ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Rashaun Agee posted 18 points and 15 rebounds as Texas A&M rolled past Georgia 92-77 on Saturday to stay atop the SEC standings.
The Aggies (17-4, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) seized control early behind a 22-0 run while holding Georgia to just two points through nearly five minutes of action. Texas A&M led 51-41 at halftime, shot 45% from the field and went 19 of 20 from the free-throw line.
Georgia cut the deficit to 56-47 early in the second half, but Agee knocked down two 3-pointers after entering the game shooting 18.6% from deep to help Texas A&M rebuild its cushion. The Bulldogs pulled within 69-66 with just over nine minutes remaining, but the Aggies answered with back-to-back 3-pointers from Ali Dibba and Jacari Lane to regain control.
Texas A&M closed it out at the line and extended its winning streak against Georgia to seven straight meetings.
Marcus Hill scored 15 points for the Aggies, Rubén Domínguez added 13, and Dibba finished with 15 off the bench. Agee recorded his 10th double-double of the season.
Jeremiah Wilkinson led Georgia (16-6, 4-5) with 17 points and five assists while posting a career high in blocks (2). Kanon Catchings and Blue Cain scored 14 points apiece. Dylan James recorded the first double-double of his career with 13 points and a career high in rebounds (13) off the bench.
The Aggies improved to 10-0 this season when scoring at least 90 points.
A quick hot streak could push them into position for homecourt advantage in the first round. A stumble could doom them toward the Play-In Tournament.
Luckily, the Memphis Grizzlies should be a matchup that helps Minnesota stay on its current hot streak.
My Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies predictions recognize which starter is hottest these days.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, January 31.
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies prediction
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies best bet: Jaden McDaniels Over 13.5 points (-112)
Jaden McDaniels clearly doesn’t want to be traded, and he’s been playing all season like he shouldn’t be.
McDaniels’ 21 points on a perfect 5-of-5 from three on Thursday grabbed headlines because it came against the Thunder, but the Minnesota Timberwolves forward has been performing at this level for some time.
He has cleared this prop in seven of his last nine games, part of doing so in 26 of 47 games this season. McDaniels’ long-range shooting has jumped this season, hitting 44.0% on the year while taking 3.4 per game. He should take more tonight.
The Memphis Grizzlies have given up the fourth-most attempts from beyond the arc in the last 10 games, with opponents taking 40.7 threes per game. When McDaniels gets those looks these days, he hits them.
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
McDaniels has hit multiple 3-pointers in three straight games and five of his last six, shooting 58.3% from deep.
That has certainly helped the Timberwolves cover the spread in three consecutive contests.
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaden McDaniels Over 13.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 threes
Timberwolves -9
Our "from downtown" SGP: Playing Facilitator
When Julius Randle has to face a post defender entirely capable of stopping his isolation game, his points suffer — but his assists pop.
For example, he finished with 13 points and five assists against Oklahoma City’s post defenders on Thursday.
Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
Memphis is 2-6 against the spread in its last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN North, FDSN Southeast Memphis
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 31: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 31, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs came up short to the blossoming Hornets in the matinee game in Charlotte. It was all gas and no brakes early as the Spurs countered the rebounding, pace and LaMelo Ball’s flurry with six 3-pointers, eight fast break points plus the bench added a cushion. They also got some help from Charlotte’s six turnovers, ending the first quarter ahead by four points.
The 3-point shooting came to a crashing halt, missing all seven attempts, while the hosts ran lots of motion. Collin Sexton was their next man to erupt, scoring 10 points in the second quarter, and then Brandon Miller turned into a supernova, pouring in 16, pushing them to a 14-point lead after it was tied with three minutes left in the half.
The Spurs subsequently came out of intermission with little to offer against Charlotte’s paint pressure. They also couldn’t cut the deficit closer than nine points going into the fourth quarter because their turnovers turned into points for the other side. The poor 3-point defense that followed, in combination with getting beat on second attempts, had them looking in bad shape on the ropes until Stephon Castle’s late scoring inspired the team, and they cut the deficit to two, forcing the Hornets to call timeout with five minutes left.
