There is less than a week to go before the NBA trade deadline, and the Detroit Pistons need to do something. That could be as small a move as they formally create a roster spot for Daniss Jenkins or a large move, including, according to Marc Stein, trading a whole lot for Michael Porter Jr. or a good amount for Miles Bridges.

Stein writes on Substack that the Pistons “have continued to internally weigh the idea of pursuing wing scorers such as Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr or Charlott’es Miles Bridges, but no firm indication has yet emerged that Detroit is actively engaged in trade talks for either.”

If the Pistons go big-game hunting, it’s no surprise that Porter Jr. would be at the top of their list. Porter is the most coveted large wing shooter on the trade market, and that checks every box on Detroit’s wish list. He is shooting 39% from three on nearly 10 attempts a game, is a legit 6-foot-10, and has acquitted himself well in the playoffs. He is under team control for one more season beyond this one at $40 million.

Bridges, meanwhile, is not the shooter that Porter is, but he’s a thick unit that can switch between either forward spot, is a willing (if not terribly efficient) perimeter shooter, and can create offense for himself and occasionally for others. He has been a 20-point-per-game scorer on the Hornets for the three seasons prior to this one, and even though he’s taken a slight step back to 18.5 points this season, it is at the service of a better offense for himself and his teammates.

Bridges also takes care of the ball despite having it in his hands quite a bit. His career turnover percentage is just 10% while his usage rate this season of 23.1% would rank second in the Pistons’ rotation after Cade Cunningham.

What would it take to obtain either of these players? Well, there’s the rub, as they say.

Stein writes that the Nets are seeking “more than” a first-round pick to ship out Porter, and the Hornets are seeking “at least one first-round pick” for Bridges.

He also indicates that the league anticipates no splashy moves in Detroit at the deadline, and that tracks with everything we’ve heard up to this point.

However, the Pistons are playing really well, and it is also incredibly clear that they need more shooting and scoring on the roster. Could they be getting more comfortable with the idea of being more aggressive this season? We’ll know in less than a week.

Cam Thomas may have finally found a suitor.

Mike Scotto of Hoopshype reports Saturday in his reporting that the Milwaukee Bucks have interest in the Nets shooting guard who (coincidently or not) had his best game in weeks Friday night, scoring 21 points off the bench and being one of the team’s leaders in a win. After missing 20 games to a hamstring strain, Thomas is now coming off the bench. For the season, he’s averaging 16.1 points and 3.3 assists in 18 games with shooting splits of 40/32/85 shooting splits.

While trade talks surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo have garnered all the league’s attention, the Milwaukee Bucks have explored other smaller moves. 

With that in mind, Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell are both on Milwaukee’s radar contingent on other deals the Bucks are working on, league sources told HoopsHype.

Thomas, a proven bucket getter that averaged 22.9 points in 91 combined games in his prior two seasons, would potentially be useful for the Bucks, who rank fourth-worst in points per game (111.8). It’s worth noting that Thomas has a no-trade clause and would need to approve of any trade.

Thomas, of course, exercised his team option back in September, turning down a two-year $30 million (with second year a team option or a one-year, $9.5 million a deal. The whole process a seemingly signaled that he’d like to move on after four tumultuous seasons in Brooklyn. Thomas is making $6.0 million this season but because he exercised the option, he must approve any trade. If the Nets do not trade him or waive him, they will still have his Bird Rights as an unrestricted free agent.

The 24-year-old trade market has been devalued for a variety of reasons, some related to his style of play and now his health. In the last year and a half he’s missed 73 games to hamstring strains. Indeed, NetsDaily was told that the Nets didn’t receive a single trade offer last summer for Thomas.

Never a dull moment.

Paul George has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, the league announced in a statement.

The Sixers’ veteran forward released a statement to ESPN:

The league and George did not indicate the specific drug that was used.

