INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 30 points and the Boston Celtics made 20 3-pointers in a 140-122 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

The All-NBA forward, who is averaging 29.4 points, shot 13 of 20 from the field and made two 3-pointers. Payton Pritchard added 29 points, making three 3s, and grabbed nine rebounds.

The Celtics were 20 of 39 from beyond the arc compared to the Pacers’ 18 of 44. Reserve Sam Hauser was 7 for 8 behind the arc and scored 23 points, while Derrick White added 21 points with three 3s.

The Celtics, winners of four in a row and back-to-back games against Indiana, were starting a five-game road trip.

Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 18 points and four 3s.

The Celtics trailed by 15 midway through the first quarter, but methodically chipped away at the deficit, then pulled away with six 3-pointers in a 47-point second quarter for a 75-61 halftime lead.

HEAT 126, HAWKS 111

ATLANTA (AP) — Norman Powell had 25 points, Pelle Larsson scored a career-high 21 and struggling Miami handed Atlanta its fifth straight loss.

Kel’el Ware had 16 points and 13 rebounds in place of Bam Adebayo, who missed the game with a back injury. Andrew Wiggins had 18 points and Jamie Jaquez Jr. had 16 points off the bench.

The Heat had lost eight of nine games entering Friday, but got back over .500 at 16-15. Tyler Herro missed his eighth straight game with a toe injury. Larsson started after missing five games with a sprained left ankle.

Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points and he also had seven assists. Jalen Johnson added 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.

Wiggins turned in one of the plays of the game in the fourth quarter. He saved the ball along the sideline after stealing an inbounds pass, got a return pass and hit a running reverse layup to stretch Miami’s lead to 102-87 with 9:05 to play. A 9-0 run capped by an over-the-head layup by Powell later in the quarter pushed the lead to 17.

The Heat outrebounded the Hawks 52-42 and forced 21 turnovers while committing 12. That resulted in 19 more field goal attempts for Miami.

WIZARDS 138, RAPTORS 117

WASHINGTON (AP) — Keyshawn George scored 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, and last-place Washington beat struggling Toronto.

CJ McCollum and Bilal Coulibaly each added 21 points to help the Wizards to their highest-scoring performance of the season. The Raptors owned the NBA’s fourth-best defensive rating entering Friday.

Washington halted a four-game home losing streak but still has the NBA’s worst record (6-23). The Wizards shot 59.3% (54 of 91) as a team, out-rebounded the Raptors 46-33 and outscored the visitors 36-17 in the fourth quarter.

Brandon Ingram scored 29 points and Immanuel Quickley added 25 for Toronto, which has lost nine of 13.

Sandro Mamukelashvili had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors, who played without starters RJ Barrett (knee sprain) and Jakob Poetl (back strain).

HORNETS 120, MAGIC 105

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — LaMelo Ball had 22 points and seven rebounds, and Charlotte beat Orlando after losing rookie forward Kon Knueppel to a right ankle injury in the first half.

Miles Bridges had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets and Moussa Diabate added 10 points and 13 rebounds. Charlotte shot 19 for 39 (48.7%) from 3-point range and led by 24 points in the fourth quarter.

Anthony Black led Orlando with 24 points. Desmond Bane added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Wendell Carter Jr. had 16 points and eight rebounds.

The Hornets had a 57-48 lead in the final seconds of the first half when Knueppel, who ranks second among NBA rookies in scoring and 3-point shooting, went down with the injury. He had scored 16 points, all in the first quarter, while making all four of his 3-point shots. Hornets coach Charles Lee said X-rays on Knueppel’s ankle were negative and he would be evaluated again when the team returns to Charlotte.

Three 3-pointers by Collin Sexton late in the third quarter helped the Hornets stretch a 16-point lead to 24.

Led by Diabate, Bridges and Tidjane Salaun, the Hornets had a 53-42 rebound edge in winning for the fourth time in six games.

BULLS 109, 76ERS 92

CHICAGO (AP) — Jalen Smith sparked a game-ending run with a thunderous dunk on Joel Embiid, and Chicago matched a season high with its fifth straight win, beating Philadelphia.

The Bulls scored the final 10 points of the game, starting with Smith’s driving dunk. Tre Jones and Zach Collins each had 15 points, and Coby White scored 13, helping the Bulls match their best streak since a 5-0 start. They also evened their record at 15-15.

Embiid led Philadelphia with 31 points. Tyrese Maxey scored 27 and had five 3-pointers. Paul George shook off a slow start to finish with 15 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, but the 76ers lost for the fourth time in as many games this season with their three stars in the lineup.

The Sixers led 102-99 after Embiid backed in with 2:45 remaining, but that was all the scoring for them. Smith then drove the baseline and dunked on a rotating Embiid with about 2:30 remaining, bringing the crowd to its feet.

White then nailed a step back 3, drawing more roars, and Jones hit a reverse layup. After a driving Maxey got blocked by Nikola Vucevic, Jones tracked down a loose ball and laid it in with 47 seconds left. He added a free throw with 17 seconds remaining.

GRIZZLIES 125, BUCKS 104

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 24 points, Ja Morant had 17 points and 10 assists in his return from a four-game absence and Memphis beat Milwaukee.

Cam Spencer finished with 19 points for Memphis. Jackson added nine rebounds and five blocks as Memphis beat Milwaukee for the eighth straight time, all of them by double digits. Morant had been out with a left ankle sprain.

AJ Green matched his season high for Milwaukee with 20 points, connecting on 7 of 13 overall and 6 of 11 from 3-point range. Kevin Porter Jr. finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Bobby Portis Jr, Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins scored 15 points apiece as Milwaukee lost for the fourth time in five games.

Milwaukee continues to play without leading scorer Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has missed the last eight games with a right calf strain. That’s 28.9 points and 10 rebounds out of the lineup.

Milwaukee chipped into the Memphis double-digit lead to get within 92-85 early in the fourth, but Memphis scored the next seven points to take it back to a 14-point margin.

SUNS 115, PELICANS 108

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Devin Booker scored 30 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, to lead Phoenix to a victory over New Orleans in the opener of a two-game series.

The Suns trailed 100-97 after Zion Williamson hit a free throw with 4:58 left, but the Suns closed out New Orleans by outscoring the Pelicans 18-8 the rest of the way. Booker started the surge with two free throws, and Mark Williams then made four consecutive free throws and a dunk off an alley-oop feed from Booker. Williams finished with 24 points, including 10 in the final period, and 13 rebounds.

Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III had 19 points apiece. But the Pelicans hurt themselves with an abysmal night from the foul line, going 25 of 42.

The teams play again Saturday in New Orleans.

Williamson’s layup with 1:51 left cut the Suns’ lead to 107-106, but Phoenix iced the game with a 15-foot jumper by Collin Gillespie that started a five-point run in a 35-second span.

Los Angeles Rams (11-4) at Atlanta (6-9)

Monday, 8:15 p.m. EST, ESPN.

BetMGM NFL Odds: Rams by 8.

Against the spread: Rams 11-4; Falcons 8-7

Series record: Rams lead 49-30-2

Last meeting: Rams beat Falcons 31-27 on Sept. 18, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.

Last week: Rams lost at Seattle 38-37 in overtime; Falcons won 26-19 at Arizona.

Rams offense: overall (1), rush (5), pass (2), scoring (1).

Rams defense: overall (16), rush (12), pass (19), scoring (6).

Falcons offense: overall (14), rush (8), pass (17), scoring (25).

Falcons defense: overall (14), rush (25), pass (8), scoring (21)

Turnover differential: Rams plus-12; Falcons plus-1

Rams player to watch

LB Nate Landman had five tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss in the Rams’ loss to the Seahawks. Landman, who leads the team with 123 tackles and has forced four fumbles, has been a revelation for the Rams adding range and instincts at a position they have tended not to value. Landman, who played for Atlanta in 2022-24, will be important in trying to corral Falcons RB Bijan Robinson as both a runner and receiver.

Falcons player to watch

Robinson leads the NFL with 131.5 scrimmage yards per game. He needs 151 scrimmage yards to break William Andrews’ team record of 2,176 set in 1983. Robinson has at least 100 combined rushing and receiving yards in 10 games this season.

