BYU men's basketball coach Kevin Young shared his disappointment about Oklahoma State fans following a loss to the Cowboys on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Following the No. 14 Cougars' 99-92 upset loss to Oklahoma State, Young expressed disappointment about anti-Mormon chants coming from the student section.
"There were some 'F The Mormons' chants tonight by the student section that I heard," Young said in his postgame news conference. "It was a great win for Oklahoma State University. I think their fans should be proud, but it would be great if some class was warranted.
"I got four small kids at home, I'm a Mormon, and when I go home, they're going to ask me about it, the same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona."
BYU coach Kevin Young said he heard some “F- the Mormons” chants during the #OkState game.
According to ESPN, this is at least the fourth incident in the past year with derogatory chants aimed at Mormons during BYU football or basketball games. Last season, Arizona apologized for the chant that happened during a BYU loss in Tucson.
Similarly, the chants also were also heard during BYU football games against Colorado and Cincinnati. Buffalo was fined by the Big 12 for $50,000 and issued a public reprimand.
"There's too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that," Young said. "We've got enough problems in our world without going after people's religion and beliefs. … This stuff is unwarranted … And it's just disappointing."
In the loss, AJ Dybantsa finished with 36 points and seven rebounds in the loss to Oklahoma State. It marks the third consecutive loss for the Cougars. Oklahoma State fans stormed the court following the victory.
The San Antonio Spurs travel to the Metroplex to take on the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Southwest Division battle.
Naji Marshall is one of the more consistent Mavs that haven’t been traded, and my Spurs vs. Mavericks predictions expect Marshall to stuff the stat sheet tonight.
Read on for my NBA picks for Thursday, February 5.
Spurs vs Mavericks prediction
Spurs vs Mavericks best bet: Naji Marshall Over 9.5 rebounds + assists (+102)
Naji Marshall might see an uptick in his typical 30+ minutes.
With the Dallas Mavericks trading away key rotation pieces like Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell, Marshall is in a good spot to flourish.
Marshall has cleared 9.5 rebounds + assists in seven of his last eight games, averaging just over 11 in that stretch.
At better than plus-money, Marshall’s heavy minutes and rebounding floor make this a strong play against a San Antonio Spurs group playing on no rest.
Spurs vs Mavericks same-game parlay
Marshall should still put up numbers, but San Antonio is in a good spot to win this game. Dallas is short-handed, and the Spurs should be able to take advantage, adding to their strong 15-10 road record against a depleted Mavericks lineup.
The Spurs are 9-15 to the Under on the road, and their elite defense is well-suited to slow down a Mavericks team that’s gone 21-29 to the Under this season while dealing with multiple absences.
Spurs vs Mavericks SGP
Naji Marshall Over 9.5 rebounds + assists
Spurs moneyline
Under 228
Our "from downtown" SGP: Johnson drains some threes
Keldon Johnson snapped a brutal shooting slump last night, going 4-for-8 from beyond the arc.
At this price, backing a 39% 3-point shooter to make at least two triples makes sense, especially against a Dallas defense that’s allowed nearly 40% shooting from deep over its last five games.
Spurs vs Mavericks SGP
Naji Marshall Over 9.5 rebounds + assists
Spurs moneyline
Under 228
Keldon Johnson Over 1.5 made threes
Spurs vs Mavericks odds
Spread: Spurs -6 (-110) Mavericks +6 (-110)
Moneyline: Spurs -240 | Mavericks +200
Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-110) | Under 222.5 (-110)
Spurs vs Mavericks betting trend to know
The Spurs have hit the Moneyline in 17 of their last 30 away games (+19.35 Units / 35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Mavericks.
How to watch Spurs vs Mavericks
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
KENS 5, MavsTV
Spurs vs Mavericks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The Brooklyn Nets are in Florida tonight as they take on the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center.
Paolo Banchero has been struggling lately, but my Nets vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks are focusing on his ability to break out against a poor Brooklyn squad.
Nets vs Magic prediction
Nets vs Magic best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points (-130)
Paolo Banchero is having a respectable campaign for the Orlando Magic, averaging 21.6 points per game. While that’s down substantially from his 25.9 ppg last season, there’s still a lot of time left in the campaign, and he’s actually stayed healthy the whole year. He didn’t in 2024-25.
