (Belmont); Molly Hiller, Julia Legere, Madelyn Rabinovich, Sam Gal (Winchester); Lola Capapey, Sophie Glavine (Lexington); Libby Corsetti, Piper Guiney (Arlington); Lilianna Santos (Woburn). MVP: Natalie Wall FREEDOM: Molly Driscoll, Aislin Devaney, Rachel Egan, Adrianna Williams, Regan Driscoll, Katelyn O’Connor, Caroline Andrade (Watertown); Grace Tobias, Olivia Scally, Bridget Scully, Lucija Romanowski (Stoneham); Alyssa Stack, Abigail Hassell, Alexis Melvin, Kiera Warford (Wilmington); Mia Lauder, Nora, McDowell, Renee LeComte (Burlington); Juliana Spaulding, Erin Leary (Wakefield) MVP: Molly Driscoll NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-CONFERENCE: Liz Wilder (Beverly); Maddie Chase, Megan McGinnity, Malana Moy, Bobbi Serino (Danvers); Abby Lowthers, Ella Costa (Gloucester); Daniella White (Peabody); Nora Duval, Sophie Doumas (Masconomet); Jessica Bremberg (Saugus); Lucy Brown S, Maisie Russo (Swampscott) ALL-STARS: Lily Shea (Beverly); Abby Sher, Molly Emery, Gabby Griffin-Fetsch (Danvers); Lily Pregent, Ariana Scola (Gloucester); Clara Donovan (Marblehead); Angelina Zepaj, Savannah Stevens (Masconomet); Meghan Collins (Peabody); Grace Fiore (Saugus); Sawyer Groothuis, Coco Clopton (Swampscott) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Maddie Chase PATRIOT LEAGUE KEENAN: Siena Brackett, Ryan Hallisey, Haylen Wilson, Lauren Armstrong, Lily Samoska (Hingham); Caitlin Ganley, Alex Bliss, Hannah Selig, Alannah Waters, Brooke Hohmann (Silver Lake); Meagan Condon, Julia O’Brien, Mary Tracey (Marshfield); Megan Petrarca, Stella Kirkpatrick, Annalise Lopes (Plymouth North); Paige Cosgrove (Whitman-Hanson) MVP: Siena Brackett FISHER: Ava von Freymann, Molly Gould, Beth Maccune, Grace Dunning, Katie von Freymann (Scituate); McKenzie Foley, Katie Radzik, Kate Baldinelli, Maren Hines (Hanover); Charlotte Hansen, Colleen Clancy, Avery Bridgett, Caitlin Hussey (Duxbury); Olivia Skeiber, Katey Sullivan, Abby Graham (Pembroke); Adyson Klaassen (Plymouth South) MVP: McKenzie Foley SOUTH COAST CONFERENCE Cynthia Morales, Ally Arruda (Apponequet); Caraline Corvi, Rowan Whitaker (Dighton-Rehoboth); Carlie Francis (Fairhaven); Megan Smith, Skylar Demoranville, Brooke Perron (Case); Reilly Patraiko, Tessa Winslow (Old Rochester); Katie Eklund (Seekonk); Addie Finlaw, Karissa Albin, Karis Botelho, Ryan Crook (Somerset Berkley); Abby Matta (West Bridgewater) MVP: Megan Smith SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE Grace Haskell, Samantha Souza, Kaelyn Zuber, Aubrey Carberry, Lily Melo (Dartmouth); Kacey Curran, Ellia Delisle, Emily Curran, Toni Freitas, Paitlynn Botelho (Durfee); Emily DaCosta, Sophia Perry (New Bedford); Emily Keefe, Delaney Moreau (Bridgewater-Raynham); Issys Price, Casey Hoyt (Brockton) MVP: Grace Haskell TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE Ayla Hallock (Ashland); Mallory Berkeley, Cassidy Leger (Bellingham); Mary Stronach (Dedham); Drew Hussar, Avery Bent, Alia El Hilali (Dover-Sherborn); Julia Galipeau (Holliston); Camille Perlov, Lauren Strechay, Sanidi Waduthanthri (Hopkinton); Mikayla Malmquist (Medfield); Shea Larkee, Lindsay Rogers, Ava O’Neil, Emily Spadorcia (Norwood); Katie Krumsiek, Ava Kelly, Moira Kenneally (Westwood); Elizabeth Kenney, Maggie Monaghan (Medway) MVP: Shea Larkee, Drew Hussar

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sports

Bill Belichick is wired to win, but a hideous loss to the Giants makes us wonder if the Patriots are tanking

When is the last time a Patriots field goal kicker missed a 35-yard chip shot that would have sent a game into overtime? It happened Sunday in the Meadowlands when rookie Chad Ryland hooked a 3-foot putt with three seconds remaining in a 10-7 loss to the Giants (a game that should have been flexed to April). Wow. We haven’t seen a muffed kick like this since Baltimore’s Billy Cundiff’s 32-yard bunny sailed wide left in the 2011 AFC Championship game, delivering the once-great Patriots to yet another Super Bowl. Was Ryland under orders to miss? Any chance the Pats, now 2-9, did not want to win to stay in position for a top-three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft? Advertisement We haven’t seen the Patriots lose in the closing seconds on such a makeable play since 2005 when backup QB Matt Cassel tossed a potential game-tying, 2-point game conversion attempt to the Musket Men, assuring a final regular-season game loss to the Dolphins. That defeat gave the Patriots the Tomato Can Jaguars instead of eventual Super Bowl champion Steelers in the first round of the playoffs and worked nicely as the Pats destroyed the Jags, 28-3. Get Breaking Sports Alerts Be the first to know the latest sports news as it happens, and get the Globe's most interesting reporting right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up As much sense as it might make, it’s hard to believe the Patriots would tank this early. There’s no way Bill Belichick (stuck on 331 coaching victories, 16 shy of tying Don Shula) wants to lose when he can win. But suspicious minds will be working overtime in these final two months of the worst season of the Hoodie’s illustrious 24-season career as HC of the NEPs. The Patriots came into the day holding the No. 3 spot in the 2024 draft and did nothing to worsen their position. Can anybody say “Caleb Williams”? Why would Bill tank? He’s eternally wired to win and he might not even be on the Gillette sideline next season. He undoubtedly cares more about victories than the draft position of a team he may not even be coaching in 2024. Advertisement But there are times one wonders about decisions that continue to sabotage this season. This is one of those times. Start with quarterback. Belichick has turned the most important position into an absolute dumpster fire. It’s as if Bobby Valentine has been in charge of handling Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe (who was released in August!). The late John Madden, speaking of any two-quarterback rotation, once said, “when you have two, you have none.’’ The 2023 Patriots have none. This has been demonstrated repeatedly, especially in a mind-numbing November. Top-round pick Jones has been a puddle most of this season and in the wake of his benching in Germany two weeks ago, there was considerable noise about who would start Sunday. It was absurd. Belichick spent two weeks protecting the identity of the starter as if he was guarding the nuclear codes. It was a galactically stupid, completely unnecessary display of stubborness and self-importance — the kind of stunt that used to fly when the Patriots were in the AFC Championship game every year. Not anymore. When did Bill tell his team who’d be under center for the first game after the bye? “I can’t remember,” Belichick said after Sunday’s loss. “Sometime during the week.’’ Belichick said the team was told before it flew to New Jersey. Patriot players said little, but tight end Hunter Henry indicated he pretty much knew nothing until game day. Advertisement Maybe Mac found a football in his locker when he arrived at MetLife Sunday morning. “We had talked about it,’’ Jones said. “Obviously you got to take advantage of the reps you get in practice.’’ Zappe deferred to his head coach. Reportedly, the quarterback reps had been split (sort of) during the week and Jones reportedly “won practice.’’ Belichick tried to explain it away, saying, “I think they both deserve to play.’’ But would we have seen Zappe if Jones hadn’t been terrible again? In Jones’s lone half he completed 12 of 21 passes for 89 yards and two grotesque interceptions. He put no points on the board. He lobbed several balloon balls over his receivers. (Referee Scott Novak could have invoked the infield fly rule on a couple of them.) He threw a pick into triple coverage. The other one was another back-foot abomination. “Just bad quarterback play,’’ admitted Jones. “If your quarterback doesn’t play well, you have no chance.’’ So we got Zappe in the second half. For the fourth time in 11 games, Jones was benched. Zappe was better than Mac, completing 6 of 6 passes in an 11-play, 60-yard TD drive that tied the game, 7-7. He also put the Pats into field goal position at the end of the game. But his telegraphed interception into the arms of Xavier McKinney was a backbreaker on par with Mac’s game-ender against the Colts two weeks ago. Advertisement Bill wasn’t having any of it in a quickie presser after the game. He kept saying, “I told everybody to be ready to go.’’ Then he walked off in mid-question. Abruptly. An absolute mic drop. Swell. We’re on to 2024. Is Bill? Dan Shaughnessy is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at daniel.shaughnessy@globe.com. Follow him @dan_shaughnessy.

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Mac Jones buried as Bill Belichick pulls one more ice-cold move | NickNacks

Here are some half-baked thoughts and knickknacks (AKA NickNacks) I came up with while watching the New England Patriots play the New York Jets in the final game of the regular season. - Bill Belichick closed out the season (and potentially his Patriots career) with an ice-cold decision at quarterback. He demoted Mac Jones to third string, bumping him below Nathan Rourke. - Jones was among the team’s inactives Sunday, but was tabbed as the emergency third quarterback on Sunday. Meanwhile, Rourke was active, making him the No. 2 quarterback on the day. - The frigid nature of Belichick’s roster moves matched the brutal conditions Sunday. With a wind chill in the 20s, conditions only got worse as the game went on. Things started as slushy, but turned into a whiteout as the snow picked up and starting covering the field. - From that point on, things stayed wet, wild and sloppy. - Bailey Zappe’s first pass of the game was almost a complete disaster. Zappe tried to flip it out to Ezekiel Elliott on a screen pass. But then Jets DL Solomon Thomas broke through and got his hands on it, nearly picking it off. - Zappe’s first quarter was a complete mess. He finished the first frame by going 3-of-7 for 6 yards. That’s 0.9 yards per attempt. He was also sacked twice for 17. yards. That’s a net of negative 11 passing yards on drop backs. That’s not good. - Well, if this doesn’t sum up the current state of the team -- and the overall vibe of Sunday’s game -- I don’t know what does. There’s a Patriots fan with a customized “Sadness” jersey in the crowd pic.twitter.com/9F9ClocfNp — Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) January 7, 2024 - Before the game, there was an official notice to fans at the stadium: Please do not throw snowballs onto the field. - It didn’t matter too much. Some of the best throws I saw Sunday at Gillette Stadium were fans chucking snowballs in the stands. - Weird penalty of the day: Jalen Reagor was hit with a delay of game penalty after spiking the football on a long reception. - Bryce Baringer’s first punt was awesome (63 yards). His second punt was rough (37 yards) while his third punt was wonky. It looked like a shank, but it bounced out to 38 yards. - But then he bounced back, drilling a 60-yarder. That more or less sums up Baringer’s rookie season. There have been some great kicks, but also some clunkers. - A great effort by Jabrill Peppers to keep up with the play and break up a deep pass to Xavier Gipson. - You final keeper of the light for the 2023 season at Gillette Stadium: former Patriots running back James White. - Demand for Belichick’s potential final game wasn’t particularly high given the conditions (in terms of the standings and the weather). Prices were dropping down to the $20 range on TicketMaster before kickoff. At one point, I saw prices as low as $5.

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4 takeaways as Celtics beat Lakers on Christmas in another stellar win

LOS ANGELES — The Celtics built up a huge lead only for the Lakers to make a comeback to erase the big deficit. But the C’s still came away with the 126-115 victory over the Lakers on Monday on Christmas Day. The Celtics are now 23-6 on the season as they finished 3-1 on their West Coast road trip. It looked like the Celtics were going to run the Lakers off the court early as they built up an 18-point lead in the first quarter. The C’s defense was crisp while their stars had hot starts, leading to the early advantage on the road. But the Lakers locked down, making it a one-point game by halftime. There was a scary moment in the second quarter when LeBron James and Jaylen Brown got into a collision as both stars were down on the court. They eventually returned to the game; James a few minutes later and Brown to start the second half. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. The Celtics built up a double-digit lead in the second half as they were powered by a 41-point third quarter. While the Lakers kept trying to chip away at the lead, the C’s didn’t let them get closer down the stretch as they secured the victory. Kristaps Porzingis had 28 points for the Celtics while Jayson Tatum added another 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Davis had 40 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, while LeBron James had an off-night, shooting 5-of-14, though he did have 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. The Celtics return home as they take on the Pistons at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at TD Garden. Here are four takeaways from Boston’s win over Los Angeles: Difference-maker: When the Celtics went out and traded for Porzingis, it was for games like Monday where he can change the team considerably. That was indeed the case as the C’s were able to hunt Porzingis mismatches, and he kept contributing. The big man’s ability to stretch the floor and score gives the Celtics a different dynamic, which is something they’ve missed in past seasons. Porzingis finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 11-for-19 from the floor. Balanced scoring: The Celtics offense has put up some lofty numbers recently, and while it wasn’t as high Monday, the C’s were still efficient on that end. Porzingis and Tatum put up 25-plus points, but the other Celtics starters all put up at least 18 points. It wasn’t the most efficient night for Tatum and Jaylen Brown from the field, but that’s why this team has so many weapons. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday had 18 points apiece, while Brown had 19 points and five rebounds. Another strong third: While the C’s have been flat to come out of halftime at times this season, that wasn’t much of an issue during this road trip. It was another strong third quarter for the Celtics, this time outscoring the Lakers 41-33. On the flip side, the C’s will look to finish quarters stronger compared to Monday. They let up a big Lakers run at the end of the first after their 18-point lead, among other parts of the game. Still, their finish down the stretch impressed as part of anothe rwin. Bench check: The Celtics have been thin up front with Luke Kornet missing the last six games, but the reserve big man was available for Monday’s game. However, C’s coach Joe Mazzulla elected to go with Neemias Queta, who has impressed in his recent games. Kornet ended up not seeing the court Monday. Queta played seven minutes, recording an assist and rebound. The rotation situation is worth monitoring as the C’s will need that backup big spot to be productive over the course of a long season. Payton Pritchard also impressed in his limited time, and his 10 points to start the second quarter were much-needed when the Lakers were making a run.

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4 takeaways as Celtics beat Bucks after holding off late rally

Jaylen Brown led seven different Celtics to finish in double figures, helping Boston beat the Bucks 119-116 in a battle of East contenders. Brown led Boston in points (26) and assists (8), helping the hosts build a double-digit lead in the first half that they were able to sustain for much of the night. Jayson Tatum added 23 points and 10 rebounds despite playing through illness while all three Celtics reserves finished in double digits. Damian Lillard had 27 points for the Bucks helping the visitors rally within three points in the final minute with a 20-6 run. However, it wasn’t enough as Giannis Antetokounmpo (7-of-20 FG) struggled through an off shooting night and Jayson Tatum hit three free throws in the final minute to help seal the win for the hosts. The win puts Boston alone atop the Eastern Conference with a 12-3 record, boosting their lead to two games in the standings over the Bucks. $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. The Celtics will return to action on Friday afternoon for a pivotal in-season tournament game against the Magic that may determine who advances from the group in pool play. Here are four takeaways from the Celtics’ win on Wednesday night: Jaylen Brown bounces back in a big way: After facing some deserved criticism for some ugly stretches against the Grizzlies and Hornets, the All-Star responded quite nicely against the Bucks on a big stage. Brown came out red hot, scoring eight of Boston’s first 10 points on a mix of 3s and attacks of the rhythm. From there, he turned into Boston’s best playmaker in the second quarter, tallying a team-high five assists in the first half while setting up a number of easy Kristaps Porzingis looks in their two-man game. Brown finished with a team-high 13 points in the first half and set the tone for the Celtics as they built a double-digit lead before intermission with a superb offensive performance. He led the team in both points and assists in the win. Celtics bench shines: This group was a little bit inconsistent to start the season but they have really found their stride in recent weeks. That improved effort was on full display against the Bucks as the second unit dominated offensively early, helping Boston build a double-digit lead against the Bucks in the second quarter. Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser and Al Horford all hit multiple 3s before halftime and scored 25 points overall on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. That type of stellar play led to Joe Mazzulla riding that group longer than usual which kept the starters’ minutes down despite facing a premier opponent. Khris Middleton doesn’t look like a guy who can give Celtics nightmares anymore: The veteran wing has been on a minute limit for much of the season and still doesn’t look anything like himself. He failed to make a shot in the entire first half, scoring two points and was constantly blown by Celtics defenders in isolation situations. A big part of the Bucks blueprint this offseason with bringing in Lillard was having Middleton return to form as a viable third option. However, his performance against the Celtics firepower makes him look like a guy who could be on the back nine from a mobility and production standpoint. There’s a long way to go before the postseason but Middleton has a long way to go to get anywhere near the guy that haunted the Celtics endlessly in head-to-head matchups for years. Middleton finished with 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting Defense keeps Giannis and Lillard in check for much of the night: All eyes were on the Lillard vs. Holiday matchup in their first game as opponents since the offseason deals. While Holiday had a rough night offensively, scoring just three points, he spent plenty of time on Giannis and Lillard, helping a superb Boston team effort to keep the superstar duo in check. Giannis shot 35 percent from the field and while Lillard looked to be at far less than 100 percent (he was on the injury report with an oblique injury before the game), the Celtics threw plenty of bodies at both guys and made sure nothing came easy. There were plenty of uncharacteristic misses from both players but the Celtics did well to ensure neither guy got into a rhythm until it was too late for Milwaukee to rally.

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HS Girls Hockey: See where WMass teams stand in first postseason rankings

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association released its first power rankings of the winter season Friday morning. The rankings include schedules and scores updated through Jan. 12 at 4 a.m. The state athletic association will update the rankings every Tuesday and Friday throughout the remainder of the regular season.

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Boys Basketball Scoreboard for Jan. 19: Granby narrowly pushes past Palmer

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Bruins vs. Sabres: Free live stream, TV, how to watch NHL

It’s Connor Clifton’s return to Boston and Mason Lohrei’s return to the NHL on Thursday night at TD Garden. The Bruins host the Sabres at 7 p.m. at TD Garden The game is on NESN for subscribers. Fans can also stream Bruins games for free by signing up for a free trial of fuboTV. Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets How can I watch on TV? - The game will start at 7 p.m. EST from TD Garden. The game will air on TV via NESN in New England. Live stream: fuboTV | NESN Live | Sling | DirecTV - If you get NESN through your TV provider, you can use your cable login credentials to watch the game via streaming via NESN Live and the NESN App. Fans who do not have cable can watch the game via fuboTV, which has a free trial. Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop at Fanatics for jerseys, hats, polos, sneakers, shirts and more $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. Sports Betting Promos: Fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. More NHL coverage via the Associated Press Buffalo Sabres (10-14-2, seventh in the Atlantic Division) vs. Boston Bruins (17-4-3, first in the Atlantic Division) Boston; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres after Brad Marchand’s hat trick against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Bruins’ 3-1 win. Boston has a 17-4-3 record overall and a 7-2-2 record in Atlantic Division play. The Bruins have conceded 59 goals while scoring 80 for a +21 scoring differential. Buffalo is 3-3-0 against the Atlantic Division and 10-14-2 overall. The Sabres are 10-4-1 in games they score at least three goals. Thursday’s game is the second meeting between these teams this season. The Bruins won 5-2 in the previous meeting. Marchand led the Bruins with three goals. TOP PERFORMERS: Marchand has 11 goals and 12 assists for the Bruins. Charlie Coyle has four goals and four assists over the past 10 games. Casey Mittelstadt has six goals and 16 assists for the Sabres. Alex Tuch has four goals and three assists over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Bruins: 6-3-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.3 assists, 4.5 penalties and 9.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game. Sabres: 3-6-1, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.2 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 3.7 goals per game. Sabres: Zemgus Girgensons: out (lower body), Jack Quinn: out (achilles), Alex Tuch: out (lower body), Jordan Greenway: out (upper-body).

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Bruins vs. Sabres: Free live stream, TV, how to watch NHL

It’s Connor Clifton’s return to Boston and Mason Lohrei’s return to the NHL on Thursday night at TD Garden. The Bruins host the Sabres at 7 p.m. at TD Garden The game is on NESN for subscribers. Fans can also stream Bruins games for free by signing up for a free trial of fuboTV. Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets How can I watch on TV? - The game will start at 7 p.m. EST from TD Garden. The game will air on TV via NESN in New England. Live stream: fuboTV | NESN Live | Sling | DirecTV - If you get NESN through your TV provider, you can use your cable login credentials to watch the game via streaming via NESN Live and the NESN App. Fans who do not have cable can watch the game via fuboTV, which has a free trial. Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop at Fanatics for jerseys, hats, polos, sneakers, shirts and more $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. Sports Betting Promos: Fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. More NHL coverage via the Associated Press Buffalo Sabres (10-14-2, seventh in the Atlantic Division) vs. Boston Bruins (17-4-3, first in the Atlantic Division) Boston; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres after Brad Marchand’s hat trick against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Bruins’ 3-1 win. Boston has a 17-4-3 record overall and a 7-2-2 record in Atlantic Division play. The Bruins have conceded 59 goals while scoring 80 for a +21 scoring differential. Buffalo is 3-3-0 against the Atlantic Division and 10-14-2 overall. The Sabres are 10-4-1 in games they score at least three goals. Thursday’s game is the second meeting between these teams this season. The Bruins won 5-2 in the previous meeting. Marchand led the Bruins with three goals. TOP PERFORMERS: Marchand has 11 goals and 12 assists for the Bruins. Charlie Coyle has four goals and four assists over the past 10 games. Casey Mittelstadt has six goals and 16 assists for the Sabres. Alex Tuch has four goals and three assists over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Bruins: 6-3-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.3 assists, 4.5 penalties and 9.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game. Sabres: 3-6-1, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.2 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 3.7 goals per game. Sabres: Zemgus Girgensons: out (lower body), Jack Quinn: out (achilles), Alex Tuch: out (lower body), Jordan Greenway: out (upper-body).

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Boys Basketball Scoreboard: Trio of players eclipse 20-point mark in Southwicks win & more

Southwick's Wyatt Baker takes it to the basket during Monday's game against Granby. (MARC ST.ONGE / THE WESTFIELD NEWS)

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How to watch UNLV vs. Boise State Mountain West Conference Championship game

UNLV will host Boise State in the Mountain West Conference championship game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday after a computer ranking was used to break a three-way tie for first place. Boise State, UNLV and San Jose State each finished the regular season 6-2 in conference play. Because all three teams did not face each other and no team was included in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, the tie was broken by an average of four computer rankings. The Rebels had the highest overall average ranking and earned the right to host the championship game. Fans looking to watch this college football game can do so for free on fuboTV, which offers a free trial (as well as RedZone, for you NFL fans) or on DirecTV Stream, which also offers a free trial. SlingTV has promotional offers available, as well. Through the end of 2023, fuboTV is also offering $20 off the first two months of subscription (in addition to the 7-day free trial). Who: UNLV vs. Boise State When: 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 2 Where: Allegiant Stadium Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $20 off your first 2 months); or Sling; or DirecTV Stream Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop around at Fanatics for jerseys, hats, polos, sneakers, shirts and more Sports Betting Promos: Football fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: Boise State-UNLV set for Mountain West title game after computer breaks three-way tie for first By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer UNLV will host Boise State in the Mountain West Conference championship game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday after a computer ranking was used to break a three-way tie for first place. Boise State, UNLV and San Jose State each finished the regular season 6-2 in conference play. Because all three teams did not face each other and no team was included in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, the tie was broken by an average of four computer rankings from Anderson & Hester, Colley Matrix, Massey and Wolfe. San Jose State beat UNLV 37-31 on the road Saturday for its sixth straight win after a 1-5 start, but the computer rankings listed UNLV first among the three teams tied for first, allowing the Rebels to host the championship game. Boise State was second and San Jose State third. “It’s unfortunate. I think we were one of the top two teams in the league,” SJSU athletic director Jeff Konya told The Associated Press. “I’m sure the other institutions and athletic directors and administrations would say similar things for their program and advocate there. It’s unfortunate that somebody was going to be the third wheel, and apparently the computer decided it was us.” The Mountain West said in a statement that when divisional play was eliminated in 2022, the tiebreaker system was reviewed and changed to ensure the two teams with the strongest body of work are in the championship game. The CFP ranking (or computer rankings if no team is ranked in the CFP) became the third tiebreak after win percentage in conference play and head-to-head matchups. “That’s the thing about computers,” Konya said. “You sometimes miss context. Computers don’t necessarily know who’s playing, who’s injured, when you’re playing a team, is it a short week, is there rest? And that’s unfortunate because some of that context sometimes gets lost, and I think some of that context could have helped our narrative, not be sitting out.” Boise State reached the title game after its coach, Andy Avolos, was fired Nov. 12. The Broncos were 5-5 at the time and headed for a third straight four-loss season. Under interim coach Spencer Danielson, the defensive coordinator, the Broncos beat Utah State and Air Force to end the regular season. Danielson is the second interim head coach to take over midseason and lead his team to its league championship game. The other was Clay Helton with Southern Cal in 2015. UNLV finished the regular season 9-3 overall for its best record since the 1984 team went 10-1. The Rebels are bowl eligible for the first time since 2013. Boise State has won eight of 11 all-time meetings with the Rebels. ___ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll The Associated Press contributed to this article

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Kristaps Porzingis raves about new Celtics teammate after Lakers win

The Celtics finished off their road trip in impression fashion on Christmas, coasting to an easy win over the Lakers for their third straight double-digit win. Amid a balanced scoring effort from Boston’s starting five (107 combined points), the star of the show once again was perhaps the most unheralded player within the group: Derrick White. Boston’s starting point guard delivered a double-double with 18 points and 11 assists while chipping in with a pair of blocks and steals against a Lakers team that struggled to slow the Celtics’ uptempo offense. While Boston struggled from beyond the arc, (31 percent from 3), leading to a blown 18-point lead in the first half, White steadied the visitors’ offense with efficient scoring (8-of-13 FG) and playmaking that led to another runaway victory for the Celtics. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla credited White after the win for being his go-to option within Boston’s offense when things went awry. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. “You know, he’s a guy where if we’re settling down, we go to D White pick and rolls,” Mazzulla said. “I really enjoy me, him, and Jrue, kind of the point guard communication throughout the game as far as what our defensive coverages are, what sets we want to run, who we want to get involved and he’s done a really good job of just organizing the offense by coverage and by match up and who needs the ball. “And it’s really fun for him to watch. But his pick and roll efficiency is through the roof and his ability to see the game is really good. So that’s good for our team.” White showing that kind of consistency is no surprise to the majority of his Celtics teammates who have played the last two seasons with him. However, Kristaps Porzingis reflected after Monday’s win about just the kind of impact White has made while playing just 20-plus games alongside him. “I didn’t realize how good D White was,” Porzingis said “He’s kind of under the radar a little bit but man he’s special. The way he plays, how 90+ percent of the time he makes the right play all the time. That’s the perfect teammate you want. On top of that he’s shooting great percentages and being super efficient. He’s special, man, and I’m happy I have both of those guys on my team, Jrue and D. White.” As White continues to exceed expectations, the Celtics’ outlook for this season only brightens. They have the best record in the NBA through 29 games at 23-6 despite playing the toughest schedule in the league. They also have a top-5 offense and defense, largely because of White’s contributions on both ends of the floor where he leads this group in 3-point shooting percentage, free throw shooting percentage, assists and steals. While his scoring numbers don’t jump off the page, Porzingis is hopeful that White will get the All-Star recognition he deserves as a key contributor for the NBA’s top team. “He has been improving and he has been playing incredible this whole season, but especially this last stretch,” Porzingis said. “And I think maybe it doesn’t stand out, because the stats are not incredible. They’re gonna but they’re not incredible. But when you watch the game, people who understand really appreciate what he’s doing on the court.”

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No. 2 Longmeadow girls basketball flying high, ready for its biggest challenge yet

LONGMEADOW ― Winners of nine in a row to open the season, No. 2 Longmeadow has flown out of the gates and has quickly proven itself as one of the teams to beat in Western Massachusetts “It’s exciting,” Longmeadow coach Tim Allen said about his team’s perfect start. “As a coach you (focus) game-to-game and the girls are really working hard, they are seeing the result so far.”