They followed up getting beat to the inside thrice, missed four critical shots and committed the cardinal sin of fouling Miles Bridges on a 3-point attempt. It was curtains after that.
Observations
It takes a bit of an adjustment for players to get comfortable in a matinee game because sometimes the shoot-around or practice is around that time, and these are creatures of routine. The Spurs were affected, being a step behind on defense for most of the game.
Harrison was with the second unit for the first time in 10 years, since he was a Golden State Warrior, and he got hot late when the team badly needed a spark. Unfortunately, after he helped lead the Spurs charge back in the fourth quarter, he was the one who committed that fateful foul on Bridges late.
The Hornets came into the game on a five-game win streak and surged in January with two other quality wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers. Charlotte has been the top team in rebounding percentage over that span and it was no different Saturday, being the nastier team in the trenches. Charlotte has a 15-point rebounding edge and scored 14 extra second-chance points. Additionally, it was too hard for them to recover from Charlotte more than doubling their points in the second quarter. Consider that San Antonio outscored them in the other three.
Kon Knueppel has been no lower than the second-best rookie this season, and the Spurs made it harder for him to get separation on the dribble. All the attention on him and Ball made it easier for Miller to get loose on curling sets and after setting screens. Furthermore, the Hornets made 23 shots in the lane, and most of those belonged to Moussa Diabaté.
Dylan Harper created havoc and was the team’s leading bench scorer, hitting jumpers and attacking the lane. He was arguably the team’s best player in the first half, and it felt like a sneak peek of the future.
Victor Wembanyama had a bad game, being unable to establish himself in the lane, and most of his jumpers were off target. It was also his fourth game of the year without a block.
HOUSTON (AP) — Milos Uzan had 16 points and No. 10 Houston won its 38th straight game over an unranked opponent with a 76-54 victory against Cincinnati on Saturday.
Emanuel Sharp, Chris Cenac Jr. and Isiah Harwell each scored 13 for the Cougars (19-2, 7-1 Big 12).
Cenac scored all of his points in the first half on 5-of-7 shooting as the Cougars built a 32-20 lead at the half.
Houston won its 16th straight home game and its 14th straight over the Bearcats (11-11, 3-6).
Houston shot 46% and 9 of 26 on 3-pointers. It forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 26 points.
The Cougars finished with four turnovers and held a 26-8 advantage in points in the paint.
Jalen Celestine had 15 points and Keyshuan Tillery scored 14 for Cincinnati. The Bearcats shot 38% and went 10 of 23 on 3-pointers.
Leading 16-13 with about eight minutes left in the first half, Houston outscored Cincinnati 16-5 over a nearly seven-minute span to take a 32-18 lead on a jumper by Mercy Miller.
Houston’s lead never dipped below double-digits the rest of the way.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards are reportedly one of several teams that have called about Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Lonzo Ball, per Mike Scotto of HoopsHype. Washington has nearly $30 million in cap space to absorb contracts, in exchange for the price of draft picks.
Ball has been a major disappointment for the Cavs, shooting just 29.9% from the floor and even worse from beyond the arc. While his shooting is not the main reason the Cavs acquired him, Ball’s passing and defense have not been able to offset the otherwise terrible splits. He has been passed on the depth chart by Craig Porter Jr., and at times, Tyrese Proctor as well, meaning he has been left out of the rotation entirely.
Ball is in the first year of a two-year $20 million deal he signed with the Chicago Bulls, but the second year is a team option – one that will overwhelmingly not be picked up by whoever has the 29-year-old come this summer. If the Cavs are able to clear out Ball’s contract now as opposed to this summer, it would free up a roster spot and get them closer to escaping the dreaded second apron, although additional salary would need to be cut in order to do so.
The Cavs are expected to be one of the more active teams this trade season, with the deadline coming on Thursday. De’Andre Hunter has already been mentioned several times in trade discussions, most notably with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings. Ball and Hunter combined account for $34.9 million on the salary sheet, and the Cavs are most certainly not getting that value back — or even close to it. If they can offload those salaries and get salary relief and/or better-fitting players, it could help plug some of the holes on the roster.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Paul McNeil Jr. scored 28 points and knocked down six 3-pointers as N.C. State pulled away in the second half for a 96-78 win over Wake Forest on Saturday.
