In 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers were part of a three-team trade involving James Harden and Jarrett Allen. At the time, it was seen as savvy to get in on a trade where the Brooklyn Nets needed to offload Allen to take on Harden. It feels almost surreal that a half-decade later, Allen and Harden are now a pivotal pairing in this new era of Cavaliers basketball.

In Harden’s short time in the wine and gold, what’s stood out most hasn’t been his scoring, but his ability to connect with Allen. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to those familiar with Harden-oriented offenses since his Houston Rockets days. Harden has led to career years for his bigs, such as Clint Capela in Houston, Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, Ivica Zubac in Los Angeles, and now Allen.

What is it about Harden that leads to this transformation amongst talented big men? It’s not like Harden turns pumpkins into All-Stars. The bigs listed above are all talented. It’s the consciousness and precision of Harden’s movements and understanding of how defenses respond to his every step.

Harden’s reputation as a three-level scorer demands attention. There’s a respect in how tightly defenders crowd him, knowing that at any moment the pitter-patter dribble into a step-back is coming — the move that frustrates both opposing fans and defenses alike. That looming threat forces defenders to split their attention. Stay home, and Harden steps back. Press up, and he’s by you — with a rolling big diving into space.

This was apparent from the jump with Harden.

Kings tried to keep the Harden/Allen P&R on the side, the tricky part is Harden is going to engage the big. Always get the feel that the pace in which Harden comes off screens suits Allen, lets him release and roll pic.twitter.com/VZRxoK1MLp

— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) February 8, 2026

Yes, this is the Sacramento Kings, who were trudging out a G-League roster with cameos from Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. However, look at how the defense is having to react to the Harden and Allen pairing. Right at the beginning of the pick and roll, defenses are met with multiple choices. Those quick decisions include whether to switch, pressure Harden on ball with a double, or to rotate to meet Allen off the roll. All needs to be decided within two seconds. These actions happen in a blur, and defenses through two games have not.

Allen has posted 29 points and 22 points with Harden in the lineup. That is not something to brush off. Allen, for long stretches this season, has been an offensive afterthought. He was a name to monitor at the deadline, as it appears the Cavaliers threw their hands up with their former All-Star big man.

Allen is not the dynamic on-ball threat that some bigs are, where he can get the ball on the block and create his own shot. Allen is a play finisher, which is exactly where Harden comes in. The Cavaliers’ offense, led by Donovan Mitchell handling primary on-ball duties, was not unlocking the bigs like Harden has.

Lineups with Harden running point with Allen at center have been on an absolute heater. The Cavaliers are posting 120.7 points per 100 possessions (88th percentile) and 108.9 points per 100 possessions in the half-court (98th percentile) with both on the floor. Swap out Harden for Mitchell on point, and those numbers drop to a 116.2 offensive rating (59th percentile) and 101.3 half-court offensive rating (78th percentile).

This isn’t a slight on Mitchell, who obviously is as dynamic a player as there is in the league. Harden is simply more of a play starter for his teammates than Mitchell. This only shows that Harden can take some of the responsibility for the Cavaliers’ offense off Mitchell.

This season, it felt like the Cavaliers could only survive if Mitchell is at his best. That usually doesn’t involve him trying to get the bigs involved. If anything, it feels like with Mitchell’s slashing ability, the Cavs’ bigs more often than not can get in the way on drives to the hoop.

Harden’s play is complementary to the bigs. Hence why Allen is standing out from the opening tip. This isn’t a short-term thing, there are tons of context throughout the career of Harden to know that this is here to stay.

Harden is a center’s best friend. Allen, who at one point was the one who seemed most likely of the core four to be on the move, instead will be the biggest beneficiary of the Cavaliers’ win-now move.

Four players have been suspended by the NBA in connection with a brawl that broke out during the Detroit Pistons-Charlotte Hornets game Monday night, the league announced Wednesday.

It was the same four players that were ejected during the Pistons' 110-104 victory at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Detroit center Isaiah Stewart was suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, agressively entering an on-court altercation and fighting. This is Stewart's fifth suspension in his six-year NBA career. One resulted from an altercation with the Lakers' LeBron James in 2021 and another from an altercation that spilled into the stands during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last year.

"The length of Stewart's suspension is based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts," the NBA said in a statement.

Read more:Four players ejected after punches thrown during Pistons' win over Hornets

Charlotte forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté were each suspended four games for fighting and escalating the altercation. Detroit center Jalen Duren received a two-game suspension for initiating the altercation and fighting.

