With the NHL trade deadline approaching and the playoff picture growing increasingly bleak, the Winnipeg Jets appear poised to shift into seller mode.
The Jets currently sit ten points out of a playoff spot, and the gap could widen further given a challenging upcoming schedule that features matchups against the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks. As the losses have mounted, so too has speculation that Winnipeg will begin moving pieces with an eye toward the future.
That speculation gained traction this week following comments from Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman on Friday’s episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast. Friedman revealed that, according to one source, the Jets and the Detroit Red Wings have a “match” when it comes to a potential trade.
While Friedman emphasized that he was unaware of the exact framework of a possible deal, he suggested the discussions could involve defensemen Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley.
Detroit is well positioned to engage in trade talks, boasting significant draft capital and a deep prospect pool. Those assets could make it relatively easy for the Red Wings to put together a competitive offer for either Stanley or Schenn.
The Red Wings have reportedly been prioritizing players with term on the open market, but they could still have interest in Stanley, a 27-year-old blueliner who may fit their long-term plans. Should he prove to be a good fit in Detroit, the organization could look to negotiate an extension following a trade.
Regardless of whether a deal materializes with the Red Wings, the growing number of rumors around Winnipeg’s roster has created a clear sense that the Jets are preparing to pivot. With postseason hopes fading, the organization appears increasingly focused on selling at the deadline and retooling for next season rather than chasing a long-shot playoff push.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics defends against Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at the TD Garden on January 30, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics were coming off of a tough loss at the hands to the Atlanta Hawks and needed a bounce back. They found it on Friday night, with a wire to wire 112-93 win over the Kings. It was Payton Pritchard’s night as he scored 29 points while dishing out 8 assists.
Jaylen Brown missed Friday night’s game with left hamstring tightness and a right knee contusion. The Celtics started Baylor Scheierman in Brown’s place with Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta in the starting unit. The Kings were without Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Russell Westbrook. They started Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud.
The Celtics got off to a quick 9-1 start, making their first 4 shots, as the Kings called a timeout not even 2 minutes into the game.
The first quarter featured a lot of Payton Pritchard stuffing the stat sheet during the Celtics first 10 field goals, scoring or assisting on 7 of them.
Payton Pritchard has scored or assisted on 7 of the Celtics' first 10 makes
The Celtics led 40-25 after the first quarter. Payton Pritchard led the team with 11 points and 5 assists; Boston shot 17/24 in the quarter, 70.8%, and had 12 assists.
Fouls are what kept the Kings within striking distance, 11 of their first 28 points came at the foul line. Fouls have been an issue for the Celtics this season and it was an issue early in the game.
The Celtics turned up their pressure as the 2nd quarter went on, Pritchard hit a deep three and Baylor Scheierman had a transition layup, putting the Celtics up 21 points.
Boston finished the half on a 25-6 run to lead 72-46 at halftime. It was the Payton Pritchard Show in the first half, he scored 22 points along with 8 assists, going 9/11 from the floor and 4/5 from three point range.
At the midway point of the third quarter, the Celtics led by 28 points, 80-52. Baylor Scheierman was having a great game after a really solid performance in Wednesday’s game against the Hawks. He finished the game with 16 points.
Indeed, Kings took zero shots at the rim with Queta on the floor in the first half https://t.co/ICmSxP4qcP
Can we talk about the leap that Neemias Queta has taken this season? He might just be the Celtics center of the future and at this point last season, I was not a very big fan of his. His rim protection and overall defensive leap has been significant and so has his screening. We are seeing him be much quicker at getting out of screens and committing less illegal ones. He is the third or fourth most important player on the team and it has been very fun to watch.
The Kings could use a player like him…
ESPN Sources: After signing JaVale McGee to a free agent deal, the Sacramento Kings are waiving centers Nerlens Noel and Neemias Queta to give them a chance to play elsewhere. Both signed partially guaranteed one-year deals with Kings this summer.
Maxime Raynaud hit a buzzer beater at the end of the third quarter to cut the Celtics lead to 89-66. Payton Pritchard led the team with 26 points while Neemias Queta had 10 points and 15 rebounds against his former team.
