MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on January 28, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The trade deadline came and went on Thursday. In a decade worth of deadlines, Sean Marks doesn’t typically make a big midseason move unless his hand is forced (e.g. Big 3 trades). The loudest move he made at this year’s deadline wasn’t a trade — they waived Cam Thomas.
“Super excited ready to actually help and contribute to another team,” Thomas told Marcus Spears. “My next team is getting elite scoring, good playmaking and a good combo guard.”
So that’s that. Other moves include:
🔁 Brooklyn Nets Deadline
Three-team trade: Nets get: Ochai Agbaji + 2032 2nd-round pick from Raptors, cash considerations from Clippers. Clippers get: draft rights to Vanja Marinkovic Raptors get: Chris Paul (likely to be waived)
Trade with Nuggets: Nets get: Hunter Tyson (F), 2032 2nd-round pick Nuggets get: 2026 2nd-round pick (the less favorable of Clippers/Hawks)
Trade with Celtics: To Nets: Josh Minott From Celtics: TBA
🏀 Game Details
⚫ WHO: Brooklyn Nets (13-36) at Orlando Magic (25-24) ⚪ WHEN: 7:00 PM ET ⚫ WHERE: Kia Center ⚪ WATCH: YES Network / Gotham Sports App
💬 DISCUSSION
Share thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 27: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Contrary to recency bias, there were good times between Cam Thomas and the Brooklyn Nets — a lot of them.
“They loved me and I loved their vibe. I felt like everything was in place… I just felt like it was just a match made in heaven. All our personalities connected,” said a smiling 19-year-old Cam Thomas on Draft night.
“He has an elite skill. You watch him play. You watch him find his shot, hit his shot — that’s a very, very high level,” Sean Marks said of Thomas in response.
In case you’ve forgotten, Sean Marks traded Landry Shamet to get a second late first-rounder so he could have two late picks, one for Day’Ron Sharpe of North Carolina, who he loved, and one for Cam Thomas, whom they were willing to take a chance on.
Five years later, separation was inevitable, driven by what you might call “irreconcilable differences” in style and on another, by the new CBA, which stripped teams of flexibility and offered harsher tax penalties. Those changes made it risky for Brooklyn to lock Thomas into a big long-term deal, so after four years, he took the qualifying offer, a rare for restricted free agents.
According to reliable sources, he turned down two offers: one for two years and $30 million, and another — a one-year, $9.5 million team option. He didn’t make a counter offer. Cam Thomas believed in himself and his ability to overcome hamstring issues that had kept him off in street clothes for 53 games last season. He switched agents twice in two years.
It was all a big gamble but it gave him control of his destiny in 2027.
Nets fans were split, often virulently, on Thomas. A hefty long-term deal made little sense when Brooklyn was the only team with real cap space. The simplest: why bid against yourself? Cam was saying the same thing to himself the whole time too.
This isn’t about who’s right or wrong. It won’t look good if he goes somewhere and contributes to winning basketball (which was the Nets overriding concern with him.) It’s often forgotten that Thomas entered the NBA when the Nets were championship contenders. But ultimately it’s a sad tale, no matter how it shakes out for the Nets or Cam Thomas.
They had the most skilled team in the NBA when Thomas was drafted. He was influenced by multiple future Hall-of-Famers, coached by one already in Springfield. He didn’t need to be anything other than the spark behind those guys.
This isn’t about reliving the past, it’s about understanding how a young player became a product of his environment.
“I was pretty steady because I felt like the team I was going to is a championship-level team.
We’re going to be winning games. We’re going to be playing for something,” Thomas continued.
“For him to continue to learn under three of the greatest scorers the league has right now will be great for him. The other part of it is that he is fearless. He’s not afraid. I think that’s what we’re looking for. Guys with that competitive edge to them and a chip on their shoulder,” Marks added in 2021.
He came into the league with riches. Kevin Durant was basically his mentor during those days and it was easy to understand why. Thomas was quiet, similar to KD, maybe a little awkward too, but his mantra was also similar to the now Houston Rocket: “Hoopers Hoop.”
