LOS ANGELES -- New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart said he called some of his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates and front office staffers to clear up the negative comments he made about the organization on his podcast and on social media in September.

Hart said he never intended those comments to become public, but there was a communication error that resulted in the audio version of the podcast editing those comments out and the video version of the podcast running in full.

In the video version of the September 6, "LightHarted Podcast," with teammate Lonzo Ball, a producer is heard openly discussing cutting the portion of the conversation in which Hart derides the Lakers organization.

Ball says, "Lithuania was very depressing. I went there to go visit (my brothers), I wouldn't do it again... It's like hella gloomy, nobody smiles, it's like everybody just hates that they're there. I'm like 'damn.' I had to get out of there, bro."

Hart then jokes, "Sounds like L.A. ... No, I'm not talking about the city."

Ball responds, "I don't know what he's talking about. ... Next question. Cut that part out."

At that point the producer says, "We're gonna edit this part out, so you might as well just tell us."

Hart laughs and says, "I was going to say the Lakers organization."

Hart explained his comments on social media after the podcast was released, saying he was upset he wasn't given a heads up about the trade that sent him, Ball, Brandon Ingram and draft picks to New Orleans in exchange for Anthony Davis.

The Pelicans were in Los Angeles Sunday night to play the Clippers, the first time they have been in LA since the trade. On Wednesday, New Orleans will host the Lakers in the first meeting between the two teams, since the trade.

"When my sarcasm, that wasn't supposed to be in that --it was supposed to be cut -- was in there, I called some of the people in the [Lakers] front office, I called some of my teammates that I had and made sure they knew that none of this stuff was about you guys," Hart told ESPN on Sunday night.

"I loved my time here. I loved my time here and I wouldn't have changed it for the world. I love Laker Nation. They show so much love, so much support."

Hart didn't want to specify which people in the Lakers front office he called to clear the air, or who the one person he "had a problem with" was, that he alluded to in a subsequent tweet. But Hart did elaborate on why he was upset that he wasn't given a heads up that he was included in the deal.

"Obviously, sometimes things happen quickly," Hart said. "But I mean, you have of a gist of if something's going to happen. At least that day or something. So just reach out.

"You know in this league, this is a possibility. Like 'Hey, you're going to get an all-world player [Davis], I get it. ... Cool. No hard feelings.'

"But all you want is just like a heads up, or even -- when the deal is final -- to get a call or even get a call just the same day and not find out on Twitter, and not get called, days later."

Hart said he heard he'd been traded by reading it on Twitter. At the time, he was supposed to be taping an episode of his podcast with Kenneth Faried.

"It turns out he's very allergic to dogs, and we didn't know until he got to the house," Hart explained. "So if that did happen, our phones would've been on airplane mode, and I wouldn't have known until, an hour, an hour and a half after [the trade news] came out."

Hart is averaging 12.6 points and 6.6 rebounds in 10 games this season with the Pelicans, well above his career averages of 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds in his two seasons with LA. He has missed seven straight games with a knee injury, however.

The Lakers (14-2) have the best record in the NBA.

Hart said he's kept up with several of his former teammates, like Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo and LeBron James and is rooting for them to succeed. "You always want the players to do well, no matter what.

"Honestly you do feel like, "Aw dang."

"Like there's always a part in your head like you could help in that situation or something like that. But ... I want them to do as well as they can, and I'm happy that they're doing as well as they are right now."

Ingram said Sunday there will be "no emotions" in his first game against the Lakers. But admitted he "followed a lot of those guys" and is "really good friends with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope" and that "they're a really good team."

As for Davis' return to New Orleans, Ingram said: "I'm not sure. I don't know if they're going to boo him or going to clap, but he's a great player that we have to game plan for."

England winger Jack Nowell says his return to the Exeter side has ended one of the toughest periods in his career.

Injury and illness since June saw the 26-year-old play a bit part in England's World Cup campaign.

But Nowell impressed on his return to action for Exeter as the Chiefs beat Glasgow 34-18 to take command of their Champions Cup pool.

"It's been a pretty frustrating five or six months for me, but I'm relieved to get back out there," he told BBC Sport.

Nowell injured his knee and ankle in last season's Premiership final loss to Saracens and suffered a burst appendix in the build-up to the World Cup.

Having overcome those issues, he hurt a hamstring in his try-scoring appearance against Argentina in Japan and played no further part in England's run to the final.

"Coming towards the end of my rehab each time, something seemed to happen," he said.

"My appendix burst and I got back from that, lost 10kg of weight and finally put it back on, and I was really excited to get back out for that Argentina game, but unfortunately my hamstring was a bit dodgy towards the end of that game.

"It was quite upsetting to finally get back fit, almost taking that step into a game and then getting injured again."

'As close to world class as you could ask for'

Nowell played a key role in the build-up to two of Exeter's four tries against Glasgow as they achieved back-to-back bonus-point wins at the start of a Champions Cup campaign for just the second time to top Pool 2.

"What's fantastic for me is I know he's nowhere near 100% yet," said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter.

"That doesn't mean he's not fit to play, but he's not at optimum level yet. That ankle is going to take a bit of time and treatment to get to 100%.

"There was one moment he created which led to a try which was as close to world class as you could ask for - he's got no space and he appears out of the other side of three or four defenders and then makes a good pass and we're gone. You won't see another player in England do that, you genuinely won't."

Nowell added: "There's always that drive to get back as you miss it when the boys are out there playing and you're watching.

"No matter how hard it is and the rehab and stuff, this is why you do it, this is why I want to be out there playing."

There are so many contenders for England's most abject batting display in recent years - they've been bowled out in a session several times - that this performance may scarcely gain a podium place among them.

But as Joe Root steered a wide one to gully, as Ben Stokes chopped on to his stumps, as Jos Buttler left one that hit his off stump and Ollie Pope somehow stretched to reach a wide full toss and hit it to cover - truly, a contender for worst Test stroke since Shannon Gabriel's "why did he do that?" dismissal against Pakistan in 2017 - the poverty of England's batting was revealed anew. This was, by any standards, a museum-quality display of dim-witted batting.

