Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker to miss at least a week with sprained ankle

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker will miss at least a week with a sprained right ankle.

Booker will be re-evaluated in a week, the Suns said before Sunday night's game against Miami.

He and guard Jalen Green both went down with injuries in Phoenix's 110-103 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.

Booker, a four-time All-Star, went down with five seconds remaining in the third quarter after stepping on the foot of the Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu. Booker leads the Suns with 25.4 points and 6.2 assists per game.

Green re-injured his right hamstring against the Hawks in his second game since missing 33 games. He was walking without a limp after the game and the Suns hope it won't be a long-term injury.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Lakers takeoff from Dallas amid snowstorm, game postponements

UPDATE: The Lakers did, in fact, make it out of Dallas, getting through half the battle, at least. The team took off from Dallas-Fort Worth instead of Love Field, allowing them to get out of Dallas when the Mavericks could not.

This doesn’t mean the Lakers-Bulls go is definitely on for Monday, but it does improve the chances.

Original story follows.


For now, the Lakers appear set on attempting to fly out of Dallas for Monday’s game against the Bulls in Chicago. However, don’t hold your breath.

As a snowstorm rips across much of the south and Midwest, NBA games are being postponed left and right. As of Sunday afternoon, the Lakers’ game was still on with the team set to attempt to fly out of Dallas on later in the day.

For obvious reasons, it’s unlikely to expect the Lakers to be able to fly out if Dallas could not while both teams are in the same city. The city they’re landing in could also factor into this but the Midwest is getting hammered with snow as things stand, so it seems unlikely Chicago would be a viable landing spot.

The NBA has spent Sunday postponing a number of games, including the Mavs-Bucks contest. The Nuggets and Grizzlies game, slated for Sunday, was also postponed. Meanwhile, the Pacers game in Atlanta and the Sixers-Hornets game in Charlotte were both moved to afternoon tips on Monday due to weather as well.

The Lakers are currently scheduled to play the Bulls at 5 p.m. PT. There’s a possibility of them moving the game back, but it seems more likely that the game is postponed. The Lakers play on Wednesday in Cleveland after Monday’s game, so perhaps the game is postponed to Tuesday.

What seems least likeliest right now, though, is the Lakers playing on Monday.

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

Cavs receive much-needed good news in latest injury report

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be seeing the return of one of their key bench players. Sam Merrill, who has missed the team’s last five games with a right-hand sprain, is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic.

Merrill has been dealing with a hand sprain for much of the season. He injured it originally in a November win against the Milwaukee Bucks. This resulted in him missing just over a month of games. When he did return to the lineup, he wasn’t pain-free, as head coach Kenny Atkinson said at the time that he couldn’t even shake Merrill’s hand after games due to the pain he was in.

Merrill injured his hand again in the team’s Jan. 14 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. That’s the same game in which Darius Garland injured his other toe.

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We don’t have any further updates on Garland’s injury beyond what the team released last Sunday. The Cavs said that Garland would be reevaluated in seven to 10 days after suffering a Grade 1 right great toe sprain. That initial timeframe would put the reevaluation happening anytime between now and Wednesday.

Even though the Cavs won’t be fully healthy for their game against the Magic, it would be beneficial to possibly get Merrill back in the lineup. Merrill has the third-best on/off differential on the team this season (+4.7 points per 100 possessions, 75th percentile). They’re 16-8 in the games he’s played.

On the season, Merrill is averaging 13.8 points on .470/.455/.882 shooting splits.

The Magic will once again be without their leading scorer, Franz Wagner (ankle), in Monday’s rematch.

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson’s request for more alley-oops hasn’t gone unnoticed

Mitchell Robinson dunks the ball during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mitchell Robinson dunks the ball during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mitchell Robinson asked, and his Knicks teammates listened.

It has been noticeable that, in recent games, they are looking to find him more when he’s rolling to the basket after setting a screen. It has mostly resulted in alley-oops.

“I tell them when we’re watching film, ‘Look here, I’m wide open. Throw it to me. I do a little dirty work so reward me,’ ” Robinson said after the Knicks’ 112-109 win over the 76ers on Saturday in Philadelphia. “That’s kinda how that is.”

Mitchell Robinson dunks the ball during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images

In Year 8, Robinson has yet to develop a polished offensive game. That allows his defender to help off him aggressively when he sets a screen — often for Jalen Brunson.

But if he can be a threat as a roller, it changes that dynamic.

“Whoever’s guarding Mitch is aggressive,” coach Mike Brown said. “So if teams keep stepping up and trying to be aggressive on the ball screens, Mitch has to get out quick and he’s gotta look for it at the rim.”