Although the Duke product has cashed the Under in three straight appearances, he did ball out for 30 points last month against the Nets in 42 minutes of action. He’s also hit the Over in points in two of his previous three games at home.
The Brooklyn Nets are a very poor defensive team, and Banchero already showed he’s capable of taking advantage of that. He’ll bounce back and have a big game.
Nets vs Magic same-game parlay
Michael Porter Jr. has landed in Brooklyn and become a star with a top role. He’s averaging a career-high 25.5 points, and the sharpshooter is torching his opponents at the moment, cashing the Over in three of his last five and going off for 30+ points in each.
Jalen Suggs is a solid playmaker for Orlando, averaging 5.0 dimes per night. While he’s not always consistent as a facilitator, the Gonzaga product is dropping dimes lately. He’s hit the Over in three straight.
Nets vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points
Michael Porter Jr. Over 24.5 points
Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Big day for Day'Ron!
Day’Ron Sharpe is dominating on the glass, cashing his rebound Over in five straight games. He has 25 boards across his last two appearances.
Nets vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points
Michael Porter Jr. Over 24.5 points
Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
Day'Ron Sharpe Over 6.5 rebounds
Nets vs Magic odds
Spread: Nets +11.5 | Magic -11.5
Moneyline: Nets +375 | Magic -450
Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5
Nets vs Magic betting trend to know
The Magic have stayed below their team total in 21 of their last 30 games for +10.8 units and a 32% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Magic.
How to watch Nets vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
YES, FDSN Florida
Nets vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
MILAN (AP) — Lina Ljungblom scored two goals to lift Sweden to a 4-1 comeback win over Germany in the opening game of the Olympic women's hockey tournament Thursday.
Katarina Jobst-Smith's goal early in the first period gave Germany the lead before Ljungblom's two goals turned the game around and Mira Jungaker and Thea Johansson extended the Swedes' lead. Sweden outshot Germany 37-16 and Lisa Johansson and Jenna Raunio each had two assists.
Beating Germany is a big step in Sweden's push to win Group B, where the lower-ranked teams play, and secure a better seeding for the quarterfinals. All five teams in Group A and the top three in Group B make the playoffs.
Also Thursday, Vice President JD Vance plans to watch as the United States women's team begins its Olympic campaign against Czechia.
Canada's game against Finland was scheduled for Thursday night but postponed to Feb. 12. The Finns were affected by a stomach virus and had only eight skaters and two goaltenders at practice earlier Thursday.
Host team Italy takes on France in the first game at the main rink, the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which faced scrutiny over construction delays.
Two shorthanded Pacific Division teams clash at Mortgage Matchup Center as the Phoenix Suns host the Golden State Warriors.
Both teams will be without key players, but the Suns’ deeper roster gives them the advantage at home, and my Warriors vs Suns predictions expect Phoenix to cover the spread as the home favorite.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this divisional showdown on Thursday, February 5.
Warriors vs Suns prediction
Warriors vs Suns best bet: Suns -6.5 (-110)
The Golden State Warriors will be without Stephen Curry yet again, and the Warriors' roster is utterly gutted for tonight's matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Curry and Jimmy Butler are sidelined. Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga were traded to Atlanta, and Trayce Jackson-Davis was dealt to Toronto.
The Suns sport the NBA’s best home against-the-spread record at 17-7, and they’ve covered in nine of 14 as the home favorite. The Warriors are 10-15 ATS as the road team and 5-5 as the road dog. Golden State is just 2-5 ATS across its last seven.
The Suns will be missing Devin Booker and potentially Jalen Green, but Phoenix's roster is far deeper, and it has home-court advantage. Strong performances from role players will provide the winning formula for Phoenix. Give me the Suns and the points.
Warriors vs Suns same-game parlay
The Suns have hit the Under at home more than any other team in the Association, doing so in 17 of 24 games. The Warriors have hit the Under in six of 10 as the road underdog, and Golden State will have a tough time putting up points with a depleted roster.
Even if Green is available, he'll be playing at less than 100%, and Collin Gillespie should see plenty of run as he fills in for Booker.
Over his last 10, Gillespie has averaged 24.7 PRA, and I expect him to ride the momentum from his career-high 30-point performance.
