England wing on handling Test pressure, the ‘awesome’ setup at Pennyhill Park and Northampton’s big ambitions
Tommy Freeman is known for being multi-talented, so it is fitting that he arrives brandishing a golf club. Thankfully none of the ensuing questions provoke its use in a non-sporting capacity. The Northampton back’s handicap will have to wait, because after a trip to Sale on Saturday he will dive into England’s Six Nations camp, surfacing in mid-March after the concluding fixture in Paris.
Les Bleus are the tournament favourites but if Steve Borthwick’s team stay on an upward curve – they have won 11 straight Tests – there is a decent chance that encounter at Stade de France in seven weeks’ time will decide the title. An expansive Saints side also top the Prem before round 10, and the ever-improving Freeman personifies the prevailing effervescence of club and country.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but a late, if not spirited, Lakers comeback fell short as they ultimately lost to the Clippers on Thursday.
It’s a common theme for the team in recent years to fall behind big, fake a comeback and make the score closer than it deserved to be. As was the case against their crosstown rivals, who led by as many as 26 against a pretty woeful Lakers team.
However, the purple and gold found a lineup that provided some energy late in the third and at the start of the fourth, pulling them back into the game. However, with the margin of error razor thin, a Clippers response in the final minutes ended the game, even if the Lakers tried yet again at one last dash comeback.
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
You can see how much LeBron feeds off the energy of athletic players around him. The lineup that got the team back into the game featured the Lakers flying around the court, getting some stops and getting out in transition.
Smart was pivotal in the Lakers’ comeback attempt as he, along with Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura, helped set the tone defensively and get stops.
Luka was really doing all he could in the first quarter and first half to keep the Lakers in it early. By the time the rest of the team caught up, he was out of rhythm. He also didn’t help his case with that late decision not to shoot after the incredible steal from Vando, but that likely wouldn’t have changed the result.
On one hand, Vincent needs to be out of the rotation. On the other hand, having gotten a good look at the other guard options on the bench, it’s hard to make an argument for any of them to get minutes.
On the topic of players who helped spark the run, Vando was also at the heart of it. He still has offensive limitations and missed a couple layups, but he was very much a positive on the night.
Grade: A-
Drew Timme
10 minutes, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 fouls, +4
Timme’s minutes were more limited in this one, but he was still diving on the floor and making the hustle plays, which is all you could ask from a two-way signing.
JJ Redick
I liked some of the string Redick pulled in this. He benched Ayton on a rough night and went as far as to go centerless, which got the Lakers back into the game.
Former Australian batter Mark Waugh called for the Sixers to show some “tough love” and drop Pakistan champion Babar Azam for Friday’s must-win Challenger against the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG.
Fantasy hockey is a constant process that loops through the following four phases: monitoring, realizing, adjusting and complaining. And just when we think we've figured it out, various situations or surprises will pop up to remind us that we, in fact, know nothing.
But don't worry. This column can help, no matter your league standing. Check out the following upward-trending NHLers who should be able to work on any lineup.
(Rostered rates as of Jan. 23)
Forwards
Elias Lindholm, BOS (Yahoo: 31%): Lindholm missed most of November and didn't get on the scoresheet during his first two games back but has since reeled off 26 points from the last 26 in addition to 41 shots and 228 faceoff wins. He's well-positioned centering the Bruins' first line and power play (17 PPPs overall), averaging 17:35 of ice time over that stretch. David Pastrnak may be Boston's primary play driver, though Lindholm regularly skates with him and is obviously more available for fantasy purposes on a club that's scored 46 times across 11 matchups.
Mats Zuccarello, MIN (Yahoo: 22%): While Zuccarello's return to action was more recent than Lindholm's, he's also been able to consistently produce by way of six goals, 11 assists, seven PPPs and 34 shots through 17 contests. He's also a regular on Minnesota's lead attacking units, sharing the ice with Kirill Kaprizov. Expect Zuccarello to continue racking up the offense on a Wild team that's even more dangerous with Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Johansson now back from injury.
Jason Zucker, BUF (Yahoo: 11%): Zucker also encountered a couple of physical issues this season but has been lethal when healthy with 25 points over 31 outings — 11 coming on the man-advantage. His scoring hasn't been as eye-popping as the last two entries, yet a goal, four assists, 10 shots and seven hits during the past week and a place on Buffalo's top PP/top-six works just fine. As long as Zucker can stay in the lineup, you can put him down for enough counting stats to boost any fantasy roster.
Anthony Duclair, NYI (Yahoo: 7%): Duclair's goal on Wednesday now has him at eight across eight appearances — three of those PPGs. Throw in 15 shots on 16:06 of ice time a night and a place alongside Mathew Barzal for both even-strength and the power play to make for a favorable scoring situation. With these numbers, it's amazing Duclair is still only covered in the single-digits. Click on his name to help fix that oversight.
Jonathan Toews, WPG (Yahoo: 4%): Toews going back to his hometown for his first NHL action since 2022-23 has to be the feel-good story of the season. And while only nine points came during the first 35 games, he's turned it around by recording 10 from the last 15 — including two PPGs, joining the big guns on the lead group. Toews has also benefited from Gabriel Vilardi switching over to his wing at five-on-five and sits second in the league for faceoff success rate at 61.6% (from a total of 651). There have been rumors about Edmonton being interested in Toews, but his going there would probably decrease his value, as he'd likely fit somewhere in the bottom half of their depth chart. Regardless if that happens, don't expect Toews to provide much outside of scoring.
Yegor Sharangovich, CGY (Yahoo: 3%): Even though the Flames are technically still alive for a wild-card berth, they've started selling by trading Rasmus Andersson to Vegas with more moves projected leading up to the March 6 deadline. The club also ranks 31st with an average of 2.52 goals, but there have been a couple notable fantasy performers of late. Sharangovich had been inconsistent early on, and he was eventually scratched for two contests. That eventually led to him posting three goals, three assists, three PPPs and 11 shots across five appearances while frequently logging 17-plus minutes. Sharangovich will be asked to keep scoring for Calgary, though a move away could hurt his fantasy outlook.
Ethen Frank, WSH (Yahoo: 2%): Frank went undrafted and then starred over five NCAA seasons before earning his first pro contract and winning back-to-back Calder Cups. After a brief stint in the AHL and on IR, he immediately contributed for the Caps, tallying assists during each of his first two outings and a four-point effort two weeks later. Frank was eventually rewarded with a place on Washington's lead man-advantage where he's picked up two PPGs. Even though that spot has been reclaimed by the now-healthy Tom Wilson, Frank remains with Alex Ovechkin at even-strength while accumulating four goals, an assist, 18 shots and 12 hits from the last seven. The organization has put its trust in him. Maybe you should, too.
Kaapo Kakko, SEA (Yahoo: 2%): Kakko suffered a broken hand during preseason and then quickly went back on IR due to another injury. He finally reemerged at the end of November, but it wasn't until mid-December where he took off via 15 points, 29 shots and 14 hits over 19 matchups. Kakko has bounced around Seattle's first three lines while doing well at each stop, so there shouldn't be any concern regarding his placement. Monitor his progress to see if he can maintain this type of output before adding him.
Defensemen
Jake Walman, EDM (Yahoo: 34%): Walman missed nearly two months before returning last week and producing a shorthanded goal, three assists, 16 shots and 10 blocks over six games. He also filled in for Leon Draisaitl on Edmonton's elite power play and provided a PPA there Sunday, but lost that prime placement when the star reappeared on Thursday. Walman should keep contributing within a top-five attack coming off a 40-point campaign while collecting sufficient stats in other areas.
John Klingberg, SJ (Yahoo: 9%): Klingberg has frequently endured injuries throughout his career yet remains reliable when available. After another short spell on the sidelines, he regained the quarterbacking duties on the Sharks' top man-advantage while pairing with Dmitry Orlov at even-strength. Since returning, Klingberg has managed a goal (PPG), two assists, nine shots, seven hits and nine blocks on 21:23 of ice time a night. Those stats may not be outstanding, though they're solid when combined with his responsibilities and track record.
Alexandre Carrier, MTL (Yahoo: 6%): Carrier will get overlooked in fantasy due to having become more of a defense-first player on an offensively loaded Montreal blueline. Let's not forget he once notched 30 points with 20 and 25 the previous two seasons, and is currently riding a 10-game run that's seen him go off for four goals and three assists in addition to 14 shots and 27 blocks. Even after Carrier was moved off a five-on-five duo with Lane Hutson, he still potted a pair. Take a chance on him while he's hot and part of one of the league's best scoring sides.
John Marino, UTA (Yahoo: 5%): This column previously discussed Mammoth defenders Sean Durzi and Nate Schmidt based on their secondary scoring skills, but I bet you didn't realize Marino was significantly outperforming both of them, having already registered 24 points (tying him with the likes of Seth Jones and Brandt Clarke) — including seven from the last eight outings. The offense will inevitably drop off, but he's got plenty of cross-category output and is averaging around a shot, hit and block over that stretch alongside a plus-30 overall.
Goaltenders
Anton Forsberg, LA (Yahoo: 8%): Darcy Kuemper left Tuesday with an upper-body injury but has reported himself as ready to go. While he was sidelined during the second half of December, Forsberg covered almost all of the netminding and has remained hot by posting a 2.12 GAA and .926 save percentage in eight appearances. So there's no guarantee Kuemper will automatically slide back into the lead role, considering his 3.43/.867 line since New Year's Day. The Kings have been anemic on offense, but their defense remains excellent at minimizing shots against to allow either goalie more opportunities to pick up wins.
Alex Nedeljkovic, SJ (Yahoo: 4%): You may have seen Nedeljkovic throw punches with Sergei Bobrovsky on Monday. And even though that's earned him attention, his recent play should be the thing that gets him on more fantasy rosters. Nedeljkovic has won his last four — the last two at Washington and Florida — during which he's only allowed a combined nine goals on 115 shots. Yaroslav Askarov has struggled the last month with a 4.32 GAA and .852 save percentage. The duo has been splitting starts of late, which will probably continue, so Nedeljkovic can at least be used as a decent daily streamer.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — If Tuesday’s Grammy trip-opening comeback win over the Nuggets was the Lakers showcasing their ability to climb out of a hole, then Thursday’s 112-104 loss to the Clippers at the Intuit Dome showed that sometimes a hole is too big.
For most of the game, it looked like the Lakers were on the path to losing in a way that’s familiar to many of their fans: have a competitive opening few minutes; allow their opponent to get comfortable offensively; and ultimately lose by double digits after letting go of the rope.
But just like they did two nights prior, the Lakers showed some fight and temporarily flipped the script on the Clippers.
But it wasn’t enough.
After taking an early 18-14 lead behind strong starts from Luka Dončić (32 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals) and LeBron James (23 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals), the Clippers started to take control when reserve wing Kobe Sander knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers following defensive breakdowns from the Lakers.
Though Sanders’ two treys helped ignite a 22-11 run for the Clippers who closed the opening quarter with a 36-29 lead. That early first quarter run extended to a 50-29 advantage for the Clippers who surged to a 64-47 lead at the half.
LeBron James, who scored 23 points, drives on James Harden during the Lakers’ 112-104 loss to the Clippers on Jan. 22, 2026. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The halftime break didn’t inspire the Lakers who continued to struggle as the Clippers opened the third with a 13-4 run to take a game-best 26-point lead, 79-53.
But the Lakers finally picked it up defensively, cutting the Clippers lead to 86-72 by the end of the third quarter. They ultimately got within just two points midway through the fourth after Dončić hit a fadeaway trey.
Nevertheless, they couldn’t didn’t get any closer despite having multiple attempts to change the momentum.
The Lakers, who trailed 110-104 with 24 seconds left, had one last chance but Dončić missed a 3-pointer ending all hope.
Luka Dončić, who scored 32 points, drives to the baskets between Clippers defenders during the Lakers’ road loss. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
What it means
The Lakers, who fell to 26-17, dropped to No. 6 in the Western Conference standings, just percentage points ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-18).
Turning point
Jake LaRavia’s steal against James Harden at the 8:01 mark in the third, when the Lakers were trailing 72-49, started a stretch in which the Lakers forced six turnovers in the final eight minutes, serving as a spark plug for the team’s defense.
MVP: Kawhi Leonard
Leonard, who made his return after missing the previous three games because of a left knee contusion, finished with 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting to go with five rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes.
Kawhi Leonard, who scored 24 points, drives to the basket during the Clippers’ win over the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
One of Leonard’s biggest plays was his assist to John Collins for the corner 3-pointer that put the Clippers up 110-102 with 43 seconds left to secure the win for the Clippers
Stat of the game: 14 steals
The Lakers’ second-half success because they were more disruptive on the defensive end. They held the Clippers to 48 points on 34.2% shooting.
The Clippers committed 11 turnovers in the final two quarters. Lakers also had seven steals in the second half, which led to 13 points.
Up next
The Lakers’ road trip continues with a matchup against the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday.
It will be Dončić’s second time playing against his former team at American Airlines Center since the shocking trade nearly a year ago.
BOTTOM LINE: Denver visits Milwaukee looking to prolong its five-game road winning streak.
The Bucks have gone 9-11 in home games. Milwaukee is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 26.3 assists per game led by Ryan Rollins averaging 5.5.
The Nuggets are 18-7 in road games. Denver ranks seventh in the Western Conference with 32.8 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Jokic averaging 9.1.
The Bucks score 112.2 points per game, 4.3 fewer points than the 116.5 the Nuggets give up. The Nuggets score 5.3 more points per game (121.1) than the Bucks give up to opponents (115.8).
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Nuggets won 108-104 in the last matchup on Jan. 12. Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Nuggets with 25 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists for the Bucks. AJ Green is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Peyton Watson is averaging 14.5 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 20.0 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 54.1% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 4-6, averaging 109.3 points, 41.1 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.3 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.2 points per game.
Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 109.6 points, 38.1 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 6.5 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.0 points.
INJURIES: Bucks: Myles Turner: day to day (ankle), Kevin Porter Jr.: out (oblique), Taurean Prince: out (neck).
Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Nikola Jokic: out (knee), Christian Braun: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Portland comes into a matchup with Toronto as winners of four games in a row.
The Trail Blazers have gone 13-10 in home games. Portland ranks eighth in the NBA with 45.3 rebounds led by Donovan Clingan averaging 10.8.
The Raptors are 14-9 on the road. Toronto averages 114.3 points while outscoring opponents by 1.8 points per game.
The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.1% from the field this season, 1.3 percentage points lower than the 46.4% the Raptors allow to opponents. The Raptors average 114.3 points per game, 3.7 fewer than the 118.0 the Trail Blazers allow.
The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Raptors defeated the Trail Blazers 121-118 in their last meeting on Dec. 3. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 28 points, and Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 25 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Avdija is averaging 26 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the Trail Blazers. Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 22.0 points over the last 10 games.
Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Raptors. Barnes is averaging 20.2 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 8-2, averaging 117.0 points, 45.0 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.3 points per game.
Raptors: 6-4, averaging 114.2 points, 41.7 rebounds, 31.1 assists, 7.7 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson: out (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle: out (thumb), Blake Wesley: out (foot), Kris Murray: out (back), Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: out (back), Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb), RJ Barrett: day to day (ankle), Ja'Kobe Walter: out (hip).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Washington Wizards (10-33, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (17-28, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Charlotte, North Carolina; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Washington travels to Charlotte looking to stop its five-game road losing streak.
The Hornets are 5-4 against Southeast Division teams. Charlotte averages 14.6 turnovers per game and is 6-8 when it wins the turnover battle.
The Wizards are 2-4 in division matchups. Washington ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference with 11.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Marvin Bagley III averaging 2.6.
The Hornets are shooting 46.0% from the field this season, 1.5 percentage points lower than the 47.5% the Wizards allow to opponents. The Wizards are shooting 45.9% from the field, 1.8% lower than the 47.7% the Hornets' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the third time this season. The Hornets won the last meeting 126-109 on Dec. 24, with LaMelo Ball scoring 23 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kon Knueppel is shooting 48.2% and averaging 19.0 points for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 18.6 points over the last 10 games.
Alex Sarr is scoring 17.2 points per game and averaging 7.4 rebounds for the Wizards. Bub Carrington is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 5-5, averaging 116.3 points, 49.1 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 5.9 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.1 points per game.
Wizards: 1-9, averaging 108.3 points, 42.1 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 8.6 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.9 points.
INJURIES: Hornets: Mason Plumlee: out (groin), Tre Mann: out (illness), Grant Williams: out (knee), KJ Simpson: out (hip).
Wizards: Tristan Vukcevic: out (knee), Bilal Coulibaly: out (back), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Trae Young: out (quad), Marvin Bagley III: out (illness).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Golden State Warriors (25-21, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (27-18, seventh in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Saturday, 5:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota enters the matchup with Golden State after losing four straight games.
The Timberwolves are 14-13 in conference play. Minnesota scores 120.0 points while outscoring opponents by 4.9 points per game.
The Warriors are 15-13 in Western Conference play. Golden State has a 2-3 record in one-possession games.
The Timberwolves are shooting 48.4% from the field this season, 1.2 percentage points higher than the 47.2% the Warriors allow to opponents. The Warriors are shooting 46.3% from the field, which equals what the Timberwolves' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Timberwolves won 127-120 in the last meeting on Dec. 13. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 27 points, and Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 39 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Anthony Edwards is averaging 29.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Timberwolves. Randle is averaging 23.4 points over the last 10 games.
Brandin Podziemski is scoring 12.2 points per game and averaging 4.4 rebounds for the Warriors. Curry is averaging 3.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 5-5, averaging 123.6 points, 47.0 rebounds, 28.0 assists, 8.7 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points per game.
Warriors: 6-4, averaging 122.8 points, 40.0 rebounds, 31.4 assists, 9.7 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.9 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.: out (foot).
Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Houston will try to break its five-game road skid when the Rockets take on Detroit.
The Pistons are 18-4 on their home court. Detroit leads the Eastern Conference in rebounding, averaging 46.3 boards. Jalen Duren paces the Pistons with 10.9 rebounds.
The Rockets are 11-13 on the road. Houston is the Western Conference leader with 49.0 rebounds per game led by Alperen Sengun averaging 9.2.
The Pistons average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.2 fewer makes per game than the Rockets allow (12.5). The Rockets average 11.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.2 fewer made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the Pistons give up.
The two teams play for the second time this season. The Pistons defeated the Rockets 115-111 in their last meeting on Oct. 25. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 21 points, and Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 37 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cunningham is averaging 25.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 9.8 assists for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 13.3 points over the last 10 games.
Durant is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 112.0 points, 44.5 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 12.0 steals and 8.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.5 points per game.
Rockets: 5-5, averaging 107.7 points, 49.6 rebounds, 22.8 assists, 7.7 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.5 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: Duncan Robinson: day to day (back), Ronald Holland II: day to day (illness), Caris LeVert: day to day (illness), Cade Cunningham: day to day (illness).
Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Aaron Holiday: out (back), Steven Adams: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Lakers (26-17, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (19-26, 12th in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas will try to keep its three-game home win streak alive when the Mavericks take on Los Angeles.
The Mavericks are 11-18 against Western Conference opponents. Dallas is 7-10 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Lakers have gone 19-12 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles has a 5-0 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Mavericks average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.4 fewer makes per game than the Lakers allow (13.6). The Lakers average 116.0 points per game, 0.6 fewer than the 116.6 the Mavericks allow to opponents.
The two teams play for the second time this season. The Lakers defeated the Mavericks 129-119 in their last matchup on Nov. 29. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 38 points, and P.J. Washington led the Mavericks with 22 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Flagg is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 18.9 points over the last 10 games.
Luka Doncic is averaging 33.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.6 steals for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 22.4 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 7-3, averaging 117.2 points, 46.8 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 7.4 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.0 points per game.
Lakers: 4-6, averaging 111.8 points, 41.5 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Daniel Gafford: out (ankle), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Anthony Davis: out (hand).
Lakers: Austin Reaves: out (calf), Adou Thiero: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New York Knicks (26-18, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (24-19, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
Philadelphia; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia hosts the New York Knicks following the Philadelphia 76ers' 128-122 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets.
The 76ers are 18-15 against Eastern Conference opponents. Philadelphia has a 12-5 record in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Knicks are 6-3 against the rest of the division. New York has a 10-14 record against teams over .500.
The 76ers average 116.8 points per game, 3.0 more points than the 113.8 the Knicks give up. The Knicks average 14.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 more made shots on average than the 12.6 per game the 76ers give up.
The teams meet for the third time this season. The 76ers won 130-119 in the last matchup on Jan. 4.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyrese Maxey is averaging 30.1 points, 6.8 assists and 2.1 steals for the 76ers. Joel Embiid is averaging 22.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists over the last 10 games.
Karl-Anthony Towns is scoring 20.8 points per game and averaging 11.5 rebounds for the Knicks. Miles McBride is averaging 3.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 5-5, averaging 116.1 points, 42.2 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 11.2 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.6 points per game.
Knicks: 3-7, averaging 109.2 points, 45.9 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 7.8 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.2 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: None listed.
Knicks: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers' comeback bid fell short in a 112-104 loss to the L.A. Clippers on Thursday, but the game felt secondary the moment it ended.
During his postgame availability, James was asked about a story by ESPN that questioned the relationship he had with the Lakers’ front office and, more specifically, team governor Jeanie Buss.
“I don't care about an article,” James said. “I don’t care how somebody feels about me. If you know me personally, you know what I'm about. These guys know what I’m about.”
James indicated he doesn’t spend much time talking with Buss, but added he didn't do so with the ultimate leaders of the other teams he played for during his NBA career.
“I thought it was good, but someone might see it a different way,” James said when asked about his relationship with Buss. “There are always two sides to the coin.
“At the end of the day, how I represented this franchise and what I wanted to do to represent this franchise from when I got here until now was with the utmost respect, honor, dignity and loyalty."
Buss released a statement hours after the ESPN story was published on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
“It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” Buss said in a statement to The Athletic. "To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
The story was centered around the issues within the Buss family, but also pointed to several incidents where Jeanie Buss had reportedly not been pleased with the team’s superstar.
The story said Buss felt James had failed to take accountability for how things worked out with Russell Westbrook and thought James appeared to be ungrateful after the team drafted James' son, Bronny, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Asked specifically if he wanted to finish the season with the Lakers, James said "I'm good. I'm good."
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts after he is hit on the head by Clippers center Ivica Zubac while battling for a rebound during the Lakers' 112-104 loss Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers coach JJ Redick understands there's a “human element” to players looking for more minutes so they can score more points. He knows future contracts are important and his team isn't immune to focusing on that.
The Lakers have five players in the final year of their contracts and three more with player options, making for eight potential free agents this offseason.
Redick talked about player contracts after the Lakers lost 112-104 to the Clippers on Thursday night at Intuit Dome for their sixth loss in nine games.
"Guys are worried about their futures," Redick said. "And that's what happens when you got a team full of free agents and player-options. I think it's just natural that you're gonna worry about the offense ... and I've been there. (It gets) in your head a little bit: 'Played five minutes (and) haven't got a shot yet.' And that's a human thing. It's not anybody's fault.”
When a team is in a tailspin — much like the Lakers, who've lost 10 of their last 17 — playing time and points can become major issues for players looking for new contracts.
Clippers forward John Collins dunks during the first half Thursday against the Lakers. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
“I think I’ve been here for four seasons now and every year it’s almost the same but it’s different," Hachimura said. "You have to survive, too, so I get it, I understand it. I think we talked about before the season winning is going to help. So, we got to focus on that and everything is going to come out.”
Still, the Lakers have to play the games in front of them. They're two games into an eight-game road trip, with their next game Saturday night in Dallas.
It means they have to compartmentalize the business of the NBA and the games they are being paid to play.
“It is tough. I mean, you got guys fighting for contracts, fighting to stay on the team and you got other guys who are secure and got theirs and kind of understand where they are,” Smart said. “But at the same time, we’re all professionals and we got to come out and do our jobs no matter what. So, the human element does come into play sometimes and you just got to be able to snap out of it quicker than what we are doing.”
Clippers center Ivica Zubac scores on a reverse dunk in the fourth quarter of the Clippers' 112-104 win Thursday at Intuit Dome.
Lakers forward LeBron James tries to steal the ball from Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard in the second half.
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt battles Zubac for a rebound in the second half.
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times
With the NBA trade deadline looming on Feb. 5, James was asked if he thinks the Lakers need to make any moves.
“Yeah, I do,” he said. “I do.”
With the Lakers (26-17) holding sixth in the Western Conference, James was asked what the Lakers need to do to level up.
“It's disrespectful to these guys if I start talking over the deadline and what we need to do, we got to get better, whatever the case may be,” he said. “I'm trying not to play fantasy basketball too much.”
So does James want to finish this season with the Lakers?
The San Antonio Spurs didn’t panic when the Utah Jazz erased a double-digit lead and turned Thursday night into a tight fourth quarter game. Instead, they responded with their best basketball of the night.
Behind a decisive late surge powered by De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs broke open a close contest and rolled past the Jazz, 126–109, at the Delta Center.
After watching Utah claw all the way back to tie the game early in the fourth quarter, San Antonio flipped the switch. The Spurs closed the night on a dominant run, overwhelming the Jazz with pace, shooting, and renewed defensive intensity.
“I think a big thing was we were getting stops,” Fox said. “I think that’s why they got back into the game, we stopped getting stops. Once our defense got going again, that’s where we broke the game open.”
Fox led all scorers with 31 points, torching the Jazz from beyond the arc and setting the tone during the Spurs’ closing push. Wembanyama added 26 points, including several clutch three-pointers, as San Antonio finally found separation after a back-and-forth second half.
“My hat goes out to him (Fox). Every day, he comes in, doesn’t have no ego, comes in to work, comes out there, gives us his best every night,” Spurs forward Keldon Johnson said.
The Spurs controlled much of the first half, building a lead behind sharp ball movement and hot perimeter shooting. They connected from deep early and often, opening up space inside and forcing Utah to scramble defensively. Johnson provided a spark off the bench with 21 points, giving San Antonio valuable scoring when the offense stalled.
But Utah refused to go away. The Jazz chipped away at the Spurs’ lead in the third quarter and carried that momentum into the fourth, briefly pulling even and threatening to steal control. Rookie Ace Bailey paced Utah with 25 points, while center Jusuf Nurkić posted his second straight triple-double, anchoring the Jazz’s comeback attempt.
That momentum didn’t last.
Midway through the fourth, Wembanyama drilled a three to break a brief shooting drought, igniting a run that turned a tense game into a comfortable win. Fox followed with another deep ball, and the Spurs rattled off a decisive stretch that left Utah scrambling for answers.
Head coach Mitch Johnson praised his team’s composure after the Jazz made their run.
“It’s a never-ending battle and a lot of defensive miscues and game plan execution breakdowns in terms of coverage, scheme, discipline, personnel, but again, 17 points in the fourth quarter got the job done.” he said.
San Antonio finished with five players in double figures and controlled the final minutes on both ends, holding Utah to limited looks while continuing to punish defensive breakdowns.
For a Spurs team still learning how to close games consistently, the final stretch offered an encouraging sign.
“Just trying to continue to get better and continue to hold ourselves to the standard that we believe is our standard, and then also continue to get better in regards to that as well,” Coach Johnson said.
The Spurs will look to build on that fourth quarter performance as they return to the court on Sunday after a few days off, hoping Thursday’s finish is less of an exception and more of a blueprint going forward.
Game Notes
Luke Kornet joined the Spurs’ injury list but Mitch Johnson said he doesn’t expect him to be on the list long. That’s a good sign because man, did the Spurs miss him tonight.
Stephon Castle had a nice night at the office with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals. The best stat of all? Just one turnover. Let’s hope his trend of turning the ball over is done.
The Spurs may have struggled as a team from beyond the arc this past month but not Julian Champagnie. He was hot again from three, scoring 17 points while hitting five triples.
San Antonio will now have two days off before playing Sunday against New Orleans and another two days off after that. That rest is going to be much needed for Vassell and Kornet. It would not surprise me if they were back for that next game.
