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De Kock hundred in his 100th T20 leads South Africa to series win over West Indies

CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — Quinton de Kock celebrated his 100th Twenty20 international with a century as he powered South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies on Thursday.

De Kock hit a career-best 115 off 49 balls with a borrowed bat from Dewald Brevis. Ryan Rickelton finished the rout with a career-best 77 not out off 36.

The left-handers battered the West Indies for 162 runs in 11.5 overs. Together, they had South Africa flying at 12 runs per over.

“Special to watch,” South Africa captain Aiden Markram said. “Quinny put on a great show for the crowd. Ricks flies under the radar but to get us home back to back is a good effort from him.”

The West Indies made a hefty 221-4 but South Africa cruised to 225-3 with 15 balls to spare.

The target didn't faze the Proteas. They chased down 258 against the West Indies on the same ground in 2023, led by de Kock's 100, his only previous T20 century.

After losing five straight bilateral T20 series, South Africa gave coach Shukri Conrad his first T20 series win as they clinched it 2-0 with a match to spare. That third match is on Saturday, then both teams head to the T20 World Cup starting next week in India and Sri Lanka.

De Kock was rested from the first T20, where Markram hit 86 not out in a nine-wicket win chasing 174. The captain made only 15 this time but de Kock, who was on 6, took up the mantle and launched sixes against five of the six West Indies bowlers.

He brought 50 up in 21 balls and got to 100 off 43. He was going for a third consecutive six off Akeal Hosein when he miscued to mid-off and was out after smashing 10 sixes and six boundaries.

Rickelton was dropped on 17 and happy to play second fiddle to de Kock. He had just got to his fifty off 25 balls when de Kock left then finished the match in a rush. Rickelton hit nine boundaries and three sixes.

The West Indies made only one change after the first T20, bringing in captain, wicketkeeper and opening batter Shai Hope. But he was out for 4 from a nick behind.

That brought in Shimron Hetmyer, who overtook opener Brandon King en route to a 30-ball fifty, two days after hitting 48 in Paarl. Their partnership of 126 ended when King was caught on the boundary on a 30-ball 49.

Hetmyer was fourth out after a 42-ball 75, 50 of them from boundaries.

Sherfane Rutherford then blasted 57 in an unbroken stand of 76 with Romario Shepherd, who made 17.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the South Africa bowlers with 2-22. Markram said without that spell they would have been chasing 240-250.

___

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

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NBA Trade Rumors 2025-26: Zion staying put, other Warriors targets, big men love Luka Doncic

We are just a week away from the NBA trade deadline and trade rumors are flying everywhere. Here are some of the latest rumors not involving Giannis Antetokounmpo (to check out the latest on his trade saga, click here).

Zion staying in New Orleans

This isn't really much of a surprise or even breaking news, consider it more confirmation than anything:

The New Orleans Pelicans are "unlikely" to trade Zion Williamson — or for that matter, Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones — reports William Guillory of The Athletic.

Although most of the interest is on the biggest names on the roster, sources tell The Athletic it's unlikely that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy or Herb Jones will be moved before Feb. 5. While the Pelicans are focused on building a future around 2025 first-round picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, there's still belief around the team that Murphy, Jones and Williamson can be foundational pieces of the puzzle moving forward.

There's a case to be made for Jones and Murphy being a part of whatever team president Joe Dumars is building next in the Big Easy — the Pelicans are 7-7 since Jones returned from injury.

With Zion, however, this is also a case of other teams thinking they can get a buy-low deal and basically poach the former No. 1 pick. Dumars is looking for a bigger return and can be patient because ownership trusts him (and he was just hired last summer).

If any Pelican is traded at the deadline, bet on big man Yves Missi, who is drawing interest around the league.

Golden State Warriors

Giannis Antetokounmpo is not the only player the Warriors are interested in, they are one of the teams that would love to talk to the New Orleans Pelicans about wing Trey Murphy III, but (as noted above) are being "stonewalled," reports Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Or, as Marc Stein put it at The Stein Line, the Pelicans are looking for a "Desmond Bane" like return for either Murphy or Jones (Orlando gave up four first-round picks and a swap for Bane).

If the Warriors do not land Antetokounmpo at the deadline (or Murphy), expect any other trades to be on the fringes. In the wake of Jimmy Butler's season-ending ACL tear, some pundits speculated the Warriors would jump at a potential replacement — Andrew Wiggins in Miami or Michael Porter Jr. in Brooklyn — but "team sources continue to throw cold water on those ideas," Slater wrote.

Stephen Curry is being consulted about all of this and his input is being taken seriously, reports Nick Friedel of The Athletic. As it should be.

Big men love Luka

The Lakers made a bet this offseason on the best big man available — Deandre Ayton — to see if he could be the defense-first, bouncy, rim-running five who thrives next to Luka Doncic (and who Doncic needs to be at his best).

Ayton has been… Ayton. He's been pretty good, not great, averaging 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds a game, shooting a career-best 66.3% from the field, but not the elite rim protector the Lakers need on defense. He does not look like the long-term answer in Los Angeles.

There are a lot of big men who would love to take Ayton's spot in the Lakers roster next to Doncic, reports Tim McMahon of ESPN on the Hoop Collective podcast.

"They have the fact they're the Los Angeles Lakers, and I can just tell you, big men will do back flips to be able to be in that Lakers uniform paired with Luka. I was talking to an agent who's got a big man who may or may not be on the move and he would love to get his guy in L.A. Big men are going to want to play with Luka that much I can assure you."

