DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives against Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers finish off their five-game Western Conference road trip as they take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
This will be a fun test for the new look Cavs. It’ll be interesting to see how James Harden attacks Jokic — who is a better rim defender than he gets credit for — in the pick-and-roll. Jokic usually doesn’t want to guard in space. We’ll see if the Cavs can exploit that.
On the other end, Jarrett Allen will have his hands full against the best player in the league and won’t have a lot of help. Evan Mobley (calf) has been ruled out for this game, and both Dean Wade (ankle) and Jaylon Tyson (ankle) are questionable to participate.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Cavs -1.5
Cavs injury report: Dean Wade – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Jaylon Tyson – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League)
Nuggets injury report: Jamal Murray – QUESTIONABLE (hip), Peyton Watson – OUT (hamstring), Tamar Bates – OUT (foot), Christian Bruan – PROBABLE (ankle), Aaron Gordon – OUT (hamstring), Nikola Jokic – PROBABLE (ankle), Curtis Jones – OUT (G League), Spencer Jones – OUT (concussion)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Nae’Qwan Tomllin, Jarrett Allen
Nuggets expected starting lineup: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, Cameron Johnson, Nikola Jokic
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: Jaylon Tyson #20 and Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Preseason on October 14, 2025 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will conclude their five-game, Western Conference road trip against the Denver Nuggets on Monday evening at less than 100%. If you’re going against a team with Nikola Jokic, you would ideally like to have your entire front court available for that matchup. Unfortunately for the Cavs, that won’t be possible.
Cleveland will be without the services of Evan Mobley. He’ll be missing his sixth game in a row with a calf strain he sustained in the team’s Jan. 26 win over the Orlando Magic.
The Cavs might also be without Dean Wade and Jaylon Tyson. Both are questionable for Monday’s game.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the new City Edition shirt can be found HERE.
Wade missed Friday’s win against the Sacramento Kings with a left ankle sprain. He last played on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
On the season, Wade is averaging 5.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on .417/.340/.750 shooting splits.
Tyson is the new addition to the injury report. He’s also questionable with a left ankle sprain.
Tyson struggled as the de facto starting power forward against the Kings. He seemed hesitant at times playing alongside James Harden, and wasn’t able to get his shot to fall. He finished that game with 10 points on 3-8 shooting with six rebounds and no assists.
The Cavs will likely turn to Nae’Qwan Tomlin as the starting four if neither can go. Their absence would also open the door for increased minutes for Thomas Bryant and Keon Ellis.
Denver could also be down several key pieces.
The Nuggets will be without the services of Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (hamstring). Jamal Murray (hip) is questionable for the game. Jokic (ankle) and Christian Bruan (ankle) are probable to play.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Ny'Ceara Pryor scored 20 points with two clutch free throws late, Fatmata Janneh added a double-double and Texas A&M upset No. 21 Alabama 72-69 on Sunday to snap a six-game losing streak.
Jessica Timmons had a three-point play to give Alabama a 57-53 lead with 9:34 remaining. Lemyah Hylton hit a 3-pointer and Lauren Ware added a layup to cap a 10-0 run as Texas A&M moved in front 63-57. Timmons did all the scoring in a 7-0 spurt and the Crimson Tide moved ahead 64-63 at 4:11.
Alabama’s Essence Cody was called for a flagrant-1 technical, fouling out with 3:03 left. Ace Austin, who was fouled by Ware prior to the technical, made 1 of 2 free throws before Salese Blow sank two for the technical and the Aggies led 67-65. Pryor and Naomi Jones traded baskets before Janneh made 1 of 2 foul shots for a three-point lead with 21 seconds remaining.
Karly Weathers scored nine seconds later, but Pryor hit two foul shots and Ware blocked a 3-pointer at the other end to preserve the upset.
Pryor added seven assists, six rebounds and four steals for the Aggies (9-10, 2-8 Southeastern Conference). Janneh had 12 points and 15 rebounds, while Ware scored 13.
Timmons totaled 19 points and eight rebounds to pace the Crimson Tide (20-5, 7-5). Ta'Mia Scott added 18 points and Cody scored 13 with seven rebounds.
Ware scored six to help Texas A&M take a 14-12 lead after one quarter.
Ware, who had 10 points by halftime, scored on a layup in the final minute and Janneh had a three-point play with two seconds left to give Texas A&M a 34-29 lead at the break.
Scott hit her fourth 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded in the third quarter to give the Tide a one-point lead.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Cam Thomas has signed with Milwaukee after getting waived by the Brooklyn Nets, the Bucks announced on Sunday.
The 24-year-old guard had spent his entire career with the Nets, who selected him out of LSU with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 24.3 minutes in 24 games with Brooklyn this season. He had missed about seven weeks with a left hamstring strain but returned on Dec. 27.
Hamstring issues also limited Thomas to 25 games last season, though he scored 24 points per game when available. Thomas, who is 6-foot-3, averaged 22.5 points and played 66 games in 2023-24.
Thomas is shooting a career-low 39.9% overall this season, and he’s made 32.5% of his 3-point attempts. He has shot 43.5% overall and 34.3% from 3-point range in 239 career games, including 88 starts.
Jan 19, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) celebrates a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Looks like Giannis isn’t the only Milwaukee Bucks player who will take part in All-Star Weekend. Bobby Portis was announced as one of the eight players who will take part in this season’s three-point contest. This is the first time in his 11-year career that Portis will participate in an All-Star event. It’s the third straight year the Bucks have had at least one player in the three-point shootout, with Damian Lillard (2024, 2025) and Malik Beasley (2024) also participating for Milwaukee. The remaining competitors include Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Norman Powell, Devin Booker, and Kon Knueppel.
Portis is having one of his best seasons shooting from behind the arc, hitting 45.1% on 4.3 attempts per game. That mark puts him in a virtual three-way tie for fifth place in 3P% with Sam Merrill and Ayo Dosunmu. He’s also tied for seventh for three-point shooting in a single season in Bucks franchise history. It ranks as his second-highest career percentage, as he shot 47.1% in his first season with the Bucks.
Speaking of Lillard, he’s set to make his return to the court in the competition as well. Despite not playing at all this season due to a torn Achilles, Lillard is looking to add another three-point title to his extensive resume. Dame won back-to-back competitions in 2023 and 2024, the latter of which he won while in Milwaukee.
For those who don’t remember how the event goes, the NBA explained it in their press release about this year’s participants:
In the two-round contest, players attempt to score as many points as possible from multiple 3-point locations within 70 seconds. The top three scorers from the first round advance to the championship round, where the highest score determines the winner.
You can watch BP light it up from Los Angeles next Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Central time on NBC and Peacock.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns pressures Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You know this by now: I love discovering and learning new things related to basketball or related to the Suns. I’ve already talked about it here, but once again, it’s a video from the Dreamcast Show that inspired me in the production of this article about maximizing possessions (a domain that is important in Jordan Ott’s playing philosophy).
This season, the Suns don’t win because they shoot better, but because they shoot more. Phoenix is not elite in shooting (15th in shooting efficiency this season), but Phoenix — and some of its players — is a team that manipulates the volume of play.
You know this: a possession is gained and preserved in three different ways.
First, by securing an offensive rebound. Phoenix grabs almost 13 offensive rebounds per game, with an Offensive Rebound% of 31%, which places them near the top of the league in that area. A possession is also gained by forcing a turnover, and Phoenix is also very well positioned in that category, ranking top 3 in steals per game (10.4), but also top 3 in Opponent Turnovers% with 17.1%. The quality of this team in these two areas is no longer in question, but what often hurts them is converting those opportunities (because of major shooting inconsistency).
Finally, it’s good to gain a possession, but it’s even better if it is preserved so you can attempt a shot. Here, the Suns are less good: 19th in offensive TOV% and 15.4 turnovers per game, which is huge for a team that creates so many “easy” situations.
To better visualize this possession gain, I imagined a small formula: (OREB/g + STL/g) – TOV/g — it’s not perfect science nor an absolute truth, but a trend indicator with a margin of error. And with this formula, the Suns gain on average +7.8 possessions per game.
For comparison, the best defensive team in the league, OKC, is at +6.3. Houston, who are the best offensive rebounders, are at +9.8. The Celtics, who are the team that loses the ball the least this season, are at +8.2. And finally, the Pistons, who are the most balanced team in this area, are at +7.8.
Phoenix doesn’t need to be perfect to win; they have a structural engine that gives them 6–10 extra possessions per game. But unfortunately, a big lack of shooting success on some nights places them in the Play‑in zone even though they generate as many extra possessions as the top‑3 teams.
But how is the team organized to generate so many extra possessions? Well, they rely on a clearly defined system and style of play: a constant physical presence in the dunker spot, combined with a sort of all‑in approach to maximize the chances of grabbing the offensive rebound. We can see it clearly in the action below: it starts with a pick and roll between Mark and Devin to swing the ball to Dillon in the corner, Booker positions himself in the dunker spot while the rest of the team comes to support him in that task. As a result, Embiid is focused on Devin Booker, which leaves Mark Williams free to do his job.
Then the team also relies on a super aggressive and oppressive defense that is not afraid to jump passing lanes or closeouts. The system is disruptive, which allows Phoenix to force many turnovers, like here against the Blazers: they try as much as possible to poke the ball loose (on passes or on-ball) while staying close to their matchup, Jordan Goodwin succeeds, and can go straight into transition.
Speaking of Jordan Goodwin, the wing ranks among the best in the league in this possession‑maximization profile. If we take the raw formula from earlier and standardize it per 100 possessions to make it more representative, Goodwin alone generates +5.2 extra possessions per 100 possessions. And that’s not all: among all players with +250 minutes this season (yes, that’s a lot of players…), Jordan Goodwin is the only one combining +7% OREB% and +2% TOV%. If there is one player whose value is underestimated, it’s him. At the end of the season, he should be one of the priorities when salary negotiations begin.
Phoenix doesn’t dominate through pure talent, but through volume. And it’s clear that the day efficiency matches intention, this team will move into another category.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: Kris Dunn #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers and Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves get into a scrum in the fourth quarter at Target Center on February 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dunn was ejected from the game. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 115-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With 8:25 left in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles Clippers rookie Yanic Niederhauser rose up in a crowd of three Minnesota Timberwolves. Off a miss, the young big man grabbed the ball, dunked it with authority, and picked up an and one in the process.
Stretching the lead to 24 for the Clippers at that point in the game, it was an indictment and moment to look in the mirror for a Wolves team that continued to write the same story it has all season. The problem is, the circumstances on this one weighed much more heavily.
After an inexcusable loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night that showed all of the usual porous defensive efforts, Rudy Gobert had enough and went just short of nuclear in his postgame comments.
Asked Rudy Gobert what he meant by accountability and where that accountability needs to come from.
"It starts with ourselves, but it seems like we don't have that. So I think at some point, from the coaches, yeah, from the coaches. It's not an easy position for a coach to take… pic.twitter.com/2HxFe5Wm2y
With new trade acquisition Ayo Dosunmu making his debut on Sunday, it was a ball on a tee for the Timberwolves to respond to a pointed callout against a Clippers team overwhelmed from a talent perspective on national TV.
Instead, what followed was a bored and tired performance with a level of energy that often plagues this team.
Specifically, from the Wolves’ top two options in Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, who would be fair to assume were the majority of the targets of Gobert’s postgame comments, a failure to set the tone on Sunday came from the top.
At the end of the first half, Edwards had eight points on 3-11 shooting, no rebounds, just one assist, and sandwiched an 0-5 start from three in as well. Randle added six first-half points on 37% shooting and rounded things off with two second-half rebounds.
Behind both stat lines were poor off-ball defense for most of the game, and a lot of reliance on drawing fouls for production.
“I feel like we had good energy today, but the offense just wasn’t going for us…especially for me,” Edwards said after the game.
Except it wasn’t. The energy wasn’t there. Perhaps postgame quotes were a little more tempered this time around with what Gobert said on Friday, but “good” would not be an adjective many would use to describe what came out on Sunday.
Instead, it was perhaps another case study of letting one side of the ball impact the other.
A place where the energy was indeed “good”? The opposite bench. Kawhi Leonard finished the game with 41 points and four steals. The rest of his team?
They followed suit.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes to the basket against Donte DiVincenzo #0 and Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center on February 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 115-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“Not Included Enough”
Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels combined for three points.
Frankly, that’s not surprising considering their combined seven shots.
“I’ve gotta get them [each] to ten shots at least,” coach Chris Finch said after the game. “We’ve got to be able to find the next play for those guys.”
McDaneils, specifically in years past, has been tabbed a “barometer for ball movement” by Finch. Someone who may not get as many plays called or work to assert his will on the game offensively, McDaniels’ reflexive position seemed to be a thing of the past this season with his continued improvement and clear next step taken offensively.
Averaging 15 points and a 44% three point shooter, it’s impossible to imagine a game in which the two-way wing finishes things with just four shots. The Kawhi assignment that McDaniels drew certainly didn’t help, a seemingly impossible task for a game in which Leonard was unrelenting in his offense.
Kawhi Leonard, hounded by Jaden McDaniels, adjusts and get it to fall for his 30th point pic.twitter.com/KRq6JGD1ft
Facing multiple screens on most possessions, I question if more volume for Jaden on offense was the answer out of this one.
For DiVincenzo, I raise a few more questions.
The Wolves are 21-10 this season when he scores 12 or more points, and indicator that he’s getting the ball and pairing that with solid looks from three.
“Once you get stops and run, then everyone is touching the ball,” he said in the locker room after the game, noting more of a reluctance in the half-court when the Wolves don’t get stops on the defensive end.
When games tend to get into a track meet, the ball finds the hands of Edwards and Randle more often, and they feel the need to keep the pace themselves. When the ball doesn’t find the cylinder, the avalanche tends to begin.
“I think the energy right now feels like we lost five in a row,” DiVincenzo added. “But this team responds, and whatever the coaches bring to us tomorrow, we have to address.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 08: Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against Jordan Miller #22 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the first quarter at Target Center on February 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Quickly On Dosunmu
Ayo Dosunmu made his Wolves debut, and it had all of the makings of a team debut.
Clearly not comfortable with the offense yet, the former Illinois guard showed hesitancy within the offense, and finished the game with a team-low -33.
But the plus minus doesn’t tell the full story. The argument can be made that the former Bull was the only member of the Wolves who decided to play hard on Sunday, and flashed in spots, specifically in the first half.
Ayo Dosunmu on-ball steal + hustle play + driving layup, great introductory two-way sequence pic.twitter.com/nqaO81h3A6
For the near term, it may look a little bumpy for someone who will be on the ball as much as Dosunmu. But the defensive chops are there, and the energy he brings was clear right away. He stood up multiple drives, and showed effort around the basket, which will certainly be welcomed on the Wolves bench.
If the pyramid of energy can flip, moving forward with the top two players bringing a little more to the table, the newly-acquired Dosunmu’s addition will look more like a puzzle piece that fits moving forward, as opposed to the team-wide awkwardness felt in his debut.
Up Next
A familiar face, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, is in town to face his former team head-on with his current one in the Atlanta Hawks.
Atlanta has won two of their last three, with the loss coming to a red-hot Charlotte Hornets team.
Another performance with poor energy would be shocking and raise further alarms with this team. Alexander-Walker is particularly close with many members of this team, which is something that raises the competitive level. Piling onto that is the last time the Wolves played the Hawks, a notorious 24-point blowout that temporarily woke the Wolves up for a few games and was a hard look in the mirror of how things were going at that time.
“In Atlanta, we got our asses kicked,” Donte DiVincenzo said after the game, reflecting back and answering a question on how this team handles lulls in the season, with the New Year’s Eve game in A-Town being one of them.
It’s well known in the locker room, and the hope is that it can radiate in the wake of a bad matinee on Sunday.
Tipoff at Target Center is slated for 7:00 PM CST.
Free agent Cam Thomas has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The terms for the deal were not initially disclosed.
Thomas averaged 21.4 points per game over the past three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets.
The 24-year-old guard was waived by the Nets on Thursday, Feb. 5, after the trade deadline.
He had signed a one-year, $5.9 million qualifying offer in September and was set to become a free agent after the season.
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 8: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors reacts on the floor during the first half of their NBA game against the Indiana Pacers at Scotiabank Arena on February 8, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Super Bowl Sunday in Toronto means an early Raptors game, and showing up at the arena for 1pm media almost feels like being here before the sun is up. It was a quiet one at Scotiabank Arena today, with a lot of the usual suspects around instead taking the day off to watch some guys play football before and after a Bad Bunny concert.
Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers were in town, and it immediately seemed like coach Rick Carlisle also had another sport on his mind… but it wasn’t football. He came into the Raptors’ media room and immediately launched into some thoughts about Olympic curling, saying he was watching this morning and couldn’t help but “live or die for the Canadian Curling team.” Unfortunately, Canada’s mixed pairs curlers were eliminated later in the afternoon. Sorry, Rick.
As for the actual basketball, Coach Rajakovic says that while Jakob Poeltl was still being held out of today’s game, he was progressing well. After missing over 20 games with a sore back, the team is working to recondition him for a return to the lineup. Unfortunately, Collin Murray-Boyles also ended up leaving the game early due to a lingering thumb injury. The Raptors prepared for this, though! This is why they went out and traded for Trayce Jackson-Davis! He was able to make his Raptors debut in light of CMB leaving the game.
He did well, too, scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes. After the game, Darko Rajakovic said that while it was the plan all along to give him some minutes today, losing CMB gave them a little bit more freedom to do so. There was no pressure from the coach on his newest player, as TJD himself said that Darko texted him after yesterday’s practice and told him to just “play free.” As for CMB, he was hit on the hand, reaggravating an existing injury, and is considered day to day.
After a slower start and a close halftime score, the Raptors found themselves again in the third quarter. Of course, the scars from Wednesday night’s crumble were fresh, and no one was about to prematurely call this a dub before it was official. They seemed to have learned their lessons from last week, though, and were able to keep their 20-point lead throughout the rest of the game. In the end, Toronto took it 122-104 over Indiana.
It was a fantastic game for Scottie Barnes, who scored 25 points on 12-20 shooting from the field, adding 12 rebounds and 6 assists. RJ Barrett scored 20 of his own, and Mamukelashvili scored 17 points off the bench.
Rajakovic had the same words of praise for his All-Star player that he usually does, emphatically saying that “Scottie Barnes is the Defensive Player of the Year” and will one day win the NBA’s MVP award.
“That’s Darko for you,” Scottie said of his reaction to Darko continuing to sing his praises this season (and always). He went on to talk about how much he appreciates Darko as a coach, saying that having a coach that you can consider a friend, someone you can get deep with in conversations, someone who rides for you — it makes a huge difference.
“Scottie is defensive player of the year. He’s an All-Star. He’s gonna be a Finals MVP. He’s going to be an MVP one day. Write down the date I said that” – Darko
Darko has been saying stuff like this for years, of course. He has always had faith in his star, knowinf his potential and talking him up to the max. Now that Scottie is starting to reach that potential, Darko’s faith in his super star is only getting stronger.
Overall, it was a good win, and one that was expected of this team. The Pacers are 13-40 on the season and headed for the lottery — similar to the Raptors from one year ago. Having back to back wins going into their first meeting with the No. 1 seeded Detroit Pistons on Wednesday (the last game before the All-Star break) will hopefully give them a boost as they take on a tough opponent.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kasparas Jakucionis was 6 for 6 from 3-point range and scored 22 points, Bam Adebayo also had 22 and the Miami Heat routed the Washington Wizards 132-101 on Sunday.
Norman Powell added 21 points for Miami, and Kel’el Ware had 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Heat snapped a two-game losing streak and added to their team record with a 14th 130-plus point effort of the season.
Andrew Wiggins had 11 points and 10 rebounds as eighth-place Miami closed within a half-game of seventh-place Orlando in the Eastern Conference.
Tristan Vukcevic had 14 points to lead Washington. The Wizards lost back-to-back games for the first time since a nine-game slide from Jan. 7-24.
Alex Sarr added 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Wizards, who saw both Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly depart early with injuries.
KNICKS 111, CELTICS 89
BOSTON (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 31 points and Josh Hart added 19 to help New York beat the cold-shooting Boston.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who never trailed over the final 42 minutes. Mikal Bridges (14 points) and recently acquired Jose Alvarado (12 points) rounded out the double-digit scorers for New York, which shot 14 of 45 (40%) from behind the 3-point line.
Jaylen Brown socred 26 points and Derrick White added 19 for the Celtics, who saw their five-game winning streak snapped, Baylor Scheierman started in place for the injured Sam Hauser and finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
Boston shot 37% for the game and was 7-of-41 (17.1%) from behind the arc.
The matchup pitted two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, with Boston entering with a one-game lead over New York for second place. They’ll meet one more time during the regular season on April 9 in New York.
CLIPPERS 115, TIMBERWOLVES 96
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kawhi Leonard had 41 points and eight rebounds and Los Angeles beat the slumping Minnesota.
John Collins had 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser also scored 15 points. The Clippers took command with a 17-3 run closing out the third quarter.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 23 points, and Julius Randle had 17. The Timberwolves have lost three of their last four, all to sub-.500 opponents. Minnesota made just 8 of 33 3-point attempts and committed 20 turnovers while being held under 100 points for just the second time this season.
TORONTO (AP) — Scottie Barnes had 25 points and 14 rebounds to help Toronto beat Indiana.
Barnes was 12 of 20 from the field and had six assists, four blocks and two steals in 33 minutes. Toronto won its second straight to move 10 games above .500 at 32-22.
RJ Barrett had 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and Sandro Mamukelashvili added 17 points.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 18 points, Jay Huff had 15 and Jarace Walker 13. Last in the Eastern Conference, the injury-ravaged Pacers have lost four straight to fall to 13-40.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 06: Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after making a 3-point basket against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 06, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Daniss Jenkins, the two-way player who has become an integral part of the Detroit Pistons’ rotation, has inked a two-year deal with the club. Jenkins used up the last of his two-way player availability with the Pistons in Friday’s dominant win over the New York Knicks. He scored 18 points and hit three 3-pointers in the game.
Details of his contract have not been disclosed, but reports indicate that the new two-year contract include a team-option for next season. The Pistons reportedly used part of their remaining portion of the bi-annual exception.
The Pistons are required to release a player to make room for Jenkins on the 15-man roster, and while unconfirmed, it is likely that player is veteran Dario Saric.
Jenkins went undrafted in 2024 after an impactful four-year college career with stints at Pacific for two years before transferring to Iona to play with Rick Pitino at Iona and following him to St. John’s for his final season of eligibility.
He signed a two-way deal with Detroit last season where he showed some promise, but he took a big leap forward in Summer League where it became clear he might have an NBA future. He put any questions about his ability to stick in the league to rest early in the season as he filled in for an injured Cade Cunningham.
He averaged 20.2 points per game over a five-game span, including hitting 44% of his threes and 7.6 assists. He’s scored at least 10 points in 15 of his 42 appearances this season.
He is averaging 8.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 turnovers in 42 games so far. He has also cemented himself as the team’s backup point guard, and made Jaden Ivey even more expendable. Ivey was traded to the Chicago Bulls at the NBA trade deadline so he could get consistent minutes while he’s working himself back from his broken fibula injury suffered at the beginning of 2025.
Jenkins has clearly earned the trust of head coach JB Bickerstaff, including Bickerstaff choosing to end games with both Cunningham and Jenkins in the back court as dangerous ball-handlers and scorers.
The young guard, who recently said he felt like it was crazy that he was undrafted, now doesn’t have to worry about his availability and gets what likely amounts to a raise of 10 times his two-way contract.
The Brooklyn Nets did not trade away any player at the 2026 trade deadline. After the constant rumors swirling around Michael Porter Jr. — not to mention the chaotic departures of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant in deadlines past — it was a nice, calm week in the borough.
The Nets, however, did waive three players, including Cam Thomas. On Sunday afternoon, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Thomas would sign with the Milwaukee Bucks…
Free agent guard Cam Thomas has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agent Tony Ronzone of Wasserman tells ESPN. Thomas, 24, averaged 21.4 points per game over the last three seasons with the Nets. pic.twitter.com/ki1SIWBG6G
It was a deadline befitting a rebuilding team, with some minor shuffling around the margins, including two low-stakes acquisitions that hardly cost a thing. About a century after the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000, the Boston Celtics sent Josh Minott to Brooklyn for the minimum $110,000 of cash considerations.
The Nets also traded for Ochai Agbaji and his expiring salary, which also earned them a 2032 second-round pick and $3.5 million in cash considerations. Both Minott and Agbaji play on the wing, low-usage off-ball guys who, at their best, hit spot-up threes while defending and filling lanes with a passion. Recall August of 2024, when the Nets took on Ziaire Williams — and a future second — as a salary-dump from the Memphis Grizzlies, a trade that’s worked out pretty well for Brooklyn.
Minott played 526 minutes with the Celtics this season, more than he had played in his first three seasons combined with Minnesota Timberwolves. The #45 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Minott spent plenty of time with the G League’s Iowa Wolves, until this past summer, when he signed with Boston. And to begin this season, the 23-year-old flashed real defensive and spot-up ability, though Jordan Walsh ultimately supplanted him in the rotation…
Welcome to Brooklyn Josh Minott!
