The New York Knicks will try to run their winning streak to five games as they host the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden tonight.
New York’s defense has been on point over the past week after some earlier lapses, and I’m counting on that trend to continue as I back the Under in my Trail Blazers vs. Knicks predictions.
Find out more in my free NBA picks for Friday, January 30.
Trail Blazers vs Knicks prediction
Trail Blazers vs Knicks best bet: Under 224.5 (-110)
The New York Knicks recently went through a stretch in which they won just two of 11 games from New Year’s Eve through January 19. At the time, it seemed the lack of defense was the problem, with opponents averaging 117.2 ppg during that stretch.
New York has turned that around in a heartbeat ever since. The Knicks have won four in a row, with opponents averaging only 88.5 ppg in those contests, and three of the four have been held below 100 points.
Yes, those numbers are skewed by the ridiculous 120-66 win over the Brooklyn Nets last week, but the team does appear to be playing with renewed urgency.
That sets up a tough matchup for the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland might like to run the court, but they are near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency (109.9), and have been held below 100 points in two of their last three games – all of which have gone to the Under.
Overall, the Knicks have now hit the Under in six straight games, while the Blazers have done so in four of their last five. But beyond the trends, it’s New York’s defensive effort that is likely to define this game.
I’m taking the Under tonight.
Trail Blazers vs Knicks same-game parlay
I’m pairing the Under with the Knicks to cover in my SGP, as New York’s renewed defensive intensity has led it to cover in each of its last four games.
I’m also taking Mikal Bridges (16.0 ppg) to hit his scoring total of 15.5 points, as he’s hit that number in each of his last two games, including a 30-point performance against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Trail Blazers vs Knicks SGP
Under 224.5
Knicks -7.5
Mikal Bridges Over 15.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dishing!
OG Anunoby is only averaging 2.3 assists per game this year, but has dished out at least three in three of his last four games during the Knicks’ winning streak.
The Under is 6-0 in New York’s last six games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Knicks.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Friday, January 30, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
BlazerVision, MSG Sportsnet
Trail Blazers vs Knicks 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
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 29: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball as Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks plays defense during the game on January 29, 2026 at American Airlines Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thursday night in Dallas, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel had their first NBA game against each other as the Charlotte Hornets visited the Dallas Mavericks and man, did they both ball out.
Flagg finished with 49 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and one block while Knueppel racked up 34 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.
None it was selfish or gunning: Flagg shot 20-29 (68.9%) while Knueppel hit 10-16 (62.5%) and all of it came in the flow of the game for both.
It was an interesting stop in the Rookie of the Year race, which will go to one or the other, unless they split the award, which would be amazing.
At this point, on an individual basis, you might have to give to Flagg, but in terms of impact on the team, Knueppel has the edge. The nature of his game has persuaded everyone to buy in and he has transformed the Hornets into something unusual. We heard today that with Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges starting, the Hornets are 10-1 and their offensive efficiency with that group is off the charts good.
Here are some videos of last night’s game and some links below that.
Jan 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) celebrates a three point shot against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sometimes there is a calm before the storm. A moment of clarity before chaos ensues. An instant where anticipation creeps in and you have to grab your emotions by the collar before they sprint off without you.
It’s like Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight, right before the drums crash down. You feel it coming. You anticipate your air drum solo. The note hangs in the room. You are ready, but you wait. There is beauty in the pause. Because on one side lives restraint, and on the other lives release.
Well, the hurt doesn’t show, but the pain still grows It’s no stranger to you and me…
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the national anthem before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Dillon Brooks knows that space well. You see it before every game. The vacant stare. Eyes locked somewhere past the hardwood, past the noise, past the stakes. It looks like intimidation, but it is not. It is meditation. It is breath control. It is taking in the sights and the sounds, the crowd humming, the moment stretching. Calm first, chaos later. Control now, eruption soon. The drum solo is coming. He is preparing himself to meet it head-on.
It was an unbelievably impressive effort by Dillon on Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons. Against the Eastern Conference’s best team, and the second-best team in the league by defensive rating, he had a night. A career night. 40 points. 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. 10-of-12 at the free throw line. Add 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 stocks, and you are staring at the most complete game of his career.
Then came the contrast.
As he walked into the postgame press conference, the game ball tucked calmly against him, the chaos disappeared.
This is a man who lives on the edge during games, who thrives in disruption and confrontation, suddenly quiet. Grounded. Almost serene. No bravado. No chest pounding. Even after a performance he will remember forever and the leather under his arm to prove it, he spoke softly. He reflected on that moment before the storm. The meditation. The calm that makes the chaos possible.
“It’s just me focusing on my breathing, trying to calm myself down before the game starts,” Brooks noted of his pregame ritual. “Just getting into like feeling the whole crowd and the whole like atmosphere of the game.”
It’s a “Medataive thing”, he added. “It puts me in my mode.”
He was in his mode on Thursday night, all right. His 40-point performance surpassed his previous career high of 37, which came in a loss as a member of the Grizzlies in 2021.
