Your Five Things For December 23rd: Pistons Waive Josh Smith

1. Pistons Waive Josh Smith

Yesterday, the Detroit Pistons waived Josh Smith with 2 years, $26 million left on his contract.  Head coach and president of basketball operations said he wanted to give him his freedom to go elsewhere.  The Pistons are 5-23 this year and have had struggles on offense.  In 28 games this year, Smith has shot 39% from the field this year and 24% from behind the arc.  He has also shot less than 50% from the free throw line this year.  The Pistons will be on the court again on Friday as they host the Indiana Pacers.

2. Dominic Raiola Suspended By NFL

The NFL has suspended Dominic Raiola for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers after Sunday's game against the Bears.  Raiola was spotted on camera stomping on Ego Ferguson's ankle during the third quarter of the game.  Raiola has said that he stumbled when the stomp happened.  This suspension comes a few weeks after a fine for unnecessary roughness in a blowout loss against the New England Patriots.  The Lions will be going to Green Bay for a showdown for the NFC North crown at a 4:25 pm kickoff.

3. Michigan State Bounces Back Against The Citadel

Michigan State faced The Citadel at the Breslin Center last night in the Spartans last game before the Big Ten season begins.  The Spartans struggled in the first half only scoring 32 and leading by 6 points. The Spartans started to hit shots and extended the lead in the second half ultimately winning 82-56.  Denzel Valentine lead the way for the Spartans scoring 18 points in 34 minutes.  Valentine also accounted for 6 rebounds and 6 assists.  Costello accounted for 13 points off of the bench while shooting 5-7 from the field.  Michigan State will play next on Tuesday December 30th against Maryland at the Breslin Center.

4. Michigan Ends Losing Skid

Michigan basketball was on a 4 game losing streak as they hosted Coppin State at the Crisler Center.  Michigan looked strong early pulling out to a 42-26 halftime lead and put away the Eagles, winning 72-56.  Ricky Doyle lead the way for the Wolverines as he scored 16 points.  Zak Irvin scored 13 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.  Michigan shot 47% from the field but still struggled from behind the arc, shooting 30%. Michigan will play next week against Illinois in the Big Ten opener.

5. Cincinnati Tops Denver For Playoff Berth

On the final Monday Night Football game of the year, the Denver Bronco's traveled to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. Denver was looking for secure a first round bye and possibly the number 1 overall seed while Cincinnati would clinch a playoff berth with a win.  The game has gone back and forth with the Bengals pulling away in the fourth quarter winning 37-28. The Bengals got behind running back Jeremy Hill following his 148 yard performance last week with 147 yard performance against the Bronco's.  Jeremy Hill got an 85 yard touchdown as part of that 147 yard performance.  Andy Dalton went 17/26 for 146 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.  Peyton Manning went 28/44 in a losing effort.  He gained 311 yard and threw 2 touchdowns but he also threw 4 interceptions.  Sunday, will be the last day of the regular season games.