We had Chris Boucher minutes in the last 3 minutes of the game in the first time we have seen him play since November 23rd. He was rusty, airmailing his first three point attempt but he hit a buzzer beater at the end to get on the board.
The fourth quarter happened, the Celtics kept the lead at around 20 points the whole time. The Kings never made a real push.
The Celtics shot 45% from the field and 38% from three while the Kings shot 37% from the field and 32% from three. Boston’s next game is Sunday at home against the Bucks at 3:30 EST for the NBA Pioneer Classic.
The Montreal Canadiens picked up an impressive 7-3 win against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. Juraj Slafkovsky played a role in the Canadiens' win over the Avalanche, as he scored a goal and recorded an assist.
With his two-point game, Slafkovsky now has 20 goals, 23 assists, and 43 points in 54 games this season with the Canadiens. With numbers like these, there is no question that the 21-year-old winger has taken a nice step in the right direction with his development this campaign.
Due to his strong play this season, Slafkovsky is already nearing a new career high with February just about here.
Slafkovsky needs to score only one more goal to hit a new career high of 21. The 2022 first-overall pick scored 20 goals in 82 games for the Canadiens during the 2023-24 season.
Slafkovsky also needs only 10 more assists and nine more points to set new career highs with those stats as well. With this, there is no question that he is having himself a nice year, and it will be interesting to see what his offensive totals are once we get to the end of the 2025-26 season.
Luka Doncic had 37 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds against Jamir Watkins and the Wizards on Friday. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)
The “competitive edge” Lakers coach JJ Redick requested from his players showed itself right away in the form of dominance from Luka Doncic, more outstanding play from LeBron James and an impressive outing from center Deandre Ayton.
By the time Doncic, James and Ayton completed their night, they had combined for 85 points and 27 rebounds in helping the Lakers build a 38-point lead en route to a 142-111 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday. The Lakers improved to 4-2 on their season-high eight-game trip.
And it centered around the brilliance of Doncic, his triple-double of 37 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds the catalyst for the Lakers (29-18) winning for the fifth time in their last seven games. He was efficient too, shooting 13 for 21 from the field and six for 13 from three-point range.
"He just came out again with the right mentality, the right mindset," Redick said. “And I do want to just reiterate just how decisive he was ... and obviously to get the defensive rebounds and get a triple-double is fantastic."
Ayton was a tower of strength with 28 points on 12-for-14 shooting, 13 rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists.
James had the crowd engaged all game with his play that led to 20 points and six assists.
The left ankle soreness that had Doncic listed as questionable was not an issue for the All-Star guard, his first half showing he was playing at another level with a triple-double of 26 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes against the overmatched Wizards.
Doncic became the first Laker in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98) to record a triple-double in a half, a feat he also achieved with the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic dazzled with no-look and lob passes along with three-pointers that seemed to impress even him, considering he looked over to the Lakers’ bench after several spectacular threes.
“It’s not easy, for sure,” Doncic said. “It might look easy, but it’s not easy. But it just feels good to have that going. ... It’s just fun to be like that in that position.”
The 41-year-old James put on a show, throwing down lobs for dunks, drawing cheers and applause from the fans inside Capital One Arena.
There was the lob from Ayton that James threw down left-handed, making teammates leap off their seats and fans gasp and cheer. For added emphasis, James stared at his left hand as he made his way down the court, a knowing look on his face.
LeBron James passes the ball around Wizards guard Bub Carrington during the first half. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)
“That was terrible,” Ayton said about his high pass to James. “I told JJ, I said, ‘If it was not LeBron James at the end of that alley-oop, I’d be right there sitting next to you!’ And he started laughing. It’s just a fact, 'cause I’m like, ‘Yo, I threw the ball out of bounds.’ It was one of those things you see on Bleacher Report, where LeBron does some spectacular things, and that was one of them.”
There was the lob from Marcus Smart that James threw down for a reverse dunk, again bringing fans and teammates out of their seats.
There was the moment James drove by Washington's Alex Sarr and threw down another dunk, causing teammates to jump out of their seats again and fans to cheer even louder.
When asked to rank his dunks, James deferred.
“I don't know. I’ll let my LeBron Faithful fan group rate them,” James said. “I love those guys.”
One player who will be rated on his dunks is Jaxson Hayes. The Lakers center accepted an invitation from the NBA to compete in the All-Star dunk contest at Intuit Dome on Feb. 14.
Etc.
Though Austin Reaves (left calf strain) was upgraded to questionable for the game, the Lakers guard did not play. He has missed 18 straight games since suffering the injury on Christmas against the Houston Rockets.
Reaves has been working out as he progresses toward a return. The Lakers play again Sunday at the New York Knicks.
"He continues to progress. He hasn't had any setbacks,” Redick said. “Yesterday was five weeks from the injury. He's right on schedule, if not a little bit ahead of schedule. So it's just him being fully confident in his body. And he continues to get great work on the court."
WASHINGTON — Luka Doncic could do no wrong in the nation’s capital.
And the perpetually struggling Washington Wizards didn’t stand a chance against the offensive onslaught Doncic and the Lakers brought with them inside Capital One Arena, where the Lakers picked up a 142-111 win to continue a strong eight-game “Grammy” trip.
Doncic was in full control of Friday’s game from the moment he first touched the ball.
Luka Doncic celebrates in front of Jamir Watkins. Getty Images
The Lakers’ first possession: Doncic assisting Deandre Ayton, whose declining usage and production has been under significant scrutiny as of late, on a layup that started one of Ayton’s best performances since November.
Doncic’s first shot: a nine-foot floater that set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Because regardless of the problems the hapless Wizards tried to present, Doncic and the Lakers had the answer.
Force Doncic to pick up his dribble with a double team right after he crosses halfcourt after he scored 16 points in the opening 9 ½ minutes? He responded with an effortless pass that flew by four Wizards defenders to assist Jarred Vanderbilt on a dunk that gave the Lakers a 40-22 lead.
Provide a strong contest and get Doncic off-balance on a pull-up 3-pointer with strong iso defense like Washington guard Jamir Watkins did late in the second quarter? Doncic will bank in the 3 to loud cheers from the crowd.
The result was Doncic having his sixth triple-double of the season with 37 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds.
Ayton finished with a 28 point-13 rebound double-double, shooting 85.7% (12-of-14) from the field.
LeBron James added 20 points and six assists.
Doncic shoots over a defender. NBAE via Getty Images
What it means
The Lakers not only improved to 29-18, but they also expect to get Austin Reaves back sometime within the next two games, furthering their offensive onslaught.
Turning point
The moment Doncic stepped onto the court.
Seriously.
The Wizards looked helpless trying to figure out how to slow down the MVP candidate.
Doncic had 16 points, seven assists and seven rebounds in the opening quarter, making the game uncompeitive from the outset.
The Lakers not only led by double digits since midway through the opening quarter, but had at least a 20-point lead for the entire second half.
MVP: Luka Doncic
When you make positive history for a storied franchise like the Lakers, this honor becomes easy.
Doncic became the first Laker to record a triple-double in a single half with his 26 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the opening two quarters at Washington.
It was the second time in his career Doncic recorded a single-half triple-double, with the first coming on Dec. 6, 2023, while he was with the Mavericks.
Doncic shoots over the double team. Getty Images
Stat of the game: First half triple-double
Doncic posted a triple-double… in the first half. In 19 minutes, he put up 26 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
It was the second time of the play-by-play era (1997-98) that a player recorded a 25+ point triple double in the first half.
The only other person to do it?
Doncic in 2023 when with the Mavericks.
Up next
After bouncing around the country for the last 1½ weeks, the Lakers will be able to be settled for a few days.
They’ll travel to New York for matchups against the Knicks and Nets on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively, to close out their eight-game trip.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket as Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards plays defense during the game on January 30, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, 142-111 at Capital One Arena.
One night after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, there was certainly optimism about what Washington could do tonight against LA. However, the talent disparity showed.
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with a triple double, scoring 37 points, dishing 13 assists and grabbing 11 rebounds. DeAndre Ayton added 28 points and 13 rebounds. LeBron James scored 20 points and dished 6 assists. The Lakers shot 61.2 percent from the field while the Wizards shot 44.4 percent themselves. The game was effectively decided when the Lakers shot 70.8 percent from the field with Doncic scoring 16 points. LA never took their foot off the gas from there. That tells all you need to know about a game like this.
