Category: NBA

Lakers star Luka Doncic’s fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, left him out of a message about “ups and downs” that she shared in a post recapping the last decade.

Goltes, who is a model and influencer, shared dozens of Instagram photos showing her modeling, pregnant and spending time with the couple’s two young daughters — but Doncic was not pictured.

“2016–2026. A decade of good times, hard lessons, and everything in between,” Goltes, 27, wrote.

View this post on Instagram

“Plenty of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a single moment .”

The six-time NBA All-Star and Goltes welcomed their second daughter on Dec. 4.

Doncic and Goltes are fairly private about their relationship.

The Jordan Brand athlete missed multiple Lakers games to be with Goltes in Slovenia for the birth of their second child last month.

Doncic notched a triple-double L.A.’s 115-107 win over the Nuggets in Denver on Tuesday. He finished with 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

The Lakers play the Clippers in Inglewood on Thursday night.

As of Monday, Doncic was leading fan voting for this year’s NBA All-Stars in the Western Conference.

Doncic and Goltes got engaged in Slovenia in July 2023 — five months after they announced the birth of their first child, Gabriela, in an Instagram post on Dec. 1, 2022.

Goltes — who was on the cover of Cosmopolitan Slovenija in October 2019 — previously shared in an Instagram Q&A that she met Doncic “when we were 12 years old at the seaside in Croatia.”

Doncic previously explained that Goltes “doesn’t like basketball, but she goes to every game” to support him.

“I met her in Croatia in the same camp I go to now. I met her when we were 11 — I don’t know, something like that,” Doncic said during a 2023 appearance on “Headliners with Rachel Nichols” on Showtime. “So, I’m really happy to have her. It’s been great and she helps me a lot.

“It’s a lot of pressure outside. When I get home, it’s no basketball talk. She don’t like basketball, but she goes to every game. I mean, she likes it now, but she didn’t like it, which is good for me. I really like that.”

Ten days ago, I threw a challenge into the void. I went to The Feed and asked, in full Stephen Crowder fashion, for someone to change my mind on the idea that the Suns should stand pat as the trade deadline approaches.

And I am still right where I was then. I like this team as it is built. I like the depth. I like the balance. Power forward remains an area of opportunity, sure, but I do not see anything out there that feels both attainable and worth disrupting what they have going.

Before we dive in, I want to say this sincerely. Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to think through it, to type it out, and to engage with the exercise. I know how much work that is, because I live in a keyboard most days. You all brought thoughtful ideas and real effort.

So now let’s get into it. Let’s walk through what the community had to say, and I will explain where I agree, where I disagree, and whether anything actually moved the needle for me. Let’s explore.

jrm2020: Lauri Markannen

Several of us have been advocating for acquiring Lauri Markenen from Utah for the past several weeks. To repeat some of the rationale presented: fills the Suns biggest position of need with size, experience, proven scoring and rebounding (currently averaging more PPG than anyone on the Suns), and is around the same age as core vets like Booker, Brooks, and Allen. It would be a serious all-in win now move that would immediately raise the team’s ceiling to what I believe would be the level of a true contender. Also, the Jazz have a serious incentive to tank enough to guarantee a top 8 pick so to avoid it being conveyed to OKC. Would definitely requiring sacrificing something of real value to get him, and the Suns probably don’t have enough of the draft capitol that Utah probably primarily wants, but maybe by involving a third team something could be cobbled together to satisfy them. I’m not aware of the Jazz’s position on moving him now, but he’s certainly been rumored as being a target for other teams, so why not us?

I am not anti-Lauri Markkanen. I like him as a player, and I understand the appeal. On paper, his addition feels like a clean next step in properly building around Devin Booker. He grades out as a highly productive player on both ends per B-Ball Index, and from a pure roster construction standpoint, the fit makes sense. At least on the surface.

Where it falls apart is the cost. That is the real hang-up. And jrm2020 nailed the key issue. The Suns probably do not have the draft capital Utah would want. That is correct. But it goes deeper than picks.

Markkanen is making $46.4 million this season. Even with a third team involved, you are talking about moving real money and real depth to make the math work. I am not there yet. Not with how this team feels right now.

This is the type of move you revisit in the offseason. Especially once you have clarity on Jalen Green. He is the kind of financial piece that could eventually help grease the wheels on a deal like this. But right now, the timing is off. The Suns do not have the draft assets to realistically land Markkanen, even with creative accounting and extra teams involved. Neither player is on an expiring deal either. Green would still have two years left after this season. Markkanen has three, with his contract climbing to $53.5 million by 2028-29.

The idea makes sense. The reality does not.

Making this move now would be a full pivot. One that strips depth to chase a single outcome. Utah would want picks. Phoenix does not have enough. Other teams can beat that offer easily. Exploring it right now feels like an exercise in futility.

I would rather let this season breathe. Evaluate Jalen Green. Ride the momentum. Cashing in every chip for a move like this, right now, feels premature.

Mind changed? Interesting theory, but I’m standing pat.

Jtasher: Bobby Portis

The one person I am interested in is Bobby Portis. Good size PF who is tough, can shoot the three and has that mad dawg personality that will fit with the rest of the team. Also someone who has nba experience in the playoffs. But I do not think green should be traded for him and I do not think either o Neal or Allen are enough to get him (without expending draft capital). For the bucks, I think he is available to maybe convince Giannis to stay (if they get an upgrade) or if they blow every thing up. If so a third party may be needed to give them the return on what they want or us to get him.

