Category: NBA

It’s fitting that someone got dinged up in the worst loss of the season.

The Sixers released their injury report as they host the Milwaukee Bucks on the second leg of a back-to-back Tuesday. After not playing in the first leg in Charlotte, Joel Embiid and Paul George are both listed with left knee injury management. A key distinction is that Embiid is questionable where George is probable.

In the games he’s played in recently, Embiid had gotten the probable tag, so that’s worth keeping an eye on. He was favoring that leg after Ariel Hukporti inadvertently fell on him in the second half of a loss to the Knicks over the weekend. The only games Embiid has missed so far in the month of January have been resting parts of a back-to-back.

The new addition to the injury report is Quentin Grimes, listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. This likely happened in the first quarter of the blowout loss to the Hornets Monday. Grimes was fouled shooting a three-pointer by Collin Sexton. Grimes didn’t leave the game at that point, but was definitely shaken up after landing on Sexton’s foot and rolling his ankle.

Perhaps a day off or two is something Grimes needs as well. Over his last 13 games he’s shooting 42.7% from the field and just 26.9% from three. If Grimes’ recent struggles won’t do it, perhaps missing time will open up an opportunity for Jared McCain to fight his way back into the rotation. After being out of it for six games, McCain got plenty of open run in garbage time against the Hornets to put up 16 points shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range.

For Milwaukee, they’ll be without Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr., both of whom have been banged up all season. No absence looms larger though than Giannis Antetokounmpo, now missing an extended stretch due to a calf injury for the second time this season.

The Sixers should hope that their guys can go tonight, because a Giannis-less Bucks team is the perfect opportunity to bounce back from an embarrassing blowout from the night prior.

The Phoenix Suns host the Brooklyn Nets in NBA action on Tuesday night. Brooklyn's offense has been pathetic, and with Devin Booker sidelined for Phoenix, my Nets vs. Suns predictions are expecting a low-scoring game.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this clash on January 27.

Nets vs Suns prediction

Nets vs Suns best bet: Under 211 (-110)

This is a low total, but I don't think it's quite low enough. The Phoenix Suns are missing their best player, Devin Booker, who leads the team with 25.4 points and 6.2 assists per game. In five games without him this season, they have averaged just 100.4 ppg on 40.3% shooting. 

They host a Brooklyn Nets squad that plays at the second-slowest pace in the NBA and ranks 26th in offensive rating.

The Nets are dead-last in the league in scoring with 107.9 ppg and will struggle to get buckets against Phoenix, who hold foes to just 107.6 ppg at home. 

Nets vs Suns same-game parlay

The Suns are 14-6 at home this season, while the Nets have just two wins in their last 15 games. Even without Booker, the home side should have a half-time lead and will hang on for a victory.

Brooklyn's second-leading scorer Cam Thomas (16.2 ppg) is probable after missing Sunday's blowout loss to the Clippers with a sprained ankle. That said, Thomas has scored less than 10 points in five of his last six games and has seen a reduced role with the Nets, giving their younger players more run.

Nets vs Suns SGP

• Under 211
• Suns moneyline — 1H
• Suns moneyline
• Cam Thomas Under 12.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns shut down Nets

Suns guard Jordan Goodwin has logged 2+ steals in 17 of his last 32 games. He'll get more playing time with Booker sidelined, which gives this leg of the parlay tons of value at +170.

Nets vs Suns SGP

• Under 211
• Suns moneyline — 1H
• Suns moneyline
• Cam Thomas Under 12.5 points
• Jordan Goodwin Over 1.5 steals

Nets vs Suns odds

• Spread: Nets +8.5 | Suns -8.5
• Moneyline: Nets +300 | Suns -380
• Over/Under: Over 211 | Under 211

Nets vs Suns betting trend to know

The Nets have cashed the Under in 23 of their last 35 away games (+10.90 Units / 28% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Suns.