For Washington, Malaki Branham led scoring 17 points off the bench on 6-of-9 shooting. Alex Sarr led the Wizards’ starters with 16 points and 5 assists.
The Wizards’ next game is on Sunday when they host the Sacramento Kings. Tip off is at 6 p.m. ET. See you then.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket as Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards plays defense during the game on January 30, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After an ugly loss against the Cavs, the Lakers bounced back with a 142-111 blowout victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. It was LA’s largest win of the season.
The game began with Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton shouldering the offensive load with a combined 16 points. Bub Carrington had a strong start for the Wizards, knocking down two triples for six points. LA went up by eight thanks to an 8-0 scoring run.
Luka was on triple-double watch, notching 11 points, six rebounds and five assists with 4:26 left in the quarter.
Alex Sarr started to take over for Washington, scoring eight points. Out of a timeout, Luka connected with Jaxson Hayes for the third time for two. Hayes was up to eight points off the bench.
At the end of the first, the purple and gold were up by 14.
The second period started with LeBron Jamesscoring seven points for the Lakers. He was now in double figures with 12 points. Marcus Smart also drained his first 3-pointer of the half. Ayton added two more points with a layup, pushing the lead to 22 for LA.
Washington called a timeout, and out of the break, Bilal Coulibaly scored on a dunk.
Sarr was the first Wizard in double figures with 12 points. LeBron threw down an emphatic dunk that had everyone buzzing.
Luka connected with Ayton three times for six quick points. That gave Luka his eighth, ninth and tenth assists of the half. He continued his ridiculous dominant half by finishing with a triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. He was shooting 64% from the field and 62% from behind the arc.
Ayton and Hayes combined for 24 points, both in double figures. At halftime, the Lakers were up by a massive 29 points.
The second half began with Sarr converting on a jump shot. Jake LaRavia finally put some points on the board, cleaning up a missed layup by LeBron. A reverse dunk by LeBron, off the assist from Smart, forced the Wizards to call a timeout.
Washington was now down by 30.
After the break, the Wizards turned the ball over, a perfect depiction of how badly things were going for them. The Lakers and Luka were putting on an absolute clinic, shooting 80% to start the third quarter.
Luka drained his sixth 3-pointer of the game, shooting 60% from behind the arc. With 4:12 left in the period, Los Angeles was up by 34. Rui Hachimura scored a quick five points for LA. The Lakers did slightly take their foot off the gas pedal, allowing the Wizards to score a couple of easy buckets.
What had grown to a 38-point lead for Los Angeles was down to 24 going into the fourth period. Washington ended the quarter on a 10-1 scoring run.
The final frame began with both teams missing their first shots. Ayton scored LA’s first field goal with a dunk.
Jarred Vanderbilt drained a 3-pointer to go with the four steals and two rebounds he racked up in this game. At the 8:52 mark, Los Angeles was up by 28. LeBron dunked the ball for what felt like the 75th time in this game.
With 5:29 left, LA emptied its bench.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished the game with 37 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. LeBron scored 20 points with three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Ayton pitched in with 28 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.
Hayes had 10 points off the bench. Hachimura notched 11 points with two rebounds and two assists. Vanderbilt ended with eight points, two rebounds and four steals.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the New York Knicks on Sunday at 4:00 PM PT.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 08: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 8, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons need to remember how to shoot or this road trip is going to end on a sour note. The Pistons were held under 100 points for the fifth time this season, and the primary factor is the team’s inability to hit outside shots. Detroit made just six of 29 3-pointers. Essentially, it’s been Duncan Robinson or nothing behind the line, and if he’s having an off night, Detroit’s offense grinds to a halt. Tobias just isn’t as effective or as prolific as he has been in year’s past, Javonte Green has been cold after being more reliable than not, and Daniss Jenkins tailed off. Ron Holland’s a willing shooter, but misses plenty, and Isaiah Stewart has been more focused on the interior lately. It’s creating problems for Cade Cunningham, it’s made Ausar Thompson’s inside driving completely inert, and the bench unit, one of the team’s superpowers, really struggles for long stretches.
