The question is, how can they get that done while keeping the parts of their roster that are working well?
After all, the Lakers are still in the running for a top-four seed in the Western Conference, so any move has to be a combination of helping the team win now while also building for the future.
In a recent episode of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” Kevin stated that the Lakers are trying to send out Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent in an attempt to acquire a wing.
Kevin O’Connor: “With the Lakers, the word on the street is that they’re looking to package Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent together for a wing.”
Vando is a good defender, but it’s clear the Lakers want a bit more offense from that position. For a moment, Vando was out of the rotation due to his offensive struggles, but with LA being so poor defensively, he is back to playing double-digit minutes in each contest.
On the season, Vanderbilt is averaging 5.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Vando is under contract for next season and has a player option for the following year, so LA getting out of that deal would be beneficial.
Vincent has a higher offensive upside than Vando, but he is also struggling to consistently produce. He is averaging 5.1 points and shooting just 33.7% from the field. Vincent is on the final year of his deal, so anyone interested in acquiring him can rest assured they aren’t committing to any long-term money.
The problem is, how many teams would actually be interested in a package where Vincent and Vanderbilt are the main players in a deal?
Perhaps adding some draft capital can get teams in on a Lakers trade? Los Angeles is reportedly trying to trade their 2032 first round pick for multiple future firsts. If they can accomplish that and add Vincent and Vando in a package, suddenly that’s a much better deal for the right franchise.
For now, this seems like the options the Lakers are exploring to improve their roster. Now, it’s up to the front office to execute on a deal and give Luka Dončić and LeBron James a shot at contention.
In head-to-head leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.
13 teams play twice this weekend, including the Lakers, Pelicans, Bulls, Nuggets, Rockets, Nets, Pacers, Trail Blazers, Kings, Raptors, Hornets, Timberwolves and Wizards. Prioritize those teams if you’re looking to maximize your games played. The Bucks are the only team in the league that doesn’t have a game this weekend.
That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.
Absolute must-start: Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards
George’s production in his second season has been up and down, but he’s more than capable of stuffing the stat sheet for fantasy managers. His points, rebounds, assists, three-pointers and field goal percentage are all up from his rookie season. He has shown flashes of brilliance this season and should be considered one of the cornerstone pieces for the Wizards during this rebuild.
This weekend, Washington takes on the Kings and Nuggets, and both teams rank in the bottom five in the NBA over their last 10 games. Plus, Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton are both sidelined on Friday, and even if they do return on Saturday, George will have at least one game with a huge bump in usage.
Guards:
Tre Jones, Chicago Bulls
Jones continues to be a strong producer with Josh Giddey (hamstring) sidelined, and while Giddey is getting closer to a return, Jones should be a reliable option until that happens. They play the Nets twice this weekend, and Brooklyn has the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league over their last 10 games. Jones has been able to dish out the dimes with consistency, though that hasn’t held true for the scoring. However, he has been able to have some big nights recently.
Bones Hyland, Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards (foot) has been ruled out against Houston on Friday and could remain out against the Thunder on Saturday. With Edwards out on Wednesday, Hyland came off the bench and contributed 23 points, five assists and five triples in 21 minutes. The matchups are tougher, but Hyland has thrived when he’s gotten the opportunity this season.
Craig Porter Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland only plays one game this weekend, but Porter has enough upside to make it worth it with Darius Garland (foot) sidelined. When he’s gotten the chance to play big minutes, he has been able to pour in the rebounds, assists and defensive stats. Scoring isn’t his strong suit, but he does enough in other categories to make up for it. The lack of healthy guard options in Cleveland should allow Porter to play enough to make a big impact on the box score.
Forwards:
Collin Murray-Boyles, Cleveland Cavaliers
CMB has been a fantasy stud recently, and with Jakob Poeltl (back) still sidelined, that should continue this weekend. Since moving into the starting lineup, he is averaging 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 steals and a block on efficient shooting splits. Matchups with the Clippers, without Kawhi Leonard, and the Lakers are good opportunities for him, especially with how shorthanded the Raptors are.
Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks
Marshall has been one of the elite streaming options in fantasy basketball over the last few seasons when he gets the chance to start. Both Cooper Flagg and PJ Washington were out on Thursday with ankle injuries, and if either remains out against the Jazz on Saturday, Marshall should shine once again. It’s only one game, but it is a favorable matchup against Utah.
Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland (foot), Sam Merrill (hand) and Dean Wade (knee) are all out on Friday against the 76ers. It’s a one-game weekend for Cleveland, but Tyson should be in for a big night for the shorthanded Cavs. He has thrived when he’s gotten the chance to play big minutes this season, and Friday is certainly an opportunity for him to surpass 30 minutes.
Centers:
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
It has been a largely disappointing season as of late, but Vucevic has been on fire recently. Over the past two weeks, he is averaging 20.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.7 triples per game. They take on a Nets team that is 22nd in defensive rating and rebound percentage over their last five games. This is a recipe for Vucevic to have a pair of dominant performances.
Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets
Diabate has taken over as the starting center in Charlotte, which has helped them be the best rebounding team in the league over their last five games. Over the past two weeks, he is averaging 9.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 65.6 percent from the floor. The Warriors aren’t an easy matchup on Saturday, but they take on the Nuggets, who have the third worst rebounding percentage over their last five games, on Sunday.
Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans
Queen gets to take on the Pacers and Rockets this weekend, and the Indiana matchup is the one to target. Queen has been inconsistent recently, which isn’t surprising for a rookie, but he had 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists without missing a shot in his last matchup with the Pacers and had 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks against the Rockets in December.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 02: Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the United Center on January 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Nothing doing in the win column. The Brooklyn Nets went to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Wednesday night to wrap up their three game road trip. It was close, but the Nets ultimately fell short by three points. The L was their fifth in a row.
