Category: Basketball

Rui Hachimura’s talent is undeniable.

He’s an elite shooter who is converting on 43.9% of his 3-point attempts on the season, making him the best perimeter threat on the Lakers. Recently, though, he’s been struggling.

His calf injury forced him to miss seven straight games and upon his return, his production dipped. Hachimura averagedjust 7.8 points while making 31.3% of his 3-point shots in his first four games back.

But during LA’s recent road trip, he’s begun to take a turn for the better.

He had back-to-back threes late in the fourth in a win against Dallas and in Chicago, Hachimura shot lights out, going 9-11 from the field, scoring 23 points in his 29 minutes of play.

After the win, Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged Hachimura’s return to form.

“Rui, now, feels like…he’s kind of back in his groove,” Redick said. “He had not taken a ton of shots and I don’t think was playing well – and I told them him that so I’m not trying to call him out – but he wasn’t playing well leading into his injury and then it takes a little bit of time to get back in that rhythm. It feels like the last few games, he’s back to who he was at the start of the year.

“I think his defensive engagement, particularly the last two games because in Dallas he had a great defensive game on tape as a low man and again another good one tonight.”

Hachimura was always going to regress to the mean. During his four seasons with the Lakers, he’s been a consistent double-digit scorer, so a handful of subpar games after an injury shouldn’t have been cause for panic.

However, as Redick mentioned, Hachimura was playing poorly even before his injury. Also, now he appears to have been moved to the bench. A change like that can be misinterpreted and significantly impact how a player performs.

Hachimura playing this well while coming off the bench demonstrates that he is embracing his sixth man role and will continue to play his best. And his experience in the NBA has helped him remain level-headed through all of it.

“This is my seventh season and the NBA season is so long,” Hachimura said. “It’s up and down. I always tell myself to stay calm and do what you’ve got to do. That’s all you can do, control what you can do. For me to do this kind of stuff, it’s normal.”

With Hachimura looking like his old self, the Lakers have their best shooter back. And if he continues to excel as a reserve player, he should also give the bench an offensive injection they desperately need.

LA averages 26.2 bench points per game, which is the lowest scoring average in the NBA.

Hachimura might not be the most important Laker, but he’s a key player in the rotation. And if he stays playing at this level, it raises the ceiling on how good the Lakers can be.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the consensus top-five player in the world, former MVP, and NBA champion, has been linked to the Knicks for quite a while now. It started with analysts wondering what Giannis in New York could look like, and slowly, but surely, it evolved into full-blown rumors that both sides were interested.

Now, we don’t know the full picture in terms of the level of interest, the timelines, and the likelihood.

Outside of the few people involved in the situation, we can only speculate, decipher quotes, and try to decipher body language as if we were detectives. But the Antetokounmpo-Knicks rumor has become the latest background noise of the NBA rumor mill, and for many, it has become somewhat tiresome and old. Yet, the prospect of pairing Jalen Brunson with one of the best players in the world, and bringing said player to the self-proclaimed Mecca of Basketball has kept up the hopes of a handful of fans.

And for those fans, Monday presented even more anticipation in the shape of Marc Stein’s Substack, The Stein Line. In it, the NBA writer wrote about how there have been rumblings about the Knicks wanting in on former Buck, Jrue Holiday. New York believes that the veteran point guard would be a great backcourt complement to Brunson, given his ability to both play on the ball and off the ball, and of course, his great point-of-attack defense. But the Knicks presumably want Holiday for another reason. And that’s where the Greek Freak comes in.

The Knicks are under the assumption that if they weren’t the most attractive option for Antetokounmpo, bringing Holiday, a teammate the big man has praised time and time again, would solidify them as such.

RUMOR: There are “rumblings” that the Knicks have explored pathways to acquire Portland’s Jrue Holiday, per @TheSteinLine.

There’s a believed “fondness” for a Brunson–Holiday backcourt, plus possible added appeal for Giannis to reunite with Holiday if he were traded to New York. pic.twitter.com/ZZAqoGwTis

— SleeperKnicks (@SleeperKnicks) January 27, 2026

Acquiring the pair sounds great on paper, but there’s still a lot to consider. It would pretty much signal the end of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges’ time as a Knick. They’d also have to part ways with Guerschon Yabusele, as well as Pacome Dadiet, and or Tyler Kolek. It would also likely mean having to trade for a starting center, as historically, Antetokounmpo doesn’t spend much time playing the five and operates best when he is paired with a stretch center.

Those problems may not seem significant given the potential to assemble a roster of Brunson, Holiday, OG Anunoby, Antetokounmpo, a starting center, Mitchell Robinson, Deuce McBride, and Josh Hart. However, executing this plan requires Dolan and Rose to decide the current roster can’t win and to consider risking the championship-or-bust mandate Dolan set.

With the February 5th trade deadline just nine days away, the Knicks must confront a clear crossroads. Should they stand pat and bet on regaining early-season form, or should they make a significant move, accepting short-term risks in pursuit of a transformative leap?

Who: Phoenix Suns (27-19) vs the Brooklyn Nets (12-32)

When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time

Where: Mortgage Matchup Center – Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7

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The Suns are looking to bounce back in the Valley after two straight devastating losses in the past few days. They take on the Brooklyn Nets, a team that has struggled this season, but put on a decent show against the Suns in their last meeting. Even if it felt like the Suns were in control of that game entirely, the Nets did have some runs that made you realize, if they get hot, it could be over here.

Unfortunately for the Suns, the injury bug is still in town after residing in the Valley all season long. Suns star player Devin Booker has already been ruled out due to an ankle injury and will be reevaluated in a week. Their other primary scorer, Jalen Green, also aggravated his hamstring and missed their last contest, too. Hopefully, he can be back to help an offense that struggled without its two best scorers previously.

The Nets are scrappy, though, and have some solid names who have been showing out this season. A guy in Michael Porter Jr. has completely changed the narrative about him offensively in this new role. With Jordi Fernandez being a smart coach as well, this team has outdone expectations each season and could pull a fast one on the Suns fans while on the road.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

• Devin Booker — OUT (Ankle)
• Jalen Green — QUESTIONABLE (Hamstring)
• Jordan Goodwin — AVAILABLE (Jaw Sprain)

Nets

• Noah Clowney OUT — (Illness/Back Soreness)
• Tyrese Martin QUESTIONABLE —(Illness/Left Knee Soreness)
• Cam Thomas PROBABLE — (Left Ankle Sprain)
• Nolan Traore PROBABLE — (Illness)

What to Watch For

For the Suns, we will watch to see how this offense looks without its two best scorers. The Suns seemed to struggle in their last matchup against the Heat. The Suns shot only 20% from three in that game, which is concerning given that their three-point shot is a main focal point of their offensive success. The Suns are going to have to be more consistent on that end to keep this game close. If they struggle once again from three, it will be interesting to see how they get the offense going.

For the Nets, it is very similar: will their offense also come alive? In their last game, their offense failed to show up, scoring only 89 points. With the Suns having a top-tier defense, the Nets will likely struggle, just as they have all season. That being said, if the Suns’ offense is not locked in, the defense has to be, for them to ultimately have a fighter’s chance.

Keys to a Suns Win

Even with the Nets’ worst record, this will not be a cakewalk for the Suns. After getting embarrassed on their home court by the Heat and losing that season series, I expect the Suns to bring that same aggression against the Nets. Who cares if the Nets are a bottom-feeder team? Getting a series sweep would boost this team’s morale, which is still looking to rise in the standings.

To accomplish that, the defense will have to be locked in and give them their chance. We all know this team does not give up, and looking for that bounce-back game, they will show that hunger on the court. Having them relentlessly be pests for this Nets offense, forcing turnovers, will help this team get ahead. Then they also have to limit MPJ and make sure he does not have a historic night. If both of those things can come true, the fans should be blessed with a victory to celebrate.

Prediction

Even with all the skepticism coming into this one, the better team will be victorious. That being said, the Suns will win and gain some much-needed momentum heading into the rest of this homestand.

Suns 108, Nets 96

Lakers coach JJ Redick didn’t outright call out star guard Luka Doncic’s passing — or lack of it — after the team’s Thursday loss to the Clippers.

But he also didn’t absolve Doncic from any fault in the issue, saying that Doncic has “got to trust the pass…[when] he’s playing in a crowd, he’s got to pass the ball.”

Doncic’s response? 

Back-to-back double-digit assists performances, including a 46-point, 12-assist showing in Monday’s road win over the Chicago Bulls for Doncic’s third 40-point, 10-assist game of the season. 

“I was just being aggressive,” Doncic said.

Doncic has downplayed Redick’s comments about his passing since being asked about them after the loss to the Clippers, though he acknowledged his responsibility to be the catalyst for ball movement as the team’s primary ball handler.

And the numbers suggest that Doncic hasn’t made a significant shift to his game since the loss to the Clippers.

But it feels likeDoncic has made a shift.

Getting off the ball a little bit earlier than usual. And with a little bit more intentionality. 

And it isn’t just an observation. Rui Hachimura acknowledged the team had a meeting in which Redick told his star players that they need to pass more. 

“I want to give it credit to our coaches, especially JJ. They talked to the main [ball handlers]: LeBron [James], Luka, those guys, they always have the ball. And they told them that in the team meeting that they need to be looking more for their teammates. And that’s what they’ve been doing. 

“They took it in a good way and that’s what they’ve been doing. Everybody gets touches and everybody shares a ball. It’s fun. That’s how basketball should be. We got to keep doing it.”

It’s unlikely the Lakers will become a high-frequency passing team. 

It isn’t necessary for success.

Their 269.8 passes per game entering the win over the Bulls ranked No. 27 across the league. 

And with Doncic, James and Austin Reaves — who’s expected to return to the lineup within the next week — having the ability to create advantages in a variety of ways, the Lakers don’t always need to pass to create the best scoring opportunity.

But there’s a benefit to the Lakers’ star players, and especially Doncic, for getting their teammates more involved via passing.

They’re more engaged offensively. They’ll play harder defenisively because they’re more engaged. And trust will build. 

“When you’ve got a playmaker like that,” Jaxson Hayes said of Doncic. “Just somebody on your team who can just make any type of plays happen like that passing or shooting, obviously you just gotta give them a chance.”

And when Doncic is in a passing rhythm like he was when he made the behind-the-back pass to Gabe Vincent off a live dribble before Vincent made the swing pass to assist Rui Hachimura for a 3-pointer to put the Lakers up 89-80 in the third against the Bulls, it can be just as infectious on the team’s energy as one of Doncic’s stepback 3s.

“I’ve talked about this: he’s an engine that’s fully on, and he likes to create out there, and that’s a part of what makes him a great player,” Redick said. “Because I played with him, I have a pretty good understanding of that. Not to say it doesn’t test your patience at times, but you have to be willing to live with some of the stuff that he tries. Because more often than not, you’re going to get a great result.

“And he had some great passes. He made some amazing shots. But there’s that creative element that he needs to thrive, and you’ve got to allow that. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nets vs Suns prediction

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

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

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

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

Nets vs Suns same-game parlay

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

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

Nets vs Suns SGP

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

Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns shut down Nets

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

Nets vs Suns SGP

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

Nets vs Suns odds

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

Nets vs Suns betting trend to know

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

How to watch Nets vs Suns

Nets vs Suns latest injuries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Watch

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

Injury Report 

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

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

The Game

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

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

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

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

Player To Watch: Collin Gillespie

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

The Vault:

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

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

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

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

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

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets

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

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

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

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

Game Vitals

When: 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado

How: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

Odds: Pistons -6

Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lineups

Detroit Pistons (33-11)

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

Denver Nuggets (31-15)

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

Question of the day

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

’25 OKC Thunder: 33.8% on 35 3PA

’24 Boston Celtics: 36% on 40 3PA

’23 Denver Nuggets: 37.5% on 30 3PA

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

’21 Milwaukee Bucks: 32% on 35 3PA

What do you make of these numbers?

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

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

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

Pistons vs Nuggets prediction

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

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

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

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

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

Pistons vs Nuggets same-game parlay

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

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

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

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

Pistons vs Nuggets SGP

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

Our "from downtown" SGP: Robinson on a heater

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

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

Pistons vs Nuggets SGP

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

Pistons vs Nuggets odds

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

Pistons vs Nuggets betting trend to know

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

How to watch Pistons vs Nuggets

Pistons vs Nuggets latest injuries

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

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

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

Find out more in my NBA picks for January 27.

Kings vs Knicks prediction

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

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

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

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

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

Kings vs Knicks same-game parlay

This looks quite counterintuitive, but that is the point.

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

Kings vs Knicks SGP

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

Our "from downtown" SGP: Streaking Knicks

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

Kings vs Knicks SGP

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

Kings vs Knicks odds

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

Kings vs Knicks betting trend to know

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

How to watch Kings vs Knicks

Kings vs Knicks latest injuries

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

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

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

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

Pelicans vs Thunder prediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pelicans vs Thunder same-game parlay

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

Pelicans vs Thunder SGP

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

Our "from downtown" SGP: Thunderclapped

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

Pelicans vs Thunder SGP

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

Pelicans vs Thunder odds

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

Pelicans vs Thunder betting trend to know

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

How to watch Pelicans vs Thunder

Pelicans vs Thunder latest injuries

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