McNeil shot 8 of 12 from the field, went 6 of 8 from behind the arc, and was 6-for-6 from the free-throw line for the Wolfpack (16-6, 7-2 ACC). N.C. State shot 54% overall and 57% from 3-point range, building a 49-31 halftime lead in a game that was moved up more than two hours due to weather.
Wake Forest opened the second half with a brief surge, trimming the deficit to 52-40 on a 3-pointer by Myles Colvin at the 17:18 mark. Darrion Williams hit a 3-pointer less than a minute later, though, and McNeil followed with a deep 3 of his own to help push the lead back to 18.
The Demon Deacons cut it to 62-54 midway through the half after another 3 from Juke Harris, but McNeil answered again. He buried a 26-foot jumper with 9:48 remaining, then added free throws and a layup during a 12-3 run that ended any threat. N.C. State led by at least 13 the rest of the way.
Williams finished with 20 points, Ven-Allen Lubin added 12 points and eight rebounds, and Tre Holloman dished out 10 assists for the Wolfpack.
Harris scored 31 points for Wake Forest (11-11, 2-7) in the final Big Four matchup of the season for the Demon Deacons. Omaha Biliew scored 12 points.
Up next
N.C. State travels to SMU this Tuesday.
Wake Forest hosts No. 20 Louisville next Saturday.
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Carter Welling and Nick Davidson scored 12 points each and No. 22 Clemson used a big first-half run to take control on the way to its 15th straight win over Pittsburgh, 63-52, on Saturday.
Welling and Davidson combined for 17 second-half points for the Tigers (18-4, 8-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), who opened a 17-point lead at halftime and gave Clemson coach Brad Brownell his 200th home win over 16 seasons.
The Panthers (9-13, 2-7) used a 14-4 run at the start of the second half to get the lead into single digits. But RJ Godfrey had two inside baskets and Welling scored six straight points to restore Clemson's large lead.
Pitt has struggled during ACC play. It had hoped to carry momentum from an overtime win against Wake Forest earlier this week into Clemson.
But the Tigers' defense kicked in midway through the opening half as they went on a 26-9 run over a 13-minute span to take control. Efrem “Butta” Johnson had two of Clemson's five threes during that surge while the Panthers shot just shot 21% and were 2-of-18 from behind the arc the first 20 minutes.
Johnson's second 3-pointer put Clemson up 33-16 at the half.
Roman Siulepa land Damarco Minor ed Pittsburgh with 12 points apiece. The Panthers' leading scorer, Brandin Cummings, was held to points, 11 fewer than his average.
Godfrey finished with 10 points for the Tigers.
The game went on as scheduled despite a rare winter storm throughout the state of South Carolina that was expected to leave up to 8 inches of snow on campus.
Up next
Pitt: Goes to No. 17 Virginia on Tuesday night.
Clemson: Goes West to play Stanford on Wednesday night.
Can a player who entered the NBA Draft, was selected in the second round, signed a professional contract (two-way) and played in 10 NBA games regain college eligibility and play again in the NCAA?
Former UCLA Bruin and Charlotte Hornet Amari Bailey is trying to do just that.
Bailey, who has spent most of the last two seasons in the G League, has hired an agent and a lawyer in an effort to regain his eligibility, and spoke with Dan Murphy of ESPN about it.
"Right now I'd be a senior in college. I'm not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics. No shade to the guys that do; that's their journey. But I went to go play professionally and learned a lot, went through a lot. So, like, why not me?"
Bailey told ESPN his case is the next step from the NCAA's decision to allow James Nnaji — another 2023 second-round draft pick, but one who never signed an NBA contract and only played in Europe — to join Baylor for the rest of the season.
NCAA president Charlie Baker has said the NCAA would never grant eligibility to a player who signed an NBA contract. However, a judge disagreed and granted Charles Bediako — a former and once again Alabama player who sued the NCAA to regain his college eligibility — eligibility to play for the Crimson Tide (the NCAA has appealed that ruling). Bediako entered the 2023 NBA Draft but went undrafted (unlike Bailey), signed a two-way contract, and played three seasons in the G League but never appeared in an NBA game.