Warriors vs Suns SGP
Suns -6.5
Under 216.5
Collin Gillespie Over 24.5 points+rebounds+assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Melton Steps Up
Someone's got to score for the Warriors, and I'm taking a swing on De'Anthony Melton being that guy. Over his last 12, Melton has averaged 15.3 points and gone for 16+ six times.
Warriors vs Suns SGP
Suns -6.5
Under 216.5
Collin Gillespie Over 24.5 points+rebounds+assists
De'Anthony Melton Over 16.5 points
Warriors vs Suns odds
Spread: Warriors +6.5 (-110) | Suns -6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Warriors +210 | Suns -260
Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)
Warriors vs Suns betting trend to know
The Phoenix Suns have covered the Spread in 31 of their last 45 games (+15.60 Units / 32% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Suns.
How to watch Warriors vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Warriors vs Suns latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 23: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets in the second quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on December 23, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Note: I’m writing this preview before the Houston Rockets take on the Boston Celtics. I’m also writing this well ahead of the NBA trade deadline, which is Thursday at 2pm CT. So if you’re wondering why I’m not talking about how the Rockets have traded for prime Hakeem Olajuwon or whatever, you have your answer.
The Charlotte Hornets have won seven straight games and are looking for their first 8-game winning streak since 2000. They are the only team in American sports (non-football category) to not own a winning streak of 8 games or more this millenium.
Tonight, they’ll have a great shot at it since the Rockets will be on a back-to-back (and therefore be without Tari Eason and/or Dorian Finney-Smith) while Charlotte comes in well-rested having not played since Monday.
Charlotte has Brandon Miller starting to make “The Leap,” an underrated point guard in LaMelo Ball (how can a guy be underrated when he’s on a max deal?), rookie contributors Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, and savvy veteran Grant Williams. Moussa Diabate patrols the middle, but the Hornets like the gang rebound like Houston. In their most recent game against the Pelicans, six players grabbed at least seven rebounds. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like that before.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks sits by the court before a game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on February 03, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA trade deadline is the last chance for teams to make a meaningful move toward accomplishing their goals for the 2025-26 season. The league’s best want to compete for a championship, and suddenly the title picture feels wide open with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent stumbles and the Denver Nuggets’ nagging injuries. Some teams are happy just making the playoffs and showing improvement before a bolder move in the offseason. Others are gunning for ping-pong balls to find a new franchise savior in the NBA Draft lottery.
We are tracking every deal as they happen in this post. All of these trades were first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania unless otherwise noted. Refresh it often.
Every 2026 NBA trade before the deadline
Timberwolves acquire Ayo Dosunmu from Bulls, per Shams
Knicks acquire Dalen Terry from Bulls for Guerschon Yabusele
The Warriors acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield (Grades)
Hornets acquire Tyus Jones from Magic for cash
Hawks acquire Jock Landale from the Utah Jazz for cash considerations
Jazz acquire Lonzo Ball for Cavs for two second-round picks. Ball will be waived
Nets acquire Ochai Agbaji, a 2032 Raptors second-rounder from Toronto for tax relief
Hornets acquire Coby White, Mike Conley Jr. from Bulls for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, three second-round picks (Grades)
Thunder acquire Jared McCain from 76ers for first-round pick (originally owned by Houston) and three second-round picks (Grades)
Wizards acquire Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum from the Mavericks for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders (Grades)
Cavs acquire James Harden from Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick (Grades)
Celtics acquire Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick from Bulls for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick
Bulls acquire Jaden Ivey from Pistons for Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric. Pistons acquire first-round pick swap from Timberwolves (Grades)
Jazz acquire Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. from Grizzlies for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three first-round picks (Grades)
Trail Blazers acquire Vit Krejci from Atlanta Hawks for Duop Reath and two second-round picks
Kings acquire De’Andre Hunter from Cavs for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, sources tell ESPN. Bulls pick up two future second-round picks in the deal (Grades)
Wizards acquire Trae Young from Hawks for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert (Grades)
Head coach linked with new role after Rugby World Cup
‘I’ve not signed a contract,’ says Scot before Italy clash
Gregor Townsend has claimed reports he is to take over at Newcastle after the 2027 World Cup is an attempt to “disrupt” Scotland before the Six Nations.