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Springfield Thunderbirds complete comeback, defeat Bridgeport Islanders

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- The Springfield Thunderbirds (17-12-3-2) showed tremendous resolve, erasing a two-goal second intermission deficit to stun the Bridgeport Islanders (10-19-4-0) in a 4-3 overtime win on Wednesday night at Total Mortgage Arena. The T-Birds’ first-period troubles reappeared as Jeff Kubiak found an open space to skate on in and beat Malcolm Subban from the right wing side just 2:09 into the contest, giving Bridgeport the 1-0 edge. Kubiak added a second goal from deep in the right corner at 5:30, registering his first career two-goal game in short order and extending the Islander lead to 2-0. Fortunately for Springfield, the Islanders’ 2-0 lead would last just 59 seconds as Nikita Alexandrov arrived deep in the Bridgeport zone off a line change and jammed home a centering pass from Mathias Laferriere at 6:29 to cut the lead in half. Rookie defenseman Marc-Andre Gaudet also picked up an assist on the Alexandrov goal, his first AHL point in just his second AHL game. Subban and Jakub Skarek settled down their games after the quick offensive burst, and neither team could connect in the next 13-plus minutes of action. Springfield’s power play also could not take advantage, going 0-for-2 on chances in the first frame. The Islanders carried the bulk of the offense in the middle period, dispatching a third Springfield power play before going to work on a power play of their own, generating an immediate goal from William Dufour at 12:34 of the second. Subban was under constant pressure, as Bridgeport unleashed 18 shots in the period, but the T-Birds’ backstop did everything in his power to keep his team close, stopping 17 of the attempts. Subban’s stellar work in the second bought his team’s offense the time to start yet another magical third-period comeback. Despite trailing by multiple goals for the third straight time against the Islanders, the T-Birds refused to quit on the job. Mikhail Abramov got the latest bounceback started with a tally at 9:26 of the third period on a one-timer from the right circle. Leo Loof set up the play with an alert shot fake from the left side, which allowed him to slide around a shot block and find Abramov with a cross-ice pass. Just 1:18 later, the game was tied on a brilliant zone entry play. Matthew Peca stepped over the blue line on the right side before slipping the puck into the middle to a crashing Calle Rosen. With a seemingly clear lane to shoot, Rosen instead drew Skarek and the defense’s eyes in his direction before finding MacKenzie MacEachern for a one-timer into an empty goal to make it a 3-3 game at 10:44. As the two teams made their way to a third consecutive overtime matchup, the momentum had firmly swung to the visitors’ side, and Rosen wasted little time wrapping it up at 1:11 of overtime. After a centering pass by Alexandrov got caught up in skates, Rosen successfully dug it out from the slot area and pushed toward the goal. As he was getting tripped up, the blueliner got a forehand shot off from his stomach that slipped through Skarek’s five-hole for the winning tally. It was Rosen’s first goal of the season and Alexandrov’s third point of the night, putting an end to the T-Birds’ five-game winless streak. Springfield looks to build on the momentum from the gut-check win on Friday night as they pay a visit to the Syracuse Crunch for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop.

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Montana vs. SDSU: Free stream, start time, TV, how to watch FCS Championship Game

It’s the FCS National Championship Game as South Dakota State takes on Montana. Sunday’s game will air on TV via ABC. Fans can watch college football games for free by signing up for a trial of fuboTV LIVE STREAM: Sign up here to watch the FCS championship game SDSU come in not only as the reigning national champs, but are red-hot after a 59-0 blowout win over Albany in the semifinals. Star quarterback Mark Gronowski has led the way for the Jackrabbits, who are a perfect 14-0 this season. On the other side, Montana is coming off a dramatic win over FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in the semifinals, winning in double overtime. The Grizzlies now head into their first title game appearance since 2009 and will be looking for their first championship since 2001. But to do that, the 13-1 Grizzlies will have to snap the Jackrabbits’ 28-game winning streak. How to watch SDSU vs. Montana | FCS National Championship Game What time does the game start? What TV channel will it air on? - Sunday’s game will start at 2 p.m. EST from Frisco, Texas. The game will air on TV via ABC. Live stream info: fuboTV | Sling | ESPN+ | DirecTV - Fans can stream Sunday’s game from any of these services, provided the game is on in their area. DirecTV Stream and fuboTV offer free trials for games broadcast in your area. The game will air stream on ESPN+. Fans who have a cable subscription can also use login credentials from their TV provider to watch games online or streaming on apps.

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Celtics injury report: 1 starter listed for Spurs game

The Celtics will be much healthier when they face the Spurs at 7 p.m. Sunday to finish off the 2023 part of their season. After missing three rotation players in their Friday win over the Raptors, the C’s only have one starter listed on their injury report. Jrue Holiday is questionable with a right ankle sprain. He was also questionable ahead of the Raptors game, though he ended up playing. Notably, the Celtics will be at full strength otherwise. That means all of Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will play after missing Friday’s game. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. The C’s have been beaten up recently, though there fortunately hasn’t been any serious long-term injury. Jaylen Brown missed the Pistons game because of the back contusion he suffered against the Lakers. But he suited up for the Raptors game and put up an impressive night. The Celtics took care of business as part of their back-to-back against the Pistons and Raptors, winning a pair of close games. They are 25-6 on the season, including a 16-0 mark at home. Next up for the Celtics are the Spurs, who are 5-26 and last in the West this season. Rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama is coming off a 30-point game against the Trail Blazers, and he’s averaging 18.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists after going first overall in last year’s draft. But otherwise, it’s been a struggle for the Spurs to put together victories.

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USMNT vs. Slovenia: Free stream, start time, TV, how to watch soccer

The United States Men’s Soccer Team is back in action today as they take on Slovenia in an international friendly match. Saturday’s match will air on TV via TNT. Viewers can watch soccer matches for free by signing up for a trial of DirecTV. Fans can also find cheap streaming plans via Sling. LIVE STREAM: Sign up here to watch USMNT vs. Slovenia It’s the first match of 2024 for the US men’s team as they gear up for an exhibition against Slovenia. U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter’s roster for the January matchup features a number of new faces. Team USA will be incorporating some rising talents into the mix, with 14 players set to get their first appearance for the national team. How to watch United States vs. Slovenia | Men’s Soccer Friendly 2024 What time does the match start? What TV channel will it air on? - Saturday’s match will start at 3 p.m. EST from Toyota Field in San Antonio Texas. The match will air in English via TNT and in Spanish via Telemundo. Streaming options: DirecTV | Sling | MAX - Fans can watch the match for free by signing up for a trial of DirecTV. Meanwhile, Sling offers one of the cheapest streaming options available. The match is also available to stream in Spanish via Peacock and fuboTV. Viewers who have a cable subscription can also use login credentials from their TV provider to watch via TNT.

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Saint Marys 2023-24 winter sports season tips off

WESTFIELD – Two years ago, the St. Mary’s High School girls basketball team opened the season with 10 straight wins. Last year, the Saints put together a near perfect regular season before falling to No. 25 Prospect Hill in the Division 5 girls basketball state tournament preliminary round, 47-30, on the road in Medford at Saint Clement’s gym. Can St. Mary’s put together another hot start? Those answers will soon come to light.

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Detroit Tigers game score vs. Boston Red Sox: Time & how to watch with no TV broadcast

Detroit Tigers (53-64) vs Boston Red Sox (61-56) When: 12:05 p.m. Sunday. Where: Fenway Park in Boston. TV: Peacock (online only; no Bally Sports Detroit broadcast). Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1 in Detroit; Tigers radio affiliates). Probable pitchers: Tigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (8-5, 2.75 ERA) vs. Red Sox RHP Kutter Crawford (5-6, 3.80 ERA). • Box score Tigers lineup: TBA. ON THE MOUND:Why reaching 100-pitch mark matters to Detroit Tigers left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez SATURDAY'S VICTORY:Four home runs over Green Monster power Tigers in 6-2 win over Red Sox Game notes: It’s time to dig out that Peacock login and password from where you dumped it in the junk drawer — I KNOW it was here, right between the Crazy Glue and that old bike lock I lost the key to! — or wherever you stored it, as the Tigers get a 12:05 p.m. start at Fenway Park against the Red Sox in a game that’s online-only. (Early starts in BAW-STUNNN: A subtle ad push for Dunkin’, or just MLB’s eternal chase for a bigger TV payout?) Lefty Eduardo Rodriguez will take the mound for the Tigers, bringing a 4.01 ERA over his past six starts (since returning from the IL on July 5) into his hunt for his ninth win of the season. If he gets it, he’ll be the first Tiger to win nine games since Matthew Boyd reached nine wins (and only nine — no Tiger has won 10 games since Michael Fulmer and Justin Verlander did it in 2017) in both 2018 and 2019. This will be E-Rod’s second start against the franchise he spent six seasons with; he allowed seven runs in an April 2022 start at Comerica Park, though only two were earned. Only two Red Sox starters from that game are still in Boston red and white (or yellow and blue, based on their uniform choices for the first two games of the series): third baseman Rafael Devers (who went 1-for-3 vs. E-Rod) and outfielder Alex Verdugo (who had a walk and a sac fly in two plate appearances). Opposing him will be righty Kutter Crawford (middle name: Martin), who throws his, yes, cutter 30.1% of the time (just less than his four-seam fastball, at 38.8%) — no surprise for a pitcher whose fastball spin rate ranks in the 90th percentile this season. Crawford started against the Tigers during the Red Sox’s April 2023 visit to Comerica Park, holding Detroit to one run on five hits and no walks, with six strikeouts over five innings. That day, he threw just 65 pitches, with an equal number (20) of cutters and four-seamers. Of those four-seamers, 15 went for strikes — seven foul balls, four whiffs, two called strikes, one hit and one out. His cutter was much less in the zone, with half going for balls. Following today’s series finale, the Tigers will have Monday off before starting a two-game series against the Twins in Minnesota — their final series of the year against the AL Central leaders (yes, still) — on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Red Sox, meanwhile, get Monday off before heading to Washington to face the NL East cellar dwellers for three games (Tuesday-Thursday). SEASONS OF GREATNESS:Here are the 10 best Detroit Tigers hitting seasons of all time TIGERS NEWSLETTER:4 players who need to step up, and 4 we'd like to see called up Live updates Follow updates through our curated list on Twitter. Contact Ryan Ford atrford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@theford. Read more on theDetroit Tigers and sign up for ourTigers newsletter.

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Brazil vs. Argentina: Free live stream, TV, how to watch World Cup Qualifier

Lionel Messi is back in action on Tuesday night as Argentina visits Brazil for a World Cup qualifier. The hosts (+140) are slight favorites over the Argentinian side (+220), with a draw (+210) on the table as well. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. EST and is available to stream with fuboTV, which offers a free trial. How to watch Brazil vs. Argentina (World Cup Qualifier) What time does the match start? What TV channel will it be on? - Tuesday’s match will start at 7:30 p.m. EST. It airs on NBC Universo and Telemundo. Live stream info: fuboTV | Sling | Peacock Premium | DirecTV - Fans can watch the match for free by signing up for fuboTV or DirecTV which each come with free trials. Viewers with cable can use login credentials from their TV provider to watch NBC Universo. It’s also available to stream via Peacock Premium, which may come free with some TV providers, such as Comcast Xfinity. MORE COVERAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Lionel Messi has few barriers yet to break in soccer. One of them will be in reach Tuesday, when Argentina visits Brazil in a South American World Cup qualifying match. The 36-year-old Messi has scored 31 goals for Argentina in World Cup qualifying encounters, but none of those came against Brazil, home or away. He has five goals against the archrival, all in friendly matches. Brazil’s soccer confederation said all 69,000 tickets for the clash at the Maracana Stadium are sold. Both teams will play after defeats in the previous round; the locals lost 2-1 at Colombia and the World Cup champion was defeated at home 2-0 by Uruguay. Many Brazilian fans are keen to watch Messi in a match that could be his last in Rio de Janeiro playing for Argentina. In the same arena, the star lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, and beat the host in the decider of the 2021 Copa America. Argentina leads the 10-team South American qualifying group with 12 points from five matches. Uruguay is second with 10 points. Colombia has nine and Venezuela eight. Brazil will host the World Cup champions in fifth position, with seven points. Ecuador, Paraguay and Chile have five points each. Bolivia has three and Peru one. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will include 48 teams, meaning direct entry for the top six teams from South America. The seventh-place team can earn a berth in an intercontinental playoff. Optimism is in short supply in Brazil, which lost its two latest matches and is struggling under new coach Fernando Diniz. A defeat to Argentina could be the team’s first ever in a home match of World Cup qualifying, and the hosts will have several absences for that encounter. Carlos Augusto is likely to start as left-back for the first time, Jesus will take the role of injured Vinicius Júnior up front and teenage sensation Endrick is likely to play in the second half. The 17-year-old Endrick, who will join Real Madrid next year, spoke in a press conference about his expectations of playing against Messi for the first time. “For me, Pelé is the king and no one will get near him. Messi is phenomenal, the best in the world again, and I want to enjoy playing against him, a man I only saw in the videogames,” the striker said. “I am more of a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, but it will be wonderful to see Messi up close.” Argentina will arrive in Brazil late on Monday and have its final training session for the clash in Buenos Aires. Coach Lionel Scaloni did not speak after Sunday’s training, and had most of the practice behind closed doors, but gave hints of where his doubts are. Ángel di Maria, Nicolás González and Leandro Paredes are in contention for a place in the midfield and Lautaro Martínez, who did not score for the national team in his previous 14 matches, could replace Julián Álvarez up front. Also on Tuesday, Paraguay will host Colombia; Uruguay will take on Bolivia; Ecuador welcomes Chile; and Peru plays host against Venezuela. The seventh and eighth rounds of South American qualifying will take place in September after the next edition of Copa America in the United States.

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Western Mass. Boys Basketball Super 7: Seven schools represented on 2023 list

Andrew Mabry is one of two returning Super 7 players this winter.

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The Westfield News Scoreboard: Minnechaug deals Westfield boys basketball latest setback

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Packers at Cowboys playoff tickets: Where to buy NFC Wild Card round tickets

After Sunday’s wins for the Packers and the Cowboys, the Dallas Cowboys will host the Green Bay Packers in the NFC WildCard round game on Sunday, January 14. Dak Prescott and Dallas won the NFC East after defeating the Washington Commanders 38-10 and the Packers defeated the Bears for the tenth consecutive time 17-9 to make it to the playoffs for their first trip to the postseason since 2021. The NFC WildCard round will be on Sunday, January 14 at 4:30 p.m. EST. Fans looking to attend this NFL playoff game in person have plenty of options and can shop around at StubHub and *VividSeats. *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* If you need to travel outside your local area to get to this game, head over to TripAdvisor, VRBO, Marriott or Booking.com for deals on everything from car rentals to airfare to hotels. Who: Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys When: Sunday, January 14 at 4:30 p.m. EST Where: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX Stream: fuboTV (free trial); or Sling; or DirecTV Stream Tickets: StubHub and VividSeats Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — After Dak Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb on a touchdown pass late in the first half Sunday to help the Dallas Cowboys clinch the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the conference, the QB swung his right fist and then ran to the end zone to meet his star wideout for a handshake and a hug. All the while, thousands of Dallas fans filling the Washington Commanders’ stadium chanted, “Let’s go, Cowboys!” The mood, the performance and the atmosphere were decidedly improved for Prescott, his club and their supporters compared to a year ago. Unlike in Week 18 last time, when they finished the regular season with a loss at Washington, Prescott, Lamb and the Cowboys did what they set out to do Sunday against the rival Commanders by charging into the postseason with a 38-10 victory. “Look at last year — the way we came into this place and didn’t finish the season the way we wanted to — to where we are now,” said Prescott, who threw two of his four TDs passes to Lamb and finished 31 for 36 for 279 yards. “The growth. The coaching staff. The players. The accountability. The communication. The transparency. And both sides of the ball holding their own.” Dallas went 12-5 for the third consecutive year and will host the Green Bay Packers — a team current Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy once led to a Super Bowl championship — on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. EST. That’s a big deal for a club that went 8-0 in Dallas this season and has won 16 games in a row there. “The drama of it — I’m sure you guys will love that,” McCarthy told reporters about facing Green Bay. Last-place Washington (4-13 overall, 0-6 in the NFC East) and expected-to-be-gone Ron Rivera are at the other end of the spectrum after tying a franchise mark for most losses in a season. Rivera figures he’ll meet with owner Josh Harris on Monday. “We’ll have a conversation and go from there,” Rivera said. The Commanders’ losing streak reached eight games. That includes going 0-6 since Rivera fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and made himself the play-caller on that side of the ball. The good news for the Commanders? Sunday’s result assured them of owning the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft, when they might seek a replacement for quarterback Sam Howell, who was intercepted twice Sunday and led the NFL with 21 picks this season. He also was sacked four times to raise his league-worst total to 65. Last season, Prescott led the NFL with 15 interceptions, and had 23 touchdown tosses. This season? He topped the league with 36 TD throws to only nine picks. “He’s playing better than I’ve ever seen him play,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. And Prescott’s connection with Lamb is truly elite. Lamb’s 13 catches Sunday — on 13 targets — lifted him to an NFL-high 135 receptions. “I don’t think there’s another quarterback and receiver that has put in much time as me and CeeDee have, going back into the offseason,” Prescott said. “Understanding what I expect of him. Him understanding where I’m going to put the ball. Him understanding the belief that I have in him. I’ve told you I think he’s the best receiver in the game.” In the season ender last year, also in Landover, the Cowboys came in needing a win for a shot at the division title but lost 26-6 to Washington and Howell, who made his NFL debut that day. Prescott went just 14 of 37 for 128 yards with a pick-6. Dallas was not at its best early this time. In the second quarter, Commanders defensive lineman Jalen Harris deflected a pass by Prescott, allowing rookie defensive back Quan Martin to grab the interception, which the Commanders turned into a field goal for a 10-7 lead. “When we had the turnover, you just saw all kinds of ghosts, Darth Vader, all that kind of stuff. Grim Reaper. Whatever you want to call it,” Jones said. “The main thing is how proud I am of these guys for enduring.” Indeed, Prescott and the Cowboys soon were back on track, scoring 31 unanswered points. “Just staying locked in,” Lamb said. As he spoke, Lamb wore a silver baseball hat with a blue patch featuring a Cowboys star and proclaiming them NFC East champions. Prescott’s postgame headwear was, instead, a black wool cap — the better, he joked, to brace against the evening’s 40-degree chill. “Focus is ahead. Simple as that,” Prescott said. “I want something better.” INJURIES Cowboys: CB Stephon Gilmore left in the second quarter with a hurt shoulder and did not return. ... RG Zack Martin was a late scratch because of illness; Brock Hoffman started in his place. UP NEXT Cowboys: Host Green Bay next week. Commanders: Likely a complete overhaul of the coaching staff and roster. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated Press contributed to this article

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Celtics vs. Pacers: Free live stream, TV, how to watch

The Celtics will go for their second straight win against the Pacers on Saturday night in a battle of the NBA’s best two offenses. Boston will have Al Horford back in the lineup for the matchup while the Pacers will be playing without Bruce Brown. A pair of rotation players will also be questionable for Indiana in Aaron Nesmith and Isaiah Jackson. What TV channel is the game on? What time will it start? Saturday’s game will tip off at 7 p.m. ET in Indiana. The game will air on TV via NBC Sports Boston in New England. Live stream info: NBC Sports | Sling | fuboTV - If you have cable and live in New England, you can use your login credentials to watch the game via NBC Sports. If you don’t have cable, you can stream the game on smart TVs and streaming devices via Sling and fuboTV, which has a free trial. More coverage via the Associated Press Boston Celtics (27-7, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (20-14, fourth in the Eastern Conference) Indianapolis; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Celtics -5.5; over/under is 246.5 BOTTOM LINE: Indiana will look to keep its six-game win streak intact when the Pacers take on Boston. The Pacers are 17-10 in conference play. Indiana leads the NBA with 31.2 assists per game led by Tyrese Haliburton averaging 12.8. The Celtics are 21-4 in conference play. Boston scores 121.0 points while outscoring opponents by 10.6 points per game. The Pacers’ 14.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.9 more made shots on average than the 13.9 per game the Celtics give up. The Celtics average 121.0 points per game, 3.4 fewer than the 124.4 the Pacers give up to opponents. The teams square off for the third time this season. The Pacers won 122-112 in the last matchup on Dec. 5. Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points, and Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Bennedict Mathurin is scoring 14.3 points per game and averaging 3.8 rebounds for the Pacers. Haliburton is averaging 21.6 points and 4.4 rebounds over the last 10 games for Indiana. Tatum is averaging 27.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Boston. LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 7-3, averaging 128.1 points, 40.5 rebounds, 33.5 assists, 7.4 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 53.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.3 points per game. Celtics: 8-2, averaging 128.6 points, 51.0 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 6.3 steals and 7.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.6 points.

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Swimming & Diving Scoreboard: Morgan Marini, Aubin Logan lead West Springfield & more

Sports Betting Dime provides exclusive sports betting content to MassLive.com, including real-time odds, picks, analysis and sportsbook offers to help sports fans get in on the action. Please wager responsibly. As NFL Week 17 continues with some huge late afternoon games, you can turn a $5 bet into a $150 guaranteed bonus with the latest FanDuel promo code offer. If you click here you can secure a 30x return in bonus bets win or lose. FanDuel Sportsbook BET $5, WIN $150 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Sports bettors can secure a $150 bonus win or lose with this new offer from FanDuel Sportsbook. You won’t need to manually enter a FanDuel promo code, as our links will unlock this bet $5, get $150 offer for Bengals-Chiefs or Packers-Vikings. The Kansas City Chiefs will play host to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon in a game between teams with playoff aspirations. Then in primetime, the Green Bay Packers will go head-to-head with AFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings. You can bet $5+ on either game to win $150 in guaranteed bonus bets. Click here to apply our FanDuel promo code and get a $150 guaranteed bonus with a $5+ wager on Bengals-Chiefs or Packers-Vikings. FanDuel promo code: Get $150 bonus for Bengals-Chiefs, Packers-Vikings There are few new user promos that offer a guaranteed bonus to new players, but FanDuel Sportsbook happens to have one of them. This is a vast improvement over their previous promo, which required players to bet on a team’s money line and the team needed to win for the bonus to convey. Instead, players can now turn a $5+ wager on any betting market into a $150 bonus. All game and player markets are eligible for this promo. If you want to bet $5 on the Bengals to win or the Vikings to cover the spread, you can. You could instead opt to take the over in Bengals-Chiefs or pick a player prop. Getting Patrick Mahomes to throw for 300+ yards or Justin Jefferson to score 2+ TDS could be worth a look. Win or lose, you’ll earn $150 in bonus bets. How to apply our FanDuel promo code for NFL Week 17 If you want to get in on the action with FanDuel Sportsbook, you’ll need to sign up for an account by completing some simple steps. Follow our registration guide below to get a 30x return in bonus bets: Click here to apply our FanDuel promo code. Provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth. Choose a deposit method and add $10+ to your account. Navigate to the game of your choice. Wager $5+ on any betting market. You’ll secure $150 in bonus bets no matter how your bet settles. If your first bet wins, you’ll also collect cash winnings and get back your wager. Touchdown bonus blitz promo After placing your first bet, head to the promos section. There you’ll find the touchdown bonus blitz offer. With this promo, you’ll need to place a qualifying 3+ leg same-game parlay or same-game parlay+ wager. You’ll earn bonus bets for each TD scored across all NFL games. Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets when you click here to apply our FanDuel promo code for Bengals-Chiefs or Packers-Vikings. FanDuel Sportsbook BET $5, WIN $150 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Get the latest sports betting news, advice and promos sent straight to your inbox. Enter your email here: Think you know Patriots football? Play the MassLive.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes! If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org to speak with a trained specialist to receive support. Specialists are available 24/7. Services are available in multiple languages and are free and confidential.

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4 Takeaways from Bruins costly OT loss to Coyotes

The Bruins lost the contest in overtime and two players to injuries on Tuesday against the Coyotes as the misfortune continued to mount for Boston two-games into a four-game trip. Linus Ullmark left the game in overtime and Matt Poitras went down in regulation leaving the Bruins shorthanded. Nick Schmaltz beat Jeremy Swayman with 56 seconds left in the 3-on-3 session to give Arizona the 4-3 win. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. It was the only shot Swayman faced. The teams were tied 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3 in a back-and-forth regulation. Jake DeBrusk scored early in the third to force overtime. David Pastrnak couldn’t convert on two breakaway attempts in the extra session after scoring once in regulation. Boston (24-8-8) will face the Golden Knights in Las Vegas on Thursday. It’s been a damaging road trip already — After losing Brandon Carlo to an upper-body injury in Monday’s shootout loss to Colorado, the Bruins lost Poitras in the third period on Tuesday’s game. The 19-year-old rookie skated gingerly off the ice in the first minute of the third period. He went to the dressing room and did not return. Ullmark lunged for a shot with 2:20 left in overtime and fell to the ice face down and stayed there until the Bruins training staff came to help him up. It was unclear the nature of the injury. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner skated gingerly to the bench as Swayman came in cold to replace him. The Bruins’ top defenders have played big minutes on this trip already — With Brandon Carlo missing half of Monday’s and all of Tuesday’s game combined with back-to-back overtimes, the Bruins’ top two blueliners have played a lot of minutes. Charlie McAvoy, who played 30:50 on Monday followed that with 27:42 against Arizona. Hampus Lindholm played 25:52 on Tuesday after skating 26:06 at Colorado. Marchand joins the 900-point club, then ejected from it — On Pastrnak’s first-period goal, Brad Marchand was initially credited with the second assist which would have been the 900th point of his career. But after a few rewinds and rewatches the officials determined it was 82nd career point instead of Marchand’s milestone. Rough moment for Mason Lohrei — Since being recalled from Providence, Mason Lohrei’s challenge has been to be more reliable defensively and not allow offensive opportunities for opponents. It was particularly critical when he stepped into Brandon Carlo’s spot in the lineup as Carlo is among the most sound in that area. Lohrei was trying to make a play at the offensive blue line early in the third period and stumbled to the ice allowing Lawson Cruse to break in alone. Linus Ullmark made the initial save, but Matias Maccelli tapped home the rebound, 52 seconds into the final frame.

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The least-anticipated Patriots game in decades and 3 more NFL thoughts on Christmas Eve

As someone who makes a living observing, analyzing, reporting on, writing about and enjoying football, rest assured there is no joy in this next question. Is Sunday’s Patriots game the least-anticipated of the Bill Belichick era? Granted, there is no single, reliable tool for capturing fan interest. In the age of streaming, TV and radio ratings become less relevant by the year. Social media engagement is too easily manipulated to offer real insight. It’s a feel thing. How many of your friends are invested in Sunday’s outcome? What is the big draw? What are the storylines? What do you hear about the game in various media spaces? How much do they all care? How much do you care? Because during the week, these topics dominated the conversation around the Patriots instead of the actual football game they’ll play against the Broncos: an NFL Draft four months away, a head-coaching decision three weeks away, the air pressure in footballs (again) and Bill Belichick being in the best mood of any press conference this season, as he was Friday morning. Whoop-de-doo. Understanding the holiday season threw a wrench into this week, the lack of regular football talk speaks to a new nadir for the organization. Not a bad loss or an embarrassing moment or new statistical record for ineptitude. It’s fan apathy. At least last week, the reigning Super Bowl champions brought the intrigue to Foxboro. Belichick matched wits with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the league's best quarterback and coach, respectively. The game before that, the Pats faced an old AFC rival during a national broadcast on Thursday night in Pittsburgh, and Bailey Zappe made his first start days earlier versus the Chargers. But for many, Sunday night's game against the Broncos - with whom the Pats share no recent history nor bad blood nor playoff stakes - might just be background noise. That's it. Now, like prior losses and suffering, this, too, shall pass. Interest will soar ahead of the Pats' regular-season finale against the Jets, driven by speculation that could be Belichick's final game coaching in New England. Both teams stink, but we will watch because of Belichick, and the fact rivalry and history are two of the most bankable draws in sports. Until then, on Christmas Eve, we will sit by the TV without a care; in hopes that more intrigue soon would be there. Here are three more NFL thoughts on Christmas Eve. Andrews' praise noteworthy As he went long on all his favorite topics - football history, schematics and opposing coaches he calls friends - Bill Belichick offered the highest praise he's bestowed on any player this year. That praise belonged to center David Andrews, a longtime captain and the only player to take 100% of the team's offensive snaps this season. Belichick was asked about Andrews' leadership amid the Pats' ongoing 3-11 campaign, and he expanded. "Fantastic. Fantastic. He's been, I mean, it’s been as good as I've seen, honestly. Every day, his performance on a daily basis is really exceptional. Attitude, effort, communication, energy, leadership of the younger players, leadership of his peers, communication, you name it," he said. "Look, like everybody who plays a lot of football, you get banged up, you're going to deal with some stuff during the year. He's shown a lot of physical toughness to play through that, a lot of mental toughness. He would never come out of practice for a play. We have to take him out to help manage some of the bumps and bruises that he has. But, this guy is a warrior." Those comments should not be glossed over. That was about as good as it gets from Belichick, speaking about a player whose contributions naturally go overlooked but have helped keep a locker room together as a season falls apart. Rodgers played Jets So, Aaron Rodgers didn't complete an unprecedented comeback and defy all medical expectations and history involved with a serious Achilles injury? Shocking. What actually surprised: how many national reporters bought the notion Rodgers could make a mid-December return, which he told NBC was his goal. Rogers finally admitted this week on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show: "Being medically cleared as 100 percent healed is not realistic at 14 weeks." Any member of the medical community could have told you that once Rodgers tore his Achilles in early September. This was not a matter of will or "shocking people," as Rodgers once insisted, but the molecular reconstruction of his tendon. Still, Rodgers pushed and pushed and pushed this ridiculous narrative, occasionally backtracked on his own comments and pushed some more. It was all hot air. Rodgers will remain on the Jets' 53-man roster, however, so he can continue to participate in Jets practices in some capacity over the final few weeks. To make room for Rodgers, the Jets released Nick Bawden. Here's hoping for less hot air, better health and more football from Rodgers moving forward. Stop underestimating the 49ers The 49ers' underlying numbers indicate they are already a historically great team. They have MVP candidates at quarterback and running back. One-time All-Pros play for them at wide receiver, tight end and left tackle. They boast a a top-5 defense. What more must we see? A big win Monday night? Fair. If San Francisco handles the Ravens on Monday night in a potential Super Bowl preview, they deserve to be recognized for what they are: the overwhelming favorite to win it all. The Niners are in a tier of their own, while the rest of the league tries to play its best football heading into the playoffs. If what we've seen from San Francisco isn't their best football yet, we might be witnessing one of the best teams of the modern era. Belichick reflects It's easy to forget Bill Belichick had a one-year stop in Denver. After starting his career in Baltimore, then moving to Detroit, he helped coach the Broncos' defense and special teams during the 1978 season. He later left Denver to coach the Giants, where his Hall of Fame career took off as a defensive mastermind. Belichick reflected on that season in the Rocky Mountains on Friday: "I learned a ton out there. It was a graduate course from Joe (Collier), from Richie (McCabe) about the secondary play, and just in general the 3-4 defense. And then, we played a over defense. It was like a version of a 3-4 Detroit, but it was a little bit different. Joe played the 3-4 defense that he played in Denver, which was –the spacing was the same, but it was configured a lot differently than what we eventually ran in the Giants when coach (Bill) Parcells came. He continued: "Looking back on it – again that was a great learning experience, because I saw kind of the same thing, but they were actually very different in the way they were coached and the way they were – the schematics of it. And, of course, that changed some of the fundamentals, too. The red-area coverages that Joe (Collier) ran out there, I'd say at that time, he was pretty far ahead of his time. They're pretty common now, but at that time they were pretty unique for the most part. So, that was a great experience. "I really didn't have too much interaction on the offensive side of the ball, other than – I was there, but I wasn't in those meetings, and that type of thing. We lost in the playoffs there, but had a good team the year before – they had gone to the Super Bowl, beat Oakland three times. So, coming off of that year, coming off the 77’ season, they lost to Dallas in the Super Bowl. So, a lot of good players, a lot of really good players out there, and a lot of good coaches, a lot of good experience that I gained. "Babe Parilli, who was quarterback coach – they had [Craig] Morton – I learned a lot from Babe, too, because I spent a lot of time with Babe. He kind of mentored me from the opposite side of the ball. I mean, I asked him a lot of questions and bothered him a lot, but he couldn’t have been more accommodating, from just the quarterback coaching perspective, because that’s something I hadn’t done. So, I learned a lot out there that year." Quote of the Week "My fashion trends. One of the things I’m known for: fashion." - Bill Belichick on players wearing cut-off sweatshirts

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St. Marys opening 20-2 run spurs 55-32 win over Pioneer Valley Christian Academy

WESTFIELD - The St. Mary’s High School boys basketball team may have just found their secret weapon or at least one of them. St. Mary’s guard-forward Patryk Lech scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers to help the Saints stop a two-game slide and turn back Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 55-32, Wednesday night at Westfield Intermediate School.

