The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business for the second night in a row. They comfortably defeated the Orlando Magic 119-105 thanks to a solid defensive effort and strong contributions from their entire rotation. Cleveland has now won six of their last eight games and 10 of their last 14.
This was an ugly game in the first half. The Cavs very much looked like a team on the second leg of a back-to-back as they struggled to establish any offensive momentum. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, combining to go 7-22 from the field in the first two quarters, played a large role in that happening.
Mitchell turning it around in the second half led to this being the stress-free win that it was. He provided 10 points in the third quarter to push what was a seven-point advantage at the break into a 12-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Then, Mitchell put the game away in the fourth by supplying 17 points and three assists in that frame to keep Orlando at arm’s length. In total, 27 of his 36 points came in the second half. He finished the game shooting 15-30 from the field to go along with nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
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Cleveland won this game on the defensive end. The Magic are statistically the worst three-point shooting team in the East. The Cavs played them as such. Cleveland packed the paint and dared Orlando’s shooters to beat them from outside. They didn’t, as the Magic went just 11-40 (27.5%) from distance.
The Cavs, on the other hand, were able to knock down their outside shots. They connected on 44.1% of their triples to outscore the Magic by 12 points from beyond the arc.
Cleveland also controlled the paint on both ends. They did a good job of walling off the basket defensively, forcing the Magic to take tough in-between shots. This led to the Cavs having 10 more points in the paint.
You’re going to win most games when you hit more threes and score more points in the paint than your opponent.
Mobley wasn’t able to replicate his Shaq-like performance from Friday’s win over the Sacramento Kings. He was aggressive on the offensive end, but wasn’t able to get those shots to fall as he went just 4-14 from the field, leading to 13 points. Mobley was once again effective on the defensive end and was a large reason why the Cavs were able to keep Orlando’s attack in check.
Cleveland received positive contributions from everyone who played.
Jaylon Tyson continues to make the most of his scoring chances as he provided 17 points on 5-9 shooting. Tyrese Proctor supplied an impressive 12 points on 4-4 shooting in under 10 minutes of play. Dean Wade had a positive contribution as a scorer, as he went 4-4 from the field with 10 points to go along with three steals and two blocks.
The Magic were led by Paolo Banchero’s 27 points on 7-14 shooting. Desmond Bane had 20 points and four rebounds in the loss.
The Cavs will take on the Magic again on Monday. This time, it’ll be in Cleveland. Tip-off is at 7 PM.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Snudda Collins scored 28 points off the bench, and the No. 19 Texas Tech women rolled past Utah 77-49 on Saturday night.
Collins had 20 points by halftime, going 4 for 4 from behind the arc in the first half as the Lady Raiders built a commanding 39-20 lead. Texas Tech shot 52% from the field and 45% from 3-point range while holding Utah to 33% shooting and just 3 of 16 from deep.
Texas Tech put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring the Utes 25-12 to push the margin past 30. The Lady Raiders led 64-32 entering the fourth and never allowed Utah to threaten.
Bailey Maupin added 15 points for Texas Tech (20-2, 7-2 Big 12), and Jada Malone scored 11 off the bench. Gemma Nuñez pulled down nine rebounds and dished out five assists as the Lady Raiders forced 18 turnovers and finished with 12 steals.
Reese Ross led Utah (14-6, 5-3) with 13 points and nine rebounds. Lani White scored 10 points.
WACO, Texas (AP) — Jayden Pierre scored a career-high 25 points, Xavier Edmonds added 23, and TCU defeated Baylor 97-90 on Saturday night.
The Horned Frogs (13-7, 3-4 Big 12) rode a strong second half to the win, outscoring Baylor 59-52 after heading to halftime tied at 38. Pierre scored 14 in the second half, reaching 1,000 career points in the process.
Edmonds scored five points during a 7-0 TCU run that stretched the lead to 17, their largest of the night, with seven minutes remaining. Baylor cut the lead to single-digits late but couldn't complete the comeback, as Edmonds hit six straight free throws with under a minute remaining.