The nine-time All-Star has appeared in 27 games this season, averaging 16.0 points per game, while recovering from an offseason procedure on his left knee. He’d just started to play more regularly, appearing in 21 of the Sixers’ last 26 games. George played in just 41 games last season while dealing with injuries to his knee, hip, groin and hand.

The 35-year-old is in the second season of his four-year, $212 million max contract. There are luxury tax implications, for those curious about such things.

It’s fair to wonder where this leaves the Sixers with the NBA’s trade deadline looming next Thursday. Without George for 25 games, Kelly Oubre Jr. is the only wing in the rotation. Second-year forward Justin Edwards has had an inconsistent sophomore season, but will likely see more action. The team also has MarJon Beauchamp signed to a two-way deal.

Will the Sixers consider entering the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes? Will they make other moves to help Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as they look to secure a guaranteed playoff spot in the East? Or will they simply stand pat and hope George can be healthy for any type of playoff run?

Things around the Sixers were finally starting to feel normal with George and Embiid playing fairly regularly and the team as a whole being healthy. It only make sense that something like this would happen to the strangest franchise in the NBA.

It's the second game of a most unusual 3-game regular season series, as the Chicago Bulls visit the Miami Heat. 

With both teams in a gruelling part of the schedule and many regulars appearing to be sidelined, my Bulls vs. Heat prediction will target the Under on Saturday.

Read on for my NBA picks for Saturday, January 31. 

Bulls vs Heat prediction

Bulls vs Heat best bet: Under 236 (-110)

The Chicago Bulls' loss on Thursday was their third straight, and their grip on the 10th and final play-in berth is much less secure, just 2.5 games ahead of the Hornets.

A Top-7 shooting team in the NBA, the Bulls were limited to just 39% shooting from the field, but stayed competitive by hitting 15 triples and shooting 39% from 3-point range.

Chicago is in the midst of playing 10 games in 13 days before the All-Star break, with no more than one day off between games and a pair of back-to-backs mixed in.

It's already taking a toll on the players, as Nikola Vucevic (rest) is listed as doubtful, while regulars Coby White (calf), Jalen Smith (calf), and Josh Giddey (hamstring) — who missed the last meeting between these teams — are questionable.

Emanuel Miller (migraine) is also questionable, while Tre Jones (hamstring) has already been confirmed out.

The Miami Heat are also in the midst of a four-game, five-night stretch, but the wins have helped fuel them, as they have ripped off three of four.

They've beaten the Bulls twice this season and will be seeking a fourth straight win over Chicago.

While they are averaging more than 120 points in their three previous wins, it's their defense, which has allowed just 103.3 points per game, that's been the deciding factor.

The Heat will need to lean into that defense, as their two leading scorers, Norman Powell (personal) and Tyler Herro (ribs) are both out, alongside guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder).

With so many impactful players sidelined, the total is the play here. Chicago has gone Under the total in four of its last five, while the two teams have cashed the Under in two of their previous three meetings.

Bulls vs Heat same-game parlay

Bam Adebayo had 12 boards in the last meeting between these teams, giving him at least 12 five times in the last eight games. There should be plenty more against the diminished Chicago frontline.

And that's why we're targeting Matas Buzelis' gettable 6.5 rebounding line. The 21-year-old has pulled down at least seven rebounds in three of his last four, including nine in the last meeting between these teams.

Bulls vs Heat SGP

• Under 236
• Bam Adebayo Over 10.5 rebounds
• Matas Buzelis Over 6.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Dr. Dru!

Jaime Jaquez Jr is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Bulls, scoring 19 points, adding 10 boards, and six assists. With Powell out, there will be plenty of shots and points to make up Saturday.

Dru Smith is coming off a 2-for-4 shooting night from 3-point range. He's also hit two triples in both meetings with Chicago and has connected on a moneyball in three straight games.

Bulls vs Heat SGP

• Under 236
• Bam Adebayo Over 10.5 rebounds
• Matas Buzelis Over 6.5 rebounds
• Jaime Jaquez Over 16.5 points
• Dru Smith Over 0.5 threes

Bulls vs Heat odds

• Spread: Bulls +5.5 (-110) | Heat -5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Bulls +180 | Heat -210
• Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)

Bulls vs Heat betting trend to know

The underdog has won five of the last six meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Heat.

