SB Nation Tampa Bay: All Posts by Steve Uhlmannhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2012-12-31T11:21:06-05:00https://tampabay.sbnation.com/authors/steve-uhlmann/rss2012-12-31T11:21:06-05:002012-12-31T11:21:06-05:00Latest mock draft for Dolphins, Bucs, and Jags
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>The Jaguars, Dolphins, and Buccaneers all hold picks in the top half of the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Here is the latest mock draft from SB Nation. </p> <p>Now that the draft order is set for teams not making the playoffs, NFL teams can begin trying to figure out what needs they will address in the 2013 draft.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2012/12/31/3820618/2013-nfl-mock-draft">SB Nation's Mocking the Draft</a> has already put together a mock draft, and with all three Florida teams holding high draft picks, there are some good players to be had.</p>
<p>First, they have the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> taking defensive tackle Star Lotulelei from Utah with the No. 2 overall pick. It's no secret that the Jaguars need to do some retooling with their defense. The depth at the quarterback position in the draft should allow them to address their need under center in the second round.</p>
<p>With the No. 12 pick, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> may start to add some weapons for <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> by drafting Cal WR Keenan Allen. Allen is a legit. No. 1 receiver option and has drawn comparisons to Brandon Marshall. There is also the possibility that the Dolphins take a pass rusher along the lines of Oregon's Dion Jordan or LSU's Barkevious Mingo.</p>
<p>Finally, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> will be right behind at No. 13 where Mocking the Draft feels they will address the defense by taking Mississippi State cornerback Johnathan Banks, who is one of the most talented at his position in the draft. The secondary has been sub-par at times this year in Tampa, so addressing it with a high draft pick makes sense.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3821474/2013-nfl-mock-draft-jaguars-dolphins-buccaneersSteve Uhlmann2012-12-31T10:51:51-05:002012-12-31T10:51:51-05:00Orange Bowl odds favor Seminoles
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<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>The Florida State Seminoles are huge favorites over the Northern Illinois Huskies. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northern-illinois-huskies">Northern Illinois Huskies</a> of the Mid-American Conference were able to crash the BCS party, but they face a tall task in trying to defeat the Florida State Seminoles in the 2013 Orange Bowl.</p>
<p>The odds for this game reflect it, as <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/northern-illinois-florida-state-odds-january-1-2013">OddsShark.com</a> lists the Seminoles as 13.5 point favorites. Other numbers include the over-under being set at 59 points and the moneyline being set at +425 for Northern Illinois and -525 for FSU.</p>
<p>This game is an interesting match-up, as both offenses score about 40 points-per-game while both defenses surrender under 20 points-per-game. The key in the game will be whether NIU can take care of the ball. They have a negative turnover differential for the season.</p>
<p>Another thing bettors will want to keep in mind is that the under is 5-1 in the last six Orange Bowls.</p>
<p>Kickoff between the Huskies and the Seminoles is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 1.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3821378/2013-orange-bowl-florida-state-northern-illinois-spread-oddsSteve Uhlmann2012-12-31T10:28:48-05:002012-12-31T10:28:48-05:00Capital One Bowl odds and lines
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<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>The Georgia Bulldogs are a large favorite in the New Year's Day bowl game.</p> <p>Although the Capital One Bowl is traditionally one of the better bowl games on New Year's Day, oddsmakers do not have the feeling that the 2013 contest between the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Bulldogs</a> and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers" class="sbn-auto-link">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> will be close.</p>
<p>The Bulldogs, ranked seventh in the last BCS rankings of the season, open as 8 1/2-point favorites over the Cornhuskers, according to <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/odds">OddsShark.com</a>.</p>
<p>The spread is understandable, as the Bulldogs nearly pulled off an upset over Alabama in their last game, while Nebraska was embarrassed by Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship Game.</p>
<p>Other numbers of interest in the game include the over-under being set at 57 points and the money lines being set at +315 for Nebraska and -375 for Georgia.</p>
<p>Some recent stats to remember include that Georgia is 7-2 in its last nine games played in January, while Nebraska has posted a mark of just 4-3. Georgia is also an impressive 9-1 on grass fields while Nebraska is just 6-4.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3821302/2013-capital-one-bowl-nebraska-georgia-spread-oddsSteve Uhlmann2012-12-31T09:31:39-05:002012-12-31T09:31:39-05:00Fans react to Bucs big win over the Falcons
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>A tumultuous 2012 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended on a positive note with a win over the Atlanta Falcons.</p> <p>There may have been nothing to play for when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> took to the field Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, however a 22-17 win did plenty to restore faith in the Buccaneers' fan base.</p>