How to watch Nets vs Suns

Nets vs Suns latest injuries

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

Late on Sunday, the NBA unveiled the roster for its 2025-2026 Rising Stars game. Reed Sheppard, alongside several of his peers from the draft class, received an invitation, joining a mix of rookies and G League players. Sheppard will take part in a mini-tournament, going head-to-head with 20 other rookies and second-year players. NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter will oversee the team selections, while Austin Rivers will coach the G League team. Among those joining Reed from the 2024 draft class are Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls), and Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards), to name just a few.

Even before the season began, the Houston Rockets and their supporters knew Reed Sheppard needed to step up his game in his second year. The Kevin Durant trade, which saw Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and some future draft choices leave town, left the Rockets a bit short-handed in the backcourt, and it was obvious Sheppard’s role was about to grow. That need became even more pressing when Fred VanVleet went down with a torn ACL in September. Sheppard has more than risen to the occasion, currently averaging 13 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s also been on fire from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 40.7%. He’s been a key contributor off the bench, providing several crucial performances this season, making this recognition completely deserved.

The winner of the Rising Stars tournament, scheduled for February 13, will then compete against the All-Stars on February 15. Amen Thompson took the court for the Rockets in last year’s Rising Stars game. He squared off against Alperen Sengun, his fellow Rocket, with Thompson’s squad ultimately taking the win in the San Francisco mini-tournament.

This year, Sheppard hopefully will be joined by Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun making the main All-Star game.

Houston’s next matchup is on Wednesday, a contest against Victor Wembenyama and the San Antonio Spurs at the Toyota Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM. As usual, keep an eye on The Dream Shake for pre- and post-game analysis.

There is something off about this team right now and it’s hard to know what it is. No, it is not your typical need- for-a-trade or short no-concern slump, this is much deeper than that. Recently, the Nets haven’t gone through highs and lows. It has been lows and lower lows. From getting embarrassed at MSG to getting into a tight contest with one of the best teams in the NBA in the Boston Celtics, to losing to 30 to a Los Angeles Clipper team that beat them by 59 just a year ago, something is different Time to break the chain.

Brooklyn will look to make that change tonight as they will take on the Phoenix Suns for the second time in eight days. This time, they will be in Phoenix, which is not a good sign considering the fact that the Suns are 14-6 at home. So the Nets will continue to fight their demons, this time in the desert, and hopefully come out alive. One battle after another.

Where To Watch

Check out the late night action at 9:00 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBA League Pass, as well as streaming on the Gotham Sports App.

Injury Report 

Noah Clowney will be out due to back soreness. Tyrese Martin is questionable due to left knee soreness. Two of the two ways — Tyson Etienne and Chaney Johnson — will report to Long Island. Ben Saraf is with Brooklyn as is E.J. Liddell.

Huge blow to the Suns as Devin Booker will sit out due to a right ankle injury he suffered in the Suns’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Jalen Green is again questionable, depending on how his hamstring feels.

The Game

Since these two teams played just a bit over a week ago, I’ll spare you the details. All you need to know is that the Suns are a well oiled machine. Thanks to our good old buddy and potential Coach of the Year candidate Jordan Ott, Phoenix has surprised many NBA fans by not only the amount of success they have accumulated, but also the amount of players who have developed immensely.

The difference with this preview is that Devin Booker won’t be one of the primary focuses of the Nets due to his injury. And even though the Suns are a well oiled machine, it’s be hard get to their destination without their engine. Without Booker, Phoenix’s offensive rating goes from 117.7 (6th in the league), to 102.1 (30th in the league). On the other end, their defensive rating goes from 113.0 (11th in the league), to 117.8 (26th in the league).

So now that we are aware of Booker’s impact, the Nets could have a shot in this one, hopefully. An official member of the NBA’s Rising Stars, Egor Demin, could see more success driven by confidence. With accolades like this on his resume, it also means that he has the right to take more shots, and not just from three. In the games against the Knicks and Celtics, Denim took four and seven shots, getting six points in both games. His aggression will be needed.

