BOTTOM LINE: New York hosts Denver trying to extend its four-game home winning streak.
The Knicks are 20-6 on their home court. New York is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 27.0 assists per game led by Jalen Brunson averaging 6.0.
The Nuggets have gone 19-8 away from home. Denver is 6-7 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Knicks are shooting 47.1% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 46.7% the Nuggets allow to opponents. The Nuggets average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 fewer makes per game than the Knicks give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 19.8 points and 11.9 rebounds for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is averaging 19.2 points over the last 10 games.
Jamal Murray is scoring 25.6 points per game and averaging 4.3 rebounds for the Nuggets. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 7-3, averaging 113.4 points, 49.0 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 8.3 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.8 points per game.
Nuggets: 5-5, averaging 109.2 points, 40.6 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 7.0 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: Mitchell Robinson: day to day (ankle), Josh Hart: day to day (undisclosed), Mohamed Diawara: day to day (ankle), Miles McBride: day to day (ankle).
Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Western Conference foes San Antonio and Oklahoma City square off on Wednesday.
The Spurs are 19-13 in Western Conference games. San Antonio scores 116.9 points and has outscored opponents by 5.0 points per game.
The Thunder are 30-7 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City is seventh in the Western Conference with 25.5 assists per game led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 6.4.
The Spurs average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.6 fewer makes per game than the Thunder allow (14.5). The Thunder average 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 more makes per game than the Spurs allow.
The teams meet for the fifth time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 14 the Thunder won 119-98 led by 34 points from Gilgeous-Alexander, while Stephon Castle scored 20 points for the Spurs.
TOP PERFORMERS: De'Aaron Fox is averaging 19.8 points and 6.2 assists for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 23.6 points over the last 10 games.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 6-4, averaging 112.2 points, 43.5 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 6.3 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.0 points per game.
Thunder: 6-4, averaging 116.8 points, 42.8 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.0 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: Stephon Castle: day to day (adductor), Lindy Waters III: day to day (knee), Jeremy Sochan: out (quad).
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (hip), Nikola Topic: out (groin), Jalen Williams: out (thigh), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Houston heads into a matchup with Boston as winners of three straight games.
The Rockets have gone 17-4 in home games. Houston scores 116.0 points and has outscored opponents by 6.0 points per game.
The Celtics are 16-10 on the road. Boston ranks second in the league averaging 15.5 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.7% from downtown. Derrick White leads the team averaging 2.8 makes while shooting 32.0% from 3-point range.
The 116.0 points per game the Rockets average are 7.1 more points than the Celtics allow (108.9). The Celtics average 15.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.4 more made shots on average than the 12.1 per game the Rockets give up.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Rockets won 128-101 in the last meeting on Nov. 2. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 26 points, and Baylor Scheierman led the Celtics with 17 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Amen Thompson is averaging 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Rockets. Durant is averaging 24.4 points over the last 10 games.
Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.5 points, seven rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard is averaging 16.6 points and 4.5 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 8-2, averaging 111.3 points, 49.2 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.0 points per game.
Celtics: 7-3, averaging 113.2 points, 46.8 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 7.4 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 103.7 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Kevin Durant: day to day (ankle), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (ankle).
Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Chris Boucher: day to day (personal).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Philadelphia 76ers (29-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (30-19, fifth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Thursday, 10 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia will attempt to build upon its five-game win streak with a victory over Los Angeles.
The Lakers are 12-8 in home games. Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference with 25.1 assists per game led by Luka Doncic averaging 8.7.
The 76ers are 14-8 on the road. Philadelphia is 11-17 against opponents with a winning record.
The Lakers score 116.3 points per game, 1.0 more point than the 115.3 the 76ers allow. The 76ers' 46.0% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.5 percentage points lower than the Lakers have allowed to their opponents (48.5%).
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Lakers won 112-108 in the last matchup on Dec. 8.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is scoring 33.4 points per game with 7.9 rebounds and 8.7 assists for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 20.5 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 49.7% over the past 10 games.
Tyrese Maxey is averaging 28.9 points, 6.8 assists and two steals for the 76ers. Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 115.6 points, 41.1 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.3 points per game.
76ers: 7-3, averaging 117.0 points, 42.4 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 10.1 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.8 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Adou Thiero: out (knee).
