Los Angeles Lakers (29-18, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (30-18, second in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Sunday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: New York is looking to continue its five-game win streak with a victory over Los Angeles.
The Knicks have gone 19-6 in home games. New York is third in the NBA with 13.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Mitchell Robinson averaging 4.9 offensive boards.
The Lakers are 17-10 on the road. Los Angeles has a 5-0 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Knicks average 15.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 more made shots on average than the 13.7 per game the Lakers allow. The Lakers average 116.5 points per game, 4.2 more than the 112.3 the Knicks give up to opponents.
TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 20 points and 11.8 rebounds for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is averaging 18.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals over the last 10 games.
Luka Doncic is averaging 33.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 6-4, averaging 111.4 points, 48.4 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 9.2 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 102.3 points per game.
Lakers: 6-4, averaging 118.9 points, 41.6 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 7.9 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.3 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: Miles McBride: day to day (ankle).
Lakers: Austin Reaves: day to day (calf), Adou Thiero: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Oklahoma City Thunder (38-11, first in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (33-16, third in the Western Conference)
Denver; Sunday, 9:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder face off in a matchup between the NBA's top two offenses.
The Nuggets are 4-1 in division games. Denver is eighth in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing just 115.6 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting.
The Thunder are 7-3 against the rest of their division. Oklahoma City scores 120.3 points while outscoring opponents by 12.3 points per game.
The Nuggets make 49.6% of their shots from the field this season, which is 6.4 percentage points higher than the Thunder have allowed to their opponents (43.2%). The Thunder average 13.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than the Nuggets allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.7 points, 12.2 rebounds and 10.8 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 24.9 points and 6.3 assists over the past 10 games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32 points and 6.2 assists for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren is averaging 16.5 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 110.0 points, 39.5 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 6.6 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.3 points per game.
Thunder: 6-4, averaging 116.2 points, 42.6 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 7.8 steals and 7.0 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.7 points.
INJURIES: Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Christian Braun: out (ankle).
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: day to day (hip), Nikola Topic: out (groin), Jalen Williams: out (thigh), Alex Caruso: day to day (adductor), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia takes on the New Orleans Pelicans after Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points in the Philadelphia 76ers' 113-111 win over the Sacramento Kings.
The 76ers are 14-13 in home games. Philadelphia ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference in team defense, allowing only 115.8 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting.
The Pelicans have gone 5-18 away from home. New Orleans has a 3-29 record against teams over .500.
The 76ers are shooting 45.9% from the field this season, 2.2 percentage points lower than the 48.1% the Pelicans allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 10.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.0 fewer made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the 76ers give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Maxey is scoring 29.4 points per game with 4.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the 76ers. Joel Embiid is averaging 24.6 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 53.5% over the last 10 games.
Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson is averaging 20 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 5-5, averaging 114.2 points, 39.0 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 10.3 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points per game.
Pelicans: 4-6, averaging 112.9 points, 46.0 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 8.9 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: Quentin Grimes: day to day (ankle).
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.
BOTTOM LINE: Memphis will try to stop its five-game skid when the Grizzlies play Minnesota.
The Grizzlies have gone 14-16 against Western Conference teams. Memphis ranks fifth in the NBA with 28.9 assists per game. Cam Spencer leads the Grizzlies averaging 5.6.
The Timberwolves are 17-14 in Western Conference play. Minnesota averages 119.0 points and has outscored opponents by 4.9 points per game.
The Grizzlies average 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 more made shot on average than the 12.3 per game the Timberwolves give up. The Timberwolves are shooting 48.1% from the field, 1.8% higher than the 46.3% the Grizzlies' opponents have shot this season.
The two teams play for the second time this season. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 116-110 in their last matchup on Dec. 18. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 28 points, and Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 21 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cedric Coward is shooting 46.9% and averaging 13.9 points for the Grizzlies. Jackson is averaging 20.5 points over the last 10 games.
Anthony Edwards is averaging 29.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Timberwolves. Randle is averaging 22.2 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 48.4% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 2-8, averaging 110.5 points, 44.9 rebounds, 28.2 assists, 7.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.0 points per game.
Timberwolves: 5-5, averaging 114.2 points, 46.5 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points.
INJURIES: Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Santi Aldama: day to day (knee), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Ty Jerome: day to day (calf), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.: out (foot).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Clippers (22-25, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (30-19, sixth in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Sunday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix will look to keep its three-game win streak alive when the Suns take on Los Angeles.
The Suns are 20-13 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix ranks second in the Western Conference with 15.8 fast break points per game led by Devin Booker averaging 3.4.
The Clippers are 12-15 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles ranks fifth in the Western Conference allowing just 113.0 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting.
The Suns average 114.2 points per game, 1.2 more points than the 113.0 the Clippers give up. The Clippers average 112.6 points per game, 1.3 more than the 111.3 the Suns allow to opponents.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Suns won the last meeting 114-103 on Nov. 9, with Booker scoring 21 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is averaging 13.5 points and 4.7 assists for the Suns. Dillon Brooks is averaging 20.9 points over the last 10 games.
James Harden is scoring 25.4 points per game with 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 18.8 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 50.0% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 6-4, averaging 112.5 points, 42.3 rebounds, 23.2 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.3 points per game.
Clippers: 8-2, averaging 113.7 points, 40.7 rebounds, 23.2 assists, 10.1 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Devin Booker: out (ankle).
Clippers: Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Derrick Jones Jr.: day to day (knee), Bogdan Bogdanovic: day to day (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Leicester’s quirky prop on beating adversity, being second-string goalkeeper at Nottingham Forest and his love of ‘cooking with butter’
For some people the road to the top is painfully long and winding. Joe Heyes used to be a player whose dreams of making England’s matchday squad were constantly dashed. Driving home from Bagshot, having been omitted yet again, he would listen to Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues – “I ain’t seen the sunshine since I don’t when …” – and wonder if the hardship and sacrifice would ever be worth it.
And now? Less than two years later he is suddenly the most important player in England. The national management have already lost two injured tightheads in Will Stuart and Asher Opoku-Fordjour plus the loosehead prop Fin Baxter. If they had enough cotton wool England would be wrapping the now indispensable Heyes up in it.
Silver arrows finish 500 laps, well clear of all their rivals
Fears around new engines and regulations unfounded
Fears the swathe of new regulations and entirely new engines might be problematic on their first outing proved unfounded, after Formula One’s first pre-season test concluded in Barcelona on Friday. Mercedes put in an almost bulletproof performance in distance and reliability while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton grabbed the quickest lap of the week.
Held behind closed doors at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it is believed at least partly to minimise attention on the potential negative impressions of the new formula that might be formed by new engines going bang and cars struggling on track, as happened when turbo-hybrid engines were introduced in 2012, the running was overwhelmingly positive given the challenge of the biggest regulation change of the modern era.
Curry experienced right knee soreness and left the game late in the third quarter. It is the same knee that’s been nagging the star guard for the past week.
Curry was seen grimacing after an and-1 layup and limped down the tunnel and to the locker room.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was optimistic about Curry's status in the moments following the game.
"I think he's OK. I don't think it's anything major," Kerr told reporters during his postgame media availability.
Kerr indicated that there will be an update on Curry’s knee on Saturday.
Pat Spencer took over at point guard in place of Curry.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons shoots and scores over Al Horford #20 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half 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
You ever watch a building collapse in slow motion? That was the Warriors’ first quarter against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night….a structural failure so catastrophic that even Steph Curry’s brilliance couldn’t rebuild the foundation before his knee gave out and ultimately the Dubs were unable to overcome.
The final score reads 131-124, but that number doesn’t capture the chaos. The Pistons hung 45 points on the Warriors in the opening frame; the most points Golden State has surrendered in a single quarter all season. Not the most you want to surrender to a Pistons team that is the #1 seed in the East.
Detroit shot 62% from the field in the first half and built a 77-64 halftime lead that felt insurmountable. Cade Cunningham carved up the Warriors’ defense like a true All-Star, finishing with 29 points and 11 assists. Jalen Duren went 7-of-14 from the field with 21 points and 13 rebounds, looking every bit like the big man menace the Pistons hoped he’d become.
The Warriors clawed back in the second half because that’s what championship DNA refuses to die quietly. Buddy Hield knocked down a three-pointer with six minutes left to cut Detroit’s lead to 117-114, and for a moment, you could feel the comeback materializing. Steph had already dropped 23 points before exiting in the third quarter with a knee issue, and the building blocks were there for one of those vintage Warriors rallies that make you believe.
Steph Curry is headed to the locker room with a knee injury
Then Steph didn’t come back. Knee injury. No word yet on severity, but after watching Jimmy Butler’s season end with an ACL tear just days ago, Dub Nation is collectively holding its breath and praying to every deity that’ll listen. This team can’t afford another catastrophic injury. Not now. Not when the championship window is already showing cracks.
Draymond Green finished with 15 points and 7 assists in 33 minutes of the kind of gritty, veteran leadership that keeps this team afloat. De’Anthony Melton added 18 points off the bench on 7-of-13 shooting, one of the few bright spots in a game where Golden State shot just 44% from the field and 35% from three. Moses Moody? Quiet night with 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting. Brandin Podziemski contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists but couldn’t provide the late-game juice the Warriors desperately needed. Al Horford chipped in 13 points, but this wasn’t a night where veteran steadiness could overcome the Pistons’ early offensive explosion.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: The Warriors gave up 62 points in the paint and allowed Detroit to control 90% of the game. The Pistons led by as many as 20 and never looked panicked, even when Golden State mounted its comeback.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the final seconds of their game aginst the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on January 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 29: Head coach Jordi Fernandez of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 29, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming off seven straight losses, the Brooklyn Nets finally found the win column for the first time in 26 days while sliding past the Utah Jazz 109–99.
The win was rooted more in execution than shot-making. Even while shooting lower percentages from the field and from three for most of the game, Brooklyn stayed disciplined defensively and made the right plays at the right time.
Just four players reached double figures, with BYU product Egor Demin leading the way with a career-high 25 points and 10 rebounds, recording his first career double-double in his return to Utah.
When asked about his thunderous return to the Beehive State, the rookie took a moment to reflect on his career night.
“It’s very special. Especially having these people that mean so much to me here. I’m feeling this BYU love,” Demin said. “It means a lot to me.”
Demin’s Homecoming
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 04: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets gestures during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center on January 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While knocking down three early triples in the first quarter, Demin became the second-fastest rookie in NBA history to reach 100 made three-pointers, while also setting an NBA rookie record with his 34th consecutive game with a made three.
As has been the case throughout his season, most of his damage came from beyond the arc, with all but two of his eight made field goals coming from deep.
He continues to shoot with an uncommon level of confidence for a rookie, reaching his 25 points efficiently by shooting 50 percent from both the field and from three while totaling just two turnovers.
“Very happy for him. Very efficient game. He was ready to shoot,” said Nets head coach Jordi Fernández. “There was a reason why we drafted him. That’s something we can not teach. He has that mentality, always even-keeled. Every time the ball goes up, I believe it’s going in. I’m proud of him.”
Rather than taking credit for the best night of his career during his homecoming, the rookie showed why his maturity and character have stood out so far by deflecting the praise to his teammates.
“Nothing new. My teammates being good teammates. It’s a new lineup, playing with Noah for the first time and I love it. His penetration has opened up so much for us. The way he’s aggressive makes everybody life easier.”
With 104 made three-pointers on the season, Demin currently ranks second among all rookies and is on pace to finish with 181 threes, surpassing Kerry Kittles’ rookie record of 158.
Defense Sets The Tone
They may not have kept up with Utah’s shooting percentage, but Brooklyn brought down 14 more rebounds than Utah.
According to Fernández, Utah’s switch-heavy approach created cross-matches that Brooklyn was able to exploit, particularly on the glass, and he credited his team for capitalizing on those opportunities.
“When you are cross-matched, you can go and attack the glass,” Fernandez said. “And I think our guys did a great job.”
Center Nic Claxton and rookie point guard Nolan Traoré each finished with two blocks, while rookie forward Danny Wolf added one of his own.
Beyond what showed up on the stat sheet, Brooklyn consistently clogged the paint with active hands, contested shots while making life difficult for any Utah player that ventured into the paint, holding an opponent under 100 points for the first time in over a month.
The Jazz may have shot more efficiently than Brooklyn through the first three quarters, but the Nets simply took more shots and converted at a high enough rate that Utah’s efficiency ultimately didn’t matter.
Rookies Step Up
Demin wasn’t the only rookie to make a difference, as all five of Brooklyn’s rookies scored for the first time this season and the first time since 1991, with Traoré and Wolf playing key roles in Friday night’s win.
Traoré continues to show how far he’s come from the rushed, panicked player who struggled in the G League just a few months ago. While he may not yet be the explosive scorer he was in France just yet, the 19-year-old was effective across 26 minutes, finishing with seven points, six assists, two blocks, and just one turnover while shooting 37.5 percent from the field.
As the lightest player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft Traoré wasn’t expected to make much of an impact defensively early on, but effort goes a long way. He consistently kept himself in the mix by contesting shots and chasing Utah’s guards around screens while helping anchor Brooklyn’s defensive effort.
While he may not be a noticeable contributor just yet, rookie Ben Saraf has averaged 18 minutes over the past four games since returning from the G League. During Friday’s win, he finished with two points while dishing out two assists and grabbing a steal through 21 minutes of action.
Milestone Watch
Demin picked the right time to steal the show in his return to Utah, setting an NBA rookie record with 34 consecutive games with a made three-pointer. The rookie also became the second-fastest first-year player to reach 100 made three-pointers in their career.
With two blocks during Friday’s win, Nic Claxton is just three blocks away from passing Mike Gminski for the fourth-most blocks in franchise history.
What’s Next?
Sunday, the Nets will head to Detroit to take on the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
Led by All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 25.3 points per game, Detroit enters the matchup at 35–12, holding the best record in the Eastern Conference and the second-best mark in the NBA.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz works the balll against Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of their game at the Delta Center on January 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Jazz lost this one 109-99 to the Brooklyn Nets. They kept it close for the majority of this game, but in the end Cam Thomas and Egor Demin outgunned the Jazz. That pretty much sums this one up. I think the tanking this year has numbed my brain, but it will all be worth it if/when we land a top 3 pick in this upcoming draft.
Keyonte George- B+
Just your average Keyonte George game at this point. 26 points, 7 assists. I decided to knock his grade down a bit for missing three free throws. He had an awesome dunk off a lob from Cody Williams. Not his best night from deep however as he went 1/3. He appeared to tweak his ankle in the 4th quarter so this could be the last we see from Key in a while. I’m really hoping that it wasn’t anything too serious and Key will be back on the court soon.
Ace Bailey- C+
Ace had a monster jam in the third, and looked confident shooting from deep tonight. He shot 50% from the field, and had two steals. He could only secure two boards and didn’t log an assist on the night.
Cody Williams- C-
Not Cody’s finest night, as he had a horrible pass that sailed over everyone’s head and out of bounds, he also got swatted while driving to the hoop. He did have his once per game nice dunk though, and had a nice drive and score to open the game. I am Cody’s #1 fan, but only 2 boards and an assist in 28 minutes?! I have no doubt this was caused by the lingering symptoms of his illness, and that next game he’ll play better.
Svi Mykhailuik- D
Svi only had 3 points tonight, and didn’t shoot well at all. He went 1/6 from the field, and 1/4 from three point range. He’s a guy to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches.
Kyle Filipowski- A-
Flip had the best game I’ve seen him play in a while. He put up 14 points and 12 rebounds and also had a solid night on defense. Its games like this that really show just how valuable Flip could be as a backup big man for when the Jazz are competitive again.
Isaiah Collier- B-
As we’ve all come to expect Collier passed the ball well, and dished out 7 assists. He also added 10 points. Watching the games lately I’ve noticed that his lack of an outside shot has really capped his ceiling. The lone three he attempted was a tough miss, he also had 4 turnovers.
Brice Sensabaugh- B
Solid night for Brice, he had 18 points and 5 rebounds. He had a few really nice mid-range jumpers.
Kyle Anderson- C
Anderson had an extremely quiet game tonight. He made 1/2 shots, and had 4 assists.
Taylor Hendricks- C-
Hendricks continues to struggle in his limited playing time. He’s going through the necessary struggles as he works his way back from last year’s injury. It wasn’t all bad as he did have two and one opportunities tonight. He shot 1-4 from deep and missed both his free throws. It’s important to keep in mind that this year is about recovery for Hendricks. Patience is key for his development.
Walter Clayton- D
Clayton only played 13 minutes in this one. He only mustered up one point on 3 shots. I still believe in Clayton long term, and I think he should receive an increase in minutes because he is a much better shooter than Collier.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 30, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz were extremely successful tanking lost to the Brooklyn Nets 109-99. It was a battle of wills between two teams very interested in adding lottery talent to their teams. The Nets won but it was very much not he outcome they probably wanted. Don’t forget, the Jazz and Nets both had bad lottery luck last year, but the Jazz, because of better positioning, held their spot and came away with the 5th pick.
To start this one, both teams made sure it was their youth, and only youth, as the focus.
Utah made sure that they were without Lauri Markkanen, Jusuf Nurkic, and Kevin Love.
The Jazz ruled out Lauri Markkanen (Rest), Jusuf Nurkic (Illness), and Kevin Love (Illness) tonight vs. the Nets.
The Nets had a fantastic performance from former BYU guard, Egor Demin. Demin was 8/16 from the field and 6/12 from three for 25 points with 10 rebounds and 4 assists. He was vital in the win for Brooklyn and looks like a legit piece for them going forward. The Nets also had a great second quarter from Cam Thomas, who ended the game with 21 points. Thomas scores the ball and not much else, but sometimes that’s what you need most. His scoring was the real difference for the Nets tonight.
For Utah, they had some bright spots in this one, on top of inching closer to the top of the lottery standings.
Keyonte George was his usual self this game. He was an electric 9/11 from the field for 27 points with 7 assists. He was the best player on the floor when he played and continues to have a breakout year. He ended the game with a turned ankle and it will be interesting to see if he plays on the upcoming road trip for the Jazz.
Ace Bailey had just 12 points but showed some great flashes. This dunk driving to the basket showed just how much potential he has. What happens when he figures out that handle?
We finally got some signs of life from Taylor Hendricks. Hendricks has had a pretty terrible couple weeks but tonight showed some signs of life. He had some nice plays around the basket including two and-ones. Maybe this is a chance for him to turn things around.
Finally, we need to be excited about Cody Williams. He might not be a star, but he is looking more and more like a solid rotation player who contributes to winning. He will only get better, and he has a chance to be an important rotation player for years to come. The development of Williams is probably the second biggest story this season after the rise of Keyonte George.
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson throws to first base during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, Calif., Sept. 27, 2025.
The Athletics locked up a piece of their young core.
All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson and the A’s reached an agreement on a seven-year extension that includes a club option for a potential eighth year, the team announced on Friday.
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson throws to first base during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West Sacramento, Calif., Sept. 27, 2025. AP
Wilson, 23, is coming off a stellar rookie season where he put up a slash line of .311/.355/.444 with 26 doubles and 13 home runs.
Wilson’s .311 batting average was tied for second in the American League with Bo Bichette, trailing just Aaron Judge (.331).
His efforts earned him his first career All-Star appearance as he finished second for American League Rookie of the Year race fellow A’s teammate Nick Kurtz.
Wilson’s extension comes as the Athletics continue to build their young offensive core, with the team already having outfielders Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler under contract until at least 2030.
The Athletics selected Wilson with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and he quickly made his way to the big leagues, spending just 83 games in the minors before being called up at the end of 2024.
When speaking to reporters at the end of this past season, Wilson said that it was “an honor” to be in the AL batting title discussion alongside Judge.
“I’ve been trailing that guy all year,” Wilson said in September. “It’s definitely an honor to be in the same category as him with the year he’s had. It’s awesome just to be able to compete with him.
“I’m still a couple of points behind him, but I’m just going out there every day having fun playing baseball with these guys for the last time this season.”
SoxFest Live kicked off Friday night at the Ramova Theatre as the baseball offseason wraps up and pitchers and catchers prepare to report for Spring Training. The White Sox had a decent rebound season last year while sporting a very young team in 2025 and coming off a historically horrific 2024. However, the vibes were high all night on the South Side, as fans feel more optimistic about the organization’s future.
Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Kyle Teel all opened a gift bag on stage that featured their own bobbleheads, including a catcher’s duo bobblehead with Teel and his counterpart, Edgar Quero. While all of them are awesome, in my opinion, the real star of the show is the Bobby Jenks and A.J. Pierzynski bobblehead as they celebrate winning the 2005 World Series. A perfect tribute to the glue of the championship-winning team and to Bobby, who was lost way too soon last year.
Home opening weekend is full of fun giveaways, including the Bobby and A.J. bobble, an Opening Day t-shirt featuring Munetaka Murakami, a few jackets, and plenty of City Connect swag. I know I initially talked some smack about the new City Connect jerseys’ lack of creativity, but they do make some pretty epic gear. And let’s not forget the Mexican heritage items because every year these games are beyond fun with a sellout crowd, and the Los White Sox jersey is always a hit.
When chatting with several season ticket holders, the consensus is that they have more faith in the front office over the last year, and there is heightened positivity around the Rebuild 2.0 that GM Chris Getz has been forced to undertake. Many players seem to share the same sentiment, as every player we were able to speak with said they were “excited to get back together with the guys, and get back to playing and working on being consistent.”
There were 10 South Siders in the building on Friday night. The legendary Gene Honda began the evening by introducing everyone, with his smooth, iconic voice easily hyping up the crowd as if it were a Saturday night game at the Rate, and he’s announcing the starting lineup. A sort of frightening starting lineup considering there were just four position players and six pitchers, but perhaps Davis Martin or Shane Smith is a secret weapon at the plate, though I’m not sure I want to find out.
First up was the broadcast team, with in-game reporters Brooke Fletcher and Connor McKnight, followed by the TV and radio crew, featuring Chuck Garfein, Len Kasper, and John Schriffen. Getz and manager Will Venable repped the front office and coaching staff, followed by two minor league prospects who joined this year: infielder Sam Antonacci and righthander Tanner McDougal.
Last up were the major leaguers — the stars of the show. Grant Taylor, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin, and Shane Smith represented the South Side pitching staff. Kay joined the team for the first time this offseason, signing out of the NPB in Japan, and is thrilled to be meeting some of the guys and looking forward to Spring Training and another chance in MLB.
Last but certainly not least: infielders Vargas, Meidroth, and Montgomery, and catcher Teel, who recently committed to playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic this March. There was, however, one player who was unable to attend, but Munetaka Murakami was there in spirit and shared a message to fans, earning a roar from the crowd upon hearing “Go White Sox!”
Fans were also able to ask questions to Getz and Venable in a segment called “Pardon the Pitch Clock”, which gave them four minutes to answer some questions from the crowd. The five categories before a final “lightning round” were: the 2026 outlook, offseason acquisitions and roster philosophy, players to watch, new initiatives and innovations, and clubhouse culture and leadership. This year was probably much easier to manage, considering they aren’t coming off of the worst season ever, but the positivity and buy-in from Getz and Venable seem to reinforce the fans’ hope for the future of the team.
Props to the White Sox for putting on a great event for the first day, and a big thank you to the players for being so welcoming and willing to talk with us and answer questions. We’ll be back with more coverage throughout the rest of the event!
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) steps back to shoot against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center.
Nets teen Egor Dëmin made his Utah homecoming a winning one Friday night.
The lottery pick — who played in-state at BYU — had the best night of his impressive rookie season, leading the Nets to a 109-99 win over the Jazz before a sellout crowd of 18,186 at Delta Center to snap a league-worst seven-game losing skid.
The Nets had been winless on the tail end of back-to-backs, and 0-8 without Michael Porter Jr. But Dëmin stepped into the breach with 25 points, 10 rebounds — career highs — and four assists.
Egor Dëmin, who scored 25 points, steps back to shoot during the Nets’ 109-99 win over the Jazz on Jan. 30, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Rob Gray-Imagn Images
He even drove the lane for a dunk and went 6-for-12 from deep, his 34th straight game with a 3, an NBA rookie record.
Dëmin, Wolf and Nolan Traore scored the last 14 points for the Nets to close out the victory.
“It means a lot,” said Dëmin in an on-court interview. “It’s the first second game of a back-to-back we’ve won, the first [win] without Mike. He’s a big, big, big part of our team, but we’ve got to be able to function without him, too. So that win means a lot, especially for me being back home I can say so. It’s pretty fun.”
Brooklyn snapped a league-worst seven-game losing skid, and youth led the way with Dëmin, Traore and Danny Wolf all in the lineup.
It was the first time the Nets started three rookies since Dec. 18, 2021, and the first time five rookies scored since March 23, 1991.
Wolf had 14 points and five boards, while the speedy Traore added seven points, six assists and downhill play. He blew to the basket for a late and-one that saw Keyonte George (26 points) injured on the play.
Danny Wolf looks to make a pass around Brice Sensabaugh during the second half of the Nets’ win over the Jazz. Rob Gray-Imagn Images
“We needed a win,” Wolf said.
Cam Thomas scored 21 off the bench, while Day’Ron Sharpe added 16 points and nine rebounds as the Nets hammered undersized Utah 47-33 on the glass.
Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkic were out for the Jazz, who’ve lost nine of 10. But the Nets won’t feel sorry in the least.
“It feels great to snap the losing streak,” Sharpe said. “Nobody likes losing.”
Egor Dëmin shoots over Svi Mykhailiuk during the first half of the Nets’ road win over the Jazz. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It was knotted at 83-all after an Ace Bailey score to open the fourth, but Brooklyn reeled off an 8-0 run. Thomas found Jalen Wilson for a corner 3 and a 91-83 lead they never surrendered.
A couple of late Demin 3s padded it to double digits at 100-90.
“Ever since he got here in the summer he’s gotten better every day. You see the confidence growing on him and I feel like the sky’s the limit for him,” Sharpe said. “He’s proven the doubters wrong, and I hope he just continues to do that.”
The Nets (13-34) are now fifth in the lottery race, a game behind Washington and one ahead of Utah.