Let's be clear on the context. Going into this Test, the England management - including the captain and coach - made it clear that this England side was going to adopt a different approach. This side, they said, was going to pride itself in batting time. They were going to shelve the aggression they had demonstrated under Trevor Bayliss and show they had the ruthlessness to grind out match-defining scores.

But like a fatty walking past the cake shop, like a junkie needing a fix, those old habits couldn't be resisted. So instead of leaving the wide ball, instead of offering only the straightest of bats and the most determined of defence, England were seduced into flirts and forcing and failure. Yes, the day-five surface offered some variable bounce and yes, with the foot holes outside the off stump, batting was tough for left-handers. But for right-handers there was, in Stuart Broad's words to the BBC ahead of play "nothing to worry about" from the surface. "There's nothing in that pitch that should frighten us," he said. "Nothing to stress us out too much." He was probably right.

'Ahh, but you have to play your natural game' they will cry. But if your natural game isn't good enough, if it keeps seeing you fail, you have to improve it. That's part of the discipline - or should be - inherent in the life of an international athlete. BJ Watling's resistance should prove an inspiration to England's batsmen. There is no individual stroke he can play that Root, for example, cannot. But he seems to prepared to concentrate harder and work for longer. Put simply, England weren't greedy enough with the bat.

Let's be fair: this is, we're told, the start of a new era for England. And as such, perhaps we have to be patient to allow the words and methods of the new coach to bed in. It will, they say, take time for the team to implement the new, more patient approach expected of them.

"Joe Root has never completely been able to shake the image of the little boy who, if he is really good, will be allowed to stay up late and watch Doctor Who."

But it was no aberration, either. It's not just that it was New Zealand's third victory in four Tests over England. It was also England's fourth innings defeat in 14 overseas Tests under Root's captaincy. When you add to that two 10-wicket defeats and losses of 381 runs (against West Indies) and 120 (against Australia), a pretty clear - if grim - picture emerges: England are very poor away from home. It was last winter's victory over a Sri Lanka side in transition that was the aberration.

Perhaps only Joe Denly, of the top order, can be exonerated in this innings. Having resisted for 142 balls, he attempted to leave one - a sensible choice - from Neil Wagner only to see the ball rear and clip his glove as it scudded through to the keeper. It was, from Denly's point of view, unfortunate. But it is the sort of dismissal that occurs on fifth-day pitches. Had England taken advantage of winning the toss and recorded the sort of commanding first-innings score they should have done, Denly might never have found himself in such a position.

One of the crucial moments in this Test came when Stokes, supremely well set on 91 in the first innings, advanced down the pitch and attempted to thrash a delivery from Tim Southee into the Pacific. It was an impetuous, impatient shot and it opened the door to New Zealand. England subsequently lost 4 for 18 and the chance to set that commanding first-innings total was gone. Broad subsequently told the BBC England were anything up to "150 short on a pitch like this" and they had been "disappointed not to get 500 in the first innings." Stokes' dropping of Watling on 31 was key, too.

All of this will only increase the volume of voices questioning Root's continued position as captain. The main issue is simply his lack of runs: after this, his worst Test (in games where he has, as captain, batted in both innings), he is now averaging 27.40 in 10 Tests this calendar year and 39.70 in 34 Tests as captain. Those are not small sample sizes and they compare to his average of 52.80 in 53 Tests when not captain. Increasingly, the burden of captaincy appears to be compromising his ability to deliver his key skill: run-scoring.

But there are also question marks over his leadership. He wasn't able to lead by example by making a success of the No. 3 position and he wasn't able to stamp his character on the team by successfully enforcing the positive style of play that was preached for a couple of years.

ALSO READ: Missed opportunity in first innings cost England, admits Root

Root's use - or over-use - of Jofra Archer is a worry and there is little evidence that he has the tactical nous to conjure wickets on tough days. Most of all, he has - perhaps unfairly - never completely been able to shake the image of the little boy who, if he is really good, will be allowed to stay up late and watch Doctor Who. This England environment looks just a little soft; just a little safe and there have been several times when it wasn't clear who was leading it: Bayliss? Ed Smith? Ashley Giles? Or Broad and James Anderson? Root is 34 Tests into his career as captain - more than David Gower, Mike Brearley and Ray Illingworth, to name but three - and still the talk is of learning.

But Root is, despite recent struggles, probably still England's best batsman. And he is, despite the obvious unflattering comparison with Eoin Morgan as England's white-ball leader, still hugely respected and popular within the dressing room. And with a new head coach having just started, the England management will argue this is a new start to his period as leader. There is every indication Root will be allowed to continue to learn in the role.

Besides, there isn't an obvious alternative. Although you could probably make a case for Broad, Stokes, Buttler, Rory Burns or, at a push, even Morgan, there isn't any compelling evidence to suggest they would perform any better.

And that's because they would still have to wrestle with the same issues: the county schedule and knock-on consequences to county pitches; the disparity between the Duke's and Kookaburra balls; the emphasis on white-ball cricket for several years and the problems with the development of fast bowlers and spinners. It might help, too, if counties stopped promoting their overseas or Kolpak players into the captaincy and instead invested in developing leadership skills in young, England-qualified players.

With those factors in mind, Root probably deserves time to improve this team. But this was a deeply disappointing performance. At some stage soon, Root really does need to start repaying the huge amount of faith invested in him.

Leeward Islands 255 for 8 (Kieran Powell 105, Jangoo 69, Thomas 3-59) beat Jamaica 242 (Rovman Powell 106, Boatswain 4-85) by 13 runs

Rovman Powell hit a blistering 38-ball century - the fifth fastest in men's List A cricket - against Leeward Islands, but his ton was not enough for Jamaica to avert a 13-run loss in a chase of 256 at the Super50 Cup in Basseterre, as they folded for 242 in 28.3 overs.

