But starting big man Deandre Ayton provided the best glimpse in a while of what the Lakers need from him to have a shot against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.
And isn’t just about Ayton’s statistical production.
His 28 point-13 rebound double-double to go with three assists and three blocked shots against the Wizards tells part of the story.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) Getty Images
Friday was Ayton’s third 20-point double-double in his last 25 games after he had seven in his first 17 games of the season. His 14 field goal attempts marked the seventh time in that same 25-game stretch that he took at least 10 shots, compared to the 10 games he took at least 10 shots in his first 17 games. Friday was the third time in his last 12 games that Ayton, who had a game-best plus-30 individual plus/minus, had a positive plus/minus for a game.
But more importantly than the actual raw production itself is what the numbers underscore: Ayton was involved and engaged, which can go hand in hand.
For the last month, the Lakers have spoken about needing to get Ayton involved more offensively. And how the other areas of his game — defense, rebounding and focus — can wane if he isn’t feeling a part of the offense, which isn’t uncommon in the NBA, especially for big men dependent on their ball handlers to get them touches.
Yes, the Wizards’ atrocious defensive play, especially in transition, made it easier for the Lakers to get Ayton the ball.
But it was clear from the opening tip that the Lakers were emphasizing Ayton. And they benefited from his heightened level of engagement.
“Listen, it’s our job to feed him,” LeBron James said. “Feed the beast. He was very active. When he’s rebounding, it gives us an opportunity to get out and play fast. He’s been key for our wins for sure.”
Jan 30, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) attempts a shot against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The numbers back James up.
When Ayton takes at least 10 field goal attempts, the Lakers are 15-2 compared to 11-14 when he takes nine or fewer shots. They’re 21-6 when Ayton grabs at least eight rebounds, and 5-10 when he has fewer than seven boards.
Last season’s playoff run that ended in the first round after dropping four of five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in which then-starting center now backup big man Jaxson Hayes was benched, showed how important the center position is for the Lakers.
Doncic, James and Austin Reaves may be the reason why the Lakers have a shot to be a threat in the playoffs. But Ayton’s involvement and engagement will determine how much of a threat they can be.
“[He] definitely makes a big difference,” Doncic said of Ayton. “We just have to keep involving him.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against Alex Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) Getty Images
While Ayton was great in Washington, Doncic’s showing against the Wizards shouldn’t be taken for granted.
His stats speak for themselves: a 37 point-13 assist-11 rebound triple-double in 31 minutes.
He had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the first half. It was the second time in the play-by-play era (1997-98) that a player recorded a 25+ point triple double in a half – with Doncic also being the first to do so in 2023 when with the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic was aggressive. Efficient. Decisive, as coach JJ Redick put it.
The Lakers go as far as Doncic leads them.
“He’s beyond special,” LeBron James said of Doncic.
But for the Lakers to accomplish what they believed they could be capable of when they put this roster around Doncic, James and the soon-to-be-back Reaves together last summer, they’ll need Deandre Ayton to have more games like he did on Friday night.
Quentin Richardson, left, high-fives Chelsea Gray during the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Richardson twice participated in the Rising Stars event and will be in town for the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
The NBA All-Star Game is returning to the Southland in two weeks and a part of the annual weekend event that has grown in popularity in recent years is the Rising Stars Challenge, which affords fans the opportunity to watch the league’s top rookies and second-year players compete in a four-team tournament.
Rosters for the mini-tournament to take place on Friday, Feb. 13, at Intuit Dome were drafted this week by a trio of Hall of Famers in Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, who will join former NBA player and current NBC/Peacock analyst Austin Rivers as the four honorary coaches (Rivers will coach the G League squad).
Anthony had the No. 1 pick and drafted Dallas rookie forward Cooper Flagg. McGrady went next and chose Charlotte rookie guard/forward Kon Knueppel while Carter opted for Philadelphia rookie guard VJ Edgecombe at No. 3. (Rosters attached at bottom of story.)
Quentin Richardson, drafted by the Clippers with the 18th pick of the 2000 NBA draft, knows all three Hall of Famers well. He was Anthony’s teammate on the New York Knicks in 2012-13 and faced cousins McGrady and Carter many times throughout their respective careers. Richardson, now 45, enjoys All-Star Weekend and is delighted to see the festivities back in the city where his NBA journey started. A highlight of his 13-year career was making his last nine shots to win the three-point contest in 2005.
