It’s the second half of a home-and-home. The Nets (12-27) are looking for a rare road win to sweep the mini-series, but the tanking crowd is eyeing those lottery balls. Chicago (19-22) is desperate to get back to .500 and stop a four-game slide.
🏀 Game Info
Tip: 7:00 PM ET
TV: YES Network | Gotham Sports App
Radio: 101.9 FM / 660 AM WFAN
⚠️ Injury Report
Nets:
Michael Porter Jr. (OUT – Rest)
Drake Powell (OUT – Left Knee Injury Management)
Ziaire Williams (OUT – Return to Competition Reconditioning)
Haywood Highsmith (OUT – Right Knee Surgery Recovery)
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MONTREAL (AP) — Phil Goyette, the former NHL forward who helped the Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cup titles in his first four seasons and was the New York Islanders' first coach, has died. He was 92.
The Canadiens said in a statement Sunday that Goyette died Saturday, saying Goyette's “family would like to thank the public for their wishes of sympathy.” The team didn't provide a cause of death.
Goyette, from Lachine, Quebec, made his debut with the Canadiens in 1956-57. He also played for the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues, winning the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 1969-70 with St. Louis.
In 940 regular-season games, Goyette had 207 goals and 467 assists. The center added 17 goals and 29 assists in 94 playoff games. He wrapped up his playing career in 1971-72, falling short of a fifth Stanley Cup title when the Rangers fell to Boston in six games in the final.
“We join the hockey world in sending our condolences to Phil’s loved ones, friends, and former teammates,” the Rangers said in a statement.
Goyette coached the expansion Islanders in 1972-73, going 6-40-4 before he was replaced by Earl Ingarfield.
“The Islanders are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Phil Goyette, the organization’s original head coach,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that further strengthens an already loaded Western Conference and adds another obstacle in the Winnipeg Jets path should they qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The return to Calgary includes defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Vegas 2027 first round pick, a conditional 2027 second round pick that escalates to a 2026 first rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and the rights to unsigned defenseman Abram Wiebe. The Flames are also retaining 50 per cent of Andersson salary for the remainder of the season.
While Winnipeg was not directly linked to Andersson, his landing spot is significant. Rather than a top defenseman leaving the Western Conference or landing in the Eastern Conference, Andersson joins a Vegas team that the Jets could realistically face in a postseason matchup. The deal removes one of the best defensemen from the trade market while simultaneously reinforcing a direct conference rival.
The timing only adds to the challenge for Winnipeg. Central Division heavyweights Dallas, Colorado, and Minnesota have all made notable moves and increasingly resemble legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Now Vegas, already among the league’s deepest and most battle tested teams, adds a proven top four blueliner with offensive upside and playoff experience.
Despite playing on a middle to bottom tier Flames team, Andersson has quietly put together a strong season. The 27 year old has recorded 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games, along with a plus one rating.
A former 46 point defenseman, Andersson has consistently produced between 30 and 40 points per season while logging heavy minutes against top competition. He brings a reliable two way game, physicality, and puck moving ability that translate well to playoff hockey.
For Vegas, the move signals an all in approach as they gear up for another deep postseason run. For the Jets, it is another reminder of how narrow the margin is in the West. Any potential Winnipeg dark horse Stanley Cup push now looks even more complicated with yet another conference rival getting stronger at the deadline.
If the Jets are to navigate a brutal Western Conference playoff picture, they will likely need to rely on internal growth, elite goaltending, and timely performances, because the arms race around them shows no signs of slowing down.
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World No 2 defeats ‘legend and idol’ 10-6 in final
‘I’m trying not to cry because it means so much’
Kyren Wilson collected his first Masters title to thwart John Higgins’s hopes of making more history after a cagey final replete with uncharacteristic errors from both players.
Higgins was seeking a third Masters title at Alexandra Palace – 20 years after he last lifted the trophy – and, at 50, the Scot had become the oldest player to reach the final of a triple crown event.
Unlike their last back-to-back, this one could actually have matchups factored into decisions here.
The Sixers released their injury report ahead of their home contest against the Indiana Pacers Monday. Nothing on it is too shocking with Joel Embiid and Paul George both listed as questionable with left knee injury management.
Despite it being a downgrade, both have been listed as probable for the past several games, this just boils down to this Pacers matchup being the front end of a back-to-back as they’re set to take on the Phoenix Suns Tuesday at home as well.
The two of them have both played in nine of Philly’s last 10 games, the only one missed also being a back-to-back last week in Toronto. Both of those legs were against the Raptors, so it didn’t really matter which one of the two they sat out. With the Suns being a notably tougher matchup than the 10-win Pacers, there’s actually a decision to make there if George and Embiid can only be available for one of those games.
Neither of the two have played both games of a back-to-back this season, but it’s worth noting that George was a very late scratch in that first game against the Raptors. Perhaps playing in both legs may be something he’s looking to do soon.
After being assigned to the G-League over the weekend, Jared McCain is listed as doubtful. Funnily enough, it was the Pacers G-League affiliate, the Noblesville Bloom, McCain played against in his first game with the Blue Coats since being sent down again. He didn’t exactly light the world on fire either, going for 15 points on 18 shots in six turnovers playing 30 minutes in a Coats loss.
Jared McCain played 30 minutes in the Delaware Blue Coats' 126-102 road loss against the Noblesville Boom. His line:
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that reshapes the trade market and represents a missed opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings.
The return to Calgary includes defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Vegas’s 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2027 second-round pick that escalates to a 2026 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and the rights to unsigned defenseman Abram Wiebe.
The Golden Knights do not have a contract extension in place with Andersson, and the Flames are retaining 50 per cent of his salary for the remainder of the season.
The deal takes one of the top available defensemen off the market. Detroit was among the teams believed to be in the mix for Andersson, who had drawn significant league-wide interest as one of the most attractive blueliners potentially available via trade.
Despite playing on a middle to bottom tier Flames team, Andersson has delivered strong results this season. The 27 year old has produced 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games, along with a plus one rating.
A former 46 point defenseman, Andersson has consistently posted between 30 and 40 points per season while logging heavy minutes. He brings a physical element, reliability, and steady two way play that appealed to teams looking to strengthen their blue line.
For Vegas, the move adds a proven top four defenseman with offensive upside and playoff experience to an already deep roster as the Golden Knights gear up for another postseason run.
For Detroit, missing out on Andersson is a notable setback. The Red Wings have been actively exploring upgrades on defense as they push to solidify their roster and remain competitive in the playoff race.
While Andersson is no longer an option, Detroit continues to monitor the market for other opportunities to address its blue line needs.
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The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have been by far the most impressive team this season. Their +14 net rating is over five points better than their closest competitor. It’s why they started the season on a 70-win pace.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, on the other hand, have been one of the most disappointing teams this season. They’ve taken a noticeable step back from where they were last year, as they’ve already surpassed their loss total for all of last season.
Despite how differently things have gone for both the Cavs and Thunder, they enter this game playing at a pretty similar level.
Oklahoma City has cooled off dramatically in recent weeks. They’ve lost three of their last eight and dropped their previous outing to the Miami Heat. Their offense has struggled recently, as they have the 14th-ranked offense over the past two weeks.
This game should provide a good measuring stick for where the Cavs are right now, even though both will be without key starters. The Thunder will be without Jalen Williams, and the Cavs will be without Darius Garland.
Cavs injury report: Darius Garland – OUT (toe), Sam Merrill – OUT (hand), Dean Wade – PROBABLE (knee), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Chris Livingston – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)
Thunder injury report: Jalen Williams – OUT (hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein – OUT (right soleus), Thomas Sorber – OUT (ACL), Nikola Topic – OUT (surgical recovery), Brooks Barnhizer – DOUBTFUL (G League)
CHAMPAGNE, Ill. (AP) — Berry Wallace scored a career-high 29 points, 12 in the fourth quarter, and No. 25 Illinois held off a fourth-quarter rally to defeat Northwestern 74-71 on Sunday.
Illinois took the lead for good with 2 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter and led 58-51 heading to the fourth. Although Illinois remained in front, Northwestern cut it to one on a 3-pointer by Xamiya Walton with seven minutes to go and again on a layup by Casey Harter with 2:15 remaining.
At that point, Wallace scored in the paint for a 73-70 lead, then Tayla Thomas hit one free throw to get Northwestern within 73-71. Both teams came up empty on their next two possessions before Cearah Parchment made a free throw for a 74-71 lead with nine seconds left. Northwestern's Caroline Lau missed a potential tying 3-pointer with one second left.
Parchment had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the fourth double-double of her freshman season. Aaliyah Guyton had 13 points for the Illini (15-4, 5-3 Big Ten).
Grace Sullivan scored 21 points, Walton 19, Harter 13 and Lau 12 for Northwestern (8-11, 2-6). The rest of the Wildcats managed six points — all by Thomas.
There were four ties and seven lead changes in the first half. Illinois scored the last 12 points of the second quarter to erase a five-point deficit and the Illini led 40-33 at halftime.
Illinois outscored the Wildcats 11-2 in a 3 1/2-minute stretch of the third quarter, building a 58-43 lead. Three-pointers by Harter and Walton helped Northwestern get within 58-51 heading to the fourth.
There were only 13 turnovers in the game, five by Northwestern and eight by Illinois.
Illinois was won seven straight in the series after losing the previous 14.
Up next
Illinois: The Illini play Saturday at No. 24 Nebraska.
Northwestern: The Wildcats host No. 3 UCLA next Sunday.
21-year-old forward prospect Rutger McGroarty - who has been out since Jan. 7 with a concussion - was activated from injured reserve Monday. He was subsequently optioned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS), Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate.
In addition, forward Joona Koppanen was recalled from WBS to fill out the final spot on the Penguins' active roster, meaning the team will carry 14 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders on their Western road trip this week.
"Nothing's changed in terms of status or anything else," head coach Dan Muse clarified about Karlsson. "But, obviously, anytime somebody hasn't been out there for team practice, even when it is coming in as non-contact, it's another step."
With his AHL assignment, McGroarty will have a chance to get regular playing time in the top-six for WBS. With the Penguins' current lineup gelling pretty well at the NHL level, it was unlikely that McGroarty would have seen much playing time had he stuck around. He has two goals and three points in 16 NHL games and four goals and seven points in five AHL games this season.
Koppanen, 27, has been up for a few stints with the NHL club this season, registering one assist to go along with a minus-1 in 10 games. In 22 AHL games, he has put up six goals and 11 points.
For the last two months, there has been a song looping in my head whenever Jalen Green comes up. Richard Marx, softly crooning in the background, whispering a promise into the void.
Wherever you go Whatever you do I will be right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you
I have been right here waiting. And I hope my heart don’t break. It feels painfully appropriate at this point, equal parts hope, patience, and checking the injury report daily.
We know we are getting close. Suns head coach Jordan Ott said yesterday that Jalen Green got in another five-on-five run after morning shootaround. “Everything seemed to be good,” Coach Ott stated. “So we’ll see. Still going in the right direction.”
That is the kind of update that makes you sit up a little straighter. Not fireworks. Not a declaration. But enough to tell you the wheels are turning, and the return is no longer theoretical.
So…will Green suit up in Brooklyn on Monday night? Questionable.
Jalen Greeb is QUESTIONABLE to play tomorrow against the Nets.
The last time we saw him was on November 8 against the Clippers. He made it 6:48 into that game, but was then gone in the first quarter after re-aggravating the hamstring that already cost him the first 8 games of the season. It felt cruel. It also felt very Suns.
Before that night, Green had played in 192 consecutive games, playoffs included, without missing time. Then he arrives in Phoenix and the basketball gods get weird. To the team’s credit, they have been careful with it. This is a player built on speed. If you are running on a flat tire, you are not helping anyone.
We still do not know the exact severity. A grade two hamstring usually means 3 to 6 weeks. A grade three can stretch into months and even flirt with surgery. This one lingered long enough to make you wonder. Whatever it was, the Suns chose patience, and with a player like Green, that is the only move that makes sense.
But alas, the designation finally changed. That alone feels like progress. It does not guarantee anything, and it does not mean he is ready to roll, but it is a step forward. He is not listed as probable yet, but for the first time in a while, the door is actually open. He could see the floor again.
And the timing matters. Brooklyn is young, energetic, but they are not going to apply the same defensive pressure Phoenix saw from Detroit, Miami, or New York on this trip. That makes this a softer landing spot, if there is such a thing in the NBA.
So here we are. The questionable stage. Actual movement. Real momentum. Now we wait another day to see if Jalen Green finally suits up and plays basketball for Phoenix again.
Sabres vs Hurricanes best bet: Hurricanes -1.5 (+125)
The Carolina Hurricanes are one of the best two-way teams in hockey, ranking second in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and fourth in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
They are one of two teams to rank in the league’s Top 6 in both of those key categories, joining the historically dominant Colorado Avalanche. As a result, the Hurricanes rank second in expected goal share.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres rank 15th in expected goal share.
The goaltending edge also belongs to the Hurricanes, as Brandon Bussi is slated to start Monday. Through 21 starts this season, the rookie netminder is 17-3-1 with a .905 save percentage and a 2.25 goals-against average.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is projected to start for Buffalo, and he trails Bussi in each of those three categories.
Sabres vs Hurricanes same-game parlay
Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov is coming off his best game of the season, recording a hat trick against the Devils.
Meanwhile, Nikolaj Ehlers also carries a hot stick into this matchup, having scored a hat trick in the game prior against the Panthers.
Five of Carolina’s past six wins have come by at least a two-goal margin. Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs. Hurricanes.
How to watch Sabres vs Hurricanes
Location
Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Date
Monday, January 19, 2026
Puck drop
1:30 p.m. ET
TV
TNT, HBO Max
Sabres vs Hurricanes latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have activated forward Rutger McGroarty from injured reserve and have assigned him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The Penguins also shared that they have recalled forward Joona Koppanen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
McGroarty has played in 16 games this season with Pittsburgh, where he has recorded two goals and one assist. This is after he had one goal and three points in his first eight career NHL games this past season with Pittsburgh.
Down in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this campaign, McGroarty has posted four goals and seven points in five games. Now, after being reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the 2022 first-round pick will be looking to make a big impact with the AHL squad.
Koppanen, on the other hand, has recorded one assist, four blocks, and nine hits in 10 games this season with Pittsburgh. Down in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this campaign, he has posted six goals, five assists, and 11 points in 22 games.
The Penguins are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken in their next contest on Jan. 19.
The Penguins have recalled forward Joona Koppanen from the @WBSPenguins (AHL).
Forward Rutger McGroarty has been activated from Injured Reserve and re-assigned to WBS. pic.twitter.com/LsNSCgHPuN
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kristýna Kaltounková and Anne Cherkowski each scored a goal, Kayle Osborne had 31 saves and the New York Sirens beat the Montreal Victoire 2-1 on Sunday at Capital One Arena as part of the PWHL’s Takeover Tour.
The game, played in front of 17,228 fans, set an attendance record for a professional women’s hockey game in the United States, according to Monumental Sports & Entertainment. The previous record of 16,014 fans was set Nov. 28 at the inaugural home game for the Seattle Torrent.
Montreal (5-2-0-5) had its three-game win streak snapped.
Sarah Fillier had two assists for New York (7-0-1-5), which has won five of six. The Sirens have 22 points, four behind league-leading Boston and one ahead of third-place Minnesota.
Kaltounková, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 PWHL draft, has nine goals this season, tied with Minnesota's Kendall Coyne Schofield for most in the league.
Maggie Flaherty scored a power-play goal for the Victoire late in the first period.
Kaltounková slammed home the rebound of a shot by Fillier to open the scoring 84 seconds into the game. The Sirens had failed to convert on their previous nine power-play opportunities and are just 5 of 40 with an extra skater this season.
Cherkowski gave the Sirens a 2-1 lead with 5:13 left in the second period. Fillier poked a faceoff to Levis, who flicked a wrister that was redirected by Cherkowski over the glove-side shoulder of goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens for the rookie's first career goal.
Desbiens had 25 saves for the Victoire.
The Victoire beat New York 4-0 in Montreal on Nov. 25 and Osborne had a career-high 43 saves as the Sirens evened the season series with a 4-3 home win on Jan. 2.
DETROIT — The Boston Celtics could be once again be without Payton Pritchard when they close out a four-game roadtrip against the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Pritchard missed Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks with left ankle soreness — his first absence of the year — and is questionable with the same injury ahead of Monday’s game.
But the Celtics didn’t miss a beat with their starting point guard; Baylor Scheierman started in Pritchard’s place, and Boston defeated Atlanta 132-106.
Three other Celtics are on the injury report alongside Pritchard; Josh Minott will miss his 8th-straight game with an ankle sprain, while Jayson Tatum continues to rehabilitate a ruptured Achilles tendon. It’s been about 8 months since Tatum first suffered the injury, and his timeline to potentially return this season is uncertain. And, Chris Boucher, who has been out of the rotation since late November, is questionable with low back spasms.
Celtics Injury Report vs. Detroit (1/18):
Chris Boucher – Low Back Spasms – QUESTIONABLE Josh Minott – Left Ankle Sprain – OUT Payton Pritchard – Left Ankle Soreness – QUESTIONABLE Jayson Tatum – Right Achilles Repair – OUT
The Pistons, meanwhile, have a clean injury slate.
The Pistons have been the best team in the Eastern Conference
Monday’s game between the Celtics and the Pistons is a battle between the two best teams in the East. The Celtics (26-15) have the second-best record in the East, while the Pistons lead the way with a 30-10 record.
The Celtics and Pistons have faced off three times this season, and each time, the games have gone down to the wire, with the Pistons winning two of three contests. When the two teams first matched up in October, the Pistons came away with a 6-point win. In November, on the eve of Thanksgiving, the Celtics emerged victorious by 3 points. And, in December, the Pistons won by 7. Saturday will mark the fourth and final regular-season match-up between the two teams.
Both teams come into the Monday night matchup with plenty of momentum, having won two in a row; the Celtics have won 7 of their last 10 games, while the Pistons have won 6 of their last 10.
Celtics-Pistons will tip off at 8pm on Saturday at the Little Caesars Arena.
