DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was created using a halo filter) Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons listens to the national anthem before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 1, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Yeah, this one wasn’t ever close.
Detroit led by nine after the first quarter, 23 at halftime, 38 after the third, and by 53 at the end of the game. That’s the new franchise record for largest margin of victory, set by the 2025-2026 Detroit Pistons.
It looked like the varsity squad taking on the freshman team. The Pistons would end up beating the Nets 130-77 led by the play of recently announced first-time All-Star Jalen Duren.
It was the Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren show early and often. JD had 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Cade added 18 points, four rebounds, 12 assists, four steals, and three blocks (only two turnovers!). The organization has been pushing for Jalen Duren to be an All-Star and tonight’s performance showed why both deserve their recognition as two of the best in the league.
Both players were subbed out at the four-minute mark in the third quarter and never returned as JB Bickerstaff was able to empty the bench early. Daniss Jenkins added 12 points and Tobias Harris had 11.
The Pistons play again on Tuesday night when the Denver Nuggets come to Detroit.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket past Anthony Black #0 of the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Kia Center on December 03, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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After a weather-related travel nightmare in Charlotte, the Spurs return home tonight to face the Orlando Magic. They’re coming off of a loss to a supernova hot Hornets team where a low energy effort cost the visitors as the Hornets won their sixth game in a row, delighting the Saturday brunch-time home crowd. The Spurs had a chance near the end to tie the game to tie things up, but Wembanyama missed the shot. Even though he had been cold all game long, it was the same kind of shot he has made several times in the past, and it just didn’t work out this time. The bigger problem was the lack of rebounding that gave the Hornets too many second and third chance points for the Spurs to overcome in a game where their best player had an off night.
January was a rough month for the Spurs, as it was for most of the contenders in the Western Conference. They finished 8-7 for the month, which was still good enough to keep them in the top three in the conference, which would guarantee them at least one home playoff series if they can keep it up to the end of the season. They have six more games before the All Star break, and all of them except tonight’s game against the Magic are against Western Conference foes, which means that this stretch of games will be a key indicator if the Spurs are a real contender this year, or a rebuilding team that’s learning how to get back into the playoffs after a long absence. It could be both, but the Spurs are definitely evolving as we speak. With the trade deadline coming up, perhaps the Spurs will do something to help shore up the rebounding and add size in the paint, but it could be that the Silver and Black will stand pat for the rest of the season.
Tonight the Spurs face the Magic who are coming off of a pair of solid wins over Eastern Conference contenders, 133-124 over the Heat, and 130-120 over the Raptors on Friday. They will have a hell of a rest advantage over the home team, who were stuck in Charlotte last night and had to travel back to the Alamo City sometime this morning. If there were ever a time for Boris Diaw’s expresso machine in the locker room, today would be the day. The Spurs previously beat the Magic 114-112 on December 3 without Victor Wembanyama on the court behind a 31 point scoring effort from De’Aaron Fox. Let’s hope the Spurs can overcome the fatigue and start February off on the right foot tonight. After the Magic Spurs will face Thunder on Wednesday night to wrap up the season series, but they don’t want to look past tonight’s game. Let’s GOOO Spurs!
Game Prediction:
Mitch Johnson coaches the game wearing pajamas because he didn’t have time to go home and get a change of clothes after the travel fiasco caused by the snowstorm delaying the Spurs exit from Charlotte.
San Antonio Spurs at Charlotte Hornets February 1, 2026 | 8:00 PM CT (rescheduled again due to travel issues) Streaming: NBA League Pass TV: FanDuel Sports Southwest Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
On Sunday, Feb. 1, during an NBC pregame show leading up to the premier of “Sunday Night Basketball,” the NBA revealed the 14 reserves (seven per conference) to round out the rosters for the Eastern and Western Conferences.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Here are the winners and losers from the selection of 2026 NBA All-Star Game reserves:
WINNERS
LeBron James
It’s clear, now at the age of 41 and in his 23rd season, that LeBron James’ skills have diminished somewhat. He’s a step slower. He doesn’t jump as high as he used to. And his shot isn’t as pure. But it’s remarkable that James is extending his record to 22 consecutive All-Star Game appearances, even though his streak of 21 straight starts is being snapped.
