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NHL draft 2026: Top 10 ranked defensemen

The difference one defenseman can make for an NHL team is often quite large. 

If a squad has a weak link, it can be exposed because even the bottom pair generally plays around 15 minutes a night. 

In the NHL draft, defensemen are often the most interesting case studies. Since 2003, a defenseman has been drafted in the top five every year. 

What teams value on the blueline is always quite interesting, as they traditionally lean into drafting big, defensively focused defensemen. That said, the best blueliners in the world right now are all mobile puck-movers, and their physical stature is often not a major part of their game.

Let's see which blueliners are the cream of the crop ahead of this year's NHL draft.

Top 10 defensemen in the 2026 NHL Draft

North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff

The most well-rounded defender in the class, Verhoeff's improvement this season makes him an easy choice as the top blueliner. He has good size, excellent fluidity on his feet and some of the best passing skills of any blueliner in the class. Verhoeff understands how to make smart plays at both ends of the ice, which allows him to win most of his shifts. He looks like a top-five pick. 

Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits

Smits is the ultimate ball of clay that NHL teams can mold into an effective defenseman. His baseline is quite high as a big, mobile, defensive-minded player who can shut opponents down. His upside is incredible with the kind of run-and-gun offensive skill and fluidity that makes the best defenders in the world what they are. If he can continue to refine his offensive game, he could be a top-pair stud.

HV71 (Sweden) defenseman Malte Gustafsson

Malte Gustafsson has impressed in the Swedish League, and his overall control of the game makes him one of the most interesting defenders in the draft. There isn't an area of the game you can point to as a weakness. Gustafsson has become more physical at the men's level while continuing to showcase his mobility and puck-moving on the breakout. He's become a true two-way presence and should be taken inside the top 10. 

Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) defenseman Xavier Villeneuve

Villeneuve is one of the most dynamic puck-moving blueliners in the class. He is a true difference-maker on offense, with incredible shiftiness and passing. His defensive game is better than he gets credit for, using his feet to defend and turn the play around. He's a wild card, however, because he's 5-foot-11 and 162 pounds. Villeneuve could be taken in the top half of the first round, or he could fall because of his size. 

Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) defenseman Chase Reid

Reid is possibly the most divisive defenseman at the top of the class. He can carry the puck through the neutral zone and create off the rush. His passing is inconsistent, but when it's on, it's quite dangerous in the attacking end. Reid shows the tools needed to be effective defensively, but that's a work in progress. He's being discussed as a top-10 pick, but he could fall outside that range. 

Lulea (Sweden) defenseman William Hakansson

One of the premier defensive blueliners, Hakansson is a stopper in the simplest terms. He has excellent size, uses his length well to defend in transition and gets into the corners to recover pucks effectively. Hakansson has a physical edge to his game as well. If a team wants a defender who can put up a wall in their own zone, you could see Hakansson go around the mid-first round. 

Tappara (Finland) defenseman Juho Piiparinen

Piiparinen is a steady, do-it-all defenseman who limits mistakes and knows when to make the right play. He won't blow your mind when you watch him, but he can do just about everything asked of him. He can shut down plays, recover dump-ins and move the puck up ice reliably. A mid-to-late first-round pick seems appropriate for a player you don't have to worry about too often. 

Prince George (WHL) defenseman Carson Carels

After getting some hype at the World Junior Championship, Carels has shot up many draft boards. His playmaking and steady all-around game have made him a very solid prospect. Carels can play just about any role adequately, but he just needs to find his specialty and really lean into it. He really could go anywhere in the first round since draft experts have him ranked all over the place. 

Vancouver (WHL) defenseman Ryan Lin

Although he's injured, Lin builds off his mobility in all areas of the game. His game is a bit inconsistent overall, but when he is on his A-game, he could be one of the top five defenders in the draft class. His ability to handle the puck, work along the blueline and set up teammates is impressive. He skates forward to defend, attempting to cut off play in the neutral zone. He could go anywhere in the mid-to-late first round. 

Dukla Trencin (Slovakia) defenseman Adam Goljer

A shutdown defender who is on the younger side of the draft class, Goljer is still a bit raw, but his potential as a top-four play-killer could be quite intriguing. The Slovak blueliner doesn't dangle his opponents on the breakout or at the offensive blueline – he punishes them. Goljer isn't quite as refined as some of the guys ahead of him, but he's got the upside you want to see from a no-nonsense defenseman.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NCAA freshman Keaton Verhoeff leads top 10 NHL draft defense prospects

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What channel is USC vs Iowa basketball on today? Time, TV schedule

For the second time in two weeks, Southern California basketball will face off against Iowa in a Big Ten matchup.

The Trojans (15-5, 4-5 Big Ten) will look to complete the season sweep of the No. 25 Hawkeyes (14-5, 4-4) on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT).

REQUIRED READING: NCAA tournament bracketology: March Madness projection dominated by Big Ten

USC earned a 99-89 win over Iowa on Jan. 14 in Los Angeles behind a 25-point effort from Desmond Claude and 24 points from Saint Thomas. The Trojans led by 16 points at halftime and cruised to the victory.

