Weather Tracker
The NFL weather report (with a bonus update on what will happen in Houston)
Dec 7, 2018, 10:45 am
Weather Tracker
Despite a large storm system working its way across the south this weekend most NFL games will be spared impacts as the majority will be played safely away from the action. However, there are still a few games worth highlighting from a weather perspective with some being due to the conditions and others being because of the participants.
Falcons @ Packers (12:00 PM Sunday): Your 2018 Disappointment Bowl. Honestly the weather won't be too bad for December in Green Bay with the temperature in the mid to upper 20s, a windchill in the upper teens and no precipitation. However, I am spotlighting this game because of the Falcons. The Falcons have played 8 of their 12 games this season in a dome and the last outdoor cold weather game they played they lost to the Browns. Yes the Falcons are having a disappointing year and the Browns are improved but I still think the weather played a role. I wouldn't be too high on Atlanta on the frozen tundra.
Patriots @ Dolphins (12:00 PM Sunday): For some reason South Florida is like the Bermuda Triangle for the Patriots. While it won't be terrible, the weather won't be fully cooperative on Sunday. Temperatures will be in the mid 80s with some scattered rain showers. The rain shouldn't be too bad, but winds will be at about 15 MPH and gust to about 20 throughout the game.
Saints @ Buccaneers (12:00 PM Sunday): The cold front associated with the storm system moving across the southern US this weekend should be approaching the Tampa area around game time on Sunday. This is going to bring wind gusts up to 25 MPH during the game as well as some rain. While there may be some scattered rain ahead of the front, I think the bulk of it will come in a thin line along the front probably sometime in the first half. The rain in that line could be heavy and have some thunder with it but it should not last very long and will clear fairly quickly.
Rams @ Bears (7:20 PM Sunday): The weather will be clear but it will be cold. The temperature will be around 30 degrees at kickoff and will fall into the mid 20s during the game with windchills in the upper teens. I am highlighting this game only because of how the Rams may be impacted. They did win in the snow earlier this year in Denver, but these cold temperatures are still a concern for a Southern California team.
Local Weather Update:
As I am sure you all have heard by now heavy rain is expected this evening (Friday night) into Saturday morning. Be weather aware if you are going out tonight as street flooding is possible. Please don't be a dummy and drive into high water, especially after dark. A good rule of thumb is if you can't see the curb do not drive through.
If you have any questions about the games or the storm this weekend you can find me on Twitter @stephenuzick.
Luka Doncic had 41 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and the Dallas Mavericks prevented the Houston Rockets from advancing to the quarterfinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament with a 121-115 victory on Tuesday night.
Kyrie Irving added 22 of his 27 points in the second half for the Mavericks, who had already been eliminated. Their victory allowed the New Orleans Pelicans to win Group B in the Western Conference with a 3-1 record.
Doncic fell just short of his 59th career triple-double. That would have tied him for ninth place all-time with Larry Bird. He shot 15 of 29, 3 of 10 on 3-pointers.
“Sometimes we take him for granted, and we shouldn’t,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s about winning, but it just so happens he’s a walking triple-double.
”The Mavericks, who trailed by nine points in the third quarter, grabbed the lead for good at 99-98 with 6:25 to play on a drive by Irving. Leading 103-100 with 5:25 left, they went on an 8-2 run that included three free throws by Derrick Jones Jr. when he was fouled by Dillon Brooks on a 25-footer with the shot clock about to expire.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s 3-pointer with 8 seconds left pulled the Rockets within 119-115 before Dallas closed it out.
Doncic played after sustaining a low-grade sprain of his left thumb on his non-shooting hand early in Saturday’s game. He wore a wrap on the thumb.
Doncic made a hook shot from the free throw line after recovering a loose ball near the baseline.
“I’m 2 for 2 in my career on the hooks,” Doncic said, saying the other came while playing for the Slovenian national team against Sweden.
Irving shot 2 for 11 in the first half, 1 for 5 on 3-pointers, with no free-throw attempts. He was 6 for 11 in the second half, hitting 1 of 2 behind the arc, and sank all nine free throws.
“I told the team, ‘Played well enough to win, not smart enough to win,’” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “We were extra-aggressive, especially at the end of the third quarter. Had multiple players make a few dumb fouls, put Kyrie at the line and got him going when he didn’t have a lot going. You can be aggressive, obviously, but slapping somebody on a 3-point shot on the arm is an unintelligent play. It has nothing to do with aggression.”
Alperen Sengun had a season-best 31 points for the Rockets, who had six scorers in double figures. Fred VanVleet had 10 points and 12 assists.
The Rockets have lost all six of their road games this season. They went into play leading the NBA by allowing an average of 104.4 points per game.
The Mavericks didn’t use the specially built court for either of their home tournament games, citing dissatisfaction with the quality.
Rockets: Will finish a back-to-back at Denver on Wednesday.
Mavericks: Host Memphis on Friday.