The Lakers' search for a big man is more of an offseason move than a trade deadline thing.

Bulls’ White, Dosunmu

Chicago, a team usually quiet at the trade deadline, is expected to be active this year.

Specifically, two of the team's guards, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, are drawing a lot of interest, reports Jake Fischer at The Stein Line. White is the more likely to be traded because of his ability to get to the rim — he is averaging 19 points and 4.7 assists per game — but Dosunmu's defense interests some squads.

Other trade rumors

• With center Steven Adams out for the season following ankle surgery, expect the Houston front office to at least explore trading for a five at the deadline.

• San Antonio has given forward Jeremy Sochan — who has fallen out of the rotation — and his agent permission to look for a trade at the deadline, reports Marc Stein. The 6'8" power forward is just 22 years old and making $7 million in the final year of his contract.

• Tyronn Lue said not to expect the Clippers to do much of anything at the trade deadline — having won 16-of-18, why should they? — but they are gauging interest around the league in Bogdan Bogdanovic, reports Law Murray at The Athletic. Bogdanovic, 33, has been out since just after Christmas with a hamstring injury, but teams are looking for shooting that might roll the dice on him.

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NBA mock draft 3.0: Is AJ Dybantsa still the top pick?

The top of the order in the 2026 NBA Draft offers hope for several franchises around the league who are looking to turn their trajectory around and there are a handful of prospects who can deliver that promise.

Most fans know the names Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa if they have followed high school or college basketball to any degree. But other names are emerging as bona fide lottery locks, too, with a few breakout prospects such as Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler and Alabama freshman Amari Allen who are moving up big boards.

There are no wrong answers between Peterson, Boozer and Dybantsa as all offer special traits for their future pro franchise. But the rest of the first round has plenty of intrigue hiding in plain sight, too.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson

Kansas guard Darryn Peterson (22) reacts during the first half against Iowa State Cyclones at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas on Jan. 13, 2026.

  • TEAM: Kansas
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Despite trading for Trae Young, the Washington Wizards could have one of the strongest backcourts in the Eastern Conference if they land the No. 1 overall pick and select Darryn Peterson. When healthy, the Kansas freshman looks like one of the most talented prospects in recent memory and so this would immediately change their trajectory as a franchise.

2. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer

Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) dunks in front of Louisville center Aly Khalifa (15) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina on Jan. 26, 2026.

  • TEAM: Duke
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Florida
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 18

After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they will likely have yet another opportunity to add a difference-maker in the lottery. Any of the players at the top of the draft will return tremendous value for Brooklyn, but Cameron Boozer should excite their front office. He isn’t a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page as a prospect who offers a complete package to evaluators.

3. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa

BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) reacts during the first half against Utah at Marriott Center in Provo, Utah on Jan. 24, 2026.

  • TEAM: BYU
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Massachusetts
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Sacramento Kings have had an utterly disappointing season and could use a new identity. Drafting a player like BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa would given them that. The young star recently became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22, then he had 43 dominant points against in-state rival Utah on Jan. 24.  

4. Indiana Pacers: Caleb Wilson 

North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) reacts in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center.

  • TEAM: North Carolina
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Georgia
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Just one year removed from an appearance in the NBA Finals, the Pacers are now in a position to add one of the top prospects to their rotation once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles tendon injury. Now that Myles Turner is no longer on the roster, North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is a name they should consider. The double-double machine leads the nation in dunks, per Bart Torvik, and would bolster the frontcourt next to Pascal Siakam.  

5. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Kingston Flemings

Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) brings the ball up court against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena.

  • TEAM: Houston
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Texas
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

With an unprotected pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Derik Queen trade during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks will have a chance to find a great young player. Following a trade that sent former franchise guard Trae Young to the Wizards, the Hawks could build a strong defensive backcourt next to Dyson Daniels by selecting Kingston Flemings. This freshman recorded 42 points, six assists and two steals against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. 

6. Utah Jazz: Keaton Wagler

  • TEAM: Illinois
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Kansas
  • HEIGHT: 6-6
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The highest riser in the 2026 NBA Draft cycle so far is Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler, who continues to exceed all expectations as a one-and-done breakout star. The 18-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24 and he is now shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts per game. As a cerebral guard and secondary playmaker, he would make for a perfect counterpart to Keyonte George in the backcourt for the Jazz.

7. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.

  • TEAM: Louisville
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Florida
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

If the Bucks decide to trade away Giannis Antetokounmpo, they are going to need to take some home run swings. Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr., a former McDonald’s All-American who was a standout for Team USA during the FIBA U-19 World Cup, represents exactly that. He isn’t scoring or shooting efficiently but he is a high-impact playmaker as a passer who could blossom into a promising lead guard.  

8. Charlotte Hornets: Jayden Quaintance

  • TEAM: Kentucky
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Ohio
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance has had a late start to the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man showed immediate flashes once he debuted for Kentucky. Despite a slow start after his transfer from Arizona State, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that has struggled on defense like the Charlotte Hornets.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr.

  • TEAM: Arkansas
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Michigan
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Mavericks should feel excited about Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who is sensational at creating a basket for himself and has become a fantastic playmaker for head coach John Calipari. He looks like one of the most promising lead guards in the 2026 NBA Draft, already thriving as a ball handler when operating in pick-and-roll for the Razorbacks. While he is a bit undersized, Acuff Jr. has now scored at least 15 points in 15 consecutive games for Arkansas. 