Bobby Portis is a really interesting name, because he checks a lot of the boxes for what this team could use at the power forward spot. He’s 6’10”, at 30 he fits the timeline, and brings the toughness and edge this team clearly values. He plays with aggression, rebounds with intent, and can stretch the floor. The shooting is the eye catcher. He is hitting a league-best 47.4% from three right now, which is absurd.

He is making $13.4 million this season with two years left, the final year being a player option. From a math standpoint, you can build a deal that works. What does that look like?

It is not complicated. Milwaukee gets some financial relief and a first-round pick, even if that pick has been passed around so much it barely feels real anymore. Maybe you sweeten it with another asset and call it a day.

This is the type of move I can at least talk myself into. But there are roadblocks. The first is that what the Suns have at that position has actually been working. Portis would fit, but disrupting what is clicking always gives me pause.

The bigger issue is Milwaukee. They are struggling at 18-24, but they are in the East. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, a run is always on the table. I am not sure they want to rock the boat that hard.

And then there is the draft reality. The Bucks have fewer picks than the Suns after years of pushing chips in for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. If Portis ever truly hits the market, Phoenix should absolutely knock. The problem is other teams will likely have more ammunition to force that door open.

Mind changed? My skepticism is wavering.

Headz77: Jeremy Sochan

O’Neal for Sochan. I think it works straight up, and makes sense for both teams. Might even get the Suns out of the luxury tax?

First off, why can nobody spell Royce O’Neale’s last name correctly? Seriously. It is not only the community. Our own writers battle with it regularly, and I swear I have spent an unreasonable portion of my life editing those letters back into the proper order.

Now, Jeremy Sochan. He has never really done it for me. Yes, he plays hard. Yes, he brings toughness. If you are a team starving for edge and effort, I get the appeal. The Suns are not that team. They already have that. Other teams need Jeremy Sochan. Phoenix does not.

He is shooting 25.7% from three this season and sits at 28.7% for his career. In this hypothetical, you are giving up an elite three-point shooter for someone who hustles, rebounds a bit, and brings energy. That has value. It does not have value here. He would not start. He would come off the bench. At 6’8”, without a three-point shot, living on effort and physicality.

And that is where I get stuck. Do we not already have that guy? His name is Ryan Dunn.

Mind changed? If anything, the needle just moved the other way.

sdhx19: Jalen Smith/Grant Williams

I have 2 names in addition to Portis, who might be the best case. One is our own Jalen Smith, who is in top 50 in rebounds per 36, can protect the rim, shoot the 3 and is somewhat buried in Chicago. The big Q is is he quick enough to defend consistently on the perimeter but either way I think he can be very useful here. 2y ~9m per year.

The other is just returning from injury, Grant Williams from CHA. He is tough, can reb and shoot the 3, not the quickest feet but will provide if healthy. As we know we do business with CHA regularly. he has 2y ~13m per year so he is obtainable.

You really did get a two-for-one here.

Time is a flat circle, right? The guy drafted instead of Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Vassell. The guy who actually fit what the Suns needed at the time, then never got a consistent runway. Jalen Smith. He is making $9 million this season, which makes acquiring him incredibly easy from a math standpoint.

On a middling Bulls team, he has played 36 games, started 6, and is putting up 9.4 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting a respectable 34.7% from three.

When it comes to Stix, I keep coming back to the same question. Why? Is it because we think we need a bigger body? If that is the case, I would rather funnel those minutes into Oso Ighodaro or Ryan Dunn, both cheaper, both already here, both still in the development phase. I want to see what they actually are instead of bringing back a retread because we talk ourselves into needing size.

The only way I can sell this to Chicago is as a financial reset. You pitch it as expiring contracts. Nick Richards expires. Nigel Hayes Davis expires. You frame it as freeing up money instead of paying Smith $9.4 million next year for a player you are not fully invested in anymore.

And here is the real problem. Chicago does not do things like this. They never have. They never seem interested in getting better or cleaner financially. It is honestly impressive in its own way. Every year it is the same cycle. Hover around the Pla-In. Lose. Run it back. No aggressive trades. No draft maneuvering. Unless Sacramento is calling, the phone stays quiet. They are not rebuilding. They are not contending. They simply exist.

Mind changed? Status quo: preserved.

Now Grant Williams. Is the goal here to become the most hated team in the league? Because if that is the mission, we are halfway there already with Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks. Should we complete the villain arc and bring Grant Williams into the mix, too? And while we are at it, is Charlotte the only team we are allowed to trade with anymore?

I have zero interest in Grant Williams. Start with the ACL. That stuff lingers, and it usually takes a full season after the return before a player looks like himself again. Then add the rest of the résumé. Undersized. Loud. Has rubbed locker rooms the wrong way everywhere he has been. Boston moved on. Dallas moved on. Now he is parked in Charlotte, drifting.

Would he fit the culture? Maybe. But I do not want to give up anything this team currently has to make room for Grant Williams wandering around the rotation. And can you imagine him and Dillon Brooks sharing the floor? That is not defense. That is a complimentary free-throw package for the other team. Fouls. Technicals. Whistles nonstop. Candy on Halloween. Hard pass.

Mind changed? That logic doesn’t live in my neighborhood.

That was a fun exercise, and I landed in the same place I started. Bobby Portis is the one name that genuinely makes me pause and think. Outside of that, nothing I have seen feels strong enough to change how I view this team or what it is becoming.

This roster is built to compete right now, and I did not expect to be saying that at this point of the season. I am thankful that I am. But I do not believe in making moves for the sake of making moves. This team has depth. It has flexibility. Yes, power forward remains an area where size could help, but depth matters, and any addition risks disrupting that balance.

The Suns are not hunting the way the Sixers are for perimeter shooting. They are not scrambling the way the Lakers are to prop up an expensive top end with duct tape depth. This team is balanced. It knows who it is. I have no appetite to upset that right now.

They can compete. They can disrupt. They can make noise in the playoffs without touching a single button. And being in that position, unexpectedly, is a really good place to be.

Adding value: Crunching the numbers on Sam Hauser's recent surge originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

We’re struggling to remember the last time a Sam Hauser 3-pointer touched anything but the net. It certainly didn’t happen on Wednesday night against Indiana, with all five of Hauser’s triples finding nothing but twine.

Hauser nearly matched the Celtics’ single-game record for 3-pointers last Saturday in Atlanta before hilariously getting snagged on 10 makes, and misfiring on six energy-drained attempts before coach Joe Mazzulla mercifully ended his night in a lopsided win.

Hauser has made 25 3-pointers in his last five games. Consider this: There are 279 players in the NBA who haven’t made 25 3-pointers all season. Yes, Hauser has more 3-pointers in a week than half the league has made in half of the season. 

Still, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster for Hauser in 2025-26. He came into the new campaign as a starter on a robust $10 million per year extension, but got shuffled to the bench after three games due in large part to Boston’s rebounding woes. Hauser’s shot was off at times to start the season, and his minutes dipped below even his average on Boston’s recent talent-surplus teams.

Even in those moments, Hauser was a positive for the Celtics when he was on the court. But now his shot is falling, and he’s given an already-potent offense another jolt while shuffling back to the starting role. 

Let’s crunch the numbers on all the ways that Hauser is helping Boston thrive when he’s on the court: 

The turnaround

Let’s get the shooting discussion out the way. After some woes to start the season — at least by his lofty, above-40 percent-on-3-pointers standards — Hauser has found his groove over the last 16 games. Just look at the spikes in his scoring and shooting efficiencies: 

Most notable: Hauser was shooting 32.1 percent on all pull-up 3-pointers through the first 26 games. He’s up to a sizzling 52.4 percent over his last 16 games.

Catch and shoot will always be Hauser’s bread and butter — and even that percentage jumped 12.8 percent to 47.2 percent in his last 16 games — but he’s creating all sorts of quality attempts lately, including some sneaky moments where he puts the ball on the floor and ventures inside the arc. 

Nothing but net for starters

The Celtics’ starting five featuring Hauser is outscoring opponents by a whopping 19.2 points per 100 possessions over 149 minutes of floor time this season. 

Among the 40 five-man lineups in the league with at least 100 minutes played this season, Boston’s starters rank fourth in net rating behind only lineups from Oklahoma City, Denver, and — surprisingly — Charlotte.

Narrow that down to the 25 lineups with 120+ minutes this season, and Boston’s starting five vaults to second in net rating, trailing only the Denver starters when Nikola Jokic was healthy. 

The Celtics rank second in the NBA in offensive rating this season at 121.3, trailing only the Nuggets (121.5). 

Quick decisions, good ball security

Hauser is a perfect fit for the starting group in part because his presence forces defenders to stay attached and creates space for teammates. What’s more, he makes quick decisions and takes care of the basketball.

The stat crunchers at BBall Index note that Hauser ranks 74th out of 513 NBA players this season in quick-decision pass percentage, with 86 percent of his touches lasting 0.5 seconds or less. Hauser ranks 57th out of 513 players while committing 1.75 turnovers per 100 touches.

His bad-pass turnovers have crept up a bit this season, but he’s routinely valued the ball throughout his career and is a willing ball-mover when he doesn’t have a quality look.

Defending without fouling

It’s still comical to watch players trip all over themselves trying to go at Hauser in isolation. Hauser routinely competes in those situations, all while avoiding fouls by keeping his hands up. In fact, the numbers suggest he’s been the best isolation defender on the team this season.

Opponents are averaging 0.68 points per play in isolation against Hauser this season, the best mark of the 10 Boston players who have defended enough possessions to qualify. Opponents are shooting 28 percent in those instances and turn the ball over on 11.8 percent of those possessions. Hauser ranks in the 89th percentile among all isolation defenders.

Overall, the NBA’s tracking data suggests that opponents are shooting 0.7 percent below expected output when Hauser is the nearest defender. That’s another solid number considering the variety of players Hauser defends.

On Wednesday night against Indiana, Hauser spent multiple turns on Pascal Siakam. He had one excellent isolation stop early in the game, then got beat off the dribble later in the game and committed a tough and-one foul. 

Still, Hauser commits fouls on just 2.3 percent of his team’s plays, which is an elite number for a player routinely tasked with defending an array of wings and bigs. What’s more, he commits shooting fouls on a mere 7.4 percent of his contested shots, which ranks in the 89th percentile for his position.

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Cleaning the glass

Hauser also quietly does a nice job on the glass. His defensive rebound percentage is up to 14.6 this season, which would be the best full-season mark of his career.

Boston grabs 69.8 percent of available defensive rebounds with Hausers on the court this season, the third-best mark on the team behind only centers Luka Garza (72.0) and Neemias Queta (70.2). 

Final thoughts

While Hauser’s reputation hinges heavily on his shotmaking abilities, he continues to find ways to positively impact the Celtics beyond scoring.

In a league where shooters with other skills are some of the most valuable commodities, Hauser is a true luxury, particularly while accounting just for 6.5 percent of the cap this season, even as his extension kicks in.

With the NBA trade deadline lingering, and the Celtics having only a limited amount of tradable contracts, Hauser’s name will invariably be floated at times. The last few weeks have been a firm reminder of how valuable he is to this team and its quest to return to title contender status.

For the third time in four games, the Milwaukee Bucks were blown out by a Western Conference team, losing 122-102 to the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Things have tumbled quickly for the Bucks; after winning five of their last seven games, they’ve now dropped four of five. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.

Player Grades

Giannis Antetokounmpo

31 minutes, 19 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 turnovers, 8/11 FG, 3/6 FT, -11

Despite missing several big-time defensive pieces in Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder still made it incredibly difficult for Giannis to get going. To his credit, though, GA was still very efficient, picking up another double-double and having seven assists.

Grade: B-

Ryan Rollins

29 minutes, 10 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 turnovers, 4/11 FG, 2/5 3P, -9

The ball pressure from OKC’s defense really made it a hard day for Rollins as well. He found his spots at times, but between Cason Wallace and Lu Dort, it was tough for him to get consistent opportunities.

Grade: C-

AJ Green

32 minutes, 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4/9 3P, -14

Green has really found his stroke in January. He’s been shooting 40.7% so far, and added a 44% performance last night. The Bucks have needed these types of performances from him, even in ugly losses.

Grade: B

Kyle Kuzma

28 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3/11 FG, 0/5 3P, -20

Things keep trending downward for Kuzma as the season progresses. He wasn’t able to do much on defence guarding SGA (to be fair, few can), and according to Doc Rivers, he wasn’t in the right spots offensively. According to Rivers, he was supposed to be a screener and roller in the middle, but ended up just spacing and hoisting up five three-pointers.

Grade: D+

Bobby Portis

37 minutes, 15 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 6/14 FG, 2/7 3P, +0

Bobby continues to be a consistent offensive player off the bench for the Bucks. He added another 15 points and even distributed the ball a little bit, doling out nine assists.

Grade: B-

Pete Nance

30 minutes, 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3/5 3P, +3

What a revelation Nance has been over the last two games. Last night, he played double the minutes he did on Monday and looked pretty solid on both ends. Of the players who played more than 10 minutes, he was the only Buck to be a positive in the plus/minus.

Grade: B+

Cole Anthony

29 minutes, 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 turnovers, 7/9 FG, 3/4 3P, -2

With Kevin Porter Jr. out, Doc Rivers tapped Cole Anthony to return to the rotation and fill in as the backup point guard. He did well and was Bucks’ leading scorer at halftime. While he had his moments of good play, the bad with Anthony reared its ugly head again with some bone-headed turnovers.

Grade: B

Doc Rivers

If any team has perfected the right approach to NBA basketball in the 2020s, it’s been the Thunder. The difference between them and how Doc runs the Bucks couldn’t be more stark. The way OKC runs offense and stays locked into their principles is impressive to watch. Meanwhile, the Bucks are apparently focused on the more basic elements of basketball, like moving the ball with pace. It’s the clearest example of how the modern NBA has passed Rivers by.

Grade: D-

Limited Minutes: Gary Harris, Andre Jackson Jr, Gary Trent Jr.

Garbage Time: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Amir Coffey, Jericho Sims

Inactive: Myles Turner, Kevin Porter Jr, Taurean Prince, Alex Antetokounmpo

Bonus Bucks Bits

• Giannis wore an All-Star patch on his jersey, commemorating his selection as a starter from the Eastern Conference. With his 10th straight selection, Giannis became the first Bucks player in franchise history to have 10 All-Star appearances with the team.
• Before the game, Myles Turner (left ankle sprain) and KPJ (oblique strain) were both ruled out. Rivers said that Turner is just day-to-day, but Porter could be out for some time, with no clear timetable for his return.
• The Bucks are now 10-20 since starting the season 8-5.
• This is the fourth straight game that Giannis has shot the ball 13 times or less. Giannis was asked postgame how the team could get him more shots:

“I’m not the guy who will yell and cuss a teammate out and demand the ball. I’ve never done that in my career. I feel like I’ve played with teammates who understand the gravity I can cause for our team, how I can create for my teammates or for myself. Maybe because we’re young, maybe it’s because we’re not playing well, maybe guys think it’s their turn. They want to carry the team on their back and try to turn this around, but I don’t get it. It’s not like I’m not trying to be aggressive.”

• I asked Bobby Portis how he handles these types of loses, especially when they come this close together:

“It’s the NBA, man, in about six or seven games, I’m about to play my 700th NBA game, which is crazy to say. So, I’ve played in a lot of different games, a lot of different moments, can’t get too high or too low. Obviously, you want to have that sense of urgency on a nightly basis; that’s something you have to have, especially where we are in the season. We’re not where we want to be, you’ve just got to have that sense of urgency every night so you can give yourself the best chance to win.”

• In previous interviews, Giannis has stated that there are times when he feels some of the younger players are trying to do too much. So, I asked Giannis about what type of learning curve it takes for a young player to break out of that and progress:

“Time and experience. I was like 20, 21. I think it was my third year in the league, but then in my fourth year, it (got) better. I had great vets that taught me how to play the game, how to play unselfish basketball, play winning basketball. I felt like I was always on go mode, and they were able to tell me to find my teammates and set the tone, move the ball. There are going to be times during the game it’s going to be your turn to take over the game. I learned to read the plays, I learned to read momentum, I learned to read runs. I remember back in the day when the team went on a run, there would never be a case where I didn’t touch the ball. If you can find a clip of the team going on a run and didn’t throw me the ball in the post, to go to the free throw line, get a wide-open shot, and create this gravity. When I was younger, I didn’t know what I was doing, but they understood for me.”

