The CBS Sports college basketball power rankings is topped once again by the Duke Blue Devils as they enter Saturday’s rivalry game vs. North Carolina with the longest active winning streak in college basketball. Duke is No. 1 — yes, to be clear, ahead of AP-ranked No. 1 Auburn — for a second consecutive week in the power rankings after wins over Wake Forest and NC State that moved it to 10-0 in ACC play and 18-2 on the season.
Meanwhile Auburn, whose only loss on the season remains to Duke, is once again at No. 2 this week after a close win at home over Tennessee and a cushy road win over LSU.
The margin is thin between the two, to be sure. Gary Parrish has Auburn at No. 1 in his daily Top 25 (And 1). I think reasonable minds can come to that conclusion given Auburn’s overwhelmingly great résumé. But the power rankings are equal parts resume-based and vibes-based, with extra weight for the latter, because y’know what? I make the rules here. And the vibes are immaculate around Duke right now. Even if it doesn’t have the same number of Quad 1 wins as Auburn, this team is playing at a high level and improving with each passing game.
College basketball grades: Kentucky earns ‘A+’, Kansas gets ‘C’ in report card heading into weekend
David Cobb
That’s why Duke is edging Auburn.
For now.
There’s plenty at stake in this week’s power rankings not just at the top with Duke and Auburn but with a handful of other teams. Michigan State and Houston are still undefeated in conference play and are once again on the rise in the ranks below. Arizona reappeared after a time away thanks to a huge OT win over top-five Iowa State. And Florida is back into the top five this week thanks to a shakeup at the top.
There’s much to discuss and dissect as we introduce the power rankings leading into the weekend. Let’s get to it.
College Basketball Power Rankings
As the college basketball season heats up, Duke University is emerging as the nation’s hottest team. With a string of impressive wins and a talented roster led by star players such as Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin, the Blue Devils are making a strong case for the top spot in the rankings.
Their recent victory over a top-ranked opponent has solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive landscape of college basketball. As they prepare to face off against their bitter rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, in a highly anticipated matchup, all eyes will be on Duke to see if they can continue their winning streak and further solidify their place at the top of the rankings.
With the intensity and excitement of a classic rivalry game on the horizon, Duke’s performance in this matchup will be a true test of their strength and resilience. Can they continue their dominance and come out on top against their fierce opponents, or will North Carolina pull off an upset and shake up the rankings once again?
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain – the Duke Blue Devils are a team to watch this season, and their impressive run of form has firmly established them as one of the top contenders in college basketball. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the battle for supremacy continues on the hardwood.
We’ve reached the point in NBA trade season in which the distance from the deadline is no longer measured in weeks, but days. We’re now 10 days out and buyers and sellers alike are starting to get their ducks in a row. For some teams, that means making the final decision on which camp they fall into. For others, it’s about figuring out how far they’re willing to go in either direction.
There’s still enough time for things to change, but the deadline picture is starting to crystallize. It’s now less a matter of who is on the table and more a matter of who is willing and able to take the steps necessary to make a deal. On this Monday, there are two big names making waves in the rumor mill.
Is there a possible home for Bradley Beal after all?
You all know the deal by now. Phoenix can’t get Jimmy Butler without including Bradley Beal for cap purposes. One of the reasons this trade hasn’t happened yet is that nobody seems interested in taking on the Beal contract. Every time a new suitor enters the chat, like the Bucks briefly did, reports have struck down possible interest. Very few teams seem to have much interest in taking on a supermax deal for a 17-point scorer who doesn’t defend and has injury issues.
A sensible fit, though, might be a team that’s already paying a supermax contract to a scoring guard that doesn’t defend and has injury issues. The Chicago Bulls have been shopping Zach LaVine for more than a year, and now that he’s playing like an All-Star again, there’s plenty of interest in him on the market. LaVine is better and younger than Beal, but the appeal for Chicago is obvious. They are not contending during the duration of those contracts, which cover identical terms, so why not get some draft picks to overpay for a player who isn’t in their long-term plans anyway?
According to Brian Windhorst on his Hoop Collective podcast, the Bulls “are absolutely involved in conversations with the Suns involving possible Jimmy Butler situations” and could serve as the facilitator that absorbs Beal. This would open the door to what would likely be a five-team trade: Phoenix would get Butler, Milwaukee would get LaVine, Miami would get a package headlined by Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis and picks, and a fifth team would presumably absorb the contract of Pat Connaughton.
Now, there’s still one obvious hold up even if the Bulls agree to take on Beal: He doesn’t have to go there if he doesn’t want to. Beal has one of the NBA’s only two no-trade clauses, and according to his agent, he has not agreed to waive it for any specific destination yet. Even if there is a team he’d be open to leaving the Suns for, the Bulls aren’t especially desirable on paper. He’d be leaving a warm-weather city that is at least trying to contend for a cold-weather city and a team whose aspirations rarely extend beyond the Play-In Tournament.
So there are still two major hurdles in any Butler-to-Phoenix scenario, and both revolve around Beal. Chicago’s possible willingness to take him does represent progress, though. With 10 days left until the deadline, there still remains at least a chance that this deal gets done.
I mean, come on, it wouldn’t be trade season without at least one Myles Turner rumor. For now, there is nothing too definitive. Both Jovan Buha and Jake Fischer have acknowledged recently that there has been a bit of noise surrounding Turner during this trade cycle, though neither indicated that the Pacers are actively shopping him. This is surprising in large part because of how well the Pacers are playing. Indiana is 9-2 in its past 11 games and has surged up to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Why would one of the NBA’s hottest team consider trading its starting center?
The answer, as it is for so many roster-building decisions in this new CBA environment, is money. Turner is about to become a free agent, and based on his production and the rarity of his skill set, he is expected to seek a contract worth $30 million or more per season. The Pacers already have more than $167 million on the books for next season before factoring in options or additions. The projected luxury tax for the 2025-26 season is $187.9 million. In other words, keeping Turner means either dumping someone else or paying the tax.
The Pacers haven’t paid the tax since 2005, and that was before it became the punitive measure it is today back in 2011. Indiana is known as one of the NBA’s thriftier organizations, and with a long window ahead of this current roster, it seems unlikely that ownership would be willing to pay the tax for a team that is not perceived as a genuine championship threat. Remember, avoiding the tax not only means avoiding a payment, but it also gets non-taxpaying teams a payout from the pool of teams that actually are above the tax line. This season, for instance, the projected tax distribution to non-taxpaying teams is $17.8 million. That’s a whole lot of money to give up in a market as small as Indianapolis.
Lakers’ trade deadline will be defined by one question, and there’s a candidate who might make everyone happy
Sam Quinn
The flip side, though, is that the Pacers have basically nothing beyond Turner on their depth chart at center. Indiana is not going to start Thomas Bryant in the middle of a playoff push. They’d therefore need to find a cheaper center somewhere on the market, or perhaps get enough of an asset payout to justify taking on a more expensive center so they can cut costs elsewhere. Perhaps Portland, with the cheaper Robert Williams III or Deandre Ayton, whom Indiana signed to the offer sheet he is currently playing on, could be roped in to help them get another big man. But the notion that Indiana would trade Turner to, say, the Lakers for a first-round pick and some cap fodder is probably far-fetched. The Pacers may want to avoid paying Turner, but they’re not gutting their season to do so.
Turner has been on the block for seemingly his entire career, but he’s never been traded. The assumption should be that he won’t be until there’s substantial reporting otherwise. But the Pacers have a long history of operating relatively cheaply. We might have an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object here, folks. Something’s gotta give, whether it’s now or over the summer.
NBA Trade Rumors: Possible Taker for Bradley Beal, Plus Why One of League’s Hottest Teams Could Move Key Piece
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and one name that continues to pop up in trade rumors is Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal. Beal, who is having another outstanding season, has been linked to several teams looking to bolster their roster for a playoff push.
One team that could be a potential landing spot for Beal is the Miami Heat. The Heat have been in need of a scoring punch and Beal would provide just that. With Jimmy Butler leading the way, adding Beal to the mix could make the Heat a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
On the flip side, one of the league’s hottest teams, the Phoenix Suns, could be looking to make a move of their own. Despite their recent success, the Suns have been rumored to be open to trading away one of their key pieces in order to shake things up and potentially improve their chances at a deep playoff run.
It will be interesting to see how these trade rumors play out as the deadline approaches. Stay tuned for more updates on potential deals in the NBA.
