Day: January 9, 2018

Playoffs? Despite Hornets’ 15-23 start, here’s why postseason berth is still possiblePlayoffs? Despite Hornets’ 15-23 start, here’s why postseason berth is still possible

The first half of the Charlotte Hornets’ season has incinerated their playoff chances, right? This team can’t possibly bounce back from a 15-23 start to be one of the eight playoff teams in the Eastern Conference, right? Wrong, actually. According to Elias Sports Bureau, dozens of teams in NBA

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Featured Groups: Sony Open in HawaiiFeatured Groups: Sony Open in Hawaii

The first full-field event of 2018 takes place this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Led by defending champion Justin Thomas – who opened last year’s tournament by shooting a 11-under 59 – a total of 144 players will compete at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. TEE TIMES: Sony Open in Hawaii, Rounds 1 and 2 It’s the 20th year of Sony’s sponsorship of the event, and two players in the field will be making their 20th consecutive starts at Waialae – Jerry Kelly and Rory Sabbatini. As playing partners this week, they will get to compare notes and memories for at least the first two rounds. The third member of that group is J.J. Henry, who is making his 500th career PGA TOUR start this week. Here’s a look at some of the featured groups for Thursday and Friday (FedExCup rankings in parentheses). Please note — times listed below are ET, which is five hours ahead of local time in Honolulu. Patton Kizzire (3), Zach Johnson (45), Jimmy Walker (N/A): Kizzire is the highest-ranked player in the field in the FedExCup standings, having posted three top 10s last fall, including a win at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. Johnson has an excellent track record at Waialae – a win in 2009, and top 10s in three of his last four starts. Walker’s track record is equally impressive – back-to-back Sony wins in 2014-15. Tee times: Rd. 1 – 5:30 p.m. ET off 1st tee; Rd. 2 – 12:50 p.m off 10th tee. Justin Thomas (6), Kevin Kisner (49), Jason Dufner (105): It’s an all-SEC lineup of Thomas (Alabama), Kisner (Georgia) and Dufner (Auburn). In fact, Thomas and Kisner had a bet on the National Championship game, and Kisner will have to pay off by wearing an Alabama jersey while playing the 17th hole Thursday. As for Dufner … well, no need to bring up the Peach Bowl result around him. Tee times: Rd. 1 – 5:40 p.m. ET off 1st tee; Rd. 2 – 1 p.m ET off 10th tee. Marc Leishman (15), Si Woo Kim (21), Webb Simpson (98): Leishman and Kim, the Presidents Cup teammates, have both played well lately. Leishman has five top 10s in his last seven starts; Kim has top top-10s in his last three starts. Both were inside the top 10 at last week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions. Simpson is making his first start on TOUR since withdrawing from last fall’s The RSM Classic to be with his ailing dad Sam, who was battling Parkinson’s Disease. Sam Simpson passed away a week later. Tee times: Rd. 1 – 12:50 p.m. ET off 10th tee; Rd. 2 – 5:30 p.m. ET off 1st tee. Xander Schauffele (33), Daniel Berger (75), Jordan Spieth (92): It’s the second consecutive year that Spieth and Berger have been paired at the Sony Open; a year ago, they were together for the first three rounds, with Spieth finishing solo third and Berger tied for 45th. Spieth – at No. 2 the highest ranked world player in the field — and Schauffele have never been paired at a PGA TOUR event. Tee times: Rd. 1 – 1 p.m. ET off 10th tee; Rd. 2 – 5:40 p.m. ET off 1st tee.  

