Category: Basketball

Cedric Coward was never going to be your average rookie.

Drafted No. 11 overall at 21 years old, Coward’s path to the NBA was anything but conventional. There were no USA Basketball camps, no high profile AAU circuits, no McDonald’s All American games. Instead, his journey ran through Division III Willamette University, then Eastern Washington in the Big Sky, before a short six game stint at Washington State that was cut short by injury.

That unconventional background has not slowed his introduction to the league. If anything, it has accelerated it.

Rather than being eased in, Coward has been thrown straight into the deep end by Memphis, starting games and taking on real responsibility at the defensive end. Night after night, he is asked to guard players with more size, polish, and NBA experience than he had ever previously encountered. And yet, he has handled the challenge with a level of composure that belies his rookie status.

“It’s been great,” Coward said. “I done got my *** busted a couple times, but I’ve also played guys pretty well at the same time. You’re learning multiple things at one time.”

What has separated Coward early is not just that he survives these matchups, but how he impacts them. For a player listed as a shooting guard, his shot blocking stands out immediately. Coward offers a level of rim protection that is rare for his position, rotating from the perimeter to contest at the basket with timing and length rather than reckless gambling.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo sees that defensive profile as both unusual and foundational.

“He’s a very unique defender for his position,” Iisalo said. “He’s basically a shooting guard or off guard and offers for that position a ton of rim protection, a ton of length, and also defensive rebounding, which is often the importance of that is maybe marginalised.”

That combination shows up in the numbers and on film. Coward is one of only two rookies to post both a positive offensive and defensive Actual EPM, according to Dunks and Threes, alongside VJ Edgecombe. Context matters. He is not being sheltered. He is defending primary options on the perimeter, then sliding into help situations where his length can erase mistakes at the rim.

Those plays are not accidents. They reflect preparation and awareness. Coward studies tendencies, understands angles, and rarely overcommits. He is willing to concede a difficult pull up if it allows him to stay in position to contest the next action at the rim.

Memphis ranks as a top 15 defensive team overall, but the Grizzlies are 4.4 points better defensively when Coward is on the floor. That improvement is not accidental. His presence changes what lineups can attempt defensively, allowing more pressure at the point of attack because there is unexpected rim protection behind it.

Iisalo is careful not to frame Coward’s early success as a finished product.

“Every rookie has a lot to learn,” Iisalo said. “He’s had a lot of early success in the league, but it’s very important to think about like the best years are far ahead. It’s just constant learning and no better way to learn than to be in the deep end. Against great players and just having different type of matchups.”

For Coward, progress is defined less by perfection and more by response.

“I think for me, it’s just always making sure whatever mistake I made, you try not to make the same mistake twice.”

During the third quarter of the NBA London game, Coward was guarding Franz Wagner and pre-empted a screen, momentarily giving up a clean driving lane to the rim. Once he realized the mistake, he did not give up on the play. He recovered to get back into the action with a rear view contest that slowed Wagner’s gather. That split second mattered. It gave Jaren Jackson Jr the time he needed to shift over and protect the rim. Plays like that explain why the trust is already there. Despite his rookie status, Coward has been empowered with one of the most demanding roles on the roster. Guarding elite wings while also serving as a secondary rim protector is rarely a task handed out lightly, yet Memphis has not hesitated.

“To be able to have the opportunity to do that,” Coward said, “and to be able to have the team believe in me to do that, it gives me more faith.”

For a player who arrived without the traditional pedigree, Coward’s early NBA story has been defined by substance over reputation. The learning moments are still coming, sometimes painfully so, but the defensive impact is already real. And for Memphis, that blend of uncommon skill set and long runway may be the most encouraging sign of all.

On the heels of an NBA All-Star starter snub, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers head into the altitude to face the Denver Nuggets tonight.

On Monday, James found out that he will not be in the starting lineup for the league’s annual showcase for the first time in his 23-year career. 

Just how will “The King” respond?

My Lakers vs. Nuggets predictions paint a big game for James, but maybe not in the way you think.

Here are my best NBA picks for January 20.

Lakers vs Nuggets prediction

Lakers vs Nuggets best bet: LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists (-120)

LeBron James has no problem doing the little things that win basketball games.

Through nine games this month, James has beefed up his assist and rebound rates significantly, averaging 7.6 in both stat categories in January. 

His rebounding chances have increased from 8.6 to 10.9 in that span, while LeBron's potential assists have grown from 10.7 in the first three months to 13.6 in January.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has blown through his combo prop market in those nine contests, eclipsing his rebounds + assists total in seven of those games. 

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are walking wounded at the moment. Nikola Jokic is the most significant loss, especially when it comes to keeping opponents off the glass, as Denver has allowed nearly eight more rebounds per game since Dec. 29. 

Standouts like Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and backup center Jonas Valanciunas are also out or playing through injuries tonight.