After a bit of a lull for a few games, Robinson is also back to his best on defense and the offensive glass. He neutralized Joel Embiid — particularly in the third quarter, when he held him scoreless — Saturday and grabbed six offensive rebounds.



“Our defensive player was Mitch,” Brown said. “Mitch was phenomenal on the offensive glass, but he was really, really good for us defensively. Four deflections. Couple of 50-50 balls. Rebounding the ball really well. Couple of blocks. Big, big night from Mitch, especially on the defensive end of the floor.”

Mitchell Robinson dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on January 21, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NBAE via Getty Images

After losing nine of 11 games, the Knicks have won two straight for the first time since late December.

Josh Hart isn’t putting too much stock into it.

“It is good, but also it’s January,” Hart said. “You can’t get too high or too low. I think that’s the biggest thing. I think that’s where y’all can write whatever y’all want to write. Three games ago we were turning into a lottery team, and now you guys are like, ‘Oh, they’re battling the East.’ So that’s for y’all to do. Us, we’re trying to stay levelheaded and not get too high or too low.” 

Oscar Mayer's Wienermobile race is coming back to the Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Wienermobiles are coming back for a bite at the Brickyard in May, giving them another chance to relish the spotlight of racing's biggest weekend.

Oscar Mayer announced Sunday all six of its famed street-ready vehicles will compete for the second straight year on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's historic 2.5-mile oval. The Wienie 500 is scheduled for May 22 during the track's annual Carburation Day festivities.

Last year's race was such a hit, organizers wanted to give fans a second round to savor the flavor of a light-hearted competition just two days before IndyCar's marquis race — the Indianapolis 500.

The presentation will have a familiar look for fans who watched last year's inaugural race.

Each Wienermobile will feature toppings representing an American regional favorite while carrying carry custom decals. Drivers will don Hotdogger racing suits while the iconic “Wiener Song” plays and the champ drives into “wieners circle.”

Slaw Dog, which represents the Southeast, will try to prove it is beefy enough to defend last year's crown. Four other regional favorites also are expected to return — Chi Dog (Midwest), New York Dog (East), Chili Dog (South) and Seattle Dog (Northwest).

But the Sonoran Dog may be replaced after failing to cut the mustard in 2025.

Fans can choose the final entrant from a menu of seven possibilities, including the Sonoran Dog, by visiting Instagram in the first “Pick Your Dog” Wienie 500 bracket. Updates will be provided on the Instagram account or on TikTok.

“The response to the first Wienie 500 was overwhelming, and we heard the fans loud and clear that they were hungry for more,” Kelsey Rice, Oscar Mayer brand communications director said in a statement. “This year, we’re supercharging the experience, delivering an even bigger, bolder and more unforgettable event that puts the fans at the forefront. With amplified engagement, intensified rivalries and more surprises in store, we’re giving the people what they want — an unparalleled live experience that will leave them craving more.”

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Celtics injury report reveals starter could be sidelined vs Blazers

BOSTON — The Celtics could be without Neemias Queta when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Queta has been dealing with an illness since Friday, but he’s played through it, logging 28 minutes on Friday in Brooklyn and 24 minutes on Saturday in Chicago.

In addition to Queta, Josh Minott, who has been sidelined with a left ankle sprain since January 3rd, has been upgraded to questionable. And, Jayson Tatum continues to be listed as out as he recovers from a right Achilles repair.

Jaylen Brown, who has been dealing with hamstring tightness, is off the injury report.

The Trail Blazers have a far lengthier injury report than the Celtics: Deni Avdija is questionable with a lower back strain. At the same time, former Celtic Robert Williams is questionable with left knee injury management. Williams has yet to lace up against his former team since being traded to Portland three years ago.

Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon injury management), Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear), Kris Murray (lumbair strain), Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy), Blake Wesley (right foot fracture), and Duop Reathe (right foot soreness).

Former Celtic Jrue Holiday, who appeared in just 18 games this season, is available and will make his return to TD Garden.

Last time the two teams faced off in late December, the Blazers pulled out a 6-point victory.

The Celtics and Blazers will face off for the second and final time this season

The Celtics are fresh off a last-second loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, and will look to bounce back on Monday against the Blazers. The Blazers are coming off a 12-point loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

The Celtics have won 5 of their last 10 games, and currently have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 28-17. They have the second-best net rating in the league (+7.2) and the best offensive rating (+121.2). They have the 12th-best defensive rating (+114).