How to watch Bulls vs Heat

Bulls vs Heat latest injuries

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

Paul George is in hot water. 

The 76ers star was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

George blamed the positive test on an “improper medication.”

“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in a statement, per Charania. “I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.

“I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”

The oft-injured George has appeared in 27 games this season, averaging 16 points in 30.5 minutes per contest. 

The nine-time All-Star missed the Sixers’ first 12 games of the season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee over the summer. 

Last season, his first in Philadelphia after signing a four-year, $212 million deal with the franchise two summers ago, George played in just 41 games as he dealt with various injuries. 

The suspension will cost him about $11.7 million of his $51.6 million salary this season.

Since the 2019-20 season, when he joined forces with Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers in Los Angeles, George has played in more than 56 games in a season just once.

The suspension is a major blow for the 76ers, who are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference at 26-21.

George will begin serving the suspension on Saturday night when the 76ers host the Pelicans and will be eligible to return in late March.

The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George for 25 games without pay for violating the league’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.

George's suspension will start with Saturday night's home game between the 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans. The suspension will cost him $11.7 million in salary. George is making $51.6 million this season.

"Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication," George said in a statement. "I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process.

"I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."

George, 35, is averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 27 games this season for Philadelphia (26-21), who are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference entering tonight's contest.

According to multiple reports, the NBA is suspending Philadelphia 76ers standout Paul George 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. ESPN insider Shams Charania shared the news first on social media, posting about the suspension early Saturday afternoon.

George underwent knee surgery in July of 2025, and has been working his way back into the lineup for the 76ers this season. While Philadelphia has managed his minutes at times this season, including holding him out of a back-to-back in January with a “left knee injury management” designation, has started 27 games this year for the Sixers.

Over his 27 games, George is averaging 16 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. He is also averaging just over 30 minutes per game. Two games ago, a 139-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, George poured in 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting. Only a 35-point outburst against the Atlanta Hawks back in December was a bigger night for George.

As of publication, the NBA has not disclosed the involved substance. Per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, a 25-game suspension indicates that this is a first offense for George.

Should he begin serving the suspension immediately, George would be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point. As of Saturday, Philadelphia is sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-21 record.

The Sixers are 16-11 when George is in the lineup, 10-10 when he is not.

Update: In a statement to the media, George cited an “improper medication” he has been taking for a mental-health issue.

“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process,” said George.

“I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”

Michigan at Michigan State — FS1, Fubo Sports

Brooklyn at Detroit — FDSN Detroit, YES, Gotham Sports App, NBA League Pass

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

AL MAZROWIAH, Bahrain (AP) — Calum Hill of Scotland salvaged a rough start with a pair of birdies on the back nine for an even-par 72 on Saturday, giving him a two-shot lead in the Bahrain Championship with Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia suddenly back in the mix.

Reed, coming off a whirlwind week in which he won the Dubai Desert Classic and then announced he was leaving LIV Golf with an eye on returning to the PGA Tour, had five birdies and an eagle for a 66. He went from 10 shots behind to just four off the lead.

Reed led from the front at Dubai. Now he is chasing alongside Garcia, who had a 68 and was four shots behind.

Hill, who played at Texas Tech, was at 16-under 200, two ahead of Freddy Schott of Germany (70). Reed, Garcia and Grant Forrest of Scotland were at 204.

“Are you going to be the hunted or the hunter,” said Reed, whose world ranking is up to No. 29 with his Dubai victory. “Looks like I'm going to be the hunter tomorrow.”

Reed said he would play a full European tour schedule — he is entered in the Qatar Masters next week — to try to earn PGA Tour status as one of the leading 10 players in the Race to Dubai. He would be eligible to return to the PGA Tour in September with limited status as a past champion.