LeBron's projections range from 12.4 rebounds + assists to 14.7 combined. My number sits closer to 14 boards + dimes for the "King", which makes the Over 12.5 on this combo prop playable even at -145.

Lakers vs Nuggets same-game parlay

The Nuggets have run into some rotten teams lately, picking up wins over Milwaukee, New Orleans, Dallas, and Washington. Los Angeles is a step up.

James is averaging both 7.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds over the last nine games.

Luka Doncic can inflict damage from downtown, especially with the Nuggets having to help inside with an undersized interior.

Lakers vs Nuggets SGP

• Lakers moneyline
• LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists
• Luka Doncic Over 3.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Hollywood Knights

Los Angeles is getting healthier while Denver’s lineup limps into Tuesday.

James has gone Over his rebounds + assist prop in seven of his last nine games.

Luka’s projections lean toward four makes from deep against Denver.

The Nuggets' defense has taken a step back without Jokic, which is saying something.

Lakers vs Nuggets SGP

• Lakers moneyline
• LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists
• Luka Doncic Over 3.5 threes
• Luka Doncic Over 3.5 threes

Lakers vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Lakers -1.5 (-110) | Nuggets +1.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Lakers -125 | Nuggets +105
• Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110) | Under 227.5 (-110)

Lakers vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Nuggets are 27-16 to the Over/Under this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Lakers vs Nuggets

Lakers vs Nuggets latest injuries

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

A new record price has been paid for a Stephen Curry jersey.

Curry’s jersey from Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals, the only one he wore in the Warriors' title-clinching victory in Boston, sold for $2.45 million in a private sale that was announced over the weekend. Curry scored 34 points in the game and won his only NBA Finals MVP.

The jersey was previously sold in 2022 by Barry Meisel of Meigray for $1.7 million. Meisel confirmed to cllct the initial sale was conducted through the Meigray Golden State Warriors game-worn program.

The new price paid is the highest ever for a Curry gamer, besting the previous record of $1.758 million paid last year for the second game of the star’s career in which he scored the first 3-pointer of his career.

The most expensive Curry card ever sold fetched $1.08 million, making this jersey the most valuable Curry-related piece of memorabilia to sell publicly.

The buyer was represented by Curio Advisor and wishes to remain anonymous.

"With this Curry jersey, there’s already a precedent established for his high-end market, so we can use previous comparable sales times his market multiple to find valuations that are comfortable for both parties," Curio Advisor's Bradley Calleja said. "There’s more buy-side demand in sports memorabilia right now than I’ve ever seen, especially with items of the highest quality.

"We’ve also never had more engagement from institutions, investment funds and even countries that are looking to expand their portfolios to include not just blue-chip art, but game-worn memorabilia. Pieces like this are timeless, and sit at the confluence of authenticity, scarcity and virality."

Want more stories like this? Subscribe to the cllct newsletter and follow cllct on X and Instagram.

Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.

By Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld.com

Follow Rotoworld Basketball on X for the latest news around the NBA!

Monday's nine-game NBA slate ended on a sour note, as the Golden State Warriors' win over the Miami Heat came at a high cost. Star forward Jimmy Butler injured his right knee during the third quarter and did not return. The team's worst fears would be realized in the hours that followed, with it being reported that Butler would miss the rest of the regular season with a torn ACL.

Replacing a player of Butler's caliber is not easy, and it's going to take more than one player to pick up the slack. Through 38 games, he averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.8 3-pointers in 31.1 minutes, shooting 51.9% from the field and 86.4% from the foul line. That production was good for top-25 per-game value in nine-cat formats, something that only one other Warriors player (Stephen Curry) can claim at this point in the season.

The Warriors do have some low-rostered players whose names will be called in the coming weeks. Here's a look at the fantasy fallout from Butler's injury.

→ Watch the NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock: The Spurs take on the Rockets at 8 p.m. ET before the Lakers and Nuggets tip off at 10 p.m. ET. Both games are available on Peacock. Check your local listings for the NBC game in your area.

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Top 200 Rankings: Warriors lose Jimmy Butler to torn ACL

With Butler’s season-ending injury, fantasy managers are forced to pivot after the loss of a top-25 player.

Who will replace Butler in the starting lineup?

The last time Butler missed a game, on Jan. 17 against the Hornets, rookie Will Richard (6% rostered on Yahoo) was inserted into the starting lineup. In 31 minutes, he accounted for 11 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals, one block and one 3-pointer, shooting 5-of-12 from the field. Richard has started 15 games this season, averaging 8.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.4 3-pointers in 22.6 minutes. There are better options than Richard for fantasy managers to choose from, even if he is Steve Kerr's choice to fill the void in the starting lineup.

Which players should fantasy managers target?

Brandin Podziemski (36% rostered) is at the top of this list, and he had his most productive night of the season on Monday. In 30 minutes off the bench, he tallied a season-high 24 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and three 3-pointers, shooting 9-of-19 from the field. Even if he isn't moved into the starting lineup, Podziemski's scoring ability takes on added importance in the aftermath of Butler's injury.

Moses Moody (17%) has been a fixture in the starting lineup since mid-December, and he'll have additional opportunities to contribute regardless of who is named the fifth starter. And experienced fantasy managers know not to sleep on De'Anthony Melton (10%), who can be a fantasy standout when healthy. The concern for him is availability, as back-to-backs have been off the table since his return from an ACL tear suffered early last season. Melton did not play against the Heat, but his ability to fill a stat sheet can make him a league-winner down the stretch, as long as he's able to stay healthy.

Some may be wondering about where this leaves Jonathan Kuminga (17%), who began the season as a starter but has not appeared in a game since Dec. 18. Also, he reportedly requested a trade not long after becoming eligible for a move on Jan. 15. While Kerr said during his postgame availability that Kuminga would be ready if his name were called, his most significant value in accounting for Butler's absence will likely be via trade.

If last Wednesday night’s loss to the lowly Sacramento Kings didn’t make you pull out your hair, scream, shake your head, and or contemplate how much you believe in this team for the rest of the season, than chances are, the loss to the Warriors, Suns, or the embarrassing loss at home to a 17-26 Mavericks team did. For nearly a month now, the Knicks, yes, the same Knicks that were labeled as favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, have looked closer to the worst team in the league than even a good one.

That’s led to the front office being tasked with two major questions. One, do they think that there are personnel issues, or do they think that the team, as currently constructed, is good enough, and that they are just in the middle of a rough patch? And two, if they do think there are some personnel issues, then are there moves out there that are both realistic, and can help remedy whatever issues that they have diagnosed.

Regardless of the front office’s view, the answer to the first question is a clear yes. Whether fans like it or not, the team is flawed. Few teams are perfect, but the Knicks’ talented roster has clear, exploitable weaknesses. They have only one point-of-attack defender in Deuce McBride, who, despite his development, is still undersized and can’t play full games. Besides Jalen Brunson, they lack real ball handlers, resulting in poor shot creation. The bench, though occasionally effective, remains inconsistent.

The second question, unfortunately, is one that we cannot answer. Fans can speculate, but they are left to social media and media outlets. And even then, they seem not to be able to come to a full agreement for much of the season. Throughout this turbulent season, fans have heard about the possibility of the Knicks moving on from Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as players like Mitchell Robinson and the aforementioned McBride. Whether Towns is involved in a deal for a certain Greek superstar or not, it seems that his defense has struggled, paired with what has now become one of his worst offensive seasons in a very long time, making Towns a likely trade candidate.

Steve Popper of Newsday Sports said yesterday there were “whispers around the league” about New York possibly moving Towns. He added, “His name surfaced when Bucks & Knicks discussed the chance of a Giannis deal, but now league sources said that talks have involved other teams including Memphis, Orlando & Charlotte.”

That certainly must’ve raised the eyebrows of some Knicks fans, especially as the fanbase has slowly, but very surely, started to turn against the big man. But Popper also reiterated earlier this morning that he doesn’t think a trade is likely, and that the team isn’t openly shopping anybody.

That sentiment was backed up by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, who spoke about how the Knicks are not looking to move any of their core guys and are planning to ride the season out with the group. He did make sure to include the fact that this doesn’t mean they aren’t speaking to teams. New York will still do their due diligence as they often have, and in a league that just saw superstar Luka Doncic traded away less than 12 months ago, you can never say never.

But much to the dismay of most Knicks fans, it’s looking more and more likely that this team won’t be making any substantial changes this season.

After each game, Brew Hoop evaluates each Buck’s individual performance with a letter grade. At this season’s 25% mark, we decided to check the Bucks’ grades as a progress report, but now that we have hit the halfway point, it’s time to see how the grades turned out since last check. Below are the players’ first-quarter averages, current averages, their most common grades, and their highs and lows. You will probably notice an unfortunate trend.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Q1 average: A-
• Current average: B+
• Most common grade: A (nine games)
• Best grade: A+, October 26 (Cavaliers) and November 17 (Cavaliers)
• Lowest grade: D, January 15 (Spurs)

Myles Turner

• Q1 average: B-
• Current average: C+
• Most common grade: B- (six games)
• Best grade: A, November 7 (Bulls), December 29 (Hornets)
• Lowest grade: F, January 15 (Spurs)

Ryan Rollins

• Q1 average: B+
• Current average: B
• Most common grade: B (eleven games)
• Best grade: A+, October 28 (Knicks) and 30 (Warriors), December 27 (Bulls)
• Lowest grade: D-, January 15 (Spurs)

Kevin Porter Jr

• Q1 average: Incomplete
• Current average: B-
• Most common grade: A, A-, and B+ (three games)
• Best grade: A+, December 6 (Pistons)
• Lowest grade: F, January 15 (Spurs)

AJ Green

• Q1 average: B-
• Current average: C+
• Most common grade: B (eight games)
• Best grade: A, October 26 (Cavaliers), November 29 (Nets), December 3 (Pistons)
• Lowest grade: F, December 21 (Timberwolves), January 4 (Kings) and 15 (Spurs

Gary Trent Jr.

• Q1 average: C+
• Current average: C
• Most common grade: C+ (six games)
• Best grade: B+, October 22 (Wizards) and 24 (Raptors), November 1 (Kings) and 26 (Heat)
• Lowest grade: F, October 26 (Cavaliers), December 21 (Timberwolves), January 2 (Hornets) and 15 (Spurs)

Bobby Portis

• Q1 average: C+
• Current average: C+
• Most common grade: B+ (five games)
• Best grade: A, November 24 (Blazers)
• Lowest grade: D, October 22 (Wizards), November 28 (Knicks), January 15 (Spurs)

Kyle Kuzma

• Q1 average: B
• Current average: C+
• Most common grade: B+ (four games)
• Best grade: A+, November 14 (Hornets)
• Lowest grade: F, November 15 (Lakers), January 13 (Timberwolves)

Jericho Sims

• Q1 average: C+
• Current average: C+
• Most common grade: C and C+ (two games each)
• Best grade: A+, December 3 (Pistons)
• Lowest grade: D, November 24 (Blazers)

Gary Harris

• Q1 average: B-
• Current average: C+
• Most common grade: C (four games)
• Best grade: A-, November 14 (Hornets), January 7 (Warriors)
• Lowest grade: C, November 20 (Sixers) and 26 (Heat)

Doc Rivers

• Q1 average: B-
• Current average C
• Most common grade: C (five games)
• Best grade: A, October 30 (Warriors), November 7 (Bulls)
• Lowest grade: F, December 14 (Nets), January 13 (Timberwolves) and 15 (Spurs)

The following received incompletes due to injury and/or lack of playing time in quarter 2: Amir Coffey, Andre Jackson Jr., Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo, Pete Nance, Taurean Prince, and Cole Anthony.

Unsurprisingly, Milwaukee’s declining performance over the last several weeks affected these grades. Almost all the players—except Bobby Portis—saw their average drop, with Kuzma seeing the largest drop from a B to C+. Giannis, Ryan Rollins, and Bobby are the only main rotational players to not receive an F grade this season, and Gary Trent Jr. is still hoping for his first A.

Some of the worst games of the season, like losses against Brooklyn, Minnesota, and San Antonio, really hurt the averages with plenty of D or F grades. Doc Rivers saw his average drop from a B- to a C, and given his uninspiring coaching, he will likely continue a downward trend. In January alone, Doc averages a 1.62 GPA, which would put him closer to the C- range. Rivers will be on an IEP until further notice.

It’s a “Texas-sized” showdown when the San Antonio Spurs visit the Houston Rockets tonight.

As we know, everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, including San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama, who is a tower of power, especially on the boards. 

My Spurs vs. Rockets predictions expect the 7-foot-4 Frenchman to wipe the glass clean. Here are my best NBA picks for January 20.

Spurs vs Rockets prediction

Spurs vs Rockets best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 8.5 Rebounds (-140)

The cleanly-shaven Victor Wembanyama is a stat sheet stuffer, especially now that he’s back in the swing of things after an injury-shortened December. 

Along with his offensive performances, Wemby has snatched rebounding efforts of nine, 10, and 10 during the San Antonio Spurs’ three-game winning streak. However, all three results stayed below his rebounding totals of 10.5 O/U.

Tonight’s matchup with the Houston Rockets sees that rebounding total dip to as low as 8.5 O/U against a Houston team that ranks among the top rebounding squads in the NBA. While the Rockets do a fine job cleaning the glass, this adjustment is much too large.

Wembanyama’s recent tallies come despite a decrease in rebounding chance (14.3 per game last three vs. 16.6 on the season), with San Antonio’s sharp shooting limiting his impact on the offensive glass. 

This will be the second of back-to-back games for the Spurs, taking those heavy legs on the road where their shooting success drops from 49% at home to 45.8% as a visitor. Houston presents plenty of pushback, sitting seventh in advanced defensive rating and checking opponents to 45.5% shooting at home (seventh lowest). 

In his only matchup with the Rockets this season, Wembanyama recorded eight boards on 14 rebounding chances. Houston had burly center Steven Adams in action for that meeting as well as forward Tari Eason (a combined 14.6 rebounds per game). Adams is out, and Eason is questionable tonight.

Player projections for this game list Wembanyama’s rebounding totals between nine and 12.2, with my number coming out to 10.2 rebounds. That should have the Over 8.5 rebounds priced around -180 instead of the -140 at bet365.

Spurs vs Rockets same-game parlay

Wembanyama has secured nine or more boards in three straight games, and his work on the glass is vital to stopping the Rockets.

Kevin Durant will benefit from plenty of kickouts, as the Houston runs into Wemby inside and hits KD for open looks.

The Spurs are playing the second of back-to-back games and don’t shoot well on the road. Meanwhile, the Rockets play at a plodding pace and feature a very stingy defense at home.

Spurs vs Rockets SGP

• Victor Wembanyama Over 8.5 rebounds
• Kevin Durant Over 2.5 threes
• Under 220.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Texas Takedown

Houston is a step up for the Spurs, who have beaten up on some bad teams during this streak.

Spurs vs Rockets SGP

• Rockets -3.5
• Victor Wembanyama Over 8.5 rebounds
• Kevin Durant Over 2.5 threes
• Under 220.5

Spurs vs Rockets odds

• Spread: Spurs +4 (-110) | Rockets -4 (-110)
• Moneyline: Spurs +140 | Rockets -165
• Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)

Spurs vs Rockets betting trend to know

San Antonio is 4-7 Over/Under as a road underdog this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Rockets.

How to watch Spurs vs Rockets

Spurs vs Rockets latest injuries

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

The first half of the 2025-26 season is history, and the Wizards season has at times inspired hope, frustration, and laughter. There have been puzzling moments (like Kyshawn George trying to force James Harden to go left — TWICE in the final minutes of a close game) and some exciting ones as well (like Alex Sarr emerging as one of the game’s better rim protectors).

At 10-32, the Wizards have the NBA’s third worst winning percentage (the New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers are percentage points ahead behind). They‘re 14th in the East, 8.5 games out of the play-in, and they have the league’s worst scoring differential adjusted for strength of schedule or not.

As I’ve written previously, scoring margin is the best measure of relative team strength. Adjusted for opponent quality, the Wizards are -10.8 per game this season. That’s a whopping 2.6 points per game worse than the 29th ranked Sacramento Kings.

Barring a complete second half meltdown, the Wizards are out of “worst ever” historical status. Their adjusted scoring margin is 11th worst all-time, which is an improvement from last season when they were third worst. Ever. They remain on course for the worst two-year run — at least in terms of scoring margin — in NBA history.

The Measuring Stick

Here’s where the Wizards currently rank in the various key stats of team strength (where they ranked at the last update, which was Jan. 13, is in parentheses):

• Offensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions): 28 (27)
• Defensive rating (points scored per 100 possessions): 29 (29)

The departures of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert have — at least temporarily — reduced Washington’s offensive efficiency. Kispert’s impact is less because he missed much of the season with injuries. Trading McCollum is more consequential because of his ability to create good shots and to make tough ones. Plus, his experience helped the team stay somewhat organized.

With McCollum gone, the young guys have to figure things out on their own, which at this point is probably a good thing for their long-term development. Call it a short-term quarter step back in hopes of taking a couple giant steps forward.

Offensive Four Factors

• eFG%: 23 (21)
• Offensive Rebounding Percentage: 19 (20)
• Turnover Rate: 26 (26)
• Free Throws Made/Field Goal Attempts: 27 (26)

Since the McCollum trade, the Wizards have shot worse and committed more turnovers. They’re also getting to the free throw line a bit less.

Defensive Four Factors

• eFG%: 22 (23)
• Defensive Rebounding Percentage: 30 (30)
• Turnover Rate: 28 (28)
• Free Throws Made/Field Goal Attempts: 21 (15)

They’re still last in defensive rebounding, but the actual percentage has gone up to 71.0% — it was 70.0% just a few games ago. They’re still almost two percentage points from 29th. As I wrote after a recent game, the defensive results aren’t good, but the coaching staff is implementing a good defensive scheme, and we’re seeing the predictable growing pains.

Player Production Average

Below is a table with updated results from the Player Production Average (PPA) metric so far this season. PPA is an overall rating metric I developed that credits players for things they do that help a team win (scoring, rebounding, play-making, defending) and debits them for things that hurt the cause (missed shots, turnovers, fouls, ineffective defense). PPA is similar to other linear weight rating metrics such as John Hollinger’s PER, David Berri’s Wins Produced, Kevin Pelton’s VORP, and the granddaddy of them all, Dave Heeren’s TENDEX.

PPA weighs a player’s performance per possession against that of his competitors season by season. While PPA falls into the category of a linear weight metric, the values for statistical categories float a bit season-to-season based on league performance.

PPA is pace neutral, accounts for defense, and includes a “degree of difficulty” factor based on the level of competition a player faces while on the floor. Beginning with the 2019-20 season, I added a position/role adjustment designed to reflect how roles and on-court positioning affect individual abilities to produce certain stats.

Inputs include:

• on-court team defensive rating
• points
• rebounds (offensive and defensive weighed differently)
• assists
• steals
• blocks
• shot attempts
• turnovers
• personal fouls
• starts
• minutes

In the table below, I’ve included each player’s PPA last time, currently (through games played Jan. 19 — game 42), as well as games played and minutes per game. The Garbage Time Brigade has their own section.

In the table below, LAST = the player’s PPA when I last ran an update, which was through games played Jan. 7, 2026.

2026 All-Star Ballot

Below is a table showing my picks right now for this year’s All-Star game based on a mix of stats and watching too many games.

• I paid no attention to position because apparently All-Star has now joined All-NBA as positionless.
• I also paid no attention to the U.S. vs. International aspect of this year’s festivities. On a quick eyeballing of the lists, I see at least eight international players, which is the minimum required.
• I’m not sure if Deni Avdija will actually make the team. He’s playing really well, and there are a lot of good vibes out there about him. In my view, he’s in an arguable group with maybe 6-10 other guys.
• MVP is a two-man race, assuming Jokic can get to the stupid 65-game requirement. SGA’s PPA is 299 (the only player to crack 300 was Stephen Curry, who did it once). Jokic is at 288. Giannis is third at 257.
• LeBron James isn’t on my list because of his status as the game’s elder statesman. His PPA is 182 this season, which is excellent. If I was to drop an old guy for someone playing a little better, it would be Kevin Durant.
• I wanted very much to find a spot for Jimmy Butler, who’s having an excellent season, but I couldn’t see giving two spots to the Golden State Warriors.

The gravitational pull of the NBA’s play-in tournament is calling out to the Toronto Raptors. And it may be too late to escape its reach if the Raptors can’t salvage the four games that remain in their west coast road trip. 

The Raptors (25-19) are currently one game ahead of the seventh-seeded Orlando Magic and only hold a four-game advantage over the 11th-place Chicago Bulls. Toronto doesn’t have a great history of coming back from its trip out west with a winning record. It’s realistic for this team, especially as they continue to navigate through their injuries, to experience a downward spiral in the Eastern Conference by the end of their business trip. 

The challenges remain relentless, with the next hurdle in the gauntlet being the Golden State Warriors. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EST on Sportsnet for Canadian viewers. 

Here are three storylines to consider ahead of the contest. 

Three-point woes

The Raptors’ inability to knock down shots from beyond-the-arc is hurting them. While it’s always been a concern when trying to construct a roster around Scottie Barnes, the need for shooters has become especially important since the acquisition of Brandon Ingram. 

Golden State is averaging 16.2 three-pointers (1st) on 36.5 per cent efficiency (10th) this season. It’s important that Toronto breaks out of its shooting slump to help neutralize the home-run ball.

Teams have traditionally gone to zone against the Raptors over the last few years. But it’s shockingly embarrassing how often soft coverages have been deployed in the last month. Opponents don’t respect Toronto’s perimeter shooting and the stats support their reasoning. 

The Raptors rank last in the league in three-point efficiency at 33.6 per cent. Since Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic replaced Nick Nurse, the team has finished in the bottom percentile from the perimeter. They shot 34.8 per cent last season (23rd) and 34.7 per cent in 2023-24 (27th). 

After going 6-for-37 (16 per cent) against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 12, the Raptors are 28-for-93 (30.1 per cent) over the last three games. 

Expect the Warriors to go into zone anytime the Raptors’ offence looks like it’s gaining confidence. 

Warriors eager to come out and play

Since their dramatic 141-127 overtime loss to the Raptors on Dec. 28, the Warriors are 9-3. They have also won their last four games by an average of 19.5 points. 

Jimmy Butler’s season ended when he tore his ACL against the Miami Heat on Jan. 20. Stephen Curry continues to serve as the game-breaking engine of the Warriors’ offence, but Butler (alongside Draymond Green) has alternated with contributing memorable performances. In Butler’s absence, the team’s auxiliary pieces need to step up. Fortunately for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, they’ve been an integral reason for their recent good fortunes.

Brandin Podziemski is averaging 16.6 points on a blistering 67.8 per cent shooting during the Golden State’s three-game win streak. He’s also contributing 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals in this stretch. Podziemski hasn’t scorched the net like this since mid-December, when he finished six straight contests with double-digit scoring. 

Moses Moody is also finally realizing the potential the Warriors saw when the organization drafted him with the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Moody is averaging 15.6 points per game over the last three contests. He’s having a career-season in points (10.6), three-point percentage (39.2 per cent), steals (0.9) and blocks (0.6). Moody’s production as a three-and-d type of wing has helped offset Buddy Hield’s inconsistency and the drama of Jonathan Kuminga. 

