Worldwide Sports News

An Arizona rookie will be participating in the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, just not the one most people would have expected with how this season has gone.

Ex-Wildcat Carter Bryant has accepted an invitation to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The competition is scheduled for Feb. 14 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Bryant will be the fifth former UA player to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest, the first since Aaron Gordon made his third appearance in 2020. Others to participate were Chase Budinger (2012), Andre Igoudala (2006) and Richard Jefferson (2003).

The 14^th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Bryant has played in 37 games for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s averaging 2.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game, with a career high of 11 points on Jan. 19 against the Utah Jazz.

Another UA rookie should have been invited to All-Star Weekend but was snubbed. Caleb Love, who was not one of the 10 first-year players selected for the Rising Stars game set for Feb. 13 in LA. Though undrafted, Love is ninth among rookies in scoring at 11.2 points per game and his 82 3-pointers are fifth-most despite starting only one game.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Nasa Hataoka of Japan shot 6-under 66 and had a one-shot lead over LPGA player of the year Jeeno Thitikul, Chanettee Wannasaen, Lottie Woad and Linn Grant following the first round of the season-opening Tournament of Champions.

Hataoka played the back nine at chilly Lake Nona Golf & Country in 4 under to pick up where she left off at the end of last season. She won the Japan Classic in a playoff with Yuna Araki in November for her first LPGA victory in nearly three years.

Thitikul is coming off not just her best season but one of the best in LGPA history.

She won the the Tour Championship in November for her third win of the year, finished second at The Evian Championship and fourth at the Women's PGA Championship, and the Thai star ended up with the lowest scoring averaging in the tour’s 75-year history.

Thitikul had six birdies and a bogey Thursday to once again climb the leaderboard in a tournament open to LPGA winners from the past two seasons. Wannasaen had seven birdies during her round of 67, Grant birdied her last two holes to match them at 5 under, and Woad reached 6 under before a bogey at the par-4 finishing hole dropped her back.

Nelly Korda was joined by Amy Yang and Linn Grant another shot back.

The highlight for Korda, who finished second at the Tournament of Champions last year, came on the 406-yard, par-4 seventh. Her approach from the middle of the fairway bounced onto the green, rolled toward the hole and bounced off the flagstick, leaving her a tap-in birdie. Korda eventually reached 6 under before a couple of late bogeys left her with a round of 68.

Defending champion A Lim Kim was in a group at 3 under that included Lydia Ko and Ingrid Lindblad.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of their best stretch of the season. But all eyes remain on the upcoming trade deadline.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says he believes the Cavs have been active and there’s a decent chance they’ll make a move.

“I think there’s a decent chance the Cavs do something, they have been very active in calls… I think they’ve considered making a home run swing and I think they’ve looked for ways to shave off money.”

Windhorst also mentioned that he “does not want to get aggregated here.”

Sorry, Windy. We couldn’t resist.

It’s worth acknowledging how hamstrung the Cavaliers are by their financial situation. The second apron prevents them from taking back more money than they send out—and from combining player salaries in any trade unless that trade puts them below the second apron (of which they are currently $22 million over the limit).

Put simply, the Cavs either have to make a 1-for-1 swap (unlikely) or dump $22 million of salary while also matching the salary of whoever they trade for.

Let’s look at Giannis Antetokounmpo as an example. He’s making $54 million dollars this season. Add that salary to the previous $22 million figure, and the Cavs have to send out at least $76 million just to absorb Antetokounmpo’s contract and duck the second apron.

That’s a tall order for any team. Especially a Cavalier team that’s currently on a five-game winning streak and just hitting its stride. Gutting the roster, even for a player of Antetokounmpo’s status, is a difficult decision to make.

Still, Windy says anything is possible for the Cavs.

“Why not?” Windhorst said in response to whether or not the Cavs could get Giannis. “There are trade scenarios that could make it happen. Do I think they are a serious contender? No. But it’s not impossible.”

Now that we’ve unpacked everything, I’d say it sounds unlikely the Cavs make a homerun swing. But Koby Altman and the front office are doing their due diligence and weighing all of their options. This isn’t a team that’s sitting on its hands and accepting fate. If they stay put at the deadline, it’s not for a lack of trying. The Cavs are listening to offers.

“Just trust that if there’s a star player out there, the Cavs have had a discussion about it,” Windhorst said.

With more than 1,200 NBA games in a regular season, you’re going to have games like today's matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards. 

My Bucks vs. Wizards predictions focus on Milwaukee big man Myles Turner and his increased role since Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with an injury.

Here are my best NBA picks for January 29.

Bucks vs Wizards prediction

Bucks vs Wizards best bet: Myles Turner Over 6.5 rebounds (-130)

Myles Turner’s importance to the Milwaukee Bucks is growing with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, especially when it comes to cleaning the glass. 

Turner was averaging 5.3 rebounds on 11.9 rebounding chances but saw those opportunities jump to 13.0 in the first game without Giannis. He only hauled in four rebounds in the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday but will be much bigger on the boards tonight.

The Washington Wizards enter as the worst rebounding team in the NBA, sitting 29th in rebound rate and watching foes round up a league-high 56.9 boards per contest.

The Wizards play one of the faster tempos, and with that comes more field goal attempts. And in Washington's case, more misses, as the team has one of the worst shooting offenses. 

Turner snatched seven rebounds in his last meeting with the Wizards and opened the season with eight boards versus the Wiz back in October. Player models for Thursday’s trip to D.C. peg Turner’s rebounding tally between 6.7 and nine, with my number at 7.4 boards.

Bucks vs Wizards same-game parlay

The Bucks get a much-needed step down in competition after three straight games with NBA heavyweights.

Kyle Kuzma is seeing an increase in minutes and can score inside on the weak interior defense of Washington.

Bucks vs Wizards SGP

• Milwaukee Bucks moneyline
• Myles Turner Over 6.5 rebounds
• Kyle Kuzma Over 15.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Bucks Past and Present

Khris Middleton has 19 points last time out and projections see as many as 14 points against his former club.

Bucks vs Wizards SGP

• Milwaukee Bucks moneyline
• Myles Turner Over 6.5 rebounds
• Kyle Kuzma Over 15.5 points
• Khris Middleton Over 10.5 points

Bucks vs Wizards odds

• Spread: Milwaukee -2.5 | Washington +2.5
• Moneyline: Milwaukee -130 | Washington +110
• Over/Under: Over 222.5 | Under 222.5

Bucks vs Wizards betting trend to know

Washington is 10-32 SU as a home underdog this season and just 18-24 ATS (43%) in those outings. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Wizards.

How to watch Bucks vs Wizards

Bucks vs Wizards latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — Quinton de Kock celebrated his 100th Twenty20 international with a century as he powered South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies on Thursday.

De Kock hit a career-best 115 off 49 balls with a borrowed bat from Dewald Brevis. Ryan Rickelton finished the rout with a career-best 77 not out off 36.

The left-handers battered the West Indies for 162 runs in 11.5 overs. Together, they had South Africa flying at 12 runs per over.

“Special to watch,” South Africa captain Aiden Markram said. “Quinny put on a great show for the crowd. Ricks flies under the radar but to get us home back to back is a good effort from him.”

The West Indies made a hefty 221-4 but South Africa cruised to 225-3 with 15 balls to spare.

The target didn't faze the Proteas. They chased down 258 against the West Indies on the same ground in 2023, led by de Kock's 100, his only previous T20 century.

After losing five straight bilateral T20 series, South Africa gave coach Shukri Conrad his first T20 series win as they clinched it 2-0 with a match to spare. That third match is on Saturday, then both teams head to the T20 World Cup starting next week in India and Sri Lanka.

De Kock was rested from the first T20, where Markram hit 86 not out in a nine-wicket win chasing 174. The captain made only 15 this time but de Kock, who was on 6, took up the mantle and launched sixes against five of the six West Indies bowlers.

He brought 50 up in 21 balls and got to 100 off 43. He was going for a third consecutive six off Akeal Hosein when he miscued to mid-off and was out after smashing 10 sixes and six boundaries.

Rickelton was dropped on 17 and happy to play second fiddle to de Kock. He had just got to his fifty off 25 balls when de Kock left then finished the match in a rush. Rickelton hit nine boundaries and three sixes.

The West Indies made only one change after the first T20, bringing in captain, wicketkeeper and opening batter Shai Hope. But he was out for 4 from a nick behind.

That brought in Shimron Hetmyer, who overtook opener Brandon King en route to a 30-ball fifty, two days after hitting 48 in Paarl. Their partnership of 126 ended when King was caught on the boundary on a 30-ball 49.

Hetmyer was fourth out after a 42-ball 75, 50 of them from boundaries.

Sherfane Rutherford then blasted 57 in an unbroken stand of 76 with Romario Shepherd, who made 17.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the South Africa bowlers with 2-22. Markram said without that spell they would have been chasing 240-250.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

The top of the order in the 2026 NBA Draft offers hope for several franchises around the league who are looking to turn their trajectory around and there are a handful of prospects who can deliver that promise.

Most fans know the names Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa if they have followed high school or college basketball to any degree. But other names are emerging as bona fide lottery locks, too, with a few breakout prospects such as Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler and Alabama freshman Amari Allen who are moving up big boards.

There are no wrong answers between Peterson, Boozer and Dybantsa as all offer special traits for their future pro franchise. But the rest of the first round has plenty of intrigue hiding in plain sight, too.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson

• TEAM: Kansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Despite trading for Trae Young, the Washington Wizards could have one of the strongest backcourts in the Eastern Conference if they land the No. 1 overall pick and select Darryn Peterson. When healthy, the Kansas freshman looks like one of the most talented prospects in recent memory and so this would immediately change their trajectory as a franchise.

2. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 18

After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they will likely have yet another opportunity to add a difference-maker in the lottery. Any of the players at the top of the draft will return tremendous value for Brooklyn, but Cameron Boozer should excite their front office. He isn’t a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page as a prospect who offers a complete package to evaluators.

3. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa

• TEAM: BYU
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Massachusetts
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Sacramento Kings have had an utterly disappointing season and could use a new identity. Drafting a player like BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa would given them that. The young star recently became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22, then he had 43 dominant points against in-state rival Utah on Jan. 24.  

4. Indiana Pacers: Caleb Wilson 

• TEAM: North Carolina
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Just one year removed from an appearance in the NBA Finals, the Pacers are now in a position to add one of the top prospects to their rotation once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles tendon injury. Now that Myles Turner is no longer on the roster, North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is a name they should consider. The double-double machine leads the nation in dunks, per Bart Torvik, and would bolster the frontcourt next to Pascal Siakam.  

5. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Kingston Flemings

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Texas
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 19

With an unprotected pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Derik Queen trade during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks will have a chance to find a great young player. Following a trade that sent former franchise guard Trae Young to the Wizards, the Hawks could build a strong defensive backcourt next to Dyson Daniels by selecting Kingston Flemings. This freshman recorded 42 points, six assists and two steals against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. 

6. Utah Jazz: Keaton Wagler

• TEAM: Illinois
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Kansas
• HEIGHT: 6-6
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The highest riser in the 2026 NBA Draft cycle so far is Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler, who continues to exceed all expectations as a one-and-done breakout star. The 18-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24 and he is now shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts per game. As a cerebral guard and secondary playmaker, he would make for a perfect counterpart to Keyonte George in the backcourt for the Jazz.

7. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.

• TEAM: Louisville
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 20

If the Bucks decide to trade away Giannis Antetokounmpo, they are going to need to take some home run swings. Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr., a former McDonald’s All-American who was a standout for Team USA during the FIBA U-19 World Cup, represents exactly that. He isn’t scoring or shooting efficiently but he is a high-impact playmaker as a passer who could blossom into a promising lead guard.  

8. Charlotte Hornets: Jayden Quaintance

• TEAM: Kentucky
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance has had a late start to the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man showed immediate flashes once he debuted for Kentucky. Despite a slow start after his transfer from Arizona State, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that has struggled on defense like the Charlotte Hornets.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr.

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Michigan
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Mavericks should feel excited about Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who is sensational at creating a basket for himself and has become a fantastic playmaker for head coach John Calipari. He looks like one of the most promising lead guards in the 2026 NBA Draft, already thriving as a ball handler when operating in pick-and-roll for the Razorbacks. While he is a bit undersized, Acuff Jr. has now scored at least 15 points in 15 consecutive games for Arkansas. 

10. Chicago Bulls: Yaxel Lendeborg

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: New Jersey
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 23

Chicago has two solid players with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis both playing fairly well this season. They could add to their core by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. Lendeborg offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. 

11. Memphis Grizzlies: Labaron Philon

• TEAM: Alabama
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Alabama
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Whether or not the Grizzlies decide to move on from Ja Morant, they could use some help in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. The guard is now averaging 22.0 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 37.0 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.1 assists per game in the process. 

12. Portland Trail Blazers: Koa Peat

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Arizona
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Portland Trail Blazers have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Koa Peat will probably have some appeal. Add in that Trail Blazers assistant general manager Mike Schmitz went to college at Arizona, where Peat is currently thriving, and this seems like an ideal match given his versatility as a playmaking forward. He just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro. 

13. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach

• TEAM: Washington
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Germany
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• DRAFT AGE: 20

After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to somehow add even more lottery talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. He is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, especially on the offensive glass. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads. 

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Nate Ament

• TEAM: Tennessee
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and isn’t showing tremendous athleticism. But with his 6-foot-10 frame and a recent 29-point performance against No. 23 Alabama on Jan. 24, it only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table. Maybe the San Antonio Spurs could use this pick from the Atlanta Hawks to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.   

15. Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr

• TEAM: Baylor
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Minnesota
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 21

One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. He is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip and, per Bart Torvik, is the only player to reach 30 field goals that were dunks and 30 field goals that were 3-pointers so far this season. He also provides high-end value as a defender, too. His 7-foot-2 wingspan can help him find a role on any team. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson

• TEAM: Iowa State
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Nevada
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 22

A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. Iowa State do-it-all senior Joshua Jefferson is a dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players still on their roster including Brandon Clarke and John Konchar. He is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López

• TEAM: International (Australia)
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Mexico
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder. 

18. Miami Heat: Thomas Haugh

• TEAM: Florida
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Pennsylvania
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 22

After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. Haugh has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a consistently competitive team such as the Heat.

19. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Brayden Burries

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: California
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January: He recorded 28 points with nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block against Kansas State on Jan. 7, and then he had 29 points with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against BYU on Jan. 26. Burries has shown genuine productivity and he is able to defend, cut, relocate, move the ball and make open 3-pointers.    

20. Los Angeles Lakers: Patrick Ngongba II

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a cutting perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space and he is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

21. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz

• TEAM: Iowa
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. Despite transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble. Stirtz, however, struggled against highly-ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois and Michigan State. But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves: Christian Anderson

• TEAM: Texas Tech
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Another notable breakout player on mock drafts and big boards right now is Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson. Now playing point guard, Anderson is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now compared to when he was a freshman. He has turned himself into one of the best scorers and most prolific 3-point shooters in the NCAA and his game should scale well to the next level.   

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Tounde Yessoufou

• TEAM: Baylor
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Benin
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is a force of nature in transition and does not have that same polish in a half-court offense. Still raw but with a respected work ethic, there are a lot of traits to admire about what he might blossom into as he continues his development. Already, however, his athleticism and his defensive playmaking will at least intrigue teams looking to improve their wing depth like the Hawks.   

24. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar

• TEAM: North Carolina
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Estonia
• HEIGHT: 7-0
• DRAFT AGE: 22

After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, we have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. He is scoring efficiently at the rim and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Knicks, will have him high on their priority list.

25. Boston Celtics: Aday Mara

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Spain
• HEIGHT: 7-3
• DRAFT AGE: 21

As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The giant 7-foot-3 big man is a fantastic rim protector and he can pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition. 

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Braylon Mullins

• TEAM: Connecticut
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Indiana
• HEIGHT: 6-6
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. Mullins is already shooting over 40 percent on 3-pointers since moving into the starting lineup. 

27. Denver Nuggets: JT Toppin

• TEAM: Texas Tech
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Texas
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 21

Texas Tech junior JT Toppin has somehow become underrated this season despite averaging 22.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Despite going up against one of the best defenses in the country vs. Houston on Jan. 24, he had 31 points with 12 rebounds and three assists. It was his fifth game with at least 30 points and his 13th double-double out of 19 appearances. 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Amari Allen

• TEAM: Alabama
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Wisconsin
• HEIGHT: 6-7
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Alabama freshman Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists with 2.2 stocks (steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play in January. He also shot 42.1 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 3.8 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play. 

29. Detroit Pistons: Milan Momcilovic

• TEAM: Iowa State
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Wisconsin
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 21

While they are surprisingly one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic, who is having one of the most statistically dominant shooting seasons, both from beyond the arc and from mid-range, among any prospect in the nation.

30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder): Morez Johnson Jr.

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Illinois
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft predictions for AJ Dybantsa and top prospects

We're into the second half of the NBA season, which means that in addition to the race for each conference's top spot and the battle for the basement... the race for NBA Play-In Tournament odds is again a discussion.

The Atlanta Hawks are the only team that looks firmly destined for the pre-playoffs playoffs... while the Blazers, Clippers, and Warriors are near-locks to participate in the West's four-team mini tourney.

NBA Play-In Tournament odds

Eastern Conference play-in tournament odds

Here are the NBA Play-In Tournament odds for the Eastern Conference.

Western Conference play-in tournament odds

Here are the Western Conference NBA Play-In Tournament odds:

NBA Play-In Tournament schedule

The schedule for the SoFI NBA Play-In Tournament, which runs from Tuesday, April 14 to Friday, April 17, will be released when the regular season ends.

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What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?

The NBA Play-In Tournament is a relatively new wrinkle in the league's playoff format. Instead of the Top 8 teams all being guaranteed playoff spots, the 7-through-10 seeds in each conference are entered into a mini-tournament, taking place shortly after the regular season's conclusion, determining the East and West's final two playoff spots. 

NBA Play-In Tournament format

Here's how the Play-In Tournament works:

For each conference, the 7 and 8 seeds earn double-elimination status and play each other, while the 9 and 10 seeds play in a single-elimination game. The winner of the 7-8 game earns the No. 7 seed, while the loser of the 7-8 game then plays the winner of the 9-10 games for the No. 8 seed.

From there, the playoffs begin in earnest, following the traditional bracket format. 

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When was the NBA Play-In Tournament introduced?

The Play-In Tournament was introduced, in a beta concept form, for the 2020 season as part of the league's plans for a bubble re-launch during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic — originally just with the 8 and 9 seeds playing. 

After positive initial impressions from both fans and media, the Play-In Tournament was expanded to its current format and introduced, however unideal the timing, for a 2020-21 season that was already marred by pandemic absences and injuries.

NBA Play-In Tournament trends

• 2023 marked the first upsets in the opening round of games, with the lower seed taking three of the four games.
  
  
• 2023 was fruitful for the eventual success of play-in teams, with the 7-seed Los Angeles Lakers going on a run to the Western Conference Finals, and the 8-seed Miami Heat making it all the way to the NBA Finals. 

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

The Denver Nuggets deserve more praise. Despite injuries to every single one of its starters, Denver sits just a game out of the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The Brooklyn Nets deserve no such praise.

My Nets vs. Nuggets predictions heap Denver’s praise largely on Jamal Murray.

Find out why in my NBA picks for January 29.

Nets vs Nuggets prediction

Nets vs Nuggets best bet: Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points (-112)

Jamal Murray has scored 24 points in back-to-back games, just the hook short of notching this modest prop. 

But before that, he was playing some of the best basketball of his career, including clearing this prop in four of five games while shooting 56% from the field.

With Aaron Gordon sidelined tonight, expect Murray to return to that form, though he barely actually left it.

The Denver Nuggets need this from Murray. The West is crowded below the Thunder, with the next six teams within four games of each other. If Murray were not playing this well, Denver very well may be considering the Play-In Tournament as we approach the trade deadline.

Instead, the Nuggets can expect home-court advantage in the playoffs thanks to Murray shooting 43.9% from deep, averaging 7.5 assists, and scoring 25.9 points per game.

Nets vs Nuggets same-game parlay

Before his 0 of 6 showing from deep on Tuesday, Murray had hit at least three 3-pointers in 24 of 41 games. As the Nets continue to scuffle, look for Murray’s shooting to propel the Nuggets to their fourth straight win against the spread.

Nets vs Nuggets SGP

• Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points
• Jamal Murray Over 2.5 threes
• Nuggets -6.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Revenge of MPJ

While this is asking a lot of Jamal Murray, he is Denver's only remaining genuine starter. A lot will be asked of him. The one thing that will not be asked of Murray is defending Michael Porter Jr., who has plenty of reason to want to inflict some pain on his old team.

Nets vs Nuggets SGP

• Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points
• Jamal Murray Over 2.5 threes
• Jamal Murray Over 8.5 assists
• Nuggets -6.5
• Michael Porter Jr. Over 25.5 points

Nets vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Nets +6.5 | Nuggets -6.5
• Moneyline: Nets +220 | Nuggets -270
• Over/Under: Over 209.5 | Under 209.5

Nets vs Nuggets betting trend to know

Brooklyn is 1-5 against the spread in its last six games on the road. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Nets vs Nuggets

Nets vs Nuggets latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

The Denver Nuggets have been ravaged by injuries this season. Nikola Jokić and Cameron Johnson have both been out since late December due to knee injuries. Christian Braun has been out for a few weeks due to an ankle injury. And Aaron Gordon recently aggravated the hamstring strain that sidelined him for more than a month earlier this year.

Those injuries couldn’t have come at a better time for Peyton Watson. In their absence, the fourth-year wing is averaging a career-high 14.4 points, 5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 threes, 1.2 blocks and 1 steal in 30.1 minutes per game. He’s also shooting a career-best 49.9% overall and 41.1% from deep.

According to longtime NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival executives have become “increasingly curious” about Denver’s “likely struggles” to re-sign Watson this summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. Fischer mentioned that teams “projected to have cap space—notably such as the Lakers—are already preparing interest.”

In early January, Spotrac’s Keith Smith projected the Lakers to have roughly $55 million in cap space this offseason. To get to that figure, they’d have to renounce all of their free agents other than Austin Reaves, but including LeBron James. If Marcus Smart turns down his $5.4 million player option, they could get north of $60 million.

Either way, the Lakers are poised to be one of the offseason’s biggest spenders. And with the free-agent class getting increasingly whittled down, restricted free agency may be their best path forward.

That should put Watson firmly on their radar, particularly given the Nuggets’ upcoming financial outlook.

Why the Nuggets might not be able to keep Watson

Between Jokić ($59.0 million), Jamal Murray ($50.1 million), Gordon ($32.0 million), Johnson ($23.1 million) and Bruan ($21.6 million), the Nuggets already have roughly $185.7 million tied up in those five alone. The 2026-27 salary cap is currently projected to be $166 million, so the Nuggets will be well over that figure if they keep that core in place.

Add in Zeke Nnaji ($7.5 million), Julian Strawther ($4.8 million), DaRon Holmes II ($3.4 million), Jalen Pickett ($2.4 million) and Hunter Tyson ($2.4 million), and the Nuggets could already have $206.2 million in salary on their books for next season. That’s not counting Jonas Valančiūnas, whose $10 million salary is fully non-guaranteed.

The first apron is projected to be $210.7 million next season, while the second apron is projected to be $223.7 million. The Nuggets could re-sign Watson and go blasting over the second apron, but that would result in some harsh team-building restrictions, including the inability to aggregate contracts in trades.

The question for the Lakers or any other interested Watson suitors is how much the Nuggets would be willing to match in an offer sheet.

Over the past month, Watson has averaged 21.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.1 threes, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 35.9 minutes per game while shooting 49% overall and 42% from three. If that level of production was sustainable moving forward, he’d likely be looking at offers in the $30-plus million range.

However, a small sample size of star-caliber output isn’t always enough for a restricted free agent to break the bank. Just ask Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes, who wound up settling for his one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer this past offseason.

Since Watson played somewhat sparingly over his first three seasons, teams might not be swayed by his recent performance meriting high-end starter money. If anything, Nickeil-Alexander Walker might be the template other teams try to follow.

The Atlanta Hawks acquired Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade this offseason by handing him their full $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. He’s rewarded them by averaging a career-high 20.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 32.9 minutes per game.

Like Watson, Alexander-Walker primarily came off the bench during the first few years of his NBA career. He had started 68 games across six seasons prior to his arrival in Atlanta, but he never had a sustained stretch of production like Watson is having right now.

The non-taxpayer MLE is projected to be $15.1 million next season. Unless the Nuggets trim salary, a contract in that range alone would push them dangerously close to the second apron. Anything worth $20 million or more would cause them to go over it.

Other suitors who are below the first apron could also offer Watson the non-taxpayer MLE, so the Lakers might have to offer him slightly more to entice him to sign with them. Even if they went into the $17-18 million range to start, they still could have north of $35 million to spend on other free agents before they re-sign Reaves.

Watson might not be the type of splashy star signing whom Lakers fans are hoping for, but the Lakers could do far worse than signing a 23-year-old forward who’s showing flashes of significant upside.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Spotrac and salary-cap information via RealGM.

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We're well into the second half of the NBA season, with the latest NBA win totals markets coming into a much sharper focus.

The Oklahoma City Thunder — despite some recent stumbles — still have the highest projected win total (and are the only team projected North of 60 wins), followed by the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, while the Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers are expected to finish in the basement. 

Here are the latest NBA win totals odds for every team over the remainder of the season.

2025-26 NBA win totals odds

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NBA win totals betting trends

• 2022-23 was the first time in the past 18 regulation-length NBA seasons that a team failed to win 60 games. The Celtics won 64 last year to start the trend anew.
  
  
• A team from the Western Conference has had the NBA's best record in nine of the last 13 seasons.
  
  
• Recent trends suggest that the West produces more 50-win teams than the East, at an average of 5.0 over the past 13 regulation-length seasons, compared to 3.15.

Top 5 NBA single-season win-loss records

The Golden State Warriors made history twice during the 2015-16 season when they became the first team to win 73 regular-season games — and the first team to lose an NBA Finals after taking a 3-1 lead.

How to bet NBA regular season wins totals

Season win totals are self-explanatory: betting on how many wins a team will have that regular season. 

Oddsmakers set a projected number of wins for each team — based on past success, returning personnel and a variety of intangible factors — and offer Over/Under betting options, allowing you to wager on if a team will exceed that win total (Over) or fall short of it (Under). This total includes regular-season games only.

For example, if oddsmakers calculate the Charlotte Hornets to win around 35 games this upcoming season, they would set the Over/Under at 35.5. Thus, if Charlotte wins 35 or fewer games, they cash the Under. If Charlotte wins 36 or more games in the given season, they cash the Over.

Over 35.5 wins (-110)
Under 35.5 wins (-110)

On top of the season win total itself, some oddsmakers may set an assigned cost to the Over and Under bets — also known as vig or juice — depending on the implied probability of the team winning more or less than that total.

Season win totals are considered futures betting odds, and sportsbooks will take action on season win totals from the time they post the odds until the start of the season. Futures bets are then graded at the end of the season when all results are final. 

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Last Sunday’s matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks was postponed after Dallas’ team plane couldn’t take off at Love Field on Sunday afternoon.

On Thursday, the NBA announced the makeup date of the game, which will occur nearly a month after predicted. Local reporters predicted the game could be made up during the extended break of the All-Star Game. Instead, the game will be played Tuesday, March 31 at 8 p.m. EST.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/MVR9q1rZjQ

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 29, 2026

Additionally, the NBA announced a change to Dallas’ matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, originally scheduled for April 1. Since Dallas plays March 30 and, now, March 31, the NBA prevented a ‘three games in three nights’ scenario by moving Dallas’ game against the Grizzlies up three weeks. The game will now be played Thursday, March 12, at 8 p.m. EST.

Dallas plays in Atlanta on the 10th, will head to Memphis on the 12th, and will come home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back.

On the back end, Dallas will now get an extra day off between games in early April, returning to Dallas to play the Orlando Magic on April 3 and a nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 5.

The team will likely look very different when they face the Bucks in late March. Kyrie Irving is expected to be back sometime after the All-Star Break and Anthony Davis could be back from his thumb injury, assuming he’s still on the team. Milwaukee could also look different as recent reporting has suggested Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time with the Bucks may be coming to an end as he is “ready for a new home,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

So while fans may have bought tickets for an exciting rematch of the Giannis-Flagg duel we saw in November, they could be seeing two very different teams.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA has announced new dates for four games as a result of the winter storm’s impact on the Memphis and Dallas areas.

Poor weather last weekend forced the postponement of two scheduled Sunday games: Dallas at Milwaukee and Detroit at Memphis.

The Nuggets-Grizzlies game has been rescheduled for March 18, while the Mavericks-Bucks game now will take place March 31.

The dates have been changed for two other upcoming games to accommodate the weather-related schedule shifts. Memphis will host Dallas on March 12 rather than April 1. A Grizzlies home game with the New York Knicks will be April 1 instead of March 18.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

The 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year odds race is hitting the stretch run, and, well, it's that much of a race right now.

No. 1-overall pick Cooper Flagg remains the clear odds-on favorite, sitting at -400 (an implied probability of 80%), with Charlotte's Kon Knueppel — his teammate at Duke last season — the only other player within striking distance.

NBA Rookie of the Year odds

Latest NBA Rookie of the Year betting splits

Highest ticket percentage
•   V.J. Edgecombe 21.2%
•   Kon Knueppel 13.5%
•   Cooper Flagg 11.2%

Highest handle percentage
•   V.J. Edgecombe 26.4%
•   Kon Knueppel 21.6%
•   Cooper Flagg 18.1%

Biggest liability
•   V.J. Edgecombe

Data courtesy of BetMGM.

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NBA ROY betting trends

Here are some trends to keep in mind when betting on NBA Rookie of the Year:

• The No. 1 pick has won Rookie of the Year four times in the past 10 seasons.
  
  
• Bigs (PF/C) haven't had much success in ROY recently, with just four wins in the last 20 seasons.
  
  
• Only one ROY winner this century (Malcolm Brogdon, 36th, 2016) was drafted outside of the lottery.
  
  
• The Rookie of the Year has been drafted in the Top 5 in 16 of the past 20 seasons.

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Popular NBA futures markets

• NBA championship odds
• NBA MVP odds
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year odds
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds  
• NBA Coach of the Year odds
• NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds

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NBA Rookie of the Year history

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here