Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes has been suspended for one game for pushing the Wizards mascot before Friday’s road win in Washington.
The league announced Hayes’ punishment on Wednesday.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
X/@BleacherReport
The incident occurred during pregame introductions when Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, was running off the court during player introductions. As he approaches the Lakers bench, Hayes goes out of his way to drop his shoulder into the much shorter mascot.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
While the video cuts out, it appears the mascot if lifted off his feet and hit into the direction of members of the Wizards dancing team, who were running onto the floor.
Hayes will serve his suspension on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers, when the Lakers kick off their eight-game homestand sandwiched around All-Star weekend (Feb. 13-15).
This is not the first time Hayes has run into issues.
In July of 2021, Los Angeles police were called to Hayes’ home by the cousin of his then-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora, during a domestic dispute.
Once police arrived, bodycam footage showed Hayes in a physical altercation with an officer, wrestling and shoving him. Hayes would later pay the officer $150,000 to cover his injuries, according to a deposition given by the officer.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes celebrates in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Hayes was eventually charged with 12 misdemeanors in Los Angeles County, and was ultimately sentenced to three years probation, had to do community service and attend domestic violence classes.
The NBA chose not to suspend, fine or take any disciplinary action against Hayes in the wake of the incident.
The 7-foot Hayes is slated to participate in the Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend.
Hayes has averaged 6.4 points (77.5% shooting) and 3.8 rebounds in 41 games in 2025-26.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call as Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2025 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks (32*-18) host the Denver Nuggets (33-18) tonight at Madison Square Garden. This game pits the second-place team in the East against the third-place team in the West for a potential playoff preview. Intrigued? During their current (…not five…not six…) seven-game winning streak, New York has clamped down at both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Denver’s offense remains Grade A sushi, but their defense is imitation crab.
Nikola Jokic is available for Denver after getting kicked in the oysters last night (they lost to Detroit), but Aaron Gordon is sidelined by a hamstring injury. The Knicks list Miles McBride (ankle) and Kevin McCullar, Jr. out, while Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Josh Hart (ankle), and Mohamed Diawara (ankle) are day-to-day. Bonita Applebum, it’s an ankle epidemic!
Game is at 7 PM on MSG Network and ESPN. This is Denver Stiffs. Please do no post any large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal game streams in the comments. Be nice to one another. Go the Knicks!
* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.
Though we are in the thicket of NBA trade season — with the Brooklyn Nets already dipping their toe in the water — Michael Porter Jr. just hopped on a podcast. And it went well. Exhale.
While back in Denver, MPJ hopped on an episode of The Old Man and the Three, which was released on Tuesday MPJ. The current host of the one-time JJ Redick venture? None other than the man Porter Jr. was traded for last summer, Cam Johnson. The two talked about the trade, of course, as well as their shared experiences in Brooklyn and Denver.
Porter Jr. has spent half of his brief Nets tenure deeply involved in trade rumors, and even if he survives Thursday’s trade deadline, he will again be involved in rumors this offseason (like Johnson before him). And yet, MPJ spends most of the episode praising the franchise’s direction and coaching staff. Talking to Johnson and co-host Tommy Alter, he reveals he arrived in Brooklyn with “more excitement than sadness,” but one aspect of the transition made him a little nervous.
“I knew at the end of the day, I could still play bad and we could still win a game,” said MPJ of his time in Denver. “And so I was a little anxious, but I was up for the challenge over there, and I think it took some adjusting to figure it out. It took a different approach to, you know, how I approach the weight room and how I approach conditioning. I’m still kind of figuring it all out a little bit because it’s a different amount of usage … but it’s a challenge that I was ready to explore.”
So far, Porter Jr. has been up to the task, becoming one of the NBA’s most efficient 25-a-night scorers as an undisputed #1 option. Despite a summer of making misogynistic comments on disreputable podcasts, MPJ has since endeared himself to Nets fans, thanks to both his sharp-shooting and the other side of that unfiltered honesty. When Porter Jr. talks hoops, he is always insightful, whether he’s explaining how to come off a pindown or what it’s like being on a rebuilding team.