TCU shot 52% from the floor and 46% from 3-point range, and hit 26 of 32 free throws. The Horned Frogs scored 44 points in the paint and led for 25:09, taking the lead for good with 15:14 remaining in the second half during a 9-0 run.
The Bears (11-8, 1-6) were paced by Isaac Williams and Tounde Yessoufou, who each scored 21 points before fouling out. Cameron Carr added 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Sophomore forward David Punch was a late scratch for TCU due to illness. He leads the team with averages of 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tyler Bilodeau and Trent Perry combined for 28 first-half points and finished with 18 points apiece, leading UCLA to a 71-64 victory over Northwestern on Saturday night.
UCLA used a 10-0 surge to take a 41-27 lead late in the first half and led 41-31 at the break. The Bruins had its largest lead, 58-42 with 12:50 to play. Later in the second half, Northwestern's 7-0 spurt cut its deficit to 62-56. Jamar Brown answered with a 3-pointer and the Bruins then sealed it from the free-throw line.
Bilodeau didn't miss a shot in the first half, going 6 of 6 from the floor with four 3-pointers. He made a layup early in the second half before finally missing on a 3-pointer with 6:43 to play. He finished 7-of-11 shooting from the floor and 4 of 8 from long range. Perry scored 12 first-half points and and was 6 of 12 overall.
Donovan Dent, who scored 23 points and had 13 assists in the Bruins' 69-67 win over No. 4 Purdue on Wednesday, added 13 points and five assists against the Wildcats.
Eric Dailey Jr. chipped in with 11 points and eight rebounds for UCLA (14-6, 6-3 Big Ten), which has won four of its last five games.
Nick Martinelli scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Northwestern (9-11, 1-8). Tre Singleton had 12 points and six rebounds. The Wildcats have lost six of their last seven games.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Braeden Shrewsberry scored 22 points and Notre Dame beat Boston College 68-64 in a double-digit second half comeback on Saturday.
Shrewsberry was 8-of-17 shooting for the Irish (11-9, 2-5 Atlantic Coast Conference). Jalen Haralson added 17 points on 8 of 13 from the floor. Carson Towt had 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass.
Fred Payne led the Eagles (9-11, 2-5) with 18 points to go with five rebounds and four assists. Donald Hand Jr. had 17 points and six rebounds. Luka Toews had 14 points.
The Eagles took a 35-24 lead into the half after opening the game on an 8-0 run. The Irish flipped the script in the second half with a 10-run to start the half, and an 18-6 run over eight minutes to take the lead for good. It turned a 13-point deficit into a seven-point advantage with 2:57 remaining.
Shrewsberry had 12 points in the second half, and Haralson had 11.
The Eagles cut the deficit to two points with a 3-pointer from Toews with 10 seconds remaining. After Shrewsberry was fouled and made the resulting free throws for the Irish, Payne drove to make a layup, returning the deficit to two points with two seconds on the clock.
The Eagles were assessed a technical foul immediately after the score for calling a timeout when they had none remaining. It gave the Irish a pair of free throws and possession, sealing the result.
Up next
The Irish host No. 14 Virginia on Tuesday.
The Eagles will also host No. 14 Virginia in their next game, next Saturday.
The projected No. 1 overall draft pick in the upcoming NBA draft finished with a casual 43 points on 15-of-24 shooting in the 13th-ranked Cougars' 91-78 win over Utah on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.
Dybantsa's 43 points set a BYU record for the most points scored in a single game by a freshman. It is also the most points in a single game this season by a player in the Big 12, according to Fox's broadcast.
"No weaknesses," former UConn forward and Fox Sports analyst Donny Marshall said of Dybantsa's overall game and performance against Utah on the network's postgame show.
The 6-foot-9 forward showed off a little bit of everything with his game, as he found success inside and outside of the paint, including from beyond the arc as he was 3-of-4 on 3-point shooting attempts. He also added six rebounds and three assists to his career day.