Bailey, a 6'3" guard, played two seasons in the G League and last season averaged 13.1 points and 4.6 assists a game with the Long Island Nets and the Iowa Wolves. He did not have a contract for this season. He was a five-star recruit and a McDonald's All-American in high school in Southern California, where he played with Bronny James at Sierra Canyon.
Bailey said he is working out and going to start talking to schools about returning to play college ball next season.
"It's not a stunt," Bailey said. "I'm really serious about going back. I just want to improve my game, change the perception of me and just show that I can win."
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 30: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Make that two California teams that the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly discussing De’Andre Hunter trades with. According to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cavs and Sacramento Kings have talked through a trade that would send Hunter to Northern California for guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroeder, as well as forward Dario Saric.
Ellis has become a highly sought-after 3-and-D player, garnering plenty of interest across the league from teams looking to make a playoff push. He also becomes extension-eligible on February 9th, and without one would be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. If the Cavs want Ellis, the only way they could get him is through a trade, given their current cap situation.
Schroeder, who makes $14.8 million next season and has a partial guarantee the year after, provides point guard depth, injecting a level of veteran savvy-ness that could be useful for the playoffs. Saric is an expiring contract that could be rerouted to a third team, per Scotto.
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Scotto also says the Kings and Cavs have discussed a modified trade that would send Ellis and guard Malik Monk to Cleveland. That seems to be a less desirable option for the Cavs, as Monk is owed quite a bit more money, and the salary situation is already pretty tight. Monk is owed $41.77 million over the next two seasons and has largely not played up to that level.
Hunter’s name has come up quite a bit in trade talks with various teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, but Marc Stein and Jake Fischer in their Substack, said that it is a bit overblown. they report that the Lakers are unwilling to absorb Hunter’s $24.9 million salary for next season, which would limit their ability to sign better players in the offseason.
Other teams that Stein reports checked in on Hunter are the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks, though that was before Giannis Antetokounmpo pseudo-requested a trade. The Warriors are in search of deals involving disgruntled forward Jonathan Kuminga, who worked with Cavs’ head coach Kenny Atkinson previously. Meanwhile, the Bucks reportedly offered Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis in exchange for Hunter. But, again, this was before Antetokounmpo hit the trade rumor mill.
When it comes to trade season, when there is smoke, there is usually fire. Hunter’s name is not popping up in articles across the NBA landscape by accident – there is real intent by someone to move him. Whether that be the Cavs’ front office or not, it is hard to say. There was, of course, the short-lived rumor as well that Hunter and his representation asked for a trade, which was shot down at the time. Perhaps there was some truth to that as well.
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 PM.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during a game at American Airlines Center on January 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in yet another marquee game Saturday, as they will be traveling to Houston to face off with the Rockets. Accordingly, that means we’re set for yet another MMBets Game of the Week.
The Mavericks come in riding a bit of a roller coaster. After winning five in a row, Dallas has not won since January 22nd, when they beat the Warriors at home by eight. The last three losses have been especially tough, considering they’ve all been at home.
Houston is a very interesting team in their own right. Before their 18-point win at the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, the Rockets hadn’t won a game by double digits since New Year’s Day, when they beat the Nets by 24. They’ve still been able to win games, but their lack of guard play has been noticeable in this stretch.
The Mavericks lead the season series, two games to one. They have covered each of the three games, as well.
Before we hand out our picks, let’s check the results from last week.
Well, it was an unfortunate break last week for us. David had Luka Doncic points + rebounds + assists that fell just a half point shy, while Tyler had the same for Cooper Flagg, also falling just a half shy of cashing. We trudge on.
Tipoff: Set for a bit after 7:30p from the Toyota Center in Houston
How to watch: This is an ABC exclusive, so the sweet tones of Mike Breen and Tim Legler will be your only TV option.
Game odds as of 11:30 a.m.
Odds provided by the Fanduel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Wager responsibly!
Spread: Houston -11
Over/Under: 223.5 points
Moneyline: Dallas is +370 to pull off the big time upset.
