San Jose Sharks (27-21-4, in the Pacific Division) vs. Calgary Flames (21-26-6, in the Pacific Division)
Calgary, Alberta; Saturday, 4 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Calgary Flames play the San Jose Sharks as losers of five straight games.
Calgary is 21-26-6 overall with a 7-6-1 record in Pacific Division play. The Flames serve 12.3 penalty minutes per game to rank third in NHL play.
San Jose has gone 27-21-4 overall with an 8-7-3 record in Pacific Division play. The Sharks have conceded 179 goals while scoring 162 for a -17 scoring differential.
The teams meet Saturday for the third time this season. The Sharks won 6-3 in the previous matchup. Macklin Celebrini led the Sharks with two goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Morgan Frost has scored 11 goals with 14 assists for the Flames. Matthew Coronato has three goals and one assist over the last 10 games.
Will Smith has 15 goals and 22 assists for the Sharks. Celebrini has four goals and 11 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Flames: 3-5-2, averaging two goals, 3.3 assists, 3.6 penalties and 8.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.
Sharks: 6-3-1, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.6 assists, 3.2 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.
INJURIES: Flames: None listed.
Sharks: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 25: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 25, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Moses Moody just carved his name into Warriors history, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. With 26 points, five rebounds, and five three-pointers on 78% true shooting against the Utah Jazz, Moody joined a list that reads like a Warriors Ring of Honor ballot. He’s now tied for 10th in franchise history with 12 games of 5+ threes in a Warriors uniform.
But here’s what makes this moment so fascinating: Moody accomplished this on the same night Jonathan Kuminga’s trade rumors reached a fever pitch and while Jimmy Butler sits out with a torn ACL. The Warriors are searching for answers to their championship puzzle, and one of those answers just went for 26 on elite efficiency while everyone was looking elsewhere.
Let’s talk about that list for a second, because when I saw it I had to see if I could guess everyone else with at least 12 games with 5 made triples or more in a Warriors uniform. Follow along and see how many you guess!
Stephen Curry sits at the top with 404 games of 5+ threes because of course he does. The man invented the modern three-point revolution and continues to redefine what’s possible at 37 years old. Klay Thompson’s 171 games in second place represent the purest shooting excellence this franchise has ever seen outside of Curry himself. These aren’t just numbers. They’re testament to a dynasty built on the three-point line.
Jordan Poole’s 31 games at third place remind us of what the Warriors once had, a young guard who could get scorching hot from deep before the relationship soured and he was shipped to Washington. Jason Richardson’s 22 games take us back to the dark days when he was the lone bright spot, throwing down posters and launching threes for terrible Warriors teams. Andrew Wiggins at 17 games shows you what this team gained when they salvaged his career, turning a disappointment into a championship contributor.
The history gets deeper. Tim Hardaway with 16 games brings back Run TMC nostalgia. Baron Davis with 14 games reminds us of the “We Believe” magic. Kevin Durant’s 13 games packed more championship firepower into three seasons than most franchises see in a decade. And then you get to the Moody level: Buddy Hield at 14 games proving why the Warriors signed him, Stephen Jackson at 12 games representing that 2007 playoff upset, Draymond at 12 games reminding us he could shoot when it mattered most, and D’Angelo Russell’s 12 games from that brief rental season.
Moses Moody just joined that group. At 23 years old, he’s showing the kind of shooting consistency that makes you wonder why the Warriors are exploring trades with him when they might already have the Splash Son they need. With Butler out for the season and Kuminga potentially heading elsewhere, Moody is proving he can fill a role this team desperately needs: a young wing who can space the floor, defend multiple positions, and not wilt under pressure. He’s shooting 40% from downtown this season folks!
The Warriors built their dynasty on shooting. They won championships because they could punish defenses from 30 feet and make the impossible look routine. Maybe the answer was already on the roster. Maybe instead of trading the Arkansas product for the next big name, the Warriors should invest in the young man who just showed he belongs on a list with franchise legends. Because on nights like tonight, Moses Moody doesn’t just look like a role player. He looks like a piece of the future of Warriors basketball, shooting threes at a historic rate while everyone else is too busy looking at trade rumors to notice.
The Warriors have always been built on shooting. Maybe it’s time they remember that.
We're getting down to crunch time in fantasy hockey. Your league trade deadlines probably will be coming up at some point during the next few weeks (with the NHL's version on March 6).
If you're in contention to cash and carry enough resources, be bold. Target players you want now, even if it means giving up future talent. But be careful not to dump too many assets or you could end up being short for the stretch drive.
For those looking ahead, stock up on prospects. Acquiring the right cheap keepers in auction leagues can prove to be wise options. Try to get as much as you can for elite performers.
If deals aren't your thing, there's always the free agent route. And by some coincidence, we've listed 14 of them below.