“I feel like Cam has a bright future,” Durant said about Thomas on Jan. 1. “It just takes somebody to believe in his talent and his skill. Scorers and guys that score the basketball at a high rate they get taken for granted in this league a bit. We’re so used to loving defenders and playmakers and guys that can be connectors, sometimes scorers get taken for granted.”
The former Net isn’t wrong and whoever he signs with will have to appreciate his scoring prowess.
It wasn’t all bad. Sometimes it was undeniable great! Thomas became the youngest player ever in Nets history to score 40 or more points in three consecutive games. He’s up there with Nets greats — he’s recorded 10+ 40-point games in his career, tying him with Kevin Durant for the third-most in Nets NBA history, behind Vince Carter and Kyrie Irving. He brought the Nets back from the largest deficit ever — 28 points — at the Garden no less, hitting a 28-footer. As Steve Nash, who had taken some big shots in his career, remarked post-game, “I wouldn’t have taken that shot.” But Cam Thomas as full of confidence as any 20-year-old can be did.
But things can get messed up in the National Basketball League. The Big Three, mentors all, left in famous huffs. The head coach at the time of his 40/40/40 streak said of that accomplishment he wished they had resulted in wins. Coaches, the front office and teammates begged for better defense, better playmaking, fewer sulks, less “shit ain’t funny” or profanity-filled tweets directed at a writer. There were moments that seemed to put him on the high road. But his hamstring issues — three strains last season, one this year — just exacerbated things.
In the end, the Nets did not believe that he contributed to winning. That was the bottom line. He had his fans inside, among them the owner, it should be noted. And outside, the playgrounds loved him. He was always the most popular player at the Practice in the Park.
And let’s be real: this season was a disaster. Ending it earlier may have been wiser. He suffered a left hamstring injury which cost him yet another 20 games in November and December. If his stock was ‘low’ before, it was lower at the deadline. He remained a liability on defense and it didn’t seem like he was engaged. Hard to blame him or the Nets.
Another perspective is that he didn’t have much of a chance to prove himself. He was already a fish out of water but his availability has been too limited for someone ready for a big contract. Thomas, who sat on the second night of back-to-backs, hasn’t started a game since November 5. He took 12.8 shots per game — the lowest since his second year in the league.
Cam could’ve handled the situation better. His response to Zach Lowe was unnecessary and he does not hold a good poker face. Then came the breaking point…
Cam Thomas is not with Brooklyn as the Nets are in the process of departing for tomorrow night's game against Orlando, sources say. Thomas is officially out for personal reasons.
At just 24, the Nets will find out whether they made a mistake with Cam Thomas soon enough. But as long as Sean Marks has been GM of the Nets, it’s been highlighted how he does the right thing by players and agents. That’s up for debate in this situation, dependent on how Thomas turns out. He is a homegrown player. He did take pride in being part of the Brooklyn Nets, although in his valedictory with Marc Spears, it was all about the future, not the past, the team he’s headed to, not the one he just left….
NBA free agent guard Cam Thomas to @andscape: “Super excited ready to actually help and contribute to another team. My next team is getting elite scoring, good playmaking and a good combo guard.” https://t.co/yr4a9z4nDD
But now he’s on his way. There are already stories and tweets about who might be interested in him. He seems to believe he’ll be back on the court again soon.
He arrived in Brooklyn believing he was joining something special. For a few years, he did. Now both sides move on, carrying equal parts promise and disappointment. At 24, Thomas’ career is still wide open but this chapter will always feel like unfinished business for both him and the Nets.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is set to make his season debut Friday after recovering from a torn left hamstring.
Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter told reporters, including The Oregonian, on Thursday that Henderson would play Friday when Portland hosts the Memphis Grizzlies.
Henderson, 22, tore his left hamstring during an offseason workout in September and has been working his way back ever since. He has averaged 13.3 points, 5.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds over two seasons since the Trail Blazers selected him with the third overall pick in the 2023 draft.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket as Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards plays defense during the game on November 10, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. tonight at Little Caesars Arena. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 18: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on December 18, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Heat won 106-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The trade deadline came and went on Thursday. In a decade worth of deadlines, Sean Marks doesn’t typically make a big midseason move unless his hand is forced (e.g. Big 3 trades). The loudest move he made at this year’s deadline wasn’t a trade — they waived Cam Thomas. There were other moves, too.