CMB down

While Jakob Poeltl (back) and RJ Barrett (ankle) are expected to miss the game, it’s Collin Murray-Boyles’ inclusion on the injury report that might be the most significant narrative thread. 

Murray-Boyles’ defensive prowess for a rookie is abnormal. On the surface, his six-foot-seven frame and non-elite athleticism don’t look threatening for someone moonlighting as a centre. But for a team without a true big man in its lineup, his intimidating presence and defensive genius are what have held this team together, particularly during the offence’s cold stretches. 

UPDATE 1:15 p.m. ET: Injury reports are available!

For the Sixers, Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Monday hosting the Suns for right ankle injury management. As mentioned in the original post below, Embiid has not played a single game on zero days rest so far this season, so him missing tonight (after playing 33 minutes last night) isn’t a huge surprise. Paul George, who did not play last night, is listed as questionable for left knee injury management.

Seven-foot-one center Mark Williams is questionable for Phoenix due to right knee injury management. Williams has only played in two of a possible six zero-rest games for the Suns so far this season.

The big update from the Suns camp, however, is that it looks like Jalen Green will in fact make his return from injury for Phoenix against the Sixers. Green, a career 20-point scorer in four seasons with the Rockets, has been out since early November with a hamstring injury and has played only two games this season.

Another day, another Philadelphia 76ers game.

The Sixers are back in action on Tuesday evening to host the Phoenix Suns less than 24 hours after defeating the Indiana Pacers. This is the eighth of an NBA-high (tied with four other teams) 16 back-to-backs this season for the Sixers. So far this campaign, they are 5-2 in games on zero days rest. The Suns are also coming into Philly on the second leg of a back-to-back, having defeated the Brooklyn Nets in New York City last night.

You know what back-to-backs mean by now! No official injury reports until this afternoon.

Joel Embiid, after being listed as questionable throughout the day for left knee injury management and illness, ended up playing against the Pacers, putting up 30 points on 10-for-17 field goal shooting with nine rebounds in 33:18. Neither he nor Paul George have played a game on zero days rest so far this season, so one could guess that Embiid may not be available for Tuesday. PG, however, did not play on Monday night after being ruled out for left knee injury management. That leaves the door more open for him to be possibly available to take on the Suns.

For Phoenix, their only absence for their Monday contest was Jalen Green, out with a hamstring strain. Green was listed as questionable before that contest, however, which is notable as Green has been sidelined since early Nov. 2025 with a hamstring issue. He has played just two games this season for the Suns after being moved to Phoenix as part of the Kevin Durant trade, but is a career 20-point per game scorer in his previous four NBA seasons with the Houston Rockets. A return from Green could mean a big boost for the Suns’ offense. Phoenix coach Jordan Ott told reporters on Monday that Green being ruled out against the Nets was “just giving him the extra day” and that Green would make his return against the Sixers on Tuesday “if everything checks out.”

We will keep you posted on official availabilities when the teams’ injury reports are posted.

This is the Sixers’ first of two meetings with the Suns this season. Phoenix are led by franchise veteran Devin Booker, who is averaging 25.3 points, 6.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game in this his 11th NBA season. Dillon Brooks is right alongside Booker this year, averaging 20.9 points per contest and shooting 35.1 percent from three-point range on a 7.2 attempts per game clip. The Suns also have a decent supporting cast down the roster of players contributing well this season, including Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie and 7-foot-1 Mark Williams. This squad, especially with the prospective addition of Green back in the mix, will be a formidable opponent for the Sixers.

The Suns come into Tuesday’s contest at 26-17, currently sitting in seventh in the Western Conference. They’ve won seven of their last ten games as they continue to battle for every inch of leverage in the conference, with just a game or less separating them from the three squads ahead of them, as of Tuesday morning.

This is game five of a six-game roadie for the Suns, and they’ll have some tired legs on top of that. The struggling Nets were able to keep things relatively close on Monday night against the Suns, so most of the Phoenix starters played a normal amount of minutes last night, ranging from 28 to 34.

The Sixers were in a similar boat against the Pacers in not pulling away until towards the very end of the contest, with the Philly starters logging anywhere from 24 minutes to 40 (Tyrese Maxey) on Monday. So, there may be some weariness on both sides tonight.

Maxey, by the way, had a stellar game last night to celebrate his first All-Star starter nod. He put up 29 points (14 in the fourth period to secure the win) on 12-for-24 field goal shooting with eight assists and a career-high eight steals. It was the perfect display of the guard not only continuing to develop offensively but also the massive leap his defense has taken this season.

The Sixers and Suns will tip off in South Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET.

Game Details

When: Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors may have seen their title chances disappear Monday night.

Star Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL in the Warriors’ 135-112 victory over the Heat, according to ESPN.com.

Butler, 36, was helped off the court with a right knee injury at the 7:41 mark of the third quarter against his former team.