Rovman, the Jamaica captain, steered the better part of Jamaica's chase from No. 5, stitching together three 40-plus partnerships, including a sixth-wicket half-century stand with Derval Green, to take his side past 150. However, once his 40-ball 106, featuring 13 fours and seven sixes, came to an end in the last ball of the 15th over, courtesy Quinton Boatswain, who had him caught behind, the rearguard proved inadequate.

Aside from Rovman, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, none of the Jamaica batsmen could make a fifty. That the next best score from their line-up was a mere 26-ball 30, struck by No. 8 Jamie Merchant, was in part down to Boatswain's 4 for 85. Boatswain was complemented well by Sheeno Berridge and Jason Campbell, who took two wickets apiece.

The other century in the match came from the Powell in the opposition camp, Kieran, and stood in sharp contrast to Rovman's. Built on 13 fours and no sixes, the Leeward Islands opener's 125-ball 105, however, anchored his side's 255 for 8 after they were sent in.

Kieran's big 154-run second-wicket stand with half-centurion Amir Jangoo in 29 overs set them the perfect platform to eye a total close to 300. However, medium-pacer Green's double-strike in the 35th over accounted for Kieran and then sent back No. 4 Devon Thomas for a duck.

Kieran's dismissal also triggered a collapse that saw them lose four wickets for eight runs, and then five for 23, with Jamaica reduced to 214 for 6 in the 43rd over. During that slump, Jangoo holed out to Oshane Thomas for an enterprising 85-ball 69. Thomas later capped off his day with the ball with 3 for 59, as Leeward finished on 255 for 8.

Kane Williamson hailed a "special" performance from his side's middle-order as New Zealand completed a "unique" innings victory over England.

Williamson, the New Zealand captain, was particularly gratified by the result as it came after England had won a hugely important toss and took first advantage of a pitch that, at the time, offered few dangers for batsmen. It also came in contrast to many of New Zealand's victories, which tend to be set up by their seamers on green surfaces over the first couple of days.

But despite conceding what appeared, at the time, a respectful first-innings total of 353 and then slipping to 127 for 4 in reply, New Zealand's middle-order batted so well - and for so long - that BJ Watling produced the second-longest innings (in terms of balls faced) in history by a Test keeper, Mitchell Santner produced the 10th-longest innings (in terms of balls faced) from a No. 8 in Test history and New Zealand recorded their highest Test score against England. As a result, England were left to contend with a fifth-day deteriorating pitch, and failed to do so.

"To lose the toss and be 350 behind in the first innings required something special," Williamson said. "And it was something special for 200 overs to get us into a position which gave us a chance.

"To get 600 gave us that opportunity to bowl last on that wicket, so a huge amount of credit goes to the way the middle-order built those partnerships. BJ Watling with 200 and Mitch Santner with his first Test hundred were incredibly valuable and hugely required. Colin de Grandhomme batted well, too.

"The pitch started to deteriorate which is what you want to see in Test cricket. But when you do see that you want to have won the toss. This is certainly right up there in terms of a tough, grinding Test victory."

"This is certainly right up there in terms of a tough, grinding Test victory"

A key difference between the sides, Williamson felt, was the conversion of the batsmen. While England had three men register half-centuries, none of them were able to go and register the big century that might have defined the game. New Zealand, by comparison, converted two of their four fifties to hundreds, with Watling completing a career-best 205.

"Scores of 50 and 60 weren't enough to turn the momentum from England's first innings," Williamson said. "It did require something large and for a long period of time and that's what those guys did. It was a brilliant effort against a very strong England bowling attack.

"It was outstanding to see that middle, lower-order apply themselves like that. BJ Watling is such a tough competitor and just cares about getting the team into a position to win cricket games. It goes a long way to him applying himself for near on 500 balls, which is an amazing effort. A lot of people wish they could bat 500 balls, including myself.

"It was a brilliant, brilliant performance and it took a huge amount of hard work scoring at two-and-a-half an over for the most part so it wasn't free flowing. For BJ and Mitch to keep soaking up that pressure was outstanding and something that is clearly very hard to do for everybody."

New Zealand are now unbeaten in their last 10 home Tests - a run that goes back to March 2017 - and have won seven of them. Five of those victories - including their last three Tests - have been by an innings while the others have been crushing margins of 423 runs (against Sri Lanka) and 240 runs (against West Indies). Whichever way you look at it, that is an outstanding record.

To make New Zealand's success all the more admirable, it was achieved, on the final day, without much input from Trent Boult. He was able to contribute just one over before rib pain forced him off the pitch. He will have an MRI scan on Tuesday and must be considered a severe doubt for the second Test. Williamson, too, spent time off the field having experienced pain in his hip region but he insisted it was nothing too serious.

"A lot was taken out of both teams in this Test," Williamson said. "It was a really tough effort for long periods. But we have that squad of 15 and all the guys will meet up in Hamilton and we will have to assess the fitness of everybody." There is probably a good chance Lockie Ferguson will make his Test debut.

ALSO READ: Joe Root must shake off rookie captain vibe if England are to progress

You can be certain that Neil Wagner will want to be involved. He came into this match with a few question marks over his selection ahead of Ferguson, but proved his worth with another wholehearted performance that ended with a five-wicket haul in the second innings. It left Williamson both grateful for the effort put in by his bowlers and thankful for the batting of Watling and co. which gave Wagner and Tim Southee time to recover from their bowling stints in England's first innings.

"Our really good first-innings batting allowed the guys to put their feet up," he said. "That was really important because they put in a lot of overs in that first innings. For the guys to freshen up proved really important without Trent as a resource.

"We knew if you could hit the wicket hard you would get some variable bounce. We saw the wicket deteriorate and, when you're bowling for a Test win there's a little bit more in the tank. They were outstanding.

"In some respects it was quite a unique performance for New Zealand because we're generally looking to bowl first because the wickets are so green. Often a lot of damage is done in the first couple of days then it becomes a different match.

"But this was the opposite. Both teams were looking to bat and the wicket aged quite considerably. So it was a fantastic surface for a result and something unique for us in New Zealand."