Golden State is a middling shot-making team, ranking 12th in the NBA in 3-point percentage, but boy, do they love to get their shots up. The Warriors attempt the most threes in the league, hoisting 13 more than the Pistons on a nightly basis. That can turn a nine-point Pistons lead into a one-score game awfully quick. And Detroit will need ways to keep pace. Luckily for the Pistons, there might be a path to some easy points. The Warriors are near the bottom of the league in opponent’s fast break points, and are a below-average rebounding team. This is a chance for Detroit to get second looks and turn defense into offense.
Game Vitals
When: 10 p.m. ET Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, California Watch: ESPN Odds: Pistons +2.5
PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — Perri Page scored 14 of her 23 points in the second half, Fliss Henderson had 10 points and nine rebounds, and Columbia beat No. 19 Princeton 73-67 on Friday night.
Columbia (14-5, 5-1 Ivy League) extended the longest active winning streak in true road games to 16 games. The Lions also secured their second win against an AP Top 25 opponent in program history, with the other coming in the 2023-24 season against then-No. 25 Princeton.
Princeton (17-2, 5-1) entered with the third longest win streak in nation at 15 overall.
Columbia scored six of the opening seven points of the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 60-51. Columbia’s lead was just 62-59 with 3:43 remaining before scoring the next seven points to take the first double-digit lead of the game at 69-59.
Riley Weiss, Columbia’s leading scorer at 18.6 points per game, fouled out with 8:46 remaining in the fourth with 12 points. Susie Rafiu and Mia Broom each added 10 points. The Lions were coming off an 89-32 victory over Dartmouth — the fewest points allowed and largest margin of victory against a Division I opponent in program history.
Madison St. Rose and Olivia Hutcherson each scored 17 points, and Skye Belker added 16 for Princeton. St. Rose left in the third quarter with an apparent knee injury and did not return.
Princeton trailed 37-36 at halftime despite 17 points, five rebounds and four assists from St. Rose.
Up next
Columbia: Continues a three-game trip at Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Princeton: Stays at home to battle Cornell on Saturday.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 29: Head coach Jordi Fernandez of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 29, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Close but no cigar. Michael Porter Jr. was fantastic with 38 points in 37 minutes, but the Nets couldn’t get over the hump against a depleted Denver team. They’ve now dropped seven straight games, and most eyes are headed toward the trade deadline rumor mill.
The road trip is almost over.
🏀 KEY INFO
WHO: NETS (12-34) AT JAZZ (15-33)
WATCH: YES NETWORK
WHEN: 9:30 PM
💬 DISCUSSION
Share thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at American Airlines Center on January 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What feats of strength will Cooper Flagg perform next?
Find out when the Dallas Mavericks (19-29) visit the Houston Rockets (29-17) on Saturday at the Toyota Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
We can confidently say that, because as of the NBA’s 4:30 p.m. injury report on Friday, Flagg is no longer listed with the “ankle injury management” designation we’ve become accustomed to seeing lately. He’s coming off Thursday’s 49-point explosion in the Mavericks’ 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets while the Mavericks are looking to halt their current three-game losing streak as a tough stretch of games gets even tougher starting this weekend.
The Rockets, meanwhile, have won six of their last eight, including two wins over the San Antonio Spurs, an overtime victory at the Philadelphia 76ers and a narrow win over the Detroit Pistons. Houston has gotten four 30-point outings from Kevin Durant and one apiece from Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. in the team’s last eight games.
This is a bad matchup for the Mavs on paper, which probably means they’ll find themselves in a four-point game down the stretch, so be sure to tune in! Dallas has somehow won two of three matchups with Houston this year, falling 110-102 in Houston on Nov. 3, before beating the Rockets 122-109 in one of the team’s best wins of the year on Dec. 6 and following that up with a 110-104 win at the AAC earlier this month.
Here are three storylines to watch when the Mavs visit the Rockets on Saturday in a nationally televised game.
The Davis deficit
Anthony Davis led the Mavericks in scoring in both the Mavericks’ wins over the Rockets this season. He will famously be unavailable for the fourth and final meeting between these two teams. Davis scored 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Dallas’ win in early December, then had 26 and 12 in the Mavericks’ first win of 2026. He would injure his finger five days later while brushing his hand on Lauri Markannen’s jersey as Markannen scored an easy bucket at the tail end of Dallas’ 116-114 loss at the Utah Jazz.
Without Davis’ presence inside, it will be tough for the Mavericks to manufacture as solid a night on the boards as Dallas had in the most recent game against the Rockets, when Houston out-rebounded Dallas by a slim 51-47 margin.
Flagg has had down games in two of the three games against the Rockets this year. He scored 12 points and grabbed five boards in the Nov. 3 matchup, then had 19 and five on Dec. 6 before managing just 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting in the most recent meeting. The Rockets sit at fifth in the NBA in defensive rating (111.9) coming into the game and feature several long defenders capable of disrupting shooters and bottling up driving threats like Flagg. Coming off his 49-point outburst against the Hornets, it will be interesting to see if Flagg can follow it up against a better defense without the motivation of playing against his friend, former roommate and closest competition for this season’s Rookie of the Year award, Kon Knueppel.
Broad side of a barn
Which team will have the shooting edge on Saturday? Looking at these teams’ season averages may lead you to a different conclusion than looking at their shooting in the last four games. Houston enters as the eighth-best 3-point shooting team in the league, at just over 37% on 3-point attempts, while Dallas has struggled all year from deep, shooting just over 32%. That puts Dallas at 25th in the league this year.
Houston, despite winning three of their last four, has hit a bit of a lull from long range, converting just 40 of their 117 (34.2%) 3-point looks in their last four games, while Dallas has matched their dismal season average, making 37-of-115 (32.1%) in the same short span. However, the recent four-game sample for the Mavericks includes a particularly bleak 3-of-18 outing on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Aside from that game, Dallas has been shooting it a little better recently.
Fits and starts
The Mavericks have been an up-and-down team this year, with the downs outnumbering the ups. They’ll follow a run of watchable ball with a fart-and-fall-down moment timed with comedic precision. It’s anybody’s guess what version of the team will trot out of the tunnel at Toyota Center on Saturday. The current scheduling stretch is a tough one, and though the results haven’t been there in the team’s last three, there have been moments that jump off the stat sheet and get the fan base chattering.
The Mavericks are giving fans just enough to keep true sickos engaged. The sane among us have found better ways to occupy their time as basketball’s winter of discontent settles in. Here’s hoping for something, anything to hold onto from Saturday’s game at the Rockets.
How to watch
The Mavericks and Rockets will tip off at 7:30 p.m. from Houston’s Toyota Center. The game will be nationally televised on ABC.
As former college stars continue pushing boundaries to try to return to the NCAA, Amari Bailey is taking his case one step further.
The 21-year-old wants to go back to school and play college basketball — despite having already seen the NBA court, ESPN reported Friday. He told the outlet he’s hired an agent and a lawyer to gain college eligibility.
“Right now I’d be a senior in college,” Bailey told the outlet. “I’m not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics. No shade to the guys that do; that’s their journey. But I went to go play professionally and learned a lot, went through a lot. So, like, why not me?”
However, it’s also highly unlikely this will be allowed to happen, according to Tim Buckley, the Senior Vice President of External Affairs for the NCAA. He said on X in the wake of the report that the NCAA “has not and will not grant eligibility to any players who have signed an NBA contract.”
Amari Bailey played 10 games with the Charlotte Hornets during the 2023-24 season. Getty Images
Bailey, who played at UCLA in the 2022-23 season, was selected with the No. 41 overall pick by the Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-3 guard signed a two-way contract with Charlotte, meaning he was allowed to move back and forth between the NBA and the Greensboro Swarm of the G League.
A two-way deal offers players a limited number of days in the NBA before a team has to decide whether to convert them to a standard contract or waive them altogether.
Bailey did play 10 games with the Hornets that season, logging 65 total minutes and averaging 2.3 points, though he was never converted to a standard NBA contract and remained on a two-way deal.
Amari Bailey was a second-round pick, selected No. 41 overall in 2023, after one year with UCLA. Getty Images
Nonetheless, he played NBA basketball.
James Nnaji, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 draft by the Pistons and later moved to Charlotte, was able join Baylor’s basketball program earlier this season and is currently playing games in college.
Nnaji was an overseas prospect and remained with Spanish club FC Barcelona before and after being selected, later joining Girona — also in Spain — and Merkezefendi of Turkey.
Nnaji’s rights were traded to the Knicks in 2024 as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, and he played for New York in the 2025 summer league, as he did with the Hornets in 2023, but he never technically played an NBA or even G League game.
NBA Draft 2023 second-round pick James Nnaji, who joined the Baylor Bears, left behind a pro career overseas. Getty Images
Nnaji is averaging 1.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11.6 minutes per game across seven appearances since joining Baylor.
Charles Bediako, who played for Alabama in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, is back with the team for the 2025-26 campaign after previously leaving early to pursue the NBA.
Bediako joined the Spurs for the summer league in 2023 and later signed a two-way contract with the team, but was waived that December following a meniscus tear.
Charles Bediako, posing for a portrait at Detroit Pistons Media Day in 2025. Getty Images
From 2023 through the 2025-26 season, Bediako played in 46 G League games before being allowed to return to Alabama, where he has played two games.
Bailey, a former UCLA and Sierra Canyon star, played alongside other notable high school athletes, like Bronny James — son of LeBron James — Zaire Wade — son of Dwyane Wade — and current Nets forward Zaire Williams.
Bailey averaged 11.2 points per game at UCLA in his lone season with the team in 2022-23.
He later played in the G League for 34 games across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 31: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket around Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena on December 31, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game 49 and one week away from the trade deadline!
On Friday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they were calling up Sam Rinzel. He has spent a couple of months working on his game with the Rockford IceHogs, and now he's ready to jump back in and show what he's got.
Part of this was the need to give Artyom Levshunov a break. He's been a regular in the lineup since he made his NHL debut last season, and he seems to have hit a rookie wall. Over the last 9 games, in particular, he has struggled mightily.
Not only does he have 0 points in those games, but his defensive game has left a lot to be desired. Shutting down gaps, being smart with his stick, and proper positioning have allowed teams to walk all over him during this tough stretch.
With Rinzel back in the lineup, Levshunov is going to be a healthy scratch against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night. He is also going to have limited playing time, if any, leading up to the Olympic break.
Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed that they have a program for Levshunov to work on during his time off. He is going to work on three things in particular, which include shooting, playing with the puck, and his defensive game.
"Rather than send him down and play more games, I don't think that's what he needs." Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. "What he needs is a chance to reset some foundational things."
All of the tools are there for Levshunov to be a high-end player in the best league in the world. He has the skating, the overall skills with the puck, and the will to win necessary to become an elite player.
Where the Blackhawks need to see improvement is in taking those talents and using them to be a winning player. If he improves on some of the skills emphasized in his new program, it should all come together.
For a defenseman to have regular playing time in the NHL at Levshunov's age (20) is incredibly rare. It doesn't happen often. It is even more rare for there to be no struggles along the way, no matter what age they are at in their development.
If Levshunov takes this opportunity to develop his game now with an open mind, he will come back stronger for it.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 20: Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics reacts during second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Baylor Scheierman will start his fourth game of the season when the Celtics face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night. Scheierman has appeared in 42 of 47 games this year — and has averaged 3 points and 2 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per night.
Scheierman is starting in Jaylen Brown’s absence, as Brown will miss the match-up with a right knee contusion and a tight left hamstring. It’s Brown’s fourth absence of the season, and it comes just a few days after he openly discussed his hamstring bothering him.
While Scheierman has shot the ball well — he’s hitting 40% from beyond the arc on the season — Joe Mazzulla has gone out of his way to primarily praise his success on the other end of the court.
“His growth is more about his defensive versatility,” Mazzulla said earlier this month. “He has the confidence to play on the offensive end… his continued growth in defensive physicality and in the system is where he’s built a level of trust.”
Scheierman was also a team-best +11 in the Celtics’ 11-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday
The Celtics face the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back
Alongside Scheierman, the Celtics will start Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta. Queta returns from a one-game absence due to an illness he’s dealt with since Friday.
The Celtics (29-18) have an 11-7 record with Hauser as a starter this season. In those games, Hauser is averaging 12.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 48.5% from the field and 44.2% from three.
The Kings (12-37) will start Dennis Schroder, Precious Achiuwa, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Maxime Raynaud. The Kings have lost 7 straight games and are playing at TD Garden on the second night of a back-to-back.