David’s picks
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mavericks +11 (-110)
Naji Marshall over 16.5 points (-114)
Max Christie 15+ points (+140)
Reed Sheppard 3+ threes made (+126)
The Mavs do not get blown out very often. They weirdly match up well (not horribly?) with Houston, as evidenced by two wins and an eight point loss this season. With no inside presence for the Rockets, Naji should have a field day in the paint. Sheppard should take advantage of the Mavericks horrendous three point defense. Finally, I am betting on a Max Christie bounce back after two lackluster shooting performances.
Tyler’s picks
(Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Under 223.5 points (-110)
Kevin Durant over 25.5 points (-128)
Cooper Flagg under 19.5 points (-112)
Cooper Flagg over 5.5 rebounds (+110)
I expect a slow paced, grinding type of game much like the first three, so it’s a dead shot under for me. If you haven’t noticed, Kevin Durant has been playing like an MVP this season. And I’m supposed to believe the Mavericks will shut his water off? Finally, Cooper Flagg played his best game of the season against the Hornets, scoring 49. Going from that defense to seeing Amen Thompson for 36 minutes will feel like a different sport. I expect a lower scoring game from him, but the activity will still be there, so I’ll go over on the rebounds.
But starting big man Deandre Ayton provided the best glimpse in a while of what the Lakers need from him to have a shot against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.
And isn’t just about Ayton’s statistical production.
His 28 point-13 rebound double-double to go with three assists and three blocked shots against the Wizards tells part of the story.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) Getty Images
Friday was Ayton’s third 20-point double-double in his last 25 games after he had seven in his first 17 games of the season. His 14 field goal attempts marked the seventh time in that same 25-game stretch that he took at least 10 shots, compared to the 10 games he took at least 10 shots in his first 17 games. Friday was the third time in his last 12 games that Ayton, who had a game-best plus-30 individual plus/minus, had a positive plus/minus for a game.
But more importantly than the actual raw production itself is what the numbers underscore: Ayton was involved and engaged, which can go hand in hand.
For the last month, the Lakers have spoken about needing to get Ayton involved more offensively. And how the other areas of his game — defense, rebounding and focus — can wane if he isn’t feeling a part of the offense, which isn’t uncommon in the NBA, especially for big men dependent on their ball handlers to get them touches.
Yes, the Wizards’ atrocious defensive play, especially in transition, made it easier for the Lakers to get Ayton the ball.
But it was clear from the opening tip that the Lakers were emphasizing Ayton. And they benefited from his heightened level of engagement.
“Listen, it’s our job to feed him,” LeBron James said. “Feed the beast. He was very active. When he’s rebounding, it gives us an opportunity to get out and play fast. He’s been key for our wins for sure.”
Jan 30, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) attempts a shot against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The numbers back James up.
When Ayton takes at least 10 field goal attempts, the Lakers are 15-2 compared to 11-14 when he takes nine or fewer shots. They’re 21-6 when Ayton grabs at least eight rebounds, and 5-10 when he has fewer than seven boards.
Last season’s playoff run that ended in the first round after dropping four of five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in which then-starting center now backup big man Jaxson Hayes was benched, showed how important the center position is for the Lakers.
Doncic, James and Austin Reaves may be the reason why the Lakers have a shot to be a threat in the playoffs. But Ayton’s involvement and engagement will determine how much of a threat they can be.
“[He] definitely makes a big difference,” Doncic said of Ayton. “We just have to keep involving him.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against Alex Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) Getty Images
While Ayton was great in Washington, Doncic’s showing against the Wizards shouldn’t be taken for granted.
His stats speak for themselves: a 37 point-13 assist-11 rebound triple-double in 31 minutes.
He had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the first half. It was the second time in the play-by-play era (1997-98) that a player recorded a 25+ point triple double in a half – with Doncic also being the first to do so in 2023 when with the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic was aggressive. Efficient. Decisive, as coach JJ Redick put it.
The Lakers go as far as Doncic leads them.
“He’s beyond special,” LeBron James said of Doncic.
But for the Lakers to accomplish what they believed they could be capable of when they put this roster around Doncic, James and the soon-to-be-back Reaves together last summer, they’ll need Deandre Ayton to have more games like he did on Friday night.