NEW YORK -- Kyrie Irving will miss at least two more games, sitting out trips to his old homes in Cleveland and Boston.

The way Spencer Dinwiddie is playing, it might not matter to the Brooklyn Nets.

"Just, difference-maker right now," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said.

Dinwiddie scored 30 points in another strong start in place of the injured point guard and the Nets beat the New York Knicks 103-101 on Sunday for their season-high third straight victory.

Irving continues to rest an injured right shoulder, and Dinwiddie is making sure the Nets get by without him, scoring 20 or more points in a career-best five straight games after stepping into the starting lineup. He was 13 of 14 from the foul line, where the Nets had a whopping 27-9 advantage in makes.

Jarrett Allen had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets, and Taurean Prince had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Joe Harris scored 13 points, with four coming after the Knicks had cut it to one with 1:20 left.

Marcus Morris scored 26 points for the Knicks, who lost their third straight. They played without rookie RJ Barrett. He was scratched after feeling sick before the game.

The Nets are missing their starting backcourt, with Caris LeVert out after right thumb surgery. But they have won four of five to even their record at 8-8.

"We don't have some of our better players on the court, but we're still finding a way to win," Allen said.

The biggest reason has been the play of Dinwiddie, who could go back to the bench as soon as Friday if Irving is cleared to return. Or, perhaps Atkinson could choose to start them together until LeVert is recovered.

"I'm not the coach, I don't make those decisions," Dinwiddie said. "If that's the new role, then that's what I'll do, and if it's not, then it's not."

The Nets opened a 29-15 lead but struggled when Dinwiddie and Allen went to the bench and let the Knicks close the gap to 52-46 by halftime.

New York cut it to one after back-to-back 3s by Morris and another by Wayne Ellington, but Harris scored on a drive and later added a pair of free throws.

The Knicks had a much stronger effort than a night earlier, when they never led in a home loss to San Antonio. But they fell to 4-13 ahead of a tough five-game stretch against Toronto, Philadelphia, Boston, Milwaukee and Denver.

"I embrace the challenge," coach David Fizdale said. "I don't feel like we need to be looking at that like that's impossible. We're going to take it a game at a time and continue to try to give ourselves a chance to win every night."

TIP-INS

Nets: Atkinson said Irving wouldn't travel with the team to Cleveland on Monday but wasn't sure yet about Wednesday to Boston. ... It was the most points Dinwiddie has scored in 12 games against the Knicks.

Knicks: Mitchell Robinson was called for a sixth foul with 4:54 left, but Fizdale challenged the call and it was overturned, allowing Robinson to stay on the floor. Not for long: He then picked up the sixth 42 seconds later and was given a technical foul after saying something to a referee on his way off the floor. ... Morris has scored 20 or more in four straight and six of his past seven games.

KNOX'S CHANCE

Kevin Knox II had five points starting in place of Barrett. He not only hadn't started this season, but his minutes off the bench had been dwindling. He had been limited to 10 or fewer in the past two games, with Fizdale seeking a more consistent defensive effort from the 2018 lottery pick. So he was hoping to make the most of his opportunity Sunday but picked up his fourth foul less than four minutes into the second half.

"Like I say you've got to be ready when your name gets called," Knox said. "My dad used to always tell me growing up: You're an ankle sprain away from that time."

MORE NOISE

The sound around the Nets has changed -- on and off the court -- since the recent signing of Iman Shumpert, who began his career with the Knicks, won a title with Cleveland and has done some rap music.

"I just see Theo [Pinson], DeAndre [Jordan], the communication is better because he talks a ton and his aggressiveness, he's pushing the other guys," Atkinson said. "And then our music has definitely improved in the locker room. We've taken a step up in our music selection. Obviously, he's pretty sophisticated there."

UP NEXT

Nets: At Cleveland on Monday night.

Knicks: At Toronto on Wednesday night.

LOS ANGELES -- After the Clippers acquired Montrezl Harrell in a seven-player deal for Chris Paul, the team had a discussion about whether to invite the gritty big man to camp and see if he could earn his roster spot, according to coach Doc Rivers.

Rivers said the front office acknowledged how hard Harrell plays all the time and that was enough to warrant seeing what he could do in the 2017 training camp. More than two seasons later, Harrell continues to thrive and he's an issue for opposing defenses focused on trying to slow Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Harrell matched his career high with 34 points to go with 12 rebounds off the bench to spark the Clippers to a 134-109 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night at Staples Center.

The Clippers (12-5) won their fifth straight game and improved their franchise-best start at home to 11-1. Harrell has been a big part of the Clippers' success so far, averaging a career-high 19 points and 7.5 rebounds while making 60.4% of his shots.

"Once he's going downhill, once he is playing really aggressive and attacking the rim, he is virtually unstoppable with a guy of his size and the footspeed that he has," Clippers guard Lou Williams said of his pick-and-roll partner. "He had a monster night."

With defenses trying to trap Leonard and George while also trying to contain Williams, opponents might underestimate what Harrell can do even outside of the damage he can deliver on pick-and-rolls.

"That'll be a problem that they have," Williams said of opponents. "With his footspeed, he catches that ball at the top of the key, he has moves that he can go to and he is a great finisher at the rim. They're watching film and underestimating him, that's their problem."

Harrell made 13 of 18 shots overall Sunday but hurt the Pelicans in the second half when he made 9 of 11 shots and scored 24 of his points.

"Honestly, I had a lot on my mind coming into today's game and I just really wanted to go out here and just leave it all out here on the floor," Harrell said. "... I'm just really out there just having fun, taking what the defense gives me.

"A couple moves I made tonight, I made them going left, because down there toward their bench, I heard the coach yelling, take away his right hand. So I feel like I got a step quicker on a couple guys."

Not bad for a player for whom Rivers calls only a couple of plays each game outside of the pick-and-rolls with Williams, Leonard or George. Rivers said Harrell basically has one post play, an isolation play at the top and what Harrell does in transition that he does his damage in outside of the pick-and-rolls.

