NBA Today - Tuesday, Dec. 4
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Dec. 4
New Jersey at Cleveland (7 p.m. EST). The Cavaliers have lost two straight with LeBron James out nursing a sprained finger.
STARS
Monday
-Travis Outlaw, Trail Blazers, scored 21 points, including the winning 6-foot runner as the buzzer sounded, giving Portland a 106-105 victory at Memphis.
-Mehmet Okur, Jazz, scored 25 points, including four 3-pointers, to lead Utah to a 110-101 victory over Miami.
SNAPPED
Josh Smith scored 22 points and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a seven-game losing streak at Philadelphia with an 88-79 win against the 76ers on Monday night. ... The Orlando Magic pulled off a hard-fought 123-117 overtime victory against Golden State to snap the Warriors' six-game winning streak.
BUZZER-BEATER
Travis Outlaw scored 21 points, including the winning 6-foot runner as the buzzer sounded, to give the Portland Trail Blazers their first road victory of the season, 106-105 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.
SLUMPING
Charlotte dropped its sixth straight, a 98-79 loss to Toronto on Monday night. The Bobcats started the season 6-4, the best in the team's four-year history.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Mike Miller had a season-high 30 points and Rudy Gay added 30 in Memphis' 106-105 loss to Portland on Monday night.
STAYING
The Jazz have reached an agreement with Jerry Sloan on a one-year contract extension that will keep the coach on Utah's sideline through the end of next season. Sloan, who took over the Jazz in 1988, is the franchise's winningest coach and needs just 46 victories to become the first coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games with the same franchise.
SPEAKING
''I was hoping to get fouled, but they didn't call anything. Then, it went in anyway, and I was like 'Oh!''' - Travis Outlaw after hitting the game-winner at the buzzer in the Trail Blazer's 106-105 victory at Memphis on Monday night.
Tuesday's NBA betting matchup notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks
Detroit has won 29 of the last 39 games played against its Central Division rivals since the 1997-98 season. Despite losing their last two at Phillips Arena, the Pistons are 11-7 on the road against the Hawks during that stretch.
New Jersey Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers
It's the first meeting between Cleveland and New Jersey since the Cavs defeated the Nets in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.
Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers
The Suns have dominated the Pacers lately, winning the last four meetings by an average of 16.0 points. Nash has been the main reason, averaging 23.5 points and 10.0 assists in those games.
L.A. Lakers Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Lakers have won five of the last six meetings with the Wolves, but are 3-8 in the last 11 matchups in Minneapolis.
Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is 41-31 all-time against Sacramento.
Milwaukee Bucks at L.A. Clippers Clippers
The Clippers have won five in a row overall in this series.
Tuesday's NCAAB betting matchup notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
No. 12 Tennessee at Chattanooga
Tennessee leads the all-time series against Chattanooga 29-5, but this is the first meeting since the Mocs ended a 23-game losing streak in the series with a 69-66 win in 2004 at Knoxville.
No. 1 North Carolina at Pennsylvania
North Carolina leads the all-time series 4-2, with three of those games coming in the NCAA tournament.
Southern California vs No. 2 Memphis
USC and Memphis have played only twice, splitting two meetings. The Trojans won the most recent affair 92-65 in November 1999 at the Maui Invitational.
No. 10 Michigan State at Bradley
The Spartans had no problem taking care of the Braves last season, winning 82-53 on Dec. 3 at the Breslin Center.
New Jersey (8-9, 6-11 ATS) at Cleveland (9-9, 8-10 ATS)
The Cavaliers look to snap a three-game losing skid when they entertain the Nets in an Eastern Conference clash at the Quicken Loans Arena.
Cleveland played its second straight game without the injured LeBron James on Sunday and was held to a season-low in points in an 80-70 loss at Boston, wrapping up an 0-3 road trip. The Cavs did cash as a 12-point underdog, but they’re still just 5-7 ATS in its last 12.
New Jersey is coming off Sunday’s 118-95 loss at Detroit as a 7½-point road underdog. The Nets have alternated wins and losses in their last four contests, but are just 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games.
The Cavaliers have won nine of the last 12 meetings in this rivalry, but the Nets are 15-5 ATS in the last 20 battles. Also, the underdog is 21-10 ATS In the last 31 clashes.
Prior to Sunday’s loss at Detroit, the Nets had won and covered three straight road games.
New Jersey is on a 4-0 “over” roll. However, the Cavs have stayed under the total in three straight games, and the under is 6-1 in the last seven series meetings, including 3-1 in Cleveland.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Phoenix (13-4, 8-9 ATS) at Indiana (9-9, 8-10 ATS)
The Suns continue their five-game road trip at Conseco Fieldhouse, where they will look to blowout the Pacers for a fifth straight time.
