It’s a light night of action with just four games on the schedule, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of value to be found in the NBA player props market.
My favorites include LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards to get hot from downtown and cash us some even-money props in the process.
Those and more NBA picks for Monday, February 2, are below.
Ball has been a big part of the hype around this team, thanks to his 3-point prowess. The Hornets guard is shooting 43.8% from beyond the arc over his last six games.
The Pelicans' perimeter defense is putrid, surrendering the second-most 3-point attempts and makes per game.
At even money, Ball to drain 4+ threes is a great bet tonight, something he’s done three times over this stretch.
The only interesting thing about the Houston Rockets visiting the Indiana Pacers is that it’s one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA going against the worst.
The long and athletic Rockets lead the NBA in rebounding rate, while the Pacers have the fourth-lowest and surrender the fourth-most opponent rebounds per game.
The Rocket who lifts off on the boards here is Jabari Smith Jr. The 22-year-old is averaging 7.0 rebounds per game. That’s up to 8.2 over his last five games, and he’s hauled down eight boards or more four times over that span.
Anthony Edwards went off for 33 points in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies last time out, and he did it while not having a great shooting night.
Now, they go at it again tonight, and I’m betting that changes.
The Grizzlies’ injury report is something out of a horror show and is part of why they’ve lost 13 of their last 16 games. And now, they allow the fifth-most threes per game.
Ant went just 1-for-6 from three in that game, but is shooting 44.8% from deep over his last 12, hitting four or more 3-pointers eight times.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The best version of the Houston Rockets belongs in any NBA championship conversation, but they’ll be without Kevin Durant tonight as they visit the Indiana Pacers.
Though Houston is within touching distance of the No. 2 seed in the West, my Rockets vs. Pacers predictions and NBA picks expect a real fight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with a healthier Indiana team showing signs of life.
Rockets vs Pacers prediction
Rockets vs Pacers best bet: Andrew Nembhard Over 2.5 rebounds (-140)
Without Tyrese Haliburton, this was always going to feel like a lost season for the Indiana Pacers. Still, a cleaner injury report is at least reigniting the spark that carried Indiana to the 2025 NBA Finals.
Andrew Nembhard is a perfect example. He’s been a difference-maker in recent wins over the Thunder, Bulls, and Hawks, and I’m banking on his grit for my best bet tonight against the Houston Rockets.
Even with Houston’s physicality on the glass, this rebounds O/U line feels too low for Andrew Nembhard. He’s grabbed 5+ boards in each of his last four contests, and this jumps out as a value pick, despite the heavy vig. Nembhard averaged 4.2 rebounds per game in January, and he’s consistently hitting the 30-minute mark in Rick Carlisle’s rotation.
With the visitors running a lot of plays through Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, Nembhard likely won’t see much involvement in those assignments, and he should be well placed to clean up possessions on the glass.
Both these teams are missing their biggest offensive weapons, and some clunky offense could drive big rebounding numbers here. Don’t be surprised if Nembhard is in the middle of that action.
Rockets vs Pacers same-game parlay
The Under has been a winning ticket in nine of Houston's last 10 games, and now they’ll be trying to find good looks without having Durant as a bailout option. The Pacers have trended towards the Under in a big way this year, and Houston boasts the NBA’s fourth-stingiest defense, allowing just 109.9 ppg.
I’m expecting a solid stat line from Thompson, who should grab a chunk of KD’s shots and rebounds. He averaged 8.3 rpg in January, and he’s gone past this number in five of his past eight contests.
Rockets vs Pacers SGP
Andrew Nembhard Over 2.5 rebounds
Under 218.5
Amen Thompson Over 7.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Spicy P strikes again!
Siakam’s All-Star nod on a 13-36 Pacers team says it all. He’ll be the hosts’ best path to buckets against a stubborn Houston defense, and he’s finished with 24+ points in six of his last eight games.
Rockets vs Pacers SGP
Andrew Nembhard Over 2.5 rebounds
Under 218.5
Amen Thompson Over 7.5 rebounds
Pascal Siakam Over 23.5 points
Rockets vs Pacers odds
Spread: Rockets -5.5 | Pacers +5.5
Moneyline: Rockets -225 | Pacers +190
Over/Under: Over 218.5 | Under 218.5
Rockets vs Pacers betting trend to know
The Under is 30-19 in Pacers games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Pacers.
How to watch Rockets vs Pacers
Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Date
Monday, February 2, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
SCHN, FDSN-Indiana
Rockets vs Pacers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
FORT MYERS, FL- MARCH 15: Taylor Rogers #55 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a team workout on March 15, 2022 at the Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Twins kicked off the week with a surprising trade of former top prospect Edouard Julien and reliever Pierson Ohl for minor leaguer Jace Kaminski, who had missed all of 2025 with Tommy John surgery. They ended the week with a bombshell announcement that POB&BO Derek Falvey and the team were parting ways. While the move in a vacuum may not have been surprising, the timing of the move, considering pitchers and catchers report in a couple of weeks to spring training, was quite suspect. Now, the relentless pursuit of new heads of baseball and business operations begins.
The Past Week on Twinkie Town:
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The Winnipeg Jets visit the Dallas Stars in a Central Division clash at the American Airlines Center on Monday, February 2.
My top Jets vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks are headlined by emerging Winnipeg winger Cole Perfetti.
Jets vs Stars prediction
Jets vs Stars best bet: Cole Perfetti Over 1.5 shots on goal (-105)
Winnipeg Jets winger Cole Perfetti has upped his shot volume out of the holiday break, recording two or more shots in 14 of 19 games for 39 total on 79 attempts.
I also value Perfetti being promoted to the No. 1 power-play unit in addition to pacing Winnipeg forwards in Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 during the same 19-game stretch.
While the Dallas Stars limit opposing shots to the sixth-fewest per game (25.1), they also rank 30th in CF% at 5-on-5, so Perfetti is set to tilt the ice in his favor for stretches and generate shooting opportunities tonight.
Jets vs Stars same-game parlay
Dallas has only won by multiple goals once across its past nine games, and Winnipeg No. 1 Connor Hellebuyck has a sterling .926 save percentage and 2.28 GAA across his past four road starts.
The key to success for the Jets is to play solid defense in front of Hellebuyck, and Winnipeg has tidied up defensively with the eighth-fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 out of the holiday break. With Dallas allowing the fifth-fewest xGA per 60 at 5-on-5, I’m anticipating a close, low-scoring game.
Jets vs Stars SGP
Jets +1.5
Under 5.5
Cole Perfetti Over 1.5 shots on goal
Jets vs Stars odds
Moneyline: Jets +125 | Stars -145
Puck Line: Jets +1.5 (-200) | Stars -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-115) | Under 5.5 (-105)
Jets vs Stars trend
The Dallas Stars have only hit the Over in three of their last 10 games (-4.95 Units / -44% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Jets vs. Stars.
How to watch Jets vs Stars
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Monday, February 2, 2026
Puck drop
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
TSN3, Victory+
Jets vs Stars 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.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
With the calendar turning to February over the weekend, we're one month closer to March — and that much closer to seeing a 68-team bracket that will end with the crowning of a men's basketball national champion.
As that stage awaits, a handful of teams are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the field of contenders.
Just behind the Wildcats, No. 2 Michigan continued a stellar second season under coach Dusty May with a pair of top-10 wins against No. 5 Nebraska — handing the Cornhuskers their first loss of the season — and at rival No. 8 Michigan State.
How does the rest of the landscape look nationally?
NEW YORK — On Feb. 1, 2025, the Lakers left Madison Square Garden with a 28–19 record, the fifth-best-winning percentage in the Western Conference, after a commanding win over the Knicks, and were in the midst of a playoff race that ended with them securing the No. 3 seed in the west after having a 50–32 record.
LA Lakers’ Luka Dončić puts up a shot over New York Knicks’ guard Josh Hart during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, Feb. 1. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Exactly one year later, the Lakers are 29–19 for the No. 6 spot in the west after their first road loss to the Knicks since Nov. 21, 2021, and are in contention for a playoff spot just like the previous time they left the world’s most famous arena.
How little can change in a year despite so many differences, with one of the biggest, of course, being the Lakers’ trade for Luka Dončić.
And with Sunday being the one-year anniversary of the transaction that brought the 26-year-old Slovenian star to Los Angeles, there remains an obvious question: How should this Lakers squad be assessed when it comes to their ultimate goal of not just competing for a spot in the playoffs, but ultimately contending for the NBA championship?
“We’re in a good spot,” Dončić said. “Obviously, got some work to do. But I think we have a great group.”
Plenty of work needs to be done.
Because for as much as things have changed since Dončić officially became a Laker — roster adjustments; 68 regular-season games (and counting) of Dončić dawning purple and gold; a five-game first-round playoff exit to the Timberwolves; Mark Walter acquiring majority ownership of the franchise from the Buss family, and many more — a lot has stayed the same when it comes to the Lakers’ slim chances of competing for a title.
LeBron James echoed Dončić’s optimism about what this year’s team can accomplish, saying that he liked the group, before recognizing the ups and downs they’ve experienced and unknowns ahead of them.
“We’ve had some really good moments,” James said. “We have some not-so-good moments.”
He continued, “We got to continue to get better. And that’s good. We should want to get better. … It’s a tough Western Conference. It’s a tough league. It’s been tough all season as far as dealing with injuries. Guys in and guys out. Unfortunately, our All-Star two guard has been out for a minute and that’s a big piece of our team. So, it’s kind of hard to see what we can really, truly be.”
Lakers’ Austin Reaves competes against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 25, 2025 at LA’s Crypto.com Arena. NBAE via Getty Images
The player James referenced is Austin Reaves, who’s averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds on the season, but wasn’t named an All-Star in light of being sidelined for 19 consecutive games because of a strained left calf, including Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, and playing in less than half of the Lakers’ games.
Reaves was a game-time decision for Sunday’s game, but was ruled out after going through his pregame warmup, with Tuesday’s trip-ending matchup against the Brooklyn Nets the next opportunity to make his return to the floor.
“He’s day-to-day, game-to-game, however you want to phrase it,” Lakers’ Coach JJ Redick said, “We’ll hopefully have him for Tuesday, but he’s gotta feel 100% confident.”
But even when Reaves does return, with the Lakers going 10–9 during his absence entering Tuesday, it shouldn’t be assumed that the Lakers will vault themselves higher in the standings when they’re healthier.
Or, if they do, be a viable threat in the playoffs.
Because for as impactful Reaves has been, playing at an All-NBA level before his injury, he won’t cover up all of their issues: An imbalanced roster featuring more “one-way” players than true “two-way” players. A roster that doesn’t consistently play hard enough. Or maximize its talent.
“We’re right there in the playoff chase in the west,” Redick said. “Our guys have been great all season. They’ve really done a nice job of kind of responding to the ups and downs that a season presents that is natural to the NBA cycle. Whether you’re a [general manager], a coach, a player, you’re never gonna look at a roster and say, ‘This is a perfect roster, and all the pieces fit perfectly together.’ It just doesn’t really happen a lot.”
On the one-year anniversary of the Lakers trading for Luka Doncic, LAL is 29-19, No. 6 in the Western conference standings and fighting for a playoff spot.
JJ Redick told players that the current group that is enough to make the playoffs, according to Rui Hachimura, with Rui… pic.twitter.com/L9BFv3TNxB
But perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of better, which is what the Lakers, led by the franchise’s president of basketball operations and GM Rob Pelinka, should focus on achieving ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.
Another seismic move, like the trade for Dončić or another star player, is unlikely to happen before Thursday. So is a move for, what most fans would consider, a game-changing player.
But if the Lakers want to get past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2023, a move needs to be made.
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Arizona remains at No. 1 with all 31 first-place votes. Michigan stays at No. 2 thanks to a pair of solid Big Ten wins this week. Connecticut and Duke remain at third and fourth respectively.
Gonzaga inherits the No. 5 spot, followed by a surging Illinois vaulting four positions to No. 6 after its Sunday defeat of Nebraska. Iowa State jumps ahead of fellow Big 12 contender Houston by just two poll points for the No. 7 position. Nebraska and Michigan State each fall back multiple spots but stay in the top 10.
There’s a strong Big 12 presence in the next five as Kansas is back up to No. 11 leapfrogging No. 12 Purdue. Texas Tech and Brigham Young hold the next two positions, and Vanderbilt now leads the SEC contingent at No. 15.
Texas A&M joins the rankings at No. 25. Thanks to last week’s tie there are actually two dropouts as Alabama and Iowa fall.
Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) pitches against Mexico during the second inning of a semifinal game at the World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park on Monday, March 20, 2023, in Miami. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas is heading into his final major league season and might have started things off by representing Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. But like a number of players, Rojas was denied insurance coverage to be able to play in the international tournament this March.
Rojas expressed frustration at the process in talking to reporters Saturday at Dodgers Fest at Dodger Stadium over the process. From Alden González at ESPN:
“My only question is: Why is it just with our countries [in Latin America], like Venezuela, Puerto Rico, a couple Dominican players?” Rojas said. “I don’t see that happening with the United States or happening with Japan. And I’m not trying to attack anybody, or attack what’s going on … but at the end of the day, it feels like it’s just happening with the players that want to represent their country from Latin America. So, there’s a lot of things I would like to talk about with someone in control, with someone from MLB.”
On Friday, Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor was also denied insurance to play for Puerto Rico in the WBC after offseason right elbow surgery, despite being cleared for spring training activity. Same for Astros star Jose Altuve, who won’t play for Venezuela.
“Due to the criteria for WBC insurance coverage, Jose Altuve was looking forward to participating in the WBC and representing Venezuela, but unfortunately is not eligible to do so,” the MLB Players Association said in a statement. “Jose is obviously disappointed in this result, but he is looking forward to getting to spring training and preparing himself for a successful season.”
The insurance policy pays back the major-league club for a player’s salary if the player gets hurt during the WBC. Players are not at risk of losing their salaries. For approved position players, the insurance covers 100 percent of their salary for two years, sources said. For pitchers, it’s four years.
No cap exists for how much salary can be covered in total across MLB, a source said, emphasizing there is not a game of musical chairs in which one player’s insurance approval could reduce the chances of another’s.
Trips to the 60-day injured list and recent surgeries such as Lindor’s are typically disqualifying. But the insurer reviews each player’s injury history case by case.
The insurance does not cover players once they are 37, a difference from previous WBCs, sources said. That will affect some players who are close to 37, as well. Major-leaguers are likely to be denied if they turn 37 in the two-year window for position players or the four-year window for pitchers.
Probably the most notable Dodgers instance of this was with Clayton Kershaw, who in 2023 was named to the United States roster for the WBC but was denied insurance at nearly age 35, within the window of being denied insurance. Kershaw will be a part of the 2026 roster for Team USA, partly because as a retired player, there is no MLB salary to insure.
Freddie Freeman said he is not playing in the WBC because of a personal situation. He said Team Canada was supportive
“I wasn’t (going to be) able to go out there and play and be in Puerto Rico (for the group stage games) and be that far from my family. I needed to be close to…
Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki missed over four months on the 60-day injured list last season with a right shoulder impingement. He was unlikely to be approved for insurance per the above criteria, and told David Vassegh of KLAC AM 570 on Saturday that it was the Dodgers’ decision that Sasaki wouldn’t pitch for Japan in the WBC.
Pool play for the World Baseball Classic starts on March 5. Players for Japan are expected to join the team in Tokyo for exhibition games on February 27-28 in preparation for the tournament.
UPDATE: New Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz, who suffered a season-ending injury during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, was announced on Monday as pitching for Puerto Rico.
On Sunday, Feb. 1, Atlanta-based civil rights attorney Harry Daniels announced in a news release that Taylor has hired him to pursue a potential civil lawsuit.
In a video from HBCU Gameday that was widely shared on social media, Taylor is shown confronting a security officer as players from Tuskegee and rival Morehouse College shook hands after their game on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Forbes Arena on the Morehouse campus in Atlanta.
According to Taylor and Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin, Taylor asked the security officer to follow conference rules and help remove a group of Morehouse football players — who Taylor said were yelling obscenities — from the handshake line. Instead, after a brief interaction, the security officer handcuffed Taylor and walked him off the court.
"Such behavior from the Morehouse football players, particularly their intermingling with the basketball players on the court and during the postgame handshake is prohibited by conference-mandated security protocols," Daniels said in a statement announcing he had been hired by Taylor. "When Coach Taylor asked two police officers to enforce those protocols attempting to diffuse an increasingly dangerous situation, however, one of the officers chose to place him in handcuffs and escort him from the court. Coach Taylor was never charged with a crime.”
According to Daniels, attorneys are investigating “all legal avenues.”
“It would be bad for a police officer to treat anyone like this,” Daniels said in the release. “But to do it to a man like Coach Taylor, a highly respected professional and role model, to put him in handcuffs, humiliate him and treat him like a criminal in front of his team, his family and a gym full of fans is absolutely disgusting and they need to be held accountable.”
In a letter Sunday addressed to “Tuskegee Family and Friends,” Ruffin and Tuskegee president Dr. Mark A. Brown said Taylor has “our full, unequivocal, and unwavering support” while adding that the coach is “a respected professional who has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, and concern for the well-being of his student-athletes.” Taylor has been the head coach at the school since 2019.
“During the events in question, Coach Taylor acted solely out of his fundamental responsibility to protect his student-athletes and staff — particularly in an environment where agreed-upon and customary game‑management and security protocols were not properly carried out,” the letter said. “His conduct remained measured, professional, and entirely consistent with the expectations of a head coach entrusted with the safety of his team.
“At no time did Coach Taylor engage in behavior that could be characterized as unbecoming, unprofessional, or inconsistent with the standards of Tuskegee University, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Morehouse College, or intercollegiate athletics broadly,” the letter continued. “Conversely, the circumstances that culminated in Coach Taylor being handcuffed — albeit briefly — fall well outside the bounds of what is normal, acceptable, or appropriate in collegiate athletic environments. No coach should ever be placed in such a position for carrying out their duty to safeguard student-athletes.”
The university said it remains “committed to working closely” with the SIAC and its fellow members to ensure that security and event-management standards are implemented and upheld at future sporting events.
The Alabama-based school hasn’t responded to a USA TODAY Sports request for comment.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on January 07, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to engage in trade talks for star wing Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to the latest reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charania reaffirmed other reports that the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat are the teams most aggressively pursuing the Greak Freek.
“Over the weekend the Bucks remained engaged with NBA teams that have interest that have given aggressive proposals,“ Charania said during an appearance on SportsCenter. ”My understanding is they’ve submitted counteroffers to those aggressive proposals as well. The Heat, Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks those have been the most serious suitors in the mix so far for Giannis. But it all comes down to the price point for him, right? A young player and/or a surplus of draft picks. So who meets that mark between now and the next four days before the NBA trade deadline.“
The biggest update from Charania’s reporting is the fact that Milwaukee presented counteroffers to teams. It has remained unclear whether the Bucks would move Antetokounmpo prior to this year’s trade deadline or were simply engaging in negotiations to preview more serious talks over the summer. Countering teams offers suggests a more immediate deal may be attainable.
The Warriors particularly benefit from a more immediate resolution to the Giannis sweepstakes. Not only are they looking to revive their longshot contender status after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury, but they are one of the few teams that gains little added trade flexibility while waiting until the offseason. While several other potential suitors for Antetokounmpo would be able to trade multiple additional first round picks or take on more cumbersome contracts over the summer, Golden State will only gain access to one additional pick swap.
Golden State has wasted a lot of time chasing stars and refusing to invest heavily in secondary players out of a hope that Antetokounmpo in particular would come available. Will general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. actually be able to get this blockbuster deal done prior to the trade deadline in a few days? We’ll know the answer soon.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Bobby Portis #9 and Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks play defense during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Acknowledging the 6’11” Greek elephant in the room that may or may not be addressed this week, with just over three days remaining until the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Bucks GM Jon Horst has other decisions to make up and down the roster. Before Giannis’ most recent calf injury, we were operating under the assumption that the Bucks would be buyers, putting together a series of trade targets. They still might buy, despite the attractive path of tanking for a higher first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft. There’s even a way you can do both: look at the Raptors this time a year ago. They acquired an injured Brandon Ingram—their current leading scorer—last February at 16-36, then picked ninth last June. Now they’re tied for fourth in the East.
So if Giannis remains a Buck moving forward, what does Horst have to work with? How can he get the Bucks back to relevance next season? Let’s take stock of what’s in his cupboard, which—unlike what national sources continue to say—is far from bare. One note: AJ Green is ineligible to be traded this season because he signed an extension on October 17, and no player may be dealt within six months of extending.
1–2. 2031–32 first-round picks
If Giannis remains in Milwaukee, these draft picks would be made when he is 36 and 37. Even if he doesn’t, it looks doubtful they’ll be contenders then. Put simply, these are two of the most valuable future firsts any team can trade, and as such, two of the most valuable assets in the league. Perhaps partially for that reason, Horst has reportedly been loath to include them in any trade and would only do so in a trade for a bona fide star. Whether that type of player is available at this deadline is debatable, but I tend to think there is not, outside of Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr.
3. Ryan Rollins
Probably the only silver lining to this disappointing season has been Rollins’ development. While he cooled off a bit in mid-January, the 23-year-old is now back on track and likely to receive some Most Improved Player votes. The three-year, $12m contract he signed last offseason is very team-friendly for 16.5 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.6 RPG, and 1.6 SPG on .466/.403/.755 shooting. That final year is a player option, and if this keeps up, he’ll opt out and hope to secure a much larger deal in free agency, if an extension doesn’t occur first. The only downside is that his lower salary doesn’t allow much in the way of salary matching. But make no mistake, he’s the Bucks’ best young guy, and an offer for any All-NBA type of player would probably have to include him.
4–5. 2031–32 first-round pick swaps
If either first in those years is traded, the only way the Bucks could deal the other would be as a swap, where the acquiring team could move up to the Bucks’ position if they so choose. Depending on how good that team feels they’ll be in those seasons, a swap could bump them up into the lottery or higher, so there’s plenty of appeal here.
6. Bobby Portis
Portis ranks sixth leaguewide in three-point percentage, and his other numbers are largely in line with recent seasons. He turns 31 on February 10 and is in the first season of a three-year, $43.6m contract, which also has a player option in 2027–28. It might be too early to tell if he’ll pick up the final year at $15.6m, but it wouldn’t be wrong to treat him as a $14.5m expiring salary next year. All in all, a good salary-matching piece and a player who would help a lot of contenders with scoring punch off their bench. On his own, he would probably fetch a couple second-rounders.
7. Kevin Porter Jr.
Out indefinitely with an oblique injury, KPJ was trending down big time before getting hurt. But prior to that, he was putting together a solid season, averaging over seven assists per game with decent—if inefficient—scoring, despite occasional turnover problems. He can opt out of the $5.4m remaining on his two-year, $10.5m contract and, even with an injury-marred campaign, probably will in hopes of a multi-year contract. The Bucks, or any acquiring team, will have his Early Bird rights, which means they can offer him a new deal of up to four years with a starting salary of up to $14.6m. That flexibility for a 25-year-old point guard who proved this past year he still belongs in the NBA could be attractive to some teams.
8. Myles Turner
While Turner is obviously the best player mentioned in this list so far, being in the first year of a four-year deal tamps down his value. Yes, his $25.3m salary would be great for matching, but he’ll have two further years plus a $29.1m player option in 2028–29. He’s still 29, and though his stats are closer to his pre-Tyrese Haliburton campaigns in Indy, it’s still a reasonable price for a quality starting center. I just think teams would rather not have that long-term money on their books.
9. Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma becomes an expiring salary next year without sort of option, but his salary drops from $22.4m now to $20.3m in 2026–27. More commensurate with his level of production and cheaper, which would be more palatable for a new team, but less helpful for salary-matching. By himself, Kuz would need draft assets attached to be moved, but combined with Portis, they could bring back up to $45.1m in return. After July, that figure drops to $43.8m.
10. Gary Harris
None of us expected Harris to be the better Gary this season, but here we are. He’s 31 and has a $3.8m player option next year, which is about $85k less than he’d make on a new minimum contract, so he might opt out. He and Trent both make about the same amount—$3.6m could come in handy, and he’d be a quality piece on a contender’s bench. Seems more likely to be a throw-in than someone who would get value on his own. Maybe a future second or a borderline NBA player.
11. Gary Trent Jr.
After a very effective first year in Milwaukee, GTJ’s next contract last summer seemed to be setting him up for a more lucrative, multiyear deal this summer. Trent will also have Early Bird rights come July if he declines his $3.9m player option, so another team could give him the same contract terms we laid out for KPJ, just as the Bucks could. But Trent has taken a sizeable step back in year two, and a vet minimum deal in free agency—if he opts out—would be about $300k less than that option, and he might not value a change of scenery at that much of a pay cut. Perhaps a team sees a fit in their rotation, though, and would send Milwaukee a second or deep bench player in hopes that he works out.
Believe it or not, Milwaukee does have one future second they can trade. It’s just not a good one. The Spurs will receive the Jazz’s second-rounder in June if it falls between 31–55; Milwaukee will get it should it come after 56. Utah is sixth in the lottery standings right now, so there’s zero chance they’d move back enough to one of the league’s best five records. That means the Bucks, or whoever possesses this asset, won’t be getting this pick. It’s almost worthless, but you have to send something out in a trade, even if it’s for a marginal asset in return. This might be enough to get the Bucks a back-of-rotation guy.
13. Andre Jackson Jr.
The main reason Jackson is so high on this list is that other teams might still see untapped potential here, unlike the guys below, who have hit their ceilings as players. He’s also the lowest-paid Buck, about $75k cheaper than the league’s veteran minimum salary. For a luxury tax-conscious team, Ajax makes more sense than the average vet.
14. Taurean Prince
Prince seems all but certain not to play this year after neck surgery, and he might decide to opt in for $3.8m next year. His $3.3m this year functions the same as Harris’ salary: maybe just enough to get a deal over the line. But teams probably don’t want a 32-year-old coming off a major injury on their 2027–28 roster, and would sooner take Harris or Trent.
15. Cole Anthony
As putrid as Anthony has been most of the season, he’s still an NBA player (for now, at least) thanks to his track record. He could still get another minimum contract in free agency this summer, and since he’s also on one this year, any team could acquire him. He’s just not worth much of anything.
16. Jericho Sims
I’m not confident Sims is an NBA player, however. He hasn’t been good this year, hasn’t really shown any development as a player, and is 27. Plenty of great athletes wash out of the league if they don’t show any plus skills, which seems like the route he’s headed. With a $2.8m player option decision this summer, he probably knows he’d have to settle for a non-guaranteed contract to remain in the Association next season and will exercise that option. He’s really cheap, but teams probably won’t want to use a roster spot on him.
17. Amir Coffey
I guess the only reason Coffey’s salary became guaranteed in early January was to use him as a trade chip, because he still barely plays. Might be a throw-in if they need his contract to make the trade legal, but seems likely to be cut no matter where he is after the deadline.
18. Pete Nance
Two-way contracts can be traded (we see this once or twice annually); they just count for $0 in outgoing salary. Nance has had some good games recently, but he’s in his final year of two-way eligibility, and he probably won’t get a standard contract elsewhere. I’d be surprised if he has any trade value.
19. Thanasis Antetokounmpo
There’s only one reason a team would want Thanasis: if they were also getting his younger brother.
20. Alex Antetokoummpo
This is not the brother I was referring to, but otherwise same rationale as Thanasis, plus the two-way stuff from Nance’s paragraph.
Am I off with any of these? It was hard to decide exactly where that 2026 Utah second should go, and how to order all the minimum guys. But we’re splitting hairs; everyone knows Milwaukee’s most valuable assets. Where does Rollins fit in among the draft picks? How would you order the 2031 and 2032 firsts? Curious to hear your thoughts.
TORONTO, ON - September 4 Starting pitcher Bowden Francis (44) of the Toronto Blue Jays throws in the first inning. The Toronto Blue Jays lost 4-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB baseball action at the Rogers Centre. September 4 2024 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
Bowden Francis is a 29-year-old, right-handed pitcher. He’ll be 30 in April. He came to the Jays in trade with the Brewers, along with Trevor Richards, for Rowdy Tellez, in July 2021 (which seems a long time ago now).
After getting into a few games in 2022 and 2023, he had a breakout season in 2024, with a 3.30 ERA in 27 games, 13 starts. But it was his run of nine starts at the end of that season that put him on the map. He had a 1.53 ERA, with two starts where he carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning.
I thought we had found someone who would be a starter for us for several years, but the 2025 season wasn’t what we were hoping for: 14 starts with a 6.05 ERA. He ended up missing the second half of the season due to shoulder impingement. Normally, that wouldn’t be something that would cost a pitcher half a season, but Bowden had a couple of setbacks along the way.
Before he was put on the IL, we could see there was something wrong. He wasn’t throwing the split Finger pitch that had been so effective in 2024 as much, and, instead, was throwing his curve more, which hadn’t been effective in 2024 and was less effective in 2025 (batters slugged 1.000 against it).
The question is: Where does that leave him for this season?
The Jays seem set for a rotation after adding a couple of free agent starters, as well as having some younger prospects who look to be ready to make the next step.
Francis has an option year left, so he could start the season in Buffalo and show that he deserves a spot on the major league team. At the moment, it seems like a long shot that he’ll get much time with the Jays. And, of course, what chance he has depends on whether he’s totally recovered from the shoulder issue. He did throw
Bowden is one of a handful of Jays who will have to have a good spring training to keep himself in the conversation for a future spot on the team. A poor spring training, on a team needing 40-man roster spots, would put him in danger of being let go.
Steamer thinks he will get some playing time with the Jays. They figure him to pitch in 32 games, making 2 starts with a 4.13 ERA.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 13: A photo of the MLB.TV logo is seen in the dugout prior to the 2024 All-Star Futures Game at Globe Life Field on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Braves are still looking for a television broadcast partner after moving on from Main Street Sports Group (aka the company that runs Fanduel Sports Network). However, six of other eight teams are not looking anymore for this season.
Sources: Six of the nine MLB teams with Main Street Sports are moving their media rights to the league. The Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals and Reds told MLB of their plans over the weekend.
The other three–Braves, Tigers, Angels–have not been decided.
The Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals, and the Reds are moving on over to MLB Media. The Tigers, Angels, and your Atlanta Braves are not. That’s not how I would have expected it to break, but it’s still early. The St. Louis Cardinals moving to MLB Media is the eyebrow raiser here. Then again, this appears to be just for 2026, and 2029 is when the long-term rights deals are expected to be made.
The Braves have some time, but right now there are no hints or rumors of hints about where you can see Atlanta Braves baseball in 2026. You will see them somewhere though. I found it interesting that this news is occurring today after Gray Media has been spamming my algorithm the last three days with the open salesperson roles. Does it mean anything, other than the fact that companies everywhere hire salespeople all the time? I don’t know. Tune in and find out. Where do you do that? Right here, I can tell you that for certain.
We are just days away from the NBA trade deadline — Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. Eastern — and the trades are coming fast, with De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis switching teams. The rumors are coming faster. To help you stay on top of all of it, the NBCSports.com NBA crew is on it, putting updates on everything worth knowing in this one place. Just refresh here and stay up to date on everything.
Knicks deadline decisions
If the Knicks — both the front office and their fans — could waive a Harry Potter magic wand and make it happen, Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a Knick before Thursday. The reality is that leaks coming out of New York suggest they may not think that will happen.
"The Bucks are looking for a premier young player(s) and multiple, good draft picks in exchange for one of the three best players in the NBA. The Knicks have neither of those, and to get close to what the Bucks are asking for, New York would need to trade two or three players in its starting lineup, most likely OG Anunoby, [Mikal] Bridges and/or [Karl-Anthony] Towns."
If the Knicks are not going to get Antetokounmpo before the deadline, they have other priorities.
They are focused on landing a big man for depth and have trained their sights on Goga Bitadze, who has fallen out of the rotation in Orlando, or on New Orleans' Yves Missi, reports Ian Begley of SNY.tv. Either man would just be bench help for now, although Missi — just a second-year player — could grow into a larger role. —Kurt Helin
Doc Rivers thinks Giannis stays a Buck. For now.
What else is Doc Rivers going to say? You think he wants to stick around and coach through a rebuild?
On ESPN’s NBA Countdown over the weekend, the Milwaukee Bucks coach said what he has always said, that Giannis Antetokounmpo is saying all the right things to his teammates, and that Rivers expects him to be with the Bucks past the deadline.
"Giannis has said everything that we need to hear, that he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city and that's all I can go by as a coach right now. Has it been difficult? Yeah. Your players every day have to hear stuff. Every single day, about not just their best player but they're thrown in the mix as well. My favorite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline. That'll be my favorite day. I think everyone will be here." Rivers may well get his wish, with league sources continuing to tell NBC Sports they expect the Antetokounmpo trade saga to drag out past the Feb. 5 deadline and into the offseason. Whether Antetokounmpo — and for that matter, Rivers — are back with the Bucks next season is another question. —Kurt Helin
DeMar DeRozan staying put
There's no real interest in DeMar DeRozan around the league, and while that could change it seems more likely DeRozan will play out the season in Sacramento, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic. DeRozan can still get a team buckets, he's averaging 19.2 points a game this season and shooting 50.6% from the floor, but he's a midrange shooter who is 36 and making $24.6 million this season and $25.7 million next season. That's more than teams want to take on in the apron era, at least at the trade deadline. —Kurt Helin
Ja Morant’s cryptic post
Ja Morant trade talk has died down, and it appears highly unlikely he gets traded before the Feb. 5 deadline. With that in mind, what does this cryptic social media post from Morant mean? — Kurt Helin
It's an issue for every NBA coach in February: How do they keep their team focused with trade rumors swirling around and players looking ahead to the upcoming All-Star break? The Knicks' Mike Brown summed it up well, talking to Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
"We understand that we have no control over the noise out there, so we have to have a bunker mentality. Not just at the trade deadline but all the time because there is a lot of noise out there. We're all human and you try not to listen to it – you just try to stay together. You keep moving forward, trying to get better as the days go along and I think that's what this group is trying to do." —Kurt Helin
DETROIT, MI - MAY 26: A detailed view of a FanDuel TV camera in the upper deck during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Giants 3-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Royals notified MLB that they will transfer their media rights to the league, rather than continue their relationship with Main Street Sports, the company that owns FanDuel Sports Kansas City. According to reporting from sports business reporter John Ourand at Puck, the Royals are one of six teams that notified the league they will abandon Main Street Sports. Previous reports indicated Main Street Sports could file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidate as soon as this week if it cannot find a buyer. The Royals had previously opted out of their deal a few weeks ago, but Main Street Sports had hoped to negotiate new fees.
Sources: Six of the nine MLB teams with Main Street Sports are moving their media rights to the league. The Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals and Reds told MLB of their plans over the weekend.
The other three–Braves, Tigers, Angels–have not been decided.
On Saturday at Royals Rally, Royals president of business operations Cullen Maxey indicated the team preferred to stay with FanDuel, if possible, but that reverting rights to MLB would be an option.
“There’s some instability of the FanDuel Sports Network, so they’re seeking out a merger partner to help them create a little bit more financial stability,” Maxey said. “Our plan with them is to stick with our partners as long as they can convince us that there will not be a risk of interruption during our season of bringing games to our fans. That’s the most important thing.”…
“We would like to stick with them, but we do need to feel very stable that there will be no interruptions during the season, and that decision will come soon. If we do pivot from FanDuel Sports Network, we’ll be going to Major League Baseball.
MLB already owned the TV rights to the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, and Washington Nationals.
What does this mean for viewers? Well, Royals games will still air on TV, it will just be under a different banner. The teams that MLB developed broadcast for last year offered a very similar product to the one FanDuel Sports Network provided, with a similar $19.99 direct-to-consumer streaming option and availability on many cable and satellite providers. Teams with broadcasts developed under MLB have typically rebranded the channel under the team name, like “Twins.TV” or “CLEGuardians.TV.” And unlike FanDuel, MLB-provided games are generally offered with no blackout restrictions, unless you live in another MLB market subject to blackout restrictions. If you are a subscriber to MLB.tv, you will also be able to access your local team, although there may be an upcharge. Twins.TV was available for an additional $39.99 for a full season last year. ESPN purchased MLB TV rights last fall, including in-market rights for some teams, but will not air local games until 2027.
LaMelo Ball
Jabari Smith Jr.
Anthony Edwards