Here’s a summary of where things stand for the Nets after the NBA trade deadline:
Since they weren’t able to swing a deal before the NBA trading deadline expired, the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly waiving guard Cam Thomas.
ESPN reported the news Thursday, Feb. 5, which allows Thomas to explore the market and find a new home.
Thomas, 24, had an uneven tenure with the Nets. He proved at times that he was a capable scorer, averaging a career-high 24.0 points per game last season. But Thomas was a restricted free agent this past offseason and a true market never really materialized, so the Nets brought him back on his qualifying offer.
As Brooklyn has transitioned to its younger players, Thomas’ role has been reduced. Still, he’s a young player who has significant deficiencies with his defense and offensive efficiency, but he could provide a boost in the right system.
Here are potential landing spots for Cam Thomas:
Milwaukee Bucks
Now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is sticking around at least through the end of this season, Milwaukee may try to add some pieces to convince Antetokounmpo to commit to the franchise over the long term. The Bucks, though, may be trying to find the balance between staying competitive in the East versus improving their draft pick positioning in what’s a talent-rich draft. The Bucks rank 23rd in offensive rating (112.9), however, so Thomas could offer a scoring boost.
Orlando Magic
They weren’t that active before the trading deadline, but the Magic still have some offensive issues. Paolo Banchero has struggled to take the next step and Desmond Bane has offered a nice boost, but Orlando still could use some perimeter shot creation. The Magic are 25-24 and hanging around the play-in window in the East. Their defense is their strength, so they have other players that can mask Thomas’ deficiencies in that area, but the scoring is what they could use.
Boston Celtics
This is a team with the structure and culture in place to take a potential flyer on Thomas. Certainly, the defensive issues don’t align with Boston’s identity. But the Celtics may also be looking to find a low-cost replacement for Anfernee Simons, whom the Celtics just traded to Chicago for Nikola Vučević. The Celtics would feel that Thomas’ career-low 39.9% shooting is more of an aberration, but if there’s one team that can get Thomas to refine his game, it would be Boston.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto was mostly quiet during the deadline, but this is a team that could still be looking to make some modest improvements to ensure its playoff push. Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley are the primary offensive catalysts for this team, but Toronto still has periods of stagnancy and could use some shot creation off the bench.
Utah Jazz
The big splash was the move to land Jaren Jackson Jr., but the Jazz may still want to land some more offensive talent as Utah makes a push to creep into the play-in window. One reason why this could be a problematic fit, however, is the defensive concerns. The Jazz rank dead last in the NBA in defensive rating (122.0) and Thomas won’t help that.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Tarik Skubal won his salary arbitration hearing with the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, and the two-time Cy Young Award winner will be paid a record $32 million this year instead of the team's $19 million offer.
Jeanne Charles, Walt De Treux and Allen Ponak made the decision one day after listening to arguments.
Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had held the record for the highest salary in an arbitration case decided by a panel, winning at $19.9 million in 2024 in a case decided by Charles, De Treux and Scott Buchheit.
A two-time All-Star, Skubal will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. The 29-year-old left-hander is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six major league seasons.
Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, striking out 241 and walking 33 in 195 1/3 innings while earning $10.5 million. His 0.891 WHIP topped qualified pitchers.
Players have won the first three decisions this offseason. Right-hander Kyle Bradish was awarded $3.55 million instead of the Baltimore Orioles’ offer of $2,875,000, and catcher Yainer Diaz received $4.5 million instead of the Houston Astros’ $3 million proposal.
Los Angeles will receive guard Bennedict Mathurin and forward Isaiah Jackson in the deal. Indiana's protected 2026 first-round pick and unprotected 2029 first-round pick will go back to the Clippers.
The Pacers have the worst record in the Eastern Conference this season, but their draft pick is protected in picks 1-4 and 10-30.
The Clippers traded guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland earlier this week.