James remains a consistent threat and a key piece for the Lakers. Through 30 games, James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists. He’s this generation’s greatest player and many of his records, including his ones in All-Star Games, might not be touched for decades.
Was this a commemorative nod? Probably. Were there players, based on this season’s performance alone, more deserving? Unquestionably.
First-time All-Stars
Congratulations to Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Norman Powell (Heat) and Jalen Duren (Pistons) for making their first-ever NBA All-Star teams.
The recognition is especially sweet for Powell, who is the oldest player of the first-timers at 32, and who has played for four different teams in 10 and a half seasons in the NBA, many of those spent as a sixth man. Either way, there’s nothing quite like the recognition, especially when it’s coaches within the conference who are selecting the reserves.
Adam Silver
The NBA commissioner won’t have to intervene and add All-Stars to ensure that there are at least eight internationally born players to meet the minimum required to field a team under the game’s new structure. There are actually at least 10 All-Star players with international ties so someone like Karl-Anthony Towns, who was born in New Jersey but has represented the Dominican Republic in international play, might have to play on one of the two U.S. teams.
LOSERS
Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers
The Intuit Dome, the arena that is hosting the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, will not see a single Clippers player appear in the exhibition. In particular, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have a case to be upset. Although Los Angeles stumbled out of the gate this season, the Clippers have course corrected and have won 16 of their last 20 games. Leonard and Harden have been the catalysts.
Leonard is averaging 27.7 points (which is ninth in the NBA), 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while Harden is putting up 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 boards per contest. Either presented an excellent case for an All-Star nod. At least one should have made it.
For my money, Leonard is by far the biggest snub.
Brandon Ingram
This is a case where Ingram was probably snubbed for a couple of reasons. For one, his teammate Scottie Barnes made the cut. Barnes is more versatile and impacts the game as an excellent defender. But even though Toronto is 29-21 (No. 4 in the East) has been one of the surprises of the NBA season, the Raptors remain a team that unfairly flies under the radar.
Either way, Ingram (21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game) has been a steady scoring presence and clutch performer for Toronto.
Michael Porter Jr.
Though they’ve been slightly more competitive in recent spurts, the Brooklyn Nets have been inconsistent. But Porter Jr. has shown he can be a scoring threat and a No. 1 option. He’s averaging a career best 25.6 points per game, which is well higher than his production from last season (18.2). He’s remaining active on the glass and had a strong case to make the cut.
The biggest pain point on this for Porter is that it would’ve represented his first-ever All-Star selection.
Lauri Markkanen
Similarly, Markkanen plays for the Utah Jazz, a team that has been irrelevant for a few seasons. Yet, Markkanen entered Sunday ranked 11th in the NBA in scoring, putting up 27.4 points per game, also a career high. He has a silky jumper and can also score in the post, and he also provides some value on the glass, with his 7.0 rebounds per game.
Dillon Brooks, Alperen Şengün
The problem, simply, is that the Western Conference is loaded with talent. So while Dillon Brooks is having a career year for the Phoenix Suns, one in which he has expanded his offensive portfolio, and while Alperen Şengün is thriving on both ends for the Rockets, it’s hard to find spots for them.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jaloni Cambridge had 30 points and six assists, Chance Gray made 5 of 10 from 3-point range and finished with 21 points, and No. 11 Ohio State beat Nebraska 90-71 on Sunday night.
Cambridge and her older sister Kennedy Cambridge made back-to-back 3-pointers early in the second quarter that made it 25-20 and Ohio State (20-3, 9-2 Big Ten) led the rest of the way.
Nebraska (16-6, 5-6 Big Ten), which opened the season with a 12-game win streak, has lost four in a row and six of its last eight. The Cornhuskers are 0-5 against Top-25 opponents this season.
Gray, a 5-foot-9 senior guard who scored 791 points in two seasons at Oregon before she transferred to Ohio State prior to last season, has 1,509 career points.
