Clippers Clinch Unexpected Playoff Berth

The Los Angeles Clippers became the fifth team in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff berth with a 122-111 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Danilo Gallinari led all scorers with 25 points for the visiting Clippers, who won their 45th game of the season at Target Center. A year after missing the postseason with a 42-40 record, LA is playoff-bound for the seventh time in the past eight seasons.

Head coach Doc Rivers was well-aware of the pundits who said the Clippers had no chance of making the postseason in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. 

"I'm just really happy for our guys," Rivers said. "Before the year, we went through all the articles about us and how bad we were going to be. I just told them, they don't know us."

The majority of the offseason chatter focused on the Los Angeles Lakers—who were eliminated from postseason contention last week—but it was the Clippers who emerged as the City's best team.

Despite sending forward Tobias Harris—an All-Star snub—to the Philadelphia 76ers via trade in February, the Clippers continued to win against all odds. The Clippers are 15-5 since dealing Harris. They have ripped off six straight victories, the longest active streak in the NBA, and are 11-1 in March.

Clippers have beaten bookmakers win total by 12 games and have six more to go. Doc Rivers is well aware after they clinched last night pic.twitter.com/7gXGld4bRo

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 27, 2019

The Clippers used a dominant first quarter to bulldoze the Timberwolves, outscoring the hosts 42-23. Minnesota managed to trim the deficit to six in the fourth quarter, but never got closer. Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 24 points and 13 rebounds.

Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, two of the best bench players in the league, carried the Clippers’ second-unit. Williams scored 20 points with seven assists and four rebounds. Harrell registered 18 points, grabbed five rebounds and blocked two shots.

The only NBA team so far to clinch a postseason berth without an All-Star, the Clippers relied on their unmatched bench to exceed expectations. The 25-year-old Harrell has had a breakout season, accumulating career-bests in points (16.6), rebounds (6.7), assists (1.9) and blocks per contest (1.4). Harrell and his teammate Williams will be up for Sixth Man of the Year honors.

The Las Vegas over/under win total was just 33.5 for the Clippers. They were forecasted by Vegas to finish 12th (based off win total) in the West, but now have a realistic shot at attaining home-court advantage in the first round of the postseason.

"It's so hard to make the playoffs in the West," said guard Patrick Beverley, who exited the contest early with a hip point injury after scoring 11 points with five assists and two blocks in 18 minutes. "To be in the category with some of the teams that we're in the category with, it's truly a blessing."

MLB Predictions 2019: Standings, Awards, Playoffs

American League

AL East

Boston Red Sox

New York Yankees*

Tampa Bay Rays*

Toronto Blue Jays

Baltimore Orioles

AL Central

Cleveland Indians

Chicago White Sox

Minnesota Twins

Kansas City Royals

Detroit Tigers

AL West

Houston Astros

Los Angeles Angels

Oakland Athletics

Texas Rangers

Seattle Mariners

National League

NL East

Washington Nationals

New York Mets*

Atlanta Braves

Philadelphia Phillies

Miami Marlins

NL Central

Chicago Cubs

St. Louis Cardinals

Milwaukee Brewers

Pittsburgh Pirates

Cincinnati Reds

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers

Colorado Rockies*

San Diego Padres

Arizona Diamondbacks

San Francisco Giants

* Indicates Wild-Card Team

Awards

AL MVP: Carlos Correa, Astros

AL Cy Young: Trevor Bauer, Indians

AL Rookie of the Year: Eloy Jimenez, White Sox

AL Manager of the Year: Kevin Cash, Rays

NL MVP: Nolan Arenado, Rockies

NL Cy Young: Max Scherzer, Nationals

NL Rookie of the Year: Peter Alonso, Mets 

NL Manager of the Year: Mickey Callaway, Mets

Playoffs

ALCS: Astros defeat Red Sox

NLCS: Nationals defeat Cubs  

World Series:  Nationals defeat Astros

Elfrid Payton Records Fifth Consecutive Triple-Double as Pelicans Beat Mavs

Elfrid Payton recorded his fifth consecutive triple-double as the visiting New Orleans Pelicans beat the Dallas Mavericks in overtime on Monday night.

The Pelicans managed to snap a six-game losing streak on a night where Dirk Nowitzki passed Wilt Chamberlain for sixth place on the NBA's career scoring list and Mavs rookie Luka Doncic turned in a triple-double of his own with 29 points, 13 rebounds and 10 dimes.

Pelicans forward Julius Randle scored a game-high 30 points in the victory.

Payton logged 19 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in the 129-125 win. He is the fifth player in NBA history to post five straight triple-doubles. Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook have also accomplished this feat.

Elfrid Payton has become just the 5th player in NBA history to record a triple-double in 5 consecutive games.

Russell Westbrook set the NBA record earlier this season with an 11-game streak.

h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/jdLyMuQ2Kj

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 19, 2019

Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry praised Payton for his recent stretch of dominance.

"To be a point guard and be able to come up with double-digit rebounds night after night after night, that is really tough to do," Gentry said. "Any time they mention you in the same breath as Westbrook, you have to feel really good about it. If they mention you in the same breath as Oscar Robertson, that is another whole area."

Payton will look to register his sixth consecutive triple-double on Wednesday night in a road tilt against the Orlando Magic. The 25-year-old Payton spent the first 3.5 seasons of his career with the Magic before it traded him to the Phoenix Suns at the 2018 NBA trade deadline. He played just 19 games for the Suns, before signing with the Pelicans in free agency this summer.

Nuggets Win in Thomas' Return to Boston

The Denver Nuggets are heading to the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2013, clinching a postseason berth in Monday's 114-105 win over the Boston Celtics.

Nikola Jokic scored 21 points, corralled 13 rebounds, dished seven assists and added two steals and three blocks. Will Barton had 20 points in the victory.

Isaiah Thomas played in his first game back in Boston since being traded in the summer of 2017 for Kyrie Irving. 

The TD Garden crowd roared as the Celtics played a two-minute tribute video on the jumbotron dedicated to Thomas during the first timeout of the game. Thomas, a two-time All-Star with Boston, held back tears as the Boston fans saluted him.

"I was emotional," Thomas said. "I almost cried. That was everything. I appreciate them for doing that."

Thomas was all smiles as the Celtics played a tribute video for him. (Getty Images)

Thomas played just seven minutes, failing to score. He had two assists and one turnover.

Denver outrebounded Boston 51-37. Paul Millsap registered a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double as Denver dominated the Celtics on the boards.

The Nuggets took control of the game in the fourth quarter. Entering the final period tied, the Nuggets grabbed a 12-point lead with under four minutes remaining after Gary Harris (16 points) stole the ball from Boston's Al Horford and drove the length of the court for a layup that put the game out of reach.

Horford finished with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in the defeat. Irving logged a game-high 30 points with five rebounds, four assists and four steals.

The Celtics play at Philadelphia on Wednesday, while the Nuggets will play the second contest of their four-game road trip in Washington on Tuesday.

Report: 'No Way' Pelicans Trade Davis to Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers failed to acquire six-time All-Star Anthony Davis at the trade deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans were not pleased with how the Lakers handled trade negotiations back in late-January/February for Davis, who publicly stated he wanted to be dealt.

A new report suggests that the Pelicans won’t even consider trading Davis to the Lakers this offseason.

"I have been told that there's no way Anthony Davis is coming here [to the Lakers], through the Pelicans," Marc J. Spears said while appearing on ESPN's The Jump. "They're just not going to do it."

ESPN’s Michael Wilbon claimed he also heard that Davis-to-LAL is a no-go come this summer.

Trade talks turned contentious before the NBA's trade deadline when Davis' agent, Rich Paul, made it public knowledge the big man did not want to play for the Pelicans in the long-term. Paul also represents Lakers superstar LeBron James, who stated his desire to play with Davis.

The Lakers reportedly leaked details of the offers they presented to New Orleans for Davis, incensing the Pelicans’ front office.

