Category: NBA

The Sixers’ biggest bit of business at the trade deadline was also their most surprising. The team sent second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft compensation.

McCain was the 16th overall pick in 2024, the Rookie of the Year favorite pre-injury, and is still just 21 years old, on a rookie deal through the 2027-28 season and unable to even hit restricted free agency until the 2028-29 season.

So, why trade a player like that, especially when the trade did nothing to help Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and the 2025-26 Sixers?

President of basketball operations Daryl Morey did his best to explain the decision.

“We see Jared as somebody that’s more likely to help a team in the future,” Morey said. “I think that’s fairly obvious; I think he has a bright future. We thought that the draft picks we got would help us more in the future — and could’ve helped us this deadline. The picks we got were offered to many teams and nothing materialized for a player that we thought could move the needle with those picks now. But we feel like going forward, those picks will help us build the team in the future in a good way.”

OK, let’s break down those comments a bit.

McCain undoubtedly struggled this year returning from a torn meniscus and also a UCL tear he suffered ahead of training camp. He missed the first six games of the season, struggled to find consistent playing time and never truly regained his form from a season ago. Though he’d shown flashes recently, it was fair to wonder if this was simply going to be a lost season for McCain.

While Morey said he wanted to use the draft capital he got in the deal to make an upgrade this season, the order of operations suggests the McCain deal still would’ve gone down no matter what. Sure, as Morey stated, the team got the deal done early so they could explore other options, but without a separate deal already in place, McCain would’ve been gone either way.

This wasn’t about ducking the tax. This wasn’t about improving this season — though the team surely did try to flip the assets for an upgrade. Morey can drop all the niceties about McCain he’d like, but it seems obvious the team valued the compensation and the future flexibility over rostering McCain. Whether it was fit or not believing in his future, the organization was ready to move on from McCain.

Many will fairly question the timing. The team could still use guard depth as Maxey leads the NBA in minutes per game and VJ Edgecombe leads all rookies. So, why not let the season play out when a similar offer would likely be on the table this offseason? And wasn’t the franchise selling McCain at his nadir value after such a promising rookie campaign?

“I’m quite confident we were selling high,” Morey said. “Obviously, time will tell. We weren’t looking to sell. I’ll be frank. Teams came to us with aggressive offers for him. You could say, ‘Yeah, that’s because he’s a good player.’ I agree with that. We thought this return was above, for the future value of our franchise, what we could get. The only higher point would’ve been during his run last season. Otherwise, we feel like we did time this well.”

Morey defended the return for McCain, saying it was superior to the value of a deal for a quality starting-caliber player. While Morey did make note that the consensus is the 2026 NBA draft is considered a good and deep one, he also admitted that wasn’t really the motivation behind the trade.

“That wasn’t the main focus,” he said. “I think it’s a nice focus, because we do think this draft is a good draft, but we’re not necessarily using the pick in this draft. It could be used for moves around the draft. The three seconds that we got with it, we think those could be used to move up in this draft. Obviously, myself and our front office have done a lot of deals over the years, and this just gives us more tools to make the moves that we think will help our future more than we saw with Jared, who we gave up. But that’s not a comment on Jared.”

Again, Morey has to say it’s “not a comment on Jared,” but how could it not be? It’s clear the starting backcourt for the next decade or so should be Maxey and Edgecombe. It’s also clear that Morey and the team preferred attempting to re-sign Quentin Grimes this offseason over letting him walk and hoping McCain could take over as the team’s top guard off the bench.

In the end, this is what it’s about — Morey and the Sixers felt the assets they got were more valuable to them than Jared McCain. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

The Knicks suffered a huge blow to their backcourt on Thursday. 

Numerous reports indicated that point guard Miles McBride is set to undergo surgery for a core muscle injury and could be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. 

It’s a tough loss for New York’s rotation, but they acted quickly to land his replacement. 

Just before the NBA trade deadline hit, New York picked up Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans in exchange for Dalen Terry and two second-round picks (2026 and 2027). 

Terry, of course, was acquired from the Bulls hours prior in the Guerschon Yabusele deal. 

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Yabusele’s willingness to remove his 2026-27 player option helped compete that trade, ultimately leading to Alvarado landing in the Big Apple.

Back home, the New York native will look to provide a boost for the Knicks’ second unit. 