Kennedy Cambridge had 12 points, eight rebounds and seven steals. The redshirt junior has 94 steals this season, the most by an Ohio State player since Averrill Roberts had 98 and Audrey Burcey had 95 in the 1992-93 season. Yvette Angel had a program-record 115 steals in '84-85.
Amiah Hargrove led the Cornhuskers with 24 points, Britt Prince added 12 on 4-of-13 shooting and Logan Nissley scored 11.
Prince made 2 of 2 from the free-throw line and has made 47 straight from the foul line, where she is perfect in 45 attempts in conference play this season.
Kylee Kitts missed her fourth game in a row for Ohio State. The 6-foot-3 freshman, who redshirted at Florida last season, is averaging 9.3 points and a team-leading 7.1 rebounds.
Nebraska's Jessica Petrie (illness), a 6-foot-2 junior who averages 11.9 points and a team-high 1.1 blocks this season, missed her second consecutive game.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks on March 6, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks (30*-18), riding a five-game win streak, welcome the Lakers (29-18) to Madison Garden Tonight. A national audience will tune in to see Luka Dončić and LeBron James, leaders of a Los Angeles team that scores brilliant and defends much less so. Expect a tight game, which might be LeBron’s last appearance at MSG.
Tip off is 7 p.m. EST on NBA / Peacock. Tip off is 7 p.m. EST on NBC. This is your game thread. This is Silver Screen and Roll. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Practice kindness. And go Knicks!
* Should be one more, but the stupid NBA Cup doesn’t count.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 27: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half at Madison Square Garden against Sacramento Kings on January 27, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Karl-Anthony Towns is headed to L.A., folks.
No, he didn’t get traded. The Big Bodega has been named to his sixth All-Star team, as revealed by the NBA on NBC pregame show on Sunday night. He will join Jalen Brunson in the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season.
Towns is joined by Donovan Mitchell, Pascal Siakam, and Scottie Barnes, as well as first-timers Jalen Duren, Norman Powell, and Jalen Johnson, as the Eastern Conference’s reserves. There will be an additional one named in the near future due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, and potentially one more if the USA/World splits don’t yield enough players.
Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray, Chet Holmgren, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Deni Avdija, and LeBron James were all named West reserves. Personally, I’m bewildered we didn’t see Kawhi Leonard make it, but that’s a story for another day. Good for Jamal Murray getting the recognition.
Towns is, by all measures, having his worst season in a while. The 30-year-old center is averaging 20.0 points (lowest since 2015-16), 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 45 games, shooting a career-low 46.1% from the field and just 36.1% from three. The only season that’s been comparable to this one, offensively, was his rookie season. He’s also leading the league in offensive fouls and has had games where he has absolutely no rhythm offensively.
Still, KAT leads the NBA in rebounding and has found other ways to impact the game. He remains a mediocre defender, but has improved in that aspect ever so slightly. He’s still capable of big games and has recently turned into an Andre Drummond-esque rebounder, grabbing 44 in just 64 combined minutes over the last two games.
Towns has been brought up in trade rumors amidst his increasing discomfort in Mike Brown’s system and the Knicks’ struggles in January, but barring an unforeseen demand by one Greek Freak, it seems he’ll be here for the stretch run.
Assuming that’s the case, this will be the third straight year the Knicks have two in the All-Star Game. While the ‘Bockers have had a pair of all-stars sporadically throughout their history, this is historic for them. It’s the first time since the early 1970s that the Knicks have had multiple all-stars in three consecutive seasons. Back then, there were only 18 teams and the likes of Clyde Frazier and Willis Reed were annual mainstays.
The all-star tandem will not play with each other, however. Despite having two all-stars for the third straight year, the Knicks haven’t had two teammates in the All-Star Game since 2013. Julius Randle was injured in 2024 and Adam Silver’s first attempt at experimenting came last year and separated Brunson and Towns.
The All-Star Game is two weeks from today, on February 15. We’ll see who Towns and Brunson team up with when the teams are formally set.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.
LeBron James is keeping his All-Star streak alive.
James was named to his 22nd consecutive NBA All-Star team Sunday when the league announced this year’s reserve players ahead of NBC’s “Sunday Night Basketball” matchup between the Lakers and Knicks.
There had been a question of whether James would be named to the All-Star team this year after he wasn’t named a starter.
He was the last player revealed during the announcement on Sunday night.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
James has appeared in 30 games for the Lakers this season, missing 14 games at the start of the year while dealing with sciatica.
He has averaged 21.9 points. 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game this season.
The Lakers superstar has been named to three more All-Star teams than basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and he is just the second player to earn multiple All-Star nods after the age of 40 — with Abdul-Jabbar being the only other player to do it.
James had his record of consecutive All-Star appearances disrupted at 20 last season when he was a late scratch from the NBA All-Star Game because of ankle and foot soreness.
The Timberwolves Anthony Edwards, Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, Rockets’ Kevin Durant, Suns’ Devin Booker and Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija were also selected as reserves this year for the Western Conference.
Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns was named a reserve player for the Eastern Conference, along with the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson, the Pacers Pascal Siakam, the Heat’s Norman Powell, the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes and Pistons’ Jalen Duren.
The NBA All-Star Game will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., which is the home of the Clippers.
The All-Star Game is going through a format change, with the event now a U.S vs. The World format that includes breaking the players into three eight-man rosters.
Two of the teams will feature just American players, and the third will be made up of international players.
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Anthony Edwards #5 of Team United States reacts after a dunk during the Men's Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game has a new format of USA vs. The World, but the game will still be made up of 12 players each from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference. The full NBA All-Star rosters have now been released with the announcement of the All-Star reserves on Sunday evening.
We already knew that Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown were voted as starters out of the East, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić will start out of the West.
We now know the 14 players who will be All-Star reserves with seven from the East and seven from the West. Here’s the full conference breakdown for the All-Stars, followed by the USA vs. the World teams.
NBA All-Star reserves in Eastern Conference
East starters: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown
Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers: Mitchell was the biggest snub among the East starters. He’s averaging 29.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 61.8 percent true shooting.
Jalen Johnson, F, Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks selected Johnson with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and now he’s a first-time All-Star. He’s averaging 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game on 59 percent true shooting.
Karl-Anthony Towns, C, New York Knicks: Towns has had a down season by his standards mostly because he’s not shooting as well from deep as he usually does. 20.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 59.4 percent true shooting.
Pascal Siakam, F, Indiana Pacers: The Pacers have been one of the very worst teams in the NBA all year, but Siakam has still has an outstanding season in Indiana’s “gap year” without Tyrese Haliburton. He’s averaging 23.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 56.4 percent true shooting.
Norman Powell, G, Miami Heat: Powell is a first-time All-Star at age-32 after just missing it last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s averaging 23.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on 61.2 percent true shooting after an offseason trade to the Miami Heat.
Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors: The Raptors have been reborn as an Eastern Conference contender this season, and Barnes’ bounce-back from a down year last season is a big reason why. He’s averaging 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on 57.6 percent true shooting.
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons: Duren has morphed into an All-Star in his fourth season after being selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 draft. The 22-year-old is averaging 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 66.6 percent true shooting.
NBA All-Star starters in Western Conference
West starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić
Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves: Edwards was the biggest snub among the starters in the West. He’s averaging 29.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 62.2 percent true shooting.
Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets: Murray was thought of as the best player in the NBA who had never been named an All-Star. Not anymore. The Canadian guard is averaging 25.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game on 62.3 percent true shooting.
Chet Holmgren, F, Oklahoma City Thunder: Holmgren is one of the best young bigs in the NBA after helping the Thunder win a championship last season. The 23-year-old is averaging 17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 66 percent true shooting.
Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets: KD is still one of the best scorers alive at age-37. He’s averaging 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 63 percent true shooting.
Deni Avdija, F, Portland Trail Blazers: Avdija has emerged as the Blazers’ best player as a jumbo ball handler who gets to the free throw line at will. He’s averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game on 61 percent true shooting.
LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers: Yes, LeBron made it again despite only playing 30 games and posting his worst numbers since his rookie year. The 41-year-old is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game on 58.8 percent true shooting.
Team USA All-Star player pool
Team USA will be split into two teams of eight among the 16 players. Here’s the pool:
Jalen Brunson
Tyrese Maxey
Cade Cunningham
Jaylen Brown
Stephen Curry
Donovan Mitchell
Jalen Johnson
Karl-Anthony Towns
Norman Powell
Scottie Barnes
Jalen Duren
Chet Holmgren
Kevin Durant
Devin Booker
LeBron James
Anthony Edwards
World team roster
The World team will be one team of eight players. Here’s the roster:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada)
Luka Dončić (Slovenia)
Victor Wembanyama (France)
Nikola Jokić (Serbia)
Pascal Siakam (Cameroon)
Deni Avdija (Israel)
Jamal Murray (Canada)
Antetokounmpo will likely need an injury replacement.
Any hope that the Utah Jazz could get a player to Los Angeles for NBA All-star weekend now resides in the form of an injury replacement. And even then, it’s a long shot.
On Sunday, the NBA announced its Western Conference all-star rosters, and candidates Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen failed to make the list of the final seven reserves. Ahead of them were Chet Holmgren, Deni Avdija, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray and LeBron James.
The Western Conference players honored as reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kmAtdvGE6N
Markkanen is averaging a career-best 27.4 points per game this season — two more than his lone all-star campaign in 2023 — on 47.9/36.4/88.6 shooting splits. He’s also putting up 7.0 rebounds per game and is dishing out a career-high 2.2 assists per game.
But Markkanen has also only played 35 of the 13-seeded Jazz’s 49 games. That’s not gonna sit well with people who decide his all-star fate.
George is having a breakout year, and has inserted his name into most improved player competition, as well as made himself a real “guy” in the NBA.
This season, George is averaging 24.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.2 apg in 47 appearances. His shooting numbers have improved drastically from his sophomore season, going from 39.1% from the field to 45.9%, and 34.3% from deep to 37.7%.
But even if a player has to miss due to injury, snagging an injured reserve spot is just as hard a task for the Jazz duo. Take a look at some of the names that are in the running for the extra spot:
Julius Randle: 22.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 5.4 apg
Austin Reaves: 26.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 6.3 apg
Alpren Sengun: 21.0 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 6.4 apg
Kawhi Leonard: 27.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.5 apg
James Harden: 25.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 8.1 apg
George and Markkanen were always going to be on the outside looking in when it came to the 2026 all-star game. There’s simply too many good players on good Western teams for the NBA to justify giving a spot to a 15-win team.
Do you think that the coaches got the reserves right? Should the Jazz have gotten a player in?
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Keaton Wagler scored 28 points and No. 9 Illinois won its 11th straight game, beating No. 5 Nebraska 78-69 on Sunday in the first matchup of top-10 teams the Cornhuskers have hosted.
The Fighting Illini (19-3, 10-1 Big Ten), who haven't lost since falling 83-80 at home to Nebraska on Dec. 13, held the Huskers to four field goals in the first 13 minutes of the second half.
Nebraska (20-2, 9-2) lost its second straight after a 20-0 start. The Huskers were beaten on the road Tuesday by another top-10 opponent, No. 3 Michigan.
Jake Davis finished with 13 points for Illinois, Tomislav Ivisic scored 12 and David Mirkovic had 10.
Braden Frager returned for Nebraska after missing the previous two games with an ankle injury and scored 20 points.
After missing the last 18 games due to a grade two right calf strain, head coach JJ Redick told reporters on Sunday that Reaves would go through his pregame warmup at Madison Square Garden and be a game-time decision for the Lakers' road game against the New York Knicks on Feb. 1.
Reaves' presence has been missed since going down on Christmas Day; the Lakers went on a cold streak in late December and early January. They've started to find their footing since then, winning six of their last 10 games as the trade deadline approaches this week.
Here is everything you need to know about Reaves' status ahead of tip-off vs. the Knicks:
Is Austin Reaves playing tonight vs. Pelicans?
No. Reaves went through pregame warmups and was listed as a game time decision, but was ultimately ruled out, Dan Woike of The Athletic reported. Still, it's the closest Reaves has gotten to playing since Dec. 25, so all signs point to Reaves' return being imminent.
Reaves has been listed as questionable before each of the Lakers' last three games.
Austin Reaves gets up some touch shots pregame at MSG. He’s a gametime decision tonight, per JJ Redick pic.twitter.com/Eqzb3luMPN
Reaves' injury halted his momentum on what could've been his first All-Star season. Through 23 games, the fourth-year guard is posting career-high averages in points (26.6), rebounds (5.2) and assists (6.3) per game. He's also averaging at least one steal per game for the second straight year.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 29: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in the final seconds of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Kings 113-111. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s still time to fix it, but this kind of sucks.
The NBA announced the reserves for the 2026 All-Star game and, despite his dominant month of January, Joel Embiid did not make the cut in the Eastern Conference. Instead, the backups will be Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson, Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, Miami’s Norman Powell, Toronto’s Scottie Barnes and New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Eastern Conference players honored as reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ieypTER2Nd
The reasoning for this has to be game’s played, since Embiid’s production is now better than most of those guys, though doing so in about 10-15 less appearances. After dropping 40, on the Pelicans he’s up to 26.2 points per game and 7.5 rebounds on 59.9% true shooting. That really speaks to how effective he’s been inside since he’s still shooting 29% from behind the three-point line. Embiid has appeared in 28 games so far this season and 16 of the Sixers’ last 20. He averaged 29 points and eight rebounds a game in the 14 appearances he made in January.
This doesn’t entirely sink Embiid’s chances to earn his eighth All-Star selection, though. If Giannis Antetokounmpo, a starter for the East, is accurate with his own diagnosis, he’ll miss the game and the league will select his replacement.
There’s also a chance that as an international player, Embiid could be selected if the “Team World” needs more players to round out its roster. The fact that I — and many others — are still unsure of how those rosters quite work says a lot about the idea.
Perhaps this ends up being a best-of-both-worlds situation for Embiid. He still makes the game, but has the motivation from being snubbed initially to work with going forward.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of Team Chuck warms up before the game during the 74th NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Donovan Mitchell has been selected to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. This is Mitchell’s seventh consecutive selection and fourth with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mitchell is the only Cavalier to make the game this season.
Other Eastern Conference reserves include Detroit’s Jalen Duren, Miami’s Norman Powell, Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson, New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns, Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, and Indiana’s Pascal Siakam. Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey were previously named as starters for the Eastern Conference.
This has been a career-year for Mitchell. He’s averaging a personal-best 29.1 points per game in addition to 5.8 assists and 4.7 rebounds. He’s also just shy of shooting a career-best from the three-point line, currently at 38.6% (just 0.2% below his best).
The Cavs have struggled at times this season. But that’s no fault of Mitchell. He’s carried this team through adversity and given them a fighting chance in almost every game. Cleveland doesn’t want to think about where they would be this season without him.
Mitchell is in the league’s 94th percentile for on/off rating according to Cleaning the Glass. That’s pretty good.
It’s important to recognize when a player is making franchise history. Mitchell has now tied Mark Price and Kyrie Irving for the third most All-Star selections in Cavaliers history. He’s behind only Brad Duagherty (five) and LeBron James (10) for the most in the Land. That’s special.
As for the rest of the roster, it’s disappointing to see the Cavs with only one player in the All-Star Game after having three represent them last season. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley simply haven’t been healthy or good enough to earn the nod this year.
Mobley had hit his stride recently, getting back to his previous All-Star level and looking like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate before his latest calf injury. Garland had also taken steps towards looking like his old self before suffering another toe injury. It’s a bummer, but I can’t argue with the results.
Feb 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots the ball over Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks evened the season series to the Boston Celtics by losing this one, 107-79. Ryan Rollins was the main bright spot for the Bucks; his 25 points were a larger share of the Bucks’ total than anyone would have liked. Kyle Kuzma chipped in with 16 and some defense. Meanwhile, 30 points for Jaylen Brown and 27 for Anfernee Simons in a pretty complete performance form the Celtics. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below:
Rollins came out hunting buckets and got them in spades. He picked up some turnovers early but was clean the rest of the game. His teammates need to find him more and his whistle needs to catch up to his rising star power. Honestly the main reason I watch this team right now.
Following Zac’s question from the preview, it seems like the last few games were a mirage. Four shots inside against this Celtics team? Decent rim protection but stickier hands would be appreciated.
Grade: D+
AJ Green
29 minutes, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1/5 3P, -27
Rough day at the office. Bad karma to be the first Buck to miss after a 13-3 start.
At least someone reached double-digits, even if my notes for a couple of his baskets included the word “somehow” and the efficiency leaves a little to be desired (luckily he got to the line). The team-best non-garbage plus-minus might speak to defense but I was busy watching the offense go nowhere.
Tried his best. The fouls showed some inexperience.
Grade: C-
Gary Trent Jr.
25 minutes, 9 points, 2/8 FG, 2/7 3P, -18
Just brutal. The two makes were splashed when the outcome was settled. And the one shot inside the arc was a classic fouled drive. It’s Gary at the rim, It’s Gary at the rim, It’s scary, It’s scary, It’s Gary at the rim!
Just another game of Bucks basketball under Doc Rivers. No screaming errors to me. I was surprised at the space that Milwaukee gave Boston from deep—not that it really hurt them—but maybe that’s just upholding tradition. I don’t have numbers on this, but it doesn’t feel like this was the first time that the Bucks came out hot before they pretty much fell apart. I didn’t see errors, but I didn’t see key in-game adjustments either. Maybe that’s upholding tradition too.
Grade: C-
Limited minutes: Andre Jackson Jr., Amir Coffey, Jericho Sims, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Inactive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince
Bonus Bucks Bits
It was the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic, honoring the first Black players in the NBA. It turns out that Bobby Portis played one of them in a movie. Fun! It also turns out that a trophy was up for grabs. Not quite.
The five first-quarter turnovers weren’t a harbinger of things to come; only five more the rest of the way.
The Bucks tried to run in transition a bit in the first quarter, but nothing doing; outscored 11-1 in that department.
The net cam during free throws could be improved so that court language doesn’t awkwardly hover over the players. Just to be the squeaky wheel.
Doc Rivers got a shout-out from Bill Russell’s daughter. That’s something, at least!
Wesley Matthews vouched for a “case study” to determine who would find basketball interesting if it only consisted of free throws. I think you’re looking for a different social scientific methodology, friend.
Lisa described a kid who breakdanced at halftime and timeouts as “one of the best parts of the afternoon.” Too true, Lisa.
The Bucks may not have scored the ball, but at least their top three scorers put up 25 (Rollins), 16 (Kuzma), and 9 (GTJ). What’s so special about that, you ask? Pythagorean’s theorem, baby: 3^2 + 4^2 = 5^2.
Up Next
The Bucks return home for a three-game stretch starting Tuesday against the Bulls. Catch the game on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 7:00 p.m. CST.
One of the most impressive records in NBA history lives on.
The NBA announced this year's All-Star Game reserves before the debut of NBC's "Sunday Night Basketball" and LeBron James – not voted a starter for the first time since his rookie season two weeks ago – kept his record streak going and was named an All-Star for the 22nd consecutive year.)
James, 41, saw his other record of 20 consecutive All-Star appearances end last season when he was a last-minute scratch from the game due to ankle and foot soreness. He's also the All-Star Game's scoring leader with 434 points.
There is a chance for James to be a "starter" in an unofficial sense in this year's game due to the new format – three teams of at least eight players will compete in a "USA vs. the World" round robin-style tournament.
