NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL will honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. by displaying “Choose Love” in the end zones and on helmet decals for all divisional round playoff games this weekend.
“Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” will appear on opposite end zones at the Super Bowl next month. Host teams will select the end zone stencils for the conference championship games.
“Dr. King’s message continues to guide how we show up in meaningful moments across the league,” said Anna Isaacson, SVP of social responsibility for the NFL. "'Choose Love’ has become an important and widely embraced message for our teams because it reflects the values Dr. King championed — dignity, empathy, and a commitment to our shared humanity. Bringing it forward in the Divisional Round and again at Super Bowl LX reflects that continued relevance.”
“Choose Love” was first introduced in 2022 when the Bills adopted it as a unifying message for their community after a shooting in Buffalo. NFL teams have widely embraced the stencil, and it was featured at the Super Bowl last year following an attack in New Orleans.
The NFL has used on-field social justice messaging for the past six seasons. Teams featured an end zone message of their choice at each home game throughout the season, selecting from four options: “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” “It Takes All of Us” was stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games.
The Flyers saw their season-worst losing streak balloon to six games with an embarrassing performance on home ice.
The club was thumped by the Rangers, 6-3, Saturday afternoon at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Flyers were down 6-1 at one point in the second period.
“When you’re a little bit tired, some guys have lost a little bit of confidence, you’ve got to stay with structure,” Rick Tocchet said. … “It’s on me to get these guys back on the rails. But we just have to play a certain way to be able to compete.”
For a third straight game, Tocchet had to use both of his goalies. Aleksei Kolosov was pulled after New York ripped off three first-period goals in a span of 1:20 minutes. Samuel Ersson took over just 8:25 minutes into the action.
“We sucked, plain and simple,” Sean Couturier said. “We can’t show up down 3-1 five minutes in, 10 minutes in, whatever it was. We’ve got to be better.
“It’s important to stick together. There’s a lot of pressure, outside noise, but it’s on us to figure it out and stick together. We’ll come out stronger.”
Travis Konecny gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead, which lasted for 43 seconds. Travis Sanheim and Trevor Zegras provided the team’s other two goals.
The Flyers (22-17-8) have been outscored a staggering 31-12 over this 0-5-1 skid.
“We’ve kind of just been shooting ourselves in the foot, making silly mistakes I think,” Cam York said. “It’s correctable stuff, stuff that we haven’t done all year up to this point, so obviously it’s really frustrating. But we’re going to continue to work at it and we’ll clean it up.”
The Rangers (21-22-6), who are now openly retooling, snapped their five-game slide (0-4-1), a stretch in which they were outscored 30-12.
• Kolosov couldn’t answer the bell in his second start of the season.
He didn’t record a save on three shots before Tocchet summoned Ersson. The Flyers gave up a 3-on-1 rush when New York scored its third goal in that early onslaught.
“You can tell some guys are tired because they’re making mental mistakes,” Tocchet said. “My job is to get these guys to feel good about themselves, that’s my job right now. Because, right now, obviously guys are frustrated.”
In the defensive zone, the Flyers have not been protecting the middle or weak side, which hasn’t helped their goaltenders.
“When you start getting goals side to side, what are the goalies doing now?” Tocchet said. “They’re just playing on their heels.”
The Flyers have sorely missed Dan Vladar, who was out for a second straight game with an undisclosed injury. The good news for the Flyers is that he’s being considered day to day.
Tocchet was unsure if Vladar would be joining the Flyers on their three-game road trip.
“Still got to talk to the doctors on that because if he’s not going to play any of the games, why [have him travel]?” the head coach said pregame. “Is there a possibility for the third game? Maybe, that’s what we’ll decide.”
Ersson made 22 saves on 25 shots in relief.
Mika Zibanejad had a hat trick for the Rangers before second intermission. One of his goals was on the power play. The Flyers have given up eight power play goals over their last four games.
New York netminder Spencer Martin was making his first start of the season and stopped 25 of the Flyers’ 28 shots.
• York and Jamie Drysdale were each a minus-3.
“You’ve got to build Cam’s game back, Drysy, guys like that who have really played well for us this year,” Tocchet said. “But they’ve kind of hit the skids a little bit and they’re kind of doing stuff that they usually don’t do.”
