Worldwide Sports News

During the four games Rui Hachimura has played in since returning from his calf injury, his play hasn’t necessarily impressed.

The Lakers forward is averaging 7.8 points, and shooting just 31.3% from 3-point range. Those numbers are a far cry from his season averages of 12.1 points per game and 42.9% shooting percentage from deep.

While Hachimura hasn’t returned to his expected level of play just yet, he did have some bright moments during the Lakers’ win against the Raptors.

In the third quarter, Hachimura scored eight points, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers to help the Lakers take control of the game.

After the win, Hachimura explained that his playing time is still limited and that a good second-half shift can help him get back into a groove.

“I’m still on a minutes restriction, Hachimura said. “I’m still trying to get back to my rhythm and those kind of things help me. It’s a long season. We’re at the halfway point. We have to, as a team, we got to connect to each other again. I think we have one day rest, whatever that is. We got to rest tomorrow and then get back on Tuesday against Denver.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned that Hachimura would be on a minutes restriction upon returning, but now we have confirmation from Rui that he’s still on that restriction.

So the playing time he’s gotten so far is not necessarily an indication of his spot in the rotation.

Once he is available to play with no restrictions, we’ll see whether Redick relegates him to the bench or if he’ll once again start ahead of a player like Jake LaRavia.

For now, the objective for Hachimura has to be to continue ramping up so he can be fully healthy and return to that elite catch-and-shoot player he’s been all season for the purple and gold.

Once he does that, the rest of the details, like when he comes in and whether he starts, will take care of itself.

The Lakers are set to begin an eight-game road trip, so hopefully, at some point during that time away from LA, Hachimura will be fully available to play.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former NBA star Lamar Odom was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Las Vegas over the weekend, authorities said Tuesday.

Odom, 46, was pulled over Saturday on Interstate 15 near Harry Reid International Airport, according to Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Shawn Haggstrom.

He could face charges including DUI, excessive speed and failure to properly maintain a travel lane, Haggstrom said.

Haggstrom didn't have attorney information for Odom. An email seeking comment from a sports agent for Odom wasn't immediately returned.

Clark County jail records showed that Odom was no longer in custody as of Tuesday.

Odom won championships in 2009 and 2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks during a 14-year NBA career.

His 2013 marriage to Khloe Kardashian was tabloid fodder and the couple appeared together on a reality TV show before divorcing months later. That same year, Odom was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles.

In 2015, Odom made headlines after suffering a medical episode during a stay at a legal brothel in Nevada called Love Ranch.

Who: Phoenix Suns (26-17) @ Philadelphia 76ers (23-18)

When: 5:00 pm Arizona Time

Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7

Tonight finally looks to be the night that Jalen Green returns for the Phoenix Suns from his two-and-a-half-month absence with a hamstring injury. Before yesterday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, Suns head coach Jordan Ott said as much, saying that all signs point to him playing in today’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Green, 23, was one of the main pieces the Suns acquired when they traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets during the offseason. A 20-point scorer for his career, Green played two games for the Suns this year after re-aggravating his hamstring that he had hurt before the season. In two games this season, Green averaged 15.5 points per game in the two contests, but got hurt in the second. Green’s 29 points were the second-most ever scored in a Suns debut, and his six made threes are the most ever in a Suns debut.

Coming into the matchup, the Suns have momentum. Strong games from Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, and Collin Gillespie, along with the team hitting 20 or more threes, led the team to a 126-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets for their second in a row and fifth in seven games.

Phoenix is currently tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for sixth in the Western Conference. A win tonight over the Philadelphia 76ers would make them ten games over .500 for the first time this season and since the 2023-24 season. Philadelphia is no easy opponent, however.