“I participated in the Saturday night rookie-sophomore game my first couple of years in the league and I just love the event,” said Richardson, who played for the Clippers from 2000 to 2004 when they were co-tenants with the Lakers at what was then called Staples Center, now Crypto.com Arena. “It’s a platform for the fans to look at the real future stars of the league, the up-and-comers, and with the international boom there’s so many different young international guys they may not know well from different teams that are out on display that weekend.
Lakers guard Dalton Knecht of Team C, center, elevates for a dunk during the 2025 Rising Stars Challenge at Chase Center in San Francisco. (Nathaniel S. Butler / NBAE via Getty Images)
“It’s one of those weekends you always want to go to, you always want to be a part of."
The Rookie Challenge was established in 1994 and featured two randomly selected teams of first-year players. The name was changed to Rising Stars Challenge in 2012 and the current tournament-style format was adopted four years ago. Since 2023, the format has been 28 players — 21 rookies and sophomores and seven G League players.
“I’m intrigued by the format,” Richardson said. “When I played it was just the rookies and sophomores, two teams, but the kids have gotten behind this so the NBA has been very good about pivoting into different things to try to gain more excitement around the games for that weekend. I’m all for it.”
“It’ll be awesome [at Intuit Dome],” said Richardson, who lives in Orlando and co-hosts the "Knuckleheads" podcast with Darius Miles. “The young fellas will be put on display for the world to see and that venue is going to be put on display for everyone to see as well. I believe it’s the newest arena we have in the NBA. So much technology went into it, so it’ll be a great stage for everyone to come and witness and enjoy that.”
Richardson, Miles and Keyon Dooling starred in the 2004 documentary "The Youngest Guns" about their first three seasons with the Clippers. Richardson hosts NBA HooperVision in addition to the pregame, halftime and postgame shows for the Magic.
“The rules have changed in a way that you’re allowing the fans to watch more scoring,” he said. “The pace has been sped up, the three-point shot is a bigger deal now, they shoot it with a higher volume. From a fan’s standpoint you want to see more scoring and more defense, but the defenders now have that much more skill because they don’t have as many rules in their favor.”
In the Rising Stars mini-tournament, Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal. The two winners will meet for the championship. For each semifinal, the first team to reach or surpass 40 points is the winner. For the final, the first team to reach or surpass 25 points will be the champion.
“I like how they draft for it,” Richardson said. “It picks from the essence of how we all grew up when you played in the park or rec league, wherever you went, one guy had two dudes to choose and you get to pick your five, so it’s kind of taking you back to the essence of how we grew up playing ball. It’s something we’re all familiar with so that’s a little twist that takes us back to our roots.”
In November, the NBA announced that the All-Star Game will adopt a new USA vs. the World format: a round-robin tournament featuring two teams of American players and another of international players, each consisting of at least eight players. The top two teams based on record will advance to the finals. All four games will be played with a 12-minute time limit.
“Absolutely, it’ll continue to be a global sport,” Richardson said. “Especially with them talking about NBA Europe, that’ll make everything bigger and better. They’ve got the Africa League so from commissioner David Stern to now Adam Silver they’ve done an incredible job of growing the brand. Proof is in the amount of international guys we have in the league now. It’s known far and wide and it’ll continue to get bigger and bigger.”
Richardson thinks the success of the All-Star Game is dependent on the best players participating.
“It just takes a couple of guys … one or two of the right guys to come out and participate,” he said. "When a couple guys do it, I think you’ll see the turn. The three-point contest, the dunk contest, it’ll take one big-name guy to go out and do it and everyone else will say, ‘Oh wait, he’s doing it? I need to do it.’ It’ll get back there. It’s a great weekend for the NBA … it’s like a family reunion. I just go out there and enjoy it.”
RISING STARS ROSTERS
Team Melo
Cooper Flagg (Dallas), Reed Sheppard (Houston), Stephon Castle (San Antonio), Dylan Harper (San Antonio), Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans), Donovan Clingan (Portland), Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto)
Team T-Mac
Kon Knueppel (Charlotte), Kel’el Ware (Miami), Tre Johnson (Washington), Alex Sarr (Washington), Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City), Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland), Cam Spencer (Memphis)
Team Vince
VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia), Derik Queen (New Orleans), Kyshawn George (Washington), Matas Buzelis (Chicago), Egor Dёmin (Brooklyn), Cedric Coward (Memphis), Jaylen Wells (Memphis)
Team Austin
Sean East II (Salt Lake City), Ron Harper Jr. (Maine), David Jones Garcia (Austin), Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (San Diego), Alijah Martin (Raptors 905), Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley), Yang Hansen (Rip City)
NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
(at Intuit Dome unless noted)
Friday
4 p.m.: Celebrity Game at Kia Forum (ESPN)
6 p.m.: Rising Stars Challenge (Peacock)
8 p.m.: HBCU Classic, Hampton vs. North Carolina A&T, at Kia Forum (Peacock)
The buzz is building around what a healthy Philadelphia 76ers team could do in the second half of the season, and they can pad their record tonight against the 13-37 New Orleans Pelicans.