Only 23 y/o
3.4 Stocks per 100 (93%tile) 5.7 Deflections p100 (93%tile) -3.6 contest FG DIFF, -8 rim FG DIFF Career 62% TS
his .14 dunk rate and 8% Oreb rank 3rd on the Nets, 1st among non-bigs. A huge injection of athleticism pic.twitter.com/Hb0w5KXtLK
“I’d say I kind of line up perfectly with, just like, the core values here in terms of defensive pressure and, you know, just being disruptive on the defensive end,” said Minott in his introductory presser in Brooklyn. “Additionally, I feel like my shooting has come such a long way for sure. I feel like that’s something I can confidently list as one of my strengths, and I know they believe in taking the right and open shots here.”
He sounds like a Net already! Not to mention that, despite a career-best season, Minott is still a fringe-rotation player on a $2.5 million contract with a team option for next season. Making a good impression over the final two months of Brooklyn’s season could go a long way.
When asked why he felt he’d excelled in Boston, Minott said, “I’d say it was just the hunger I was playing with. That’s something I’m planning on definitely bringing here, just the hunger and desperation. I feel like that’s something that the organization will definitely value considering, like I said, their core principles of defensive, their mindset of just disruption.”
Minott was born in Florida but plays for the Jamaican national team, and some folks call him ‘Why Not’, not only because it fits as a personal mantra but because it’s also a reminder on how to pronounce his last name. If Minott makes his first few 3-pointers in Brooklyn, you’ll be wondering how the hell Sean Marks nabbed him for free. If he starts out cold, not so much. But the man can really defend…
Ochai Agbaji arrives with striking similarities. He was selected by the Cavaliers at #14 in the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, then was traded to the Utah Jazz in the Donovan Mitchell deal before his debut. Then a trade to the Raptors, and finally, a trade to Brooklyn.
He had by far the best season of his career last year, mainly because he shot 39.9% from three on decent volume…he’s down to 18.5% this season, though his minutes were quite sporadic in Toronto.
“I think it’s just a matter of rhythm, really finding that rhythm,” said Agbaji in his introduction. “And, you know, the conversation with Jordi has been good, brief. Obviously, there’s been a lot going on, but briefly, he just told me he wants me here, and he wants me as a piece of this team, and sees a lot more in me, and a lot more of what I can do and what I can bring to this team.”
Fernández may be telling the truth. The Brooklyn Nets did not have to scoop up Minott or Agbaji; they did not have to duck a tax to get these guys, they didn’t have to match salaries, give up any of their draft hoard …they just scooped ‘em up because they were available.
And Fernández did not hesitate when asked what the newest Nets could bring to the floor: “Every time you can apply ball pressure, whether it’s in the full-court or the half-court, you can create turnovers, deflections, make the other team’s offense uncomfortable, play out of position late in the clock. So, we believe those guys can do that, and I’m excited. I’m excited to watch them play.”
Minott is about 6’9” with a plus-wingspan, a wiry NBA body if there ever was one. Agbaji is a bit stockier, makes some great closeouts and loves to get physical, though there is still some juice in those legs, a welcome sight for fans of one the league’s least athletic teams…
Agbaji, 25 years old, played with Jalen Wilson at Kansas for three seasons, and they won a national championship together.
“I actually knew him before he came to Kansas,” said Agbaji. “I was one of his hosts on his on his recruiting visit, so I’ve known him for a long time now, and seen him grow and expand in his game, his career. So now, ending up with him as a teammate and as a teammate again is great. So, like I said, it just feels like even more of a home here with him and some other guys.”
Neither player checked in during Brooklyn’s blowout of the Washington Wizards, though the trades had just been finalized. It remains to be seen where Minott and Agbaji will land in Jordi Fernández’s rotation, but their next opportunity to play will come on Monday evening against the Bulls. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 27: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 27, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Before Thursday’s trade deadline, a rumor last week linked the Bucks with former Nets guard Cam Thomas, primarily from HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto. While the contract isn’t public yet, usually post-deadline signings are for the veteran’s minimum, which would be about $905k for Thomas over the remainder of the year. Milwaukee can use the minimum salary exception to add him, and their cap hit would be $846k in that case. They had an open roster spot after waiving Nigel Hayes-Davis on Thursday evening, hours after acquiring him and Ousmane Dieng in exchange for Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey.