___

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

When it comes to the Brotherhood in the NBA, we’ve mostly focused on the remarkable rookie seasons of Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, but of course there are a lot of other former Blue Devils in the NBA and any given night you can look at the box scores and see great performances.

There were several Friday night.

Brandon Ingram had 35 for Toronto and RJ Barett had 16 vs Orlando and for the Magic, Paolo Banchero had 20 points and 9 rebounds and Wendell Carter had 23 and 7.

Meanwhile, Zion Williamson had 21 points on 7-10 shooting and also had 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

For the Phoenix Suns, Grayson Allen had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists while Mark Williams had 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.

Finally, Kyle Filipowski had 14 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists for Utah in a loss to Brooklyn.

It’s kind of crazy to see the influence Duke is having at all levels of basketball. Toss in GMs like Trajan Langdon, Mike Dunleavy and Elton Brand, toss in Grant Hill running USA Basketball and we’d have to say it’s unprecedented.

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Spinners led Pakistan to a 90-run win over Australia to seal a T20 series victory with a game to spare on Saturday.

Australia fielded a stronger side after losing the opener of the three-match series by 19 runs but still got bowled out for 108 in 15.4 overs with leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed (3-14) and Shadab Khan (3-26) sharing bulk of the wickets.

Captain Salman Ali Agha’s 76 off 40 balls and Usman Khan’s 53 off 36 balls had earlier propelled Pakistan to 198-5 after the home team won its second straight toss and elected to bat on yet another slow Gaddafi Stadium wicket.

"I can easily say it was a perfect game for us and we want to replicate it tomorrow,” said Agha after recording Pakistan’s biggest victory over Australia in a T20. “I promoted myself at No. 3 because I know I can play spin well and intend to do the same in Sri Lanka.”

Pakistan is scheduled to play its T20 World Cup games in Sri Lanka. India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the tournament, which starts on Feb. 7.

On Saturday, Australian batters failed to read the googlies and leg-breaks of Abrar and Shadab while Travis Head (4) fell against Saim Ayub’s offspin for the second straight game when he was clean bowled of a delivery that kept low.

Captain Mitchell Marsh, who skipped the first game, smashed two sixes in his knock of 18 before he was undone by Abrar’s sharp delivery that skidded through and trapped him plumb leg before wicket in the third over.

Josh Inglis, one of the four changes Australia made from the first game, couldn’t read Abrar’s wrong’un and was adjudged lbw for 5 as Australia lost the momentum early in the chase and slumped to 29-3 inside the power play.

Matt Renshaw, who was added to the World Cup squad Saturday in place of Matthew Short, holed out to long off to left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz’s fuller delivery as Shadab ran through the lower order with three quick wickets.

The deceptive bowling action of Usman Tariq came as a surprise to Australian batters as top-scorer Cameron Green (35) sliced an easy catch to Shadab at point before Agha grabbed an easy catch of Matthew Kuhnemann in the slip to finish the game with 26 balls to spare.

Earlier, Agha stayed aggressive in his recent transformation at No. 3, as Pakistan sped to 72-2 inside the first six overs. Agha completed his half-century of just 25 balls while dominating the spin through his strong sweeps and lofting the fast bowlers inside out over extra cover.

Babar Azam continued to struggle at his new No. 4 batting position when he was pinned lbw by Adam Zampa (1-27) for just 2 off five balls after Agha and Ayub (23) had provided a rollicking start in the power play.

Agha, who hit four sixes and eight boundaries, was within sight of his maiden T20 century before he got a faint edge to Sean Abbott (1-33) when he tried a reverse shot in the 13th over against the fast bowler.

Usman then ensured Pakistan got more than above-par total with his brisk half-century before he fell in the final over when he missed out on low full toss of Xavier Bartlett (1-52) and holed out at deep midwicket.

“They put us under great pressure in the power play,” Marsh said. “It was probably a 160-170 wicket. We have got experienced guys who know that partnerships are really important in run-chases. We were not able to do that today, so some really good lessons.”