76ers: Joel Embiid: out (injury management).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Washington Wizards (13-36, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (37-12, first in the Eastern Conference)
Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Detroit hosts Washington looking to extend its three-game home winning streak.
The Pistons have gone 23-6 against Eastern Conference teams. Detroit is fourth in the NBA with 13.1 offensive rebounds per game led by Jalen Duren averaging 3.8 offensive boards.
The Wizards are 8-20 in Eastern Conference play. Washington averages 15.2 turnovers per game and is 7-6 when turning the ball over less than opponents.
The Pistons average 11.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.7 fewer makes per game than the Wizards allow (13.8). The Wizards are shooting 45.7% from the field, 1.6% higher than the 44.1% the Pistons' opponents have shot this season.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Pistons won 137-135 in overtime in the last matchup on Nov. 11.
TOP PERFORMERS: Duren is averaging 18 points and 10.7 rebounds for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham is averaging 19.7 points over the last 10 games.
Bub Carrington is shooting 40.0% and averaging 10.1 points for the Wizards. Tre Johnson is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 117.0 points, 43.4 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 11.7 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.5 points per game.
Wizards: 3-7, averaging 110.0 points, 43.3 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 9.8 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.1 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: Kevin Huerter: day to day (back), Dario Saric: day to day (not injury related).
Wizards: Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (hamstring), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Tre Johnson: day to day (ankle), Trae Young: out (quad).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Utah Jazz (16-35, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (25-27, ninth in the Eastern Conference)
Atlanta; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks host Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz in non-conference action.
The Hawks have gone 9-14 in home games. Atlanta is the league leader with 30.7 assists per game led by Johnson averaging 8.0.
The Jazz are 6-18 in road games. Utah ranks eighth in the Western Conference with 43.7 rebounds per game led by Jusuf Nurkic averaging 10.2.
The Hawks are shooting 47.3% from the field this season, 1.9 percentage points lower than the 49.2% the Jazz allow to opponents. The Jazz are shooting 46.8% from the field, 0.8% lower than the 47.6% the Hawks' opponents have shot this season.
The teams meet for the second time this season. In the last meeting on Nov. 14 the Hawks won 132-122 led by 32 points from Onyeka Okongwu, while Markkanen scored 40 points for the Jazz.
TOP PERFORMERS: Johnson is scoring 23.2 points per game with 10.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists for the Hawks. CJ McCollum is averaging 18.7 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 48.0% over the past 10 games.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Jazz. Keyonte George is averaging 18.9 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 48.0% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 5-5, averaging 113.7 points, 44.4 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.6 points per game.
Jazz: 2-8, averaging 113.9 points, 41.0 rebounds, 30.9 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.9 points.
INJURIES: Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu: day to day (face), Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (illness), N'Faly Dante: out for season (knee), Duop Reath: out for season (foot).
Jazz: Kevin Love: day to day (illness), Keyonte George: day to day (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), John Konchar: day to day (neck).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the NBA threatens to get upended around them by Thursday’s trade deadline, the Lakers have been quiet thus far.
The Lakers did get one piece of notable news Tuesday: LeBron James “is still expected to finish out the season” in L.A., according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said as much on his podcast in December, but league sources re-emphasized to McMenamin that “James will not be joining a new team before this season is over.”
If that’s true, that limits the Lakers’ options at the trade deadline.
Can the Lakers go big-game hunting?
The Lakers are currently less than $1 million below the $195.9 million first apron. They’re hard-capped at that threshold since they spent their non-taxpayer mid-level exception on Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia this past offseason. That means they can’t go over $195.9 million in total salary until the new league year begins on June 30.
The Lakers do have more than $44 million in expiring contracts between Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), Maxi Kleber ($11.0 million) and Jaxson Hayes ($3.4 million). But since they’re so close to the first apron, they can’t take back much more salary than they send out in a trade.
James’ $52.6 million contract would be ideal to dangle from a salary-matching perspective. However, he has a full no-trade clause, which means he can scuttle any deal involving him.
If James won’t sign off on a trade, the Lakers could instead offer Jarred Vanderbilt, who’s owed $11.6 million this year and $12.4 million in 2026-27. He also has a $13.3 million player option in 2027-28, which likely makes him less desirable to potential trade partners.
Aside from Vanderbilt, though, the Lakers can offer significant salary relief in the form of Hachimura, Vincent and Kleber. Those three plus Vanderbilt get them above $50 million, but they’d also need to include Hayes to get into the $55 million range.
Teams don’t have enough open roster spots to swing a five-for-one deal during the season, though. The Lakers would need to recruit at least one other team to help push any deal for a superstar over the edge.
LeBron’s uncertain future
The Lakers could have upwards of $50 million in cap space this offseason, but it would require them to part ways with all of their free agents, including LeBron. They figure to be fiercely protective of that financial flexibility at the trade deadline unless it’s for a clear long-term upgrade.
The uncertainty surrounding LeBron’s future is the real impediment, though.
Even if this isn’t James’ final season in the NBA, it very well could be his final season in L.A. The Lakers have a unique opportunity to take advantage of Austin Reaves’ below-market salary-cap hold this offseason. If/when they re-sign Reaves, that window closes.
The Lakers are now feeling the inherent tension that every LeBron James team feels at some point. They have to weigh the risks of making a win-now push versus preserving their assets for their post-LeBron future. Luka Dončić’s arrival in L.A. last year only further complicated that.
LeBron, who’s in his age-41 season, doesn’t have much time left in the NBA. Dončić, who turns 27 at the end of February, could be the Lakers’ franchise cornerstone for the next decade. LeBron might feel as though the Lakers owe it to him to make one last push for a championship, but the Lakers have to be mindful of how best to build around Dončić moving forward.
On that front, longtime NBA insider Marc Stein reported Wednesday that the Lakers would be “a very viable threat” to land Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo if he doesn’t get moved by the trade deadline.
“There is little choice for the Lakers, heading into Thursday’s deadline, except to stay patient and avoid deals that involve any long-term salary to maintain maximum flexibility for the spring,” Stein wrote. “The hope for the purple-and-gold would then be to use their considerable projected salary cap space to be able to take in a contract like Antetokounmpo’s via trade—or another expensive star if one shakes loose post-playoffs.”
That approach may frustrate LeBron in what could be his final NBA season, but it’s the wise route to take. Besides, the only one who’s forcing LeBron to stay in L.A. is LeBron.
PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 3: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 3, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
What a game. The Suns trailed by as many as 19 and won by five for their second-largest comeback win of the season. No Devin Booker. No Jalen Green. No problem.
It started with Portland raining in threes nonstop early, and it looked like things were going to get ugly. Then, the Suns reminded us of who they really are.
The defensive intensity picked up. Collin Gillespie went on an absolute heater, and Grayson Allen and Mark Williams put the finishing touches on the Blazers late. The Suns improve to 31-20 with the victory, and 14-13 on the road.
Collin Gillespie scored a career-high 30 points to go with 10 dimes and 3 steals on 8-14 shooting from deep. Jordan Goodwin put together a complete game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals in 23 minutes. Mark Williams chipped in with 24 points and 11 rebounds on 11-14 shooting.
The Suns got off to a rough start. Donovan Clingan scored 9 early points off three triples, and the Blazers just punched Phoenix in the mouth with a 16-4 run to open the game.
Mark Williams finished a three-point play to break up a little of the early Portland momentum. The Blazers followed that up with a pair of threes to make them 6 of 9 from deep to open the quarter with a 24-9 lead.
Things only got uglier as the Blazers pushed the lead to 31-13 with less than five minutes remaining in the period.
The Suns competed like hell in the second quarter, dropping 37 points and making it a ballgame. It was 72-67 at the half. Gillespie led the way with 14 points, and Williams chipped in with 12.
Second Half
The Suns picked up where they left off in the third quarter, jumping out to a 17-10 advantage coming out of the half.
Phoenix won the third quarter by 12 thanks to Collin Gillespie and co. catching fire. The 34-22 advantage was the story of the night after they allowed 41 in the opening quarter. There was some chirping going back and forth, and things started to get a bit heated as the Suns began their run back into the game. Mark Williams began to feast as well, which was a major key for a Blazers team that had struggled to protect the paint in their previous game against Jarrett Allen.
The fourth quarter was more of that from the Villanova product, setting up others and aggressively finding looks for himself with and without the basketball. His relocation and movement shooting off screens and pullups were masterful. Phoenix was relentless in its pursuit of the basketball.
Ryan Dunn hit back-to-back threes to extend Phoenix’s lead to twelve, 116-104.