The opponent tonight is hanging around the play-in. The Chicago Bulls are tenth in the Eastern Conference standings and look like they have another date with the play-in tournament this year. They helped their cause with a last second win against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. Gotham Sports on streaming. WFAN on radio. Tip after 7:30 PM.
Injuries
No Ziaire Williams (illness) or Haywood Highsmith (surgery recovery). Ben Saraf remains on Long Island as does two-way E.J. Liddell.
The following players are out for the Bulls:
Zach Collins
Josh Giddey
Noa Essengue
Kevin Huerter is probable and Julian Phillips is questionable.
This is a home-and-home set. These teams will do it again Sunday evening in Chicago.
Brooklyn will see an old nemesis at center tonight. Nikola Vucevic has given the Nets troubles over the year, but only shot 6-18 from the field in the first matchup back in December. For Nic Claxton and the Nets bigs, they’ll look to make things difficult for Vuc in the paint and force him into tough jumpers. If they can do that, they’ll make things a lot more difficult for Billy Donovan’s club.
The Nets have consistently had a turnover problem this season as they are ranked 29th in turnover rate. Fortunately for them, the Bulls don’t force many turnovers as they are 29th in opponent’s turnover rate. Every coach stresses the importance of making the most out of every possession, and it’s something Jordi Fernandez will put extra emphasis on tonight.
If Brooklyn is successful, they can make a living on the inside. The Bulls allow 31 shots per game inside the restricted area, most in the NBA this season. Drives to the cup open up a bevy of opportunities, and for someone like Cam Thomas in particular, it can get him back on the right track. It’s been a bit rocky since Thomas returned from a hamstring injury and getting to the cup is when he’s at his most dynamic.
Player to watch: Matas Buzeli
For the Bulls, they’ve got to figure out a real path forward. That means identifying players that can help them make it back to the playoffs and not just their annual play-in appearance. They’ve got a long way to go, but they’ve got somebody who is worth keeping an eye on. From Drew Stevens of The Bigs
“Buzelis is learning the subtleties of a team built on shared responsibility. Flagg is Dallas’s fulcrum, creating opportunities even when the outcome isn’t perfect. Mistakes come with responsibility — and that’s the point.
But the Bulls’ system allows Buzelis to translate lessons into growth and consistent production.
The last six games have shown what the 21-year-old can do with more responsibility, He’s scoring consistently, making smart reads and producing in the paint while also stretching the floor when opportunities arise. It’s growth that’s quiet but dependable.“
Gotta start somewhere.
The ballots are in, and Michael Porter Jr is hoping he did enough to earn his first All-Star nomination. MPJ has done everything asked of him this season and then some. Porter Jr tuned the Bulls up to the tune of 33 points the first time around, and he’ll look to see if he can put forth another great performance. He went 4-5 at the rim in that game, and if the Nets can create good looks for him at the cup, MPJ will make the most of it.
Despite the Golden State Warriors taking care of business with a 126–113 home win over the New York Knicks on Thursday night, the conversation around the team centered elsewhere. Earlier that day, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Jonathan Kuminga had officially demanded out of Golden State on the first day he became trade eligible.
Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade away from the Warriors as he becomes eligible to be moved Thursday, sources tell ESPN.
It’s the type of news that can linger over a locker room — but the Warriors made it clear it won’t.
Veteran leaders Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both dismissed the idea that Kuminga’s situation would become a distraction, stressing that the team remains focused on winning.
Steph Curry kept it real on why Jonathan Kuminga's situation is not a distraction at all despite the outside noise.
"You've been around for the last 3-4 years — we've done it this whole time so we're very very well trained in this area. To just play basketball." pic.twitter.com/KRaAJTXiXc
That same message was echoed by Jimmy Butler, who has served as a mentor to Kuminga since his arrival in Golden State. Butler reiterated that the locker room continues to support Kuminga and ultimately wants what’s best for him moving forward.
"I want JK to be happy. At the end of the day, that's what I want."
To the Warriors’ credit, the situation hasn’t had a negative impact on the court. Golden State is 7–3 over its last 10 games and now sits four games above .500 for the first time all season. As long as the wins keep coming, the message inside the locker room aligns with the results — at least for now, this isn’t a distraction.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, January 16th:
Kuminga and Warriors coach Steve Kerr talked after shootaround on Thursday morning. Kerr said he preferred to keep the conversation private, but acknowledged the entire ordeal is a “difficult situation” for everyone involved.
Also notable here: Butler, unlike Doncic, rarely complains to the officials about a call or non-call. That habit reminds Kerr of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, fierce competitors who were determined not to constantly chirp at the refs.
“Jimmy is the same way — he never wants to show weakness,” Kerr said. “It’s a quality I absolutely love. That’s so powerful and productive for a team.”
So is Butler standing stoically at the free-throw line, having earned a whistle to silence his opponent.
“I love shooting the basketball,” Thompson said. “I was very lucky to grow up with a hoop in my driveway. A really nice one. Breakaway rim. Big backboard. It was always my source of joy and form of escapism for me to get away from school work or whatever chores I had that day. It was like my favorite hobby to just go hear the net swish.
“The fact that it’s amounted to this is incredible and inspires me to keep going. I have many years left. But it’s truly just because I love shooting the basketball so much. It’s always been my favorite thing to do.”
Podziemski was, to quote Mark Jones, deep in his bag like the fries were at the bottom. Hook shots. Floaters. Off-balance rain collectors. Threes. Podziemski looked like he was playing a game of HORSE on the Chase Center court, and he was winning handily. And he did all of that while also making all the little plays that contribute to winning.
The three turnovers were a bit much but, like Moody, that’s picking nits when everything else was so flawless.
Grade: A+ Post-game bonus: Best plus/minus on the team.
A post to end the week:
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
As LaMelo Ball sat by his locker, he broke out into a dance, undulating his arms and shimmying his shoulders while smiling.
He had just scored 27 of his 30 points in the second half, leading the Hornets to a 135–117 win over the Lakers Thursday, including making nine 3-pointers.
Lakers’ LeBron James during the 135–117 loss to the Hornets at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in LA,. Getty Images
For the Lakers, it was their fourth loss in five games, with two of those losses coming this week against opponents that are near the cellar of their respective conferences, including the 12th-place Hornets and the 14th-place Kings on Monday.
It drove home one big point: The Lakers need help.
Luka Dončić had 39 points, four assists and three rebounds. LeBron James had 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists. But that wasn’t enough.
No other Laker scored 20 points. And no Laker could stop the Hornets’ shooting barrage which, in addition to Ball, also included the shining Brandon Miller (26 points) and Miles Bridges (25 points).
Even though the Lakers have tied their worst skid of the year with their latest speed bump, Lakers coach JJ Redick remained positive.
“I thought we fought,” Redick said. “Just another team that has a hot shooting night.”
Lakers’ Luka Dončić was fouled by the Hornets’ Sion James Hornets with Moussa Diabaté during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2026 in LA. Getty Images
Redick was similarly relatively optimistic after the Lakers’ ugly 124–112 loss to the Kings Monday, in which they were outshot from the 3-point line, 65.4 percent to 22.2 percent, respectively.
“We can’t make a shot,” he said, before pointing out that over the previous seven games the Lakers were “one of the best defenses in the league.”
It was a stark contrast from the way he responded to the Lakers’ three-game losing skid three weeks ago, which culminated in a 119–96 loss to Houston on Christmas. A fuming Redick laid into his team after that contest, saying, “We don’t care enough to be professional” and “I’m not doing another 53 games like this.”
So, either Redick believes the care factor is there in the Lakers’ latest skid, or he’s showing more restraint, both of which may be true.
Lakers forward Jake LaRavia and Dončić react against the Hornets in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
On Thursday, the Lakers led by as much as 13 points before a dreadful second quarter in which they were outscored, 34–16. The Lakers fought to cut their deficit to as small as six points in the fourth quarter, but Ball exploded for a series of 3-pointers, making four of his five shots from that distance in the period.
It’s no secret that the Lakers are going to get the other teams’ best effort every night, and right now it’s greatly exposing their weaknesses, which is something to monitor closely as the Feb. 5 trade deadline creeps closer.
As for the Hornets, it was clear this was a game they had circled on their calendar.
“These guys grew up watching LeBron James play,” Redick said. “The Lakers, like the Celtics, are arguably the most storied franchise in all of sports. We’ve mentioned it as a team. I think all the guys know we don’t get a lot of off nights from other teams in terms of energy and being up and all that stuff.”
The Washington Wizards traded for Trae Young with the long term in view, and his impact is already being felt before he takes the court. “Felt” as in, Washington is quickly improving its lottery odds because of what it gave up in that trade.
My Wizards vs. Kings predictions recognize how bad everything is in Washington.
The Washington Wizards are 0-4 against the spread in their last four games and 1-5 in their last six, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 8.25 points per game since trading for Trae Young.
Well, the more precise thought there would be since trading away CJ McCollum. The veteran shooting guard had scored double digits in every game since November 7, with his reliability and leadership more needed than known.
That may sound abstract or intangible, but Washington has a young roster to start with, one lacking thorough talent. Pouring 24 or more minutes into Malaki Branham for two of those games as a McCollum replacement is not a recipe for success.
Wizards vs Kings same-game parlay
DeMar DeRozan averaged 17.4 points in 11 games alongside Domantas Sabonis this season, a distinct drop from the 19.8 he has averaged in 30 games without Sabonis.
As the Sacramento Kings’ cornerstone returns to the lineup, he'll overlap with DeRozan’s midrange game, though Sabonis may himself be rusty.
Wizards vs Kings SGP
Kings -7
DeMar DeRozan Under 20.5 points
Domantas Sabonis Under 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Under thunder
Sacramento has cashed seven Unders in its last 11 games, a stretch that very much overlaps with Washington cashing eight Unders in its last 10 games.
Wizards vs Kings SGP
Kings -7
DeMar DeRozan Under 20.5 Points
Domantas Sabonis Under 13.5 Points
Under 233.5
Wizards vs Kings odds
Spread: Wizards +7 | Kings -7
Moneyline: Wizards +220 | Kings -270
Over/Under: Over 233.5 | Under 233.5
Wizards vs Kings betting trend to know
The Kings are 3-0 against the spread in their last three, exceeding bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 23.8 points in three outright upset wins. Find more NBA betting trends for Wizards vs. Kings.
How to watch Wizards vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Friday, January 16, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
MNMT, NBC Sports California
Wizards vs Kings latest injuries
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The NBA trade rumor machine is working overtime as we are a few weeks out from the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Here is the latest on the top teams and players.
Los Angeles Lakers
It's no secret what the Lakers want and need: Perimeter defense and shooting. Put another way, 3&D wings. The kind of players that surrounded Luka Doncic last time he made a Finals run (just a couple of years ago).
There are two key challenges here. One, 29 other teams are looking for those kinds of players as well. There is a scarcity of two-way wings, which is why they are the most sought-after player type on the market right now. Second, the Lakers are not looking to give up much — Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, maybe Rui Hachimura for the right player. That will only net them so much. The Lakers also have their 2032 first-round pick to trade, but it is only in play for a true difference-maker (and New Orleans has yet to make Herb Jones available). ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps got this quote from another West team's GM that sums it up well:
"They're going to be looking for bargain deals and they might be able to find one if they're willing to take on long-term money. But they probably need to make sure that player is a good fit with Luka to justify it."
While the Lakers would love to get Jones from the Pelicans or Andrew Wiggins from Miami, the "bargain" deals are likely to be players such as the Kings' Keon Ellis.
Boston Celtics
Anfernee Simons made his case for why a team should want to trade for him, dropping 39 off the bench on the Miami Heat on Thursday.
Anfernee Simons ERUPTED off the bench in the @celtics win
Boston is dangling Simmons' expiring $27.6 contract in trades as part of their search for a big man, something Jake Fischer wrote about at The Stein Line. The Celtics sit second in the East and believe that if (or, to hear him tell it, when) Jayson Tatum returns this season, they can be contenders. Jaylen Brown has gotten them to this point with an MVP-ballot level season, but Boston will want to solidify its front court for a playoff run after moving on from Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford last summer.
Which big men? Sorry, Jaren Jackson Jr. is not available out of Memphis (they are not trading him), but Chris Mannix of NBC listed a couple more. "The two big men that I'm looking at that I think the Celtics are looking at and have discussed internally are Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers center, and Robert Williams III, the 'Time Lord,' a former Celtic, who is playing out in Portland."
The Clippers have not made Zubac available in trades and have said there are no plans to do so — it would take a Godfather offer to change that, and Boston isn't going to make that deal. Williams is available.
Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is not getting traded at the deadline. The boos do not change that. As has been reported at NBC for some time, the Bucks are looking to add players around the Greek Freak and be more of a threat in the open East, not move on from the best player in franchise history.
[Bucks General Manager Jon] Horst has canvassed the league in recent weeks for talent at basically any position, again looking to bolster the supporting cast around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"Milwaukee still has a first-round pick they can trade, and they're $14 million under the luxury tax," an Eastern Conference executive said. "I've seen teams make chicken salad with less."
The Bucks have been linked to Ja Morant, Michael Porter Jr., Zach LaVine, Miles Bridges and others, and expect them to make some kind of trade before the deadline.
The Miami Heat, in particular, have been overstated as a potential destination, sources said. The Heat have been laser focused on avoiding taking on money for the 2027-28 offseason -- a season when, as of right now, Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Donovan Mitchell, among others, could all be unrestricted free agents. It's highly unlikely the Heat would deviate from that plan to go after Morant, sources said.
As noted above, Milwaukee is active in looking for talent to put around Antetokounmpo, and Morant is one name that interests them (although how well Morant and Antetokounmpo play next to each other is another question entirely — didn't the Bucks already do the high scoring/no defense guard next to Antetokounmpo in Damian Lillard?). The Grizzlies are looking at the breakout point guard Ryan Rollins as well as the Bucks' tradable first-round pick in any trade for Morant, reports Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.
The market for Morant remains tepid. Sacramento and New Orleans are only interested in a "buy low" scenario where they don't send draft picks or any player they really like to Memphis. Don't expect Houston or Brooklyn to get in the game, both are "unlikely" to make a move, Scotto reports.
Anthony Davis and other news
• In the wake of Anthony Davis' hand injury — and despite the best efforts of his agent Rich Paul and others — most executives around the league expect AD to be a Maverick past this deadline and into the summer, something Scotto discussed at Hoopshype.
• Cleveland has received offers for wing De'Andre Hunter — including some good ones — but has so far rejected all of them, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. This is something worth following, to see if he is part of a larger trade or if there is something else going on.
• Peyton Watson is having a breakout season in Denver, especially since Nikola Jokic went out, but no, the Nuggets are not looking to sell high on him. Teams are calling and being turned away, Denver wants to re-sign Watson this summer, Scotto reports.
• This has been reported before, but it's worth repeating: Sacramento is not shopping veteran Malik Monk. While they did over the summer, they appear set on keeping him around.
Friday night in the NBA is made for big boards and even bigger payouts. I'm building a three-leg moneyline parlay for January 16, targeting a trio of squads with the momentum to carry your slip to the finish line.
First, I'm backing Joel Embiid and the Sixers to avenge their recent stumble against the Cavs. Then, I'm riding the Clippers’ four-game win streak as they head North to tame the Raptors. Finally, I'm banking on the Timberwolves to outmuscle the suddenly reeling Rockets.
This parlay has been BOOSTED by our friends at bet365. Let's get the party started with my NBA picks!
The market has shrunk this edge as the 76ers were -125 on the opener but there's still one there as I believe the 76ers should be trading closer to a -155 favorite on the moneyline against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
The Cavaliers demolished the 76ers on Wednesday but the rematch will look a lot different as Darius Garland has been ruled out for this one. This is a huge bailout for the 76ers defense, which isn't filled with multiple point of attack defenders to slow down two high usage guards that can create a ton of offense in Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
Now the 76ers defense can solely focus on Mitchell, matching the offense of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid on the other side becomes a lot more difficult for the Cavaliers.
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading as a -125 favorite on the moneyline against the Toronto Raptors on Friday and I'm hitting the button on that number as I believe they should be trading closer to a -150.
The Raptors defense is very vulnerable to high usage pick-and-roll ball handlers which is a massive problem when you're facing James Harden and Ivica Zubac, or when Brook Lopez is setting screens.
The Raptors have the better record and appear as the better team in this matchup on the surface, but don't get it confused. There's a reason the Clippers are favored on the road. The Clippers are much better than their record and are fourth in net rating in the NBA over their last 10 games.
No Anthony Edwards? No problem. At +145 give me the Minnesota Timberwolves on the moneyline. I think the Wolves should be trading closer to a +115 underdog than a +145.
It's the second night of a back-to-back for the Rockets after getting beat up by the Thunder, and let's face it, Houston is reeling a bit at the moment. Plus, do you really think Julius Randle will have any problem picking up the extra usage that's available with Ant out?
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Coming off a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs returned home to take on the Milwaukee Bucks. Devin Vassell remains out with his adductor injury. The contest started with a gigantic scare of Victor Wembanyama banging knees with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Vic would clutch his knee on the ground and hobble to the locker room. However, he would return in the second quarter. After leading by as much as 17 in the second quarter, the Spurs led the Bucks 66-53 at halftime. Usually, this is when the Spurs would allow their opponent to close the gap and make it a down-to-the-wire game. Except this time, the Spurs took care of business. Thanks to their hot shooting, they outscored the Bucks 40-16 in the third quarter and led by as much as 39. The Spurs ultimately won 119-101.
Victor Wembanyama dropped a double-double: 22 points (7-12 FG, 5-6 3PT) and 10 rebounds to go along with two blocks and an assist. After the OKC game, Wemby and Keldon Johnson decided to shave each other’s heads as a means of togetherness and ultimate focus. After surviving another injury scare, Wemby played decoy for most of the second quarter before going off in the third. He splashed five threes and dropped highlight plays on both ends. This was the first game of Bald Wemby, and he played like a seven-foot-five avatar.
Just throw it up there! Harrison Barnes finds Wemby on the lob, and Wemby finishes the play with a reverse tap layup!
Stephon Castle dropped a double-double: 19 points (6-9 FG, 6-6 FT) and 10 assists to go along with a board and 0 turnovers. Steph played a fantastic game as the Spurs’ primary playmaker. For someone who is averaging 3.7 turnovers a game, Steph took care of the ball by recording his first zero-turnover game of the season. He also finished with a team-high +36. Coming into the season as a combo guard, Steph is averaging three more assists than last season. His versatility and frame allow him to continue to be a combo guard, but it is clear the coaching staff is having him handle the ball more than De’Aaron Fox.
ST3PH! D-Fox drives in, draws multiple defenders, and dumps it off for a wide-open Steph splash!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 18 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 3PT), four assists, and four rebounds. D-Fox had a solid bounce-back game in terms of efficiency. His three-ball laced the nylon, and he seems to be embracing more of an off-ball guard role next to Steph. Even though he did not play the fourth quarter due to the score, the former Clutch Player of the Year will still have the confidence to run the offense in the clutch.
Stepback sniper! D-Fox toys with Myles Turner by creating space for the stepback trey!
Alley-oop! Speaking of pick and rolls, D-Fox finds Luke Kornet on the lob for the slam! Luke finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and a dime on a perfect five of five from the field!
Dylan Harper dropped 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds. The rookie continues to bounce back after a rough stretch. The shiftiness of Dyl was lightning quick for the Bucks to handle. Not only is he shifty, but his vertical is scary. Even though he went zero of five from three, all the threes he attempted were open shots. Once that shot becomes more consistent, he has the potential to be unguardable. However, the 19-year-old has plenty of time and will let the game come to him.
SHIFTY! Speaking of shifty, Dyl puts the behind-the-back on move on Gary Trent Jr. in transition and finishes off the glass!
Julian Champagnie dropped a double-double: 13 points (3-5 3PT, 4-4 FT) and 11 rebounds to go along with a steal. Julian dropped multiple threes and got to the free-throw line by drawing fouls on his three-point attempts. He even drew a flagrant foul on Green. Despite the scoring, Julian continues to sneakily grab defensive rebounds when players fall asleep on the boards. His hustle and defense remain the most underrated part of his game.
All in all, this was a much-needed bounce-back win. As soon as Wemby returned from injury, this team’s confidence stayed high and never got low. No better way to reignite the shooting slump than by making the Bucks pay for defensive mistakes. The way the silver and black played in the third quarter is a great tone-setter of how they need to approach the rest of the season. Take care of huge leads. This team’s chemistry continues to shine through the ups and downs, no matter who shaves their head. Next up, revenge against Minnesota.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs continue their homestand with a revenge matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves this Saturday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without their best player tonight, but they still have a chance to push the Houston Rockets toward the Play-In Tournament.
That would mark a steep fall for a team that entered the season with legitimate title aspirations following the arrival of Kevin Durant.
My Timberwolves vs. Rockets predictions recognize the immediate Minnesota value in Anthony Edwards’ absence.
Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET at Toyota Center in Houston, with the game airing on ESPN.
Timberwolves vs Rockets prediction
Timberwolves vs Rockets best bet: Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points (-105)
Jaden McDaniels scored 14 points in Tuesday’s first quarter at Milwaukee, which is the reason he cashed this same prop by only half a point, adding a second-quarter 3-pointer. The Minnesota Timberwolves were so walloping the Bucks that McDaniels eased up.
He has now cleared this prop in six of eight games without Anthony Edwards in the lineup this season, averaging 19.9 points in those eight games, up from 13.5 points in 31 games alongside the Minnesota superstar.
McDaniels takes 10.1 shots per game with Edwards in the lineup, jumping to 13.75 without the MVP candidate. Maybe even more notable, McDaniels’s field-goal percentage rises to 55.5% in that increased usage, up from 51.0%.
The 25-year-old is a more complete player than given credit for, and that often shows up when the Timberwolves’ best offensive player is on the bench.
Timberwolves vs Rockets same-game parlay
Doubt Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard in all defensive matchups. He logged 19 minutes last night and finished a team-worst minus-10.
Yes, it was a 20-point loss to Oklahoma City, but some of that stemmed from Sheppard’s defensive issues. Minnesota point guard Donte DiVincenzo shouldn’t need much space to score in this matchup.
The McDaniels–DiVincenzo pairing has been a key reason the Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last six games without Anthony Edwards, compared to just 13-17 ATS with Edwards since Nov. 1.
As brilliant as Edwards is, Minnesota often plays with sharper focus in his absence.
Timberwolves vs Rockets SGP
Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
Donte DiVincenzo Over 14.5 points
Timberwolves +4.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Gobert or Go Home
Prior to Rudy Gobert’s one-game suspension on Tuesday, he had cleared this prop in six straight games. Minnesota's center may be playing the best basketball of his career.
Houston has lost seven straight games against the spread, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 13.1 points. That includes four outright losses as a favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Rockets.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Friday, January 16, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Timberwolves vs Rockets latest injuries
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Winning isn’t the assignment in Brooklyn right now. Growth is.
This Nets team is unlikely to be competitive today, tomorrow, or anytime soon. Unless patience becomes a box-score category.
The process may be frustrating, but Jordi Fernández appears to be the ideal coach for the long, unglamorous road ahead.
The second-year coach is built for the slow burn, handling the delicate mindset of his young players with a mix of patience, constructive criticism, and encouragement.
Tough Love Pays Off
Fernández has had no problem identifying where his young players fall short, both privately and in public. Each rookie has taken a turn under the spotlight, with Fernández addressing his concerns to the media when necessary.
His messages are blunt and direct, and they often come with immediate results.
After rookie Drake Powell played just over two minutes during a 119–111 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on December 12, Fernández didn’t sugarcoat his decision to sideline the rookie. When asked about the 20-year-old’s limited playing time, he made it clear that Powell’s performance leading up to that moment didn’t meet his standard.
“These young guys need to understand how important every minute you play is,” Fernández said. “If the intentions are there, I’m completely fine. But if the mistakes are from easing into the game, that’s not how we do it here.”
Powell responded the next game by scoring 13 points while adding four rebounds, three assists, and a steal during Brooklyn’s 127–82 blowout win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He’s continued to show steady improvement on both ends of the floor over the past month, highlighted by a career-high 16 points in Wednesday’s 116–113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, even knocking down a clutch three to cut the deficit with five seconds left…
“I respect him for that,” Powell said of Fernández. “It just shows that he cares, not only about me as a basketball player, but as a human being.”
Following the Dallas game, he delivered a similar, but shorter, message to fellow rookie Egor Demin, who shot just 14 percent from the field while forcing several contested attempts.
“He’s gotta be better, otherwise the minutes are gonna go down, and somebody else will take advantage of them,” Fernández said.
Demin responded with a statement game of his own, leading Brooklyn with 17 points against Milwaukee and carrying that momentum throughout the month. At this point in the season, he ranks second among all rookies in three-pointers made with 79 on 39.1% shooting and is on pace to break Kerry Kittles’ franchise rookie record of 158 made threes. Moreover, in the month of January, he’s shot better and made more threes than Kon Knueppel in one fewer games.
Fernández’s criticism is direct, but it’s also balanced. Just as quickly as he challenges his young players, he’s willing to praise them when they deserve it. Less than a week after calling out the two rookies, he highlighted the way they bounced back.
“I think they both did a great job. We knew that that was in them,” Fernández said. “Our guys care and we know how much they care, especially these two kids. They came back and they did what was best for the group and their performance was up to our standards.”
For inexperienced players who are still acclimating and adjusting, sometimes they simply need to be reminded of what they are capable of.
A Different View of the G League
In many organizations, being sent to the G League can feel like a punishment.
For Jordi Fernández, who spent several seasons as the head coach of the Canton Charge, the league is viewed as a developmental tool that allows players to log meaningful live reps as they adjust to the pace and physicality of professional basketball.
“We have a system in place. It’s important for players to see what the path is to get better,” Fernández said. “I’ve been in the G League as a head coach. All of our players but one have played in the G League. It’s something that we embrace and believe in.”
All but one Nets rookie — Demin — has spent time with Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, as Fernández maintains a consistent line of communication with the developmental staff out in Uniondale.
Fresh off Danny Wolf’s 25-point, 13-rebound performance against the Capital City Go-Go on Nov. 10, the rookie forward pointed to the continuity between both staffs.
“We’re one big group. My position coach here and my position coach back in Brooklyn are in communication,” Wolf said. “They talk about the same things, watch the same film and help me. They do a great job sharing ideas with each other.”
By the end of the month, the Michigan product was ready for consistent NBA action, scoring a career-high 22 points while adding four assists and four rebounds in a 116–99 loss to Milwaukee.
Within the span of three months, fellow rookie first-round pick Nolan Traore went from struggling in the G League and looking unplayable at the NBA level to earning a call-up and averaging 21.6 minutes per game for Brooklyn this month.
“He took full advantage of the opportunities he had with Long Island,” said Fernández. “And when he came back here, he did so with a different spirit and a lot more confidence.”
Just this week, Long Island’s Grant Nelson who played for Brooklyn in the Summer League and training camp, credited the Brooklyn and Long Island performance teams with helping him get beyond knee soreness than has troubled him since his freshman year in college five years ago.
“I think it really shows how good the performance staff is here and what they’ve done to get me back on the court and be ready for when I get back on the court,” Nelson told ND’s Scott Mitchell. “The performance staff did a great job, and everyone really cares about me, which really meant a lot.”
Letting The Work Show
While the process doesn’t need to be rushed, each of the team’s young investments appears to be trending upward, despite the scrutiny and confusion that followed the team’s draft decisions.
What was once questioned as drafting three players at the “same position” has proven to be far from it. While the media guide may list Demin, Traore and Ben Saraf as point guards, Fernández has found a way to emphasize their unique skill sets to the team’s benefit.
Meanwhile, Powell’s strengths are being maximized to make him look like a value pick after serving a limited role in college, while Wolf has surprised many by translating his unique combination of size and coordination to the NBA after earning Fernández’s trust.
So far, so good. The Nets were heavily criticized on Draft Night for using five first round picks, the first time any team had done that. One issue was developing that many firsts all at once. It will be a while before final grades are handed in but at the moment, the professor and his students seem to be doing fine.
Games on the road against quality competition are never easy, and the margins can get razor-thin in a hurry. The Phoenix Suns are coming off two losses where they easily could have walked away with wins in both. When that starts happening, the ‘disease of what if’ begins to creep in.
In this case, that conversation circles around Dillon Brooks.
Everything Brooks has brought to Phoenix, the attitude, the toughness, the edge, has reshaped this team. His brand of basketball, and the way he pulls teammates into that same mindset, is stamped all over the Suns you see now. I would not trade that for anyone. This team needed a cultural overhaul, and Brooks delivered it.
With that said, the next hurdle for him is self-awareness. If that part sharpens even a little, the Suns probably add a few more marks in the win column.
Look at last night. With Devin Booker and Jalen Green out, a combined $86.4 million in payroll, it was clear someone had to carry the load. That someone was Grayson Allen. He finished with 33 points on 11-of-25 shooting and set the tone offensively from the opening tip. Doing that on the road, against the top team in the Eastern Conference, a group with the second-best defensive rating in the NBA, is no small ask. What stood out most, though, was how the Suns stayed true to who they are. They competed. They absorbed the contact. They gutted it out. That says plenty about the culture they are building.
They had plenty of hurdles to clear. Jalen Duren living in the paint. A physical team more than willing to push back. But one of the biggest hurdles ended up being Dillon Brooks himself.
The inefficiency was brutal. He finished 4-of-16 from the field for 16 points and fouled out with 6 personals. On paper, that looks like a familiar Dillon Brooks night, especially when the stars are sidelined. He is always willing to take the shots, and I am not going to crush him for that instinct. But there are nights when you can feel it early. When you know you do not have it. Last night was one of those nights for Brooks.
I would have much rather seen more deference to Collin Gillespie or Jordan Goodwin than what we got offensively from Brooks. Gillespie took 10 shots and turned them into 18 points. Goodwin took 8 shots and finished with 7 points. Both were giving the team something cleaner within the flow.
The same theme showed up against Miami. The over-aggressiveness. The emotions creeping over the line. The flow of the game getting junked up late when the Suns were still in it. Every team needs an enforcer, and Phoenix needed one that night. But self-awareness has to step in at some point. No need to exaggerate follow-throughs. That is how Brooks picked up a technical that was later rescinded. That is how he ended up with a flagrant 1 after a missed three that would have tied the game in the final minute. Those moments matter. The Heat capitalized, the lead ballooned, and the Suns never recovered.
Down 3 with <15 seconds left Dillon Brooks kicks his legs out on the shot attempt and grabs then pulls down Andrew Wiggins earning him a flagrant offensive foul, essentially sealing the game for Miami (with replays).
Over the last two games, Brooks is shooting 3-of-16 from deep. That comes out to a cool 18.8%. No one is asking him to be something he is not. This is about self-awareness. About understanding what helps the team most in that moment.
The best thing he can give this group is opportunity. Opportunity comes from recognizing when the shot is not there, staying engaged on the floor, and resisting fouls that add nothing and disrupt the rhythm. The Suns are a team built on flow. When that flow gets interrupted, everything tightens.
Brooks can bring the antics. He can bring the edge. Those things have value, especially when Devin Booker and Jalen Green are out there to steady the offense. That is part of his role. When those two are missing, and he is asked to be a stabilizing force, the role changes. The edge still matters. Going over it does not.
So far on this trip, he has crossed that line. Two games. Eleven fouls. Two flagrants. One technical that later got rescinded. The point Norman Powell made still counted. That part does not get taken back.
Yeah, it really is the 85%, 15% equation with Dillon Brooks. You love what he gives you most of the time, and you brace yourself for the part that makes your blood pressure spike. That is the deal. That is the Dillon Brooks experience. You live by the Dillon. You die by the Dillon. Over the last two games, the Suns have died by it.
That is why getting Devin Booker and Jalen Green back matters so much. Their presence shrinks Brooks’ shot diet and lets him slide back into the role where he thrives. The disruptor. The irritant. The emotional anchor who tilts the floor without having to carry the offense. If that comes with a little more cerebral feel and self-awareness layered on top, even better. That is the version of Dillon Brooks this team needs when it is whole again.
Until then? The focus needs to be on making winning plays, not plays that prevent you from winning.
With mounting injuries, contradicting sourced reporting, and a will-they-won’t-they soap opera of trade rumors involving Anthony Davis, very little is going right for the Dallas Mavericks. The league’s trade deadline needs to get here asap so fans can accept whatever reality is next, and the team needs to refocus their vision. Part of that is accepting reality and positioning themselves as best they can for this summer’s NBA Draft.
All that considered, there are still some bright moments to hold to in these games. Cooper Flagg continues to flash brilliance. He is now nursing an ankle injury, but his composure and ability remains on display most nights. Players like Naji Marshall, mentioned below in this week’s Power Rankings Watch, has stepped up his game — perhaps just in time for said deadline. And Klay Thompson just moved himself into fourth all time in three-pointers. With so much in limbo it’s important to celebrate those mini victories.
Forward Naji Marshall has been one of the bright spots of a difficult season in Dallas. He’s averaging career bests of 13.6 points and 54% shooting, and his production has increased to 16.9 points on 58.6% shooting in his 17 starts. He has been especially productive attacking off the dribble, shooting 60.7% off of drives. According to NBA Advanced Stats, only Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have a higher field goal percentage among the players who rank in the top 50 in points off of drives. — MacMahon
Vegas and the national broadcasters were on NicoVision when it came to projecting this Mavericks team. Some even thought Kyrie Irving would be back by now. Alas, here the Mavericks are, with their injury-prone big men out of commission, top free-agent acquisition D’Angelo Russell playing zero 20-minute games since Thanksgiving and Cooper Flagg splitting awesome games with forgettable outings.
At this point, Davis has played in just 29 of a possible 74 games since he was acquired (along with Max Christie) for Luka Dončić. This season, the Mavs are 10-10 with Davis in uniform, but they’ve been outscored by 4.6 points per 100 possessions in his 626 minutes on the floor.
The Mavs were outscored by 28 points (54-26) in the restricted area in Chicago on Saturday, falling to 4-15 without Davis. They’ve scored just 106.7 points per 100 possessions over those 19 games, only slightly better (107.5 scored per 100) in Cooper Flagg’s 844 total minutes on the floor without Davis.
The offense was ugly on both ends of the floor in Sacramento on Tuesday, but the Mavs got the win with two go-ahead buckets in the final minute. Flagg had the first (a tough, lefty finish off the glass) and assisted on the other (a Brandon Williams 3), and he’s now 4-for-6 on shots to tie or take the lead in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime. Those four buckets are tied for fourth league-wide.
Coming up: With their loss in Utah on Thursday, the Mavs are 0-6 (one of three winless teams) in rest-advantage games. They’ll have two more – vs. Brooklyn and Denver – as they play a four-game homestand this week.
The Dallas Mavericks pummeled the Utah Jazz on Thursday, but it’s tough to find big takeaways from a game without Cooper Flagg and Lauri Markkanen.
Dallas lost to Utah just one week earlier, is 4-7 in its last 11 and recently got some bad news on Anthony Davis. He may not need surgery on his injured hand, but he’s going to be out for several weeks and could still be traded before the deadline.
With Flagg now nursing his own ankle injury, all signs are pointing to the Mavericks more aggressively chasing improved lottery odds down the stretch.
After a disapointing loss following a bad fourth quarter, the Houston Rockets look to get back on track with a win versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
With a solid defensive effort and team intensity, Minnesota is on the rise. Anthony Edwards leads the Wolves’ excellent scoring balance, and Julius Randle and Naz Reid provide strong interior play.Additionally, they recently defeated the Bucks handily, which gives them confidence. Meanwhile, Houston’s recent performance has been inconsistent, including a 20-point loss to the Thunder in which offensive difficulties were a significant problem. The Rockets average about 119 points per game and have impressive rebounding stats, but they have cooled off in recent games. Kevin Durant leads the Rockets in scoring ar 25-26 points per game, and has been receiving contributions from Alperen Şengün and other pieces (Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. etc).
The big story tonight is Anthony Edward’s injury. It was confirmed yesterday that the star guard would miss a second straight game with a foot injury. This should drastically alter the game plaan for Houdton as they can now focus more of their deffensive efforts on pl;ayers like Julius Radle and Rudy Gobert/
Tip Off
8:3o pm
How To Watch ESPN, or Space City Home Network
Injury Report Rockets Fred VanVleet: Out (Acl), Dorian Finney-Smith: Day-To-Day (Ankle), Tari Eason: Day-To-Day (Ankle)
The Lakers haven’t made any significant roster moves during the season so far, but they have a couple more weeks to do so before the NBA trade deadline arrives.
While the team hasn’t officially stated the ways they might want to improve in the immediate future, we do have some reports hinting at the direction they want to go.
So, all moves the Lakers make must be based on building sustainable winning for years to come.
On a recent episode of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” Kevin discussed a way the Lakers could gain the assets needed by trading away their first-round pick for multiple future firsts as part of a trade package.
Kevin O’Connor: “Now, the really interesting thing with them is they’ve been shopping around their future 2032 first round pick for multiple first round draft picks similar to what the Suns did a year ago when they traded their 2031 pick to the Jazz for three lesser firsts in ‘25, ‘27 and ‘29. So, it seems like the Lakers are looking for two or three than future firsts that are worse individually than their future firsts, giving them more parts to put together in Vincent-plus-Vanderbilt or Vincent-plus-Kleber types of packages.”
If Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka can turn his draft pick into two or three and then acquire the wing they need before the Jan. 5 deadline, this would be one of the most impressive trades he’s done.
This type of deal would make a ton of sense for LA. It would increase their limited draft capital, and if it brings in a young wing, like say Herb Jones, that’d be a great move for the franchise.
It’s been reported that the Lakers called the Pelicans about Jones, but the price point was above LA’s means. If they can offer multiple firsts instead of one, maybe that’s enough to convince New Orleans to part with Jones.
Besides Jones, there are other young wings the Lakers can try to trade for. Players like Jonathan Kuminga have connected with LA, and it’s clear when you watch this team that adding wing depth would be a great way to improve this roster.
Now, it’s a matter of execution, and if Pelinka can find the right partner to help him execute this multifaceted deal.
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