The Washington Wizards’ splashy moves before the trade deadline signal a brighter future, but don’t expect any immediate payoff as they visit the East-leading Detroit Pistons tonight.
Injured duo Trae Young and Anthony Davis will be given generous recovery time as Washington eyes a high draft pick, and my Wizards vs. Pistons predictions expect Jalen Duren and a relentless Detroit squad to cash in.
Get a look at this mismatch with my free NBA picks for Thursday, February 5.
Wizards vs Pistons prediction
Wizards vs Pistons best bet: Jalen Duren Over 29.5 points + rebounds (-105)
Jalen Duren’s growth as a legit No. 2 guy next to Cade Cunningham has been one of the biggest reasons for the Detroit Pistons' stunning season — and his first All-Star nod signals recognition for what he’s bringing to the table.
Tonight’s matchup against an inexperienced Washington Wizards squad is a perfect opportunity for Duren to give his numbers an extra boost, and I’m grabbing this combo Over. He’s already taken his scoring average from 11.8 points per game last season to 18 this year, and the consistency has been eye-catching, as he has scored 18+ points in eight of his last nine contests.
His rebounding is rock-solid, too, with a 10.7 rebounds per game mark that ranks sixth in the NBA, and he finished with 14 boards in an overtime victory vs. Washington back in November.
There’s upside for this pick, as Cunningham is listed as questionable and could be given some extra rest for his wrist injury. While that would take away Duren’s premier setup man, it could also propel the Pistons’ big man into a larger offensive role.
The Wizards have coughed up some big totals lately, including 132 points to the Knicks and 142 points to the Lakers, and I’m counting on Duren to make an impact here on both ends of the floor.
Wizards vs Pistons same-game parlay
Despite the predictably huge spread, I’m riding with a Detroit squad that’s 20-5 at home. The Pistons are 17-12 ATS against Eastern Conference opponents, and I see the hosts scoring freely against this Wizards defense, which is allowing 122.7 PPG.
Kyshawn George has started February with a couple of quiet outings, but he’s averaging 15.3 PPG, and he went past this O/U points number in nine of his 11 contests last month.
Wizards vs Pistons SGP
Jalen Duren Over 29.5 points + rebounds
Pistons -14.5
Kyshawn George Over 14.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Thompson Tags In
Ausar Thompson is another Piston who could punish Washington's shaky defense. He’s shooting 51% from the field, so he’s capable of nailing this Over without a big jump in volume, and Detroit is dealing with injuries on the wing.
Over/Under: Over 225.5 (-110) | Under 225.5 (-110)
Wizards vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Wizards are 9-14 ATS on the road this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Wizards vs. Pistons.
How to watch Wizards vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Monumental SN, FDSN Detroit
Wizards vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers will be the team facing the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Australia next season, the league said Thursday.
The league had announced last year that it will be playing a game in 2026 in Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue that holds about 100,000 spectators. The Rams were also announced last year as the home team for that game, part of a multi-year commitment to play in Melbourne.
“The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under,” said Charlotte Offord, NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager.
The date and kickoff time will be announced later.
The Rams have had marketing rights in Australia since the NFL started its international marketing program in 2022. ___
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 02: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini brings the ball up court during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center on January 2, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ayo Dosunmu’s time as a basketball star in the state of Illinois has come to an end.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this morning that the Chicago Bulls traded Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Just in: The Chicago Bulls have traded Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DOzVoArBsL
Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips were traded in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks, per Charania.
Dosunmu played four and a half seasons for his hometown team, appearing in 324 games and starting 164. The Chicago native finishes his Bulls career with averages of 10.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 3.3 APG on 50.4% FG and 37.7% 3PT.
The 38th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Dosunmu was thrust into the Bulls’ starting lineup as a rookie. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Ayo’s trade value was at an all-time high this season, which explains why the now rebuilding Bulls would move on from a beloved fan favorite. Dosunmu has shot a career-best 45.1% from beyond the arc while averaging 15.0 PPG in 45 games in 2025-26.