Up Next

Milwaukee will have another late tip-off at home this week, welcoming the Nuggets to Fiserv Forum to finish their two-game season series. Tip-off is slated for 8:30 p.m. Central time, with the game available to stream on Prime Video. On cable, it can still be watched on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

We are officially just 2 weeks away from the trade deadline! After weeks and weeks of rumors, speculation, and plenty of CelticsBlog articles, we’re getting close to the end. At this point, the agents have played their hands, the teams have signaled their intentions (or not), and the posturing has reached its apex. I’ve never worked for a front office, but it seems like this is the time when they pull up all the options they’ve been working on for months and really decide on what to prioritize, what hard line they are going to hold to, and what they can give up. From the outside looking in, we have no idea what those internal conclusions are.

So I went to our own team and asked for their inputs for the latest staff roundtable.

What would you like to see Brad Stevens and the Celtics do at the trade deadline?

Jack Anderson

I want the Celtics to add a center. It doesn’t need to be a big swing like Nic Claxton or Ivica Zubac but they need depth. I just worry about Neemias Queta, Luka Garza and small ball as the options in a playoff series. Marvin Bagley is on a minimum salary and could be an option to give Joe another option at center because he won’t put Tillman or Boucher out there.

Ian Inangelo

I want the Celtics to add another big. I think Tatum will be a great addition when he gets back but they need another guy at the center position. Ivica Zubac or Jaren Jackson Jr would be the best case scenarios in my mind but fine with a guy like Day’Ron Sharpe or Isaiah Jackson. Just another body to have at the big man position that can provide more depth.

Mark Aboyoun

I agree with Jack that a big man is the priority for me. I’m not necessarily in the camp of bringing back Robert Williams (although I am still a fan of his). We can use a front court player who can give us minutes either in front of Queta/Garza if we go for a big name center like Ivica Zubac, but need someone who can be that third big man with the rotation with Queta and Garza.

Bobby Manning

It’s a boring answer but I feel like the Celtics standing pat will be a win. It would keep the possibility alive of Anfernee Simons staying long-term, show new ownership’s willingness to pay luxury tax even in a borderline contending season and the cliché of Jayson Tatum being the deadline addition could hold true. The Celtics haven’t thrived with the marginal upgrade by using second round picks, and they shouldn’t utilize draft capital to offload salary either. So if neither of those things happen, there’s always the chance to take a buyout swing like they did with Torrey Craig last year. And they’re now eligible to sign the ones who make higher salaries now. Their current winning situation should attract a veteran.

Mike Dynon

Assuming Jayson Tatum will be activated before long, a couple of small moves could make the Celtics very dangerous for the postseason. First, as others have said, acquire a center who can join the Queta-Garza rotation. He won’t need to be a top-level talent, but rather (as the saying goes) a serviceable big man. Not sure who that should be, but am happy to let Brad surprise us (as usual). Perhaps Chris Boucher could be part of the deal and thus be freed from Joe Mazzulla’s purgatory.

Second, don’t trade Anfernee Simons – unless it’s for another significant difference-maker. The Anferno’s recent outburst probably enhanced what dealing him could bring in return. On the other hand, it also demonstrated what a weapon he is. It’s understood that his defense isn’t the best, and his contract is expiring and he might leave for nothing after this season. But if the Celtics add Tatum and another big, and feel they have a legit chance to reach the Finals, hanging onto Simons’ firepower could help win some playoff games. Give us a successful postseason, even if he walks later.

Nik Land

I would like to see the Celtics add another low-cost big man, similar to their previous acquisitions of Mike Muscala and Xavier Tillman. While a major addition such as Ivica Zubac would undoubtedly elevate the team, I don’t believe such a move is absolutely necessary for Boston to be highly competitive. If the Celtics were able to acquire a younger option like Day’Ron Sharpe (Nets), Karlo Matković (Pelicans), Yves Missi (Pelicans), or another big who fits a similar profile, I would be happy. All of these players are on affordable contracts that would keep the Celtics below the second apron, and each comes with team options that provide Boston with additional roster flexibility and control. That said, I think it is more likely the team ultimately stands pat.

Bill Sy

I only want one thing.

Nirav Barman

My trade priorities depend on how likely the Celtics are to retain Anfernee Simons in the offseason. Seeing how well the team is doing right now without JT is very exciting, but I think making a push solely for this year would be short-sighted. With the exception maybe of Tillman and Boucher, everyone on this team is a contributor. Outside of those two and Simons, they’re also all under contract, and should be back the following year with a healthy JT. If Brad thinks he can retain Anfernee at a reasonable price, stay pat. If not, he absolutely has to take advantage of the trade value, preferably to find a backup big, and maybe some cheap extra firepower off the bench.

Jeff Clark

My opinion on this has shifted 2 or 3 times over the last few months. I imagine that Brad Stevens is much more measured, thoughtful, and deliberate about how he approaches his job. Things can develop over time to change his mind, but I have a feeling that he’s had a plan (or several versions of plans) all along. So I’ll submit that Brad knew very well how good Simons could perform and fit into our system and he knew the drawbacks to his game and long term fit (both on the court and financially). If he decides that the right value is out there to make an upgrade to this team now and for the future, I’ll probably trust him.