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

The Knicks being the Knicks are Knicking, of course, going from losing 9-of-11 to winning five consecutive games.

Coming up next? The Lake Show at MSG on Sunday evening.

Here’s what your current (and maybe future) superheroes had to say after yesterday’s trouncing of the PDX.

Mike Brown

On pushing through adversity in January:

“We went through a little bit of adversity in terms of our wins and losses. Our guys just kind of stayed with it. We kept trying to help them as best we could. Those guys stayed with it, they stayed together. This is a veteran group that has been through a lot. They figured out what they needed to do to play at a high level. They’re going out there and showing it.”

On the need for connectivity and cohesion:

“They’re trying to stay connected, play off one another. When that happens, good things happen for our team. This is a veteran group that’s been through a lot. They figured out what they needed to do play at a high level.”

On the improved defensive cohesion during the winning streak:

“It starts defensively. The way the guys are on a string, that is at a pretty high level. You’ve got to be connected on that end of the floor. Obviously, you’ve got to be connected all the time, but especially defensively. Shots aren’t going to go in all the time.

“It’s just a work in progress. We’re continuing to try to work at it, try to help them. The guys are a little bit more comfortable with what we’re trying to do, and it’s shown.”

On Karl-Anthony Towns’ impact on games beyond scoring:

“To me, that’s what great players do. They impact the game in a lot of different ways and for him to have 22 against Toronto, and 20 tonight, double-double, it was huge. Six of those were offensive rebounds and we beat them 20-9 on the offensive glass and they’re a very, very good offensive rebounding team.”

On Jalen Brunson’s defensive approach:

“He’s been impressive leading with his chest, showing his hands and trying to play defense the right way with a little chip on his shoulder. It’s not just him, it’s all of our guys that have done that. But it’s good to see him doing it, especially with that scoring load that we put on him on the other end of the floor.”

On blocking out trade deadline noise:

“We understand that we have no control over the noise out there, so we have to have a bunker mentality. Not just at the trade deadline but all the time because there is a lot of noise out there. We’re all human and you try not to listen to it. You just try to stay together. You keep moving forward, trying to get better as the days go along and I think that’s what this group is trying to do.”

Josh Hart

On improving defensive trust and communication:

“I think we’re trusting each other more. During that skid, during film and all that, we had guys talk and that was one thing I think Deuce said, we gotta make sure we continue to trust each other. When you’re on the ball, trust that the guys are gonna be in the shifts for you. Somebody gets blown by, the big steps up, the big has a trust that the guard is gonna sink into his man, someone is gonna X out. I think we’re just continuing to gain that trust. I think we’re communicating more on the defensive end. You do that, that helps the trust area.”

On playing to the Knicks’ strengths:

“We’ve got good depth. We’ve got guys that can score. We’re able to play fast and to our advantages but it starts at the defensive end. And that’s where we’ve improved these last five games.”

On pace helping New York early in games:

“I think for us the faster we play, especially in the beginning of a game, it’s to our benefit. We’ve got shooters, we’ve got guys that can run the court. So playing fast helps us.”

On living with trade rumors:

“This is my ninth year in the league. I think I’ve dealt with trade rumors for eight of them. It’s a part of the game. It’s part of being in New York. At times, it can get frustrating and overbearing, but that’s why you don’t really put anything into it because 99% of stuff doesn’t even materialize.”

Jalen Brunson

On what made the Knicks click of late:

“I think we’re a little bit more connected than we’ve been. Gotta continue to build off it and keep having each other’s backs. I think, most importantly, our attention to detail. I’m gonna keep stressing that is very important for us.”

On Karl-Anthony Towns’ rebounding impact:

“What he’s been doing these past couple games has been great. We need that from him. That’s what he brings to the table. Offensively, when the ball’s not going in as much as it should be, he finds a way to impact the game. I think that’s really important for us. Big-time performance for him.”

Karl-Anthony Towns

On ignoring trade speculation:

“I feel like I’ve been in trade rumors a lot for a lot of times, for a year damn near. That don’t matter to me. I don’t look at social media or none of that stuff. I focus on the job on hand, which is trying to get wins every single night. As long as I do that, I do my job, I go home happy and I feel accomplished. I’m not worried about what anybody got to say or people write or anything like that.”

Mikal Bridges

On his mental approach during the Knicks’ turnaround:

“I was talking to Landry about it. It’s a mental thing. Not worrying about it, knowing that you’re aggressive and trying to make plays on both ends, the basketball gods will bless you at one point.”

Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks)

On the Knicks’ style of play:

“They’ve always been a grit-and-grind team. A team that plays hard. Good at every position. Can defend. Just a hard-playing team.”

On playing at Madison Square Garden:

“It’s cool playing here. The history that comes with it, it’s just always been a fun place to play.”

One of the best teams in the Western Conference heads east to face one of the hottest teams in the Association when the San Antonio Spurs take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center tonight.

The Hornets are surging, and my Spurs vs. Hornets predictions expect Charlotte to cover the spread as a home underdog.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this marquee matinee on Saturday, January 31.

Spurs vs Hornets prediction

Spurs vs Hornets best bet: Hornets +4 (-110)

The Charlotte Hornets are hot right now, and despite the strong play of the San Antonio Spurs, the home team has been too good to be spotted four points.

Injuries have plagued Charlotte for much of the season, but a healthy roster has yielded favorable results.

The Hornets finished January tied for the best point differential on the road in a single month in NBA history at +151 across 11 games. Charlotte is +31 across its last five home games.

Charlotte is 10-6 straight up and ATS across its last 16 games and currently owns a five-game win streak. In that 16-game span, Charlotte is +182, good for 11.7 points per game better than its opponents.

The Hornets are 28-21 ATS this season, while the Spurs are 24-23-1. San Antonio is 4-6-1 as the road favorite, while Charlotte is 9-7 as the home underdog.

I wouldn't be surprised if the home team earns another victory, but I'm confident they can keep it close regardless of the outcome. Give me the Hornets and the points

Spurs vs Hornets same-game parlay

The Spurs are 18-30 to the Under, and the Hornets are 20-29. Charlotte has hit the Under in two of its last three overall and two of its last three at home. San Antonio is 1-9 to the Under across its last 10 outings.

Brandon Miller is averaging 21.6 points per game at home this season, and he's scored 21+ in nine of 15 at Spectrum Center. He's scored 20+ in nine straight games, and he's reached 21 or more in four straight and eight of nine, averaging 24.6 points in that span.

Spurs vs Hornets SGP

• Hornets +4 
• Under 225.5 
• Brandon Miller Over 20.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: King of the Castle!

Stephon Castle has averaged 7.8 assists across his last eight outings, handing out at least eight dimes six times in that span. The Hornets have allowed the ninth-most assists per game this season, giving Castle a favorable matchup on the road.

Spurs vs Hornets SGP

• Hornets +4 
• Under 225.5 
• Brandon Miller Over 20.5 points
• Stephon Castle Over 7.5 assists

Spurs vs Hornets odds

• Spread: Spurs -4 (-110) | Hornets +4 (-110)
• Moneyline: Spurs-170 | Hornets +145
• Over/Under: Over 225.5 (-110) | Under 225.5 (-110)

Spurs vs Hornets betting trend to know

How to watch Spurs vs Hornets

Spurs vs Hornets latest injuries

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

The trade deadline is less than a week away, and the Mavericks are expected to be active. Following Anthony Davis’s injury that derailed any trade talks for the 10-time All-Star, the focus has shifted to other key rotational pieces for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall, in particular, has been a player teams have reportedly been making calls on. Should the Mavericks consider dealing him? Should they hang onto him as a building piece around Cooper Flagg? Let’s take a look at both sides.

The Case for Trading Marshall

Naji Marshall is a fan-favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The six-year veteran forward is averaging career highs this season in points per game (14.7), rebounds (4.9), and assists (3.0). Marshall also ranks 16th in the NBA in field goal percentage at 54.4%. In his last seven games, he’s averaging 20.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Half of his production this season is coming off the bench, all the more impressive, which makes him an attractive piece to many teams.

The NBA doesn’t have many Naji Marshalls anymore—gritty, grindy, competitive guys who can do it all. Many fringe contenders are thirsty for wings, especially those that can create and defend. Marshall is a versatile wing who can guard one through four and can also be the catalyst for running an offense, especially coming off the bench. The playoffs rely heavily on bench depth, and Marshall is the perfect missing piece many teams could talk themselves into pursuing.

The Mavericks have been adamant in the asking price for Marshall – at least one future first round pick, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein. It’s widely believed some teams would be willing to meet Dallas’s demands.

Naji Marshall just turned 28. Cooper Flagg just turned 19. Every roster building decision the Mavericks make moving forward should be based on Flagg’s timeline. Although Marshall is a fun watch and a great locker room guy, Dallas has to prioritize accumulating future assets to build around Flagg. If a team calls offering a decent first round pick selection, the Mavs should consider taking it.

The Nico Harrison timeline and vision of competing now is done and out the window. The focus should be on building a championship team around Flagg’s timeline. Naji Marshall doesn’t fit that. The second part of this is the money. Marshall is on the second year of his team-friendly deal of $27 million over three years. After next season, He’ll be due a much larger pay day. As of now, Dallas doesn’t have the financial flexibility for a Marshall pay raise. And even if they did, giving a larger contract to a player that would be about to turn 30 doesn’t make much sense.

Dallas has an opportunity to surround Flagg with younger talent that fits with his timeline. Teams are calling, and the Mavs should be listening.

The Case for Keeping Marshall

The other side of the coin is keeping him and hoping the Mavericks can flip other players like Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis. Doing so would give Dallas opportunities to accumulate future picks while finding financial flexibility. Dallas can’t be bad and be a second-apron team. That’s a nightmare scenario.

Keeping a guy like Naji Marshall could be beneficial for Dallas’s hopes in getting back into the playoff picture for next year. As of now, Dallas does not control its own pick from 2027 through 2030. Meaning the Mavs have no motivation to be bad and hope for more draft luck. Going into next season, the organization will likely want to refocus on competing in the West once again.

Naji Marshall would be a key player in a deep (and hopefully healthier) roster next season. Kyrie Irving coming back would fix many of the point guard woes the Mavs have endured this season. Plug in a healthy (again – hopefully) Dereck Lively II, plus Max Christie, P.J Washington, and year two of Cooper Flagg, you have some real pieces that could make Dallas at minimum a .500 team next season. Dallas would also have a top 10 pick from the 2026 draft to add to this mix. And what if the Mavericks don’t trade Anthony Davis? All of a sudden, you could talk yourself into this team being a top six team in the West next season. Naji Marshall would be an important piece of that roster.

Marshall is also a durable player. He’s only missed one game this season and is the definition of reliable when it comes to health in Dallas (and boy, have the Mavs needed it). He shows up, plays hard every night, competes, and hits floaters in his sleep. Naji Marshalls don’t just grow on trees and having his energy on both ends is crucial if the Mavs want to take a big leap forward in the win column next year.

If you look at the roster and think a healthy Mavericks team could contend next year, it’s easy to see Naji Marshall being a part of that. Dallas will still have to make moves to create more financial flexibility, but that doesn’t necessarily have to involve Naji Marshall. It would get more complicated at the end of next season once his contract is set to expire, but that’s a bridge that could be crossed at that time. For now, he’s been a silver lining in a largely disappointing season for Dallas.

Trade Deadline is February 5th

The trade deadline is next Thursday, February 5th, at 3 PM EST. The Mavericks have some important decisions to make. Perhaps the most important is should Dallas keep Marshall and try to run it back next year with a healthier roster? Or reshape the timeline around Cooper Flagg and focus on the future?