But Philadelphia had to mount a late comeback to dodge a stumble against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday and it also takes a hit with Paul George sidelined by suspension, leaving my Pelicans vs. 76ers predictions leaning on Tyrese Maxey needing to put on his cape again here.
Get a closer look at this January 31 clash with my free NBA picks and betting angles.
Pelicans vs 76ers prediction
Pelicans vs 76ers best bet: Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists (+110)
After carrying the Philadelphia 76ers offense for large chunks of this season, it must be a nice luxury for Tyrese Maxey to have co-stars to lean on.
With Joel Embiid back on the floor — and even after losing Paul George for an extended stretch due to a 25-game suspension — the 76ers still shape up as a dangerous playoff threat, and it all hinges on Maxey’s ability to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
For tonight’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, I’m looking past Maxey’s scoring and targeting his playmaking instead. He’s averaging 6.9 assists per game this year, just outside the Top 10 in the NBA, but there’s a much higher ceiling for this prop these days with a healthier roster around him.
Maxey has nailed this Over in five of his last eight outings, and he’s averaged 8 APG in that span. That’s a reflection of several key developments, including VJ Edgecombe’s continued rise and, most of all, Maxey’s ability to set up Embiid in the pick and roll.
With Embiid crushing opponents in the mid-range, a chunk of Maxey’s dimes stem from that play, and it’s asking a lot for Zion Williamson or Derik Queen to make the right reads.
I’m grabbing the slight plus odds here, especially with the length of Herb Jones shifting Maxey from scorer to passer at times.
Pelicans vs 76ers same-game parlay
The Pelicans have shown some fight lately, and they’ve covered the spread in four straight outings. With the 76ers making hard work of their home date with the Kings earlier this week, I’m taking the points here and trusting Zion and Co. to keep this one close.
Saddiq Bey has been on a steals hot streak, with at least one swipe in each of his past six games, and he snared three steals on Friday against the Grizzlies. With Embiid still a little limited with his movement, he’s a turnover candidate, and that’s where Bey could pounce.
Pelicans vs 76ers SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists
Pelicans +10
Saddiq Bey Over 0.5 steals
Our "from downtown" SGP: Pels need a dominant Zion
Zion Williamson has nailed this Over in four straight games, and he’s even finished with a double-digit rebounds tally in three of those outings.
An active Zion performance is a must if New Orleans is going to hang around in this matchup.
Pelicans vs 76ers SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists
Pelicans +10
Saddiq Bey Over 0.5 steals
Zion Williamson Over 6.5 rebounds
Pelicans vs 76ers odds
Spread: New Orleans +8.5 (-110) | Philadelphia -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: New Orleans +230 | Philadelphia -280
Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
Pelicans vs 76ers betting trend to know
The Pelicans are 28-22 ATS this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. 76ers.
How to watch Pelicans vs 76ers
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Pelicans+, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Pelicans vs 76ers latest injuries
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The Colorado Avalanche will be looking to close out this road trip with a win, but it’s been a frustrating stretch.
Colorado Avalanche
After blazing out to a 31‑2‑7 start, the Avalanche have struggled mightily over their last 12 games. Since a comeback victory at Carolina on January 3, they’ve gone just 4‑6‑2. Where they once lost by three goals only once in their first 44 contests, the Avs have now dropped four games by three or more goals in their last eight games — including a lopsided 7‑3 defeat to Montreal on Thursday evening.
The Avs take on the Detroit Red Wings from Little Caesars Arena at 11 a.m. local time and with one less extra player. Martin Necas suffered an injury in the Montreal game and will not start today. That adds insult to injury as captain Gabriel Landeskog and star defenseman Devon Toews remain out of the lineup with injuries.
The Red Wings have gone 6‑2‑2 over their last ten games. However, Detroit has dropped their last two contests, falling 3‑1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday and losing 4‑3 in a shootout to the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Despite the setbacks, right winger Patrick Kane reached a major milestone, recording the 1,375th point of his career to become the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history, surpassing former Red Wing Mike Modano.
Defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who missed his fifth consecutive game on Thursday night due to a lower-body injury, was placed on injured reserve and will remain sidelined through the Olympic break, which concludes for the Red Wings on February 26.