The 52-year-old last year took on a consultancy role with Red Bull, who own Newcastle and it was reported on Thursday that Townsend will take charge of the Prem club when his contract with Scotland expires after next year’s World Cup in Australia.
This post is part of a series of daily questions that we’ll ask the community here at Amazin’ Avenue throughout the month of February. We hope you find the questions engaging and that our prompts can spark some fun conversations in the comments. We’ll see you there and plan to have staff chiming in, too.
Which Mets prospect will take the biggest step forward in 2026?
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 18: David Fry #6 of the Cleveland Guardians bats against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Comerica Park on September 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians will need some help from players whose performance dipped in 2025 to make a playoff run this year… Will they get it?
Will it be David Fry who went from a 129 wRC+ to a 63 wRC+?
Will it be Stuart Fairchild who went from a 116 wRC+ against LHP to an 88 wRC+ against LHP?
Will it be Tanner Bibee who went from a 3.47 ERA to a 4.24 ERA?
Or will it be Tim Herrin who went from a 1.92 ERA to a 4.85 ERA?
What say you, Guardians fans? Who is our comeback player of the year when we look back on the 2026 season?
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on September 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hello, friends.
There are now 49 days remaining until Orioles Opening Day. That’s seven weeks from today that we’ll be back to real baseball. I’m not so sure we’ll be rid of the snow piles by then. WBC pitchers and catchers are four days away from reporting, with the rest of the pitchers and catchers arriving a day later. The first exhibition game is 15 days from today. It’s all getting close.
The last big starting pitching free agent question got settled last night. The Orioles are not the winners in the Framber Valdez derby. We may never know how seriously they competed. What we do know is that ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Detroit Tigers are the team that’s landed Valdez on a three-year deal that will pay $115 million. That is a $38.3 million per year contract, a record for a left-handed starting pitcher, although the present day value will be less once deferrals (currently not reported) are calculated. In addition, Valdez has an opt-out after the second year of the deal.
Now that the Valdez business is resolved and the Orioles know he’s not coming here, should they try to pivot to a different remaining starting pitcher? I’ve been on the “Valdez or bust” train for a while, not so much because I was enthused about Valdez as because I just don’t think any of these other dudes are going to be the difference-makers that would be worth paying them $15+ million or whatever only to displace Dean Kremer from the rotation. Mike Elias might feel differently. So might you.
A second, obvious question arises: Should the Orioles have made an offer that would have been preferable to Valdez than this one? It’s hard to say what that might have been; maybe a deal with no deferrals, maybe one with an opt-out after just one single season. That’s a heck of a lot of money and it’s tough for any pitcher to really live up to that in even the best of circumstances. Valdez, as has been mentioned frequently through the offseason, is already 32 so there’s the question of how much he’ll decline, if any, through this contract.
Not having the high bid here is justifiable, I’d say. But also that’s making a bet on this group forming a competitive rotation until at least July: Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, Tyler Wells, Cade Povich, Brandon Young, Trey Gibson, or some unforeseen miracle or disaster player. This is a bet that could pay off. It is also a bet that could fail spectacularly in a way that will leave people asking of Elias, “What did you think would happen, you idiot?” I would be wondering, at that point, if David Rubenstein was starting to move in the direction of being one of those people.
“What did you think would happen, you idiot?” was the basic result for the 2025 Orioles. The bet that they were good enough to muddle along until July and then address needs by trade failed hard.
For this year, Elias is also betting on dingers from Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward plus bounce-backs from the many disappointing hitters returning from last year’s Orioles. He’s betting on Rookie of the Year-competing performance from either or both of Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers. He’s betting on being able to make it with a bullpen of Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, and a bunch of guys nobody cares all that much about at this moment. Some of these bets feel better than others right now.
Against this backdrop, the biggest thing the Orioles had going on yesterday is that they announced the non-roster invitees to spring training. All players on the 40-man roster are automatically included for spring training, with non-roster invites making up the rest. Many of these were reported through the offseason when the players involved signed minor league deals that come with big league spring training invites. The team announced the following 30 non-roster invites yesterday afternoon:
Pitchers (14)
LHP Luis De León
LHP Andrew Magno
LHP Eric Torres
LHP Josh Walker
RHP Jeisson Cabrera
RHP Hans Crouse
RHP Nestor German
RHP Trey Gibson
RHP Keagan Gillies
RHP Richard Guasch
RHP Jean Carlos Henriquez
RHP Enoli Paredes
RHP Albert Suárez
RHP Levi Wells
RHP Cameron Weston
Of these, prospects who will hopefully do something interesting are: De León, German, Gibson, and Wells. One never knows who might go from spring training afterthought to a key player on the roster; not too long ago, Ryan O’Hearn was one such spring training invite. I follow Orioles news very closely and I have never seen the name Richard Guasch before in my life.
Catchers (5)
Ethan Anderson
Silas Ardoin
Maverick Handley
Sam Huff
Creed Willems
You need a lot of catchers early in camp because there are also a lot of pitchers and somebody’s got to catch the five-wide bullpen sessions. I think Ardoin could end up as an occasional third catcher if he shows enough. Anderson and Willems are different flavors of prospect who can hope to get a little attention in the early days of camp.
Infielders (6)
José Barrero
Payton Eeles
Aron Estrada
Ryan Noda
Willy Vasquez
Luis Vázquez
It’s too late for you to claim your spot as the Aron Estrada hype train conductor, because that’s me, but there’s still plenty of room for you to get on board. You might recall Eeles from being acquired earlier this offseason for Alex Jackson. Notably, Eeles is listed at 5’5”.
Outfielders (4)
Enrique Bradfield Jr.
Jud Fabian
Jhonkensy Noel
Will Robertson
Bradfield, in particular, will probably get some chances to play in early spring road games where many of the regular players stay back in Sarasota.
Orioles stuff you might have missed
FanGraphs projections for the 2026 Orioles make one thing clear (The Baltimore Banner) Jon Meoli notes that the narrow gap between the Orioles and other AL East teams means that any improvement could be worth quite a lot. Valdez, we now know, will not be that improvement.
Top prospects among Orioles non-roster invitees (Orioles.com) Jake Rill’s rundown of the non-roster guys focuses on a few who are prospects worth following. It will be nice if those guys can put themselves on the radar for later in the season.
Fans in Frederick excited about Keys return (Baltimore Baseball) The Keys are an Orioles affiliate once again! I’m excited because driving to Frederick is better than driving to Aberdeen. Although I’ll probably still never do it.
How Baltimore is melting mountains of snow (The Baltimore Banner) This article is more about things happening on the Ravens end of the Camden Yards sports complex than the Orioles end, but nonetheless, that is a lot of snow in Lot O and apparently it needs to be gone by March 7.
Birthdays and Orioles anniversaries
Nothing of particular note has happened on February 5 in Orioles history. With Valdez off the board, we can probably figure this is not going to change today.
There are a few former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 2014 reliever Ryan Webb, 2002 reliever Chris Brock, and 1996-98 infielder/Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar. Today is Alomar’s 58th birthday, so an extra happy birthday to him.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you as well! Your birthday buddies for today include: tire magnate John Boyd Dunlop (1840), auto engineer André Citroën (1878), author William S. Burroughs (1914), baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron (1934), artist H. R. Giger (1940), and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo (1985).
On this day in history…
In 1901, J. P. Morgan officially incorporated the U. S. Steel corporation.
In 1918, American aerial gunner Stephen W. Thompson shot down a German plane, the first recognized aerial victory for someone in the U.S. military. Thompson was serving as the gunner for a French plane.
In 1945, General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his vow to return to Manila.
In 1971, the Apollo 14 mission landed on the moon, with astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell walking on the surface. Shepard bookended a career that began with his being the first American in space with his command on this mission.
A random Orioles trivia question
I received a book of Orioles trivia for Christmas. I’ll ask a question in this space every time it’s my turn until I run out of questions or forget to ask one. If you are replying early in the day, please be polite and give your answer in spoiler text so that others arriving later have an opportunity to participate.
In 2005, I joined the Orioles and immediately went on an 11-game hitting streak. Who am I?