Dybantsa scored 24 of his 43 points in the second half, which included the dagger on the Cougars' fifth conference win of the season: an emphatic dunk that set the arena off into a frenzy with 2:33 remaining in regulation.
"I don't know. To be honest, I was hot from the beginning. I was making a lot of shots that I normally make, so I felt like it was going to be a good day," Dybantsa said to Fox Sports' Casey Jacobsen postgame on his day.
He's one of three freshmen to score at least 40 points on Saturday, with the others being Illinois' Keaton Wagler (46 points vs. No. 4 Purdue) and Houston's Kingston Flemings (42 points vs. No. 12 Texas Tech).
Here's a deeper look into Dybantsa's day against Utah:
CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Trinity Rodman, fresh off signing a contract with the Washington Spirit, scored and the United States had five second-half goals in a 6-0 rout Paraguay on Saturday.
Ally Sentnor added a pair of goals and Reilyn Turner scored in her debut match for the United States. Emma Sears also scored.
Turner, who plays professionally for the Portland Thorns, scored in first-half stoppage time on an assist from Thorns teammate Olivia Moultrie.
Sentnor added a goal in the opening minutes of the second half to put the United States up 2-0.
After an own goal in the 53rd minute, Rodman scored her 12th international goal in her 48th appearance with the team. Rodman, named captain for the match, celebrated with a brief dance for the U.S. bench.
Sentnor added her second in the 57th minute, capping a span that saw the United States add three goals in four minutes. Sears made it 6-0 with a goal in the 72nd.
“I think in the first half there were definitely nerves. We were rushing a lot,” Rodman said. “I think there was almost too much space, that we were overthinking things.”
It was the first of two matches for the U.S. team to conclude its January training camp. The United States also plays Chile in Santa Barbara on Tuesday night.
European-based U.S. players were not included in the camp because they are in the midst of their seasons. Gotham players were also left off the roster as they prepare for the final stage of the first Women's Champions Cup in London next week.
The players in the starting lineup Saturday averaged just 10 appearances with the national team. Coach Emma Hayes was working with a group of National Women's Soccer League Players who are coming off an offseason.
“We had three debutantes, players that have only maybe played a second or third cap. There was a lot of inexperience for us, and a lot of nerves that come with that,” Hayes said. “But I thought the team handles themselves really well, considering.”
The team honored retired forward Christen Press before the match. Press won Women’s World Cup titles with the United States in 2015 and 2019 and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Over a decade with the national team, she appeared in 155 matches, scoring 64 goals and 43 assists.
Rodman agreed on Thursday to a three-year contract to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of speculation about her future in the NWSL. At issue was the NWSL's salary cap and whether it has hampered the league from attracting and maintaining top players.
The 23-year-old Rodman became a free agent at the end of last season after five years with the Spirit. One of the biggest stars in the NWSL, keeping her in the league was considered important as other U.S. national team stars, including Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, opted to play in Europe.
The financial details of Rodman’s contract were not disclosed, but the Spirit called it “one of the most significant deals in NWSL history.”
Hayes called it a “monumental achievement for the NWSL."
“I think it’s really fantastic for the NWSL that they’ve been able to keep Trinity Rodman," Hayes said in a prematch news conference. "I think knowing that she’s going to be settled and happy in Washington is going to be a win for the U.S. national team, because, as I’ve always said, happiness and what they want is of the highest order to me.”
Nov 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) goes to the basket as New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Early in their Nets careers, Drake Powell and Nolan Traore looked like the team’s two rookies least equipped for the NBA.
One didn’t impress in college and missed most of the preseason. The other arrived built like a featherweight and played like the game was on fast-forward.
Powell wasn’t a starter or a featured player at the University of North Carolina, then spent Summer League and the opening stretch of preseason sidelined with a lingering knee injury. ESPN projected him as a second-round pick in its final 2025 mock draft, but Brooklyn selected him at No. 22 felt like a leap of faith, 10 spots earlier than where ESPN had him.