Jordan Goodwin continued to play his in-your-face, harassing defense to frustrate the Blazers’ ballhandlers and force turnovers. He had 5 steals in this one, but it felt like 10.
In crunch time, Portland went on a run to cut the lead to just five with 1:30 remaining. A Grayson Allen lob to Mark Williams gave them a needed bucket, but Jermai Grant hit a three the following possession to cut it to four.
And then, a step-back three from Grayson Allen and Jrue Holiday turnover put the dagger in the Blazers’ back to seal the deal.
Up Next
The Suns will host the Warriors back in Phoenix on Thursday night.
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up court against Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on February 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks lost at home 110-100 to the Celtics tonight behind a monster performance from MVP candidate Jaylen Brown. Brown finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists on 50% shooting from the floor. Cooper Flagg continued his rookie of the year campaign with 36 points, nine rebounds, six assists, on an insane 50/50/100 shooting night. Caleb Martin also had 13 points and six rebounds and Daniel Gafford had an ugly 10 point, 12 rebound double-double. For the Celtics, Payton Pritchard had 26 points on 12-for-20 shooting while Luka Garza had 16 points on four made threes.
Boston took control early behind Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard’s shot-making. Still, Dallas kept the game close in the opening quarter by winning the interior, with Daniel Gafford finishing lobs and putbacks and Cooper Flagg attacking off the dribble to counter a series of missed Mavericks threes. Even with multiple empty possessions from Christie, Marshall, and Thompson, the Mavericks stayed within 32-29 after one, thanks to offensive rebounding and rim pressure. The Celtics then created separation in the second quarter, using a Pritchard-led run built on pull-up jumpers and a deep three to push the lead into double digits while Dallas went through a long stretch of misses from the perimeter and mid-range. Gafford and Flagg kept generating second chances, but Boston’s consistent half-court scoring allowed them to carry a 59–49 lead into halftime, leaving Dallas trailing despite a competitive effort inside.
Any hopes of a sustained Dallas push out of halftime were short-lived, as Boston immediately reasserted control behind Jaylen Brown’s downhill scoring and Payton Pritchard’s pull-up shooting. Every time Dallas threatened to string together stops, the Celtics answered with clean half-court execution, using Brown’s drives and Pritchard’s shot creation to keep the lead comfortably in double digits. Cooper Flagg did everything he could to keep Dallas afloat, scoring repeatedly off the dribble, crashing the glass, and even pulling up from deep. Still, his individual scoring bursts were consistently offset by Boston baskets on the other end. The fourth quarter became a grind, with Gafford and Flagg generating second chances. At the same time, the Celtics calmly bled the clock, ultimately closing out a 110–100 win without ever letting the Mavericks meaningfully flip momentum.
11: Free throws attempted by Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg has been absolutely dominate the past few games, averaging 24 points on 50% shooting and 30% from three to go along with 7.5 rebounds and 4 assists in his last 10 games, and followed it up again tonight with a 36 point, nine rebound, six assist night on 50% shooting and 50% from three point range. He also only committed one turnover tonight against the Boston Celtics, who have one of the best defenses in basketball. Despite his awesome play, a constant complaint that arises, at least in the MMB Slack, is the lack of whistles he gets. Constantly getting bumped and hit while attacking the rim and getting absolutely no calls. In his last 10 games, he has only shot double-digit free throws once, including five times where he shot less than five total free throws. Tonight, Cooper’s whistle turned a corner, as he shot 11 free throws and made 10 of them. He even got fouled on a three-pointer to help solidify his season average of over 20 points per game. We saw tonight that when Cooper gets to the line, it elevates the floor of his production every night, in a very good way.
?: How many players get traded before the Mavericks next game
The Mavericks played their last game before Thursday afternoon’s trade deadline, where the Mavs are looking to be major players as they try to reshape their future around Cooper Flagg. All season, the Mavericks have been the center of trade rumors, with Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Klay Thompson the key names expected to be dealt before the deadline. Davis will remain a Maverick; given his injuries, his market value is all but nonexistent. Klay and Gafford may still get dealt, but Klay only played 2o minutes tonight and finished a team-worst -15 after going 1/5, and Gafford spent part of his potential last game in Dallas in the locker room dealing with various injuries, reminding all of us, and the league, why we want to trade these guys at all. With awful recent performances, including an ugly last taste in our mouth tonight, it will be interesting to watch if the Mavs get anything done in the next 40 hours.
On Saturday, on a rare Celtics offday, Xavier Tillman and Anfernee Simons sat courtside at a Boston College basketball game. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
DALLAS — Every single time the Celtics boarded the team plane to embark on a roadtrip this season, Anfernee Simons has sat right next to Baylor Scheierman.
But when the Celtics boarded their flight from Dallas to Houston late Tuesday night, Scheierman’s seatmate was nowhere to be found.
That’s because, as the Celtics prepare to face the Houston Rockets, Simons is headed to Chicago, where he was traded earlier Tuesday afternoon in exchange for veteran big man Nikola Vucevic.
And, though all of the Celtics understand that midseason trades are a part of the business, it doesn’t necessarily make things any easier.
“We had a growing relationship that was really good,” Scheierman said. “He’s just a good dude. Was a great teammate. As far as a basketball player, obviously, very talented — came in and put his work in, did things the right way, and cared about the people here. I’m definitely sad to see him go.”
Such is life across the NBA in early February.
On Tuesday alone, sixteen players across the league were reportedly traded, while 5 players switched teams earlier in the week.
Players understand it’s part of the business. They say all the right things. In line with that, ahead of the Celtics’ Tuesday night game against the Dallas Mavericks, head coach Jason Kidd noted that midseason trades were “in the small print” of players’ contracts.
“Those guys in that locker room are pros, professionals that understand that they could be traded after the game or before the game or during the game,” Kidd said. “We’ve seen it all.”
But that doesn’t erase the human component of the trade deadline
For Xavier Tillman, Tuesday’s Anfernee Simons trade is a family affair. Tillman’s children are close friends with Simon’s kids, and whenever the Celtics were on the road this season, the two players’ children and significant others oftentimes spent extended time at each others’ homes.
“That’s the hardest part for sure,” Tillman said. “The kids are building these relationships that they hope are lifelong.”
However, Tillman is a veteran, and it’s not the first time his family has been through this; his kids also became very close with Jrue Holiday’s children over the past two seasons. So, after Jrue was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Tillmans visited the Holidays over the summer, and they continue to ensure the friendship is cultivated.
“We told Ant [Anfernee Simons], this summer, we’re gonna make sure we spend some time as a family together,” Tillman said. “Because our kids really did build a really good bond, and our wives did as well — they’re part of our chosen family.”
On Saturday, on a rare Celtics offday, Xavier Tillman and Anfernee Simons sat courtside at a Boston College basketball game. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Tillman is still extremely close with his former teammates from Memphis, where he spent the first four seasons of his NBA career.
“You have to be,” Tillman said, “because they are the only people who actually understand what we go through on a day-to-day basis.”
Joe Mazzulla centered the human side of the trade deadline
Luka Garza said that Mazzulla addressed some of the players on Tuesday in the wake of Simons’ trade, and the humanity with which he approached the situation stood out.
“Most coaches that I’ve been around kind of pretty much avoid talking about it,” said Garza, who is in his fifth year in the league. “Joe kind of said to me today — understand that we’re all humans, and it’s a business, but at the same time, he understands that what we’re all going through and stuff, which meant a lot.”
For Mazzulla, the decision to humanize is an extension of how he views everything. The trade deadline is a difficult time, but other times might be as well, and the Celtics coach makes sure to acknowledge the off-court stuff year-round.
“You just have to understand that they’re more than basketball players — they’re people, they’re humans, they got families,” Mazzulla said. “And the more you can just create an environment where you’re there for those guys, it helps get through a long season.”
And Jaylen Brown spoke at length after the Celtics win over the Mavericks on Tuesday.
“Anfernee has all the respect in the world from me — it’s a business, but there’s a human aspect to it,” Brown said, noting that Simons has won the Celtics several games. But, like the rest of the Celtics, he emphasized that it’s the human being he’ll miss most.
Jaylen Brown really gushed when asked by @ByJayKing about Anfernee Simons being traded:
“Anfernee has all the respect in the world from me — it's a business, but there's a human aspect to it. And since he's been here, he's contributed to winning. He's won us some games. He's… pic.twitter.com/YX6wAB48HM
“He’s just a great, great person, great kid on and off the floor, just humble — I hope he gets everything that he’s looking for just because he just fit right in with his group of guys in our locker room,” Brown said. “He could have had different thoughts, and thought differently, and his energy could have been different. He was a great teammate and did everything he needed to do that we asked him and more and contributed to winning. So Anfernee has all the respect in the world from me, and I hope he gets everything he deserves.”
Tillman acknowledged that NBA players get paid handsomely and that all of it is a part of the game. But it doesn’t necessarily make it easier.
“It’s like a friend that you had, that you’ve been growing a relationship with, and all of a sudden, they just picked up and left ,and they didn’t want to,” Tillman said. “It’s that kind of vibe.”
Scheierman, who is in his second season in the NBA, has a healthy mindset ahead of the trade deadline, the one that players often echo.
“You can only control what you can control,” Scheierman said before the Celtics’ game in Dallas on Tuesday. “You can’t really focus on that. It’s outside of our control. And so we come and then get ready to play and put our best effort out there.”
The Celtics certainly put forth their best effort out there on Tuesday night, coming away with a 110-100 win over the Mavericks to improve to 32-18 on the year.
But the feeling in the locker room postgame was slightly different from a typical win.
“They always talk about it being a business, but you build relationships with people, and you grow to really care about them and their families,” Tillman said. “And it’s always tough to see your friends get separated from you.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 9: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five after the game on January 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In a fairly rare occurrence, there is a superstar on the trade market and the Lakers are a complete non-factor.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade demand has finally come and the Lakers, in their current situation, have nothing competitive to offer relative to other teams across the league. As a result, there have been no links — outside of a vaguely-worded report — between Giannis and the purple and gold.
At least for now.
While things seem to be trending toward a deal being completed before Thursday’s trade deadline, if Giannis isn’t moved, then the Lakers are going to be involved, at least according to longtime NBA writer Marc Stein. In his latest Substack piece, Stein reported that the Lakers would be a big factor for Giannis if things push into the offseason.
No one is talking about the Lakers as a factor in The Giannis Sweepstakes right now because they’re not a factor if a trade is going to happen by week’s end. They don’t have enough tradeable assets to join the in-season bidders.
But if the Bucks do ultimately decide to take this saga into that spring …The Lakers, league sources say, would then indeed become a very viable threat to land No. 34.
There is little choice for the Lakers, heading into Thursday’s deadline, except to stay patient and avoid deals that involve any long-term salary to maintain maximum flexibility for the spring. The hope for the purple-and-gold would then be to use their considerable projected salary cap space to be able to take in a contract like Antetokounmpo’s via trade — or another expensive star if one shakes loose post-playoffs — to pair with backcourt cornerstones Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves (who returned to action Tuesday night in Brooklyn after a 19-game injury absence). And dealing with the Lakers in such a scenario would almost certainly spare the Bucks from getting saddled with unwanted contracts.
The Lakers are always going to be a threat for available superstars whenever it’s remotely possible. The question the teams pursuing Giannis now must answer is if they think the Lakers will be so much of a threat that they could actually land him.
If they do feel that’s the case, then perhaps they’ll feel they need to push hard for him now to ensure the Lakers don’t get involved. That likely won’t be the driving factor in their decision, but it will be a factor.
The other question is will this cause the Lakers to hold onto their draft assets heading into the summer? Will there be a game of chicken where the Lakers wait to see if Giannis is traded before moving forward at the deadline?
The allure of Giannis is hard to deny. Even if he’s on the wrong side of 30 and has a history of calf strains, he’s still one of the 20 or 30 greatest players ever to play and is still in his prime. You can understand why teams are doing everything they can to land him.
And if they don’t do it now, it may move the Lakers to the front of the pack.
Fantasy basketball values can shift quickly as the NBA season enters its most volatile stretch, the trade deadline. Identifying buy-low, sell-high and hold candidates can give fantasy managers a critical edge during the stretch run. If you're looking to climb the standings, think about making a move involving one of the players mentioned below.
Buy Low
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
It's not often that Brunson struggles to score. In two of his last four games, he has produced 13 or fewer points. Over that four-game span, he shot 37.5% from the field and 29.6% from behind the arc. The silver lining was that he also averaged 6.0 assists during that span.