**
And that’s the way it is in Birdland on February 5. Have a safe Thursday.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 31: Orion Kerkering #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 31, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This intro was originally going to be about how the Pirates were having an interesting offseason after being connected to Kyle Schwarber earlier this winter and with Ken Rosenthal saying they were making an aggressive push for Framber Valdez yesterday. Then the Tigers went and signed Valdez, so the Pirates offseason of “No Paul, we’re really, REALLY trying! We swear!” continues.
CHINA - 2024/06/21: In this photo illustration, the American National Basketball Association (NBA) men's professional basketball league logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an economic stock exchange index graph in the background. (Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Today is the day. Trade deadline day. The one we circle on the calendar and quietly count toward from the moment the season tips off.
What makes the NBA different is how much movement lives around this moment. And this year, it feels louder. It’s more alive than it has been in a while. Almost like teams finally cracked the code on the apron rules and the cap math, with front offices working overtime to build scenarios that actually function within the margins.
The movement has been constant. Anthony Davis ends up in Washington alongside Trae Young. Jonathan Kuminga finally finds a new home in Atlanta. Chicago, a franchise that usually plays this time of year conservatively, has gone full chaos mode, spinning off moves that leave you squinting at the transaction wire trying to figure out the why. James Harden is now in Cleveland. Dario Saric has been traded twice. Jock Landale too.
Here is the contrast. This kind of activity usually waits for the final hours. The panic. The scramble. The last-minute leverage plays. Instead, teams got out in front of it. They moved early. They acted decisively. And it has turned deadline week into something more than a countdown.
It has turned it into an entertaining spectacle.
But there is one team that has stayed quiet. One team with very little smoke, very few whispers, and almost no real traction in the rumor mill. That team is the Phoenix Suns.
I think everyone knows where I land on this. I do not need a big shake-up. Frankly, I am tired of them. A midseason reset is not something I believe this team needs, and it feels like the organization sees it the same way. What the Suns have right now is rare. It’s chemistry. It’s buy in. It’s defensive intensity and relentless effort. Around the league, teams are trying to manufacture that. Phoenix already has it.
That is the contrast. When you have something that is hard to replicate, you do not tip the boat. You do not make a trade simply for the sake of making a trade. Especially when you are still developing young players who need runway, not disruption. The Suns have given them that. And it shows.
Could they trim some payroll? Sure. Nick Richards moving makes logical sense on paper, even if it risks thinning the center depth and possibly biting them later. That is the kind of move that fits.
Today tells us what this team is going to look like for the rest of the season. Yes, the buyout market is coming. It always does. But rarely does it move needles in any meaningful way. It is conversation fuel, not an earthquake.
So now we wait. We watch. Notifications on. Refresh buttons working overtime. Waiting to see if any madness breaks through the calm.
Welcome to trade deadline day, my friends. One of the best days on the NBA calendar.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Washington Wizards plays defense during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 1, 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 Dallas Mavericks pulled off a franchise-altering trade on Wednesday, officially moving on from another franchise-altering trade that took place just over a year ago. Gone is Anthony Davis, and with him the last remnants of Nico Harrison’s ill-fated vision.
Davis and the cap relief his departure affords the Mavericks is rightfully the headline, however there are also four new faces headed to Dallas. On the surface, their value is in said cap relief, as three of the four are expiring contracts after this season. That said, the Mavericks front office may have plans for some or all of these players beyond this offseason. We’ll take a look at who is coming to Dallas, their season stats, contract status and how they may fit long-term.
Khris Middleton
Stats Summary: 10.3 Points, 3.9 Rebounds, 3.3 Assists per game – 34 games played
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent after 2025-26 season
The number 39 pick in the 2012 Draft spent most of his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won the 2021 NBA Championship. Middleton was a big part of the Bucks’ success, playing the role of Robin to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Batman. He also has an Olympic Gold Medal to his name.
At age 34 and playing Cooper Flagg’s most ideal position, Middleton is unlikely to be a long-term Maverick. One has to figure a chance to sign on with a contender this offseason is appealing to him, plus he does not fit the Mavs’ rebuild timeline. With Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington alongside Flagg, he is not first in line for the forward positions either. Still, even if he lasts only half of a season in Dallas, he could still bring valuable mentorship to Flagg and a veteran presence in general.