“I have a certain level of like, peace and stillness because of the fact that I had seven years of winning basketball and I did get a championship. If I didn’t have that, I might be a little antsy with my agent, like, ‘Man, are they trying to win? Like, I need to go try to win, I want to be deep in playoffs.’ But because I had that for seven years, I’m a little bit more patient with the process over here.”
This whole segment (starting at around 14:20) is most worth listening to, but MPJ also adds: “I’m really back in that leadership role of, this almost feels like like high school. Like, these guys are fresh from college, 19 and 20 year olds, and we’re trying to compete against grown men every night. And we have a few vets over there, but for the most part, man, we’re trying to build the young guys. It’s fun, it’s fun, so I appreciate it. It’s definitely a challenge.”
Though Porter Jr. doesn’t go in-depth on the recent string of embarrassing, blowout losses the Nets have been suffering, he doesn’t sugarcoat the losing either. With another assist from Cam Johnson, he again goes above and beyond the typical non-answer of yeah, losing is tough but I trust the process and gives us hope that the player-podcast-era isn’t a total waste of time.
“Sometimes I need a check by the coaches, or even some of the front office that’s like, keeping my morale up. And then me, as an extension, I’m really trying to keep those guys heads up because it is a different journey that this team is on. And I think we’re on the right path to being a good team … In our locker room, we are pissed when we lose. But the next day, we have to figure out a way to to get our morale right back up, stay positive, realize that it’s about developing, getting better, going to practice with a good attitude.”
There’s much more in this segment, but it’s hard not to feel like Porter Jr. isn’t invested in Brooklyn’s long-term success. Of course, if the Nets do intend on making MPJ a part of their future, they’ll likely have to reach an extension this summer to keep the marriage happy.
Elsewhere, Johnson and MPJ praise Jordi Fernández as a “let it fly” type of coach.
Says Johnson: “For somebody like yourself who has the ability to be a tough shot-maker, he empowers you to use that ability to its full extent, 100 percent.”
“I give Jordi all the credit in the world,” adds MPJ. “I think in the NBA, you know, I’ve always been a guy that has confidence in myself, but with the way he coaches and the confidence he instills, he’s gonna help even those young guys develop at a way faster rate because of the freedom. Like you said, taking the pressure off of the shots you shoot. Like, Egor (Dëmin) was not touted as an amazing shooter, but he’s shooting 40% hitting really tough shots.”
The final half of the podcast is less Nets-centric, but CJ and MPJ don’t spend this one BS’ing or repeating what was your welcome to the NBA moment? clichés. We may be entering the final day of Porter Jr.’s stay in Brooklyn, but if it is, he says goodbye with one of the more insightful media appearances you’ll get from a Net. The full episode is linked below…
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Brooklyn Nets have a game that evening as they visit the Orlando Magic, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Jul 12, 2018; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale (34) blocks out Portland Trail Blazers center Georgios Papagiannis (19) during a first half free throw attempt at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Hawks have reportedly added a center one day before the trade deadline tomorrow. In fact, it’s a player they already know. This per Shams Charania of ESPN:
The Atlanta Hawks are acquiring center Jock Landale from the Utah Jazz for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN.
Landale has played the entire season with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he was included in a blockbuster deal that took him with Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.
The Australian international joins Dyson Daniels and the recently acquired Duop Reath as players on the team who represent the Land Down Under. Jock Landale is having a career year in the wake of Memphis’ injury crisis, averaging 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
He’s an offensive-minded 6-foot-11, 255-pound player, but will help the team rebound with his physicality and can space the floor from three (38% shooting from deep in 2.9 attempts per game).
Several teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Ball, including the Wizards and the Hornets.
Ball has averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 20.9 minutes across 35 games this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (2) stands on the court in the first quarter against the Orland Magic at Rocket Arena. David Richard-Imagn Images
The move is viewed as a salary dump by the Cavaliers as they look to create some roster flexibility by unloading his contract.
Cleveland is roughly $14 million above the second apron, and getting below that threshold would help save payroll and keep the team from having its 2033 first-round pick frozen.
The recent additions of Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis ended up making Ball — and his $10 million salary — replaceable.
Lonzo Ball of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 24, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NBAE via Getty Images
Ball entered the NBA with high hopes when the Lakers drafted him second overall in 2017, but injuries limited him to 99 games over his first two seasons in the league.
Ball was traded to the Pelicans in 2019 and spent two seasons in New Orleans before being traded again to the Bulls in 2021.
He dealt with severe knee issues during his time in Chicago that cost him two seasons, but during the 2024-25 season, Ball was signed to a two-year, $20 million contract.
He was traded to the Cavs in July.
For his career, he’s averaged 10.6 points, 5.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman of the Cleveland Cavaliers is interviewed during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on September 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cavs’ president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, released a statement about the shocking trade. First, he spoke about trading for Harden:
“James Harden has cemented himself as an all-time great in this league and he adds another elite playmaker and All-NBA talent to our roster. We’re excited about the impact he will have on our group and our championship aspirations. His presence will elevate our offense, create opportunities for teammates, and bring valuable playoff experience at both ends of the floor.”
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Let ‘Em Know shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
It’s easy to see the upside with Harden, but there’s an incredible risk in trading away a home-grown former All-Star who is a decade younger in the process.
Altman said this about moving Garland:
“At the same time, we deeply appreciate what Darius Garland has meant to this franchise and the city of Cleveland. Over the past seven seasons, Darius grew into an All-Star, a leader, and the heartbeat of our team. This decision was not made lightly, as Darius consistently represented the Cavaliers and our community with grace and joy that resonated with his teammates and our fans, both at Rocket Arena and across the NBA. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has given this organization. The difficulty of this trade reflects the utmost respect we have for him, and we wish him nothing but success as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers.”
This trade was made with the hopes of the Cavs being better prepared for the playoffs in a wide-open Eastern Conference. We’ll see if that gamble pays off in the spring.
KIEL, Germany (AP) — Defending champion Stuttgart defeated second-division club Holstein Kiel 3-0 Wednesday to reach the German Cup semifinals.
Deniz Undav broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 56th minute, then Chris Fuhrich added to the lead in the 89th and Atakan Karazor closed the scoring three minutes into stoppage time.
Stuttgart won its fourth German Cup title last season, beating third-division team Arminia Bielefeld in the final.
Holstein Kiel was playing in the quarterfinals for the first time since reaching the last four in 2020-21.
On Tuesday, Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the last four for the third straight season by beating St. Pauli 3-0.
The other two quarterfinals will be played next week — second-tier Hertha Berlin faces Freiburg and Bayern Munich takes on Leipzig.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for a shot against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What’s this feeling in my head? Whiplash? Dizziness? The Utah Jazz are not finished making last-second moves before the Feb 5 trade deadline after an eight-player swaperoo that sent Clayton, Hendricks, Anderson, Niang, and three firsts to Memphis in exchange for Jaren Jackson Jr, John Konchar, Vince Williams, and Jock Landale.
Of that return, I really hope you didn’t get too attached to Landale.
In what was ultimately revealed to be a three-team trade, the Utah Jazz have dealt newly-acquired 30-year-old center Jock Landale to Atlanta in exchange for cash considerations, while the Cleveland Cavaliers chipped in, sending Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks Utah-bound — the final second-rounders that Cleveland had available to trade, according to Jake Fischer.
It's the Cavaliers' 2028 and 2032 second-round picks heading to Utah to move off of Lonzo Ball, per source. Only two seconds Cleveland had left to trade, at the moment.
Much like with Landale, I really hope you didn’t jump at the opportunity to buy a Lonzo Ball jersey, as the Jazz are expected to waive the former second-overall pick before he ever suits up in Utah.
The Utah Jazz front office is waist-deep into the trade deadline hokey-pokey. You put your Landale in, you take your Landale out, you put your Lonzo in, and you trade them all about.
Cleveland is gentrifying its roster with James Harden (who was recently swapped for Darius Garland), Keon Ellis, and Dennis Shröder. Atlanta walks away with lighter pockets, but a deeper frontcourt with Landale, who was enjoying a career-best season in Memphis prior to being moved.
Historically, this move is reminiscent of the last time Utah waived a point guard from Cleveland. Do you remember the time that former MVP Derrick Rose was included in the trade that sent Jae Crowder to Utah? Rose was waived immediately, much to the delight of this hospital patient, who was quick to remind everyone that the former All-NBA guard was well past his prime.
Utah comes away with two second-round picks, proving that their recent trade for Jaren Jackson Jr does not mean the Jazz plan to win now and win at all costs — just as patiently as the rebuild began, Utah has no intention of prematurely chopping the timeline. Draft capital collection and deliberate personnel decisions will define the coming years of Utah Jazz basketball; there is nothing short-sighted about Utah’s franchise reconstruction.
Calvin Barrett is a writer, editor, and prolific Mario Kart racer located in Tokyo, Japan. He has covered the NBA and College Sports since 2024.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal went to a record-setting salary arbitration hearing Wednesday, with the left-hander asking for $32 million and the Detroit Tigers offering $19 million.
A decision by Jeanne Charles, Walt De Treux and Allen Ponak is expected Thursday.
Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has the highest salary in an arbitration case decided by a panel, winning at $19.9 million in 2024 in a case decided by Charles, De Treux and Scott Buchheit.
A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Skubal will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. He is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six major league seasons.
Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, striking out 241 and walking 33 in 195 1/3 innings while earning $10.5 million. His 0.891 WHIP topped qualified pitchers.
Players have won both decisions thus far. Right-hander Kyle Bradish was awarded $3.55 million instead of the Baltimore Orioles’ offer of $2,875,000, and catcher Yainer Diaz received $4.5 million instead of the Houston Astros’ $3 million proposal.
Three cases have been argued with decisions withheld so as not to impact other players in arbitration: Toronto left-hander Eric Lauer ($5.75 million vs. $4.4 million), Atlanta left-hander Dylan Lee ($2.2 million vs. $2 million) and Tampa Bay right-hander Edwin Uceta ($1,525,000 vs. $1.2 million).
Seven players remain scheduled for hearings, which run through Feb. 13: Baltimore left-hander Keegan Akin ($3,375,000 vs. $2,975,000), Cincinnati right-hander Graham Ashcraft ($1.75 million vs. $1.25 million), Kansas City left-hander Kris Bubic ($6.15 million vs. $5.15 million), Milwaukee catcher Willson Contreras ($9.9 million vs. $8.55 million), Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers ($2,925,000 vs. $2,625,000), Miami right-hander Calvin Faucher ($2.05 million vs. $1.8 million) and Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson ($6.8 million vs $6.55 million).
Two Eastern Conference franchises trying to emerge from NBA play-in status are exchanging valuable backcourt pieces in a multi-team move involving the defending NBA champions ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
White, 25, is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and joins the Hornets as they've surged to seven-straight wins behind a nucleus featuring rookie Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. White is averaging 18.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game in his seventh season since the Bulls drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2019.
Sexton was Charlotte's leading scorer off the bench this season and will also be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He is averaging 14.2 points and 3.7 assists per game. Conley and Plumlee could be candidates to be waived by their new teams with both on expiring contracts. Dieng will also be a restricted free agent after this season.
The Nets have ruled out guard Cam Thomas for Thursday’s game against the Magic due to personal reasons.
Curious timing, considering Thomas has been mentioned in trade rumors dating back to last year, when a contract extension was not agreed on.
Thomas did not make the trip to Orlando with his team as the basketball world awaits whether Brooklyn will trade the guard ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Nets drafted Thomas with the No. 27 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft and he gradually became a proficient scorer. After averaging 8.5 and 10.6 points per game in his first two seasons, Thomas took a major jump in the 2023-24 season when he became a regular starter for the Nets.
Across 66 games (51 starts), Thomas averaged 22.5 points and 2.9 assists while averaging 31 minutes a game.
The next season, Thomas was on track to have similar numbers, but suffered a number of injuries. He appeared in just 25 games (23 starts) but averaged a career high 24 points across 31 minutes.
This season, Thomas has played just 24 games with the Nets, averaging 24 minutes and 15.6 points on 40 percent shooting.
In the Nets’ loss to the Lakers on Tuesday, Thomas scored eight points on 3-of-7 shooting and dished two assists across 23 minutes.
If the Nets were to move Thomas, it would be another deal ahead of the trade deadline for GM Sean Marks after they acquired guard Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick from the Raptors in a three-team trade that involved the Los Angeles Clippers.
Boston Celtics (32-18) at Houston Rockets (31-17) Wednesday, February 4, 2026 8:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #51, Road Game #27 TV: NBCSB, Space City Home Network, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 790 AM, Sirius XM Toyota Center
The Celtics visit the Houston Rockets for the 2nd and final meeting between these two teams this season. The Rockets won the first meeting 128-101 in Boston on November 1. They split the series 1-1 last season, with each team winning on the road. The Celtics are 98-58 against the Rockets overall, all time. They are 42-34 in games played in Houston. The Celtics are playing in the 2nd of back to back games. They are 5-3 this year on the second night of back to back games.
The Rockets made some significant changes since last season. Their biggest change was a trade that brought Kevin Durant and Clint Capela to Houston in exchange for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and the 10th pick in the draft. They also signed Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie as free agents. They also brought in JD Davison as a 2-way player.
The Celtics are 3rd in the East, 5.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are tied with 2nd place New York, 2.5 games ahead of 4th place Toronto and 5th place Cleveland, 3.5 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 6 games ahead of 7th place Miami. The Celtics are 10-6 against Western Conference opponents. They are 16-10 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games.
The Rockets are 4th in the West, 7 games behind first place OKC, 1.5 games behind 2nd place San Antonio, 1 game behind 3rd place Denver, 1.5 games ahead of 5th place Minnesota, 2 games ahead of 6th place Los Angeles Lakers, and 7th place Phoenix. They are 14-2 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 17-9 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games.
The Celtics complete a 2 game road trip with a game at Houston on Wednesday. After this trip they will host Miami, New York, and Chicago for a 3 game home stand, which will take them into the All Star Break. After the break, they will head out on a 4 game Western road trip through Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix, and Denver.
The Rockets are playing in the first of 2 home games. They will host Charlotte on Thursday in back to back games. They then play one game at Oklahoma City before hosting the Clippers for 2 straight games. Then they break for the All Star break before playing at Charlotte and at New York. They then host Utah and Sacramento.
The Celtics are still without Jayson Tatum as he rehabs from the Achilles tear. Chris Boucher is out for personal reasons. Anfernee Simons was traded to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic and neither player will be available since the trade is not official as yet. Jaylen Brown is doubtful with knee and hamstring soreness. Sam Hauser is out due to a thumb injury. I’m just making a wild guess that Pritchard, Scheierman and Walsh will get the start. With Joe Mazzulla you never know.
For the Rockets, Steven Adams is out for the season after undergoing season-ending left ankle surgery. Fred VanVleet is also out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in late September. Dorian Finney-Smith is out due to left ankle injury management. Kevin Durant missed Monday’s game against the Pacers due to a left ankle sprain. He is expected to return for this game and is listed as probable.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Amen Thompson
Derrick White | Getty ImagesAmen Thompson | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Celtics Reserves Xavier Tillman Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Josh Minott
2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga Amari Williams
Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out Chris Boucher (personal) out Sam Hauser (thumb) out Anfernee Simons (personal) out Nikola Vucevic (traded) out Jaylen Brown (hamstring/knee) doubtful
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Rockets Reserves Aaron Holiday Jae’sean Tate Steven Adams Reed Sheppard Josh Okogie Clint Capela Jeff Green
Two Way Players JD Davison Isaiah Crawford
Injuries/Out Fred VanVleet (ACL) out Steven Adams (ankle) out Kevin Durant (ankle) probable Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) out
Head Coach Ime Udoka
Key Matchups Jaylen Brown vs Kevin Durant This should be a good matchup. Durant is averaging 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He is shooting 51.0% from the field and 40.5% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, Durant finished with 26 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 2 steals while shooting 72.7% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to do a better job of defending him in this game.
Neemias Queta vs Alperen Sengun Sengun is averaging 21.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 50.1% from the field and 29.3% on threes. In the first game against the Celtics he finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal while shooting 38.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to defend him well and box out on rebounds if they want to win this game.
Honorable Mention Derrick White vs Amen Thompson Thompson is averaging 17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 50.7% from the field and 18.6% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 100% from beyond the arc.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always a key to winning. Players struggle on offense in some games, but they can always play defense. The Rockets have an offensive rating of 117.9 (5th). The Celtics have an offensive rating of 120.7 (2nd). The Rockets are 4th with a defensive rating of 111.9 while the Celtics are 11th with a defensive rating of 113.1. The Celtics have to stick to their defensive identity in this one because the Rockets play tough defense and the Celtics can’t depend on a shoot out to win. In the first game between these two teams, the Celtics allowed the Rockets to shoot 54.5% from the field and 65.5% from beyond the arc. They have to defend better in this game if they hope to win it.
Rebound – In order to score, the Celtics need the ball and to get the ball, they will need to crash the boards as a team. The Celtics average 45.0 rebounds per game (11th) while the Rockets average 49.4 rebounds per game (1st). Much of rebounding is effort and when the Celtics put out extra effort on the boards, it usually carries over into the rest of their game. The Rockets are 1st in the league with 18.8 second chance points per game. The Rockets are a very good rebounding team and so the Celtics must come into the game determined to put out extra effort and to hustle for every rebound to limit 2nd chance points for the Rockets. In the first game against the Rockets the Celtics were out-rebounded 53-36. They must rebound better in this game.
Be Aggressive and Stay Focused – The Celtics have to be aggressive in taking the ball to the basket and not settling for 3 pointers on every possession, especially if the 3s aren’t falling. They also have to be aggressive in hustling for rebounds and for loose balls. And they have to be aggressive on defense. They have to play harder than the Rockets and play like the team that wants this game more. They also need to carry that aggressiveness through all 4 quarters with no let up. They also need to stay focused on taking good shots and making them. They have to keep their focus on playing team ball.
Be Consistent – The Celtics have been up and down this season so far. One game they lose to a team that they clearly should have beat. The next game they win in a blowout over a contender. One game they give up a big lead and lose down the stretch. The next game they come from behind to get a win. The Celtics need to get back to giving consistent effort every game and every quarter. No let up and no easy easy shots for their opponent.
X-Factors Back to Back Road Game – The Celtics are on the road where they have a 15-10 record. The Celtics are playing on the second night of back to back games while the Rockets at home and in the first of back to back games. The Celtics had to travel, stay in a hotel, play in front of a hostile crowd and on an unfamiliar court while the Rockets should get a boost from being on their home court. The Celtics also will be short handed as they wait for the trade to be finalized.
Coaching – The Rockets are led by former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, who left Boston under less than desirable circumstances. He was suspended for violating team rules and assistant coach Joe Mazzulla was made interim coach. Eventually, Udoka was officially released and Mazzulla was made head coach. I am sure that Udoka would love nothing more than to once again beat the team that let him go after he led that team to the Finals.
Officiating – The officiating is always an x-factor. Some referees call the game tight and others let them play. Some favor the home team and others call it evenly. Recently the officiating has been getting some scrutiny for being visibly bad. The Celtics have to play through whatever calls go against them and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus on playing the game the right way.
SGA will be re-evaluated after the break. He suffered the injury in the Thunder's win over the Magic.
Gilgeous-Alexander being out for the All-Star Game means Commissioner Adam Silver will get to pick his replacement on the World Team for the game on Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
SGA's injury comes as backup point guard Ajay Mitchell is also out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs with a hip injury (he was out for the Orlando game as well).
The Thunder have been hit with injuries of late, and Wednesday against the Spurs will also be without Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. That said, OKC has a comfortable six-game lead over San Antonio for the No. 1 seed in the West.
Oklahoma City has some guard help coming, trading for the 76ers second-year player Jared McCain.
The Thunder are sending the Rockets' first-round pick this year (likely in the mid-20s) and three second-round picks for the promising shooting guard with a large social media following. Oklahoma City creates the roster spot by trading Ousmane Dieng to Charlotte for Mason Plumlee, then the Thunder will waive Plumlee.
This is a great pickup for the Thunder. McCain was the early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year last season until injuries derailed that, sidelining him for the season. He still hasn't been right this season, but in recent weeks, he has looked more like himself and started to find his form. McCain averaged 15.3 points in the 23 games he played pre-injury last season. He recently scored 17 against the Bucks and 12 against the Pelicans, but for the season is averaging 6.6 per game in limited minutes.
For a Thunder team that has some hard financial decisions coming — Holmgren and Williams max extensions kick in next season, Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort are extension-eligible this summer, and Mitchell will be in 2027 — finding good players on rookie contracts who can contribute will be critical. McCain can be that guy.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for a shot against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly trading point guard Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Cleveland will be parting with their two remaining second-round picks to complete the deal. They have no more left available to trade.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Ball's agent Rich Paul and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon. pic.twitter.com/qrNtC6tlc7
Ball was acquired this past summer from the Chicago Bulls for Isaac Okoro, a move that has not hit its intended target on Cleveland’s roster.
Ball’s short tenure in the wine and gold will be largely remembered as a disappointment. Despite actually managing to stay relatively healthy, the on-court product was far from expected. He shot exceedingly poorly, 30.1% from the floor and 27.2% from three-point territory, while not being able to make the defensive, playmaking, and rebounding gains make up for it. Ball’s effective field goal percentage is the second-worst in the league for wings per Cleaning the Glass.
As if the writing was not already on the wall when Craig Porter Jr. passed Ball on the depth chart months ago, the Cavs recently acquired point guard Dennis Schroeder from the Sacramento Kings. While not as defensive or playmaking-savvy as Ball, Schroeder can shoot the basketball, get an offense situated, and play off the ball next to either Donovan Mitchell or James Harden. Keon Ellis, whom the Cavs also acquired from the Kings, will slot in as the best backcourt defender as well — filling a role Ball was expected to occupy.
Ball is effectively an expiring salary, as his $10 million due next season is a team option that will almost certainly not be picked up by the Jazz. This move gets the Cavs closer to being out of the second apron, opens up a standard roster slot for Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and gives them the flexibility for a bigger trade at the deadline if they wanted to go that route.
Chris Paul's final NBA season is being re-routed north of the border, with another stop potentially on the way.
The 40-year-old point guard was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors as part of a multi-team deal ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, ESPN reported on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Paul will go to the Raptors, while forward Ochai Agbaji and a 2032 second-round pick will move from Toronto to the Brooklyn Nets in the transaction.
But the State Farm pitchman might not be there for long, according to multiplereports. It's still unclear if Paul will actually report to Toronto, be included in another trade or be waived by the Raptors in the coming days. What jersey he'll be wearing for his final NBA game will remain an ongoing subplot.
Paul signed a one-year, $3.6-million contract to return to the Clippers this past offseason and then later announced this would be his final NBA season. The Clippers then shocked the NBA in December when they sent Paul home in the wee hours of the night in the middle of a road trip as the team struggled early on this season. General Manager Lawrence Frank and coach Tyronn Lue made clear the organization intended to part ways with one of the greatest players in franchise history as reports emerged about friction involving Paul's leadership style inside the team's locker room.
Paul could be a veteran presence on the bench for an emerging Raptors roster led by multi-faceted forwards Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, which is readying for a postseason run after emerging as one of the pleasant surprises in the Eastern Conference this year. The Raptors would become the eighth NBA team of Paul's decorated career. He was averaging a career-low 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes over 16 games this season with the Clippers.
Agbaji is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason after being selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and will get a chance to prove himself to potential suitors with the rebuilding Nets. He was initially traded to the Raptors in 2024 and saw his playing time drop significantly this season.