10. Chicago Bulls: Yaxel Lendeborg

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: New Jersey
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 23

Chicago has two solid players with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis both playing fairly well this season. They could add to their core by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. Lendeborg offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. 

11. Memphis Grizzlies: Labaron Philon

Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. (0) takes a three point shot against Tennessee at Coleman Coliseum.

  • TEAM: Alabama
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Alabama
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Whether or not the Grizzlies decide to move on from Ja Morant, they could use some help in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. The guard is now averaging 22.0 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 37.0 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.1 assists per game in the process. 

12. Portland Trail Blazers: Koa Peat

  • TEAM: Arizona
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Arizona
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Portland Trail Blazers have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Koa Peat will probably have some appeal. Add in that Trail Blazers assistant general manager Mike Schmitz went to college at Arizona, where Peat is currently thriving, and this seems like an ideal match given his versatility as a playmaking forward. He just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro. 

13. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach

  • TEAM: Washington
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Germany
  • HEIGHT: 6-11
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to somehow add even more lottery talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. He is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, especially on the offensive glass. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads. 

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Nate Ament

  • TEAM: Tennessee
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Virginia
  • HEIGHT: 6-10
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and isn’t showing tremendous athleticism. But with his 6-foot-10 frame and a recent 29-point performance against No. 23 Alabama on Jan. 24, it only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table. Maybe the San Antonio Spurs could use this pick from the Atlanta Hawks to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.   

15. Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr

Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) dribbles the ball upcourt during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.

  • TEAM: Baylor
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Minnesota
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. He is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip and, per Bart Torvik, is the only player to reach 30 field goals that were dunks and 30 field goals that were 3-pointers so far this season. He also provides high-end value as a defender, too. His 7-foot-2 wingspan can help him find a role on any team. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson

  • TEAM: Iowa State
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Nevada
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. Iowa State do-it-all senior Joshua Jefferson is a dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players still on their roster including Brandon Clarke and John Konchar. He is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López

  • TEAM: International (Australia)
  • POSITION: Forward
  • BORN: Mexico
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder. 

18. Miami Heat: Thomas Haugh

  • TEAM: Florida
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Pennsylvania
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. Haugh has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a consistently competitive team such as the Heat.

19. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Brayden Burries

  • TEAM: Arizona
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: California
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January: He recorded 28 points with nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block against Kansas State on Jan. 7, and then he had 29 points with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against BYU on Jan. 26. Burries has shown genuine productivity and he is able to defend, cut, relocate, move the ball and make open 3-pointers.    

20. Los Angeles Lakers: Patrick Ngongba II

Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II (21) looks on against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion.

  • TEAM: Duke
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Virginia
  • HEIGHT: 6-11
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a cutting perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space and he is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

21. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz

  • TEAM: Iowa
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Missouri
  • HEIGHT: 6-4
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. Despite transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble. Stirtz, however, struggled against highly-ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois and Michigan State. But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves: Christian Anderson

  • TEAM: Texas Tech
  • POSITION: Guard
  • BORN: Georgia
  • HEIGHT: 6-3
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Another notable breakout player on mock drafts and big boards right now is Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson. Now playing point guard, Anderson is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now compared to when he was a freshman. He has turned himself into one of the best scorers and most prolific 3-point shooters in the NCAA and his game should scale well to the next level.   

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Tounde Yessoufou

  • TEAM: Baylor
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Benin
  • HEIGHT: 6-5
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is a force of nature in transition and does not have that same polish in a half-court offense. Still raw but with a respected work ethic, there are a lot of traits to admire about what he might blossom into as he continues his development. Already, however, his athleticism and his defensive playmaking will at least intrigue teams looking to improve their wing depth like the Hawks.   

24. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar

  • TEAM: North Carolina
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Estonia
  • HEIGHT: 7-0
  • DRAFT AGE: 22

After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, we have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. He is scoring efficiently at the rim and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Knicks, will have him high on their priority list.

25. Boston Celtics: Aday Mara

Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) reacts in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Crisler Center.

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Spain
  • HEIGHT: 7-3
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The giant 7-foot-3 big man is a fantastic rim protector and he can pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition. 

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Braylon Mullins

  • TEAM: Connecticut
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Indiana
  • HEIGHT: 6-6
  • DRAFT AGE: 19

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. Mullins is already shooting over 40 percent on 3-pointers since moving into the starting lineup. 

27. Denver Nuggets: JT Toppin

  • TEAM: Texas Tech
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Texas
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

Texas Tech junior JT Toppin has somehow become underrated this season despite averaging 22.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Despite going up against one of the best defenses in the country vs. Houston on Jan. 24, he had 31 points with 12 rebounds and three assists. It was his fifth game with at least 30 points and his 13th double-double out of 19 appearances. 

28. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Amari Allen

  • TEAM: Alabama
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Wisconsin
  • HEIGHT: 6-7
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Alabama freshman Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists with 2.2 stocks (steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play in January. He also shot 42.1 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 3.8 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play. 

29. Detroit Pistons: Milan Momcilovic

  • TEAM: Iowa State
  • POSITION: Wing
  • BORN: Wisconsin
  • HEIGHT: 6-8
  • DRAFT AGE: 21

While they are surprisingly one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic, who is having one of the most statistically dominant shooting seasons, both from beyond the arc and from mid-range, among any prospect in the nation.