Traore, meanwhile, didn’t look ready from the moment he arrived. At 175 pounds, he was the lightest player from the NBA Combine to be selected in the draft. Even at the G League level, he played like he had a shorter shot clock than everybody else, piling up turnovers while hurrying through possessions that didn’t need to be rushed.
Now, two players who once had their NBA caliber questioned are averaging over 20 minutes per game this month, a reflection of both impressive development and growing trust from the coaching staff.
POWELL’S TWO-WAY VALUE
BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 16: Drake Powell #4 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball as Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls plays defense during the game on January 16, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)
Powell’s overall collegiate stat line didn’t jump off the page, but a closer look showed some measurables that hinted at his two-way potential.
While he wasn’t lighting up scoreboards with the Tar Heels, he did score efficiently, shooting 37.9%from three and 48.3%from the field. Beyond his game action, there were some positives. Indeed, his athleticism was on full display at the 2025 NBA Combine, finishing with the top standing (37.5 inches) and max (43 inches) vertical jumps. He also placed among the top five at his position in both the agility drill and the three-quarter sprint.
After ramping-up early in the season — while managing his injury, Powell is now operating at full capacity and proving to be a valuable asset. In a 116–113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this month, the North Carolina product scored a career-high 16 points, including a clutch three with five seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one. His defensive impact has shown up as well, recording two steals in Brooklyn’s recent 130–126 loss to the Boston Celtics.
“I see him as a very good shooter, a very good playmaker, I can run plays for him on the second side, he can handle in transition, he can guard the best perimeter player, his athleticism is top in the NBA for his position,” said Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez. “We believe he can be not just a good but a great two-way player, which means that he’s going to be a very good defender.”
That’s high praise for the league’s 19th youngest player.
At 6’5” (in barefeet) and 195 pounds, the 20-year-old possesses the blend of size, athleticism and shooting ability teams look for in an ideal two-way contributor. Sean Marks understood that not all five of his first-round picks would become stars but for a team hoping to eventually contend, filling specific roles matters and Powell is beginning to find and prove his niche.
TRAORE TURNING CHAOS INTO CONTROL
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 2: Nolan Traore #88 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on January 2, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
Based on the way he opened the season, Traore’s recent improvement may come as the biggest surprise in the group.
The Frenchman was a mess … and that’s putting it kindly. He averaged 4.5 turnovers per game through his first four appearances with the Long Island Nets, a rate that would currently lead the NBA. But slow starts aren’t unfamiliar to him. During his time with Saint-Quentin in France’s LNB Elite League, Traore followed a similar arc before being named the FIBA Champions League Best Young Player.
By December, he was averaging 22.2 points, eight assists, and 1.4 steals per game in the G League while cutting his turnovers down to 2.2 before being called back up to Brooklyn. While he still uses his high-end speed to his advantage, the game has slowed down for Traore, allowing him to manipulate defenders with sudden changes of pace.
“He took full advantage of the opportunities he had with Long Island,” said Fernández. “And when he came back here, he did so with a different spirit and a lot more confidence.”
After playing in just ten games throughout the first three months of the season, the rookie point guard has already played in 13 in January, averaging 7.8 points and 3.5 assists while playing 23.4 minutes per game.
During Brooklyn’s 130–126 double-overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night, Traore logged career highs in both minutes (37) and points (21), while also adding three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. Indeed, he became the youngest player in franchise history to score 20 points in a game. (He’s also the fifth youngest player in Nets history.)
“His ability to touch the paint, how slippery he is, obviously, he’s gonna keep growing,” Fernandez said after the game. “He’s got to grow that voice, and I’m going to trust him. He’s doing a great job.”
JORDI’S NURTURING
MACAU, MACAU – OCTOBER 12: Coach Jordi Fernandez of Brooklyn Nets reacts during NBA China Games 2025 between Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns at The Venetian Macao on October 12, 2025 in Macau, Macau. 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 Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
Ultimately, the rapid development of these young players can’t be discussed without giving credit to Fernández. While growth still depends on the players themselves, much of it comes down to how they’re used, challenged, and ultimately put in positions to succeed.
There’s no tough love without the “love” part, and Fernández does a strong job of reminding his young players what they’re capable of while also jumping on every opportunity to correct them or clean up areas they can improve.
When Powell played only two minutes during a loss to the Dallas Mavericks back in December, his coach didn’t hesitate to call him out publicly.
“These young guys need to understand how important every minute you play is,” Fernández said. “If the intentions are there, I’m completely fine. But if the mistakes are from easing into the game, that’s not how we do it here.”
The following game, Powell responded with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal while helping the Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks.
For the Nets’ young players, progress hasn’t come through comfort or sugarcoating, but through constructive criticism and accountability.
It’ll be a while, maybe a couple of years, for pundits and fans to finally assess the Nets 2025 Draft, but for Powell and Traore, there’s already enough for change perceptions.
The Dallas Mavericks (19-26) host the Los Angeles Lakers (26-17) Friday night on ABC. The Mavericks are riding high having won four straight, most recently against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. The Lakers are playing pretty uneven basketball lately, but in their most recent game they fell to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
Heres the main things you need to know before tipoff.
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers
WHAT: Luka Doncic returns to the AAC again!
WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
WHEN: 7:30 pm CST
HOW: ABC
The injury report for the Mavericks has become a game of whack-a-mole. One guy comes back, Daniel Gafford is listed as probable with his ankle issue, but another goes down, in this case Moussa Cisse is doubtful due to illness. Otherwise, it’s the same four guys listed as out that have been out: Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively, and Dante Exum. The Lakers are without Austin Reaves who is dealing with a calf strain.
If you are watching tonight, please try downloading this app I am working with called Offside. I’ll be hanging out in the game chat with SlightlyBiased during the game. Give it a download, find the game, then look for the chat tab. Hang out, react to the game, drop any trades you want to see, and we’ll have fun during what should be a thrilling game.
When I wrote the longer game preview last night, I felt good about the Maverick chances, but something related to Cisse being out has me spooked. He plays hard, rebounds hard, and sets a tone and Dallas needs that. Gafford is good for some things, but rebounding and team defense aren’t his highest ranking attributes. I think the Mavericks need to push hard in transition to put the Lakers away. Doncic will take and make tough shots, but the Mavericks need to make the game tiring for the Lakers. This one feels like a toss up, though the Lakers are currently a 3.5 point favorite.
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!
The latest victim to fall in the conference is No. 16 Florida, as the defending national champions lost to Auburn 76-67 on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. It's the Tigers' first signature conference win of the Steven Pearl era.
Keyshawn Hall's team-high 24 points willed the Tigers to their first win against the Gators in Gainesville since Feb. 10, 1996.
The win also marks the second upset in the SEC on Saturday and moves both teams to 5-3 in the conference standings, two things that show the conference remains wide open going into February.
Hall played a big part in Auburn being able to head into the locker room with a 15-point lead at halftime. The Tigers' senior guard had 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the first half, including a 3-of-4 mark from behind the arc. He finished with 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
Florida trailed at halftime 43-28 but rallied back to tie the game at 54 then at 56-56 at the 8:09 mark following a pair of free throws from Thomas Haugh. But that'd be as close as Todd Golden's squad would get; Auburn never allowed Florida to be closer than five points for the remaining eight minutes.
Haugh led Florida with 27 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the field and had 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Two additional Gators finished in double figures, as Urban Klavzar and Rueben Chinyelu added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Alex Condon, who tested the NBA draft waters last offseason following the Gators' national championship, struggled mightily for Florida. Despite grabbing nine rebounds and recording three blocks, the 6-foot-11 forward was held to one point on 0-for-4 shooting from the field and turned the ball over four times. It's the third time this season that an opponent has held Condon to single-digit points.
Auburn will test its now three-game win streak on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at home against Texas at 7 p.m. ET, while Florida will look to bounce back on the road against South Carolina at 9 p.m. ET on Jan. 28.
Keaton Wagler picked the right time to have a career-best performance.
The Illinois freshman guard scored 46 points in an 88-82 win for the No. 11 Fighting Illini road victory over No. 4 Purdue. Wagler scored his career-high on just 17 shots, making 13 of them. He also shot 9-of-11 from 3-point range and made 11 free throws.
The 46 points were the most points by a visiting player in Mackey Arena history and the most points by a Big Ten player this season.
Wagler had 24 points in the first half, keeping Illinois within striking distance with a four-point deficit. However, in the second half, he scored 22 points as the Fighting Illini outscored the Boilermakers by 10 points to pick up the key conference victory.
Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler with one of the GREATEST college basketball performances of all-time:
- 88-82 WIN AT MACKEY - 46 points - 13-of-17 FG - 9-11 from 3 - 11-13 FT - 4 assists
Ja Morant was asked one question about his future with the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 21.
When the star point guard was in London and Berlin for two NBA games in Europe against the Orlando Magic, the media assembled had plenty to ask the 26-year-old in his seventh NBA season. But this time, he was asked just one question after a loss to the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum.
"I'm sorry y'all that wasn't able to come to London, but I'm done with those questions,” Morant said.
His response was polite, and the questions turned back to basketball. Morant wanted to focus on basketball, but the news from the Grizzlies on Jan. 24 about another setback will keep the focus on his future with the organization.
If Morant is traded, he has played his last game with the Grizzlies. There is also the possibility that Memphis could keep Morant beyond the deadline if the latest injury scares off bidders from making an attractive offer.
Morant is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game this season. His 23.5% on 3-pointers and 41% shooting overall are both career lows. He's a 46.6% shooter for his career, including 31.1% on 3-pointers.
Ja Morant’s trade value, contract
Reports have indicated that Morant doesn’t have a robust trade market. His injury history and off-court concerns have limited what teams are willing to offer for a player who is making $39.4 million this season.
After reports surfaced that the Grizzlies would listen to offers on Jan. 9, Morant returned from a calf contusion on Jan. 18 after missing six games. He proceeded to compile at least 20 points and 10 assists in each of his next two games.
Morant’s strong play was an indication that more teams could start calling the Grizzlies, but then he suffered his latest injury.
Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are two other notable NBA stars whose names have been rumored in potential trades. Both those players are also expected to be sidelined through the trade deadline.
A team in win-now mode is less likely to take on Morant’s contract, given his latest injury and injury history. Morant has missed 23 of 43 games this season. He’ll finish this season playing less than 60 games for the third consecutive year.
Morant indicated on Jan. 18 that Memphis is where he wants to be. While that didn’t mean the Grizzlies would be more inclined to keep him, the current injury situation could lead to that.
If Morant stays past the deadline, is the relationship salvageable? That seems unlikely, given Morant’s down season and injury history with two more seasons left on his contract.
Morant was supporting his teammates on the bench during the Jan. 23 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans. His latest actions have been positive, limiting the potential of a distraction.
The two sides being aligned throughout the remainder of the season doesn’t seem like it could be a conflict. However, what happens after the season is another question.
Morant will be eligible for a three-year contract extension. The Grizzlies didn’t sign him to a two-year extension last offseason. Given the recent events and the team’s willingness to shop him, an extension is even less likely now.
A perfect fairytale story would be the Grizzlies and Morant fixing their differences, moving on and making a run next season. However, without future certainty, there’s a strong chance the Grizzlies will be listening to offers again in the offseason if Morant remains on the roster past the trade deadline.
DALLAS (AP) — Jaron Pierre Jr. had 28 points to help SMU hold off Florida State 83-80 on Saturday.
Lajae Jones buried a 3-pointer to give Florida State a 72-69 lead with four minutes remaining. Pierre had baskets on both ends of a three-point play by B.J. Edwards in a 7-0 run and SMU stayed in front from there. Edwards made two free throws with eight seconds left to set the final margin.
Pierre made 11 of 18 shots with four 3-pointers for the Mustangs (15-5, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). Edwards totaled 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Boopie Miller had 11 points and six assists and Samet Yigitoglu grabbed 11 rebounds and scored six.
Robert McCray V totaled 21 points and nine assists to pace the Seminoles (8-12, 1-6). Jones made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds for his first double-double this season. Alex Steen had 14 points and nine rebounds, while reserve Martin Somerville hit three 3-pointers and scored 13.
Edwards had 13 points, Pierre scored 11 and SMU closed the first half on a 20-10 run for a 46-34 advantage at halftime.
McCray buried a 3-pointer, Steen tipped in a miss and Jones hit a jumper and a 3-pointer to cap a 10-0 run that gave the Seminoles a 50-49 lead with 15 minutes remaining. The lead changed hands four times until Edwards scored in the paint with three minutes left to put the Mustangs on top for good.
Up next
Florida State: The Seminoles host California on Wednesday.
SMU: The Mustangs visit No. 23 Louisville on Saturday.
Tyrese Maxey – 18 VJ Edgecombe – 6 Joel Embiid – 5 Paul George – 5 Andre Drummond – 2 Dominick Barlow – 1 Adem Bona – 1 Justin Edwards – 1 Quentin Grimes – 1 Jared McCain – 1 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
The Philadelphia 76ers fell in dramatic fashion (of course) 112-109 to the visiting New York Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
It was a tale of two halves this afternoon. The first featured a dominant 28-point performance from Joel Embiid on 12 shots that helped lead the Sixers to a slight advantage by halftime.
The second half… not so fun for Philly. The Sixers put up their worst period since Jan. 2, 2024, scoring just 13 points in the frame compared to the Knicks’ 30. Philadelphia started the fourth just as cold and it seemed like the game might already be over before a late push pulled them back within single digits. It was too little, too late, though. After a wild final minute (that felt like it took 20 minutes real time), the Knicks walked away with a 112-109 victory over the Sixers.
The Sixers will now fly out of Philly (before the snowstorm arrives) to visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday evening.
Until then, let’s get to the Bell Ringer. Not many choices from this one.
Joel Embiid: 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block
Embiid was coming off a triple-double performance in the Sixers’ overtime win over the Houston Rockets just a few days ago. Having played nearly 46 minutes in that Thursday evening contest, just the fact that Embiid was available for this one was great to see.
The fatigue didn’t seem to bother him much. Instead, we got vintage Joel to start this one.
I’ll be honest, there was a time I didn’t know if we’d ever see the big fella do that again.
Embiid did a lot more than that, though, leading the Sixers right out of the gate with a field-leading 15 points in the opening frame on 5-for-7 field goal shooting in his first 10 minutes. The Knicks could not slow him down. Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns… it didn’t seem to matter who they tried to put on him, Embiid simply was unstoppable. By halftime, he had 28 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the floor. Let me say that again: he had 28 points by halftime, on 12 shots, less than 48 hours after playing 46 minutes.
The big fella did seem to slow down in the second half (along with the entire Sixers’ squad) and was dealing with some pain after New York’s Ariel Hukporti landed on Embiid’s knee battling for a ball on the floor. He kept battling, though, leading the Sixers’ late charge to pull back within single digits of the Knicks in the final frame. Embiid finished the contest with 38 points (13-for-21 field goals, 3-for-5 from three) with 11 rebounds, five assists and one block.
Embiid may not be the same guy he was a few seasons ago health-wise, but damn if he isn’t making it work anyway. He’s moving well, hitting silky-smooth jumpers, getting up for boards and defense, and clearly isn’t shy or worried about using his body to drive hard to the rim. It’s all extremely encouraging to see. Now, if only the rest of the squad could figure some things out…
That was a tough finish for the Sixers vs. Knicks. But, it was another extremely encouraging showing from Joel Embiid, even considering the rough second half for the entire team.
There were definitely times in this one that it seemed like fatigue and frustration were getting the better of Tyrese Maxey, but he kept battling and was a driving force in the Sixers’ last game push to try to come from behind. It was also his best night from long range in about two weeks, sinking 3-of-7 attempts (42.9%) from beyond the arc. He was 8-for-15 from the floor overall and had six assists. Maxey was able to maneuver through the Knicks defense into the paint and was hitting some nice pull-ups.
Tyrese Maxey with the 3-point play and somehow the Sixers only trail by single digits! pic.twitter.com/pdWlTbLg1n
This wasn’t the best Maxey game overall, we can be honest about that. That being said, he was the only other real scoring threat the Sixers had in this one besides Embiid. With Embiid putting up 38 and Maxey adding 22, the duo combined for 55% of the Sixers’ 109 total points.
(No, this doesn’t mean I like Maxey forcing up that last three-point attempt even if the Knicks were trying to intentionally foul. It’s too risky of a move to rely on the whistle and there was enough time to just try to get a better shot.)
The Celtics roll into Chicago looking to extend a winning rhythm, but the Bulls are in a groove as well. Boston had to dig deep last night, and they’ll have to again on the second half of a back-to-back. Fatigue may be a factor, but the Celtics have a key contributor returning. Here are three questions that could decide the outcome.
Can the Celtics survive a short turnaround against the Bulls?
Boston was put to the test all night by Brooklyn, and had just enough left in the tank to pull off a gutsy win. After a double-overtime finish and a late-night flight to Chicago, the Celtics haven’t had much time to recharge ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Bulls.
Chicago, meanwhile, enters well-rested and riding a three-game winning streak. They most recently handled Minnesota behind a balanced effort that saw seven players reach double figures.
Brooklyn’s size and switchability posed problems for Boston, but Chicago presents a different challenge. The Bulls lack the same positional versatility, which should allow the Celtics to generate and punish switches more easily. The concern lies on the other end.
Chicago plays fast. They rank fourth in pace and average the second-most transition possessions per game — a recipe that could expose tired legs if this game stays close late.
This puts a premium on execution. If Boston can control turnovers and get into its half-court offense, they’ll limit Chicago’s ability to run, and force the Bulls to score against a set defense.
The good news? Derrick White is back.
Can Derrick White’s return slow down the Bulls’ fast break?
The weather is unusually cold — and so is Derrick White’s jumper lately.
After a slow start to the season, White found his rhythm, before slipping back into another brief efficiency dip. It’s a familiar pattern, and one that prompted Joe Mazzulla to give him the night off against Brooklyn.
Derrick White tends to slump every January. It’s probably cost him an All-Star nod (or two). But he tends to break out in a big way by February. pic.twitter.com/kB0pcne1z2
His return against Chicago comes at an ideal moment. White’s defensive versatility and off-ball activity could be critical against a Bulls team that thrives in transition, particularly when it comes to slowing his namesake, Coby White. With extra rest, he may also be better positioned to shoulder a larger load if others begin to fade.
There’s no long-term concern with one of the league’s most reliable shooters. If anything, this feels like a natural spot for a course correction.
Will Amari Williams get more minutes after his strong performance?
Amari Williams had arguably the most encouraging five-minute stint one could imagine against the Nets.
With Neemias Queta and Luka Garza fouled out, it was Amari Williams who stepped up with the game on the line. His size and defensive impact were huge, but more importantly, he looked like he belonged.
Getting thrown into the fire of double overtime is a big ask for a rookie two-way center. He handled it extremely well, and effectively iced the game with some excellent rim protection.
Mazzulla has consistently rewarded young players who impact games, and Williams may have earned himself a longer look. While his development is primarily happening in Maine, there’s value in giving him NBA reps — something he’s handled well each time so far.
With Queta still dealing with illness and listed as probable, tonight presents another opportunity. Like White, Williams could help Boston manage the physical toll of a short turnaround.