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Girls Basketball Scoreboard for Dec. 21: Alyssa Bordonare, Jalisa Matthews lead Granby past Holyoke & more

Powered by double-digit scoring from Alyssa Bordonare and Jalisa Matthews, Granby defeated Holyoke on Thursday night, 55-50. Alyssa Bordonare scored a game-high 23 points for the Rams (4-1), while Jalisa Matthews scored 20 points and tied a game-high in 3-pointers with four.

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Jayson Tatum says Celtics accomplished feat they wouldnt have last year

SPRINGFIELD – Darren Harris is confident in every decision he makes. Every time he takes a 3-pointer, he believes it’s going in. During his college basketball recruitment, he knew he wanted to go to Duke, so when they offered him a scholarship in Feb. 2022, he verbally committed a few months later early in his junior year. Harris, ranked as the No. 45 recruit in his class by ESPN, was the first player to commit to the Blue Devils in the Class of 2024. Harris’ confidence with the ball in his hands and off the court has helped push his high school, St. Paul VI in Virginia, to the No. 3 ranking in ESPN’s national boys basketball team rankings. His confidence has been an advantage for St. Paul VI, and he’s looking forward to having the same effect on the Blue Devils starting next year. “Duke was a dream school of mine growing up,” Harris said. “When they pushed for me to commit early it was hard to turn down. I was one of the first players they really pursued in my class. It felt like the timing was right. I knew where I wanted to go and where I wanted to be.” Despite losing to No. 5 ranked Christoher Columbus (FL), 70-61, on Monday at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts, Harris chipped in 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting for St. Paul VI. Christopher Columbus’ lineup is headlined by brothers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, sons of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, and Jace and Jaxson Richardson, sons of former NBA player Jason Richardson. “Their team defense is really good,” Harris said about Christopher Columbus. “They move as one and they are really connected on the defensive side of the floor. They made us work, especially me. I was exhausted by the end of the game. They’re really physical.” The event in Springfield showcased a handful of Duke commits, including the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024, Cooper Flagg. Harris and St. Paul VI landed in Springfield the night before their game, so Harris didn’t have the opportunity to watch some of his future teammates play, but he was excited to have the ability to play in the showcase. “This tournament is top-notch,” Harris said. “There’s a lot of good talent out here.” Harris is teammates with fellow Duke commit, Pat Ngongba, the No. 19 recruit in the Class of 2024 according to ESPN. When Harris became the first commit for Duke in the Class of 2024, he immediately got to work doing some additional recruiting for the Blue Devils. The senior regularly messaged other players whose play style he liked on social media, and even worked to get Ngongba to commit to the program. “There are certain guys whose game I like,” Harris said. “Our class is talented and versatile on both ends of the floor. I have no complaints with the class coming in, but as far as being the first one, yeah I was doing some texting. … Especially with Pat who I saw every day. Playing together at the next level will be a great opportunity.” Harris moves a lot without the ball, has a quick shot release and is lethal from beyond the arc. The senior watches all levels of basketball constantly when he’s not playing. With so much time watching the game under his belt, he’s absorbed player traits from some of the game’s best guards. “I watch a lot of Devin Booker,” Harris said. “Young Devin Booker in college, running off pin downs, mid range, elevating over everyone. Catch and shoot guys, Klay Thompson, JJ (Redick). I watch a lot of basketball, so it’s easy to add that into my game.”

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Pacers vs. Heat: How to watch NBA online for free

Sports Betting Dime provides exclusive sports betting content to MassLive.com, including real-time odds, picks, analysis and sportsbook offers to help sports fans get in on the action. Please wager responsibly. Get an instant bonus for college football on Saturday with the latest DraftKings Sportsbook promo code offer. Click here to unlock this offer and find other bonuses for the conference championship games. The promo code will be applied to your account when using our links to register. Place your first $5 wager on any college football game after activating the DraftKings Sportsbook promo code. This will automatically result in a $150 bonus to use this weekend. DraftKings BET $5, GET $150 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. First-time depositors only who have not already redeemed $200 in bonus bets via OH or MA prelaunch offer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at http://draftkings.com/ma. There are eight conference championship games on Saturday. Several teams are hoping to make their case for a spot in the College Football Playoff. That includes No. 7 Texas, who will be playing No. 18 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship at noon ET. Other matchups include No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 8 Alabama, No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 16 Iowa, and No. 14 Louisville vs. No. 4 Florida State. You can choose to save some of your bonus bets for a full day of NFL action on Sunday. Click here to unlock the DraftKings Sportsbook promo code on Saturday. Bet $5 on any college football game to receive $150 in bonus bets. DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for college football conference title games The Crimson Tide still have a chance to make the CFP, but they have to win the SEC title against the Bulldogs. Georgia is going for their 30th straight win on Saturday afternoon. They are favored by 5.5 points on DraftKings. Your first $5 wager can be on this game or any other conference championship. Click here to activate the DraftKings Sportsbook promo code and create an account. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app on your mobile phone and enable location services. Deposit $5 or more using PayPal, online banking, or another accepted banking method. Place a $5 wager on any college football game The outcome of this wager doesn’t matter, so you are guaranteed to gain $150 in bonus bets. Use a 33% college football profit boost on Saturday Go to the promotions page to opt-in to a 33% college football parlay boost. This will increase your potential profits for a 4+ leg parlay or SGP. I’m taking Georgia -5.5, Louisville +2, Michigan -22.5, and Michigan vs. Iowa over 34.5 points. There is also a special boost for the SEC title game. Get bonus bets for NFL Week 13 Save some of your bonus bets for NFL games on Sunday. The Patriots have a home game against the Chargers at 1 pm ET. There is a big NFC matchup between the 49ers and Eagles at 4:25 pm. Then, the day ends with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs taking on the Packers. Check out some of the unique features available on the app, such as DraftKings Social. I have created a group with friends to see who they are betting on every weekend. If you are new to betting online, there is a guide that explains parlays and the different types of wagers. Sign up here to unlock the DraftKings Sportsbook promo code offer on Saturday. Make a $5 wager on a college football matchup to gain a $150 bonus. DraftKings BET $5, GET $150 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. First-time depositors only who have not already redeemed $200 in bonus bets via OH or MA prelaunch offer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at http://draftkings.com/ma. Get the latest sports betting news, advice and promos sent straight to your inbox. Enter your email here: Think you know Patriots football? Play the MassLive.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes! If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org to speak with a trained specialist to receive support. Specialists are available 24/7. Services are available in multiple languages and are free and confidential. 21+ and present in participating states. 18+ in Kentucky. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

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Joe Flacco, 38, set to start NFL game this week: Ive been around forever

BOSTON — The Celtics will be playing for their in-season tournament lives on Tuesday night when they host the Bulls at TD Garden. Boston needs to win and get some help from other teams in the mix to have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals after dropping to 2-1 in pool play on Friday in Orlando with a 113-96 defeat. That loss in particular left a sour taste in the mouth of Jayson Tatum after the Celtics All-Star saw the Magic run up the score later in the win despite most of the team’s starters being pullout. Orlando trying to win by more comes as no surprise as the NBA has incentivized bigger point differentials for in-season tournament games by using that category as a tiebreaker for pool play. However, Tatum does like this aspect of the format. “The point differential thing, I’m not the biggest fan of it because there were certain instances, I guess last Friday, where the game is already over and guys are still trying to score,” Tatum said Sunday night after beating the Hawks. “It’s all about respecting the game and respecting your opponents so that part I’m really not a fan of because if you were on the opposite end of that you would feel some kind of way. So I understand. So just try to win the game however we can.” $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla admitted to weighing this part of the tournament rules in his decision making process as the game fell out of reach on Friday. Boston’s 17-point loss dropped the team’s point differential to zero and dramatically hurt the team’s odds of advance past the group stage. “I mean, I thought about it but at the end of the day, Jrue was out, we had lost Porzingis,” Mazzulla said. “I wasn’t willing to risk a point differential for the sake of the long-term health of our team. That was kind of the decision that I made there. It’s obviously something that you process and go through. I think Dalano tried to go in for a layup and may have missed, so we were aware of it.” Despite those concerns, Tatum is still a fan of the event that could come to a close for Boston on Tuesday night unless the team can blow out the Bulls and get some other favorable results across pool play. “It’s cool,” Tatum said of the tournament. “I know that the fans enjoy the court. The court is cool. The different courts that each home team has. I know Tuesday is complicated. There’s a million things that can happen so that s*** is a little tricky but I think it’s been great. It gives guys something to look forward to early in the season.”

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Kristaps Porzingis credits unbelievable Celtics crowd in Pistons win

St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Tuesday night that the team has relieved Craig Berube of his coaching duties and named Springfield Thunderbirds head coach Drew Bannister interim head coach. Bannister will travel to St. Louis on Wednesday and serve his first game behind the bench when the Blues host the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Bannister, 49, has spent the past three seasons with the Blues’ AHL affiliate in Springfield, leading the team to a 93-58-19 regular-season record. The Belleville, Ontario, native has also guided the Thunderbirds to consecutive playoff appearances, including 2021-22, when they won the Eastern Conference and reached the Calder Cup Final. Bannister began his coaching career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he spent three seasons as an assistant with Owen Sound and three as head coach with the Soo Greyhounds. He also served as head coach of the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage and as an associate coach with the Utica Comets. Bannister’s career spanned over 20 years as a player and included 164 NHL regular-season games between the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, and New York Rangers. In addition, Thunderbirds general manager Kevin Maxwell has announced that Daniel Tkaczuk will take over the head coaching duties in Springfield on an interim basis. Tkaczuk, 44, joined the St. Louis Blues organization in 2016 as an assistant coach with the club’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. After spending the 2017-18 season as a Skills Coach with the Blues, he rejoined the AHL affiliate as an assistant coach under Bannister in 2018, a role he has held ever since, including a promotion to Associate Head Coach in 2022. The Toronto, Ontario native began his coaching career in the OHL as an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Attack from 2011-15 before spending the 2015-16 season with the Kitchener Rangers. Tkaczuk and Bannister were co-assistant coaches with Owen Sound from 2012-15. Tkaczuk was the sixth overall draft pick in the 1997 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames and played 12 professional seasons in North America and Europe. As a member of the Saint John Flames, Tkaczuk captured a Calder Cup championship in 2000-01. He was tied for second among Flames skaters with 10 goals in the Calder Cup Playoffs that season. In 286 AHL games with Saint John, the Worcester IceCats, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Charlotte, Syracuse, Rochester, and Hartford, Tkaczuk posted 59 goals and 109 assists for 168 points. He was a career point-per-game performer in the playoffs, scoring 14 goals and adding 17 assists in 29 Calder Cup playoff contests. Tkaczuk also skated in 19 NHL games with Calgary, putting up 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in the 2000-01 season. Tkaczuk’s first game as the Thunderbirds’ interim head coach is slated for Wednesday night as Springfield hosts the Rochester Americans inside the MassMutual Center at 7:05 p.m.

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Bruins vs. Wild: Free live stream, TV, how to watch NHL

FOXBOROUGH — Early in the first quarter of the Army-Navy game, the crowd camera providing images to Gillette Stadium’s giant video board paused on a section of cadets sitting in the lower bowl seats just off of the south end zone. For a split second, in their spotless dress gray coats and hats, they were the picture of sharp uniformity. Exactly the stock image most people have of a West Point student. That was until they realized they were on the scoreboard. Then they smiled, shouted and gestured gleefully enjoying their seconds of extremely localized fame until the camera moved on to someone else. The same script played out nearly identically on the other side of the stands moments later among the Midshipmen fans. The moments were a perfect encapsulation of the young men and women from the United States Military and Naval Academies, in the stands and on the field. They are ordinary people preparing to live extraordinary lives. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. There are a lot of things that make the Army-Navy football game special and unique. Among the most compelling is that these aren’t college football’s most physically gifted athletes but they are extremely impressive people, some of whom happen to be very good at football. For just the third time in 124 games, the rivalry left the Mid-Atlantic. The 65,878 fans who did get their hands on one of the toughest tickets in Gillette Stadium history learned first-hand that Bill Belichick is right. There are a lot of big games in college and professional football, but Army-Navy is special. It is one of those bucket list sporting events that has no peers. It is concurrently an event and a game. It’s often a great game befitting the rivalry, but it doesn’t have to be for Army-Navy to be a great event. Tailgating began more than six hours before the game. As the fans left the unpaved lots to cross Route 1 toward Gillette, fan after fan in uniform paused to wipe the dirt and mud from their footwear. Even football games are no place for unshined shoes in the military. Inside Patriots Place, each fan base had a restaurant serving as their headquarters. Splitsville housed the “Beat Navy Tailgate!” In the back parking lots, ESPN’s Gameday was hopping. The desk crew of media celebrities showed clear reverence for the many members of the military brass that made guest appearances. In the crowd, the messages on signs are on brand both for a standard Gameday crowd as well as the schools that are represented. “If Maverick had gone to West Point, Goose would still be alive” and “Army swims in the shallow end.” In addition to the March On, where the students from both schools parade onto the field in formation, the annual prisoner exchange returns is a pregame staple. A small group of students from each academy attend the other for a semester before being “returned” to their rightful school before the game. Eight Midshipmen each wore a letter of “N-U-K-E A-R-M-Y’ on the back of their jackets while their West Point counterparts responded with “E-A-T S-Q-U-I-D.” Once officially freed they ran back to student seating, where Rob Gronkowski, a former Patriots legend and current USAA had just been posing for pictures. After skydivers from both military branches followed, there were flyovers by jets and military helicopters. While the atmosphere was reliably memorable, the game delivered an exciting ending to a slow-starting football game. Army defended the goal line, stopping Navy twice inside the 2-yard line to seal the 17-11 win. While many of the Cadets stormed the field, the Navy players and their fans watched in disconsolate silence. After a few minutes, the two teams came together to sing “Navy Blue and Gold” in front of the Midshipmen fans and then the “West Point Alma Mater” in front of the Cadets. It’s a moving tradition. After a hard-fought game, the two rivals come together. They each understand the hardships and sacrifices the other faces better than anyone, who has never been where they’re standing. They’re adversaries for an afternoon but will be teammates moving forward. It would sound almost hokey, but the entire Army-Navy experience makes it hard to be cynical. It’s impossible to truly comprehend what awaits the players on the field and their classmates in the stands. The seniors on both sides already have their active duty assignments. Fittingly Army cornerback Cameron Jones moves to “air defense artillery” from air defense on wide receivers. Navy starting guard Josh Pena will change his focus from quarterback protection to “surface warfare (nuclear).” All betting sites in MA will have promo codes for signing up. Don’t forget to check out BetMGM Massachusetts and DraftKings Massachusetts. With all of that in mind, Navy coach Brian Newberry had the game in proper perspective. “I would say that the people who came to the game were entertained and hopefully proud of what they saw. This game, in the grand scheme of things, is about more than football,” he said. “It’s about celebrating some of the finest young men in the country on the field and then celebrating and recognizing all those that have dedicated their life to service, that have served and are serving your country. Shining a light on them, celebrating them and showing gratitude for their sacrifice and their commitment. That’s what it’s all about. I think, at the end of the day, whoever was in the stands was proud of what they saw these young men do, as far as their fight and their grit and their toughness and their resolve.” Follow MassLive sports columnist Matt Vautour on Twitter at @MattVautour424.

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UMass mens basketball opens Atlantic-10 play with home win against Duquesne (photos)

AMHERST – The University of Massachusetts men’s basketball team (10-3, 1-0) claimed its first victory in an Atlantic 10 opener since the 2020-21 season behind an 80-61 win over Duquesne (9-4, 0-1) on Wednesday night at the Mullins Center. Five players: Matt Cross, Jaylen Curry, Rahsool Diggins, Daniel Hankins-Sanford, and Keon Thompson scored in double figures as the Minutemen scored 80 or more points for the eighth game this season. Hope you didn't forget about @mcsnipes333 Oh and the Minutemen are on a 10-0 run👏👏#Flagship🚩 pic.twitter.com/5Rf5zWX1VO — UMass Men's Basketball (@UMassMBB) January 4, 2024 Despite battling a physical matchup, Cross tallied 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Fellow returner Diggins led the Minutemen with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field while going 6-7 from the charity stripe. Thompson led the way from the point guard spot, recording 10 points and a game-high six assists. The point total marks his seventh double-digit scoring performance of the season. Curry had a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 15 points, including nine in the second half. Curry shot 4-of-6 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line across 16 minutes on the court. The Minutemen earned the advantage in the post for the 10th time this season, scoring 42 points in the paint. Massachusetts also saw a significant advantage in bench points, as the Minutemen reserves scored 30 points compared to Duquesne’s 19. The Dukes were led by Dae Dae Grant, who led the team with 18 points, including nine from three-point range. Breaking Down The Action Keon Thompson opened the scoring, making a layup for an early 2-0 UMass lead. Duquesne responded by building an 8-2 lead, but a pair of Jayden Ndjigue free throws cut it to 8-6 with 16 minutes left in the first half. The Ndjigue free throws were part of what proved to be an 11-0 run for the Minutemen, which staked the team to a 13-8 lead at 13:30. Marqui Worthy was fouled while hitting a floater at 11:25 left and knocked down the free throw to push it to a 16-12 lead. Jaylen Curry made a pair of free throws to make it 20-15 halfway through the first half. Diggins then hit a two off the glass in response to a Kareem Rozer three with just under seven minutes left in the half to give UMass a 26-20 lead. Daniel Hankins-Sanford scored five straight UMass points to push the lead to 34-28 with three minutes to play in the half. Ndjigue then put back an offensive rebound to give the Minutemen a 40-32 lead at the half. The teams traded baskets to open the second half before a five-point run by the Dukes cut the UMass lead to 46-41 with 16 minutes left. Ndjigue converted a challenging and-one play for a 49-44 lead with 15:09 remaining. Mathok Majok subbed in and sparked the defense, sending the Minutemen on a 6-0 run to move the lead to 53-44 with 13:30 left. Cross grabbed an offensive board and worked around the defense for a layup and a 59-52 lead with 10 minutes to play. Cross then preceded to convert a three-point play on a tricky finish down low to establish a 63-52 lead with nine minutes left. The Cross plays were part of a 16-0 scoring run that pushed it to a 73-52 lead with five minutes to play. Curry knocked down a three with the shot clock expiring for a 76-54 scoreline with 3:36 remaining to seal the win. New Kids On The Block Jaylen Curry led the newcomers in scoring with a career-best 15 points on 4-6 shooting and knocking down five free throws. Daniel Hankins-Sanford also scored double figures with ten points while grabbing seven rebounds. Jayden Ndjigue had another solid all-around performance with seven points, six rebounds, a pair of assists, and a steal. Numbers To Know .400: For the fourth time this season, UMass has held its opponent to under .400 shooting from the field as the Dukes went 21-58 (.362). 1: UMass secured its first conference opening win since the 2020-21 season when they topped La Salle 86-55. 5: For the second time this season, UMass had five players with double-digit performances. 6: led the team in assists as the sophomore recorded six for the fourth time this season. Keon Thompson led the team in assists as the sophomore recorded six for the fourth time this season. 8: finished the game with 15 points and has scored in double figures for the eighth straight game. Matt Cross finished the game with 15 points and has scored in double figures for the eighth straight game. 36: UMass pulled down 36 rebounds while Duquesne recorded 33 as UMass has outrebounded the opposition for the ninth time this year. 42: The Minutemen were dominant down low, scoring 42 points in the paint compared to Duquesne’s 28. Year Two Under Coach Martin Massachusetts Head Coach Frank Martin holds a 25-19 record leading the Minutemen. Martin currently sits with a 313-220 collegiate career record. Series History UMass now holds a 42-30 record all-time versus the Dukes, winning the 72nd matchup between the two programs. Up Next

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Memphis vs. Iowa State: How to watch the Liberty Bowl for free

FOXBOROUGH – Bill Belichick is appreciative of his time in New England, but the Patriots coach isn’t ready to get sentimental quite yet. With rumors swirling about his future, this weekend’s game could be the final for Belichick as the head coach of the Patriots. After 24 years, six Super Bowl championships, and plenty of good memories, Belichick said his sole focus right now is on beating the New York Jets. “Well, I’ve always appreciated the opportunity,” Belichick said when asked what it meant for him to be the Patriots head coach. “Just looking forward to Sunday’s game against the Jets and try to put our best game out there this year. That’s what we’re working towards. I’m sure there will be a time, another time to talk about other things, but right now, just trying to focus on the Jets.” BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. This season hasn’t been easy for Belichick and the Patriots. They’re currently 4-12 and will finish in last place in the AFC East for the first time since 2000, which was Belichick’s first season in New England. The Patriots were the second team this year to be eliminated from the playoffs after Carolina, who will finish with the worst record in the NFL. On offense, the Patriots have been horrific. The unit heads into this matchup ranked last in the NFL in points and 28th in yards. The Patriots have also dealt with a laundry list of injuries to important players – Matthew Judon, Christian Gonzalez, Kendrick Bourne, Marcus Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson, and others. The multiple issues lead the Patriots in their regular-season finale on Sunday. Next week, everyone could find out what owner Robert Kraft plans on doing with his head coach position. When asked how much he appreciates what he’s built in Foxborough, Belichick replied, “I think I’ve covered that multiple times over the years. For right now, we’ll keep it on the Jets and go forward with that.” Belichick and his players have been all business this week – even though many understand that sweeping changes could come next week inside Gillette Stadium. “This week is about preparing for the Jets,” Belichick said. “And then, there are a few things that happen after this game that we have to take care of.”

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sports

Top uncommitted prospect makes college choice at HoopHall Classic

SPRINGFIELD– V.J. Edgecombe, the top uncommitted college basketball prospect in the country, committed to Baylor at halftime of the Montverde Academy-Prolific Prep game on Sunday night at the HoopHall Classic. Edgecombe is a consensus five-star recruit, ranked fifth in the class of 2024 by ESPN and sixth by 24/7. His final two schools were Baylor and Duke. Edgecombe joins Hillcrest Prep small forward Jason Asemota and Montverde Academy point guard Robert Wright III in Baylor’s 2024 class. A 6-foot-5 Bahamian combo guard with jump-out-of-the-gym athleticism, Edgecombe scored 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting with five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal to earn player of the game honors in a Long Island Lutheran loss against Christopher Columbus on Saturday afternoon. He plays once more at the HoopHall Classic, against Arizona Compass Prep on Monday at 3 p.m.

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3 predictions for Patriots-Jets season finale

FOXBOROUGH — As the 4-12 Patriots wrap up their 2023 season, they’ll do it against a Jets team that Bill Belichick has beaten 15 times in a row. “Honestly, the biggest goal is breaking the losing streak,” Jets linebacker Quincy Williams told reporters in New Jersey this week. “With it being the last game, most people’s mindsets are on their vacations and stuff, but it is not that way in the locker room. I’m actually excited this week.” So will Belichick extend his winning streak to 16 games and end the 2023 season on a high note? Here are three predictions for Sunday’s game: BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. 1. It’s a real snow game Though Belichick bemoans trusting the forecast, the crystal ball is showing a blizzard in Foxborough. For the first time since the Titans were in town back in 2009, there’s a real snow game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots have historically been tremendous in the snow at home — they’re 11-0 — and Mother Nature should add a pretty backdrop for what could be a very ugly game on Sunday afternoon. Victoria, Texas native Bailey Zappe is eager to play in real snow for the first time. He’s only ever had flurries. “It’ll be exciting,” Zappe said. “We don’t really play in snow very much, so it’s going be fun. It’s going to be a great environment, last game, try to end the year out strong. So, I’m ready for it.” Whatever the weather, Belichick has been impressed by Zappe’s ability to respond after being cut to start the season. “In August or September, whenever it was, during the final cuts, I talked to Bailey and I thought he had a great attitude and outlook on the situation,” Belichick said. “’What do I need to do better? How can I do it? How can I improve?’ And he’s worked very hard to address those, and I think that’s shown up in his play and his performance, not just recently but going all the way back to day by day through September, October, all those days. You just take it one day at a time, and I think he really tried to embrace that. “It’s a big credit to him — his mental toughness, his resiliency and his attitude toward competing.” 2. Elliott proves valuable During a Week 3 slop-fest in the Meadowlands, Zeke Elliott had his first real impact game (16 carries, 80 yards) with the Patriots. The veteran will prove even more valuable in the rematch against the Jets; look for him to shoulder a heavy load in bad weather. Though the Patriots have nothing to play for in the standings, they’ll still be getting Elliott’s best. “We play a kid’s game for a king’s ransom,” Elliott said last month. “Any time I get to go out there and play football, I’m excited. How could you not be?” The bet here is that Elliott goes north of 100 yards from scrimmage. 3. The Patriots win Belichick beats the Jets yet again, 9-7. Pop Douglas scores New England’s only touchdown as the winning streak over New York hits 16. The victory hurts the Patriots’ 2024 NFL Draft pick a bit, but they still wind up in the Top 5 when the snow settles.

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sports

Falcons vs. Saints: How to watch NFL week 12 for free on FOX

Jorge Alfaro is headed to the Windy City. The former Boston Red Sox catcher signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, FanSided’s Robert Murray reported. The deal includes an invite to spring training. Alfaro signed a minor-league deal with the Red Sox in January ahead of spring training. He made a legitimate case to make the Opening Day roster. But Connor Wong beat out Alfaro and he began the year in Triple-A Worcester. After hitting .320 with six home runs in 43 games, Alfaro opted out of his contract June 1. A brief stint with the Colorado Rockies ended with him getting cut and back on the free agent market before re-signing with Boston on July 6 after Reese McGuire went down with an oblique strain. Alfaro struggled both at the plate and behind it, going just 2-for-17 before he was cut by the Red Sox. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday. The 30-year-old will now get a fresh start with the Cubs as he looks to revamp his career. He’ll join catchers Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya — who are both on Chicago’s 40-man roster. In 1,710 plate appearances, Alfaro has slashed 253/.302/.393.

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3 Takeaways from undermanned Bruins loss to Devils

Jack Hughes’ wrist shot, 2 minutes, 47 seconds into overtime eluded Jeremy Swayman’s catching glove en route to the overtime goal that gave the Devils a 2-1 win over the Bruins on Thursday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Bruins (18-6-3) scored late in the first period, but never again as the Devils built momentum from there. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. With Pavel Zacha out, the Bruins were hoping Morgan Geekie could help fill the offensive void and put him on a line with David Pastrnak to open the game. That combination didn’t score, but Geekie turned a terrific individual effort into his third goal of the season to put Boston ahead 1-0 with 3:09 left in the first period. The Bruins were living dangerously in the second period into the early third but Swayman kept New Jersey off the scoreboard until former Boston forward Erik Haula’s grind in front led to Dawson Mercer’s tying goal that eventually forced overtime. Boston stays on the road, but doesn’t go far. They’re at the New York Islanders on Friday. Here are three takeaways from the Bruins’ road loss: New Jersey dominated overtime — The Devils’ talented young roster is well-suited for the three-on-three overtime session and they dominated the Bruins in the extra session. Boston didn’t get a single shot, while Swayman made six of his 34 stops after regulation. Jack Hughes, who has played well against the Bruins throughout his young career got a clear look for the winning goal. The shorthanded Bruins leaned heavily on their veterans — With Charlie McAvoy and Derek Forbort both out of the Bruins lineup, Jim Montgomery pushed Brandon Carlo and Hampus Lindholm for iron man efforts. Lindholm played 23:35, while Carlo skated 22:03. Jim Montgomery chooses not to play Jesper Boqvist — One of the reasons Montgomery said the Bruins chose Boqvist as the player to call up for Wednesday’s game at New Jersey was that Boqvist had spent his entire career in the Devils organization before signing with Boston during the offseason. Montgomery reasoned that players often had extra juice against their former teams to prove that team shouldn’t have let them go. Boqvist might have had that juice, but Montgomery didn’t play him. Instead, Jakub Lauko and Oskar Steen both were in the lineup on the fourth line.

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Makai Shepardson, defense lead Pittsfield boys basketball past East Longmeadow

EAST LONGMEADOW — Heading into the fourth quarter against Pittsfield on Thursday night, East Longmeadow boys basketball had all the momentum. In the final minute of the third quarter, the Spartans’ Mike Ferrero scored in the paint following a Generals turnover. Then, as time expired in the quarter, Drew Knowles made a 3-pointer in front of East Longmeadow’s student section to put the Spartans ahead by one.

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sports

Celtics earn franchise-first offensive milestone in Lakers win

LOS ANGELES — The Celtics continue to pour it on offensively as they’ll come home to Boston after a 3-1 West Coast road trip. Jrue Holiday said they played pretty well, though he wishes they could’ve come away with four wins instead. Still, it was an impressive road trip as the Celtics dispatched multiple West playoff teams. After the Celtics beat the Lakers 126-115 on Christmas Day, they set a franchise-first with their fourth straight game of scoring 125-plus points, per the Celtics’ Taylor Snow. The C’s put up 126 points against the Warriors, 144 vs. the Kings then 145 in the Clippers victory before the 126 against the Lakers. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. “Lately we’ve been starting to run a bit more, get out in transition a bit more,” Kristaps Porzingis said. “That makes a difference for us for sure. Even the games we have not been as quick to get out, we’re still effective in the halfcourt.” While the Celtics offense continues to impress, an impressive part of their game has been how they’ve still defended. There are still some lapses, but the Celtics’ overall effort has led to their NBA-best 23-6 record. Part of the Celtics’ equation, too, comes from their versatility on the offensive end. They have multiple former All-Stars as part of their top-6 rotation, and they’ve fit in well together. The final result has been an offense that can create mismatches seemingly at will. The C’s now get to return home briefly as they continue tacking onto their record. “It’s a triple win,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “One, we got the win. Two, we got to we get to work for the Celtics, one of the best organizations in any sport in the world and we get to play the Lakers on this day. And I think it’s a huge honor and we’ve got to be grateful for it. I thought the best way to do that is to compete at a high level. And so very grateful and honored to work in and represent the Celtics.”

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Celtics injury report: Reserve big man downgraded for Cavaliers game

FOXBOROUGH – Another game means another reminder of the Patriots failures at wide receiver. Over the last two decades, Bill Belichick put together a Hall-of-Fame resume that culminated with six Super Bowl championships. With 24 Patriots draft classes in the books, we’ve plenty of hits and misses. This season, in particular, has served as a stark reminder of the Patriots misses at the receiver position. That’s once again the case on Thursday night when the Patriots take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re led offensive by receiver George Pickens, who has 44 receptions, 748 yards, and three touchdowns. In 2022, Pickens was drafted 52nd overall – two spots after the Patriots traded up in the round to select receiver Tyquan Thornton. In two seasons, Thornton has 27 catches for 281 yards. He has five catches for 34 yards this year in five games. The Patriots inability to draft top-tier receiver talent in the first three rounds of the NFL has been one of the franchise’s few consistent issues. This season’s offensive disaster only emphasizes the point. Pickens is the latest example of several on the Patriots schedule this season. $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. It started in Week 1 when the Patriots opened up their season against the Philadelphia Eagles. That game was a reminder of the failures of the 2019 Patriots draft class when the team selected receiver N’Keal Harry 32nd overall ahead of the likes of A.J. Brown, who leads the Eagles in receiving. Brown was so upset that the Patriots didn’t draft him that he admitted he cried after the team selected Harry. Four years later, that selection went from bad to worse. Brown is a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro receiver. He has 81 catches for 1,164 yards with seven touchdowns. This marks his fourth 1,000-yard receiving season. Harry is on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad and doesn’t have 1,000 career receiving yards in five seasons. In Week 6, Belichick got a different kind of reminder. Instead of a draft error, it was the sight of Jakobi Meyers in Las Vegas. After leading the Patriots in receiving for three seasons, the team opted to sign JuJu Smith-Schuster over Meyers this offseason. That move alone set part of the Patriots passing game back this fall. In 11 games, Meyers has 52 catches for 591 yards and six touchdowns for the Raiders. His replacement, Smith-Schuster, has 25 catches for 170 yards with one touchdown this season. He has one game where he has over 40 yards receiving. Meyers has seven. In Week 9, we had another reminder of that 2019 draft when the Patriots took on the Washington Commanders. That team is led by receiver Terry McLaurin, a Pro Bowl receiver who has three 1,000-yard seasons since being drafted in the third round in 2019. “He’s had a great career,” Belichick said that week. “He’s a very explosive player, threatens all three levels of the defense, very good after the catch. Really, all those guys are. He can make plays down the field, intermediate, catch-and-run plays. He’s quick, plays a lot of different positions. They move him around. But, they get the ball to everybody. It’s not like all the targets go to him, but he’s clearly one of the top players in the league. There’s no doubt about that.” That 2019 draft was stocked full of good receivers and that list includes Deebo Samuel, D.K. Metcalf, and Diontae Johnson. The 2022 class isn’t as loaded, but several receivers drafted after Thornton have been more productive. Another one on the Patriots schedule this fall was in Week 10 when the team saw receiver Alec Pierce and the Indianapolis Colts. Pierce was drafted three spots after Thornton in the second round. He has 984 yards over two seasons and 391 receiving yards this fall – more than Thornton’s production dating back to last year. Although the most recent draft failures of Harry and Thornton stick out, there was also a reminder last weekend when the Los Angeles Chargers came to town. In 2013, the Patriots drafted receiver Aaron Dobson in the second round with pick 59. Seventeen picks later in the third round, pick 76, was Keenan Allen, who has put together a historic career with the Chargers. A top-flight receiver changes everything for an offense. The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. They haven’t had a Pro Bowl pass catcher since Rob Gronkowski in 2018. It became apparent at the end of the Brady era that the Patriots lacked elite offensive weapons. That’s why drafted Harry in the first round, signed Antonio Brown, traded for Josh Gordon, and then traded a second-round pick for Mohamed Sanu. Had they drafted Brown or Samuel instead of Harry, it would’ve helped a lot. It’s become a problem that can be solved by the draft, which involves an element of luck. As seen this season, drafting a receiver in the first few rounds has yielded low results and big consequences for Belichick’s Patriots team. With the Patriots offense putting up historically bad numbers, Pickens is just the latest example.

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sports

What happens if punt hits low scoreboard in Patriots-Colts game?

FRANKFURT, Germany — As Patriots punter Chad Ryland’s late second-quarter punt took off, the crowd at Deutsche Bank Park cooed in anticipation. Unlike NFL stadiums, the home of the Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt has an elaborately hung center scoreboard and Ryland’s kick was going to be close to scraping it or maybe even doinking it as it rose. He hit it in warmups before the Patriots faced the Colts in Germany, but this one just missed. $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. What would have happened if he hit it? Play-on? Ground-rule double ala Tropicana Field? According to the ground rules, the down would be replayed. Bill Belichick was asked about that possibility on Friday. “That’s actually something that has come up in a couple of our games before, where the ball has hit an object – whether it’s a scoreboard, or it could be the wire that the camera goes on or something like that, and you just replay the play,” he said. “That’s all covered. We’ll see whether that happens or not, but I don’t think it’s really that big of a factor for us. If the kicker or punter hits it, then we’ll re-play the play.”

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PSG vs. La Havre AC: Free live stream, TV, how to watch

The Patriots will face the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve without three of their starters in tow. Safety Jabrill Peppers, who is having a terrific season despite the 3-11 mark, was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle), and running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) also won’t be making the trip. Meanwhile, Hunter Henry (knee), another bright spot amidst a lost season, is among nine players listed as questionable. Both Peppers and Henry left Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. If Henry is unable to go, that would no doubt impact Bailey Zappe. In the three games since Zappe took over at quarterback, Henry, who has quickly established himself as the quarterback’s favorite target, has caught 12 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Trent Brown, who missed Sunday’s game, has been back at practice this week. So it’s possible he’ll be back. Here’s the full report: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS OUT S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring (DNP) WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle (DNP) RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle (DNP) DOUBTFUL No Players Listed. QUESTIONABLE DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder (LP) Ja’Whaun Bentley, Knee (LP) OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand (LP) TE Hunter Henry, Knee (LP) LB Anfernee Jennings, Illness (LP) CB Jonathan Jones, Knee (LP) OT Conor McDermott, Concussion SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring (LP) LB Jahlani Tavai, Ankle (LP) NOTES: Cody Davis was removed from the list. T Tyron Wheatley (knee) was a full participant in practice. Denver Broncos OUT OLB Nik Bonitto, Knee (DNP) TE Greg Dulcich, Hamstring / Foot (DNP) T Alex Palczewski, Knee (FP) DOUBTFUL No Players Listed. QUESTIONABLE No Players Listed. NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

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Red Sox look like theyre giving up on Shohei Ohtani (report)

In a tournament that featured more than 50 teams from throughout Massachusetts, two local wrestlers won their weight classes during Mahar’s Senators All-Girls Tournament. Samantha Bertini led Ludlow to a sixth-place finish on the day as she took first in the 107-pound weight class. Bertini won via fall in each of her four bouts, defeating wrestlers from Boston Latin, Leominster, Wellesley and Scituate en route to winning her weight class.

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Some Things I Think I Think: On facing facts about the Red Sox and more

* it isn’t just missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which, let’s face it, was something of a fait accompli long before Yamamoto chose the Dodgers over the Mets and Yankees late Thursday night. No, it goes deeper than that. A year of reduced payroll spending could be seen as an aberration. A two-year step-back might still qualify as an anomaly, part of roster-retooling strategy. But when you string together year after year of scaled-back spending, it becomes a pattern, a statement of fact. Despite what they’ve said, these are not the Red Sox you came to know and love from 2002-2018, intent on competing for top talent with little regard to pricetags. That approach led to four World Series titles and two more trips to the ALCS. Lately, with little public acknowledgement, there’s been a change in philosophy at Fenway: every once in a while (Rafael Devers, Trevor Story), the Red Sox will green-light a big signing. But those are few and far between. And it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. In the aftermath of the Yamamoto news, one industry official was speculating on how the Red Sox might pivot to find the necessary starting pitching. When I suggested free agent Jordan Montgomery as a good fall-back option, the official scoffed and offered that even Montgomery would be too expensive for the Red Sox’s current budget plans. Such an approach is squarely at odds with Tom Werner’s well-publicized vow to go “full throttle,” but then again, Werner doesn’t have final say here. But whether Werner was well-intentioned and speaking in good faith as he understood it or not, his promise has put unfair pressure on Craig Breslow, who’s now expected to be all-in despite John Henry’s belief in a more measured approach when it comes to payroll. Understand: the Red Sox are never going to bottom out the way Baltimore and Tampa Bay have. But neither are they committed to matching the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers the way they once were. Instead, they’ll act like part of baseball’s upper middle-class; just enough to suggest they’re still kind of, sort of interested in winning. But that philosophy doesn’t square with a team that has no problem charging as much — if not more — for tickets than any other franchise in the game. And if this ownership is going to continue to mitigate its commitment to the fans, then maybe it’s time for fans to re-examine their own relationship to the team. * Even though it has seemed inevitable for quite some time, I’m going to guess that the Bill Belichick Era doesn’t end smoothly. To the contrary, it has all the makings of a very messy divorce, played out in public. Whenever power and ego are at stake, at they are here, the potential exists for a very ugly ending. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. (2 kB) https://saturdaytradition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GameSense-Icon-2.png espnbet.app.linkespnbet.app.link ESPN BET Explore our action packed sportsbook, loaded with exclusive odds boosts, custom offers and a suite of cutting-edge features. Fast load times, secure transactions and seamless navigation – ESPN BET serves up the ultimate online sports wagering experience. (20 kB) * Five years into his major league career, don’t expect Alex Verdugo to change. There’s a long pattern of immaturity, alienating teammates and sometimes indifferent play. Occasionally, he’s highly motivated to prove a point and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him get off to a great start in New York. But that level of play won’t be sustained, because it never is. And before you know it, he’ll be blaming someone else for his subpar performance. * Hampus Lindholm knows the season has started, right? A grand total of seven points (and one goal) through the first 31 games is unacceptable, especially for guy who’s being paid like a top-pair defenseman. Lindholm had a brutal first-round series against Florida last April, but at least that could be attributed to the fact that he played with a broken foot. Presumably, that’s healed. So what’s the reason for his hugely disappointing play? * Any minute now, as his agents seek national endorsement deals, someone is going to tap Tommy DeVito on the shoulder and alert him that his 15 minutes of fame are about up. * Al Michaels may no longer been in his prime, but Michaels at 80 percent is still better than most play-by-play guys when it comes to calling NFL action. If the reason he got bumped from NBC’s playoff roster was because he was insufficiently energized while working the Jaguars’ big comeback win over the Chargers last year, I would remind you that we all have bad days. * And on the subject of sports on TV: Host Bryant Gumbel could be smug and a tad self-righteous at times, but Real Sports on HBO produced quality journalism for a long time, a sort of 60 Minutes for sports. The final episode is airing this month, which means good luck finding any other shows willing to tell the truth without being compromised for being partners — broadcast and otherwise — with the powers-that-be. That ship sailed at ESPN some time ago. * The fact that there are elected officials in Georgia and Florida working on legislation and/or lawsuits to get the University of Georgia and Florida State into the college football playoffs is laughable. Nothing else to worry about in your states, ladies and gentlemen? * Whether Derrick White makes the All-Star team remains uncertain, but there’s little doubt that he’s elevated his game this season — as his play on the current West Coast road trip has shown. Always a stout defender, White has added a better shooting touch. Is anyone still missing Marcus Smart now? * The NHL trade deadline is still more than two months away, but from here, the Bruins should be in the market for depth on defense and secondary scoring — or, exactly the same needs they’ve had at the deadline for about the last decade. * Hasn’t it seemed that, over the last two months, the Philadelphia Eagles are somehow featured in every, single prime-time game? * Ordinarily, I’d say the fewer NCAA bureaucrats, the better. But Chip Kelly’s call for a football commissioner makes a lot of sense. Look it at this way: it could hardly make things worse. * Merry Christmas to all our faithful readers.

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Patriots legend not blaming Bailey Zappe for pick-six

A blast of Arctic air was expected to reach into the Deep South on Tuesday morning, potentially breaking or tying low-temperature records for the day from Texas to Mississippi, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service. Forecasters predicted the system would bring “dangerously cold,” below-zero wind chill temperatures across much of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains and the Midwest. “These wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in a few minutes,” the Weather Service said on Monday afternoon, suggesting that people avoid outdoor activities if they can.

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Jrue Holiday describes emotions seeing Bucks tribute video

It’s time to bundle up and get cozy. Forecasters are anticipating below-zero wind chills to sweep across Massachusetts this weekend due to a shot of Arctic air, with meteorologists warning of particularly harsh coldness in the Berkshires. The shot of modified Arctic air will settle over southern New England for the weekend, bringing frigid temperatures and low wind chills to Massachusetts. The lowest wind chills are forecast Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Saturday’s wind chills are expected to plummet to 2 degrees in Hyannis on Cape Cod, zero degrees in Boston, -3 degrees in Worcester and zero degrees in Springfield, according to the weather service. Sunday’s wind chills should dip to zero degrees in Hyannis, 1 degree in Boston, -5 degrees in Worcester and -1 degree in Springfield, the weather service said. A wind chill advisory is expected to go into effect across the eastern slopes of the Berkshires at 10 p.m. Saturday and last until 10 a.m. Sunday. Wind chills as low as 18 degrees below zero are forecast in the area, according to the weather service. Very cold wind chill temps across the region this morning and tomorrow morning. The cold will peak tomorrow morning near The Berkshires where wind chill temps below -15F are expected. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect for Berkshire County and the east slopes of the Berkshires. pic.twitter.com/grY22aXEbV — NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 20, 2024 Read more: NOAA rocket to study weather in final stages before April liftoff “The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken,” the weather service said in its advisory. “Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.” The forecast is also calling for periodic bands of ocean-effect snow that could bring minor accumulations to the Outer Cape late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday. Western and Central Massachusetts may be hit with light snow showers as well. However, the likelihood of snowfall is still low, the weather service noted. “I’m not sold much snow develops this afternoon, but if we do get any snow showers they’d be light, powdery and not result in adverse impacts,” a weather service meteorologist said. Read more: Plum Island residents to rebuild after historically high tides hit New England Temperatures should then moderate through early next week to near or slightly above normal. Several waves of precipitation may roll through the region Wednesday into Friday, according to the weather service.

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Is there any chance Mac Jones get another shot at QB for Patriots?

A stretch of dry weather across Massachusetts is on track to carry on through most of Friday, but forecasters believe this will not last going into Saturday. The start of December is expected to be dry and sunny most of the day, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions should stay this way until between 2 and 4 p.m., when forecasters say a storm system will roll over parts of Western and Central Massachusetts, and Connecticut, bringing rain along with it. Read more: Aurora could be seen Friday as large solar flares head toward Earth The storm is then expected to spread over Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island between 3 and 5 p.m., forecasters said. With the added moisture in the air, forecasters said temperatures are likely to be in the mid-50s throughout the region. The average temperature for Dec. 1 is typically between 43 and 48 degrees, forecasters said. The highest chances (55%) for rain in Greenfield should happen at around 6 p.m., while Lowell, Worcester and Springfield can expect a 50% chance of rain at that same time, according to a weather service post on X, formerly known as Twitter. [Weekend Forecast] Despite rain in the forecast, there will be many hours of dry weather, beginning this morning & again Saturday. Friday evening & late Sunday appear to be the wettest time periods. The chart below indicates the probability of rain every 3 hrs Fri thru Sun. #MAwx pic.twitter.com/BqOvqrk83M — NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 1, 2023 In other parts of Massachusetts, the highest likelihood of rain should peak at 9 p.m. or at midnight. The former is the case in Boston, at 45%, and Provincetown at 40%. The latter is expected in Hyannis, at 50%, New Bedford at 45% and Nantucket at 55%. Rainfall totals are expected to be a tenth to a quarter of an inch. But unlike most weekends this year, the rain is not expected to stick around going into Saturday. Forecasters said they anticipate it being “mainly a dry day, (with) just lots of clouds.” While a cold front is expected to follow, warm surface air is expected to stick around after the rain is gone, leaving temperatures in the low to mid-50s, with temperatures dropping slightly in the northwest into the high 40s. Just when you thought it was out, the rain is expected to pull itself back in time for a “soggy Sunday into Monday,” forecasters continued, with the heaviest amount of precipitation falling overnight. Models vary, but forecasters believe rainfall totals could be between three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a quarter. Temperatures Sunday and Monday are expected to be seasonable in the 40s and in the upper 40s and low 50s along the south coast. Starting Tuesday, conditions are expected to quiet down through the rest of the week, forecasters said. Throughout this time, they predict temperatures will stay seasonable in the 30s with lows in the 20s at night.

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Saturdays high school football scores and highlights

Tabor bent but didn’t break. Having seen a 32-7 halftime lead cut to three, the Seawolves (3-0) took charge in the final quarter. Huge Djeumeni ripped off a 30-yard TD run for his fourth score, then Tim Bengston put the finishing touches on a 46-29 win over Rivers by sprinting 76 yards to paydirt. Elsewhere in the ISL, Qur’an McNeil ran for two scores and threw for two more as Milton Academy (2-1) defeated Thayer Academy, 27-20. … Brooks (1-2) defeated St. Mark’s, 20-6, behind Darnell Pierre’s 161 yards on the ground and a touchdown. … Jordan Summers returned a kick 93 yards for a score and also caught a TD pass as Belmont Hill (2-1) beat St. Sebastian’s, 36-23. Hudson Weidman threw for two scores and ran for two more as Pingree (3-0) defeated Canterbury 33-14 in the Evergreen League. Sidney Tildsley threw for 130 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 57 rushing yards and a fourth score as Shawsheen (5-0) defeated Greater Lowell 31-0 in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference. Davin True ran for three scores and caught a TD pass as Marshfield (3-2) beat Silver Lake 41-0 in the Patriot League. … Will McNamara caught eight passes for 171 yards and two scores, while adding eight tackles and a strip sack which resulted in a touchdown as Pembroke (2-3) defeated Quincy, 41-8. Henry Redgate had 157 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns as Wellesley (2-3) defeated Framingham 26-7 in the Bay State Conference. Daniel Cordeiro ran for 236 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 45 receiving yards and a fourth score as St. John Paul outlasted Atlantis Charter/Westport in triple overtime, 46-40. In a nonleague matchup, Jack Spear tossed a pair of touchdowns and added one on the ground to lead Swampscott (3-1-1) past Northeast, 24-0. THURSDAY RESULTS Bourne 21, Monomoy 8 Canton 33, Oliver Ames 20 Chelmsford 24, Lowell 17 Franklin 28, Taunton 27 Hopkinton 21, Medfield 14 Mansfield 31, Sharon 14 Medford 20, Somerville 0 Methuen 38, North Andover 21 Natick 35, Newton North 21 Norwood 25, Holliston 24 Plymouth South 34, North Quincy 7 FRIDAY’S RESULTS Abington 21, Sandwich 2 Andover 50, Brockton 20 Archbishop Williams 21, Cathedral 18 Ashland 35, Westwood 15 Barnstable 14, Nauset 0 (forfeit) Bedford 49, Acton-Boxboro 0 Bellingham 21, Dedham 20 Belmont 36, Lexington 7 Bishop Feehan 70, Arlington Catholic 0 Blue Hills 20, Southeastern 14 BC High 24, Malden Catholic 14 Bridgewater-Raynham 14, Durfee 0 Brookline 28, Boston Latin 22 Cambridge 42, Boston English/New Mission 0 Cardinal Spellman 28, Bishop Fenwick 14 Central Catholic 35, Haverhill 0 Catholic Memorial 41, Xaverian 38 Carver 42, Cohasset 39 (ot) Concord-Carlisle 49, Newton South 35 Dartmouth 48, Falmouth 0 Dennis-Yarmouth 48, Nantucket 7 Dover-Sherborn 40, Medway 33 Dracut/Innovation 20, Chelsea 6 Duxbury 41, Plymouth North 13 Everett 48, Revere 6 Fairhaven 49, Case 6 Foxboro 31, Stoughton 7 Greater Lawrence 28, Lynn English 18 Greater New Bedford 49, Seekonk 0 Hanover 42, Scituate 28 Hingham 25, Whitman-Hanson 14 King Philip 52, Attleboro 0 KIPP 38, Lowell Catholic 28 Lawrence 20, New Bedford 19 Lincoln-Sudbury 27, Wayland 0 Lynn Classical 34, Malden 0 Lynnfield 42, Ipswich 0 Manchester-Essex 63, Lynn Tech 22 Marblehead 20, Masconomet 0 Mashpee 32, Martha’s Vineyard 8 Middleboro 21, East Bridgewater 6. Milford 33, North Attleboro 13 Milton 10, Needham 9 Newburyport 47, Hamilton-Wenham 20 North Reading 45, Triton 0 Norton 35, Millis 0 Norwood 25, Holliston 24 O’Bryant 18, East Boston 16 Old Colony 38, Holbrook/Avon 8 Old Rochester 21, Dighton-Rehoboth 7 Quabbin 20, Ayer-Shirley 14 (ot) Peabody 27, Leominster 14 Pentucket/Georgetown 21, Essex Tech 18 Randolph 20, Hull 9 Reading 35, Arlington 20 Rockland 23, Norwell 21 Roxbury Latin 12, Noble and Greenough 0 Roxbury Prep 14, Keefe Tech 2 Salem 55, Saugus 20 St. John’s Prep 35, St. John’s (Shrewsbury) 0 St. Mary’s (Lynn) 16, Bishop Stang 14 Somerset Berkley 56, Apponequet 46 South Shore 42, Cape Tech 6 Stoneham 44, Watertown 0 Walpole 31, Shrewsbury 6 Wareham 30, Upper Cape 0 West Bridgewater 40, Tri-County 12 Westford Academy 27, Waltham 16 Weston 38, Latin Academy 6 Weymouth 28, Braintree 14 Whittier 38, Nashoba Tech 30 Wilmington 29, Burlington 25 Winchester 17, Melrose 12 Winthrop 35, Gloucester 0 Woburn 36, Wakefield 3 SATURDAY’S GAMES Belmont Hill 36, St. Sebastian’s 23 Billerica 13, Tewksbury 6 Brooks 20, St. Mark’s 6 BB&N 43, Governor’s Academy 27 Danvers 28, Beverly 0 Diman 29, Bristol-Plymouth 8 Groton 27, Middlesex 9 Lawrence Academy 34, St. George’s 0 Marshfield 41, Silver Lake 0 Milton Academy 27, Thayer Academy 30 Pembroke 41, Quincy 8 Pingree 33, Canterbury 14 St. John Paul 46. Atlantis Charter/Westport 40 (3 ot) St. Paul’s 12, Dexter Southfield 9 Shawsheen 31, Greater Lowell 0 Swampscott 24, Northeast/Mystic Valley 0 Tabor 46, Rivers 29 Wellesley 26, Framingham 7 Worcester Academy 48, Austin Prep 2 BELMONT HILL 36, ST. SEBASTIAN’S 23 Belmont Hill (2-1) 13 10 6 7 – 36 St. Sebastian’s (2-1) 0 13 3 7 – 23 BH – Jordan Summers 18 pass from Rèis Little (kick failed) BH – Marcus Griffin 31 run (Nick Ascione kick) BH – Tommy Rupley 1 fumble return (Ascione kick) SS – George Kelly 2 run (run failed) SS – Tedy Frisoli 26 pass from Ty Ciongoli (Cooper Bolton kick) BH – Nick Ascione 32 field goal SS – Cooper Bolton 20 field goal BH – Jordan Summers 93 kick return (kick failed) BH – Marcus Griffin 2 run (Ascione kick) SS – Kaelan Chudzinski 2 pass from Ty Ciongoli (Bolton Kick) BILLERICA 13, TEWKSBURY 6 Billerica (5-0) 0 7 6 0 – 13 Tewksbury (4-1) 0 6 0 0 – 6 TE – Hunter Johnson 4 run (kick failed) BI – Steven Gentile 1 run (Michael Schein kick) BI – Gentile 1 run (kick failed) BROOKS 20, ST. MARK’S 6 Brooks (1-2) 7 6 0 7 – 20 St. Mark’s (0-3) 0 6 0 0 – 6 BR – Jack Sumner 9 pass from Henry Hebert (Jasper Johnson kick) SM – Ben Howard 47 pass from Henry Colon (kick failed) BR – Jagger Carreiro 1 pass from Hebert (kick failed) BR – Darnell Pierre 31 run (Johnson kick) BB&N 43, GOVERNOR’S ACADEMY 27 BB&N (2-1) 7 22 0 14 – 43 GOVERNOR’S (1-2) 7 14 0 6 – 27 GO – Nicholas Berglund 9 run (Hawk Stickney kick) BB – Brett Elliott 21 pass from Henry Machnik (Snoonian kick) GO – Hunter Kingsbury 21 pass from Berglund (Stickney kick) BB – Bo MacCormack 80 kickoff return (Snoonian kick) GO – Corey Aubuchon 30 pass from Berglund (Stickney kick) BB – MacCormack 22 run (MacCormack run) BB – MacCormack 6 run (Snoonian kick) GO – Aubuchon 18 pass from Berglund (conversion failed) BB – Machnik 1 run (Snoonian kick) BB – Sam Kelly 25 pass from Machnik (Snoonian kick) MARSHFIELD 41, SILVER LAKE 0 Silver Lake (0-5) 0 0 0 0 – 0 Marshfield (3-2) 14 27 0 0 – 41 MA – Tor Maas 4 run (Thomas Kelly kick) MA – Davin True 11 run (Kelly kick) MA – True 22 pass from Maas (kick failed) MA – True 9 run (Kelly kick) MA – Nic Cupples 13 run (Kelly kick) MA – True 2 run (Nick Drosopoulos kick) MILTON ACADEMY 27, THAYER ACADEMY 21 Milton Academy (2-1) 0 14 13 0 – 27 Thayer Academy (1-2) 0 8 0 12 – 20 MI – Qur’an McNeill 7 run (Jonah Selter kick) TH – Malachi Mcclean 3 pass from Arnaud Dugas (Angel Perez-Gonzalez pass from Dugas) MI – McNeill 11 run (Selter kick) MI – Kash Kelly 27 pass from McNeill (kick failed) MI – Kelly 21 pass from McNeill (Selter kick) TH – Nate Austin-Johnstone 45 run (conversion failed) TH – Perez-Gonzalez 11 pass from Dugas (conversion failed) PEMBROKE 41, QUINCY 8 Pembroke (2-3) 14 6 14 7 – 41 Quincy (2-3) 0 0 0 8 – 8 PE – Nick Carbone 32 fumble recovery (Ben Voelkl kick) PE – Will McNamara 54 pass from Owen Pace (Voelkl kick) PE – McNamara 70 pass from Pace (kick failed) PE – Will Johnson 12 run (Voelkl kick) PE – Johnson 21 run (Voelkl kick) QU – Gabe Rodrigues 47 run (Rodrigues rush) PE – Riece Dunton 51 run (Voelkl kick) ST. PAUL’S 12, DEXTER SOUTHFIELD 9 St. Paul’s (2-1) 0 6 6 0 – 12 Dexter (3-1) 7 0 0 2 – 9 DE – Santana Cardoso 4 fumble recovery (Luke Hoganson kick) SP – Teigan Pelletier 57 pass from Daniel Sullivan (kick failed) SP – Michael Seward 8 run (kick failed) DE – Safety SHAWSHEEN 31, GREATER LOWELL 0 Shawsheen (5-0) 7 14 7 3 – 31 Gr. Lowell (2-3) 0 0 0 0 – 0 ST – Ryan Copson 16 pass from Sidney Tildsley (Jared Bishop kick) ST – Tildsley 3 (Bishop kick) ST – Dyllon Pratt 37 pass from Tildsley (Bishop kick) ST – Pratt 29 pass from Tildsley (Bishop kick) ST – Bishop 37 field goal SWAMPSCOTT 24, NORTHEAST 0 Swampscott (3-1-1) 6 12 6 0 – 24 Northeast (1-4) 0 0 0 0 – 0 SW – Liam Keaney 9 pass from Jack Spear (rush failed) SW – Henry Beuttler 7 run (rush failed) SW – Jack Hazel 15 pass from Spear (rush failed) SW – Spear 30 run (rush failed) WELLESLEY 26, FRAMINGHAM 7 Framingham (3-2) 7 0 0 0 – 7 Wellesley (2-3) 20 0 6 0 – 26 WE – Henry Redgate 47 pass from Bobby Shanahan (Bronin Maccini kick) FR – Kick return (kick good) WE – Redgate 36 run (Maccini kick) WE – Robby Broggi 48 pass from Shanahan (kick failed) WE – Jake Broggi 49 interception return (kick failed) WEST BRIDGEWATER 40, TRI-COUNTY 12 Tri-County (3-2) 6 0 0 6 – 12 West Bridgewater (3-2) 6 27 7 0 – 40 TC – Matt Pinto 3 run (conversion failed) WB – Ty Holmes 12 run (conversion failed) WB – Christian Packard 14 run (Jacob Smith kick) WB – James Harris 5 run (Smith kick) WB – Harris 2 run (conversion failed) WB – Luke Destrampe 27 pass from Harris (Smith kick) WB – Packard 45 run (Smith kick) TC – Pinto 5 run (conversion failed)

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Daily Boys Basketball Stats Leaders: Agawams Colin Smith catches fire & more

Note: Stats Leaders is based on results sent to MassLive. If a player is missing, coaches should email sports@masslive.com. Take a look at Monday’s top boys basketball scorers below:

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The Westfield News Scoreboard: Blackstone Valley boys ice hockey rallies from 3-0 deficit to defeat Westfield in OT, 4-3

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3 Patriots vs. Chiefs predictions

Patrick Mahomes returns to Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but his weapons aren’t exactly stockpiled. The Chiefs will be without top running back Isiah Pacheco, Travis Kelce has begun slowing down at 34, and despite having a generational talent at quarterback, no wideout on the roster has topped 700 receiving yards in mid-December. This isn’t the Kansas City offense fans are accustomed to seeing, but will it still be enough to knock off the woeful 3-10 Patriots? Let’s get to the predictions and find out: BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. 1. Mixed bag for Zappe Eyeing his third start, Bailey Zappe’s self-confidence has become very evident. He’s not afraid to take some risks and throw downfield, and against this Chiefs defense, that may be a blessing and a curse. “You say cool, calm, and collected mentality but underneath that shell of him, he has a lot of confidence,” Zappe’s mentor Zach Kittley told MassLive this week. “You saw that. That swag and confidence he had when he threw that touchdown to Hunter Henry up the sideline (in Pittsburgh). You saw him get after it and show a lot of emotion. That’s really who he is at heart. He tries to stay even-keeled, but he has a lot of confidence. He really believes in himself.” The guess here is that confidence crescendos on Sunday and Zappe channels his inner Brett Favre, throwing two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Zappe believers will point to the touchdowns, detractors will bemoan the interceptions, and ultimately the truth will lie somewhere in the middle. 2. Taylor Swift shows up If readers are sick of Swift, feel free to scroll to prediction No. 3, but like it or not, she’s become a part of the Chiefs game day experience since she began dating Kelce. The bet here is that she shows up in Foxborough, even though this game was flexed out of Monday Night Football. Gillette is the first NFL stadium she ever played, and the pop star has now headlined more than a dozen shows there. For what it’s worth, it sounds like Zappe will be pleased when he won’t have to worry about Swift landmines anymore. After saying he wasn’t a fan of hers on Monday, he went out of his way to clarify his feelings on the pop star during his Wednesday afternoon press conference. “Listen to the whole quote. I said I’m not, not a fan,” Zappe said. “I used to be a fan. I’m a country guy. I listen to country music. She used to be country. There was times where, of course, Taylor Swift’s country songs came on. I’d listen to it. Now she’s moved over to pop. I’m not a pop guy. So, I’m a fan. I just don’t listen to that type of music. So, just to clear that up in there.” This is life as a 3-10 team at the bottom of the conference in December. 3. Kansas City wins Despite their attrition on the offensive side of the ball, Mahomes still finds a way to lift the Chiefs to a victory. New England’s offensive line struggles to handle Chris Jones, Zappe gifts Mahomes a couple short fields, and ultimately, Kansas City leaves Gillette Stadium with a 27-17 victory. Glass half full: The Patriots will still own the No. 2 overall pick heading into Week 16.

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New Mexico State vs. Fresno State: How to watch the New Mexico Bowl

FOXBOROUGH — After Jerod Mayo was introduced as the 15th Patriots head coach in the G-P Atrium at Gillette Stadium, both he and owner Robert Kraft read excited opening statements on Wednesday afternoon. Kraft is optimistic about the path ahead and Mayo is eager to get to work. When the time came for questions, the first one was among the most pressing: Who will have final say on Patriots personnel? For the past two decades, that power had belonged singularly to Bill Belichick, who earned total control over New England’s roster after winning his third Super Bowl in 2004. So with Belichick out the door, who will get to make the ultimate decision when the Patriots are on the clock at No. 3 overall in next spring’s NFL Draft? BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Kraft began by saying this was a day to celebrate Mayo, but then offered a winding and open-ended response. “What we know: We have a lot of people internally who have had a chance to train and learn under the greatest coach of all time and a man who’s football intellect is very special,” Kraft said. “So in the short term, we’re looking for collaboration as our team has a tremendous opportunity to position itself right. Given our salary cap space and in my 30 years of ownership we’ve never been drafting as (early) as we’re drafting. So we’re counting on our internal people whom we’re still learning and evaluating. So we’re going to let that evolve and develop, and before the key decisions have to be made, we will appoint someone. “At the same time, we’ll probably start doing interviews and looking at people from the outside. But my bias has always been, in all our family companies, to try to develop a culture from within where we understand each other. I’ll just give you a little factoid: In the 30 years that we’ve owned the team, this is the third coach that our family has hired. In that period, there have been 244 coaches hired in the NFL. Which means an average of roughly eight coaches per team, which means there’s a turnover every three and a half years in the teams. We like to get continuity in our company. Get the most competent people and then try to build stability. So before we just rush and hire people, we want to understand what we have internally.” Internally, those high-level candidates would be Matt Groh (director of player personnel), Eliot Wolf (director of scouting), Steve Cargile (pro scouting director), Camren Williams (college scouting director) and Patrick Stewart (senior personnel advisor), but it remains to be seen if any of them will leave to join Belichick at his next landing spot. The 71-year-old coach has already interviewed in Atlanta, and will likely be a serious candidate if the Cowboys or Eagles jobs open after embarrassing wild card losses.

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Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones a nominee for prestigious NFL award

FOXBOROUGH - In January, Jonathan Jones was honored with the Ron Burton Community Service Award. Now the Patriots cornerback has a chance at earning one of the NFL’s most prestigious honors. Jones is this year’s Patriots nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The award acknowledges NFL players who excel on the field and demonstrate a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game in their communities. While Jones said Tuesday he was too young to remember Payton as a player, he is well aware of Payton’s legacy and impact beyond the gridiron. “(The award) wasn’t on my radar, but it’s something you aways hear about and you see,” said Jones, who is preparing for Thursday night’s game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “Just being a fan of the game, a fan of football, just seeing guys year after get nominated. I just continue to do work, and show up. Not just here in Boston, but in Auburn, and my hometown (Long Beach, California), and all the places that mean a lot to me.” $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. Jones started the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation to positively impact the lives of youth in his New England and Georgia communities through education and mentorship. A champion of woman’s causes, Jones also made history as the first male ambassador for iPlay Like a Girl, an organization supporting women and girls in STEM and sports. In February, he revisited the Auburn Sustenance Project, hosting a community fundraiser and packing means for those in need. Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Jones’ nomination to the team. The veteran cornerback, who has been a stalwart of the Patriots defense in a disappointing season, said he was surprised by the news. “There’s so many guys in this locker room that do so many good things,” he said. “There’s other guys who are deserving as well . . . it’s something you don’t take lightly. There’s so many men before me, not only in this organization, but in the National Football League, that do a lot in their communities, and to be tied to a name like Walter Payton, that’s something (that’s special).” NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

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Bills vs. Dolphins: Live stream, how to watch Week 18 NFL game

The Patriots looked as if they were going to send Sunday’s Week 12 game against the New York Giants to overtime. But rookie kicker Chad Ryland shanked what would have been the game-tying, 35-yard field goal to extend New England’s losing streak to four games. Now at 2-9 on the season, the Patriots essentially have their eyes on a top draft pick in 2024. It didn’t seem as if they could get any lower, but Sunday proved rock bottom has yet to be reached. While some fans were still frustrated that the Patriots couldn’t muster up a win, it seemed a majority of them were satisfied with Ryland’s missed kick so New England can get into better draft position. $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. I am buying a Chad Ryland jersey immediately Greatest miss in the history of the New England Patriots — Football (@BostonConnr) November 26, 2023 Chad Ryland understood the assignment — Rob (@rob_thibeault) November 26, 2023 Worse than losing by missing a 35-yard chip shot is playing as bad as we did, winning, and getting a lower draft pick. I’d rather go through the pains of a tank season and have something to show for it in the draft. — Mich (@mich1128) November 26, 2023 Chad Ryland: the only kicker who misses a lay-up field goal and immediately becomes a fan favorite. — Nick Godin (@FlyingOrr) November 26, 2023 CHAD RYLAND MY KING 🙏 THANK YOU — Kaley Brown (@kaley8711) November 26, 2023 CHAD RYLAND!!! BELICHICK PLAYING CHESS OVER CHECKERS GETTING RID OF FOLK — Matt Couture (@MattCouture5) November 26, 2023 Chad Ryland may have unintentionally been the Pats best pick in years. Key L — Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) November 26, 2023 Chad Ryland doing the lord’s work there tbh — BenchwarmerBran (@BenchwarmerBran) November 26, 2023 The Patriots are 2-9 for the first time since 1992 and finished 2-14 that year. The quarterback situation is a mess, Bill Belichick’s job security has been called into question week after week and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of hope that the 2023 will end positively with a winning season out of the question. It’s clear many fans are on to 2024 in hopes of obtaining a high draft pick, which will remain possible so long as the Patriots keep losing.

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Zeke Elliott was huge vs. Steelers, but his biggest play was on defense

In an underwater matchup between West Springfield and Springfield Central, the Terriers came out on top. West Springfield took almost every event in the meet, only falling in a couple of close calls. The Terriers boys team won 143-39, while the girls won 94-82. Wednesday, Jan. 17 MINUTEMAN Westfield 122, Chicopee Comp 59 - Box Score Minnechaug 137, East Longmeadow 46 - Box Score PATRIOT West Springfield 94, Central 82 - Box Score Amherst 128, Palmer 44 - Box Score

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Meet the 2023-2024 Western Mass. boys basketball captains

MassLive released its Super 7, Top 20 rankings and returning All-Western Mass. recipients for boys basketball on Jan. 5. Get to know more about the teams by looking at the captains for the local programs below. Coaches, add your captains to the list by emailing sports@masslive.com.

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PWHL Bostons Monday game with Ottawa postponed

The Professional Women’s Hockey League game between Boston and Ottawa scheduled for Monday night has been postponed. Boston was set to host Ottawa at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. The inclement weather that hit the northeast Saturday into Sunday, though, impacted player travel. The teams have not rescheduled the game yet. Tickets purchased for Monday night’s game will be honored at the rescheduled game. The game was Boston’s second of the new league’s season. It opened up its schedule on Jan. 3 when it hosted Minnesota. Boston will now head out on the road where it will face Montreal at Verdun Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 13 with a 3:30 p.m. puck drop. Related Content

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How to watch Falcons vs. Saints for free, with division title in reach for Atlanta

BOSTON — The Celtics had an interesting quirk in their schedule this week as they hosted two teams over the course of four games. They first had a two-game set against the Cavaliers then another mini-series hosting the Magic over the course of a jam-packed six days. There was likely plenty of juice that could have come from those games against two playoff-caliber opponents. The Cavs could’ve made a statement, though they’ve struggled recently. The Magic explained thoroughly that they have a chip on their shoulders whenever they play the Celtics (with an assist to Eddie House there). Still, all of those factors didn’t mean much for the Celtics. They came away with a perfect 4-0 week, taking care of their opponents in impressive fashion. They blew out the Magic again 114-97 on Sunday to tack onto the win streak. The C’s are not only 20-5 on the season, but they’re still perfect at home at 14-0. And Jayson Tatum said he doesn’t want anybody to take away from what they just accomplished. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. “What we did this week was impressive, I feel like,” he said. “I’m not certain that last year we would have won all these games. But playing two really good teams that present different challenges; teams that, especially Orlando, we struggled with in the past. Especially Friday, we had three bigs out and the way that we played in that game, we figured out a way to win. Winning these four games at home, I don’t know what everybody else thought, but it was impressive and I was proud of the way we played.” The Celtics impressed in the way they won those games. They dug out of an early hole against the Cavaliers in Game 1. Then they went out early in Game 2 vs. Cleveland, fending them off as the Celtics didn’t let the visitors get too close. In Game 1 against Orlando, the Celtics were missing three big men but still blew them out. Then Jaylen Brown dominated Sunday in the Game 2 win over the Magic. Interestingly, the Celtics are 20-5 and at a similar point when they went on their West Coast trip last December. Back then, they were powered by some hot 3-point shooting. This season, the wins have been more sustainable as the Celtics aren’t shooting lights out. And all that’s left is to keep building on those victories. “I’ve been on enough teams, and we was 20-5 at this point last year,” Tatum said. “So it’s not like we weren’t good. But I think there’s just certain moments throughout the season. We just had two playoff series, kind of, and I think the way we just responded from game-to-game. We played four games in six days and to win how we did it, I feel like was impressive.”

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sports

Barcelona vs. Osasuna: Free live stream, TV, how to watch Spanish Supercup

Miami is looking to end its three-game skid when the Miami Heat take on the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, November 30. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NBA TV. Viewers looking to stream the game live can do so by using FuboTV, DirecTV Stream and Sling. Both FuboTV and DirecTV offer free trials for new users and Sling offers 50% off your first month. Thursday’s meeting is the first of the season for the two teams. Miami is 7-7 against the Eastern Conference, and Indiana is 7-6 against conference opponents. Who: Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers When: Thursday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. EST Where: Kaseya Center in Miami, FL Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $20 off your first 2 months); or Sling; DirecTV Stream or NFL+ Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: Indiana Pacers (9-7, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (10-8, seventh in the Eastern Conference) Miami; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Miami comes into the matchup with Indiana as losers of three games in a row. The Heat are 7-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Miami has a 2-1 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer. The Pacers have gone 7-6 against Eastern Conference opponents. Indiana is eighth in the NBA scoring 17.3 fast break points per game. Jordan Nwora leads the Pacers averaging 3.0. The Heat average 110.6 points per game, 14.2 fewer points than the 124.8 the Pacers give up. The Pacers are shooting 50.3% from the field, 2.7% higher than the 47.6% the Heat’s opponents have shot this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Bam Adebayo is averaging 23.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and four assists for the Heat. Jaime Jaquez is averaging 15.2 points over the last 10 games for Miami. Bruce Brown is shooting 46.3% and averaging 11.4 points for the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 4.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Indiana. LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 6-4, averaging 113.1 points, 39.2 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.3 points per game. Pacers: 6-4, averaging 132.0 points, 39.0 rebounds, 29.6 assists, 8.6 steals and 6.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.5 points. INJURIES: Heat: Haywood Highsmith: out (back), R.J. Hampton: out (knee), Jimmy Butler: out (ankle), Dru Smith: out for season (knee), Tyler Herro: out (ankle). Pacers: Jalen Smith: day to day (heel). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. The Associated Press contributed to this article

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Warriors vs. Nuggets: Free live stream, TV, how to watch

Joe Flacco is back and in line to start an NFL game this weekend. The 38-year-old veteran is set to take the field roughly two weeks after the Cleveland Browns signed him to their practice squad. Since then, Flacco has moved up the depth chart and has moved to the active roster. $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. With the Browns sustaining another injury at the quarterback position, Flacco is set to start Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, as our friends over at cleveland.com are reporting. It’s been a heck of a transition for Flacco, who’s been thrown right into the offense to try and get receivers up to speed. It was only a couple of weeks ago that he was throwing in light sessions with his brother, former CFL quarterback Tom Flacco. “It’s like me and my brother out there on the field, spot throwing for each other, spot catching, keeping our arms in shape, doing a little bit of running, keeping the legs in shape,” Flacco said. “But in terms of throwing, it wasn’t like it was anything crazy. It was two, three times a week, making sure that I didn’t overdo it.” Flacco is now in his 16th NFL season, last played for the New York Jets, starting the team’s 2022 regular-season finale after multiple injuries at the quarterback position. After 11 seasons as the franchise quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, Flacco has transitioned to more of a journeyman backup. Cleveland represents the latest stop on his veteran backup tour, coming in to provide depth after a season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was tabbed as the starter in Cleveland after Watson went down. But with Thompson-Robinson currently in concussion protocol, Flacco appears set to get the nod Sunday in LA. On Thursday, Flacco was asked if he’d taken teammates out to a nice QB/O-line dinner and picked up the tab. “We went out to dinner when I got here. I definitely helped out,” Flacco said. There were some other veterans in the room. I can’t take credit for picking up the bill, but I did help out. Listen, I’ve been around forever.” With 190 career starts under his belt and 6,299 career passes thrown, Flacco is one of the NFL’s most experienced quarterbacks. The hope for Cleveland is that he can step in and try to manage the game. But even Flacco admits that this start could be a bumpy ride. “Just because I have a lot left in the tank doesn’t mean I’m going to come out here and make every single throw and not make mistakes,” Flacco said. The Browns are set to kick off against the Rams in L.A. at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday.

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sports

Patriots-Jets preview: What to watch for in Bill Belichick's possible last game in New England

It’s come down to this. Bill Belichick’s Patriots against the hated Jets. Playoff hopes for both teams dissipated around Thanksgiving, leaving only pride and rivalry at stake. That will be enough Sunday, when speculation will swirl — along with snow — that Belichick may be coaching his last game in New England. Whether or not Belichick returns next season, here’s what to watch for in the Patriots’ 2023 season finale: When the Patriots run That steady-eddy run game feels like a memory from long ago. Thanks to opponents’ stacked boxes and injuries up front, Pats running back Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for 25, 27 and 39 yards the last three weeks. He’s averaged fewer than three yards per carry in all of those games and scored one rushing touchdown. The offense’s best runs have been Bailey Zappe scrambles, unscheduled scampers that catch a defense off-guard. Few opponents have caught the Jets off-guard on the ground this season, where their defense ranks 11th in yards per carry allowed and top 10 by Expected Points Added (EPA). The Patriots have utmost respect for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, who called out multiple plays in last year’s meeting at Gillette Stadium. Expect blocking Williams and Mosley on runs to be the game-plan focus for an offensive line that should again deploy backups at left tackle and left guard. When the Patriots pass The roller-coaster continues. Since Bailey Zappe took over on Dec. 3, the Patriots offense has become much more explosive at the cost of its efficiency. And that’s largely been fine by Bill O’Brien and Co., who are scoring three more points per game with Zappe at quarterback than Mac Jones. What the Pats cannot afford, however, are more turnovers. Zappe threw three interceptions last week at Buffalo, and more picks like that figure to be New York’s only path to victory. Look for Zappe to avoid Pro Bowl cornerback Sauce Gardner on the outside and instead feed his tight ends and running backs over the middle and in the flat. Elliott ranks second on the team in catches. The Jets’ pass defense ranks 28th at covering running backs by DVOA. Though, it’s their pass rush (ranked fifth in pressure rate, despite blitzing at the second-lowest rate in the NFL) that has Belichick’s attention: “Starts with the pass rush, they have a really good defensive line,” Belichick said this week. “A lot of tackles for loss, a lot of pressure on the quarterback and had a lot of impressive defensive stats in games.” When the Jets run As bad as the Patriots have played, looked and felt on offense this season, it’s been worse for Gang Green. And the Jets may have set all-time marks for ineptitude were it nor for Breece Hall. The Jets’ lead back has rushed for 816 yards and four touchdowns, while powering through and pulling away from defenses. Hall has dealt with some of the NFL’s worst run-blocking, but averages 4.4 yards per carry and remains a functioning centerpiece of the offense. After the front office parted ways with Dalvin Cook earlier this week, Hall figures to be featured even more heavily. One mismatch: Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux against Jets left guard Laken Tomlinson, the team’s worst-rated run-blocker at Pro Football Focus. Godchaux, meanwhile, has dominated the middle of some recent divisional games, with help from fellow defensive tackle Christian Barmore and outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who are tied for the team lead with 11 tackles for loss. When the Jets pass No Aaron Rodgers, no Zach Wilson, no Tim Boyle. Welcome, Trevor Siemian. The Jets' fourth starting quarterback this season has appeared in four games, completing 58.6% of his passes for 654 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Last week, he did enough against the Browns, passing for 261 yards, one touchdown and a pick. Siemian is a career journeyman who figures to rely heavily on No. 1 option Garrett Wilson. Wilson has 70 more targets than anyone else on the team and leads in catches (93), receiving yards (1,008) and first downs (45). In three career meetings with the Patriots, Wilson has averaged just over four catches and 58 yards per game, while often facing double-teams on third down and inside the red zone. Hall, the Jets' next leading receiver, might create mismatches if he goes head-to-head with linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley and/or Jahlani Tavai in coverage. Game pick Patriots 10, Jets 6

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sports

Celtics vs. Knicks: Free live stream, TV, how to watch

BOSTON — When the Celtics were down 19 points going into halftime, there was some grumbling coming from the TD Garden faithful. The C’s played arguably their worst half of the season, so the complaints weren’t exactly surprising. But as the Celtics put together their comeback effort in the second half, the Garden crowd exploded. While the C’s had to put together a huge effort to beat the Pistons in overtime, that’s what happens in the NBA. And Kristaps Porzingis credited the Celtics fans who showed up Thursday. “The crowd tonight was unbelievable,” Porzingis said. “I love the contrast, especially the atmosphere from the first to second half. And I think the best part about it is it’s not as much maybe about us making the shots, but us playing hard. That’s what the fans appreciate and that was really cool to see.” BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. The Celtics were far from perfect against a desperate Pistons squad that had lost 27 straight games. Detroit built up a 21-point lead in the first half, which is why the Celtics fans grew restless and nervous. But the C’s regrouped in the second half quickly as coach Joe Mazzulla said they were given an opportunity to show off some mental toughness. While everyone expected a blowout Celtics victory, Thursday was another data point that unexpected results happen at times in the league. One-game sample sizes tend to have that happen as the Pistons made shots in the first half, and they also crashed the offensive glass often. Cade Cunningham impressed early as he led the charge against the Celtics. But, importantly, the Celtics showed off their meddle facing the pesky Pistons. They won’t always be able to out-talent their opponents, which was the case Thursday. So the Celtics upped their intensity and play as the comeback started from their effort level. In turn, Celtics fans were more than happy to cheer on their squad. “I think we all just kind of looked at each other and Joe came in and we knew without words being said,” Porzingis said of halftime. “We knew we would have to come out with a different kind of mindset, different kind of energy in the second and have each other’s back and trust each other. And I think Joe said the right words for us and that was it. Came out looking like a different team.”

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sports

How to watch Rams vs. Cardinals for free in Week 12

The Bruins can get revenge on the Wild after their overtime loss Tuesday when they take on Minnesota on Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center. Boston is playing the second game of a back-to-back. The game is on NESN for subscribers. Fans can also stream Bruins games for free by signing up for a free trial of fuboTV. LIVE STREAM: Sign up here to watch Bruins games on NESN How can I watch on TV? — The game will start at 8 p.m. EST from TD Garden The game will air on TV via NESN in New England. Live stream: fuboTV | NESN Live | Sling | DirecTV — If you get NESN through your TV provider, you can use your cable login credentials to watch the game via streaming via NESN Live and the NESN App. Fans who do not have cable can watch the game via fuboTV, which has a free trial. Outside of New England, fans looking to watch this NHL game can also do so with ESPN+. ESPN+ plans are $10.99 a month or $12.99 a month if you bundle with Hulu and Disney+. Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop at Fanatics for jerseys, hats, polos, sneakers, shirts and more Sports Betting Promos: Fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. MORE COVERAGE VIA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights will be without goalies Adin Hill and Logan Thompson for Thursday night’s game at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Thompson (10-5-3, 2.71 goals-against average) left Tuesday night’s 6-3 loss at Carolina early in the third period with an upper-body injury. Hill (10-2-2, 1.93 GAA) missed the first seven games in December with a lower-body injury and lasted just 6:25 in his return against Ottawa on Dec. 17. Jiri Patera made his second appearance this season in relief of Thompson on Tuesday. Isaiah Saville was recalled from Henderson of the AHL. “We’ve got some untested goaltenders going in there, we’ve got play well in front of them,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “For us, every team goes through different parts of the year where you get tested. That’s what we’re doing right now.” Patera has a 3-0-0 record and a 2.70 goals-against average in four career NHL games. Saville has not appeared in an NHL game. “I will say this, actually, we’re probably the only team that’s dressing a tandem in the NHL with undefeated goaltenders.” Cassidy said. “That’s the positive, right?” The Associated Press contributed to this article

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sports

Jaylen Brown injury: Celtics star leaves game after LeBron James collision

Sports Betting Dime provides exclusive sports betting content to MassLive.com, including real-time odds, picks, analysis and sportsbook offers to help sports fans get in on the action. Please wager responsibly. Our ESPN BET promo code has the highest value of any guaranteed bonus. Click here to sign up with our promo code MASS and gain $250 in bonus bets for Week 17. The first game of the week is between the Jets and Browns on Thursday night. Register with our ESPN BET promo code MASS and make your first $10 wager on Thursday Night Football. No matter the result, you will be sent a $250 bonus. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. The Browns are 7.5-point favorites against the Jets on Thursday night. Joe Flacco has been just what this team needed. Cleveland has won three-straight games and will be a tough out in the playoffs. Click here to sign up with our ESPN BET promo code MASS. Start with a $10 wager on any game to receive $250 in bonus bets. Use our ESPN BET promo code for Jets vs. Browns ESPN BET promo code MASS Welcome offer Bet $10, get $250 bonus Last confirmed December 28, 2023 Verified by Alex Payton, Sports Betting Dime The Jets couldn’t stay in contention for Aaron Rodgers to debate a return. They are now without Zach Wilson, so Trevor Siemian will be making the start for New York. He had some success last week in a win, but this Cleveland defense is going to be a different challenge. The total is set at 34.5 points. I’m taking the Browns to cover the 7.5-point spread at home. I also like David Njoku to score a touchdown for Cleveland. He’s been one of Flacco’s favorite targets in the red zone. His odds are at +180 to score any anytime touchdown. The odds are at +550 for Njoku to score the first TD of the game. How to enter our ESPN BET promo code MASS for the $250 bonus All new customers of ESPN BET Massachusetts and other eligible states can use this promo code. Take these steps to claim a bonus for Week 17. Since this is the original welcome offer that it released for launch, it may be lower in value soon. Click here to register with our ESPN BET promo code MASS and enter the info needed to confirm your identity. Download the ESPN BET app for your iPhone or Android and enable location services. Deposit $10+ with an accepted banking method, like PayPal or Venmo. Place a $10 wager on Thursday Night Football. Win or lose, you’ll receive a $250 bonus. It will be (5) $50 bonus bets, so you can use it for multiple NFL Week 17 games. More Week 17 games and odds boosts We have a great game set for Saturday between the Lions and Cowboys. Detroit just clinched the NFC North for the first time in 29 years. Dallas is still trying to win the NFC East, but the Eagles have the slight lead. Note that there aren’t any games on Monday this week, so we have a full slate on Sunday. You will find new odds boosts this weekend for certain markets. Sign up here to use our ESPN BET promo code MASS. Start with a $10 wager on the Jets vs. Browns to receive $250 in bonus bets. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Get the latest sports betting news, advice and promos sent straight to your inbox. Enter your email here: Think you know Patriots football? Play the MassLive.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes! If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org to speak with a trained specialist to receive support. Specialists are available 24/7. Services are available in multiple languages and are free and confidential. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

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Real Madrid vs. Granada: Free live stream, TV, how to watch La Liga

Granada looks to end its road struggles when it plays Real Madrid in a La Liga match Saturday afternoon at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid looks to bounce back from its 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao, but has won its last for La Liga matches against Granada dating back to 2017. Here’s how to watch Real Madrid vs. Granada: What time does the match start? What channel will be it be on? — Saturday’s match will begin at 12:30 p.m. EST. It will air on ESPN+. Live stream info — ESPN+ | DirecTV | fuboTV — Every match this season will be available to watch via ESPN+. Meanwhile, matches that air on ESPN Deportes, ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC will also be available to stream on conventional services. Fans can also watch those matches for free by signing up for a trial of DirecTV or fuboTV. MORE COVERAGE VIA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MADRID (AP) — Girona missed a chance to return to the top of the Spanish league on Monday when it was held at home by Athletic Bilbao to 1-1. Girona is the surprise team in La Liga and won 11 of its previous 12 games. The Catalan side was the more spritely early on and had a first-half goal ruled out after a video review. It took the lead 11 minutes into the second half when Ukrainian winger Viktor Tsygankov charged into a crowded penalty box and swept home a low cross from the left. Girona’s 19-year-old Brazilian Savinho was once again one of the best players on show and it was his pass that led to Tsygankov’s goal. However, the home side could not retain the lead. Twelve minutes after the opening score Girona defenders failed to halt a run from Iñaki Williams and he got off a side-footed shot that sneaked inside the goalkeeper’s left-hand post. The result means Girona remained in second place, tied on points with leader Real Madrid, but four points ahead of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who were tied for third. Bilbao moved to fifth, equal on points with Real Sociedad. The Associated Press contributed to this article

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NFL picks for wild-card weekend

The Memphis Tigers, appearing in its 10th straight bowl game, take on the Iowa State Cyclones in the Liberty Bowl. The Tigers are 9-3 while the Cyclones are 7-5, having won six Big 12 games. Memphis, which had the AAC’s No. 2 scoring offense (39.7 ppg), is led by 1,000-yard rusher Blake Watson. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht is the Big 12 offensive freshman of the year. The Cylcones are 1-2 in the Liberty Bowl. Fans looking to watch this college football bowl game can do so for free on fuboTV, which offers a free trial (as well as RedZone, for you NFL fans) or on DirecTV Stream, which also offers a free trial. SlingTV has promotional offers available, as well. Through the end of 2023, fuboTV is also offering $20 off the first two months of subscription (in addition to the 7-day free trial). Who: Memphis vs. Iowa State When: Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET Where: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee Stream: fuboTV (free trial); or Sling; or DirecTV Stream Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: Football fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: Memphis is playing Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl for the second time since 2017. The Tigers have a chance for some payback after losing that game by a point. Memphis needs a victory on its home field for just the fifth season in school history with at least 10 wins and the fourth since 2014. Iowa State is 1-2 all-time in this bowl. The Cyclones are trying to finish winning three of their final four. They upset then-No. 19 Kansas State 42-35 in the regular season finale. Iowa State is playing in its sixth bowl since Matt Campbell took over as coach. WHAT’S AT STAKE? With a victory, Memphis can post just the fifth season in school history with at least 10 wins and the fourth since 2014. The Tigers also can get a little payback after losing this bowl to Iowa State 21-20 in 2017. The Iowa State Cyclones are 1-2 all-time in this bowl. Iowa State is looking to finish winning three of its final four and comes in having upset then-No. 19 Kansas State 42-35 in the regular season finale. KEY MATCHUP Iowa State’s opportunistic defense against a Memphis offense that averaged 39.2 points a game this season. The Cyclones ranked fifth in the NCAA picking off 16 passes and tied for 18th nationally with a plus-8 turnover differential. PLAYERS TO WATCH Iowa State: QB Rocco Becht is the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and has school freshman records with 20 touchdown passes and 2,674 yards passing that had been held by Brock Purdy, now in the NFL with San Francisco. Becht also has the freshman mark with 209 completions in 12 career starts. Memphis: Seth Henigan is the third-youngest starting quarterback at 20 in FBS this season. He comes in needing to throw for 321 yards for a school record, and he already has 17 300-yard passing games and five 400-yard passing games that are the most in program history. He ranks 10th averaging 293.2 yards passing per game and 11th with 3,519 yards passing for the season. He is ninth averaging 313.8 yards in total offense per game. FACTS & FIGURES Iowa State is playing its sixth bowl game with coach Matt Campbell, a big improvement for a program that had made 12 bowl appearances in its 124 seasons. ... Memphis is one of nine teams in FBS with nine or more straight bowl appearances, a group that includes Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Iowa. ... Iowa State is 7-2 all-time against American Athletic Conference teams. The Cyclones are 1-5 all-time in games played in Tennessee, including 1-3 in Memphis. ... Memphis has won 87 games since 2014, 16th-most nationally in that span and most among AAC schools. ... Memphis has scored 20 or more points in 26 straight games for the longest active streak nationally. ... Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 24 of the last 30 games with 54 takeaways in that span. ... Iowa State has won 20 straight games when leading at halftime and is 41-5 when leading at the half under Campbell. The Associated Press contributed to this article

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sports

Quebec Still Longs for Its Lost Hockey Team, a Nationalist Symbol

When the Nordiques left Quebec nearly 30 years ago, the hockey team’s departure fueled the kind of mythologizing and nostalgia familiar to fans of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Nordiques’ stint in Quebec, playing there in the N.H.L. from 1979 to 1995, overlapped with the French-speaking province’s two failed attempts to secede from the rest of Canada, and the team’s identity melded with that of their fans: a linguistic minority struggling to assert itself in a part of the world dominated by English speakers. The Nordiques wore their politics on their sleeves, literally, putting the Quebec flag’s fleur-de-lis on their uniforms. They also sang Canada’s national anthem only in French. The team’s exit “left a hole in Quebec City and Quebec regional politics, and a hole in Francophone identity, as well,” said Jean-François Lisée, who led the separatist Parti Québécois from 2016 to 2018, and who is now a columnist for the newspaper Le Devoir.

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Al Horford commends Celtics All-Star guard for his leadership

The Atlanta Falcons will try to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, November 26 when the teams meet for the first time this season. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on FOX. Fans looking to watch this NFL game can do so for free by using FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial and RedZone. SlingTV has promotional offers available, and NFL+ airs all local market games. Through the end of 2023, fuboTV is also offering $20 off the first two months of subscription (in addition to the 7-day free trial). The first-place Saints are 5-5 and every other team in the NFC South division has a losing record. The Falcons are 4-6. Quarterback Desmond Ridder will move back into Atlanta’s starting lineup. Taylor Heinicke started the past two games. The Saints have won six of the past seven in the series, including a sweep last season. The Saints have won each of their past five visits to Atlanta. Who: Saints vs. Falcons When: Sunday, November 26 at 1 p.m. EST Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $20 off your first 2 months); or Sling; DirecTV Stream or NFL+ Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT:NEW ORLEANS (5-5) at ATLANTA (4-6) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX. OPENING LINE: Falcons by 1 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. AGAINST THE SPREAD: New Orleans 2-8, Atlanta 3-6-1. SERIES RECORD: The series is tied 54-54. LAST MEETING: The Saints beat the Falcons 21-18 on Dec. 18, 2022, at New Orleans. LAST WEEK: Each team is coming off a bye. Vikings beat Saints 27-19 on Nov. 12; Cardinals beat Falcons 25-23 on Nov. 12. SAINTS OFFENSE: OVERALL (13), RUSH (22), PASS (11), SCORING (18) SAINTS DEFENSE: OVERALL (8), RUSH (20), PASS (8), SCORING (8) FALCONS OFFENSE: OVERALL (15), RUSH (7), PASS (21), SCORING (24). FALCONS DEFENSE: OVERALL (7), RUSH (14), PASS (9), SCORING (18). TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Saints plus-6; Falcons minus-6. SAINTS PLAYER TO WATCH: WR Chris Olave has been New Orleans’ most frequent playmaker on offense this season with 56 catches for 657 yards and three TDs. He made a spectacular touchdown catch in tight coverage along the sideline in the Saints’ previous game at Minnesota, where he caught six passes for 94 yards. FALCONS PLAYER TO WATCH: QB Desmond Ridder will try to improve on his 5-1 record at home as he returns as a starter after playing behind Taylor Heinicke the past two games. Ridder started the first eight games. The team was 4-4 when Ridder was benched as he was hurt by turnovers and sacks. Heinicke suffered a hamstring injury in Atlanta’s 25-23 loss at Arizona on Nov. 12. Coach Arthur Smith says the move back to Ridder is planned to last the remainder of the season. KEY MATCHUP: Falcons defense vs. Saints QBs. The Falcons defense is looking to rebound after poor showings in three straight losses to quarterbacks in challenging situations: Tennessee rookie Will Levis, who was making his debut, Minnesota’s Joshua Dobbs, who had not taken a snap with his new team a few days after a trade, and Arizona’s Kyler Murray, in his first game following his recovery from knee surgery. The defense allowed an average of 28 points in the three losses and now faces some combination of Derek Carr, Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill at quarterback for the Saints. KEY INJURIES: The Saints placed WR Michael Thomas on injured reserve with a knee injury on Tuesday, meaning he will miss at least four games. Carr left the loss to Minnesota with concussion symptoms. CB Marshon Lattimore (ankle) also needed the bye week to recover. Falcons DT David Onyemata (ankle) may return after missing one game. SERIES NOTES: The Saints have won six of the past seven, including a sweep of last season’s two games. The Saints have won each of their past five visits to Atlanta since the Falcons’ 20-17 home win on Dec. 17, 2017. Last year in Atlanta, the Saints trailed by 16 points in the fourth quarter before winning 27-26 on Sept. 11, 2022. STATS AND STUFF: Saints DE Cameron Jordan has only two sacks this season but has a history of big plays against the Falcons. Jordan has 23 sacks and 27 tackles for loss in 24 games against Atlanta. ... Carr has completed at least 70% of his passes in each of his past three games and has eclipsed 300 yards passing in two of his past three road starts. … Winston subbed in after Carr’s concussion in Minnesota and had two TD passes. Winston has started 10 games against Atlanta, passing for 2,768 yards (276.8 per game) and 27 TDs to go with two TDs rushing. … RB Alvin Kamara had seven catches and 75 scrimmage yards (42 rushing, 33 receiving) in Week 10, giving him at least 70 scrimmage yards in 11 straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. … Olave has a TD catch in his past two games and at least five catches in each of his past five games. … Hill has rushed for a TD in three of his past four games. He rushed for 81 rush yards and a TD in his most recent game in Atlanta. … LB Demario Davis has a sack in two straight games and at least nine tackles in three straight. … CB Paulson Adebo had career-high nine tackles to go with two passes defensed in Week 10 and can become the first player since 2011 (Brandon Browner) with at least two passes defensed in five straight games. … Adebo had an interception in his only game at Atlanta (Jan. 9, 2022) and leads the Saints with four INTs this season. … Falcons RB Bijan Robinson leads all rookie running backs in rushing yards (612) and scrimmage yards (820). Robinson ran for 95 yards with a touchdown on a career-high 22 carries and had 11 receiving yards in the loss to Arizona. ... LT Jake Matthews is expected to pass QB Matt Ryan’s team record of 154 consecutive starts from 2009-19. Matthews has the longest active starting streak in the NFL. ... Ridder has passed for six touchdowns with six interceptions and has rushed for four scores. ... Jonnu Smith (423) and Kyle Pitts (419) give the Falcons the NFL’s only pair of tight ends with more than 400 receiving yards. FANTASY TIP: The loss of Thomas and possible uncertainty at quarterback could make Saints RB Alvin Kamara, a solid starter in any circumstance, especially attractive. Kamara leads all NFL running backs with 50 receptions despite missing three games with a suspension. He has averaged 101 yards from scrimmage in six games in Atlanta. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL The Associated Press contributed to this article

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sports

Providence Bruins leave T-Birds wandering through time after shoot-out loss on Throwback Night

BOSTON — The Celtics looked like they were going to be at full strength for Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers. Both Kristaps Porzingis (left calf) and Jaylen Brown (ankle) were listed on the injury report, but they were upgraded to available in the lead-up to Thursday’s game. Reserve big man Luke Kornet, though, was a surprising late scratch midway through the first quarter with left adductor tightness. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. The Celtics still have Porzingis and Al Horford available Thursday, but it’ll be interesting to see where they go from there if they need reserve minutes. Two-way big man Neemias Queta has shown some nice play for the Celtics, but he’s in street clothes on the C’s bench Thursday. So it’ll be interesting to watch how C’s coach Joe Mazzulla utilizes his bench and the reserve big minutes without Kornet. Notably, the Celtics host the Magic on Friday for the second game of a back-to-back. Considering Horford doesn’t play in the second game in those scenarios, expect guys like Queta and other reserves to get some minutes if Kornet is unavailable to go.

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It would mean a lot to Yoshinobu Yamamoto to play against Masataka Yoshida

“Horn in the U.S.A.,” Holyoke Civic Symphony’s holiday offering on Dec. 10, at Holyoke Community College, features the ensemble with Maestro David Kidwell, horn soloists Jean Jeffires and Josh Michal, performing Gina Gillie’s “The Great Migration.” The program also includes: “Hark ! The Herald Angels Sing,” composed by Charles Wesley in 1739, that will be played by the Holyoke Strings in an arrangement by Kidwell; George Bizet’s “L’Arlésienne Suite No. 1″; and works by Brian Balmages, Jonathan Allentoff, Bob Krogstad and John Finnegan. For details: www.holyokecivicsymphony.org. The Berkies, the Berkshires Area Theatre Critics Awards for excellence in theater in our region, were presented Nov. 13. This was the seventh edition of the awards. Barrington Stage’s production of “Cabaret” was the big winner of the evening, taking home eight awards. Nominees represented theaters in Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New York state. A total of 27 awards were presented in 22 categories. Several categories saw ties this year, including the top honors for outstanding musical production, as Barrington Stage Company’s production of “Cabaret” and the Sharon Playhouse production of “Something Rotten” shared the award. Shakespeare & Company’s production of August Wilson’s “Fences” shared the top play production honors with Bridge Street Theatre’s “East of Berlin” and “Dream,” at the Rep in Albany. The Larry Murray Award for Community Outreach and Support through Theater went to Jean-Remy Monnay, founder and artistic director of the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York. Actors Richard Kline (currently in TheaterWorks’ “Christmas on the Rocks”) and Barrington Stage’s Mark H. Dold took home some major acting awards.

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sports

Bailey Zappe, Patriots can't find end zone as New England is shut out at home on rainy Sunday

You may have felt the tremor: A jacked-up beast of a guy has wandered into TV Land, and his name is Reacher. Season 1 of the Amazon series that bears his name was a monster hit when it dropped in early 2022, and Season 2, which concludes on Jan. 19, appears to be even bigger, becoming Prime Video’s No. 1 title globally on its debut weekend. And the series is crushing it critically the way Reacher crushes a villain’s skull. As of early January, the new season had a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 84 percent audience score — when do critics ever rate a brawny action show higher than the audience? Everybody loves this “Reacher.” And by everybody, the reviews seem to suggest, that mostly means every man. A review in Paste Magazine offered this pithy summation: “I’m not saying it’s only for dudes, but I think we’re in safe territory saying it’s mostly for dudes.” And what dudes appear to like is minimal emoting and maximal fisticuffs, delivered by a mountain of muscle — a former Army investigator turned peripatetic crime-solver, who doesn’t waste time wringing his enormous, meaty hands over petty details like having a fixed abode or even a change of clothes. But here’s the thing about “Reacher”: Women watch it, too. Sure, 58 percent of the viewers for Season 1 were male, according to Nielsen. Still, that leaves a rather large number of people who are not. Common wisdom when it comes to Jack Reacher’s popularity is that men want to be him and women want to be with him. But I’ll venture that some women want to be him, too. Or at least, they want some of his freedom.

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sports

Chargers vs Patriots prediction: Odds, game and player props

Sports Betting Dime provides exclusive sports betting content to MassLive.com, including real-time odds, picks, analysis and sportsbook offers to help sports fans get in on the action. Please wager responsibly. On Sunday, December 3, the New England Patriots (2-9), host the Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) at 1:00 pm EST in NFL Week 13 action. In a battle of two struggling teams, it’s LA who come in as 5.5-point favorites in the Chargers vs Patriots odds. Read on for our top Week 13 Chargers vs Patriots picks for Sunday here. Chargers vs Patriots odds Team Spread Moneyline Total Los Angeles -5.5 (-108) -238 Over 40.5 (-108) New England +5.5 (-112) +195 Under 40.5 (-112) The Chargers vs Patriots odds list Los Angeles as 5.5-point favorites and -238 odds on the moneyline which gives them an implied probability of 71.01 to win. The total for this game is set at 40.5 points. Odds at DraftKings. DraftKings BET $5, GET $150 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. First-time depositors only who have not already redeemed $200 in bonus bets via OH or MA prelaunch offer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at http://draftkings.com/ma. Chargers vs Patriots preview Another close game, and another loss for the Chargers. The scoreline will read 20-10 Baltimore last Sunday, but it was 13-10 with the Ravens attempting to run out the clock until Zay Flowers broke loose for a 37-yard TD run in the final moments of the game. Take out that late score and had the game finished with a Ravens three-point win, LA would be 0-6 SU in games decided by a field goal or less. Speaking of straight-up results, the Chargers haven’t tasted a straight-up win in three weeks, having also lost 23-20 to Green Bay and 41-38 to Detroit in that time. They’re now 4-7, well out of the division race and likely fading from the playoff conversation. However, perhaps the Patriots could be the tonic for what is ailing Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Outside of maybe the Panthers, no team is having a more disappointing season than the 2-0 Patriots. It’s been over a month since New England last won back on October 22. Since then, they’ve lost 31-17 (MIA), 20-17 (WAS), 10-6 (IND) and finally 10-7 last week versus the Giants. It was an ugly game where the Pats put up 283 yards of total offense and the Giants just 220. Tommy DeVito did just enough for New York throwing for 191 yards and one touchdown. While the combo of Mac Jones (89 yards, 2 INTs) and Bailey Zappe (54 yards, 1 INT) proved incapable of operating a functioning offense. The one bright spot was a 98-yard rushing performance from Rhamondre Stevenson who got the Pats’ lone score. BetMGM $1,500 FIRST BET OFFER CLAIM OFFER Promo code: MASSLIVE1500 STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21 years of age or older to wager. MA Only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire 7 days from issuance. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. Chargers vs Patriots prediction Neither of these teams are winning straight up, nor are they winning at the betting window. Los Angeles is 4-7 ATS and New England is 2-9 ATS. As a favorite this season the Chargers are an even 3-3 ATS, while New England have not even been covering in their losses, being 1-6 ATS as an underdog. Then there are the totals trends between these teams and both have been stone-cold under bets with each being 8-3 to the under. Mix all that up and I’m betting the under for this LA vs New England prediction. I can’t trust the Chargers to cover almost a touchdown on the road. I certainly can’t trust Bailey Zappe or Mac Jones to score points. There have been two games this season where a team held their opponents to ten points or less and lost. On both of those occasions it was the Patriots failing to win and each came in their last two games. Chargers vs Patriots picks: Under 40.5 (-112) at DraftKings Caesars $1,000 BONUS BET CLAIM OFFER Code: MASS1000 STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV. Participating states only. 21+. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. MA only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum additional Bonus Bet of $1,250. Bonus Bet must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. Chargers vs Patriots props Here are two Chargers vs Patriots player props for Sunday’s Week 13 game. Justin Herbert passing yards Only three times this season have opposing quarterbacks thrown for multiple passing touchdowns against the Patriots and none in the past three weeks. The past two weeks they’ve held passers to under 200 yards as well. But that was playing against DeVito and Gardner Minshew. In the games prior, opposing QBs threw for 325, 324, 265 and 264 yards. The Pats are 7th versus the run but 16th versus the pass, so LA’s success will likely come by throwing the ball. Herbert has topped this week’s passing total of 250.5 in four of six games of late so let’s back him on the over for this prop bet. Chargers vs Patriots prop picks: Justin Herbert over 250.5 passing yards (-115) Rhamondre Stevenson rushing yards Another week, another game where the quarterback status in New England is up in the air. It looks like Zappe may get the start as he took first-team reps this week in practice while Jones was running the scout team. So as of now at this writing, there are no New England passing props. In fact, even the receiving props are limited. All we do know is that Rhamondre Stevenson will be in the backfield and he is listed in the props market right now. His rushing yards prop comes in at 61.5. That’s a total he’s easily surpassed in each of the last three weeks rushing for 98, 88 and 87 yards recently. The Chargers are 14th in rushing, allowing 110.6 YPG and 19th in yards per rush attempt allowed at 4.2. Last week Keaton Mitchell led all Ravens rushers with 64 yards versus LA, but combined, Baltimore rushed for 197 yards. The Packers had 102 and the Lions 200 yards on the ground in their other recent games. Chargers vs Patriots prop picks: Rhamondre Stevenson over 61.5 rushing yards (-110) Get the latest sports betting news, advice and promos sent straight to your inbox. Enter your email here: Think you know Patriots football? Play the MassLive.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes! If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org to speak with a trained specialist to receive support. Specialists are available 24/7. Services are available in multiple languages and are free and confidential.

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2023 All-Western Mass. Field Hockey: Selections for all three classes

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East Longmeadow boys hockey defeats Longmeadow in rematch of last years Class A championship (photos)

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Behind a hat trick from Cody Shaw, the East Longmeadow boys hockey team earned its revenge against Longmeadow by a final score of 3-2 on Saturday during the team’s first meeting since last year’s Western Massachusetts Class A championship.

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IR, PUP, NFI. What do all of those NFL roster designations mean?

NFL IR, PUP, NFI. What do all of those NFL roster designations mean? There are so many roster designations in the NFL. Here's what they mean. Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Elandon Roberts (44) is driven off the field after an injury against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. Hamstring pulls, ligament tears and ankle sprains can be as formidable an opponent for NFL teams as a high-scoring offense or stingy defense. (AP Photo/David Becker) AP NFL players compete all offseason and through training camp to make the active roster of their current team — or perhaps even elsewhere. But staying there isn’t easy. Especially with injuries a constant factor in such a physical sport. When the regular season begins, each team can have up to 53 players on its active roster. That comes after three cutdowns during the summer from the 90-player rosters with which teams open training camp. Players could end up having other roster designations as teams try to upgrade positions or compensate for injuries at certain spots. But what do they mean — to the players and teams? Advertisement: INJURED RESERVE Officially, it’s called the reserve/injured list but is commonly referred to simply as IR. Teams place players on this list when they have a football-related injury and will need to miss at least a few weeks. Players on IR don’t count against the active roster. If a player is placed on this list before the regular season begins, he’s forced to miss the entire year. The same used to be the case if a player went on IR during the regular season, but the rules have been tweaked and amended a few times in recent years. Starting last year, players need to miss a minimum of four games. NFL teams can designate up to eight players to return from IR during the season, and an individual player can be so designated twice. When a player is cleared to practice, it activates a 21-day window during which the player must be activated to the 53-man roster or be placed on season-ending injured reserve at the conclusion of that three-week period. They could also be released or traded. PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM Players put on the active/physically unable to perform list — or PUP — at the start of training camp have football-related injuries, like those on IR, but count against the active roster. Advertisement: These players can participate in all team activities other than practice and can be activated at any point during camp when they are medically cleared. A player can’t be placed on the PUP list after he has practiced once or played in a preseason game. Players on the active/PUP list could be moved to the reserve/PUP list during roster cutdowns. If placed on the reserve/PUP list, a player wouldn’t count against the active roster and must sit out the first four games. NON-FOOTBALL INJURY Players who are injured outside of football — perhaps working out on their own in the offseason or doing a recreational activity — or have a long-term illness not associated with playing, are placed on this list. Rookies still recovering from injuries suffered in college often are placed on the NFI list to start their careers. If a player remains on NFI after the final roster cutdowns, he’ll have to sit out the first four games. RESERVE/SUSPENDED Players who are suspended by the NFL for violating league rules are placed on this list and don’t count against the roster limit. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAIVED AND RELEASED? Players with less than four seasons of NFL time accrued are waived — meaning they are subject to waivers and can be claimed by other teams. If they go unclaimed after the 24-hour waiver period, they become a free agent. Advertisement: A player can accrue a season if they are on a team’s 53-man roster for at least six games. Players with four or more seasons accrued are considered vested veterans and are not subject to waivers, so they become free agents immediately when they are released. This is the case until the NFL trade deadline in October. After that period, all players regardless of their veteran status are subject to waivers. Players can also be waived/injured, which means the player can be claimed by another team or revert to his original team’s IR list after the claiming period. The team can then decide whether it wants to move forward with the player or release him with an injury settlement.

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Bucks vs. Pacers: Free live stream, TV, how to watch IST semifinals

PSG will look to stay atop the top spot in Ligue 1 play on Sunday when they face La Havre AC on the road. PSG currently holds a one point lead over OFC Nice in the standings through 13 contests while La Havre is all the way down in 8th place with just 16 points through 13 games. Paris Saint-Germain have won six consecutive games in league play and will look to improve the league-best mark on Sunday against a La Havre squad that is unbeaten in their last five matches. Fans can watch PSG for free by signing up for a free trial of fuboTV. How to watch Paris Saint-Germain vs. La Havre AC: What time does that match start? Can I watch it on TV? — Sunday’s match begins at 7:00 a.m EST. It will air on TV via beIN SPORTS. Live stream info: fuboTV | DirecTV | beIN SPORTS | Sling — If you have a cable subscription, you can use the login credentials from your TV provider to watch online via beIN SPORTS. If you don’t have cable, you can watch using fuboTV — which offers a free trial — or DirecTV Stream. Viewers can also use Sling with their World Sports add-on package. MORE PSG COVERAGE VIA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS: GENEVA (AP) — A video review official has been removed from his Champions League game on Wednesday, one day after having a key role in a disputed decision to award Paris Saint-Germain a stoppage-time penalty for handball against Newcastle which contradicted UEFA’s own advice to referees. The VAR specialist from Poland, Tomasz Kwiatkowski, is no longer listed to work at the Real Sociedad-Salzburg game and has been replaced by a German match official. Marciniak refereed the Champions League final last season and the 2022 World Cup final with Kwiatkowski in his team. Marciniak initially allowed play to continue Tuesday but awarded the penalty after he was advised by his video assistant to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. However, a UEFA panel of storied coaches and former players said in April that “no handball offense should be called on a player if the ball is previously deflected from his own body, and, in particular, when the ball does not go towards the goal.” The advice to be given to match officials this season was detailed by the panel, chaired by UEFA Chief of Football Zvonimir Boban, in an April 25 statement headlined “UEFA Football Board urges more clarity on handball rule.” “The handball rule, for example, will always be disputed, but we can make it more consistent and aligned with the game’s true nature,” Boban, the former Croatia and AC Milan great, said in April. UEFA declined to comment Wednesday, in line with a policy not to discuss field of play decisions. The current laws of the game allow for handballs to be penalized even if the contact was not intentional and after a deflection if a defender’s arm is judged to be in an unnatural position. “But his hand is not in an unnatural position,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said after the game, “(his hands) are down by his side, but he is in a running motion.” The cross from Ousmane Dembélé that struck Livramento was also going backward — and not towards goal. The penalty decision in the PSG game directly affected the standings in the tightly fought Group F, as it kept PSG two points clear of Newcastle in the second qualifying place for the round of 16 behind group leader Borussia Dortmund. “I feel it is a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us as you know how little time there is left in the game,” Howe said. “There is nothing we can do about it now.” Newcastle must now win its home game against last-place AC Milan on Dec. 13 and hope PSG fails to win at Dortmund. The second-place team advances to the Champions League round of 16 and the third-place team goes to the Europa League knockout playoffs.

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sports

Celtics injury report: 2 starters listed for Timberwolves game

The Boston Red Sox look like they’re bowing out of the pursuit of Shohei Ohtani in free agency. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the group of teams in the running to try and sign the reigning AL MVP has thinned out. Passan reports that the Red Sox, Rangers and Mets “were among the initial group of suitors, have turned their attention to other players.” ​​ Passan notes that it would be “foolish” to count out a high-revenue team like the Red Sox. But the report -- and Boston’s trend of balking at high-priced contracts -- casts doubt over the prospect of the Red Sox being a serious contender to land the lauded two-way star. According to Passan, the teams still in the running include the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays and Angels. Ohtani, a two-time MVP as a dynamic hitter and starting pitcher, is easily the most sought-after talent on the market this offseason. After playing out his contract with the Angels, Ohtani could be in line for a historic payday this offseason. The Red Sox had been considered a “real threat” to sign Ohtani in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the two-way star is reportedly “intrigued” by Boston. However, the idea that the Red Sox could make the biggest splash of the offseason has now lost much of its steam. That doesn’t mean the Red Sox are out of the running for any big moves. Boston has been considered a strong candidate to sign Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the top starting pitcher remaining on the market.

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sports

An Olympic Champion Goes in Search of a New Identity

There is a shelf at Carissa Moore’s home in Honolulu where she keeps her journals. She has carried blank pages around the globe since she was a little girl, scribbling her thoughts and worries and goals as she became one of the best surfers in the world. She still does it. This year, knowing that she was going to retire from competition, she wrote a new goal: Face your fears. Moore is 31. She is a five-time world champion and current defender of an Olympic gold medal. Now she wants to start a family with her husband, Luke Untermann. She wants to extract herself from the loose structure and warm cocoon of her sport’s global tour, to redefine success on her own terms and in her own mind. She wants to be challenged in a different way, even though the easiest thing might be to stick around.

3f168b3ec03b8a106b88c88913cdebbe

sports

NFL Power Rankings: Temper tantrums, walk-off punt returns and plenty more

Week 14 saw officiating once again come under fire, as Patrick Mahomes uncharacteristically lost it on the sideline over a call that nullified what would have been the potential game-winning touchdown against Buffalo Sunday afternoon. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney clearly lined up offside, so there really wasn’t much to dispute, but the timing of it struck a nerve with Mahomes, especially after a missed call late in the game the week before. It was the Chiefs second-straight loss, and coupled with the Denver Broncos win, narrowed KC’s lead in the AFC West. Not what Mahomes was looking for. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Meanwhile, San Francisco and Dallas have both won five straight, while the NFC South has three teams (Tampa Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans) sitting at the top with 6-7 records. In other games of note, the Miami Dolphins, up 14 with three minutes to go in the game, were upset by the Tennessee Titans Monday night to lose ground in the AFC race for the top seed. Just a stunning turn of events for the Fins. As for the Patriots, they snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh behind Bailey Zappe’s three touchdown passes. Here’s the Power Rankings heading into Week 15: 1. San Francisco 49ers (10-3): Five straight wins, and looking more unbeatable by the minute. Their three-game skid seems like forever ago. 2. Dallas Cowboys (10-3): They have the look of a legitimate contender. They dominated the Eagles Sunday night. The trouble is, we’ve said that before, and they’ve crashed and burned in the postseason. 3. Baltimore Ravens (10-3): Nothing like a 76-yard walk off punt return in overtime by backup returner Tyler Wallace to keep the juices flowing. 4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-3): The Eagles didn’t score an offensive touchdown for the first time in forever. They’ve clearly fallen into a rut, losing two straight, after a great start. 5. Miami Dolphins (9-4): They’ve feasted on inferior opponents all season, and have been dominant at home. Until now. The Titans kept the Fins in the game Monday night, gifting them with two late touchdowns only to see Mike Vrabel’s team fight back and take them down. 6. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5): They’ve lost two straight, have bitched and moaned two straight games about officiating, and are staring at a playoff seed they’re not too fond of. 7. Detroit Lions (9-4): Their slow starts to games remain a mystery. Couple that with a defense that has sprung leaks all over the place, and it gives pause for their chances going forward. 8. Cleveland Browns (8-5): As it turns out, 38-year-old Joe Flacco, the quarterback they hired in desperation off the street, is just what the doctor ordered. He’s provided the missing spark for the offense. 9. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5): Trevor Lawrence somehow managed to play despite the high ankle sprain he suffered in the previous game. He probably wishes he didn’t push it, after throwing three picks in a loss. 10. Buffalo Bills (7-6): His passer rating wasn’t very good, but Josh Allen still managed to out-Mahomes Patrick Mahomes with the number of crazy, mind-blowing type of plays to beat the Chiefs and keep the Bills alive for the postseason. 11. Denver Broncos (7-6): They had six sacks from six different players as the Broncos continue to ride their once-maligned defense toward a possible playoff berth. 12. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6): Many left the Bengals for dead after Joe Burrow’s season ending injury. And yet, for the second straight game, they scored more than 30 points with Jake Browning manning the controls. 13. Houston Texans (7-6): Injuries are no excuse. But it’s tough to overcome injuries to the starting quarterback, three of the top pass catchers, and a top offensive lineman. 14. LA Rams (6-7): The bad news is they didn’t help their playoff chances with a loss to the Ravens. The good news? They only have one remaining game against a team with a winning record. 15. Green Bay Packers (6-7): They kept hold of the seventh seed in the NFC despite a mistake-filled loss to the Giants on Monday night. 16. Indianapolis Colts (7-6): It’s hard to win when you spend most of the time beating yourself (nine penalties, two turnovers). 17. Minnesota Vikings (7-6): They’re not going to complain about winning an ugly 3-0 game, but with Joshua Dobbs turning into a pumpkin, questions remain about the quarterback position. 18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6): Losing back-to-back games to 2-10 teams with the playoffs in sight can’t bode well for Mike Tomlin. 19. Seattle Seahawks (6-7): The last time the Seahawks dropped four straight was 14 years ago. That’s when Jim Mora was fired and replaced by Pete Carroll. 20. Tampa Bay Bucs (6-7): They picked a good time to notch their first win of the season when allowing 20 or more points. 21. New Orleans Saints (6-7): They won, but all still doesn’t seem right with Derek Carr and the offense. 22. Atlanta Falcons (6-7): Youngho Koo’s two missed field goals were the difference between having the division lead in the NFC South, and the three-way tie the Falcons now find themselves in after a loss to the Bucs. 23. New York Giants (5-8): Three straight wins. Tommy DeVito’s legend grows with a game-winning drive in the closing minutes Monday night against the Packers. 24. Chicago Bears (5-8): If Justin Fields played as well as he does against Detroit, against every team, they might not consider drafting a quarterback if they wind up with the No. 1 overall pick via Arizona. 25. New York Jets (5-8): Hard not to wonder where this Zach Wilson has been all year. Did he really not want to start against the Texans, as reports suggested? It’s too little too late, but easily his best game all year. 26. Tennessee Titans (5-8): They tried really hard to give the game to Miami with a number of gaffes in the fourth quarter. But Mike Vrabel’s team was determined to not to leave Hard Rock Stadium without a win. And win they did. 27. LA Chargers (5-8): Justin Herbert has a broken finger on his throwing hand. Stick a fork in them, and Brandon Staley. 28. Las Vegas Raiders (5-8): Three straight losses and it’s looking as bad, if not worse, than it was before Josh McDaniels was fired. 29. New England Patriots (3-10): It’s gotten to the point that if they beat teams now, the opposing coach is on the firing line. Case in point, Mike Tomlin is feeling the heat in Pittsburgh. 30. Arizona Cardinals (3-10): The Cardinals have gone 2-2 since Kyler Murray returned. There’s still plenty of time to prove he should be their starter going forward. 31. Washington Commanders (4-9): Coming off four straight losses, there’s four weeks left for Ron Rivera, his coaches and the players to prove themselves before new owner Josh Harris starts to blow it up. Unless he’s already decided. 32. Carolina Panthers (1-12): Interim coach. Shaky offensive line. Should it come as a surprise that Bryce Young continues to regress? NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

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Patriots have new kicker on standby as Chad Ryland struggles (report)

New Mexico State (10-4) and Fresno State (8-4) will play in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday at 5:45 p.m. New Mexico State QB Diego Pavia has completed 210 of 341 passes for 2,915 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also leads his team in rushing yards (856) on 159 carries. He has run for five TDs. Fresno State QB Mikey Keene has completed 252 of 383 passes for 2,596 yards, 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Running back Malik Sherrod has carried 152 times for 876 yards and nine touchdowns. Who: New Mexico State vs. Fresno State (ESPN) When: Saturday, Dec. 16 — 5:45 p.m. ET Where: University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M. Stream: fuboTV (free trial); or Sling; or DirecTV Stream Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop around at Fanatics for jerseys, hats, polos, sneakers, shirts and more Sports Betting Promos: Football fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. More coverage from the Associated Press New Mexico State is looking for its fifth bowl victory in program history. A win would give the Aggies its second 11-win season and first since 1960. Fresno State will be playing without head coach Jeff Tedford, who has temporarily stepped away from the team to address health concerns. Assistant head coach and linebackers coach Tim Skipper will lead the Bulldogs. FanDuel Sportsbook College Line: New Mexico State by 3½ Series record: Fresno State leads 18-1 WHAT’S AT STAKE In its sixth bowl game in program history, the Aggies are looking to improve to 5-0-1 in those games, winning four straight. A win would match the Aggies’ 1960 team with 11 wins, the only two times the program has reached the double-digit victory mark. With head coach Jeff Tedford temporarily away from the program with health issues, the Bulldogs are seeking a victory under assistant head coach and linebackers coach Tim Skipper. KEY MATCHUP The New Mexico State passing game, which averaged almost 225 yards game and less than one interception per game, against the Fresno State defense, which fifth in the nation in interceptions with 16 while being tied for seventh in the nation in turnover margin with a plus-10 margin. PLAYERS TO WATCH New Mexico State receiver Trent Hudson caught 36 passes, but 10 of those were for scores. Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene threw for 2,596 yards with 21 TDs, and found four different receivers for at least 40 receptions each. FACTS & FIGURES The bowl game will serve as a preview to a regular season nonconference matchup already on the schedule for next season as New Mexico State will travel to Fresno for a game on Sept. 14, 2024. … The last time Fresno State played a USA was in the 2021 New Mexico Bowl against UTEP. … Aggies quarterback Diego Pavia was 14th in the country with 26 touchdown passes. … New Mexico State averaged nearly 203 yards rushing, 11th overall. The team has topped 170 yards for 17 consecutive games.

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sports

Boys Hockey Season Stats Leaders: Who are the current Western Mass. stats leaders?

Note: Stats Leaders is based on results sent to MassLive. If a player is missing, coaches should email sports@masslive.com. MassLive is highlighting the top stats leaders for each boys hockey category throughout the season. Take a look at the season’s top performers so far below:

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sports

How Patriots legend Matthew Slater hopes to be remembered

The AFC East division is on the line in the Week 18 finale when the Buffalo Bills visit the Miami Dolphins to wrap up the 2023 regular season. The Dolphins are looking to bounce back from a 56-19 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens — who clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC — and will be without star pass-rusher Bradley Chubb after he tore his ACL late in the Week 17 game. The Bills, meanwhile, have won four straight games and look to end the season on a high note. The game will air on NBC for those who have cable. Fans looking to watch this NFL game can do so for free by using FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial and RedZone. SlingTV has promotional offers available, and NFL+ airs all local market games. Through the end of 2023, fuboTV is also offering $20 off the first two months of subscription (in addition to the 7-day free trial). Who: Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins When: Sunday, Jan. 7 at 8:20 p.m. EST Where: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $20 off your first 2 months); or Sling; DirecTV Stream or NFL+ Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — No one is disputing Stefon Diggs’ status as the Buffalo’ Bills top playmaker. And quarterback Josh Allen once again insisted Wednesday it’s important to get Diggs more involved in the offense. But all the talk lauding the receiver’s ability doesn’t match the sudden drop in his production over the past six weeks. So what gives? “There’s a lot of stuff that goes into that,” Allen explained. Buffalo (10-6) closes the regular season Sunday night with a critical showdown at Miami (11-5). The AFC East title — and potentially the Bills’ playoff chances — hang in the balance after they climbed back into postseason contention with Diggs playing a diminished role. “Obviously, there’s times where he wants the ball and deservedly so. He’s one of the best, if not the best, receivers in the game,” Allen said. “He gets a lot of attention from defenses, so sometimes it’s just how it plays out. But I’ve got to be better in that aspect, too.” Bills coach Sean McDermott echoed Allen’s comments by saying, “It’s a little bit here, a little bit there.” The coach then suggested the focus on Diggs’ numbers is overblown. “I understand you guys want to make it about this thing over here, and that is important because it does help us win,” McDermott said, referring to the media. “At the same time, it’s about making sure we’re going with the ball where we need to go with the ball, and we’re moving the chains and scoring points. So that’s the goal.” McDermott has a point. Coincidentally or not, the Bills have won four straight games and five of six with Diggs producing less. Following a 24-22 loss to Denver on Nov. 13 that dropped Buffalo to 5-5, Diggs was tied with Keenan Allen for the NFL lead with 73 catches. He was tied for second with seven touchdown receptions and ranked sixth with 868 yards receiving. Six games later, the Bills are 10-6, and Diggs has plummeted down the rankings with only 27 catches for 228 yards and a score since. Buffalo’s running attack has made up part of the difference, with James Cook averaging 20 more yards from scrimmage since Week 11. Also playing a role is Allen spreading the ball in finding secondary threats. Khalil Shakir has doubled his yards receiving total to 506 over the past six weeks. During the same span, tight end Dalton Kincaid has 21 catches for 199 yards, while receiver Gabe Davis has 12 catches for 256 yards and two scores. Playing time has also been an issue, with Diggs sitting out 83 of Buffalo’s 192 offensive snaps over the past three games. Interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady said that’s partially on him, and partially by design to keep Diggs rested. Brady said he missed an opportunity to get Diggs back on the field to open the second half Sunday, when the receiver stood on the sideline watching Buffalo cap a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive in a 27-21 win over New England. “Look, I know we’re better when Stef’s on the field,” said Brady, whose promotion after Ken Dorsey was fired following the loss to Denver coincided with Diggs’ slipping numbers. “I have to continue working through finding ways to get (the ball) to him regardless. It’s nothing Stef isn’t doing.” Diggs hasn’t spoken to reporters in three weeks, since saying he was frustrated by constant double-team coverage. While saying it’s smart for opposing defenses to do so, he stressed it doesn’t make him happy. “I try to motivate guys. And I can’t be in a low spirit or low energy. ... And part of that kind of uplifts myself,” Diggs said about trying to remain upbeat. “But it’s damn sure frustrating. I’m not going to lie. I get furious out there.” Even so, with four catches on Sunday, Diggs reached 100 this season and became the third NFL player to have four or more consecutive seasons with 100 receptions, joining Antonio Brown (2013-18) and Marvin Harrison (1999-2002). Veteran cornerback and practice-squad member Josh Norman, whose locker is two down from Diggs, can see both sides of the picture. “He’s a big part of the offense. Think about it, I saw on one video where he took three guys with him,” Norman said. “But people don’t see that. They see, ‘Oh, Stef ain’t got a catch.’” He also understands Diggs’ frustration, stemming from his competitive drive. “He’s getting paid handsomely. I’m sure he’s going to be OK,” Norman said. “But the inner spirit, the warrior spirit, that’s something that’s completely different. You can’t control that. That’s not about money,” Norman added. “It’s about going out and proving you’re the best every single time.” The Associated Press contributed to this article

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sports

Syracuse vs. USF, Boca Raton Bowl: How to watch, TV channel, live stream

Ezekiel Elliott stepped up when the New England Patriots needed him most. With Rhamondre Stevenson out with an injury, Elliott had his biggest game of the season in Thursday night’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He posted a season-high 140 yards from scrimmage. He ran the ball 22 times (another season-high) and led the team with seven catches on the day. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. But the most important number Elliott posted in the box score was: 1. That’s the number of tackles he made. “Probably made one of the most important plays in a game when he tackled that guy on the interception,” offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said. “That was a great hustle play. Can’t say enough about Zeke and what he’s brought to the team this year.” That tackle moments after Bailey Zappe’s interception to Mykal Walker in the second half. Elliott quickly switched from offense to defense, tracking down the Steelers linebacker and likely preventing a touchdown. You can check out the play here. Elliott can be seen tracking down the defender like he was shot out of a cannon, blowing past Patriots teammates to make the play. If Elliott doesn’t make that play, Walker likely has a pick-six there. The tackle may have been the difference in the game. Four plays after the pick, the Patriots defense stuffed the Steelers on fourth down, keeping the lead at 21-10. With the final score being a tight 21-18 margin, it’s easy to see how a pick-six may have swung the game. O’Brien heaped praise on Elliott for his effort on the play -- and translating what the Patriots practice into onfield results. “He’s a football player. So he realizes the play’s never over. So he plays to the echo of the whistle and he’s a football player. So he knew that right there that turned into a defensive play for him. He had to go chase the guy down. When you watch it on film, he took a really good angle on the play. We practice that. We do drills like that and I think that that paid off for us. Obviously, with our defense, they were able to hold them there to no points.”

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sports

NFL, Peacock prep for first streaming-only playoff game

Editor’s note: This article was written by Ben Fischer and first appeared in Sports Business Journal, the industry’s leading source of sports business news, events and data. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles against the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game at Deutsche Bank Park Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. The Dolphins defeated the Chiefs 21-14. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)AP NBC Sports and the NFL are preparing for another inflection point in the sports industry’s transition from linear TV to streaming on Saturday, when an NFL playoff game will appear exclusively on a streaming service — Peacock — for the first time. Streaming is not new to the NFL. The first streaming-only NFL game came on Yahoo in 2015, and it’s become routine in the last two seasons under Amazon Prime’s exclusive rights to the “Thursday night Football” package. But the NFL postseason brings unique value and viewership scale. Also, the prestige of the playoffs makes this a critical test of both the NFL’s long-term efforts to balance streaming growth with the reach-first, broadcast-first approach that’s fueled its growth since the 1960s, and of NBCUniversal’s plan to build Peacock subscriptions with sports. Consider this: Last year, the least-watched NFL playoff game drew 21.8 million viewers. Even if Peacock is down 30% from that, it will still be enough to become the most-viewed streaming game ever. (As always with the NFL, streaming “exclusive” is a term of art; NFL rules will still require it to be shown over-the-air in the participating teams’ core markets.) Both NBC and NFL executives say they’ll run back the strategy first implemented on Dec. 23, when NBC Sports aired a 4:30 p.m. ET game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers on the over-the-air broadcast network that aggressively promoted the evening game that aired nationally on NBC-owned Peacock only. While the Peacock game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers that night drew just 7.3 million viewers, those executives said that gambit was a success. “That’s a really unique opportunity to use a partner that has, obviously, a very widely distributed broadcast network and use that to promote digital,” said Hans Schroeder, executive vice president and chief operating officer of NFL Media. “We were really excited about that, and wrapping around that is going to be a very broad promotional plan.” Want to receive a nightly roundup of sports business news to your inbox? Sign up for Sports Business Journal’s Unpacks Lite newsletter below. Schroeder said NFL fans are already well-conditioned around streaming, but “we take nothing for granted, that we need to continue to build that awareness and makes sure fans know where to go at 8 o’clock next Saturday.” NBC Sports will tap into the full range of NBCUniversal assets to promote the game on Peacock, said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. “If you watch a platform of NBC Universal, you’re going to come across it, whether it be the ‘Today’ show or other sports programs,” Cordella said. NBC Sports wants viewers to subscribe to Peacock as soon as possible, but executives understand that many won’t take that step until the final hours. On the Dec. 23 game, sign-ups continued well into the exclusive game window. “I think if you talk about people in any endeavor in life, they don’t do things until they have to,” Cordella said. NBC paid about $110 million for the wild-card game, with subscription growth as the key metric to evaluate that decision after the fact. Peacock is counting on sports for a boost in the streaming wars. With 30 million subscribers, just a small fraction of market leaders Netflix and Prime Video, the service needs the game to post a big number — and for those people to keep subscribing. To that end, Peacock is launching a new comedy series “Ted” (a prequel series of the Seth MacFarlane movies about a guy and his come-to-life teddy bear) off the game, and promoting the second season of “The Traitors” reality competition show. “We’ll look back and say, we acquired a certain number of subscribers that came because we had this NFL wild-card game, and how did these subscribers behave?” Cordella said. “Did they watch content? Did they go and subscribe for multiple months? Did they churn out immediately? Those are the things we’ll look at later this year.” Like on the Dec. 23 game, the fourth quarter will again air without traditional commercials. Rather, executives said, there will be three longer sponsored content breaks, which Schroeder called part of the ongoing innovation with game production — balancing revenue generation with trying new ways to enhance viewing and prove the value of streaming.

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sports

Jets latest free agent bust makes Patriots look even smarter

The New England Patriots and New York Jets both needed some veteran running back depth this offseason. The Jets got Dalvin Cook while the Patriots landed Ezekiel Elliott. The Patriots got the better player at about half the cost. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. This comes after Wednesday’s news that the Jets and Cook are parting ways, a move that was dubbed “good business.” The 28-year-old fell well below expectations in New York. Coming off four straight Pro Bowl appearances, Cook arrived with the Jets with high expectations. However, he ran for just 214 yards, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. He also wasn’t much of a factor in the passing game. Cook’s price tag: a one-year, $7 million deal with $5.8 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, the Patriots got Elliott for cheap, signing him to a one-year deal worth $3 million total and $2.15 million in guarantees. Both players former Pro Bowlers who are 28 years old. They were both cut loose this offseason due to cap concerns. But while Cook had just made his fourth straight Pro Bowl, Elliott’s stock had declined a bit in Dallas. Elliott, a two-time NFL rushing leader, last made the Pro Bowl in 2019. After emerging as one of the NFL’s biggest stars in Dallas, he was cut loose in favor of Tony Pollard this offseason. He eventually found a solid role in New England. Over 16 games, Elliott has run the ball 171 times for 588 yards. That’s a career-worst average of 3.4 yards per carry. However, his biggest contributions have come in the passing game. Elliott heading into the final game of the season with 46 catches on the year, with ranks second on the team. He’s also drawn high praise for his effort level and pass blocking even when he’s not getting the ball. Bill Belichick’s roster building has been far from perfect as of late. The Patriots have rocky situation at quarterback. Their offensive line is held together with duct tape. The receivers (especially JuJu Smith-Schuster) have been a disappointment. But at least with Elliott, Belichick landed a good bargain-bin find. Plus, even the receiver deals have gone worse for the Jets. They signed Mecole Hardman as a free agent over the offseason and traded him back to the Kansas City Chiefs by October.

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sports

Angela Hector, Jai-Lyn Garvin-Martin lead the new generation for Springfield Central girls basketball

The Falcons aren’t out of it yet. Atlanta takes on the Saints in New Orleans in the last weekend of the regular season and could be division champs with a win and some luck. Fans looking to watch this NFL game can do so for free by using FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial and RedZone. SlingTV has promotional offers available, and NFL+ airs all local market games. Who: Falcons vs. Saints When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 1 p.m. ET Where: Caesars Superdome Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $20 off your first 2 months); or Sling; DirecTV Stream or NFL+ Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: The Falcons still have a shot in the woeful NFC South despite another turnover-filled loss By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer ATLANTA (AP) — Already assured of their sixth consecutive losing season, the Atlanta Falcons and their coach, Arthur Smith, still have reason to believe all is not lost. For that, they should give thanks to the woeful NFC South. The Falcons (7-9) remain in contention in the NFL’s most forgiving division entering the regular season’s final week. They continue to struggle with turnovers and poor quarterback play but could salvage their season, possibly save Smith’s job and improbably win the NFC South if they beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and last-place Carolina wins at home against Tampa Bay. Given the Falcons’ struggles and the fact Carolina (2-14) has the NFL’s worst record, neither result seems likely. At this point, however, no ending should be a surprise in the league’s only division without a winning team. This doesn’t hide the fact the Falcons remain painfully flawed, with the latest evidence coming in another turnover-filled loss, 37-17 at Chicago. One week after providing a rare clean game in a 29-10 win over Indianapolis, Taylor Heinicke threw three interceptions before leaving the loss to the Bears with a left ankle injury. Desmond Ridder, already benched twice this season, took over for Heinicke and threw the Falcons’ fourth pick. Smith has posted 7-10 records in each of his first two seasons and faced a mandate from owner Arthur Blank to show improvement. A win over the Saints would provide a one-win bump, but the late-season fade makes it more difficult to make a case Smith has the team moving in a positive direction. “You put a lot into it, but does that break anybody’s spirit here?” Smith asked Monday. “No. That’s what we’ve proven over and over again. We’ve done this to ourselves. It’s nobody’s fault but your own. Starts with me, as it should, but that’s what gives you a lot of confidence. “Nobody liked what happened (Sunday). We have life. However crazy it played out, that is what the situation is. Any time we play New Orleans, it’s a big deal. Certainly, this game has a lot on the line. I know some of it is out of our control, but again, that’s our own doing, right?” The Falcons are 2-6 on the road. WHAT’S WORKING The Falcons did a slightly better job of moving the ball than reaching the end zone. They rushed for 134 yards for their 11th game with more than 100, and had 307 total yards. Bijan Robinson rushed for 75 yards. The Falcons average only 19 points per game, ahead of only six teams. They are closer to the middle of the league with their average of 330.9 yards. WHAT NEEDS HELP No matter the verdict on Smith, it’s likely a change is coming at quarterback. The Falcons hoped to strike gold with Ridder, a third-round pick out of Cincinnati in 2022. Ridder’s inability to avoid interceptions, fumbles and sacks cost him his starting job twice this season. The Falcons’ biggest offseason decision may be choosing a path to find their next starter — through the draft, a trade or free agency. STOCK UP Tyler Allgeier’s 75-yard touchdown catch was the longest play of his two-year career and the Falcons’ longest play from scrimmage of the season. Allgeier had only five carries for 13 yards but his long run following the catch showed Robinson is not the only running back on the roster with big-play ability. STOCK DOWN Younghoe Koo made only one of three field goal attempts. A 50-yard attempt fell short and a 42-yarder hit the left upright. The snow and wind made for difficult kicking conditions, but it marked the second time in the last four games he has missed two attempts. Koo has made 31 of 36 this season. INJURIES Heinicke said he felt a sharp pain in his left ankle late in the game. If he has continued soreness this week, Ridder will likely get the start. ... CB Mike Hughes (concussion) and C Drew Dalman (ankle) also are expected to be on the injury report this week. KEY NUMBER 137 — Drake London’s four catches for 56 yards gave him 137 career receptions, surpassing Julio Jones’ 133 in 2011-12 as the most for an Atlanta player in his first two seasons. NEXT STEPS The Falcons may find it difficult to avoid keeping an eye on the scoreboard when playing the Saints. The Tampa Bay-Carolina game also is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. EST. The Falcons beat the Saints 24-15 in Atlanta on Nov. 26. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated Press contributed to this article

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sports

Clippers injury report: Star forward listed for Celtics game

The Spanish Super Cup continues on Thursday afternoon. Barcelona takes on Osasuna at Al -Awwal Stadium in a semifinal matchup. The match, in Saudi Arabia, has a 2 p.m. EST start. Barcelona is currently third in the league and head into this game winning three of their last five matchups. Osasuna has won two of their last five games and are currently 12th in the league. Fans can watch the match on television via ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes or stream it on ESPN+ and other various streaming services. How to watch Barcelona vs. Osasuna (Spanish Super Cup) Who: Barcelona vs. Osasuna When: Thursday, January 11 at 2 p.m. Where: Al -Awwal Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia How to watch Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid - The match is on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. How to watch the matches online: ESPN+ | DirecTV | fuboTV - Every Barcelona match this season will be available to watch via ESPN+. Meanwhile, matches like this one that air on ESPN Deportes, ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC will also be available to stream on conventional services. Fans can also watch those matches for free by signing up for a trial of DirecTV or fuboTV. How to watch matches in English and Spanish - Matches broadcast on ESPN+ will be available in both Spanish and English. What is ESPN+? How much does it cost? - ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service that carries exclusive live sports. It does not include events that are broadcast on ESPN TV channels. Instead, ESPN+ is designed to be a home for certain sports like Spanish League matches. Fans can sign up for ESPN+ starting at $9.99 a month. More European soccer news via Associated Press MADRID (AP) — With Real Madrid enjoying good momentum and Atletico Madrid in a bit of a slump, the city rivals meet in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in the first of three matches between the clubs in less than a month. After the Super Cup, Madrid and Atletico will clash again on Jan. 18 in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, and then on Feb. 4 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in their second Spanish league match of the season. “I don’t really like playing against Atletico because it’s a very complicated team,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Tuesday. “But they probably think the same thing over there. We are two very strong teams and it’s always a tough matchup for both sides.” Madrid has won its last five games in all competitions and is enjoying an unbeaten run of 19 consecutive matches. The team’s only loss this season came against Atletico in the Spanish league, 3-1 at the Metropolitano stadium, which is where the Copa’s single-elimination game will take place next week. It’s also where Atletico won 20 in a row across all competitions to tie a club record in a streak that ended with a 3-3 draw against Getafe in the Spanish league in December. “For us it’s exciting to play against Madrid,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. “It’s an amazing rival. We are anxious about it.” Simeone’s team went on a strong run after that home win against Madrid, advancing to the knockout round of the Champions League and getting near the top of the Spanish league. But it has hit some speedbumps recently, winning only two of its last five matches in all competitions. One of its two recent losses came at Girona, the second-place team at the season’s halfway point. The 4-3 defeat dropped Atletico to fifth place, outside the Champions League places. It sits 10 points behind leader Madrid. Atletico and Madrid also met in the 2020 final, with Madrid winning on penalties in what marked the first time the Super Cup was taken to Saudi Arabia in a lucrative multi-year deal for the clubs and the Spanish soccer federation. The Super Cup’s new “final four” format pits together the top two teams in the Spanish league last season and the last two Copa del Rey finalists. The other semifinal will be played on Thursday between Barcelona and Osasuna, last season’s runner-up to Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Atletico forward Antoine Griezmann enters the game tied with Luis Aragonés as the club’s all-time top scorer with 173 goals. Madrid remains without some of its main players because of long-term injuries, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and central defenders Éder Militão and David Alaba. Young Turkey international Arda Güler made his debut in a Copa del Rey match this past weekend and could have more minutes in Saudi Arabia. Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham are set to lead Madrid’s attack. TITLEHOLDER BARCELONA Barcelona beat Madrid in last year’s Super Cup final to win its first title since the arrival of coach Xavi Hernández and the departure of Lionel Messi. Xavi’s team arrives at this year’s tournament under pressure after a series of lackluster performances that recently drew jeers from its home fans. The Catalan club edged fourth-division club Barbastro 3-2 in the third round of the Copa del Rey on Sunday. It was coming off hard-fought wins against last-place Almeria and mid-table Las Palmas in the Spanish league, and before that it hadn’t won in three straight games in all competitions. Barcelona is third in the Spanish league, seven points behind Madrid and Girona. Osasuna, the surprise Copa finalist last season, also arrives at the Super Cup having struggled recently. It has won only two of its last 10 matches in all competitions, and needed extra time to eliminate lower-division club Castellon in the third round of the Copa on Sunday. Osasuna is 12th in the Spanish league. It hasn’t finished lower than 11th since returning to the first division in 2019. During the Super Cup, it will be the first time the audios between officials during video reviews will be made available after each match. The procedure will continue during Spanish league matches.

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NFL announces date for Patriots-Jets season finale

The Patriots will be hosting the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in the 2023 season finale on Sunday at 1 p.m., the NFL announced. There was a chance the game could have been played on Saturday, but the league opted for the early time slot on Sunday. The Steelers vs. Ravens (4:30 p.m.) and Texans vs. Colts (8:15 p.m.), games with playoff implications, drew the two Saturday slots. The 4-11 Patriots and 6-10 Jets have nothing to play for, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few interesting storylines. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Most notable, it’s possible this could be Bill Belichick’s final game at the helm of the Patriots. While team owner Robert Kraft hasn’t uttered a peep about the future of his head coach, there’s been plenty of speculation that Belichick could be on his way out. The Patriots, who were beaten by the Buffalo Bills Sunday, 27-21, are assured of a last place finish in the AFC East for the first time in 23 years. The result of the game also has consequences for the Patriots in terms of draft selection. They currently sit with the third overall pick. They can’t get the first overall selection, that belongs to the Bears (from Carolina), but they could move up with a loss. They could also drop as far as No. 7 with a win depending on what happens in other games. NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

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Boys Basketball Scoreboard for Dec. 16: Gavier Fernandez, Granby prevail over Hopkins Academy

The Warriors will be looking for their sixth straight win on Christmas day as they hit the road for a matinee matchup with the Nuggets. Denver is riding a four-game winning streak heading into the home contest that will feature a battle between two of the NBA’s biggest stars in Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets rotation will be at full strength for the matchup while the Warriors will be without starting forward Draymond Green who remains out indefinitely due to suspension. What TV channel is the game on? What time will it start? Monday’s game will tip off at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN or ABC from Denver, Colorado. Live stream info: WatchESPN | Sling | fuboTV - You can watch on ESPN or ABC or stream the game on WatchESPN by logging into your credentials. If you don’t have cable, you can stream the game on smart TVs and streaming devices via Sling and fuboTV, which has a free trial. More coverage via the Associated Press Golden State Warriors (15-14, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (21-10, second in the Western Conference) Denver; Monday, 2:30 p.m. EST FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Nuggets -5.5; over/under is 233.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Denver Nuggets host the Golden State Warriors. The Nuggets are 13-8 against Western Conference opponents. Denver leads the Western Conference averaging 55.2 points in the paint. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets scoring 16.0. The Warriors are 11-12 against conference opponents. Golden State is 5-2 in games decided by 10 points or more. The Nuggets make 48.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.7 percentage points higher than the Warriors have allowed to their opponents (46.2%). The Warriors score 7.2 more points per game (117.2) than the Nuggets allow (110.0). The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 108-105 in their last matchup on Nov. 9. Jokic led the Nuggets with 35 points, and Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Jokic is averaging 26.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 19.8 points and 4.2 assists over the past 10 games for Denver. Klay Thompson is scoring 17.6 points per game and averaging 3.8 rebounds for the Warriors. Curry is averaging 4.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Golden State. LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 115.9 points, 46.3 rebounds, 28.1 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.2 points per game. Warriors: 6-4, averaging 121.6 points, 49.6 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 6.3 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.1 points. INJURIES: Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar: out (knee). Warriors: Gary Payton II: out (calf), Andrew Wiggins: day to day (illness).

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Joe Mazzulla shows crucial evolution in Celtics blowout loss to Bucks

The Celtics suffered their first true blowout of the 2023-24 season on Thursday night in horrific fashion against the Bucks. A rested, motivated Bucks squad was awaiting a Boston squad looking to get back on track after losing five of their last eight games. Meanwhile, the Celtics arrived at their hotel in Milwaukee at 3 a.m. ET according to team sources, coming off a hard-fought overtime win over the Timberwolves Wednesday night. The Celtics had their entire roster available for Thursday night outside of a resting Al Horford but this was a weary crew that was playing their fifth game in seven nights. If there was ever a scheduled loss in the NBA, this was as close as you’ll find to it in the regular season given the travel schedule involved. Of course, that’s not the sole explanation for Boston’s horrific 135-102 loss, a game that was over before halftime as the Bucks built up a 75-38 lead with the assistance of a 25-0 run midway through the second quarter. The Bucks are going to present the Celtics with a lot of defensive challenges this year and Boston is going to be in a heap of trouble if they aren’t hitting their jump shots against them on any night. Still, the biggest development on Thursday night was not the loss by the Celtics itself. Instead, it was the strategic rest maneuver that Joe Mazzulla pulled in the second half. Rather than wasting minutes chasing an improbable comeback, Mazzulla simply elected to sit everyone in the second half. No starter played more than 21 minutes. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. “It’s tough,” Mazzulla told reporters in Milwaukee of his choice. “They want to play; they prepared. Again, it was my decision. It wasn’t theirs. At the end of the day, it’s my responsibility to do what’s best for them and the team. If I said, ‘Hey, you want to go out there?’ They’re going to do it. It was me. I told them and I felt like it was my responsibility to do it.” This maneuver from Mazzulla showed shades of Gregg Popovich resting a contending Spurs squad amid a tough schedule stretch a decade ago. However, the idea of Mazzulla doing this even a year ago would have been far fetched. Back then, the rookie coach was riding his starters for big minutes in wins or losses, even playing them for long stretches in blowout wins to help them to run up big stats. All that mileage took a toll on this group to various degrees in their loss to the Heat last postseason as they looked like a group that ran out of gas for much of the extended playoff run. One year later, Mazzulla’s attitude with minutes and the regular season has clearly shifted with this decision. Resting guys strategically is becoming more of a priority and it was evident on Thursday night more than ever. If a game is gone, Mazzulla was willing to let it go for the long game. That’s not a leap he was willing to make for much of last season. For the Celtics to be in prime form entering the postseason this year though, this is the right mindset to have. A loss to the Bucks hurts in the standings but there’s no need to make it worse by wearing down an already tired group with more minutes. Getting ready for the Rockets on Saturday took priority once the game was out of reach even if resulted in the white flag being waved earlier than expected. Mazzulla may not be perfect but this type of evolution in his thinking bodes quite well for the Celtics’ title chances this year. Boston can be well rested and still take home the top seed in the East in the regular season by the time April rolls around. Decisions like we saw on Thursday night should help with that process.

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Celtics injury report: 1 starter listed for Spurs game

The Celtics and Knicks will meet five times in the regular season, mainly because of the NBA’s in-season tournament. Both teams lost in the quarterfinals of the knockout stage as they didn’t make it to Las Vegas. As a result, the C’s will play their division rivals five times this season. Boston has defeated New York already twice this season, once at TD Garden and the other at Madison Square Garden. The C’s hope Kristaps Porzingis will also be available after missing the past four games. What TV channel is the game on? What time will it start? Friday’s game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET in Boston, Massachusetts. The game will air on TV via NBC Sports Boston in New England. Live stream info: NBC Sports | Sling | fuboTV - If you have cable and live in New England, you can use your login credentials to watch the game via NBC Sports. If you don’t have cable, you can stream the game on smart TVs and streaming devices via Sling and fuboTV, which has a free trial. More coverage via the Associated Press New York Knicks (12-8, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (15-5, first in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: New York visits the Boston Celtics after Julius Randle scored 41 points in the Knicks’ 146-122 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics are 8-1 against Atlantic Division teams. Boston averages 116.5 points and has outscored opponents by 8.4 points per game. The Knicks are 1-2 against opponents in the Atlantic Division. New York averages 111.5 points while outscoring opponents by 4.0 points per game. The Celtics are shooting 47.4% from the field this season, 0.1 percentage points higher than the 47.3% the Knicks allow to opponents. The Knicks are shooting 44.8% from the field, 0.7% higher than the 44.1% the Celtics’ opponents have shot this season. The teams meet for the third time this season. The Celtics won 114-98 in the last matchup on Nov. 14. TOP PERFORMERS: Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown is averaging 19.3 points over the last 10 games for Boston. Randle is scoring 21.5 points per game with 10.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Knicks. Jalen Brunson is averaging 27.2 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 50.8% over the last 10 games for New York. LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 113.4 points, 46.8 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 6.7 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points per game. Knicks: 7-3, averaging 114.5 points, 44.5 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.7 points. INJURIES: Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (calf). Knicks: DaQuan Jeffries: day to day (illness), Evan Fournier: day to day (illness).

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HS Girls Hockey: See where WMass teams stand in postseason rankings

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kyler Murray’s NFL career has had a lot of good moments through 4 1/2 seasons. Very few of them have come against the Los Angeles Rams. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has a 1-7 record against the division rival, including the playoffs. He’ll get another chance to make that record a little better when the Arizona Cardinals host the Rams on Sunday. In two games since his return from an ACL injury, Murray has completed 63% of his passes for 463 yards and a touchdown while also running for 84 yards and two touchdowns. The Cardinals have lost seven of their past eight games. Fans looking to watch this NFL game can do so for free by using FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial and RedZone. SlingTV has promotional offers available, and NFL+ airs all local market games. Through the end of 2023, fuboTV is also offering $20 off the first two months of subscription (in addition to the 7-day free trial). Who: Rams vs. Cardinals When: 4:05 p.m. ET on 11/26 Where: State Farm Stadium Stream: fuboTV (free trial + $20 off your first 2 months); or Sling; DirecTV Stream or NFL+ Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: Kyler Murray and the Cardinals try to slow the Rams’ recent dominance in NFC West rivalry By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kyler Murray’s NFL career has had a lot of good moments through 4 1/2 seasons. Very few of them have come against the Los Angeles Rams. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has a 1-7 record against the division rival, including the playoffs. He’ll get another chance to make that record a little better when the Arizona Cardinals host the Rams on Sunday. The Rams (4-6) were one of the best teams in the NFL for Murray’s first few seasons, winning the Super Bowl in 2021, but are more of a middle-of-the-pack team so far this year. “I think the first four years, it was tough for us to have success against them,” Murray said. “They’re coached well. They’ve had really great players over there, but the past is the past. I look forward to this next challenge.” The 26-year-old Murray has played two games since his return from an ACL injury in his right knee, beating the Falcons and losing to the Texans. Even under new coach Jonathan Gannon, Murray has pretty much looked like the same quarterback, one who can beat opposing teams with his arm or with feet. Murray has completed 63% of his passes for 463 yards and a touchdown while also running for 84 yards and two touchdowns. The Cardinals (2-9) have lost seven of their past eight games. “He brings an element that you can’t coach,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “You can see it ups the level of a play around him. He certainly is a very dangerous player in a lot of different facets.” The Rams’ defense — led by seven-time All-Pro Aaron Donald — played well in last week’s 17-16 over the Seahawks, holding them to a field goal in the second half, which allowed the offense to climb out of a 13-0 hole. KYREN RETURNS Kyren Williams rushed for a career-high 158 yards and a touchdown last month against Arizona, cementing his arrival as the Rams’ dangerous new starting running back. But Williams sprained his ankle late in that game and missed the next four for Los Angeles, which relied on veterans and backups while going 1-3. Williams is expected to return this week, and he could be vital to the offense with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (shoulder) possibly limited by injuries. NO WILSON The Cardinals’ main playmakers are relatively healthy now that Murray has returned, but one they’ll be missing against the Rams is rookie wide receiver Michael Wilson. The third-round pick out of Stanford has been dealing with shoulder ailments over the past few weeks, putting a damper on an impressive first season. He has 28 catches for 435 yards and a pair of touchdowns in nine games. “He’s getting better, but not going to be healthy enough to go,” Gannon said Friday. “Looking forward to the other guys stepping up.” BEND BUT DON’T BREAK The Rams’ defense yielded 345 yards but no touchdowns in its first matchup with the Joshua Dobbs-led Cardinals last month. That game was one of several resilient performances this season by a Los Angeles defense that has exceeded the low expectations placed on it after losing several key veterans to free agency and cost-saving measures in the offseason. Most recently, the Rams kept Seattle out of the end zone for the final 50 minutes of their 17-16 win. Aaron Donald and his supporting cast have had several impressive performances against Murray in recent years, but Donald never gets comfortable when facing the Cards’ elusive QB, even after surgery. “He looks like the same guy out there, moving around, making plays,” Donald said. “We’ve just got to do a good job containing him, making him feel uncomfortable.” STILLS RISING Defensive lineman Dante Stills is adding to his family’s sizable NFL legacy. Stills, who is the cousin of former receiver Kenny Stills, has become an important part of the Cardinals’ defense in his first season. The 6-foot-4, 286-pounder has made 13 tackles, including 3 1/2 sacks. Stills’ uncle and dad also played in the NFL. “He’s honestly a guy, if you want to talk from improvement to when he got here as a rookie to where he is now, I don’t know if there’s a guy that’s made a bigger jump than him out of our rookie class,” Gannon said. “What he’s done for us since he’s been playing has been critical to us playing pretty good defense at times. He’s really taken steps every week to improve his game and he’s very mindful of that, too.” Stills was a sixth-round pick out of West Virginia. ___ AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Thousand Oaks, California, contributed to this story. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Rams try to continue their road dominance of NFC West-rival Cardinals By The Associated Press LOS ANGELES RAMS (4-6) at ARIZONA (2-9) Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EST, Fox OPENING LINE: Cardinals by 1 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. AGAINST THE SPREAD: Rams 4-5-1; Cardinals 6-5. SERIES RECORD: Rams lead 49-40-2. LAST MEETING: Rams beat Cardinals 26-9 on Oct. 15, 2023, in Los Angeles. LAST WEEK: Rams beat Seahawks 17-16; Cardinals lost to Texans 21-16. RAMS OFFENSE: OVERALL (17), RUSH (20), PASS (15), SCORING (22). RAMS DEFENSE: OVERALL (18), RUSH (22), PASS (13), SCORING (20). CARDINALS OFFENSE: OVERALL (25), RUSH (9), PASS (29), SCORING (25). CARDINALS DEFENSE: OVERALL (24), RUSH (26), PASS (12), SCORING (27). TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Rams minus-2; Cardinals minus-2. RAMS PLAYER TO WATCH: RB Kyren Williams. Los Angeles’ leading rusher is expected to return from a four-game absence with a sprained ankle. Williams flashed star potential against Arizona last month in the game in which he got injured, running for a career-high 158 yards and a touchdown. He should give a boost to the Rams’ inconsistent offense, which mostly gave the ball to veteran Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson in Williams’ absence. CARDINALS PLAYER TO WATCH: QB Kyler Murray. He has a 1-1 record as the starter since his return from a torn ACL in his right knee that caused him to miss roughly 11 months. Through two games, he has largely looked like the Murray of old. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and one interception and also ran for 51 yards in last week’s loss to the Texans. As he gets more comfortable with first-year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Murray’s confidence should grow. KEY MATCHUP: Rams QB Matthew Stafford vs. the Cardinals defense. Arizona’s leading tackler, linebacker Kyzir White, is out for the foreseeable future after a biceps injury. The Cardinals will need their talented safety tandem of Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson to play well. Baker and Thompson were both injured for the Rams-Cardinals game earlier this season, which the Rams won 26-9. KEY INJURIES: The Cardinals’ White and DL Leki Fotu (hand) went on injured reserve Tuesday, meaning both will miss at least the next four games. ... Rookie WR Michael Wilson (shoulder) was inactive for last week’s game. ... WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) missed practice Wednesday and WR Puka Nacua (shoulder) was limited. ... S Quentin Lake, a key slot defender in recent weeks, also missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury. SERIES NOTES: The Rams have won 12 of the past 14 games in the series. The Rams have won eight straight in Arizona vs. the Cardinals since 2014. STATS AND STUFF: The Rams are 3-1 against NFC West foes this season, sweeping Seattle and losing only to San Francisco. … Sean McVay is 11-1 against the Cards and has never lost on the road. … Williams had the best game of his career against Arizona last month, rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown before spraining his ankle late. … Stafford’s next TD pass will be his 342nd, tying him with Fran Tarkenton for 11th place in NFL history. … Nacua needs just 28 yards receiving to break the franchise record rookies, set by Eddie Kennison in 1996 (924 yards). … John Johnson largely took over as the first-string safety last week, supplanting Russ Yeast after nine weeks as a backup in his return to the Rams. The hard-hitting Johnson was a four-year starter for LA from 2017-20 before going to Cleveland for two seasons. … New K Lucas Havrisik is 4 for 5 on field goal attempts in his first three games, hitting the eventual game-winner in the final minutes last week vs. Seattle. ... Cardinals K Matt Prater has booted 11 field goals of 50-plus yards over his past 15 games, including two kicks from 56 yards, two from 57 and one from 62. ... The Cardinals defense intercepted Texans QB C.J. Stroud three times last weekend after the rookie had only been intercepted twice all season before Sunday’s game. ... RB James Conner has scored 14 touchdowns in 11 games against NFC West opponents over the past three seasons. ... Baker will play his 100th career game with the franchise on Sunday. FANTASY TIP: Kupp had a huge game against the Cardinals earlier this season, catching seven passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL The Associated Press contributed to this article

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Top uncommitted prospect makes college choice at HoopHall Classic

Jaylen Brown headed to the locker room in the second quarter of the Celtics game against the Lakers on Christmas Day following a collision with LeBron James. The play occurred with 4:02 remaining in the frame as Boston had the ball while James was defending Brown. Amid James chasing Brown on the perimeter, James appeared to unintentionally knee Brown in the back. Both players were down on the court for several seconds while being attended to by trainers. Brown ultimately was subbed out of the game for Jrue Holiday and immediately headed to the locker room. The team ruled him as questionable to return with a lower back contusion and he came back into the game at the start of the third quarter. James briefly subbed out of the game with a knee injury but was back in the game just one minute later. Brown did not return to the game in the second quarter. Brown posted nine points along with a rebound and an assist in 13 minutes before suffering the injury. He had been in the midst of one of the best stretches of his career in December before suffering the back ailment, shooting over 52 percent from the field while posting 24.3 points per game over Boston’s past 10 games.

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4 Takeaways from another Bruins blown lead, OT loss

Matthew Stafford vs. the Lions. Mike McCarthy vs. the Packers. Tyreek Hill vs. the Chiefs. The NFL’s wild-card weekend is all about reunions and some rematches, too. Stafford leads the Los Angeles Rams to Detroit to face his old team where he spent 12 seasons and didn’t win a playoff game. McCarthy’s Dallas Cowboys host Green Bay, the team he led to a Super Bowl title with Aaron Rodgers 13 years ago. Hill and the Miami Dolphins head to Kansas City, which won one Super Bowl with the dynamic wide receiver and one without him last season. The upstart Houston Texans take on the Browns for the second time in three weeks and they’ll have sensational rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud under center for this one while veteran Joe Flacco aims to continue his remarkable journey from semi-retirement to Cleveland folk hero. The Buffalo Bills ride a five-game winning streak into their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who won their last three games and got the help they needed to get into the postseason. Lastly, the Monday night game features two teams who just met in the playoffs two years ago and faced each other in Week 3. The defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles slump into the playoffs after losing five of six following a 10-1 start. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won five of their last six to clinch a third straight NFC South title. Three of the six games are within a 3-point spread, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Pro Picks looks to carry momentum from a strong regular season into the playoffs. *** CLEVELAND at HOUSTON Line: Browns minus 2 1/2 Flacco is 4-1 since the Browns (11-6) called him off his couch to become the team’s fourth starting QB this season. Myles Garrett has led the NFL’s No. 1 defense but the Browns are a different team away from home. They gave up the most points in the NFL on the road this season, 29.6 per game. Stroud, who sat out a 36-22 loss to Cleveland in Houston on Dec. 24, came back from injury to lead the Texans (10-7) to a victory with another impressive performance in an elimination game last Saturday night at Indianapolis. Houston couldn’t stop Amari Cooper in a 36-22 loss in Week 16. He had 11 catches for a franchise-record 265 yards. Expect Texans coach DeMeco Ryans to find a way to slow down Cooper but the Browns will still emerge on top. BROWNS, 24-20 BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. *** MIAMI at KANSAS CITY Line: Chiefs minus 4 Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (11-6) sure missed Hill this season. Mahomes couldn’t overcome mediocre wide receivers and Kansas City slipped to a No. 3 seed. Mahomes will still most likely have to play his first career road playoff game at some point if the Chiefs advance but they’re home Saturday night and it’ll be cold. Tua Tagovailoa and the high-octane Dolphins (11-6) missed out on the No. 2 seed by losing their last two games. They couldn’t do much against Kansas City’s stingy defense in a 21-14 loss in Germany in Week 9. This one should come down to the final minutes. CHIEFS, 23-22 *** PITTSBURGH at BUFFALO Line: Bills minus 10 Josh Allen and the Bills (11-6) have come a long way since they were 6-6. They’ve won five straight games, including a road victory last week in Miami for the AFC East title. They won’t have to face superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt, who is sidelined with a knee injury. The Steelers (10-7) are sticking with QB Mason Rudolph, who has led them to three straight wins. Bills coach Sean McDermott and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin have a strong connection going back to playing football together at William & Mary. No. 7 seeds are 0-6 vs. No. 2 seeds and have been outscored 196-123 since the NFL added the extra playoff teams in 2020. The Bills should run away with this one. BILLS, 30-17 *** GREEN BAY at DALLAS Line: Cowboys minus 7 1/2 Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are 8-0 at home so overcoming a two-game deficit in the standings and beating out Philadelphia for the NFC East title was crucial for them. The Prescott-CeeDee Lamb connection has been on a roll this season for Dallas (12-5). Micah Parsons and a tough defense will make things difficult for Packers QB Jordan Love, who makes his first career playoff start. The teams have met eight times in the playoffs, each winning four games. Three straight wins to close out the season put the Packers (9-8) in this position, but Dallas has won six games at home by at least 20 points or more. COWBOYS, 31-20 *** LOS ANGELES RAMS at DETROIT Line: Lions minus 3 The Rams (10-7) enter the playoffs as a dangerous team in a season that started with low expectations. Sean McVay has won a Super Bowl, but this could be his best coaching job yet. Stafford has been outstanding for much of the season. Rookie receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams have been revelations. On the defensive side, star tackle Aaron Donald is having another excellent season. But the Lions (12-5) matched a single-season franchise record for victories and won a division title for the first time in 30 years. Former Rams QB Jared Goff has led a powerful offense that could be missing rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who has an injured knee. Goff may have to depend more on Amon-Ra St. Brown and his running backs. UPSET SPECIAL: RAMS, 27-26 *** PHILADELPHIA at TAMPA BAY Line: EAGLES minus 3 The talk in fickle Philly is whether coach Nick Sirianni should be fired despite going 34-17 in his first three seasons and almost winning the Super Bowl last year. Jalen Hurts has regressed, the defense is struggling and there’s some finger-pointing in the locker room. The Buccaneers (9-8) barely managed to get here with a 9-0 win over lowly Carolina last week, but they’ve played inspired ball over the past six weeks. Baker Mayfield revived his career in Tampa and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin could give the Eagles’ beleaguered secondary trouble. Rachaad White has become an all-purpose back for the Buccaneers and he can create matchup mismatches. Still, the Eagles (11-6) are the more talented team. They dominated the Buccaneers on the road in a Monday night game in Week 3 and have a chance to start fresh in the playoffs. BEST BET: EAGLES, 26-18 *** Last week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 11-5 Final regular season: Straight up: 168-104. Against spread: 144-118-10. Best Bet: Straight up: 9-9. Against spread: 6-11-1. Upset Special: Straight up: 8-10. Against spread: 10-8.

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sports

Girls Basketball Scoreboard: Emersynn Cage leads undefeated No. 2 Longmeadow over No. 3 Northampton & more

SAN FRANCISCO — While the Celtics are a veteran-heavy team with arguably the best top-6 rotation in the league, they’re still forming a new identity. That’s natural considering the offseason changes with adding Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis into the fold, along with Marcus Smart’s departure. So the team saw a leadership shakeup with Smart gone, and how that void would be filled was one of the more interesting points early this season. Enter Jaylen Brown, who has been one of those leaders the Celtics have been able to count on early this season. The counting stats are down for Brown — that’s the case for just about all the Celtics — but he’s showcased maturity as part of his game. That’s an area longtime teammate Al Horford said he’s seen from Brown. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. “Jaylen is coming into his own as a player in this league,” Horford said. “He continues to kind of understand who he wants to be, how he wants to play. Him, and like Jayson (Tatum), we both put a lot on them, give them a lot of things to handle. I feel like JB has been very willing to learn to grow as a player, and the growth has come very quickly. To me, that’s pretty impressive in different areas.” It was just last game against the Magic where Brown put together one of his best all-around games. His defense has been an impressive point of emphasis, and Brown has gotten buckets for the Celtics for years. But he was under control in the recent victory, making the right decision by sprinkling in that playmaking he’s been criticized for lacking. There are other parts of leadership, too, as the 27-year-old is now the longest-tenured Celtic. That honor was previously held by Smart, but now it’s Brown as he’s in eighth season in the league. The leadership aspect is still an ever-evolving process, but it’s at least something his teammates have taken notice of and can respect. “As a leader, he’s leading by example,” Horford said. “He is being more vocal. He’s just continuing to get better. For me, it’s just encouraging just to see the natural growth. He’s still I consider a younger guy, but I just feel like he continues to grow, he continues to figure it out and put it together. And these last few games have been pretty impressive just to see him take control of games and just kind of do his thing.”

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sports

Boys Basketball Season Stats Leaders: Who are the current Western Mass. stats leaders?

Note: Stats Leaders is based on results sent to MassLive. If a player is missing, coaches should email sports@masslive.com. MassLive is highlighting the top stats leaders for each boys basketball category throughout the season. Take a look at the season’s top performers so far below: