CHENNAI, India (AP) — The United Arab Emirates won the toss and chose to bat first against New Zealand in a tough Group D game at cricket's T20 World Cup on Tuesday.
New Zealand had already crossed the first hurdle by beating Afghanistan at the same venue in a group that also features 2024 finalist South Africa and Canada.
“It’s a tough group but we are ready for that challenge,” UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem said at the toss.
On the eve of its opening game, UAE sent batter Muhammad Zohaib back home for what it called disciplinary reasons on Monday and the Emirates Cricket Board said it will provide more details "in due course.”
New Zealand made no changes and captain Mitchell Santner said he hoped the red-soiled wicket will have some bounce to suit his three fast bowlers.
De Leede stars in Dutch first win
Earlier at New Delhi, Bas de Leede’s all-round show earned the Netherlands a seven-wicket win over Namibia in Group A.
De Leede grabbed 2-20 as the Dutch used eight bowlers and Namibia scored 156-8. De Leede then smashed four sixes and five boundaries and guided his team to 159-3 in 18 overs with an unbeaten 72 off 48 balls.
Pakistan vs. US
In the night game on Tuesday, Pakistan will take on the United States in Group A.
Pakistan has reversed its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup game against India and was directed to “take the field” in Colombo on Sunday.
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Lineups:
UAE: Aryansh Sharma, Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 9: Dennis Schröder #8 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 9, 2026 at Ball Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Good morning, it’s Tuesday, February 10th. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 32-21 and beat the Denver Nuggets last night. They are finally done with their West Coast road trip, where they went 4-1, and only have one game before the All-Star break.
It will be a very different Cavs team returning to Cleveland. The last time they played at home, Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Lonzo Ball were all on the roster. Now? Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis and James Harden fill their place.
Things change quickly. As of right now, I can’t complain.
Today’s Game of the Day
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30, NBA TV
Luka vs Wemby. What more do you need to know?
The Spurs are second in the Western Conference and emerging as real contenders. Meanwhile, the Lakers are still clinging to the hope that Doncic and LeBron James can be enough, even with a lackluster supporting cast. This hasn’t materialized as strongly as LA fans probably hoped. But it still makes them must-see TV on a nightly basis.
The Rest of the NBA Slate
Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks – 7:30 PM
LA Clippers at Houston Rockets – 8 PM
Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns – 9 PM
This is a short but sweet line of basketball games. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on each game.
BOTTOM LINE: Omaha hits the road against Denver looking to break its 13-game road skid.
The Pioneers have gone 8-5 at home. Denver has a 5-9 record in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Mavericks are 1-10 against Summit opponents. Omaha is eighth in the Summit with 21.0 defensive rebounds per game led by Avril Smith averaging 7.7.
Denver averages 60.3 points per game, 18.0 fewer points than the 78.3 Omaha allows. Omaha averages 6.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 more makes per game than Denver allows.
The Pioneers and Mavericks match up Wednesday for the first time in Summit play this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Coryn Watts is shooting 40.8% and averaging 19.3 points for the Pioneers. Laia Monclova is averaging 1.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Regan Juenemann is shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc with 1.8 made 3-pointers per game for the Mavericks, while averaging 10.6 points. Alison Stephens is averaging 10.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pioneers: 2-8, averaging 58.3 points, 26.6 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 7.5 steals and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 39.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.9 points per game.
Mavericks: 1-9, averaging 49.7 points, 28.6 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 5.8 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 30.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 76.8 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Charlotte Hornets' Moussa Diabate (centre, in light blue) called it an "overly competitive game" [Getty Images]
Four players were ejected after a mass brawl as the Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets 110-104 in a bad-tempered NBA fixture.
Detroit's Jalen Duren was fouled by Charlotte's Moussa Diabate during the third quarter, with the pair then confronting one another and appearing to butt heads.
Diabate had to be held back as he tried to hit Duren, before several other players got involved in the incident.
Detroit forward Isaiah Stewart confronted Charlotte's Miles Bridges and put him in a headlock before appearing to strike him multiple times.
The brawl lasted about 30 seconds, ending with a brief police presence on the floor.
Diabate, Duren, Stewart and Bridges were ejected - and Hornets coach Charles Lee was kicked out in the fourth quarter after he had to be restrained while angrily shouting at the officials having disagreed with a decision.
"Emotions were flaring. At the end of the day, we would love to keep it basketball, but things happen. Everybody was just playing hard," Duren said after the match.
"This isn't the first time that people have tried to be like extra aggressive with us and talk to us, whatever the case may be.
"At the end of the day, emotions got high with everybody being competitive. Things happen."
Bridges later apologised to fans, writing on Instagram: "Sorry Hornets nation! Sorry Hornets Organization! Always going to protect my team-mates forever."
Lead official John Goble said in a post-game report the players were ejected because they "engaged in fighting activity during the dead ball".
"After review, we assessed fighting fouls, and by rule, they were ejected from the game," he added.
Lee, asked about the clash between Diabate and Duren that triggered the wider brawl, said: "Two guys got in a heated conversation and then it kind of spiralled from there."
Of his own ejection in the fourth quarter, Lee added: "I've got to have a little bit better emotional control in that moment."
Elsewhere, Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry will miss Sunday's All-Star game with an injury to his right knee.
However, the Warriors are hopeful Curry will return after the All-Star break for the game against the Boston Celtics on 19 February.
After losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, the Lakers (32-20) are back at it on their home floor on Tuesday when they take on the San Antonio Spurs (36-16). This is the final match between the teams this season.
Tuesday’s game against the Spurs might just be the toughest game for the Lakers this season. It’s on the second night of a back-to-back against the current second-best team in the Western Conference that’s not only healthy but has already beaten the purple and gold twice this season.
This has schedule loss written all over it.
But that’s not to say that it’s certain that the Lakers won’t try to win this game. They’re going to compete and it’ll be a matter of gutting this one out against Victor Wembanyama — who is averaging 23.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocks this season — De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and crew. The same squad that blew out the Lakers twice in their last three games. They will also be coming off two days of rest before Tuesday’s game.
In the lone game the Lakers won against the Spurs this season, they limited Wembanyama’s production. They did that by getting him into foul trouble before he eventually fouled out. That was the same game when the Lakers threw the kitchen sink on Wemby, thus allowing Deandre Ayton to outplay him.
This was obviously no longer the case in their most recent battle, when Wemby got his revenge on Ayton and the team. But besides him, it’s actually the Spurs’ role players that have also given the Lakers a lot of trouble this season.
Los Angeles has yet to find an answer for San Antonio’s speedy, athletic and dynamic guards in Fox, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie and Castle, all who have stood out in their last few battles. If this continues, then the Lakers’ chances of winning will be slim to none.
Without Luka Dončić, the Lakers will have to rely on LeBron James and Austin Reaves — who are also uncertain for this one — and will need extraordinary performances from their role players. Note that the Spurs are a top-three defensive team. They have an elite rim protector in Wemby who will surely attempt to limit the Lakers’ scoring inside the paint. This game will be a test for the Lakers of their creativity on offense and whether their improved defense of late is good enough against a top-10 offensive team.
Let’s see if the Lakers can quickly bounce back against the Spurs on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
Since the Lakers are playing on a back-to-back, the injury report for this one won’t be released until a few hours before tip-off. However, expect Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) to be out.
For the Spurs, only Lindy Waters III is unavailable.
Washington Wizards (14-38, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (33-21, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland seeks to keep its four-game win streak going when the Cavaliers take on Washington.
The Cavaliers are 19-13 in Eastern Conference games. Cleveland scores 119.6 points and has outscored opponents by 3.6 points per game.
The Wizards are 9-22 in Eastern Conference play. Washington is 2-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Cavaliers score 119.6 points per game, 3.2 fewer points than the 122.8 the Wizards give up. The Wizards average 112.1 points per game, 3.9 fewer than the 116.0 the Cavaliers give up to opponents.
The two teams play for the third time this season. The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 130-126 in their last meeting on Dec. 13. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 48 points, and Bub Carrington led the Wizards with 27 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mitchell is averaging 29 points, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals for the Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen is averaging 17.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over the past 10 games.
Kyshawn George is averaging 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 13.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 9-1, averaging 119.7 points, 44.0 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 10.1 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points per game.
Wizards: 4-6, averaging 110.4 points, 41.7 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.8 points.
INJURIES: Cavaliers: Max Strus: out (foot), Tyrese Proctor: day to day (illness), Evan Mobley: out (calf), Dean Wade: out (ankle), Jaylon Tyson: day to day (ankle).
Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Jaden Hardy: day to day (not injury related), Kyshawn George: day to day (ankle), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Anthony Gill: day to day (hand), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (illness), Tre Johnson: day to day (ankle), Trae Young: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio visits the Los Angeles Lakers after Stephon Castle scored 40 points in the Spurs' 138-125 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers are 21-13 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is seventh in the Western Conference scoring 116.0 points while shooting 49.9% from the field.
The Spurs are 22-13 against conference opponents. San Antonio averages 117.6 points and has outscored opponents by 5.4 points per game.
The Lakers score 116.0 points per game, 3.8 more points than the 112.2 the Spurs allow. The Spurs are shooting 47.5% from the field, 1.0% lower than the 48.5% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 107-91 on Jan. 8. Keldon Johnson scored 27 points to help lead the Spurs to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: LeBron James is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura is averaging 12.3 points over the past 10 games.
De'Aaron Fox is averaging 19.5 points and 6.2 assists for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 22.5 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 48.1% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 114.9 points, 40.5 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points per game.
Spurs: 7-3, averaging 116.8 points, 46.5 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 6.9 steals and 7.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Luka Doncic: out (hamstring), Adou Thiero: out (knee).
Spurs: Lindy Waters III: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Lots of Baby Lakers have come and gone throughout the years with fans able to cheer them along from afar. But something about Alex Caruso is different.
It likely comes down to the fact that it was a self-inflicted mistake that led to him leaving the Lakers, but it just has a different feeling. It’s still painful to see him in a different jersey. I could be alone in that feeling, but watching him lead the Thunder in the second half and fourth quarter felt like a particularly fresh wound being reopened by a jagged, rusty knife.
Just a lot of pain.
Even despite his performance and the strong close from Jalen Williams, the Lakers were in this game. Moral victories don’t account for much, but considering how bad things went in the last meeting between these two teams, it’s encouraging to see the gap closed.
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
The bully ball LeBron played in the second half, specifically the third quarter, was a big catalyst in the Lakers’ comeback. He was picking on defenders, getting them switched onto him and then putting them in the rim or kicking otu to open looks.
That the Lakers couldn’t get back to that in the fourth was a problem.
For the most part, I thought this was as good a game as Ayton has played in some time. And yet, he still didn’t close the game, which is pretty telling.
LaRavia played a huge role in the third quarter alongside LeBron. However, his night is probably going to be remembered for the multiple missed open threes in the fourth.
This was just a little bit too much Marcus Smart. You probably don’t want him finishing with the second-most shot attempts in a game, even if he was largely good on the night.
Reaves really struggled against the defensive pressure at times against OKC. He also seemed to be the chosen victim of a number of missed calls, leading to a totally valid crashout and technical foul early in the game.
It must be nice to be a Thunder fan as you get to watch your team play rugby while everyone else plays basketball. Yes, I’m a little salty.
You saw the good that Kennard brings in his debut, but you saw the bad he can bring in this one. When he was in the game, OKC was targeting him repeatedly, especially down the stretch. He competed hard, but the size discrepancy is just too large.
Hayes had a couple of nice finishes around the rim. I suppose we should just be used to four rebounds in 14 minutes for a seven-footer, even if it still feels low.
Grade: B
Maxi Kleber
A very short cameo for Kleber, who did not have the foot speed to hang with the Thunder in this one.
JJ Redick
This is one of those nights where it’s hard to determine who to blame for the Lakers not getting LeBron the ball down the stretch. I lean toward the players as they were running some of the actions, then trhowing some pretty brutal passes or not getting him the ball at all.
Redick won both challenges, but they were both very easy challenges to win. Thanks, officials.
Atlanta Hawks (26-29, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (25-29, 10th in the Eastern Conference)
Charlotte, North Carolina; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Hawks visit Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Hornets in Eastern Conference play Wednesday.
The Hornets are 15-20 in conference games. Charlotte is fifth in the NBA with 45.9 rebounds led by Moussa Diabate averaging 8.6.
The Hawks have gone 13-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta is eighth in the league averaging 14.6 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.1% from downtown. Nickeil Alexander-Walker leads the team averaging 3.1 makes while shooting 37.6% from 3-point range.
The Hornets average 15.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.1 more made shots on average than the 13.3 per game the Hawks give up. The Hawks average 117.5 points per game, 3.6 more than the 113.9 the Hornets give up to opponents.
The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Hornets defeated the Hawks 126-119 in their last matchup on Feb. 8. Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, and Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 31 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bridges is averaging 18.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 21.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists over the past 10 games.