Key matchup

Rams WR Puka Nacua will be a difficult matchup against a short-handed Falcons secondary. Atlanta CB Mike Hughes is expected to miss his second consecutive game with an ankle sprain, leaving undrafted rookie Cobee Bryant and backup C.J. Henderson to work with starter A.J. Terrell. Henderson was signed from the practice squad last week and had a game-saving interception at Arizona. Nacua leads the NFL with 114 catches for 1,592 yards and eight touchdowns.

Key injuries

Rams:: WR Davante Adams (hamstring) and RG Kevin Dotson (ankle) could be held out as the Rams will prioritize making sure both key players are ready for the playoffs. … S Quentin Lake (elbow) will return to practice next week and could be available for the regular-season finale against the Cardinals. … CB Roger McCreary is expected to play this week after sustaining a groin injury in his Rams’ debut Nov. 23 that led to a stint on injured reserve.

Falcons: Hughes was declared unlikely to return this week by coach Raheem Morris and is expected to miss his second consecutive game. ... WR Drake London (knee) was limited in practice. London returned against Arizona after missing four games. He briefly left the game against the Cardinals after appearing to aggravate the injury but Morris expressed confidence in London's status this week. CB Clark Phillips III (triceps, illness) was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday.

Series notes

The Rams have won the past two regular-season games against the Falcons, scoring at least 31 points in both games. … The Falcons ended Rams coach Sean McVay’s first season with a 26-13 victory in the NFC wild-card round in January 2018. … Atlanta has won both postseason matchups in this series, which goes back to 1966.

Stats and stuff

Rams QB Matthew Stafford needs two touchdown passes in his last two games to set a single-season career high. He had 41 scoring throws in 2011 with the Detroit Lions and again in 2021 with Los Angeles. … Stafford leads the NFL with 40 TD passes with only five interceptions. ... The Rams have scored 30 points in three straight games for the first time since 2018, when they did it in four straight. … Nacua had a career-high 225 yards receiving in the loss to the Seahawks. It was his third straight game with over 100 yards and sixth of the season. … The previous time the Rams led the league in scoring was in McVay’s first season as head coach in 2017. They have done it six times since the AFL-NFL merger. … TE Colby Parkinson has six touchdown receptions this season and needs one more to set the Rams’ single-season record at the position. … DL Kobie Turner got his first career interception against the Seahawks. Turner needs 2 1/2 sacks in his last two games to set a career high; he had nine sacks as a rookie in 2023. … Morris was the Rams defensive coordinator from 2021-23. ... Atlanta assistant coaches who previously worked on McVay's staff in Los Angeles: offensive coordinator Zac Robinson (2019-23), pass game specialist/game management Tim Berbenich (2023), offensive assistant K.J. Black (2022-23), assistant offensive line coach Nick Jones (2021-23) and director player performance John Griffin (2021-23). ... The Falcons rank second in the league with 50 sacks, five away from their team record of 55 set in 1997. ... Three of the Falcons' six wins came in prime-time games against Minnesota, Buffalo and Tampa Bay. Atlanta lost a prime-time game at San Francisco.

Fantasy tip

Falcons TE Kyle Pitts has at least six catches in four straight games, including seven for 57 yards and a touchdown last week. His 395 receiving yards in the past four games are the most by a tight end in a four-game span in franchise history. Pitts has set career highs with 80 catches and five touchdown receptions this season and has been especially effective with Kirk Cousins at quarterback.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The ECHL postponed 13 games Friday after players went on strike, causing a work stoppage in the North American development minor hockey league two tiers below the NHL.

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association announced it “commenced job action” and cited travel for back-to-back games, a holiday break, guaranteed contracts, health benefits during the offseason and player compensation as unresolved issues in talks on a new collective bargaining agreement.

“Our members are simply seeking reasonable improvements that allow them to work safely and earn a sustainable living while continuing to perform at a high level,” executive director Brian Ramsay said. “Despite the union’s repeated efforts to meet and engage in bargaining, the league has continued to communicate directly with players in a manner that bypasses the union’s role as the exclusive bargaining representative.”

Members of the PHPA voted last week to authorize its negotiating committee to call for a strike. The league and union have been engaged in collective bargaining since January.

“Unfortunately, union leaders deprived players of the opportunity to vote on our last, best, and final offer," the ECHL said in a statement, adding it would raise player salaries 20% in the first year, increase per diems, guarantee more off days and expand equipment made available to players. "We did everything possible to avoid this outcome and hope that the union leadership will drop its unworkable scheduling demands, let the players vote on our offer and make it possible for players to return to work.”

The league said its latest offer ups the salary cap by 19.8%, an increase from the 16.4% from the proposal posted to its website Monday.

“The ECHL made clear to union leadership that this was the best offer and that any future offers likely will need to account for losses in revenue attributable to missed games from a player strike,” the league said in a statement. “While we did not receive a formal response, we have heard from certain players that they will not be reporting for their scheduled games.”

The ECHL has 30 teams, 29 of which are in the U.S. and one in Canada in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Pittsburgh (9-6) at Cleveland (3-12)

Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS.

BetMGM NFL odds: Steelers by 3.

Against the spread: Steelers 8-6-1; Browns 6-9.

Series record: Steelers lead 83-64-1.

Last meeting: Steelers won 23-9 on Oct. 12 at Pittsburgh.

Last week: Steelers beat Lions 29-24; Browns lost to Bills 23-20.

Steelers offense: overall (27), rush (26), pass (21), scoring (11).

Steelers defense: overall (28), rush (15), pass (30), scoring (17).

Browns offense: overall (30), rush (28), pass (30), scoring (31)

Browns defense: overall (2), rush (14), pass (1), scoring (20)

Turnover differential: Steelers plus-9; Browns minus-6.

Steelers player to watch

RB Kenny Gainwell. “Kenny G” is hitting all the right notes during Pittsburgh's three-game winning streak. The versatile five-year veteran is averaging nearly 100 yards from scrimmage during the Steelers' late-season surge. Gainwell's 62 receptions also lead the team, and they're not just checkdowns. Just look at his diving one-armed grab on a 45-yard touchdown late in the first half last week against Detroit as proof.

Browns player to watch

DE Myles Garrett. With 22 sacks, the All-Pro pass rusher needs one to pass the single-season record held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan (2001 with the New York Giants) and Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt (2021). Garrett, who also leads the league with 32 tackles for a loss, has never sacked Aaron Rodgers in two meetings.

Key matchup

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Garrett. Rodgers has been pressured on a league-low 21.9% of his drop-backs this season. He’s averages 2.63 seconds to throw, the fastest in the league. Garrett has not sacked Rodgers the two times he has faced him and has had only four quarterback pressures.

Key injuries

Steelers: LB T.J. Watt will miss a third straight game as he recovers from surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung. ... WR Calvin Austin III (groin) ,LG Isaac Seumalo (triceps), CB Brandin Echols (groin) and CB James Pierre (calf) have also been ruled out. ... LB Nick Herbig (hamstring) could return after missing the win over Detroit.

Browns: RB Quinshon Judkins (leg) was placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on Tuesday. ... TE Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) and QB Dillon Gabriel (shoulder) were injured in practice on Friday and are likely to be game-time decisions. ... TE David Njoku (knee) has not practiced this week and will miss his third straight game. ... CB Denzel Ward (calf) is expected to return to the lineup after missing the past two weeks. ... RB Dylan Sampson's (hand) status is uncertain.

Series notes

The Steelers have dominated the Browns since Cleveland’s return to the NFL in 1999, but Pittsburgh has found the going a little rough on the road lately when playing its oldest rival. Cleveland has won 5 of 6 at Huntington Bank Field against Pittsburgh, including three straight. ... The Browns are 4-1 against the Steelers in December. Pittsburgh's last visit to Cleveland in December came in 2009, a 13-6 Browns victory. ... Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is 4-0 all time against the Browns, throwing for 11 touchdowns without a pick.