The Trojans are coming off a 73-71 win over Wisconsin, while Iowa earned a 68-62 win over Rutgers in the teams' respective last games.

Here's how to watch USC vs. Iowa men's basketball, including the start time, TV channel, streaming information and more:

What TV channel is USC vs Iowa on today?

USC vs. Iowa men's basketball will air nationally on the Big Ten Network. Kevin Kugler (play-by-play) and Jordan Taylor (analyst) will be on the call while Andy Katz serves as the sideline reporter.

Streaming options for the game include the Fox Sports app or Fubo, which offers a free trial. 

USC vs Iowa time today

  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 28
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT)

The matchup between USC and Iowa is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

USC vs Iowa predictions, picks, odds

This section will be updated when odds are available.

Prediction: Iowa 76, USC 70

The Hawkeyes' offense overcomes the length of the Trojans' defense to win this one at home. The win moves Iowa a game above .500 in conference play, while USC falls two games below.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch USC vs Iowa basketball today: Channel, time, streaming

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Current Cavs recall where they were for 2016 NBA Finals

Every longtime Cleveland Cavaliers fan remembers exactly where they were on June 19, 2016. It’s impossible to forget the anxiety that turned into euphoria when the final buzzer sounded, LeBron James fell to the floor, and a professional sports team in Cleveland was crowned champion for the first time in 52 years.

Members of the current Cavaliers had a different perspective on that Finals.

Larry Nance Jr. is the only one from the current group who grew up in the area and was in the league a decade ago. The rest were just college, high school, or even middle school-aged kids watching one of the best Finals of their lifetime.

Jaylon Tyson was 13-years old at the time, but he remembers that Finals vividly.

“I was 1,000% locked in,” Tyson told Fear the Sword. “We were seeing it at my dad’s house. Me, him, and my little brother were sitting there watching it. And all I remember is the block. I got up. That was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Tyson grew up a fan of LeBron, so he was thrilled with the result.

“I was happy for LeBron, happy for Cleveland, obviously, and then I got drafted here,” Tyson said. “It was a full-circle moment.”

Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!

Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.

Lonzo Ball was a little older. He was preparing for his freshman year of college at the time.

“I did like the Cavs at that time,” Ball told Fear the Sword. “LeBron was my favorite player, so I actually watched Game 7 in my homie’s dorm room in UCLA on a little, tiny ass 30-inch screen.

“College life was definitely exciting. I was on the basketball team, so obviously, we loved the game. So, can’t really ask for anything better than that Game 7 and for it to end the way it did.”

Dean Wade had a similar story. He watched the game with his college teammates at the Kansas State practice facility.

“Half my team was split, like 50/50,” Wade said to Fear the Sword. “We were all cheering for a different team. It was the loudest the locker room had ever gotten.”

Wade was also rooting for the Cavs, but more so out of a disdain for the Warriors.

Not everyone was as locked in. Both De’Andre Hunter and Nae’Qwan Tomlin followed the series as high schoolers, but they weren’t living and dying with every possession.

Jarrett Allen didn’t watch that Finals at all, admitting that he didn’t pay attention to the NBA when he was in high school.

Then, there’s Craig Porter Jr., who was 16 at the time, remembers the actually important stuff.

“I remember J.R. Smith,” Porter told Fear the Sword. “I remember some shit like he ain’t put a shirt on for a week or something like that. I remember that it was one of the biggest parades. [Matthew] Dellavedova almost died guarding Curry.”

Delly was hospitalized during the 2015 series, but that’s important lore in the Cavs and Warriors rivalry.

“I wasn’t a fan of either team,” Porter said. “But you gotta watch that. It’s the best brand of basketball.”

Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers will be as close to a 10-year celebration of that Finals as the Cavs will get. It’s the one time LeBron will be back in Cleveland this season. They’ll undoubtedly show highlights from that series, and the crowd will give him a standing ovation.

Even though 10 years have passed, we still haven’t seen a Finals come close to recreating the cultural and local impact that one did. And it will likely be several more decades until we see one that rivals it.

That 2016 Cavaliers team and championship are one of one.

“In my opinion, it was the finest Finals victory there ever was,” Ball said.

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Pens Points: Rust suspended for illegal hit

Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust has been suspended for three games after the NHL Department of Player Safety deemed he performed an illegal check to the head of Vancouver forward Brock Boeser. Boeser has since entered concussion protocol. PensBurgh]

It appears forward Evgeni Malkin is no worse for wear after he was seen in discomfort on Pittsburgh’s bench after the final horn in Sunday’s game against the Canucks. [PensBurgh]

Penguins prospect Emil Pieniniemi was promoted to the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers on Tuesday, a positive next step in his development after the organization lifted his suspension because Pieniniemi failed to report to Wheeling at the start of the season. [Trib Live]

Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany will miss approximately the next two months after undergoing hand surgery, the team announced on Tuesday afternoon. [Trib Live]

Updates from around the NHL…

When it rains, it pours in Vancouver: Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is set to undergo hip surgery that will end his season, general manager Patrik Allvin said Tuesday. [Associated Press]

Sunday’s Stadium Series game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins will pay homage to Tampa’s pirate history. The rink will sit atop a treasure map design covering Raymond James Stadium’s field. [Sportsnet]

Which of the 10 teams that have yet to hoist the Stanley Cup has the best chance of doing so? Who is set up for the best chance at long-term success? [USA Today]

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane reached another milestone on Tuesday. Kane tied Mike Modano’s record for the most points by an American-born player in NHL history, posting the 1,374th point of his career late in the third period of the Red Wings’ game against the Los Angeles Kings. [Daily Faceoff]

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Top remaining MLB free agents: Framber Valdez leads 34 best still available

Free agency never really ends, as general managers are likely to tell you as the January cold gives way to the promise of Florida sunshine. Yet the pickings are getting ever slimmer on Major League Baseball's free agent market - especially the hitting side.