The incident took place midway through the third quarter after Duren was fouled by Diabaté while driving toward the basket. Duren approached Diabaté and the two men appeared to bump into each other. Duren then appeared to hit Diabaté in the face with an open hand to ignite a brawl that lasted more than 30 seconds.

Bridges and Duren exchanged punches at one point, and Stewart left the bench and fought with Bridges.

The suspensions begin Wednesday, when the Pistons play the Raptors in Toronto and the Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks.

Read more:Lakers, missing their entire starting lineup, can't handle Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs

Soon after the punishments were announced, Diabaté posted an apology to "the Hornets coaches, staff, front office, teammates, and best fans in the NBA" on his Instagram Story.

"As a player, I pride myself on my passion and my commitment to giving everything on the court during every possession," he wrote. "However, in the heat of a highly competitive and physical matchup, I allowed my emotions to get the better of me, and for that, I am truly sorry.

"I understand the responsibility I carry as a professional athlete and as a role model. I view this as a learning experience and am fully committed to growing from it both as a player and a person. ... Thank you for your understanding and continued support."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

MILAN (AP) — US speedskater Jordan Stolz wins the 1,000 meters for his first Olympic gold medal.

The shell of what's left on the Golden State Warriors' roster will host a San Antonio Spurs team on a five-game winning streak.

Jonathan Kuminga is gone. Jimmy Butler is out for the season. Steph Curry is hurt. 

As a result, my San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors predictions are backing Gui Santos to rise to the occasion tonight.

Read more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11. 

Spurs vs Warriors prediction

Spurs vs Warriors best bet: Gui Santos Over 12.5 points (+105)

Gui Santos has been the biggest beneficiary of the trade and injury-related attrition within the Golden State Warriors' rotation. He's scored in double figures in seven straight games after reaching that mark just twice in his first 36 appearances. 

The former G League standout is now attacking off the dribble and creating his own offense. Santos has started each of the last four games and seen his playing time jump from 12:45 per night to 29:30. 

Santos's shot attempts have also climbed from 3.4 per game to 9.5.

Spurs vs Warriors same-game parlay

The Warriors are just 1-4 against the spread over their last five contests.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs are surging. During their five-game winning streak, the Spurs have defeated three teams with winning records, including the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Golden State has also pumped the brakes offensively. The Warriors have finished at least five points below today's total in three of their last four matches, failing to crack triple digits twice.

Spurs vs Warriors SGP

• Gui Santos Over 11.5 points
• Spurs -7.5
• Warriors team total Under 106.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Green Light

Moses Moody has dished out six assists across the last three games, while Draymond Green provides some of the only remaining size on the Golden State roster.

• Spurs -7.5
• Moses Moody Over 1.5 assists
• Draymond Green Over 4.5 assists

Spurs vs Warriors odds

• Spread: Spurs -5.5 (-110) | Warriors +5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Spurs -205 | Warriors +170
• Over/Under: Over 216.5 (-110) | Under 216.5 (-110)

Spurs vs Warriors betting trend to know

San Antonio has hit the moneyline in 19 of its last 30 road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Warriors.

How to watch Spurs vs Warriors

Spurs vs Warriors latest injuries

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

The Chicago Bulls will be looking to break a five-game losing streak as they visit the surging Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

Boston is the slowest team in the NBA and has been hitting the Under with regularity, and I’m backing that trend to continue in my Bulls vs. Celtics predictions below.

Read on for the full analysis of tonight’s game as I break down my free NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11.

Bulls vs Celtics prediction

Bulls vs Celtics best bet: Under 225 (-110)

The Boston Celtics play at the slowest pace in the NBA, averaging 98.1 possessions per game. That shows in their overall total numbers, with the Under holding a massive 34-19 advantage in Boston’s games this season.

There’s no sign that this trend is changing. The Celtics have now hit the Under in nine straight games, and not a single one of those contests has come in Over tonight’s total of 225 points.

Boston and the Chicago Bulls have played twice this year, and have hit the Under in each of those games. Tonight will be more of the same.

Bulls vs Celtics same-game parlay

Chicago will likely play without Josh Giddey or Tre Jones tonight, leaving them shorthanded against a much better Celtics team. 

I like Boston to cover even with this big spread, and I’m also taking Payton Pritchard to hit his scoring total, as he’s scored 24+ points in three of his last four games.

Bulls vs Celtics SGP

• Under 225
• Celtics -13.5
• Payton Pritchard Over 17.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: All about Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic got 23 minutes and put up 13 shots – including six from deep – on Sunday in just his second game in Boston.

My longshot SGP is looking for the former Bulls center to get even more run in a revenge game against his former team, with three targets that the big man has hit plenty of times each this season.

