Category: NBA

The Los Angeles Clippers made a surprising overhaul of their roster at the trade deadline, and that shake-up alone leaves them at a clear disadvantage against the Houston Rockets tonight.

My Clippers vs. Rockets predictions lean on Los Angeles’s lone mainstay, one of many NBA picks on Tuesday, February 10.

Clippers vs Rockets prediction

Clippers vs Rockets best bet: Kawhi Leonard Over 28.5 points (-115)

The Los Angeles Clippers will not tank their way out of the postseason, nor should they waste a season like Kawhi Leonard’s.

But in trading both James Harden and Ivica Zubac, L.A. put far too much of an onus on Leonard. Since Zubac was moved, Leonard has taken at least 19 shots in every game and averaged 32.3 points.

L.A. found quality in exchange for Harden and Zubac, but Darius Garland is not healthy, and Bennedict Mathurin overlaps with Leonard more than Zubac does, to Mathurin’s expense.

Even against the Houston Rockets’ quality defense, Leonard should shoot in bulk.

Clippers vs Rockets same-game parlay

Houston has come to depend on its defense; its offense has been undone by the lack of a quality point guard.

Clippers vs Rockets SGP

• Kawhi Leonard Over 28.5 points
• Rockets -7.5
• Under 213

Our "from downtown" SGP: Kawhi Only

Mathurin’s Clippers debut comes with low stakes, and he should not be expected to produce at volume while Leonard feels such a weight on his shoulders.

Clippers vs Rockets SGP

• Kawhi Leonard Over 28.5 points
• Bennedict Mathurin Under 14.5 points
• Rockets -7.5
• Under 213

Clippers vs Rockets odds

• Spread: Clippers +7.5 (-105) | Rockets -7.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: Clippers +240 | Rockets -300
• Over/Under: Over 213 (-110) | Under 213 (-110)

Clippers vs Rockets betting trend to know

Seven of Houston’s last nine games have gone Under their totals, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 7.3 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Rockets.

How to watch Clippers vs Rockets

Clippers vs Rockets latest injuries

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

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is being evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hand.

Lindor experienced some soreness in the area around his left hand and wrist over the past couple days. David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for New York, said Lindor is going to visit a hand specialist on Wednesday to check his hamate bone.

“It is possible this will result in hamate surgery. If it does, that's a six-week recovery, which puts us right at opening day,” Stearns said. “So at this point, even if it does require surgery, we would remain optimistic that Francisco would be back for opening day.”

Lindor, 32, hit .267 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs and 31 steals in 160 games with New York last year. The five-time All-Star was left off Puerto Rico's roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic over insurance coverage.

Stearns also announced that Juan Soto is going to shift from right to left field. The change was finalized after discussions between the slugger and manager Carlos Mendoza.

Soto also is going to play left for the Dominican Republic in the WBC.

“Over the last month or so, as Mendy and Juan were talking about the season, Juan was working out in left field because he's going to play left field for the D.R. in the WBC,” Stearns said. "As they had their conversations, he felt really comfortable there.

“It made sense for us from a roster perspective, so we're going to go forward with it and everyone's on board with it.”

New York's pitchers and catchers are scheduled to have their first spring training workout Wednesday. The team’s first full-squad workout is Monday.

Soto, 27, agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract with New York in December 2024. The four-time All-Star batted .263 with 43 homers, 105 RBIs and 38 steals in his first season with the Mets.

Soto also played left field at the beginning of his career with the Washington Nationals. Mendoza said the conversations about moving to left started in late December.

“I just asked him, ‘How would you feel to play left field for us?’” Mendoza said Tuesday. “And he was like ‘I’m willing to do whatever, you know. If you want me to pitch, Mendy, I’ll pitch.’ Kind of like with that smile, right? And then I was like, ‘Now seriously speaking here, is that something you will consider, if it makes sense for both?’ He's like, 'Absolutely.'"

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

Our NBA player prop projections for Spurs vs. Lakers highlight where recent usage, minutes, and matchup trends suggest real betting value.

We break down the player props worth betting and the lines that look off for Tuesday, February 10. 

Be sure to check out our Spurs vs. Lakers predictions for more NBA picks ahead of game time. 

Spurs vs Lakers computer picks for February 10

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

Only one team in the West postseason picture has gone better than 6-4 outright in its last 10 games: the San Antonio Spurs. And San Antonio should continue that surge against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.

My Spurs vs. Lakers predictions believe in the young team that may be becoming the best team in the West, one of many NBA picks on Tuesday, February 10.

Spurs vs Lakers prediction

Spurs vs Lakers best bet: Spurs -9 (-110)

The schedules alone give too much of an edge to the San Antonio Spurs. The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Thunder last night, and this will be the Lakers’ sixth game in 10 days, including their third in four nights. San Antonio’s two days off seem luxurious by comparison.

The L.A. nightlife could trouble the Spurs, but more likely, their youth should run the Lakers ragged. Victor Wembanyama gets the headlines, but San Antonio also plays at a top-half pace.

Spurs vs Lakers same-game parlay

LeBron James has fallen short of this modest prop in three straight games and in six of his last seven. Father Time may finally be winning. A springy James may be Los Angeles’s best defense against Wembanyama, but without that, the Lakers have no proper height to slow the French phenom.

Spurs vs Lakers SGP

• Spurs -9
• LeBron James Under 22.5 points
• Victor Wembanyama Over 22.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Lakers Run Dry

The thought here is pretty simple: Expect Los Angeles to show its exhaustion throughout.

Spurs vs Lakers SGP

• Spurs -9
• LeBron James Under 22.5 points
• Victor Wembanyama Over 22.5 points
• Luka Doncic Under 3.5 made threes
• Under 227.5

Spurs vs Lakers odds

• Spread: Spurs -9.5 (-105) | Lakers +9.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: Spurs -350 | Lakers +275
• Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 226 (-110)

Spurs vs Lakers betting trend to know

San Antonio is 3-0-1 against the spread this month. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Lakers.

How to watch Spurs vs Lakers

Spurs vs Lakers latest injuries

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

Two slumping Western Conference foes do battle when the Phoenix Suns host the Dallas Mavericks.

The Suns have lost five of nine, going 3-6 against the spread, while the Mavs have dropped seven straight with a 2-5 ATS record.

So, who will snap out of their funk? Well, my Mavericks vs. Suns predictions explain that it may be neither, and bring you an NBA pick on the total.

Mavericks vs Suns prediction

Mavericks vs Suns best bet: Under 229 (-110)

The Dallas Mavericks have had the perfect recipe for Unders. They have a young offense that's trying to find its way with Cooper Flagg, and a defense that gives high effort.

The Mavs enter this matchup with the fourth-worst offensive rating, while ranking a solid 12th in defensive rating.

With Dillon Brooks back, the Phoenix Suns look like the team that ranks eighth in defensive rating. And the Suns' offense has slowed recently, ranking 21st in offensive rating over the last 10 games. 

It will be a battle for buckets, so I’m on the Under.

Mavericks vs Suns same-game parlay

The one place where the Mavs struggle to defend is in the interior. Dallas ranks dead last in the NBA in opponent points in the paint per game.

Suns center Mark Williams is averaging 13.4 points over his last eight games. Over 12.5 looks like a great add to this SGP.

And the Mavs’ offensive issues mean rebounds up for grabs, so give me Royce O’Neale Over 4.5 rebounds, a number he’s topped in three of his last five games.

Mavericks vs Suns SGP

• Under 229
• Mark Williams Over 12.5 points
• Royce O'Neale Over 4.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Rising up for rebounds!

Defense means tough shots and, in turn, rebounds. Both teams will be all over the glass.

Mavericks vs Suns SGP

• Royce O'Neale Over 4.5 rebounds
• Mark Williams Over 9.5 rebounds
• Daniel Gafford Over 7.5 rebounds
• PJ Washington Over 5.5 rebounds

Mavericks vs Suns odds

• Spread: Mavericks +8 | Suns -8
• Moneyline: Mavericks +260 | Suns -320
• Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229

Mavericks vs Suns betting trend to know

The Suns have cashed the Under in 18 of their last 25 home games for +10.30 units and a 37% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Suns.

How to watch Mavericks vs Suns

Mavericks vs Suns latest injuries

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

If you’re tired of only experiencing NBA expansion in GM Mode on 2K, you might not have to wait much longer for the real thing.

During the NBA Cup earlier this season, Silver made it clear expansion was on his mind, with Seattle and Las Vegas widely viewed as the next two markets in line. Now, The NBA Board of Governors is poised to vote on expansion this summer, as reported by the Dallas Morning News.

“Not a secret, we’re looking at this market in Las Vegas,” said Silver, speaking from the NBA Cup host city. “We are looking at Seattle. We’ve looked at other markets as well. I’d say I want to be sensitive there about this notion that we’re somehow teasing these markets, because I know we’ve been talking about it for a while.”

Expansion carries ripple effects for every franchise in the league, but those effects don’t feel evenly distributed. Top-heavy teams built on star power alone may have an easier time parting ways with their deep-bench pieces, while teams built on depth, internal development, and cost-controlled contributors may face more difficult decisions.

You can probably see where I’m going with this.

The Celtics arguably fall more into the latter category, which is where the conversation can start to get uncomfortable. Before we go there, let’s first take a closer look at what NBA expansion entails, and consider the roster decisions Boston must face as soon as next summer.

How the NBA expansion draft works

If the league follows precedent from previous expansions (most recently in 2004), the framework would look something like this:

• Each existing NBA team can protect up to eight players
• Only players under contract, restricted free agents, or players with options can be protected
• Unrestricted free agents cannot be protected
• Each expansion team can select one player from each existing franchise
• Once a player is selected from a team, no additional players from that team are eligible
• Teams that lose a contracted player while over the cap receive a trade exception equal to that salary

Regardless of the year, the expansion draft would likely take place between the NBA Finals and the Draft, with protected lists submitted privately ahead of time. Expansion teams (assuming Seattle and Las Vegas are both approved) would then alternate selections, with each existing franchise eligible to lose no more than one unprotected player.

This process might be manageable for rebuilding teams. It’s far more complicated for deep, ever-competitive ones.

Why expansion will hit the Celtics differently

The Celtics don’t have a problem finding eight players they like. On the contrary, having to choose which player they’re willing to expose, especially after spending decades getting to this point, will be among the tougher decisions Brad Stevens faces as President of Basketball Operations.

Let’s look more closely at who will (likely) be safe and who could be at risk.

The near-locks

If expansion were happening in the next couple of seasons, Boston’s protected list would almost certainly start here:

• Jayson Tatum (4-years, $259.8 million)
  
• Jaylen Brown (3-years, $183 million)
  
• Derrick White (3-years, $97.8 million)
  
• Payton Pritchard (2-years, $16.1 million)
  
• Sam Hauser (3-years, $34.9 million)
  
• Neemias Queta (1-year, $2.7 million team option)

These six occupy different lanes, but they all arrive at the same place. Losing any of them would either compromise the Celtics’ competitive ceiling or remove contract value that far exceeds its cost.

Tatum and Brown anchor the franchise’s timeline and salary structure. Everything is built around them. White functions as connective tissue across lineups, giving the Celtics flexibility that becomes more valuable in the postseason. Pritchard’s contract sits among the league’s better value deals for the league’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year. Hauser’s shooting gravity solves a specific problem Boston would otherwise need to pay significantly more to address. And Queta’s appeal lies in role clarity and cost efficiency at a position where those traits are rarely found together.

This means six of the eight protected slots are already spoken for, without much debate.

The tough calls

That leaves two protection spots for a group of more than two players the Celtics would very much like to keep developing:

• Hugo Gonzalez (Rookie-scale contract (Year 2))
  
• Baylor Scheierman (Rookie-scale contract (Year 3))
  
• Jordan Walsh (Rookie-scale contract (Year 4))
  
• Luka Garza (1-year, $2.8 million)
  
• Amari Williams (2-years, $2.7 million)

Gonzalez represents long-term upside tied to size and skill development. Scheierman has already translated improvement into rotation trust, which matters when projecting real NBA usefulness rather than abstract potential. Walsh brings defensive range and physical tools that typically take years to cultivate and rarely hit the open market at a low cost. Garza offers reliable depth at a minimum salary, and Williams profiles as another cost-controlled developmental piece at a position where teams cycle through options quickly.

From Boston’s perspective, these players serve different roles at different points along the same competitive window. 

The question expansion forces into the open is how the Celtics define that window right now. 

While the 25/26 season was widely framed as a transitional year for Boston, the results suggest something closer to real contention, especially with Jayson Tatum set to return. That creates a tension between prioritizing the best available contributors around the Jays and continuing to invest in younger players who could peak alongside them. Expansion doesn’t allow for a hedged answer. It requires Boston to decide how much future value it’s willing to expose in order to maximize the present.

Expansion will inevitably change the Celtics

There’s also a human side to this that’s hard to ignore. Seattle is long past owed an NBA team, full stop. What happened to the Sonics still hangs over the league, and bringing basketball back to that city feels less like expansion and more like course correction. If the NBA is serious about adding teams, Seattle shouldn’t be a debate. 

Las Vegas brings its own appeal, but the optics of placing a franchise at the center of legalized gambling while the league is actively trying to rein in betting-related fallout aren’t the best.

For the Celtics, none of that changes the immediate reality. Expansion applies pressure in places that rarely get discussed, and Boston is built in exactly those places. Years of smart drafting, patient development, and value hunting create real advantages (and real exposure) when the league grows. 

That’s the cost of doing things the hard way and doing them well. If When expansion comes, it’s worth understanding now how much of the Celtics’ hard work can realistically be protected once the league decides it’s time to make room at the table.

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum practiced with the Maine Celtics on Monday afternoon, sparking excitement that his return was around the corner. But then, on Tuesday afternoon, the Celtics star addressed the media for the first time since October and delivered the message that his participation in the G League practice should not be read into too deeply.

“It doesn’t mean I’m coming back or not,” Tatum said matter-of-factly.

The Celtics star, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in a playoff game on May 12th, made clear in October that he was not ruling out a return this year.

As such, speculation regarding his potential return has ramped up as Tatum nears the 9-month mark in his recovery. In recent weeks, the likelihood of his potentially returning seems to have shifted multiple times.

Last month, Tatum worked out extensively in front of reporters at a shootaround in Detroit, sparking speculation that his return was near.

Then, a few weeks later, he shared on an episode of the Pivot Podcast that he had begun to have doubts regarding whether he should return this season.

“That’s something I contemplate every day,” Tatum said. “More so about the team, if or when I do come back this season, they would have played 50-some odd games without me, so they have an identity this year or things they’ve felt that has clicked for them and it’s been successful…so there’s a thought in my head that is like, how does that work? How does that look with me integrating myself off an injury…and it is a thought like ‘damn, do I come back or should I wait?’ In the last two weeks or so, I contemplate every single day.”

A few days after that, ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne confirmed that Tatum has not yet made a decision.

All the while, on the Celtics’ side, Brad Stevens confirmed that the team will not hold Tatum back if he is cleared and wants to play.

“When it’s right, then we’ll all sit down and talk about it,” Stevens said last week. “There’s still no force from us. There’s no pressure from us. But there’s also not gonna be any of us saying, ‘Well, why doesn’t he just take another week?’ When he’s ready, he’s ready.”

Derrick White, meanwhile, offered it’s simply been great to see Tatum’s progression.

“It’s been amazing to see, obviously, all the work he’s putting in,” White said last month. “You just kind of see him being around more, and being able to do more. So that’s exciting to see, as a friend. Every day he’s been working hard, and it’s good to see all that hard work add to some more movement and more opportunities.”

On February 10th, Tatum set to record straight, answering questions directly from the Boston press.

What Tatum had to say as he addressed Celtics media on Tuesday

Tatum didn’t drop any major news in his first full media availability since Media Day (he also spoke to SB Nation in October). But the Celtics star did shed some light on the G-League practice heard around the world, overall recovery, and thoughts on the Celtics’ success this season.

On practicing with the Maine Celtics: “I’m feeling good. It was good to be a part of practice yesterday with the Maine G-League guys. Today is 39 weeks, so it’s been a long journey.”

“Had a jersey on. Just felt good to be a part of a team, and practice, go through reps, stuff like that.”

Jayson Tatum:

“I’m feeling good. It was good to be a part of practice yesterday with the Maine G-League guys. Today is 39 weeks, so it’s been a long journey. And, it’s just like the progression of rehab… it doesn’t mean I’m coming back or not.” pic.twitter.com/ZgdrIY6N2x

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) February 10, 2026

On whether he’s trusting his Achilles more: “I feel a little bit better today than I did yesterday — the physical, conditioning, trusting it, every day I feel a little bit better.”

On the next steps in his recovery: “More conditioning, more live things. Getting acclimated to playing 5-on-5 and contact.”

My thoughts: Tatum has been playing 5-on-5, but there’s a difference between just getting cleared for 5-on-5 and actually playing NBA basketball at the level he was at pre-injury.)

On his communications with Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and DeJounte Murray — all stars who also suffered Achilles injuries last year: “Periodically, I talk to those guys… those kinds of guys are on a similar boat throughout this process, encouraging each other.”

My thoughts: Haliburton and Lillard both almost immediately ruled out returns this season, so there was a clear difference between Tatum’s journey and theirs from the jump. But, Haliburton in particular has spoken at length about how great it’s been to have camaraderie and support from fellow NBA stars throughout this process).

On what it’s been like to watch games on the sidelines: “It’s been tough not being able to play and compete. You know how much I love this game. I love being out there. But I’ve also grown an appreciation for the game, for my teammates, and just guys around the league, sitting back and being able to watch guys take their next step, it’s been kind of cool to see.”

“I sit next to the coaches, hear their commentary, see it through the lens of the coach.”

My thoughts: Tatum has been to nearly every shootaround, game, practice, and film session this season, and he’s been extremely engaged on the sidelines — cheering on his teammates, offering support, and even joining the team for preseason travel. He could have retreated, knowing that a lengthy recovery was ahead, but he didn’t. That’s likely to make his return a little bit more seamless.

On what his acclimation to the new-look Celtics could look like: “It might look different. I haven’t played with these guys, with this group, but we have a lot of high-IQ guys out there, and I’d like to consider myself one of those types of players. So, if that did present itself, and I did come back, we’re professionals, we’d figure it out.”

My thoughts: This will not be an issue. Yes, it’ll be an adjustment to have a player like Tatum back on the floor playing extensive minutes. But, above anything, it’ll be a great thing — because Tatum is a great player who will almost immediately elevate the Celtics’ play on both ends of the floor.

On his stated doubts regarding potentially returning: “Over 39 weeks, you have a lot of time on your hands. You think about a lot of things. Just hyper aware of what’s going on. I think it would just stem from that. Obviously, I know what I bring to the table and bring to the team. But I’m also aware that these guys have been playing extremely well. And, not to say that I would come and mess it up or anything like that. It was just kind of being vulnerable, I guess, for a moment.”

My thoughts: I think we’ve talked about Tatum’s Pivot quote way too much. He said it best: for a moment, he was vulnerable. I don’t think he genuinely believes his return would hurt the Celtics, and I think he remains extremely confident. But, it’s an emotional journey back, and he simply opened up on a podcast appearance, probably not thinking it would become the news cycle for the next three weeks.

On reports he might not come back: “Still trying to figure it out. Still just going through the progressions of rehab. Not saying that I’m coming back or not. It’s all about being 100% healthy and going through the plan.”

My thoughts: Even if Tatum knows whether he is or isn’t coming back, he’s not going to tell us today. Why wouild he?

On the addition of Nikola Vucevic to the Celtics: “Vooch is a hell of a player. Obviously, I’ve competed against him for the last 8 years, and [I’m] excited about the things that he brings to this team, different dynamics. We’re all excited to have him.”

On Jaylen Brown’s big season: “It’s been great. Even before the season, there was no doubt in my mind that he, and P [Payton Pritchard] and D-White and all these guys, I knew what they were capable of. Whenever somebody that loves the game that much, and works as hard as they do, gain more opportunity, I’m not surprised [by] what they’ve been able to accomplish. It’s been really fun to see.”

Jayson Tatum on how Jaylen Brown has responded to shouldering more responsibility this season:

“It’s been great. Even before the season, there was no doubt in my mind that he, and P [Payton Pritchard] and D-White and all these guys, I knew what they were capable of. Whenever… pic.twitter.com/4awZixNoOH

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) February 10, 2026

On how he feels the Celtics stack up against the East’s best teams: “We’ve been one of the best teams all season. And we’ll continue being one of the best teams.”

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — For his 21st season in the majors, Justin Verlander is going back to the very beginning of his career.

All the way back to Motown.

Verlander returned to the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, agreeing to a $13 million, one-year contract with his first big league team. The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner joins an improved rotation fronted by Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez, who also signed with Detroit in free agency.

Verlander, who turns 43 on Feb. 20, went 183-114 with a 3.49 ERA while spending his first 13 seasons in Detroit. He won his first Cy Young Award and was AL MVP when he had a 24-5 record and a 2.40 ERA in 2011.

Verlander was traded to Houston in August 2017 and helped the Astros win the World Series that same year and again in 2022. Now he gets an opportunity to chase a third championship with the Tigers, who are looking for the franchise's first title since 1984.

Verlander's deal with Detroit includes $11 million in deferred payments starting in 2030. The Tigers' pitchers and catchers are scheduled to have their first spring training workout on Wednesday.

The right-hander is 266-158 with a 3.32 ERA in 555 starts, also playing for the New York Mets and San Francisco. He is tied with Bob Feller and Eppa Rixey for 34th in victories on baseball’s career list, while his 3,553 career strikeouts are eighth and closely trailing Don Sutton's 3,574.

Verlander is coming off a frustrating year with the Giants, going 4-11 with a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts. But his 2.60 ERA from July 23 through the remainder of the season ranked fourth in the National League with a minimum of 60 innings pitched.

Verlander returned June 18 after being sidelined for a month by a strained right pectoral muscle. He wants to keep pitching after a disappointing season in which he began 0-8 and was winless in his initial 16 outings before a win at Atlanta on July 23.

“First half, quite difficult. Happy I was able to find some mechanical fixes to kind of get back in the right direction and pitch well in the second half,” Verlander said following his final outing on Sept. 27. “I think obviously you’d always rather it go well, but it’s nice to be able to turn it around, especially after a few months it gets really draining and it’s tiresome. You’ve just got to come in every day and have a positive mindset and keep working hard.”

Verlander signed a $15 million, one-year contract with San Francisco last January and had a forgettable home debut for the Giants. The Giants often struggled to provide him with enough run support.

The second-half turnaround mattered to Verlander, who limited opponents to a .228 average over his final 13 appearances. He allowed two or fewer earned runs in 10 of his last 13 starts.

___

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

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

With a move at the trade deadline and a signing in the days after, the Lakers’ roster appears to be set.

LA only made one trade this year, sending Gabe Vincent to the Hawks in exchange for Luke Kennard. Instead of looking to the buyout market for another player, the Lakers opted to give G League standout Kobe Bufkin a two-year contract.

For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask are you pleased with the Lakers’ trade deadline activity?

The argument for being happy with the Lakers’ moves is that they did improve their roster.

The Lakers make 34.9% of their shots from beyond the arc, which is 19th in the NBA. By adding Kennard, who is shooting 49.7% from 3-point range, they turned a struggling Vincent into an elite shooter.

And Bufkin joining the Lakers gives them another scoring guard who has room to develop. Since he was a member of South Bay, they have the insider knowledge on what he can do and understand his potential. By adding Kennard and Bufkin, the Lakers improved their shooting.

If you are displeased by these moves, it’s likely because the Lakers got a couple of solid guys, but it’s not enough.

LA is still closer to being a play-in team than a contender in the West. These upgrades are an improvement, but is it enough to usurp the Nuggets, Wolves and the defending champion Thunder? Probably not.

Even Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka struggled to explain the Lakers’ trade deadline moves. He redefined aggression as not doing anything, which didn’t really help his case.

And while Bufkin is a good, young prospect, wouldn’t it have been better if the Lakers got a bona fide NBA player with their last roster spot? Has Bufkin shown that he’s a better option than, say, Cam Thomas or Haywood Highsmith?

For fans unhappy, it’s because the Lakers have Luka Dončić in his prime, LeBron James still at an All-Star level, and a forever-improving Austin Reaves and the front office didn’t execute a deal that gave them enough help to have a legitimate shot at a title.

But what do you think? Are you happy with the moves since LA did improve, and you see the big picture that the Lakers kept their assets and optionality for a big summer?

Or, did you just want to see more traditional aggressiveness and find yourself struggling to be excited about adding just one rotation player when so much more is needed?

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

As NBA All-Star Weekend approaches, sportsbooks have set the stage with favorites and underdogs in the 3-Point Contest, Slam Dunk contest, and other festivities.

Key Takeaways

• Lillard has a 54.5% implied chance to reach the 3-Point Contest final.
  
  
• Three of the four Slam Dunk contest participants are rookies.
  
  
• The NBA will host the first ever three-team All-Star Game tournament.

After an estimated $1.76 billion was wagered on Super Bowl LX, the NBA world heads into its celebratory midyear pause.

This time of year is known for high-flying acts in the Slam Dunk contest, precision sharpshooting in the 3-Point Contest, the craftsmanship of the Skills Challenge, and, for the first time ever, a three-team All-Star Game tournament.

Kicking it off with the Slam Dunk contest, the top online sportsbooks can’t decide on a consensus favorite.

Slam Dunk contest odds

Gone are the days of the NBA’s biggest and brightest stars competing in the contest. Bryant, Johnson, and Richardson are all rookies, leaving 25-year-old and seven-year veteran Hayes as the group’s senior.

Hayes is also the most productive of the quartet, averaging a modest 6.5 points per game. However, he’s thrown down several highlight-worthy dunks in his career, including an Eastbay on Jan. 26.

This isn't Jaxson Hayes' first Eastbay...

He went between the legs for the slam on April 2, 2024 🤯 https://t.co/9IhnKU2Hr0pic.twitter.com/x6DBABBBdr

— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2026

The 3-Point Contest, meanwhile, is headlined by a player who could provide one of the best All-Star Weekend storylines in recent memory. 

3-Point Contest odds

Lillard hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since he tore his Achilles in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals April 27. Despite that, he finds himself as the favorite or co-favorite at the two top sportsbooks and the only player with minus-money odds (-120) at FanDuel to qualify for the final round. 

The longtime Portland Trail Blazers stalwart won the event in 2023 and 2024.

Damian Lillard wins the NBA Three-Point Contest 🔥pic.twitter.com/0MCKjFOs7y

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) February 19, 2023

Notably, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is second. A win would make him the first player in franchise history to hoist the trophy.

Shooting Stars odds

The Skills Challenge is being replaced by the Shooting Stars competition, which has not been seen at All-Star Weekend since 2015.

The competition will see three-person teams compete to score points by nailing jumpers from designated areas on the court. The last team to win was Team Bosh, which consisted of Chris Bosh, Dominique Wilkins, and Swin Cash.

Teams competing in this year’s event include:

Team Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston
Team Cameron: Kon Kneuppel, Jalen Johnson, Corey Maggette
Team All-Stars: Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Richard Hamilton
Team Harper: Dylan Harper, Ron Harper, Ron Harper Jr.

NBA All-Star Game odds

The new All-Star Game round-robin tournament will see three teams compete in four 12-minute games. The top two teams based on the aggregate score of their matchups will advance to the championship round, where they will play a final 12-minute contest. 

While FanDuel and DraftKings are split on which team will win the mini-tournament, they agree that USA Stars are the long shot.

The teams and individuals who will take the floor include:

USA Stars: Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, Tyrese Maxey
USA Stripes: Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Norman Powell
World: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Deni Avdija, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Alperen Sengun, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama

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

The Philadelphia 76ers are starting to see the dust settle after the 2026 NBA trade deadline. During that span, the team converted Dominick Barlow from a two-way deal to a standard contract. That move clarified the direction of the Sixers’ now-vacant two-way spot, as they’ll bring in former first-round pick Dalen Terry. The Philly Voice’s Adam Aaronson was the first to report:

NEWS: The Sixers are signing Dalen Terry to a two-way contract, source tells @thephillyvoice. The Sixers opened up this spot once they signed Dominick Barlow to a standard contract hours after the trade deadline passed.

— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) February 10, 2026

NBA fans should be at least semi-familiar with Terry’s name, as he landed in the range where the Sixers were picking in the 2022 NBA Draft. Chicago selected Terry just five picks ahead of Philadelphia, which held the No. 22 pick and later used it in the De’Anthony Melton trade. Terry spent parts of three seasons with the Bulls, appearing in just over 200 regular-season games. He averaged 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 11.1 minutes per game, shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from three.

Terry never put it together in Chicago, as his career numbers reflect. This season marked the fourth and final year of his rookie-scale contract, and the Bulls moved him at the deadline, first sending him to the Knicks in a deal that brought back Guerschon Yabusele. New York then rerouted Terry to the New Orleans Pelicans in the José Alvarado trade, where he was eventually waived outright. Now, he’ll join the Sixers on a two-way contract.

It’s also worth noting that this season marked the best shooting stretch of Terry’s career, as he knocked down 41.3 percent of his three-point attempts across 34 games.

For those unfamiliar with Terry, he fits the mold of a classic Swiss-army-knife player. He brings a legitimate frame at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, along with solid vision for his size and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways offensively. The swing skills to monitor will be his shooting and his handle. In Chicago, his handle lacked the tightness needed to consistently pressure defenders off the dribble, and his shooting struggles early in his career often led defenses to ignore him off the ball entirely.

Still, Terry is just 23 years old with limited NBA reps, and this season offered some real encouragement. If that improved shooting is any indication, his offensive game may finally be rounding into form.

Terry also checks a lot of boxes as a “Nick Nurse” type of player, someone who can switch defensively and contribute in a variety of utility roles. The Sixers badly need guard help as well, with nearly 40-year-old Kyle Lowry currently logging real rotation minutes.

Terry slides into the two-way slot vacated by Barlow, leaving Philadelphia with two open standard roster spots to use either on the buyout market or via another conversion, such as Jabari Walker. For now, the Sixers add a much-needed guard and take a low-risk swing on a recent first-round draftee.

For the second time in 17 days, St. John’s men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino earned a five-point win over his son, Xavier head coach Richard Pitino.

This time, he made a little bit of history in the process.

The No. 17 Red Storm’s 87-82 overtime victory against the Musketeers at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday, Feb. 9 was the 904th of the elder Pitino’s lengthy head-coaching career, breaking a tie with Roy Williams for the third-most all-time wins in Division I.

REQUIRED READING: Takeaways from Xavier Musketeers overtime loss to No. 17 St. John's

The 73-year-old Pitino now trails only Mike Krzyzewski (1,202 wins) and Jim Boeheim (1,116).

It’s the second time Pitino has earned a landmark victory at the expense of his son. St. John’s’ 88-83 win at Xavier on Jan. 24 was the 900th of his career.

"I think my son's brilliant,” Pitino said after the win Monday. “I'm proud of him. I hate getting any milestone against him – but I go away tonight saying my son's a hell of a coach. ... To say my son's a great coach is much more pleasing to me than any number of victories."

Richard Pitino, who previously coached under his father at Louisville, is in his first season at Xavier, which fell to 12-12 after Monday's loss.

Many of Rick Pitino’s wins came at a pair of college basketball powerhouses (and archrivals), Kentucky and Louisville. He went 219-50 in seven seasons with the Wildcats and 416-143 in 16 seasons with the Cardinals, with an ill-fated stint as the Boston Celtics’ head coach and president wedged in between. He won a national championship at both Kentucky and Louisville, making him the only men’s college basketball head coach to win titles at multiple schools.

Pitino was fired by Louisville in 2017 after the Cardinals were implicated in the FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball. After a brief exile from the sport, he returned as Iona’s head coach in 2020 and is currently in his third season at St. John’s, where he has gone 70-23. Last season, the Red Storm won the Big East regular season and tournament championships, earning them a No. 2 seed to the NCAA Tournament.

Pitino has also coached at Hawaii (as an interim head coach), Boston University and Providence, the last of which he led to a Final Four in 1987.

After a difficult start to the season, Pitino’s St. John’s team has won 10 consecutive games, improving its record to 19-5 and putting it atop the Big East standings.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rick Pitino passes Roy Williams for third on career wins list