"I think people think that Trez is good, only because of Lou," Rivers said of the pick-and-rolls between the two super subs. "And I think that they are starting to see Trez is good. Period. There is nothing else after that.

"He can score in the post, he can score in isos, he can do it in a lot of different ways and it has been great to watch. Like each year, it seems like he adds more and more to his game."

After playing 10 of their past 12 games at home, the Clippers now will be on the road for nine of their next 11. And that stretch starts at Dallas against the red-hot Luka Doncic.

In only his second season, Doncic is nearly averaging a triple-double with 30.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 9.8 assists. He has three triple-doubles in his past six games and is coming off a 41-point, 10-assist performance Sunday against Houston.

Both Leonard and George were already on the same page, describing Doncic as "the head of the snake" in separate postgame interviews.

"I think we just both understand the game and we know the dynamics of this and where he's taken his game," George said. "... I think they're really performing higher than people would expect and he's the reason for it. He's doing everything. I've been watching and keeping up and following what he's been doing. And he's doing it. He's in MVP conversations right now. It is kind of hard to not know what is going on in Dallas."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is fully involved in running the Premier League side and will not entertain "bargain bids" for the club, chairman Bruce Buck said.

Abramovich ran into problems renewing his British visa last year and has not been seen at Chelsea's home games this season. He has also cancelled plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge.

British media reported Abramovich had grown weary and was looking to sell the club but Buck said that the Russian billionaire, who took Israeli citizenship in May last year, had no such plans.

"I have never heard a word from Abramovich: 'Let's get this ready for a sale,' or something," Buck told the Guardian.

"Because of the political situation, there are people who think they might want to buy Chelsea at a bargain. We do get inquiries and we really have nothing to say to these people.

"In terms of being involved, in looking at new players, talking about whether to extend players' contracts... [he] was always intimately involved in that from day one and is just as intimately involved now."

Chelsea are currently unable to add any new players to their squad after being hit with a transfer ban by FIFA. Manager Frank Lampard has guided an inexperienced team to fourth in the league after 13 games.

"The transfer ban has led to more opportunities for young players," Buck said.

"It makes Mr Abramovich very happy, because he is interested in the academy. I would guess he's one of the few owners that have been to lots of academy matches."

The Raiders were blown out by the Jets, and the Eagles couldn't get anything going against the Seahawks. The Panthers-Saints and Lions-Redskins matchups both ended with game-winning field goals, and the Bills got to eight wins and earned some cushion in the AFC playoff race. In the afternoon slate, the Cowboys failed to make a statement in a loss to the Patriots. In the night game, the Niners rolled the Packers.

All that and more in Week 12's biggest takeaways from NFL Nation.

Jump to a matchup:
SEA-PHI | TB-ATL | CAR-NO
MIA-CLE | DEN-BUF | NYG-CHI
OAK-NYJ | DET-WSH | PIT-CIN
JAX-TEN | DAL-NE | GB-SF | IND-HOU

Seattle Seahawks 17, Philadelphia Eagles 9

The Seahawks' defense is hitting its stride. Over the past two games, that group has allowed a combined two touchdowns and four field goals, and one of the TDs was during garbage time in the win over the Eagles on Sunday. The pass rush was effective for the second consecutive game, even with Jadeveon Clowney inactive and Jarran Reed missing the second half. It was a reversal of the first half of the season, when Russell Wilson and the offense had to bail out the defense. Said linebacker K.J. Wright: "This defense can be the best in the league. I'm proud of us ... I believe this defense is a Super Bowl-caliber defense [and this is a] Super Bowl-caliber team." -- Brady Henderson

Next game: vs. Minnesota (8:15 p.m. ET, Dec. 2)

Quarterback Carson Wentz committed four turnovers, all part of an awful offensive performance that puts the Eagles (5-6) in a precarious position. Wentz (33-of-45 passing, 256 yards, TD) threw two interceptions and had three fumbles -- two of which Seattle recovered -- in what proved to be one of his worst performances as a pro. The Eagles have two things going for them: a resurgent defense and the easiest closing schedule in the NFL, starting with a trip to Miami next week. But with the offense sputtering this badly, nothing is guaranteed. -- Tim McManus

Next game: at Miami (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35, Atlanta Falcons 22

After failing to match the Saints' sense of urgency last week, the Bucs overcame two early interceptions from quarterback Jameis Winston to win on the road and improve to 4-7. While this is not a playoff-caliber team, and Winston continues to be wildly inconsistent (he became the first player since Jon Kitna to turn the ball over 100 times in 67 games), the Bucs do have a realistic shot to better their matching 5-11 records of the past two years, as only two of their final five opponents -- the Colts and Texans -- have a winning record, and three of their final five games are at home. -- Jenna Laine

Next game: at Jacksonville (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The Falcons blew a golden opportunity to build off the momentum from a two-game winning streak. When the Falcons failed to score touchdowns after Matt Ryan's early 53-yard connection to tight end Jaeden Graham and after linebacker De'Vondre Campbell's interception gave the offense the ball at the Bucs' 19-yard line, you knew it was going to be a long day. The Falcons looked more like the team that started the season 1-7 than like a team on a mission to save its season and coach Dan Quinn's job. Now at 3-8, the playoffs are a far-fetched possibility. -- Vaughn McClure

Next game: vs. New Orleans (8:20 p.m. ET, Thursday)

New Orleans Saints 34, Carolina Panthers 31

The Saints can't feel good about the way they kept letting the Panthers back in the game. But ugly or not, they do have to feel good about essentially slamming the door shut on the NFC South race. The Saints (9-2) now have a four-game lead over Carolina (5-6). But they will need to play a lot cleaner over the next five weeks, especially when it comes to their continued penalty woes, if they want to last into February. -- Mike Triplett

Next game: at Atlanta (8:20 p.m. ET, Thursday)