• Rodrigo Abols exited with a lower-body injury in the first period and didn’t return. More on him here.
Bobby Brink missed a sixth straight game with an upper-body injury. The 24-year-old winger skated Saturday morning and Tocchet called him a “possibility” for the team’s game against the Golden Knights.
Rasmus Ristolainen was placed on injured reserve and won’t join the Flyers for the trip. He has been considered day to day with an upper-body injury.
Without Ristolainen, the Flyers made a call-up for some insurance on the back end. After the loss, they officially brought up Hunter McDonald from AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley.
• The Flyers open their trip Monday when they visit Vegas (8 p.m. ET/NBCSP+).
The Blue Jays were willing to go to 10 years for free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, but they fell far short on the average annual value that he ultimately received from the Dodgers.
Toronto’s offer to Tucker was for 10 years and $350 million, according to Post baseball columnist Jon Heyman, but the outfielder signed a shorter deal earlier this week with the two-time defending World Series champions for four years and $240 million.
That $60 million AAV, with a portion of the money deferred, also exceeded the Mets’ bid for Tucker of $220 million over four years, whic included a $75 million signing bonus.
Kyle Tucker turned down the Blue Jays’ 10-year offer. David Banks-Imagn Images
The Mets, who pivoted and agreed to a three-year, $126 million deal with ex-Toronto infielder Bo Bichette after missing out on Tucker, also lost All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to Los Angeles earlier in free agency.
The Blue Jays, who fell to the Dodgers in seven games in the 2025 World Series, added starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, former Mets reliever Tyler Rogers and Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto earlier this offseason.
If Tucker had accepted Toronto’s 10-year offer, it would have marked the second-largest contract in franchise history by both length and value, behind only the 14-year, $500 million extension Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed last April.
The Red Sox have bolstered their rotation this winter with former All-Star pitchers Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez.
And the Orioles signed Pete Alonso away from the Mets, while also picking up outfielder Taylor Ward, starting pitcher Shane Baz and relievers Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittridge.
The Boston Celtics hit the road tonight for a matchup with the new-look Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Jaylen Brown continues to torch his opponents, but his total is too high for my liking. I’ll explain in my Celtics vs. Hawks predictions why I see value in the Under.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, January 17.
Celtics vs Hawks prediction
Celtics vs Hawks best bet: Jaylen Brown Under 30.5 points (-112)
Jaylen Brown is having an All-Star campaign for the Jayson Tatum-less Boston Celtics. The guard is averaging 29.4 PPG, which ranks fifth in the Association.
This is undoubtedly the best season of his career, and it’s clear that a bigger role without Tatum is bringing out the best in him.
However, Brown’s total is set at 30.5 this evening, and given his recent numbers, the Under makes the most sense here for a best bet. The former California Golden Bear has cashed the Under in points in three straight, and in four of his last five.
Brown has 27 points in each of the last two games, which is still remarkable. But, he’s only hit Over 30 points twice in January across seven contests.
Celtics vs Hawks same-game parlay
Onyeka Okongwu has developed into a very nice piece for the Atlanta Hawks over the years, and he’s averaging 16.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per night. The USC product is coming off a 26-point performance on Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
He’s hit the Over in points in three of his last five appearances, and Okongwu also finished with 15 points in one of those games as well. He’s averaging 15.4 PPG at home this season.
Derrick White is never afraid to chuck up triples. After all, he’s averaging 3.1 makes on 9.5 attempts for a 32.8% clip. Not the most efficient, and White has hit the Under in triples in six of eight games in January.
In fact, he’s averaging 2.5 makes this month for a 26% clip. White isn’t shooting the rock with much confidence lately – he’ll stay under four treys tonight.
Celtics vs Hawks SGP
Jaylen Brown Under 30.5 points
Onyeka Okongwu Over 15.5 points
Derrick White Under 3.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Queta crashes the glass
The Hawks are allowing 15 rebounds per game to centers, and Neemias Queta has cashed the Over in three of his last six outings.