A pair of difference-making starting pitchers are still available, along with a decent swath of reliable, itinerant veterans who can pad out the middle or back of the rotation. But it's getting late late, as one might say, as teams aim to wrap up their dealmaking before camps begin opening Feb. 10.

A ranking of the top remaining free agents:

1. Framber Valdez (32, LHP, Astros)

Framber Valdez is the top remaining MLB free agent.

Not sure if he’ll sniff the Max Fried rent district for lefty starters but it never hurts when you’re literally one of two on the market. Valdez is consistently right around 200 innings, has a championship pedigree and suppresses the home run ball. Not an ideal conclusion to his Houston era, but it’s also easy enough to hand him the ball and set your alarm clock for September.

2. Zac Gallen (30, RHP, Diamondbacks)

He led the NL in WHIP (0.91) and the majors in fewest hits per nine innings (5.9) in 2022, but regressed to 1.26 and 8.3/8.1 the past two seasons. He was much better once the trade deadline passed, posting a 3.32 ERA in his last 11 starts.

3. Lucas Giolito (31, RHP, Red Sox)

Giolito finally turned the page on a pair of injury-ravaged seasons to make 26 starts and post a 3.41 ERA, enough to comfortably decline his $19 million player option. Giolito completed at least six innings in 15 of his 26 starts, though he missed a playoff outing with elbow soreness.

4. Eugenio Suárez (34, 3B, Mariners)

Forty-nine home runs at age 34: What kind of a price do you put on that? Suarez, a free agent for the first time in his career, is about to find out. Suitors know what they’re getting: Punishing power, a ton of strikeouts, suboptimal defense at third but off the charts on the clubhouse affability index.

5. Chris Bassitt (37, RHP, Blue Jays)

A little high for the reliable righty? Well, consider that there are so few Chris Bassitts out there and this one just completed a three-year, $63 million deal with numbing consistency: 32 starts a year, a 3.89 ERA, nearly six innings per start. He topped that off with a selfless stint in the playoff bullpen, where he gave up one earned run in seven appearances.

6. Max Scherzer (41, RHP, Blue Jays)

He indicated after World Series Game 7 that he hadn’t thrown his final pitch, and he posted often enough in 2025 that the standard one year, $15.5 million deal should still be waiting for him.

7. Justin Verlander (43, RHP, Giants)

Those videos of Verlander and Scherzer playing bridge in the nursing home are gonna be wild 40 or so years from now. For now, though, they’ve got innings in their arms and for Verlander’s sake, hopefully he can find a home that’s both pitcher-friendly but also not totally lacking in run support: His 3.85 ERA resulted in a 4-11 record as he sits on 266 wins.

8. Luis Arráez (28, INF/DH, Padres)

Let the Arráez Rorshach tests begin. Do you see a singles hitter with a league average OPS? Or a magician with elite bat-to-ball skills? A three-time batting champion with three teams? Or a guy who can never justify his lack of slug despite all those one-baggers. Be interesting to see what the market thinks.

9. Nick Martinez (35, RHP, Reds)

More invaluable than his peripherals indicate, Martinez took the ball 82 times over two years in Cincy, including 42 starts, and amassed 6.3 WAR and a steady 3.83 ERA.

10. Jose Quintana (37, LHP, Brewers)

Can we at least spare this man the indignity of nosing around for a job in March?

11. Paul Goldschmidt (38, 1B, Yankees)

Until further notice, he remains a decent right-handed platoon option at first, the Yankees eminently pleased at the 1.2 WAR and clubhouse gravitas he provided.

12. Rhys Hoskins (33, 1B/DH, Brewers)

A bumpy couple of years in Milwaukee, where injuries and the emergence of Andrew Vaughn cut Hoskins out of the fun this past season. He struck out more than once per game as a Brewer but did salvage league-average OPS thanks to his power.

13. Zack Littell (30, RHP, Reds)

Littell completed the transition from swingman to full-fledged starter the past two seasons and this year reached 186 ⅔ innings with Tampa Bay and Cincinnati. Just 130 strikeouts might give suitors pause to believe he can repeat it, but Littell has proven himself as a reliable innings-eater.

14. Tomoyuki Sugano (36, RHP, Orioles)

A tale of three seasons for Sugano, who started strongly, faded badly and then made a mini-comeback to land almost exactly on the definition of "quality start": A 10-10 record and 4.64 ERA. Probably did enough to land another job stateside in 2026.

15. Michael Conforto (33, OF, Dodgers)

Will that beautiful left-handed swing again prove irresistible to a suitor? The Dodgers gambled $17 million that they could turn him into a weapon and he batted .199 and did not make the playoff rosters.

16. Marcell Ozuna (35, DH, Braves)

Last call for the full-time DH? The Braves couldn’t get rid of Ozuna at the trade deadline and now he’ll take his 21 homers to the market. Hit 40 and 39 homers in 2023-24, finishing fourth in NL MVP voting in ’24.

17. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (31, INF, Blue Jays)

Simple though his role may be, there’s simply not many IKFs out there, tasked with catching the ball, running the bases well and possessing the ability to fill in anywhere on the infield.

18. Austin Hays (30, OF, Reds)

Cincy was a solid fit for Hays, who smacked 15 homers in 380 at-bats. Still adept in a right-handed platoon role.

19. Patrick Corbin (36, LHP, Rangers)

Can still eat innings – 155 of ‘em in 2025 – and now with a little less pain, as he shaved his ERA from 5.62 his final year in Washington to 4.40 in Texas.

20. David Robertson (40, RHP, Phillies)

Used to be only Roger Clemens could get away with chilling out for a few months and then hopping aboard a playoff train. Robertson did so to some success in Philly; will he be up for the long haul next spring?

21. Tommy Kahnle (36, RHP, Tigers)

Leaving New York – where he’d posted a 2.38 ERA his past two seasons – was tricky for Kahnle, whose 4.43 ERA was his worst since 2018.

22. Daniel Coulombe (36, LHP, Rangers)

Was better before he got caught up in the Twins fire sale (1.16 ERA in Minnesota, 5.25 in 15 appearances in Texas) but on balance remains one of the most reliable and versatile lefty relief options available.

23. Walker Buehler (31, RHP, Phillies)

The arm is too good to give up on, even if the Red Sox had little choice but to do so after posting a 5.45 ERA and 5.89 FIP in 22 starts there. He fared a little better in a two-start look-see with Philadelphia, but he’ll clearly be in a short-term incentive-laden situation in 2025.

24. Jon Gray (34, RHP, Rangers)

His 2025 was a wash, as a fractured wrist in spring training and shoulder neuritis limited him to six appearances.

25. Tyler Anderson (36, LHP, Angels)

Seemed like a quick three years in Anaheim, mercifully, where Anderson posted a good year, not-so-good and a so-so season. He’s coming off the last of those, the biggest bugaboo a career worst 1.8 homers per nine.

26. Miles Mikolas (37, RHP, Cardinals)

A bit of will-he or won’t-he involved with Mikolas, who may retire, though he’s never one to leave any innings on the table. Last year, he ate up 156 ⅓ of them, with a 4.84 ERA.

27. Miguel Andujar (30, INF, Reds)

A nifty revival for the 2018 Rookie of the Year runner-up, as he posted an .822 OPS with the A’s and Reds and positioned himself as a versatile righty platoon bat going forward.

28. Justin Wilson (38, LHP, Red Sox)

About as close to a LOOGY as one can get in this three-batter minimum era, as Wilson tossed 48 1/3 innings in 61 appearances, holding lefties to a .212 average.

29. Mitch Garver (35, C/DH, Mariners)

The bat continues to fade, but Garver did catch 43 games backing up the Big Dumper in Seattle.

30. Scott Barlow (33, RHP, Reds)

A throw-till-you-blow guy and well, Barlow hasn’t blown yet, his 75 appearances always a value to a team needing innings.

31. Martin Perez (34, LHP, White Sox)

Declined the player portion of his mutual option after a flexor strain limited him to 10 starts in 2025.

32. Starling Marte (37, OF, Mets)

His four years of meritorious, if injury-plagued, service in Flushing are over. But Marte should still retain some value as an extra outfielder.

33. Andrew McCutchen (39, OF, Pirates)

He’s not so sure about that open invitation to return to Pittsburgh, but has indicated he’ll run it back one more time, somewhere, in 2026.

34. Brent Suter (36, LHP, Reds)

If only for the post-clinch dance moves. For real, though, Suter never pitched more than 3 ⅔ innings last season but appeared in innings 1 through 9 at some point. Anytime, anywhere.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top remaining MLB free agents: Framber Valdez atop 34 best available

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Rockets potentially looking into adding depth at center

The Houston Rockets’ offensive philosophy is to bully opponents on the glass. Buy and large, it works.

The more scoring opportunities one gets, the higher likelihood that they’ll score. Especially put-back opportunities around the rim or open kick-out threes.

Steven Adams has been a big part of that, as he leads the league in offensive rebounds, with 4.5 per contest.

Adams is out indefinitely with a Grade 3 ankle sprain. He’s going to miss a considerable amount of time.

Clint Capela provides insurance for Adams, but he now becomes the only back-up big behind Alperen Sengun, who has also missed time here and there with injury (seven games through the first half of the season).

What was once viewed as a deep rotation isn’t quite the same without Adams.

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets are looking into adding more depth in the big man room.

Iko reports that Houston’s brass hasn’t made definite plans, but that they are merely mulling and assessing whether it’s necessary, whether via trade or buyout.

Complicating matters is Houston’s financial hamstring, as they’re just $1.2 million under the hard cap. They can reasonably afford to part with Aaron Holiday, Jae’Sean Tate or Jeff Green, without any regret.

Doing so would pretty much indicate that the team won’t be adding an on-ball facilitating guard.

The buyout market would help the Rockets financially.

But that will be scarce, although more realistic, featuring the names of Precious Achiuwa, Marvin Bagley III, Daniel Theis.

Not to say the trade market will be plentiful either. The Rockets won’t be going after the likes of Daniel Gafford or Onyeka Okongwu.

Jay Huff might be the best possible option on the trade market, considering the Rockets’ financial situation. Especially when considering his seemingly reduction in playing time, as he’s played just six minutes in the Pacers’ last two games.

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A moment of appreciation for the best version of Sam Hauser we’ve seen yet

Sam Hauser has played with a noticeable swagger in January. | Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Early in the season, Sam Hauser didn’t look like himself.

Shots he usually makes in his sleep weren’t falling, and his percentages were by far the worst they’ve ever been in his career.

In November, he shot 31 percent from the field and 27.5 percent from 3-point range. It was a true nightmare for a shooter who prides himself on efficiency and reliability.

Gradually, he built his way out of the slump. In December, those numbers rose to 39 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent from distance. He wasn’t where he wanted to be, but he was making progress.

Now, so far in January, Hauser is shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from 3. He’s averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 0.9 steals per game this month. After seeing the worst version of Hauser, we’re now seeing the best version of Hauser yet. Of course, hitting 10 3’s in a game helps the numbers look better, but hey, they all count.

As Hauser has returned to form and unlocked a new level, the Celtics have hit their stride and blossomed into one of the NBA’s biggest success stories. While there are of course a wide range of factors at play, it’s not a total coincidence that Hauser’s ascension aligns with the team’s.

Often a barometer for how the Celtics are shooting as a whole, his contagious confidence has helped them reach new heights collectively. To put it in perspective, Boston is 15-3 when Hauser makes three-plus 3’s and 14-14 when he hits two or fewer.

While Hauser’s 3-point shooting will always be his superpower, there’s a lot more to his game than just his marksmanship. Even when he doesn’t ultimately take the shot, he shines as a decoy and is a master spacer.

The action where the Celtics use Hauser as a screener and have him scurry to the wing is very difficult to stop. If teams worry about Hauser, the ball-handler will make them pay; if they worry about the ball-handler, Hauser is often the beneficiary. If they somehow guard both of those options, the big is often alone under the rim. Simply having him as a threat keeps defenses off balance and constantly scrambling.

His passing and playmaking have also reached another level. When defenders fly at him, Hauser consistently makes the right decision. He’ll get the shot off quickly, relocate and shoot, upfake to drive and shoot or upfake to drive and pass. Playing way up on him is still the right decision more often than not, but he’s learned how to handle the additional attention and get others involved.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla is always quick to point out Hauser’s defense. It’s not an easy task guarding players who are often bigger, stronger or faster, but Hauser uses his smarts, anticipation and court awareness to compensate and more than holds his own.

If you ask Hauser, he’ll still shake his head about the cold stretch to start. But he’s earned the right to give himself a break and forget all about it. This has been one heck of a response, and he looks like the player he knew he could become.

When the Celtics are rolling, there’s a good chance Hauser is as well. When Hauser is rolling, there’s a good chance the Celtics are as well. Lately, both have been rolling, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

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Doc Rivers: Joel Embiid ‘Most talented I ever coached'

Doc Rivers: Joel Embiid ‘Most talented I ever coached' originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

No matter what your opinion is on the man, or the coach, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has seen a thing or two when it comes to the NBA.

In his third year in Milwaukee, and 27th season as an NBA head coach, he has coached more than 2,000 games, and hundreds of players.

In 2008, he coached a Boston Celtics team with three Hall of Famers – Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen – to the NBA championship, which makes his comments last night carry that much more weight.

Before last night’s 139-122 Sixers win over Rivers’ Bucks, Doc was asked about his former star player, Joel Embiid, and his resurgence after dealing with yet another injury.

“You know, it’s funny, it’s like Groundhog Day, you know, it really is,” said Rivers. “I was telling a very, very, very Hall of Fame player that I coached that Joel is the most talented player that I ever coached. And he was like, ‘What?’ And I was like, ‘He is, you know, it’s the things that you guys see and then the things you actually don’t see in practice sometimes that he can do. It’s incredible, it really is.’”

“Unfortunately for me, I never had him healthy once in the playoffs,” he continued. “He wasn’t healthy last year; he wasn’t healthy the year before. You know, that’s five years straight, I think. And if he ever gets to the playoffs healthy, especially with, they’ve added some big pieces here. They’re gonna be a dangerous team, but it’s all gonna come down to that. And nothing’s changed.”

Considering all the players Rivers has coached – he currently has 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo on his roster! – these are mighty words from a coach who has roamed a sideline for more than a third of the NBA’s actual existence.

Not counting Giannis, or the Celtics’ “Big 3” in 2008, here is a list of players Doc Rivers has had on his rosters:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Shaquille O’Neal, Grant Hill, Patrick Ewing, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, Tracy McGrady, James Harden, Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, Sam Cassell, Stephon Marbury, and Blake Griffin.

All told, Rivers has coached nine players who made the Hall of Fame (for now), and six total MVP awards, aside from Embiid’s.

Rivers and Embiid didn’t enjoy much playoff success in their three seasons together, but perhaps this year can be different.

But you can’t help but wonder how the Greek Freak feels about all this.

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Australian Open 2026: Ben Shelton v Jannik Sinner – as it happened

Jannik Sinner, seeking a third Australian Open title in a row, thumped Ben Shelton in straight sets to set up a last-four meeting with Novak Djokovic

*Shelton 1-1 Sinner A big serve makes 15-0, but a decent return on to the line incites a netted forehand. No matter, Shelton shows good variety in the next rally, an inside-out backhand clipping the sideline for a winner, before an ace makes 4-15. But caught at the net having not done enough with the volley, he’s passed, then a netted slice takes us to deuce, and pressure. Shelton cannot afford to be be broken in the first game; he punishes down an ace, but is immediately hauled back, then another big serve allows the clean-up forehand. Ach, but just when a fantastic serve out wide looks to have set up the point, an overhit forehand restores deuce, and Shelton, despite nailing 10/10 first serves in this game, is having to deploy his entire array of shots to hold. He makes advantage again, sends down a decent second serve with the wind behind it, and a quality return renders it useless; back to deuce we go, Sinner slowly extracting his soul, but this time, Shelton makes advantage and closes out the game. Already, this is a lot of fun.

Shelton 0-1 Sinner* (*denotes server) Sinner hooks a forehand long, a shot that looks pretty relative to the mustard trainers, olive top and white hat, shorts and socks he’s been handed – why do they continually dress him in nonsense? Why does he let them? He soon makes 30-15 and Shelton misses the chance to properly get after a short second serve … but a framed forehand sends the ball into orbit and at 30-all, he has the sniff of a sniff. And this is more like it, the American coning in off a deep forehand, and it earns him break point; here we go. Ahahahaha, but you know what’s coming next: yes, a service winner that makes it 23 out of 29 break points saved in the tournament, backed up with a succession of forehands which facilitate the overhead putaway then, when Shelton goes with a drop, but down the line, not cross, which allows Sinner to rush in and mete out forehand treatment. He’s into the match.

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Cup of Cavs: NBA news and links for Wednesday, Jan. 28

Good morning, it’s Wednesday, January 28th. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 28-20 and host the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.

Is this LeBron’s last game in Cleveland? Who can say? All we know is it’s the last time his Lakers will play in Rocket Arena this season, barring a matchup in the NBA Finals. As exciting as that would be — I’d take this as the King’s last game in the Land for a while.

The Cavs went 2-0 against the Lakers last season. This will be their first meeting in the 2025-26 campaign.

Today’s Game of the Day

  • Cleveland Cavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers – 7 PM, ESPN

There’s no way this wasn’t going to be our pick.

The Cavs have been one of the league’s best teams since December 22nd. They are tied for the most wins in the NBA during that period and have ranked in the top 10 in offense and defense during this stretch.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are 28-17 and have won two straight games. Luka Doncic is averaging 33 points per game, while James is posting a historic 22.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 6 rebounds per game at 41 years old.

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. The Cavs will be without Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus, while the Lakers are without Austin Reaves. Nevertheless, the one player we’re all coming to see will be on the court.

The Rest of the NBA Slate

  • Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers – 7 PM
  • Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM
  • Orlando Magic at Miami Heat – 7:30 PM
  • New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 PM
  • Charlotte Hornets at Memphis Grizzlies – 8 PM
  • Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM
  • Golden State Warriors at Utah Jazz – 9 PM
  • San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets – 9:30 PM

Cavs links of the day

NBA links

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Uhrich, Southern Utah Thunderbirds to host Reynolds and the UT Arlington Mavericks

UT Arlington Mavericks (8-11, 2-5 WAC) at Southern Utah Thunderbirds (12-7, 5-3 WAC)

Cedar City, Utah; Thursday, 8:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Ava Uhrich and Southern Utah host Kira Reynolds and UT Arlington in WAC action.

The Thunderbirds have gone 7-1 at home. Southern Utah has a 1-0 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Mavericks are 2-5 in conference play. UT Arlington ranks third in the WAC shooting 31.9% from 3-point range.

Southern Utah averages 6.1 made 3-pointers per game, 1.9 more made shots than the 4.2 per game UT Arlington allows. UT Arlington has shot at a 39.6% rate from the field this season, 0.3 percentage points higher than the 39.3% shooting opponents of Southern Utah have averaged.

The matchup Thursday is the first meeting this season for the two teams in conference play.

TOP PERFORMERS: Devyn Kiernan averages 1.4 made 3-pointers per game for the Thunderbirds, scoring 6.4 points while shooting 35.5% from beyond the arc. Sierra Chambers is averaging 15.9 points and 3.3 assists over the past 10 games.

Reynolds is averaging 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks for the Mavericks. Mila Reynolds is averaging 7.6 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Thunderbirds: 6-4, averaging 67.2 points, 37.0 rebounds, 14.5 assists, 4.4 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 40.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 66.0 points per game.

Mavericks: 3-7, averaging 57.2 points, 30.8 rebounds, 12.5 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 37.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.0 points.

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

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Did Jayson Tatum give us another hint about his in-season return?

Did Jayson Tatum give us another hint about his in-season return? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jayson Tatum’s lengthy visit with The Pivot podcast delivered a treasure trove of headlines.

The part that stuck out most to us: Tatum displaying a heavy dose of self-awareness while admitting he’s been thinking a lot lately about how his return might impact a Boston Celtics team that has been entrenched near the top of the East standings for much of the 2025-26 season.

He also seemed to offer a rare hint about the timing of an in-season return.

At one point, Tatum noted, “If or when I do come back this season, they would have played 50 some-odd games without me.” He showed impressive maturity by saying out loud that he’s concerned his return could somehow disrupt the flow of the team.

But we all know the best version of the Celtics features Tatum, even if it will take time to get him back to the peak of his All-NBA powers.

Tatum later noted he’d be rejoining the team “50, 60 games into a season.”

That’s one of the few hints that Tatum has offered about a potential return during his limited media appearances since the injury. He has also noted:

  1. He circled a target date near the start of his rehab. We’ve long wondered if that date was around his birthday on March 3. That would be just shy of 10 in his rehab from Achilles surgery.
  2. He would prefer his return to action come at home at TD Garden, in order to make his return in front of Celtics fans.

So, here are all of Boston’s upcoming home dates between games 50 and 70:

  • Feb. 6 vs. Miami (Game 52)
  • Feb. 8 vs. New York (Game 53)
  • Feb. 11 vs. Chicago (Game 54)
  • Feb. 27 vs. Brooklyn (Game 59)
  • March 1 vs. Philadelphia (Game 60)
  • March 4 vs. Charlotte (Game 62)
  • March 6 vs. Dallas (Game 63)
  • March 14 vs. Washington (Game 67)
  • March 16 vs. Phoenix (Game 68)
  • March 18 vs. Golden State (Game 69)

There are a lot of fun possibilities in there. A Super Bowl Sunday return against the same Knicks team that Tatum was injured against — that would serve as an appetizer before the Patriots play in the NFL’s title game — is the stuff of Disney movies. But it’s also 11 days away and might be a bit too ambitious.

Waiting beyond the All-Star break gives Tatum a whole bunch of extra time to ramp up, though the Celtics come out of the midseason respite with a four-game road trip out West. The Celtics don’t play their first post-break game at home until February 27.

The Charlotte game after his birthday always felt like an intriguing option, and a 2024 Finals rematch with the Mavericks looms on March 6. (That’s also the first game in Boston for Maine native Cooper Flagg.)

Celtics brass repeatedly has stressed it will exercise plenty of caution with Tatum’s return, but when the calendar flips to February — and particularly after the Feb. 5 trade deadline passes — the hype around his potential return to game action will kick into overdrive.

“[This year’s Celtics] have an identity this year — or things that they’ve felt that has clicked for them and it’s been successful, right?” Tatum added on The Pivot. “Second team in the East up to this point. So there is a thought in my head of like, how does that work?

“How does that look with me integrating myself off an injury, and 50, 60 games into a season? Obviously, could be some challenges and it is a thought like, damn, do I come back? Or should I wait? It’s something that I honestly, recently, in the last like two weeks or so kind of just kind of contemplate every single day.”

Despite his concerns, the Celtics having to figure out how to reintegrate Tatum on a 50-plus-win pace with the fourth-best point differential in the league is the best sort of problem to have.

There will be obvious bumps in the road, especially as Tatum shakes rust from an extended absence. But that game action is vital to getting Tatum back to feeling like his old self, and getting Boston back to being a legitimate title threat.

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St. Louis hosts Florida following Schenn's 2-goal game

Florida Panthers (28-21-3, in the Atlantic Division) vs. St. Louis Blues (19-25-9, in the Central Division)

St. Louis; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Blues host the Florida Panthers after Brayden Schenn scored two goals in the Blues' 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars.

St. Louis is 12-10-6 in home games and 19-25-9 overall. The Blues have allowed 180 goals while scoring 129 for a -51 scoring differential.

Florida is 14-10-0 on the road and 28-21-3 overall. The Panthers are third in NHL play with 244 total penalties (averaging 4.7 per game).

The teams meet Thursday for the second time this season. The Blues won 6-2 in the last meeting. Jake Neighbours led the Blues with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jordan Kyrou has scored 11 goals with 13 assists for the Blues. Schenn has three goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

Sam Reinhart has 26 goals and 24 assists for the Panthers. Sam Bennett has scored five goals with five assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Blues: 2-7-1, averaging 2.2 goals, 3.7 assists, 3.7 penalties and 8.8 penalty minutes while giving up 3.4 goals per game.

Panthers: 6-4-0, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.4 assists, 5.5 penalties and 14 penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game.

INJURIES: Blues: None listed.

Panthers: None listed.

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

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Sabres bring 4-game win streak into matchup against the Kings

Los Angeles Kings (22-16-13, in the Pacific Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (30-17-5, in the Atlantic Division)

Buffalo, New York; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Buffalo Sabres host the Los Angeles Kings as winners of four straight games.

Buffalo is 16-6-3 at home and 30-17-5 overall. The Sabres have gone 10-3-3 in games they score one or more power-play goals.

Los Angeles is 22-16-13 overall and 14-6-6 in road games. The Kings are 17-1-7 when scoring at least three goals.

Thursday's game is the first time these teams meet this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Josh Doan has scored 17 goals with 19 assists for the Sabres. Tage Thompson has seven goals and nine assists over the last 10 games.

Kevin Fiala has 18 goals and 19 assists for the Kings. Corey Perry has three goals and six assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Sabres: 7-2-1, averaging 4.4 goals, seven assists, 3.9 penalties and 8.7 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

Kings: 4-2-4, averaging 2.4 goals, 4.1 assists, 3.1 penalties and 6.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

INJURIES: Sabres: None listed.

Kings: None listed.

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

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Fantasy Hockey Trade Tips: Vince Dunn's production on the power play makes him a worthy target

There are only nine days left of action after Tuesday's games, prior to the NHL taking a three-week break for the Olympics. If you are thinking of consummating a fantasy hockey trade in the interim, it's likely best to wait if you are the team going for it (if you are giving up, then make a trade as soon as possible; taking any injury-risk out of play), as you will be able to reassess during the break and possibly avoid a player injured during the Olympics whom you were thinking of obtaining.

Best of luck with your trades this week.

Skinner has been outstanding since his trade from Edmonton. He was 11-8-4 with a 2.82 GAA and an .891 save percentage over 23 games for the Oilers prior to his mid-December trade to Pittsburgh. He is 7-4-0 in 11 games with the Penguins with outstanding peripherals of a 2.31 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Skinner has won four games in a row, and perhaps the lack of pressure in not playing in his hometown of Edmonton has finally relaxed him enough to be a worthy fantasy asset.

Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Skinner for Daniil Tarasov and Mattias Samuelsson. (Tarasov is a backup goaltender at best, and while Samuelsson is a serviceable defenseman, I'd rather have the starting netminder.)

Larkin is a solid veteran with 25 goals and 47 points in 54 games this season. The Red Wings are challenging for first place in the Atlantic Division, and Larkin is in line to see his first playoff action since his rookie season in 2015-16 when he was just 19. That's an awfully long time to not have played in the postseason, and Larkin should have a big final third of the season to lead Detroit into the playoffs.

Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Larkin for Elias Lindholm and Matvei Michkov. (Lindholm is an average center – and there are plenty of them in the NHL – while Michkov has been disappointing this season for the Flyers with 12 goals and 27 points in 50 games, after a 63-point rookie season in 2024-25.)

Dunn has two goals and nine assists in his last 12 games, including six assists on the power play. He has missed 46 games in his previous two seasons but has remained relatively healthy this season, missing only one game. Dunn has seven goals and 24 assists with 17 points coming via the man-advantage, in 51 games.

Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Dunn for Jesper Wallstedt. (Wallstedt is a nice player, but he has been relegated to a backup spot in Minnesota, starting only twice in the Wild's last six games.)

Dostal has been red-hot of late, winning his last six games in a row, allowing only 12 goals on 173 shots (.931 save percentage). The Ducks have been a streaky team all season and saw their seven-game winning streak end in Edmonton on Monday. If they go on a losing streak, having Dostal on your team isn't going to help, as his peripherals are so-so this season. He has a 3.00 GAA and an .895 save percentage across 35 games and he got those numbers down during his current six-game streak. Dostal had been horrible in his previous six starts, allowing 27 goals on 171 shots, and those stats could repeat themselves if the Ducks go north in the immediate future.

Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Dostal for Matthew Tkachuk. (Tkachuk is getting himself into playing shape since returning to action Jan. 19. He is a star when healthy, and I expect him to be the remainder of the season. If so, Dostal is a small price to pay at this time.)

Cirelli has been on fire since taking over for the injured Brayden Point (lower body), centering the top line between Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel. Cirelli has three goals and seven points in his last four games, giving the 28-year-old 15 goals and 35 points in 47 games. Point should be back after the Olympic break, and since the Lightning have only four games left until the break, it's best if you can trade him now.

Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Cirelli and an eighth-round pick for Rickard Rakell and a fifth-round pick. (While Cirelli will move down the depth chart when Point returns, Rakell is seeing first-line minutes with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust – when Rust isn't being suspended.)

Stamkos is one of the hottest goal scorers of late, managing 21 goals and 33 points in 30 games since Nov. 26. He started the season off slow with four goals and an assist in 22 games, and there was plenty of scuttlebutt about Stamkos headed elsewhere. I would deal him now while he remains hot, as Stamkos is 35 and it's a longshot that his 26.6 shooting percentage will continue for much longer.)

Example of a completed deal from the Yahoo Trade Market: Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin for Anthony Stolarz. (Stolarz was a stud last season, as he had the best save percentage in the NHL at .926. He has struggled with injuries this season and finally returned to action last week after missing more than two months. I expect Stolarz to be very good the rest of the way, and I'm not anticipating much from Stamkos and Malkin.)