<p>A big reason for the win was the play of quarterback <span>Josh Freeman</span> and running back <span>Doug Martin</span>. Freeman threw for 222 yards and a touchdown while Martin was able to accumulate 142 rushing yards.</p>
<p>Making the victory more impressive was the fact that the Falcons played their starters the entire game despite already locking up home-field advantage. The Bucs jumped out to a 16-3 lead which was cut down to 22-17 by the Matt Ryan led Falcons before a big stop on fourth down with two minutes to play clinched the win.</p>
<p>As the writers at <a href="http://www.bucsnation.com/2012/12/30/3818454/buccaneers-recap-score-2012-doug-martin-josh-freeman">Bucs Nation point out,</a> seeing the team fight so hard for a victory in what was essentially a meaningless game after a rough stretch was encouraging.</p>
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<p>"In the end, this game was meaningless. Nothing was at stake. But the Buccaneers did show that they weren't folding, that they still had a competitive team. In other words: they showed that despite a five-game losing streak, this is a different team from last year's."</p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3821060/falcons-vs-bucs-week-17-reactionSteve Uhlmann2012-12-31T08:59:09-05:002012-12-31T08:59:09-05:00Reaction to Dolphins' loss to Patriots
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>The Miami Dolphins looked lifeless in their season finale against the New England Patriots Sunday. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> were flat in all aspects of the game in their 28-0 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> Sunday, as the team wrapped up its fourth consecutive losing season by getting shutout for the first time since 2010.</p>
<p>Rookie quarterback <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> completed 20-of-35 passes for 235 yards and an interception; however, he was constantly under pressure and was sacked a career-high seven times.</p>
<p>The team even came short of reaching the small victories on Sunday, as <span>Reggie Bush</span> ended the day 13 yards short of 1,000 rushing yards.</p>
<p>The defense also struggled to get pressure on <span>Tom Brady</span>, which allowed him to put up big numbers.</p>
<p>With no playoff appearance for another season, the writers at <a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/2012/12/30/3819368/miami-dolphins-put-together-consistently-miserable-performance-new-england-patriots">The Phinsider </a>assess what comes next for the team.</p>
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<p>The Dolphins now enter the offseason coming off their fourth straight losing season, the first time they have done that since their first four seasons in the league. The team clearly has needs that have to be targeted this offseason, and the debate for that will start immediately.</p>
<p>In the coming days, we will also look back at the season and realize that a 7-9 season, in which we developed a rookie quarterback with minimal dynamic weapons around him, as well as a rookie head coach, was not as bad as it feels today. But, for now, today sucks.</p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3820914/patriots-vs-dolphins-week-17Steve Uhlmann2012-12-27T11:56:18-05:002012-12-27T11:56:18-05:00Werner adds more hardware
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Florida State defensive lineman won the award given to the most outstanding player who resides in the state of Connecticut. </p> <p>The awards continue to come in for Florida State defensive end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114291/bjoern-werner">Bjoern Werner</a> who was named the 2012 Walter Camp Connecticut Player of the Year. The award is given to the best college football player who either resides or plays in the state of Connecticut.</p>
<p>Werner was a worthy recipient, as he was a consensus All-America selection and was tied for second in the nation with 13 sacks. He also racked up 40 tackles with 18 of them coming for a loss. He helped the Florida State defense become one of the best in the nation, as evidenced by their 253.7 yards allowed per game, which ranks second in the country.</p>
<p>Werner played high school ball at The Salisbury School after moving to the United States from Berlin, Germany. His play as a defensive end and tight end made him a four-star recruit.</p>
<p>Werner and the Seminoles will take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northern-illinois-huskies">Northern Illinois Huskies</a> in the 2013 Orange Bowl on Jan. 1.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3808104/bjoern-werner-walter-camp-connecticut-player-of-the-yearSteve Uhlmann2012-12-27T11:07:57-05:002012-12-27T11:07:57-05:00Gators plan for Louisville's Bridgewater
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Florida Gators defense will have their hands full with Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Gators</a> continue to plan for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals" class="sbn-auto-link">Louisville Cardinals</a>, a big part of which will be containing Cardinals quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133918/teddy-bridgewater" class="sbn-auto-link">Teddy Bridgewater</a>.</p>
<p>As a report from the <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/25/3156044/gators-make-containment-plan-for.html">Miami Herald says</a>, Florida defensive coordinator <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135902/dan-quinn" class="sbn-auto-link">Dan Quinn</a> is not taking him lightly.</p>