Alvarado is averaging 7.9 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over 21.9 minutes with the Pelicans this season. 

While he doesn’t exactly light it up in the scoring department on a nightly basis, his biggest impact will come with his high-energy play on the other end of the floor. 

Alvarado is viewed by many as one of the most scrappy defenders in the league. 

That’s exactly what Jalen Brunson likes most about the pickup. 

The captain told reporters including James Edwards III of the Athletic following Friday's practice in Detroit that he really likes the intensity Alvarado will bring to this group. 

Brunson has some familiarity with the 27-year-old through Josh Hart. 

Alvarado, of course, broke into the league during Hart's final years in New Orleans. 

The Christ the King product won't be available for Friday night's meeting with the Pistons, but it shouldn't be long before we see him make his highly-anticipated Knicks debut. 

DETROIT – The depth chart changed with the acquisition of Jose Alvarado, but Tyler Kolek said he’s not offended and noted that Miles McBride is also out. 

“There’s always competition in this league. Obviously Deuce is out for a little bit. We’re trying to be a championship-level team so you bring in as much talent as you can,” Kolek said Friday. “I’m going to compete every single day. He’s going to compete. Everybody on this team is going to compete for minutes. 

“So it’s no slight to anybody.”

Kolek has bounced in and out of the rotation this season while flashing the playmaking skills that helped win important games.

However, Kolek’s defense and struggles to break the press left the Knicks searching for another point guard at the deadline.

They targeted Alvarado and landed him for two second-round picks. 

Still, Kolek should get an opportunity for important minutes since Miles McBride is out until the playoffs after undergoing sports hernia surgery.

And Alvarado won’t debut until at least Sunday in Boston – he still had to complete a physical – leaving Kolek as the lone backup point guard Friday in Detroit. 

Assuming full health from everybody else, the Knicks have a five-guard rotation of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet, Alvarado and Kolek. 

“Try to do the same thing I’ve always been doing,” Kolek said. “Do whatever the team needs from me, whatever the coach needs from me. When I get in there, change the pace. Get guys the ball.”

The Knicks, who have title aspirations this season, stood pat at the trade deadline other than swapping Guerschon Yabusele for Alvarado. 

Kolek said it wasn’t personally stressful. 

“It was not much. I feel like there wasn’t a lot of talk about myself moving,” he said. “I feel like that would’ve been a little bit more stressful and more weight on it.”

All those trades only to end up back where he started.

Veteran point guard Mike Conley is reportedly expected to reunite with the Minnesota Timberwolves after he was dealt twice before the NBA trading deadline expired Thursday, Feb. 5, according to ESPN.

It’s a peculiar situation, but because Conley was technically two teams removed from Minnesota, he’s able to return to the Timberwolves. It started Wednesday, Feb. 4, when the Timberwolves packaged Conley in a three-team trade between the Bulls and Pistons. In that deal, Conley "went" to Chicago, which then rerouted him to Charlotte in a separate deal Thursday that also sent Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets for Collin Sexton and three second-round selections.

Conley, though, was used in those deals mostly as a vehicle to move around his $10.7 million salary that he was owed this season. The Hornets had no intention of keeping Conley, so they waived him, which made him a free agent and allows him to explore the open market.

"Mike’s my guy," Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards told reporters Wednesday. "He’s like a OG to me. Just a great dude overall. Hopefully we can get him back. I keep hearing he can come back, so hopefully he will and I hope he see this. We want you back, Mike."

Conley has seen his role reduced significantly and is averaging career lows in minutes (18.5), points (4.4), rebounds (1.8) and assists per game (2.9). Known more for his leadership and command within the locker room, Conley, 38, is seen as a steadying veteran presence in Minnesota.

Conley’s role with the Timberwolves could be further reduced once he returns; Minnesota also made a trade for speedy Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu, who just turned 26 and who is averaging 15.0 points and 3.6 assists per game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Conley, Timberwolves expected to reunite after NBA trade deadline

Ja Morant is currently “untradable.”

That’s per ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, who was asked Friday morning on “Get Up” about the Grizzlies guard, who wasn’t traded before the NBA’s 3 p.m. deadline Thursday.

Morant had been a topic of trade talks for weeks leading up to the deadline, with Memphis reportedly asking for a first-round pick and a younger player in return.

Brian Windhorst on Ja Morant not getting traded:

“When I say he has no value, I don’t even think that’s accurate. I think he has what they call in the league, negative value. Meaning teams weren’t willing to take Ja Morant unless the Grizzlies also added draft compensation”… pic.twitter.com/QMiGd7mSqP

— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 6, 2026

Windhorst was blunt. He said between his suspensions, injuries and issues with coaches, Morant’s value has tanked.

“When I say he has no value, I don’t even think that’s accurate. I think he has what they call in the league, ‘negative value,’” Windhorst said.

“Meaning teams weren’t willing to take Ja Morant unless the Grizzlies also added draft compensation.”

This season, Morant has played just 20 of the Grizzlies’ 49 games, missing matchups due to a left elbow strain that has held him out since January 21.

He also played just nine games in the 2023-24 season due to a 25-game league suspension and shoulder surgery.

On the court, Windhorst acknowledged that Morant has been playing better as of late. But throughout most of the season, he hasn’t been playing to his strength — attacking the paint.

As a result, he’s averaging his lowest points per game (19.5) since his sophomore season in the 2020-21 campaign. He’s also shooting a career-low 41.0% overall and 23.5% from 3.

“He is at his best when he gets into that paint. He’s never done it less. He’s taken more jump shots, and he’s never been worse at those jump shots,” Windhorst said. 

Another factor contributing to Morant’s “negative value,” according to Windhorst, is his contract. He’s in the third year of a five-year, $197 million contract that extends through the 2027-28 season.

Windhorst added he still has two years and $87 million left on the deal, something no team wants to take on right now, especially with his off the court issues.

“If he had one year on his contract, I think there would be some teams that would say, ‘We’re gonna do a buy low here,’” Windhorst said. “The two years on his contract has literally made his situation toxic.”

As a result of Morant’s struggles and missed games this season, the Grizzlies sit at 20-29, two games behind the Portland Trailblazers for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot entering Friday’s slate.

Windhorst mentioned Morant’s path to success is to play “excellent” once he returns from injury in the next few weeks. Only then will he potentially gain some trade value, giving the Grizzlies the chance to shop him around.

Currently, though, he’s done so much wrong that he’s stuck in Memphis.

“I know this is a stunning thing for the Ja Morant fans out there. It’s a stunning thing when I talk to his fellow NBA players about it because they know how talented he is,” Windhorst said.

Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.

Join us live on Friday afternoon for the show where we’ll recap this week’s games and Thursday’s trade deadline. How would you grade the Pistons’ fairly quiet trade deadline? How do you feel about the return for Jaden Ivey? Trajan Langdon addressed shooting with the addition of Kevin Huerter, but did he leave any gaping holes that need to be covered over the rest of the season?

Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.

The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.

The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:

When: Saturday February 7 at 2 p.m. ET

Where: Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel

How to submit questions:

• Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.
• Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message to 45 seconds or less.
• Twitter: @detroitbadboys, @blakesilverman or @therealwesd3
• YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — Subscribe here

As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of, if not the biggest, headline-makers at the 2026 trade deadline with the wave of moves they executed. Now, the league turns to the buyout market phase as players are released and the glorified free-for-all begins. Illusions of high-impact players being obtainable fill social media, only for two weeks to pass, and realizing most of these moves don’t provide serious production for contending teams.

It’s tougher for a team like Cleveland to acquire one of these players, as they are currently over the NBA’s second apron. With the current CBA, teams over the first or second apron will be restricted from signing a player after a buyout (or waiver) whose previous contract was greater than the non-taxpayer midlevel exception for this season.

Additionally, the Cavs have indicated that they intend to sign Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a standard contract. If they wanted to sign one of these players, they would need to cut someone already on the roster.

Cam Thomas

Role: Heat check scorer

The Cavaliers spent the trade deadline adding backcourt depth and shaking up the deck. Acquiring the likes of James Harden, Denis Schroder, and Keon Ellis has made adding a similar player in Cam Thomas a bit redundant. The name of today’s game is offense. And if you want to out-gun your opponent in a gun fight, you sometimes need a flamethrower.

Cam Thomas, in this analogy, is a self-regulated Gatling gun. The spray and pray mentality is Thomas’s mantra. While his shooting this season has not been up to snuff, it might benefit Thomas to pair himself with a contender like the Cavaliers, who can resurrect his currently diminished value. He is by far the crown jewel of the buyout market, and the Cavaliers will likely have to promise consistent play to Thomas to lure him to their situation.

Pat Connaughton

Role: Back-end rotation depth

The Cavaliers can never have enough wings. Connaughton could provide spot minutes and can still shoot the ball when given the opportunity to do so. It seems like Charlotte was completely committed to their exciting youth movement, therefore letting Connaughton go. On the Cavaliers, he would provide another wing to a room filled with Dean Wade, Max Strus, Jaylon Tyson, and Tomlin.

Chris Boucher

Role: Former Cavalier killer

Boucher is someone who, on the right night, can become a single person parade of three pointers. Or, at least he is when he plays the Cavs.

In Boston, Boucher never got any real runway, only appearing in nine games. That, compiled with awful shooting splits in the minutes he received (13% from three), made it hard for Boston to trudge along with the failed partnership. The Cavaliers wouldn’t be able to provide real minutes to Boucher either, however, with the injury history of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley this season, he could provide some much-needed depth.

Kyle Anderson – Not yet released by Grizzlies

Role: Front court depth

A “slo-mo” acquisition in a similar vein to Connaughton is to bring veteran end-of-the-bench depth. Anderson is a much more capable option for giving the Cavaliers quality forward minutes. However, if released from Memphis, Anderson will have a greater market than Connaughton. Anderson showed this season that there is still gas in the tank, and there is always a need for teams to have options on the wing.

Anderson has an ability to have on-ball distribution that would complement well with the scoring options around him. If the Cavaliers were to acquire him, it would be a player that could bring use both for the regular season for minutes relief and the post-season to throw different lineups out there.

Both the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings remade their rosters at the trade deadline, and now the division rivals will face off tonight. 

The Clippers flipped James Harden into Darius Garland. While the Kings brought in Garland’s former teammate, De’Andre Hunter. But my Clippers vs. Kings predictions are based on the old guard having a big impact in this game.

Those and more NBA picks for this Pacific Division clash set to tip off at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, February 6.

Clippers vs Kings prediction

Clippers vs Kings best bet: DeMar DeRozan Over 16.5 points (-120)

There are plenty of new faces in new places in this matchup, but I’m betting on an old face who has found the fountain of youth recently.

Sacramento Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan has been on one of his classic heaters lately. He’s averaging 23.4 points over his last five games, topping the 30-point plateau twice in that span.

The Los Angeles Clippers defense has regressed a bit lately, surrendering 122 points or more in three of their last four games, and they still rank 21st in defensive rating for the season.

DeRozan’s point total is a modest 16.5, which is a number we can attack.

Clippers vs Kings same-game parlay

The Kings traded for Hunter because they’ve been so bad defensively. They rank 29th in defensive rating this season. But he won’t help in the paint where they allow the second-most points per game.

That has me looking at John Collins. The Clippers' power forward is averaging 16.4 points over his last 15 games, topping 16.5 points eight times over that stretch.

I’m expecting both teams to get buckets in this one, so the Over looks like a solid add to this SGP.

Clippers vs Kings SGP

• DeMar DeRozan Over 16.5 points
• John Collins Over 16.5 points
• Over 222

Our "from downtown" SGP: Buckets in bunches

We are going to see more scoring than oddsmakers expect in this Pacific Division matchup.

Clippers vs Kings SGP

• DeMar DeRozan Over 16.5 points
• Domantas Sabonis Over 14.5 points
• John Collins Over 16.5 points
• Brook Lopez Over 9.5 points

Clippers vs Kings odds

• Spread: Clippers -3.5 | Kings +3.5
• Moneyline: Clippers -170 | Kings +145
• Over/Under: Over 222 | Under 222

Clippers vs Kings betting trend to know

The Clippers have hit the moneyline in 17 of their last 23 games for +12.75 Units and a 27% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Kings.

How to watch Clippers vs Kings

Clippers vs Kings latest injuries

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

The Minnesota Timberwolves exited the NBA trade deadline without making a major move, and they should be better for it. The New Orleans Pelicans also sat rather quietly, sticking to their core despite steep offers for a few pieces.

My Pelicans vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks recognize the value in Minnesota now that calm and focus can return on February 6.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves prediction

Pelicans vs Timberwolves best bet: Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 threes (+100)

Jaden McDanielshas hit multiple 3-pointers in five of his last six games and in seven of his last nine, all while shooting 23 of 39 from deep, an absurd 59% from beyond the arc.

And that was all while McDaniels’s name was in every headline regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors. Now that he's able to focus entirely on basketball, why doubt McDaniels’s shooting against the New Orleans Pelicans?

Frankly, his shooting is part of why the Minnesota Timberwolves did not trade for the Greek superstar.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

As the Timberwolves hit a lull in recent weeks, it was clear their defensive focus had lagged. Now through the trade deadline and with the roster effectively intact — even including Mike Conley’s return after being traded — that focus should lock back in.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves SGP

• Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 threes
• Jaden McDaniels Over 15.5 points
• Under 236.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Individuals in the pack

Julius Randle was also part of many trade rumors, which showed in his on-court play. Trust in him with those now behind the Timberwolves.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves SGP

• Jaden McDaniels Over 1.5 threes
• Jaden McDaniels Over 15.5 points
• Julius Randle Over 21.5 points
• Under 236.5

Pelicans vs Timberwolves odds

• Spread: Pelicans +9.5 | Timberwolves -9.5
• Moneyline: Pelicans +320 | Timberwolves -400
• Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5

Pelicans vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Pelicans went 0-3 against the spread in the week leading up to the deadline. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Pelicans vs Timberwolves

Pelicans vs Timberwolves latest injuries

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

Finding the right value on a Friday night slate is all about identifying trends and mismatches before the market catches up. For this February 6 lineup — the first Friday after the NBA Trade Deadline — I’ve put together a four-leg moneyline parlay that balances momentum with favorable matchups.

My NBA picks start at TD Garden, where the new-look Celtics clash with Heat and end in the Pacific Northwest, where the Blazers look to snap out of a six-game funk against the decimated Grizzlies.

This parlay has been BOOSTED from +332 to +383 by our friends at bet365.

NBA moneyline parlay for January 30

Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: TD Garden
• TV: NBA League Pass, FDSN SU, NBCSB
• Pick: Celtics (-240)

There’s only a small edge on the Celtics here, as I price them closer to a -275 favorite over the Heat, but it’s still an edge worth attacking with the market offering -240. Jaylen Brown has been cleared to play, and Nikola Vucevic is set to make his Celtics debut.

Vucevic’s presence only amplifies a key matchup advantage Boston already holds: the ability to pull Bam Adebayo away from the rim and neutralize his impact as an elite roaming help defender. The Celtics’ five-out “Mazzulla Ball” offense already stresses Miami’s defensive structure, but inserting Vucevic at the five makes those coverages even harder to execute and exposes the Heat further on the back line.

New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Little Caesars Arena
• TV: Prime Video, MSG
• Pick: Knicks (-115)

The New York Knicks are trading as -115 favorites on the moneyline for Friday’s matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and at that price, I’m backing the Knicks. I believe they should be closer to a -130 favorite.

There’s a lot to monitor on the injury report, with multiple players carrying questionable tags on both sides. The most concerning status is Jalen Duren, who exited Thursday’s game against the Wizards and did not return for the second half. He feels much closer to doubtful than questionable.

Karl-Anthony Towns is also listed as questionable with an eye laceration, but he returned after the injury in his last game and shot the ball well. With the Pistons playing on the second night of a back-to-back and Duren’s availability very much in doubt, give me the Knicks on the moneyline.

+383 BOOSTED ML PARLAY 📈@JonMetler breaks down all four legs 🗣️🗣️

Only available at @bet365_us 💰 https://t.co/sphe62ptj4pic.twitter.com/LUL7YEsRqa

— Covers (@Covers) February 6, 2026

New Orleans Pelicans vs Minnesota Timberwolves

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Target Center
• TV: NBA League Pass, GCSEN, FDSN NO
• Pick: Timberwolves (-425)

The Minnesota Timberwolves took a big swing at the trade deadline by pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo, but ultimately came up empty-handed. It’s fair to wonder whether all the trade rumors impacted team chemistry, especially for a group that has been together for a while.

