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Jordan Walsh reacts to losing closest Celtics teammate at trade deadline

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 16: Jordan Walsh #27 and Xavier Tillman #26 of the Boston Celtics arrive to the arena before the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Six of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

BOSTON — Xavier Tillman arrived in Boston in the middle of Jordan Walsh’s rookie season. Walsh was 19 at the time, the youngest member of the squad, and Tillman almost immediately took him under his wing.

So, when Walsh rarely played throughout his first two seasons, Tillman was often in his ear. That same mentorship continued into this season, when Walsh began playing meaningful minutes for the very first time, ultimately starting 20 straight games for Boston.

But, as of Thursday, Tillman is no longer on the Celtics roster. The veteran big man was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in the final hours of the NBA’s midseason trade deadline, and Walsh is not sure who to lean on when it comes to dealing with the ups and downs of the season.

“It used to be X — X is my guy,” Walsh said. “Now I’m trying to figure out who that is. Me and JB [Jaylen Brown] are really close, so it might just end up being him, but he just wants to put me in a headlock.”

Walsh’s and Tillman’s friendship was on display throughout the year.

Earlier this season, for example, when Walsh was just beginning to break into the rotation, Tillman excitedly crashed his postgame interview. The Celtics had just defeated the Orlando Magic, and Walsh hit a big three-pointer down the stretch to help secure the victory.

“He’s the king of the lockdown,” Tillman said, grinning. “He can guard anybody. The bigs, the littles, the wings, they don’t matter. Call Jordan, he’s your guy.”

Tillman’s leadership extended throughout the locker room.

“He’s almost become, quickly, a vet for us,” Joe Mazzulla said earlier in the season. “I’ve been very appreciative of how he’s handled just the trajectory of his role here.”

Tillman isn’t the only teammate that Walsh, and the rest of the Celtics, lost

The Celtics traded Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls, Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz, and Josh Minott to the Brooklyn Nets.

All of the losses hurt.

“[All] those guys, I got close to while they were here,” Walsh said.

After the deadline, Mazzulla said his focus was on the players’ general well-being: “It’s the time of year where you spend time worrying about the person more than the player.”

For Walsh, there is an inevitable adjustment period after having lost such a close teammate.

“It’s tough. That first game back…. me and X were like this,” Walsh said, crossing his fingers. “And so that first game back, I’m always looking for somebody to talk to, for inspo, points, or whatever it may be, and he just wasn’t there. And I was like, dang it just feels different. Everything feels different.“

Walsh is excited to reunite with one former teammate on Wednesday, when the Celtics host the Bulls for their last game ahead of the All-Star break.

Anfernee Simons, who is averaging 20 points in three games for Chicago, will return to Boston just a week after his trade.

“Fortunately, I’ll see Ant [tomorrow],” Walsh said. “We’ll have to destroy him, though. But, it’ll be good to see him again, have him back in the Garden. But missing those guys, having them gone, it definitely leaves a void in the arena.”

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Mavericks vs Suns Preview and Injury Update: Heading West before All Star break

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 12: Brandon Williams #10 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (19-33) stay on the road Tuesday night to match up against the Phoenix Suns (31-22). Dallas has now lost seven in a row, most recently to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Phoenix has now lost two in a row, most recently to the Philadelphia 76ers, and is looking for a get-right game. Phoenix won the first match-up of the season way back in November.

Here’s the main things you need to know before tipoff.

  • WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns
  • WHAT: Road trippin’
  • WHERE: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
  • WHEN: 8:00 pm CST
  • HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass

The injury report is a little confusing at first glance for the Dallas Mavericks. All three two-way guys are listed as doubtful, so no Ryan Nembhard and no Moussa Cisse (Miles Kelly doesn’t get much burn anyway). Klay Thompson is listed as questionable with “rest” but we know he was at Meg Thee Stallion’s birthday, so I bet it’s a matter of if he gets to Arizona in time and if he feels good to play. The only Sun of note that’s out is Grayson Allen with a knee issue.

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I am not sure what to expect out of this matchup, or any matchup from here on out, if we’re honest. Dallas isn’t favored, but they don’t have bad players. Tanking organizationally may be in the cards but game by game, Dallas is trying to win. They simply haven’t been able to.

Keeping Devin Booker in check is the surest path to a Dallas victory, but that’s not going to be an easy task. I’m curious who will get the defensive assignment early on, particularly if PJ Washington comes off the bench. Keep an eye on Cooper Flagg’s three-point shooting, which has been very good on low volume since the 20-game mark. I’d put money on this being a clutch game again.

Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

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Wizards at Cavaliers preview: Washington visits red-hot Cleveland

WASHINGTON, DC -  DECEMBER 12: Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket as Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays defense during the game on December 12, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Washington Wizards head to Ohio on Wednesday to take on a streaking Cleveland Cavaliers team at Rocket Arena.

Game info

When: Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass

Injuries: For the Wizards, Kyshawn George (back), Anthony Gill (hamstring), and Bilal Coulibaly (heel) are questionable, while Trae Young (knee, quad), Anthony Davis (hand, groin), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), and D’Angelo Russell (uncertain future) are out.

For the Cavaliers, Dean Wade (ankle), Evan Mobley (calf), and Max Strus (foot) are out.

What to watch for

The two East teams that drastically revamped their rosters at the NBA trade deadline are set to face off on Wednesday night. While the Wizards’ newest acquisitions, Anthony Davis and Trae Young, are not playing anytime soon, the Cavaliers have hit the ground running with James Harden.

The Cavs scored big wins in each of Harden’s first two contests with his new squad, improving the team’s record to 9-1 over their last 10 games. The Wizards, meanwhile, have leaned even further into the youth movement.

Will Riley, Jamir Watkins, Sharife Cooper, and Tristan Vukcevic have all received extended run over Washington’s last three games. There’s no reason to expect that to change against the Cavs with the Wiz still looking to secure more draft lottery combinations.

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Dylan Lee wins arbitration case over Braves

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Dylan Lee #52 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the eighth inning during the game against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on September 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Atlanta Braves reliever Dylan Lee has reportedly won his arbitration case over the team, according to a report by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Per the report, Lee will make $2.2 million for the 2026 season. The club had filed at $2 million. Lee was the Braves’ only arbitration-eligible player this offseason to go to arbitration.

Lee has established himself as a key part of the Braves bullpen over his five seasons with the club. He appeared in a career-high 74 games in 2025 while posting a 78 ERA- and 78 xFIP-. Unfortunately, though, he got stung by the HR/FB bug and ended up with a 99 FIP-, such that he earned just 0.3 fWAR on the season. He struck out 76 hitters and issued just 14 walks in 68 1/3 innings. Over the arc of his career, Lee now has a 67 ERA-, 86 FIP-, and 79 xFIP- in 204 1/3 major league innings.

The Braves originally signed Lee in April of 2021 after he was released by the Marlins. He is in his second year of arbitration eligibility and isn’t scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2028 season.

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Luis Arraez, a 3-time batting champion, finalizes $12 million, 1-year contract with Giants

SAN FRANCISCO — Three-time batting champion Luis Arraez and the San Francisco Giants finalized a $12 million, one-year contract on Tuesday.

A 28-year-old infielder, Arraez led the National League in hits the past two seasons and is expected to be San Francisco’s second baseman for new manager Tony Vitello.

Arraez, a left-handed hitter, batted .292 with eight home runs, 61 RBIs, 181 hits and 11 stolen bases for the San Diego Padres last year. The three-time All-Star spent his first five major league seasons with the Minnesota Twins before they traded him to the Miami Marlins in January 2023. San Diego acquired him in May 2024.

Right-hander Randy Rodríguez was placed on the 60-day injured list to open a roster spot.

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Giants confirm that Luis Arráez is their second baseman

Luis Arráez tossing a ball.
Jul 18, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez (4) tosses a fielded ground ball to first base against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

When the San Francisco Giants first made the mildly-surprising news to sign bat-to-ball maven Luis Arráez, there were questions about where he would play. Like most infielders, Arráez had played all over the dirt in the Minor Leagues, though he was viewed as a second baseman by the time he made the Majors. After a few years and some NSFW advanced metrics, Arráez was mostly moved to first base and designated hitter during his time with the San Diego Padres the last two years.

The Giants, of course, have first base handled for the foreseeable future with Rafael Devers, and hope to have designated hitter accounted for with Bryce Eldridge. Did the organization see things differently? Was Arráez there to play DH while Eldridge returned to Sacramento? Perhaps to play the Wilmer Flores/Dominic Smith role off the bench? Or was he supplanting Casey Schmitt at second base?

As soon as those questions were asked, reports were sent out that it was the latter: the Giants were hoping to sprinkle some of Ron Washington’s magic infield dust on Arráez’s glove (and arm, and cleats), and run him out as the near-everyday second baseman. But with the move not yet finalized and made official, neither Arráez nor the Giants could actually comment on that.

Now they can, and it’s clear as day: Arráez is the handsomely-compensated second baseman for your 2026 Giants.

Speaking in Giants gear for the first time on Tuesday at the start of Spring Training, the always-jovial Arráez confirmed the reports that he had rejected multi-year deals because the Giants, unlike the teams offering those longer contracts, promised to play him at second base.

The coaching staff and Buster Posey confirmed that Arráez is there to hold down the fort at second, and they certainly conveyed confidence in his ability to do so. According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser, Washington — widely considered one of the best infield coaches in baseball history — called the three-time batting champ a “pro,” and said, “He just has to be educated about the correct way to play defense — it’s more than what goes on between the lines, it’s also what your thoughts are, your work ethic, your ability to listen, learn and apply. I believe Arráez can be a very good second baseman.”

Posey, as is his style, was a bit more calculated in his response, but NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic quotes the Giants president of baseball operations as telling reporters, “I think we’re all really optimistic about (Washington) getting Luis into a good spot defensively, and then the bat, I mean, he’s the best bat-to-ball guy in all of baseball … We felt comfortable that there was a solid foundation there for a guy that could play second base well.”

Words and intention, of course, can only go so far, as Posey seemed to admit when saying, “As far as the defense, it’s not going to be for a lack of effort and work on his part and (from) the coaching staff.” But that’s what the next six weeks are for: seeing how far Arráez can progress, and how much work Washington and the coaching staff con do with him.

With no place to put him if second base doesn’t work out, it’s safe to say the Giants wouldn’t have committed $12 million to the three-time All-Star if they weren’t confident in his ability to play second … or at least, to derive more offensive value than he loses with the glove while at that position. So it seems likely that he’ll get quite a long leash, even if he struggles in the early part of the season.

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2026 NBA All-Star Game schedule: Time, how to watch, rosters and format

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is nearly here.

The rosters have been set, and the game’s biggest stars will congregate in Los Angeles for the 75th edition of the NBA All-Star Game.

The league opted to use a “U.S. vs. World” format in a round-robin tournament that will feature three teams, one of which will be composed of international players.

The game, however, will be missing some key players because of injury, most notably last season’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

When is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

The game will take place Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. ET.

Where is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

Los Angeles will serve as host of All-Star weekend and all of its events, including the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the Slam Dunk Contest and the 3-Point Contest. Events will take place at the Intuit Dome, the home venue of the Los Angeles Clippers.

How to watch 2026 NBA All-Star Game

The game will be broadcast on NBC and will be available for streaming on Peacock. The first game in the round-robin tournament will tip off at 5 p.m. ET. This is the first time in 24 years that the event is broadcast on a network other than TNT.

Who is participating in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?

Team Stars

  • Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
  • Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
  • Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
  • Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)
  • Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
  • Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
  • Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
  • Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

Team Stripes

  • Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
  • Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
  • Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)*
  • Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
  • Brandon Ingram (Toronto Raptors)
  • LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)
  • Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • Norman Powell (Miami Heat)

Team World

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)*
  • Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
  • Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)*
  • Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
  • Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
  • Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets)
  • Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
  • Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

*injured, will not play

2026 NBA All-Star Game format

The NBA is introducing an entirely new format in the All-Star Game: U.S. vs. The World.

Two teams of U.S. players and a team of international players will compete in a round-robin tournament in four 12-minute games, all to be held on the final day of All-Star Weekend — Sunday, Feb. 15 — the NBA announced Tuesday, Nov. 11.

All round-robin games will be played on Sunday, Feb. 15, and here’s how the tournament works:

Team A will play Team B in Game 1. 

The winning team from Game 1 will play Team C in Game 2.

The losing team from Game 1 will play Team C in Game 3.

After Game 3, the top two teams by record will play each other in the championship game. But, if all three teams have a 1-1 record after Game 3, the point differential in each team’s two round-robin games will serve as the tiebreaker.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA All-Star 2026 schedule: Dates, time and TV channel

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Rockets set to take on the Clips in Game 1 of a double-dip

Dec 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (left) and guard James Harden (right) force Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) to turn the ball over during the third quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers

February 9, 2026

Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX

TV: Space City Home Network, NBA TV

Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time: 7:00pm CST

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun

Clippers: Bennedict Mathurin, Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, John Collins, Brook Lopez

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A change in philosophy in 2026

Craig Stammen at his first press conference in Peoria, AZ | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres season ended on a sour note in 2025. Losing two out of three to the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card series, the team then lost its manager when he retired 11 days after the season ended. Citing mental, physical and emotional exhaustion, manager Mike Shildt left the team and subsequently took a job with the Baltimore Orioles in their player development department.

After his retirement from managing, news came out about several issues that were common between Shildt’s two opportunities to manage in the major leagues. His temperament with his coaches and front offices was portrayed as volatile and there wasn’t anyone who watched the team closely that didn’t notice his short temper with media during his press conferences.

Despite these issues, Shildt was a successful manager and won 90 games or more in his two seasons with the Padres. Players cited their good relationships with him and how they felt he had their backs throughout his time with the organization. But the tensions and constrained environment could not have been good for the overall vibe with the team. It isn’t hard to assume that the choice of Craig Stammen as manager by president of baseball operations A.J. Preller was partly a reflection of wanting someone whose temperament and personality he knew well.

A different approach

So what will be the new philosophy for the team be going forward?

What will Stammen bring to the environment that takes a talented group of players and helps them take the next step that is needed to win a World Series championship?

During his first presser of Spring Training on Tuesday, Stammen was asked about his organizational philosophy for the team. His response shows his sense of humor as well as his desire to build on what the team has already accomplished and then add his own contributions.

“Score as many runs as possible, that would be a good philosophy,” Stammen said, with a big grin. “We’re going to talk about hard work, we’re going to talk about togetherness and we’re going to talk about, you know, adding days together that add up to a big picture. So, being really good at the small things, being ‘extraordinary at the ordinary’ – if you want some buzz words. Those are the things I believe in and the things I’m going to try to impart on the team.”

This does sound a little similar to Shildt’s ‘winning on the margins’ philosophy but if you add the comments of new hitting coach, Steven Souza, to what Stammen stated you get a more complete picture of what they want the offense to be like.

Steven Souza outlines his goals

“First of all, it’s nice to have a talented roster like this. You’re only as good as the players you have and the culture you create,” Souza said. “There’s a lot of really good players in this offense that do a really good job at a lot of different things.”

“Controlling the zone, hammering mistakes, being able to make the pitcher do something different out there,” Souza said.

Souza went on to expand on his thoughts by adding, “create traffic, when that happens, is a huge part of the success going forward.”

He acknowledged that slug was an issue last season but emphasized having a dialogue with the hitters to give them a different creative avenue.

“The offense needs to be able to play the game that we need to play,” Souza said, stating that hitting in Petco Park might mean spraying the ball around, but a different environment would call for more slug.

“Not limiting this roster to one type of team, I think that’s what I want to do. Controlling the zone is part of that.”

He also said that he wants the hitters to feel free to do what works for them. The dialogue and communication will stress that the hitters need to feel free to be themselves.

An optimistic clubhouse

Communication and relationships are the two words most often heard from both Stammen and the players who spoke to the media at Padres FanFest on Jan. 31 at Petco Park. Many of the guys he will manage this season also played with Stammen when he pitched for the Padres.

Jake Cronenworth wasn’t shy about his feelings for Stammen, as quoted in the San Diego Union Tribune – “What an amazing guy… a mentor and an incredible human to be around. I couldn’t be more excited.”

The other telling quote from that same article came from Padres pitcher and clubhouse leader, Joe Musgrove.

“The manager’s biggest goal is to have a happy clubhouse and a good relationship with the players,” Musgrove said. “He’s coming in already ahead of the game in that aspect, having played with us. I think the communication is going to be a lot freer and a lot more open, a little bit of honesty. And I think Craig’s the kind of guy that’s not looking for praise, you know, he’s not looking to be the hero that comes in and always makes the right decision.”

Read into that what you will but just from the tone at FanFest, this team seems happier.

There is a long way to go before we get to Opening Day, but the next six weeks will hopefully show signs of what the personality of this team will be, both on offense and defense. If Stammen and his coaches do their jobs well, the Padres should give the Friar Faithful more reasons to fill Petco Park in 2026.

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Risacher named as replacement to Rising Stars challenge

Feb 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Last year’s number one overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher was overlooked on the initial list for the 2026 Rising Stars event at the All-Star Weekend that will take place in under a week’s time. I outlined his injury-riddled disappointing second season earlier.

But with Ajay Mitchell of the Oklahoma City Thunder ruled out for the challenge due to injury, the NBA needed to backfill one of the sophomore spots. Today, we got some fortunate news for Risacher:

Risacher is averaging 10.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game — both figures fewer than his rookie season when he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.

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Cubs sign Kyle Wright to minor league deal

The Cubs are adding some starting pitching depth:

Kyle Wright was the Braves’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in 2017 out of Vanderbilt and was a Top 100 prospect three years in a row (2018, 2019, 2020). He made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2019 and joined their rotation full-time in 2022, when he had an outstanding season: 21-5, 3.19 ERA, 1.159 WHIP, 174 strikeouts in 180.1 innings, 3.7 bWAR and 10th place in Cy Young voting.

A serious shoulder injury cost Wright most of the 2023 season and he had surgery on the shoulder in October 2023. A month later the Braves traded him to the Royals. Wright missed the entire 2024 season and made eight rehab starts in the Royals system with a 6.97 ERA and 1.565 WHIP in 23 innings. He became a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.

Wright turned 30 in October. There’s really no way of knowing whether he could get back to his 2022 form after that shoulder surgery, but this is a depth signing. Wright most likely starts the year at Triple-A Iowa (perhaps with an opt out) and will see some time during Spring Training. Seems a worthwhile NRI signing.

As noted by Jon Heyman, Wright is MLB’s most recent 20-game winner. Also, Wright and Dansby Swanson were Vanderbilt teammates in 2015. Here’s some video of Wright from a game April 28, 2022 against the Cubs:

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Cavs vs. Wizards: How to watch, odds, and injury report

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to roll into the All-Star break on a five-game winning streak. The only thing standing in their way is a less-than-stellar Washington Wizards team.

Wednesday will be James Harden’s first game in Cleveland as a Cavalier. He’s made a great first impression with the team as he’s come up big in the clutch against the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets. We’ll see what he has in store for his home debut.

The Wizards aren’t exactly trying to win games at this point in the season. Their midseason trades for Anthony Davis and Trae Young were done with next year in mind.

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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (33-21) vs. Washington Wizards (14-38)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Wed., Feb. 11 at 7 PM

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass

Point spread: Cavs -18.5

Cavs injury report: Dean Wade – OUT (ankle), Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League)

Wizards injury report: Bilal Coulibaly – QUESTIONABLE (heel), Anthony Davis – OUT (finger), Kyshawn George – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Anthony Gill – QUESTIONABLE (hand), D’Angelo Russell – OUT (not with team), Cam Whitmore – OUT (shoulder), Trae Young – OUT (knee)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Jarrett Allen

Wizards expected starting lineup: Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Justin Champagnie, Alex Sarr

Previous matchup: The Cavs needed 48 points from Donovan Mitchell to narowly defeat the Wizards 130-126 in December.

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Cavs117.8 (7th)114.2 (11th)+3.6 (9th)
Wizards110.3 (29th)121.3 (29th)-11 (30th)

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Game Thread: Knicks vs Pacers, February 10, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 18: Tyler Kolek #13 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 18, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tonight at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks (34*-19) host the Indiana Pacers (13-40). The Knicks are riding high, winning nine of their last ten tries, while the Pacers are dutifully clearing the conference drain of clogs. For tonight’s tilt, Mitchell Robinson (mgmt) and OG Anunoby (toe) will be out. With New York slated to play in Philly tomorrow night, a smart strategy would be for the healthy starters to slam the lid on this one early and let the bench crew—Kolek! Alvarado! Diawara! McCullar!—shovel the dirt on the coffin.

Tip-off is 7:30 pm EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Indy Cornrows. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Enjoy each other’s company, respectfully. And go Knickerbockers!

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count. 

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Freiburg beats Hertha Berlin on penalties to advance to German Cup semifinals

BERLIN, Germany (AP) — Freiburg advanced to the semifinals of the German Cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout win at Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.

Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Muller saved Pascal Klemens' sudden death spot kick in the Olympiastadion in Berlin to secure his team's place in the last four of the competition. Yuito Suzuki's strike had put the visitors 5-4 in front, meaning Klemens had to score to keep the shootout going.

After the game ended goalless in regulation time, Yuito Suzuki fired Freiburg ahead in the 96th minute. Eight minutes later the game was level again when Fabian Reese struck with a shot into the top corner.

Muller denied Michael Cuisance earlier in the shootout, but Freiburg's Johan Manzambi then saw his spot kick saved by Hertha keeper Tjark Ernst.

___

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