Worldwide Sports News

New York Knicks (33-18, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (37-13, first in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Knicks -1.5; over/under is 224.5

BOTTOM LINE: New York visits the Detroit Pistons after Jalen Brunson scored 42 points in the Knicks' 134-127 overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets.

The Pistons are 23-7 in Eastern Conference games. Detroit is the top team in the Eastern Conference with 57.3 points in the paint led by Jalen Duren averaging 13.4.

The Knicks are 22-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. New York has a 14-14 record against opponents above .500.

The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.9 fewer makes per game than the Knicks give up (13.9). The Knicks are shooting 47.2% from the field, 2.9% higher than the 44.3% the Pistons' opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Pistons won 121-90 in the last meeting on Jan. 6. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 29 points, and Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Cunningham is averaging 25.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duren is averaging 17.6 points and 9.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Brunson is averaging 27.4 points and 6.1 assists for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is averaging 18.7 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 7-3, averaging 116.6 points, 43.0 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 11.3 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points per game.

Knicks: 8-2, averaging 115.5 points, 49.4 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.9 points.

INJURIES: Pistons: Dario Saric: day to day (not injury related), Jalen Duren: day to day (knee), Tobias Harris: day to day (hip).

Knicks: OG Anunoby: day to day (toe), Karl-Anthony Towns: day to day (eye), Josh Hart: day to day (undisclosed), Miles McBride: out (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Houston Rockets (31-19, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (40-12, first in the Western Conference)

Oklahoma City; Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Houston hits the road against Oklahoma City looking to prolong its three-game road winning streak.

The Thunder are 30-8 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City averages 120.2 points and has outscored opponents by 12.3 points per game.

The Rockets have gone 17-15 against Western Conference opponents. Houston scores 115.2 points while outscoring opponents by 5.1 points per game.

The Thunder make 48.8% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.9 percentage points higher than the Rockets have allowed to their opponents (45.9%). The Rockets are shooting 47.2% from the field, 4.0% higher than the 43.2% the Thunder's opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Thunder won the last matchup 111-91 on Jan. 16. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points to help lead the Thunder to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and two blocks for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Kevin Durant is averaging 26 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.5 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 5-5, averaging 116.3 points, 43.0 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points per game.

Rockets: 6-4, averaging 107.6 points, 48.1 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 10.2 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points.

INJURIES: Thunder: Luguentz Dort: day to day (knee), Ajay Mitchell: day to day (abdominal), Nikola Topic: out (groin), Alex Caruso: day to day (injury management), Jalen Williams: out (thigh), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (eye), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: out (abdominal), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).

Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: day to day (wrist), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Tari Eason: day to day (injury management), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Denver Nuggets (33-19, third in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-28, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Chicago; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Denver looks to end its three-game losing streak with a victory over Chicago.

The Bulls have gone 15-11 in home games. Chicago is third in the NBA with 34.9 defensive rebounds per game led by Josh Giddey averaging 7.4.

The Nuggets are 19-9 on the road. Denver is 14-13 against opponents over .500.

The Bulls score 117.0 points per game, 0.8 more points than the 116.2 the Nuggets allow. The Nuggets average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than the Bulls allow.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last meeting 130-127 on Nov. 18. Giddey scored 21 points to help lead the Bulls to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is averaging 15 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Bulls. Jalen Smith is averaging 10.7 points over the last 10 games.

Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 22.2 points and 6.9 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 4-6, averaging 115.1 points, 43.9 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 6.3 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.0 points per game.

Nuggets: 4-6, averaging 109.8 points, 41.9 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 7.1 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points.

INJURIES: Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Zach Collins: out (toe), Collin Sexton: day to day (not injury related), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).

Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Spencer Jones: day to day (head), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Peyton Watson: day to day (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Utah Jazz (16-36, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (26-24, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Orlando, Florida; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Orlando Magic host the Utah Jazz in non-conference action.

The Magic are 16-9 on their home court. Orlando is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 16.1 fast break points per game led by Franz Wagner averaging 3.9.

The Jazz are 6-19 on the road. Utah ranks seventh in the Western Conference with 43.8 rebounds per game led by Jusuf Nurkic averaging 10.2.

The Magic average 115.0 points per game, 11.8 fewer points than the 126.8 the Jazz allow. The Jazz average 118.3 points per game, 2.8 more than the 115.5 the Magic give up.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Magic won 128-127 in overtime in the last matchup on Dec. 21.

TOP PERFORMERS: Desmond Bane is averaging 19.2 points and 4.3 assists for the Magic. Paolo Banchero is averaging 23.8 points over the last 10 games.

Nurkic is averaging 11.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Jazz. Ace Bailey is averaging 15.9 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 4-6, averaging 110.3 points, 39.7 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points per game.

Jazz: 2-8, averaging 113.8 points, 41.8 rebounds, 29.8 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.2 points.

INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: day to day (ankle), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).

Jazz: Kevin Love: day to day (illness), Keyonte George: day to day (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), John Konchar: day to day (neck), Vince Williams Jr.: day to day (not injury related), Jaren Jackson Jr.: day to day (not injury related).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Charlotte Hornets (24-28, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (26-27, ninth in the Eastern Conference)

Atlanta; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte seeks to keep its eight-game win streak alive when the Hornets take on Atlanta.

The Hawks are 5-3 against the rest of their division. Atlanta has a 6-6 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Hornets are 6-4 against the rest of their division. Charlotte is 1-6 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Hawks average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 13.1 per game the Hornets give up. The Hornets average 15.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.1 more made shots on average than the 13.1 per game the Hawks give up.

The teams meet for the third time this season. The Hornets won 133-126 in the last matchup on Dec. 19. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 28 points, and Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 43 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Johnson is averaging 23.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Hawks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is averaging 19.9 points over the last 10 games.

Ball is shooting 40.5% and averaging 19.1 points for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 6-4, averaging 115.7 points, 45.4 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.8 points per game.

Hornets: 9-1, averaging 112.7 points, 48.9 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 7.0 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.4 points.

INJURIES: Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu: day to day (dental), Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee), N'Faly Dante: out for season (knee).

Hornets: Coby White: out (calf), Tidjane Salaun: day to day (illness), KJ Simpson: day to day (hip), Xavier Tillman: out (personal).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Dallas Mavericks (19-32, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (35-16, second in the Western Conference)

San Antonio; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio is looking to extend its three-game win streak with a victory over Dallas.

The Spurs are 9-3 against division opponents. San Antonio is second in the Western Conference in rebounding averaging 46.5 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama paces the Spurs with 11.1 boards.

The Mavericks are 3-8 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas is 8-9 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 14.3 turnovers per game.

The Spurs are shooting 47.3% from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point higher than the 46.3% the Mavericks allow to opponents. The Mavericks are shooting 47.1% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 45.6% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the third time this season. The Spurs won the last meeting 135-123 on Feb. 6, with Wembanyama scoring 29 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocks for the Spurs. De'Aaron Fox is averaging 17.1 points over the last 10 games.

Cooper Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 7-3, averaging 115.6 points, 45.6 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 7.0 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points per game.

Mavericks: 4-6, averaging 118.5 points, 47.4 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points.

INJURIES: Spurs: Luke Kornet: day to day (ankle), Lindy Waters III: day to day (knee), Jeremy Sochan: day to day (quad).

Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), P.J. Washington: day to day (concussion protocol), Brandon Williams: day to day (leg), Kyrie Irving: out (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Golden State Warriors (28-24, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (30-19, fifth in the Western Conference)

Los Angeles; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Brandin Podziemski and the Golden State Warriors take on Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference action.

The Lakers are 4-6 against Pacific Division opponents. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.8 points per game in the paint led by Deandre Ayton averaging 11.8.

The Warriors have gone 18-14 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State is the NBA leader averaging 16.5 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.5% from downtown. Stephen Curry leads the team averaging 4.5 makes while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range.

The Lakers make 49.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.9 percentage points higher than the Warriors have allowed to their opponents (47.0%). The Warriors average 115.9 points per game, 0.3 fewer than the 116.2 the Lakers allow to opponents.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Warriors won 119-109 in the last meeting on Oct. 22. Jimmy Butler III led the Warriors with 31 points, and Doncic led the Lakers with 43 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 33.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 18.5 points over the last 10 games.

Podziemski is averaging 11.8 points and 3.5 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 13.1 points over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-3, averaging 115.9 points, 42.6 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.6 points per game.

Warriors: 5-5, averaging 116.6 points, 41.0 rebounds, 30.1 assists, 11.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points.

INJURIES: Lakers: Luka Doncic: day to day (leg), Adou Thiero: out (knee).

Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (illness), LJ Cryer: day to day (hamstring), Stephen Curry: day to day (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Philadelphia 76ers (29-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (31-21, seventh in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Saturday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia aims to keep its five-game win streak alive when the 76ers take on Phoenix.

The Suns are 17-8 on their home court. Phoenix is third in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing just 111.4 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting.

The 76ers are 14-9 on the road. Philadelphia ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 12.3 offensive rebounds per game led by Charles Bassey averaging 3.5.

The Suns score 113.8 points per game, 1.6 fewer points than the 115.4 the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Suns allow.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Suns won 116-110 in the last matchup on Jan. 21.

TOP PERFORMERS: Mark Williams is scoring 12.3 points per game and averaging 8.1 rebounds for the Suns. Dillon Brooks is averaging 22.0 points and 4.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Joel Embiid is scoring 26.1 points per game and averaging 7.4 rebounds for the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 20.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 6-4, averaging 111.3 points, 41.4 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.5 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points per game.

76ers: 6-3, averaging 117.2 points, 41.2 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 9.8 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Isaiah Livers: day to day (shoulder), Grayson Allen: day to day (knee), Jalen Green: day to day (hip), Devin Booker: day to day (ankle).

76ers: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Washington Wizards (14-36, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (13-37, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn heads into the matchup with Washington as losers of three straight games.

The Nets are 9-21 in Eastern Conference games. Brooklyn is 1-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Wizards are 9-20 in Eastern Conference play. Washington has a 4-25 record against opponents above .500.

The Nets' 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.1 more made shots on average than the 13.7 per game the Wizards give up. The Wizards average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Nets allow.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Wizards won the last meeting 119-99 on Jan. 3, with Justin Champagnie scoring 20 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Michael Porter Jr. is scoring 25.1 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Nets. Egor Demin is averaging 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 43.2% over the past 10 games.

Alex Sarr is averaging 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks for the Wizards. Bub Carrington is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 1-9, averaging 99.6 points, 40.7 rebounds, 23.4 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 42.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.7 points per game.

Wizards: 4-6, averaging 111.1 points, 43.8 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 9.8 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.0 points.

INJURIES: Nets: Ochai Agbaji: day to day (not injury related).

Wizards: Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Anthony Davis: out (finger), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (illness), Tre Johnson: day to day (ankle), Trae Young: out (quad).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

The biggest news for the Lakers on Thursday was that All-Star guard Luka Doncic was unable to play in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers because of left leg soreness, the team announced in the third quarter.

Doncic left the game in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 119-115 win at Crypto.com Arena.

“He felt some soreness in the hamstring,” coach JJ Redick said after the game, adding it was too early to say whether Doncic was injured and the team would get imaging of his leg Friday. Redick said the Lakers didn’t feel comfortable playing the guard during the second half.

The Lakers were undaunted by Doncic’s departure, coming back from 14 points down and holding on for the win by following the lead of Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and a strong defensive effort led by Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Reaves, playing in his second game after coming back from a left calf strain, scored 13 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter. His back-to-back three-pointers and two free throws to open the fourth quarter gave the Lakers a six-point lead they never lost. His three-pointer later in the quarter gave the Lakers a 13-point advantage that grew to 16 late in the game.

Reaves did all his damage in 25 minutes off the bench.

James had 17 points and 10 assists, while Hachimura, who started the third quarter in place of Doncic, had 14 points off the bench, including the game-sealing basket with 12.3 seconds left. Hachimura helped the Lakers stay the course after their lead was trimmed to two points with 27 seconds left.

Doncic tried to throw a pass to Maxi Kleber that resulted in a turnover with about 3:45 left in the second quarter. Doncic turned to run back up the court and grabbed the back of his left leg. Doncic went up and down the court several times, grimacing in pain. When Redick called a timeout with 3:03 left, Doncic stayed on the court bent over. He gingerly walked to the bench and then to the locker room.

Read more:Lakers acquire Luke Kennard, prepared to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer

Doncic had 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. He entered the game leading the NBA in scoring, averaging 33.4 points, and second in assists, averaging 8.7.

The Lakers wrapped up 16 days on the road, playing eight games that started in Denver last month and ended in Brooklyn against the Nets on Tuesday night. The Lakers returned home to play the surging 76ers.

The home team's test not only was facing a 76ers team on a five-game win streak, but also finding the energy to keep pace. Redick said he hoped his team got “plenty of sleep” before playing Thursday night.

Reaves returned Tuesday after he missed 19 straight games because of a left hamstring strain. After he played 25 minutes in that game, Redick said Reaves was “good.”

AUSTIN. ENERGY 🔋 pic.twitter.com/GegC3yETrN

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 6, 2026

“No issues and we'll get a little more minutes allocated to him, just over the restriction,” Redick said.

The Lakers announced during the third quarter that they acquired shooting guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick.

The Lakers love that Kennard’s shooting can create space on the court for Doncic, James and Reaves. Kennard, a 6-foot-5 guard, is shooting an NBA-best 49.7% from three-point range over 46 games, all off the bench. He has shot 44.2% from three-point range during his nine-year career.

Kennard is averaging 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists and shooting 53.8% from the field.

The Lakers (31-19) next play Saturday at Golden State.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Dallas Mavericks lost 135-123 to the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night in Dallas. Cooper Flagg and Naji Marshall had some monster games, but it wasn’t enough to stop a locked in Victor Wembanyama and the rest of this dynamic and impressive Spurs squad.

Dallas, as it often does, kept the game close throughout, despite trailing by double-digit points at multiple instances in the first and second halves. Flagg finished with another 30-point game, Marshall joined him, and Wembanyama had a big 29-point, 11-rebound double-double.

This is the Mavericks sixth loss in a row and their first game played since the trade deadline. Dallas was down to only 10 available players, as the new guys from the Anthony Davis trade should be available on Saturday.

Here are the three numbers to know.

4: Consecutive 30-point games for Cooper Flagg

I think Cooper Flagg is figuring this thing out. The 19-year-old had another spectacular scoring night, notching 32 points on a fairly efficient 14-of-27 shooting performance, including 2-of-5 from three. Flagg didn’t get to the free throw line, but offensively did just about everything else.

Perhaps most impressive was how Flagg adjusted and adapted to Victor Wembanyama’s preposterous defense. Flagg got blocked at the rim by Wembanyama in the first half and you could see Flagg in real time process what he needed to do to score. Instead of barreling toward the rim head first, Flagg picked his spots a little better and released his shots from outside the restricted area but still in the paint. He worked the floater territory to near-perfection, knowing if he took another dribble or two toward the rim, he’d engulfed by Wembanyama’s reach. Another impressive night for a rookie that keeps stacking up these kinds of nights.

60: Spurs points in the paint

Funny enough, Wembanyama only attempt five two point shots tonight, yet the Spurs thrived in the paint and at the basket. While Dallas did a decent job in the second half of preventing Wembanyama from dominating the game, that extra attention certainly opened things up for the Spurs’ dynamic trio of athletic guards.

This was led by a brilliant performance from Stephon Castle, who had 18 points in 22 minutes on 8-of-13 shooting. With Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and rookie Dylan Harper, the Spurs slashed their way to the basket repeatedly. The Mavericks have little-to-none in the way of point of attack defense, and San Antonio exploited that weakness all night.

50: Mavericks percentage on mid-range shots

Dallas took 16 mid-range shots tonight, making eight of them. Both the volume and efficiently were big numbers, and they were what was likely keeping the Mavericks in the game as Castle got to the rim and Wembanyama bombed threes.

The Mavericks are not a mid-range heavy team, but they had to be tonight — Wembanyama is a one-man wrecking crew at the rim, and the Mavericks understood fairly early that they might be better off shooting as far away from Wembanyama as possible. Kudos to the Mavericks for making those shots, as this game would have been ugly otherwise — Dallas shot just 10-of-21 in the restricted area. Woof! Wembanyama is good.

The Dallas Mavericks (19-32) played their first post-Trade Deadline game on Thursday night, taking on the San Antonio Spurs (35-16) at home. Looking to stop a five-game losing streak, Dallas instead extended their season-long skid to six with a 135-123 loss.

Let’s get to the grades!

Naji Marshall: A

32 PTS / 6 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 39 MIN

Marshall was back to his old self, converting at a blistering rate (12-for-21) and constantly pushing the pace. Extra credit for the number of no-calls he endured throughout the game, but he really doesn’t need extra credit for an A grade. He was awesome against the Spurs.

Max Christie: B+

20 PTS / 3 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 38 MIN

Usually a solid defender, Christie was caught sleeping a number of times, resulting in easy scores for the Spurs. Offensively, credit is due for his conscious effort to not camp at the 3-point line as he has in his last few. Case in point, he shot 7-for-14 overall, but only 2-for-8 from deep. He got back to driving and opened up his offensive game against San Antonio He also found his teammates with a handful of nice assists.

Cooper Flagg: A

32 PTS / 6 REB / 4 AST / 2 STL / 3 BLK – 39 MIN

Flagg was thrown off his offensive game at the start, but true to form, he stayed the course and had a fourth-straight30-plus point outing. Turnovers (three) were a problem, but it’s difficult to be too upset given his overall play on both sides of the ball — he was outstanding. He tied his career-high mark with three blocked shots and now holds the third-highest four-game scoring span by a rookie, ever.

Caleb Martin: B

8 PTS / 4 REB / 1 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK – 32 MIN

Martin didn’t fill up the box score and his plus/minus was a team worst at minus-20, but that doesn’t paint the most accurate picture of a decent game. He hit 3-for-4 from the floor, snatched a couple of steals and also did a pretty nice job guarding Victor Wembanyama on a number of occasions.

Daniel Gafford: B+

16 PTS / 10 REB / 2 AST / 3 STL / 4 BLK – 33 MIN

Gafford took a page out of Marshall’s book, coming out strong with a 10-point first quarter in which he also turned away three shots. His numbers slowed after that, but he still had a solid double-double and a crazy high seven stocks while not turning the ball over. Gafford has now recorded three straight double-doubles.

Klay Thompson: D

5 PTS / 2 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 20 MIN

Thompson didn’t factor in all that much, taking relatively few shots (especially in the first half) while struggling to convert. He had a few opportunities in the fourth quarter to hit a momentum-shifting 3-pointer, but they just wouldn’t fall for him (1-for-6 from downtown).

Ryan Nembhard: C

5 PTS / 3 REB / 7 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 17 MIN

Nembhard showed flashes of the hot play that got everyone excited at the end of 2025, making nice passes while taking care of the ball (one turnover), but missed seven of his nine shot attempts.

Moussa Cisse: C-

0 PTS / 5 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 12 MIN

Cisse had a tough night defensively, racking up three fouls in just his first five minutes. He was more careful defensively after that, but offensively, he missed an alley-oop dunk and immediately followed it up by getting his shot blocked on the next possession. If nothing else, this will hopefully be a good growth game for him.

Final Thoughts

Dallas continued their longstanding trend of apathetic 3-point defense at the start of the game and coupled it with some shockingly poor turnovers. They remain engaged, competitive and fun to watch, but it does feel like they let this one slip away. A12q-point defeat doesn’t always feel that way, but the early going had some very ugly moments.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

Luka Doncic seemingly suffered a leg injury in the first half of the Los Angeles Lakers' Thursday night game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

He's expected to undergo an MRI on his left hamstring on Friday, according to ESPN.

“Too early to say if it’s an injury," Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters after the game. "(Doncic) had a sore hamstring.”

Doncic's apparent injury occurred with 3:30 left in the second quarter after facing a double-team from two opposing players. The Lakers' star turned the ball over on a bad pass as a result of the double-team and was seen grabbing the back of his left leg before checking out of the game and heading back to the locker room.

He did not return to the court with his team after halftime and did not start the third quarter. The Lakers ruled him out for the remainder of the game due to left leg soreness. Doncic finished the game with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes of play.

Doncic was seen in multiple videos showing a level of frustration after the apparent injury.

Luka Doncic frustrated walking back to the locker room after injuring his hamstring pic.twitter.com/HDhDXVCANw

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) February 6, 2026

He kicked the scorer's table on his way off the court. Once in the tunnel, he was seen on the Spectrum SportsNet broadcast displaying further frustration.

Luka Doncic kicked the scorer’s table in anger and held his head down as he went to the locker room 😔

Via: _MichaelMorales10 on IG pic.twitter.com/xbuaMtmETp

— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) February 6, 2026

Doncic's status will be closely monitored with the Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriors at home on Saturday, Feb. 7.

This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic injury update, 76ers-Lakers status