The 24-year-old Thomas spent four and a half seasons as a Net, after they selected him 27th overall in 2021. He first broke into their rotation during the latter years of the KD/Kyrie squads as a microwave scorer off their bench, moving into the starting lineup in his third campaign. In 2023–24, he assumed the mantle of their leading scorer the year after Kevin Durant was traded to Phoenix with 22.5 PPG and 2.9 APG on .442/.364/.881 shooting over 66 games (51 starts), but on subpar efficiency. Last season, he missed 57 contests with a left hamstring injury that held him out for three months, then ended his year six games after his late February returned. He’d been averaging a career-high 24.0 PPG. In each campaign, he put up 18+ attempts per game, so he’s earned a reputation as a chucker.
Perhaps due to that, Thomas didn’t receive any multiyear offers after hitting restricted free agency last offseason, including from the Nets. The 6’3” LSU alum therefore took the qualifying offer, giving him the ability to veto trades during 2025–26. He’s appeared in 24 contests for the Nets, starting only eight, with scoring (15.6 PPG), rebounding (1.8 RPG), and shooting (.399/.325/.843) numbers down across the board and his typical 3.1 APG. He also strained that same hammy in November, knocking him out for 20 games until just before New Years. After two years averaging 31+ MPG, he was down to 24.3 this year. Recognizing Brooklyn didn’t envision him as part of his future given the lack of an offer last summer, he surely would have waived that right had the Nets found a deal for him last week, but they couldn’t get anything done. He missed the team’s flight on February 4th, listed as out with “personal reasons,” which many speculated to be a pending move.
The initial Scotto rumor also liked Thomas to the Cavs, echoing a trade idea Jackson proposed between them, the Bucks, and Nets. Scotto mentioned that Cleveland discussed a Thomas trade that would have sent Lonzo Ball (since traded to Utah and waived) and “second-round draft compensation” to Brooklyn. Those talks didn’t progress, and the Nets waived Thomas very shortly after the 2 p.m. Central deadline on Thursday. That’s apparently what he was hoping for, telling Andscape’s Marc Spears:
“Super excited ready to actually help and contribute to another team. My next team is getting elite scoring, good play-making and a good combo guard… I picked Milwaukee because they wanted me and they told me they’ve been interested for years now. So, it’s good to have this opportunity come to fruition. And I’m just hoping to meet everybody, get to know everybody and contribute as soon as possible.”
It’s worth noting that Milwaukee also has about $3m remaining on its room exception this season (the rest of it was used to sign Kevin Porter Jr. to a new contract last July), and could use that to outbid other Thomas suitors. But given the mutual interest between Thomas and the Bucks, it’s probably a minimum contract. Since he is changing teams in free agency, Milwaukee will have Non-Bird rights on him this offseason, so their next contract could only give him a 20% raise on his new salary—a fair bit less than the $6m Brooklyn is still paying him this season. For anything more, they’d need to use a different exception, like the mid-level or bi-annual.
Getting a scorer as talented as Thomas, despite his inefficiency, for next to nothing is certainly a steal. What’s more interesting is what this means for Milwaukee moving forward this season. On their first three-game winning streak of the season, their competition before the break is more serious than the cellar-dwelling Pelicans and Pacers. Still, at just 21-29, they’re 2.5 games back of Charlotte—whom they have a tiebreaker over after winning the season series 3-1—for the East’s final play-in spot. So the hill is still steep, if they choose to climb it.
Thomas can only score, doesn’t defend, and while he’s right that he can play-make, it’s really only for himself. He probably will help more than he hurts the rest of the year, but maybe not to a great extent. Mainly, he’ll give the moribund Bucks offense (24th in ORtg per Cleaning The Glass) a definite boost whenever he’s on the floor, and the Bucks are simply not good enough to not add talent. I wonder about his future, though: he’ll be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this summer, and will certainly be trying to raise his stock after a disappointing last year or so in Brooklyn, which impacted his market last summer. Giannis has complained about selfish play from his teammates and how guys are playing for their next contracts; few would call Thomas unselfish, and he’s hoping for a multiyear deal come July. So perhaps he isn’t a good long-term fit if Giannis sticks around. But a new team-friendly deal over two years (at most) could be tradable, especially if it has a team option.
One more note: many assumed that up-and-coming big man Pete Nance would be converted from his two-way contract to a standard deal (Milwaukee currently has one two-way spot open) for that final roster spot. While that could happen yet, if the Bucks were to open a spot by waiving Gary Harris, Gary Trent Jr., or Jericho Sims, they’d have to stretch their 2026–27 salary over three more years. That’s because each of them has a player option for next season, which is counted as guaranteed money. Nance has 21 games of two-way eligibility remaining, having been active for 29 so far this year.