The Blazers have won 7 of their last 10 games and hold the 9th-best record in the Western Conference at 23-23. They have the NBA’s 21st-best net rating (-1.6), 21st-best offensive rating (113.5), and 18th-best defensive rating (115.1). They’ve been led by Deni Avdija (26 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists per game), Shaedon Sharpe (21.9 points, 4.6 rebounds), Jerami Grant (19.2 points), and Jrue Holiday (15.4 points, 7.1 assists).

Celtics-Blazers tips off at 8pm at TD Garden.

It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans

Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.

The conventional wisdom is that the Spurs should have an easy time with the New Orleans Pelicans, who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings and are tied for the second worst record in the league with the Indiana Pacers, just one win ahead of the cellar-dwelling Wizards. The truth is that the Pelicans are a talented team and have most of the roster available for tonight’s game. Zion Williamson is an enigma wrapped in a mystery wrapped in a beignet, but when he plays, he can do amazing stuff. Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Trey Murphy III combined for 94 points in a 133-127 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday night, and they’re all available tonight. They also have a spectacular pair of rookies in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen who are already making waves. This is a team that can beat the Spurs if they play to the level of the competition as they have often done in 2026. The Spurs are currently a half game ahead of the Nuggets for second place in the west, and Denver could take second if they beat the Grizzlies today and the Spurs can’t take care of New Orleans. [UPDATE: Nuggets/Grizzlies game has been postponed]

The good news For the Spurs is the return of Devin Vassell, who has been out of the lineup for the last 13 games (seems like forever) will be returning today, although on a minutes restriction. It will be interesting to see how much his shooting and defensive activity open up the game for the Silver and Black. I think having another shot creation threat on the perimeter should open up the paint for Steph Castle and De’Aaron Fox, and provide more area for Dylan Harper to freewheel and create offense. After tonight, the Spurs have a few days off before they return to Houston for a rematch against the Rockets, who defeated the Spurs with a potent fourth quarter comeback earlier this week, and it will be interesting to see what adjustments Mitch Johnson will put in place for the rematch. The return of Vassell should be helpful as the Spurs try to take the lead in the season series on Wednesday night.

San Antonio is in the middle of an ice storm so if you’re going to the game, drive carefully and allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination. If you don’t have to travel, stay home and stay warm. Stay safe, everyone, and GO SPURS GO!!

Game Prediction:

I usually try to say something funny here, but with everything going on, I just don’t have it in me. Please treasure they ones you love and be safe. Hold love in your heart and take care of the people around you.

San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans
January 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: FanDuel Southwest
Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.

Cavs vs. Magic: How to watch, odds, and injury report

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to make it two-straight wins over the Orlando Magic as they host them in Cleveland on Monday evening.

The Cavs executed their defensive gameplan perfectly in their first meeting on Saturday. Cleveland packed the paint and forced a bad Magic team to beat them from behind the arc. They weren’t able to do so as they went 11-40 (27.5%) from three and were held to just 105 points as a result.

We’ll likely see the Cavs use the same strategy again on Monday.

The Cavaliers also benefited from a superb showing from Donovan Mitchell. He scored 36 points in the win as Orlando wasn’t able to keep him out of the paint.

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WhoCleveland Cavaliers (27-20) vs. Orlando Magic (23-21)

Where: Rocket Arena – Clevelanad, OH

When: Man., Jan. 26 at 7 PM

TV: Peacock

Point spread: Line not yet set

Cavs injury report: De’Andre Hunter – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Darius Garland – OUT (toe), Sam Merrill – QUESTIONABLE (hand), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Chris Livingston – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)

Magic injury report: Franz Wagner – OUT (ankle),Colin Castleton – OUT (G League)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Magic expected starting lineup: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Tristan de Silva, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

Previous matchup: The Cavs defeated the Magic 119-105 on Saturday.

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Cavs117.2 (9th)114.6 (12th)+2.6 (12th)
Magic114.4 (20th)115.3 (150th)-0.9 (17th)

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Chad Baker-Mazara hits 5 3s, scores 29; USC beats Wisconsin 73-71

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Chad Baker-Mazara made five 3-pointers and scored 29 points, Ezra Ausar added 17 points, and USC beat Wisconsin 73-71 on Sunday to snap the Badgers' five-game win streak.

Jacob Cofie had 11 rebounds to go with nine points and five assists for USC (15-5, 4-5 Big Ten).

Nick Boyd hit a 3-pointer, made two free throws and added a layup to spark a 17-2 run that gave the Badgers a 58-46 lead with 12 minutes to play, but the Badgers made just 4 of 16 from the field the rest of the way. Baker-Mazara scored nine points — which included the final seven — in a 16-2 run over the next seven-plus minutes to take a two-point lead with 4:54 remaining.

