DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 29: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball as Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks plays defense during the game on January 29, 2026 at American Airlines Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thursday night in Dallas, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel had their first NBA game against each other as the Charlotte Hornets visited the Dallas Mavericks and man, did they both ball out.
Flagg finished with 49 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and one block while Knueppel racked up 34 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.
None it was selfish or gunning: Flagg shot 20-29 (68.9%) while Knueppel hit 10-16 (62.5%) and all of it came in the flow of the game for both.
It was an interesting stop in the Rookie of the Year race, which will go to one or the other, unless they split the award, which would be amazing.
At this point, on an individual basis, you might have to give to Flagg, but in terms of impact on the team, Knueppel has the edge. The nature of his game has persuaded everyone to buy in and he has transformed the Hornets into something unusual. We heard today that with Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges starting, the Hornets are 10-1 and their offensive efficiency with that group is off the charts good.
Here are some videos of last night’s game and some links below that.
If the Pistons needed a wakeup call about the flaws of their roster, this West Coast trip has been a bit of an eye-opener. After nearly losing to the Denver Nuggets due to a lack of shooting and discipline at the end of the game, the luck ran out for the Pistons as they once again struggled to hit outside shots before getting run off the floor against the Phoenix Suns last night.
It wasn’t just the lack of shooting that has pretty much been a concern all season, but the Pistons were out-hustled, out-worked, and put in their place by the short-handed Suns, which also happened against the even more short-handed Nuggets. Luckily, they have a chance to bounce back against the Golden State Warriors tonight on ESPN.
The Warriors have been hot the last month, but they also recently lost Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL, so they are definitely vulnerable and it provides an opportunity for the Pistons to finish off this road trip with a winning record.
Game Vitals
Where: Chase Center in San Francisco, CA When: Friday, January 30 at 10 pm EST Watch: ESPN Odds: Golden State (-1.5)
Analysis
The Warriors really looked like they were finally starting to put things together to go on one last run as Steph Curry reaches the end of his legendary career, but a torn ACL for Jimmy Butler has put the Warriors in a position where they pretty much have to shoot for a big move at the deadline to try to keep their season on track.
Don’t get me wrong, the Warriors are still a good team without Jimmy Butler simply due to the extensive Championship experience for their core of Steph Curry and Draymond Green, but missing a 2nd option that can take pressure off of Curry on offense while also taking pressure off Green on defense in Butler is a huge loss.
The Pistons and Warriors are actually on a very similar level offensively this season, but the Pistons obviously have the edge defensively. But, the one thing the Pistons do not have is somebody that can take over a game shooting the ball like Steph Curry, who is still averaging 27.3 points per game at 37 years old and just barely shooting under 40 percent from beyond the arc.
The build of the Warriors without Jimmy Butler is actually pretty similar to the Pistons where they have Steph Curry to carry the offense like the Pistons have Cade Cunningham and they surround him with role players that can defend, but leave a little to be desired on offense. They aren’t quite as poor at shooting from beyond the arc as the Pistons are, but in a playoff setting, not having that secondary creator to take some pressure off of your main guy is a huge problem to overcome.
I haven’t canvased the rest of the league to officially confirm, but I think I can go out on a limb and say the Warriors have the oldest starting frontcourt in the NBA with the 39 year-old Al Horford and 35 year-old Draymond Green. Both players are still very solid defenders, but their best days on that end of the court are behind them.
The one positive from last night’s game against the Suns was their inability to slow down Jalen Duren, which was probably the solution for the Pistons’ 2nd half offensive struggles, but he didn’t end up playing as much as he should. Peak Horford and Green would have no issue with slowing down Duren, but he has a huge athletic advantage over both of them that he will have to take advantage of if the Pistons want to win.
In reality, the key for the Pistons is to simply not shoot as poorly as they have on this West Coast road trip. They were 6-of-29 from beyond the arc against the Suns and 6-of-31 against the Nuggets. That isn’t going to cut it against some of the better teams in the West no matter how short-handed they may be. The Pistons do not have a ton of shooters, but Duncan Robinson being 1 of his last 14 from beyond the arc is a huge reason for the shooting numbers for the Pistons.
They have gotten by this year with Duncan Robinson as the main spacing threat and it has been able to work against so many different teams because of the Pistons dominant defense and ability to control the glass and the paint, but when they are not controlling the paint and Robinson is shooting like this, everything looks ugly on offense. They have not been able to do either thing against both the Nuggets and Suns, which is why they had to squeak out a win against the Nuggets and were run off the court by the Suns.
The solution is going to probably have to be sacrificing some defense for more shooting, but that also messes with the Pistons identity, one which has been very clearly established this season.
It will be interesting to see how Trajan Langdon balances that, but for now, the Pistons have an important game against the Warriors with a chance to head home with a winning record on this road trip.
Jan 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) celebrates a three point shot against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sometimes there is a calm before the storm. A moment of clarity before chaos ensues. An instant where anticipation creeps in and you have to grab your emotions by the collar before they sprint off without you.
It’s like Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight, right before the drums crash down. You feel it coming. You anticipate your air drum solo. The note hangs in the room. You are ready, but you wait. There is beauty in the pause. Because on one side lives restraint, and on the other lives release.
Well, the hurt doesn’t show, but the pain still grows It’s no stranger to you and me…
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the national anthem before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 27, 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 Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Dillon Brooks knows that space well. You see it before every game. The vacant stare. Eyes locked somewhere past the hardwood, past the noise, past the stakes. It looks like intimidation, but it is not. It is meditation. It is breath control. It is taking in the sights and the sounds, the crowd humming, the moment stretching. Calm first, chaos later. Control now, eruption soon. The drum solo is coming. He is preparing himself to meet it head-on.
It was an unbelievably impressive effort by Dillon on Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons. Against the Eastern Conference’s best team, and the second-best team in the league by defensive rating, he had a night. A career night. 40 points. 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. 10-of-12 at the free throw line. Add 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 stocks, and you are staring at the most complete game of his career.
Then came the contrast.
As he walked into the postgame press conference, the game ball tucked calmly against him, the chaos disappeared.
This is a man who lives on the edge during games, who thrives in disruption and confrontation, suddenly quiet. Grounded. Almost serene. No bravado. No chest pounding. Even after a performance he will remember forever and the leather under his arm to prove it, he spoke softly. He reflected on that moment before the storm. The meditation. The calm that makes the chaos possible.
“It’s just me focusing on my breathing, trying to calm myself down before the game starts,” Brooks noted of his pregame ritual. “Just getting into like feeling the whole crowd and the whole like atmosphere of the game.”
It’s a “Medataive thing”, he added. “It puts me in my mode.”
He was in his mode on Thursday night, all right. His 40-point performance surpassed his previous career high of 37, which came in a loss as a member of the Grizzlies in 2021.
But that stare comes from somewhere else too. Yes, it is meditative. But it also serves another purpose entirely. Dillon admitted as much afterward. He talked about being a kid and watching Iron Mike Tyson. That is where it started.
Oh “When I was a kid, I used to watch Mike Tyson,” he said. “That’s probably where I got the stare from, too, was probably Mike Tyson.”
That is the contrast. Stillness paired with menace. Meditation paired with aggression. A man at peace who is fully prepared to drag you into chaos. Dillon is not staring into nothing. He is staring into you. And once he senses the balance tilt, once he feels the fear creep in, the switch flips. Calm gives way to attack. And by then, it is already too late.
Dillon the Villain, right?
It was Villain t-shirt night, after all, and his head coach entered the press room donning one. When Suns’ sideline reporter Amanda Pflugrad said, “Love the shirt,” Jordan Ott responded.
“Yeah, I do, too, after that. Like I said, we can give it away every night.”
“He had a great night, obviously, career high…and we needed all of them.”
That Brooksian edge does not live on adrenaline alone. It is built. Repeated. Earned in empty gyms when nobody is watching. “There’s a piece that you guys don’t get to see is like off outside of the game,” Ott said. “How he communicates on the court in practice or shootaround, in our film sessions.”
“I saw Dillon was working last night in the gym,” he added.
Brooks pointed to Kobe Bryant as the blueprint. He talked about watching Kobe Muse a couple nights earlier, soaking in that footage. The idea that readiness is not a switch you flip on game night. It is something you drag with you every day. Off days included. Especially off days.
That is the contrast again. Chaos on the floor, discipline behind the scenes. The snarling competitor versus the quiet worker. While others rest, he shoots. While the noise fades, he sharpens. Kobe understood that separation is created when effort becomes routine. Dillon has taken that lesson and made it personal. Work now, fear later. Preparation first, eruption second.
I happened to be sitting courtside during shootaround, talking with former Solar Panel Podcast host and PHNX GM Greg Esposito, when Mat Ishbia walked up. He acknowledged the work we do at Bright Side, and I thanked him in turn for giving me reasons to write positive things. About this team. About the way they play. He smiled and fired back a familiar refrain. “Well, I told you guys.” You damn right he did.
Behind him stood Dillon Brooks. Not listening. Not watching. Locked into his routine. Multiple basketballs pounding the floor at once, a blur of motion and intent, hands busy, mind elsewhere. Work before words. Process before praise. A few minutes later, he drifted to his usual spot. Feet set. Breathing controlled. Eyes distant. Living fully in the moment before the moment.
Contrast does the rest. Quiet preparation versus loud results. Empty gym habits colliding with a packed arena payoff. That calm turned into the best scoring night of his career. Not a fluke. Not a surprise. A culmination. In a game that was not only enjoyable to watch, but a genuine pleasure to witness. Chaos earned. Release delivered.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Craig Porter Jr. #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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
He took a stepback three and fell because the floor was raised, injuring his ankle. This is an uncommon scenario in the NBA. Typically, the court extends to the point where falling off it would be impossible.
Luka had to go back to the locker room after an apparent leg injury at the edge of the court. pic.twitter.com/QxPvkiE5p0
Luka had to be taken out of the game, but luckily, he was able to return. However, he is now listed as questionable for the Lakers’ upcoming contest against the Wizards due to this ankle injury.
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated that the raised floor was a hazard.
It seems that the league agrees with Redick. According to an article by Joe Vardon of The Athletic, the NBA and the Cavs are seeking solutions to prevent other players from being injured like this.
“While improvements have been made to the arena floor over the years to address this issue, the NBA and the Cavaliers are revisiting the situation given the incident last night,” a league spokesperson said Thursday night.
This isn’t the first time this season Luka has dealt with a floor causing him problems. Dončić complained about the NBA Cup court being slippery and the Lakers sent it for repairs. LA never played on that floor again.
It’s unfortunate that it took Luka almost getting seriously injured to resolve this issue, but if it means no other player has to deal with this, then something good came out of this situation.
Further in Vardon’s piece, he provided some more details on the talks the Cavs have had with the NBA regarding their court.
The discussions Thursday between the league and the Cavs were taken up mutually, a league spokesperson said. Earlier Thursday, a Cavs spokesman told The Athletic, “The basketball court layout and design at Rocket Arena is fully compliant with NBA rules and has been in place for [20-plus] years, with ongoing collaboration and regular evaluation between our organization, the league and independent flooring experts to support player safety and performance. We constantly evaluate every aspect of the arena to ensure the highest standards of fan experience are achieved and (the) safest environment for players, team members, performers and guests is maintained.”
While the court may follow the rules, that doesn’t mean it’s safe enough. Clearly, it’s very easy for a player to fall off as Luka did. When you watch the play, it’s not like he was pushed or made a ridiculous move that is uncommon in a basketball game.
These guys are playing a sport and injury risk is always possible. But a court shouldn’t be a reason for increased danger. This needs to get fixed, and it appears that’s going to happen sooner rather than later.
Finding the right value on a Friday night slate is all about identifying trends and mismatches before the market catches up. For this January 30 lineup, I’ve put together a three-leg moneyline parlay that balances momentum with favorable matchups.
My NBA picks start at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks are looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage against the Blazers. From there, we head to the Bayou for a Southwest Division showdown between the Pelicans and Grizzlies, before wrapping things up in Phoenix, where the Suns will try to extend their current winning streak to three games.
This parlay has been BOOSTED from +598 to +708 by our friends at bet365.
If you’re looking to slow down the Trail Blazers’ offense, it starts with Deni Avdija—and that’s where OG Anunoby becomes a major asset. Avdija relies on his size and strength to bully smaller defenders and get downhill, but that approach won’t work against Anunoby, who can match his physicality step for step. It’s simply a brutal matchup for Avdija.
On the other end of the floor, the Knicks can also exploit Donovan Clingan. While Clingan is an elite rim protector, he’ll struggle to defend Karl-Anthony Towns on the perimeter. If Clingan is consistently pulled out of the paint to guard KAT, the lane opens up for Jalen Brunson to operate. There’s a lot of juice at -280, but given these matchup edges, this number should be even shorter—closer to -345.
The Memphis Grizzlies are +125 on the moneyline on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, and at that price point, I’m hitting the button, as I believe they should be trading closer to a -115 favorite.
The injury report is long for the Grizzlies, but as long as Jaren Jackson Jr. is on the floor, they’re in good shape in this matchup. JJJ is someone who can move his feet against Zion Williamson and meet him at the rim to protect it. Not only do the Grizzlies have a defender for Zion, but the wingspan of Vince Williams Jr. and the length of Jaylen Wells could also be disruptive to Trey Murphy’s shooting.
The wrong team is favored in this matchup—give me the Grizzlies on the moneyline.