Phoenix has followed up a two-game slide with back-to-back wins, including Sunday’s 115-104 rout of the Knicks in New York. The Suns covered as a 7½-point road chalk, halting an 0-3 ATS slide.
Indiana continued its solid play of late with Sunday’s 101-95 victory over the Clippers as a 1½-point road underdog. With that triumph, the Pacers completed a 3-1 SU and ATS road trip, and they’re 6-3 SU and ATS in their last nine.
Phoenix has scored four-straight double-digit wins over the Pacers the last two years, going 4-0 ATS in the process. In their last two visits to Indiana, the Suns prevailed 103-92 as a 6½-point favorite and 114-104 as a 4½-point chalk.
The straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of the last 10 series meetings. Also, the straight-up winner has cashed in 17 of Indiana’s 18 games this season.
The Suns are 7-2 on the road, but just 4-5 ATS. Meanwhile, the Pacers are mired in a 3-10 ATS slump at home (3-6 ATS this year).
Indiana has followed a 6-1 “over” tear (4-0 at home) by staying under the total in three straight games. Meanwhile, the over is 7-3 in Phoenix’s last 10 contests (3-1 on the road).
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
(24) USC (6-2, 4-2-1 ATS) vs. (2) Memphis (6-0, 2-3 ATS), at New York
USC faces its second Top 5 team in two days, this time traveling across the country to battle second-ranked Memphis in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Trojans battled then-No. 4 Kansas tough on Sunday in Los Angeles, eventually falling 59-55 and pushing as a four-point home underdog. The loss snapped USC’s six-game winning streak (4-2 ATS).
Memphis has been idle since routing Austin Peay 104-82 a week ago tonight, pushing as a 22-point home chalk. The Tigers have won all six games by double digits.
USC’s is averaging just 61.6 points per game in its last five contests, but the Trojans shoot at a 47.4-percent clip for the season, including 39 percent from three-point land. Defensively, Tim Floyd’s team has been solid, giving up just 52.4 ppg on 36.2 percent shooting in the last five, holding all five opponents to less than 60 points.
Memphis has scored at least 80 points in five of its six games this season, averaging 85.7 points per contest overall. The Tigers hold the opposition to 60 ppg on 40.5 percent shooting.
The Trojans are unbeaten in four games away from home (3-1 ATS), winning by an average of 18 ppg (72-54).
Memphis is 2-0 SU and ATS on the highway, with an average margin of victory of 10 ppg (72-62).
USC is on ATS runs of 25-12 overall, 18-7 in non-conference games and 11-1 following a straight-up loss.
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral-site affairs, but just 1-4 ATS in its last five against the Pac-10.
The Trojans have stayed under the total in five straight overall and four straight at neutral sites, but the over is 6-1 in Memphis’ last seven overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: USC
Gametimepicks.com
Rose-Mayo Show at MSG tonight
December 4, 2007
By VI News
The arguments about which freshman phenom is better began long ago, but nothing has yet happened to settle those arguments.
Memphis' Derrick Rose and Southern California's O.J. Mayo finally meet on the floor for the first time in college Tuesday night when the second-ranked Tigers and 24th-ranked Trojans face off in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. Most sports books are listing Memphis as an eight-point favorite.
Rose and Mayo were two of the most heavily recruited guards in their class, and both figure to be early selections in next summer's NBA draft. Both players have also gotten off to hot starts in their collegiate careers.
The 6-foot-4 Rose has helped Memphis (6-0) match the highest ranking in school history. The Tigers, who are No. 2 for the first time since the 1985-86 season, haven't started 6-0 since 1995-96.
Rose is averaging 17 points, and is coming off perhaps his best game of the season. He had 19 points and 12 assists in a 104-82 win over Austin Peay last Tuesday.
"I'm getting to know the offense a little more and I'm finding open guys," Rose said. "That's what (Memphis) coach (John Calipari) told me to do - find open guys and attack."
Mayo, meanwhile, has more than twice as many points as any other Trojan, averaging 21 through the season's first eight games. He had a team-high 19 in USC's 59-55 loss to then-No. 4 Kansas in the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series Sunday, but shot just 6 of 21 from the field.
"They showed their experience and poise when they needed to and we did not," USC coach Tim Floyd said. "We played frustrated and took quick shots. It's the way it is with youth."