The bigger question, though, is whether the New Orleans Pelicans are capable of taking advantage of any lingering distraction or negative energy. The answer is no. New Orleans doesn’t even control its own first-round pick, is actively trying to win games, and still hasn’t shown the ability to do so consistently.

On the court, this matchup heavily favors Minnesota. Rudy Gobert should have no issues containing rookie center Derik Queen, while Jaden McDaniels’ length and defensive versatility are a nightmare for Trey Murphy’s perimeter-oriented game. All signs point to the Timberwolves handling this one comfortably.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trail Blazers

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Moda Center
• TV: NBA League Pass, FDSN SE-MEM, KUNP
• Pick: Trail Blazers (-300)

The Portland Trail Blazers won’t wow you with expected value while sitting as a -300 favorite against the Memphis Grizzlies, but this is a spot where the market still may not be fully accounting for what Memphis has become.

The Grizzlies moved Jaren Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline and explored a trade market for Ja Morant, only to find none. Now armed with significant draft capital, it’s clear this franchise has shifted its focus away from winning games in the second half of the season. That reality is already starting to show up in their rotations and injury reports.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are pushing for a playoff spot and have every incentive to take care of business in games like this.

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

Let’s tip off Super Bowl weekend by building your bankroll with some NBA player prop winners, and with six games on the board, there’s no shortage of options.

My favorite plays today include Jaylen Brown continuing to crash the boards, and, slump or no slump, Anthony Edwards is going to keep shooting. Those and more NBA picks for Friday, February 6, are below.

Best NBA player props today

Prop #1: Jaylen Brown Over 7.5 rebounds

+110 at bet365

Jaylen Brown was just named the NBA Player of the Month for January and he’s carried that strong play into February. 

The Boston Celtics star averaged 29.2 points with 7.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists over 14 games, and today I want to focus on the rebounds.

Brown has been a beast on the boards, hauling down 9.8 per game over his last eight games, and tonight he faces one of my favorite rebounding fades, the Miami Heat.

The Heat’s high pace means a ton of shots, and in turn, a lot of rebounds. They surrender the second-most rebounds per game.

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-SU, NBCSB

Prop #2: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 threes

+120 at bet365

The New Orleans Pelicans may think they have a playoff-calibre roster. But that’s not what the stats say at this point.

The Pelicans rank 27th in defensive rating, and they really struggle on the perimeter, surrendering the second-most attempted and made threes per game.

That puts them in a tough spot against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ant is in a bit of a slump. But he’s a shooter. And shooters shoot.

Ant is still shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc and has still drained four-plus threes in eight of his last 14 games overall.

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: GCSEN, FanDuel Sports Network-New Orleans

Prop #3: Bobby Portis Over 8.5 rebounds

+110 at bet365

The Indiana Pacers visit the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup of two of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA.

The Bucks and Pacers rank 28th and 29th, respectively, in rebounding rate. And with Giannis Antetokounmpo still sidelined, the Bucks' only really reliable rebounder is Bobby Portis.

Portis is expected to return after missing a couple of games with a hip issue. Before that, he hauled down nine or more boards in three of his last four games.

Portis to record a double-double is worth a look, but Over 8.5 boards looks like a great bet tonight.

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-Indiana, FanDuel Sports Network-Wisconsin

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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

(Note: For more information on CBA terms and their impact, read this breakdown from June 2024.)

We’re midway through the 2025-26 season, and the Knicks are in a solid spot.

They woke up the morning after the trade deadline with a 33-18 record, fully recovered from the January swoon that nearly saw management press the panic button, and tied for second in the Eastern Conference. They even figured to bolster the bench by acquiring Jose Alvarado and opening up space to sign a 15th player in the buyout market.

It’s a lot of work exploring every nook and cranny of NBA business. Thankfully, SBNation is partnering with SalarySwish to use their data and help answer every question we have about the Knicks’ financial situation and what it might mean this offseason and going forward.

Below are the full, comprehensive details from SalarySwish, as well as an FAQ breakdown.

Knicks Roster, Salaries, Draft Picks, Cap Space and More

Here is a table with all of the Knicks’ salary information, courtesy of our friends at SalarySwish:

FAQ

Now, let’s answer some of your most frequently asked questions about the Knicks’salary cap and draft pick situations moving forward.

What is the Knicks’ cap situation?