This also calls for MPJ to be more efficient. As he probably knows himself after a forgettable 3-of-11 performance against the Clippers in 22 minutes. I would like to see the rookies do their thing of course because…. I just want them to. I like when the Flatbush Five does well (Who doesn’t?)

Player To Watch: Collin Gillespie

In their last matchup, Gillespie killed the Nets. He scored 22 points on a very efficient 7-of-10 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Time and time again, Gillespie continues to prove how good he is despite being overlooked in the beginning of his career. For the season, he is averaging 13.4 points while shooting 42% from the 3-point line. And with Booker out, I feel like Gillespie will have the ball in his hands way more. Do not be surprised if he goes off.

The Vault:

33 NBA scouts are in attendance to watch AJ Dybantsa take on Koa Peat & Arizona right now. pic.twitter.com/hgGS3J2o5l

— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) January 27, 2026

As the draft gets closer and the Nets draft odds get higher expect to see more of this: large groups of scouts gathering in places like Provo, Lawrence, Chapel Hill and Durham. Last night’s BYU vs. Arizona matchup was a high level game featuring a few NBA lottery candidates. At the moment, Nets have the lottery pick with the fifth best odds of getting the overall No. 1 and three high seconds. Brooklyn fans, take your pick.

According to one league source, Brooklyn has the league’s biggest scouting corps and it recently hired Acie Law IV away from the Thunder to be scouting director, same job he held in OKC.

More reading: Bright Side of the Sun, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter, City of Nets

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets

• Phoenix Suns Game Notes – Phoenix Suns
• Brooklyn takes on Phoenix, aims to end 5-game slide – AP
• The schedule quirk that explains how the Nets got here — and where their draft hopes are headed ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets left clinging to draft lottery hopes as dark stretch takes over – Howie Kussoy – New York Post

The Detroit Pistons travel to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Nuggets tonight in what could be an NBA Finals preview. These are two of the deepest rosters in the league, and they’ve found success with their MVP candidates sidelined.

Denver is 9-5 with Nikola Jokić out of the lineup, and Detroit is 5-1 without Cade Cunningham. Both squads embrace the next man up motto.

This is a clash between the No. 1 defense (Pistons 102.4 def rating in January) and the No. 1 offense. One team has several serviceable shooters while the other is filled with versatile defenders. Both squads will make noise come April.

Game Vitals

When: 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado

How: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

Odds: Pistons -6

Analysis

The Pistons stay above water with Cunningham out, but it was nice to see the superstar guard get it going against the Sacramento Kings Sunday afternoon. His game is as smooth as butter, especially when the jumper is going.

Cunningham was 9/12 on jump shots per PivotFade. That jumper is one of the keys to keeping defenses honest come playoff time. Cunningham hasn’t shot the ball the way he’s wanted overall this year, but his jumper coming back around for the big games is on the table. He’s been extremely impactful while his shot hasn’t fallen.

Cunningham and Jalen Duren both have a 9.1 NetRtg. Both of Detroit’s 2026 All-Stars impact the game outside of scoring. That’s always been a staple for elite Pistons players. Chauncey Billups and Isiah Thomas were tier-one floor generals who got after it on the other end. This city always has complete players leading the charge when they’re true contenders.

The Denver Nuggets are usually an overpowered offense when they’re true contenders. Jokić is one of the most impactful players we’ve seen, and this is the first year his team has treaded water without him. A big shoutout goes to Jamal Murray (probable/ hamstring, hip).

The best to never make the All-Star game stuff is coming to an end for Murray. You can pencil him in this year. The shotmaking has been mind-boggling. He’s nearly shooting 45 percent on pull-up and catch-and-shoot 3s. That’s Steph Curry stuff.

Denver has a 119 offensive rating with Murray on and Joker off — not the best in the league, but still an elite offense with Murray as the head of the snake.