But that stare comes from somewhere else too. Yes, it is meditative. But it also serves another purpose entirely. Dillon admitted as much afterward. He talked about being a kid and watching Iron Mike Tyson. That is where it started.
Oh “When I was a kid, I used to watch Mike Tyson,” he said. “That’s probably where I got the stare from, too, was probably Mike Tyson.”
That is the contrast. Stillness paired with menace. Meditation paired with aggression. A man at peace who is fully prepared to drag you into chaos. Dillon is not staring into nothing. He is staring into you. And once he senses the balance tilt, once he feels the fear creep in, the switch flips. Calm gives way to attack. And by then, it is already too late.
Dillon the Villain, right?
It was Villain t-shirt night, after all, and his head coach entered the press room donning one. When Suns’ sideline reporter Amanda Pflugrad said, “Love the shirt,” Jordan Ott responded.
“Yeah, I do, too, after that. Like I said, we can give it away every night.”
“He had a great night, obviously, career high…and we needed all of them.”
That Brooksian edge does not live on adrenaline alone. It is built. Repeated. Earned in empty gyms when nobody is watching. “There’s a piece that you guys don’t get to see is like off outside of the game,” Ott said. “How he communicates on the court in practice or shootaround, in our film sessions.”
“I saw Dillon was working last night in the gym,” he added.
Brooks pointed to Kobe Bryant as the blueprint. He talked about watching Kobe Muse a couple nights earlier, soaking in that footage. The idea that readiness is not a switch you flip on game night. It is something you drag with you every day. Off days included. Especially off days.
That is the contrast again. Chaos on the floor, discipline behind the scenes. The snarling competitor versus the quiet worker. While others rest, he shoots. While the noise fades, he sharpens. Kobe understood that separation is created when effort becomes routine. Dillon has taken that lesson and made it personal. Work now, fear later. Preparation first, eruption second.
I happened to be sitting courtside during shootaround, talking with former Solar Panel Podcast host and PHNX GM Greg Esposito, when Mat Ishbia walked up. He acknowledged the work we do at Bright Side, and I thanked him in turn for giving me reasons to write positive things. About this team. About the way they play. He smiled and fired back a familiar refrain. “Well, I told you guys.” You damn right he did.
Behind him stood Dillon Brooks. Not listening. Not watching. Locked into his routine. Multiple basketballs pounding the floor at once, a blur of motion and intent, hands busy, mind elsewhere. Work before words. Process before praise. A few minutes later, he drifted to his usual spot. Feet set. Breathing controlled. Eyes distant. Living fully in the moment before the moment.
Contrast does the rest. Quiet preparation versus loud results. Empty gym habits colliding with a packed arena payoff. That calm turned into the best scoring night of his career. Not a fluke. Not a surprise. A culmination. In a game that was not only enjoyable to watch, but a genuine pleasure to witness. Chaos earned. Release delivered.
If the Pistons needed a wakeup call about the flaws of their roster, this West Coast trip has been a bit of an eye-opener. After nearly losing to the Denver Nuggets due to a lack of shooting and discipline at the end of the game, the luck ran out for the Pistons as they once again struggled to hit outside shots before getting run off the floor against the Phoenix Suns last night.
It wasn’t just the lack of shooting that has pretty much been a concern all season, but the Pistons were out-hustled, out-worked, and put in their place by the short-handed Suns, which also happened against the even more short-handed Nuggets. Luckily, they have a chance to bounce back against the Golden State Warriors tonight on ESPN.
The Warriors have been hot the last month, but they also recently lost Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL, so they are definitely vulnerable and it provides an opportunity for the Pistons to finish off this road trip with a winning record.
Game Vitals
Where: Chase Center in San Francisco, CA When: Friday, January 30 at 10 pm EST Watch: ESPN Odds: Golden State (-1.5)
Analysis
The Warriors really looked like they were finally starting to put things together to go on one last run as Steph Curry reaches the end of his legendary career, but a torn ACL for Jimmy Butler has put the Warriors in a position where they pretty much have to shoot for a big move at the deadline to try to keep their season on track.
Don’t get me wrong, the Warriors are still a good team without Jimmy Butler simply due to the extensive Championship experience for their core of Steph Curry and Draymond Green, but missing a 2nd option that can take pressure off of Curry on offense while also taking pressure off Green on defense in Butler is a huge loss.
The Pistons and Warriors are actually on a very similar level offensively this season, but the Pistons obviously have the edge defensively. But, the one thing the Pistons do not have is somebody that can take over a game shooting the ball like Steph Curry, who is still averaging 27.3 points per game at 37 years old and just barely shooting under 40 percent from beyond the arc.
The build of the Warriors without Jimmy Butler is actually pretty similar to the Pistons where they have Steph Curry to carry the offense like the Pistons have Cade Cunningham and they surround him with role players that can defend, but leave a little to be desired on offense. They aren’t quite as poor at shooting from beyond the arc as the Pistons are, but in a playoff setting, not having that secondary creator to take some pressure off of your main guy is a huge problem to overcome.