Projected Starting Lineups

Injury Report

Suns

• Mark Williams — QUESTIONABLE (Right Knee Injury Management)
• Jordan Goodwin — AVAILABLE (Jaw Sprain)

76ers

• Joel Embiid — OUT (Right Ankle Injury Management)
• Paul George — QUESTIONABLE (Left Knee Injury Management)
• Johni Broome — DOUBTFUL (Left Thumb)
• Kelly Oubre, Jr. — AVAILABLE (Left Knee)

What to Watch For

Obviously, how Jalen Green performs and how the team adjusts to his presence. There’s not a large sample size of how he’ll perform as a Sun, considering he’s played just one whole game without getting hurt, and Dillon Brooks didn’t play in it. Presumably, he’ll be on a minutes restriction, so just because he’s likely to start does not mean that he’ll be playing starters’ minutes.

Look for Devin Booker to be the team’s primary ball handler and shift back to playing point guard, which he did before Collin Gillespie became a starter. The Suns look to have a stronger bench unit if Green is starting. Gillespie and Grayson Allen look to be the team’s first subs, along with Jordan Goodwin playing a combo guard role.

Like Jordan Ott said postgame after the team’s win, there will be bumps in the process of implementing Green into the rotation, but his presence around the team while injured should help.

Keys to a Suns Win

Both teams are coming off victories yesterday. Joel Embiid hasn’t played in a back-to-back in over two years, and Mark Williams’ status for back-to-backs is always in the air. Even with Green returning, the Suns could be missing one of their starters with a roster that played a game less than 24 hours before tip-off.

If the Suns can do what they did against the Nets, make threes early, move the ball, and limit turnovers, they should be in good shape to get their third-straight win. After being a mystery going into the season, the 76ers are having a strong year. Sitting in fifth in the Eastern Conference, when Joel Embiid has been in the lineup, he’s produced strong numbers, and Tyrese Maxey was just named an All-Star Starter yesterday. Phoenix will have their hands full with Maxey, one of the league’s best guards and leading scorers, they’ll need to find ways to limit his production to get the win.

Prediction

Suns keep the winning ways rolling. Whether Mark Williams plays or not, I don’t expect Joel Embiid to, so Philadelphia won’t have a strong advantage inside. Jalen Green’s return should give Phoenix another ball handler and fresh legs in the second half of a back-to-back. Give me the Suns in a good win.

Suns 118, 76ers 113

Anthony Edwards is usually pretty big on statements, so his omission from the All-Star starters should propel the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight as they visit the Utah Jazz.

Edwards erupted for 55 points in the weekend loss to San Antonio, and my Timberwolves vs. Jazz predictions signal another Ant avalanche here against a Utah team that’s lost four in a row.

Get the latest on this January 20 matchup with my free NBA picks and betting tips.

Timberwolves vs Jazz prediction

Timberwolves vs Jazz best bet: Anthony Edwards Over 30.5 points (-112)

There were always going to be some disappointments in the loaded Western Conference All-Star voting. Anthony Edwards wasn’t exactly a snub – he was tied with Victor Wembanyama for the last starting spot – but we’re talking about one of the faces of the NBA having to settle for coming off the bench.

That feels like the kind of slight that Ant would take personally, and I’m banking on a backlash here in Utah. Plus, Edwards is already in scorching form, returning from a foot issue with a masterpiece in San Antonio, where we had made 19 of his 33 shots and scored 26 points in the fourth quarter.

If he did that against a Wemby-led defense, what damage might he do to the Utah Jazz? Utah has given up 120+ points in five of its last six contests, with the Charlotte Hornets hitting the 150-point mark against Will Hardy’s team earlier this month.

Ant has done more of his scoring damage on the road this year, with a 33.1 PPG mark away from Target Center, and he cooked the Jazz in their prior matchups this season, dropping a combined 72 points across two matchups in November.

Look for Edwards to be in the same ballpark again here, especially with a little extra motivation behind him.

Timberwolves vs Jazz same-game parlay

The Over is 27-16 for the Jazz this season, and this game has all the ingredients for a shootout.

Utah has strung together some embarrassing defensive efforts lately, while Minnesota ranks third in the NBA with 120 PPG. The Over has been a winning ticket in six of the Jazz’s last nine contests.

I’m also riding Donte DiVincenzo’s current hot streak. He’s drilled 3+ three-pointers in six of his last seven games, and there could be some extra shots up for grabs if Naz Reid is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

DiVincenzo finished with 14 points in his last outing against Utah.

Timberwolves vs Jazz SGP

• Anthony Edwards Over 30.5 points
• Over 244.5
• Donte DiVincenzo Over 13.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Gobert back at it

Rudy Gobert is off the injury report after missing Minnesota’s loss to the Spurs, and he’s nailed this Over in four of his last five games.

He’s averaging 13.4 RPG so far this month, and Utah will be shorthanded in the frontcourt if Lauri Markkanen sits out.

Timberwolves vs Jazz SGP

• Anthony Edwards Over 30.5 points
• Over 244.5
• Donte DiVincenzo Over 13.5 points
• Rudy Gobert Over 12.5 rebounds

Timberwolves vs Jazz odds

• Spread: Minnesota -10.5 (-110) | Utah +10.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Minnesota -450 | Utah +350
• Over/Under: Over 244.5 (-110) | Under 244.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs Jazz betting trend to know

The Timberwolves are 9-1 SU in their last 10 meetings with the Jazz, but only 6-4 ATS. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Jazz.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Jazz

Timberwolves vs Jazz latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

The Golden State Warriors were dealt a devastating blow with Jimmy Butler tearing his ACL last night, ending his season.

Meanwhile, it’s been a roller coaster season for the Toronto Raptors, so can they take advantage of this matchup while the Dubs try to find their bearings without Butler?

My Raptors vs. Warriors predictions and NBA picks break it all down for Tuesday, January 20.

Raptors vs Warriors prediction

Raptors vs Warriors best bet: Raptors +3.5 (-110)

Both the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors are banged up, but the loss of Jimmy Butler probably makes the Dubs reassess their entire trajectory of this season.

The strength of both teams is defense, with each ranking in the Top 5 in defensive rating. This makes me like the underdog.

Butler's absence, combined with playing the second half of a back-to-back, while getting more than three points with the Raptors as underdogs, is a great spot to back Toronto as the Warriors try to figure out life without Jimmy Buckets.

Raptors vs Warriors same-game parlay

Butler’s first assignment in this game was likely shutting down Brandon Ingram. Ingram is averaging 21.7 points per game this season, and while he’s been in a bit of a slump, this is the perfect opportunity for him to get back on track.

Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley has had an up-and-down season for the Raptors, but he’s averaging 17.6 points per game over his last 13 and has topped 15.5 points 10 times over that stretch. 

Raptors vs Warriors SGP

• Raptors +3.5
• Brandon Ingram Over 23.5 points
• Immanuel Quickley Over 16.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Picking Up the Slack

Let's add a couple of Warriors who could step up in Jimmy Buckets' absence to the Raptors point scorers we already have.

Raptors vs Warriors SGP

• Brandon Ingram Over 23.5 points
• Immanuel Quickley  Over 16.5 points
• Buddy Hield Over 8.5 points
• Moses Moody Over 11.5 points

Raptors vs Warriors odds

• Spread: Raptors +3.5 (-110) | Warriors -3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Raptors +135 | Warriors -160
• Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)

Raptors vs Warriors betting trend to know

The Warriors have only covered the 1H Spread in 18 of their last 45 games for -12.90 Units and a -25% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Warriors.

How to watch Raptors vs Warriors

Raptors vs Warriors latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

January 2026 has been a shock for the Washington Wizards. Early in the month, there was speculation that then-Atlanta Hawks guard Trey Young may be a target for Washington and that Young preferred the Wizards. In a matter of days, Young got traded to the Wizards for a relatively low price asset-wise: Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum. So using that line of thinking, a recent piece by Joshua Robbins of The Athletic indicates that New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson could also be a target for Washington considering how quickly the Wizards acquired Young.

The Pelicans, at least on the record, do not intend to trade him. But considering his injury history despite his talent, if the Wizards offer some compensation their way, it’s possible that the Pelicans could listen. Here is an excerpt from Robbins’ piece:

With the Young trade as the template of a low-cost trade for a distressed asset, league sources speculated that New Orleans Pelicans big man Zion Williamson would be someone the Wizards would have to consider if the price is right.

The Pelicans reportedly have told teams they’re not going to trade Williamson, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen or Jeremiah Fears. As it pertains to Williamson only, however, league sources expressed skepticism to The Athletic about that report.

League sources said they cannot envision any scenario in which Washington would give up one of its own future first-round picks. But one source speculated that a pick owed to the Wizards, such as the least favorable of the Houston Rockets’ (top-four protected), LA Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2026 first-round picks, might satisfy the Pelicans’ goals.

To be crystal clear: The Wizards trading for Williamson appears to be an extreme long shot. But it was mentioned as a possibility by enough league sources that it at least should be mentioned here.

The Wizards made noise early this month by acquiring one of the league’s most potent scorers. So, knowing how quickly that move happened, who knows what could happen with Williamson? Let us know in the comments below.

When the Knicks first started to struggle, fans and analysts were quick to diagnose the problem as fatigue, with a side of some schematic issues, and players just playing badly. But with every passing game, their so-called rough stretch looks less and less like a stretch, and more and more like who they actually are going to be the rest of the way. And in a lot of these losses, they don’t just look tired or like they aren’t executing. They look like a disjointed and dysfunctional team, if you can even call them that. During so many timeouts and blowouts, the players aren’t picking each other up, aren’t coming together, and it’s turned a lot of fans into sleuths and even lip readers.

Yet all of that until recently was just speculation. But after the Knicks’ latest embarrassment, which came in the shape of a beatdown at the hands of the struggling Mavericks, players seemed to finally start voicing a bit more of their opinions on what’s taken place.

Deuce McBride, who’s never been one to shy away from being honest and transparent, talked about how the team has had some underlying issues that were masked with wins earlier in the season, and how the Knicks have gotten way too comfortable while their opponents have been hungrier.

Josh Hart, who is often labeled as the heart of the team and is among the most vocal players on the team, said, “We have to make sure we have a professional mindset to everything. We gotta come in & be locked in. We can’t go into practice & have things said several times; we can’t come out & not execute an ATO.”

Hart also spoke candidly about the need to look in the mirror, saying, “We all need to do some soul-searching. Some are looking in the mirror. Right now we’re playing embarrassing basketball. We’re not executing on the offensive end. Defensively, we’ve been abysmal. We’ve been terrible defensively all year”.

The captain, Jalen Brunson, echoed those sentiments and added a sense of urgency and even desperation.

And that was just seconds after looking, and sounding a bit lost when asked about why the team didn’t show up.

And that was after the broadcast caught Brunson trying to rally the guys together and instill that sense of urgency in everyone else.

The honesty and frustrations didn’t end there as head coach Mike Brown, who has received his own share of criticisms, voiced his frustrations postgame.

On one side, it’s nice to see a team realize that they are indeed playing not just a bad brand of basketball, but doing so with an overall embarrassing level of effort, energy, and physicality, or lack thereof. On the other hand, it’s frustrating to see them acknowledge it, say the right things, and still do nothing to fix it. And all while that’s going on, this team, maybe more so than any other struggling team, has looked lifeless. We may never find out if this is because of the coaching change, something that happened in the locker room, or if it has to do with players not being happy with their roles. But one thing is for sure. This team is in a dark place. And that’s not just about their recent record or the results.

They look like a group of individuals, and not a team. They don’t look like they enjoy playing with each other, or even being around each other. That’s led to them being much worse than the sum of their parts, and that’s a concern considering the earlier reports that the front office is looking to stick with this core throughout the rest of the season. Because unless something magical happens off the court, and in the lockerroom, the on-court results and process likely won’t change much. And if that’s going to be the case, you can make a strong argument that this team needs a change for the sake of change, even if it means a potential downgrade on paper.