Ausar Thompson is probably the most versatile defender on the Pistons roster, but he’ll have his hands full with Murray on this burner. It’s a beautiful opportunity for the Pistons as a whole to clamp up the best offense in basketball.

Ron Holland will get his turn on Murray eventually. His emotions can get the best of him, but it’s a double-edged sword because those feelings are what make him that no-quit-in-him defender. The fight he shows going for loose balls coincides with the passion/emotion he plays with.

Holland is an A-level perimeter defender on the ball with quick, strong hands. Holland acts as a safety when he baits offensive players in the passing lanes. Holland’s 2.8 STL% ranks in the 98th percentile amongst forwards per Cleaning The Glass. He’s a keeper and the perfect fit for this culture.

Detroit has great defenders across the board, but they aren’t shooting it like the Nuggets. Denver has seven (!) players shooting 40% from 3 with garbage time filtered out. Murray leads the charge, but Cam Johnson (out, knee) and Tim Hardaway Jr (as we know) are can’t-leave shooters.

Peyton Watson (probable, ankle) has stepped up in a major way this season. His shooting leap was evident even with Jokić in the lineup. The fourth-year wing is averaging 23 points, six rebounds, and 2.7 stocks over the last 12 games. He’s shooting 46 percent from deep on almost six attempts in this stretch. He’s hooping.

Aaron Gordon is one of the most valuable Swiss Army knives in basketball. He can guard up and down positions, attack off the dribble, and shoot the ball. He’s out tonight, but he’s the mold of a player any team could use.

Long term, he’s the archetype Detroit needs at the power forward position. He’s not available, but that’s the type of get that makes you more formidable.

The Nuggets are without their superstar, but it’s never easy playing in that high altitude. That said, Detroit has been road warriors. They are 14-6 on the season and can add another good road win tonight.

Lineups

Detroit Pistons (33-11)

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robisnon, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Denver Nuggets (31-15)

Jamal Murray, Jalen Pickett, Spencer Jones, Peyton Watson, Jonas Valančiūnas

Question of the day

The Pistons shoot 35% on 32 3PA — Here’s how the last 5 NBA champions shot from 3 in the playoffs:

’25 OKC Thunder: 33.8% on 35 3PA

’24 Boston Celtics: 36% on 40 3PA

’23 Denver Nuggets: 37.5% on 30 3PA

’22 Golden State Warriors: 37.5% on 37 3PA

’21 Milwaukee Bucks: 32% on 35 3PA

What do you make of these numbers?

The top-seeded Detroit Pistons head west to face the banged-up Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Tuesday night.

The Nuggets’ injury report is lengthy, but Denver has stayed competitive, and my Pistons vs. Nuggets predictions call for the home team to cover the spread as the underdog.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference tilt on Tuesday, January 27.

Pistons vs Nuggets prediction

Pistons vs Nuggets best bet: Nuggets +6.5 (-110)

The Denver Nuggets are 27-19 ATS this season, and they have covered in six of their last 10 games. Despite numerous injuries, Denver has found ways to stay competitive, and the team is 9-5 ATS across the last 14 games with Nikola Jokic on the sideline.

The Detroit Pistons are one of the best teams in the Association, and they are 24-19-1 ATS. Over the last 10 games, the Pistons are 6-4 ATS.

The Nuggets last played on Friday before Sunday’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies was postponed due to weather. Peyton Watson, Jamal Murray and Jonas Valanciunas are all probable tonight, and the trio should be closer to 100% after getting some extra time to rest.

For as good as the Pistons are, Denver has played too well recently to be spotted 6.5 points at Ball Arena. I'll take the home team and the points as the Nuggets continue to get the most from their deep group of role players.

Pistons vs Nuggets same-game parlay

The Nuggets are 27-19 to the Over this season, but they've hit the Under in nine of 14 without Nikola Jokic, including seven of the last 10 games.

The Pistons are 18-26 to the Under overall and 1-9 to the Under across their last 10 outings. Both teams rank in the top-10 in fewest points allowed, so I expect a low-scoring matchup at Ball Arena.