Stats and stuff

Pittsburgh has won three straight to take control of the AFC North with two weeks to go. The Steelers can clinch their first AFC North title since 2020 this weekend with a win or a Ravens loss to Green Bay. ... Pittsburgh will have to do it without star receiver DK Metcalf, who has been suspended for the team's final two games following an in-game altercation with a fan in Detroit. ... Pittsburgh is 6-2 all time in division-clinching games under Mike Tomlin. ... Tomlin is one win shy of tying Hall of Famer Chuck Noll for the most regular-season victories in franchise history. Noll’s 193 regular-season wins rank ninth all time. Seven of the eight men ahead of Tomlin and Noll on the list are either in the Hall of Fame or will be (Andy Reid, Bill Belichick). ... Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers has bounced back strong after a dismal performance against Buffalo on Nov. 30. The 42-year-old has completed 73 of 102 passes for 774 yards with five touchdowns and no picks during Pittsburgh's three-game winning streak. ... Eleven different players have caught touchdown passes this season for the Steelers, tied with Tampa Bay for the most in the league. ... The Steelers are 52-15 when facing rookie quarterbacks since 1970, including a victory over Cleveland on Oct. 12 when Dillion Gabriel started for the Browns. Cleveland QB Shedeur Sanders will be the third different rookie to face Pittsburgh in the past five meetings between the longtime division rivals. ... The Steelers have been strong finishers over the past eight seasons. Pittsburgh's 17 wins across Week 17 and Week 18 during that span are tops in the NFL. ... The Steelers defense has dominated the third quarter in each of the past two weeks, holding Miami and Detroit to a combined minus-23 yards of offense. ... Cleveland is on pace to be led by rookies in pass attempts, rushing carries and receptions. The only other team to do that is the 1968 Buffalo Bills. ... QB Shedeur Sanders is 1-4 as the Browns' starting QB. He has six touchdown passes and eight interceptions on the season. ... Cleveland has allowed a league-high 45.3% QB pressure rate, the third-highest rate in a single season by any offense since Next Gen stats started tracking in 2018. ... RBs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams combined for 105 scrimmage yards last week after Judkins' injury. ... WR Jerry Jeudy has at least five catches in his past three games against the Steelers. ... LB Carson Schwesinger leads NFL rookies in tackles (137) and tackles for loss (11). ... Cleveland's defense has generated pressure on 39% of pass drop-backs, the fifth-highest rate in the league.

Fantasy tip

Cleveland TE Harold Fannin Jr. is one of just three NFL players to play at least 45 snaps in the backfield, lined up at as slot receiver, out wide or at tight end. He has been targeted on 24.8% of his routes and has 367 yards after the catch. He has a TD catch in three of the past four games and had seven receptions for 81 yards in the first meeting against Pittsburgh.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

DETROIT (AP) — Preston Stone threw three touchdown passes and Northwestern turned four turnovers into touchdowns and beat Cent. Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field.

The Wildcats (7-6) extended their bowl game winning streak to six. They haven’t lost in the postseason since a 45-6 loss to Pittsburgh in the 2015 Outback Bowl.

Central Michigan (7-6) is 0-3 against the Big Ten in bowl games, with all three losses coming at Ford Field. The Chippewas lost 51-48 to Purdue in the 2007 Motor City Bowl and 21-14 to Minnesota in the 2015 Quick Lane Bowl.

Central Michigan had the first scoring opportunity of the game after stopping Northwestern on 4th-and-1 at the Wildcats 34, but Cade Graham missed a 43-yard field goal attempt.

The game was still scoreless midway through the second quarter, but Braden Turner intercepted Angel Flores’ pass at the Central Michigan 29. Three plays later, Stone threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Griffin Wilde to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.

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(All times Mountain)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Saturday, December 27
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
9:15 p.m.

LSU at Houston — ESPN

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

Brooklyn Nets (9-19, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (20-10, fifth in the Western Conference)

Minneapolis; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota will attempt to build upon its three-game win streak with a victory against Brooklyn.

The Timberwolves have gone 12-5 at home. Minnesota ranks ninth in the Western Conference with 11.4 offensive rebounds per game led by Rudy Gobert averaging 4.0.

The Nets are 5-8 on the road. Brooklyn is 6-15 in games decided by 10 points or more.

The Timberwolves average 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Nets allow. The Nets average 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.4 more made shots on average than the 11.9 per game the Timberwolves give up.

The teams square off for the second time this season. In the last meeting on Nov. 4 the Timberwolves won 125-109 led by 25 points from Donte DiVincenzo, while Cam Thomas scored 25 points for the Nets.

TOP PERFORMERS: Julius Randle is averaging 22.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is averaging 4.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Nic Claxton is averaging 13.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists for the Nets. Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 28.0 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 45.0% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 8-2, averaging 117.2 points, 46.0 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points per game.

Nets: 6-4, averaging 110.0 points, 42.7 rebounds, 28.0 assists, 8.2 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.0 points.

INJURIES: Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.: day to day (foot).

Nets: Haywood Highsmith: out (knee), Drake Powell: day to day (ankle), Cam Thomas: day to day (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Cleveland Cavaliers (17-15, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (18-10, sixth in the Western Conference)

Houston; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Houston will try to keep its three-game home win streak alive when the Rockets face Cleveland.

The Rockets have gone 8-2 at home. Houston has a 1-4 record in one-possession games.

The Cavaliers are 6-7 on the road. Cleveland is second in the Eastern Conference scoring 120.2 points per game and is shooting 46.5%.

The Rockets make 48.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.1 percentage points higher than the Cavaliers have allowed to their opponents (46.8%). The Cavaliers score 8.1 more points per game (120.2) than the Rockets allow (112.1).

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Rockets won 114-104 in the last meeting on Nov. 20. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 28 points, and De'Andre Hunter led the Cavaliers with 25 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Sengun is scoring 22.7 points per game with 9.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists for the Rockets. Amen Thompson is averaging 26.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 63.2% over the last 10 games.

Donovan Mitchell is averaging 30.7 points and 5.4 assists for the Cavaliers. Darius Garland is averaging 20.0 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 5-5, averaging 118.1 points, 47.8 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 7.9 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.9 points per game.

Cavaliers: 4-6, averaging 121.5 points, 45.8 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 8.7 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.2 points.

INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl).

Cavaliers: Max Strus: out (foot), Larry Nance Jr.: out (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Dallas Mavericks (12-19, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (7-23, 15th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Saturday, 5 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas will look to end its four-game road losing streak when the Mavericks visit Sacramento.

The Kings are 5-19 against Western Conference opponents. Sacramento is 7-13 when it wins the turnover battle and averages 13.7 turnovers per game.

The Mavericks have gone 6-14 against Western Conference opponents. Dallas is the leader in the Western Conference scoring 17.9 fast break points per game led by Cooper Flagg averaging 3.5.

The Kings' 10.6 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.9 fewer made shots on average than the 11.5 per game the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks average 10.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.1 fewer made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Kings give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Russell Westbrook is averaging 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 37.0 points over the last 10 games.

Naji Marshall is scoring 13.4 points per game and averaging 4.8 rebounds for the Mavericks.

LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 2-8, averaging 112.0 points, 42.5 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 10.2 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.8 points per game.

Mavericks: 5-4, averaging 119.3 points, 43.9 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 6.9 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 50.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.0 points.

INJURIES: Kings: Drew Eubanks: day to day (thumb), Zach LaVine: out (ankle), Devin Carter: day to day (ankle), Keegan Murray: day to day (calf), Domantas Sabonis: out (knee).

Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Anthony Davis: day to day (groin).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

All Times EST

Friday, Dec. 26

NBA

Boston at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Miami at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Milwaukee at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Detroit at Utah, 9:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

GameAbove Sports Bowl

Cent. Michigan vs. Northwestern at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Rate Bowl

New Mexico vs. Minnesota at Phoenix, 4:30 p.m.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

FIU vs. UTSA at Dallas, 8 p.m.

The National Football League Inactive Report.

DALLAS COWBOYS at WASHINGTON COMMANDERS — DALLAS: LB Demarvion Overshown, WR Ryan Flournoy, CB Caelen Carson, RB Jaydon Blue, DT Jay Toia, DT Perrion Winfrey. WASHINGTON: QB Jayden Daniels, QB Marcus Mariota, QB Sam Hartman (emergency 3rd QB), LB Nick Bellore, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., LT Laremy Tunsil, DT Daron Payne.

