NEU » other in an effort to stay warm in chilly temper

LOS ANGELES -- After months of optimism on both sides, Carmelo Anthony now says hes skeptical that the NBA Players Association and owners will be able reach a new collective bargaining agreement before Thursdays deadline.Im skeptical of something getting done, Anthony, vice president of the NBPA, told ESPN after the New York Knicks practiced Saturday in Los Angeles. Do I think something could happen by the 15th? Yeah, I think something could happen. But I think this kind of put a dent in conversations. We had something so close. We were supposed to have a deal done weeks ago, and for this to happen at the 25th hour is tough.According to ESPN.coms Marc Stein, sources on both ?sides of the negotiating table nonetheless expressed optimism Saturday night -- despite the late snag and Anthonys pessimistic forecast -- that a new labor deal remains within sight.Sources told Stein that control over licensing matters and the use of player likenesses has emerged as a significant issue in the latter stages of the labor talks.Clippers guard Chris Paul, president of the players association, said he hadnt been aware of Anthonys comments but said, Im not doubting that happened.But we are working tirelessly when were not in the game. Were trying to make sure we can reach an agreement and get a deal done, Paul said after the Clippers 133-105 win over the Pelicans.?When asked if he was optimistic, Paul replied:?Very. Youve got to be. Why not?That is a sentiment shared by another marquee player.We got to stay optimistic, LeBron James said after the Cavaliers 116-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets. But obviously, Melo is saying he has some concerns with it. We still got a few days, we still got a few days. Obviously, our game right now is the best its ever been, from where it is right here domestically to all the way around the world, so hopefully both sides come to an agreement.The NFL Players Association, for example, has control over licensing and the use of player likenesses. In the NBA, licensing control is maintained by the league in exchange for an annual flat fee in the millions, but the NBPA has been known to covet an arrangement more in line with the NFLs.?Thursday is the deadline for either side to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement. The league and union would actually have until June 30, 2017, when the current CBA expires, to hash out a new deal in the event either side opts out.But the sides, as Anthony noted, have been close to a deal for some time, with one source telling ESPN.coms Dave McMenamin that representatives for both parties have been meeting multiple times daily the past week.Anthony declined to go into the specifics of the late snag in CBA talks, but he reiterated that as players, we want to get a deal done.ESPNs Jovan Buha contributed to this report.? Mason Crosby Super Bowl Jersey . Q: Team Canada announces their Olympic roster three weeks from today. Who is general manager Steve Yzerman watching? LeBrun: Over the last 48 hours, hes taken in the home-and-home between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche with Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene being the obvious targets. Preston Smith Super Bowl Jersey . At a Manhattan federal court hearing, attorney Jordan Siev said his law office has gotten more evidence nearly every day to support its lawsuit accusing MLB and Selig of going on a "witch hunt" to ruin Rodriguezs reputation and career. He said the defendants went "way over the line. http://www.packersonlineteamstore.com/corey-linsley-youth-jersey.html . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday. Dean Lowry Super Bowl Jersey .J. -- Seven games into a disappointing season, New York Giants defensive catalyst Jason Pierre-Paul is getting the feeling hes back. Davante Adams Super Bowl Jersey . Thousands of fans at Mosaic Stadium will be cozying up to each other in an effort to stay warm in chilly temperatures and block the Prairie wind that locals say can knock your socks off. The 2016 NFL season is underway. Every Monday, Chalk will provide the lines and totals for all of the next weeks games.Here are the Week 6 lines.Bye weeks: Minnesota, Tampa BayThursday, Oct. 13Denver Broncos (-3) at San Diego ChargersSunday, Oct. 161 p.m. ET gamesSan Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills (-8)Philadelphia Eagles (-2) at Washington Redskins?Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans (-7)Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots (-8.5)?Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants (-3)?Carolina Panthers (No line) at New Orrleans SaintsPittsburgh Steelers (-7.dddddddddddd) at Miami DolphinsJacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears (-2)Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (-3.5)4 p.m. ET gamesKansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders (PK)Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks (-6)Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers (-4)8:30 ETIndianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (-3)Monday, Oct. 17New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals (-7.5) ' ' '