I haven’t canvased the rest of the league to officially confirm, but I think I can go out on a limb and say the Warriors have the oldest starting frontcourt in the NBA with the 39 year-old Al Horford and 35 year-old Draymond Green. Both players are still very solid defenders, but their best days on that end of the court are behind them.
The one positive from last night’s game against the Suns was their inability to slow down Jalen Duren, which was probably the solution for the Pistons’ 2nd half offensive struggles, but he didn’t end up playing as much as he should. Peak Horford and Green would have no issue with slowing down Duren, but he has a huge athletic advantage over both of them that he will have to take advantage of if the Pistons want to win.
In reality, the key for the Pistons is to simply not shoot as poorly as they have on this West Coast road trip. They were 6-of-29 from beyond the arc against the Suns and 6-of-31 against the Nuggets. That isn’t going to cut it against some of the better teams in the West no matter how short-handed they may be. The Pistons do not have a ton of shooters, but Duncan Robinson being 1 of his last 14 from beyond the arc is a huge reason for the shooting numbers for the Pistons.
They have gotten by this year with Duncan Robinson as the main spacing threat and it has been able to work against so many different teams because of the Pistons dominant defense and ability to control the glass and the paint, but when they are not controlling the paint and Robinson is shooting like this, everything looks ugly on offense. They have not been able to do either thing against both the Nuggets and Suns, which is why they had to squeak out a win against the Nuggets and were run off the court by the Suns.
The solution is going to probably have to be sacrificing some defense for more shooting, but that also messes with the Pistons identity, one which has been very clearly established this season.
It will be interesting to see how Trajan Langdon balances that, but for now, the Pistons have an important game against the Warriors with a chance to head home with a winning record on this road trip.
Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins has won each of his past three full starts, posting a .922 save percentage and stopping at least 24 shots in each game.
With Columbus allowing the second-most shots per game (30.6), the Chicago Blackhawks will keep Merzlikins busy on home ice.
The Blackhawks allow the seventh-most shots per game (29.7), while the Blue Jackets generate the third-most (30.3), so I expect Spencer Knight to be busy tonight.
Chicago's tendy has been solid all season, posting a .910 SV%, a 2.59 GAA, and 27.03 goals saved above expected across 36 contests.
Columbus defenseman Ivan Provorov has recorded two or more shots in 11 of his past 14 games while logging a monster 25:07 of ice time.
His 6.14 shots per 60 minutes during the run also rank 13th among all regular blueliners, and Chicago is currently allowing the most shots per outing to D-men.
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.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Craig Porter Jr. #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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
He took a stepback three and fell because the floor was raised, injuring his ankle. This is an uncommon scenario in the NBA. Typically, the court extends to the point where falling off it would be impossible.
Luka had to go back to the locker room after an apparent leg injury at the edge of the court. pic.twitter.com/QxPvkiE5p0
Luka had to be taken out of the game, but luckily, he was able to return. However, he is now listed as questionable for the Lakers’ upcoming contest against the Wizards due to this ankle injury.
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated that the raised floor was a hazard.
It seems that the league agrees with Redick. According to an article by Joe Vardon of The Athletic, the NBA and the Cavs are seeking solutions to prevent other players from being injured like this.
“While improvements have been made to the arena floor over the years to address this issue, the NBA and the Cavaliers are revisiting the situation given the incident last night,” a league spokesperson said Thursday night.
This isn’t the first time this season Luka has dealt with a floor causing him problems. Dončić complained about the NBA Cup court being slippery and the Lakers sent it for repairs. LA never played on that floor again.
It’s unfortunate that it took Luka almost getting seriously injured to resolve this issue, but if it means no other player has to deal with this, then something good came out of this situation.
Further in Vardon’s piece, he provided some more details on the talks the Cavs have had with the NBA regarding their court.
The discussions Thursday between the league and the Cavs were taken up mutually, a league spokesperson said. Earlier Thursday, a Cavs spokesman told The Athletic, “The basketball court layout and design at Rocket Arena is fully compliant with NBA rules and has been in place for [20-plus] years, with ongoing collaboration and regular evaluation between our organization, the league and independent flooring experts to support player safety and performance. We constantly evaluate every aspect of the arena to ensure the highest standards of fan experience are achieved and (the) safest environment for players, team members, performers and guests is maintained.”
While the court may follow the rules, that doesn’t mean it’s safe enough. Clearly, it’s very easy for a player to fall off as Luka did. When you watch the play, it’s not like he was pushed or made a ridiculous move that is uncommon in a basketball game.
These guys are playing a sport and injury risk is always possible. But a court shouldn’t be a reason for increased danger. This needs to get fixed, and it appears that’s going to happen sooner rather than later.
Finding the right value on a Friday night slate is all about identifying trends and mismatches before the market catches up. For this January 30 lineup, I’ve put together a three-leg moneyline parlay that balances momentum with favorable matchups.
My NBA picks start at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks are looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage against the Blazers. From there, we head to the Bayou for a Southwest Division showdown between the Pelicans and Grizzlies, before wrapping things up in Phoenix, where the Suns will try to extend their current winning streak to three games.
This parlay has been BOOSTED from +598 to +708 by our friends at bet365.
If you’re looking to slow down the Trail Blazers’ offense, it starts with Deni Avdija—and that’s where OG Anunoby becomes a major asset. Avdija relies on his size and strength to bully smaller defenders and get downhill, but that approach won’t work against Anunoby, who can match his physicality step for step. It’s simply a brutal matchup for Avdija.
On the other end of the floor, the Knicks can also exploit Donovan Clingan. While Clingan is an elite rim protector, he’ll struggle to defend Karl-Anthony Towns on the perimeter. If Clingan is consistently pulled out of the paint to guard KAT, the lane opens up for Jalen Brunson to operate. There’s a lot of juice at -280, but given these matchup edges, this number should be even shorter—closer to -345.
The Memphis Grizzlies are +125 on the moneyline on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, and at that price point, I’m hitting the button, as I believe they should be trading closer to a -115 favorite.
The injury report is long for the Grizzlies, but as long as Jaren Jackson Jr. is on the floor, they’re in good shape in this matchup. JJJ is someone who can move his feet against Zion Williamson and meet him at the rim to protect it. Not only do the Grizzlies have a defender for Zion, but the wingspan of Vince Williams Jr. and the length of Jaylen Wells could also be disruptive to Trey Murphy’s shooting.
The wrong team is favored in this matchup—give me the Grizzlies on the moneyline.
The Phoenix Suns will be without Devin Booker, but let’s not overlook the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers are also missing key pieces in Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. While this is the second night of a back-to-back for Phoenix, both games are at home, and their win over Detroit was so comfortable that Khaman Maluach logged minutes—hardly a taxing outing for the starters.
Defensively, the Suns can throw Dillon Brooks at Donovan Mitchell and rely on Mark Williams to anchor the paint to match Jarrett Allen’s vertical presence. Brooks guarding Mitchell is a very different look when Garland isn’t there to help initiate the offense. Given all of that, I believe this line should be closer to +120, which is why I’m backing the Suns.
The Toronto Raptors returned home after a successful road trip and walked into a predictable letdown spot at home against the New York Knicks.
They’ll try bounce back when they visit the Orlando Magic. Injuries and inconsistent play have hampered the Magic this season, sitting just two games over .500. Yet, Orlando is a slight home favorite.
My Raptors vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks break down why the Raptors will get back to roaring in this Eastern Conference clash, set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando.
Raptors vs Magic prediction
Raptors vs Magic best bet: Raptors moneyline (+105)
The Toronto Raptors saw their winning streak snapped by the New York Knicks on Wednesday, but the team has played well overall.
They won the last four games of a West Coast road trip, including a win over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. They’re eighth in the NBA in defensive rating, and have gone 10-4 ATS as a road underdog this season.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are struggling. They have the sixth-worst net rating in January, and it’s clear they are missing Franz Wagner.
Brandon Ingram and Co. will lock down the Magic and get back in the win column.
Raptors vs Magic same-game parlay
Ingram is having a solid first season with the Raptors, and tonight I want to focus on his playmaking ability. He's averaged 4.2 assists over his last nine games, recording four or more dimes in six of those outings.
Orlando is a strong defensive team, and their game plan figures to involve getting the ball out of Ingram’s hands.
Then there is Jalen Suggs. The Magic guard is just 2-for-16 from three in his three games since his return from injury and now faces a Raptors team that allows the second-lowest opponent 3-point shooting percentage in the NBA.
Raptors vs Magic SGP
Raptors moneyline
Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
Jalen Suggs Under 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dino Dimes
The Raptors have the sixth-highest assist rate this month, while the Magic rank 19th in opponent assists per possession during the same period.
Raptors vs Magic SGP
Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists
Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
Collin Murray-Boyles Over 2.5 assists
Raptors vs Magic odds
Spread: Raptors +1.5 | Magic -1.5
Moneyline: Raptors +105 | Magic -125
Over/Under: Over 219.5 | Under 219.5
Raptors vs Magic betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the moneyline in 23 of their last 40 away games (+11.75 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Magic.
How to watch Raptors vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Friday, January 30, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
TSN, ESPN
Raptors vs Magic 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
The Detroit Red Wings’ trade priorities recently came into focus after TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that the team is actively searching for a second-line center and a top-four defenseman. With a number of players available at both positions, it will be fascinating to see which path Detroit ultimately chooses.
Detroit could pursue veteran options at each spot, allowing them to part with fewer assets, add short-term help, and avoid blocking future prospects from reaching the NHL. Alternatively, they could package those prospects in a blockbuster deal to land a long-term solution capable of anchoring the second-line center role for years to come.
With that in mind, we’ve identified several potential targets GM Steve Yzerman could explore, breaking down the expected cost, age, and potential impact each player could bring to Detroit.
Nazem Kadri
Recent reports indicate that Nazem Kadri has informed the Calgary Flames he would be open to a trade. The 35-year-old center has often been a driving force on an inconsistent Flames roster, and when deployed full-time in a top-six role, he has consistently delivered. Kadri has settled in as a reliable 60 to 70 point producer with upside that can still reach the 80 point range.