All that aside, at this moment I also want to keep Simons and see if we can sign him to a more reasonable deal in the offseason. Sometimes you just need a guy that can go out and get buckets. Like everyone else, I think the Celtics need more reliable depth at the center position and hope that they can address that in a smaller move. Maybe that means that the guy we get will not play all that much in the playoffs when benches get short and (knock on wood) Tatum will be back. But we need more depth at that position and giving Joe Mazzulla more options is always a good idea.

Your Turn!

Tell us in the comments what you’d like to see Brad Stevens and the Celtics do at the trade deadline.

The Wednesday morning ESPN story did more than shed further light on the notorious Buss family drama. Or how former Lakers controlling owner and current governor Jeanie Buss has felt about star forward LeBron James in the past.

Buss issued a statement to The Athletic after the story was published, stating she has appreciated James’ contributions to the franchise over the last eight seasons after the story detailed private dissatisfaction she’s had with James, or the narrative surrounding him, especially over the last few seasons. 

But the story also brought back to the forefront what’s been a question within NBA circles for a while, especially since the summer: What will James’ future look like, and what will his future bring beyond the 2025–26 season? 

James’ playing career, and the speculation surrounding it, has been a major talking point these last few years, after he hinted at possible retirement following the 2022–23 season. 

And James’ agent Rich Paul, CEO and founder of Klutch Sports Group, only fueled that fire when he issued a statement saying, in part, that James would be monitoring the Lakers’ offseason moves and whether they would be in the position to contend for a title after James opted into his $52.6 million salary for 2025–26. 

James hasn’t directly addressed how he feels about the Lakers’ roster outside of saying during the Sept. 29 Media Day, “I’m excited about getting to work, and I’m excited to see what we can do.” And he brushed off a question when asked last month about the Lakers’ playoff aspirations.

But with the Lakers entering Wednesday with a 26–16 record and sitting at No. 5 in the Western Conference standings after Tuesday’s road win over the Denver Nuggets, the timing of the ESPN story and the trade deadline two weeks away, James’ future is back in the spotlight.

So it’s time to make one thing clear: James will likely be with the Lakers beyond the Feb. 5 trade deadline. He has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he’d have to request and approve a trade to another team.

And even though, at times, James being on the Lakers has felt like a partnership between the two sides, he’s been consistent with reaffirming his desires to stay with the franchise during critical periods. 

And they’re about to enter another crucial moment of truth this offseason. 

Since the summer, many non-Lakers league personnel have spoken on their belief that James won’t be on the Lakers beyond this season, assuming he doesn’t retire (an unlikely scenario). They expect the Lakers to move forward with Luka Dončić as the centerpiece of the franchise; Austin Reaves as the second star after he’s expected to sign a significant contract during the summer; and for the Lakers to capitalize on the “optionality” they could have during the summer. 

But the obvious follow-up question is the one that doesn’t get good-enough answers: if James isn’t on the Lakers next season, where does he go?

The Golden State Warriors? There isn’t a viable trade available to make it work. 

The Dallas Mavericks? It’s clear they’re fully entrenched in the Cooper Flagg era.

Outside of the Lakers, the only other teams floated around are the New York Knicks and a possible third tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers for James’ retirement tour. 

But when James’ future is brought up in these discussions, there’s also another reality that’s acknowledged: James likely doesn’t know what his future will hold, either. 

And even though many signs point toward the four-time league MVP not wearing the purple and gold beyond 2025–26, his options beyond this season feel more limited than most would think. 

As the Boston Celtics closed out the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, Sam Hauser showcased a move rarely seen from the veteran sharpshooter.

Hauser used a Neemias Queta screen to cut to the left corner, caught a cross-court inbound from Derrick White, pump-faked, spun right, and sank a mid-range jumper over Indiana’s Pascal Siakam. The oohs and ahhs came pouring in from TD Garden while Hauser played it off cool. Not because he didn’t expect it, but because he’s been expanding his offensive repertoire beyond the 3-point line.

“I know I’m capable of doing other things than shooting a three,” Hauser told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “(Shooting) is just what I’m asked to do the most, and that’s how I started to get on the floor in Boston. I tried to run with that and become as great of a shooter as I can each and every day, while also building off of it — because the next phase to a shot is a shot fake and a drive.”

Typically, most of Hauser’s field goal attempts have come from beyond the arc. On Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks, he set the NBA’s all-time record for most 3-pointers attempted (21) without a single 2-pointer, falling one short of Boston’s franchise record of 11 makes. Eight times this season — including Wednesday night’s 119-104 win over Indiana — Hauser has drained five or more threes, with the Celtics going 7-1 during those performances. But that’s just part of what he’s honed to improve his compatibility with Boston’s offense this season.

To make sure the Celtics can get the most out of him on that end of the floor, Hauser is working to master that “next phase” and increase the difficulty of defending Boston’s movement-heavy offense.

With nine seconds on the shot clock, it’s easy to misread Hauser’s pull-up mid-range jumper as experimental rather than a skill he’s genuinely looking to add. However, he intends to normalize it from time to time, even if it’s antithetical to the typical role for his archetype.

“I know I’m capable of it, and when it presents itself, I try to take advantage,” Hauser told reporters.

Hauser made his 14th start in 42 appearances this season, playing alongside Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, White, and Queta. That combination has logged 21 games together, producing a 129.8 offensive rating and a 109.4 defensive rating — both higher than Boston’s season averages — while shooting 61.2% on effective field goals, which clears the league average.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, even without the numbers in front of him, has taken note of how effectively that rotation has performed and what Hauser adds to it.