30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder): Morez Johnson Jr.

  • TEAM: Michigan
  • POSITION: Big
  • BORN: Illinois
  • HEIGHT: 6-9
  • DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft predictions for AJ Dybantsa and top prospects

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NBA Play-In Tournament Odds and Schedule

We're into the second half of the NBA season, which means that in addition to the race for each conference's top spot and the battle for the basement... the race for NBA Play-In Tournament odds is again a discussion.

The Atlanta Hawks are the only team that looks firmly destined for the pre-playoffs playoffs... while the Blazers, Clippers, and Warriors are near-locks to participate in the West's four-team mini tourney.

NBA Play-In Tournament odds

Eastern Conference play-in tournament odds

Here are the NBA Play-In Tournament odds for the Eastern Conference.

GameOddsRecordCurrent Seed
Hawks<<-320>>24-259
76ers<<-150>>25-216
Bulls<<-140>>23-2410
Hornets<<-120>>20-2811
Magic<<-110>>24-227
Heat<<+105>>25-238
Raptors<<+140>>29-204
Cavaliers<<+475>>29-205
Knicks<<+900>>29-182
Celtics<<+1000>>29-183
Bucks<<+1000>>18-2712
Pistons<<+20000>>34-111

Western Conference play-in tournament odds

Here are the Western Conference NBA Play-In Tournament odds:

GameOddsRecordCurrent Seed
Trail Blazers<<-1100>>23-259
Clippers<<-1000>>22-2410
Warriors<<-750>>27-228
Suns<<-120>>28-197
Lakers<<+145>>28-185
Timberwolves<<+220>>29-196
Grizzlies<<+600>>18-2712
Rockets<<+900>>28-174
Nuggets<<+1200>>31-163
Mavericks<<+3000>>19-2811
Spurs<<+3000>>32-152
Pelicans<<+25000>>12-3715

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NBA Play-In Tournament schedule

The schedule for the SoFI NBA Play-In Tournament, which runs from Tuesday, April 14 to Friday, April 17, will be released when the regular season ends.

Popular NBA futures odds

What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?

The NBA Play-In Tournament is a relatively new wrinkle in the league's playoff format. Instead of the Top 8 teams all being guaranteed playoff spots, the 7-through-10 seeds in each conference are entered into a mini-tournament, taking place shortly after the regular season's conclusion, determining the East and West's final two playoff spots. 

NBA Play-In Tournament format

Here's how the Play-In Tournament works:

For each conference, the 7 and 8 seeds earn double-elimination status and play each other, while the 9 and 10 seeds play in a single-elimination game. The winner of the 7-8 game earns the No. 7 seed, while the loser of the 7-8 game then plays the winner of the 9-10 games for the No. 8 seed.

From there, the playoffs begin in earnest, following the traditional bracket format. 

Covers NBA betting tools

When was the NBA Play-In Tournament introduced?

The Play-In Tournament was introduced, in a beta concept form, for the 2020 season as part of the league's plans for a bubble re-launch during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic — originally just with the 8 and 9 seeds playing. 

After positive initial impressions from both fans and media, the Play-In Tournament was expanded to its current format and introduced, however unideal the timing, for a 2020-21 season that was already marred by pandemic absences and injuries.

NBA Play-In Tournament trends

  • 2023 marked the first upsets in the opening round of games, with the lower seed taking three of the four games.

  • 2023 was fruitful for the eventual success of play-in teams, with the 7-seed Los Angeles Lakers going on a run to the Western Conference Finals, and the 8-seed Miami Heat making it all the way to the NBA Finals. 

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Venezuela announces Ronald Acuña Jr. addition to World Baseball Classic roster

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 18: Ronald Acuna Jr. #42 of Team Venezuela hits a one RBI sacrifice fly to take the lead in the fifth inning during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal game between Team USA and Team Venezuela at loanDepot Park on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

It is official, Ronald Acuña Jr. will be playing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic this year for his second appearance since debuting with the team in 2023 during the WBC.

That year, he experienced going to the quarterfinals with the team, but fell to Team USA in the end.

It was just last November when it was announced that Kansas City Royals’ Salvador Perez would take the role as captain for Team Venezuela, but it was unknown how the remainder of the roster would shake up after more players seemed to announce their commitments to their respective teams.

Finally, this Thursday (1/29), additions have been made to join Perez as Ronald Acuña Jr, Wilyer Abreu, Maikel Garcia, and Jackson Chourio have been announced to represent the team.

Acuña made an epic comeback last season when he returned in May and played a total of 95 games with a .935 OPS. Presented with the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year title, he is looking forward to picking up where he left off with a healthy season with the Braves. First off, though, an appearance with his home team, before entering the 2026 season.

Venezuela is set to play in Pool D of the World Baseball Classic on March 6 against the Netherlands at 12:00 p.m ET at loanDepot park in Miami.

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Nets vs Nuggets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

The Denver Nuggets deserve more praise. Despite injuries to every single one of its starters, Denver sits just a game out of the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The Brooklyn Nets deserve no such praise.

My Nets vs. Nuggets predictions heap Denver’s praise largely on Jamal Murray.

Find out why in my NBA picks for January 29.

Nets vs Nuggets prediction

Nets vs Nuggets best bet: Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points (-112)

Jamal Murray has scored 24 points in back-to-back games, just the hook short of notching this modest prop. 

But before that, he was playing some of the best basketball of his career, including clearing this prop in four of five games while shooting 56% from the field.

With Aaron Gordon sidelined tonight, expect Murray to return to that form, though he barely actually left it.

The Denver Nuggets need this from Murray. The West is crowded below the Thunder, with the next six teams within four games of each other. If Murray were not playing this well, Denver very well may be considering the Play-In Tournament as we approach the trade deadline.

Instead, the Nuggets can expect home-court advantage in the playoffs thanks to Murray shooting 43.9% from deep, averaging 7.5 assists, and scoring 25.9 points per game.

Nets vs Nuggets same-game parlay

Before his 0 of 6 showing from deep on Tuesday, Murray had hit at least three 3-pointers in 24 of 41 games. As the Nets continue to scuffle, look for Murray’s shooting to propel the Nuggets to their fourth straight win against the spread.

Nets vs Nuggets SGP

  • Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points
  • Jamal Murray Over 2.5 threes
  • Nuggets -6.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Revenge of MPJ

While this is asking a lot of Jamal Murray, he is Denver's only remaining genuine starter. A lot will be asked of him. The one thing that will not be asked of Murray is defending Michael Porter Jr., who has plenty of reason to want to inflict some pain on his old team.

Nets vs Nuggets SGP

  • Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points
  • Jamal Murray Over 2.5 threes
  • Jamal Murray Over 8.5 assists
  • Nuggets -6.5
  • Michael Porter Jr. Over 25.5 points

Nets vs Nuggets odds

  • Spread: Nets +6.5 | Nuggets -6.5
  • Moneyline: Nets +220 | Nuggets -270
  • Over/Under: Over 209.5 | Under 209.5

Nets vs Nuggets betting trend to know

Brooklyn is 1-5 against the spread in its last six games on the road. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Nets vs Nuggets

LocationBall Arena, Denver, CO
DateThursday, January 29, 2026
Tip-off9:00 p.m. ET
TVYES, Altitude

Nets vs Nuggets latest injuries

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Mets sign veteran catcher Austin Barnes to minor-league deal

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a warm up toss in the sixth inning during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on April 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

While announcing the Craig Kimbrel signing that had already been reported upon, the Mets also revealed another low-stakes acquisition of a veteran player. The team has inked long-time Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

The 36-year-old Barnes had spent over a decade in the Dodgers organization, dating back to being acquired in a trade from the Marlins in 2014. He made his big league debut in 2015 and—outside from an outlier 2017 season in which he put up a 142 wRC+ and 3.7 fWAR—has largely served as a glove-first backup catcher. He was finally released by Los Angeles last May and was subsequently signed by the Giants the following month. Barnes had a brief unremarkable stint in San Francisco’s minor league system before he was released by them in August.

Now Barnes will try to find a new home with the Mets. Of course, assuming Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens remain healthy, the odds of him breaking camp with the team are virtually non-existent. Barnes will instead likely be battling with Hayden Senger—himself a glove-first backstop with little to no offensive prowess, but one who has the benefit of youth—to serve as the team’s third catcher option in case one of their top two guys go down at any point. If he does not win that battle, then he may well ultimately find himself being released by a third team in the near future.

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Mets sign World Series winner Austin Barnes as spring training nears

Austin Barnes
Austin Barnes

Austin Barnes, who won a pair of World Series titles with the Dodgers, signed a minor league deal with the Mets, the team announced Thursday.

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Barnes received an invitation to major league spring training.

The 36-year-old Barnes appeared in just 13 games for the Dodgers last season before he was released in May.

A month later, Barnes signed a minor league contract with the Giants, but didn’t make it back to the majors and was released in August.

He’ll try to extend his career with the Mets, who have Francisco Alvarez, Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger on their 40-man roster.

Austin Barnes Getty Images

Barnes spent 11 seasons with Los Angeles, most recently as a backup to Will Smith, prior to being designated for assignment to make room for catching prospect Dalton Rushing.

Known for his excellent work behind the plate, Barnes appeared in the playoffs in eight of his 11 seasons with the Dodgers.

The Mets also announced their signing of Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training after the 37-year-old former closer split last season between Atlanta and Houston.

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How the Lakers could steal Peyton Watson from the Nuggets in free agency

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on as Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets defends during the third quarter at Ball Arena on January 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Tanner Pearson/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Denver Nuggets have been ravaged by injuries this season. Nikola Jokić and Cameron Johnson have both been out since late December due to knee injuries. Christian Braun has been out for a few weeks due to an ankle injury. And Aaron Gordon recently aggravated the hamstring strain that sidelined him for more than a month earlier this year.

Those injuries couldn’t have come at a better time for Peyton Watson. In their absence, the fourth-year wing is averaging a career-high 14.4 points, 5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 threes, 1.2 blocks and 1 steal in 30.1 minutes per game. He’s also shooting a career-best 49.9% overall and 41.1% from deep.

According to longtime NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival executives have become “increasingly curious” about Denver’s “likely struggles” to re-sign Watson this summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. Fischer mentioned that teams “projected to have cap space—notably such as the Lakers—are already preparing interest.”

In early January, Spotrac’s Keith Smith projected the Lakers to have roughly $55 million in cap space this offseason. To get to that figure, they’d have to renounce all of their free agents other than Austin Reaves, but including LeBron James. If Marcus Smart turns down his $5.4 million player option, they could get north of $60 million.

Either way, the Lakers are poised to be one of the offseason’s biggest spenders. And with the free-agent class getting increasingly whittled down, restricted free agency may be their best path forward.

That should put Watson firmly on their radar, particularly given the Nuggets’ upcoming financial outlook.

Why the Nuggets might not be able to keep Watson

Between Jokić ($59.0 million), Jamal Murray ($50.1 million), Gordon ($32.0 million), Johnson ($23.1 million) and Bruan ($21.6 million), the Nuggets already have roughly $185.7 million tied up in those five alone. The 2026-27 salary cap is currently projected to be $166 million, so the Nuggets will be well over that figure if they keep that core in place.

Add in Zeke Nnaji ($7.5 million), Julian Strawther ($4.8 million), DaRon Holmes II ($3.4 million), Jalen Pickett ($2.4 million) and Hunter Tyson ($2.4 million), and the Nuggets could already have $206.2 million in salary on their books for next season. That’s not counting Jonas Valančiūnas, whose $10 million salary is fully non-guaranteed.

The first apron is projected to be $210.7 million next season, while the second apron is projected to be $223.7 million. The Nuggets could re-sign Watson and go blasting over the second apron, but that would result in some harsh team-building restrictions, including the inability to aggregate contracts in trades.

The question for the Lakers or any other interested Watson suitors is how much the Nuggets would be willing to match in an offer sheet.

Over the past month, Watson has averaged 21.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.1 threes, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 35.9 minutes per game while shooting 49% overall and 42% from three. If that level of production was sustainable moving forward, he’d likely be looking at offers in the $30-plus million range.

However, a small sample size of star-caliber output isn’t always enough for a restricted free agent to break the bank. Just ask Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes, who wound up settling for his one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer this past offseason.

Since Watson played somewhat sparingly over his first three seasons, teams might not be swayed by his recent performance meriting high-end starter money. If anything, Nickeil-Alexander Walker might be the template other teams try to follow.

The Atlanta Hawks acquired Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade this offseason by handing him their full $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. He’s rewarded them by averaging a career-high 20.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 32.9 minutes per game.

Like Watson, Alexander-Walker primarily came off the bench during the first few years of his NBA career. He had started 68 games across six seasons prior to his arrival in Atlanta, but he never had a sustained stretch of production like Watson is having right now.

The non-taxpayer MLE is projected to be $15.1 million next season. Unless the Nuggets trim salary, a contract in that range alone would push them dangerously close to the second apron. Anything worth $20 million or more would cause them to go over it.

Other suitors who are below the first apron could also offer Watson the non-taxpayer MLE, so the Lakers might have to offer him slightly more to entice him to sign with them. Even if they went into the $17-18 million range to start, they still could have north of $35 million to spend on other free agents before they re-sign Reaves.

Watson might not be the type of splashy star signing whom Lakers fans are hoping for, but the Lakers could do far worse than signing a 23-year-old forward who’s showing flashes of significant upside.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Spotrac and salary-cap information via RealGM.

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2025-26 NBA Win Totals and Over/Under Betting Odds

We're well into the second half of the NBA season, with the latest NBA win totals markets coming into a much sharper focus.

The Oklahoma City Thunder — despite some recent stumbles — still have the highest projected win total (and are the only team projected North of 60 wins), followed by the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, while the Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers are expected to finish in the basement. 

Here are the latest NBA win totals odds for every team over the remainder of the season.

2025-26 NBA win totals odds

Team  bet365
OverUnder
Hawks Hawks42.5 <<+110>>42.5 <<-140>>
Celtics Celtics51.5 <<-110>>51.5 <<-110>>
Nets Nets22.5 <<-105>>22.5 <<-115>>
Hornets Hornets37.5 <<+105>>37.5 <<-115>>
Bulls Bulls37.5 <<-105>>37.5 <<-115>>
Cavaliers Cavaliers49.5 <<-110>>49.5 <<-110>>
Mavericks Mavericks28.5 <<-140>>28.5 <<+110>>
Nuggets Nuggets53.5 <<-105>>53.5 <<-115>>
Pistons Pistons57.5 <<+100>>57.5 <<-130>>
Warriors Warriors43.5 <<+105>>43.5 <<-135>>
Rockets Rockets52.5 <<-135>>52.5 <<+105>>
Pacers Pacers21.5 <<-145>>21.5 <<+115>>
Clippers Clippers42.5 <<-115>>42.5 <<-105>>
Lakers Lakers48.5 <<-115>>48.5 <<-105>>
Grizzlies Grizzlies32.5 <<+110>>32.5 <<-140>>
Heat Heat45.5 <<-140>>45.5 <<+110>>
Bucks Bucks31.5 <<+105>>31.5 <<-135>>
Timberwolves Timberwolves49.5 <<-110>>49.5 <<-110>>
Pelicans Pelicans24.5 <<+100>>24.5 <<-130>>
Knicks Knicks51.5 <<+110>>51.5 <<-140>>
Thunder Thunder63.5 <<-115>>63.5 <<-105>>
Magic Magic45.5 <<-115>>45.5 <<-105>>
76ers 76ers44.5 <<-115>>44.5 <<-105>>
Suns Suns47.5 <<+100>>47.5 <<-130>>
BlazersTrail Blazers40.5 <<-105>>40.5 <<-115>>
Kings Kings21.5 <<-110>>21.5 <<-110>>
Spurs Spurs55.5 <<+100>>55.5 <<-130>>
Raptors Raptors46.5 <<-135>>46.5 <<+105>>
Jazz Jazz23.5 <<-130>>23.5 <<+100>>
Wizards Wizards20.5 <<+110>>20.5 <<-140>>

Popular NBA futures markets

NBA win totals betting trends

  • 2022-23 was the first time in the past 18 regulation-length NBA seasons that a team failed to win 60 games. The Celtics won 64 last year to start the trend anew.

  • A team from the Western Conference has had the NBA's best record in nine of the last 13 seasons.

  • Recent trends suggest that the West produces more 50-win teams than the East, at an average of 5.0 over the past 13 regulation-length seasons, compared to 3.15.

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Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!

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Top 5 NBA single-season win-loss records

YearTeamRecordResult
2015-16Golden State Warriors73-9Lost NBA Finals
1995-96Chicago Bulls72-10Won NBA Finals
1971-72Los Angeles Lakers69-13Won NBA Finals
1996-97Chicago Bulls69-13Won NBA Finals
2024-25Oklahoma City Thunder68-13Won NBA Finals
1966-67Philadelphia 76ers68-13Won NBA Finals

The Golden State Warriors made history twice during the 2015-16 season when they became the first team to win 73 regular-season games — and the first team to lose an NBA Finals after taking a 3-1 lead.

How to bet NBA regular season wins totals

Season win totals are self-explanatory: betting on how many wins a team will have that regular season. 

Oddsmakers set a projected number of wins for each team — based on past success, returning personnel and a variety of intangible factors — and offer Over/Under betting options, allowing you to wager on if a team will exceed that win total (Over) or fall short of it (Under). This total includes regular-season games only.

For example, if oddsmakers calculate the Charlotte Hornets to win around 35 games this upcoming season, they would set the Over/Under at 35.5. Thus, if Charlotte wins 35 or fewer games, they cash the Under. If Charlotte wins 36 or more games in the given season, they cash the Over.

Over 35.5 wins (-110)
Under 35.5 wins (-110)

On top of the season win total itself, some oddsmakers may set an assigned cost to the Over and Under bets — also known as vig or juice — depending on the implied probability of the team winning more or less than that total.

Season win totals are considered futures betting odds, and sportsbooks will take action on season win totals from the time they post the odds until the start of the season. Futures bets are then graded at the end of the season when all results are final. 

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NBA announces makeup date for Mavericks-Bucks game postponed by weather

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 01: A general view of a Wilson brand official NBA game ball made with genuine leather on the court during the game between the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat at Little Caesars Arena on January 01, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last Sunday’s matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks was postponed after Dallas’ team plane couldn’t take off at Love Field on Sunday afternoon.

On Thursday, the NBA announced the makeup date of the game, which will occur nearly a month after predicted. Local reporters predicted the game could be made up during the extended break of the All-Star Game. Instead, the game will be played Tuesday, March 31 at 8 p.m. EST.

Additionally, the NBA announced a change to Dallas’ matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, originally scheduled for April 1. Since Dallas plays March 30 and, now, March 31, the NBA prevented a ‘three games in three nights’ scenario by moving Dallas’ game against the Grizzlies up three weeks. The game will now be played Thursday, March 12, at 8 p.m. EST.

Dallas plays in Atlanta on the 10th, will head to Memphis on the 12th, and will come home to play the Cleveland Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back.

On the back end, Dallas will now get an extra day off between games in early April, returning to Dallas to play the Orlando Magic on April 3 and a nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 5.

The team will likely look very different when they face the Bucks in late March. Kyrie Irving is expected to be back sometime after the All-Star Break and Anthony Davis could be back from his thumb injury, assuming he’s still on the team. Milwaukee could also look different as recent reporting has suggested Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time with the Bucks may be coming to an end as he is “ready for a new home,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

So while fans may have bought tickets for an exciting rematch of the Giannis-Flagg duel we saw in November, they could be seeing two very different teams.

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NBA reschedules four games as a result of winter storm's impact on Memphis and Dallas

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA has announced new dates for four games as a result of the winter storm’s impact on the Memphis and Dallas areas.

Poor weather last weekend forced the postponement of two scheduled Sunday games: Dallas at Milwaukee and Detroit at Memphis.

The Nuggets-Grizzlies game has been rescheduled for March 18, while the Mavericks-Bucks game now will take place March 31.

The dates have been changed for two other upcoming games to accommodate the weather-related schedule shifts. Memphis will host Dallas on March 12 rather than April 1. A Grizzlies home game with the New York Knicks will be April 1 instead of March 18.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Shohei Ohtani’s maniacal mindset pushes the MLB superstar beyond boundaries

Kuyashii.

There isn’t an English equivalent to this Japanese word, which covers a wide range of emotions related to frustration.

You can feel kuyashii because you failed. Or because you gave your best and it wasn’t enough. Or because you didn’t give your best. Or because you were upset by what someone said. Or because you were humiliated.

Whatever the source of the anguish, ultimately you feel kuyashii because you can’t accept what happened.

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani celebrates a walk against the Toronto Blue Jays during Game 7 of the World Series, on Nov. 1, 2025. AP

In a television special by NHK that was aired in Japan last month, Shohei Ohtani reflected on his pitching performance against the Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series.

Only four days removed from his previous start, Ohtani looked gassed. He barely escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second inning. In the third, disaster struck, as he served up a three-run home run to Bo Bichette. The Dodgers were down, 3-0. With only one out in the inning, Ohtani was replaced by Justin Wrobleski.