Quentin Richardson, left, high-fives Chelsea Gray during the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Richardson twice participated in the Rising Stars event and will be in town for the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
The NBA All-Star Game is returning to the Southland in two weeks and a part of the annual weekend event that has grown in popularity in recent years is the Rising Stars Challenge, which affords fans the opportunity to watch the league’s top rookies and second-year players compete in a four-team tournament.
Rosters for the mini-tournament to take place on Friday, Feb. 13, at Intuit Dome were drafted this week by a trio of Hall of Famers in Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, who will join former NBA player and current NBC/Peacock analyst Austin Rivers as the four honorary coaches (Rivers will coach the G League squad).
Anthony had the No. 1 pick and drafted Dallas rookie forward Cooper Flagg. McGrady went next and chose Charlotte rookie guard/forward Kon Knueppel while Carter opted for Philadelphia rookie guard VJ Edgecombe at No. 3. (Rosters attached at bottom of story.)
Quentin Richardson, drafted by the Clippers with the 18th pick of the 2000 NBA draft, knows all three Hall of Famers well. He was Anthony’s teammate on the New York Knicks in 2012-13 and faced cousins McGrady and Carter many times throughout their respective careers. Richardson, now 45, enjoys All-Star Weekend and is delighted to see the festivities back in the city where his NBA journey started. A highlight of his 13-year career was making his last nine shots to win the three-point contest in 2005.
“I participated in the Saturday night rookie-sophomore game my first couple of years in the league and I just love the event,” said Richardson, who played for the Clippers from 2000 to 2004 when they were co-tenants with the Lakers at what was then called Staples Center, now Crypto.com Arena. “It’s a platform for the fans to look at the real future stars of the league, the up-and-comers, and with the international boom there’s so many different young international guys they may not know well from different teams that are out on display that weekend.
Lakers guard Dalton Knecht of Team C, center, elevates for a dunk during the 2025 Rising Stars Challenge at Chase Center in San Francisco. (Nathaniel S. Butler / NBAE via Getty Images)
“It’s one of those weekends you always want to go to, you always want to be a part of."
The Rookie Challenge was established in 1994 and featured two randomly selected teams of first-year players. The name was changed to Rising Stars Challenge in 2012 and the current tournament-style format was adopted four years ago. Since 2023, the format has been 28 players — 21 rookies and sophomores and seven G League players.
“I’m intrigued by the format,” Richardson said. “When I played it was just the rookies and sophomores, two teams, but the kids have gotten behind this so the NBA has been very good about pivoting into different things to try to gain more excitement around the games for that weekend. I’m all for it.”
“It’ll be awesome [at Intuit Dome],” said Richardson, who lives in Orlando and co-hosts the "Knuckleheads" podcast with Darius Miles. “The young fellas will be put on display for the world to see and that venue is going to be put on display for everyone to see as well. I believe it’s the newest arena we have in the NBA. So much technology went into it, so it’ll be a great stage for everyone to come and witness and enjoy that.”
Richardson, Miles and Keyon Dooling starred in the 2004 documentary "The Youngest Guns" about their first three seasons with the Clippers. Richardson hosts NBA HooperVision in addition to the pregame, halftime and postgame shows for the Magic.
“The rules have changed in a way that you’re allowing the fans to watch more scoring,” he said. “The pace has been sped up, the three-point shot is a bigger deal now, they shoot it with a higher volume. From a fan’s standpoint you want to see more scoring and more defense, but the defenders now have that much more skill because they don’t have as many rules in their favor.”
In the Rising Stars mini-tournament, Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal. The two winners will meet for the championship. For each semifinal, the first team to reach or surpass 40 points is the winner. For the final, the first team to reach or surpass 25 points will be the champion.
“I like how they draft for it,” Richardson said. “It picks from the essence of how we all grew up when you played in the park or rec league, wherever you went, one guy had two dudes to choose and you get to pick your five, so it’s kind of taking you back to the essence of how we grew up playing ball. It’s something we’re all familiar with so that’s a little twist that takes us back to our roots.”
In November, the NBA announced that the All-Star Game will adopt a new USA vs. the World format: a round-robin tournament featuring two teams of American players and another of international players, each consisting of at least eight players. The top two teams based on record will advance to the finals. All four games will be played with a 12-minute time limit.
“Absolutely, it’ll continue to be a global sport,” Richardson said. “Especially with them talking about NBA Europe, that’ll make everything bigger and better. They’ve got the Africa League so from commissioner David Stern to now Adam Silver they’ve done an incredible job of growing the brand. Proof is in the amount of international guys we have in the league now. It’s known far and wide and it’ll continue to get bigger and bigger.”
Richardson thinks the success of the All-Star Game is dependent on the best players participating.
“It just takes a couple of guys … one or two of the right guys to come out and participate,” he said. "When a couple guys do it, I think you’ll see the turn. The three-point contest, the dunk contest, it’ll take one big-name guy to go out and do it and everyone else will say, ‘Oh wait, he’s doing it? I need to do it.’ It’ll get back there. It’s a great weekend for the NBA … it’s like a family reunion. I just go out there and enjoy it.”
RISING STARS ROSTERS
Team Melo
Cooper Flagg (Dallas), Reed Sheppard (Houston), Stephon Castle (San Antonio), Dylan Harper (San Antonio), Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans), Donovan Clingan (Portland), Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto)
Team T-Mac
Kon Knueppel (Charlotte), Kel’el Ware (Miami), Tre Johnson (Washington), Alex Sarr (Washington), Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City), Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland), Cam Spencer (Memphis)
Team Vince
VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia), Derik Queen (New Orleans), Kyshawn George (Washington), Matas Buzelis (Chicago), Egor Dёmin (Brooklyn), Cedric Coward (Memphis), Jaylen Wells (Memphis)
Team Austin
Sean East II (Salt Lake City), Ron Harper Jr. (Maine), David Jones Garcia (Austin), Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (San Diego), Alijah Martin (Raptors 905), Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley), Yang Hansen (Rip City)
NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
(at Intuit Dome unless noted)
Friday
4 p.m.: Celebrity Game at Kia Forum (ESPN)
6 p.m.: Rising Stars Challenge (Peacock)
8 p.m.: HBCU Classic, Hampton vs. North Carolina A&T, at Kia Forum (Peacock)
The buzz is building around what a healthy Philadelphia 76ers team could do in the second half of the season, and they can pad their record tonight against the 13-37 New Orleans Pelicans.
But Philadelphia had to mount a late comeback to dodge a stumble against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday and it also takes a hit with Paul George sidelined by suspension, leaving my Pelicans vs. 76ers predictions leaning on Tyrese Maxey needing to put on his cape again here.
Get a closer look at this January 31 clash with my free NBA picks and betting angles.
Pelicans vs 76ers prediction
Pelicans vs 76ers best bet: Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists (+110)
After carrying the Philadelphia 76ers offense for large chunks of this season, it must be a nice luxury for Tyrese Maxey to have co-stars to lean on.
With Joel Embiid back on the floor — and even after losing Paul George for an extended stretch due to a 25-game suspension — the 76ers still shape up as a dangerous playoff threat, and it all hinges on Maxey’s ability to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
For tonight’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, I’m looking past Maxey’s scoring and targeting his playmaking instead. He’s averaging 6.9 assists per game this year, just outside the Top 10 in the NBA, but there’s a much higher ceiling for this prop these days with a healthier roster around him.
Maxey has nailed this Over in five of his last eight outings, and he’s averaged 8 APG in that span. That’s a reflection of several key developments, including VJ Edgecombe’s continued rise and, most of all, Maxey’s ability to set up Embiid in the pick and roll.
With Embiid crushing opponents in the mid-range, a chunk of Maxey’s dimes stem from that play, and it’s asking a lot for Zion Williamson or Derik Queen to make the right reads.
I’m grabbing the slight plus odds here, especially with the length of Herb Jones shifting Maxey from scorer to passer at times.
Pelicans vs 76ers same-game parlay
The Pelicans have shown some fight lately, and they’ve covered the spread in four straight outings. With the 76ers making hard work of their home date with the Kings earlier this week, I’m taking the points here and trusting Zion and Co. to keep this one close.
Saddiq Bey has been on a steals hot streak, with at least one swipe in each of his past six games, and he snared three steals on Friday against the Grizzlies. With Embiid still a little limited with his movement, he’s a turnover candidate, and that’s where Bey could pounce.
Pelicans vs 76ers SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists
Pelicans +10
Saddiq Bey Over 0.5 steals
Our "from downtown" SGP: Pels need a dominant Zion
Zion Williamson has nailed this Over in four straight games, and he’s even finished with a double-digit rebounds tally in three of those outings.
An active Zion performance is a must if New Orleans is going to hang around in this matchup.
Pelicans vs 76ers SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists
Pelicans +10
Saddiq Bey Over 0.5 steals
Zion Williamson Over 6.5 rebounds
Pelicans vs 76ers odds
Spread: New Orleans +8.5 (-110) | Philadelphia -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: New Orleans +230 | Philadelphia -280
Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
Pelicans vs 76ers betting trend to know
The Pelicans are 28-22 ATS this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. 76ers.
How to watch Pelicans vs 76ers
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Pelicans+, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Pelicans vs 76ers latest injuries
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George has averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals for Philadelphia this season [Getty Images]
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been given a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug programme, the league has announced.
The nine-time NBA All-Star, who has averaged 20.5 points over his 16-year NBA career, said he mistakenly took an "improper" medication.
George, 35, said in a statement to ESPN: "Over the past few years, I've discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication.
"I take full responsibility for my actions and apologise to the Sixers organization, my team-mates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.
"I'm focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."
The NBA said George would be suspended without pay for the duration of his ban. He is not eligible to return until the 76ers play the Chicago Bulls on 25 March - when there will be only 10 games of the regular season remaining.
While the Philadelphia 76ers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, the team appeared to be headed in the right direction with Paul George and Joel Embiid consistently available. Both underwent offseason knee surgery, and it took some time for the veterans to reach a point where their availability (and production) wasn't an issue. Unfortunately, the 76ers won't have one of those veterans for the foreseeable future, as the NBA announced on Saturday that George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the terms of the league's Anti-Drug Program.
Having appeared in 27 games, George is averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.4 three-pointers in 30.5 minutes, shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 85.5 percent from the foul line. Even with his taking a back seat offensively to Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the versatile forward has been a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. Here's a look at how George's suspension affects fantasy basketball and the 76ers' rotation.
Who will replace Paul George in the starting lineup?
This appears to be a simple question to answer. Dominick Barlow (two percent rostered, Yahoo!) began the season as the fifth starter before an injury sidelined him for a few weeks, and he would be a fixture in the lineup during a two-month stretch that began in late November. Barlow has come off the bench in four of the last five games, with the one start coming in a January 26 loss to the Hornets, for which George was not available.
However, there are some concerns fantasy managers should consider. Barlow has barely been a top-200 fantasy player, and he's still on a two-way contract. Barlow has appeared in 37 games; per NBA rules, two-way contract players can only be active for 50 regular-season games. He may be George's replacement in the starting lineup for the short term, and the 76ers can always upgrade Barlow to a standard contract before he hits the 50-game limit. That said, George's suspension adds another storyline that will likely affect the February 5 trade deadline.
Whose fantasy value receives a boost with George suspended?
Maxey and Embiid were already first in line to "eat," and that won't change in the aftermath of Saturday's news. What does change is who will have opportunities to supplement the 76ers' two stars. VJ Edgecombe (66 percent) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (26 percent) should offer higher fantasy ceilings, with the latter still available in many 12-team leagues. Edgecombe was on a roll early in the season when George was sidelined; the 76ers will hope that the rookie can get back to that form in the games before the All-Star break.
Beyond Edgecombe and Oubre, Quentin Grimes (24 percent) has a more straightforward path to offering reliable value in deeper fantasy leagues. Jared McCain (five percent) and Trendon Watford (one percent) can be considered wild cards in this conversation. Availability was an issue for both players earlier this season, and neither has done enough to generate confidence among fantasy managers. But they'll have the opportunity to change that, especially if the 76ers don't look to make a move before the trade deadline.
Raphielle Johnson