Celtics vs Hawks SGP
Jaylen Brown Under 30.5 points
Onyeka Okongwu Over 15.5 points
Derrick White Under 3.5 threes
Neemias Queta Over 9.5 rebounds
Celtics vs Hawks odds
Spread: Boston -3.5 (-110) | Atlanta +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Boston +135 | Atlanta -160
Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)
Celtics vs Hawks betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics have hit the Moneyline in 32 of their last 45 away games (+11.45 Units / 9% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Hawks.
How to watch Celtics vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSB, FDSN SE-ATL
Celtics vs Hawks latest injuries
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The Dallas Mavericks will look to sweep a 2-game home set Saturday when they meet the Utah Jazz again.
Dallas dropped a season high in a 144-122 victory Thursday and enters this as 4.5-point favorites in the NBA odds.
My Jazz vs. Mavericks predictions and NBA picks have the scoring binge settling down, with these teams settling in Under a monster line on Saturday, January 17.
Jazz vs Mavericks prediction
Jazz vs Mavericks best bet: Under 241.5 (-110)
The Dallas Mavericks are not a high-powered offensive machine, averaging just 113.6 points per game (23rd), but the Utah Jazz certainly made them look good.
The Jazz are the NBA’s worst defensive team, allowing an incredible 127.4 points per game, which enables teams to shoot a league-high 49.3% against them, including 37.6% from 3-point range, the second-worst mark in the league.
A lot of things just went right to have Dallas ring up 144 points, including hitting 19-for-46 from 3-point range, a 41.3% clip, from a team that ranks dead last in 3-point shooting at 33.8%, while also converting 17 Utah turnovers into 30 points.
This is a team that still won’t likely have Cooper Flagg (ankle) back in the lineup, as he’s listed as doubtful, along with big man Daniel Gafford (ankle). They’ll be joining Anthony Davis (hand) on the sideline.
The good news is that both Max Christie (illness) and P.J. Washington (ankle) are probable after missing the last meeting.
Utah will still be without its best player, as Lauri Markkanen (illness) has already been ruled out. That didn’t slow down the Jazz scoring machine, currently sixth in the NBA, from putting up points.
Over has cashed in two of the last three, but Dallas and Utah have gone Under the total in seven of the previous nine.
The Mavericks have also gone Under in six of their last eight. While there will still be a bunch of points, I think the track meet of buckets slows down here.
Jazz vs Mavericks same-game parlay
I think it goes from heat check to reality check for Brice Sensabaugh. A guy who’s averaging 11.8 points just had 27 against Dallas, and he’s scored 26 or more in three of four games, including 43 against Chicago. Consider that in his previous 30 games, he has cracked 19 points just three times.
Klay Thompson is on a mini-heater, hitting at least six triples in every other game over his last six. But he’s been lights out vs Utah, drilling at least three money balls in five straight games against the Jazz.
Jazz vs Mavericks SGP
Under 241.5 points
Sensabaugh Under 18.5 points
Thompson Over 2.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Thompson stays hot
Isaiah Collier dropped 12 dimes against the Mavs last game, and has had at least eight assists in three of his last four, and in both games against Dallas this season.
Dwight Powell has grabbed eight or more boards just once in his last five games. Even on a team without many of its big men, Dallas’ team collective rebounding effort should keep Powell’s numbers down.
Jazz vs Mavericks SGP
Under 241.5 points
Sensabaugh Under 18.5 points
Thompson Over 2.5 threes
Collier Over 7.5 assists
Powell Under 7.5 rebounds
Jazz vs Mavericks odds
Spread: Jazz +3.5 | Mavericks -3.5
Moneyline: Jazz +140 | Mavericks -165
Over/Under: Over 241.5 | Under 241.5
Jazz vs Mavericks betting trend to know
The Mavericks have won each of their last eight home games against the Jazz. Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Mavericks.
How to watch Jazz vs Mavericks
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Tip-off
5:00 p.m. ET
TV
KJZZ, KFAA
Jazz vs Mavericks latest injuries
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Nacho Elvira will head into the final day of the Dubai Invitational with a two-shot lead after a 3-under 68 in Saturday's third round, while Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry also remained in contention.
Elvira started the day tied for the lead with Lowry and started slowly with six pars and a bogey on the seventh, but birdies on the ninth, 10th, 13th and 17th meant he pulled away with an 8-under total of 205.
Lowry is in a three-way tie for second with Marcus Armitage and Dylan Fritelli, who recorded the best round of the day with 65.
McIlroy is one shot further back in fifth after making three birdies on the back nine for a 68.
Elvira's only previous wins on the European tour came at the Cazoo Open in 2021 and the Soudal Open in 2024.
The Dubai Invitational is held every other year. Two years ago, Tommy Fleetwood benefited from two huge errors on the back nine from McIlroy to win the tournament following a back-and-forth final-round duel. Fleetwood was tied for 20th on even par Saturday.
Next week sees the Dubai Desert Classic, which McIlroy has won four times. He has also won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai three times.
The NBA trade deadline is three weeks away, leaving plenty of time for movement and speculation among the 30 teams in the league.
The trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks served as the biggest trade in the days leading up to the 2025 deadline. While 2026 has already seen the Atlanta Hawks trade away Trae Young, both were drafted early in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft before being traded for each other.
Guard Trae Young may not be the only point guard moved before the deadline. Here’s who else could be on the move.
Point guard market
Ja Morant could be on the move from Memphis, with his career stalling in recent years. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Sacramento Kings could be a team to watch, as long as it doesn’t "involve giving the Grizzlies any significant draft capital."
The Minnesota Timberwolves could be in the market to add a point guard, according to an ESPN report, but it remains to be seen if that happens and who those potential candidates could be.
The Timberwolves would be expected to move on from one of their key players to make a notable trade happen due to the lack of “tradable first-round picks” available for the franchise.
What could the Warriors do?
Jonathan Kuminga made his intentions clear earlier this week with his demand for a trade. The Golden State Warriors make the most of the situation and bring in a player who may be better suited for them in the process.
ESPN's Kevin Pelton believes Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. could be a player Golden State could consider. Porter has a $38 million salary, but would add another long-range shooter with size to the lineup. The Warriors would likely have to send a player over, such as Moses Moody, to make that deal come together.
Who else is in the market for Porter? ESPN's Zach Kram believes Porter could also be a major upgrade for the Detroit Pistons, who remain a contender at the top of the Eastern Conference.
There will always be the consideration of Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded away by the Milwaukee Bucks. Whether it will actually happen remains to be seen.
"I'm just not sure who the team is that would be willing to go all-in right now for him," a scout told ESPN's Jamal Collier regarding Antetokounmpo. "Teams are looking to hold onto their cards until the summer."
Ken Rosenthal says there will be calls for a salary cap but that baseball has plenty of other problems to work through as well in order to avoid a work stoppage.
The Dodgers signed a 25-year, $8.35 billion deal with Time Warner Cable in 2013, and the team co-owns the network.
By comparison, the Royals received $45 million in 2024 from their broadcast deal with Bally Sports Kansas City, according to the Kansas City Business Journal.
Following the 2024 season, the parent company of Bally Sports KC voided its deal with the Royals. Bally Sports rebranded as FanDuel Sports KC and agreed to a restructured deal with the Royals, likely for less money.
So where does that leave the Royals with Bubic? There is absolutely still interest. One source told me the Mets are very interested. They are definitely in on Framber Valdez, but if he goes elsewhere, it sounds like they’d pivot to Bubic. The Orioles, I’m told, had interest at some point. I don’t know how deep it was, but they’ve also traded for Shane Baz and re-signed Zach Eflin. That’s not to say there wouldn’t be starts for Bubic, but it’s a crowded room there. I’ve heard some rumors about the Braves having interest. I wonder if the Phillies would jump in. They have a lot of uncertainty in their rotation. And I’ve been told the Padres are just sort of hanging on the periphery here.
My guess, at this point, is that Bubic isn’t traded, but I’m not terribly confident in that. The teams with interest just don’t match up all that well.
Good morning everyone! The stove is on fire this week with several major remaining dominoes falling. Let’s get you caught up on all of that and more.
In Mariners news…
In a recent edition of the Baseball America podcast, J.J. Cooper and Jesus Canó took a deep dive into the Mariners farm system.
Around the league…
The Mets quickly pivoted after losing out on the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, signing infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126M contract to be their starting third baseman.
The price on Elly De La Cruz only will continue to rise, but the Reds have been unable to get their dynamic young shortstop to agree to a long-term contract extension.
Even before the 2025 season, De La Cruz rejected an offer that would have surpassed Joey Votto’s mark as the richest in team history, according to multiple reports.
The 24-year-old De La Cruz has made the All-Star team in two of his first three seasons with the Reds, finishing last year with 22 home runs, 37 stolen bases and a career-best 86 RBIs.
The Reds apparently didn’t offer Elly De La Cruz enough money. AP
“We made Elly an offer that would have made him the highest-paid Red ever,” team president Nick Krall told The Athletic on Friday. “That’s not where he is and you respect that. It’s their career. You keep going and you keep working on what you can do today.”
Votto, a six-time All-Star over 17 seasons with the Reds, signed a 10-year deal worth $225 million in 2012.
De La Cruz, who is represented by Scott Boras, is under team control for four more seasons and won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season.
“I let my agent take care of all of that,” De La Cruz told reporters at the team’s fan fest.
Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. inked an 11-year, $288 million extension in 2024 to remain in small-market Kansas City.
Elly De La Cruz is still under team control for four more seasons. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Young stars such as Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna and Arizona’s Corbin Carroll also are among those to have signed nine-figure extensions in recent years to bypass arbitration and put off free agency.
Juan Soto, another Boras client, was a high-profile example of a player who turned down multiple extension offers early in his career, and he was traded from Washington to San Diego to the Yankees before landing a record $765 million contract with the Mets in free agency before last season.
The Reds signed pitcher Hunter Greene in 2023 to a six-year extension worth $53 million with a $21 million team option for 2029 to buy out multiple years of free agency.
“We’ve got a lot of guys on this club that are impact players that have a chance to be impact players,” Krall added. “Hunter took a deal and that was great. We love having him and he’s an anchor starter for us. We’ve had a lot of conversation over the years, it’s got to work out for both parties.”
The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped four of their last five games, but they’ll be shorthanded tonight as they search for a win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Both teams are playing the first legs of back-to-back sets, and my Lakers vs. Trail Blazers predictions expect a low-scoring game, with young center Donovan Clingan active on the glass.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this showdown at Moda Center on Saturday, January 17.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers prediction
Lakers vs Trail Blazers best bet: Donovan Clingan Over 11.5 rebounds (+100)
Donovan Clingan is pulling down a career-high 10.7 boards per game this season, but he's averaged 11.9 rebounds across his last eight games. In that span, Clingan has secured 12+ rebounds five times, including 12 in his last game out.
Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes are both questionable, giving Clingan a favorable matchup against a banged-up Los Angeles Lakers frontcourt. The Lakers will be without their two leading scorers. The Portland Trail Blazers will likely be missing its top scorer and will potentially be without its second-leading scorer.
I’m expecting a low-scoring game and plenty of missed shots from two banged-up rosters. That should lead to ample rebounding opportunities for the second-year man out of UConn.
Clingan has averaged 11.2 rebounds per game at home compared to 10.2 on the road. Given his favorable matchup at Moda Center, I’ll take the Over at even money.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Austin Reaves is still out, and Luka Doncic will sit out Saturday, too. With so much offensive firepower on the sideline, someone else will need to step up for the Lakers.
Jake LaRavia has averaged 14.1 points across his last nine games as a starter, and he scored at least 16 points five times in that span, including two straight.
Without its two leading scorers, Los Angeles will struggle to score points in this one. Likewise, Portland is expected to be without leading scorer Deni Avdija, and second-leading scorer Jerami Grant is questionable.
The Lakers have hit the Under in six of their last 10, and the Blazers have gone Under in seven of 10.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers SGP
Donovan Clingan Over 11.5 rebounds
Jake LaRavia Over 15.5 points
Under 223.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: James Dishes
King James is dishing just 6.9 assists per game this season, and he's recorded nine or more in just six of 22 appearances.
I'll take my chances on the Over with plus-money odds as Luka Doncic is sidelined. Doncic is averaging 8.7 assists per game, and with him out of action, LeBron James should be the team's primary facilitator tonight.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers SGP
Donovan Clingan Over 11.5 rebounds
Jake LaRavia Over 15.5 points
Under 223.5
LeBron James Over 8.5 assists
Lakers vs Trail Blazers odds
Spread: Los Angeles +3.5 (-110) | Portland -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles +135 | Portland -160
Over/Under: Over 223.5 (-110) | Under 223.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
The Portland Trail Blazers have hit the Moneyline in 24 of their last 40 games at home (+15.15 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Lakers vs Trail Blazers
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBA TV
Lakers vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Yegor Sharangovich has enjoyed a lot of success on home soil of late, recording six points and 29 shots on goal over his last 10 in Calgary.
My Islanders vs. Flames predictions expect Sharangovich to be heavily involved in the offense once again in an out-of-conference matinee.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Saturday, January 17.
Islanders vs Flames prediction
Islanders vs Flames best bet:Yegor Sharangovich Over 1.5 shots (-145 at Bet99)
Yegor Sharangovich has some of the most drastic home/road splits you will find. He has averaged 2.6 shots on 4.6 attempts for the Calgary Flames this season, going Over his 1.5 line at a 76% clip.
Those outputs are night and day from what he’s accomplished on the road. Sharangovich has generated just 1.3 shots on 3.2 attempts in away games, going Over 35% of the time.
There’s a lot of reason to believe Sharangovich will continue finding success at home against the Islanders.
With Blake Coleman banged up, Sharangovich is sliding into his spot alongside Mikael Backlund and Matt Coronato. That line is going to get plenty of ice time.
The New York Islanders also rank 22nd in 5-on-5 shot suppression and 25th while undermanned over the last 10 games. They are giving up plenty of volume, which should lead to ample opportunity for Sharangovich to throw pucks on net.
New York is particularly vulnerable, where Sharangovich likes to pepper goaltenders with pucks. A ton of his volume comes from the slot, and the Isles sit 28th in shots allowed from that area over their last 10.
Rasmus Andersson has shot the puck a lot more frequently this season, especially on home ice. He is averaging 2.6 shots on 6.0 attempts and has cleared this line in 67% of his games in Calgary.
Lastly, we’re going with the Under. The Islanders rank dead last in expected goals generated over the past 10 games. They should struggle to generate offense against a Flames team that has conceded just 2.25 goals per night on home ice.
Yegor Sharangovich has recorded multiple shots on goal in eight of his last 10 home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Flames.
How to watch Islanders vs Flames
Location
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Date
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Puck drop
4:00 p.m. ET
TV
CBC
Islanders vs Flames 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.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The Dallas Mavericks (16-26) meet the Utah Jazz (14-27) Saturday in a game with an early 4:00pm CST tipoff at American Airlines Center. If any of that sounds familiar, it’s because the two teams faced off Thursday, with the home team Mavericks winning in a blowout, 144-122. Both teams were coming off a loss the night before (Dallas lost to Denver 118-109, while Utah fell 128-126 to Chicago) and both teams were without their leading scorer, but Dallas’ crew of bench and two-way players made an effective supporting cast for Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall as the Mavs nursed a 30-point lead for much of the second half. Saturday’s clash, the finale of the season series between these clubs, caps a four-game homestand for Dallas.
Big and rich
The presence of forward Lauri Markkanen, who missed the Jazz’ last two contests with illness, has been the difference between the Jazz looking like a pretty competent outfit, as they did Monday in an impressive 123-112 road win against Cleveland, and the Jazz team that gave up 150 points to Charlotte Saturday and 144 to the Mavericks Thursday. Markkanen scored 33 and 28 in these teams’ first two meetings, both Jazz home wins in which they outmuscled Mavs lineups with and without Anthony Davis. Markkanen and center Kyle Filipowski took over in overtime Dec. 15 after the Mavericks had spent much of the game outscoring their opponents in the paint. In their next game Jan. 8 when the Jazz needed buckets after the Mavericks erased a 14-point deficit in the third quarter, they went after Daniel Gafford as Markkanen drew Davis away from the basket. With Markkanen sitting Thursday, the Mavericks turned the tide and pushed the smaller Jazz lineups around, harassing Filipowski into 1-of-5 three-point shooting and coming up with rebounds as they protected their lead.
Brice cooker
Guard Brice Sensabaugh was electric down the stretch against the Mavericks Jan. 8, drawing a charge on Cooper Flagg, finding Keyonte George and Markkanen for baskets, and doing some scoring on his own, including a huge three-pointer and a steal and layup in the final two minutes. Thursday’s contest was not as competitive but he scored 27 on 10-of-15 shooting, the latest in a run of recent efficient performances. Sensabaugh and Lewisville-born George, both third-year players, join a core of young players for the ostensibly tanking Jazz who are developing ahead of the team’s rebuilding schedule. Second-year forward Cody Williams is finally rounding into form after a shaky start to the season; the Jazz are not yet a good defensive team but Williams is a good perimeter defender whose offense is catching up. Ace Bailey, the No. 5 pick in last year’s draft, scored 15 most recently against the Mavericks but was held to one make on five tries from three.
Today is tomorrow
The Mavericks’ bossiness near the basket Thursday was all that more impressive considering that the team was missing the top three big men on the depth chart, plus PJ Washington and Cooper Flagg, both out with ankle sprains. To make it work, the Mavericks leaned heavily on center Moussa Cisse, guard Miles Kelly, and forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who all topped 20 minutes. Kelly made three of eight three-pointers, Cisse tallied his first career double-double, and Robinson-Earl debuted with 12 points and seven boards. While Flagg is considered doubtful to play Saturday, the possible return of Max Christie, who missed Thursday’s game with illness, would give the Mavericks some shooting and scoring at the rim which will be much needed if the Jazz have more of their starters available.
For the second straight season, injuries have the Mavericks needing to get creative to field a healthy lineup, using their recently awarded 10-day hardship exception to sign Robinson-Earl. There has been no shortage of tough news lately for the Mavericks, and the forecast after this game calls for six more weeks of winter- of the Mavs’ next 13 opponents between now and Feb. 20, all but two (the Bucks and Hornets) have a winning record.
How to watch/listen
You can watch the game on KFAA Channel 29 or MAVS TV (streaming), or listen at 97.1FM KEGL (English), and 99.1FM KFZO (español)
The San Diego Padres have had a relatively quiet offseason, especially when it comes to addressing the needs on their roster. However, the Padres did make some news Thursday when they hired former club members Bud Black and Wil Myers. Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball sees the hiring of Black as a positive for San Diego and its new manager Craig Stammen. The former reliever who got the job this offseason after former manager Mike Shildt retired, has never managed and will need to lean on coaches and front office personnel who have been in his position, which makes the hiring of Black a solid move by the Padres.
Padres News:
The Padres signed eight international prospects on Thursday and Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball provides information on each one. The international signing period is open until Dec. 15, and San Diego has money left to spend, so there could be additional signings as the year progresses.
AJ Cassavell of Padres.com provided some answers to various questions he has received from fans on Redditt. Some of the questions asked of Cassavell were about A.J. Preller and a potential extension, what players he sees the team adding via free agency and what his thoughts are on the Los Angeles Dodgers adding Kyle Tucker to their lineup. You can read all the Q&A here.
JP Sears is a pitcher who may find himself pitching a lot of innings for the Padres this season. He is also the focus of the ongoing Padres roster review by Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Baseball News:
A day after Kyle Tucker signed with the Dodgers over the New York Mets and others, the Mets signed free agent infielder Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million deal. He joins a crowded infield and will play third base in New York, a position he has not played in MLB.
Framber Valdez is the top free agent pitcher on the market, but Justin Verlander is reportedly drawing interest from teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, who were considered to be one of the suitors for Valdez.
Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz declined an extension from the Cincinnati Reds last spring. The offer would have reportedly topped the 10-year, $225 million deal the team had with former first baseman Joey Votto.
The Los Angeles Angels who acquired Josh Lowe in a three-team trade Thursday, have said they are open to playing him in center field. In the same trade the Tampa Bay Rays acquired infielder Gavin Lux and the team announced Friday the plan is for Lux to be the team’s second baseman.
