No. 13 Purdue edges No. 7 Nebraska in overtime thriller after blowing 22-point lead

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Oscar Cluff’s layup put Purdue ahead with 3.9 seconds left in overtime after Nebraska had taken its first lead and Gicarri Harris’ two free throws sealed the No. 13 Boilermakers’ 80-77 victory over the No. 7 Cornhuskers on Tuesday night.

Purdue (20-4, 10-3 Big Ten) escaped after blowing a 22-point lead early in the second half. The Boilermakers recorded their second top-10 win of the season to start a difficult closing stretch that has them playing three top-10 teams over 16 days.

Nebraska (21-3, 10-3) lost for the third time in four games following a 20-0 start. All three losses were to ranked opponents.

Fletcher Loyer led Purdue with 18 points, Trey Kaufman-Renn had a career-high 19 rebounds and Braden Smith had 13 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

Rienk Mast led the Huskers with 18 points, Jamarques Lawrence added 16 and Pryce Sandfort had all 15 of his points in the second half.

Sandfort’s layup with 1:31 left in overtime gave Nebraska its first lead, 77-75. Cluff had a chance to tie it when he got fouled pulling down an offensive rebound, but he made only one of two free throws. Cluff’s putback on the next possession put the Boilermakers up by a point in the final seconds. Lawrence fumbled Sam Hoiberg’s inbound pass, and Harris picked up the ball and got fouled. After Harris made his free throws, Cluff intercepted the Huskers’ length-of-the-court pass just ahead of the buzzer.

NO. 3 HOUSTON 66, UTAH 52

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Emanuel Sharp set the school record for career 3-pointers and finished with 27 points to lift Houston over Utah.

Sharp made a career-high eight 3s on 8-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc to give him 277, surpassing Marcus Sasser (276 in 2019-23) for the school mark. The record-breaking 3 was a 30-foot jumper with 15:06 to play.

Joseph Tugler and Milos Uzan each scored 9 points for the Cougars (22-2, 10-1 Big 12), who have won five straight and 16 of their last 17.

Keanu Dawes scored 15 points and Seydou Traore added 12 to pace the Utes (9-15, 1-10 Big 12) in the first meeting between Houston and Utah in Salt Lake City.

Houston led 40-25 after Tugler scored two inside baskets and the Cougars forced three straight turnovers to start the second half on an 8-0 run. The lead grew to 22 points on Chris Cenac’s dunk to make it 55-33 with 8:28 remaining.

NO. 4 DUKE 70, PITTSBURGH 54

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Isiah Evans scored 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including 5 for 6 on 3-pointers, and Duke pulled away in the second half to defeat Pittsburgh.

Cameron Boozer added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Blue Devils, and Caleb Foster had 14 points and eight boards.

Duke (22-2, 11-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) bounced back from a buzzer-beating loss to archrival North Carolina on Saturday that ended the Blue Devils’ 10-game winning streak. Duke blew a 15-point lead in the second half of that one and allowed the last nine points.

There were six lead changes and five ties in the first half before Duke scored seven straight points to take a 35-29 halftime lead. The Blue Devils then scored the first five points of the second period to make it a 12-0 run and extend their advantage to 40-29.

Pitt (9-16, 2-10) lost for the 10th time in 12 games. Roman Siulepa led the Panthers with 19 points and Barry Dunning Jr. scored 17, including 13 in the first half.

WISCONSIN 92, NO. 8 ILLINOIS 90, OT

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Nick Boyd scored 25 points and John Blackwell had 24 to lead Wisconsin to an overtime victory over Illinois.

The pair combined for nine of the Badgers’ 11 points in overtime, handing the Illini their second straight overtime loss. Illinois lost Saturday at No. 10 Michigan State.

Wisconsin (17-7, 9-4 Big Ten) trailed by 12 points with 8:10 to go in regulation but sent the game into overtime at 81-all thanks to two 3-pointers by Austin Rapp in the final two minutes. Rapp finished with 18 points.

The Badgers’ Nolan Winter scored four points after a career-high 26 in an overtime loss Saturday at Indiana, but he had 11 rebounds.

Keaton Wagler scored 34 points for Illinois (20-5, 11-3), which played without injured starters Kylan Boswell (hand) and Andrej Stojakovic (ankle).

Tomislav Ivisic had 19 points and 11 rebounds, David Mirkovic had 12 points, Jake Davis had 11 and Ben Humrichous had 10 for the Illini.

MIAMI 75, NO. 11 NORTH CAROLINA 66

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Malik Reneau scored 16 points, Ernest Udeh Jr. had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Miami never trailed while beating North Carolina for the Hurricanes’ first victory over a Top 25 opponent in two years.

Tre Donaldson finished with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Shelton Henderson added 12 points for the Hurricanes (19-5, 8-3 Atlantic Coast Conference).

Udeh made a free throw with 2:11 remaining, then rebounded his missed second attempt and scored on a layup to put Miami ahead 66-60.

After Donaldson’s layup with 1:20 left made it 69-62, Jarin Stevenson’s layup 5 seconds later got the Tar Heels (19-5, 7-4) within five. Despite finishing 14 of 23 from the foul line, Miami clinched the win with six free throws in the final minute.

As soon as the horn sounded, Hurricanes fans stormed the court, celebrating their first win over a Top 25 team since beating No. 16 Clemson 95-82 Jan. 3, 2024.

Stevenson scored 13 points, Caleb Wilson had 12 and Henri Veesar added 11 for the Tar Heels.

NO. 15 VIRGINIA 61, FLORIDA STATE 58

TALAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Jacari White scored 19 points off the bench, including a go-ahead dunk with 1:12 remaining, and Virginia closed on an 11-0 run to rally past Florida State.

White shot 5 of 9 from 3-point range as the Orlando native returned to the Sunshine State and helped the Cavaliers (21-3, 10-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) extend their winning streak to five games. He played 21 minutes and scored more points than he had in any ACC game this season.

Lajae Jones had 21 points and a season-high 13 rebounds for Florida State (11-13, 3-7), which had won three straight. Robert McCray V finished with 20 points.

A short jumper by Thijs De Ridder gave Virginia a 61-58 advantage with 25 seconds remaining. Jones and McCray each missed a 3-pointer that could have tied it, and the Seminoles went scoreless over the final 4:54.

De Ridder had nine points and nine rebounds, helping Virginia outrebound Florida State 47-37.

Led by White, Virginia’s bench outscored Florida State’s reserves 32-10.

NO. 19 VANDERBILT 84, AUBURN 76

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Tyler Tanner scored 25 points, Jalen Washington added 22, and Vanderbilt outlasted Auburn.

Washington hit 7 of 8 shots and knocked down both of his 3-point attempts as a 25% shooter beyond the arc. Devin McGlockton had 12 points and seven rebounds.

Tanner, the Commodores’ leading scorer, drilled a 3-pointer late in the clock to stop a second-half run by the Tigers.

Tahaad Pettiford led Auburn with 21 points. Keyshawn Hall had 13 points and KeShawn Murphy added 12 points.

Vanderbilt (20-4, 7-4 Southeastern Conference) assisted on 14 of its 25 made shots. Auburn had just nine assists.

Vanderbilt went into halftime with a 42-31 lead after closing out the final 6:03 on a 16-5 run. McGlockton scored 12 of the 16 points to spark the Commodores’ stretch.

Auburn (14-10, 5-6) shot just 32.1% from the field in the first half but made 5 of 10 3-pointers — including a deep 3-pointer from Pettiford to slow down Vanderbilt’s attack — and held an 18-12 rebounding advantage.

Auburn threatened late with a 12-2 run to bring the game to within four points but could not get closer.

NO. 21 ARKANSAS 91, LSU 62

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Darius Acuff Jr. scored 28 points — the freshman’s fifth straight game scoring 21 or more — and Arkansas routed reeling LSU.

Fellow freshman Meleek Thomas added 20 points, Trevon Brazile had 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Billy Richmond III scored 13 points for the Razorbacks (18-6, 8-3 Southeastern Conference), who led throughout and by as many as 36 points en route to their fifth victory in six games.

Marquel Sutton scored 18 points and Pablo Tamba added 11 points for LSU (14-10, 2-9), which shot 31% (21 of 68) while losing for the fifth time in six games.

The Tigers outrebounded Arkansas 43-36 and grabbed 21 rebounds on the offensive end, but managed just 13 second-chance points.

Arkansas had lost its previous three visits to LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center, but the Razorbacks, who shot 56% (35 of 62), quickly put themselves in position to end that streak.

NO. 22 BYU 99, BAYLOR 94

WACO, Texas (AP) — AJ Dybantsa scored 36 points, Robert Wright III added a career-high 30 while getting booed nearly every time he touched the ball and BYU ended a four-game losing streak with a victory over Baylor.

Wright backed out on an agreement to return to the Bears after spending his freshman season with them, and the Foster Pavilion fans let him know how they felt. Loud boos rang out during his pregame introduction, and Baylor students chanted “traitor” several times during the game.

BYU (18-6, 6-5 Big 12) rallied from an early 12-point deficit, led by Dybantsa and Wright but with some key plays from Richie Saunders as the Cougars avoided matching their longest skid since losing the final five games of the 2004-05 season.

Freshman guard Tounde Yessoufou scored a season-high 37 points and Cameron Carr added 24 for the Bears (13-11, 3-9), who trimmed a 17-point deficit with less than five minutes remaining to four but still dropped to 1-5 at home in Big 12 play.

Dybantsa was 14 of 20 from the field and had seven assists in the fifth 30-point game of a freshman season that figures to lead to a top-five pick in this summer’s NBA draft.

Wednesday's Time Schedule

All Times EST

Wednesday, Feb. 11

NBA

Atlanta at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Milwaukee at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Washington at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Indiana at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

New York at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Houston, 8 p.m.

Miami at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Portland at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Memphis at Denver, 9 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Sacramento at Utah, 9 p.m.

San Antonio at Golden State, 10 p.m.

T25 MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

No. 2 Michigan vs. Northwestern, 8:30 p.m.

No. 6 UConn at Butler, 7:30 p.m.

No. 14 Florida at Georgia, 7 p.m.

No. 16 Texas Tech vs. Colorado, 8 p.m.

No. 20 Clemson vs. Virginia Tech, 7 p.m.

T25 WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

No. 1 UConn vs. Creighton, 6 p.m.

No. 2 UCLA at No. 13 Michigan St., 8 p.m.

No. 15 Iowa vs. No. 25 Washington, 7:30 p.m.

No. 19 West Virginia vs. UCF, 7 p.m.

_____

Miami never trails in 75-66 win over No. 11 North Carolina

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Malik Reneau scored 16 points, Ernest Udeh Jr. had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Miami never trailed while beating No. 11 North Carolina 75-66 on Tuesday night for the Hurricanes' first victory over a Top 25 opponent in two years.

Tre Donaldson finished with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Shelton Henderson added 12 points for the Hurricanes (19-5, 8-3 Atlantic Coast Conference).

Udeh made a free throw with 2:11 remaining, then rebounded his missed second attempt and scored on a layup to put Miami ahead 66-60.

After Donaldson’s layup with 1:20 left made it 69-62, Jarin Stevenson’s layup 5 seconds later got the Tar Heels (19-5, 7-4) within five. Despite finishing 14 of 23 from the foul line, Miami clinched the win with six free throws in the final minute.

As soon as the horn sounded, Hurricanes fans stormed the court, celebrating their first win over a Top 25 team since beating No. 16 Clemson 95-82 Jan. 3, 2024.

Stevenson scored 13 points, Caleb Wilson had 12 and Henri Veesar added 11 for the Tar Heels.

Wilson, the Tar Heels' leading scorer with 20 points per game, left briefly for the locker room midway through the second half and had his left hand wrapped when he returned with 8:47 remaining.

The loss snapped North Carolina’s five game-win streak.

Miami outscored North Carolina 46-28 in the paint. Udeh made seven of eight shots, including five on dunks. After shooting 7-of-13 from 3-point range in the first half, the Tar Heels were 1 of 14 from behind the arc in the second half.

The Hurricanes opened a 10-point lead on Reneau’s three-point play seven minutes into the first half that made it 22-12.

North Carolina chipped away and stayed within striking distance the remainder of the half. Kyan Evans’ 3-pointer with 1:01 remaining got the Tar Heels to 41-40 before Timo Malovec’s two free throws with 27 seconds left gave the Hurricanes a 3-point lead at halftime.

Up next

North Carolina: Host Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Miami: At North Carolina State on Saturday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Pierre, Miller combine for 42 points to lead SMU over Notre Dame 89-81

DALLAS (AP) — Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 22 points, Boopie Miller added 20 and SMU pulled away midway through the second half and cruised past Notre Dame 89-81 on Tuesday night.

Pierre made three 3s and scored 13 points during a 19-6 run to give SMU a 69-56 lead with 8:21 remaining. Pierre capped the surge with a windmill dunk.

Notre Dame cut the deficit to 83-77 with 1:12 left, but Pierre answered with a layup and B.J. Edwards made two free throws to push the lead to 87-77 with 22 seconds to go.

Corey Washington added 14 points, and Samet Yigitoglu chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds for SMU (17-7, 6-5 Atlantic Coast Conference). The Mustangs shot 52.5% (32 of 61) from the floor. Pierre, Miller and Washington combined for 10 of their 19 3-pointers.

Jalen Haralson scored 23 points to lead Notre Dame (11-14, 2-10). Cole Certa and Braeden Shrewsberry each added 16 points. The Fighting Irish have lost five straight and 10 of their last 11 games.

SMU opened on a 21-11 run before Notre Dame tied it 34-all with about three minutes to play in the first half. Miller scored the last six points to give the Mustangs 43-37 lead at the break.

It was Notre Dame's first game at Moody Coliseum since 1990.

Up next

Notre Dame hosts Georgia Tech on Saturday.

SMU plays at Syracuse on Saturday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Bailey Maupin scores 23 and No. 16 Texas Tech women beat Kansas 70-65 for Krista Gerlich's 100th win

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Bailey Maupin scored 23 points, Snudda Collins added 17 off the bench and No. 16 Texas Tech beat Kansas 70-65 on Tuesday night for coach Krista Gerlich's 100th win with the Lady Raiders.

Maupin made a steal and then sank two free throws with 24.2 seconds left to give Texas Tech a 65-60 lead.

Brittany Harshaw sank a long 3-pointer to pull Kansas within 65-63 and Maupin went 1 of 2 from the free-throw line for a three-point lead at 19.7.

Kansas was called for an illegal screen at the 3-point line with 11.7 seconds left and Maupin made two free throws for a five-point lead.

Maupin was 6 of 15 from the field and 9 of 10 at the free-throw line to secure her fifth 20-point game of the season for Texas Tech (23-3, 10-3 Big 12).

S’Mya Nichols led Kansas (15-11, 5-9) with 15 points and Jaliya Davis scored 12 of her 14 in the first half. Elle Evans added 11 points and Regan Williams scored 10.

Texas Tech held a 28-25 lead at halftime despite making just 2 of its last 14 shots. The Lady Raiders did not make a field goal over the final four minutes of the first half.

Up next

Kansas: Returns home to play Houston on Saturday.

Texas Tech: Goes on the road to play Oklahoma State on Saturday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

AJ Dybantsa stats: How many points did BYU star score vs Baylor?

Though the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft figures to be spent on Kansas' Darryn Peterson, BYU star freshman AJ Dybantsa doesn't figure to make the decision easy.

The Cougars star had another monster night in a 99-94 win over Baylor, scoring 36 points, tied for his second-highest total this season.

Dybantsa also ran the offense effectively, notching seven assists for BYU. He was efficient from the field and nearly impossible to guard, going 14-for-20 shooting from the field. He was 7-for-8 from the free throw line. While things got dicey down the stretch for BYU, they were ultimately able to hold off the Bears to move to 18-6 (6-5 Big 12) on the season. His teammate Robert Wright III, who transferred from Baylor and endured chants of traitor from Bears fans, also had his first 30-point game in college in the effort.

BYU is now 4-1 when Dybantsa scores 30-plus this season, the lone loss coming in a 36-point effort against Oklahoma State that ended in a 99-92 loss and saw the Stillwater fans storm the court after. Dybantsa has shot over 60% from the field in all of his 30-plus point games.

AJ Dybantsa stats vs Baylor

Dybantsa scored 36 points on 14-of-20 (70%) shooting, and was 7-for-8 from the line. He had seven assists and five rebounds in the effort as well, along with a steal and a turnover.

BYU came back from a 12-point first half deficit to snap a four-game losing streak, giving the Cougars a big win after falling to .500 in the Big 12 following a loss to Houston on Feb. 7.

AJ Dybantsa mock draft

USA TODAY Network's Bryan Kalbrosky has Dybantsa going No. 2 to the Kings, with Darryn Peterson going No. 1 to the Wizards. Of Dybantsa, Kalbrosky writes:

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

Cameron Boozer of Duke also figures to be a top pick. Dybantsa's competition this year is stiff, but he has shown time and time again he has the talent to contribute early at the next level. Feb. 10 was just the latest example of that. BYU's next opponent is Colorado on Feb. 14.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AJ Dybantsa stats: How many points did BYU star score vs Baylor?

Raptors' Brandon Ingram replacing injured Stephen Curry in NBA All-Star Game

NEW YORK (AP) — Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram will replace injured Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.

Curry, who was voted a starter, is out with knee pain. Commissioner Adam Silver chose Tuesday to have Ingram fill Curry's spot on Team Stripes.

It's Ingram's second All-Star selection. He is averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game this season and has helped Toronto post a 32-22 record, good for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Ingram's Raptors teammate, Scottie Barnes, is on the USA Stars. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic will coach the World team.

___

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

What team made the best moves at the NBA trade deadline?

James Harden dribbling around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 20: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 20, 2025 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to February Daily Topics at Golden State of Mind. A question (almost) every day this month to give the community a prompt to talk about!


The 2026 NBA trade deadline was, in a word, bizarre. The one big move that had gained steam — a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade — not only failed to materialize, but turned into smoke and mirrors before our very eyes.

And yet, while that move floundered, one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, James Harden, was shockingly traded. Another Hall of Famer, Anthony Davis, was shipped across the country. And former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. was … traded to a team that’s openly tanking? Am I reading that correctly?

The Golden State Warriors, for their part, hung around in the middle. They didn’t acquire Antetokounmpo, or make a franchise-altering move like last year, when they traded for Jimmy Butler III. But they did acquire an All-Star in Kristaps Porziņģis, while ending their saga with Jonathan Kuminga and clearing future money off the books by getting rid of Buddy Hield.

Unlike last year, when the Los Angeles Lakers shockingly nabbed Luka Dončić near the deadline, there’s no clear winner this February. But there are a lot of teams that made good moves — both postseason contenders who bolstered their roster, and rebuilding squads who strengthened their future.

Who, in your eyes, made the best moves at the deadline?

For me it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers. Harden may have his fair share of both foibles and detractors, but I love the move for the championship-contending Cavs. It gives Donovan Mitchell a co-star to shoulder the scoring burden, while allowing them to keep their dynamic defense centered around their two bigs, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. And with Harden likely to opt into his player option for next season, it makes Cleveland the clear Eastern Conference favorites next year if LeBron James decides to return home for a final season, as has been rumored lately.

My runner-up is the Memphis Grizzlies, who got a trio of first-round picks for Jackson, as they started their rebuild right on time, rather than waiting too long.

What team do you think did the best at the deadline?

LeBron James to miss Lakers' game vs. Spurs; loses eligiblity for postseason awards

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 20, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) waits at the scorer's table to check back into the game against the LA Clippers at the Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers forward LeBron James will miss tonight's game against the Spurs, making him ineligible for NBA postseason awards. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

LeBron James will not play tonight against the San Antonio Spurs, making the Lakers star ineligible for postseason awards and ending his run making the All-NBA team at 21.

Under the current NBA rules, players must appear in 65 games to be eligible for awards. James can now play in a maximum of 64 games if he does not sit out another.

The previous record for making All-NBA teams was 15, which was held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan.

The Lakers will also be holding out NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) for the third straight game, along with Austin Reaves (left calf injury management) and Marcus Smart (right ankle).

James is playing in his unprecedented 23rd season. He missed the first 14 games because of sciatica after not participating in training camp. He has played in back-to-back games at times since getting healthy, but the Lakers have monitored his health closely in hopes of keeping him fresh for the stretch run.

James is averaging 21.7 points, 6.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds over 34 games this season. The Lakers (32-20) are in the thick of the West playoff race despite having James, Doncic and Reaves all in the same lineup for just 10 games so far this season.

Associated Press and nba.com contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Jordan Walsh reacts to losing closest Celtics teammate at trade deadline

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 16: Jordan Walsh #27 and Xavier Tillman #26 of the Boston Celtics arrive to the arena before the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Six of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

BOSTONXavier Tillman arrived in Boston in the middle of Jordan Walsh’s rookie season. Walsh was 19 at the time, the youngest member of the squad, and Tillman almost immediately took him under his wing.

So, when Walsh rarely played throughout his first two seasons, Tillman was often in his ear. That same mentorship continued into this season, when Walsh began playing meaningful minutes for the very first time, ultimately starting 20 straight games for Boston.

But, as of Thursday, Tillman is no longer on the Celtics roster. The veteran big man was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in the final hours of the NBA’s midseason trade deadline, and Walsh is not sure who to lean on when it comes to dealing with the ups and downs of the season.

“It used to be X — X is my guy,” Walsh said. “Now I’m trying to figure out who that is. Me and JB [Jaylen Brown] are really close, so it might just end up being him, but he just wants to put me in a headlock.”

Walsh’s and Tillman’s friendship was on display throughout the year.

Earlier this season, for example, when Walsh was just beginning to break into the rotation, Tillman excitedly crashed his postgame interview. The Celtics had just defeated the Orlando Magic, and Walsh hit a big three-pointer down the stretch to help secure the victory.

“He’s the king of the lockdown,” Tillman said, grinning. “He can guard anybody. The bigs, the littles, the wings, they don’t matter. Call Jordan, he’s your guy.”

Tillman’s leadership extended throughout the locker room.

“He’s almost become, quickly, a vet for us,” Joe Mazzulla said earlier in the season. “I’ve been very appreciative of how he’s handled just the trajectory of his role here.”

Tillman isn’t the only teammate that Walsh, and the rest of the Celtics, lost

The Celtics traded Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls, Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, and Josh Minott to the Brooklyn Nets.

All of the losses hurt.

“[All] those guys, I got close to while they were here,” Walsh said.

After the deadline, Mazzulla said his focus was on the players’ general well-being: “It’s the time of year where you spend time worrying about the person more than the player.”

For Walsh, there is an inevitable adjustment period after having lost such a close teammate.

“It’s tough. That first game back…. me and X were like this,” Walsh said, crossing his fingers. “And so that first game back, I’m always looking for somebody to talk to, for inspo, points, or whatever it may be, and he just wasn’t there. And I was like, dang it just feels different. Everything feels different.“

Walsh is excited to reunite with one former teammate on Wednesday, when the Celtics host the Bulls for their last game ahead of the All-Star break.

Anfernee Simons, who is averaging 20 points in three games for Chicago, will return to Boston just a week after his trade.

“Fortunately, I’ll see Ant [tomorrow],” Walsh said. “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.”

Mavericks vs Suns Preview and Injury Update: Heading West before All Star break

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 12: Brandon Williams #10 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half 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

The Dallas Mavericks (19-33) stay on the road Tuesday night to match up against the Phoenix Suns (31-22). Dallas has now lost seven in a row, most recently to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Phoenix has now lost two in a row, most recently to the Philadelphia 76ers, and is looking for a get-right game. Phoenix won the first match-up of the season way back in November.

Here’s the main things you need to know before tipoff.

  • WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns
  • WHAT: Road trippin’
  • WHERE: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
  • WHEN: 8:00 pm CST
  • HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass

The injury report is a little confusing at first glance for the Dallas Mavericks. All three two-way guys are listed as doubtful, so no Ryan Nembhard and no Moussa Cisse (Miles Kelly doesn’t get much burn anyway). Klay Thompson is listed as questionable with “rest” but we know he was at Meg Thee Stallion’s birthday, so I bet it’s a matter of if he gets to Arizona in time and if he feels good to play. The only Sun of note that’s out is Grayson Allen with a knee issue.

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I am not sure what to expect out of this matchup, or any matchup from here on out, if we’re honest. Dallas isn’t favored, but they don’t have bad players. Tanking organizationally may be in the cards but game by game, Dallas is trying to win. They simply haven’t been able to.

Keeping Devin Booker in check is the surest path to a Dallas victory, but that’s not going to be an easy task. I’m curious who will get the defensive assignment early on, particularly if PJ Washington comes off the bench. Keep an eye on Cooper Flagg’s three-point shooting, which has been very good on low volume since the 20-game mark. I’d put money on this being a clutch game again.

Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

Wizards at Cavaliers preview: Washington visits red-hot Cleveland

WASHINGTON, DC -  DECEMBER 12: Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket as Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays defense during the game on December 12, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Washington Wizards head to Ohio on Wednesday to take on a streaking Cleveland Cavaliers team at Rocket Arena.

Game info

When: Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass

Injuries: For the Wizards, Kyshawn George (back), Anthony Gill (hamstring), and Bilal Coulibaly (heel) are questionable, while Trae Young (knee, quad), Anthony Davis (hand, groin), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), and D’Angelo Russell (uncertain future) are out.

For the Cavaliers, Dean Wade (ankle), Evan Mobley (calf), and Max Strus (foot) are out.

What to watch for

The two East teams that drastically revamped their rosters at the NBA trade deadline are set to face off on Wednesday night. While the Wizards’ newest acquisitions, Anthony Davis and Trae Young, are not playing anytime soon, the Cavaliers have hit the ground running with James Harden.

The Cavs scored big wins in each of Harden’s first two contests with his new squad, improving the team’s record to 9-1 over their last 10 games. The Wizards, meanwhile, have leaned even further into the youth movement.

Will Riley, Jamir Watkins, Sharife Cooper, and Tristan Vukcevic have all received extended run over Washington’s last three games. There’s no reason to expect that to change against the Cavs with the Wiz still looking to secure more draft lottery combinations.

2026 NBA All-Star Game schedule: Time, how to watch, rosters and format

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is nearly here.

The rosters have been set, and the game’s biggest stars will congregate in Los Angeles for the 75th edition of the NBA All-Star Game.

The league opted to use a “U.S. vs. World” format in a round-robin tournament that will feature three teams, one of which will be composed of international players.

The game, however, will be missing some key players because of injury, most notably last season’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

When is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

The game will take place Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. ET.

Where is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

Los Angeles will serve as host of All-Star weekend and all of its events, including the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the Slam Dunk Contest and the 3-Point Contest. Events will take place at the Intuit Dome, the home venue of the Los Angeles Clippers.

How to watch 2026 NBA All-Star Game

The game will be broadcast on NBC and will be available for streaming on Peacock. The first game in the round-robin tournament will tip off at 5 p.m. ET. This is the first time in 24 years that the event is broadcast on a network other than TNT.

Who is participating in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

Team Stars

  • Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
  • Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
  • Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
  • Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)
  • Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
  • Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
  • Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
  • Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

Team Stripes

  • Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
  • Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
  • Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)*
  • Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
  • Brandon Ingram (Toronto Raptors)
  • LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)
  • Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • Norman Powell (Miami Heat)

Team World

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)*
  • Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
  • Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)*
  • Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
  • Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
  • Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets)
  • Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
  • Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

*injured, will not play

2026 NBA All-Star Game format

The NBA is introducing an entirely new format in the All-Star Game: U.S. vs. The World.

Two teams of U.S. players and a team of international players will compete in a round-robin tournament in four 12-minute games, all to be held on the final day of All-Star Weekend — Sunday, Feb. 15 — the NBA announced Tuesday, Nov. 11.

All round-robin games will be played on Sunday, Feb. 15, and here’s how the tournament works:

Team A will play Team B in Game 1. 

The winning team from Game 1 will play Team C in Game 2.

The losing team from Game 1 will play Team C in Game 3.

After Game 3, the top two teams by record will play each other in the championship game. But, if all three teams have a 1-1 record after Game 3, the point differential in each team’s two round-robin games will serve as the tiebreaker.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA All-Star 2026 schedule: Dates, time and TV channel

Rockets set to take on the Clips in Game 1 of a double-dip

Dec 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (left) and guard James Harden (right) force Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) to turn the ball over during the third quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers

February 9, 2026

Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX

TV: Space City Home Network, NBA TV

Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time: 7:00pm CST

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun

Clippers: Bennedict Mathurin, Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, John Collins, Brook Lopez

Risacher named as replacement to Rising Stars challenge

Feb 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Last year’s number one overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher was overlooked on the initial list for the 2026 Rising Stars event at the All-Star Weekend that will take place in under a week’s time. I outlined his injury-riddled disappointing second season earlier.

But with Ajay Mitchell of the Oklahoma City Thunder ruled out for the challenge due to injury, the NBA needed to backfill one of the sophomore spots. Today, we got some fortunate news for Risacher:

Risacher is averaging 10.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game — both figures fewer than his rookie season when he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.