Johnson is averaging 23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Hawks. CJ McCollum is averaging 19.7 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 9-1, averaging 116.0 points, 47.8 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.2 points per game.
Hawks: 6-4, averaging 117.6 points, 43.3 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.8 points.
INJURIES: Hornets: Coby White: out (calf), Liam McNeeley: day to day (ankle).
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga: out (knee), Jalen Johnson: day to day (knee), Dyson Daniels: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Orlando hosts Milwaukee looking to extend its four-game home winning streak.
The Magic are 19-17 in conference play. Orlando is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 16.3 fast break points per game led by Franz Wagner averaging 3.8.
The Bucks are 16-18 in conference matchups. Milwaukee has a 4-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Magic score 115.2 points per game, 0.6 fewer points than the 115.8 the Bucks give up. The Bucks are shooting 48.1% from the field, which equals what the Magic's opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Magic won the last matchup 118-99 on Feb. 10, with Anthony Black scoring 26 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Paolo Banchero is averaging 21.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 21.7 points over the last 10 games.
Ryan Rollins is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. AJ Green is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 5-5, averaging 111.4 points, 38.3 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 10.3 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.5 points per game.
Bucks: 4-6, averaging 109.0 points, 43.7 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 5.9 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.8 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (24-30, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (34-19, third in the Eastern Conference)
Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago aims to end its five-game skid with a win over Boston.
The Celtics are 23-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with 32.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Vucevic averaging 6.8.
The Bulls are 16-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 34.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Josh Giddey averaging 7.4.
The Celtics score 115.1 points per game, 5.5 fewer points than the 120.6 the Bulls allow. The Bulls score 8.6 more points per game (117.0) than the Celtics allow their opponents to score (108.4).
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Bulls won 114-111 in the last matchup on Jan. 25.
TOP PERFORMERS: Derrick White is averaging 17.4 points and 5.5 assists for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown is averaging 21.9 points over the last 10 games.
Giddey is averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists for the Bulls. Matas Buzelis is averaging 16.3 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 107.9 points, 46.5 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 102.3 points per game.
Bulls: 2-8, averaging 112.8 points, 43.0 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.8 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.4 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Sam Hauser: day to day (back).
Bulls: Jalen Smith: day to day (calf), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Zach Collins: out (toe), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Portland Trail Blazers (25-28, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (33-22, sixth in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Portland will try to end its three-game road skid when the Trail Blazers visit Minnesota.
The Timberwolves are 18-17 in Western Conference games. Minnesota is eighth in the NBA with 15.7 fast break points per game led by Ayo Dosunmu averaging 3.7.
The Trail Blazers have gone 20-15 against Western Conference opponents. Portland is 10-7 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 16.4 turnovers per game.
The Timberwolves score 119.4 points per game, 1.4 more points than the 118.0 the Trail Blazers allow. The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.1% from the field, 1.2% lower than the 46.3% the Timberwolves' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Timberwolves won 118-114 in the last meeting on Oct. 23. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 41 points, and Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 29 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Julius Randle is shooting 48.9% and averaging 22.0 points for the Timberwolves. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Donovan Clingan is averaging 11.4 points and 11.5 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Grant is averaging 15.0 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 44.9% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 6-4, averaging 117.0 points, 45.4 rebounds, 25.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.7 points per game.
Trail Blazers: 3-6, averaging 115.5 points, 48.6 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.2 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.2 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.: out (foot).
Trail Blazers: Matisse Thybulle: out (knee), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Kris Murray: out (lumbar), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Raptors host the Detroit Pistons in Eastern Conference play Wednesday.
The Raptors are 24-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Toronto is the best team in the Eastern Conference with 19.5 fast break points led by RJ Barrett averaging 3.8.
The Pistons have gone 25-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is fourth in the Eastern Conference scoring 117.3 points per game and is shooting 48.0%.
The Raptors make 47.4% of their shots from the field this season, which is 3.3 percentage points higher than the Pistons have allowed to their opponents (44.1%). The Pistons score 5.1 more points per game (117.3) than the Raptors allow their opponents to score (112.2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Scottie Barnes is averaging 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 blocks for the Raptors. Brandon Ingram is averaging 23 points and 3.6 assists over the last 10 games.
Ausar Thompson is shooting 51.0% and averaging 10.4 points for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 7-3, averaging 117.0 points, 43.4 rebounds, 29.8 assists, 9.1 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.3 points per game.