John Blackwell made two free throws that tied it 65-all with 3:13 left, but Ausar made back-to-back baskets, Baker-Mazara scored in the lane, and Jerry Easter II hit two free throws with two seconds left that made it a four-point game.

Boyd made 10 of 17 from the field, hit 8 of 9 from the free-throw line, and led Wisconsin (14-6, 6-3) with 29 points. Nolan Winter added 12 points and Blackwell 11.

The Badgers shot 34% (23 of 67) overall and made 9 of 37 (24%) from behind the arc.

Up next

USC: The Trojans visit Iowa on Wednesday.

Wisconsin: The Badgers host Minnesota on Wednesday.

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Pistons vs Kings final score: Detroit cruises to an easy victory over Sacramento

After losing the Battle of the Thompson Twins on Friday night and ending their four-game winning streak, the Detroit Pistons showed up to their Sunday matinee against the Sacramento Kings with an opportunity to bounce back. Detroit showed their strength as the #1 team in the East as they dominated the Kings 139-116.

Jalen Duren kicked off Detroit with a strong first quarter as Sacramento struggled to defend JD inside – though, they would go on to struggle defensively the whole night. Duren would score 10 of Detroit’s first 20 points while a Tobias Harris three-pointer at the buzzer put the game at a 35-35 tie at the end of the first.

After shooting poorly the last few games with an injured wrist, Cade Cunningham showed up playing aggressive. He was punishing smaller Kings defenders in the post and found his jump shot in this one. He had 19 points, five rebounds, and eight assists in 19 first half minutes and that helped Detroit score 43 second quarter minutes to take a 78-65 lead. It’s the most they’ve scored in the first half all season.

It was one of those games that felt over by halftime.

There were still more than four minutes left in the third by the time Detroit had 100 points. The Pistons kept their foot on the gas and would extend their lead to 20 by the start of the fourth quarter. Sacramento does not have the defensive answers against Detroit, though, they didn’t seem to have the effort, either.

JB Bickerstaff would get to empty the bench in the final frame as 14 Detroit players got to see the court. Eight guys of the usual 10-man rotation (no Caris LeVert) would finish with double-digit points. Detroit would go on to shoot 55% from the field and 16-for-31 from deep on their route to a 139-116 final score.

Cade finished with 29 points, five rebounds, and 11 assists after being on triple double watch at halftime. He had a couple of sloppy turnovers, but still had a very efficient game despite shooting only one free throw. Jalen Duren faced little opposition down low and added 18 points.

Good things happen with this team gets three-point makes out of their starting SG and PF positions. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson combined to shoot 7-for-12 from deep, each with six attempts. In the seven games this season where Tobias Harris attempted at least six three-pointers, the Pistons are 6-1. This proves we should trade for a sharpshooting PF, right?

Bench players Ron Holland, Jaden Ivey, Daniss Jenkins, and Javonte Green would all go on to score 11 points each. After a strong showing, Holland received an unfortunate ejection after a weird tussle with Keon Ellis.

Another strong win for the strongest team in the East. Detroit next plays Tuesday night as they head west to take on Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets up in the Denver mountains.

Go Stones.

Timmons, Weathers lead fourth quarter charge and No. 23 Alabama women defeat Mississippi State 85-78

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Jessica Timmons scored a career-high 28 points, she and Karly Weathers dominated the fourth quarter on offense, and No. 23 Alabama rallied to defeat Mississippi State 85-78 on Sunday.

Weathers scored 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter and Timmons had seven fourth-quarter points, 18 in the second half.

Timmons scored 11 points in the third quarter while Alabama built an eight-point lead with 3 1/2 minutes remaining in the period. But the Bulldogs hit their next six shots — four of them by Jaylah Lampley — and they took a 60-56 lead into the fourth.

There were three lead changes in the fourth quarter and Alabama went ahead for good when Weathers hit a layup and a 3-pointer followed by a three-point play by Timmons.

Mississippi State was within 74-70 before another 3 from Weathers put the Crimson Tide up by seven with two minutes remaining.

Diana Collins scored 15 points and Naomi Jones and Ace Austin added 10 each for Alabama (18-3, 4-3 SEC).

Favour Nwaedozi scored 19 points, Madison Francis 16, Lampley 14 and Trayanna Crisp 11 for Mississippi State (15-6, 2-5 SEC). Francis had eight rebounds and seven steals.

Four players hit 3-pointers for Alabama in the first quarter, helping the Crimson Tide take a 15-14 lead. There were five lead changes in the first few minutes of the second quarter, then Alabama went on to lead 35-31 at halftime.

Timmons made 11 of 11 free throws and the Crimson Tide hit on 20 of 24 from the foul line. Mississippi State made 18 of 21 free throws.