(All times Central)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Friday, December 26
NBA BASKETBALL
7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Chicago — NBCS Philadelphia, Prime Video

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

(All times Central)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Friday, December 26
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
1 p.m.

Central Michigan at Northwestern — ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN app, ESPN Unlimited, Fubo Sports

NBA BASKETBALL
9:30 p.m.

Detroit at Utah — FDSN Detroit, KJZZ 14, Jazz+, NBA League Pass

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

Miami Heat (15-15, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (15-16, ninth in the Eastern Conference)

Atlanta; Friday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta plays Miami looking to stop its three-game home slide.

The Hawks have gone 9-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta has a 6-11 record against teams over .500.

The Heat are 9-10 in Eastern Conference play. Miami is 8-8 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Hawks average 118.8 points per game, 1.2 more points than the 117.6 the Heat allow. The Heat are shooting 47.0% from the field, 0.9% lower than the 47.9% the Hawks' opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Johnson is shooting 52.3% and averaging 23.8 points for the Hawks. Vit Krejci is averaging 5.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is scoring 15.9 points per game and averaging 5.5 rebounds for the Heat. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 2-8, averaging 118.6 points, 40.7 rebounds, 31.3 assists, 9.0 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 126.0 points per game.

Heat: 2-8, averaging 110.6 points, 44.3 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 7.9 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.5 points.

INJURIES: Hawks: Dyson Daniels: day to day (hip), Kristaps Porzingis: out (reconditioning), N'Faly Dante: out for season (knee), Mouhamed Gueye: day to day (shoulder).

Heat: Nikola Jovic: out (elbow), Tyler Herro: day to day (toe), Pelle Larsson: day to day (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Philadelphia 76ers (16-12, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (14-15, 10th in the Eastern Conference)

Chicago; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Chicago is looking to build upon its four-game win streak with a victory over Philadelphia.

The Bulls have gone 11-10 against Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago is second in the Eastern Conference with 34.7 defensive rebounds per game led by Josh Giddey averaging 8.1.

The 76ers are 13-11 against conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with 32.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Andre Drummond averaging 6.1.

The Bulls average 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the 76ers give up. The 76ers' 45.0% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.0 percentage points lower than the Bulls have given up to their opponents (48.0%).

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Bulls won 113-111 in the last matchup on Nov. 5.

TOP PERFORMERS: Giddey is averaging 20 points, 9.3 rebounds and 9.1 assists for the Bulls. Coby White is averaging 5.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Tyrese Maxey is averaging 31 points, 6.9 assists and 1.8 steals for the 76ers. Joel Embiid is averaging 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 5-5, averaging 119.3 points, 43.5 rebounds, 29.5 assists, 9.2 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.0 points per game.

76ers: 6-4, averaging 115.3 points, 47.0 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 42.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.5 points.

INJURIES: Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Matas Buzelis: day to day (leg).

76ers: Trendon Watford: day to day (thigh), VJ Edgecombe: day to day (illness), Quentin Grimes: day to day (illness), Kelly Oubre Jr.: out (knee), Dominick Barlow: day to day (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Boston Celtics (18-11, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (6-24, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Indianapolis; Friday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana aims to end its three-game home slide with a win against Boston.

The Pacers have gone 4-14 against Eastern Conference teams. Indiana is 5-12 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 13.1 turnovers per game.

The Celtics are 14-8 in conference games. Boston ranks sixth in the NBA with 12.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Neemias Queta averaging 3.1.

The Pacers are shooting 42.9% from the field this season, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 44.5% the Celtics allow to opponents. The Celtics average 15.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 4.1 more made shots on average than the 11.5 per game the Pacers allow.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Celtics won the last meeting 103-95 on Dec. 23. Jaylen Brown scored 31 points to help lead the Celtics to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. T.J. McConnell is averaging 16.0 points over the last 10 games.

Payton Pritchard is shooting 43.9% and averaging 16.8 points for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 2-8, averaging 108.0 points, 40.7 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 7.2 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points per game.

Celtics: 8-2, averaging 118.3 points, 43.5 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.6 points.

INJURIES: Pacers: Obi Toppin: out (foot), Ben Sheppard: day to day (calf), Isaiah Jackson: day to day (head), Aaron Nesmith: out (knee), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Jordan Walsh: day to day (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Los Angeles Clippers (8-21, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (12-18, 10th in the Western Conference)

Portland, Oregon; Friday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles faces the Portland Trail Blazers after Kawhi Leonard scored 41 points in the Clippers' 128-108 victory against the Houston Rockets.

The Trail Blazers are 10-11 in Western Conference games. Portland allows 120.5 points and has been outscored by 3.4 points per game.

The Clippers are 6-14 against conference opponents. Los Angeles gives up 115.7 points to opponents while being outscored by 4.5 points per game.

The Trail Blazers average 117.1 points per game, 1.4 more points than the 115.7 the Clippers give up. The Trail Blazers average 111.2 points per game, 9.3 fewer points than the 120.5 the Trail Blazers give up to opponents.

The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Clippers defeated the Trail Blazers 114-107 in their last matchup on Oct. 27. Leonard led the Clippers with 30 points, and Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 23 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 22.1 points and 1.6 steals for the Trail Blazers. Avdija is averaging 25.0 points over the last 10 games.

John Collins is shooting 50.9% and averaging 12.5 points for the Clippers. Leonard is averaging 4.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 114.8 points, 43.8 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 7.4 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.2 points per game.

Clippers: 3-7, averaging 110.0 points, 41.6 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.6 points.

INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson: out (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle: out (thumb), Robert Williams III: day to day (injury management), Jrue Holiday: day to day (calf), Blake Wesley: out (foot), Jerami Grant: day to day (achilles), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

Clippers: Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Derrick Jones Jr.: out (knee), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Milwaukee Bucks (12-18, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (14-16, ninth in the Western Conference)

Memphis, Tennessee; Friday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Santi Aldama and the Memphis Grizzlies take on Ryan Rollins and the Milwaukee Bucks in out-of-conference play.

The Grizzlies are 6-8 on their home court. Memphis is 7-6 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 14.7 turnovers per game.

The Bucks have gone 4-10 away from home. Milwaukee is 2-4 in one-possession games.

The Grizzlies average 115.0 points per game, 1.2 fewer points than the 116.2 the Bucks allow. The Bucks average 14.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 more makes per game than the Grizzlies allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Aldama is scoring 14.4 points per game with 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists for the Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 21.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 56.3% over the past 10 games.

Bobby Portis is shooting 48.9% and averaging 12.5 points for the Bucks. Rollins is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 6-4, averaging 118.5 points, 46.5 rebounds, 29.8 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.7 points per game.

Bucks: 4-6, averaging 108.2 points, 40.5 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 7.8 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.3 points.

INJURIES: Grizzlies: John Konchar: out (thumb), Vince Williams Jr.: day to day (knee), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ja Morant: day to day (ankle), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Cedric Coward: day to day (heel), Ty Jerome: out (calf), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).

Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck), Gary Trent Jr.: day to day (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

All Times EST

Thursday, Dec. 25

NFL

Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m.

Detroit at Minnesota, 4:30 p.m.

Denver at Kansas City, 8:15 p.m.

NBA

Cleveland at New York, noon

San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 2:30 p.m.

Dallas at Golden State, 5 p.m.

Houston at L.A. Lakers, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

San Antonio Spurs (22-7, second in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (26-4, first in the Western Conference)

Oklahoma City; Thursday, 2:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Thunder -9.5; over/under is 235.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder square off against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Thunder are 22-4 in Western Conference games. Oklahoma City averages 121.9 points while outscoring opponents by 14.9 points per game.

The Spurs have gone 13-6 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio averages 120.4 points while outscoring opponents by 6.8 points per game.

The Thunder's 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.9 more made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Spurs give up. The Spurs are shooting 48.6% from the field, 5.6% higher than the 43.0% the Thunder's opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Dec. 24 the Spurs won 130-110 led by 25 points from Keldon Johnson, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points for the Thunder.

TOP PERFORMERS: Chet Holmgren is averaging 18.2 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 33.0 points over the last 10 games.

Victor Wembanyama is averaging 23.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.1 blocks for the Spurs. Johnson is averaging 5.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 7-3, averaging 121.5 points, 44.3 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 10.0 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points per game.

Spurs: 9-1, averaging 123.4 points, 47.9 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 7.4 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.6 points.

INJURIES: Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: day to day (undisclosed), Nikola Topic: out (groin), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Ousmane Dieng: day to day (calf), Chet Holmgren: day to day (face), Jaylin Williams: day to day (foot).

Spurs: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Houston Rockets (17-9, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (19-9, fourth in the Western Conference)

Los Angeles; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rockets -4.5; over/under is 228.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers are 14-7 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles ranks sixth in the Western Conference with 51.2 points per game in the paint led by Deandre Ayton averaging 13.3.

The Rockets are 10-8 in Western Conference play. Houston is second in the Western Conference scoring 54.3 points per game in the paint led by Alperen Sengun averaging 14.3.

The Lakers' 11.7 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.8 fewer made shots on average than the 12.5 per game the Rockets give up. The Rockets are shooting 48.6% from the field, 0.2% higher than the 48.4% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Ayton is scoring 15.2 points per game and averaging 9.0 rebounds for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 23.0 points and 2.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Amen Thompson is averaging 17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Rockets. Sengun is averaging 28.0 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 70.6% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 5-5, averaging 115.5 points, 43.6 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 6.1 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.6 points per game.

Rockets: 5-5, averaging 120.8 points, 48.4 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 8.4 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.9 points.

INJURIES: Lakers: Jaxson Hayes: day to day (ankle), Gabe Vincent: out (back), Rui Hachimura: day to day (groin), Luka Doncic: day to day (leg).

Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Minnesota Timberwolves (20-10, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (21-8, third in the Western Conference)

Denver; Thursday, 10:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Nuggets -4.5; over/under is 237.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Denver Nuggets play the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Nuggets are 3-1 against division opponents. Denver is third in the league with 29.8 assists per game. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets averaging 10.9.

The Timberwolves are 4-3 against the rest of the division. Minnesota has a 6-7 record against teams over .500.

The Nuggets make 51.5% of their shots from the field this season, which is 6.0 percentage points higher than the Timberwolves have allowed to their opponents (45.5%). The Timberwolves are shooting 47.6% from the field, 0.6% higher than the 47.0% the Nuggets' opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Nuggets won the last matchup 123-112 on Nov. 16, with Jokic scoring 27 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jamal Murray is shooting 49.9% and averaging 25.1 points for the Nuggets. Jokic is averaging 29.0 points over the last 10 games.

Rudy Gobert is shooting 73.1% and averaging 11.5 points for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is averaging 4.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 126.1 points, 41.0 rebounds, 30.4 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 52.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.3 points per game.

Timberwolves: 8-2, averaging 117.2 points, 46.0 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points.

INJURIES: Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: day to day (knee), Christian Braun: out (ankle), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring).

Timberwolves: Joe Ingles: day to day (personal), Jaden McDaniels: day to day (oblique).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Dallas Mavericks (12-19, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (15-15, eighth in the Western Conference)

San Francisco; Thursday, 5 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Warriors -7.5; over/under is 227.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Golden State Warriors play the Dallas Mavericks.

The Warriors are 11-10 against conference opponents. Golden State has a 2-2 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Mavericks are 6-13 against Western Conference opponents. Dallas averages 14.9 turnovers per game and is 5-4 when turning the ball over less than opponents.

The Warriors are shooting 45.2% from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point lower than the 46.2% the Mavericks allow to opponents. The Mavericks are shooting 46.6% from the field, 0.7% higher than the 45.9% the Warriors' opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jimmy Butler III is scoring 19.9 points per game with 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the Warriors. Stephen Curry is averaging 26.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 43.5% over the past 10 games.

Cooper Flagg is averaging 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Mavericks. D'Angelo Russell is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 5-5, averaging 112.4 points, 45.8 rebounds, 28.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.9 points per game.

Mavericks: 6-4, averaging 120.8 points, 44.1 rebounds, 28.2 assists, 6.8 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.5 points.

INJURIES: Warriors: Al Horford: out (back), Seth Curry: day to day (thigh).

Mavericks: Max Christie: day to day (illness), P.J. Washington: day to day (foot), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Dwight Powell: day to day (illness), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Klay Thompson: day to day (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

All Times EST

Wednesday, Dec. 24

College Football

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

California vs. Hawaii at Honolulu, 8 p.m.

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Memphis Grizzlies (13-16, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (10-18, 12th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Tuesday, 9 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Grizzlies -2.5; over/under is 244.5

BOTTOM LINE: Utah enters the matchup against Memphis as losers of three straight games.

The Jazz have gone 6-13 against Western Conference teams. Utah is seventh in the NBA averaging 119.6 points and is shooting 45.7% from the field.

The Grizzlies are 12-9 against Western Conference opponents. Memphis is third in the NBA with 34.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Zach Edey averaging 7.2.

The Jazz are shooting 45.7% from the field this season, 1.1 percentage points lower than the 46.8% the Grizzlies allow to opponents. The Jazz average 114.3 points per game, 12.8 fewer points than the 127.1 the Jazz allow.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Jazz won 130-126 in the last matchup on Dec. 13.

TOP PERFORMERS: Keyonte George is averaging 23.9 points and 6.9 assists for the Jazz. Svi Mykhailiuk is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Santi Aldama is averaging 13.6 points and 6.6 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is averaging 16.0 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 4-6, averaging 121.4 points, 44.1 rebounds, 30.5 assists, 6.7 steals and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 130.6 points per game.

Grizzlies: 6-4, averaging 116.0 points, 47.7 rebounds, 28.1 assists, 7.9 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.6 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Georges Niang: out (foot), Kevin Love: day to day (rest), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder).

Grizzlies: John Konchar: out (thumb), Vince Williams Jr.: day to day (knee), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ja Morant: day to day (ankle), Javon Small: out (toe), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Ty Jerome: out (calf), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Detroit Pistons (22-6, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (7-22, 15th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Pistons -9; over/under is 227.5

BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento hosts the Detroit Pistons following the Sacramento Kings' 125-124 overtime win against the Houston Rockets.

The Kings are 4-9 on their home court. Sacramento is fifth in the Western Conference with 15.0 fast break points per game led by Zach LaVine averaging 3.5.

The Pistons are 9-4 on the road. Detroit ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference with 26.2 assists per game led by Cade Cunningham averaging 9.2.

The Kings average 111.5 points per game, 0.3 fewer points than the 111.8 the Pistons give up. The Pistons are shooting 47.7% from the field, 1.8% lower than the 49.5% the Kings' opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Russell Westbrook is averaging 14 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 27.0 points over the last 10 games.

Cunningham is averaging 27 points, 6.4 rebounds and 9.2 assists for the Pistons.

LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 2-8, averaging 111.2 points, 42.7 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 9.9 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.0 points per game.

Pistons: 7-2, averaging 118.2 points, 48.7 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 10.6 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.8 points.

INJURIES: Kings: Drew Eubanks: out (thumb), Zach LaVine: out (ankle), Devin Carter: day to day (ankle), Doug McDermott: day to day (knee), Domantas Sabonis: out (knee).

Pistons: Ronald Holland II: out (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Washington Wizards (5-22, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (9-20, 12th in the Eastern Conference)

Charlotte, North Carolina; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Hornets -5.5; over/under is 235

BOTTOM LINE: Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Hornets host CJ McCollum and the Washington Wizards.

The Hornets are 2-4 in division games. Charlotte averages 15.3 turnovers per game and is 4-5 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents.

The Wizards are 3-16 against Eastern Conference opponents. Washington is seventh in the Eastern Conference with 32.4 defensive rebounds per game led by Alex Sarr averaging 5.9.

The Hornets are shooting 45.5% from the field this season, 2.2 percentage points lower than the 47.7% the Wizards allow to opponents. The Wizards average 13.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 fewer makes per game than the Hornets allow.