Kickers were 134-for-134 on field goals of 28 yards or less before Carolina kicker Joey Slye missed with 1:56 left. He also missed two extra points in a game the Saints won on a last-second field goal. Slye, who said he felt terrible after the game, knows he let a lot of people down and all but ended Carolina's playoff hopes. He also could have put coach Ron Rivera's job in jeopardy unless the Panthers (5-6) win their final five games and make the playoffs. -- David Newton

Next game: vs. Washington (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Cleveland Browns 41, Miami Dolphins 24

Baker Mayfield might finally be finding a groove with his wide receivers. He tossed a season-high three touchdown passes Sunday -- two to Jarvis Landry and another to Odell Beckham Jr. It was the first time Mayfield had found Beckham and Landry for touchdowns in the same game, with all three coming in the first half. Mayfield set a season-high passing efficiency of 118.1, while OBJ and Landry combined for 232 receiving yards, also a season high. "They executed today at a high level," coach Freddie Kitchens said. Next up is an emotional trip to Pittsburgh, which figures to be tense given last week's melee with the Steelers. The rematch will be the dominant storyline. Yet quietly, Cleveland is playing its way back into playoff contention. -- Jake Trotter

Next game: at Pittsburgh (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The Dolphins' feel-good progress is at a halt, and the needs to be addressed this offseason are growing by the game. Giving up 41 points and season-best performances to Mayfield and Landry exposed just how much work Miami has to do with its pass rush and secondary. At 2-9, it's about time to officially turn the page to the offseason and draft. -- Cameron Wolfe

Next game: vs. Philadelphia (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Buffalo Bills 20, Denver Broncos 3

Everyone at New Era Field witnessed history, as Bills running back Frank Gore passed Barry Sanders for third place on the NFL's all-time rushing list. But as Gore, himself, would say, the most important takeaway of the day was the notch in the win column. Buffalo (8-3) is now two games ahead of the glut of teams vying for the second AFC wild-card spot. It was a much-needed win for the Bills with a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Cowboys on deck and games against the Ravens, Steelers and Patriots awaiting in the following weeks. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next game: at Dallas (4:30 p.m. ET, Thursday)

The Broncos' struggles on offense go well beyond who plays quarterback. Sunday's loss means they have now scored 16 or fewer points six times this season and have scored 16 or fewer points 13 times in the past 27 games (48% of the time). Since the start of the 2017 season, the Broncos are now on their sixth quarterback -- rookie Drew Lock will be the seventh if the Broncos choose to activate him off injured reserve and play him before season's end -- their third offensive coordinator and second head coach. They're basically playing out the string, headed for their fourth consecutive losing season under John Elway. -- Jeff Legwold

Next game: vs. L.A. Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Chicago Bears 19, New York Giants 14

The Giants made a serious mistake by not double-teaming Khalil Mack on every play. Mack had been quiet lately -- one sack over the previous six games -- but the All-Pro broke out of his slump with a strip-sack of New York quarterback Daniel Jones that set up what proved to be the Bears' game-winning touchdown on Sunday. "I finally got singled up," Mack said with a smile. "And I knew I had to make the most of the opportunity." After not recording a single stat for the Bears in Week 11's loss to the Rams, Mack was credited with three total tackles and two additional quarterback hurries against the Giants. -- Jeff Dickerson

Next game: at Detroit (12:30 p.m. ET, Thursday)

It keeps getting uglier for the Giants after their seventh consecutive loss. Missed field goals, endless neutral-zone infractions and poor pass protection led to another loss. "It's tough, man. We have to get back to the drawing board," wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. It begs the question: Just who can the Giants (2-9) beat right now? Maybe the Dolphins or Redskins over the final five weeks? Can they even get to four wins? -- Jordan Raanan

Next game: vs. Green Bay (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

New York Jets 34, Oakland Raiders 3

With strong play by quarterback Sam Darnold and a suffocating run defense, the Jets won their third consecutive game. This sounds crazy, but if they can beat the lowly Bengals and Dolphins the next two weeks, they will be 6-7 for a Thursday night game against the Ravens. The Jets are making this interesting. -- Rich Cimini

Next game: at Cincinnati (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The Raiders may be in the playoff hunt, but a poor showing in the elements against Jets leaves the impression Oakland is more pretender than contender. A first-place tie with Kansas City was at stake, and now the Raiders see the Chiefs next week. "We're not the '85 Bears," Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. "We're a development football team, we're developing our roster, we're making strides. Today was a setback. We're going to give our preparation every ounce of diligence that we can. We know what we're up against in Arrowhead [Stadium]; they're coming off a bye week, so it's not going to be easy." -- Paul Gutierrez

Next game: at Kansas City (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Washington Redskins 19, Detroit Lions 16

Dwayne Haskins has a long way to go and his inaccuracy remains an issue, but he did show poise in leading two late scoring drives. The game also showed the Redskins have some solid young talent at receiver with Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon. Both made tough catches late in the game. McLaurin, in particular, has developed into an excellent player, and if Haskins had been on target more often, McLaurin would have finished with more than 100 yards and at least one touchdown. Haskins also showed his 22-year-old side by taking a selfie when the offense was taking a knee in victory formation. That won't sit well with some. In the end, this was the entire Haskins experience: You saw the arm talent, the inaccuracy, the poise and some of his youthfulness. It's going to take him time to mature as a pro. -- John Keim

Next game: at Carolina (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The Lions are in precarious territory, losers of seven of their past eight games -- and Sunday's defeat might be the worst. Players were at a loss after the game, and when veteran safety Tavon Wilson was asked what it says about Detroit that it lost to Washington, he said, "They were better than us today, so that gives you my thoughts on us." Wilson said the Lions have "to keep pushing" and play well in spurts. But spurts haven't been good enough this season for this team. -- Michael Rothstein

Next game: vs. Chicago (12:30 p.m. ET, Thursday)

Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Cincinnati Bengals 10

The Steelers may be on their third starting quarterback the next time they take the field. Quarterback Mason Rudolph was pulled for ineffective play after one drive in the third quarter in favor of backup Devlin Hodges. "I felt like our offense needed a spark," coach Mike Tomlin said. "Mason wasn't doing enough. [Devlin] came in and provided us with a spark. Made a couple plays. We'll see what next week holds." Three plays into his first drive, Hodges ignited the offense with a pass to James Washington that the wide receiver took to the end zone by way of a stiff-arm for a 79-yard score. Tomlin wouldn't disclose his plan for next week at quarterback, but Hodges' spark did enough to get this win -- and may yield a permanent starting job. -- Brooke Pryor

Next game: vs. Cleveland (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Rookie quarterback Ryan Finley will need a serious turnaround if he wants to prove that he can be the quarterback of the future. Finley's struggles continued as he completed 46.2% of his passes for 192 yards and had another turnover, his fifth in three starts. Three of those are lost fumbles in the pocket, an area of major concern for Bengals coach Zac Taylor. "We had to be strong in the pocket, and we put it on the ground too many times," Taylor said. The Bengals have five games left and are in danger of becoming the third franchise (Detroit and Cleveland) to go through a 16-game season without a win. -- Ben Baby

Next game: vs. N.Y. Jets (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Tennessee Titans 42, Jacksonville Jaguars 20

The Titans seem to have finally gotten it right. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith dialed up Derrick Henry for 19 carries, and the 6-foot-3, 247-pounder rewarded him by picking up 159 yards and two touchdowns. Henry has 347 yards in two games against two of the NFL's worst run defenses. But next week against the Colts (ninth-ranked run defense) will be a major test for Henry and the Titans' rushing attack. -- Turron Davenport

Next game: at Indianapolis (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

This was the Jaguars' third double-digit loss in a row, and no one can be safe after another embarrassing and demoralizing performance. Owner Shad Khan said after last season there were too many long Sundays and he expected that to change. It clearly hasn't, and the Jaguars' sixth consecutive road loss to the Titans may force his hand as early as Monday. Coach Doug Marrone is 19-24 in his two-plus seasons, which includes a 9-18 mark since winning the AFC South with a 10-6 record and appearing in the AFC title game in 2017. General manager Dave Caldwell and executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin have drafted well the past two seasons, but they are in jeopardy, too. It will depend on whether Khan trusts them to make the decisions in free agency and the upcoming draft, which includes two first-round picks. -- Mike DiRocco

Next game: vs. Tampa Bay (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

New England Patriots 13, Dallas Cowboys 9

The Patriots' defense saved the game, holding twice inside the red zone after the Cowboys had advanced to the 11-yard line. That was ultimately the difference. But while the defense continues to define this Patriots team, with a blocked punt on special teams as an extension of that, the short-handed offense is still searching for answers. The optimistic view is Tom Brady (17-of-37 for 190 yards, TD) and the offense will soon get receivers Phillip Dorsett II (concussion) and Mohamed Sanu Sr. (ankle) back. The pessimistic view is, regardless, there simply might not be enough firepower when the Patriots eventually need the offense to carry the day if the defense and special teams falter. -- Mike Reiss

Next game: at Houston (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Jerry Jones called the Cowboys' loss a "significant setback." The owner and general manager felt like his team needed a win against a quality opponent to improve its chances of being more than just a playoff team. At 6-5, the Cowboys remain in first place in the NFC East but partly because of Philadelphia's struggles. "We're fortunate," Jones said. "We've got a chance to really step up here and do this, but I want to see us coordinate our defense, offense and special teams ... I want to see a winning game, all of those guys acting a little bit in coordination and unison. And I'm disappointed we didn't do that." -- Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Buffalo (4:30 p.m. ET, Thursday)

San Francisco 49ers 37, Green Bay Packers 8

The 49ers delivered a complete performance in a game they had to have against the Packers. With a long road trip in which they face Baltimore and New Orleans next, the Niners couldn't afford to drop the one home game in what could be the most difficult three-game stretch a team has faced this late in the season during the Super Bowl era. That San Francisco thoroughly dominated Green Bay should only bolster the 49ers' confidence, and it keeps them in position to lock up the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. "Everybody kind of has been sleeping on us," 49ers offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey said. "I don't know what else we can do to kind of say, 'Hey, we're a force to be reckoned with too.' But I think we sent that message tonight to not only the Green Bay Packers but the rest of the NFL, as well. We know what we have in here, and we know what we're capable of, and these next two weeks are going to be a good test again." -- Nick Wagoner

Next game: at Baltimore (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

In game that might end up having home-field advantage implications in the NFC, the Packers showed they're not worthy. The Packers can't just discount their inability in win in California as unimportant because now it looks like they might have to come back here to have any chance at the Super Bowl. What's to make anyone think the Packers can come West and actually win after getting rolled in their two California games this season -- at the Chargers and at the 49ers? -- Rob Demovsky

Next game: at N.Y. Giants (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Houston Texans 20, Indianapolis Colts 17

The Texans called their Thursday night game against the Colts a "must-win" all week long. Houston players backed up their words, turning the page from an ugly loss in Baltimore. Now the Texans will prepare for the toughest game of this three-game stretch when they host the Patriots on Sunday Night Football. -- Sarah Barshop

Next game: vs. New England (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)

The Colts (6-5) will need help to make the playoffs after their loss to Houston. They went from having a 74% chance to win the division with a win, per FPI, to seeing those odds reduced to 19% with the defeat. Their best chance for the postseason may be as a wild-card team. The Colts went into Sunday with just one game remaining against a team with a winning record (at New Orleans). -- Mike Wells

Next game: vs. Tennessee (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

We've reached clinching season in the NFL. If all goes well in the coming days for the Saints, they'll have secured the NFC South by this time next week and become the first division winner of the 2019 season. That's one of several upshots from an eventful Sunday in Week 12, including a pair of teams reaching 10 wins atop their respective conferences.

Let's take a closer look at the playoff picture as it stands now through Sunday night of Week 12, using ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) to inform our analysis.

Jump to: AFC | NFC

AFC

1. New England Patriots (10-1)

The Patriots are closing in on another AFC East title, but their winning formula is about to be tested. They'll play consecutive games against the Texans and Chiefs, two of the NFL's 10 highest-scoring offenses. Will the Patriots' league-leading defense hold up against them? Or will their offense, which has averaged 16.7 points over its past three games, need to keep pace? Regardless, the Patriots' favorable schedule thereafter -- they'll finish the season against the Bengals, Bills and Dolphins -- makes them a reasonable bet to clinch both the division and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. FPI gives them a 78% chance of the latter.

Next up: at Houston

2. Baltimore Ravens (8-2)

As they enter Monday night's game against the Rams, the Ravens are in a great position to win the AFC North and in a really good position to get a first-round bye. FPI gives them a 98.8% chance to clinch the division and a 62.1% chance to wind up with the No. 2 seed. They'll need some help from the Patriots, however, to get home-field advantage in the playoffs. FPI sees a 20.8% chance of that happening.

Next up: at Los Angeles Rams on Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN App

3. Houston Texans (7-4)

How important was the Texans' comeback victory Thursday night over the Colts? It returned them to a commanding position in the AFC South and made them a near lock to at least make the playoffs, all while severely diminishing the Colts' chances to claw back into the race. The Texans now have an 89.7% chance to reach the postseason and a 74.5% chance to win the division. The schedule won't deal them any favors in Week 13, but at least they'll have the Patriots at home.

Next up: vs. New England

4. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)

In a matter of six days, the Chiefs moved from a virtual tie in the AFC West to an opportunity to all but lock up the division by the end of Week 13. First, they held off the Chargers in Mexico City last Monday. Then, the Raiders dropped an embarrassing loss Sunday to the Jets. So if the Chiefs can beat the Raiders at home next week, they'll complete a season sweep and clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker. In essence, that means they would have a three-game lead in the division with four games remaining. The likelihood of that scenario gives the Chiefs a 96.8% chance to win the division, per FPI.

Next up: vs. Oakland

5. Buffalo Bills (8-3)

The good news is that the Bills have some separation from the rest of the AFC wild-card field. They're likely going to need it as they embark on the most difficult stretch of their schedule. Only one of their eight wins has come against a team that currently has a winning record -- Week 5 against the Titans -- but four of their final five games will be against teams that are above .500 as of Sunday. That list includes three division leaders. Still, FPI is giving them an 82.3% chance to clinch a spot in the postseason, largely because they might need only one or two more wins the rest of the way.

Next up: at Dallas

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)

There is no problem too big to be solved by playing the Bengals. Fresh off their disastrous loss to the Browns, the Steelers did just enough to win in Cincinnati. That victory, plus the Raiders' loss to the Jets, pushed the Steelers to the top of a four-team pileup at 6-5. The Steelers have a better conference record than the Raiders and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Colts. (The Titans would be eliminated from the four-way tie because they lost earlier this season to the Colts.) But there is a long way to go for the Steelers, and FPI sees only a 30.5% chance to make the playoffs.

Next up: vs. Cleveland

Next four

7. Oakland Raiders (6-5)
8. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)
9. Tennessee Titans (6-5)
10. Cleveland Browns (5-6)

NFC

1. San Francisco 49ers (10-1)

The 49ers put up an awfully impressive start Sunday night to one of the most challenging late-season stretches we've ever seen for a conference leader. They thrashed the Packers at home to keep one step ahead of the Saints (in the NFC) and the Seahawks (in the NFC West). But two taller tasks await: consecutive games at the Ravens and Saints. They looked awfully good Sunday night. But could any team make it through that gantlet unscathed?

Next up: at Baltimore

2. New Orleans Saints (9-2)

After squeaking by the Panthers and winning their third division game, the Saints are in position to tie the NFC South record for the earliest clinch of the division title. They'd do it with a win on Thanksgiving against the Falcons and a Panthers loss on Sunday to the Redskins. Whether it happens in Week 13 or later, the Saints are a near lock to win the division at 99.8%, according to FPI. Their chances to clinch a first-round playoff bye also got a boost after the Packers' loss Sunday night in San Francisco.

Next up: at Atlanta

3. Green Bay Packers (8-3)

Sunday's loss left the Packers clinging by the smallest of margins to the NFC North lead. They have the nominal head-to-head tiebreaker against the Vikings and also a better division record. Even better news: Their schedule eases considerably in the coming weeks with games against the Giants, Redskins and Bears in consecutive weeks. In fact, the only team with a winning record remaining on their schedule is the Vikings in Week 16.

Next up: at N.Y. Giants

4. Dallas Cowboys (6-5)

The Cowboys would be in trouble if anyone else in the NFC East -- namely the Eagles -- had their act together. But after losing two of their past three games and failing in four opportunities this season to beat a team with a winning record, the Cowboys remain atop the division. FPI gives them a 70.1% chance to win the NFC East, but the Cowboys should be nervous. The Eagles' next three opponents -- the Dolphins, Giants and Redskins -- are all currently 2-9.

Next up: vs. Buffalo

5. Seattle Seahawks (9-2)

Sunday's game in Philadelphia carried one of the largest postseason swings in Week 12. Gathering a conference win gave the Seahawks an additional 19.1% chance to make the playoffs; FPI now puts their chances at 95.0%. Now the question is whether they can catch the 49ers. That question might not be answered until Week 17, when the teams meet in Seattle. As long as the Seahawks are within one game of the 49ers at that point, they can overtake them with a victory on the strength of the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Next up: vs. Minnesota

6. Minnesota Vikings (8-3)

And there it is. The Packers' loss Monday night put them in a numerical tie with the Vikings in the NFC North. The Packers have a lead in the first two tiebreakers, head-to-head and division record. But the Vikings could render those moot by matching the Packers over the next three weeks before the teams meet at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 16. That is easier said than done, of course. The Vikings play in Seattle in Week 13, while the Packers will play at the Giants.

Next up: at Seattle

Next four

7. Los Angeles Rams (6-4)
8. Chicago Bears (5-6)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)
10. Carolina Panthers (5-6)