Ayo Dosunmu this season:
15.0 PPG 3.0 RPG 3.6 APG 51.4% FG 45.1% 3PT 85.7% FT
One of four active Illini in the NBA, the 2021 Bob Cousy Award winner and consensus first-team All-American now joins fellow Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Shannon Jr., the 27th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has appeared in 54 games for Minnesota over his two seasons in the league. He’s currently battling a left foot strain that has sidelined him for more than a month.
While at Illinois, Shannon Jr. brought Illinois to an Elite Eight and was named to the First-team All-Big Ten twice. He was named a Third-team All-American in 2024 as well.
Both Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr.’s jerseys are honored by the program and hang in the State Farm Center rafters.
The T-Wolves, led by superstar Anthony Edwards, (32-20) sit at 5th place in the Western Conference. The addition of Dosunmu and return of Shannon Jr. will surely make Minnesota one of the most electrifying watches in the NBA.
ZAPOPAN, Mexico (AP) — The Mexican state of Jalisco on Thursday issued a health alert and mandated the use of face masks in schools as a measles outbreak hit the state capital, a key host city for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The measures come on the heels of an epidemiological alert issued by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) earlier this week over the spread of the preventable disease across the Americas, particularly in Mexico, which leads the region with 1,981 cases confirmed by authorities this year and more than 5,200 suspected cases.
Jalisco is the epicenter of the outbreak, with 1,163 cases confirmed this year and 2,092 suspected cases, according to Mexico's government.
The measles outbreak in Mexico began last year in the northern state of Chihuahua, after a Mennonite child fell ill while visiting relatives in a region in Texas that was suffering an outbreak. Cases surged in Mennonite communities — which have high rates of vaccine hesitancy — and have rippled out across Mexico in the country's biggest outbreak in decades. Scientists say rising outbreaks across the hemisphere are linked to declining vaccination rates.
Jalisco health authorities announced Thursday that masks will be required in Guadalajara schools across seven specific neighborhoods for the next 30 days.
Jalisco was the first Mexican state to take such measures as medical groups urged the local government to take urgent action, marking the country’s first such public health mandate since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Classes were also recently suspended in 15 schools in Jalisco and the central state of Aguascalientes due to outbreaks of the highly contagious airborne virus.
On Thursday, students and teachers in areas surrounding Guadalajara showed up to classes masks and long lines would through vaccination centers set up in local government buildings.
The outbreak comes as Mexico prepares to host visitors from across the world for the World Cup, which will be held simultaneously in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Guadalajara is one of the main venues in Mexico for the soccer tournament.
Canada lost its measles-free status in November and the U.S. and Mexico face the risk of meeting the same fate. Both governments have requested a two-month extension to try to control the outbreak, although in January the Trump administration withdrew from the World Health Organization, under whose umbrella PAHO operates.
In the first three weeks of this year, 1,031 additional measles cases were confirmed in seven countries in the Americas with no deaths reported — a figure 43 times higher than that recorded in the same period last year — PAHO said Wednesday in a statement.
The Mexican government has spent weeks encouraging the population to get vaccinated against the measles, which is preventable with two doses of the vaccine, and announced the launch of vaccination sites in places such as airports and bus stations.
Late-game collapses have become far too regular for the Toronto Raptors, as they fell apart in the fourth quarter against the Timberwolves last night.
Luckily, they’ll be able to quickly put that behind them as the Chicago Bulls come to town. Chicago is in the middle of a fire sale ahead of today’s trade deadline, making Toronto a big favorite.
My Bulls vs. Raptors predictions and NBA picks are betting that one player in particular will take advantage of Chicago's depleted roster tonight.
Bulls vs Raptors prediction
Bulls vs Raptors best bet: Brandon Ingram Over 21.5 points (-115)
The Toronto Raptors have made some baffling decisions late in games, costing them several wins recently, including last night against the Timberwolves. That has me looking at Brandon Ingram.
You can bet the Raptors feed Ingram to overcompensate for last night. Additionally, he’s averaging 23 points while shooting 41.5% from deep over his last eight games.
Then there’s the matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Between injuries and trades, it’s hard to recognize this team. One that already ranked 25th in defensive rating.
Mix in no RJ Barrett, and BI should go Over 21.5 points for the sixth time in nine games.