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One of the hottest handbag trends of 2025 (thus far) is, in fact, not about which bag you carry at all—rather, it’s about how you decorate your bag. Bag charms have taken over fashion recently: The kitschy trend where you attach plushy creatures, beaded strands, and key chains onto your everyday purse. More is more! It’s a maximalist runway trend we’ve seen at labels such as Miu Miu, Coach, and Balenciaga. A celebrity who is on board with the more personalized, DIY’d look? That would be Dua Lipa, who was seen touching down at New York’s JFK airport earlier today, with a bevy of delightful charms attached to her luxurious Hermès Birkin.
Sure, carrying around a Birkin as a travel bag is chic enough (especially when you consider they go for upwards of $40,000 these days) but Lipa injected her accessory with a more playful touch, thanks to the addition of charms like a plushy pink bunny and printed scarf tied around the strap. The charms added a more nonchalant feel to the look—as did the rest of her outfit: a puffer trench, sweatpants, and sporty sneakers. (Also, this isn’t the first time she has sported a decorated bag.)
Bag charms at Miu Miu fall 2024
Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com
Dua Lipa Takes the Hottest New Handbag Trend For a Spin
Pop sensation Dua Lipa was recently spotted out and about rocking the latest handbag trend that has everyone talking. The “Levitating” singer was seen carrying a sleek and stylish mini bag that perfectly complemented her chic ensemble.
Mini bags have been all the rage in the fashion world lately, with celebrities and influencers alike embracing the trend. These tiny yet functional bags are not only adorable but also practical, allowing you to carry just the essentials without weighing you down.
Dua Lipa paired her mini bag with a trendy oversized blazer and high-waisted jeans, proving that this accessory can elevate any look. Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or running errands during the day, a mini bag is the perfect statement piece to add to your outfit.
So take a cue from Dua Lipa and give the hottest new handbag trend a spin. You’ll be sure to turn heads and make a fashion statement wherever you go.
Recent data reveals which housing markets in the U.S. are installing the most solar panels.
A collaboration between ResiClub and data experts at BatchService analyzed over a decade’s worth of property data. Their findings, published by Fast Company, reveal which states and counties offer the most residential solar installation permits.
Santa Clara County in California has issued the most residential solar installation permits over the past decade, per the research findings.
The data underscores a shifting trend toward residential solar panels. Making the switch to solar energy now is more popular, which is no surprise considering the financial incentives encouraging homeowners to upgrade.
Switching to solar power is one of the best ways to reduce your utility bills while also cutting down on your household’s pollution. In fact, with an average monthly power bill of $125, you could save $150 per year with community solar.
Your personal guide to a cleaner, cooler future
Those savings don’t include the tax rebates and credits you could earn as well. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can earn up to $4,600 when they install solar panels.
To make the solar transition smooth, review EnergySage’s free online tools. In just a few moments, you can access solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
Moving forward, it’s best to make these eco-friendly updates to your home sooner rather than later. President Trump has already stated he intends on removing these subsidies, though this would ultimately require an act of Congress. As a result, installing solar panels now versus later could save thousands of dollars.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Are you considering upgrading to solar panels? A new survey has revealed the hottest states for solar panels, and residents are rushing to make the switch. Find out why these states are leading the way in solar energy adoption and why now is the perfect time to upgrade to solar power.
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Rose Byrne plays a mother in the midst of a breakdown in the experiential psychological thriller “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”
Anticipation was high for the A24 film, which will be released sometime this year. Its premiere Friday at the Sundance Film Festival was easily the hottest ticket in town, with even ticketholders unable to get in. Those who did make it into the Library theater were treated to an intense, visceral, inventive story from filmmaker Mary Bronstein that has quickly become one of the festival’s must-sees.
Byrne plays Linda, who is barely hanging on while managing her daughter’s mysterious illness. She’s faced with crisis after crisis, big and small — from the massive, gaping hole in their apartment ceiling that forces them to move to a dingy motel, to an escalating showdown with a parking attendant at a care center. The cracks in her psychological, emotional and physical wellbeing are become too much to bear.
“I’d never seen a movie before where a mother is going through a crisis with a child but our energy is not with the child’s struggle, it’s with the mother’s,” Bronstein said at the premiere. “If you’re a caretaker, you shouldn’t be bothering with yourself at all. It should all be about the person you’re taking care of, right? And that is a particular kind of emotional burnout state that I was really interested in exploring.”
Byrne and Bronstein went deep in the preparation phase, having long discussions about Linda with the goal of making her as real as possible before the quick, 27-day shoot. Byrne said she was obsessed with figuring out who Linda was before the crisis. The film was in part inspired by Bronstein’s experience with her own daughter, but she didn’t want to elaborate on the specifics.
“That’s her story to tell,” Bronstein said.
Part of Linda’s story involves her therapist, played by Conan O’Brien, who joked that he didn’t realize he was in a movie.
“I’m not looking out for movie scripts or anything. But when I got a call from A24 that they wanted me to read something, I’m not stupid,” O’Brien said. “I showed it to my wife, who is one of the smartest people I know, and she read through it and she said, ‘I didn’t know they made movies like this anymore.’”
He was particularly in awe of his director and co-star, saying he felt like a fraud standing beside them.
“It was an amazing experience, one of the best experiences of my life, just to be with them and watch them work,” O’Brien said. “I don’t know how (Byrne) did that and not check into a hospital afterwards, because I haven’t seen any actor, man or woman, sustain that level for an entire movie.”
“I feel like I have to go to a hospital now, because this was the first time I watched it,” he added. “I’m a mess.”
A$AP Rocky also co-stars, as a man Linda meets at the motel, but was not in Park City for the premiere. He is currently on trial, charged with firing a gun at a former friend.
The film is full of ambiguity, metaphor and just plain artistic expression that Bronstein hesitated to explain, from the name itself to the hole in the ceiling, which takes on a somewhat supernatural quality.
“When we have nothing left to give, we have an emptiness inside of us,” Bronstein said. “And that emptiness is actually not empty: It’s filled with all the darkness and self-hate and doubt and fear and dread and regret and everything. … That to me is what the hole is.”
Some of it, she said, she doesn’t even fully understand. The point is the experience, and critics and Sundance audiences are already fully on board.
Bronstein, a bit of a cult figure in the film world, made her directorial debut in 2008 at the SXSW festival with “Yeast,” which featured a pre-fame Greta Gerwig and was hailed by by New Yorker critic Richard Brody as a “mumblecore classic.”
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” is only her second feature.
“This is the first time that anybody else has paid for me to make art,” Bronstein said. “I’m proud to say that this is the film that came directly from my head to the screen.”
At Sundance, the hottest ticket in town was a Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien psychological thriller
The Sundance Film Festival is known for showcasing groundbreaking and innovative films, and this year was no exception. Among the most buzzed-about films at the festival was a psychological thriller starring the talented duo of Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien.
The film, which has been shrouded in secrecy, is said to be a gripping and intense exploration of the human psyche. Byrne and O’Brien deliver standout performances, with Byrne playing a troubled woman grappling with her inner demons and O’Brien portraying a mysterious figure who may hold the key to her salvation.
Audiences at Sundance were raving about the film, praising its tense atmosphere, sharp writing, and chilling performances. Many are already predicting that it could be a major contender come awards season.
With its combination of star power, psychological depth, and thrilling suspense, this Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien collaboration is sure to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Keep an eye out for more news and updates on this exciting project.
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Sundance film festival, Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, psychological thriller, hottest ticket, movie premiere, film industry, celebrity news, entertainment, indie film, Sundance buzz, film festival premiere, film critics, movie reviews
Syracuse, N.Y. ― The Duke Blue Devils are the best team in the ACC. That’s obvious. So far the Blue Devils’ superiority in the conference has been unchallenged.
But there’s another team that’s making some noise and rising up in Syracuse.com’s weekly ACC Power Rankings.
The Louisville Cardinals, Syracuse’s next opponent, ran their current win streak to six games with a pair of impressive wins this past week. As a result, Louisville made the most significant move up in this week’s Power Rankings.
North Carolina and Stanford are two more teams to watch as they also went 2-0 this past week.
Here’s a look at this week’s Power Rankings:
1. Duke
Record: 14-2 (6-0)
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Last week’s results: Win 76-47 over Pittsburgh; Win 86-78 over Notre Dame
This week’s schedule: Tuesday vs. Miami; Saturday at Boston College
Why No. 1? Duke has Cooper Flagg. That’s it. The freshman went for 42 points on 11-for-14 shooting along with seven assists and six rebounds in Duke’s win over Notre Dame.
2. Louisville
Record: 12-5 (5-1)
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Last week’s result: Win 74-64 over Clemson; Win 82-78 at Pittsburgh
This week’s schedule: Tuesday at Syracuse; Saturday vs. Virginia
Why No. 2? Louisville has won six games in a row. The Cardinals’ last loss was at Kentucky on Dec. 14. But the Cardinals took things up a notch this past week with wins over Clemson at home and Pittsburgh on the road. Those teams were second and third in last week’s Power Rankings.
3. Clemson
Record: 13-4 (5-1)
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Last week’s results: Loss 74-64 at Louisville; Win 77-57 over Florida State
This week’s schedule: Tuesday at Georgia Tech; Saturday at Pittsburgh
Why No. 3? The Tigers suffered a tough road loss at Louisville, so they slide down one spot. Nice bounce-back win as Clemson demolished Florida State on Saturday. A key game looms next Saturday at Pitt.
4. Pittsburgh
Record: 12-4 (3-2)
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Last week’s result: Loss 76-47 at Duke; Loss 82-78 to Louisville
This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Florida State; Saturday vs. Clemson
Why No. 4? Pittsburgh had a tough week. The road loss at Duke was expected, but not the margin. Then came the home loss to Louisville. That’s a separation game. Still, can’t find any reason to drop Pitt more than a notch. I think the Panthers are a top-4 club in the ACC.
5. Wake Forest
Wake Forest forward Tre’Von Spillers dunks over Syracuse’s Chris Bell in a recent game at the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Record: 12-4 (4-1)
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Last week’s results: Win 88-78 at Miami
This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. Stanford; Saturday at Virginia Tech
Why No. 5? Wake Forest treads water with a win at Miami in its only game of the week. The Deacons are just outside the obvious top 4 in the ACC. Can they stay ahead of SMU and UNC in the coming weeks?
6. North Carolina
Record: 11-6 (4-1)
Last week’s ranking: No. 7
Last week’s results: Win 82-67 over SMU; Win 63-61 at N.C. State
This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. California; Saturday vs. Stanford
Why No. 6? Lifted North Carolina over SMU with its mid-week win over the Mustangs, then watched the Tar Heels survive their battle against arch-rival N.C. State. Still don’t know just how good the Tar Heels are or aren’t.
7. SMU
Record: 12-4 (3-2)
Last week’s ranking: No. 6
Last week’s result: Loss 82-67 at North Carolina; Win 93-71 over Georgia Tech
This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Virginia; Saturday at Miami
Why No. 7? SMU’s two ACC losses have come at Duke and North Carolina. No shame in either. For now, the Mustangs sit at No. 7, but I’m thinking this team could move into the Top 5 within a week or two. Let’s see how SMU does in two road games this week.
8. Stanford
Record: 11-5 (3-2)
Last week’s ranking: No. 9
Last week’s results: Win 70-59 over Virginia Tech; Win 88-65 over Virginia
This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Wake Forest; Stanford at North Carolina
Why No. 8? Stanford jumps over Virginia this week. A home win doesn’t always necessitate a move, but Stanford beat UVa by 23 points. I don’t think any of the ACC’s East Coast teams are going to enjoy playing the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
9. Virginia
Record: 8-8 (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: No. 8
Last week’s results: Loss 75-61 at California; Loss 88-65 at Stanford
This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. SMU; Saturday at Louisville
Why No. 8? The fact that Virginia has lost its last three games by an average of 19.0 points would warrant a steeper drop. But I’m giving consideration to the Cavaliers’ losing twice on the West Coast and also its recent win over N.C. State, which was the one team I considered moving ahead of the Wahoos.
10. N.C. State
Record: 9-7 (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 11
Last week’s result: Win 66-65 over Notre Dame; Loss 63-61 to North Carolina
This week’s schedule: Wednesday at Virginia Tech; Saturday vs. California
Why No. 10? N.C. State was so close to moving up even higher, but lost to North Carolina as the Tar Heels got a late dunk and then a game-saving block in the final seconds.
11. Florida State
Record: 11-5 (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 12
Last week’s result: Win 80-65 at Miami; Loss 77-57 at Clemson
This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. Pittsburgh; Saturday vs. Georgia Tech
Why No. 11? Florida State starts to merit some attention with wins over Syracuse and Miami but then gets smacked at Clemson. Seminoles are settling into the range between the ACC’s best teams at the top and lesser teams at the bottom.
12. Syracuse
Syracuse guard JJ Starling celebrates after a big play in the Orange’s win over Georgia Tech last Tuesday. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.comdennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com
Record: 8-8 (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 14
Last week’s result: Win 62-55 over Georgia Tech; Win 79-71 at Boston College
This week’s schedule: Tuesday vs. Louisville; Saturday vs. Notre Dame
Why No. 12? Not that Syracuse had a real eye-opening win last week, but the Orange did beat one team (Georgia Tech) ranked above them and then got a road win at BC. And road wins matter.
13. Georgia Tech
Record: 8-9 (2-4)
Last week’s ranking: No. 10
Last week’s results: Loss 62-55 at Syracuse; Loss 93-71 at SMU
This week’s schedule: Tuesday vs. Clemson
Why No. 13? Georgia Tech falls three spots after a pair of road losses. The Yellow Jackets failed to beat a Syracuse team that was without starting forward Donnie Freeman.
14. Notre Dame
Record: 7-9 (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: No. 13
Last week’s result: Loss 66-65 at N.C. State; Loss 86-78 at Duke
This week’s schedule: Monday vs. Boston College; Saturday at Syracuse
Why No. 14? Not going to knock Notre Dame down too far. What did we expect with road games at N.C. State and Duke? The Irish actually showed a lot of fight in both games, barely losing at State and hanging tough against the Blue Devils.
15. Virginia Tech
Record: 7-9 (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 17
Last week’s result: Loss 70-59 at Stanford; Win 71-68 at California
This week’s schedule: Wednesday vs. N.C. State; Saturday vs. Wake Forest
Why No. 15? Virginia Tech earned a two-spot increase thanks to a road win at Cal.
16. California
Record: 7-7 (0-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 15
Last week’s result: Win 75-61 over Virginia; Loss 71-68 to Virginia Tech
This week’s schedule: Wednesday at North Carolina; Saturday at NC State
Why No. 16? It’s hard to drop Cal after its win over Virginia, but the Bears couldn’t follow it up on Saturday and lost to Virginia Tech. Hoping another week of games will provide some more separation between these teams.
17. Boston College
Record: 9-7 (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: No. 16
Last week’s result: Loss 79-71 to Syracuse
This week’s schedule: Monday at Notre Dame; Saturday vs. Duke
Why No. 17? The Eagles’ only ACC win to date is over Miami. That’s the only team behind BC at this point. The Eagles’ four ACC losses include a 21-point loss at Georgia Tech and the home loss to struggling Syracuse.
18. Miami
Record: 4-12 (0-5)
Last week’s ranking: No. 18
Last week’s result: Loss 80-65 to Florida State; Loss 88-78 to Wake Forest
This week’s schedule: Tuesday at Duke; Saturday vs. SMU
Why No. 18? Miami couldn’t pick up a win despite having two home games last week. The odds of getting one this week appear slim with a game at Duke and then a visit to Coral Gables from SMU.
As we head into the final stretch of the ACC basketball season, one team is making some serious noise and climbing up the power rankings – the Duke Blue Devils. With impressive wins over top-ranked teams and standout performances from their star players, Duke is looking like a force to be reckoned with.
However, the question remains – is Duke the hottest team in the league, or is there another squad that deserves the top spot in the ACC power rankings? Teams like Virginia, Florida State, and Louisville have all been playing well and making their case for the top spot.
In this post, we’ll break down each team’s recent performance and analyze their strengths and weaknesses to determine who truly deserves the title of the hottest team in the ACC. Stay tuned for our updated power rankings and see if Duke can maintain their momentum or if another team will rise to the top.
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Cooper Flagg is in town this weekend, and there are plenty of local fans who want to see him.
Boston College men’s basketball’s matchup with No. 3 Duke on Saturday at Conte Forum has long been sold out — tickets available through the university ran out in early December — with the get-in price for the cheapest pair of tickets starting at more than $165 (fees included) as of Thursday.
“Ticket interest is high and that was to be expected with a preseason top team on the schedule and with them now being ranked No. 3 in the country,” said BC associate athletic director Jim O’Neill, who oversees ticketing operations. “Also with Cooper Flagg being a New England kid, [that] has certainly raised the level of interest.”
The Blue Devils are 15-2 and off to a 7-0 start in Atlantic Coast Conference play, having dispatched Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, and Miami over the course of eight days.
Flagg has largely delivered on the hype as a preseason All-American (having never played a collegiate game) with 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for the Blue Devils, winners of 11 straight entering Saturday night.
ACC play has been far less kind to the Eagles, who have followed up an 8-3 nonleague slate with a 1-5 start to the conference schedule. BC has dropped three in a row, with a home loss to Syracuse bookended by road defeats at Georgia Tech and Notre Dame.
Duke has beaten BC in the last nine matchups between the teams, as well as taking 21 of the last 22, with the lone blip coming in an 89-84 Eagles win at Conte Forum in 2017.
And while BC has hosted plenty of talented Duke teams over the years — and Flagg’s status as June’s top pick isn’t set in stone — it’s rare that a prospect of his caliber visits Chestnut Hill. The only future No. 1 pick to face the Eagles at Conte Forum this century was Paolo Banchero in 2022. Before that, you have to go all the way back to Georgetown’s Allen Iverson in 1996.
That’s led to particularly high interest among students, the most loyal of whom will find themselves rewarded with a chance to see basketball’s next big thing up close.
“For high-demand games for both basketball and hockey, student tickets are based on attendance at earlier home games,” O’Neill explained. “Students who attend the most games have access to the high-demand games.”
Tip-off at Conte Forum is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday.
It’s official – Boston College basketball is the hottest ticket in town! With star player Cooper Flagg leading the charge and a visit from the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils on the horizon, fans are lining up to catch all the action.
Flagg has been on fire this season, averaging an impressive 20 points per game and showcasing his incredible skill on the court. His electrifying performances have not gone unnoticed, drawing in crowds from all over the city to witness his talent firsthand.
And now, with Duke coming to town, the excitement is reaching a fever pitch. The matchup between these two powerhouse teams is sure to be one for the books, and fans are clamoring for a chance to see it live.
If you haven’t already snagged your tickets, now is the time to do so. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Boston College basketball at its finest and witness history in the making. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this game! #BostonCollegeBasketball #CooperFlagg #DukeBlueDevils
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Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!
It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.
From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.
Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:
Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.
Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.
We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.
This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.
Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.
Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?
Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.
AI is at a similar inflection point.
We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.
This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!
Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.
AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.
The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.
As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.
The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.
From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.
This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.
By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.
The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.
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Tesla (TSLA) – Tesla’s stock has been on fire lately, fueled by strong demand for its electric vehicles, impressive delivery numbers, and optimism around its future growth potential in areas like clean energy and autonomous driving.
Apple (AAPL) – Apple’s stock has been climbing steadily, driven by strong sales of its iPhone, Mac, and iPad products, as well as excitement around its services business and upcoming product launches.
Amazon (AMZN) – Amazon’s stock has been soaring, fueled by the e-commerce giant’s strong quarterly earnings, robust growth in its cloud computing business, and continued expansion into new markets like healthcare and grocery delivery.
NVIDIA (NVDA) – NVIDIA’s stock has been on a tear, driven by strong demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs) in the gaming, data center, and artificial intelligence markets, as well as optimism around its pending acquisition of Arm Holdings.
Microsoft (MSFT) – Microsoft’s stock has been rising steadily, fueled by strong demand for its cloud services, gaming products, and productivity software, as well as excitement around its upcoming Windows 11 release.
Alphabet (GOOGL) – Alphabet’s stock has been climbing, driven by strong revenue growth at its Google advertising business, as well as optimism around its investments in areas like cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare.
Facebook (FB) – Facebook’s stock has been on an upward trajectory, fueled by strong user engagement on its social media platforms, robust growth in its advertising business, and optimism around its push into new areas like virtual reality and e-commerce.
Netflix (NFLX) – Netflix’s stock has been rising, driven by strong subscriber growth, successful content releases, and optimism around its ability to maintain its leadership position in the streaming video market despite increased competition.
Moderna (MRNA) – Moderna’s stock has been surging, fueled by the biotech company’s success in developing a highly effective COVID-19 vaccine, as well as optimism around its pipeline of potential mRNA-based treatments for other diseases.
Square (SQ) – Square’s stock has been on a tear, driven by strong growth in its Cash App and Seller products, as well as excitement around its recent acquisition of Afterpay and potential expansion into new financial services offerings.
Is addition by subtraction a myth? Doesn’t appear so. Norman Powell proved the sentiment is true in his December to remember for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Fans and pundits counted the LA Clippers out of playoff contention when Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason, combined with Kawhi Leonard’s absence. They stand proudly at 19-13, good enough for the 5th seed behind the brilliance of Powell and James Harden (and team defense).
Harden’s burden was scheduled to be heavier, but Norman Powell — who is averaging nearly 25 points per game — was not on many bingo cards.
Powell has been a capable scorer since his senior year at UCLA, but his dynamite scoring in the league this year has brought attention back to the Clippers.
Since 12/1/24, Powell has been averaging a whopping 27 PPG with a 63.7 TS%. He’s been on a heater all year, and some thought he’d cool down by now. Powell is doubling down, somehow heating up even more. Come off Powell, and he’ll burn you.
Catch and pull-up shooting are critical components of elite 3-point shooting, and Powell shines in both. He’s shooting a blistering 49% on catch-and-shoot 3’s. With Harden setting the table and Powell ready to strike, the two have connected on 52 Harden-to-Powell assists.
Pull-up shooting is even more difficult because these are self-created shots more often than not. It takes a special shooter to connect on 42% of their pull-up 3’s. Powell has been unconscious from everywhere. His shot isn’t the prettiest, but he’s cash with a defender in his face. Powell shoots 36% with a defender between 2-4 feet of him from deep. He forces the defense to stay honest and punishes them with his versatility.
While Powell’s shooting sets the stage, he attacks downhill with some of the best at his position. With teams playing up on Powell due to his shooting ability, he’s able to get easier open lanes to the rim.
Playing off the ball aids his quest to the basket. Watch how he comes off an Ivica Zubac screen and obliterates the defense on the drive.
Powell doesn’t need iso after iso to get going. There’s so much value in an off-ball scorer who can get involved with cuts and movement. That’s partly how he’s crushed opponents in the halfcourt, but transition play has always been a staple in Powell’s game.
You would’ve thought Powell was the 6-foot-8 player who’s strong as a bull. At 215 lbs, Powell effortlessly absorbs contact from a much bigger Aaron Gordon and converts on a trickery euro step. Powell is sixth in the league in transition, averaging 6.6 points per game.
He’s getting out in the open floor, forcing his opponents to play 100 MPH to defend the Powell onslaught.
Part of his surge is opportunity-based. With an older Harden and no Goerge and Leonard, Powell has had the chance to be the No. 1 option.
Kawhi Leonard is slated to return sometime in January, but don’t expect Powell’s numbers to change drastically. He may not average 25 a game because there’s only one ball, but he’s not an on-ball dominator. He’ll still get plenty of looks playing off Kawhi and Harden. Kawhi’s return won’t hurt Powell in transition, either.
If Powell were in the East, there would be much more buzz about a potential All-Star campaign. 25 PPG on 63 TS% is no simple task, regardless of the opportunity one receives. You can’t be that efficient unless you’re a certified bucket-getter. Powell is proving addition by subtraction isn’t just a saying in Clipper Nation.
Stats as of 12/31/24 and via PivotFade, Basketball Reference, Cleaning the Glass, and NBA.com
When it comes to sports in Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of talented and highly regarded players. From basketball to baseball to soccer, the City of Angels is home to some of the best athletes in the world. But when it comes to the title of the hottest player in Los Angeles, it may not be who you think.
While superstars like LeBron James, Mike Trout, and Carlos Vela may come to mind, the hottest player in Los Angeles right now is none other than Wataru Endo of the Los Angeles Football Club. The Japanese midfielder has been on fire this season, leading the team to multiple victories and making a name for himself as one of the top players in Major League Soccer.
Endo’s speed, skill, and creativity on the field have made him a fan favorite and a standout performer in a city known for its sports stars. With his impressive performances and undeniable talent, it’s clear that Wataru Endo is the hottest player in Los Angeles right now, and he’s only just getting started. Keep an eye on him as he continues to light up the pitch and make a name for himself in the City of Angels.
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Los Angeles sports, Los Angeles athlete, Los Angeles sports news, Los Angeles sports updates, Los Angeles player, Los Angeles sports scene, Los Angeles sports star, Los Angeles sports analysis, Los Angeles sports rumors, Los Angeles sports buzz