“Sam’s ability to play two-way basketball and defend at a high level allows us to spread the floor and play a little offensively,” Mazzulla told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “We have to be able to go to a bunch of different lineups, but that one is playing well so far.”

In adapting to the 2025-26 version of Mazzulla’s offense, Hauser has had to bring more to the table. Rather than lingering on the perimeter, he’s constantly in motion — making cuts, navigating off-ball screens, and doing all the little things that usually go unnoticed to hunt the most efficient looks, even when he’s not the one taking the shot.

“It’s not just the shot-making,” Mazzulla told reporters. “It’s the ability to make 2-on-1s, get defenders to overreact, and not leave his body. So the shooting is important, but so are the screening and spacing, which help him and also help the team.”

Hauser’s unexpected choice to pass up the three and pull up for a mid-range jumper over Siakam came directly from Boston’s offensive principles. Five of his six made shots Wednesday night came off space created by either Queta or Luka Garza, and none were traditional pick-and-rolls with Hauser handling the ball. Each shot was assisted by premier playmakers like Brown, White, and Anfernee Simons, who worked off screens while Hauser cut to openings, ready to catch and fire.

It’s a scheme that keeps everyone in constant motion, fully engaged, and contributing even without touching the ball — and Hauser is a critical component.

“It starts with Neemi setting a great screen, and sometimes it’s hard when they’re pressuring like that,” Hauser told reporters. “But we have such dynamic ball-handlers that they’re able to create an advantage even when the screen is not even there, which makes it easier to get on the back-end of the play, get open, and get to space. You just have to adjust and take what the defense gives you in the moment if they’re switching up the coverage.”

The start of the new year has been excellent for Hauser, thanks in large part to his ability to mesh with Boston’s offensive system. Since Jan. 1, he’s shooting 52% from the field and 48.2% from three, averaging 14.5 points and 4.4 rebounds. This version of Hauser may have been born out of necessity, given Boston’s shorthanded roster without Jayson Tatum. Still, it’s an upgrade that has allowed him to flourish and showcase a 2.0 version of his game that wasn’t visible in previous years.

Hauser’s 17 points against the Pacers extended his streak to four consecutive games with 15-plus points.

“Sam has been great,” Brown told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “Sam has developed as a basketball player. He’s had a couple of plays this year where he’s run off the line, put the ball on the ground, and get to a mid-range or sneak a layup in. So we just got to keep encouraging that.”

The Miami Heat head to the Pacific Northwest this evening to visit the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.

Portland is riding a three-game winning streak, and my Heat vs. Trail Blazers predictions will explain why they will extend that unbeaten run to four. 

Read more in my NBA picks for Thursday, January 22. 

Heat vs Trail Blazers prediction

Heat vs Trail Blazers best bet: Trail Blazers moneyline (-120)

The Portland Trail Blazers are exceeding expectations this season, sitting in a Play-In spot with a 22-22 record. 

They’re 8-2 in their last 10 contests, and they’ve notched wins against the Hawks, Lakers, and Kings over the last week. Two of those victories have been at home, and the Blazers own a 12-10 record at the Moda Center. 

The Miami Heat, meanwhile, are just 8-14 on the road, and they’ve gone 4-6 across their previous 10 outings.

Portland is playing like a confident group, and they will get the job done again tonight. 

Heat vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

Bam Adebayo is having a solid campaign, averaging 17.2 PPG. The Heat big man has been on a different level as of late, though, cashing the Over in points in four of his last five appearances. 

Donovan Clingan leads the Blazers in rebounds with 10.9 per contest. While he’s only cashed the Over once in his last five contests, there’s reason to believe he could have a massive game down low. 

The Heat are considered an easy matchup for opposing centers, allowing over 15 rebounds per contest. They’re also Bottom 5 in the league overall in boards allowed. 

Heat vs Trail Blazers SGP

• Trail Blazers moneyline
• Bam Adebayo Over 18.5 points
• Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Sharpe is on point

Shaedon Sharpe has drained Over 2.5 triples in back-to-back games, and he’s averaging 2.3 makes at home for a 37% clip. 

Heat vs Trail Blazers SGP

• Trail Blazers moneyline
• Bam Adebayo Over 18.5 points
• Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds
• Shaedon Sharpe Over 2.5 threes

Heat vs Trail Blazers odds

• Spread: Heat +1.5 | Trail Blazers -1.5
• Moneyline: Heat +100 | Trail Blazers -120
• Over/Under: Over 239.5 | Under 239.5

Heat vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

The Trail Blazers have hit the Moneyline in 24 of their last 40 games at home (+14.30 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch Heat vs Trail Blazers

Heat vs Trail Blazers latest injuries

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

The Knicks responded to their worst skid in recent memory with a 120-66 victory over Brooklyn, snapping a 2-9 stretch that had their fanbase at DEFCON 1. A Karl-Anthony Towns trades, a head coach firing -- nothing was off the table.

While Wednesday’s win won’t cure all their ailments, it was Exhibit A in the argument for not panicking and blowing up the season with a drastic change. As bad as things have looked, an impulsive move could easily make things much worse than they ever really were.

It would help to diagnose the Knicks during this abysmal month, but nobody has come up with a good answer. Part of the reason is that there’s no singular problem, or even group of them -- the entire team has underperformed dramatically.

