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Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Scoop up veteran Corey Perry with the Kings on a five-game week

Fantasy hockey managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits or short-term options, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your squads.

Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.

Cirelli has notched two goals and four assists during his three-game point streak. His production has been inconsistent at times recently, but he has generated five goals, 29 shots on net, 13 blocked shots, 12 hits and 16 points in his last 17 appearances. Cirelli might match or surpass his career-high 59 points from the 2024-25 regular season. He has spent most of the 2025-26 campaign in the top-six, and he currently is playing on the first line due to the absence of center Brayden Point. The Lightning have three games slated for this week. 

Lindholm has registered one goal, four assists, five shots on net and seven blocked shots over his last four outings. He has one marker and one helper on the power play during that span. Lindholm is clicking with David Pastrnak on the top line, which gives his fantasy value a significant boost. While the 31-year-old Lindholm has experienced some brief dips in production, he has been effective for the most part this season. He has nine goals, 35 points, 65 shots, 40 blocks 30 hits and a team-high 382 faceoff wins, with a 54.3% success rate, through 42 appearances. Lindholm's category coverage makes him an intriguing option ahead of a four-game week for Boston, and he has value for the remainder of the season as a potential 60-point performer. 

Marchment's fantasy stock is on the rise since he produced a four-point effort, including a hat trick, against Tampa Bay on Saturday. He has played in two contests after missing eight straight games because of an upper-body injury. Since being acquired from Seattle in mid-December, he has amassed eight goals, 11 points, 19 shots and eight hits over nine appearances for Columbus. Marchment fits in nicely on the top line and the first power-play with his new team. The Blue Jackets play four times this week. 

Zuccarello has generated three goals and six assists during his five-game point streak. He has one goal and four helpers on the power play during that stretch. Since late December, he has compiled six goals on 33 shots and 16 points in his past 15 appearances. Had he stayed healthier in 2025-26, he could have been on pace for the second 70-point campaign of his NHL career. He has been all over the scoresheet when he's been in the lineup, while seeing most of his playing time alongside Kirill Kaprizov. Zuccarello has plenty of offensive upside going into a three-game week for Minnesota. 

Crouse has been a streaky scorer recently after a sluggish start to the 2025-26 campaign. He has accounted for five goals, 12 points, 24 shots on target and 38 hits in his last 13 outings. The 28-year-old winger had a top-line role alongside team-leading producers Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz before missing a 5-2 win over Nashville on Saturday due to an illness. Assuming he recovers quickly, he could play in four games during a busy week for the Mammoth. If he remains unavailable, Kailer Yamamoto (0% rostered) had one goal and one assist in Saturday's contest while filling in on the first combination for Crouse.

Following a nine-game absence due to a lower-body injury, Lyon has picked up right where he left off with some superb play between the pipes for the surging Sabres. He has won both of his outings since returning to action, stopping 57 of the 60 shots he faced. Lyon has won his last nine appearances while posting a 2.05 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. He has a 12-6-3 record this season with two shutouts across 23 appearances. Lyon could still lose some playing time to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but both netminders should be rostered in more leagues. Buffalo plays three times this week.  

Sourdif has two goals and three assists during his three-game point spree. He has eight shots on target, two blocked shots and three hits over that span. Across his last 11 appearances, Sourdif has eight goals, 15 points, 23 shots, six blocks and 10 hits. His fantasy value received a boost with Tom Wilson's return to the lineup against Vancouver last Wednesday. Washington has three games scheduled for this week. 

Nedeljkovic has won his last five starts while recording a 1.99 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. He has allowed two goals or fewer in four of those outings. Even though he has much better numbers, Nedeljkovic has been rotating games with Yaroslav Askarov during that stretch. Still, the 30-year-old Nedeljkovic has value as a depth option or a spot starter during his superb run, making him a viable pickup for San Jose's three-game week.

Duclair has heated up in January, accumulating eight goals on 15 shots and 10 points through nine games. He is clicking with Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee on the top line. The trio got benched in Saturday's 5-0 loss to Buffalo, which should provide considerable motivation ahead of a four-game week for the Islanders. 

Perry has missed five of the last nine games due to a personal matter, but he has picked up one point in each of his four appearances in the lineup during that span. He has racked up three goals, seven assists, 11 shots on net and five blocked shots in his past nine contests. He ranks second on the team with 11 power-play points and has earned three tallies and three helpers with the man advantage during that nine-game stretch. The veteran winger is skating on the top line and the first power-play combination. Perry is an intriguing addition due to his production, and the Kings play a league-high five times this week. 

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Australian Open 2026: Shelton beats Ruud, Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi – as it happened

Ben Shelton came from a set down to book his place in the last eight, after Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner had eased through too

Down break point at 0-2 1-2, Darderi locates an ace, but he must soon handle another, Sinner dashing in to put away a volley having cracked a forehand to the corner. But a netted return restores deuce and from there he closes out the game before celebrating by petulantly throwing down a towel next to his coach. Meantime, Swiatek is doing all she can to prevent Inglis getting on the board, an overhead dispatched with prejudice saving game point at 3-0.

Swiatek breaks Inglis immediately for 2-0 and though, as she seeks to consolidate, she’s taken to deuce, she eventually prevails. She can play a lot better than this – and if she wins, against Rybakina, she’ll have to.

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Warriors win 'bizarre, sad' game in 'sombre' Minnesota

Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr holds his hands together during their win over the Minnesota Timberwolves
Steve Kerr has been in charge of the Golden State Warriors since 2014 [Getty Images]

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said his team won a "bizarre, sad" game at the Minnesota Timberwolves in a "sombre atmosphere" after the fatal shooting of an intensive care nurse by immigration agents in Minneapolis.

The death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti on Saturday was the second time in less than a month an American citizen has been killed by federal agents in the city, and has sparked angry protests both locally and in other parts of the US.

The Timberwolves held a minute's silence for Pretti before Sunday's game, which was punctuated by anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) chants from fans.

An ICE operation in Minnesota ordered by President Donald Trump's administration has been going on for more than six weeks. ICE agents have the power to stop, detain and arrest people they suspect of being in the US illegally.

Renee Good, another Minnesota resident, was shot and killed by an ICE agent on 7 January.

"Honestly, what I felt was that [the Timberwolves'] group was suffering," said Kerr after the Warriors' 111-85 win.

"It was one of the most bizarre, sad games I've ever been a part of. You could feel the sombre atmosphere.

"Their team, we could tell they were struggling with everything that's been going on. And what the city has been through. So it was a very sad night."

Warriors forward Moses Moody, who scored 19 points with eight rebounds and two blocked shots, said you could "feel the weight of the city" during the match, which had been postponed for 24 hours after Pretti's death.

"I couldn't imagine too many different times where that large amount of people are together in the midst of a situation like this, so you definitely felt that," said Moody.

Stephen Curry led the scoring for the Warriors with 26 points to climb level with Paul Pierce at 19th on the all-time scoring list - finishing the game with 26,397.

Anthony Edwards scored 32 points and recorded 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who lost a fifth-straight match.

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Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Casemiro is thriving under Michael Carrick, Newcastle look short of ideas and Sean Dyche takes aims at … towels?

Casemiro will depart Manchester United this summer. His four years in English football have been mixed but he may yet go out on a high. At one point in his first season, such as his performance in the 2023 League Cup final, he was hailed as the club’s best signing since Eric Cantona. He never lived up to that billing, the accusation that United had overpaid for someone who left his legs in Madrid. At the Emirates in 2026, just as against Manchester City the previous week, he showed his muscle memory endures. Kobbie Mainoo is a project player for Michael Carrick. Mainoo can learn much in his remaining months alongside Casemiro, who completed the 90 minutes at Arsenal and retained his influence. United are linked with younger midfielders in Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. They may now have something to live up to. John Brewin

Match report: Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United

Match report: Newcastle 0-2 Aston Villa

Match report: Burnley 2-2 Tottenham

Match report: Manchester City 2-0 Wolves

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Brooklyn takes on Phoenix, aims to end 5-game slide

Brooklyn Nets (12-32, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (27-19, sixth in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Tuesday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn is looking to stop its five-game slide with a win over Phoenix.

The Suns are 14-6 in home games. Phoenix is fifth in the NBA with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Mark Williams averaging 3.2 offensive boards.

The Nets have gone 6-15 away from home. Brooklyn has a 1-2 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Suns are shooting 45.9% from the field this season, 3.1 percentage points lower than the 49.0% the Nets allow to opponents. The Nets average 107.9 points per game, 3.9 fewer than the 111.8 the Suns give up to opponents.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Suns won the last meeting 126-117 on Jan. 20. Dillon Brooks scored 27 points to help lead the Suns to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is averaging 13.4 points and 4.7 assists for the Suns. Grayson Allen is averaging 3.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Michael Porter Jr. is scoring 24.9 points per game and averaging 7.3 rebounds for the Nets. Egor Demin is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 6-4, averaging 112.0 points, 44.0 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 8.9 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.0 points per game.

Nets: 1-9, averaging 103.3 points, 40.2 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 7.2 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.8 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Jalen Green: out (hamstring), Devin Booker: out (ankle).

Nets: Haywood Highsmith: out (knee), Cam Thomas: out (ankle), Nolan Traore: out (illness), Noah Clowney: out (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Utah plays Los Angeles in conference matchup

Los Angeles Clippers (21-24, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (15-31, 13th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Clippers in Western Conference action Tuesday.

The Jazz are 9-22 against Western Conference opponents. Utah averages 30.3 assists per game to lead the Western Conference, paced by Keyonte George with 6.6.

The Clippers are 11-14 against conference opponents. Los Angeles is last in the NBA recording just 23.4 assists per game led by James Harden averaging 8.1.

The Jazz's 13.2 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.3 fewer made shots on average than the 13.5 per game the Clippers allow. The Clippers are shooting 47.6% from the field, 1.7% lower than the 49.3% the Jazz's opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 2 the Clippers won 118-101 led by 45 points from Kawhi Leonard, while Kyle Anderson scored 22 points for the Jazz.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jusuf Nurkic is scoring 11.2 points per game and averaging 10.2 rebounds for the Jazz. George is averaging 24.1 points and 2.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Harden is averaging 25.6 points and 8.1 assists for the Clippers. Leonard is averaging 19.7 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 116.4 points, 40.4 rebounds, 30.8 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 130.4 points per game.

Clippers: 8-2, averaging 114.5 points, 41.1 rebounds, 22.5 assists, 10.0 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: day to day (illness), Georges Niang: day to day (foot), Kevin Love: day to day (knee), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder).

Clippers: Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Derrick Jones Jr.: out (knee), Bogdan Bogdanovic: out (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Detroit puts road win streak on the line against Denver

Detroit Pistons (33-11, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (31-15, third in the Western Conference)

Denver; Tuesday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Detroit will try to keep its three-game road win streak alive when the Pistons take on Denver.

The Nuggets are 12-8 on their home court. Denver ranks eighth in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, giving up only 116.2 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting.

The Pistons are 14-6 on the road. Detroit ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 18.2 fast break points per game led by Cade Cunningham averaging 3.5.

The 120.7 points per game the Nuggets average are 10.6 more points than the Pistons give up (110.1). The Pistons are shooting 48.0% from the field, 1.2% higher than the 46.8% the Nuggets' opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jamal Murray is averaging 26 points and 7.3 assists for the Nuggets. Peyton Watson is averaging 20.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over the past 10 games.

Cunningham is averaging 25.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 14 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 107.3 points, 39.0 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.6 points per game.

Pistons: 8-2, averaging 112.3 points, 44.6 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 12.1 steals and 8.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.8 points.

INJURIES: Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Jonas Valanciunas: day to day (calf), Nikola Jokic: out (knee), Christian Braun: out (ankle), Peyton Watson: day to day (ankle), Jamal Murray: day to day (hamstring).

Pistons: Caris LeVert: out (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Minnesota faces Golden State, aims to end 5-game skid

Golden State Warriors (26-21, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (27-19, seventh in the Western Conference)

Minneapolis; Monday, 9:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Timberwolves -7.5; over/under is 232.5

BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota comes into the matchup against Golden State after losing five games in a row.

The Timberwolves have gone 14-14 against Western Conference teams. Minnesota is fifth in the Western Conference with 33.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Rudy Gobert averaging 7.4.

The Warriors are 16-13 in conference games. Golden State is ninth in the Western Conference with 11.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Jimmy Butler III averaging 2.3.

The Timberwolves average 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 12.6 per game the Warriors give up. The Warriors are shooting 46.2% from the field, which equals what the Timberwolves' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the third time this season. The Warriors won the last matchup 111-85 on Jan. 25. Stephen Curry scored 26 points to help lead the Warriors to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Julius Randle is averaging 22.3 points, seven rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Timberwolves. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 3.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Brandin Podziemski is scoring 12.2 points per game and averaging 4.4 rebounds for the Warriors. Curry is averaging 3.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 4-6, averaging 118.0 points, 46.9 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 7.9 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.5 points per game.

Warriors: 7-3, averaging 123.7 points, 40.5 rebounds, 31.8 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.1 points.

INJURIES: Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.: out (foot).

Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Jonathan Kuminga: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Memphis plays Houston on 4-game road slide

Memphis Grizzlies (18-25, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (27-16, fourth in the Western Conference)

Houston; Monday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rockets -10.5; over/under is 222.5

BOTTOM LINE: Memphis visits Houston looking to break its four-game road losing streak.

The Rockets are 15-14 in conference matchups. Houston ranks seventh in the NBA with 52.9 points in the paint led by Alperen Sengun averaging 13.7.

The Grizzlies are 5-4 against opponents from the Southwest Division. Memphis is fifth in the Western Conference with 11.8 offensive rebounds per game led by Zach Edey averaging 3.9.

The Rockets average 11.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.0 fewer makes per game than the Grizzlies allow (14.4). The Grizzlies average 13.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 more made shot on average than the 12.4 per game the Rockets allow.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Rockets won the last matchup 124-109 on Nov. 6. Amen Thompson scored 28 points to help lead the Rockets to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Durant is scoring 26.3 points per game with 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Rockets. Thompson is averaging 19.7 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 51.4% over the past 10 games.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is scoring 18.9 points per game with 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Grizzlies. Jock Landale is averaging 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 55.6% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 5-5, averaging 108.8 points, 48.8 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 8.3 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points per game.

Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 114.4 points, 46.4 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 7.0 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points.

INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Aaron Holiday: day to day (back), Steven Adams: out (ankle).

Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Ty Jerome: out (calf), Brandon Clarke: out (calf), Santi Aldama: out (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Murphy, Pelicans square off against the Thunder

New Orleans Pelicans (12-36, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (37-10, first in the Western Conference)

Oklahoma City; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Western Conference foes Oklahoma City and New Orleans square off on Tuesday.

The Thunder are 28-6 against conference opponents. Oklahoma City ranks seventh in the Western Conference with 25.4 assists per game led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 6.2.

The Pelicans are 6-25 in Western Conference play. New Orleans is 2-3 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Thunder are shooting 49.2% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points higher than the 48.4% the Pelicans allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 6.9 more points per game (114.8) than the Thunder allow their opponents to score (107.9).

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Thunder won 126-109 in the last matchup on Nov. 18. Chet Holmgren led the Thunder with 26 points, and Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 24 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Holmgren is shooting 57.1% and averaging 17.8 points for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.9 points over the last 10 games.

Trey Murphy III is scoring 22.2 points per game with 6.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson is averaging 21.1 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 63.0% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 7-3, averaging 119.3 points, 42.4 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 8.6 steals and 7.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.0 points per game.

Pelicans: 4-6, averaging 114.8 points, 45.5 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points.

INJURIES: Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (hip), Nikola Topic: out (groin), Jalen Williams: out (thigh), Alex Caruso: out (adductor), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Isaiah Hartenstein: out (calf).

Pelicans: Dejounte Murray: out (leg).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Sacramento visits New York, aims to stop road slide

Sacramento Kings (12-35, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (27-18, fourth in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento will look to break its nine-game road losing streak when the Kings play New York.

The Knicks have gone 17-6 in home games. New York is eighth in the league averaging 117.8 points and is shooting 46.9% from the field.

The Kings are 3-19 on the road. Sacramento is 9-16 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 13.9 turnovers per game.

The Knicks are shooting 46.9% from the field this season, 2.2 percentage points lower than the 49.1% the Kings allow to opponents. The Kings average 10.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.8 fewer made shots on average than the 14.4 per game the Knicks allow.

The two teams square off for the second time this season. The Kings defeated the Knicks 112-101 in their last matchup on Jan. 15. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points, and Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 19 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 20.5 points and 11.4 rebounds for the Knicks. Jalen Brunson is averaging 18.1 points over the last 10 games.

Dennis Schroder is shooting 41.6% and averaging 12.8 points for the Kings. Malik Monk is averaging 2.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 4-6, averaging 108.5 points, 46.8 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.1 points per game.

Kings: 4-6, averaging 114.8 points, 41.1 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 5.7 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 50.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.4 points.

INJURIES: Knicks: None listed.

Kings: Keegan Murray: out (ankle), Zach LaVine: out (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Nic Claxton toughs out finger injury in Nets loss as imaging results loom

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Basketball players Brook Lopez, Nic Claxton, and Kawhi Leonard fighting for the ball

The Nets suffered a one-sided 126-89 thrashing by the Clippers on Sunday night in Los Angeles, but it wasn’t for lack of effort from Nic Claxton.

The starting center gutted through a finger injury suffered in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, playing with a bandage on his right pinky. He was slated to have imaging on the finger Saturday morning, but the results weren’t available yet.

Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) play for the ball against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“Yeah, I think it’s his right hand. I know that he’s going to play. He’s got some discomfort, but I really give him credit,” coach Jordi Fernández said of Claxton, who finished with six points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.

“He finished [Friday’s] game, and then he’s willing to be out there. Obviously, we care about his health, and everything is fine. Everything’s fine. So, credit to him for wanting to play [and] compete with his teammates.”

Midway through the third quarter, Claxton was raked across the hand by Kawhi Leonard, going up for a shot that was blocked with 6:52 in the period. He grimaced in pain and was clutching his hand for several moments afterward, but stayed in the game.

With Brooklyn’s Noah Clowney sidelined by a sore back, Terance Mann started against his old Clippers team. And the veteran not only got a first-quarter tribute video, but an ovation from the L.A. crowd for which he’d played five-plus seasons.

Mann – who had eight points and three rebounds in 19 minutes – had been a second-round draft pick by the Clippers in 2019 and started in the 2021 Western Conference Finals before being traded to Atlanta midway through last season.

“Yeah, I mean, The Wall, I love The Wall. You know, I was the one that introduced The Wall to the world,” said Mann. “So, I feel like I’ve got a special bond with those guys up there and everybody up there. Yeah, man, you know I love the fans, they love me. Some part of me will always be a Clipper.”

Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (14) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) during the first half at Intuit Dome. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rookie Nolan Traore was out against the Clippers with an illness after a career-best 21 point effort Friday.

Cam Thomas sat out with a sprained left ankle.

“He’s sore. He’ll be out [Sunday] and we hope that he’ll be back soon. We don’t know exactly when,” Fernández said of Thomas. “So, going through the proper work and making him feel better and then have him back on the court when we can.”

With the Nets shorthanded in the backcourt, rookie Ben Saraf was recalled from Long Island and made his first NBA appearance since Dec. 6. The point guard finished with six points in 17 minutes off the bench.

“Improvement. All our guys that have played under Mfon [Udofia, Long Island Nets head coach], they’ve done a great job getting better every game competing,” Fernández said. “And it’s not just about them; it’s about playing within a system and making the group competitive. So, happy with what we’re seeing.”

The Nets play Tuesday in Phoenix. Suns star Devin Booker is out with a right ankle sprain.

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Nets take embarrassing beating from Clippers for fifth straight loss

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Clippers guard Kobe Sanders (4) and center Brook Lopez (11) defend the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Danny Wolf (2) during the second half at Intuit Dome. , Image 2 shows Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) during the second half at Intuit Dome

There is losing. And then there’s playing like losers.

Sunday night Brooklyn looked like the latter.

For the second time in three games, the Nets embarrassed themselves, this one a 126-89 beating at the hands of the Clippers before 17,927 at the Intuit Dome.

It marked Brooklyn’s fifth straight defeat, and their tenth in the last 11 games. For a tanking team, losing the game isn’t a concern. But losing their competitiveness – becoming losers – is a grave one.

“We won the third quarter; we were competitive from those six minutes of the second. And outside of that, the other 30 minutes, we played like a losing team,” said Jordi Fernandez. “You can lose; and you can be a loser. So for 18 minutes, we lost and we were competitive. And for 30, we were losers. So we have to decide what we want to be and who we want to be.”

Brooklyn showed little fight, a horrid way to start a five-game road swing. But these problems started before their delayed cross-country flight.

Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) during the second half at Intuit Dome. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the worst defeat in team history – a 59-point caning – had actually come last Jan. 15 in this same building, the second-worst was Wednesday’s 54-point loss to the Knicks. After a brief bounceback Friday vs. Boston, the Nets backslid.

Brooklyn was flat from the start, down 38-14 after the lowest-scoring first quarter of the season. They fell behind by 40 and never fought back.

“It’s part of life and part of learning and part of finding the next Nets…we’re obviously going to need the right pieces on the floor that play and compete to a certain standard,” said Fernandez. “And right now, out of three games, one out of three as far as being competitive is not good enough. We should be 3-for-3 competitive, whether you win or lose.”

The tanking Nets have decisions to make, both by the Feb. 5 Trade Deadline and in the offseason. Players will be asked to acquit themselves and required to compete. None covered themselves in glory Sunday, about as ice-cold as the blizzard back home.

Michael Porter Jr. got held to single-digits with just nine points on uncharacteristic 3-of-11 shooting, and 0-of-4 from 3-point range. He has been dealing with a sprained MCL, and was off his game. Rookie Danny Wolf led the Nets with 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists off the bench, all team-highs. Egor Demin added a dozen points, but was 3-of-11 overall and 3-of-10 from deep.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Kobe Sanders (4) and center Brook Lopez (11) defend the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Danny Wolf (2) during the second half at Intuit Dome. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Nets had lost 121-105 to the Clippers on Jan 9, but this was far worse.

“They were just the better team. It wasn’t much to it. They just dominated us last game and dominated us (Sunday),” said Porter. “We’ve got to get back to competing every night. So from players to the guys on the bench to the coaches, we all just got to get back to competing. I could’ve definitely done a better job. Our starting unit could’ve done a better job. It was just an-all around bad effort.”

Brooklyn shot just 33.7 percent and 9-of-43 from deep. And they got torn to shreds on the other end by Kawhi Leonard (28 points) and ex-Net James Harden (22 points, eight assists and six rebounds).

The Nets trailed by 24 after one, and coughed up 18 unanswered points in the second.

Brooklyn was down 64-26 with 3:13 left in the half after a bucket by Jordan Miller.

The next play was even more embarrassing. Brooklyn ended up with a 5-on-4 possession, after Kris Dunn came up gimping. But the Nets missed four shots on the possession, before Dunn hobbled back into the play and grabbed the rebound.

The rest was garbage time, and that garbage stunk.

Brooklyn (12-32) is fifth in the lottery standings, 1 ½ games behind fourth-place Sacramento and just two out of the coveted Top 3 spots.

“They just played better than us,” said Porter. “They were obviously the better team tonight so that’s pretty much it. They were better than us.”

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Flames Drop 4–3 Overtime Decision to Ducks at Saddledome

The Calgary Flames saw a strong start unravel on Sunday night, falling 4–3 in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Calgary opened the game with pace and purpose, jumping out to a 2–0 lead in the first period and controlling long stretches of play, but Anaheim chipped away and eventually stole the extra point thanks to a hat-trick performance from rookie Beckett Sennecke.

Jonathan Huberdeau got the Flames on the board at the 6:17 mark of the opening frame, snapping an 10-game goal drought. After driving the net, Huberdeau stayed with a loose puck and poked it past Lukas Dostal to give Calgary an early advantage.

© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Just moments later, the Saddledome erupted again as Hunter Brzustewicz recorded his first career NHL goal. The defenceman fired a shot from the point that deflected off traffic in front and found its way into the net, doubling the Flames’ lead and capping a memorable milestone in his 17th NHL game.

Anaheim pushed back late in the first despite managing only three shots on goal through much of the period. A quick backdoor play found Sennecke, who buried his first of the night past Dustin Wolf to cut the lead in half.

Calgary dominated the shot clock early in the second period, outshooting Anaheim 25–7 at one point, but the Ducks found their footing. Crisp puck movement led to another Sennecke goal at the side of the net, tying the game at 2–2. The Ducks briefly thought they had taken the lead moments later, but a high-stick goal from Alex Killorn was immediately waved off and upheld after review.

© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Flames regained the lead on the power play in the third period. Nazem Kadri worked the puck down low to Matvei Gridin who threaded a cross-seam pass to Matt Coronato, who elevated a quick shot over Dostal to make it 3–2.

Anaheim answered once again, tying the game on a 2-on-1 rush as Kris Kreider finished a one-timer to complete the hat trick and force overtime.

In the extra frame, Sennecke delivered the decisive blow, ripping a top-shelf shot over Wolf’s glove to seal the 4–3 Ducks victory. The rookie now leads all first-year players with 18 goals on the season.

© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Three Takeaways

1. Brzustewicz makes his opportunity count

After spending time as a healthy scratch, Hunter Brzustewicz made a strong case to stay in the lineup. His first NHL goal was the reward for a simple, confident play, and it marked a positive step for a player who has been trending in the right direction.

2. Flames get much-needed goals from key scorers

Jonathan Huberdeau and Matt Coronato both found the back of the net, something Calgary has desperately needed. While one game doesn’t solve ongoing offensive issues, goals from top contributors are an encouraging sign.

3. January continues to be difficult for Dustin Wolf

The loss marked Wolf’s sixth defeat in his last seven appearances, underscoring a challenging month for the young goaltender. Despite stretches of strong play, the results haven’t followed, adding to Calgary’s recent frustrations.