+708 BOOSTED ML PARLAY 📈@JonMetler breaks down all three legs 🗣️🗣️
The Phoenix Suns will be without Devin Booker, but let’s not overlook the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers are also missing key pieces in Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. While this is the second night of a back-to-back for Phoenix, both games are at home, and their win over Detroit was so comfortable that Khaman Maluach logged minutes—hardly a taxing outing for the starters.
Defensively, the Suns can throw Dillon Brooks at Donovan Mitchell and rely on Mark Williams to anchor the paint to match Jarrett Allen’s vertical presence. Brooks guarding Mitchell is a very different look when Garland isn’t there to help initiate the offense. Given all of that, I believe this line should be closer to +120, which is why I’m backing the Suns.
The Toronto Raptors came home from a productive road trip only to fall into a classic letdown spot against the New York Knicks.
They’ll look to get back on track when they head to Orlando to face the Magic. Injuries and uneven play have held Orlando back this season, leaving the Magic just two games over .500 — yet they still enter as slight home favorites.
My Raptors vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks break down why the Raptors will get back to roaring in this Eastern Conference clash, set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando.
Raptors vs Magic prediction
Raptors vs Magic best bet: Raptors moneyline (+105)
The Toronto Raptors saw their winning streak snapped by the New York Knicks on Wednesday, but the team has played well overall.
They won the last four games of a West Coast road trip, including a win over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. They’re eighth in the NBA in defensive rating, and have gone 10-4 ATS as a road underdog this season.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are struggling. They have the sixth-worst net rating in January, and it’s clear they are missing Franz Wagner.
Brandon Ingram and Co. will lock down the Magic and get back in the win column.
Raptors vs Magic same-game parlay
Ingram is having a solid first season with the Raptors, and tonight I want to focus on his playmaking ability. He's averaged 4.2 assists over his last nine games, recording four or more dimes in six of those outings.
Orlando is a strong defensive team, and their game plan figures to involve getting the ball out of Ingram’s hands.
Then there is Jalen Suggs. The Magic guard is just 2-for-16 from three in his three games since his return from injury and now faces a Raptors team that allows the second-lowest opponent 3-point shooting percentage in the NBA.
Raptors vs Magic SGP
Raptors moneyline
Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
Jalen Suggs Under 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dino Dimes
The Raptors have the sixth-highest assist rate this month, while the Magic rank 19th in opponent assists per possession during the same period.
Raptors vs Magic SGP
Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists
Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
Collin Murray-Boyles Over 2.5 assists
Raptors vs Magic odds
Spread: Raptors +1.5 | Magic -1.5
Moneyline: Raptors +105 | Magic -125
Over/Under: Over 219.5 | Under 219.5
Raptors vs Magic betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the moneyline in 23 of their last 40 away games (+11.75 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Magic.
How to watch Raptors vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Friday, January 30, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
TSN, ESPN
Raptors vs Magic latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Friday night is more than alright for NBA player props, with nine games on the slate giving bettors plenty to work with.
I’ve locked in my three favorite plays for tonight, including Brandon Ingram handing out dimes against the Magic and Shaedon Sharpe continuing to be a thorn in the Knicks’ side.
Brandon Ingram is enjoying a solid first season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. For tonight’s matchup against the Orlando Magic, the focus shifts to his playmaking.
Ingram has averaged 4.2 assists over his last nine games, recording four or more dimes in six of those outings.
Orlando is a strong defensive team, and their game plan figures to involve getting the ball out of Ingram’s hands. He logged four assists the last time these teams met back in December, and I love him to reach that mark again tonight.
The Blazers guard is averaging 22.9 points while shooting 39.3% from beyond the arc over his last 12 games, and I’m backing Sharpe to deliver another strong showing against the New York Knicks.
New York has been inconsistent all season, due in part to shaky perimeter defense. The Knicks allow the sixth-most 3-pointers per game and surrender the most points per game to opposing guards.
With that in mind, Sharpe is well-positioned to clear this line for the ninth time in his last 13 games.
The Brooklyn Nets appear to have something special in Egor Demin. The BYU rookie is averaging 13.1 points per game while shooting an eye-popping 43.9% from beyond the arc over his last 18 outings.
Demin has knocked down three or more triples in 11 of those games, and there’s little reason to expect that trend to slow against the Utah Jazz.
Utah owns arguably the worst defense in the NBA, ranking dead last in both defensive rating and opponent points per game.
It should come as no surprise that the Jazz's perimeter defense has been just as porous, sitting last in opponent-made threes per game.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers are meeting this week to discuss the raised court at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
This is the latest chapter in a long-running issue, one that has jumped back into the headlines after Luka Doncic tweaked his ankle while falling off it after a shot this week.
Luka Doncic has gone back to the Lakers locker room after appearing to injure his foot stepping back on this shot attempt:pic.twitter.com/uakOseB1GX
Doncic went to the locker room after the fall but returned and played in that game, though he is questionable for Friday's Lakers game in Washington due to an ankle injury. He, however, got off lucky compared to others, including Dru Smith, who fell off the court and tore his ACL in 2023. There have been multiple injuries and complaints by teams over the years, but the court is in compliance with league rules, a Cavaliers spokesman told The Athletic.
Raised courts are uncommon, usually only seen by fans at the NCAA Final Four (games held in football stadiums). The Cavaliers have the only raised court in the NBA, up about 10 inches — on a rubber mat and then wood blocks on top of that — to prevent condensation from the ice below the playing surface. The Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is also home to the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The NBA is again involved, but as Vardon explains, the fixes are either partial or expensive, or both. Cleveland could expand the size of the wood flooring so that all the courtside seats would be on top of it and the drop off would be further away from the court. Cleveland could reduce the height or eliminate the wood blocks, then keep the building much colder to prevent any melting or condensation. All of that likely will be discussed, but whether any meaningful action takes place remains to be seen. While the drop-off has been reduced, it is still there and still causing injuries.
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 28: Landry Shamet #44, Karl-Anthony Towns #32, Tyler Kolek #13, and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrate during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 28, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The pendulum swings back and forth, as the Knicks have now won four games in a row after a brutal start to the new year.
The team’s post-Thibodeau hangover looked real, as Mike Brown hung his hat on the offensive side of things. The strategy worked – until it didn’t. After another brutal loss at home to the Dallas Mavericks, Captain Brunson called a players-only meeting.
This was the state of affairs just 10 days ago. Bleak.
Are tensions rising for the New York Knicks? 🤔 @ramonashelburne gives us an inside look on what happened after their loss against the Mavericks 👀 pic.twitter.com/1MDEIk0pwG
Since then, the tide has truly turned. New York has rattled off four straight, and encouragingly, it’s been New York’s defense leading the charge. The team has held their last four opponents to 66, 109, 87, and 92 points, respectively.
Knicks defensive rating rankings this year:
First 15 games: 18th (114.8 DEF RTG) Next 10 games: 3rd (110.9) Next 16 games: 29th (120.6) Last 6 games: 1st (98.3)
Average offensive rating ranking of their last 6 opponents is 22nd, but still…progress. We know they can do it.
Yes, it’s a small sample size, and yes, the four games weren’t against championship contenders, but the Knicks hadn’t shown the ability to win games this way until now. Defense had been the biggest issue so far this season, but a new identity could be taking shape. They’ve been killing it on the glass. They’ve shown toughness on both sides of the floor. It feels like a relic of seasons prior.
What’s changed? Well, it’s no coincidence that Landry Shamet replacing Jordan Clarkson in the rotation has led to tangible change in the bench unit. Similarly, KAT has been averaging less than 25 minutes a contest across these last four games. And OG Anunoby has been locked back in, averaging three stocks per game across the same stretch.
It’s trade deadline season, and if the new year slide continued, we’d be having much different conversations right now. Yet as a whole, the Knicks’ mindset seems to have shifted. This has been a uniform shift from the bottom to the top, with both players and coaches changing their approach to gameday.
With the Blazers on tap tonight at home, New York is in a good position to stretch their streak to five as they battle for the two seed in the East. Let’s see if they can keep the good vibes going tonight.
Apr 5, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Mike Muscala (57) makes the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Welcome back to the second and final part of Finding the Muscala, where we search for low-cost backup big options in response to the larger trade rumors surrounding the Celtics in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
As a refresher, we’re not explicitly in the search for the next Mike Muscala specifically, but rather a trade that reaches high on the Muscala Meter (not real or quantifiable) of being low-cost and significantly lower-risk than, say, any trade involving the contract of Anfernee Simons and a selection of first round picks.
The first part featuring Marvin Bagley, Jalen Smith and Nick Richards, led to some productive and engaging conversations in the comments, so thank you to all the MuscalApologists (working title) for contributing to this short series.
This wasn’t done in the previous Muscala piece, but with today’s three bigs, we’re ordering their contract values in descending order, starting with a higher-priced backup big that might require a slightly bigger deal to acquire.
Let’s jump in and talk backups.
Goga Bitadze
Entering the season on Year 2 of his 3-year, $25 million deal signed with Orlando, Goga Bitadze has been a valued bench piece for the Magic since he signed there in February 2023. The Magic have been stuck in neutral during that time under head coach Jamahl Mosley, and something tells me they’re a smart pick for a roster shakeup during the deadline.
Bitadze, only 26 and in his eighth NBA season, is a hulking 6’10”, 250-pound center that may not impose his will on offense as much as you’d envision from a player of his size and mobility, but he has still carved out a career as a rock solid rim protector and rebounder.
His game isn’t without its caveats though. He’s a non-shooter, a surprisingly unimpactful screener and a non-factor as a playmaker/ball-mover.
Bitadze’s rim protecting ability has held serious weight to his time on the floor these past few seasons for the defensive-minded Magic, but it seems his offensive limitations are factoring into his way out the door.
On Monday and Wednesday this week, he was a coach’s decision DNP, with Orlando instead opting for the recently-returned Mo Wagner’s offensive skillset behind Wendell Carter Jr.
For Boston, while not the perfect fit for his lack of versatility, Bitadze does fill a need and does so on a reasonable contract (though one that gives him significantly more than current starter Neemias Queta).
When it comes to actually considering a hypothetical trade, we had a similar discussion in the last part in regards to Bulls big man Jalen Smith, who has a comparable contract to Bitadze’s that would require a conversation that goes a little further than a package surrounding Xavier Tillman or Chris Boucher’s expiring deals.
To acquire Goga in a two-team deal, it would take giving up Sam Hauser, and that’s a hard sell for a large majority of the fanbase, and probably Brad Stevens, even if it brings in a helpful player at a position of need. For Orlando, a team that is 28th in 3-point shooting efficiency this season, that’d be a pretty major boon for them.
But to add even further to the discussion, that one-for-one swap wouldn’t be possible on Orlando’s end since they are a hard-capped first apron team. They’d need to add a little something extra to get that deal over the hump, something like the rookie-scale contract of second-round French prospect Noah Penda, who has impressed in limited minutes as a capable shooting threat and versatile 6’7” defender.
This would be an interesting proposition for both sides, filling needs for both teams in a mid-sized trade that sends off two talented veterans and one prospect to new homes.
Andre Drummond
Outside of a Jalen Springer-sized trade or a draft day pick swap, would the Philadelphia 76ers really be looking to deal directly with a conference rival concerning their best rebounder?
Probably not, however, according to 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey, they are at least open to the idea of moving their valued backup big. The Sixers are $7 million above the allowable threshold to avoid being taxed and around $1 million away from being a first-apron team according to Pompey, and a move off Drummond’s expiring $5 million contract without a player in return would certain aid in their quest to avoid that tax.
Could the right draft asset cocktail be enough to sway the Sixers? Unlikely, but it’s worth exploring because Drummond’s skillset and extremely favorable expiring contract is about as close to an ideal deadline acquisition as Boston is going to find in its search through the lower-level marketplace.
Drummond is, and has always been, a phenomenal rebounder, and this season has been no different. He’s been the ideal spot starter for Joel Embiid, a very solid backup when Embiid is available, and, surprisingly, a capable 3-point shooter for the first time in his career (36% on 1.3 attempts per game). In 20 minutes a night, Drummond gives Philly 7 points on 50% shooting, 9 rebounds and a block per game.
This season, the data backs up the eye test, Drummond is simply outstanding on the glass, rating near the very top of most rebounding metrics on both ends of the floor
Defensively, Drummond’s strength and size gives the team a primary defender for the game’s more physically imposing interior bullies that Boston has struggled with up to this point in the season.
Drummond is an excellent backup center, and the Sixers know that. Philly currently enlists second-year UCLA product Adem Bona as their third center, meaning they’d be sacrificing some serious depth unless they take a player back or make another move (Kelly Oubre Jr. was also mentioned by Pompey as a possible trade candidate).
Is the tax-evading effort worth it to provide Boston with the exact type of backup big they’d want to add to their frontcourt stable? It’d take some convincing, and some valued second round draft capital, but the fact that Brad Stevens and Daryl Morey have come to an agreement before at least means a conversation is possible, and worth the 406 words it took to discuss it.
Kevin Love
We didn’t use the word “scrounging” in the first Muscala headline just for fun.
We are foraging across the NBA big man marketplace here, and this is the trade equivalent to sticking our hand in the bottom of a Walmart DVD bargain bin. We shouldn’t be surprised to pull out something we may not find sense or value in. But even if it’s some obscure John Wayne western we’ve never heard of, the price tag says $2, so what’s the harm in talking about it?
And I’ll say it, even at the ripe old age of 37, Kevin Love is still a pretty interesting player to watch. And dare I say, a contributor in certain facets.
Love is sort of the NBA equivalent to George Clooney. Once a bankable star, Clooney is rarely seen and hardly mentioned these days, yet you’ll randomly spot him grizzled and gray in a Nespresso Super Bowl commercial and think “Yep, Clooney’s still got it.”
You watch a few current K-Love clips at his best and tell me you don’t see at least a fundamentally sound past-his-prime star that’s career is on the cusp of fading out into a planetary nebula.
Love is spending the season in Utah surrounded by one of the league’s younger rosters embarking on a patient rebuild, yet he is still finding his way into minutes. Consider this, on a team that has modest frontcourt depth despite the early-season loss of Walker Kessler, Love’s 457 minutes on the floor double the minutes of Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman combined.
So while we’re not talking about a sizable upgrade, we are talking about a 17-year vet that is still finding a spot in an NBA rotation. That’s not nothing.That’s a playable deep bench addition.
Love is at his best when the ball is touching and leaving his hand in one fell swoop. His 40% 3-point catch-and-shoot efficiency on 3.3 attempts per game is his best since the 2017-18 season in Cleveland where he shot 41% on five attempts.
The current version of Love does two things particularly well: he’s a capable movement shooter and a productive rebounder. All other impact areas are either neutral or outright negatives, but in those two areas, he can help an NBA team in some capacity.
We’ve seen Luka Garza take a leap in confidence and efficiency as a pick-and-pop threat, giving Boston one big that can actually stretch the floor. For a team that loves active screeners, Spain pick-and-rolls and flare screens, an additional shooter with size would add some value to the deep bench options at Joe Mazzulla’s disposal, while also adding another energetic fighter on the glass.
Love has implemented himself well into Utah’s roster this season, a far cry from his final days in Cleveland when their Big 3 disbanded, and it seems he’s embraced his veteran role in a way that makes him an unlikely buyout candidate.
It’s funny to think how the 2014 “Summer of Love” set social media ablaze when Love was spotted at a Red Sox game shaking hands with Rajon Rondo, indicating hope of another major star acquisition heading to Boston. That never materialized, but maybe before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, just nine days before Valentine’s Day, the Celtics will finally get their shot at Love.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 24: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates his teams win against the Boston Celtics at the United Center on January 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Rockets could use an on-ball facilitating guard. Everybody talks about it.
By all intents and purposes, Rafael Stone and co. are trying to address that need by the trade deadline.
It seems clear that they’ve been working the phones, at the very least. Lately they’ve been engaged in trade talks with the Chicago Bulls for point guard Coby White.
White is an obvious target on the trade market. White becomes an unrestricted free agent in four months and the Bulls tried to extend him last offseason, but made no such progress, as he turned down an $87 million extension.
They’d rather get something for him than see him walk without getting anything in return.
Except they’ve got a specific asking price.
They’re hoping to land a young, rising talent, who is on the same timeline as Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
Understandable. Buzelis and Giddey are their future.
Pillars. Cornerstones.
Whatever noun you want to use.
They’re also 21-years-old and 23-years-old, respectively.
Which is an obvious no-go. Houston has neither the guard depth nor wing depth to withstand losing either.
Especially not for White.
Again, he’s going to be a free agent in the summer.
But his $12.8 million salary will be impossible to match if the Hawks are set on a young player to that degree. Even those guys don’t make enough individually.
The obvious salary matching would come by way of Dorian Finney-Smith ($12.7 million) or Steven Adams.
(It’s a cold world sometimes, I know. But Adams’ $14.1 million works mathematically).
But again, if we are to believe Chicago wants a young prospect, neither DFS nor Adams would sway them.
And even if the Rockets and Bulls are able to agree on compensation, would Houston realistically be able to afford White long-term? They’ve got looming deals with Eason and Amen Thompson in consecutive years (the latter of which will be far more costly).
White is a good player. But the situation doesn’t quite align, especially considering what Chicago is seeking in return.
Jan 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Drew Timme (17) reacts with forward LeBron James (23) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
NBA All-Star Weekend is almost here, and Gonzaga has a brief breather before Saturday’s clash with Saint Mary’s, so the pause offers a natural moment to check in on the program’s NBA presence. As of this writing, 12 former Zags sit on active NBA rosters, with a couple more still grinding for call-ups in the G League, a level of representation that continues to place Gonzaga alongside Duke and Kentucky as one of the sport’s most reliable pro pipelines. The season has unfolded unevenly for that group, shaped by injuries, shifting roles, and a few long-awaited opportunities finally breaking through. Some veterans have spent stretches managing their bodies, some younger players have begun earning real minutes, and others are making the most of every window they get. With the NBA drifting towards its midseason break, here’s where some Gonzaga alums stand right now.
At this point, Brandon Clarke’s NBA career reads like a running battle with his own body. After missing the second half of last season with a PCL sprain suffered in March, Clarke clawed his way back in time for the 2025–26 opener, only to log roughly a game and a half before a calf strain shut him down again. He has been sidelined since December 20, extending a frustrating pattern for a player whose impact has consistently outweighed his availability. The latest setback follows a career already interrupted by a torn Achilles, repeated lower-body issues, and a knee synovitis procedure last fall, yet the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with league sources indicating a likely return roughly a month from now and no long-term concern attached to the current injury
Collins’ season in Chicago has unfolded in fits and starts, with injuries consistently interrupting any chance at continuity. He missed the opening stretch of the year with a broken left wrist, returned in early December, and briefly settled into a rotation role before another setback arrived. Over the 10 games he played in December, Collins averaged 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per night, offering efficient interior scoring before a sprained right big toe sidelined him again late in the month. As of late January, he remained in a walking boot, though the Bulls have indicated he is expected to return to practice around the All-Star break, with a game return hoped to follow shortly after.
Rui Hachimura – Los Angeles Lakers
Rui Hachimura passes Magic & Kareem for the 2nd most games in Lakers history with:
Hachimura has settled into a steady role with the Lakers, averaging around 30 minutes per night while bouncing between the starting lineup and a recent move to a sixth-man role. He’s scoring about 12 points per game and knocking down 43.4 percent of his threes, providing reliable spacing and secondary offense. The highs and lows have been visible: a season-high 28 against Portland back in November, followed by a scoreless 18-minute outing on 0-for-7 shooting against Cleveland. Overall, he remains a trusted rotation piece whose minutes and role continue to fluctuate with lineup needs. If rumors are true and what that lineup ultimately needs is a first-round 2026 draft pick instead of Hachimura, we’ll find out in the next week.
Drew Timme – Los Angeles Lakers
DREW TIMME! Los Angeles Lakers two-way contract big man & NCAA legend Drew Timme BALLED OUT in their 132-116 LOSS vs. Portland! 🪣
📊 21 PTS, 2 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 9/12 FGM, 3/4 3PM, 29 MIN. LOSS
After getting cut by Brooklyn, Timme once again played his way back onto an NBA roster with a dominant G League stint, this time earning a two-way deal with the Lakers. The NBA production has been modest so far at just over three points per game, though the upside has shown through in flashes, including a 21-point night against Portland. Gonzaga’s all-time leading scorer remains in a tenuous spot on a two-way contract, but his continued G League dominance, paired with public praise from LeBron James, suggests he has done everything within his control to keep the door open.
After spending four and a half seasons as Mr. Reliable on a Washington Wizards team stuck in perpetual rebuilding mode, Corey Kispert was blessedly dealt to Atlanta in November alongside CJ McCollum as part of the Trae Young trade and has stepped directly into the Hawks’ starting lineup. Since arriving, he’s shooting about 33 percent from three and averaging just under nine points per game. Atlanta sits 3rd in the Southeast Division with a season record of 24-26. They’re 4-5 since Kispert’s arrival, but the move has already given him something he rarely had in Washington: meaningful minutes on a team still trying to win games.
Strawther’s third year in Denver has turned into a constant shuffle. His minutes have dropped to around 10 per game after averaging 21 last season, and his place in the rotation has rarely felt secure, tied closely to whether the shot is falling and if the guys ahead of him on the depth chart are healthy. The numbers have been uncharacteristically rough for a guy who made a college career off his three-point shot. He’s just 8-for-37 from three on the season, but the flashes of offensive greatness have occasionally shown through. When injuries ripped through the Nuggets’ lineup, Strawther finally got runway and delivered a season-high 20 points in 27 minutes against Milwaukee, staying on the floor despite a 1-for-6 mark from outside by attacking off the bounce and applying foul pressure. With Denver suddenly thin, a player who looked like trade bait a few weeks ago now sits one bad ankle or hamstring injury away from a starting role, a reminder of how fast things change on a title contender
Olynyk’s latest stop has him in San Antonio, his eighth team in 13 seasons, and very much in a veteran support role. Playing behind Victor Wembanyama (a legit superstar) and fellow journeyman Luke Kornet has pushed his minutes down to a career-low 9.5 per night across 28 games, but the impact still shows up in quieter ways. He steadies lineups, keeps the ball moving, and brings a level of professionalism that young teams tend to lean on, especially one built around a generational centerpiece. At this stage, Olynyk feels closer to the end than the beginning, the kind of long-tenured pro who may bounce once more or may simply have found a final landing spot as a trusted locker-room presence who still knows how to help teams function.
Domantas Sabonis – Sacramento Kings
Some important recent Kings rumors that have come out:
– At least 10 teams have called about Keon Ellis, with the expectation of him being traded before the deadline, per @sam_amick.
– Domantas Sabonis is a legitimate candidate to be a Toronto Raptor by the deadline,… pic.twitter.com/uYNkO0Iq47
It has been a brutal season in Sacramento, with the Kings sitting at 12-37 and buried near the bottom of the Western Conference, a context that has pushed Sabonis back into the center of the trade rumor mill. Miami, Toronto, Phoenix, and Chicago have all surfaced as possible landing spots in recent weeks. Despite missing 27 games earlier in the year with a torn meniscus, Sabonis has been productive when available, averaging 15.4 points and 11.2 rebounds and recording double-doubles in 11 of the 18 games he has played. He has been back on the floor over the past couple weeks, steady as ever, even as the losses pile up. Wherever he lands next, the hope is simple: a roster sturdy enough to let Sabonis amplify winning rather than shoulder it alone.
Injuries have again shaped Suggs’ season, but he has managed to appear in 26 games for Orlando despite missing time with an MCL contusion. When healthy, his role remains substantial, logging around 26 minutes per night while averaging 14.4 points and 4.7 assists. The offense has come back in bursts, but the defensive impact has never wavered, with Suggs continuing to operate as a full-court irritant who changes games with pressure and anticipation. Orlando sits at 24–22, hovering just above .500, and their margin remains thin enough that a fully settled version of Suggs, available and decisive, could meaningfully swing the final months of the season.
Ryan Nembhard – Dallas Mavericks
Ryan Nembhard being this good, this early, makes you wonder what NBA Front offices are looking for when drafting
This is 28 pts, 10 Assists, and 0 Turnovers as Rookie
Undersized and undrafted, Nembhard has carved out real minutes anyway, appearing in 35 games for a young Dallas roster built around the league’s newest cornerstone in Cooper Flagg. Gonzaga’s imprint shows up clearly in his adaptability and poise, traits that have helped him earn trust in a guard rotation that shifts almost nightly. Nembhard is doing what he has always done best, organizing offense and keeping teammates fed, averaging just under five assists in 19 minutes per game while knocking down nearly 38 percent of his threes. The ceiling flashes remain there too, most memorably in a 28-point outburst against Denver on December 1, when he went 12-for-14 from the floor and 5-for-7 from deep. The role remains fluid, but Nembhard continues to justify his place by fitting whatever shape the moment requires.
With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined by a torn Achilles and Myles Turner gone after a failed contract resolution, Indiana’s season has unraveled quickly, but Nembhard has gone the opposite direction. Thrust into the lead guard role full time, he is putting together the best year of his career, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, and shooting 35.8 percent from three while starting all 38 games he has played. The Pacers no longer resemble the contender they were a year ago, and the burden on Nembhard has grown heavier by the week, reflected in career highs across points, assists, and minutes. Indiana sits well off the pace in the East, and with the trade deadline approaching, the front office is expected to look for backcourt help, ideally an off-ball guard who can ease the load and let Nembhard continue doing what he has proven he can do: run a team.
Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren Defense 1/27 vs NOP ~ 8 Points Allowed ~ Held Opponents to 4/11 FG (as primary def) – 5 Blocks – 33 Minutes
Thoughts on his defense last night?
*Not every clip included goes towards the Opp FG%, but I included all relevant clips of his defense from the game* pic.twitter.com/xnimEG0lZz
While nearly everyone else on this list has dealt with injuries or role volatility, Holmgren has been the constant for Oklahoma City all season. The Thunder have shuffled bodies around him, losing time from Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams among others, yet Holmgren’s availability and production have anchored a team sitting at 38–11 alongside reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He has already played 11 more games than he managed all of last season and is averaging nearly 18 points and a career-best 8.6 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three. The efficiency spikes showed early with a 31-point, 11-rebound night against Atlanta in October, but the steadiness has been just as striking. Holmgren has gone the entire month of January without committing more than two turnovers in a game despite playing roughly 34 minutes per night. A fully healthy Thunder roster sits as the odds-on favorite to win another league title, and if Oklahoma City pulls off a repeat, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren will be at the center of it.
Taken together, this group reflects both the breadth and the staying power of Gonzaga’s NBA presence. There are stars carrying franchises, role players adapting to new contexts, veterans extending long careers through feel and professionalism, and young guards fighting daily for minutes in crowded rotations. The paths look different, the situations change fast, and the margins remain thin, but the through line holds: Gonzaga continues to send players into the league who find ways to matter. As the NBA season turns toward its stretch run and the Zags refocus on Saint Mary’s and March, the program’s imprint at the highest level remains as visible, varied, and resilient as ever.
It's a question that many fantasy managers have already been asking themselves: which players are worth targeting for the post-trade deadline portion of the season? By then, the ambitions of most teams will be clear. While the Play-In Tournament has kept some teams from shifting into "tank mode," there are still some that will go all-out to improve their draft lottery odds.
And trades open the door for others to step up, especially if we're talking about a young player whose opportunities increase once a veteran player is moved elsewhere. Below are some players who are worth using a transaction on to stash ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
PF/C Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors
Murray-Boyles is one of the few players on this list playing for teams that still harbor legitimate postseason ambitions. At the time of publishing, the Raptors were 29-20, sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding Jakob Poeltl and his lingering back injury, the rookie out of South Carolina has been given a role more critical than many anticipated when training camp opened.
Murray-Boyles, who returned from a left thumb injury in a January 28 loss to the Knicks, has started the last 10 games he's appeared in, averaging 9.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks in 30.5 minutes while shooting 56.8 percent from the field. While category-league managers won't get any three-point production from CMB, he does just about everything else. And given the current role, Murray-Boyles is a much safer option than stashing a player with the hope that minutes will be freed up after the trade deadline.
SG/SF Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks
Sure, it has been reported that the Mavericks want to see Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the court together at some point this season. But the reality of the situation is this: they trail the scalding hot Clippers by five games in the loss column for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference, and the 2026 first-round pick is the last that Dallas has complete control over until 2031. Adding a promising young talent who would be on Flagg's timeline should be the priority, but we'll see.
Christie, who turns 23 just a few days after the trade deadline, should be safe from having the plug pulled on his season if the Mavericks decide to prioritize their draft lottery odds. And he's been productive when on the floor, averaging 17.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.9 three-pointers in 32.2 minutes since New Year's Day. Age-wise, he's closer to aligning with Flagg's timeline than Davis or Irving, and the same can also be said for Dallas' 2026 draft pick.
C Moussa Diabaté, Charlotte Hornets
Given how well they've played recently, the Hornets have no reason not to try to make a run at a postseason spot. Charlotte has won its last five games and now trails 10th-place Chicago by three games in the loss column. Diabaté, who played well enough last season to earn a standard contract, has been a factor in the middle, holding onto the starting job after rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner returned from a left elbow injury.
Diabaté has started every game that he's been available for since December 23, averaging 9.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.2 blocks in 29.6 minutes, shooting 68.8 percent from the field. The energy that he brings to the floor has made a difference for Charlotte, and playing time should not be an issue for Diabaté as the Hornets look to earn a play-in spot.
PG/SG Bub Carrington, SF/PF Justin Champagnie and SG/SF Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards
Given how young the Wizards' roster is, multiple players stand to gain value in the post-deadline portion of the schedule. Of the three listed here, Johnson offers the highest upside for managers seeking scoring. The rookie out of Texas, who sprained his left ankle during a January 29 win over the Bucks, entered that game having averaged 16.1 points and 2.8 three-pointers in his previous ten games.
Carrington's case is an interesting one, in that his fantasy prospects did not look good in the immediate aftermath of Washington acquiring Trae Young from the Hawks. However, Young has yet to appear in a game as he continues to recover from knee and quad injuries, and his playing time may be limited once he's cleared to play. Carrington's production hasn't been the best, but he'll continue to have opportunities to play rotation minutes. Also, he started the second half of that win over Milwaukee following Johnson's ankle injury. As for Champagnie, he has been close to a top-100 player over the past two weeks and can fill multiple roles for the Wizards.
SG/SF/PF Ace Bailey and SF/PF Brice Sensabaugh, Utah Jazz
Like the Wizards, the Jazz are in a position where the clear priority during the post-deadline portion of the season will be to get their young players as much playing time as possible. Bailey has been in the starting lineup since mid-November, with the only two non-starts in his last 32 appearances being games in which his playing time was restricted for injury management reasons. He's averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 three-pointers during this stretch, shooting 47.5 percent from the field. Hopefully, Bailey will bring more consistent production in categories other than points.
Sensabaugh has been used mainly in a reserve role since mid-January, but that hasn't stopped him from putting up some gaudy numbers. His 43-point outburst in a January 14 loss to the Bulls began a three-game stretch in which he scored 95 points on 61.4 percent shooting. Unfortunately, he would miss the next two games, but the Jazz forward has averaged 19.3 points and 3.0 three-pointers over his last three. Like Bailey, category league managers will want to see more from Sensabaugh in the other categories, but there's no denying that he can put up points and three-pointers.
PG Egor Dëmin, PF/C Noah Clowney and C Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn made its priorities clear before the season began, with team governor Joe Tsai saying in October that the team hoped to get a good pick in the 2026 draft. Of the five players the Nets selected in the first round of the 2025 draft, Dëmin has been the most valuable to fantasy managers and the only one able to lock down a spot in the starting lineup. While back-to-backs are a concern due to the foot injury that limited him during the preseason, the guard out of BYU has averaged 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 3.0 three-pointers since the beginning of January.
Clowney had been a fixture in the Nets' starting lineup since the beginning of the season, but he's missed the last three games with a back injury. That said, he's averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and three-pointers. With there still being plenty of room for Clowney to grow, however, he should be safe from a late-season shutdown. Last but not least is Sharpe, who could benefit immensely if the Nets were to lighten starting center Nic Claxton's workload. He has averaged 9.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 21.9 minutes since New Year's Day, shooting nearly 60 percent from the field.
SG/SF Nique Clifford and C Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings
If the Kings were to move a few of their veterans before the deadline, 2025 draft picks Clifford and Raynaud would be first in line to benefit in terms of playing time. With Zach LaVine missing two games with a back injury, Clifford has started the Kings' last three games. While the production hasn't been great, the opportunity is what stands out. As for Raynaud, he's returned to the bench after starting for well over a month as the Kings were without Domantas Sabonis. The 7-foot-1 center recorded six double-doubles as a starter, averaging 11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 27.2 minutes while shooting 55.2 percent from the field.
SF/PF Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans trail the Clippers by 13 games in the loss column for the final play-in spot; it's not impossible, but it's doubtful the Pelicans get into the mix. Bey, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, has started every game that he's been available for since November 5. During this stretch, he's averaged 17.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.8 three-pointers in 31.3 minutes, shooting 44.8 percent from the field. And given the pecking order in New Orleans, the team may prioritize lightening the workloads of players like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones down the stretch rather than Bey.
SF/PF Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers
While Walker's first three seasons have been mainly underwhelming, his production and opportunities have increased in recent weeks. A double-digit scorer in four straight and five of his last six appearances, the Pacers' forward has averaged 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 three-pointers since January 1, shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 5.18 percent from three. Also, Walker has averaged 26.7 minutes per game over his last six appearances, making four starts. Even if Obi Toppin were to return from foot surgery at some point, that should not hurt Walker's opportunities to earn minutes.
With Golden State rumored to be in serious discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Warriors (27-22) host Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons (34-12) tonight.
Minus Jimmy Butler (knee) for the rest of the season and looking to make another title run with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Golden State is said to be one of the favorites to land Giannis. They sit eighth in the West. On the court, Curry and co. have won two of their last three. Wednesday, they won in Utah, 140-124. The Warriors jumped out to an early lead, made 23 3-pointers in the game, and rolled to their 27th win of the campaign.
The leaders in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons sit 5.5 games ahead of the Knicks and the Celtics. That said, they lost in Phoenix last night. The Suns smacked Detroit, 114-96. Dillon Brooks scored a career-high 40 points to pace the Suns. Cade Cunningham had 26 points in the loss.
This is the first meeting of the season between these teams. They will meet again in a couple months on March 20 in Detroit.
Lets take a closer look at the matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Pistons at Warriors
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 10PM EST
Site: Chase Center
City: San Francisco, CA
Network/Streaming: ESPN
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Game Odds: Pistons at Warriors
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Detroit Pistons (+120), Golden State Warriors (-142)
Spread: Warriors -2.5
Total: 224.5 points
This game opened Pistons -1.5 with the Total set at 226.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Pistons at Warriors
Detroit Pistons
PG Cade Cunningham
SG Duncan Robinson
SF Ausar Thompson
PF Tobias Harris
C Jalen Duren
Golden State Warriors
PG Stephen Curry
SG Brandin Podziemski
SF Moses Moody
PF Draymond Green
C Al Horford
Injury Report: Pistons at Warriors
Detroit Pistons
Caris LeVert (illness) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Gui Santos (calf) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Seth Curry (back) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
LJ Cryer (hamstring) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Pistons at Warriors
The Warriors are 17-7 at home this season
The Pistons are 15-7 on the road this season
The Pistons are 23-23 ATS this season
The Warriors are 24-25 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 19 of the Pistons’ 46 games this season (19-26-1)
The OVER has cashed in 29 of the Warriors’ 49 games this season (29-20)
Cade Cunningham has recorded double digit assists in 3 of his last 5 games
Stephen Curry has missed just 3 FTs this month (53-56)
Draymond Green has recorded 5 or more assists in 5 straight games
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Pistons and Warriors’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Pistons on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Pistons +2.5
Total: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 224.5
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DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA trade deadline is approaching on Thursday. Feb. 5, and teams around the league are lining up for moves with a wide open championship picture. The Oklahoma City Thunder are only 14-10 after their 24-1 start, and have hardly looked like an unbeatable favorite over the last two months. With Aaron Gordon’s constant leg injuries plaguing fellow favorite Denver, the other contenders in the West are starting to think they have a real chance. The East has been wide open from the start, and that’s especially the case now with rumors that Jayson Tatum won’t return this season for the Boston Celtics as he recovers from a torn Achilles.
SB Nation will be covering the NBA trade deadline from every angle through its completion. Here’s the latest rumors to know.
Lakers, Cavs discussing De’Andre Hunter for Rui Hachimura trade
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers are discussing a deal that would send De’Andre Hunter to LA for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht to Cleveland, according to Cavs reported Chris Fedor. The Lakers want to try different wings around Luka Doncic, and Hachimura is in line for a new deal next season which will possibly necessitate a raise from the $18 million salary he’s making this year.
Hachimura has shot the lights out for the Lakers by making 43.3 percent of his three-pointers on 4.2 attempts per game. Hunter has been far less effective as a shooter at 31 percent from three, and his on/off numbers are even more damning. The Cavs play opponents even with Hunter on the floor this year, but the team has a +10 net-rating when he’s on the bench. There’s some noise to that number, but it’s still concerning.
Hunter makes $24.9 million next year in the final season of his deal. I don’t get this one for LA.
The Raptors looking at Domantas Sabonis trade
The Toronto Raptors are a factor in the Eastern Conference at 29-20 entering the weekend. Toronto has an obvious hole in the middle with Jakob Poeltl’s lingering back injuries, and they’re potentially targeting the most accomplished center on the market.
Domantas Sabonis intrigues the Raptors, according to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. The report notes that Raptors do not want to lose their depth in the deal, but it’s hard to imagine any team taking Poeltl back without significant draft compensation.
Sabonis doesn’t provide much rim protection on defense or spacing on offense, but he’s an elite rebounder, a wonderful passer, and a bruising interior scorer. The Raptors can talk themselves into an Eastern Conference title run with an upgrade at center, and the Kings have no use for Sabonis as they stare down another full rebuild. This one feels like it could happen.
Everyone wants Keon Ellis
The Kings haven’t played Keon Ellis much this season, but the rest of the NBA is reportedly intrigued by his connective skill set and tough defense on the wing. The Cleveland Cavaliers have joined a long list of teams interested in Ellis, according to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein.
Stein reported earlier this week that 14 teams have called the Kings on Ellis, including the Lakers. Ellis’ small expiring contract makes him a low-risk addition. Can the Kings land a first-round pick for him? I’d be surprised, but it’s not impossible with this many interested teams.
Could the Nets make a huge Giannis offer?
The Brooklyn Nets are one of the worst teams in the NBA, but they have tons of cap space this summer to go along with a bundle of draft picks, largely from the Mikal Bridges trade. If Giannis wants to be in New York, the Nets could make a big offer.
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to seriously consider making a real offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @NYPost_Lewis & @WindhorstESPN
“Brooklyn has 10 tradable firsts, Michael Porter Jr. and 11 tradeable firsts as of draft night. I think Brooklyn will seriously consider making… pic.twitter.com/wDgfmVNhD0
I’ll believe this one when I see it. I don’t think Brooklyn in anywhere close in their rebuild to having an East contender even with Giannis.
The Thunder are looking for center help
The Thunder have a $28.5 million team option on Isaiah Hartenstein next season. Hartenstein is really good as a defender, rebounder, and passer, but he’s battled injuries this year and the Thunder’s cap sheet is starting to get expensive with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s extensions kicking in next season.
The Thunder are reportedly after center help, according to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst. Does that mean they might turn down Hartenstein’s option? If so, he immediately becomes one of the top 2026 free agents.
OKC has three first-round picks in the 2026 draft — check out our latest NBA mock draft here. The Thunder used a first-round pick on Georgetown center Thomas Sorber last year, but he suffered a season-ending injury before playing a game. OKC could potentially package Hartenstein and a first to the Clippers for Ivica Zubac, but that’s just speculation.
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