The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 139-113 in their last matchup on Oct. 26. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 38 points, and McCollum led the Wizards with 24 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Bridges is averaging 20.9 points, six rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Hornets. Ball is averaging 6.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Kyshawn George is scoring 15.2 points per game and averaging 5.8 rebounds for the Wizards. Carlton Carrington is averaging 4.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 4-6, averaging 113.8 points, 42.8 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.4 points per game.

Wizards: 3-7, averaging 110.5 points, 44.7 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 6.2 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.7 points.

INJURIES: Hornets: Mason Plumlee: day to day (groin), Grant Williams: out (acl), Ryan Kalkbrenner: day to day (elbow), Collin Sexton: day to day (quadriceps).

Wizards: Marvin Bagley III: day to day (calf), Bilal Coulibaly: day to day (ankle), Cam Whitmore: out (shoulder).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Orlando Magic (16-13, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (12-16, 10th in the Western Conference)

Portland, Oregon; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Magic -1.5; over/under is 234

BOTTOM LINE: Portland is looking to continue its three-game win streak with a victory over Orlando.

The Trail Blazers have gone 5-6 in home games. Portland is 8-13 against opponents over .500.

The Magic are 6-8 on the road. Orlando ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference with 12.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Wendell Carter Jr. averaging 2.7.

The Trail Blazers average 117.5 points per game, 2.4 more points than the 115.1 the Magic allow. The Magic average 117.4 points per game, 3.5 fewer than the 120.9 the Trail Blazers allow.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Magic won 115-112 in the last matchup on Nov. 11. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 28 points, and Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with 31 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Deni Avdija is scoring 25.8 points per game with 7.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists for the Trail Blazers.

Desmond Bane is averaging 19 points and 4.6 assists for the Magic. Banchero is averaging 21.0 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-5, averaging 115.7 points, 44.2 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 7.3 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.5 points per game.

Magic: 5-5, averaging 113.2 points, 46.0 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points.

INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson: out (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle: out (thumb), Jrue Holiday: out (calf), Blake Wesley: out (foot), Jerami Grant: out (achilles), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

Magic: Franz Wagner: out (leg), Tristan da Silva: day to day (shoulder), Moritz Wagner: out (knee), Jalen Suggs: day to day (hip).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Milwaukee Bucks (11-18, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (6-23, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Indianapolis; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Bucks -1; over/under is 220.5

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana will try to stop its five-game slide when the Pacers take on Milwaukee.

The Pacers are 2-5 against opponents in the Central Division. Indiana has a 3-14 record in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Bucks are 3-4 against Central Division opponents. Milwaukee ranks fifth in the NBA averaging 15.0 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 39.9% from downtown. AJ Green leads the team averaging 3.1 makes while shooting 46.8% from 3-point range.

The Pacers average 109.7 points per game, 7.2 fewer points than the 116.9 the Bucks allow. The Bucks average 15.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.4 more made shots on average than the 11.6 per game the Pacers give up.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Bucks won the last matchup 117-115 on Nov. 4, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 33 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and four assists for the Pacers. Ethan Thompson is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Ryan Rollins is averaging 17 points, 5.9 assists and 1.6 steals for the Bucks. Kevin Porter Jr. is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 3-7, averaging 108.9 points, 41.1 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 7.3 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 44.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.9 points per game.

Bucks: 3-7, averaging 108.0 points, 39.2 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.1 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.7 points.

INJURIES: Pacers: Obi Toppin: out (foot), Ben Sheppard: day to day (calf), Isaiah Jackson: day to day (head), Aaron Nesmith: out (knee), T.J. McConnell: day to day (knee), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

New Orleans Pelicans (8-22, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-14, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Cleveland; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -9.5; over/under is 237.5

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans is looking to build upon its five-game win streak with a victory against Cleveland.

The Cavaliers are 10-8 on their home court. Cleveland is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 32.0 defensive rebounds per game led by Evan Mobley averaging 6.7.

The Pelicans are 2-10 in road games. New Orleans leads the Western Conference with 58.3 points per game in the paint led by Zion Williamson averaging 14.6.

The Cavaliers score 119.3 points per game, 2.9 fewer points than the 122.2 the Pelicans give up. The Pelicans average 10.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.8 fewer made shots on average than the 13.6 per game the Cavaliers give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylon Tyson is scoring 12.8 points per game and averaging 5.4 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 30.0 points and 4.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Derik Queen is averaging 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Pelicans. Williamson is averaging 24.0 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting 71.4% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 4-6, averaging 120.0 points, 45.5 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 8.6 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.4 points per game.

Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 124.9 points, 44.5 rebounds, 28.0 assists, 8.6 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.5 points.

INJURIES: Cavaliers: Max Strus: out (foot), Evan Mobley: out (calf), Larry Nance Jr.: out (calf).

Pelicans: Herbert Jones: day to day (ankle), Dejounte Murray: out (leg).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Darren Raddysh had a goal and two assists to reach 100 career points, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the St. Louis Blues 4-1 on Monday night.

Oliver Bjorkstrand had a power-play goal for his 400th point, and Pontus Holmberg and Anthony Cirelli also scored for Tampa Bay. Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel each had two assists, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 23 saves as the Lightning have won back-to-back games for the second time since the start of December.

Justin Faulk scored for St. Louis while Jordan Binnington finished with 13 saves. The Blues were held to two-or-fewer goals for the 21st time in 38 games this season.

Holmberg scored 21 seconds into the game, getting a stick on Raddysh’s shot to deflect the puck past Binnington. It tied for the 13th fastest goal to start a game in Lightning franchise history and fastest since Steven Stamkos scored at 20 seconds on March 16, 2024.

Raddysh scored on the power play at 9:12 of the first period when his shot from the center point hit Faulk and caromed into the net.

Faulk cut the Lightning lead in half at 6:43 of the second, but Cirelli answered that 1:18 later getting a stick from the middle slot on Raddysh’s shot. Raddysh became the second-fastest defenseman in Lightning history to reach 100 career points in his 206th game.

FLYERS 55, CANUCKS 2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nikita Grebenkin had a goal and an assist, Carl Grundstrom also scored, and Philadelphia beat Vancouver.

Grebenkin and Grundstrom were part of a new look fourth line for Philadelphia, which has struggled to get much production from the unit for most of the season. Rodrigo Abols had two assists, giving the line five points.

Christian Dvorak, Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov all scored in the third period to help the Flyers snap a two-game skid and give coach Rick Tocchet a win in his first game against his former team. Tocchet coached the Canucks for 2 1./2 seasons before leaving and taking the job in Philadelphia in May.

Dan Vladar made 22 saves for the for his 13th win of the season.

Max Sasson and Drew O’Connor scored late goals for Vancouver and Thatcher Demko made 34 saves. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Canucks and it was their first defeat since trading defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.

Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points and De’Andre Hunter had 15 of his 27 in the second half, powering the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 139-132 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.

Darius Garland added 27 points and 10 assists for Cleveland, which pulled away in the second half to snap a three-game losing streak. The Cavaliers also had lost three straight at home and are 2-5 at Rocket Arena since Nov. 30.

LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 23 points and nine assists, making six 3-pointers. Rookie Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller each had 20 points, while Moussa Diabate grabbed a season-high 14 rebounds.

Hunter gave the Cavaliers a big boost early in the third quarter, remaining on the court after being bloodied by a flagrant foul to his face by Diabate. He made both free throws, then a 3-pointer on the subsequent possession to push their lead to 98-85.

Dean Wade chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds for Cleveland, which took its largest advantage at 131-112. Lonzo Ball had six points and seven assists in the middle contest of a three-game homestand that precedes the Cavaliers’ Christmas Day game at New York.

Mitchell ended the first half by banking in a 28-footer at the horn, giving him 18 points and the Cavaliers a 70-63 advantage. Garland scored 17 points, while Knueppel and Ball each had 15 for Charlotte.

There were 12 lead changes and 10 ties before intermission, but neither team went up by double digits.

CELTICS 103, PACERS 95

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 14 of his game-high 31 points in the final quarter and Boston rallied from a 20-point, second-half deficit for a victory over Indiana.

Derrick White finished with 19 points, and Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons each had 11 for Boston, which won its third straight game.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, and Andrew Nembhard had 20. Indiana, the NBA’s worst 3-point shooting team, missed 19 of its 20 attempts from beyond the arc in the second half in its fifth straight loss.

Brown’s best shot in the final quarter came on an off-balance 3 right in front of Boston’s bench, pushing the Celtics ahead 96-91 with 2:25 to play.

Nembhard’s 3-point play with 3:49 left had tied it at 91.

Trailing 82-74 entering the fourth, Boston went on an 11-2 spree, taking its first lead since the first half on Brown’s reverse layup.

Boston coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters early in the second half with the Pacers up 69-49.

The Celtics whittled the Pacers’ edge to eight points after three. Brown and White reentered with a minute left in the third quarter.

PELICANS 119, MAVERICKS 113

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson scored 24 points, including 10 straight in a decisive two-minute span of the fourth quarter, to power New Orleans to a victory over Dallas, extending the Pelicans’ season-long winning streak to five games.

The Pelicans, who started the season 3-22, have posted their longest winning streak since 2022.

New Orleans erased an 87-79 deficit after three quarters with a 38-19 run in the first 10:24 of the final quarter.

With New Orleans leading 105-103, Williamson scored on five of the Pelican’s next six possessions, four of them on strong drives to the basket from the right side, to put the Pelicans up 117-106 with 1:37 left.

The Mavericks were led by Anthony Davis’ season-high 35 points. They scored seven straight points to cut the New Orleans lead to 117-113 with 18.1 seconds left, but Trey Murphy III iced the game for the Pelicans with two free throws with 10.4 seconds remaining.

Derik Queen had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Pelicans, and Saddiq Bey added 19 points and seven rebounds.

NUGGETS 135, JAZZ 112

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray and Denver raced out to a 19-0 lead in the opening four minutes and tied a franchise record for 3-pointers with 24, cruising to a victory over Utah.

It was the second time in 17 days that Utah got down big before hitting a shot or a free throw. The New York Knicks led the Jazz 23-0 on their way to a 146-112 win on Dec. 5.

The biggest run to open an NBA game was 29-0 by the Los Angeles Lakers against Sacramento on Feb. 4, 1987.

Denver shot 68.2% in the first quarter and made 15 of 28 from 3-point range in the first half, five by Murray. He scored 27 points and Cameron Johnson went 6 of 6 from deep to finish with 20.

Nikola Jokic had 14 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists, and Peyton Watson scored 20 after missing two games.

Jokic got his 14th triple-double of the season and 178th of his career when he fed Watson for a layup with 7:10 left in the third quarter.

Lauri Markkanen had 27 points and Keyonte George scored 20 for Utah, which has dropped three straight.

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries scored 20 points, Ivan Kharchenkov added 14 and top-ranked Arizona overcame a sluggish start to rout Bethune-Cookman 107-71 on Monday night.

The Wildcats (12-0) remained No. 1 in this week’s AP Top 25 after shutting down San Diego State on Saturday, but labored early on offense in the final game before their holiday break.

Careless at times with the ball, Arizona allowed Bethune-Cookman (3-9) to hang around until ratcheting up its defensive pressure midway through the first half.

Arizona used a big run to build a 14-point halftime lead and shot 57% from the floor to match its best start since opening 12-0 in 2014-15. The Wildcats scored 50 points in the paint, grabbed 20 more rebounds and converted 36 points off Bethune-Cookman’s 22 turnovers.

Arizona point guard Jaden Bradley had 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Arizona is one of six remaining undefeated teams in Division I and has seven straight wins by at least 20 points, its longest streak since eight straight 20-point wins in 1929, according to Sportradar.

Jordan Johnson led Bethune-Cookman with 18 points.

NO. 10 BYU 109, EASTERN WASINGTON 81

PROVO, Utah (AP) — AJ Dybantsa had 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to lead BYU to a victory over Eastern Washington.

Dybantsa became the first player with a triple-double for the Cougars since Kyle Collinsworth against UAB on March 16, 2016.

Richie Saunders had 22 points to help BYU (12-1) go unbeaten through a four-game homestand. Kennard Davis Jr. and Robert Wright III added 17 points apiece. Wright also dished out seven assists.

The Cougars shot 61% from the field in the second half and made 16 3-pointers. Davis led the way with a career-high five.

Kiree Huie led Eastern Washington with 17 points. Jojo Anderson and Alton Hamilton IV added 13 apiece for the Eagles (2-11), who lost to a Big 12 opponent for the third time this season.

Dybantsa carried BYU’s offense early, scoring 21 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and 9-of-11 shooting from the free throw line in the first half.

NO. 12 NORTH CAROLINA 99, EAST CAROLINA 51

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Caleb Wilson had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and North Carolina had its highest point total of the season in a victory over East Carolina.

Wilson also had four blocks and three steals, while Henri Veesaar finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Luka Bogavac added 15 points and Seth Trimble scored 12 for the Tar Heels (12-1), who hit 12 3-pointers and shot 54% from the field.

Gio Emejuru finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds for ECU (5-8). Jordan Riley, who came in averaging a team-high 21.7 points, scored a season-low 11 on 4-of-24 shooting.

ECU missed its first seven shots and went 5:46 without a field goal. Offense came easily for the Tar Heels, who rolled into halftime up 49-26 while shooting 58.6%.

The Tar Heels stretched their lead to 50 points in the second half.

NO. 17 KANSAS 90, DAVIDSON 61

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds as Kansas used balanced scoring to beat Davidson.

Six players finished in double figures for the Jayhawks (10-3), including all five starters. Bryson Tiller added 11 points and Jamari McDowell scored 10. Melvin Council Jr. had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Kohl Rosario provided 13 points off the bench as Kansas shot 58% from the field, including 11 for 21 (52%) on 3-pointers. The Jayhawks had 27 assists on 37 baskets and outrebounded Davidson 42-31. White nabbed four of the team’s 13 steals.

Roberts Blums was the only player in double figures for the Wildcats (8-4) with 13 points off the bench. Davidson was limited to 36% shooting from the floor and went 2 for 6 at the free-throw line.

NO. 20 ILLINOIS 91, MISSOURI 48

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Freshman guard Keaton Wagler made a career-best five 3-pointers and scored 22 points to lead Illinois to a rout of Missouri.

Andrej Stojakovic returned from a first-half injury to score 16 points, and Tomislav Ivisic added 14 points as the Fighting Illini (9-3) rolled to the most lopsided victory in the history of the Braggin’ Rights rivalry.

Sebastian Mack had 17 points off the bench to lead Missouri (10-3) as coach Dennis Gates left his reserves in for much of the second half with the game out of hand.

After building a 16-point lead at halftime, the Illini poured it on with two 3-pointers from Ivisic in the opening minutes of the second half and finally pulled their starters with 2 1/2 minutes left.

The largest previous margin of victory in the series, which has been played 45 times since 1980, was Illinois’ 82-50 blowout in 2005, when it was coming off a Final Four run.

Wagler went 5 for 6 from 3-point range and improved to 12 for 18 in the past three games.

NO. 21 VIRGINIA 95, AMERICAN 51

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Virginia rolled to a victory over American University.

Malik Thomas, Sam Lewis and Elijah Gertrude each added 11 points as the Cavaliers (11-1) headed into their holiday break on a six-game winning streak.

Julen Iturbe had 13 points to pace the Eagles (7-6), held to 32% shooting from the field and six free throws.

Virginia made 62% from the floor and outrebounded American 45-23.

Already up 45-25 at halftime, the Cavaliers opened the second half by outscoring American 20-8 in the first eight minutes.

NO. 23 GEORGIA 103, WEST GEORGIA 74

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Blue Cain had 20 points to lead Georgia to a win over West Georgia.

Georgia (11-1) entered the matchup as one of the top scoring offenses in Division I, averaging 99.5 points per game. The Bulldogs scored 90 or more points for the ninth time and eclipsed 100 points for the sixth time this season.

It was Cain’s second time this season scoring 20 or more points. He scored a career-high 22 in Georgia’s 84-65 win over Cincinnati on Dec. 13.