This should have given fans more pause before trying to remedy an issue they didn’t understand. Contending teams don’t just collectively fall apart. It would take something that impacted the whole roster. Fatigue and loss of focus post-NBA Cup are likely factors, having impacted previous Cup winners, and judging by the Knicks’ energy in some of these losses.

Many speculated about a chemistry blowup or major disconnect with the coach. Although certain moments looked bleak, the Knicks were without Jalen Brunson for some of these games, and they definitely put in some solid efforts that were in vain.

Even if something was fractured in the locker room, that’s not an unfixable problem. And folks seemed to forget how long the positive bullet points run on this team’s resume in just 11 games of poor play.

They won over 50 games last season and came within two games of the NBA Finals, mounting two major comebacks against the reigning NBA Champions and topping the team that’s now first in the East. Before this fall-off, the Knicks had one of the best point differentials in the league and were handily in the East’s second seed, plus Cup Champions as mentioned.

Even if you didn’t believe in this team's makeup and thought this losing streak meant it was time to blow it up, the potential pivots fans are posing would not turn things around.

One was firing Mike Brown, not a year after firing Tom Thibodeau, which was in itself a controversial move. Not giving his replacement a shot to break through his first adversity with the team would be laughable.

What would the move be then? Conduct a coaching search midseason or run with an unproven interim, and make further system tweaks when these changes supposedly disrupted the team in the first place?

Only four NBA teams have won a championship after switching coaches midseason. It’s not impossible, but it’s certainly not prudent. Neither would be trading Towns.

Yes, he’s in the midst of one of his worst seasons and doesn’t look comfortable. But his value is at a low point right now, and he’s already proven his worth when locked in. We’re not a year removed from Towns saving the Knicks’ playoff run with an all-time clutch Game 4 in Detroit and huge Game 3 in Indiana during a strong postseason for the big man.

Even with that, some can’t get behind a defensive core, including Towns and Brunson, or his up-and-down emotions. So be it. But trading Towns when his production is in the pits and everybody’s maneuverability is stymied, is malpractice when New York can just wait for the offseason to make a decision.

At worst, he continues imploding, and you at least have more suitors in the summer. Or he turns it around, and may end up being a slightly better option than a 35-year-old Jrue Holiday or Jerami Grant.

Even with the rough play of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, it’s comical coming up with mock trades for them since they’re still easily two of the best 3-and-D wings you could conceivably play next to Brunson.

Ultimately, there’s too much evidence of this being able to work, and so little of it going this terribly wrong to believe the right move here is the biggest, most drastic one. Luckily, it’s Leon Rose in the front office and not the 22-year-old playing him in 2K, as from all indications it looks like cooler heads are prevailing.

The Philadelphia 76ers split their recent home games against the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns. Now, they’ll look to bounce back against one of the tougher opponents on the schedule in the Houston Rockets.

Houston has put together a unique and dynamic roster. They added a marquee name in Kevin Durant, who is putting up some of the best numbers of his career from both a scoring and efficiency standpoint. But the Rockets’ identity goes beyond Durant. They’ve built a frankly massive team across the board.

Amen Thompson has been starting at point guard, standing at 6-foot-7 with a huge frame. The Rockets have rotated starters depending on matchup and availability, but the core usually includes Durant, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and another big wing such as Tari Eason or Josh Okogie.

Thompson has taken steps as a playmaker, but he’s far from a traditional point guard. And as the starting lineup suggests, this is far from a traditional team. There really hasn’t been a roster constructed quite like this in the modern NBA. Houston has found success overwhelming teams on the glass, creating extra possessions through offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities. That’s an area where the Sixers could struggle in this matchup.

On the flip side, that same unconventional makeup has also led to issues. The Rockets have dropped games they probably shouldn’t have, and their offense can bog down and become stagnant at times. The size and inconsistent shooting have allowed teams to crowd Sengun, who doesn’t always have the spacing needed to operate comfortably. Reed Sheppard is an important piece for floor spacing, but inconsistencies on both ends and head coach Ime Udoka’s rotations have kept him from having the impact the team likely hoped for in his second year.

As many know, the Sixers are a guard-centric team that typically plays smaller lineups. That makes this matchup a true clash of opposing roster builds. Tyrese Maxey is coming off a rough stretch, shooting 7-of-25 from the field and struggling in the recent games against Cleveland. This figures to be another tough test, as the Rockets have no shortage of long, physical wing defenders capable of making life difficult for him. On top of that, their size and length can bother him around the rim and shrink driving lanes when help arrives.

This matchup will also test Maxey’s running mates, Joel Embiid and Paul George, both of whom are likely to return. For Embiid, Sengun presents a physical matchup as a mobile big who can score and create from the perimeter. For George, he’ll likely see plenty of Durant on the other end, which needs little explanation. It’s also likely that Kelly Oubre Jr. sees extended time matched up against the future Hall of Famer.

For the Sixers, Embiid is listed as probable while managing an ankle issue, while George is questionable with knee injury management. Houston will be without Steven Adams, who is sidelined with an ankle sprain, and Fred VanVleet as he continues his recovery from an ACL tear. Aaron Holiday, who has taken on extra minutes in the backcourt, is also questionable heading into this matchup.

The Rockets are a talented team in a crowded Western Conference, and this won’t come easily. Still, if the Sixers can pull it off, it would mark another important win against a legitimate opponent. Beyond that, they need to start taking care of business at home if they want a comfortable path to the postseason. This game could be a chance to finally get things moving in the right direction.

Game Details

When: Thursday, January 22, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers