SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on April 01, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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The Spurs are on a double digit win streak and they’re back at home tonight after a successful four game road trip. Tonight is an NBA Cup game against the Golden State Warriors for the lead in West Group C. All of the teams in Group C except for the Spurs and Warriors have a loss in the group stage of the Emirates Cup tournament, and one of those teams is going to have a loss after tonight’s game. The winner of tonight’s game will have the only undefeated record in the group so far, and will win the group outright by winning the last two games. The Spurs’ remaining group stage games are at Portland and against the Lakers at home, neither of which counts as an easy win, but a win tonight gives them an inside track on advancing to the knockout rounds and making a little extra money for the guys. Actually, it’s a nice payday for the Cup winners, $530,000 for players who are Cup champions, which could be really helpful for the guys on rookie contracts.
The Warriors are missing Steph Curry who tore an oblique on Wednesday night against the Rockets, which means that the best player on the Warriors is going to be super rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who has been tearing up the league so far this year. Athough Yax is a first year player, he’s actually older than three of the starting five players on the Spurs. The Warriors were really smart to draft a player who was ready to contribute immediately to give Draymond and Steph another chance to win a title, and Lendeborg has definitely made an immediate contribution. This is not a game that the Spurs can take for granted, and if they come out with a lackadaisical effort like the first half of the Bulls game, this could be a rough night for the home team. This is a get-back game [first home game after an extended road trip] for the Silver and Black, and those are always dangerous for the home team. Mitch has to have his team ready for tonight, and maybe he should give the halftime speech from Wednesday in the pre-game.
De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell are both questionable for tonight’s game, so you could see some interesting lineups this evening. This game is on CW 35, DAZN, and Prime, so you have plenty of options to watch. Lets go Spurs, and Wembanyama must dominate Yaxel.
Game Prediction:
Yaxel Lendeborg flashes his AARP membership card at the Spurs young players as a pregame flex.
San Antonio Spurs vs Golden State Warriors November 13, 2026 | 8:30 PM CT Streaming: DAZN, Prime TV: DAZN, Prime, CW35 Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
Nov 12, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) after making a three point shot against the Charlotte Hornets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
As precious seconds ticked off the clock late in Thursday night’s matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets, it was abundantly clear that Charlotte was attempting to intentionally foul Devin Booker. And Booker? He was ready and willing to accept that foul.
Unfortunately, head official Scott Foster apparently had his attention elsewhere, despite the action unfolding approximately five feet in front of him. Perhaps he was looking into the front row, spotted Steve Nash, and began reminiscing about the good old days when he and his fellow officials allowed opponents to assault the two-time MVP with little consequence. Maybe he noticed Brandon Rafi sitting courtside and started thinking about calling Rafi Rafi the next time he needs a lawyer. Whatever was occupying his attention, it certainly wasn’t the intentional foul taking place directly in front of him.
Booker responded with that familiar piercing stare, the one we’ve seen countless times when he’s wondering how an official could possibly miss something so obvious. But there was still a basketball game to finish, and with Sion James approaching to provide a double team, Booker decided to take matters into his own hands. He dribbled left, rose up, and buried a 28-footer that effectively sealed the victory for Phoenix.
No whistle? No problem. Sometimes the best response to questionable officiating is to make the officials irrelevant. And in that moment, Devin Booker did exactly that.
That moment encapsulated just how great Devin Booker has been to begin this season, with the exception of his three-point performance against Oklahoma City. For a team navigating a discombobulated, duplicative roster that is ultimately going to go as far as Booker can carry it, the Suns’ franchise cornerstone has been delivering. Nowhere has that been more evident than in the clutch.
Booker scored nine points in clutch time against Charlotte, continuing an impressive stretch of late-game execution. Through four clutch appearances this season, he’s shooting 66.7% from the field, 50% from beyond the arc, and has a +8 plus/minus. Those are encouraging numbers for a player whose late-game efficiency became a legitimate concern last season.
What impressed me most against the Hornets wasn’t necessarily the scoring. It was his decision-making. Every time Charlotte attempted to throw a double team his way, Booker recognized what was happening and responded decisively and appropriately. On one possession, he drove away from the pressure, penetrated the defense, and kicked the ball to Jordan Goodwin in the left corner for an open three-point opportunity. Goodwin missed the shot, but the process was exactly what you wanted to see. On another possession, Booker beat the double team himself and converted. He wasn’t forcing the issue. He was reading the defense, understanding what was available, and making the appropriate decision.
We are currently witnessing what can only be described as a Devin Booker heater. Over his last 7 games, he’s averaging 27.4 points on 49/40/95 splits.
Quite honestly, the Suns desperately need it because the rest of the starting lineup is struggling mightily. Perhaps it’s the lack of continuity and limited playing time together. Maybe it’s the absence of clearly defined roles, with players still attempting to understand where they fit within an offense that features overlapping skill sets. Whatever the explanation, the production from Phoenix’s starters has been inconsistent and inefficient.
Booker has accounted for 35.1% of all points scored by the Suns’ starting lineup this season. Think about that. More than one out of every three points produced by the starters has come from a single player. Meanwhile, the starters not named Devin Booker have combined to shoot 52-of-154 from beyond the arc, a pedestrian 33.8%. In the clutch, everyone without ‘Booker’ written on their back has combined to make 20% of their threes and 30% of their shots.
While the shooting inefficiencies that plagued Booker last season generated plenty of concern, those issues haven’t carried over into the early portion of this campaign. Against Charlotte, he connected on 4-of-8 attempts from deep, continuing to provide the offensive production and efficiency that Phoenix needs from its best player. He’s up to 25.5 points this season, doing so on 50/38/94 splits, adding 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Until the rest of the starting five figures out who they are, what their responsibilities should be, and how they can contribute more effectively on both ends of the floor, the Suns are going to need Booker to keep this heater going. Because if he has an ordinary night, there’s a pretty good chance Phoenix is going to lose. That’s an unfortunate reality, but it’s where this organization finds itself.
Devin Booker is in the prime of his career. This should be the period when the franchise has a clear understanding of what works alongside him, what complements his strengths, and how to construct a roster that maximizes his abilities. The organization has had plenty of time to figure that out.
Instead, we’ve watched Phoenix spend much of his prime fumbling through roster construction, repeatedly acquiring players with overlapping skill sets and similar positional responsibilities. Rather than consistently surrounding Booker with complementary pieces, the organization has continued placing additional weight on his shoulders, asking him to compensate for deficiencies that should have been addressed through better roster construction. Thankfully, at least through the opening weeks of this season, Booker appears more than willing to accept that responsibility.
But how long can he sustain it? How long can a team reasonably expect one player to account for more than a third of its starting lineup’s scoring while simultaneously serving as its primary offensive organizer and late-game closer? At some point, the supporting cast has to establish its identity and begin providing consistent production.
I’ve been quick to remind people that Devin Booker is the $57 million man whenever his performances fall short of expectations. When you’re earning that kind of money, there’s a certain level of production, leadership, and accountability that comes with the paycheck. And right now? He’s earning every damn dollar.
You earn that money by delivering in the clutch, which Booker has done. You earn it by becoming the stabilizing force that prevents an inconsistent team from completely unraveling. Check that too, as the team sits at 5-6. You earn it by showing up night after night, accepting the responsibility of carrying an offense while your teammates are still trying to figure out their roles, their responsibilities, and perhaps why they’re being asked to occupy spaces already filled by somebody else. That’s what Devin Booker has been doing.
And while I certainly hope the rest of the roster begins providing him with the support he deserves, there’s something worth appreciating about watching a player embrace that burden and continue delivering. Because for all the questions surrounding the Phoenix Suns right now, Devin Booker is providing the most important answer. He’s playing like the $57 million man.
We’ve spent plenty of time questioning Booker’s late-game execution, his decision-making, and whether he can consistently elevate a flawed roster. Right now, he’s answering those questions with his play. The Suns still have plenty to figure out, and Booker can’t be expected to carry them indefinitely. But for the moment, he’s reminding everyone why he’s the face of this franchise. And why, when the game is on the line, you probably shouldn’t leave him open from 28 feet.
It’s been nearly two years since the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers completed a trade for J.T. Miller, though tonight will mark Miller’s second game back at Rogers Arena since the deal.
Tonight is also expected to feature Filip Chytil’s first experience playing against the organization that drafted him in the first-round of the 2017 NHL Draft, as he missed Vancouver’s other matchups against the Rangers due to injury.
On Tuesday, Chytil expressed his excitement about possibly playing against the Rangers for the first time since being traded.
“It means a lot to me, actually,” he said after Vancouver’s practice on Tuesday. “It’s been almost two years now since the trade, and I didn’t play a game against them. I don’t know most of the team now because it’s changed as well. I know just a couple of players from there, but it was still eight years in the organization — and it was an organization that gave me an opportunity to play in the league, and I have great memories from those seasons.”
Let’s take a look at the pieces acquired by the Canucks and Rangers ahead of their fifth matchup since the trade.
To New York: J.T. Miller, Erik Brännström, And Jackson Dorrington
The season after he was traded to the Rangers, Miller was named New York’s captain. In his first full season with the Rangers post-Vancouver trade, the forward put up 17 goals and 36 assists in 68 games, good for fourth on his team in points. Miller hasn’t quite found the same performance level he reached with Vancouver in his second stint with the Rangers, though he is currently up to four goals and 10 assists in 20 games with New York.
Brännström didn’t end up playing in any games with the Rangers, instead skating for their AHL-affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack. He only ended up playing in six games for the Wolf Pack before being dealt to the Buffalo Sabres for Nicolas Aube-Kubel at the 2025 Trade Deadline. After the end of the 2024–25 season, Brännström headed back to Europe, where he’s now in his second season with Lausanne HC.
The final piece acquired by the Rangers in this trade was Dorrington, who has remained with New York’s organization since. He made his AHL-debut for the Wolf Pack during the 2024–25 season, putting up a goal and an assist in nine games that year. In his first full season in the AHL, 2025–26, he scored a total of two goals and nine assists in 70 games. Throughout the 2026–27 season thus far, Dorrington has put up one assist in 13 games.
Mar 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center J.T. Miller (8) battles with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Victor Mancini (90) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Miller and Mancini were traded for each other in January. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
To Vancouver: Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, And A 2025 First-Round Pick
Chytil has played in a total of 34 games since being acquired by the Canucks, with the forward projected to face his former team for the first time tonight. He has scored five goals and six assists throughout his tenure with Vancouver, with two of these assists coming in the seven games he has played so far this year. While health has been a big issue for Chytil through his time with the Canucks, when he has been in the lineup, the forward has shown promise with his speed.
In his time with the Canucks thus far, Mancini has acted as more of a depth defenceman, floating between Vancouver and Abbotsford. He played in 24 games with Vancouver through 2025–26, putting up three assists in that span. The remainder of his playing time was spent with Abbotsford, during which he skated in 33 games and posted four goals and eight assists. The defenceman was sent down to the AHL on Tuesday and made his season-debut for Abbotsford on Wednesday.
The first-round pick acquired by Vancouver went on a little bit of an adventure before ultimately being used to select forward Jack Nesbitt 12th-overall. Only hours after the Canucks acquired the selection, they flipped it to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the trade that sent Drew O’Connor and Marcus Pettersson (also a member of the Rangers now) to Vancouver. Pittsburgh held onto the pick until the first day of the 2025 NHL Draft, trading it to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for picks #22 and #31.
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after bunting for a single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in game four of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to our series grading every member of the San Diego Padres’ 40-man roster. The roster being evaluated is current as of Oct. 18, prior to the end of the World Series. Because of that, it will include players who will be free agents once the postseason concludes. Each player will be graded on their performance in the 2026 season, including the playoffs. That performance will be weighted based on how much time the player spent with the team (availability is the best ability).
Manny Machado
When Machado signed with the Padres, it was a massive deal. To be exact, it was the biggest contract that any athlete had ever signed up to that point. Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with San Diego, keeping him in the brown and gold for the rest of his career. He’s largely followed up on that, hitting .275 or better in five of seven seasons and 25-plus homers in all of his years (excluding the shortened 2020 season).
Overall Grade: B-
However, 2026 saw a major downtick in his batting average. Including his time with the Baltimore Orioles, Machado had never finished the season with a batting average below .250. He finished 2026 having batted a dismal .217 with a .303 on-base percentage. That said, the power remained. Machado had 52 extra-base hits, with 30 of them being homers.
It wasn’t entirely his fault. Machado’s expected batting average (.243) was twenty-six points above his actual (.217), meaning he was at least somewhat unlucky. He ended the season being mostly average on offense, with a 97 OPS+ (where 100 is average). But Machado was phenomenal in the playoffs, batting .350/.480/.600 in six games.
Even in the offseason, Machado is not immune to controversy. He was a major snub from the Gold Glove awards, with Max Muncy and Javier Sanoja being named ahead of him. This despite the fact that Machado led all third basemen in Fielding Run Value (+7) and Outs Above Average (+12). The question heading into 2027 will be whether he can bat for average after his contact hitting took a dip in ‘26.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on March 27, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Heat 149-128. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look for their second NBA Cup win as they take on the Miami Heat.
Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavaliers fans and make your voice heard!
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 16: Jaylen Clark #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves guards Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half of a preseason game on October 16, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Poor Chicago.
Not only has this season been an expected mess on the court, but fans now lose any reason to tune in without their rookie for the next one to two months. Now they get the red-hot Timberwolves? A rough season just got rufffff.
Is Leonard Miller primed for a Medium Player Explosion (MPE)? He’s averaging just 6.3 points in 15.9 minutes per game, but recent news broke that rookie sensation Caleb Wilson would be out over a month due to a broken right hand. A terribly unfortunate break for the worst team in the NBA. It does leave a gaping hole in production and the former Wolves legend (both Minnesota and Iowa) will certainly have an opportunity to step up. Expect Chicago’s injury report to be lengthy as they’ll be on the end of a back-to-back.
On Minnesota’s side, I am expecting a revenge game from Ayo Dosunmu. He will finally be playing in his first game against his former team. A few weeks ago, Ayo penned a touching piece on The Players’ Tribune where he discussed being able to play in the comforts of his hometown. From college at University of Illinois, to the pros with the Chicago Bulls, Ayo has finally spread his wings away from home. I’m penciling in a cool 30-point performance from Dosunmu.
Let’s also not rule out a breakout game for Terrence Shannon Jr. Just like Dosunmu, TJ is also a Chicago native who finished his college career as an Fighting Illini. Both should have a field day attacking the cup against the 30th ranked team in points given up in the paint.
Keep your hands to yourselves
Chicago has an interestingly high free throw rate. Why is that? Norman Powell is sixth in free threes attempted per game (8.6) and second in free throw rate (35.7). Well, the former Bruin has missed a handful of the Bulls last games. Nic Claxton (two games played) and Matas Buzelis both average 4.1 FTA per game which would lead the Wolves behind Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
How will Chicago score without their two leading scorers in Powell and Wilson? One thing the Wolves can do is avoid gifting them free points at the charity stripe, no matter if Powell is in or not. Josh Giddey was a decent foul merchant a season ago, but is below average scoring the ball otherwise. Buzelis is at his best attacking the rim, but is having a very disappointing third rookie season. Tre Jones has typically been a thorn in the side of his hometown team. Maybe the power of goggles will power Jalen Smith at Target Center?
Prediction
The Wolves recall what happened to them when they last played the Bulls 10 months ago. Minnesota dropped their fourth straight game against a lowly Chicago team by blowing a late fourth quarter lead (Ayo scored eight points against the Wolves that game!) On Saturday, they will exact revenge and throttle a lifeless Bulls team with a 27-point first half lead, cruising to an easy victory. Ayo scores 84 points by himself.
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 06: A general view of Truist Park during Game Three of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Much of this baseball offseason is going to spent with the MLB owners and MLB Player’s Association each publicly jockeying for why they are on the right side of the pending lockout.
The MLB used its official Twitter account Friday afternoon to share the owners’ latest offering, with a pointed interest towards fans and trying to sway them to the side of the ownership.
Here’s MLB’s latest messaging:
Baseball fans have repeatedly told us they have two issues with the game today: blackouts and fairness
We’re proposing to make three major changes to baseball:
Entering into a partnership with players where all revenues that are generated are split 50/50 between the teams and the players
Implementing a salary cap and floor that will regulate what each team can spend
Revenues from media generated in baseball are shared equally by the clubs
This will reduce the revenue disparity in baseball and help us address local blackouts
Major League players’ total compensation would go up and fans would get a more competitive game
It’s a win for everybody
Baseball fans have repeatedly told us they have two issues with the game today: blackouts and fairness
We’re proposing to make three major changes to baseball:
1. Entering into a partnership with players where all revenues that are generated are split 50/50 between the teams… pic.twitter.com/GgeKshvFmN
What do we think, folks? I can admit I find it a bit weird that MLB uses its official social media accounts with large followings (13.7 million on X alone) to boost its case.
But I can also admit that getting rid of blackouts sounds good and I’ve been coming around on the net good that a salary cap/floor would bring to baseball.
Can the Rockets continue their win streak? Tune in tonight and come chat with us at TDS or on the SB Nation App! (Unless you’re a Jazz fan, then you don’t have internet.)
The Warriors have come to life this season with the lethal combination of veteran superstar Steph Curry and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.
But the latest injury update indicates Golden State could be without Curry for a month. That propels Lendeborg to the forefront of the Warriors’ game plan over the coming weeks. The rookie revealed his confidence to produce without Curry on the floor is a 6 out of 10 but admitted he’s feeling the pressure.
Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) reacts during an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic in San Francisco, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. AP Photo/Justine Willard
“The other four is like: Am I going to be able to live up to it?” Lendeborg said.
The Warriors rookie, however, has an idea of what needs to change in Curry’s absence and how he must adapt in terms of carrying the offensive load.
“I gotta be a lot more aggressive. I definitely have to be more in a scorer-first mindset now. My mindset so far has been to support Steph,” Lendeborg said.
“We’ll see how it goes.”
Stephen Curry #30 and Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors high five during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 9, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NBAE via Getty Images
The 24-year-old has provided a youthful spark to the Warriors’ offense, but Lendeborg has been a learner more than a leader to open the season as he adjusts to NBA play.
Now, the Warriors will look to Lendeborg to keep the team afloat in a competitive Western Conference. That’s no easy feat for a rookie, but he’s proven to be a skilled asset for Golden State, and Curry being sidelined gives Lendeborg even more room to blossom into a playmaker.
One year ago, Juuso Valimaki wasn't even sure if he'd ever again play in the NHL.
The 27-year-old defenseman was nine months removed from his second career ACL tear and he hadn't seen NHL action since the start of 2025.
Even before the injury, the 2017 first-round picks was being continuously healthy scratched and things looked like they were quickly heading in the wrong direction.
But fast forward to today and Valimaki is on the blueline of the best team in hockey.
"We knew when we got him what he had been going through," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "Lots of injuries and even last year, he played all year in the minors. Played really well, we just didn't have a spot. Then this year there was an opportunity and he's just taken it. It's nice to see that he's fully back to where he was before and maybe even better. He's really endeared himself to the group and to the coaching staff."
Not only that, but Valimaki also earned the opportunity to play in his home country in front of thousands of Finnish fans and many of his own friends and family as part of the NHL Global Series in Helsinki.
And in Game 1 of the series, Valimaki himself even got on the scoresheet, scoring the Canes' third goal in their 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken.
"I don't think it could have really worked out any better than it did for me," Valimaki said. "Obviously we played a really good game and that's kind of the first point of it, but I'm not gonna lie and say that it wasn't cool to score, because it was. Just really, really happy and grateful for it, for sure."
"Really happy for him," Brind'Amour said on Valimaki. "That was special for him to get that goal. He's a big part of what we're doing."
"That's what you want," said forward Nikolaj Ehlers. "You obviously want the two points, but seeing [the Finns] score makes it a little more special. We're happy we were able to get the win for those guys."
It was a storybook moment for the Finnish defenseman and one that reflects all the hard work that he's put in to get back to this level.
Things haven't been easy by any means, but Valimaki has continued to grind away and find ways to keep getting better and to see him rewarded in that way is very special.
"There's been a lot of ups and downs in my career with injuries and kind of a lot of other things going on, but I think last year was finally where I felt like myself again and I was in a really good head space," Valimaki said. "Just trying to play hockey, enjoy it. There's been times where you kind of forget the fun part and for me, at least, when you're having fun and enjoying what you're doing, I think that's when you play your best. Just trying to carry the momentum now and ride that wave."
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 07: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on November 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks (7-5) take on a rebuilding Chicago Bulls (1-9) without their starlet rookie Caleb Wilson in an NBA Cup matchup.
Starting lineup
G Kingston Flemings
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
Start Time: 8:00 PM EST
TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH), Atlanta News First (WANF)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming:Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 06: Dejounte Murray #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 118-116. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Would I or wouldn’t I? That is the question. Ever since reports surfaced earlier today linking the Phoenix Suns to disgruntled New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, I’ve had plenty of friends reaching out to ask whether I’d pull the trigger on a potential deal involving Jalen Green. And I understand why they’re asking. If there’s anybody who’s been more vocal about the belief that Jalen Green doesn’t belong in the Suns’ starting five, I’d certainly be a contender for that title.
So a straight-up swap of Green for Murray makes sense, right? Not so fast.
I understand the appeal. Bringing in Murray would theoretically provide Phoenix with a more traditional point guard, allowing the team to reestablish some semblance of positional clarity and better define the responsibilities of the players surrounding Devin Booker. And who knows? Maybe it would work. A straight-up deal would also save the Suns some money, which is certainly beneficial from a salary cap perspective, although it doesn’t exactly put any additional cash in my pocket.
Murray is somebody I’ve been thinking about since last summer. We’ve discussed potential scenarios involving him for quite some time, and no matter how many times I revisit the possibility, I keep arriving at the same conclusion: I’ll pass on that, thank you.
My hesitation begins with Murray’s health. He suffered an Achilles injury in February 2025, and there’s still uncertainty surrounding whether he can return to the player he was before that injury. That’s a significant concern when you’re discussing acquiring a guard whose effectiveness has historically relied on his mobility, quickness, and ability to operate on both ends of the floor.
And even before the injury, was Murray really a game-altering player? He was a serviceable guard with a defensive reputation, someone capable of contributing in multiple areas without necessarily elevating the overall ceiling of the teams he played for. The last time he was impactful was when he was in a Greg Popovich system that elevates guard play, and even then the team wasn’t winning much with him.
Maybe a player with his skill set would fit more naturally alongside Booker than Green currently does. Considering Green’s $36.3 million salary and declining perceived value, there’s certainly an argument that swapping one distressed asset for another could make sense from a basketball operations standpoint.
But then there’s everything else. Murray’s recent public frustration with the situation in New Orleans, including allegations that he has used burner accounts to comment on videos, gives me a familiar and uncomfortable feeling. I call it PTKD. Post-Traumatic KD Disorder.
Say what you want about Jalen Green; we don’t see him coming unhinged online when people challenge his fit.
One of the things I’ve genuinely appreciated about this current iteration of the Phoenix Suns is how relatively quiet they’ve been away from the basketball court. Outside of a few entertaining trolling commercials from Dillon Brooks, this group has largely avoided the public drama that surrounded previous versions of the franchise. They’re not regularly lashing out at fans. They’re not creating unnecessary distractions through social media. They’re not turning every criticism into a public confrontation. They appear to handle their business internally, and I have tremendous respect for that.
Perhaps that appreciation comes from personal experience. I’ve been on the receiving end of Kevin Durant’s verbal lashings because I dared to express an opinion about the basketball team I cover. My apologies. I have opinions, I have a platform to express them, and that’s precisely what I intend to do. As Don Draper might remind these players, that’s what the money is for.
Now, perhaps a change of scenery would do wonders for Murray. Maybe getting out of New Orleans, joining a different organization, and playing alongside Booker would provide the reset he needs, both professionally and personally. That’s entirely possible.
When evaluating a potential acquisition, I keep returning to the same fundamental question I’ve been asking about Jalen Green: Does he make your basketball team better? And with Murray, I’m not convinced the answer is yes.
When you examine his time in Atlanta and New Orleans, his on/off impact has generally been underwhelming. He’s spent much of that period posting negative net rating results, raising questions about how much his individual production actually translates into improved team performance.
That’s what makes this entire conversation so fascinating. In theory, the Suns would be acquiring a player with a negative statistical impact to replace another player with a similarly negative impact. You’re essentially exchanging one set of problems for another, hoping that the new problems are somehow easier to manage. I’ll take the guy with a better attitude every day out of the week.
There are potential advantages, of course. Murray would be cheaper, providing some financial flexibility. His presence could help clarify the responsibilities within the starting lineup, allowing Booker to operate more naturally in his preferred role while Murray handles additional facilitating duties. Even that doesn’t solve every issue with the roster. The overlapping skill sets of Miles Bridges and Dillon Brooks would still exist. The Suns would still have problems with size, rebounding, and interior production. There would be no guarantee that Murray’s arrival would suddenly create the offensive connectivity Phoenix has been searching for.
So where do I ultimately land? I think the Suns should wait.
If Murray is disgruntled today, there’s a pretty good chance he’ll still be disgruntled two months from now. His desire for a change of scenery doesn’t necessarily create an obligation for Phoenix to rush into a transaction, especially when the player they’d be acquiring comes with legitimate questions of his own. Meanwhile, the Suns still have an opportunity to evaluate Jalen Green and determine whether there’s a way to make his skill set work within the current roster.
Quite honestly, I believe the best immediate solution is moving Green to the bench. Allow him to operate with the second unit, where he can play a style more familiar to him without constantly navigating the responsibilities and tendencies of Devin Booker. Give him an opportunity to rebuild his confidence, establish some offensive rhythm, and continue developing the distribution skills the organization clearly wants him to improve.
The Suns’ bench has already demonstrated a greater understanding of its collective identity. The players know their responsibilities, understand how to complement one another, and have shown an ability to sustain productive stretches without relying on one individual to orchestrate everything. Perhaps placing Green in that environment would help him develop comfort and confidence, ultimately making him a more effective contributor when his minutes overlap with the starters’.
If it doesn’t work? Well, at least Phoenix will have gathered additional information before making another significant roster decision. No need to make a trade just to make a trade. Isn’t that what got us into this mess?
The reality is that there’s no obvious correct answer here. Green hasn’t demonstrated that he’s the right fit. Murray hasn’t demonstrated that he’d necessarily be a better one. Both players carry significant salaries, legitimate concerns, and enough uncertainty to make any potential transaction a gamble. And if the Pelicans and Suns ultimately decide to swap them, what exactly are we accomplishing?
“Here’s your problem. We’ll take it off your hands if you take ours.” “Thank you very much. Have a nice day.” I like our problem better. Green is younger and more athletic, seems to be a better locker room guy, is less injury-prone, and seems to be simply having a hard time navigating his new role.
The Suns have a roster that needs work, and Jalen Green hasn’t made the transition Phoenix hoped he would. But that doesn’t mean Dejounte Murray is the answer. There’s a difference between identifying a problem and finding a solution. Swapping two players with question marks attached to their names might make the transaction look productive, but it doesn’t necessarily make the basketball team any better. How about we focus on getting some rebounding, eh? Suns are 9th in assists. They’re dead last in rebounding. Let’s focus on fixing what’s broken.
Give Green a chance to find his footing in a different role. Give Murray and the Pelicans some time to sort through their situation. The Suns don’t have to be the organization that solves everybody else’s problems, especially when they have enough of their own.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said Austin Reaves suffered a left heel bruise in the third quarter of that game and is listed as day-to-day ahead of Sunday’s contest against the Suns.
The Lakers’ medical staff and Reaves jointly determined that he didn’t need further imaging after seeing how he felt Thursday morning. Reaves had X-rays Wednesday evening and they came back clean.
When asked if Reaves’ injury was minor, Redick didn’t hesitate.
“I would assume a day-to-day injury is minor, yeah,” Redick said.
Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. NBAE via Getty Images
Redick said a concussion was ruled out for Sexton.
Meanwhile, Quentin Grimes, who missed the Lakers’ last two games because of a sprained right pinkie, participated in the live portion of the “stay ready game” at Friday’s practice.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Collin Sexton (10) dribbles against Milwaukee Bucks’ Ryan Rollins (13) during a game in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Getty Images
Grimes, who had his pinkie taped, said the swelling has gone down and his finger is “basically back to normal.”
“I definitely expect to play, for sure,” Grimes said of Sunday.
It’s all positive news for the Lakers, who have won seven straight games and have the best record in the league at 11-2.
While Doncic spoke after Wednesday’s game saying his ankle was “painful a little bit but I’ll be fine,” there was significantly more worry around Reaves, who did not speak to the media after the Lakers’ win and was expected to receive more imaging upon the team’s return to Los Angeles — until it was deemed unnecessary.
When Redick was asked if Doncic advised Reaves about the heel injury that he suffered in 2024, the coach said he wasn’t sure.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic looks at his ankle during an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. AP Photo/Aaron Gash
“I know those guys text 47 times a day, so maybe there’s a chance,” Redick said. “Austin said he woke up yesterday at 7 a.m. and he had four texts from Luka, so maybe one of those was the heel text. I don’t know.”
Redick was sure about one thing, though.
Following a brutal stretch of three road games in four days, including a back-to-back, the Lakers had a much-needed three days to regroup before playing the Suns.
Redick and his staff spent the last three days auditing the Lakers, who are the top-rated team in the league on offense but are No. 18 on defense.
His analytics team prepared a 21-page presentation.