Bulls vs Celtics SGP

• Nikola Vucevic double-double
• Nikola Vucevic Over 1.5 made threes
• Nikola Vucevic Over 1.5 steals + blocks

Bulls vs Celtics odds

• Spread: Chicago +14 (-110) | Boston -14 (-110)
• Moneyline: Chicago +500 | Boston -700
• Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)

Bulls vs Celtics betting trend to know

The Under is 9-0 in Boston’s last nine games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Celtics.

How to watch Bulls vs Celtics

Bulls vs Celtics latest injuries

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

BOSTON — Anfernee Simons wasn’t shocked to learn he’d been traded from the Celtics. The longtime Portland Trail Blazers guard was embroiled in trade rumors almost immediately upon arriving in Boston in July, and understood that the Celtics could look to move him ahead of the deadline.

Still, the news stung. Simons had just woken up from a pregame nap in Dallas last Tuesday when he got the call from Brad Stevens that he had been traded to the Chicago Bulls.

“Brad is a good guy, and he’s always been open and honest about everything,” Simons said at Bulls shootaround on Wednesday morning at TD Garden. “Obviously, it was a tough conversation for him, for me to accept, but I understood.”

The 26-year-old guard loved his time his Boston, and spoke about his tenure glowingly.

“You build a connection with the city and team — you won together, lost together,” Simons said. “So that’s the toughest part, getting some relationships and relationships, and being able to go out there and compete with each other, and that kind of stops, and then you kind of feel you kind of feel sad about it. But the NBA moves fast, not even 48 hours later I’m on the court with a new team.”

For Simons, the on-court transition to Chicago has been relatively seamless. In three games with the Bulls since the trade, he has averaged 20 points and 5.3 assists, shooting 48.9% from the field and 34.4% from three. (The Bulls as a team, however, have not had as much success; they’re 0-3 since the trade deadline).

Still, as he stood on the TD Garden parquet for the first time in 10 days, it felt weird to be donning a red Bulls jersey; last time he was at the Garden, Simons dropped 27 points in a Celtics blowout victory over the Bucks.

“You start to see a future for yourself in Boston, for sure,” Simons said. “[You’re] winning, everything’s going great. You’re getting comfortable. Try their best to make you feel comfortable. And so you wanted to see, obviously, the light at the end of the tunnel, and be able to compete with the team the whole season, but obviously the NBA is a business.”

Simons said knowing he was traded for a great player in Nikola Vucevic made the trade easier to digest. He thinks Vucevic can change the Celtics dynamic as a big who can also stretch the floor, and understands that Vucevic aids the Celtics’ championship pursuits.

“You understand that part,” he said. “So you can get a little bit emotional behind it, but at the same time, you understand it. And, you kind of just move on. I understand that it was for a great player as well, somebody that’s been an All-Star. So you come here and just accept that with his new team, dive straight in and compete.”

Ahead of the trade deadline, Simons had previously expressed a level of nonchalance when it came to being in volved in trade rumors.

“It’s the NBA,” he said last month. “I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year. Every other week, it’s something new. It’s just a part of the NBA, and you just gotta be where your feet are.”

And, since his departure, Celtics teammates have gushed about the impact Simons had in Boston throughout his 49-game tenure.

“He’s just a great, great person, great kid on and off the floor, just humble — I hope he gets everything that he’s looking for just because he just fit right in with his group of guys in our locker room,” Jaylen Brown said. “He could have had different thoughts, and thought differently, and his energy could have been different. He was a great teammate and did everything he needed to do that we asked him and more, and contributed to winning. Anfernee has all the respect in the world from me, and I hope he gets everything he deserves.”

Joe Mazzulla similarly praised Simons for how he handled this relatively brief stint.

“I thought he handled the role and the preparation and the situation about as best as he could — and we’re a better team for that,” said the Celtics head coach. “It came from his humility, his work ethic, and his dedication.”

And, at a community event on Tuesday, Jordan Walsh said that he looked forward to reuniting with Simons in Wednesday’s matchup between the Celtics and the Bulls.

“Fortunately, I’ll see Ant [tomorrow],” Walsh said with a grin. “We’ll have to destroy him, though. But, it’ll be good to see him again, have him back in the Garden. But missing those guys, having them gone, it definitely leaves a void in the arena.”

Could Anfernee Simons eventually return to the Celtics?

Simons’ on-court role may have diminished in Boston — he averaged just 24.5 minutes per game, his lowest in five years — but he felt that the experience greatly benefited him.

“Just the opportunity to go out there and contribute to winning,” Simons said. “And obviously, [it’s] a historic franchise, they have a lot of aspirations to win a championship, and you can see that each and every day — in the way they practice, by their habits, the way they speak to each other, it’s one common goal. So, I learned a lot from just being around and being able to experience it here.”

Simons will finish out the season in Chicago, and become an unrestricted free agent over the summer.

Asked whether he could see himself one day returning to Boston, he smiled.

“Potentially, for sure,” Simons said. “Obviously, got to finish our season here first and see what happens there. But, for sure down the line. Like I said, [I] enjoyed my time here, built great relationships here, so I see it for sure.”

Would you believe the Pacers beat the Knicks?

It took overtime, but you better do. Thankfully, the break is right around the corner, but not before New York dumps the Sixers in a grand pre-ASW finale.

Here’s a bunch of what was said before and after yesterday’s affair.

Mike Brown

On defensive execution vs Indiana:

“We didn’t do a great job of getting into their airspace. We did a little better job in the second half, but by then, they were feeling pretty good about where they were in the game. The past 12, 15 games, we’ve been pretty good about getting to 3-point shooters. We’ve been pretty good about putting physicality on the ball and a lot of other areas defensively. Tonight, it wasn’t there — at least at the level that it has been, along with our communication. Got to give Indiana a lot of credit.”

On late-game execution:

“The Pacers did a great job offensively. We tried to, you know, tighten up as the game went along, which we did, but it just wasn’t quite enough to get it done. We had plenty of opportunity down the stretch to get it done, but when you give a team life from the beginning like we did, it’s gonna be hard.”

On missed opportunities late in the game:

“I thought Jalen down the stretch had some pretty good looks and got to the spots he normally gets to but he just came up short. We got the ball where we needed to get the ball. We got the looks that we wanted to look for during that time. Sometimes they just don’t go in and tonight was one of those nights.”

On the overtime collapse:

“They did a great job offensively. We tried to tighten up the game as we went along. We had plenty of opportunity to get it done. But when you give a team life like we did from the beginning like we did, it’s going to be hard.”

On dealing with prior adversity:

“Obviously we went through some adversity. We went 2-9 or something like that. You hate to lose games and I’m not signing up to lose games, but we have to struggle. I’m a believer that we have to struggle a couple of times this year. Whatever that means. And, it’s going to test our resolve as a group. You have to be connected if you want to give yourself a chance.”

On these losses helping the Knicks prepare for the upcoming playoffs:

“Playoff runs: there is nothing more stressful on an NBA level. Seven-game series, win four of them. That really tests your resolve. Because, man, a lot of things can happen. So be able to hit some adversity. Go through and stay connected and come out of it a little stronger than what you were going into it. It’s something I look forward to.”

On trusting Josh Hart’s scoring instincts:

“I don’t ever call a play for Josh and he finds his way. Teams keep putting their five on him and we tell him to let it fly. He’s really good because he knows when to let it fly.”

On Hart’s offensive impact:

“He makes a big difference offensively. It’s him because he knows how and when to pick his spots with it. Also when he was out and he came back, that first game in Portland, you felt his presence in transition. Whether he was bringing it or just filling that wing, you felt his presence and it’s much needed especially against the better teams.”

Jalen Brunson

On Indiana’s competitiveness amid a lost season:

“Regardless of what their record is, they’re great. Great coach, they do everything well, they play hard, they play to the last second. Those qualities that they have, they’re gonna play every single night, regardless of what the record is.”

On the Knicks’ struggles vs. Indiana:

“Defensively, they had a rhythm early and they kept their confidence. Kept the rhythm throughout the entire game.”

On the lack of physicality on Tuesday:

“Just be a little bit more physical. They were in the rhythm. Pick up our intensity on the ball with our physicality and stuff like that, and off-ball, they’re moving really freely tonight, and they were in the rhythm all night.”

On offensive vs. defensive balance:

“Offensively wasn’t the problem tonight. Obviously, defensively, they had a rhythm early, and they kept their confidence and rhythm throughout the entire game.”

Josh Hart

On defensive lapses early:

“We started off the first couple of minutes, we started playing well, but then we let them get a little comfortable.”

On late-game execution:

“Down the stretch, lack of execution. We gotta make sure at the end of the game, fourth quarter overtime is a little bit different. You can’t just run fast, but you got to be able to slow it down and execute, and call plays and get guys in good situations, and areas to be successful. I feel like that’s what we’re kind of lacking.”

On preferring passing over scoring these days:

“I turn down shots, I don’t know how many times. I love getting assists. I used to love scoring. Now, I love getting guys shots, getting guys involved. Sometimes, it’s the bad read because I should shoot it when I’m open, but I love getting guys shots.”