Bulls vs Raptors same-game parlay
Here's what's going on with the Bulls. Josh Giddey is out, and two starters from their last game, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White, have been traded away.
They had already allowed 116+ points in five of their last six games. If the Raps can’t get to that number tonight, something is wrong.
Still, someone will have to score for Chicago, and I’m looking at Jalen Smith. Chicago's big man has topped this number in five of his last six games, and the Raptors have little to no presence in the paint.
Bulls vs Raptors SGP
Brandon Ingram Over 21.5 points
Jalen Smith Over 12.5 points
Raptors team total Over 115.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bulls and Raps on parade
The Bulls don't play much defense, and the Raptors should have tired legs. I'm betting on some easy buckets in this game.
Bulls vs Raptors SGP
Brandon Ingram Over 21.5 points
Collin Murray-Boyles Over 10.5 points
Jalen Smith Over 12.5 points
Matas Buzelis Over 19.5 points
Bulls vs Raptors odds
Spread: Bulls +8 | Raptors -8
Moneyline: Bulls +270 | Raptors -340
Over/Under: Over 224 | Under 224
Bulls vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Bulls have only cashed the first-half moneyline in 17 of their last 50 games for -19.70 units and a -30% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Raptors.
How to watch Bulls vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Bulls vs Raptors latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 01: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Nick Richards #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on April 01, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After more and more reports came out in the last 24 hours that the Bucks were increasingly likely to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo through the deadline, the most recent intel from ESPN’s Shams Charania also indicated they were going to move on to other trades. Almost immediately after, we got notification that Milwaukee had completed their first deal of 2026, sending veterans Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to Phoenix for big man Nick Richards and former Wisconsin Badger Nigel Hayes-Davis.
A name that might be familiar to casual NBA fans, Richards was a speculative trade target for Milwaukee last year before Charlotte flipped him to Phoenix. He developed into a solid rim-protecting center during four-plus years as a Hornet, topping out at just under 10 PPG and eight RPG, plus good block numbers for a 22–26 MPG guy. The Suns packaged Josh Okogie and three second-round picks for the 6’11” Kentucky alum in January 2025, then he assumed their starting center gig from Jusuf Nurkic, who was later traded to the Hornets in a separate deal. He maintained his typical production, but Phoenix pivoted this offseason: first, they acquired the 10th pick in last year’s draft as part of their return for Kevin Durant, using it to select Duke center Khaman Maluach. Then, in their third trade with Charlotte of 2025, Phoenix dealt a future first for another Duke center, third-year vet Mark Williams.
That all left the 28-year-old Richards on the outside looking in of Phoenix’s big man rotation. He was on the floor for each of their first 21 games, but for more than 10 minutes in just nine of them. Since December 1st, he’s seen only seven games of action, and only once for more than 8 minutes. He hasn’t played since January 13th. This year, he’s averaging 3.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.5 BPG on 49.3% shooting, far below his career 63.1% FG%. But he has a reputation as a good interior defender and occasional lob threat, who also developed a decent touch from floater range prior to this season. Perhaps he’ll develop some P&R chemistry with Kevin Porter Jr. or Ryan Rollins. He’s on an expiring contract worth $5m, and if the Bucks decide they want to keep him around, they’ll be able to use his Bird rights for a new deal over the summer. Our pals at Bright Side Of The Sun had a preview of him before the season that you may want to read.
Hayes-Davis is a name that will definitely be familiar to Wisconsin basketball fans after a stellar career as a Badger. He was a key reserve as a freshman on Wisconsin’s 2014 Final Four team, then a starter and the third-leading scorer on their 2015 squad that fell to Duke in the national championship game. Adding Davis to his surname in 2021 to honor his stepfather, the 6’7” forward spent nine games with three teams way back in 2017–18 before taking his talents to Europe. Throughout multiple seasons in Turkey, Lithuania, and Spain, including with powerhouses Fenerbahce and Barcelona, he became one of the Euroleague’s top performers, setting a single-game scoring record with a 50-point game in 2024. After leading Fenerbahce to their second Euroleague title last year and winning Final Four MVP, NBA teams became interested again.