“We know we want to be a top-10 defense,” Redick said. “We know we are not going to be able to do that unless we become better than a bottom-10 transition team and better than a bottom 10-defensive rebounding team.”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 18: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks and Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers look on during the game on December 18, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s another Cup game, so prepare your eyes for a whacky court as the Knicks (6–5) visit the Indiana Pacers (4–8) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The old rivals square off in NBA Cup East Group B play. The head of Indy’s snake, Tyrese Haliburton, remains out with a left hamstring strain, while the Knicks have a clean injury report (as of this a.m. writing). New York is favored because they have give up the second-fewest points per game and because, uh, they’re World Champions.
The Pacers are 1-5 at home. Yikes. Tip-off is 7:00 pm EST on Prime Video. This is your game thread. This is Indy Cornrows. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Enjoy each other’s company, respectfully. And go Knicks!
SACRAMENTO — The more the Kings lose, the more the big-picture questions arise.
The Kings fell to 1-11 in a 120-107 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at Golden 1 Center, extending their franchise-record home winless streak to seven games to begin the 2026-27 NBA season.
To be sure, expectations weren’t high surrounding Doug Christie’s team coming in. General manager Scott Perry has made it clear his team is in early stages of a multi-season rebuilding project around promising rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
But Sacramento has the second-worst record in the NBA –– only the 1-12 Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks are worse –– and currently is on pace to finish with seven wins, worse than the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers, who had the worst 82-game record in NBA history at 9-73.
That futility has led to a swelling conversation about the immediate future of Kings coach Doug Christie, who is 23-70 since having the interim tag removed from his title before last season.
Christie was asked Friday about that conversation and if he feels the growing pressure as the Kings dropped their fifth straight.
“I think the seat is hot, always,” Christie said. “The nature of this business, it’s all about winning. So that’s where you think the seat is always hot.”
Christie’s answer reflected a sense of urgency that any NBA coach could relate to. But he also knows he’s the Kings’ eighth head coach since the current ownership group headed by Vivek Ranadivé assumed control in 2013.
Christie had a front-row seat to the firing of Mike Brown in December 2024, just less than two seasons after being voted as the unanimous coach of the year and helping end the Kings’ 17-year NBA playoff drought, the longest in league history. Brown, of course, won a championship last season with the New York Knicks.
Christie was an assistant on Brown’s staff, and leaped a handful of Brown assistants for the head job after Brown was fired while on the way to the airport to travel to a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Christie and Perry remade the staff the following offseason when Perry came on as general manager and made Christie the full-time head coach.
The Kings went 22-60 in the Christie’s first full season. Landing Acuff with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft served as the silver lining in what proved to be a lost season while Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Zach LaVine missed most of it with injuries.
Christie indicated he understands why he’s in the crosshairs of some Kings fans unhappy with the product on the court. But he’s trying not to focus on that, he said.
“What’s for me is going to be for me,” Christie said. “I’m always going to do my best, continue to improve in every aspect of whatever it is I do. No one’s going to outwork me when it comes to that. So that’s not something I worry about.
“In moments, do you feel like, ‘ugh’? Yeah, of course,” he continued. “But then I go find my center and understand that I’m a leader of men and an organization, and I have to come with the proper energy, the proper messaging, all those things to continue to lead them forward.”
Christie pointed to Friday’s performance as a positive despite the final score. The Kings had good energy throughout the game, Christie said. They lost by getting outscored at the 3-point line by 18 points and the free-throw line by 11 more.
They lost while outscoring the Blazers in points in the paint (46-38), second-chance points (12-6), and fast-break points (20-10). It wasn’t a blowout that has become too common early this season.
Sabonis rebounded from his scoreless performance on Tuesday with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Murray had his best game of the year with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists in his return to the starting lineup for the first time since the second game of the season.
The Kings were led in scoring by DeAndre Hunter’s 24, while Acuff had his streak of 20-plus points snapped at seven games by finishing with 17 on 6-of-19 shooting. Acuff had just seven points through three quarters but scored 10 in the fourth.
Still, those developments were far from enough to overcome Portland. And there’s little proof the Kings will bring the energy they brought Friday consistently as the season continues.
The schedule remains tough with the next game Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wednesday versus the Phoenix Suns before a back-to-back on the road against the Lakers and home to the Boston Celtics next Friday and Saturday.
“But I’m always searching because leadership is something that I take seriously when it comes to (the players) and trying to find a pathway for them to be successful,” Christie said. “…And if you’ve ever been through anything in life, you don’t look at the totality of it. You look at it in bite sizes.
“A lot of people can be overwhelmed by that. I’m just not built that way. So therefore, I won’t let my players be built that way, and that’s how we get through.”