Pistons: 7-3, averaging 117.8 points, 42.7 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 11.4 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.0 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: day to day (back), Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb).
Pistons: Ronald Holland II: day to day (personal).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Zack Wheeler will make his presence felt whenever he toes the rubber. But one thing has been missing for most of the offseason: clarity on when the 35-year-old will return after thoracic outlet syndrome ended his 2025 season.
On Monday, Rob Thomson and Dave Dombrowski addressed that question during a virtual media session.
“I don’t think he’ll be ready for Opening Day, but it’s not going to be too far behind that,” Thomson said.
Wheeler is still in the early stages of his throwing program. the Phillies manager reiterated he’s at the 90-foot flat-ground phase, and that he looked “very good” Saturday.
“We’re still plugging along and it all depends on his strength,” Thomson said. “All that being said, he’s doing well.”
With Wheeler opening the on the shelf, the rotation will line up with Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo at the top, with Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker and presumably rookie Andrew Painter filling out the staff.
The Phillies — and Dombrowski — don’t want to assume that group simply holds without another move. The market, and the way this winter has unfolded, leaves the door open.
“There are a lot of starting pitchers that are still unsigned at this time,” Dombrowski said. “I don’t know where this is all going for sure, but I do think that this is going to be a spring now, where you continue to have more trade conversations than you normally do during spring training just because of the late developing, signing of players, which puts a focus on movement for other players when somebody signs.”
That slow-moving pitcher market has created a chance for a team like the Phillies to add depth at a lower cost. The problem is the tax.
According to Spotrac’s luxury-tax evaluation, the Phillies sit fourth-highest in tax payroll at just under $312 million. Last year, that total sat over $314 million. At this rate, every dollar spent now triggers a 110% tax.
For a roster that’s “pretty well set,” the cleanest add is the type that doesn’t involve much risk — a one-year flier who can cover innings if Wheeler needs more time, or if things go sideways behind him.
Walker Buehler remains a fit. It helps that the 31-year-old was sharp in his three appearances with the Phillies last season, posting a 0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings. Even with an ERA north of five across his first 23 outings in Boston, Buehler still posted above-average rates in average exit velocity (87.9 mph, 82nd percentile) and hard-hit rate (37.8%, 70th percentile). He has a diverse seven-pitch mix, did his best work with his sinker and sweeper last year, and has postseason experience and swingman history.
If the Phillies prefer a left-handed starter, there are two crafty options.
José Quintana, 37, has stayed reliable while bouncing around the league. Over 24 starts with the Brewers last season, he won 11 games and posted a 3.96 ERA with an 89-50 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
It was his fourth straight season with a sub-4 ERA. He’s a pitch-to-contact arm with NL East experience (two seasons with the Mets) and a solid postseason track record.
Nestor Cortes comes with more risk, but the track record is real. His 2025 was derailed: eight starts, a 6.29 ERA and 13 home runs allowed in 34.1 innings. But from 2021 (his first season as a full-time starter) through 2024 with the Yankees, Cortes was one of the better left-handers in the sport.
Among left-handed starters with at least 80 starts in that stretch, he posted a 3.33 ERA (eighth-best), a 1.08 WHIP (third-best) and an opponents OPS of .657 (seventh-best).
Even if the recent metrics didn’t qualify, that four-year run is why the idea is at least worth discussing if the cost stays in the flier range.
Oct 27, 2022; Houston, TX, USA; World Series game one Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) shakes hands with Dave Dombrowski before answering questions from the press at Minute Maid Park (Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports)
A longer-shot name is one Dombrowski knows well: Justin Verlander.
Verlander’s 2025 line was ugly early — a 4.99 ERA through 16 starts with the Giants — and the trade noise followed. The Giants held, and Verlander finished strong. Over his next 13 starts, he allowed 21 earned runs in 72.2 innings for a 2.60 ERA. If the soon-to-be 43-year-old wants meaningful innings, a chance to add to his 266 wins, and an opportunity to mentor a young starter like Painter, Philadelphia checks those boxes.
The money, environment and timing would all have to line up, but the Dombrowski connection is real. He drafted the three-time Cy Young award winner in 2004 with Detroit.
The Phillies president of baseball operations also brought up trades, which is where the roster math gets tricky. Given where the payroll sits, the likeliest trade target would be another affordable starter.
One name that stands out in that category is Casey Mize in Detroit. The former No. 1 overall pick made his first All-Star team in 2025, and the year had substance behind the recognition. After injuries plagued his first four seasons, including missing all of 2023, Mize rebounded last year with a 14-6 record, a 3.87 ERA, and a 3.89 FIP. Notably, he issued only 36 walks in 149 innings.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; American League pitcher Casey Mize (12) of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the sixth inning during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park (Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
The salary is what makes him especially interesting. Mize is set to make $6.15 million in his final year of arbitration in 2025, which is affordable for a one-year rotation rental. The Tigers also just signed Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million deal, which could make a starter expendable. The price in prospects would be the real cost — Detroit lacks pitching depth, and a deal would likely start with arms such as Cade Obermueller (No. 7 prospect per MLB Pipeline) or Matthew Fisher (No. 10).
Taking on Mize’s salary would still trigger the tax penalty, but the AAV is far more manageable than most remaining free-agent starters.
If the Phillies do move a position player to create another lane, it probably won’t be Nick Castellanos bringing back a starter. Dombrowski said the club is doing “everything [they] can” to move him before the first full-squad workout next week, but the leverage isn’t there.
If the Phillies are confident Dylan Moore can handle the platoon role against left-handed pitching, then Edmundo Sosa could become more movable. That’s one cleaner path to bringing in an arm without changing the identity of the roster.
The bottom line is simple: the Phillies have to bridge the early-season gap without Wheeler. They’re optimistic he’ll return to form. But that’s still uncertain — and so is the stability of the backend with Nola, Walker and Painter.
Given that reality, it would be surprising if Dombrowski isn’t still looking for one more starting option. Monday’s update didn’t close the door. It made the approach clearer.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 12: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 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
A wise man once said, “the road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” Well for the Dallas Mavericks (19-33, 12th in the Western Conference), the road is certainly going on forever, as they will not play at home again until Feb. 26. As for the party, well that depends on what your definition of a good time is. These Mavericks have lost seven in a row, which has catapulted them up the Tankathon standings. The losses are great for those who are firmly looking forward to the NBA Draft this summer, but without a doubt are wearing on a lot of people, too.
In order to get off the proverbial schneid, the Mavericks will have to beat the shockingly decent Phoenix Suns (31-22, seventh in the Western Conference) in the valley of the sun. The Suns also lost on Saturday evening, as the Sixers were able to win by the final of 109-103. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey combined for 62 points in the win, while Devin Booker’s 21 points and nine assists were not enough to complete a comeback win.
What should you be looking for as the game progresses? Here’s a few things to know.
Immovable force vs stoppable object
<p>*Record Scratch* (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
You know the saying of “bug, meet windshield”? Well, that could be the case in this contest. The Suns are one of the best home teams in the entire NBA, having gone 17-9 against the spread at home. At 65.4%, that is the second-best cover percentage in the NBA, behind the New York Knicks at 70.4%. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are a dreadful road team. The Mavericks have won just five road games this entire season and are dead last in the NBA against the spread as the road team at just 33%. As I said prior to the Warriors at Mavs game a few weeks ago, games are not played on paper. But the sheet of paper here is pretty telling.
Cooper Flagg, problem solver
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was very cool to watch Cooper Flagg over the back-to-back set against the Spurs. Even though the Mavericks lost rather handily in both games, you could see Cooper Flagg evolving over the course of the games. In the first half on Thursday, Flagg was tentative going into the lane against Wembanyama, as most players are. But then you look up in the fourth quarter, and he’d scored 20 second half points on excellent efficiency. Sunday was a bit different, as the Mavericks were thoroughly beaten from the jump, but even then, you could still see the vision. It’s a joy to watch the young man work, and this game against a lesser Phoenix team should allow for some more fun.
Dillon Brooks, more than just a villain
(Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Let’s wrap this up by giving props to Dillon Brooks. For most of his career, Brooks has made his living by just being a pest. It was his whole identity in Memphis, which ended up being his demise. In Houston, they asked him to do more offensively, which helped him build to where he is now in Phoenix. Brooks is averaging over 21 points per game, by far the best number of his career. Phoenix wouldn’t be where they are now without him providing the offensive juice that he does.
How to watch
Tipoff is scheduled for just after 8 p.m. from the Mortgage Matchup Center (that can’t be a real company, can it?) in Phoenix. The game will be televised locally on Mavs TV.