Phoenix snapped him up on a minimum deal, but in 27 games stateside, he hasn’t looked the part of an NBA player: he’s averaging 1.3 PPG on .326/.125/.500 shooting in just 7.2 MPG. The now 31-year-old hasn’t factored into the Suns’ rotation either: after logging double-digit minutes four times in their first five games, he’s mostly been a deep reserve, with 24 DNPs. Since the new year, he’s only seen garbage time in six contests. It’s possible Milwaukee will just waive him to open up their 15th roster spot, since they have plenty of breathing room beneath the luxury tax threshold. Regardless, he is a free agent this summer as well.
Anthony was signed to a veteran’s minimum this summer after being waived-and-stretched by Memphis, who acquired him as salary ballast in the Desmond Bane trade. Though he had a productive first couple weeks in a Bucks uniform (11.1 PPG on .516/.333/.500 shooting in his first seven games), he soon began to struggle in his typical 15–20 minutes per game. His shooting numbers cratered to 42.4% from the field and a career-worst 30.6% from deep. Even right before Kevin Porter Jr. came back from his opening night injury, he was largely out of the rotation until the last few weeks due to further Bucks injuries. He actually had a few nice nights in that span, but his Milwaukee tenure will go down as disappointing. But for a minimum contract, it’s no real skin off the Bucks’ back.
Coffey was signed to an Exhibit 9 deal and given a standard contract after preseason, but the six-year vet never made an impact in Milwaukee. He saw scarce rotation minutes in the opening few weeks, did basically nothing with them, then was relegated to garbage-time duty until January. Somewhat surprisingly, his contract became guaranteed earlier last month as the Bucks probably hoped they could flip them at the deadline, so it worked out. He too re-entered the rotation due to injuries since mid-January, and actually started Milwaukee’s last two games. He had his best game of the year yesterday evening with 16 points and five boards on 7/8 shooting. Maybe that pushed this deal over the finish line!
All in all, this is a good deal for the Bucks. They took two unproductive vets and turned them into a big man with some real NBA credentials. We’ll see what this means for Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims, the latter of whom has been underwhelming. Financially, this adds about $2.4m to Milwaukee’s payroll, decreasing their tax room from $11.5m to $9.1m. Their standard roster remains full. The motivation here for Phoenix is to duck the tax: Dana Gauruder of Hoops Rumors reports that they’ll drop $2.5m beneath the tax line.
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 10: Chris Boucher #99 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors during Preseason on October 10, 2025 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics used the closing hours of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline to finalize a trade sending center Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Update: Reports indicate that the Jazz are also getting a Denver 2027 2nd round pick for taking on Boucher’s salary.
Boston’s decision to cut ties with Boucher comes as no surprise, bringing the organization to just $3.6 million above the luxury tax threshold. It also opens a roster spot for Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla to explore expanded minutes for role players such as Luka Garza and Amari Williams, as the team awaits the arrival of newly acquired center Nikola Vučević.
Boucher initially joined the Celtics as a solution to the team’s need for frontcourt depth. He signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal with Boston in the offseason, but as the season progressed, he gradually fell out of the rotation. Boucher failed to match the 16 minutes he logged on Opening Night in any of his next eight appearances, which were scattered over more than three months. He averaged 2.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.3 assists, serving more as a veteran presence than an on-court contributor with a defined role in his brief stint with the team.
During Boucher’s final appearance in a Celtics uniform, the 33-year-old played the final four minutes of a 112-93 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings last Friday. As the clock wound down, Boucher broke one of basketball’s unwritten rules by calling for a pass from Josh Minnott and knocking down a buzzer-beating 3-pointer with the game already decided, scoring his first points in more than two months. Sacramento’s Russell Westbrook made a beeline toward Boucher, while Mazzulla, visibly frustrated, walked off the floor midway through a brief postgame scuffle between the two teams.
He was subsequently listed as out due to personal reasons for the team’s two most recent games against Dallas and Houston.
The trade marks the first transaction between Boston and Utah since former Celtics executive Austin Ainge reunited with his father, Danny Ainge, now the Jazz’s team president.
This story will be updated as additional details emerge.