Peyton Watson's strong play is a big reason why the Nuggets have been competitive without Nikola Jokic. Over his last 13 appearances, Watson has averaged 32.2 PRA and gone for at least 27 in 10 of them.

He's expected to return following a one-game absence and should be well-rested after not playing since Thursday.

Pistons vs Nuggets SGP

• Nuggets +6.5
• Under 217
• Peyton Watson Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Robinson on a heater

Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.9 triples per game this season, and he's hit 3+ treys in 28 of 42 contests.

He's been on a heater over his last eight games, knocking down 3.9 three-pointers per tilt at a 50.8% clip and hitting the Over on this line seven times.

Pistons vs Nuggets SGP

• Nuggets +6.5
• Under 217
• Peyton Watson Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 made three-pointers

Pistons vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Detroit -6.5 (-110) | Denver +6.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Detroit -260 | Denver +210
• Over/Under: Over 217 (-110) | Under 217 (-110)

Pistons vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Denver Nuggets have hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 25 games (+14.70 Units / 30% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Pistons vs Nuggets

Pistons vs Nuggets latest injuries

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

Have the New York Knicks stopped their slide? Wins over Brooklyn and Philadelphia are encouraging, but only so much so. And beating the Sacramento Kings will fall into that same category.

My Kings vs. Knicks predictions recognize New York’s struggles and the supposed source of them, and they will always put faith in said source.

Find out more in my NBA picks for January 27.

Kings vs Knicks prediction

Kings vs Knicks best bet: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 threes (+105)

Karl-Anthony Towns may be in the headlines amid the New York Knicks' struggles, but his shooting has improved of late.

The best shooting big man in NBA history has cleared this prop in 10 of his last 16 games, including four of his last five. Falling short on Saturday was a reflection of foul trouble, not shooting struggles. Towns has shot 38.5% from deep since December 23.

For him, that is a bit modest, but it's also worth noting he's shooting better on fewer looks — down to 4.1 threes per game. Towns is picking his moments.

Against the Sacramento Kings, a couple of early looks could mean KAT cashes this prop before halftime tonight.

Kings vs Knicks same-game parlay

This looks quite counterintuitive, but that is the point.

This same-game parlay pays out at a higher rate than it should simply because it is odd to pair Towns’ threes Over with his points Under. But Towns has hit multiple 3-pointers and still fallen short of this points prop six times in the last month.

Kings vs Knicks SGP

• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 3-Pointers
• Karl-Anthony Towns Under 20.5 Points
• Knicks moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Streaking Knicks

After their four-game losing streak furthered consternation about the Knicks in general, they have at least rattled off two straight wins while covering the spread in both of them.

Kings vs Knicks SGP

• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 3-Pointers
• Karl-Anthony Towns Under 20.5 Points
• Knicks -13.5

Kings vs Knicks odds

• Spread: Kings +13.5 | Knicks -13.5
• Moneyline: Kings +525 | Knicks -750
• Over/Under: Over 231 | Under 231

Kings vs Knicks betting trend to know

The Kings are 1-4 against the spread in their last five games, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 5.1 points in those five games, even including the sole ATS win. Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Knicks.

How to watch Kings vs Knicks

Kings vs Knicks latest injuries

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

The Oklahoma City Thunder live a charmed life, one in which no one really even notices that they have lost their last two games despite being double-digit favorites in both.

But the Pacers were highly motivated, and the Raptors are quietly decent. Neither piece of backhanded praise can be given to the New Orleans Pelicans.

My Pelicans vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, January 27, recognize Oklahoma City’s defensive trends, which may be relatively backfiring but are still hardly a worry.

Pelicans vs Thunder prediction

Pelicans vs Thunder best bet: Trey Murphy III Under 3.5 made threes (-145)

Amid the Oklahoma City Thunder's relative struggles, its 3-point defense has actually improved. The Thunder have long forced opponents to take an abundance of long-range looks, but they have cut down on those in recent weeks.