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Tyreke Evans should be in the Wizards’ plansTyreke Evans should be in the Wizards’ plans

ANALYSIS/OPINION: Sometimes the NBA trade deadline prompts the tinkering mindset of a toddler, the key question being, “What if?� What if the Wizards acquired this All-Star? What if they only bolstered the bench? What if they did nothing? Trade possibilities can make people reach out to pull in parts

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Bills GM says Incognito comments may have been misunderstoodBills GM says Incognito comments may have been misunderstood

Beane says the team has spoken to Incognito and understands their player’s side of the story of the alleged exchange that occurred during Buffalo’s 10-3 loss to the Jaguars in an AFC wild-card playoff game on Sunday. Beane confirmed that some type of exchange happened but declined to get into

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Matt Ryan misses start of practice to attend to personal matterMatt Ryan misses start of practice to attend to personal matter

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was not on the field for the start of practice. His absence is not for an injury but to attend to a personal matter, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Ryan could make it back for a portion of practice, via Ledbetter. Falcons coach Dan Quinn will

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Fantasy Insider: Sony Open in HawaiiFantasy Insider: Sony Open in Hawaii

If you’re just now easing into the 2017-18 season, you may not be aware of a new feature on the FANTASY page that I’ll plug once more. After a short scroll, you’ll see “ROB BOLTON TWITTERFEED.” That’s there for many reasons, including for all gamers who don’t use Twitter and want to remain in touch with all field changes. Loyal readers are familiar with finding notable withdrawals on this page, but I cite all WDs and additions on Twitter. I don’t tweet often enough to be annoying, but I’m active enough to remind you that I’m there. It’s a workable balance for our purposes. In other news, fantasy gamers have a new, dedicated program that airs live on the PGA TOUR’s Facebook page every Tuesday. (The time is flexible, so expect promotion on social media.) I’ll be sitting in for a segment and conversation. The co-hosts will also read and discuss your hot takes. If you take part or just watch, we hope you enjoy it. PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf presented by SERVPRO My roster for the Sony Open in Hawaii (in alphabetical order): Brian Harman Charles Howell III Kevin Kisner Marc Leishman Jordan Spieth Justin Thomas You’ll find my starters in Expert Picks. Others to consider for each category (in alphabetical order): Scoring: Daniel Berger; Jason Dufner; Tony Finau; Xander Schauffele; Ollie Schniederjans; Cameron Smith; Peter Uihlein Driving: James Hahn; Russell Henley; Ollie Schniederjans; Kyle Stanley; Gary Woodland Approach: Jason Dufner; Kevin Na; Chez Reavie; Webb Simpson; J.J. Spaun; Kyle Stanley; Peter Uihlein Short: Jason Dufner; Russell Henley; Zach Johnson; William McGirt; Chez Reavie; Xander Schauffele; Gary Woodland Power Rankings Wild Card Si Woo Kim … He was my last cut from the Power Rankings, so his spot here essentially is an extension of that. When he is on, he’s so, so good. En route to a 10th-place finish at Kapalua last week, he ranked T2 in proximity to the hole and T3 in scrambling. In his only previous trip to Waialae, he placed fourth in 2016 and led the field in strokes gained: around-the-green and ranked T5 in both scrambling and par-5 scoring. Of course, even relatively new gamers also know what comes with the hope – hurt – but it’s been nearly five months now since he’s withdrawn during a tournament. Definitely worth a spot for aggressive DFSers. Draws Xander Schauffele … All that mattered at Kapalua last week was the experience, not the result (T22). First-timers always take a back seat to returning participants on that track. He can now retool and give Waialae all it can handle. As the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year, he ranked inside the top 40 on the PGA TOUR in total driving, greens in regulation, strokes gained: putting, birdie-or-better percentage, par-4 scoring and par-5 scoring. He’s also missed only one cut since late May, and that was at the PGA Championship. Kyle Stanley … Don’t sweat last week’s 30th-place finish at Kapalua. It had been five years since his debut on that course and he finished 30th that week as well. Waialae has been more his speed what with a pair of top 25s baked into a 5-for-5 cake. It makes sense, too, given his propensity to hit fairways and greens. Currently a respective 10th and seventh in those stats. Kevin Na … For most intents and purposes, he’s