Somtochukwu Cyril had 15 points and 15 rebounds — both career highs — and four blocks. Jeremiah Wilkinson had 19 points for Georgia, which improved to 35-0 in home nonconference games in four seasons under coach Mike White.

Shelton Williams-Dryden led West Georgia (6-6) with 23 points. Malcolm Noel scored 16 and JaVar Daniel 15.

The Bulldogs forced 17 turnovers and scored 24 points off of them. They started the game on a 7-0 scoring run and led by at least seven points until West Georgia cut the lead to five, 46-41, to start the second quarter. The Bulldogs responded with a 15-2 run and led by double digits for the remainder of the game.

The Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers qualified for the AFC playoffs with the Indianapolis Colts' 48-27 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

A fifth consecutive loss by the Colts clinched a seventh straight postseason trip for Josh Allen and the Bills (11-4), while Justin Herbert and the Chargers (11-4) are going for the second time in two seasons under coach Jim Harbaugh.

Trevor Lawrence is set for his second playoff appearance in five seasons with the AFC South-leading Jaguars (11-4). It's the third playoff trip for Jacksonville since 2017.

All three teams were in position to advance after winning on the road Sunday. Buffalo beat Cleveland 23-20, Los Angeles topped Dallas 34-17 and Jacksonville knocked off AFC West-leading Denver 34-20.

The Bills trail New England by a game in the AFC East, the same deficit for Los Angeles behind the Broncos. Buffalo needs help to catch the Patriots, but the Chargers can play for the AFC West title if they beat Houston at home on Saturday.

Los Angeles visits Denver in the regular-season finale, and a win would give the Chargers the tiebreaker with a sweep of the Broncos.

Los Angeles lost to the Texans in the wild-card round last season in Harbaugh’s Chargers debut, a year after he led Michigan to the national championship.

Harbaugh has made the playoffs in five of his six seasons as an NFL head coach. San Francisco qualified in the first three of his four seasons with the 49ers. That included a trip to the Super Bowl during the 2012 season when Harbaugh lost to his brother, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh.

The Chargers are 4-0 since Herbert broke a bone in his nonthrowing hand against Las Vegas in a victory that started the winning streak. Herbert’s left hand has been heavily protected in all three starts since surgery to repair the broken bone.

Bills coach Sean McDermott has reached the playoffs eight times in his nine seasons. The Jaguars are advancing with first-year coach Liam Coen.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

All Times EST

Tuesday, Dec. 23

NBA

Brooklyn at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Washington at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Milwaukee at Indiana, 7:30 p.m.

New Orleans at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Denver at Dallas, 8 p.m.

New York at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Memphis at Utah, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Orlando at Portland, 10 p.m.

Houston at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

NHL

Pittsburgh at Toronto, 4 p.m.

Dallas at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.

Buffalo at Ottawa, 7 p.m.

Florida at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Boston, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Washington, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Calgary at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Philadelphia at Chicago, 9 p.m.

Utah at Colorado, 9 p.m.

San Jose at Vegas, 10 p.m.

Seattle at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Boca Raton Bowl

Toledo vs. Louisville at Boca Raton, Fla., 2 p.m.

New Orleans Bowl

W. Kentucky vs. Southern Miss. at New Orleans, 5:30 p.m.

Frisco Bowl

UNLV vs. Ohio at Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m.

PWHL

Ottawa at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Seattle, 10 p.m.

_____

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Zya Vann had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 8 Oklahoma set a record for points with a 126-54 win over North Carolina Central on Monday in it final nonconference game of the regular season.

Aaliyah Chavez had 20 points, Sahara Williams scored 16 and Raegan Beers had 15 points and 10 rebounds for Oklahoma (12-1), which won its 11th straight game and reached the 100-point mark for the sixth time during that streak.

Eight players reached double figures for Oklahoma, including Keziah Lofton, a freshman whose layup with 1:27 left gave the Sooners a 123-52 lead and broke the mark for points in a game set last season when the Sooners beat Western Carolina 122-56. Lofton finished with 15 points.

Oklahoma held North Carolina Central of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to 23% shooting and converted 29 turnovers into 36 points.

Aniya Finger scored 17 points to lead the Eagles (2-10), who made 15 of 64 shots and got out rebounded 60-35.

Chavez scored 15 points in the first half, and her 3-pointer as time expired gave the Sooners a 67-29 lead and drew cheers from the crowd celebrating the ‘6-7’ craze.

NO. 24 MICHIGAN STATE 66, NO. 15 MISSISSIPPI 49

CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) — Rashunda Jones scored eight of her 13 points in a decisive third quarter, Grace VanSlooten finished with a double-double, and Michigan State beat Mississippiin the Cherokee Invitational title game.

Michigan State led 26-20 at the break and scored the first four points of the third quarter. Ole Miss cut the deficit to 30-25, but the Spartans closed on a 17-7 run for a 49-32 advantage heading into the final quarter. Jones hit a pair of 3s and Kennedy Blair scored all of her seven points in the third quarter for the Spartans, who shot 69% (9 of 13) in the period.

VanSlooten finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Isaline Alexander added 12 points for Michigan State (11-1).

Cotie McMahon scored 13 points to lead led Ole Miss (12-2), which shot 33% (17 of 51) overall and missed 15 of its 17 shots from long range.

Michigan State routed Indiana State 115-66 and Ole Miss beat Old Dominion 86-57 in Sunday’s tournament games.

NO. 19 OHIO STATE 95, WESTERN MICHIGAN 47

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Elsa Lemmila scored 15 points off the bench to lead five in double-figure scoring, and Ohio State beat Western Michigan.

Ohio State is 11-1 and 8-0 at home heading into its Sunday matchup hosting fourth-ranked UCLA.

Jaloni Cambridge and Kylee Kitts added 14 points apiece for the Buckeyes. Chance Gray chipped in with 13 points and Kennedy Cambridge scored 10. All five starters and Lemmila sat out the fourth quarter.

Kitts also grabbed nine rebounds and Kennedy Cambridge had four steals. Eight Buckeyes had at least one steal as they finished with 14 to extend their streak of 10 or more steals to seven consecutive games.

Alli Carlson scored 15 points to lead Western Michigan (3-7).

NO. 23 TENNESSEE 89, SOUTHERN INDIANA 44

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nya Robertson hit six 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, freshman Mia Pauldo added 19 points, which included a season-high five 3s, and Tennessee beat Southern Indiana in the first meeting between the programs.

Alyssa Latham scored 10 points for Tennessee (8-3).

Ali Saunders led Southern Indiana (8-3) with 14 points and Chloe Gannon scored 11.

Robertson hit a 3-pointer that made it 6-3 just more than a minute in and the Lady Vols — despite committing four turnovers and missing their next nine field-goal attempts — never again trailed. Janiah Barker, Zee Spearman and Pauldo each hit a 3-pointer in an 11-0 run that pushed the lead to 28-17 with a minute left in the first quarter. Pauldo hit her fourth and final 3 of the first half with 3:06 left in the second quarter that pushed the lead into double figures for good.

Robertson hit a 3-pointer to open the third quarter and then made three more in a 47-second span as the Lady Vols opened the second half with a 16-2 run.

The Lady Vols made a season-high 18 3-pointers and their bench outscored Southern Indiana’s 47-7.

NO. 25 PRINCETON 87, TEMPLE 77

PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — Madison St. Rose had 22 points, Skye Belker scored 19 and Princeton dispatched Temple for the Tigers’ 10th straight victory.

St. Rose made 8 of 17 shots with a 3-pointer for the Tigers (12-1), who improve to 5-0 at home. Belker made 7 of 12 shots, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc.

Toby Nweke hit three 3-pointers and scored 15 off the bench for Princeton. Ashley Chea scored 10.

Kaylah Turner scored a career-high 36 with a career-best eight 3-pointers to lead the Owls (6-6), who fall to 0-4 on the road. The junior guard hit 13 of 21 shots — missing four from distance. Turner’s previous high came two games earlier when she scored 29 in an 88-63 victory over VCU.

Jaleesa Molina added 12 points for Temple, and Saniyah Craig totaled eight points, 12 rebounds and five assists.