Butler was hurt moments after catching a pass in the paint when he went down hard and awkwardly following a collision with the Heat’s Davion Mitchell — who was called for a foul.

After the play, Butler was asking for two free throws, a positive sign to coach Steve Kerr that his spirits were good and “hopefully that’s a good sign.”

“We’re all really concerned but we’ll know more after the MRI,” Kerr said. “Everybody is subdued because of the injury, waiting to hear the news.”

Butler’s knee buckled upon his landing and he grimaced and grabbed at his knee while down for a couple of minutes.

He needed teammates Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield to escort him off the court and to the locker room after the fall on the Warriors’ offensive end.

When he finally got up with assistance, he was unable to put any pressure on his knee.

“It’s something you hadn’t seen before, usually you expect him get up and even if he can’t finish the game just get off the sideline. I just told him to take his time and figure out what he needed in that moment,” Stephen Curry said.

“It’s kind of funny he was still cracking jokes over there while he was on the ground in true Jimmy fashion. He’s always going to have a good time no matter the situation is. I do love that perspective and that part of his personality, even in the worst of moment he’s still having a good time. He was trying to get to the free-throw line, he said it was two shots.”

In just under 21 minutes, Butler had 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting, four assists and three rebounds.

He is Golden State’s second-leading scorer behind Curry, having averaged 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists entering the week.

The Warriors currently sit at 25-19 and the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

A disgruntled Butler was acquired last season from the Heat to add another veteran star to Golden State’s aging roster.

The Warriors did make it to the Western Conference semifinals with Butler’s help, but Curry got hurt in Game 1 against the Timberwolves and Golden State was dismissed in five games.

This will only add to questions about whether the Warriors should consider a drastic move at the trade deadline.

Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade last week as the young forward is frustrated with his role on the team.

“He’s an alpha. He’s one of those guys in the league who everybody else in the gym knows that’s the guy,” Kerr said.

“He has that presence but he also has that game where we can play through him possession after possession. So, assuming we’ll be without him for a little bit, we’re going to miss him, we’ve got a lot of players who can play and we’re showing our depth right now. We’ll just wait for the news to figure out what’s next.”

— With AP

The Phoenix Suns have won two straight, but their win streak will be put to the test when they face the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena tonight.

With both team rosters trending toward full health, my Suns vs 76ers predictions expect a high-scoring affair in the City of Brotherly Love.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference clash on Tuesday, January 20.

Suns vs 76ers prediction

Suns vs 76ers best bet: Over 224 (-110)

Both teams are expected to be at or near full strength tonight, which means a high-scoring affair. 

Phoenix Suns G Jalen Green will return from a multi-week absence, and Philadelphia 76ers F Paul George is expected to be available. Even if Joel Embiid sits out the second leg of the back-to-back, Philly has more than enough firepower to put up points at home, and the return of Green to Phoenix's lineup should give the offense a boost.

The Sixers have hit the Over in nine of 15 games as the home favorite, and the Suns have hit the Over in 10 of 17 as the road underdog.

Over the last 10 games, the Suns rank 10th in offensive rating at 116.4, and the Sixers are close behind in 11th at 116.3. In that span, the teams have combined to average 230.9 points, nearly seven points more than tonight’s total.

I’ll take the Over on this modest total as two emerging offenses go head-to-head.

Suns vs 76ers same-game parlay

The Sixers are just 10-12 ATS at home and 6-9 ATS as the home favorite, while the Suns are 15-9 ATS on the road and 9-8 as the road underdog. The spread is just one point, making this essentially a pick 'em, so betting Phoenix to win straight up as the underdog is the most sensible bet with the most profitable odds.

Devin Booker is averaging 10.5 rebounds+assists, and he's recorded 10+ in 23 of 39 contests. He's posted 11.2 rebounds+assists across his last five outings and hit the Over on this combo line three times in that span.

Suns vs 76ers SGP

• Over 224
• Suns moneyline
• Devin Booker Over 9.5 rebounds + assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Maxey Power

Tyrese Maxey is dishing 6.9 assists per game at home. He's recorded at least seven helpers in 21 of 39 appearances overall, including 12 of 20 at home.

Suns vs 76ers SGP

• Over 224
• Suns moneyline
• Devin Booker Over 9.5 rebounds + assists
• Tyrese Maxey Over 6.5 assists

Suns vs 76ers odds

• Spread: Suns +1 (-110) | 76ers -1 (-110)
• Moneyline: Suns -105 | 76ers -115
• Over/Under: Over 224 (-110) | Under 224 (-110)

Suns vs 76ers betting trend to know

The Phoenix Suns have covered the Spread in 32 of their last 45 games (+17.70 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. 76ers.

How to watch Suns vs 76ers

Suns vs 76ers latest injuries

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