Up next

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs play Thursday at No. 17 Tennessee.

Alabama: The Crimson Tide visit Georgia on Thursday. ___

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No. 3 UCLA dominates Northwestern 80-46 for 13th straight win

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Gabriela Jaquez scored 19 points and No. 3 UCLA beat Northwestern 80-46 on Sunday for its 13th straight victory.

Lauren Betts added 16 points while Kiki Rice had 15 and 10 rebounds for the Bruins (19-1, 9-0 Big Ten), who never trailed and stayed tied with 10th-ranked Iowa for the conference lead.

The Bruins led 21-14 after the first period and finished the first half on a 15-2 run to go to intermission up 46-22. The Wildcats managed just three field goals in the second period and none in the final 4:57 of the half.

The Wildcats tried to double-team the 6-foot-7 Betts early but she usually found an open teammate and finished the game with six assists. UCLA also outrebounded its hosts 44-25.

The Bruins are beating their conference foes by an average 27.8 points per game.

Grace Sullivan scored 21 points for Northwestern (8-12, 2-7), which has lost two straight and 12 of its last 14.

Up next

UCLA: Visits Illinois on Wednesday.

Northwestern: Travels to No. 24 Nebraska on Wednesday.

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Taylor Heise and Kendall Coyne Schofield help Frost beat Sirens 6-2

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Taylor Heise and Kendall Coyne Schofield scored first-period goals just 12 seconds apart to help the Minnesota Frost beat the New York Sirens 6-2 on Sunday.

Katy Knoll added two goals, which included an empty-netter, for Minnesota (6-2-3-3). Grace Zumwinkle and Kelly Pannek each scored a goal and Abby Hustler had two assists. Maddie Rooney had 25 saves.

Kristyna Kaltounkova scored her ninth goal of the season for New York (7-0-2-6) and Anna Bargman scored her second goal this season with six minutes to play.

Heise cut in front of the net, took a pass from Mae Batherson, and flicked a back-hand shot into the net to open the scoring 6:12 into the game. Shortly after the ensuing faceoff, a Frost turnover near the center line led to a jailbreak goal by Coyne Schofield that made it 2-0.

Coyne Schofield leads the PWHL in goals (10) and points (16).

Kaltounkova scored with 1:32 left in the first period to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Kayle Osborne stopped 21 shots for the Sirens.

Fans at the Grand Casino Arena chanted “ICE out now!” and there was a moment of silence for Alex Pretti — the second Minneapolis resident killed by federal officers this month — prior to the start of the game.

Up next

New York: The Sirens visit Boston on Wednesday.

Minnesota: The Frost host Vancouver on Wednesday.

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

Cunningham, East-leading Pistons rout Kings 139-116 for 5th victory in 6 games

DETROIT (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 29 points and 11 assists and the Detroit Pistons routed the Sacramento Kings 139-116 on Sunday for their fifth victory in six games.

The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons rebounded from a home loss to Houston on Friday night to improve to 33-11. Tied at 35 after a quarter, Detroit broke it open in the second by outscoring the Kings 43-30.

Cunningham was 13 of 22 from the field, hitting 3 of 5 3-pointers. Pistons center Jalen Duren added 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, and Tobias Harris had 16.

Malik Monk led Sacramento with 19 points, and DeMar DeRozan had 16. The Kings have lost five straight to drop to 12-35.

Domantas Sabonis played his fifth game for Sacramento after after missing two months because of a knee injury. He had 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting and eight assists and seven rebounds in 24:44.

Up next

Kings: At New York on Tuesday night.

Pistons: At Denver on Tuesday night.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Snow and wind pick up in 2nd half of AFC championship game in Denver

DENVER (AP) — The heavy snow and swirling wind moved into the Mile High City for the second half of the AFC championship game Sunday as Denver played New England.

The snow gathered on the field and made the yard lines hard to see. Patriots kicker Andres Borregales sent his 46-yard field goal into the swirling wind wide right late in the third quarter. The Patriots held a 10-7 lead over the Broncos heading into the fourth quarter.

The day started out sunny and 26 degrees (minus-3 Celsius) with a wind chill of 17 (minus-8). A light snow began to fall just as halftime ended and steadily picked up. Players huddled by the heaters on the sideline.

Jarrett Stidham, filling in for an injured Bo Nix, and Drake Maye, an NFL MVP candidate, both struggled in the weather. Stidham threw a TD pass but also fumbled deep in Denver territory that set up New England's TD.

Maye was more effective with his feet than his arm. He had 64 yards and a TD heading into the final quarter.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL