Category: Basketball

The conventional wisdom was that this trade deadline would likely to be meh with the bigger moves expected around the NBA Draft come June. But the James Harden-for-Darius Garland deal, along with Tuesday’s flurry of deals big and small, seems to have changed things.

However, the original narrative still applies to the Brooklyn Nets who not only made no moves on Tuesday, but weren’t even mentioned in any rumors, unless you count the recurring reports of league interest in Day’Ron Sharpe, which now reportedly extends to the Lakers who saw him go for 19 and 14 Tuesday night or the Nets willingness to facilitate bigger deals for other clubs..

They don’t seem to be that interested, at least for now, in Giannis Antetokounmpo which as Brian Lewis noted used to be their “white whale.” Nor do they seem willing to move Michael Porter Jr., who has publicly expressed a desire to stay in Brooklyn, interested in the franchise’s “trajectory” back to contention.

The Harden deal will send him to his fourth team in the past five years after the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Clippers and now the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before that, he left the OKC Thunder, in case you forgot. None of his departures seemed too happy. (If you add up all the teams the Big Three have played for over their careers, the number is now 14, five each for Harden and Kevin Durant, and four for Kyrie Irving. So much for loyalty.)

BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Prolific swap of the star point guards. pic.twitter.com/IHhhhabJnX

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

The Harden news and Tuesday’s other trades had some implications for the Nets.

• Harden should give new life to the Cavaliers chances of making a deep run in the playoffs (although his talent is his talent, his record is his record as well and he’s been criticized for not leading any of his teams to the promised land.) Another failure this spring could have a deleterious effect on the Cavs. With Donovan Mitchell staring at an off-season extension next year, he may want to move on and we know that at the very least, the Nets were interested in the now 29-year-old. “The key here is that the Cavs are moving away from believing in the Core 4,” Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland. “And I think the genesis of this is because they’re worried that Donovan is not going to re-sign this summer.”
• Yesterday’s other two moves, the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics blockbusters could have an effect on the Nets desire to have a facilitator role. Both of those deals created big exceptions, $28.8 million for the Grizz — the biggest in NBA history — and $27.7 million for the Celtics. Those two and another one of $18 million created by the Bulls in the three-team deal involving them, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons are all larger than the $15.3 million salary cap space the Nets retain. Cap space is better than TPEs, but the differences are not so big in the short term. The three exceptions will be available once the trades are official, which no doubt will be prior to Thursday’s 3:00 p.m. ET deadline.

Specifics on the latest Sharpe rumor came post-game in Brooklyn with Dan Woike of The Athletic extolling on how much the Lakers like the 6’10” 24-year-old who is currently the NBA’s all-time leader in offensive rebound percentage (18.3%).

Sources inside the Lakers locker room are fans of Brooklyn center Day’Ron Sharpe, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds in the Nets’ loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night. The Giannis trade chase could create ripples beneficial to the Lakers. As teams maneuver for financial flexibility, the Lakers’ expiring deals and future first-round pick could get them in conversations for high-end role players…

Meanwhile, MPJ is counting the hours to the deadline. Despite the horrors of the last several weeks, he seems happy in his role with the Brooklyns, as Brian Lewis reported.

“Yeah, I’ve stated that I’m enjoying my time here, and I do see that the light at the end of the tunnel, and I do see the path that we’re trying to take,” said Porter, who returned from a personal leave for Tuesday’s 125-109 home blowout loss against the Lakers. “That’s something that’s out of my control. And wherever the wind blows, whatever the guys who run the organization want, then I’m down for.

“I know that every situation has its blessings and things to take away from,” said Porter, who scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the loss. “So I’ve stated that I enjoy my time here. And two more days, if I make it through two or three more days, I’ll be here. So, we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”

As for the others rumored to be of interest to NBA clubs — or not — nothing much new. Yes, teams do still appear to be interest in Nic Claxton, not so much in Cam Thomas.

The deadline could have other roster implications. Haywood Highsmith, if healthy, likely would have yielded a second rounder, but he’s not. As an expiring — $5.6 million contract — but injured, he’s likely to be done with the Nets no matter what. That could open a standard deal for one of the Nets two-ways, likely E.J. Liddell, who’s spent some time of late with the big club, or Tyson Etienne, Long Island’s new all-time leading scorer. In turn, that could open a two-way spot for Grant Nelson, the 7-foot rookie who has been playing well despite minutes restrictions — per 36 numbers in excess of 20 and 10 in eight starts.

Stay tuned.

Guerschon Yabusele arrived in New York this summer and had all of us kinda excited as one of only two free-agent additions made by the Knicks, along with microwave-scorer-turned-ice-cube Jordan Clarkson.

Then, Yabu started to play a decreasing number of minutes and to have a lesser impact each passing day since training camp.

On Tuesday, Yabusele didn’t even grace the court, earning a solid DPN-CD in the Knicks’ 132–101 trouncing of the Washington Wizards, but he still found a way to catch attention.

It happened after the game was over, however, as Yabu was asked and opened up on his questionable future in New York with the trade deadline right around the corner.

Yabusele has appeared in 41 games this season, averaging just 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in under nine minutes per game.

Following the win, Yabusele addressed multiple reports linking him to EuroLeague clubs, including Panathinaikos, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Real Madrid.

Guerschon Yabusele on report of team in Israel pushing to sign him:

“I ain’t closing no door on nothing. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what tomorrow’s going to be. So right now I can tell you nothing has been discussed or signed or anything like that. I’m a…

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) February 4, 2026

“I ain’t closing no door on nothing. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what tomorrow’s going to be,” Yabusele said. “So right now, I can tell you nothing has been discussed or signed or anything like that. I’m a Knicks player at the end of the day.”

SDNA’s Sotiris Vetakis has reported that Panathinaikos is in advanced discussions with Yabusele’s camp. The Athens-based club is seemingly just waiting on developments from New York before finalizing any deal, perhaps just in case an actual NBA trade emerges before Thursday’s deadline.

“There’s been teams calling,” Yabusele said on Tuesday. “I feel like the report was just them saying they want me, and then everybody thought that I signed something already. No, nothing like that. But there’s some teams out there that we heard are getting ready to sign me if I go back that way. We’ll see what happens.”

Sport5, meanwhile, reported that Israel-side Hapoel Tel Aviv is in direct talks with Yabusele’s representatives, with a move there requiring the Knicks to buy him out.

🔙 Yabusele, on a possible return to Europe. He has contract in the NBA through 2027 pic.twitter.com/LA4JRiuZ5A

— Toni Canyameras (@Canyameridis71) January 29, 2026

Yabusele himself acknowledged Real Madrid would be among the first teams he’d speak to if he returned overseas.

“It was hard to come back to the NBA [but once I was here], my mind definitely wanted to stay there, but we’ll see when the opportunity presents itself. It’s definitely going to be a conversation to have and see what the options are in Europe. We’ll see how it goes. I will never say never to anything,” Yabusele said. “Madrid is going to be, to be honest, one of the first teams that we’re going to have the conversation first. I’m not closing my door on anything else, but you know, my house is in Madrid.”

The 30-year-old signed a two-year, $11.3 million deal with the Knicks last summer and holds a $5.8 million player option for the 2026–27 season.

According to Marc Stein and Ian Begley, New York is actively exploring smaller trades involving Yabusele’s expiring salary to clear long-term cap flexibility, with a major move—read: trading for Giannis—not expected to happen this deadline.

The Knicks have reportedly engaged with the San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans (both per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto) and Phoenix Suns (per Forbes’ Evan Sidery) on potential trade packages that could offload Yabusele.

#1 – A court geometry lesson from Joe Mazzulla

The Celtics coaching staff’s ability to optimize court-mapping is one of the reasons the team has been so successful this season, despite the loss of scoring talent. The Celtics’ goal was to find a way to punish Daniel Gafford as a roamer. The Mavericks are using their center the same way the Celtics were using Robert Williams III, trying to keep him as close as possible to the rim.

This possession is a great example of how movement, screening, and smart positioning can punish this approach. The Mavs are in a 3-2 zone, with Cooper Flagg and Gafford at the back.

The Celtics start with Luka Garza in the corner and Sam Hauser one pass away from the ball on the left, but then quickly flow into their action. Garza runs to set a pick on the ball while Hauser runs to the strong-side corner.

Because Gafford must remain close to the paint, Max Christie is tagging the Celtics center. However, the Mavs’ big man now has to focus on:
– Derrick White with the ball
– Hauser in the corner
– Garza rolling to the rim

As Gafford has to make a decision, the Mavs get punished. He helps on the ball and leaves Hauser totally open. The problem? Sam Hauser is shooting 48% on corner threes this season.

Looking back at the action and the game, this is a great example of why this group is able to sustain an elite offense with less offensive talent: they know how to play based on the opponent’s defensive weaknesses and choices.

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#2 – Zoom-actions to create space

But the Celtics coaching staff had other ways to attack the Mavericks’ defensive scheme. Keeping their center close to the rim requires him to be in a drop coverage position when defending a ball-screen. Therefore, the Celtics used Zoom-actions to punish that.

With one screen plus the handoff from the player defended by the center, the Celtics create space for the ball-handler. Here, Klay Thompson is quickly behind the play because of the two screens.
It gives Payton Pritchard time and space to walk into the paint, as Garza positions himself between the Mavs center and the ball. Great patience and perfect execution from the Celtics guard.

Because the ball-handler in these actions only receives the ball at the moment of the second screen, he has much more speed and the defenders are already behind. And because the Mavs are in drop coverage, players with great touch on floaters, like White, can make the most of it.

So, as the game unfolds, the Mavs start sending more help behind the drop coverage to cover both the drive and the roll-man… which opens more space beyond the three-point line.

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#3 – Celtics poetic playcall

It’s hard not to be romantic about basketball tactics. Last night, in the third quarter, the Celtics ran a similar playcall a couple of times in a row. What makes it quite poetic is that this playcall — a double-drag (also called “77”) — was the go-to action for the Mavericks when Luka Dončić was still there.

The first one is very well executed by Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta. The Celtics All-Star rejects the screen and starts driving as the big man rolls to the rim, leading to an easy dunk. On the second action, the result is the same but with a different execution, as JB comes from the left and uses both screens to create separation.

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#4 – More isolations for PP and JB

The Celtics were the only team to have three players averaging more than two isolations per game, with Pritchard, Brown, and Anfernee Simons. As the offensive approach leans more toward creating one-on-one situations when needed, their isolation volume should increase — and it started last night.

With 49 field-goal attempts and 59 points, the message is clear: Brown and Pritchard are here to carry the scoring load, and a lot of it will come from isolation situations.

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#5 – Rebranding of the rotation

Without Simons’ offensive boost off the bench, the Celtics now have to rethink their rotation. How do you balance spacing needs, scoring necessity, and defense after swapping a shooting ball-handler for a center who previously played as a spot-up shooter? Apparently, it starts by moving Pritchard to the bench — and it makes a lot of sense.

As Baylor Scheierman and Hauser can provide off-ball spacing for Brown and White in the starting lineup, Pritchard’s offensive juice can come later in the game. And it doesn’t mean his offensive responsibilities go down — quite the opposite.

Last night was, per cleaningtheglass, his third-biggest offensive load of the year, with a 33% usage rate. The next question is: how do you insert Nikola Vučević into the current rotation? Looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.

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#6 – Great rim protection

The Celtics’ defense was able to keep the Mavs’ offensive efficiency pretty low last night, allowing just 61% at the rim and a concerning 46% eFG overall. And it was obvious from the first action that the Mavs would struggle to get into the paint. With Queta staying close to the rim, the Mavs couldn’t punish the defensive scheme.

Thanks to White’s great screen navigation and Queta’s rim protection, the first attempt at the rim for the Mavs was a perfect example of what their offensive night would look like.

Beyond Queta’s rim protection, there was a collective willingness to fight for one another to keep the rim as safe as possible. Look here: as Brown gets beat on the drive, both Pritchard and Garza come over to help slow down Caleb Martin’s rim attack.

Even in transition, the Celtics competed and kept the Mavs’ efficiency extremely low, allowing just 0.75 points per 100 possessions.

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#7 – Jordan Walsh couldn’t keep up with Flagg

While the Celtics did a great collective defensive job, it was a rough night for Walsh on that end. As soon as he stepped on the court and was matched up with the rookie, he was put in difficult situations and exposed within the Celtics’ defense.

As he struggled, the Celtics’ defense also failed to protect him. Here, Garza helps on the screen to force Flagg to give up the ball, but Brown doesn’t come up to tag the roll-man as he’s watching the weak side — leading to an open dunk.

On the next play, Walsh goes under the first screen but can’t keep up once Flagg drives, which forces help from Brown and Hugo González and opens the corner for Martin.

On the next possession, Walsh is isolated on Flagg again and commits a foul. A few minutes later, he’s sent back to the bench and finishes with just 10 minutes played. In the second half, his minutes are matched with those when the rookie is on the bench.

While Walsh struggled, Brown and Baylor Scheierman did a great job staying in front of Flagg long enough to allow help to arrive.

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#8 – Flagg would look good in green

I don’t know if it’s the shoes or all the noise around Cooper being a Celtics fan, but sheesh, would he look good in green. I assume the Mavs won’t let another franchise player walk away anytime soon, but we’ll be monitoring his career and situation closely as his career goes on — what a player.

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#9 – A decisive 8-0 in the third

There’s always a moment in a game when it feels like you’ve taken a huge step toward winning — last night, it came late in the third quarter. The Celtics held a fragile 11-point lead, but things were about to change. First, a pick-and-pop between the two bench scorers of the night.

Then González comes flying in behind Gafford to steal the pass for the alley-oop…

Then he drives and kicks it out to White, open in the corner.

Right after another strong defensive play from Hugo, the Celtics push the pace, and Pritchard runs another pick-and-roll with Garza to push the lead to 19 — a margin the young Mavs won’t be able to overcome.

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#10 – Time flies

Looking at last night’s game, it felt like time had flown by. Less than two years ago, the Celtics and the Mavs were meeting in the Finals. Now, most of the starters are gone or sidelined for months. In less than two years, the direction of these franchises had to adapt to an eventful period — one now resting on the shoulders of a teenager, while the Celtics wait to learn when their go-to guy will return.

The short-handed Memphis Grizzlies visit Golden 1 Center for a Western Conference matchup with the Sacramento Kings tonight.

Cam Spencer has provided a spark off the Memphis bench, and my Grizzlies vs. Kings predictions expect plenty of assists from the former UConn Huskies star. 

Read on for my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 4. 

Grizzlies vs Kings prediction

Grizzlies vs Kings best bet: Cam Spencer Over 5.5 assists (+120)

Cam Spencer is handling primary facilitator duties for the Memphis Grizzlies and doesn’t need a ceiling game to reach six assists. 

He’s averaging six helpers over his last five games, and after yesterday’s major trade, Memphis is thin on bodies for tonight’s matchup with the Sacramento Kings. 

That points to heavier minutes for the UConn product. 

Sacramento’s defense has allowed 119 points per game during its nine-game losing streak, creating terrific assist-friendly conditions for Spencer. 

Additionally, with Grizzlies leading scorer Santi Aldama expected to suit up, getting plus money on Spencer’s assist prop feels mispriced.

Grizzlies vs Kings same-game parlay

DeMar DeRozan has scored at least 20 points in three of his last five games. He remains one of the league’s best mid-range scorers and should find his spots comfortably without having to deal with Jackson’s length. 

Ty Jerome has returned to the Grizzlies lineup with a hefty 36% usage rate. The scoring sample is still small, but the role is real.

Against a leaky Kings defense, asking Jerome to reach 15 points is not a stretch given the expected minutes and shot volume.

Grizzlies vs Kings SGP

• Cam Spencer Over 5.5 assists
• DeMar DeRozan Over 19.5 points
• Ty Jerome Over 14.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Crown the Kings

We’ll back the Kings to win. They’ve lost nine straight, but the Grizzlies are 3-7 in their last 10 games with Jackson on the floor and arrive depleted. 

With fresher legs and more continuity, Sacramento is the steadier side tonight.

Grizzlies vs Kings SGP

• Cam Spencer Over 5.5 assists
• DeMar DeRozan Over 19.5 points
• Ty Jerome Over 14.5 points
• Kings moneyline

Grizzlies vs Kings odds

• Spread: Grizzlies +2 (-110) Kings -2 (-110)
• Moneyline: Grizzlies +114 | Kings -134
• Over/Under: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)

Grizzlies vs Kings betting trend to know

The Kings have hit the moneyline in six of their last 13 games at home (+11.85 Units / 81% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Kings.

How to watch Grizzlies vs Kings

Grizzlies vs Kings latest injuries

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

Sixers agree to trade Jared McCain to Thunder for 1st-round pick, three 2nd-rounders originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers have decided to send Jared McCain to the defending champion Thunder.

The team has agreed to trade McCain to Oklahoma City, a source confirmed Wednesday to NBC Sports Philadelphia. The Sixers are set to receive one first-round draft pick and three second-rounders in the deal. The full haul is below:

• 2026 first-round pick from the Rockets
• 2027 second-round pick, most favorable of OKC, Houston, Indiana and Miami
• 2028 second-round pick from the Bucks
• 2028 second-round pick from the Thunder

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the trade and PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck reported the terms.

McCain was awfully impressive as a rookie, displaying exceptional shooting talent and a deeply polished mental game, but he had unfortunate injury luck as a Sixer. He suffered a season-ending left knee lateral meniscus tear in December of 2024 and tore the UCL in his right thumb just before media day this year.

“The universe is throwing haymakers at me,” McCain said in October. “But it’s all part of the process. I’ve just got to trust that it happened for a reason.”

Once he returned to action, McCain dealt with lingering rust. The No. 16 selection in the 2024 draft posted only 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest over 37 games this season. McCain had two G League stints and wasn’t a regular member of head coach Nick Nurse’s rotation the past several weeks. However, he’d played well lately, including a 17-point performance on 6-for-8 shooting in the Sixers’ win last week over the Bucks.

Without McCain, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, outstanding rookie VJ Edgecombe and sixth man Quentin Grimes stand as the Sixers’ main guards. The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

This story will be updated.

After snapping their five-game losing skid, the Milwaukee Bucks look to make it two straight wins when they host the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pels have dropped the first two games of a four-game road trip, but taking on the Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo gives them the edge against the spread in my Pelicans vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks on Wednesday, February 4.

Pelicans vs Bucks prediction

Pelicans vs Bucks best bet: Pelicans -4.5 (-115)

Life without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) hasn’t been great, as the Milwaukee Bucks dropped three straight before beating the Bulls 131-115 on Tuesday.

That point total is an outlier, though, as the Bucks had been averaging just 100 points per game across their previous three outings.

They’re 1-3-0 against the spread without their star, but the ship wasn’t right with "The Greek Freak" at the helm, either, with Milwaukee going just 2-8-0 ATS in its last 10.

The New Orleans Pelicans are struggling too, dropping three of four and averaging just 104.5 points per game, which ranks fourth-worst in the NBA over that span.

The one advantage they do have, and have maxed out on, is playing with a rest advantage.

The Pels are 5-2-0 ATS in that scenario, the second-best mark in the league. Throw in the fact they’ve covered two of the last three against the Bucks, plus no Giannis, and this feels like a good cover for New Orleans, which is 4-2-0 ATS  in its previous six road games.

Pelicans vs Bucks same-game parlay

A Kyle Kuzma scoring binge is a great time to wager the Under on his scoring line. He’s gone for 25+ three times this season, and he’s scored 13 points or less in the follow-up, going for single digits twice.

Trey Murphy III is coming off a 27-point effort last game against Charlotte, but his 22.5-point scoring line is a little inflated, considering he’s topped that mark just twice in his last eight.

Pelicans vs Bucks SGP

• Pelicans -4.5
• Kyle Kuzma Under 17.5 points
• Trey Murphy III Under 22.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Queen of the Court

Bucks guard Ryan Rollins scored 21 against Chicago and has gone for 20+ in four of his last five, making his 19.5 line very gettable.

And Derik Queen has worked the glass well of late, pulling down at least seven rebounds in four of his last six games. Milwaukee is also a Bottom-4 rebounding team in the NBA.

Pelicans vs Bucks SGP

• Pelicans -4.5
• Kyle Kuzma Under 17.5 points
• Trey Murphy III Under 22.5 points
• Ryan Rollins Over 19.5 points
• Derik Queen Over 7.5 rebounds

Pelicans vs Bucks odds

• Spread: Pelicans -4.5 (-115) | Bucks +4.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Pelicans -185 | Bucks +155
• Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-110) | Under 222.5 (-110)

Pelicans vs Bucks betting trend to know

New Orleans has covered the spread in each of its last seven games as a favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Bucks.

How to watch Pelicans vs Bucks

Pelicans vs Bucks latest injuries

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

Action around the NBA is starting to heat up. Not only is the league’s trade deadline on Thursday afternoon, next weekend will be the annual All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Currently there are eight former Ohio State players on NBA rosters, and one of them has already been moved ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.

With the season having already passed the halfway point when it comes to games played, now feels like a good time to give an update on how the former Ohio State players currently in the NBA have been doing this season, and what might be expected for them the rest of the way.

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Mike Conley

After starting more than 60 games in each of the last two seasons for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mike Conley has seen his role diminish this season, averaging a career-low 18.5 minutes per game and 4.4 points per game.

In the 44 games he has played this season, Conley only reached double figures in three games, scoring 10 points on all of those occasions. The last time the guard hit that mark was on November 19th against the Washington Wizards.

On Tuesday, Conley was shipped to Chicago in a three-team trade that also involved the Detroit Pistons. By moving the veteran guard, Minnesota reduced their luxury tax bill from $24 million to $3.8 million, which will help them in their pursuit of Giannis Anteteokounmpo. The Bulls also acquired Jaden Ivey from the Pistons in the trade, as well as Anfernee Simons in a separate trade.

Unfortunately for Conley it’s unlikely he is going to see much playing time in Chicago. The Bulls are loaded with younger guards, which will likely have Conley riding the bench the rest of the season. Conley’s best hope for seeing any playing time is if he can agree to a buyout with the Bulls and find a team who could use his services.

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Brice Sensabaugh

The most exciting former Buckeye in the NBA this year has been Brice Sensabaugh. Unfortunately Sensabaugh plays for the Utah Jazz, who are one of the worst teams in the league.

Sensabaugh is averaging 12 points per game this season, which is the highest mark of his three-year NBA career so far.

The forward is coming off a January where he averaged 18 points per game, and scored at least 20 points in seven games. His best effort came against Chicago when he scored 43 points. The increased scoring didn’t help Utah on the court, as the Jazz were just 2-11 in games Sensabaugh played in last month.

The rest of the season became a little muddier for Sensabaugh when the Jazz agreed to a trade with Memphis, acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. from the Grizzlies. The addition of those three players could see Sensabaugh’s minutes cut for the remainder of the season.

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Jae’Sean Tate

While Sensabaugh won’t be sniffing the playoffs this year, Jae’Sean Tate will be in the postseason this year with the Houston Rockets. With Kevin Durant sitting out on Wednesday night, Tate actually had one of his best games of the season, tying a season-high with eight points in a 118-114 win over the Indiana Pacers.

The 2.7 points per game and 8.2 minutes per game are both low marks in the six-year NBA career of Tate, but he has still appeared in 30 games this season for a team that is headed to the playoffs. Even though Tate is far down Houston’s depth chart, if his number is called there is no question that he will give maximum effort on the court.

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D’Angelo Russell

Another former Ohio State player who could be moved before the trade deadline is D’Angelo Russell. The Dallas guard has only appeared in one game in 2026, scoring 8 points in 19 minutes against Chicago on January 10th.

One would think that would injuries to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis the Mavericks would want a veteran like Russell on the floor. Instead, Dallas has opted to let rookie Cooper Flagg run the show and is leaning on veterans like Naji Marshall and Max Christie.

In 26 games this season, Russell is averaging 10.2 points per game, which is a career-low. Russell’s best effort of the season came on the first day of November when he scored 31 points against Detroit in a game played in Mexico City.

If Russell isn’t moved at the trade deadline, it is possible he could agree to a contract buyout with the Mavericks and find a team who could use his services down the stretch run of the season.

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Jamison Battle

Following one season at Ohio State, Jamison Battle has spent the first two years of his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors.

Battle’s role is currently a bench guy who usually sees the majority of his playing time in blowouts. Through 36 games this season, Battle is averaging 8.5 minutes per game, which is half the amount of what he received last year.

Battle’s best game of the season came on Halloween when he was a perfect 7-7 from the field, scoring 20 points in a NBA Cup group stage win over Cleveland. Since then Battle has reached double figures in scoring in just two games, with both of those contests coming in December.

Even though he isn’t playing much, at least Battle is on a team heading to the playoffs, as the Raptors currently have a 30-21 record, which is fourth-best in the Eastern Conference.

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Malaki Branham

Another former Buckeye who is seeing less than 10 minutes of playing time per game is Malaki Branham.

The former first round pick is averaging 4.6 points per in 9.8 minutes per contest for the Washington Wizards. In his first season with Washington after three years with the San Antonio Spurs, Branham has appeared in just 28 games.

Despite playing on a team that is just 13-35 this season and riding the bench, Branham is coming off his best game with the team after scoring 17 points in 22 minutes on Friday against the Lakers.

It will be interesting to see if his performance last time out leads to the former Ohio State forward seeing more opportunities the rest of the year with a Washington team that doesn’t have anything to play for.

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E.J. Liddell

Much like Sensabaugh and Branham, E.J. Liddell is on a team that has essentially already been eliminated from playoff contention.

So far in 2026, Liddell has appeared in just three games for a total of 17 minutes. At least Liddell is still playing hard in the little playing time he is receiving. On Sunday, Liddell scored a season-high 5 points in the 130-77 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Liddell’s situation might be the toughest to deal with, since he isn’t seeing much playing time on a team that is really bad. At least Utah and Washington have some interesting young players on their roster. The same can’t really be said about Brooklyn.

Hopefully the Nets give Liddell some more playing time so he can generate a little bit of interest for wherever the next stop in his NBA journey might be.

Three-game win streaks are on the line Wednesday as the Boston Celtics travel to Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets.

With Anfernee Simons traded to the Chicago Bulls, my Celtics vs. Rockets predictions call for a strong performance from Payton Pritchard.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this marquee matchup on Wednesday, February 4.

Celtics vs Rockets prediction

Celtics vs Rockets best bet: Payton Pritchard Over 24.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)

Payton Pritchard is averaging a career-best 26.5 PRA this season, and he’s gone for 25+ in 23 of 49 appearances.

He’s posting 24.7 at home compared to 28 on the road, and he's gone for 25+ in 14 of 24 away games. 

Celtics vs Rockets same-game parlay

The Celtics got smoked in their last matchup with the Rockets, but they're playing better basketball now and should keep this one competitive.

Boston is 16-10 ATS on the road and 6-3 ATS as the road underdog, while Houston is 8-13 ATS at home and 8-12 as the home favorite. 

Celtics vs Rockets SGP

• Payton Pritchard Over 24.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Celtics +5.5
• Under 216

Our "from downtown" SGP: Sengun stuffs stat sheet

Alperen Sengun has hit the Over on this combo line in four straight, and I expect him to extend that streak tonight. He's averaging 16.8 rebounds + assists at home, and he's gone for 16+ in 12 of 17 at Toyota Center.

Celtics vs Rockets SGP

• Payton Pritchard Over 24.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Celtics +5.5
• Under 216
• Alperen Sengun Over 15.5 rebounds + assists

Celtics vs Rockets odds

• Spread: Boston +5.5 (-110) | Houston -5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Boston +180 | Houston -220
• Over/Under: Over 216 (-110) | Under 216 (-110)

Celtics vs Rockets betting trend to know

The Rockets have hit the Under in 17 of their last 21 games (+12.60 Units / 55% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Rockets.

How to watch Celtics vs Rockets

Celtics vs Rockets latest injuries

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

Mavs trade Anthony Davis to Wizards in 8-player deal, reports say originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Just over a year after being traded to Dallas for Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have reportedly dealt Anthony Davis to the Wizards as part of an 8-player deal, according to multiple reports.

ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting the Mavericks are sending the 10-time All-Star to Washington along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. In exchange, Charania said the Mavericks will receive Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks and three second-rounders.

“Dallas is receiving a 2026 Thunder first-round pick and a 2030 protected Warriors first-round pick in this deal from the Wizards along with second-rounders in 2026 (Phoenix), 2027 (Chicago) and 2029 (Houston),” Charania tweeted.

Davis joined the Mavericks a year ago in a shocking trade that sent fan-favorite Doncic to the Lakers.

Davis came to Dallas with a long history of injury issues and aggravated an abdominal strain in his debut. In his year with the team, he has missed more games than he has played for Dallas due to various ailments and he’s currently out until after the All-Star break with ligament damage in his left hand.

When he’s been healthy for the Mavs, Davis has averaged 20 points per game and nearly 30 minutes on the court per game. For the Wizards, Davis will join point guard Trae Young as the second former All-Star acquired in a trade this season.

The Milwaukee Bucks started their three-game homestand with a win against the Chicago Bulls 131-115. Despite a scare in the third quarter, the Bucks held off the Bulls and coasted to the win in the fourth. Milwaukee won the season series against Chicago, taking the first three games of their four-game set. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.

Player Grades

Myles Turner

23 minutes, 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 turnovers, 5/10 FG, 2/3 3P, 3/4 FT, -7

He did pick up a couple of early fouls, but other than that, it was a good game for Turner. I’m interested in how he will be used if Giannis and KPJ come back, but I hope this time has shown the coaching staff there’s a lot more to use Turner in other than spot-up shooting.

Grade: B

Ryan Rollins

35 minutes, 21 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 8/12 FG, 5/8 3P, +9

What a game it was for Rollins. He hit a vital three-pointer to stem the tide that the Bulls were throwing the Bucks’ way. You can’t ask for much more from a player who gives you a 21-point and 10-assist double-double.

Grade: A-

Kyle Kuzma

31 minutes, 31 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 12/22 FG, 3/5 3P, 4/7 FT, +18

Kuzma was aggressive from the jump, and it continued all night. He was solid on defense against Buzelis and White, and the offense was fantastic.

Grade: A+

AJ Green

30 minutes, 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 5/9 3P, +3

It was a solid night for Dairy Bird, who helped Milwaukee with their initial run to take the lead against Chicago. It wasn’t all just catch-and-shoot threes for Green, as he continues to expand his three-point arsenal. 

Grade: B+

Amir Coffey

22 minutes, 2 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1/3 FG, -17

Coffey got the nod in the starting lineup with Bobby Portis as a late scratch. He didn’t look good at all, and there’s a reason he’s typically a bench warmer when everyone is healthy.

Grade: D+

Jericho Sims

21 minutes, 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4/6 FG, 1/2 FT, +29

After some rough performances, this was a much-needed game for Sims. He was active on the boards and aggressive in the right spots. The only true lowlight was him falling to the floor as Buzelis nailed a three (even if it might have been an offensive foul).

Grade: B-

Cole Anthony

12 minutes, 4 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2/3 FG, +12

These are the type of games they need to see from Anthony moving forward. He needs to play within himself and fill the box score with contributions beyond scoring.

Grade: B-

Gary Trent Jr.

23 minutes, 15 points, 5/8 3P, +17

Out of everyone on the Bucks who needed a good shooting performance the most, it was Trent. He’s had a significant drop-off from last year, but he tied a season high in three-point makes with five. He’s only done that twice this season, once in the season opener against the Wizards and against the Heat back in November.

Grade: A-

Pete Nance

27 minutes, 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 6/8 FG, 3/5 3P, +17

Keep giving this man more minutes. Nance showed off all his skills, especially his basketball IQ and shooting. There were times he was outmatched on defense, but he gave full effort all night.

Grade: A-

Andre Jackson Jr.

12 minutes, 2 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1/2 FG, +3

Even with the Bucks missing five rotational players, Jackson continues to get the short end of the minutes. He looked ok during his time on the court, but unless there is a coaching change, I don’t see Jackson sticking in Milwaukee past this season.

Grade: C+

Doc Rivers

It’s hard to give Doc much praise considering the Bucks finally made their shots. Yet, if Doc’s game plan was for them to attempt 38 threes, then I have to give him credit for it.  

Grade: C+

Garbage Time: Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Inactive: Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Gary Harris, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis Jr., Taurean Prince

Bonus Bucks Bits

• We received injury updates before the game about a couple of Bucks guards. Kevin Porter Jr. is close to returning from his oblique injury, according to Doc Rivers. He could be back as early as today or as late as Friday against the Indiana Pacers.
• Gary Harris, on the other hand, will be out for the next couple of games, and potentially longer.
• This was the third career game in which Rollins has dished out 10 or more assists. He was asked about which area in his playmaking has improved the most after the game:

“I’m just making the right reads and getting down hill. Just letting the game develop for me and I’m not forcing things and forcing my shots too early.”

• With the trade deadline just a day away, Kuzma was asked how he handles the distraction of it all:

“Me personally, I manage it because this is year nine and I’ve been in trade deadlines since I came into the NBA. My experince is a lot different from others, I’m going to go home after this and go to sleep. I sleep every night, I don’t think about it too much, but when you’re a younger player it’s a little bit different. If you’re a guy on the bench, it’s a lot different. We’re all human and you really can’t esacape it. You can’t escape the talks, you can’t escape because of the world we live in, but they pay us the big bucks. It doesn’t matter if you get traded the next day, whoop-de-do. It’s a buisness and we’re all like contractors and we move and play and it’s just how it goes.”

• The Bucks set a new season best with 23 made three-pointers, shooting 60.5%. It’s the first time since December 5, 2023 that the Bucks have shot over 60% from deep.
• Pete Nance also put up a season high 15 points, and was just two points shy of tying his career high in scoring.

Up Next

Last night was the first game of a back-to-back at home. They will host the New Orleans Pelicans today with draft lottery implications on the line. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central and will be televised on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

Yesterday’s big trade finally solved the glaring issue of needing more center depth (with all due respect to Queta and Garza). It cost the Celtics some guard depth though. So will the team make another move to add a backup guard or go with what they have?

In theory Jayson Tatum coming back gives the Celtics the scoring punch that they are losing with Simons heading out. While Simons wasn’t exactly a “ball handler” or “distributor,” he was at least capable of bringing the ball up on occasion. Here again, Tatum (at nearly full speed) can help out in this regard.

Still, it would be nice to have a guy that can give us some point guard minutes in a pinch. Maybe that guy can be found in the buyout market (Mike Conley? CP3?). Or maybe there’s someone kicking around the G-League that could use a call-up.

Or maybe there’s another deal out there that Brad is looking into. I’m not sure why the Bulls seem to have a team full of guards and couldn’t throw one of them our way in yesterday’s deal (well, technically they haven’t completed the deal yet and could expand it in the coming days). After a relatively quiet month, things sure are picking up lately.

So what do you think? Is Brad done dealing before the deadline? Or is he going to keep making moves?

(All times Central)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Thursday, February 5
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
6:30 p.m.

Penn State at Michigan — FS1, Fox Sports App, Fubo Sports

NBA BASKETBALL
7 p.m.

Washington at Detroit — FDSN Detroit, Monumental SN 2, NBA League Pass

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

SAN FRANCISCO — As the buzzer sounded and capped the Golden State Warriors' final game before the NBA trade deadline, Draymond Green was on the court sharing laughs and conversations with teammate Stephen Curry and Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry.

Was the 113-94 loss on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Chase Center Green's final game as a Warrior?

The Warriors have had multiple players' names swirling around the rumor mill ahead of the 3 p.m. ET (noon PT) trade deadline on Thursday, Feb. 5, and Green was one of them.

The Warriors' next game against the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 5 at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) is after the deadline.

Green has been mentioned in a potential trade that would send him and other Warriors players to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Jan. 23 that Green would be included in a trade, rather than Jimmy Butler, who tore his ACL in a season-ending injury on Jan. 9.

Stein said the potential trade would include Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, who grew up in Greenfield of Milwaukee County in Wisconsin.

The Warriors are willing to trade Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga for Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @TheSteinLine

“The Stein Line was the first to report on Jan. 23 that Jimmy Butler would not be included in Golden State's Giannis offers and it has since… pic.twitter.com/va391CKEbG

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026

Green said after the loss to the Sixers that he doesn't know if he's played his last game for the Warriors.

"Maybe," Green told USA TODAY Sports. "I don't know. I don't foresee it that way. But if I have, like I said it's been an amazing run. But I don't know, we'll see. I don't sit and think about the possibilities of what may happen. It's gon' be what it's gon' be, regardless. That just, it is what it is."

Green finished the game with six points, seven rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes. He wore his jersey during his postgame conference with reporters as he does with most postgame scrums, nothing unusual. But he acknowledged that there's a "possibility" he could be traded.

"It's a possibility that I might get traded. It's kind of just what it's like −yeah but at some point it's going to come to an end," Green told reporters about being involved in trade rumors and his Warriors' tenure. "Whether it's a day or two or a year or two, it's going to come to an end at some point. You got to be okay with that. It's not something that I can hold onto forever because I can't play basketball forever. It's got to come to an end at some point anyway."

More NBA trade news: Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter adjusts to new digs post-trade

More NBA trade news: Clippers trade James Harden for Cavaliers' Darius Garland: Instant reactions

'Business as usual'

Green is 35 years old. He was drafted by Golden State out of Michigan State with the 35th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He's become a Defensive Player of the Year, four-time All-Star and a four-time NBA champion in 14 seasons with the Warriors.

Green told ESPN's Anthony Slater that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talked to him before the game that his name has been mentioned in trade talks and asked how his wife was handling it. Green said "that's when it got real" to him and he spoke to his son about it on the way to Tuesday's game.

"I was like 'yo what if I get traded?' He was like 'well why would they trade you,'" Green said summarizing the chat pregame with his son. "I was like 'It's just the business. I've never been traded but it can happen to anybody.' He was like 'Oh, I just don't understand why they would do that.'"

He told reporters that he's spoke to the front office, but added, "it's probably not quite the conversation you think it was" and that he talks to them "pretty often."

Green didn't feel like he played his last game with the Warriors. But he reflected on his time in the Bay Area after 13 to 14 years.

He said "it's business as usual."

'All good things must come to an end at some point'

Green has been getting the question for the last couple days now and said "it doesn't wear" on him since he can't control it. If anything, he said, he can't wait for the deadline so people will stop asking him about it.

"A lot of people want to know how I feel about it, if I'm upset about it, I'm not at all," Green said. "If that's what's best for this organization, that's what's best for this organization. I'm not like 'aww man, they (expletive) me over' or something like that, I don't really feel that way."

Green has averaged 8.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks in 42 games with the Warriors in the 2025-26 regular-season. For his 14-year NBA career, he averages 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1 block per game.

He won the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Award after being named runner-up in 2015 and 2016. Green has made NBA All-Defensive team nine times.

Kerr said that Green will have a statue outside of the Chase Center for what he's meant to the franchise, on 95.7FM The Game's Willard and Dibs radio show.

"[Draymond and I] have talked [about the trade rumors]. I think what's really tricky for Draymond is this is the only place he's ever known. He's going to have a statue outside the building someday.

Really weird position for him to be in for sure because there's never really… pic.twitter.com/JmBG1tvgR0

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 3, 2026

"If you would have told me 13 and a half years ago like 'yo I'm going to hand you this sheet of paper and you can sign it to be in a place for 13 years and a half years, would you sign it?' I would've signed it faster than you can blink," Green told reporters. "So what do I have to sit and worry about? What do I have to be upset about? I've been here for 13 and 1/2 years. That's longer probably than 98% of NBA players have been in one place and a guy from Saginaw has been in one place for 13 and a half years. I don't know that it ends at 13 and a half, but if it does what a (expletive) run it's been."

He's seemingly content with whatever his destiny may be. There's no animosity from Green towards the Warriors, he said that he's "blessed," "lucky" and "grateful."

"My family hasn't had to move anywhere since I started my family," Green said. "That's incredible. I don't take that for granted. There's guys that's been on the move every year, moving their family two, three times in a year. So, I have so much gratitude for where I am in my career, the run I've been on here And I don't know that it ends or what not. We'll all see. But if it does, it does. All good things must come to an end at some point."

If it comes to a point where Green needs to say goodbye, then he'll say goodbye, he said.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Draymond Green reacts to trade rumors after Warriors vs 76ers game