LeBron may not get his wish to play with Anthony Davis next season. (Joe C. Hong/AP)

Another major hurdle for the Lakers is that two of their biggest trade chips—Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball—have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Ingram is dealing with blood clots, having been diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. This could be a serious detriment to the remainder of his career, and as a result, has lowered his trade value. Ingram finished this season averaging 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting 49.7 percent from the floor, 33.0 percent from beyond the arc and 67.5 percent from the free-throw line.

Ball has not played since mid-January after suffering a Grade 3 ankle sprain. He averaged 9.9 points and 5.4 assists per game this season and shot 40.6% from the field and 32.9% from three. Ball has played in just 99 out of a possible 164 games in his two-year NBA career.

The Pelicans will have plenty of suitors for Davis this summer. The Boston Celtics will be the favorites to land Davis, so long as they agree to deal rising star Jayson Tatum to New Orleans. The Lakers could get back in the mix for Davis, but their chances of trading for the forward/center have decreased significantly in recent months.

Anthony Barr Spurns Jets, Re-Signs with Vikings

Anthony Barr has reversed course and will continue playing for the Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports. Barr had initially agreed to sign with the New York Jets on Monday, but after a change of heart, the linebacker has opted to re-sign with Minnesota.

Plot twist! LB Anthony Barr has decided to agree to terms to remain with the #Vikings, sources say. He will not be a member of the #Jets after all.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2019

Barr, a pass rushing specialist who turns 27 next week, made 55 tackles last season with three sacks and a forced fumble. In 71 career games spanning five seasons, he has compiled 338 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 22 passes defensed and seven forced fumbles for the Vikings, who selected him No. 9 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Vikings already lost defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and running back Latavius Murray to free agency. Richardson inked a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, while Murray joined the New Orleans Saints on a four-year pact. The Vikings were on the verge of losing Barr before he decided to return for a sixth season with the franchise.

The new league year opens tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET, meaning players are free to opt out of any verbal agreements they make with a team during the legal tampering period.

Barr's new deal with Minnesota will pay him roughly $13.5 million per year, according to NFL Insider Albert Breer.

The Vikings and LB Anthony Barr's camp are hammering out a multi-year deal now, and it's expected to come in at about $13.5 million per, per sources. Barr loves Minnesota, team's culture. And Vikes sweetened their offer last night.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2019

Lions Sign Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola will reportedly sign with the Detroit Lions. Despite a reported mutual interest of a reunion between Amendola and the New England Patriots, the wide receiver will join Detroit on a one-year deal.

Former Dolphins’ WR Danny Amendola plans to sign with Detroit, per source. Amendola is in Detroit now, taking a physical and as long as there are no complications, he will be a Lion, reunited with GM Bob Quinn and HC Matt Patricia. #Lions

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 11, 2019

The Miami Dolphins released Amendola on Friday, allowing him to sign with Detroit before the new NFL year begins on Wednesday. The Dolphins saved $6 million in salary for 2019 by cutting the 33-year-old. 

Danny Amendola will join the Detroit Lions after spending just one season with the Miami Dolphins. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

Amendola totaled 59 receptions for 575 yards and one touchdown for the Dolphins last season. Amendola spent the previous five seasons with New England, where he registered 230 catches for 2,383 yards and 12 touchdowns. He won Super Bowls with the Patriots in 2014 and 2016.

Amendola’s one-year deal includes a $4.5 million guaranteed salary and could be worth up to $6.75 million with incentives. He will be reunited with Matt Patricia—the Lions head coach and former defensive coordinator of the Patriots—and general manager Bob Quinn, who was the director of pro scouting in New England in 2013 when the Patriots first signed Amendola.

Detroit’s wide receiving group will be led by Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, while Amendola will serve as the slot receiver.

Amendola, Pats Have Mutual Interest in Reunion

Free agent Danny Amendola would reportedly like to re-join the New England Patriots after spending the 2018 season playing for the Miami Dolphins, who released the wideout on Friday. The Patriots reportedly have interest in bringing back Amendola, who spent five years (2013-2017) in New England.