Malaki Branham
4.6 Points, 1.6 Rebounds, 0.8 Assists per game – 28 games played
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent after 2025-26 season
The number 20 pick in the 2022 Draft is a lesser known quantity. He logged decent minutes in his first two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, then saw a drop-off in year three before joining the Washington Wizards this year. He hits the three ball at a solid 37.8% clip and his draft profile suggested he was a capable three-level scorer coming into the league.
Branham gives the Mavs plenty of flexibility. He certainly fits the Flagg timeline at just 22-years old and it will cost Dallas nothing to give him some burn. He has proven capable of at least dropping 10 points per game given the chance, and is essentially a zero-risk player for Dallas. They can see how he pans out and either walk away or commit to him, likely for cheap, if they like what they see.
A.J. Johnson
2.8 Points, 1.2 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists per game – 25 games played
Contract Status: Under contract through 2026-27 season; team option for 2027-28 season
The number 23 pick in the 2024 Draft just turned 21-years old at the start of December. His road to the NBA was unique in that he committed to the University of Texas, then instead opted to go to the NBL before the Bucks drafted him. Standing 6’5” he has the length to defend on the perimeter but will need to fill out his 160-pound frame to endure the rigors of NBA life.
Like Branham, Johnson is a low-risk player who is certainly on the Flagg timeline. He averaged 9.1 points per game last season, but is raw any way you look at it with less-than-ideal shooting efficiency (36.8% overall; 27% from deep). Being under contract should give the Mavs some time to figure out what they have, with minimal financial impact on their bigger plans.
Marvin Bagley III
10.1 Points, 5.7 Rebounds, 1.5 Assists per game – 38 games played
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent after 2025-26 season
The number 2 pick in the 2018 Draft is the most intriguing acquisition of the four. Bagley came into the league with plenty of hype but did not live up to the expectations of his draft status. His NBA career has spanned the Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, none of whom were particularly good for any consistent stretch during his respective tenures, so it will be interesting to see how he may fit with a rebuilding Dallas team.
Bagley will turn 27-years old in March, so he doesn’t have the youth of Branham and Johnson, but it’s difficult to categorize him as “too old.” He may not be in his prime when Flagg is, but it’s unreasonable to expect the team to surround Flagg with 20-year olds and hope for the best. Bagley could easily be a longer-term fit in Dallas and the Mavs are in a good position to see where they can go with him. If Daniel Gafford ends up being traded in the next few hours, Bagley could be a built-in replacement (they have similar numbers, but Bagley is happy to put up the occasional shot from downtown). If Gafford sticks around and Dereck Lively’s injury history proves dubious, Dallas won’t be totally strapped. If Gafford and Lively are the answer going forward, Bagley can play some power forward as part of a deep group of bigs, or he can simply walk or be part of a sign-and-trade. Like the others, Bagley affords the Mavs a lot of flexibility they didn’t have on Wednesday morning.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
The Spurs have one more home game in San Antonio before they head into the All-Star Weekend followed by their annual Rodeo Roadtrip.
The Silver & Black have kept busy off the court with a series of community events.
On Tuesday, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, alongside San Antonio Sports, Behind the Whistle, and local school districts, hosted the National Girls and Women in Sports Day Leadership Summit at Frost Bank Center.
700 female high school athletes from across Bexar County participated in a panel discussion.
The crowd received a visit from Spurs shooting guard Stanley Umude, a Warren High School alum.
Later that afternoon, Spurs rookie Carter Bryant hosted the fourth annual “Spurs Math Hoops Live” program, presented by Whataburger. Fourth and fifth grade students from Essence Preparatory Public School, Eloise Japhet Elementary School, and Herman Hirsch Elementary School participated in Spurs Math Hoops, a comprehensive community program, featuring a basketball board game, mobile app and curriculum that teaches students fundamental math skills through the game of basketball.
The Spurs Math Hoops program was featured on a global scale with local San Antonio participant Camila Ramirez competing in an international championship in Paris as part of The 2025 NBA Paris Games.
Spurs are in Dallas this evening before heading home to host the Mavs on Saturday. They don’t play in the Frost Bank Center again until March 5th when they host Eastern Conference top seeded Detroit Pistons.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