While he is significantly older than many of the other options on the market, Kadri fits the profile of a short-term second-line center Detroit could target. He is a player who can contribute immediately without blocking the path for future prospects and would provide steady production for the next two to three seasons.
Kadri has three years remaining on his contract after this season, carrying a $7 million cap hit. While the rising salary cap may soften that number over time, declining production in later years could still make the deal difficult to justify. As a result, Calgary would likely need to retain salary, or Detroit could look to expand the deal beyond Kadri alone.
With the Red Wings also seeking defensive depth, defenseman Zach Whitecloud stands out as a logical add-on. Acquired by the Flames in the Rasmus Andersson deal, Whitecloud has begun to draw interest around the league. The 29-year-old carries a very team-friendly $2.75 million cap hit for the next three seasons and profiles as a dependable top-four option.
Since joining Calgary, Whitecloud has been logging heavy minutes, averaging between 23 and 25 per game through his first five contests. During that stretch, he has been on the ice for two goals for and three against while recording an assist. Including Whitecloud in a larger Kadri deal would allow Detroit to address two major needs at once and eliminate the need for a secondary move.
Insiders have reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets are receiving significant interest in Charlie Coyle, and for good reason. The 33-year-old veteran center has been a steady presence for 16 NHL seasons, experiencing both highs and lows throughout his career. Coyle established himself as a consistent 45 to 60 point producer during his final seasons with the Boston Bruins before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche.
Now in his first season with Columbus, Coyle has begun to rediscover his form. He has recorded 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points in 52 games and is on pace to surpass the 55 point mark for just the third time in his career. That level of production could draw strong interest from teams that view him as a legitimate second-line center option.
Unlike a potential Nazem Kadri deal, Coyle is unlikely to be packaged with a defenseman. However, he is slightly younger and is a pending unrestricted free agent carrying a $5.25 million cap hit. That status could make him a riskier but lower cost acquisition, as he could choose to test free agency this July.
One possible solution would be for Detroit to acquire Coyle with an extension already in place, allowing him to serve as the Red Wings’ second-line center this season and next before eventually transitioning into a bottom-six role as the contract progresses.
At the right price point, Coyle could provide Detroit with a longer-term solution negotiated directly with both the player and the team, making him a meaningful addition for years to come.
The primary concern would be avoiding a repeat of the Andrew Copp or J.T. Compher situations, where value and role become misaligned. However, by controlling the terms of Coyle’s next contract, the Red Wings may be able to mitigate that risk.
The biggest and most high-profile option on the board is an obvious one in St. Louis Blues star center Robert Thomas. At just 26 years old, Thomas has firmly established himself as one of the league’s top young centers, producing consistently in the 75 to 80 point range while posting strong two-way numbers and handling heavy minutes on a largely underwhelming Blues roster.
Selected 20th overall by St. Louis in the 2017 NHL Draft, Thomas has not only met expectations but exceeded them. If the Blues were to move him, it would require a significant return. Acquiring a young, near point-per-game center would be extremely costly, but it also represents the clearest path for Detroit to add a true impact player capable of accelerating the team’s push toward contention. It would easily be the most expensive option on this list.
There is also the possibility of St. Louis including a defenseman in a larger deal, as the Blues have explored moving veteran blueliner Justin Faulk. The 33-year-old defenseman brings extensive top-four experience and could serve as a stabilizing presence in a young Red Wings locker room, similar to the role Ben Chiarot has grown into.
A package featuring both Thomas and Faulk would undoubtedly cost Detroit a combination of high draft picks and top prospects. However, among NHL teams, the Red Wings are one of the few organizations with the assets to construct a deal that St. Louis would seriously consider. The remaining question is whether Detroit is willing to be aggressive enough to pull the trigger on a move of this magnitude.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Friday night is more than alright for NBA player props, with nine games on the slate giving bettors plenty to work with.
I’ve locked in my three favorite plays for tonight, including Brandon Ingram handing out dimes against the Magic and Shaedon Sharpe continuing to be a thorn in the Knicks’ side.
Brandon Ingram is enjoying a solid first season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. For tonight’s matchup against the Orlando Magic, the focus shifts to his playmaking.
Ingram has averaged 4.2 assists over his last nine games, recording four or more dimes in six of those outings.
Orlando is a strong defensive team, and their game plan figures to involve getting the ball out of Ingram’s hands. He logged four assists the last time these teams met back in December, and I love him to reach that mark again tonight.
The Blazers guard is averaging 22.9 points while shooting 39.3% from beyond the arc over his last 12 games, and I’m backing Sharpe to deliver another strong showing against the New York Knicks.
New York has been inconsistent all season, due in part to shaky perimeter defense. The Knicks allow the sixth-most 3-pointers per game and surrender the most points per game to opposing guards.
With that in mind, Sharpe is well-positioned to clear this line for the ninth time in his last 13 games.
The Brooklyn Nets appear to have something special in Egor Demin. The BYU rookie is averaging 13.1 points per game while shooting an eye-popping 43.9% from beyond the arc over his last 18 outings.
Demin has knocked down three or more triples in 11 of those games, and there’s little reason to expect that trend to slow against the Utah Jazz.
Utah owns arguably the worst defense in the NBA, ranking dead last in both defensive rating and opponent points per game.
It should come as no surprise that the Jazz's perimeter defense has been just as porous, sitting last in opponent-made threes per game.
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 NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers are meeting this week to discuss the raised court at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
This is the latest chapter in a long-running issue, one that has jumped back into the headlines after Luka Doncic tweaked his ankle while falling off it after a shot this week.
Luka Doncic has gone back to the Lakers locker room after appearing to injure his foot stepping back on this shot attempt:pic.twitter.com/uakOseB1GX
Doncic went to the locker room after the fall but returned and played in that game, though he is questionable for Friday's Lakers game in Washington due to an ankle injury. He, however, got off lucky compared to others, including Dru Smith, who fell off the court and tore his ACL in 2023. There have been multiple injuries and complaints by teams over the years, but the court is in compliance with league rules, a Cavaliers spokesman told The Athletic.
Raised courts are uncommon, usually only seen by fans at the NCAA Final Four (games held in football stadiums). The Cavaliers have the only raised court in the NBA, up about 10 inches — on a rubber mat and then wood blocks on top of that — to prevent condensation from the ice below the playing surface. The Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is also home to the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The NBA is again involved, but as Vardon explains, the fixes are either partial or expensive, or both. Cleveland could expand the size of the wood flooring so that all the courtside seats would be on top of it and the drop off would be further away from the court. Cleveland could reduce the height or eliminate the wood blocks, then keep the building much colder to prevent any melting or condensation. All of that likely will be discussed, but whether any meaningful action takes place remains to be seen. While the drop-off has been reduced, it is still there and still causing injuries.
Ilya Solovyov appears to be settling in seamlessly with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The former Colorado Avalanche defenseman recorded his first point with his new team Thursday night as the Penguins rolled to a 6–2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at PPG Paints Arena. After a quiet start, Pittsburgh broke the game open late in the first period, scoring six unanswered goals to take firm control.
Solovyov factored into the fifth of those goals. With the Penguins holding a 4–1 lead and the game slipping further out of reach, Solovyov took a pass from Anthony Mantha and quickly set up Ryan Shea for a blistering one-timer from the right circle that beat Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Söderblom.
Nearly two weeks ago, the Avalanche made their first trade of the season, sending Solovyov to the Penguins in exchange for 26-year-old right winger Valtteri Puustinen and Pittsburgh’s 2026 seventh-round draft pick.
Solovyov was claimed off waivers in October and went on to appear in 16 games for Colorado this season, recording one goal and two assists. Prior to the deal, he served as one of the Avalanche’s six healthy defensemen and most recently saw action in an Avs uniform on January 19 against the Washington Capitals, a game that Colorado won 5-2.
Not that the two are related, but since the Solovyov trade, the Avalanche have managed just one win. Colorado is 1–3–1 over its last five games as the team inches closer to the Olympic break.
Puustinen, 26, last appeared in the NHL during the 2024–25 season, playing in 13 games and recording three points. He posted five goals and 20 points in 52 games the previous season.
This year, Puustinen has seven goals and 26 points in 39 AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Since joining the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, he has recorded one point in three games.
The Benefits
If Puustinen earns a call-up to the NHL, he could provide a much-needed boost to what has been a sluggish Avalanche power play this season. The 26-year-old is an elite skater and a standout backchecker, skills that could be a significant asset for Colorado.
The Avalanche currently rank fourth-worst in the league on the man advantage, converting at just 15.7 percent. Only the Calgary Flames (15.5 percent), Philadelphia Flyers (15.5 percent), and Utah Mammoth (15.0 percent) rank lower.
Additionally, Colorado has allowed an NHL-leading nine shorthanded goals this season, with most coming on 2-on-1 rushes — situations that Puustinen is known for breaking up effectively.
From Solovyov’s perspective, the trade to Pittsburgh offers a major benefit: ice time. While he isn’t a bad player, he didn’t stand out enough on a stacked Avalanche roster. On a rebuilding team like the Penguins, he now has the opportunity to develop more fully. In Friday’s game against Chicago, Solovyov logged nearly 17 minutes of ice time, close to his season-high of 17:49, set on January 8 during Colorado’s 8–2 win over the Ottawa Senators. For the season, however, his average ice time with the Avalanche was much lower at 11:34.
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing. When Solovyov scored his first-career NHL goal.
Overall, the trade appears to benefit both teams in different ways. Colorado could eventually see an upgrade on the power play, while Solovyov gains the ice time and responsibility he likely would not have received in Colorado, especially with Devon Toews expected to return from his upper-body injury.
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 28: Landry Shamet #44, Karl-Anthony Towns #32, Tyler Kolek #13, and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrate during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 28, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The pendulum swings back and forth, as the Knicks have now won four games in a row after a brutal start to the new year.
The team’s post-Thibodeau hangover looked real, as Mike Brown hung his hat on the offensive side of things. The strategy worked – until it didn’t. After another brutal loss at home to the Dallas Mavericks, Captain Brunson called a players-only meeting.
This was the state of affairs just 10 days ago. Bleak.
Are tensions rising for the New York Knicks? 🤔 @ramonashelburne gives us an inside look on what happened after their loss against the Mavericks 👀 pic.twitter.com/1MDEIk0pwG
Since then, the tide has truly turned. New York has rattled off four straight, and encouragingly, it’s been New York’s defense leading the charge. The team has held their last four opponents to 66, 109, 87, and 92 points, respectively.
Knicks defensive rating rankings this year:
First 15 games: 18th (114.8 DEF RTG) Next 10 games: 3rd (110.9) Next 16 games: 29th (120.6) Last 6 games: 1st (98.3)
Average offensive rating ranking of their last 6 opponents is 22nd, but still…progress. We know they can do it.
Yes, it’s a small sample size, and yes, the four games weren’t against championship contenders, but the Knicks hadn’t shown the ability to win games this way until now. Defense had been the biggest issue so far this season, but a new identity could be taking shape. They’ve been killing it on the glass. They’ve shown toughness on both sides of the floor. It feels like a relic of seasons prior.
What’s changed? Well, it’s no coincidence that Landry Shamet replacing Jordan Clarkson in the rotation has led to tangible change in the bench unit. Similarly, KAT has been averaging less than 25 minutes a contest across these last four games. And OG Anunoby has been locked back in, averaging three stocks per game across the same stretch.
It’s trade deadline season, and if the new year slide continued, we’d be having much different conversations right now. Yet as a whole, the Knicks’ mindset seems to have shifted. This has been a uniform shift from the bottom to the top, with both players and coaches changing their approach to gameday.
With the Blazers on tap tonight at home, New York is in a good position to stretch their streak to five as they battle for the two seed in the East. Let’s see if they can keep the good vibes going tonight.
Apr 5, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Mike Muscala (57) makes the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Welcome back to the second and final part of Finding the Muscala, where we search for low-cost backup big options in response to the larger trade rumors surrounding the Celtics in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
As a refresher, we’re not explicitly in the search for the next Mike Muscala specifically, but rather a trade that reaches high on the Muscala Meter (not real or quantifiable) of being low-cost and significantly lower-risk than, say, any trade involving the contract of Anfernee Simons and a selection of first round picks.
The first part featuring Marvin Bagley, Jalen Smith and Nick Richards, led to some productive and engaging conversations in the comments, so thank you to all the MuscalApologists (working title) for contributing to this short series.
This wasn’t done in the previous Muscala piece, but with today’s three bigs, we’re ordering their contract values in descending order, starting with a higher-priced backup big that might require a slightly bigger deal to acquire.
Let’s jump in and talk backups.
Goga Bitadze
Entering the season on Year 2 of his 3-year, $25 million deal signed with Orlando, Goga Bitadze has been a valued bench piece for the Magic since he signed there in February 2023. The Magic have been stuck in neutral during that time under head coach Jamahl Mosley, and something tells me they’re a smart pick for a roster shakeup during the deadline.
Bitadze, only 26 and in his eighth NBA season, is a hulking 6’10”, 250-pound center that may not impose his will on offense as much as you’d envision from a player of his size and mobility, but he has still carved out a career as a rock solid rim protector and rebounder.
His game isn’t without its caveats though. He’s a non-shooter, a surprisingly unimpactful screener and a non-factor as a playmaker/ball-mover.
Bitadze’s rim protecting ability has held serious weight to his time on the floor these past few seasons for the defensive-minded Magic, but it seems his offensive limitations are factoring into his way out the door.
On Monday and Wednesday this week, he was a coach’s decision DNP, with Orlando instead opting for the recently-returned Mo Wagner’s offensive skillset behind Wendell Carter Jr.
For Boston, while not the perfect fit for his lack of versatility, Bitadze does fill a need and does so on a reasonable contract (though one that gives him significantly more than current starter Neemias Queta).
When it comes to actually considering a hypothetical trade, we had a similar discussion in the last part in regards to Bulls big man Jalen Smith, who has a comparable contract to Bitadze’s that would require a conversation that goes a little further than a package surrounding Xavier Tillman or Chris Boucher’s expiring deals.
To acquire Goga in a two-team deal, it would take giving up Sam Hauser, and that’s a hard sell for a large majority of the fanbase, and probably Brad Stevens, even if it brings in a helpful player at a position of need. For Orlando, a team that is 28th in 3-point shooting efficiency this season, that’d be a pretty major boon for them.
But to add even further to the discussion, that one-for-one swap wouldn’t be possible on Orlando’s end since they are a hard-capped first apron team. They’d need to add a little something extra to get that deal over the hump, something like the rookie-scale contract of second-round French prospect Noah Penda, who has impressed in limited minutes as a capable shooting threat and versatile 6’7” defender.
This would be an interesting proposition for both sides, filling needs for both teams in a mid-sized trade that sends off two talented veterans and one prospect to new homes.
Andre Drummond
Outside of a Jalen Springer-sized trade or a draft day pick swap, would the Philadelphia 76ers really be looking to deal directly with a conference rival concerning their best rebounder?
Probably not, however, according to 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey, they are at least open to the idea of moving their valued backup big. The Sixers are $7 million above the allowable threshold to avoid being taxed and around $1 million away from being a first-apron team according to Pompey, and a move off Drummond’s expiring $5 million contract without a player in return would certain aid in their quest to avoid that tax.
Could the right draft asset cocktail be enough to sway the Sixers? Unlikely, but it’s worth exploring because Drummond’s skillset and extremely favorable expiring contract is about as close to an ideal deadline acquisition as Boston is going to find in its search through the lower-level marketplace.
Drummond is, and has always been, a phenomenal rebounder, and this season has been no different. He’s been the ideal spot starter for Joel Embiid, a very solid backup when Embiid is available, and, surprisingly, a capable 3-point shooter for the first time in his career (36% on 1.3 attempts per game). In 20 minutes a night, Drummond gives Philly 7 points on 50% shooting, 9 rebounds and a block per game.
This season, the data backs up the eye test, Drummond is simply outstanding on the glass, rating near the very top of most rebounding metrics on both ends of the floor
Defensively, Drummond’s strength and size gives the team a primary defender for the game’s more physically imposing interior bullies that Boston has struggled with up to this point in the season.
Drummond is an excellent backup center, and the Sixers know that. Philly currently enlists second-year UCLA product Adem Bona as their third center, meaning they’d be sacrificing some serious depth unless they take a player back or make another move (Kelly Oubre Jr. was also mentioned by Pompey as a possible trade candidate).
Is the tax-evading effort worth it to provide Boston with the exact type of backup big they’d want to add to their frontcourt stable? It’d take some convincing, and some valued second round draft capital, but the fact that Brad Stevens and Daryl Morey have come to an agreement before at least means a conversation is possible, and worth the 406 words it took to discuss it.
Kevin Love
We didn’t use the word “scrounging” in the first Muscala headline just for fun.
We are foraging across the NBA big man marketplace here, and this is the trade equivalent to sticking our hand in the bottom of a Walmart DVD bargain bin. We shouldn’t be surprised to pull out something we may not find sense or value in. But even if it’s some obscure John Wayne western we’ve never heard of, the price tag says $2, so what’s the harm in talking about it?
And I’ll say it, even at the ripe old age of 37, Kevin Love is still a pretty interesting player to watch. And dare I say, a contributor in certain facets.
Love is sort of the NBA equivalent to George Clooney. Once a bankable star, Clooney is rarely seen and hardly mentioned these days, yet you’ll randomly spot him grizzled and gray in a Nespresso Super Bowl commercial and think “Yep, Clooney’s still got it.”
You watch a few current K-Love clips at his best and tell me you don’t see at least a fundamentally sound past-his-prime star that’s career is on the cusp of fading out into a planetary nebula.
Love is spending the season in Utah surrounded by one of the league’s younger rosters embarking on a patient rebuild, yet he is still finding his way into minutes. Consider this, on a team that has modest frontcourt depth despite the early-season loss of Walker Kessler, Love’s 457 minutes on the floor double the minutes of Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman combined.
So while we’re not talking about a sizable upgrade, we are talking about a 17-year vet that is still finding a spot in an NBA rotation. That’s not nothing.That’s a playable deep bench addition.
Love is at his best when the ball is touching and leaving his hand in one fell swoop. His 40% 3-point catch-and-shoot efficiency on 3.3 attempts per game is his best since the 2017-18 season in Cleveland where he shot 41% on five attempts.
The current version of Love does two things particularly well: he’s a capable movement shooter and a productive rebounder. All other impact areas are either neutral or outright negatives, but in those two areas, he can help an NBA team in some capacity.
We’ve seen Luka Garza take a leap in confidence and efficiency as a pick-and-pop threat, giving Boston one big that can actually stretch the floor. For a team that loves active screeners, Spain pick-and-rolls and flare screens, an additional shooter with size would add some value to the deep bench options at Joe Mazzulla’s disposal, while also adding another energetic fighter on the glass.
Love has implemented himself well into Utah’s roster this season, a far cry from his final days in Cleveland when their Big 3 disbanded, and it seems he’s embraced his veteran role in a way that makes him an unlikely buyout candidate.
It’s funny to think how the 2014 “Summer of Love” set social media ablaze when Love was spotted at a Red Sox game shaking hands with Rajon Rondo, indicating hope of another major star acquisition heading to Boston. That never materialized, but maybe before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, just nine days before Valentine’s Day, the Celtics will finally get their shot at Love.
Elvis Merzlikins Over 23.5 saves
Spencer Knight Over 25.5 saves
Knicks moneyline
Grizzlies moneyline
Suns moneyline
Portland Trail Blazers vs 
New Orleans Pelicans
Cleveland Cavaliers vs 
Brandon Ingram
Egor Demin