There’s mutual interest between Danny Amendola and the Patriots, per sources. We’ll see if it amounts to a reunion or not, but the possibility exists.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 11, 2019

Amendola tallied 59 receptions for 575 yards and one touchdown for the Dolphins last season. He actually led the Dolphins in receptions and receiving yards, demonstrating the team's futile passing offense. The Dolphins saved $6 million in salary for 2019 by cutting Amendola.

In five seasons with the Patriots, Amendola amassed 230 catches for 2,383 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 33-year-old was a critical piece in the Patriots' Super Bowl titles in 2014 and 2016.

The Patriots need reinforcements at wide receiver. Receivers Chris Hogan, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Phillip Dorsett are free agents. Josh Gordon is suspended indefinitely and his NFL future is murky at best. 

Amendola is a dependable target and could be a plug-and-play cog in New England’s offense if he's brought back. 

Free agency begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. The Patriots' wide receiver depth chart should round into form over the next month. They could also select a receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft in April.

Bears Open to Trading Jordan Howard

The Chicago Bears are reportedly fielding offers for running back Jordan Howard. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that multiple teams approached the Bears during the NFL Combine last week in Indianapolis and talked about potential trade scenarios for the running back.

Multiple teams approached the Chicago Bears at the combine last week and discussed a potential trade for RB Jordan Howard, per league sources. Discussions ongoing.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2019

Howard, who was selected by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. He ran for 935 yards last season with nine rushing scores.

The Bears are exploring the trade market for Jordan Howard. (Tim Ludwig/USA Today Sports)

Matt Nagy’s offensive system does not cater to Howard, who is not a strong pass-catcher. Unfortunately for Howard, most modern NFL systems (like that of Bears head coach Nagy) require the halfback to consistently catch passes out of the backfield.

Backup running back Tarik Cohen, a 2017 draft selection, was much more involved in the passing attack, registering 71 receptions for 725 yards and five TDs. Howard caught a career-low 20 passes for 145 yards out of the backfield last season.

The Bears were offered a third-round pick for Howard last year, but GM Ryan Pace declined the deal, a decision he may now regret.

Howard’s contract is team-friendly as he will earn just over $2 million next season, the final year of his rookie deal.

The Bears will seek future draft selections in trade negotiations. Teams such as the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles could benefit from acquiring Howard, a hard-nosed traditional tailback.

Browns Cut Jamie Collins; Return to Pats in Play?

The Cleveland Browns have released linebacker Jamie Collins. The move saves the Browns $9.25 million against the cap, leaving behind $2.5 million in dead money. Cleveland acquired Collins from the New England Patriots in 2016 in exchange for a third-round pick. The subsequent offseason, the Browns made him the NFL's highest-paid outside linebacker.

Collins played in 30 games for the Browns. The 29-year-old missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn MCL. He started all 16 games for the Browns last season, leading the team with 104 tackles, recording 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.

Collins recovers a fumble in a game versus Atlanta last season. (AP Photo)

Before releasing Collins, the Browns had tried to trade the linebacker but no teams were interested because of the high salary ($10.3 million) he was due in 2019.

Once a dominant player with the Patriots, Collins led the team with 138 tackles in 2014 on the way to a Super Bowl title. He earned his only Pro Bowl selection the following year, amassing a career-high 5.5 sacks in only 12 games.

Collins' release was hinted at by Browns general manager John Dorsey during the NFL Scouting Combine

"There were some inconsistencies,'' he said at the time. "You don't know what leads to it. He may have been nicked. All I know is he's a very talented football player and you can't have enough of those guys on your team."

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that cutting Collins gives the Browns over $80 million in cap space, the third-most space in the league.

The #Browns now have over $80 million in 2019 cap space. Only the #Jets and #Colts (both $100M+) have more, with one week and plenty of moves to go before the league year begins.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 6, 2019

A return to the Patriots is not out of the question for Collins. He could take a short-term 'prove-it' deal and serve as a situational pass rusher. Furthermore, the Patriots had discussions with the Browns about Collins at last season's trade deadline.

Collins was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.