On Thursday, the Wings recalled forward Sheldon Dries and defenseman Justin Holl from their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. However, Holl was just sent back to the AHL this morning without playing a single game, so it appears they're going to stick with Erik Gustafsson.
Wings Projected Lineup
Forwards
Marco Kasper - Dylan Larkin - Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat - Andrew Copp - Patrick Kane
Emmitt Finnie - J.T. Compher - James van Riemsdyk
Elmer Söderblom - Michael Rasmussen - Mason Appleton
George has averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals for Philadelphia this season [Getty Images]
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been given a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug programme, the league has announced.
The nine-time NBA All-Star, who has averaged 20.5 points over his 16-year NBA career, said he mistakenly took an "improper" medication.
George, 35, said in a statement to ESPN: "Over the past few years, I've discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication.
"I take full responsibility for my actions and apologise to the Sixers organization, my team-mates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process.
"I'm focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."
The NBA said George would be suspended without pay for the duration of his ban. He is not eligible to return until the 76ers play the Chicago Bulls on 25 March - when there will be only 10 games of the regular season remaining.
It’s been two years since the Vancouver Canucks acquired Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, and a 2024 first-round pick. While Lindholm departed from the Canucks organization only a few months after being acquired, some pieces acquired by the Flames have remained within their organization. Here’s a look at where all five pieces of this trade are now.
Elias Lindholm Would Be A Welcome Piece In Vancouver’s Centre Depth
Lindholm’s first year as a member of the Boston Bruins, who he signed with during the 2024 off-season, didn’t exactly go as planned. The centre finished the season with 17 goals and 30 assists throughout a full 82 games — not ideal considering his past offensive abilities with the Flames. However, it appears things are starting to shift for Lindholm now, as the centre has put up 11 goals and 26 assists in 44 games this season. While this point total puts him ahead of any Canucks so far this season, Lindholm is also currently playing in a first-line centre role alongside David Pastrňák and Morgan Geekie. His linemates if he were still in Vancouver would likely be much different.
Andrei Kuzmenko Is On His Fourth NHL Team In As Many Years
Vancouver was the first NHL team that Kuzmenko played for before he was traded to the Flames in January 2024. However, since then, the forward also made his way to the Philadelphia Flyers before finally appearing to settle down with the Los Angeles Kings. Kuzmenko played alright during his first 22 regular season games with the Kings, scoring five goals and 12 assists, but proved to the Kings why they acquired him with a three-goal, three-assist effort in six playoff games. As a result, Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $4.3M contract with Los Angeles that will make him a free-agent at the end of this season. He currently has 11 goals and 10 assists in 47 games throughout 2025–26.
Hunter Brzustewicz Is Carving Out Some NHL Playing Time With The Flames
After making his NHL debut on April 17, 2025 against the Kings, it looks like Brzustewicz is getting his first look at an extended period of NHL minutes. The defenceman made his season debut for the Flames on December 10 and has stuck in Calgary’s lineup primarily since then. With Jake Bean on the IR and Zayne Parekh taking part in a conditioning stint after dealing with an injury, Brzustewicz has been playing on the Flames’ third-pairing, putting up a goal and an assist throughout 18 games. In his 23 AHL games played with the Calgary Wranglers this season, Brzustewicz has four goals and eight assists.
After Some Time With The Flames Organization, Joni Jurmo Has Returned To Finland
Jurmo is the last player who was sent to Calgary in exchange for Lindholm. The defenceman spent one season with the Flames organization before making his return to Finland, where he currently plays for Kiekko-Espoo in Liiga. His time with the Flames was split between the Wranglers and the Rapid City Rush in the ECHL, the latter of which saw him score two goals and eight assists in 12 games. After this season, Calgary put Jurmo on unconditional waivers with the purpose of terminating his contract despite his deal carrying only one more year on it.
Jan 22, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (28) reacts after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Vancouver’s 2024 First-Round Pick Turned Into A Surprising Prospect
The most intriguing part of Calgary’s return in the Lindholm trade may very well be the first-round pick they snagged from Vancouver during it. The pick, which ended up at 28th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, was ultimately used by the Flames to select forward Matvei Gridin. Gridin played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL and Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL before joining the Flames organization in 2025–26. He scored his first NHL goal in his NHL debut on October 8 against the St. Louis Blues, playing in a total of four games before being sent down to the Wranglers. Calgary has since called Gridin up, with the forward having played with the team since the middle of January.
There are pros and cons for both teams when it comes to the repercussions of this trade. On one hand, Lindholm was one of the Canucks’ top performers during their 2024 playoff run, but ultimately was with Vancouver for less than six months. Calgary has only retained two parts of this particular trade, though they acquired two big pieces to their forward core when they traded Kuzmenko. Overall, Calgary was the team to win this trade given the pieces they have managed to keep as well as those they acquired in return for those that were flipped.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Two teams fighting desperately to hold onto their playoff chances will meet tonight when the Ottawa Senators host the New Jersey Devils.
Brady Tkachuk has been doing his part to keep the Sens alive, and my Devils vs. Senators predictions and NHL picks for Saturday, January 31 like him to score tonight.
Devils vs Senators prediction
Devils vs Senators best bet: Brady Tkachuk anytime goal (+135)
It’s crunch time for the Ottawa Senators, who sit 10 points back of a playoff spot with less than 30 games to go in the regular season.
Brady Tkachuk has stepped up at the perfect time for this desperate Sens team, scoring a team-leading seven goals and 15 points in January.
The Senators captain has found the back of the net in five of his last eight outings, and I expect him to do the same tonight vs. the New Jersey Devils.
The Devils will likely send Jake Allen to man the crease tonight, which could be a blessing for the Senators. Allen is carrying an .884 SV% through five starts this month while allowing four goals in three of his last four outings.
Ottawa, which has scored 12 goals over its last two games, should be able to keep the offense rolling while Tkachuk stays hot.
Devils vs Senators same-game parlay
Jake Sanderson has come into his own as one of the NHL’s best defensemen this season. The Ottawa blueliner has 13 assists in 15 games this month, collecting at least one helper in 11 of those contests.
The Senators have cashed the Over in 60.4% of their games this season, tied for the third-highest rate in the NHL. Ottawa is coming off two high-scoring wins, so this could be another fun game.
The Senators have hit the 1P Game Total Over in 15 of their last 20 games (+9.00 Units / 32% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Senators.
How to watch Devils vs Senators
Location
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
Date
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, Sportsnet One
Devils vs Senators latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 25: Brad Miller #13 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on September 25, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Stats with the Phillies (in 2021): 140 games, .227/.321/.453, 20 HR, 49 RBI, 0.5 WAR
Brad Miller spent the 2019 season with the Phillies, serving mostly as a utility man off the bench. He played multiple infield and outfield positions (albeit none of them especially well). He left for a season to join the Cardinals in 2020 but then returned to the Phillies for 2021.
Once again, he played multiple positions (poorly) and provided some decent pop from the left side of the plate. The problem was, he tended to run very hot or cold. He could have a multi-home run game (three times in 2021) but then go a month without hitting another. On the other hand, he introduced a bamboo plant to the clubhouse and that was a big hit.
Us: We're not going to go overboard with this bamboo stuff.
Stats with the Phillies: 18 games, .231/.244/.308, 0 HR, 3 RBI, -0.1 WAR
After a solid career, spent mostly in Pittsburgh, Walker was coming off two disappointing years by the time 2020 hit. The Phillies signed him before 2020 (as part of an odd trend of signing former Pirates), hoping he could serve in a utility infield role.
Maybe in a normal season, Walker would have had more time to find his footing. But he was largely awful in the COVID-shortened 202o season. His defense was never his strong suit, but the former Silver Slugger winner didn’t do much at the plate either.
While the Philadelphia 76ers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, the team appeared to be headed in the right direction with Paul George and Joel Embiid consistently available. Both underwent offseason knee surgery, and it took some time for the veterans to reach a point where their availability (and production) wasn't an issue. Unfortunately, the 76ers won't have one of those veterans for the foreseeable future, as the NBA announced on Saturday that George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the terms of the league's Anti-Drug Program.
Having appeared in 27 games, George is averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.4 three-pointers in 30.5 minutes, shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 85.5 percent from the foul line. Even with his taking a back seat offensively to Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the versatile forward has been a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. Here's a look at how George's suspension affects fantasy basketball and the 76ers' rotation.
Who will replace Paul George in the starting lineup?
This appears to be a simple question to answer. Dominick Barlow (two percent rostered, Yahoo!) began the season as the fifth starter before an injury sidelined him for a few weeks, and he would be a fixture in the lineup during a two-month stretch that began in late November. Barlow has come off the bench in four of the last five games, with the one start coming in a January 26 loss to the Hornets, for which George was not available.
However, there are some concerns fantasy managers should consider. Barlow has barely been a top-200 fantasy player, and he's still on a two-way contract. Barlow has appeared in 37 games; per NBA rules, two-way contract players can only be active for 50 regular-season games. He may be George's replacement in the starting lineup for the short term, and the 76ers can always upgrade Barlow to a standard contract before he hits the 50-game limit. That said, George's suspension adds another storyline that will likely affect the February 5 trade deadline.
Whose fantasy value receives a boost with George suspended?
Maxey and Embiid were already first in line to "eat," and that won't change in the aftermath of Saturday's news. What does change is who will have opportunities to supplement the 76ers' two stars. VJ Edgecombe (66 percent) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (26 percent) should offer higher fantasy ceilings, with the latter still available in many 12-team leagues. Edgecombe was on a roll early in the season when George was sidelined; the 76ers will hope that the rookie can get back to that form in the games before the All-Star break.
Beyond Edgecombe and Oubre, Quentin Grimes (24 percent) has a more straightforward path to offering reliable value in deeper fantasy leagues. Jared McCain (five percent) and Trendon Watford (one percent) can be considered wild cards in this conversation. Availability was an issue for both players earlier this season, and neither has done enough to generate confidence among fantasy managers. But they'll have the opportunity to change that, especially if the 76ers don't look to make a move before the trade deadline.
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 30: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks bows his head before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 30, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
My mind’s been mush all week. There’s a bug going around the family that finally found me. My ADHD is turned up to 11. I’m absolutely burnt. The harder I try, the worse it gets, like your car’s stuck in the snow and you keep hitting the gas, going nowhere as the rut deepens. I’m behind on work. Focus is difficult, so I step away, do something, anything else, to change my focus, break free from the rut. But doing something, anything else triggers the cortisol chorus of guilt: “Shouldn’t you be working?”
Breaking the cycle means starting small: break the work into smaller pieces. In last night’s 127-97 Knick win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Mikal Bridges only made three baskets. But one of them reminded us — and two Blazers in particular — of the multiplying power of one small step.
In the final minute of the third quarter, the Blazers were down 16, a swing spot, score-wise; give up a 3 and you’re down 19 and getting blown out; make a 3, you’re down 13, just a mini-run from a competitive game. After Bridges missed a corner 3, Shaeden Sharpe rebounded near the foul line, passed to Jerami Grant and got the ball back as he crossed midcourt. 48 seconds in the quarter, 18 on the shot clock. Perfect time to run a little clock and get a quality two-for-one. Entering the fourth down 12 or 13 instead of 16 is big psychologically. The Blazers ended the frame down 18.
Sharpe took two dribbles, went around a Donovan Clingan pick, then the career 33% shooter from deep launched from there with 16 on the shot clock and of his teammates behind the arc, while every Knick besides Jalen Brunson, Sharpe’s defender, was either in the paint or the midrange. Sharpe missed, the Knicks rebounded and while Bridges missed a 3 on the other end, he took it with 30 seconds left, leaving just enough time for a New York two-for-one.
With 16 seconds left and Caleb Love dribbling the time down near center court, Sharpe, guarded by Bridges, went to the corner nearest celebrity row, hunched forward and rested his hands on his knees. He held that pose while Love, smothered by Landry Shamet, struggled to get free. He held it while Love lobbed a no-chance 30-footer (with eight seconds left in the quarter and five on the shot clock). He held it even after the shot missed.
To be fair, no Blazer besides Clingan came inside the arc to crash the offensive glass. Maybe their emphasis was getting back in transition if the Knicks made one last push. Spoiler: they didn’t.
As Love’s shot went up, Bridges rotated 90 degrees, from facing Love at the top of the key to facing Sharpe in the corner, to box him out. As soon as Bridges saw Sharpe doing his still-life schtick, his head whipped around to follow the play, rotating his body back to facing midcourt instead of the sideline. Once Bridges realized Diawara had the uncontested rebound, he took off, launching off a slight spring in his step. The flat-footed Sharpe didn’t flinch until Diawara was passing to Brunson, who got the ball with four seconds left.
Brunson took two dribbles, during which time the non-Sharpe Blazers all turned their attention on him, meaning the only Blazer aware of Bridges was the cornerback who’d just been beaten by the receiver. Sharpe got the attention of Sidy Cissoko, normally a good idea. Cissoko is 21 and has a 6-foot-10 wingspan. But Cissoko, like Sharpe, picked a bad time to disassociate.
When Diawara got the rebound, Cissoko was at the 3-point line. When Cissoko first realized Bridges was streaking by, he was at the other 3-point line. For the two seconds in-between, he showed all the hustle of late-stage Barry Bonds after drawing a walk, lollygagging with some extra L’s and G’s thrown in. So it didn’t matter how hard he ran once he recognized Bridges was a threat, the centimeters away he was from deflecting Brunson’s pass. By not taking that first small step toward their larger goal, Sharpe and Cissoko could never get caught up.
By the way, I’m not down at all on Sharpe or Cissoko for these lapses. If there’d been a camera on me at work when I was their age, you couldn’t seen my first day at Wal-Mart, when the lawn and garden manager going on break gave me their medieval dungeon master-sized set of keys and I promptly clipped it around my eyebrow ring, never considering the strength-to-weight ratio of an eyebrow ring versus 10 literal pounds of keys. Reader, it hurt.
Five wins in a row has the Knicks, per sprewellhasmouthstofeed, “grooving.” Next game’s in seven hours, when the Lakers make their annual pilgramage to the Mecca. If you’re struggling with something, do something small. Do small things consistently. Most snow, eventually, melts.
Marc-Andre Fleury retired from hockey after the 2024-25 season but that hasn't stopped him from lacing up the skates during the 2025-26 season.
Fleury, 41, retired after playing in 26 games for Minnesota last year and 1,051 career NHL games.
In his last season, Fleury went 14-9-1 with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage.
He even started the season off by playing a preseason game for the Pittsburgh Penguins. But has since said he is retired and won't play in the NHL.
That isn't stopping him from strapping the pads on.
The future Hall of Famer has been on the ice many times this year. He has played in alumni games and has regularly been on the ice for practices with the Wild.
Not only has he been to most home games and been shadowing Wild General Manager Bill Guerin, Fleury also will practice with injured players who are in Minnesota when the team is on the road.
A few days ago he actually was on the ice for the Wild's practice and did not look out of place. There is no question he would still be good enough to play.
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"Right now I'd be a senior in college," Bailey told ESPN in a statement. "I'm not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics. No shade to the guys that do; that's their journey. But I went to go play professionally and learned a lot, went through a lot. So, like, why not me?"
While he isn't the first player to do rejoin the NCAA after declaring for the NBA, Bailey is the first to have actual NBA playing experience, to which NCAA senior vice president of external affairs Tim Buckley said in a statement on Jan. 30 that the NCAA will not grant an eligibility waiver "to any players who have signed an NBA contract."
American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti also expressed his frustration on the matter on social media.
"Another unnecessary potential obstacle for an aspiring high school athlete. Hard no," Pernetti said.
Those aren't the only reactions from those within college athletics and college basketball, with some reactions including AI generating photos of NBA players playing in college uniforms like LeBron James, who never attended college, and Nikola Jokic.
College basketball reacts to Amari Bailey college basketball re-instatement request
Here's a snippet of reactions from social media on Bailey's ask to re-enter college basketball:
Come on...If an athlete signs a professional contract, played in professional games, and is paid as a professional. Cut and dried, the eligibility door is closed. Another unnecessary potential obstacle for an aspiring high school athlete. Hard no. https://t.co/UIBeAZxjdN
The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any players who have signed an NBA contract. Congress can strengthen NCAA rules so professional athletes cannot sue their way back to competing against college students. https://t.co/hrSqL7xr8b
College basketball is not a do-over safety net. If you leave it, with a full understanding of the consequences, live with the results of your decision. https://t.co/ROnUgKBA7Z
A draft deadline has existed for DECADES to vet and guard against these kinds of regrettable choices. Amari Bailey wasn't forced to leave UCLA after averaging 11.2 points. Decisions have consequences. Live with them instead of trying to litigate your way back to a lower level. https://t.co/oEfX3ysQ1S
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after making a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors in the second hald at Chase Center on January 30, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Pistons point guard Daniss Jenkins, who is currently on a two-way contract, reportedly rejected an offer to have his deal converted into a standard minimum NBA contract, according to Marc Stein on Substack. That should be a temporary bump in the road to securing Jenkins’ future in Detroit for this season and beyond.
It’s been clear for months now that two-way guard Daniss Jenkins is destined to stick with the Detroit Pistons all season and have his deal converted into a standard NBA contract. It’s been clear from Jenkins’ play, and it’s also been clear with how the Pistons have utilized the second-year undrafted player.
Detroit has never been shy about having him up with the big club and putting him into games. Despite there still being several months in the season, Jenkins only has three games of eligibility left with the Pistons under his current two-way deal.
Stein writes that “no alarm bells are sounding in Motown yet.” Stein writes that Jenkins’ camp believes he has played well enough to garner multi-year offers in the open market in July as he enters restricted free agency.
As far as what a final deal might look like, Stein looks at breakout two-way players of years’ past and notes that a Jenkins deal might look similar to Ajay Mithcell’s in OKC (three years, $9 million) or Deuce McBride in New York (three years, $12 million).
Whatever the number ends up being, it shouldn’t impede Detroit’s ability to keep improving the team, and Daniss has been exactly what this team has needed, with toe-to-toe PIstons DNA.
Erik Karlsson is quietly having a strong season, pacing for his highest point total since being traded to Pittsburgh.
My Rangers vs. Penguins predictions see Karlsson finding success in a dream matchup against a free-falling team.
Let’s break down my NHL picks for Saturday, January 31, with puck drop set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Rangers vs Penguins prediction
Rangers vs Penguins best bet: Erik Karlsson Over 0.5 points (-120)
Erik Karlsson has points in 61% of his home games this season and enters play red-hot, having piled up 12 over his last 10 in the Steel City. He produced more multi-point efforts (four) than zeros (two) during that span.
The veteran offensive defenseman has consistently taken advantage of strong matchups all season. Karlsson has points in 79% of his home games against teams in the bottom half of the league in goals against.
The New York Rangers meet the criteria. They have allowed more goals than anybody in the 11 games since Igor Shesterkin went down, pushing them closer to the bottom feeders in goals allowed.
Predictably, the increase in goals against is leading to a lot more production for opposing defensemen. The Rangers have allowed the sixth-most goals and fourth-most assists to blueliners over the past 10.
Karlsson will be put in positions to succeed at 5-on-5 and quarterback the top power play against a PK unit clicking at 75% over its last nine.
Expect him to take advantage.
Rangers vs Penguins same-game parlay
The Rangers haven’t just allowed a ton of points to defensemen of late, but they’ve given up a lot of shots as well.
They’ve conceded the second-most shots to the position over the last 10, and Kris Letang has multiple shots in 67% of his games against sides ranking Bottom-16 in shots against vs. defenders.
Last but not least, we are backing the best player of his era. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby still knows how to put the puck in the net, and he’s scored in seven of nine home games against Bottom-10 teams in points allowed.
Rangers vs Penguins SGP
Erik Karlsson Over 0.5 points
Kris Letang Over 1.5 shots on goal
Sidney Crosby anytime goal
Rangers vs Penguins odds
Moneyline: New York +165 | Pittsburgh -200
Puck line: New York +1.5 (-145) | Pittsburgh -1.5 (+125)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Rangers vs Penguins trend
Erik Karlsson has points in eight of his last 10 home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Penguins.
How to watch Rangers vs Penguins
Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Date
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Puck drop
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Rangers vs Penguins latest injuries
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India (AP) — Ishan Kishan crashed 103 runs off 43 balls as India beat New Zealand by 46 runs in the fifth Twenty20 on Saturday.
Kishan hit 10 sixes and six boundaries in India's mammoth 271-5, India's fifth highest T20 total against a full member.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav added 63 off 30 balls with six sixes and Hardik Pandya hit 42 off 17.
World Cup addition Finn Allen powered New Zealand's reply with 80 off 38 but he didn’t get much support and the Black Caps were all out for 225 in 19.4 overs.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh took 5-51 in four overs and rounded off India's last match before beginning its defense of the T20 World Cup title next weekend at home. India finished the five-match series a 4-1 winner.
Overall, the match aggregate of 496 runs was the second-highest in T20s.
India opted to bat first but Sanju Samson failed again, out for 6. Fellow opener Abhishek Sharma hit 30 off 16 but was out in the fifth over at 48-2.
From there, Kishan and Yadav shared 137 runs off only 57 balls, the second-highest partnership for any wicket for India against New Zealand.
Kishan raced to 50 off 28 and accelerated. The next 50 came off only 14 balls. Overall, he reached 100 off 42 balls, the quickest century against New Zealand and fifth fastest overall for India.
Overall, it was the seventh quickest hundred in T20s.
Yadav, meanwhile, scored 50 off 26 balls. Together they took India close to 200 before Yadav fell in the 15th over, stumped off Mitchell Santner.
Kishan and Pandya combined for another 48 runs off 18 balls before the centurion was out caught.
Pandya hit four sixes and a four as India crossed 250 in the 19th over, setting an imposing challenge for the Kiwis.
In reply, Allen hit his straps immediately and smashed six sixes and eight fours. He notched up 50 off only 22 balls and put on 100 off 48 balls with Rachin Ravindra, who made 30 off 17.
Fit-again Axar Patel bowled Allen in the ninth over to break that partnership. Thereafter, New Zealand lost regular wickets and didn't revive the chase.
Ish Sodhi notched 33 off 15 balls and Daryl Mitchell 26 off 12 but it wasn’t enough.
Raphielle Johnson