<p>"When you give a good quarterback time, and he's an accurate thrower, they can make you look bad," he said. "When he gets comfortable, he is a dangerous guy, and he's a problem."</p>
<p>Bridgewater, the 2012 Big East Offensive Player of the Year, has already thrown for 3,452 yards and 25 touchdowns and is sixth in the nation with a completion percentage of 69 percent.</p>
<p>To plan for this, Florida has been using backup <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115247/tyler-murphy" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Murphy</a> on the scout team to emulate Bridgewater in the Cardinals offense. The team features dual-threat quarterbacks similar to Bridgewater, which should also aid its preparations.</p>
<p>The Gators and Cardinals will face off in the 2013 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 2.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3807946/sugar-bowl-2013-gators-teddy-bridgewaterSteve Uhlmann2012-12-27T10:30:36-05:002012-12-27T10:30:36-05:00Heat, Knicks continue to battle atop conference
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A pair of wins so far this week have kept the Miami Heat in first place in the Eastern Conference ahead of the New York Knicks.</p> <p>After a big win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> on Christmas and then the Charlotte <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">Hornets</a> Wednesday, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> continued to remain atop the standings in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p>The Heat are currently a half-game ahead of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a>, who kept pace after a miraculous win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> Wednesday.</p>
<p>Chasing the Heat in the Southeast Division are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a>, who remain three games behind Miami following a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a>. The Hawks currently rank third in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p>The middle of the conference standings features many teams bunched together, as just 2.5 games separates fourth place from ninth.</p>
<p>Here are the complete standings for the Eastern Conference as of December 27:</p>
<table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td colspan="2" align="left">EASTERN</td>
<td><a title="Wins" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins">W</a></td>
<td><a title="Losses" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses">L</a></td>
<td><a title="Win Percentage" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent">PCT</a></td>
<td><a title="Games Behind" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind">GB</a></td>
<td><a title="Home Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent">HOME</a></td>
<td><a title="Road Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent">ROAD</a></td>
<td><a title="Division Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent">DIV</a></td>
<td><a title="Conference Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent">CONF</a></td>
<td><a title="Average Points For" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor">PF</a></td>
<td><a title="Average Points Against" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false">PA</a></td>
<td>DIFF</td>
<td><a title="Streak" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak">STRK</a></td>
<td>L10</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>1</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mia/miami-heat">Miami</a></td>
<td>20</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>.769</td>
<td>- ½</td>
<td>14-2</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>4-1</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>103.5</td>
<td>97.2</td>
<td>+6.4</td>
<td>Won 6</td>
<td>8-2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>2</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/ny/new-york-knicks">New York</a></td>
<td>21</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>.724</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>12-2</td>
<td>9-6</td>
<td>4-1</td>
<td>13-3</td>
<td>102.2</td>
<td>96.7</td>
<td>+5.5</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>7-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>3</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-hawks">Atlanta</a></td>
<td>17</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>.654</td>
<td>2 ½</td>
<td>10-5</td>
<td>7-4</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>11-4</td>
<td>97.2</td>
<td>94.8</td>
<td>+2.3</td>
<td>Won 2</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>4</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers">Indiana</a></td>
<td>16</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>.571</td>
<td>4 ½</td>
<td>8-3</td>
<td>8-9</td>
<td>4-2</td>
<td>8-6</td>
<td>91.5</td>
<td>89.9</td>
<td>+1.6</td>
<td>Won 3</td>
<td>7-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>5</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mil/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee</a></td>
<td>15</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>.556</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>8-6</td>
<td>7-6</td>
<td>5-2</td>
<td>13-6</td>
<td>95.6</td>
<td>96.4</td>
<td>-0.9</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>7-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>6</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bulls">Chicago</a></td>
<td>15</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>.556</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>8-7</td>
<td>7-5</td>
<td>4-2</td>
<td>11-4</td>
<td>92.9</td>
<td>92.1</td>
<td>+0.9</td>
<td>Lost 2</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>7</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics">Boston</a></td>