Brunson still averages 27.1 points per game for the season, while shooting 47.1% from the field and 37.9% from deep. He has shot at least 47.0% from the field and 37.0% from three in each of the last six seasons. This is nothing more than what should end up being a brief shooting slump. This might be a rare opportunity to acquire Brunson at somewhat of a discount in fantasy.
Tari Eason, Houston Rockets
Injuries have limited Eason to only 27 games this season. When he returned from his most recent injury, he came off the bench in both of his first two games back. However, he has started each of his last four games. He has the potential to remain in a starting role down the stretch with Steven Adams (ankle) out for the remainder of the season.
Eason averages only 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 2.2 three-pointers coming off the bench. As a starter, he averages 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 2.1 three-pointers. The Rockets likely won't throw out as many double-big lineups anymore, which should keep Eason locked into a starting role and playing additional minutes. Unlike Brunson, it likely wouldn't cost a ton to acquire him in a trade. Still, he comes with upside.
Sell Low
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen has played in four of the last five games for the Jazz. He was productive when on the floor, averaging 22.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.0 three- pointers. His scoring contributions could have been even better had he not shot just 42.3% from the field. The Jazz made a big trade Tuesday, acquiring Jaren Jackson from the Grizzlies. In a pivot for them, they gave up three first-round draft picks in the deal.
Despite Tuesday's trade, the Jazz could still be a tanking team. They are seven games back of the 10th seed in the Western Conference and would need to pass three teams to get there. It's unlikely they get there with only 31 games left to play. Markkanen could still get rest days down the stretch and potentially be shut down completely as we approach April. With him at least playing right now, it's time to trade him. Shoot for someone with a lower ceiling, but a higher floor.
Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks
The big news surrounding the Bucks is whether they will trade Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf). If he remains on the team through the deadline, the Bucks could then look to trade him in the offseason. Even if he remains with the Bucks, he could be sidelined into March with his current injury. Over the last four games without Giannis, Turner averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.3 three-pointers.
If the Bucks trade Giannis, it would likely be for young players and/or draft picks to help take the franchise into a rebuild. If he stays, the Bucks will likely continue to rack up losses without him, putting them out of the playoff picture. Turner is stepping up his production right now, but his role could fluctuate based on what the Bucks decide to do. It wouldn't be a bad idea to sell high on him right now for a player with a more stable outlook.
Hold
Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets
Prior to this season, Watson had never averaged more than 24 minutes in his first three seasons in the league. Injuries have forced the Nuggets to play him more during the current campaign, and he has taken his fantasy value to the next level. In 31 minutes a night, he has averaged 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.5 three-pointers. Even with more minutes and more shot attempts, he is having his most efficient season by shooting 50.1% from the field and 42.5% from behind the arc.
Nikola Jokic is back from injury, but it's not all good news for the Nuggets right now. Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is out again and could be sidelined into March. That should leave Watson to play at least 30 minutes a night regularly. This might seem like a sell-high moment for him, but there's a clear path for him to continue with his current production.
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
With his average of 10.7 points per game, Gobert is on pace to see his scoring average decline for the second straight season. He has been especially disappointing in that department lately, averaging 8.7 points over his last 12 games. It's not for a lack of efficiency, though, as he shot 61.3% from the field during that span.
While Gobert's scoring is down, he still averages 11.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks for the season. He also shoots 70.0% from the field. He's not the player that he was in his prime, but he's still a nightly double-double threat who can at least provide a lot of rebounds and blocks. His floor remains high, so don't panic about his recent scoring decline and trade him at a discount.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 16: James Harden #1 of Team Shaq and Donovan Mitchell #45 of Team Chuck embrace after the game during the 74th NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
James Harden is a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. A few hours after news of the trade became public, he spoke with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. In that conversation, he said that he didn’t ask for a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers and that he’s “excited about Cleveland.”
Just spoke to a reflective James Harden, who denied asking for a trade and thanked the Clippers for the opportunity to play the last two and a half years in his hometown. “In life, not even just basketball, when things don't work out, there are ways to end things in relationships…
“In life, not even just basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end things in relationships without having to crack each other. Okay, maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we just outgrew each other, whatever the case may be. I feel like other situations weren’t like that. And that’s why I can respect Steve and L and TLu because they didn’t put me in a weird position as much as everybody tried to make it like that.”
“[I] didn’t want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital. In Cleveland I see an opportunity to win in the East— they got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So as much as I wanted to stay in LA and give it a go—I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind I think we have a bit better chance.”
“At the end of the day it is a business and I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great place and are very happy. I’m excited about Cleveland —I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Harden and Donovan Mitchell have already “connected” and are “very excited” for the partnership.
Joining @SportsCenter @ Night on how 11-time All-Star James Harden lands in Cleveland to partner with Donovan Mitchell on a title pursuit: pic.twitter.com/dTMUEJtUFE
It’s good to get Harden’s perspective on some of this immediately after the trade. Even though the Clippers were playing well lately, it was difficult to see them as true title contenders. His exit, at least based on his statement, would suggest that the move wasn’t motivated just by money, but a desire to compete.
Harden also made clear that he thinks he can win with the Cavs. The Eastern Conference is wide open. And this might be Harden’s last, best chance to win a championship. We’ll see if he — and the Cavs — can make the most of this opportunity.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) battles for position against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during an NBA basketball game on March 10, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is upon us. The moves have started to roll in, and they’ll continue to roll in until the noon pacific time on Thursday, February 5. The big question for Golden State Warriors fans, is whether or not the team will be able to swing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But whether or not they do, there’s a lot to watch for. Will they trade Jonathan Kuminga? Will they make some smaller moves? And what will the rest of the league do?
To help you keep track of all the action, here’s every move leading up to the deadline, in reverse chronological order.
2026 NBA trade deadline tracker
In a shocking move that came together very quickly with little smoke, 11-time All-Star James Harden has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a second-round pick heading to the LA Clippers. This will be Harden’s sixth NBA team, and sets up Cleveland for a fascinating team next season should LeBron James return home for a final season.
The Boston Celtics, who have surprisingly been one of the NBA’s best teams despite the absence of Jayson Tatum, strengthened their interior by trading for two-time All-Star center Nikola Vučević. In return, the Celtics are sending guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls. The teams are also swapping second-round picks.
A minor three-team deal went down that could have major implications. Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. are headed to the Chicago Bulls, while Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić will add reinforcements to the Detroit Pistons, who are on top of the East. The Pistons are also getting a pick swap from the Minnesota Timberwolves who, crucially, cleared some cap space as they pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Memphis Grizzlies are officially hitting the rebuild button by trading former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. are also Salt Lake City bound, while Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang are headed to the Grizz. Most importantly, Utah is sending three first-round picks to Memphis; the Grizzlies now have 11 first-round picks in the next seven drafts, and can potentially get more if and when they trade Ja Morant. Such a trade becomes easier because the Grizzlies also got an NBA-record $28.8 million trade exception.
In a swap of role players, the Atlanta Hawks sent Vit Krejčí to the Portland Trail Blazers for Duop Reath and two second-round picks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers sent wing De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for former Warrior Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis. Dario Šarić and two second-round picks went to the Chicago Bulls in the deal.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In just his fifth collegiate game, freshman Alijah Arenas scored a career-high 29 points and Kam Woods scored 18 points and USC held off Indiana 81-75 on Tuesday night in a frenzied finish.
Arenas, who entered with 30 points scored this season, shot 9 of 23 — including 3 of 9 from 3-point range — and made 8 of 9 foul shots. Ezra Ausar added 12 points for the Trojans USC (17-6, 6-6 Big Ten).
Chad Baker-Mazara, who entered averaging just under 19 points per game, scored just seven in the first half before leaving due to injury.
Lamar Wilkerson was the only Indiana (15-8, 6-6) player in double-digit scoring and finished with 33 points on 55% shooting (11 of 20).
Tayton Conerway made 1 of 2 foul shots with 58 seconds left to get Indiana within 75-69. Off the miss, IU got the offensive rebound, Tucker Devries drew a foul on his layup attempt and promptly made both foul shots. Woods turned it over on USC's following possession, Conerway again converted a layup but missed the and-1 and USC maintained a 75-73 lead with 31 seconds left.
Jordan Marsh made two foul shots to give USC a four-point lead with 24 seconds left. Again, Conerway was on his way to the rim but Ryan Cornish came up with the block from behind.
Arenas made two foul shots with 14 seconds left to seal it.
USC seemed poised to run away with it when Woods buried a 3 with 11:42 left to give the Trojans a 55-41 advantage. The Hoosiers responded with a 14-5 run to get back in it.