exactly where we expect him to be. His baseline is as a cut-maker and box score-filler. The spikes are bonuses. That also defines his track record at Waialae where he’s 9-for-12 with three top 10s and a T20. Ollie Schniederjans … Fared nicely as a rookie at Waialae last year en route to a T27. Opened this season with a trio of top 25s. All arrows are pointed upward for the 24-year-old ranked first in total driving and 34th in birdie-or-better percentage on the PGA TOUR. James Hahn … There are many things worse than a 5-for-5 record at Waialae and five consecutive cuts made worldwide upon arrival, even though none of those results went for a top 25. Brick by brick, gang. Jerry Kelly … The 51-year-old is second in all-time earnings at Waialae, standing that easily validated the sponsor exemption he received to make his 20th consecutive appearance. His most recent of nine top 10s here was just two years ago. Gotta give him some love in DFS where he should be cheap. Brian Gay (DFS) Emiliano Grillo (DFS) Patton Kizzire (all) Satoshi Kodaira (DFS) Scott Piercy (DFS) Brian Stuard (DFS) Fades Jimmy Walker … The two-time champion at Waialae (2014, 2015) endured a physically challenging 2017 due to Lyme disease. As he continues to improve, we need to continue to give him space to stretch back into form. He made only one start in the last four months and that resulted in a missed cut at the Shriners. Bill Haas … You know the drill. He’s considerably more valuable in the long-term than to connect in any tournament, and that profile matches his experience at Waialae. In six starts, he’s landed two top 70s – both top 15s – and missed three cuts. At best, he’s a flier in DFS. Patrick Rodgers … Not unlike Haas, Rodgers is currently best suited for full-season gamers. He misses too many cuts to validate short-term ownership. Shugo Imahira … The 25-year-old finished sixth in the Order of Merit on the Japan Golf Tour in 2017 and climbed inside the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking. As he makes his debut at Waialae, just keep an eye peeled to his game. This week is a learning exercise as he continues to introduce himself to fans in the U.S. Keegan Bradley Scott Brown Harris English Fabian Gomez Returning to Competition Webb Simpson … Withdrew before his third round of The RSM Classic to be with family as his father was living his last days. Although never short on motivation and having put together numerous sound performances late in 2017, he’s now welcomed by Waialae where he’s perfect in eight previous trips, the last four of which yielded a top 20. Always make decisions with your head, but understand that he resumes his career with a higher level of support that warrants investment in all formats. Luke Donald … Not the horse for Waialae that he once was, but he’s no doubt thrilled to have the opportunity to pad his 7-for-9 record, for he withdrew just before the opening round of The RSM Classic due to chest pains for which he was hospitalized for tests for several hours. Consider him as a complement in DFS. Ryan Palmer … Making his season debut after surgery for bone spurs in his left shoulder sidelined him in early October. The winner at Waialae in 2010 added top 20s in 2015 and 2016. He has six starts on a medical extension this season to collect just shy of 30 FedExCup points and retain status. He’d convert on that objective with a two-way T28 this week, but gamers are advised to let him shed some rust before rushing him back out there. Dominic Bozzelli … Went silent after alerting followers on Twitter that an injury would prevent him from competing in the FedExCup Playoffs. He hasn’t played anywhere of note since late July. This marks his debut at the Sony Open in Hawaii, so use it for observation only as he ignites his sophomore season on the PGA TOUR. Notables WDs Robert Garrigus … After going gangbusters to keep his job late last season, he’s cooled considerably. This is who he know him to be, however, and he won’t be missed at Waialae where he hasn’t recorded a top 25 among three cuts made in six appearances. Power Rankings Recap – Sentry Tournament of Champions Power Ranking  Golfer  Result 1  Jordan Spieth  9th 2  Justin Thomas  T22 3  Rickie Fowler  T4 4  Dustin Johnson  Win 5  Hideki Matsuyama  T4 6  Marc Leishman  T7 7  Pat Perez  T4 8  Brendan Steele  29th 9  Brian Harman  3rd 10  Jon Rahm  2nd 11  Kevin Kisner  T17 12  Daniel Berger  T11 13  Xander Schauffele  T22 14  Patrick Cantlay  T15 15  Brooks Koepka  34th Wild Card  Cameron Smith  T17 Birthdays among active golfers on the PGA TOUR January 9 … Sergio Garcia (38) January 10 … Ian Poulter (42) January 11 … none January 12 … Rob Oppenheim (38) January 13 … none January 14 … David Berganio, Jr. (49); Luke List (33) January 15 … Y.E. Yang (46)

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