<td>14</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>.519</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>9-5</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>3-4</td>
<td>9-10</td>
<td>97.0</td>
<td>97.0</td>
<td>+0.1</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>8</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bkn/brooklyn-nets">Brooklyn</a></td>
<td>14</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>.500</td>
<td>6 ½</td>
<td>9-7</td>
<td>5-7</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>11-8</td>
<td>94.5</td>
<td>94.4</td>
<td>+0.1</td>
<td>Lost 2</td>
<td>3-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="15" align="center"><img src="http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif" height="1" width="100%"></td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia</a></td>
<td>14</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>.483</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9-7</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>4-4</td>
<td>8-10</td>
<td>93.6</td>
<td>96.0</td>
<td>-2.4</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>3-7</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/orl/orlando-magic">Orlando</a></td>
<td>12</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>.429</td>
<td>8 ½</td>
<td>7-8</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>2-2</td>
<td>5-10</td>
<td>92.8</td>
<td>94.4</td>
<td>-1.6</td>
<td>Lost 3</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptors">Toronto</a></td>
<td>9</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>.310</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>7-5</td>
<td>2-15</td>
<td>0-5</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>95.6</td>
<td>100.3</td>
<td>-4.8</td>
<td>Lost 1</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/det/detroit-pistons">Detroit</a></td>
<td>9</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>.290</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>6-8</td>
<td>3-14</td>
<td>2-2</td>
<td>7-9</td>
<td>94.4</td>
<td>96.6</td>
<td>-2.2</td>
<td>Lost 1</td>
<td>3-7</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte</a></td>
<td>7</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>.250</td>
<td>13 ½</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>2-10</td>
<td>2-5</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>96.1</td>
<td>105.0</td>
<td>-8.9</td>
<td>Lost 16</td>
<td>0-10</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland</a></td>
<td>7</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>.233</td>
<td>14 ½</td>
<td>3-9</td>
<td>4-14</td>
<td>1-8</td>
<td>5-15</td>
<td>93.7</td>
<td>99.2</td>
<td>-5.5</td>
<td>Won 2</td>
<td>3-7</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizards">Washington</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>.115</td>
<td>16 ½</td>
<td>2-11</td>
<td>1-12</td>
<td>1-7</td>
<td>1-17</td>
<td>88.6</td>
<td>96.9</td>
<td>-8.3</td>
<td>Lost 8</td>
<td>1-9</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><br>Here are the standings for the Southeast Division:</p>
<table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left">SOUTHEAST</td>
<td><a title="Wins" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins/group/3">W</a></td>
<td><a title="Losses" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses/group/3">L</a></td>
<td><a title="Win Percentage" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/3/order/false">PCT</a></td>
<td><a title="Games Behind" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind/group/3">GB</a></td>
<td><a title="Home Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent/group/3">HOME</a></td>
<td><a title="Road Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent/group/3">ROAD</a></td>
<td><a title="Division Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent/group/3">DIV</a></td>
<td><a title="Conference Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent/group/3">CONF</a></td>
<td><a title="Average Points For" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor/group/3">PF</a></td>
<td><a title="Average Points Against" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/group/3/order/false">PA</a></td>
<td>DIFF</td>
<td><a title="Streak" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak/group/3">STRK</a></td>
<td>L10</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mia/miami-heat">Miami</a></td>
<td>20</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>.769</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>14-2</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>4-1</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>103.5</td>
<td>97.2</td>
<td>+6.4</td>
<td>Won 6</td>
<td>8-2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-hawks">Atlanta</a></td>
<td>17</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>.654</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>10-5</td>
<td>7-4</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>11-4</td>
<td>97.2</td>
<td>94.8</td>
<td>+2.3</td>
<td>Won 2</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/orl/orlando-magic">Orlando</a></td>
<td>12</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>.429</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>7-8</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>2-2</td>
<td>5-10</td>
<td>92.8</td>
<td>94.4</td>
<td>-1.6</td>
<td>Lost 3</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte</a></td>
<td>7</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>.250</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>2-10</td>
<td>2-5</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>96.1</td>
<td>105.0</td>
<td>-8.9</td>