Slipping into the past tense, Ohtani said to NHK of the home run by Bichette: “Kuyashikatta.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sensed what Ohtani was feeling when he removed the ball from his hand on the Rogers Centre mound.

“There was a lot of frustration,” Roberts said, “maybe some anger.”

Reaching greater heights

Before leaving his home country in late 2017, Ohtani staged a news conference in Tokyo. There, he clearly articulated his goal for his upcoming MLB adventure.

“As long as you’re playing baseball,” Ohtani said, “I think it’s natural to want to be the No. 1 player.”

Ohtani celebrates the Dodgers’ win in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. AP

That designation has belonged to him for the last five years, a period in which he has won four MVP awards. His move to the Dodgers two years ago helped him fill the most significant gap in his resume. The Dodgers recovered from his 2 ⅓-inning start in Game 7 and went on to beat the Blue Jays, making him a back-to-back World Series champion.

But what makes a four-time MVP is an ability to discover new forms of inspiration, and Roberts thinks Ohtani’s memories of his final start will propel him to greater heights.

“There’s always something that Shohei needs to fuel him,” Roberts said. “He’s already the best player in the game, most likely, probably, the best to ever lace them up. So, how does he keep motivated? Things that have frustrated him or angered him. And going short in Game 7 probably is something that he’s not gonna let happen again.”

Ohtani is extremely polite in formal environments and playful when interacting with his teammates, his demeanor concealing the intensity described by Roberts. But it’s there.

Ohtani is Kobe Bryant with a glove and a bat.

Roberts thinks it’s entirely possible this is the year in which Ohtani wins the only major prize that has eluded his grasp in his first eight seasons: the Cy Young Award.

“I would not be surprised to see him and (Yoshinobu) Yamamoto both vying for a Cy Young in ‘26 and be (in) the top-three conversation all year,” Roberts said.

Responding to challenges

Ohtani was made available by the Dodgers in a news conference between games 2 and 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Brewers. Because he was in an offensive slump, he was asked multiple questions about how his pitching affected his hitting. The viability of his two-way role was being questioned. 

Ohtani after giving up a base hit in the 2025 World Series. AP

Two days later, Ohtani shut up his skeptics, blasting three home runs and striking out 10 batters over six scoreless innings.

Ohtani has said he isn’t motivated by what reporters say or write about him. However, when he’s in situations that would make the average person feel kuyashii, he responds with performances that redefine the boundaries of reality.

When he joined the Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Japanese league out of high school, his decision to be a two-way player was criticized by the country’s baseball establishment, which accused him of underestimating professional competition.

Within a few years, he was the best player in the league — as a two-way player.

When Ohtani moved to the United States, he struggled at the plate in his first spring training with the Angels, inspiring questions of whether he could hit in the majors.

In the season that followed, he was named the Rookie of the Year — primarily as a hitter because an elbow injury limited him to 10 games pitched.

When he was told by Angels management before the 2021 season that he wouldn’t have any days off built into his schedule — he previously didn’t play the days before and after he pitched — he thought the team was trying to force him to give up either pitching or hitting.

Ohtani went on to win his first MVP award.

People familiar with Ohtani’s history, including Roberts, know what this means. Ohtani will be a monster of a pitcher this year.

Pushing the boundaries

Ohtani was the No. 3 starter on a Dodgers postseason rotation that included Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, and Yamamoto, the World Series MVP.

Outside of that last start against the Blue Jays, Ohtani performed well as a pitcher, going 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA in the three other games he started. The team’s reliance on him obscured what Ohtani was up against last season, spending most of the year rehabilitating.

Ohtani celebrates a single in Game 7 of the World Series. AP

Ohtani didn’t throw a pitch in his first season with the Dodgers in 2024, as he was recovering from an elbow operation he underwent the previous year. He returned to the mound in mid-June of last year, but even then, he was in recovery mode. His overwhelming talent allowed him to rehabilitate in major league games, first by pitching just an inning, then two, then three. His first five-inning start was in the last week of August.

Studying data about the control problems of pitchers in their first year back from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani adjusted his delivery to generate more velocity on his pitches. Previously, he placed more emphasis on control than speed, he told NHK.

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Now, in his second year back from his second elbow reconstruction, the 31-year-old Ohtani should be able to pitch in a way that he believes is most effective.

Roberts doesn’t expect Ohtani to make the 28 to 32 starts generally required for a pitcher to be considered for the Cy Young Award — the manager said he wants to be mindful of Ohtani’s pitching future — but the two-way star could be ready to have the most complete season of his career. 

He’s healthy. He’s in his prime. And, considering how last season ended, he might have the inducement to once again push the boundaries of what’s possible.

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Mets sign catcher Austin Barnes to minor league deal

The Mets have added some catching depth, signing Austin Barnes to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to big league spring training.

Barnes, 36, is an 11-year veteran, having spent his entire career to this point with the Dodgers -- mainly in a backup role.

He had a .518 OPS in 44 plate appearances over 13 games last season.

For his career, Barnes has slashed .223/.322/.338 (.660 OPS) with 35 home runs, 63 doubles, and 162 RBI.

Defensively, Barnes has typically been above average when it comes to blocking balls in the dirt and framing.

Francisco Alvarez is expected to be New York's starting catcher this season, with Luis Torrens slated to be the backup.