(Rostered rates as of Jan. 30)
Forwards
Anthony Cirelli, TB (Yahoo: 42%): Since Brayden Point got hurt, Cirelli has operated as the Bolts' top even-strength center and just had a four-game scoring streak snapped during which he totaled three goals, four assists and five shots. And it isn't like this upswing is a recent occurrence, as he had been excelling before Point's injury with 10 points during 11 outings. The only drawbacks for Cirelli could be a lack of lead power-play time and Point possibly returning the next week, though Cirelli should be solid in any scenario.
Mason Marchment, CBJ (Yahoo: 41%): Marchment was first featured here soon after coming over from Seattle in December, when he'd go on a hot run, producing five goals and two assists from his opening seven appearances before being sidelined for two weeks. In his second game back on Saturday, he went off for a hat trick and another helper. Marchment remains beside Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli for five-on-five with the added bonus of now teaming up with the pair on the Blue Jackets' first power play.
Josh Doan, BUF (Yahoo: 28%): All of Doan's hard work has (literally) paid off via a seven-year contract extension. He's been offensively reliable since joining Buffalo and recently concluded a 16-day stretch in which he registered 10 points, 13 shots, 11 PIM and 13 hits on 17 minutes per game. Doan's coverage numbers should be much higher as he holds a spot on the top man-advantage within a club that's already potted at least four goals during a game 11 times this month.
Claude Giroux, OTT (Yahoo: 26%): Giroux should easily be able to exceed his 50-point haul from last season as he sits at 37 with 10 of those during the last 14 games in addition to 25 shots and 17 hits on a 17:06 ice time average. This latest run mainly coincides with him regularly getting to skate alongside Tim Stutzle during all attacking situations. And even if Giroux slips down the depth chart, each of the top-three trios have performed well enough throughout the campaign to counteract any potential slump.
Corey Perry, LA (Yahoo: 7%): I had been hesitant to recommend Perry earlier on as his fantasy output in L.A. mainly centered around power-play production (11 of 26 points), though that has shifted of late thanks to him receiving additional ice time and an improved even-strength role. He's also found the scoresheet during 10 of the last 11 contests. There's always the risk Perry will start to slump on a bottom-five offense, but he is currently set to provide sufficient counting stats.
Marco Kasper, DET (Yahoo: 6%): Like a couple of the aforementioned forwards, Kasper has benefited from a promotion to the lead line, having notched two goals, four assists, 17 shots and 17 hits across the last seven appearances. The Red Wings have used a few wingers on the left side next to Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond this season, with most of them seeing a significant fantasy bump. Even if Kasper eventually reverts to the middle-six, he'll still be able to help in a few categories.
Connor Zary, CGY (Yahoo: 2%): Yegor Sharangovich was brought up last week as one of the exceptions on a Calgary club set to dismantle their lineup by the trade deadline. Zary is similar in that he's within the top-six and is playing well – seven points and 23 shots from 10 outings – though he is probably safe from being dealt as a key piece of the Flames' future plans. Whether he moves elsewhere, there's enough upside in his game to take a chance.
Simon Holmstrom, NYI (Yahoo: 1%): Consistency has been an issue for Holmstrom during his fourth NHL campaign. It probably hasn't helped that the 2019 first-rounder has bounced around the Isles' roster, but he looks to be in favorable form by way of seven goals, seven assists, 25 shots and a plus-12 since Dec. 20 – highlighted by a three-point effort on Wednesday consisting of two PPAs. Ride the wave with Holmstrom and see where it takes you.
Defensemen
Thomas Chabot, OTT (Yahoo: 55%): Jake Sanderson may be Ottawa's prime point-producing defender, but there's nothing wrong with Chabot. He's not accumulating power-play points like in previous seasons and he missed a chunk of time due to injury, yet he has picked up the pace of late by notching seven points in his last eight games to go with 16 shots and 17 blocks. As long as Chabot stays healthy, he's good to get more scoring and plenty of ice time on a top-10 attack.
Filip Hronek, VAN (Yahoo: 54%): Reaching again slightly over the 50% mark to discuss someone who could see a significant boost. Zeev Buium took a puck to the face on Sunday and is slated to return after the Olympic break, which has allowed Hronek to take over as the Canucks' top PP QB, and he immediately capitalized on that unit Tuesday by finding the back of the net. Including that marker, he's posted two goals, three assists, nine shots, seven hits and eight blocks from the last six outings while averaging 26:02 of ice time (!!). Even on a weak Vancouver offense, expect Hronek to keep racking up the stats.
Mike Matheson, MTL (Yahoo: 48%): It's only been two years since Matheson recorded 28 PPPs. That number was cut to 10 when Lane Hutson appeared on the scene, and that's completely disappeared since Noah Dobson arrived during the offseason. That hasn't stopped Matheson from getting points elsewhere, as he's supplied nine over 11 contests – including an assist in each of the last six – to go with 20 shots and 17 blocks on 23:58 of ice time per game. And even though the man-advantage gig is gone, he's paired with Dobson at even-strength as part of a lethal Montreal offense.
Kris Letang, PIT (Yahoo: 37%): Letang may be turning 39 in April, yet he's still logging major minutes and contributing across various areas. He's also well ahead of last season's 30 points. He only needs five to equal that mark, with 17 of those coming during the last 28 games where he's also tallied four PPAs, 47 shots, 41 hits and 35 blocks. That type of output and placement should get Letang on more rosters.
Goaltenders
Alex Lyon, BUF (Yahoo: 35%): Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen left Thursday's matchup with an undisclosed injury and is reported to be out for at least one week. Colten Ellis filled in for UPL that night and will operate as Buffalo's No. 2. That makes Lyon the lead, which probably would've been the case even if Luukkonen was available considering Lyon's won his last 10 appearances alongside a 1.94 GAA and .933 save percentage. In the meantime, Lyon should get the bulk of the starts with Ellis covering one of the upcoming back-to-backs Monday/Tuesday at either Florida or Tampa Bay.
Joonas Korpisalo, BOS (Yahoo: 8%): Korpisalo struggled the first few months by posting a 3.60/.882 line across 15 appearances. Jeremy Swayman would then take on the next four outings before Korpisalo would begin a run in which he’s gone 4-0-1 with a 1.89 GAA and .937 save percentage in 2026 with the duo mainly alternating. He probably won't take over the Bruins' top role, but he makes for a serviceable fantasy addition based on recent form and/or as a handcuff for anyone who already has Swayman.
Jan 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Rockets, as perhaps an oracular punishment for blowing a lead against the Spurs the night before, and getting embarrassingly run off the court to close that game, were sent out on the road to Atlanta the very next night. There was little doubt that the Rockets would in fact play this game, but considerable doubt as to the out come. The first of several doubts to plague the contest.
The game started, so it was clear the Rockets couldn’t avoid the back-to-back, somehow. Soon after one of the worst opening tip offs ever, there was serious doubt that the first half of this contest met the criteria for an actual NBA game, played by professionals. There were possibly extenuating circumstances.
The Hawks were injured. Broken wings, cracked beaks, patchy feathers, you name it. They were missing starting center Onyeka Okongwu, starting forward Jalen Johnson, high draft pick Zacharie Risachertorte, usually injured or ill player Kristaps Pozingis, and former Rocket, N’Faly Dante.
The Rockets were of course missing Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams and also, because it was the second night of a back to back, Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith.
That said, the Hawks had won four games in a row, due largely to strong play from Jalen Johnson, Dyson “Sphere” Daniels, and CJ McCollum. MCollum has been essentially a less fraught one for one replacement for Trae Young, except the Hawks don’t feel compelled to start him. His shooting is better, his passing a bit worse, and his defense roughly the same as Trae’s. Even down so many players, the Hawks still used McCollum as a bench scoring ace, perhaps they wanted to counter the Rockets size? Atlanta started (Zag Alert!) Corey Kispert and his 80s music video hair and headband, Christian Koloko, Vit Kejci, and Nikeil Alexander-Walker along with the aforementioned Dyson Sphere.
The Rockets largely rolled out their regulars, with Josh Okogie starting in place of Tari Eason, who isn’t really helping his reliability case at all this season.
The first half was one to forget. Or one to cherish if you love bad, listless, basketball, and seemingly never ending parade of clanks. To describe the first half as a rock fight denigrates the dignity and accuracy of a thrown rock. The first quarter was “A Low Scoring Affair” as the commentators say, with both teams getting 23 points officially recorded, somehow. Not to worry, it would get worse. The second quarter would see the Hawks failing to break 20 points at 19, but the Rockets accomplishing that terrific feat in the mildest flurry of scoring possibly ever in the NBA, to close the half.
It was anyone’s game at 43-42 at the half, as the grim truth dawned on all those Rockets fans watching: the Hawks, who seemed barely present, including actual game participants, might well beat the Rockets anyhow. Hovering above those Rockets fans was also doubt that the second half would be worth watching. These doubts proved unfounded.
The Rockets came out in the second half, and by mid to late third quarter seemed to be establishing a lead on the Hawks. A few consecutive made threes brought Atlanta close again, but the Rockets didn’t call a timeout, and mean mugged the lead back into existence. Well, actually they did things on offense that looked pretty good, and made shots. They grabbed all the rebounds. The Rockets ultimately scored 34 points to the Hawks 24, which was the most they’d manage in any quarter.
The fourth quarter was similar, but featured the Rockets coasting to victory, in their own unique way. That way consisting of playing the starters until around 2 minutes remained, despite a steady 19 point lead.
The score looks easy, and the Hawks genuinely appeared to down tools sometime in the third quarter. By the fourth they were barely running anywhere, unless there might be a chance for an easy basket. Otherwise Atlanta looked like it was ready to hit the bottle, or Magic City for, ah, those famous lemon pepper chicken wings.
Kevin Durant remains a terminator, scoring 31 points on 12-22 shooting, and playing a low, low, 34 minutes. Jabari Smith almost had a get-right game, but did throw down a thunderous dunk in the 4th quarter for his Atlanta family and friends. Amen Thompson had a forgettable game, after his strenuous night in Houston on Wednesday. It was so forgettable I forget the stats, ok, he did have 3 steals and 2 blocks. Alperen Sengun, who looks hurt, exhausted, sick or all three had a straight bad outing. He did grab 10 rebounds. With Adams out, and Udoka distrustful of or unconvinced by Clint Capela, and Jabari at center, it seems Alpie is just going to have to go out and be bad. Rather than maybe resting and getting well.
Josh Okogie had quite a good night, grabbing 10 rebounds, and making his open looks, and generally played with high energy, intensity and great individual defense. The Rockets got a strong 18 minutes from Clint Capela, and it was a lineup with both Clint and Reed Sheppard that fueled their lead, and pulling away from the Hawks. He went 10pts/7rbs/2ast/1stl/2blk in 18 minutes, and it seemed to me he might well double those numbers in double the minutes. But Ime once again failed to consult with me, or TDS.
Tate played an impactful and useful 20 minutes without a great number of stats to show for it. Sheppard continued his pattern of bad first half, great second half. He had 13pts/4rbs/4ast/1stl in 26 minutes, and really did turn the tide. Two legitimate perimeter scoring threats on the court at the same time for the Rockets (Jabari and Tari don’t count, for various reasons) really changes the entire geometery of the offense for the Rockets. Reed went 5-14 which isn’t efficient at all, but 3-7 from three, which very much is. He seems to be overthinking everything, still, and probably should be fed a great deal more three point opportunities. He’s developing a nice chemistry with Capela, and still has a clunky one with Durant.
Any win on a SEGABA is a good one, and any game holding NBA players to only 86 points is a good one, too.
The Rockets play on Saturday back home in Houston against the Mavericks, in a prime time ABC game. I hadn’t realized the Rockets were allowed to play Dallas in Houston, but the schedule indicates they are.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs a play while under pressure from De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers’ search for a wing could take them to an interesting landing spot.
If LA is set on landing a 3-and-D wing at the trade deadline, it’s going to come with some caveats. It will likely either cost them an arm and a leg, an asking price they can’t really afford, or it’s going to force them to take a player with a large contract.
It’s that latter point that finds them linked to De’Andre Hunter. Ironically, Hunter was selected with the Lakers’ No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft, which was included in the Anthony Davis trade. After he was dealt to the Hawks on draft day, Hunter was sent to the Cavs at last year’s trade deadline.
With the Cavs underperforming and looking to downsize their huge payroll and Hunter struggling while on a big contract, Cleveland has made him available, which brings the Lakers into the equation. After recently being linked with the purple and gold by Brad Turner of the LA Times, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints added some more context to that on Thursday.
According to him, the Lakers and Cavs have had discussions about a trade with some in Cleveland’s front office fond of the idea of Dalton Knecht as a buy-low candidate.
There are some within the Cavs organization who like the idea of adding Dalton Knecht in a buy-low spot to get off Hunter’s contract, yet discussions have been ongoing.
The Lakers have expressed interest in Haywood Highsmith and Day’Ron Sharpe from Brooklyn. https://t.co/TfrBXa2KeR
Hunter’s season averages are a far cry from his career numbers. He’s shooting 42% from the field and a career-worst 30.9% from the 3-point line. Prior to this campaign, Hunter had shot 38.2% from range over the last four seasons.
Because of the aprons placing limitations on both the Lakers and Cavs — thanks again for that CJ McCollum — a trade for Hunter effectively requires a third. The Lakers are hard-capped at the second apron and sit just under $1 million below it right now, while Cleveland, as a second-apron team, can not take back more money in a trade.
That leaves too fine a needle to thread, whereas simply bringing in a third team, like the Nets, alleviates most of those issues.
Hunter is on the books for $23.3 million this season and a guaranteed $24.9 million next season. Aggregating two of Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt with Dalton Knecht gets them just above that figure, which could bring in the likes of Haywood Highsmith and/or Day’Ron Sharpe.
Even then, it’s not a straightforward deal but that framework will likely be one the team works with. Ideally, the Lakers open up a bit of wiggle room below the second apron, allowing them to sign a buyout player this season as well.
But even in that scenario, this is a risk for the Lakers. Similar to the Cavs buying low on Knecht, the Lakers would be buying low on Hunter. Both teams would have to have the belief that a change of scenery would benefit the player.
With the Lakers in a precarious position and looking for improvement, Hunter could be the type of player the team makes a deal for and hopes that the gamble pays off, giving them another viable starter. The best version of Hunter can certainly slot into the starting lineup, but can the Lakers unlock that version of him again?
Cooper Flagg was a first round overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft [Getty Images]
Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg became the first teenager to score 49 points in an NBA game as they lost 123-121 against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center.
The 19-year-old beat Clifford Robinson's previous record of 45 points set in 1980 when playing for the New Jersey Nets against the Detroit Pistons.
Flagg, making his 43rd appearance of the season, also became the youngest player to score at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hornets' Kon Knueppel, who was room-mates with Flagg at Duke University, also posted impressive numbers.
The 20-year-old scored a career-high 34 points and was successful with eight of his 12 three-pointer attempts - setting a rookie record for Charlotte.
Their combined 83 points was the highest of any opposing rookies in more than 50 years, and they were the first pair of opposing rookies from the same college to each score 30-plus points in the same game.
The Dallas Mavericks sit 12th in the Western Conference after falling to four successive defeats, while the Charlotte Hornets have won five in a row and are 11th in the Eastern Conference.
As the NBA season's third full month nears completion, the waiver wire is highly active in many fantasy basketball leagues, given how prevalent injuries typically are by this point in the calendar. That's certainly holding true this season, and several of our suggestions this week have earned their spot in this space thanks to the additional minutes and usage afforded by key absences on their squad.
Identifying players who are benefiting from expanded roles–whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player boosting your blocks and steals–is vital as you navigate the season.
Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Yahoo High Score Leagues
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans (36% rostered)
Bey is in the midst of a resurgent season that sees him boasting averages of 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals across 30 minutes per game over 42 contests. The veteran forward may be playing his best basketball of the season at the moment, as he's boasting averages of 21.2 points (on 48.5% 3-point shooting), 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals across 31.3 minutes over his last six games. Despite the Pelicans being at full health except for the season-long absence of Dejounte Murray, Bey is averaging 13.3 shot attempts in the latter span, and the upside that's led to him scoring at least 20 points in 13 games makes him a candidate for rostering in High Score formats.
Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks (27% rostered)
Christie is another player who's had some spike performances of late, scoring 21 points or more in four straight games before a downturn against the Timberwolves on Wednesday that saw him record only nine points on 1-for-8 shooting. Nevertheless, Christie has taken firm hold of the starting shooting guard role and went into Jan. 29 action averaging a career-high 13.2 points (on 47.6% shooting, including 44.5% from 3-point range), 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest. Anthony Davis' absence due to a finger injury is expected to keep him sidelined until after the All-Star break, so Christie's elevated usage should persist for several more weeks, at minimum.
Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns (38% rostered)
Any time Allen has a chance at additional minutes, there's always the possibility of some eye-popping offensive numbers. The veteran wing is averaging a career-high 16.4 points, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per contest, and he's currently in the midst of another stretch with the first unit thanks to Jalen Green's perpetually troublesome hamstring. Furthermore, Allen currently has the opportunity for enhanced usage for as long as Devin Booker is sidelined by his ankle issue. Allen already has 33- and 42-point tallies on his resume this season, and the fact he's putting up a career-best 8.8 3-point attempts per game keeps him in play for some similarly impressive tallies any time he takes the floor.
Standard 9-Category Leagues
Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies (28% rostered)
Spencer remains the Grizzlies' starting point guard for the time being thanks to Ja Morant's latest absence, which is the result of an elbow injury that will sideline him for the next two weeks at minimum. The second-year guard does have some fluctuation when it comes to his scoring output, but he's capable of making up for it by stuffing the stat sheet in other areas. Spencer is averaging 11.1 points, 9.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds across his 13 games as a starter, posting four double-doubles in that span. He also has six multi-steal tallies and is shooting a blistering 44.5% from behind the arc for the season, making him a very viable consideration as a waiver-wire pickup.
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls (28% rostered)
Dosunmu continues to offer the Bulls versatile production in much the same way Spencer does for the Grizzlies, with the former averaging a career-high 14.6 points with the help of a career-best 44.5% success rate from long range. The veteran guard is also contributing 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per contest, and he's clocking a solid 26.0 minutes per game in his second-unit role. Dosunmu has hit or eclipsed the 20-point threshold on nine occasions despite coming off the bench in seven of those games, and he's dished out at least five dimes in 13 instances as well.
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz (26% rostered)
Bailey's impressive rookie-season efforts are flying somewhat under the radar due to the Jazz's overall struggles, but he's delivered solid performances throughout the campaign and is on the ascent as the end of January approaches. Bailey is averaging 17.1 points (on 50% shooting), 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 31.3 minutes in his last eight games while holding down the starting small forward role. Lauri Markkanen's spotty playing record is also helping Bailey's cause in the form of extra usage, adding to the latter's appeal.
Evan Mobley has been diagnosed with a calf strain that could sideline him up to three weeks, so Hunter is teed up for some extra run, if not some spot starts. The veteran wing is struggling with efficiency this season – his 42.2% shooting is his lowest since his 2019-20 rookie campaign – but he's averaging a career-high 2.1 assists, while his 4.3 rebounds are his highest figure in that category since the 2020-21 season. Hunter is also capable of better offensive output than he's shown so far, as he's demonstrated by draining 48% of his shots during the 18 games in which he's scored 16 or more points.
Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons (35% rostered)
Harris is much more of a complementary piece at this stage of his career, but he's still scored between 16 and 26 points in 13 of 30 games. The veteran also remains capable of some solid work on the glass, pulling down between five and nine boards in 15 games. Harris is also shooting an improved 51.7% over his last 11 games, adding more appeal to his candidacy as a player who can boost the bottom half of your roster.
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (23% rostered)
Nesmith is shooting a career-worst 37.0% from the field this season, but he's still managed to average a career-high 13.5 points over his first 27 games. The veteran forward is also averaging a career-best 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists, and his 36.1% 3-point shooting is helping keep his offensive contributions afloat. Nesmith's 12.0 FGAs per game is also a new high-water mark, and if that level of usage persists, Nesmith has utility as a complementary source of multi-category production in your points league.
BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento looks to stop its seven-game skid with a victory over Boston.
The Celtics are 14-8 on their home court. Boston has a 4-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Kings are 3-21 on the road. Sacramento has a 5-24 record in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Celtics score 116.4 points per game, 4.2 fewer points than the 120.6 the Kings allow. The Kings average 110.5 points per game, 0.4 more than the 110.1 the Celtics allow to opponents.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Celtics won 120-106 in the last matchup on Jan. 2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Celtics. Anfernee Simons is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.
Dennis Schroder is scoring 13.0 points per game and averaging 3.0 rebounds for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 21.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 5-5, averaging 111.3 points, 47.4 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points per game.
Kings: 3-7, averaging 113.2 points, 42.5 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jaylen Brown: day to day (hamstring), Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Neemias Queta: day to day (illness).
Kings: Russell Westbrook: day to day (illness), Keegan Murray: out (ankle), Malik Monk: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The Golden State Warriors host the Detroit Pistons in non-conference action.
The Warriors are 17-7 in home games. Golden State is third in the Western Conference with 28.9 assists per game led by Draymond Green averaging 5.3.
The Pistons are 15-7 in road games. Detroit ranks sixth in the league scoring 17.9 fast break points per game. Cade Cunningham leads the Pistons averaging 3.5.
The 116.5 points per game the Warriors average are 6.4 more points than the Pistons allow (110.1). The Pistons are shooting 47.8% from the field, 0.8% higher than the 47.0% the Warriors' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Stephen Curry is averaging 27.3 points and 4.9 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 13.9 points over the past 10 games.
Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 6-4, averaging 120.3 points, 41.0 rebounds, 30.8 assists, 11.7 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.7 points per game.
Pistons: 7-3, averaging 109.3 points, 43.5 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 11.6 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 102.9 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: Gui Santos: day to day (calf), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), LJ Cryer: out (hamstring), Jonathan Kuminga: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
Pistons: Caris LeVert: day to day (illness).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (19-29, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (29-17, fourth in the Western Conference)
Houston; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas faces the Houston Rockets after Cooper Flagg scored 49 points in the Mavericks' 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Rockets are 5-5 against division opponents. Houston is 11-3 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 14.4 turnovers per game.
The Mavericks are 3-6 against Southwest Division opponents. Dallas is 7-11 in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Rockets average 116.1 points per game, 0.6 fewer points than the 116.7 the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks average 114.2 points per game, 4.2 more than the 110.0 the Rockets give up.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Mavericks won the last meeting 110-104 on Jan. 4, with Anthony Davis scoring 26 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Durant is averaging 26.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games.
Flagg is averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 18.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 7-3, averaging 109.4 points, 49.3 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 9.2 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.3 points per game.
Mavericks: 5-5, averaging 118.4 points, 46.2 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Dorian Finney-Smith: day to day (injury management), Tari Eason: day to day (injury management), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: day to day (rest), Anthony Davis: out (hand).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles heads to Washington for a non-conference matchup.
The Wizards have gone 8-15 at home. Washington gives up 122.3 points to opponents and has been outscored by 10.1 points per game.
The Lakers are 16-10 on the road. Los Angeles is 13-16 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Wizards score 112.2 points per game, 4.3 fewer points than the 116.5 the Lakers allow. The Wizards average 115.9 points per game, 6.4 fewer points than the 122.3 the Wizards give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Alex Sarr is averaging 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for the Wizards. Tre Johnson is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Luka Doncic is averaging 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 22.0 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 1-8, averaging 107.7 points, 44.0 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 9.6 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points per game.
Lakers: 5-5, averaging 115.9 points, 40.9 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points.
INJURIES: Wizards: Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (hamstring), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Trae Young: out (quad), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (thoracic).
Lakers: Austin Reaves: day to day (calf), Adou Thiero: out (knee), Luka Doncic: day to day (ankle).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (23-25, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (26-23, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Miami; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago comes into the matchup with Miami as losers of three in a row.
The Heat have gone 13-13 against Eastern Conference teams. Miami has a 14-14 record in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Bulls are 15-17 in conference matchups. Chicago ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with 17.6 fast break points per game led by Coby White averaging 3.5.
The Heat's 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.5 fewer made shots on average than the 13.8 per game the Bulls give up. The Bulls are shooting 47.6% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 46.1% the Heat's opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 30 the Heat won 116-113 led by 21 points from Norman Powell, while Ayo Dosunmu scored 23 points for the Bulls.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bam Adebayo is shooting 44.5% and averaging 18.0 points for the Heat. Simone Fontecchio is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Bulls. White is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 6-4, averaging 121.3 points, 49.2 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 8.0 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.3 points per game.
Bulls: 5-5, averaging 118.7 points, 43.6 rebounds, 31.2 assists, 6.5 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points.
INJURIES: Heat: Tyler Herro: day to day (toe), Davion Mitchell: day to day (shoulder).
Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Zach Collins: out (toe), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
ST.
LOUIS – Special teams
hasn’t been kind to the St. Louis Blues as of late, and quite
frankly for that matter, all season long.
A
chance to make amends was on the table against the two-time defending
Stanley Cup champions for the Blues, who were in search of
some good vibes for a chance.
Those
good vibes came off the stick of Jimmy Snuggerud, who scored a
power-play goal with nine seconds remaining to give the Blues a
dramatic 5-4 win against the Florida Panthers at Enterprise Center on
Thursday.
Snuggerud
took a quick one-touch cross-seam pass from Pavel Buchnevich in the
left circle and rifled a one-timer into the top of the net past
Panthers goalie Daniil Tarasov to help the Blues (20-25-9) end a
five-game losing skid (0-4-1).
“I
think we were wearing them down in the zone for a bit, so some tired
guys on the ice,” Snuggerud
said.
“‘Rouzy’ [Jordan
Kyrou] and
‘Buchy’ made some great passes throughout the whole power play,
but the last seam play there, I thought, 'Just
get it on the left side of the net,’ and fortunately enough it went
in. It was a great play.”
Kyrou
had a goal and two assists, and Justin Faulk and Buchnevich each had
two assists for the Blues.
Jake
Neighbours, Oskar Sundqvist and Jonatan Berggren also scored for the
Blues, who got 17 saves from Joel
Hofer.
“It’s
great to be on this side of it,” Faulk
said.
“Tonight was a tough one. It was challenging, that’s for sure,
down one, even and then giving up 4-2 and let them tie it up. So it
was a push.
“We
knew going into the third it wasn’t going to be any different; it
was going to be a tough third period against these guys. They play a
tough game. To get rewarded at the end is great, because we obviously
had it go the other way here a couple times recently, but I think
more importantly to get rewarded, we think we’re putting in a lot
of work. We think guys are working hard. We
don’t think we’re rolling over like the Dallas game, right, down
three at the end of the second period, come back out, put in a good
third and a good effort and not get the reward there. No one’s
feeling sorry for us, but it obviously feels better when that does
happen. You just know you’ve got to keep going and that stuff comes
with that.”
Let’s
look at the game observations:
*
Special teams make a difference in the end – Here’s the bad: the
Blues were really not good on the penalty kill early. It’s the
fifth time the past seven games they had allowed multiple power-play
goals when Sam Reinhart got one in the first period to tie the game
2-2 and Blues killer Matthew Tkachuk scored one late in the second
period to erase a 4-2 Blues lead that tied it 4-4.
It
was time for that moment.
It
arrived in the third period when Nick Bjugstad was whistled for a
double-minor for high-sticking Evan Rodrigues, who was playing in his
600th NHL game.
Were
the Blues going to buckle again or would the kill finally get a job
done.
Not
only did they kill the entirety of the four minutes but the Panthers,
who are 22nd with the man advantage, didn’t get a single shot off.
“I
feel like we were good from start to finish on that one,” Sundqvist
said playing in his first game since Jan. 18 against the Edmonton
Oilers.
‘I don’t think we gave them a lot. After we kill it off, you hear
the crowd and it definitely gives you an extra boost. It was a good
momentum swing for us.”
The
Blues wound up 5-for-7 on the penalty kill.
Blues
coach Jim Montgomery said, “We had already given up two power-play
goals, so the effort by our penalty killers was awesome. The response
by our fans was awesome, and it gave us life.”
It
carried forward, and the Blues, who are 29th on the PK, used it to
their advantage with their 25th-ranked power play, which was
initially a 4-on-3 for 40 seconds of coincidental minors when Hofer
and Tkachuk got into a scrum behind the net, and former Blues
defenseman Niko Mikkola was called for goalie interference with 1:54
to play.
It
looked like the Blues were going to run out of time, and they didn’t
throw pucks at the net as the fans were imploring them to do so. They
patiently worked it around and that patience paid off this time when
Kyrou, who had a one-timer blocked initially, seamed a pass to
Buchnevich, who one-touched a cross seam pass to Snuggerud in the
left circle and he did the rest:
It
was a game filled with penalties with whistle-happy referees Liam
Maaskant and Jake Brenk working the whistles into oblivion with 18 penalties totaling 44 minutes.
“We haven’t had many like that,”
Faulk said. “Most of our games are pretty low in the penalty
department. We don’t get a ton of power plays, I don’t think we
take a ton of penalties either. It’s definitely weird, not much
flow to it there for a while, even down there to the end with the
four-minute and then the penalty there on them. Good to come out with
it, the last-minute goal on our end feels a lot better than on the
other side. It was a good feeling here after that.
“… Even within the game tonight,
we were frustrated with our special teams again, not getting it done
on either side of it. We knew we had a chance to step up there in the
third and mainly start with the penalty kill. Just get the kill, be
aggressive, try and get some momentum off it, don’t let them take
over the game right there. That was huge. I think we did get momentum
and came up big at the right time.”
With 12 combined power plays, it was a
hard game to get into any kind of rhythm.
“It’s
crazy. We all felt like you were either on the power play or the
penalty kill the whole game,” Sundqvist
said.
‘Especially for guys that don’t play either power play or penalty
kill, it’s hard. You’re sitting there and you can sit there for a
10-minute stretch. It’s super-hard for those guys.
I think we did a great job at coming back and really playing well
5-on-5. I think was thinking on the bench there at the end of the
second period, ‘I don’t think I’ve had a lot of shifts with my
linemates 5-on-5.’ Definitely a crazy game but happy to pull out a
win.”
*
First period turnaround – The Panthers, who had won three in a row
on the road, are a team that when they get you pinned in the D-zone
with success, it’s hard to get out. It was trending that way when
Florida gained the territorial edge early on, and when A.J. Greer
made it 1-0 3:12 into the game on a coverage mistake, it was a trend
the Blues needed to get out of.
But
then there were odd-man rushes, and with the ability to break out of
the D-zone with pucks allowed the Blues to beat the aggressiveness of
not only Florida’s forecheckers but their pinching defensemen.
That’s
how Neighbours tied the game 1-1 at 4:46 on a puck from below the
D-zone goal line to Kyrou, who one-touched a puck up that caromed off
defenseman Gustav Forsling to Buchnevich, who hit Neighbours through
the neutral zone for a breakaway, and he beat Tarasov high to the
glove side:
And
when Kyrou made it 2-1 at 7:51, it came off a sharp read by Philip
Broberg, who intercepted Carter Verhaeghe’s cross-ice stretch pass
in the neutral zone, worked his way down the left hand side before
finding Kyrou in the left circle. His quick shot also the glove side
found its way in:
And
even at 4-on-4, Faulk used his strength to fend off a couple would-be
Panthers players before shoveling a backhand pass to Berggren for a
one-timer from the right circle at 14:27 to reclaim a lead at 3-2 in
a wild opening 20 minutes:
“I
thought that our wall play in the first period was really good,”
Montgomery said. “When you play against Florida, they’re going to
hem you in. If you win those wall battles and you’re off the wall,
you can have odd-man rushes and we had a couple odd-man rushes that
led to goals and we almost had another one at the end of the period.
We had a 2-on-1 that was another play that if you can make them
against them. It’s not easy because they’re the best in the
league at doing it. You get odd-man rushes and then you’ve got to
take advantage of those.”
*
Neighbours, Kyrou, Sundqvist were all game time decisions and scored
– When Sundqvist scored 41 seconds into the second period, a goal
Tarasov would certainly like back, to make it 4-2, it gave a goal to
three players that Montgomery labeled game time decisions after the
morning skate.
All
three had skated, and it was a case of who would feel fine after it.
Well,
Sundqvist said he knew on Wednesday he would be playing, to which
Montgomery quipped, “’Sunny’
found his Guy Lafleur dipsy-doodle right through the middle and
twisted wrister right into the corner, eh? How many times have you
seen that from him.
“First
of all, ‘Sunny’ should have told me (he knew he was playing
Wednesday). That would have been nice. Glad he’s telling you guys
that.
“The
other two, it was going to be how they felt this morning because it
was very positive about how they responded the day after the game. We
were very happy with how they were both feeling. I put it at 50/50
for both of them. It was great. As soon as they took the morning
skate and I had already met with you guys, they came in and (said),
‘We’re playing. We’re players.’”
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