<td>Lost 16</td>
<td>0-10</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizards">Washington</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>.115</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>2-11</td>
<td>1-12</td>
<td>1-7</td>
<td>1-17</td>
<td>88.6</td>
<td>96.9</td>
<td>-8.3</td>
<td>Lost 8</td>
<td>1-9</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Finally, here are the standings for the Western Conference:</p>
<table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody>
<tr align="right">
<td colspan="2" align="left">WESTERN</td>
<td><a title="Wins" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins">W</a></td>
<td><a title="Losses" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses">L</a></td>
<td><a title="Win Percentage" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent">PCT</a></td>
<td><a title="Games Behind" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind">GB</a></td>
<td><a title="Home Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent">HOME</a></td>
<td><a title="Road Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent">ROAD</a></td>
<td><a title="Division Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent">DIV</a></td>
<td><a title="Conference Record" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent">CONF</a></td>
<td><a title="Average Points For" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor">PF</a></td>
<td><a title="Average Points Against" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false">PA</a></td>
<td>DIFF</td>
<td><a title="Streak" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak">STRK</a></td>
<td>L10</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>1</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers">LA Clippers</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>.786</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>13-3</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>5-1</td>
<td>14-3</td>
<td>101.6</td>
<td>91.9</td>
<td>+9.7</td>
<td>Won 14</td>
<td>10-0</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>2</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City</a></td>
<td>21</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>.778</td>
<td>½</td>
<td>14-2</td>
<td>7-4</td>
<td>2-1</td>
<td>11-3</td>
<td>104.8</td>
<td>96.5</td>
<td>+8.3</td>
<td>Lost 2</td>
<td>8-2</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>3</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs">San Antonio</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>.733</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>11-2</td>
<td>11-6</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>12-6</td>
<td>104.9</td>
<td>97.0</td>
<td>+7.9</td>
<td>Won 3</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>4</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies">Memphis</a></td>
<td>18</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>.692</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>12-3</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>3-2</td>
<td>9-6</td>
<td>95.7</td>
<td>90.8</td>
<td>+4.8</td>
<td>Lost 2</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>5</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors">Golden State</a></td>
<td>19</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>.655</td>
<td>3 ½</td>
<td>8-4</td>
<td>11-6</td>
<td>2-4</td>
<td>8-8</td>
<td>101.5</td>
<td>99.6</td>
<td>+1.9</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>7-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>6</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets">Houston</a></td>
<td>16</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>.571</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>11-5</td>
<td>5-7</td>
<td>2-4</td>
<td>5-10</td>
<td>105.3</td>
<td>102.5</td>
<td>+2.8</td>
<td>Won 5</td>
<td>7-3</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>7</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets">Denver</a></td>
<td>16</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>.533</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>7-13</td>
<td>2-3</td>
<td>11-8</td>
<td>102.7</td>
<td>101.2</td>
<td>+1.6</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>6-4</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td>8</td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers">Portland</a></td>
<td>14</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>.519</td>
<td>7 ½</td>
<td>10-4</td>
<td>4-9</td>
<td>2-1</td>
<td>10-7</td>
<td>97.6</td>
<td>99.4</td>
<td>-1.8</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>7-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="15" align="center"><img src="http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif" height="1" width="100%"></td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/utah/utah-jazz">Utah</a></td>
<td>15</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>.500</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>9-3</td>
<td>6-12</td>
<td>1-2</td>
<td>9-11</td>
<td>98.1</td>
<td>98.8</td>
<td>-0.8</td>
<td>Lost 1</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-timberwolves">Minnesota</a></td>
<td>13</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>.500</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>8-4</td>
<td>5-9</td>
<td>2-2</td>
<td>7-6</td>
<td>95.0</td>
<td>94.1</td>
<td>+1.0</td>
<td>Lost 2</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers">LA Lakers</a></td>
<td>14</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>.483</td>
<td>8 ½</td>
<td>9-6</td>
<td>5-9</td>
<td>4-2</td>
<td>8-11</td>
<td>102.9</td>
<td>100.6</td>
<td>+2.3</td>
<td>Lost 1</td>
<td>5-5</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks">Dallas</a></td>
<td>12</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>.429</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>8-4</td>
<td>4-12</td>
<td>1-2</td>
<td>5-8</td>
<td>99.0</td>
<td>102.5</td>
<td>-3.5</td>
<td>Lost 3</td>
<td>4-6</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns">Phoenix</a></td>
<td>11</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>.379</td>
<td>11 ½</td>
<td>9-7</td>
<td>2-11</td>
<td>1-4</td>
<td>6-8</td>
<td>97.3</td>
<td>100.8</td>
<td>-3.6</td>
<td>Lost 3</td>
<td>4-6</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sac/sacramento-kings">Sacramento</a></td>
<td>9</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>.321</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>8-7</td>
<td>1-12</td>
<td>3-4</td>
<td>6-13</td>
<td>95.7</td>
<td>101.9</td>
<td>-6.1</td>
<td>Lost 1</td>
<td>3-7</td>
</tr>
<tr align="right">
<td></td>
<td align="left"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans</a></td>
<td>6</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>.214</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>3-11</td>
<td>3-11</td>
<td>0-4</td>
<td>2-15</td>
<td>91.2</td>
<td>97.4</td>
<td>-6.2</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
<td>1-9</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3807746/2012-nba-standings-heat-eastern-conferenceSteve Uhlmann2012-12-27T09:38:59-05:002012-12-27T09:38:59-05:00Heat continue to set pace
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tPjZaLS2GcvjXUMOkTRjKkIF6eM=/0x110:2910x2050/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5631849/20121226_gav_as1_148.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A pair of wins this week keep the Miami Heat atop the standings in the Southeast Division. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> remain the team to beat in the Eastern Conference, as a pair of wins this week keeps them atop the standings.</p>
<p>The Heat picked up a key 103-97 victory over the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> on Christmas, led by <span>LeBron James</span>, who scored a team-high 29 points. There wasn't much time for the Heat to celebrate, as they were back in action Wednesday on the road against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlotte Bobcats</a>. Miami took care of business with a 105-92 victory.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> were also in action Wednesday, but they could not get the job done against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Hornets</a>, suffering a 97-94 loss. The Magic have been struggling as of late, losing their third-straight game.</p>
<p>Finally in the Southeast Division, the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> were able to overcome a rough fourth quarter to defeat the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> in double overtime Wednesday night. The Hawks were led by <span>Josh Smith</span>, who 31 points.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3807684/nba-scores-2012-heat-magicSteve Uhlmann2012-12-27T08:50:24-05:002012-12-27T08:50:24-05:00Florida sports news roundup: Dec. 27
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VErHiODOifanfGpXo7YUsh9ZKII=/0x150:2655x1920/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5629421/20121226_gav_as1_143.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With most of the sports world still on hold due to the Christmas holiday, the NBA continues full steam ahead. Here is a quick look around the region. </p> <p>Although the NBA was the only league in action Wednesday, it didn't stop other teams in the region from getting headlines. Below is a roundup of the top news from the SB Nation network of blogs in the Sunshine State.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/2012/12/26/3806740/full-recap-clutch-play-from-wade-lebron-gives-heat-20th-win-of-season/in/3570701">Heat hold off Bobcats - Hot Hot Hoops</a> - It didn't come as easy as they expected, but the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> were able to pull out their 20th win of the season.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2012-13-recaps/2012/12/26/3806262/orlando-magic-new-orleans-hornets-final-score-2012">Orlando falls to New Orleans - Orlando Pinstriped Post</a> - The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Hornets</a> snapped their 11-game losing streak as the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a> continue to struggle without <span>Glen Davis</span> in the lineup.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/2012/12/26/3804672/miami-dolphins-new-logo-leaked-2013-uniforms">Dolphins' new logo leaked? - The Phinsider</a> - The Miami Dolphins may be sporting a new look in 2013.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2012/12/26/3805964/jaguars-pro-bowl-all-star">No Jaguars earn Pro Bowl honors in 2012 - Big Cat Country</a> - The Pro Bowl rosters for the 2012 season have been released and not a single Jaguar was able to crack the AFC roster.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bucsnation.com/2012/12/26/3804250/no-debate-is-josh-freeman-where-he-should-be-in-his-development">Is Josh Freeman where he should be in his development - Bucs Nation</a> - It has been a rough 2012 for the Buccaneers quarterback, but have there been signs of progress?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2012/12/26/3805992/deante-pop-saunders-transfer-florida-louisville">De'Ante "Pop" Saunders granted release to transfer from Florida - Alligator Army</a> - The sophomore defensive back will be transferring from Florida to Louisville with the hope of more playing time.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3807552/florida-sports-news-roundup-heat-magic-highlight-post-christmas-actionSteve Uhlmann