Has that been why Oklahoma City has been laying some eggs? Perhaps.

The usual trend of encouraging 3-point attempts was a direct and delightful byproduct of making life miserable in the paint. Opponents did not want to drive or attack the rim.

If that is less of a misery now, that is a long-term worry for the Thunder.

Tonight, it could lead to New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III living inside the arc more than expected. Fewer looks for Murphy should doom him to this Under.

Pelicans vs Thunder same-game parlay

Whatever is going on in Oklahoma City — most likely something as simple as fatigue and/or malaise — the Thunder are 4-8 against the spread in their last 12, a stretch that has also seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fall short of this prop six times.

Pelicans vs Thunder SGP

• Trey Murphy III Under 3.5 made threes
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 32.5 points
• Pelicans +14.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Thunderclapped

Gilgeous-Alexander has hit multiple 3-pointers in just three of his last 11 games. 

Pelicans vs Thunder SGP

• Trey Murphy III Under 3.5 made threes
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 32.5 points
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 1.5 made threes
• Pelicans +14.5
• Thunder moneyline

Pelicans vs Thunder odds

• Spread: Pelicans +14.5 (-110) | Thunder -14.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Pelicans +600 | Thunder -900
• Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)

Pelicans vs Thunder betting trend to know

While the Thunder have lost outright as double-digit favorites in their last two games, the Pelicans have won outright as underdogs in their last two games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Thunder.

How to watch Pelicans vs Thunder

Pelicans vs Thunder latest injuries

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

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Seven fans of Greek soccer club PAOK died in a minibus crash in Romania while traveling to a Europa League game at Lyon, Greece’s government confirmed Tuesday.

“Deeply shaken, I was informed of the tragic accident in Romania that cost the lives of seven young compatriots,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. “The Greek government and our embassy are in close coordination with the local authorities, providing every possible form of support.

“In these difficult moments, together with all Greeks, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community,” Mitsotakis added. “We all share the hope that the injured will recover quickly. Our thoughts are with them.”

PAOK was in direct communication with the government, coordinating support for families and injured fans, and sending club representatives to Romania.

Also, supporters’ associations for rival clubs Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, Aris, and others issued messages of unity and condolences.

The game in France is scheduled for Thursday.

___

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

Down nine to start the second quarter in Denver, the team readied to go to the most unproductive bench in the league, scoring-wise. Seizing an opportunity in recent games, two-way center Drew Timme checks in for the Lakers in his new spot in the rotation next to fellow big man Deandre Ayton.

His impact was felt immediately. First, the previous Gonzaga star hits a relocation three off of a pass from LeBron James and follows it up catching a full court dime for the and-one finish, sealing his defender under the basket. 

His entrance not only sparked a run for a massive road win, but unlocked a much-needed two big look that head coach J.J. Redick has been searching for. 

“Just impact the game,” Timme said postgame following a win over the Raptors. “Whether it’s creating mismatches or you’re getting some open shots and just playing hard. I mean, obviously it’d be nice to score 20 points like the other day, but that’s just not realistic. You have to be adaptable and just find a way to make an impact.”

Adapt or die is not only a Darwinian life philosophy, but one for an NBA player hoping to make the jump from G League star to NBA rotation player. Timme arrived in South Bay this season and promptly increased his 3-point volume. He took just 1.2 per night in eight games with the Stockton Kings last season and upped it to five attempts per game in 14 contests with LA.

That confidence continued once it entered into real rotation minutes. Instead of playing Timme at the center spot, Redick has placed him alongside a center, allowing him to be used as a spacing four. This archetype of player originally fell to the 33-year-old Maxi Kleber, who’s clearly unable to fill this position night to night

Timme has quickly shown competence playing this role off the bench. Watch below as Luka Doncic runs the team’s pet “77” action, a double on ball screen. Timme sets the first screen, flips to re-screen, and pops out while Ayon dives to the rim. 

LA has been searching for an offensive punch off the bench, especially without Austin Reaves to help bolster the unit. That includes giving shots to scoring guards Nick Smith Jr. and Kobe Bufkin, fellow South Bay players. 

Timme has even been given the confidence to call his own number, as shown in the clip below. Watch as he gets it in the corner against the smaller Tim Hadaway Jr. The rest of the team clears out as he backs down and scores with a nifty finger roll. 

“The jumbo lineup to start the second quarter has been really impactful for us,” Redick said in a recent postgame. “The thing with that is with [Ayton], you got to make a decision because a lot of teams will put their five on Vando. With [Ayton] he can punish smaller players. Timme can punish smaller players.” 

Those jumbo lineups are normally played next to LeBron James. In a short sample, those three have a +9.3 net rating.

There are two sides of the floor, though, and Timme will never be mistaken with a lock down defender but LA has found interesting ways to make up for his lack of foot speed, implementing more zone defensive schemes with mixed results. 

Where he can help is with rebounding. When Ayton gets switched on the perimeter, as shown in the clip below, Timme has the size to come down and give support on the boards. 

Timme went undrafted after a standout season at Gonzaga and is still on a two-way contract, meaning his games are still limited unless the Lakers convert him into a regular roster spot. These two big lineups might just be his opportunity to prove people wrong. 

“I see it and it’s fuel and, at the end of the day, I’m a good player,” Timme said. “I believe in myself and my abilities and I believe that I can impact the game at any level, anywhere. Just carrying that belief with me helps push me on days where maybe I’m not as motivated, but it’s great to be able to have this opportunity and to be able to help the team, it’s great.”

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu

Boy, can life in the NBA change in a heartbeat. One moment, you’re celebrating the first-ever clean injury report for the Phoenix Suns, the next, you’re in disbelief over Jalen Green heading to the locker room, grabbing his hamstring.

You accept that. The team is playing well, and Booker looks like he’s in one of those “takeover” modes. And then, of course, in true Suns fashion, he goes down with a nasty ankle injury. Life comes at you fast.

We’re lucky it’s just listed as a sprain with how it looked playing it back in slow-mo.

Devin Booker will be re-evaluated in one week after sustaining a right ankle sprain in Atlanta

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) January 25, 2026

Now suddenly, instead of getting the healthy team reps we all hoped for, the Suns are back in “next man up” mode. This piece was actually supposed to be about how Jalen Green’s return would impact the rest of the Suns. I had to scrap it and put together a survival kit instead. Luckily for Jordan Ott and company, this isn’t their first rodeo.

We don’t know exactly how long Devin Booker will be out. We do know just 36 games are remaining on the schedule, and each one will be vital in the Suns’ playoff run. The Western Conference is a bundle of teams vying for the 2-7 seeds, all within just a few games of each other.

Phoenix began its 5-game homestand with a loss against the Miami Heat on Sunday night. They play eight of their next nine games in Phoenix, so that helps. They absolutely have to get a win against a reeling Brooklyn Nets squad tonight at home.

Who Steps Up?

The obvious answer here is veteran Dillon Brooks. He has already seen an increase in usage and responsibility (on both ends) this season, so we can skip past him for now, though he will be an important piece in all of this.

We’ll need a lot more of this.

Grayson Allen is the next name that comes to mind, and he could sure use a refresh after a rough night against Miami on Sunday. He poured in 18 points, but most of his work came at the charity stripe, where he went 10-for-11. He shot just 4 of 18 from the field and 1 of 11 from three-point range.

Allen and Royce combined to go 1 of 18 from three-point range, which was a major reason why the team shot just 20% from deep in the loss. Ice cold.

As SPG notes below, the team ran a season-high 28 PnR’s for Grayson in the loss to Miami. An increase in usage and shot attempts for Allen is all but guaranteed for this next stretch. I expect a bounce-back game from Allen against the Brooklyn Nets.