The Trojans (6-2) started five underclassmen against Kansas, as freshman Davon Jefferson had 17 points and sophomore Daniel Hackett added 11. Jefferson didn't play in USC's first three games, but is averaging 14.4 points since.
USC lost its season opener 96-81 to Mercer, but followed that up with six straight wins. However, the loss to Kansas was the Trojans' 14th straight against top 5 opponents, dating back to a home win over then-No. 2 Arizona in January 2000.
Memphis presents another top 5 test, and not just because of Rose. Junior guard Chris Douglas-Roberts averages 21.8 points, and is shooting 58 percent from the field. Sophomore Willie Kemp is 17-for-35 from 3-point range, while Joey Dorsey - the Tigers' lone senior - has averaged 9.3 rebounds after missing Memphis' first two games with a shoulder problem.
Transfer Shawn Taggart, a 6-10 sophomore who sat out last season after transferring from Iowa State, had a breakout game against Austin Peay, scoring a career-high 17 points and diving for loose balls after drawing criticism from Calipari for jogging the floor the previous week.
"If he dives on the floor and goes after balls like that, everybody in the city of Memphis is going to be happy," Calipari said. "If he plays like that, it's scary how good he can be."
USC and Memphis have played only twice, splitting two meetings. The Trojans won the most recent affair 92-65 in November 1999 at the Maui Invitational.
Memphis has played at Madison Square Garden 14 times in Calipari's eight seasons, posting an 8-6 mark there including two wins this season at the 2K College Hoops Classic.
Kentucky freshman guard Legion to transfer
ESPN.com
Kentucky freshman guard Alex Legion wants to transfer and informed coach Billy Gillispie of his decision on Monday night.
"It's unfortunate and not what I wanted to hear, but I understand," Gillispie said, according a statement released by the school.
"We met with Alex and his mother Friday, and she informed us of her desire to seek a release for her son. Shortly after that meeting, Alex told me that he still wanted to be a part of our program. He played in the game against North Carolina Saturday and seemed happy when I spoke with him Sunday."
On the way back from the funeral services for former Wildcats greats Ralph Beard and Tommy Kron, Gillispie learned that Legion had not attended Monday afternoon's practice. Legion told him of his decision later that evening.
"You always hate to lose a valued member of your program, and Alex was definitely that. He has tremendous potential as a player and a student, but most importantly, he is a wonderful young man. We hate to see him leave, but if he can be happier elsewhere then all you can do is wish him the best."
Legion has played in all six games this season, starting twice. He averaged 6.7 points per game.
Legion, a native of Inkster, Mich., originally signed with Michigan but was released from his national letter of intent when Tommy Amaker was fired by the school.
76ers fire GM/president King; Nets GM Stefanski fills role
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHILADELPHIA -- The 76ers fired general manager and team president Billy King on Tuesday and replaced him with New Jersey Nets general manager Ed Stefanski.
New Jersey Nets president Rod Thorn confirmed the move to The Associated Press.
''He's been a big part of our success here the last seven years,'' Thorn said. ''He's a wonderful guy. Very competent. I'm sure he'll do a great job there.''
The Sixers called a mews conference for later Tuesday.
King, who had been with the franchise since June 1997, had said he was using this season as the start of a three-year rebuilding plan. The Sixers are 5-12 and in last place in the Atlantic Division. After reaching the NBA Finals in 2001, Philadelphia has missed the postseason three of the last four years and King traded former MVP Allen Iverson to Denver last December.
Stefanski served as New Jersey's general manager since 2004.
King was in the final year of his contract.
King did not immediately return a request for comment.
Tuesday NBA Gameday
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to snap their three-game losing streak when they play host to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. Here is your NBA Gameday
New Jersey Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00pm ET
The Nets will be trying to get back to the .500 mark when they play on the road on Tuesday night. New Jersey dropped to 8-9 on the season with a 118-95 road loss to the Pistons on Sunday. Vince Carter led the way with 22 points in that defeat for the Nets, while Richard Jefferson tossed in 21 points and Jason Kidd chipped in with 16 assists.
Cleveland has lost consecutive games to the Pistons, Raptors, and Celtics, scoring 82 or fewer points in each of those three contests. The Cavs fell 80-70 to Boston on Sunday, with LeBron James still sidelined by a sprained finger (he's day-to-day). Zydrunas Ilgauskas led the way on Sunday with 12 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers, 7:00pm ET
The Suns have won two games in a row and eight of their past 10 contests to hold off the surging Warriors in the Pacific Division. Phoenix got past Orlando 110-106 on Friday night, and they followed up that win by beating the Knicks 115-104 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Grant Hill and Amare Stoudemire each had 28 points in that game.
Jermaine O'Neal played through a sore knee on Sunday and led the Pacers to a 101-95 road win over the Clippers. O'Neal picked up 20 points and 15 rebounds for Indiana in that victory, while Jamaal Tinsley was good for a team-high 29 points. The Pacers have now won three of their past four games, getting past the Nuggets and Blazers last week.
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves, 8:00pm ET
Lakers coach Phil Jackson was rewarded with a rich contract extension last week, but his team has still been knocked for a loss in each of their past two contests. Los Angeles fell 120-96 to Utah on Friday night, and they were upended 104-97 by Orlando on Sunday. Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 28 points in the Lakers' loss to the Magic.
After winning just twice in the month of November the Timberwolves are off to an 0-1 start in the month of December. That has Minnesota with an NBA-worst 2-13 record heading into play on Tuesday night. The T-Wolves fell 109-80 on the road versus Memphis on Saturday, getting 18 points from Rashad McCants in that blowout defeat.
Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30pm ET
The Bucks have followed up a five-game winning streak with consecutive losses to the Sixers, Hawks, Knicks, and Pistons over the past week. That's dropped Milwaukee into fourth place in the Central Division standings with a 7-8 record. Charlie Villanueva and Bobby Simmons each had 13 points in Milwaukee's 117-91 loss to Detroit on Saturday.
The Clippers are on a skid right now as well, having lost consecutive games versus the Suns, Hornets, Rockets, Nuggets, and Pacers. Los Angeles has won just two of their past 10 contests to fall to 6-9 on the season. Chris Kaman had 22 points and Corey Maggette scored 19 in the Clippers' 101-95 home loss to the Pacers Sunday afternoon.
Bobcats sign Cavaliers holdout Varejao
December 4, 2007
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -In need of a big man, the Charlotte Bobcats reached agreement Tuesday on a three-year offer sheet with Cleveland restricted free agent Anderson Varejao, giving the Cavaliers a week to match the deal or lose him.
Financial figures were not available. Varejao's agent, Dan Fegan, could not immediately be reached.
The 6-foot-10 Varejao has been in a prolonged contract dispute with the Cavaliers, which has kept him sidelined this season. He said last week that he would prefer to be traded.
The 25-year-old Varejao averaged 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season in helping the Cavaliers reach the NBA finals for the first time.
Bobcats coach Sam Vincent has been pleading for a big man since the beginning of the season. The Bobcats lost Sean May to season-ending knee surgery in training camp. Starting center Primoz Brezec has been ineffective and was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Jared Dudley Monday night in Toronto, the Bobcats' sixth straight loss.
Before training camp opened, Varejao turned down Cleveland's one-year, $1.2 million qualifying offer. If he had signed that deal, the former second-round pick could have become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
In late October, the Cavaliers rejected a six-year, $52 million package presented by Fegan.
Varejao is known for his energy and defense, and the move comes a day after Vincent questioned his team's focus and preparation following the 98-79 loss to the Raptors.
The Bobcats, with 15 guaranteed contracts, would have to release a player to add Varejao if the Cavaliers don't match the offer.
Minnesota's Wittman headed for surgery
December 4th, 2007
Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without their head coach Randy Wittman for Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers as he prepares for back surgery on Wednesday.
"This is a situation that has been progressively getting worse," Wittman said. "The doctors said that in order to coach the remainder of the year, that it would be in my best interest to have the back surgery as soon as possible. I wish I could be out there tonight, but I know Jerry (Sichting) and the coaching staff will do a great job."
No timetable has been set for Wittman's return as that decision will come after Wednesday's procedure.
Duke's Pocius done for the season
December 4th, 2007
Durham, NC (Sports Network) - Duke junior guard Martynas Pocius will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle, head coach Mike Krzyzewski announced Tuesday.
Pocius, a native of Lithuania, originally injured the ankle over the summer in Europe, and aggravated it November 25 during the Blue Devils' blowout win over Eastern Kentucky.
The procedure will take place sometime in early January, and will be performed by Dr. Dean Taylor in hopes of enabling Pocius to return for next season.
"We are 100 percent behind Marty," said Krzyzewski. "This is a tough break for him and for the whole team. He worked extremely hard over the summer to be ready for this season and was making a steady contribution to the team. His presence in practice and games will be missed."
The 6-foot-5 Pocius was averaging four points, 2.5 rebounds and one assist per game this season, his third with the Blue Devils since prepping at the Holderness School in New Hampshire.