On the need to stay aggressive on the scoring at times:

“Games like Sunday are where that sacrifice is me having to go out there and be super aggressive and keep them honest.”

On adapting his role during his stint in Portland:

“I think I acquired it in Portland. Mark Tyndale, who’s here right now, I think one day I was venting to him. I was saying ‘bro I’m not getting the ball. I’m not getting any touches.’ He’s like ‘we’ve got Dame, we’ve got all these guys. We’re not saying you can’t score. We’re saying we’ve got guys that are better and that’s what they’re here to do.’ And from then on, I said ‘let me work out how I can help these guys and find them in good positions.’ It took a little bit of getting used to, but I think right now I’m in a good head space with it.”

Karl-Anthony Towns

On failing defensively against Indiana:

“They had tough shots and they made threes and on the other side, we didn’t make enough threes to combat the amount of shots they were hitting from the three. We didn’t reach that standard of defense that we have shown in recent and it came back to bite us today.”

Jose Alvarado

On his MSG debut:

“It’s different. Playing for the Knicks is a huge thing, but I’m literally a kid from the same streets the fans are, and to be part of everything here, it’s a blessing. It’s something I had to get used to and to get it out of the way, let’s get the ball rolling.”

On crowd ovations at the Garden:

“It was amazing. Being a kid from the city, for the city to show me love back, it’s one for the books. I really can’t explain it.”

On the loss in his debut:

“It’s not the outcome we wanted, but I’ll tell you this, it was a blessing to be out there. I can’t wait to continue growing and getting better.”

On pregame nerves:

“I was nervous today, for sure. There was a lot going on. I was glad I got it out the way. I can’t wait to come back and get better and win some games here.”

Guerschon Yabusele

On the decision to remove the player option from his contract to facilitate a trade:

“We can always see the side of the money and talk about it, but at the end of the day the passion is more than just the money. It’s being out there, missing the feeling of being out there, offense, defense. Just competing at a high level because I’m a competitor first. The situation with New York was a little bit different for me because I wasn’t really playing, so being able to be on another team and try to bring value on the court was really important. I was just missing being out there on the court, making mistakes, learning from it and trying to get better.”

On adjusting his contract to chase better opportunities:

“I love it out there with the team, the guys. The coaches, they did a great job of welcoming me the best way they can. Everybody’s telling me how happy they are for me to be out there on the team with them. It just makes it easy for me to have confidence and just feel good on the court.”

On the reason behind his decision:

“I mean the decision was, I wanna say pretty quick and easy. For me to be able to have that second chance at the NBA and come back here, I had to take a risk. So I would say it was nothing new to me. I was thinking about amending my contract and I thought that this was the best thing to do.”

The Orlando Magic will try to complete a two-game series sweep when they host the Milwaukee Bucks for the second time this week.

Orlando beat up on Milwaukee on Monday, and my Bucks vs. Magic predictions expect more of the same tonight.

Find out more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 11.

Bucks vs Magic prediction

Bucks vs Magic best bet: Magic -10.5 (-110)

The Orlando Magic took it to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, winning 118-99. 

There’s no reason to expect anything different tonight, withthe Magic continuing to get healthier and Milwaukee still without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup.

In his return from a left ankle sprain, Franz Wagner made an immediate impact, scoring 14 points with five assists in less than 17 minutes.

He should play even more tonight, helping Orlando get back to its optimal lineup. Meanwhile, theBucks are just 6-15 this year without Giannis.

Bucks vs Magic same-game parlay

The Magic have been getting big performances out of their secondary options lately. Desmond Bane has gone Over 26.5 PRA in six out of his last seven games, while Anthony Black has scored 18+ points in three straight contests.

Bucks vs Magic SGP

• Magic -10.5
• Desmond Bane Over 26.5 points+rebounds+assists
• Anthony Black Over 15.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Magic in the air

I’m expecting the Orlando stars to shine tonight. Franz Wagner will see his numbers improve as he plays his way back into the lineup and serves as the perfect complementary piece for Paolo Banchero.

Bucks vs Magic SGP

• Franz Wagner Over 1.5 threes
• Franz Wagner Over 14.5 points
• Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 threes
• Paolo Banchero Over 0.5 blocks

Bucks vs Magic odds

• Spread: Bucks +10.5 | Magic -10.5
• Moneyline: Bucks +375 | Magic -500
• Over/Under: Over 220.5 | Under 220.5

Bucks vs Magic betting trend to know

Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against the Bucks. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Magic.

How to watch Bucks vs Magic

Bucks vs Magic latest injuries

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