They’re going to need him.

Grayson Allen ran his season-high 28 PnR's yesterday.

There's things the Suns can clean up in this time without Booker & Green, even for Allen, but his steadiness while playing multiple roles for them this season has proven valuable. pic.twitter.com/e6I7swE0VM

— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) January 26, 2026

Collin Gillespie is the other candidate to continue his breakout season with an increased role yet again. They will likely be leaning on 30+ minutes from both Allen and Gillespie as long as Green and Booker remain sidelined.

Along with the noted increase in Allen’s on-ball usage above, Collin will likely be tasked with plenty of creation himself out of the PnR. They’ll need him to be in attack mode, hunting his own shot along with getting others involved.

Collin staying patient through the flying defenders 🧘‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/B7b3HAStiy

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 26, 2026

Jordan Goodwin and Jamaree Bouyea are the other key pieces, who have shown they are more than capable of stepping up in big moments. Goodwin will compete every second he’s out there… we already know this.

Bouyea’s return from concussion protocol could not have come at a better time. He is a sparkplug of energy himself and has shown he is fearless in getting his own buckets and picking up full court.

He was likely a bit rusty in his first game back against Miami, but once he settles into his role again, I expect him to be a major piece for this team while their star guards are sidelined.

Suns two-way player Jamaree Bouyea as he didn't play for 10 straight games before seeing action tonight vs. Heat (5 points): "Just getting adjusted and getting back in the flow of things, but it felt good to be back out there."

Missed seven games in concussion protocol.

"It's… pic.twitter.com/YUknZHxY5f

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 26, 2026

A blend of increased usage from Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen as your top two scoring options, along with a more aggressive Collin Gillespie? That gives you a shot if they can get the role players hot from deep and continue to play their relentless style of basketball.

Jordan Ott has plenty of options at his disposal, but it won’t be easy without Devin Booker’s gravity. These next few games are important for Phoenix to stay afloat as they push for a top-6 seed out West.

Last night, former Tar Heel and current Chicago Bulls guard Coby White caught fire against the Los Angeles Lakers to the tune of 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. While this is more common than not for the Goldsboro native, the significance of this is the fact that he made five of his 10 three-point attempts, which was good enough to pass Kirk Hinrich in the race to score the most three-pointers in Chicago Bulls history.

Coby White has tied Kirk Hinrich for 2nd-most 3-pointers in franchise history with 1,049. Zach LaVine, with 1,130, is the franchise leader.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 27, 2026

Now that White holds the second-place spot in the franchise history books, the only player standing in his way is current Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, who left the Bulls after draining 1,130. White is now less than 100 threes away from breaking the record, and while it feels inevitable that he will break it, there is a problem: the NBA trade deadline.

The NBA trade deadline is February 5th at 3 PM ET, and there has been a lot of noise about White potentially being traded since he is on an expiring contract. Should the Bulls keep him until the end of the season, he will become an unrestricted free agent, meaning that he could decide to take his talents to another team after the season is over anyway. It’s a weird situation because whichever team that takes him would need to acquire him with the intent of signing him to his inevitably larger contract following the season, but by no means would that team be required to do so. The Bulls find themselves in a weird spot because at this point White has more or less become their franchise player, but he also isn’t an All-Star caliber player right now. So then, what is worth more? Losing one of your best scorers only to risk having a less productive player, or sticking it out only for White to throw them the peace sign this summer? It’s a really messy situation that Bulls VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas has found himself in, but also for anybody that pays enough attention to this franchise…it’s not surprising to say the least.

Regardless, it has been a lot of fun seeing White grow as a player and become one of the better scorers in the NBA. Enduring the dysfunction that is the Chicago Bulls front office — and at one point the coaching staff — and managing to develop into such a good player is something that other Bulls draftees did not manage to pull off in the post-Jimmy Butler/Derrick Rose era. Regardless of whether or not he breaks LaVine’s record, his contributions in Chicago will not soon be forgotten.