According to Carlisle, Mavericks GM …

According to Carlisle, Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson envisioned as much well before Dallas acquired Doncic in a 2018 NBA draft-night trade that sent Trae Young to Atlanta. “Donnie told me flat out he was going to be the best in that draft, and it wasn’t close,” Carlisle said. “That’s how he felt about it. We’re thrilled that we’ve had the chance to get him to Dallas and work with him. He’s worked hard. Each week he’s gotten better and better and better and going forward, I’m watching his workload closely, his minutes, those kinds of things. It’s important that we look out for him, too.”

No, Conley never reached the mountain …

No, Conley never reached the mountain top that is an NBA championship. It’s one of the reasons the Grizzlies moved on from the era. But, you can’t mention the city of Memphis and not think of Conley and what he’s meant to a community for a generation. “It’s going to be tough because there are going to be so many emotions,” Conley told The Athletic. “And then, I’m going to have to find a way to try and play a basketball game.”

In the locker room, Conley was one of …

In the locker room, Conley was one of the best teammates in the league. A big reason why the Jazz were so successful in free agency — signing Bojan Bogdanovic, Jeff Green and Ed Davis — was because they all wanted to play with Conley. Green and Davis were teammates with Conley in Memphis. Bogdanovic wanted to play with a guy of Conley’s playmaking ability. “He taught us a lot,” Memphis small forward Dillon Brooks said. “He was quiet at first. But then, when you get to know him, he opens up to you. He taught us how to prepare for games, how to stretch. He told us every single game was a learning experience. He has so much knowledge from being in the league.”

Yet, just as the fine money was a …

Yet, just as the fine money was a long-running joke in Memphis, Conley’s Jazz teammates have started conspiring to ruin his perfect record. “He’s got to get one!” Donovan Mitchell says. “No one cares. Just get one!” Joe Ingles chimes in from a chair over. “He has to get one,” Mitchell repeats, and then Ingles offers a plan. “I’m going to try to get one but stand so close to him that they think it’s him,” Ingles says — never mind that his Australian accent is quite distinctive. “You’ve got to curse the ref out from behind and then just walk away,” Mitchell says. Ingles is already thinking a step ahead: “Then when they try to rescind it, me and you can call the league.” “Nah,” Mitchell says, pretending to talk to a league official, “he meant everything he said.” Conley smiles and shakes his head when told about his teammates’ plot. Teammates have been trying to get him T’d up for years.

“It’s who I am,” Conley says. “You win …

“It’s who I am,” Conley says. “You win awards for sportsmanship and whatever, but that’s just me being me. I’m not doing anything extra. It’s the same thing with the refs. You can’t change who you are. “I don’t know what can make me go over the edge. I’m afraid that if I did go over the edge, I’d get ejected. It’s not even going to be close.” Conley grins again. He’s playing make-believe at this point. “I’m going to get ejected, throw a water in the stands,” Conley says. “You never know.”

Midway through the meal, Spoelstra hit …

Midway through the meal, Spoelstra hit Dragic with the all-important question: How would you feel about coming off the bench? “He mentioned it to me at brunch and he was saying after that injury he was thinking this was the best way,” Dragic said. “I said, ‘Whatever it takes, Coach. I’m going to do whatever you ask of me.’ In the end, it’s easy to say that right now but when you talk and you hear those words, it’s kind of a shock at first. At the end of the day, you just move on.”‘

Week 12 Mountain West Football Expert Picks

Week 12 Mountain West Football Expert Picks Who does our staff like this weekend? Contact/Follow @MWCwire Who does our staff like this week? Fresno State @ San Diego State (-2½) New week, new look ⚪️⚪️ #GoDogs | #PrideOfTheValley …

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Week 12 Mountain West Football Expert Picks

Who does our staff like this weekend?

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

Who does our staff like this week?

Fresno State @ San Diego State (-2½)

Jeremy: SU: San Diego State | ATS: San Diego State | Score: San Diego State 20, Fresno State 17

Raj: SU/ATS: Fresno State (Upset Alert!)

Jesse: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Ted: SU: San Diego State | ATS: San Diego State 

Brandon T: SU/ATS: San Diego St 24 Fresno 21

Matt: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Utah State | Score: Fresno State 24, San Diego State 21

Brandon B: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State| Fresno State 28 San Diego State 25

Logan: SDSU 30-24

Sam: SU: Fresno State | ATS: Fresno State

Sean: SU: SDSU | ATS: SDSU| SDSU 24 – Fresno State 17

Wyoming @ Utah State (-6)

Jeremy: SU: Utah State | ATS: Utah State | Score:  Utah State 23, Wyoming 16

Raj: SU/ATS: Wyoming (Upset Alert!)

Jesse: SU: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming

Ted: SU: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming

Brandon T: SU/ATS: Utah St 31 Wyoming 21

Matt: SU: Wyoming | ATS: Utah State | Score: Wyoming 21, 17 Utah State

BrandonB SU: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming| Score Wyoming 28 Utah State 17

Logan: Wyoming 27-20

Sam: SU: USU | ATS: USU

Sean: Wyoming | ATS: Wyoming| Score Wyoming 24-  Utah State 21

Hawai’i (-6½) @ UNLV

Jeremy: SU: Hawaii | ATS: Hawaii | Score: Hawaii 45, UNLV 21

Raj: SU/ATS: Hawaii

Jesse: SU: Hawaii | ATS: Hawaii

Ted: SU: Hawaii | ATS: Hawaii

Brandon T: SU/ATS: Hawaii 38 UNLV 28

Matt: SU: Hawaii | ATS: Hawaii | Score: Hawaii 45, UNLV 35

Brandon B: SU: Hawaii | ATS: Hawaii | Score: Hawaii 40, UNLV 17

Logan: Hawaii 35-24

Sam: SU: Hawaii | ATS: Hawaii

Sean: SU: Hawaii | ATS: Hawaii | Score: Hawaii 35, UNLV 20

Air Force (-10½) @ Colorado State

Jeremy: SU: Air Force | ATS: Colorado State | Score: Air Force 31, Colorado State 23

Raj: SU: Air Force | ATS: Colorado State

Jesse: SU: Colorado State | ATS: Colorado State

Ted: SU: Air Force | ATS: Colorado State

Brandon T: SU/ATS: Air Force 38 Colorado St 14

Matt: SU: Air Force | ATS: Colorado State | Score: Air Force  38, Colorado State 35 

Brandon B SU: Air Force | ATS: Colorado State | Score: Air Force 35, Colorado State 29

Logan: Air Force 38-17

Sam: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Sean: SU: Air Force | ATS: Colorado State | Score: Air Force  35, Colorado State 30 

New Mexico @ Boise State (-27½)

Jeremy: SU: Boise State | ATS: New Mexico | Score: Boise State 31, New Mexico 10

Raj: SU/ATS: Boise State, 45-17

Jesse: SU: Boise State | ATS: New Mexico

Ted: SU: Boise State | ATS: New Mexico

Brandon T: SU/ATS: Boise St 56 New Mexico 10

Matt: SU: Boise State| ATS: New Mexico | Score: Boise State 35, New Mexico 20

Brandon B :SU: Boise State| ATS: Boise State | Score Boise State 44 New Mexico 20

Logan: Boise State 42-13

Sam: SU: Boise State | ATS: New Mexico

Sean: SU: Boise State| ATS: New Mexico | Score: Boise State 38, New Mexico 24

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Bengals-Raiders odds: Oakland double-digit home favorite

Previewing Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders Week 11 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

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The winless Cincinnati Bengals (0-9) visit the Oakland Raiders (5-4) Sunday for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at RingCentral Coliseum (on CBS). We analyze the Bengals-Raiders odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 11 NFL matchup.

Bengals at Raiders: Week 11 preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets. 

  • The Bengals lost at home to the Baltimore Ravens 49-13 last Sunday, failing to cover as 10.5-point underdogs.
  • The Raiders beat the Los Angeles Chargers 26-24 at home last Thursday as a 1-point underdog. RB Josh Jacobs’ 18-yard touchdown run with 1:02 remaining capped Oakland’s late winning drive.
  • The Bengals are 3-6 against the spread (ATS) and 3-6 against the Over/Under (O/U).
  • Bengals rookie QB Ryan Finley made his first career start last week, completing 16 of 30 passes for 167 yards and one TD with one pick.
  • Raiders QB Derek Carr has thrown for 2,202 yards with 14 TDs and four interceptions this season.
  • The Bengals have won the last three vs. the Raiders, dating back to 2012.
  • The Raiders average 23.1 points per game, ranking 15th. The Bengals are 29th (15.2 PPG).
  • The Raiders are 26th by points allowed (26.7 PPG), while the Bengals are 28th (28.8 PPG).

Bengals at Raiders: Key injuries.

Bengals: WR A.J. Green (ankle), OT Bobby Hart (shoulder), RG Alex Redmond (ankle), DT Geno Atkins (knee) are questionable. RB Giovani Bernard (knee) is probable, while CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) is out.

Raiders: FS Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring) is doubtful, while C Rodney Hudson (ankle), DE Josh Mauro (groin) and CB Trayvon Mullen (illness) are questionable. Jacobs (shoulder) is probable.

Bengals at Raiders: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Nov 10, 2019; Cincinnati, OH; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ryan Finley made his first career start in Week 10. (Photo Credit: Joe Maiorana – USA TODAY Sports)

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raiders 42, Bengals 13

Moneyline (?)

AVOID. The Raiders will win this one, but the moneyline price of -625 is too low for my tastes – every $6.25 wagered on an Oakland win profits $1.

The Bengals are +450 – wagering $1 to win $4.50 should they win outright – but you’re better off donating your cash to a worthy cause.

Against the Spread (?)

The RAIDERS (-10.5, -115) are worth a play. They’re 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games; however, they haven’t won a game by more than eight points this season. The Bengals (+10.5, -106) have lost their last three games by a combined 60 points.

Over/Under (?)

The OVER 48.5 (-115) is worth a small-unit play … but just like I suggested last week with Cincy, the STRONGEST PLAY is the 1st-half OVER 23.5 (-134). The Bengals are terrible against the run, ranking last in the league by allowing 173 yards per game. Oakland could score three TDs before halftime.

New to sports betting? Bet $13.40 to win $10 that 24 or more points will be scored by halftime.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s November record: 6-4. Strongest plays: 2-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Report: Kansas adds under the radar point guard Latrell Jossell

Latrell Jossell did not receive a four or five-star rating from the major scouting services. That may soon change now that he’s committed to Kansas.

The big recruiting week for Kansas basketball continued Thursday, though the name that is the Jayhawks’ big addition remains a but of an unknown outside of basketball recruitniks.

As reported by 247Sports, the Jayhawks received a commitment from point guard Latrell Jossell on Thursday night. Josell is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound wunderkind who came into his own over the 2017-18 season, when he led YGC36 in scoring during the adidas Gauntlet, and will arrive at Kansas with the goal of forming one of the nation’s most explosive backcourts alongside recent five-star commitment Bryce Thompson.

As for why Jossell is heading to Kansas despite not having a star-rating, YGC36 coach Vonzell Thomas said not to be dissuaded by the previous lack of attention, Jossell is the real deal.

“A lot of people do not realize this, but Latrell led us in scoring this summer,” Thomas told 247Sports. “Kansas is getting a kid who knows how to win and plays with a chip on his shoulder because he was overlooked. He is going to work hard every single day to make himself and his teammates better. … I really believe they got a steal.”

Jossell was reportedly won over while taking an official visit during Kansas’ preseason tip-off Late Night in the Phog event. According to Jossell, after that it was only a matter of time until Kansas extended a scholarship offer and Jossell accepted.

“When [KU] offered, I knew right away that I was going there,” Jossell told 247Sports.

Bruins-Maple Leafs odds: Division rivals meet in Toronto

Previewing Friday’s Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and picks

The Boston Bruins (11-3-4) visit the rival Toronto Maple Leafs (9-7-4) at Scotiabank Arena Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

We analyze the Bruins-Maple Leafs odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Bruins at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Frederik Andersen

Rask is confirmed to start. The goalie has a 7-2-2 record with a 2.16 goals against average and a .926 save percentage. Rask has come back to Earth allowing 12 goals in his last three starts.

Andersen, expected to start, is 9-3-3 with a 2.72 GAA and a .912 save percentage. Andersen seeks to rebound after having an off night against the New York Islanders Wednesday, giving up four goals on 29 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Bruins at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Bruins 3

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-115) is a bit less banged up than Boston (-106), though this is no automatic bet. Boston’s top line is still healthy and will get its points. It comes down to execution and Toronto’s top forwards still have enough speed to get by here and squeeze out a win.

It will be dicey and high-event, but take Toronto on the moneyline.

A $10 bet with Toronto results in an $8.70 profit with a Maple Leafs’ win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The problem here is the teams have a tendency to play mostly one-goal games as they did in Toronto. Boston won the last meeting 4-2 on a late empty-netter. Toronto has been playing a style that does not let it pull too far ahead. So, if the Leafs win, it will likely be one or two goals. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+115) is a modest, small play given how uncertain Boston’s depth looks after the Torey Krug injury. It makes an impact but forces the Bruins to go more on the offensive than usual. John Tavares and Auston Matthews should be able to create almost at will vs. Boston. The same goes for David Krejci and Boston’s top-six. Again, take the over!

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a nice $11.50 profit for a cover.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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