According to Salary Swish, the New York Knicks have a projected cap hit of $206.7 million for the 2025-26 season with 14 players rostered, leaving them $52 million over the projected salary cap. They are $18.7 million over the luxury tax and $10.7 million over the first apron, but remain $1.15 million under the second apron with a hard cap at the second apron.

The team, prior to trading Guerschon Yabusele, was not able to sign a 15th player in the buyout market until early April. That changes now, as the team opened up an extra $1 million and can sign a player immediately, provided they made under the mid-level exception ($14 million) on their initial deal.

Looking ahead to the offseason, the Knicks already have over $200 million allocated next season, despite losing Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson, and Landry Shamet to free agency. Jose Alvarado’s $4.5 million player option will also go a long way towards whether the team can stay out of the second apron. If he accepts, they have under $17 million in space.

Is the second apron inevitable?

For those living under a rock, here’s a second apron explainer. You do not want to be there.

The second apron is currently causing everyone in Cleveland to panic about their timeline. Why do you think they traded for James Harden? The vaunted apron has already caused (rather successful) teardowns in Phoenix and Boston, and could come for teams like Orlando next.

As of right now, the Knicks will probably be a second apron team next year if they want to be serious about competing. Alvarado could very well decline his player option if he performs well, so he’ll need a raise. As will Shamet. We all know the value of Mitch, as well. Well, you not only have under $22 million in space to sign these three, but an additional minimum contract or two.

Now, this is assuming the Knicks don’t do anything seismic in the offseason, which could very well happen if they flame out in the playoffs. Say they trade Karl-Anthony Towns and his bloated $57 million salary, and that creates space; they’ll be able to stay under. What if they go after Giannis? That’ll likely hard cap them once again due to the rule of aggregating salaries.

How much will the Knicks pay in luxury taxes this year?

SalarySwish currently estimates about $40 million, which is a pretty penny.

This is the team’s second year in the luxury tax, so it’s not cataclysmic yet. It will be next year. It’s hard to project a luxury tax rate next year, but do not be surprised if the bill is nine figures, which will begin to test the mettle of James Dolan if the team isn’t bringing home a Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Who are extension candidates?

Mitchell Robinson is currently extension-eligible, but it is not going to happen in-season. He wasn’t dealt at the deadline, so we have to assume they at least have some interest in retaining him to a certain price point.

Two players become extension-eligible this offseason, and one became eligible in December. All three are intriguing.

Deuce McBride is already extension-eligible and can make up to $95 million on his next contract. While he’s signed through next season on a criminally cheap contract, the Knicks will eventually have to pay up for his services. With the second apron looming, do they really want to do that?

Josh Hart becomes eligible this offseason, but I don’t see that happening. He’s under contract through next season and has a $23 million team option for 2027-28. He’ll be 33 in 2028, so giving him a further extension feels unlikely, especially considering he might not play much longer than that.

Karl-Anthony Towns is eligible for a gigantic extension that he won’t receive. It’s nothing personal; it’s just not wise to give $260 million over four years to a player coming off his worst season in a good bit.

What draft picks do the Knicks have?

The Knicks were able to shed salary and make an upgrade, and it only cost them two inexpensive second-round picks. The picks they traded, specifically, were a (likely) Pistons 2nd this year and a convoluted pick from next.

Unless the Wizards manage to stumble their way out of the top eight, the Knicks will have their own first and seconds in the 2026 draft. If/when the Wizards pick doesn’t convey, the Knicks will possess Washington’s second-round pick in both 2026 and 2027, which could give them a pair of top-40 picks.

Aside from those two likely picks, the Knicks have six additional second-round picks through 2032. If you’re looking at the trade market, the team will be able to trade two unprotected firsts (2026, 2033) as soon as the NBA Draft occurs. They additionally have two pick swaps available due to the Stepien Rule in 2030 and 2032.

If you want to take the role of GM and mock up some trades, check out FanSpo or ESPN’s trade machine. And don’t forget to check your numbers with Salary Swish!

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Order has been restored in the NBA universe.

After a weird time where it felt like we were in the upside down, the Lakers and Grizzlies are back to their rightful places.

For those unaware, many years ago, the former fearless leader of the site, Harrison Faigen, once expertly pointed out that the Grizzlies had become the Lakers feeder team. At the time, a string of players came through Memphis, were bought and eventually made their way to LA, including Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard.

That was flipped on its head early last year when the Grizzlies began turning former Lakers G League players into quality role players. Both Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jay Huff earned standard contracts in Memphis after failing to stick in LA while Colin Castleton had a brief stint on a two-way there as well.

At last, though, the Lakers are back where they should be after the last two transaction cycles. On Thursday, they acquired Luke Kennard via trade, a player who spent two-and-a-half seasons in Memphis. Notably, he was part of the Grizzlies team that played against the Lakers in the playoffs.

He joins a pair of players on the Lakers who he was already teammates with on the Grizzlies as well. Marcus Smart played a season-and-a-half in Memphis while Jake LaRavia was drafted to Memphis and spent two-and-a-half seasons with the franchise.

So, for the entire 2023-24 season and half of the 2024-25 season, all three players were teammates. Fast forward a couple of years and we’re right back at it with the three of them reuniting in much warmer weather.

“It was a pleasure to play with Luke in Memphis,” Smart said after Thursday’s win over the Sixers. “One of the better shooters in this league. He comes to work every day and I’m excited to see him out here with us again [with] me and Jake, and kind of keep going what we had in Memphis.”

Not only are the Lakers using the Grizzlies as a farm team again, but it’s predominantly guards throughout the years who have made their way through the pipeline. Fortunately, the Lakers already have a couple of prominent on-ball players, so there’s no Ja Morant tenure in purple and gold to worry about, but it’s never too early to start scouting for the next player to come to LA.

Cedric Coward has had a great rookie season and sure would look nice with the Lakers. Jaylen Wells is a promising young player, too. Or maybe we can create a full loop and bring back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Pippen Jr.

Whoever it is, it’s nice to know things are back in their rightful place in the NBA universe.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

After completing a blockbuster trade to send Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, the new-look Memphis Grizzlies travel west to face the Portland Trail Blazers.

Donovan Clingan is one of the NBA’s top rebounders, and my Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers predictions expect him to dominate the glass against a depleted Grizzlies frontcourt.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference showdown on Friday, February 6.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers prediction

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers best bet: Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds (-112)

Donovan Clingan ranks fifth in rebounds per game this season at 11.2, and he’s pulled down 11 on the road compared to 11.4 at home. He’s pulled down at least 13 rebounds just 15 times in 47 appearances this season, but five of those have come across his last eight games.

The Portland Trail Blazers big man has averaged 13.6 rebounds in that eight-game span, and he’s averaged just over 14 boards per game over his last three at home.

Over the last 10 games, the Memphis Grizzlies have surrendered the ninth-most total rebounds (46) and second-most offensive rebounds (14.1), setting Clingan up for a nice day on the glass.

An already-depleted Grizzlies frontcourt traded Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale, and Santi Aldama and Zach Edey are still sidelined. Clingan should feast tonight against the shorthanded Grizzlies and comfortably clear this rebound line.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

Portland has dropped six straight, and they'll be hungry for a victory in front of the home crowd. The Grizzlies made a monster trade this week, and the new players are not yet in place.

Portland is 15-11 ATS at home, while Memphis is just 10-12. I'll take the home team to snap its six-game skid with a comfortable victory over the new-look Grizzlies.

Memphis is 7-15 to the Under on the road and 5-12 to the Under as the road underdog. Memphis will have a tough time scoring the ball with Jackson Jr., and Landale traded, and electric scorer Ty Jerome sidelined.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers SGP

• Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds
• Trail Blazers -8.5
• Under 231.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Spencer on Fire!

Cam Spencer's role has taken a hit over the last three games since Jerome's return, but Spencer has still averaged 13.7 points and five assists.

Spencer posted 25 and 21 points+assists across his last two games, and with Jerome out tonight, the former should be in line for strong numbers.

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers SGP

• Donovan Clingan Over 12.5 rebounds
• Trail Blazers -8.5
• Under 231.5
• Cam Spencer Over 21.5 points + assists

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers odds

• Spread: Grizzlies +7.5 (-110) | Trail Blazers -7.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Grizzlies +207 | Trail Blazers -250
• Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

The Trail Blazers have hit the game total Under in 17 of their last 24 games (+9.30 Units / 35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers

Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers latest injuries

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