Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
Good morning, it’s Friday, January 30th. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 29-20 and play the Phoenix Suns tonight at 9 PM. They beat the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
This is Cleveland’s second and final game against the Suns this season. They previously beat the Suns at home on New Year’s Eve. We hope you like staying up late — because the Cavs will be in a different time zone for the next week and a half.
Today’s Game of the Day
Portland Trail Blazers at New York Knicks – 7:30 PM, NBA League Pass
The Knicks have snapped back into a rhythm after their recent 2-8 funk. They are now on a four-game winning streak and will look to extend it on their home floor against a scrappy Blazers team that has hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
The Rest of the NBA Slate
Los Angeles Lakers at Washington Wizards – 7 PM
Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic – 7:30 PM
Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Pelicans – 7:30 PM
Sacramento Kings at Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns – 9 PM
LA Clippers at Denver Nuggets – 9 PM
Brooklyn Nets at Utah Jazz – 9:30 PM
Detroit Pistons at Golden State Warriors – 10 PM
Honorable mention to the Pistons and Warriors game. That could be worth checking on if the Cavs game ends up being a blowout one way or the other.
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 21: Anfernee Simons #4 of the Boston Celtics arrives to the arena before the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 21, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
On the Celtics off day, Anfernee Simons gave back to the Boston community and hosted the 2025-26 ‘Fit For a Cause’ event at the Auerbach Center. The purpose of the program is to encourage individuals to lead healthy and active lifestyles, while simultaneously raising money for their communities.
Simons was joined by fifty Boston Scientific employees, and thirty youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest, and YMCA of Greater Boston. After the event, Simons took questions from reporters on a multitude of topics from trade rumors, his defensive improvements, and giving back to the community.
Anfernee Simons is here at a fitness event at the Auerbach Center with 30 youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest, and YMCA of Greater Boston. pic.twitter.com/SaEj9IVKZn
NBA Insider Chris Haynes went on to the SiriusXM NBA Radio and said that “Anfernee Simons is someone who is on the trade market.” Haynes continued on by saying the Celtics were looking for front court help and big man reinforcement. He thinks Boston will make a trade even if it is small, but mentioning Simons would make you think that it will be a legitimate contributor.
When asked about the rumors, Simons said: “Once you’ve been in the league for eight years, the trade rumors become constant…control what you can control.” Simons has been linked to a couple of trade rumors from early in the season in deals for Ivica Zubac and Nikola Vucevic according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Scotto reported that “when the Clippers were struggling with a 6-21 record to begin the season, the Celtics inquired about an exploratory framework around Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which didn’t gain any traction.”
“The Chicago Bulls inquired on the possibility of trading center Nikola Vucevic for Simons and a Celtics first-round pick, which would have lowered Boston’s tax bill, but the Celtics weren’t interested, league sources told HoopsHype.”
When Simons was first traded to Boston for All-Defensive Team guard Jrue Holiday, there were a lot of concerns about his defense. Simons was known as a negative defender for most of his career but this season has shown real strides in that area. He is averaging 0.6 steals a game this season with a defensive rating of 119.0 which are both tied for the third best marks of his career. Simons also is a +162 which is the highest mark of his career and currently 5th on the Celtics. Simons was asked about his defensive improvements while working with Celtics Player development coach Ross McMains and what specific areas that he has worked on.
“Just overall, having that mindset, finding ways to play make in that area. I think from the first day I got here, we drilled that every single day. That was the first thing we did, before we even touched the basketball, dribble the basketball, we dedicated the first 30 minutes of the workout to play making on defense and positioning on the defense.”
Asked Anfernee Simons about Ross McMains’ role in his growth on defense.
“That was the first thing we did before we even touched a basketball, dribbled a basketball, we dedicated the first 30 minutes of the workout to playmaking on defense and positioning on defense.” https://t.co/fW4ZbXWXR1pic.twitter.com/oSmHCOXe7C
Anfernee Simons spent time talking to the kids about his daily routine and workout regiment, working with the Celtics strength and conditioning staff on orchestrating a sprinting drill, and showed them how to make healthy smoothies. Simons recognized the importance of giving back to the community and has really felt embraced by the city of Boston.
“Obviously, The community has been very welcoming to me. Everybody’s been trying to do their best to make me feel comfortable…I said before, it feels like I’ve been here longer than I actually have been here…family type organization and it feels very comforting coming to a new situation and everybody is wrapping their arms around you and making you feel welcome.”
Anfernee Simons on being embraced by the community in Boston:
“Obviously, The community has been very welcoming to me. Everybody's been trying to do their best to make me feel comfortable.”
“I said before, it feels like I've been here longer than I actually have been… pic.twitter.com/6skmdxOxar
The ‘Fit For a Cause’ program is a fitness program that employees from Boston Scientific will participate in. It motivates employees to increase their physical activity while having the opportunity to improve their communities with a “pay it forward” prize: the opportunity to work with Boston Scientific and the Celtics to select a renovation project. The launch event will include a discussion about healthy living, “Train like the Celtics” competitions, and a nutrition demonstration.
Mercyhurst Lakers (11-11, 6-3 NEC) at Chicago State Cougars (2-19, 0-8 NEC)
Chicago; Saturday, 2 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Mercyhurst will look to keep its four-game win streak alive when the Lakers take on Chicago State.
The Cougars have gone 1-5 in home games. Chicago State ranks sixth in the NEC with 7.9 offensive rebounds per game led by CJ Ray averaging 2.2.
The Lakers are 6-3 against NEC opponents. Mercyhurst has a 2-2 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
Chicago State is shooting 39.3% from the field this season, 3.4 percentage points lower than the 42.7% Mercyhurst allows to opponents. Mercyhurst averages 6.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 4.8 fewer made shots on average than the 10.8 per game Chicago State gives up.
The matchup Saturday is the first meeting of the season between the two teams in conference play.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doyel Cockrill III is shooting 43.0% and averaging 13.3 points for the Cougars. Ray is averaging 1.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Bernie Blunt is averaging 16 points for the Lakers. Jake Lemelman is averaging 12.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cougars: 0-10, averaging 61.7 points, 25.5 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 8.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 37.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 73.8 points per game.
Lakers: 7-3, averaging 67.9 points, 29.3 rebounds, 14.7 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 61.4 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 2: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics high fives Derrick White #9 and Jaylen Brown #7 during the game against the Miami Heat on April 2, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Over the last ten games, the Celtics are 5-5 with clutch losses to the Spurs, Pacers, Bulls, and Pistons. Only the Hawks on Wednesday night really roughed up Boston.
There hasn’t exactly been a statistical drop off from their overachieving regular season.
Poor shooting has bit them in the butt every third game or so, and they’ve put up some stinkers of late. But really, they’ve just been the victim of some hot shooting of late: a 21-of-45 avalanche in a three-point loss to the Bulls, the Pacers uncharacteristically hitting 16-of-37 in a two-point loss, and the Hawks making 18-of-42 in a blinding display on Wednesday.
There were some marked free throw disparities in the mix too, notably only four trips to the line against the Spurs and then just 9 two days later in Indiana and 9 again against the Bulls last week. But then again, that’s the way the league has been trending for the last month or so.
The .500 record could just be the product of a late-January swoon or the basketball gods tipping the scale one way or another. As Joe Mazzulla put it after a thorough thrashing by the Hawks, it was just a “bad day at the office.”
Maybe it was. Maybe it was just a motivated Atlanta team exacting revenge after the Celtics hung 132 ten days prior in State Farm Arena.
Or maybe it wasn’t.
“Honestly, we just guard the ball well,” Nickeil Alexander-Walker explained after seemingly stumping the now slumping Celtics. “We did a better job of staying in front, staying out of rotation. The last few games, like they were getting clean looks off screens and we were a step behind, step slow. We weren’t as physical. Tonight was. It was a two-way street like just up in the physicality as a whole, and then allowing us to be more, I would say, allowing us to be more aggressive.”
With a long and rangy trio of Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson as point-of-attack defenders, the Hawks were able to blow up a lot of the Celtics early actions between Payton Pritchard (5-of-11, zero assists), Derrick White (5-of-13, three assists), and Jaylen Brown, and generate sixteen turnovers.
And you have to think that there’s a throughline between that Hawks defense and the Celtics’ 3-1 record against the beast of the East, Detroit Pistons. While the -11 total point differential over those four games suggests a close matchup between them, the eye test shows Boston’s struggle with the ball pressure.
Zoom out and the Celtics are still just a fraction away from having the most efficient offense in the league, second to only the Nuggets. That’s certainly a feather in Mazzulla’s cap given the circumstances entering the season. However, with the trade deadline on the horizon and Jayson Tatum’s impending decision to return, it has to give the front office and coaching staff a moment of reflection that come playoff time when the games become a little more physical and handsy, what are Boston’s realistic chances in raising Banner 19?
Montreal Canadiens (30-17-7, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (31-17-5, in the Atlantic Division)
Buffalo, New York; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens visit the Buffalo Sabres after Nicholas Suzuki's two-goal game against the Colorado Avalanche in the Canadiens' 7-3 win.
Buffalo is 31-17-5 overall with a 10-3-2 record against the Atlantic Division. The Sabres have a 4-2-5 record in games decided by a goal.
Montreal is 30-17-7 overall with a 9-8-1 record against the Atlantic Division. The Canadiens have a 13-5-3 record in one-goal games.
Saturday's game is the fourth time these teams meet this season. The Sabres won 4-2 in the last meeting.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tage Thompson has 28 goals and 27 assists for the Sabres. Alex Tuch has eight goals and two assists over the last 10 games.
Lane Hutson has nine goals and 46 assists for the Canadiens. Cole Caufield has scored nine goals and added three assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Sabres: 7-2-1, averaging 4.3 goals, 6.9 assists, four penalties and 10.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game.
Canadiens: 5-4-1, averaging 3.6 goals, 6.3 assists, 4.3 penalties and 10 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game.
INJURIES: Sabres: None listed.
Canadiens: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
San Jose Sharks (27-21-4, in the Pacific Division) vs. Calgary Flames (21-26-6, in the Pacific Division)
Calgary, Alberta; Saturday, 4 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Calgary Flames play the San Jose Sharks as losers of five straight games.
Calgary is 21-26-6 overall with a 7-6-1 record in Pacific Division play. The Flames serve 12.3 penalty minutes per game to rank third in NHL play.
San Jose has gone 27-21-4 overall with an 8-7-3 record in Pacific Division play. The Sharks have conceded 179 goals while scoring 162 for a -17 scoring differential.
The teams meet Saturday for the third time this season. The Sharks won 6-3 in the previous matchup. Macklin Celebrini led the Sharks with two goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Morgan Frost has scored 11 goals with 14 assists for the Flames. Matthew Coronato has three goals and one assist over the last 10 games.
Will Smith has 15 goals and 22 assists for the Sharks. Celebrini has four goals and 11 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Flames: 3-5-2, averaging two goals, 3.3 assists, 3.6 penalties and 8.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.
Sharks: 6-3-1, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.6 assists, 3.2 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.
INJURIES: Flames: None listed.
Sharks: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 25: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 25, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Moses Moody just carved his name into Warriors history, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. With 26 points, five rebounds, and five three-pointers on 78% true shooting against the Utah Jazz, Moody joined a list that reads like a Warriors Ring of Honor ballot. He’s now tied for 10th in franchise history with 12 games of 5+ threes in a Warriors uniform.
But here’s what makes this moment so fascinating: Moody accomplished this on the same night Jonathan Kuminga’s trade rumors reached a fever pitch and while Jimmy Butler sits out with a torn ACL. The Warriors are searching for answers to their championship puzzle, and one of those answers just went for 26 on elite efficiency while everyone was looking elsewhere.
Let’s talk about that list for a second, because when I saw it I had to see if I could guess everyone else with at least 12 games with 5 made triples or more in a Warriors uniform. Follow along and see how many you guess!
Stephen Curry sits at the top with 404 games of 5+ threes because of course he does. The man invented the modern three-point revolution and continues to redefine what’s possible at 37 years old. Klay Thompson’s 171 games in second place represent the purest shooting excellence this franchise has ever seen outside of Curry himself. These aren’t just numbers. They’re testament to a dynasty built on the three-point line.
Jordan Poole’s 31 games at third place remind us of what the Warriors once had, a young guard who could get scorching hot from deep before the relationship soured and he was shipped to Washington. Jason Richardson’s 22 games take us back to the dark days when he was the lone bright spot, throwing down posters and launching threes for terrible Warriors teams. Andrew Wiggins at 17 games shows you what this team gained when they salvaged his career, turning a disappointment into a championship contributor.
The history gets deeper. Tim Hardaway with 16 games brings back Run TMC nostalgia. Baron Davis with 14 games reminds us of the “We Believe” magic. Kevin Durant’s 13 games packed more championship firepower into three seasons than most franchises see in a decade. And then you get to the Moody level: Buddy Hield at 14 games proving why the Warriors signed him, Stephen Jackson at 12 games representing that 2007 playoff upset, Draymond at 12 games reminding us he could shoot when it mattered most, and D’Angelo Russell’s 12 games from that brief rental season.
Moses Moody just joined that group. At 23 years old, he’s showing the kind of shooting consistency that makes you wonder why the Warriors are exploring trades with him when they might already have the Splash Son they need. With Butler out for the season and Kuminga potentially heading elsewhere, Moody is proving he can fill a role this team desperately needs: a young wing who can space the floor, defend multiple positions, and not wilt under pressure. He’s shooting 40% from downtown this season folks!
The Warriors built their dynasty on shooting. They won championships because they could punish defenses from 30 feet and make the impossible look routine. Maybe the answer was already on the roster. Maybe instead of trading the Arkansas product for the next big name, the Warriors should invest in the young man who just showed he belongs on a list with franchise legends. Because on nights like tonight, Moses Moody doesn’t just look like a role player. He looks like a piece of the future of Warriors basketball, shooting threes at a historic rate while everyone else is too busy looking at trade rumors to notice.
The Warriors have always been built on shooting. Maybe it’s time they remember that.
Jan 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Rockets, as perhaps an oracular punishment for blowing a lead against the Spurs the night before, and getting embarrassingly run off the court to close that game, were sent out on the road to Atlanta the very next night. There was little doubt that the Rockets would in fact play this game, but considerable doubt as to the out come. The first of several doubts to plague the contest.
The game started, so it was clear the Rockets couldn’t avoid the back-to-back, somehow. Soon after one of the worst opening tip offs ever, there was serious doubt that the first half of this contest met the criteria for an actual NBA game, played by professionals. There were possibly extenuating circumstances.
The Hawks were injured. Broken wings, cracked beaks, patchy feathers, you name it. They were missing starting center Onyeka Okongwu, starting forward Jalen Johnson, high draft pick Zacharie Risachertorte, usually injured or ill player Kristaps Pozingis, and former Rocket, N’Faly Dante.
The Rockets were of course missing Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams and also, because it was the second night of a back to back, Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith.
That said, the Hawks had won four games in a row, due largely to strong play from Jalen Johnson, Dyson “Sphere” Daniels, and CJ McCollum. MCollum has been essentially a less fraught one for one replacement for Trae Young, except the Hawks don’t feel compelled to start him. His shooting is better, his passing a bit worse, and his defense roughly the same as Trae’s. Even down so many players, the Hawks still used McCollum as a bench scoring ace, perhaps they wanted to counter the Rockets size? Atlanta started (Zag Alert!) Corey Kispert and his 80s music video hair and headband, Christian Koloko, Vit Kejci, and Nikeil Alexander-Walker along with the aforementioned Dyson Sphere.
The Rockets largely rolled out their regulars, with Josh Okogie starting in place of Tari Eason, who isn’t really helping his reliability case at all this season.
The first half was one to forget. Or one to cherish if you love bad, listless, basketball, and seemingly never ending parade of clanks. To describe the first half as a rock fight denigrates the dignity and accuracy of a thrown rock. The first quarter was “A Low Scoring Affair” as the commentators say, with both teams getting 23 points officially recorded, somehow. Not to worry, it would get worse. The second quarter would see the Hawks failing to break 20 points at 19, but the Rockets accomplishing that terrific feat in the mildest flurry of scoring possibly ever in the NBA, to close the half.
It was anyone’s game at 43-42 at the half, as the grim truth dawned on all those Rockets fans watching: the Hawks, who seemed barely present, including actual game participants, might well beat the Rockets anyhow. Hovering above those Rockets fans was also doubt that the second half would be worth watching. These doubts proved unfounded.
The Rockets came out in the second half, and by mid to late third quarter seemed to be establishing a lead on the Hawks. A few consecutive made threes brought Atlanta close again, but the Rockets didn’t call a timeout, and mean mugged the lead back into existence. Well, actually they did things on offense that looked pretty good, and made shots. They grabbed all the rebounds. The Rockets ultimately scored 34 points to the Hawks 24, which was the most they’d manage in any quarter.
The fourth quarter was similar, but featured the Rockets coasting to victory, in their own unique way. That way consisting of playing the starters until around 2 minutes remained, despite a steady 19 point lead.
The score looks easy, and the Hawks genuinely appeared to down tools sometime in the third quarter. By the fourth they were barely running anywhere, unless there might be a chance for an easy basket. Otherwise Atlanta looked like it was ready to hit the bottle, or Magic City for, ah, those famous lemon pepper chicken wings.
Kevin Durant remains a terminator, scoring 31 points on 12-22 shooting, and playing a low, low, 34 minutes. Jabari Smith almost had a get-right game, but did throw down a thunderous dunk in the 4th quarter for his Atlanta family and friends. Amen Thompson had a forgettable game, after his strenuous night in Houston on Wednesday. It was so forgettable I forget the stats, ok, he did have 3 steals and 2 blocks. Alperen Sengun, who looks hurt, exhausted, sick or all three had a straight bad outing. He did grab 10 rebounds. With Adams out, and Udoka distrustful of or unconvinced by Clint Capela, and Jabari at center, it seems Alpie is just going to have to go out and be bad. Rather than maybe resting and getting well.
Josh Okogie had quite a good night, grabbing 10 rebounds, and making his open looks, and generally played with high energy, intensity and great individual defense. The Rockets got a strong 18 minutes from Clint Capela, and it was a lineup with both Clint and Reed Sheppard that fueled their lead, and pulling away from the Hawks. He went 10pts/7rbs/2ast/1stl/2blk in 18 minutes, and it seemed to me he might well double those numbers in double the minutes. But Ime once again failed to consult with me, or TDS.
Tate played an impactful and useful 20 minutes without a great number of stats to show for it. Sheppard continued his pattern of bad first half, great second half. He had 13pts/4rbs/4ast/1stl in 26 minutes, and really did turn the tide. Two legitimate perimeter scoring threats on the court at the same time for the Rockets (Jabari and Tari don’t count, for various reasons) really changes the entire geometery of the offense for the Rockets. Reed went 5-14 which isn’t efficient at all, but 3-7 from three, which very much is. He seems to be overthinking everything, still, and probably should be fed a great deal more three point opportunities. He’s developing a nice chemistry with Capela, and still has a clunky one with Durant.
Any win on a SEGABA is a good one, and any game holding NBA players to only 86 points is a good one, too.
The Rockets play on Saturday back home in Houston against the Mavericks, in a prime time ABC game. I hadn’t realized the Rockets were allowed to play Dallas in Houston, but the schedule indicates they are.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs a play while under pressure from De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers’ search for a wing could take them to an interesting landing spot.
If LA is set on landing a 3-and-D wing at the trade deadline, it’s going to come with some caveats. It will likely either cost them an arm and a leg, an asking price they can’t really afford, or it’s going to force them to take a player with a large contract.
It’s that latter point that finds them linked to De’Andre Hunter. Ironically, Hunter was selected with the Lakers’ No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft, which was included in the Anthony Davis trade. After he was dealt to the Hawks on draft day, Hunter was sent to the Cavs at last year’s trade deadline.
With the Cavs underperforming and looking to downsize their huge payroll and Hunter struggling while on a big contract, Cleveland has made him available, which brings the Lakers into the equation. After recently being linked with the purple and gold by Brad Turner of the LA Times, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints added some more context to that on Thursday.
According to him, the Lakers and Cavs have had discussions about a trade with some in Cleveland’s front office fond of the idea of Dalton Knecht as a buy-low candidate.
There are some within the Cavs organization who like the idea of adding Dalton Knecht in a buy-low spot to get off Hunter’s contract, yet discussions have been ongoing.
The Lakers have expressed interest in Haywood Highsmith and Day’Ron Sharpe from Brooklyn. https://t.co/TfrBXa2KeR
Hunter’s season averages are a far cry from his career numbers. He’s shooting 42% from the field and a career-worst 30.9% from the 3-point line. Prior to this campaign, Hunter had shot 38.2% from range over the last four seasons.
Because of the aprons placing limitations on both the Lakers and Cavs — thanks again for that CJ McCollum — a trade for Hunter effectively requires a third. The Lakers are hard-capped at the second apron and sit just under $1 million below it right now, while Cleveland, as a second-apron team, can not take back more money in a trade.
That leaves too fine a needle to thread, whereas simply bringing in a third team, like the Nets, alleviates most of those issues.
Hunter is on the books for $23.3 million this season and a guaranteed $24.9 million next season. Aggregating two of Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt with Dalton Knecht gets them just above that figure, which could bring in the likes of Haywood Highsmith and/or Day’Ron Sharpe.
Even then, it’s not a straightforward deal but that framework will likely be one the team works with. Ideally, the Lakers open up a bit of wiggle room below the second apron, allowing them to sign a buyout player this season as well.
But even in that scenario, this is a risk for the Lakers. Similar to the Cavs buying low on Knecht, the Lakers would be buying low on Hunter. Both teams would have to have the belief that a change of scenery would benefit the player.
With the Lakers in a precarious position and looking for improvement, Hunter could be the type of player the team makes a deal for and hopes that the gamble pays off, giving them another viable starter. The best version of Hunter can certainly slot into the starting lineup, but can the Lakers unlock that version of him again?
Cooper Flagg was a first round overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft [Getty Images]
Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg became the first teenager to score 49 points in an NBA game as they lost 123-121 against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center.
The 19-year-old beat Clifford Robinson's previous record of 45 points set in 1980 when playing for the New Jersey Nets against the Detroit Pistons.
Flagg, making his 43rd appearance of the season, also became the youngest player to score at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hornets' Kon Knueppel, who was room-mates with Flagg at Duke University, also posted impressive numbers.
The 20-year-old scored a career-high 34 points and was successful with eight of his 12 three-pointer attempts - setting a rookie record for Charlotte.
Their combined 83 points was the highest of any opposing rookies in more than 50 years, and they were the first pair of opposing rookies from the same college to each score 30-plus points in the same game.
The Dallas Mavericks sit 12th in the Western Conference after falling to four successive defeats, while the Charlotte Hornets have won five in a row and are 11th in the Eastern Conference.
As the NBA season's third full month nears completion, the waiver wire is highly active in many fantasy basketball leagues, given how prevalent injuries typically are by this point in the calendar. That's certainly holding true this season, and several of our suggestions this week have earned their spot in this space thanks to the additional minutes and usage afforded by key absences on their squad.
Identifying players who are benefiting from expanded roles–whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player boosting your blocks and steals–is vital as you navigate the season.
Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Yahoo High Score Leagues
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans (36% rostered)
Bey is in the midst of a resurgent season that sees him boasting averages of 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals across 30 minutes per game over 42 contests. The veteran forward may be playing his best basketball of the season at the moment, as he's boasting averages of 21.2 points (on 48.5% 3-point shooting), 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals across 31.3 minutes over his last six games. Despite the Pelicans being at full health except for the season-long absence of Dejounte Murray, Bey is averaging 13.3 shot attempts in the latter span, and the upside that's led to him scoring at least 20 points in 13 games makes him a candidate for rostering in High Score formats.
Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks (27% rostered)
Christie is another player who's had some spike performances of late, scoring 21 points or more in four straight games before a downturn against the Timberwolves on Wednesday that saw him record only nine points on 1-for-8 shooting. Nevertheless, Christie has taken firm hold of the starting shooting guard role and went into Jan. 29 action averaging a career-high 13.2 points (on 47.6% shooting, including 44.5% from 3-point range), 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest. Anthony Davis' absence due to a finger injury is expected to keep him sidelined until after the All-Star break, so Christie's elevated usage should persist for several more weeks, at minimum.
Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns (38% rostered)
Any time Allen has a chance at additional minutes, there's always the possibility of some eye-popping offensive numbers. The veteran wing is averaging a career-high 16.4 points, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per contest, and he's currently in the midst of another stretch with the first unit thanks to Jalen Green's perpetually troublesome hamstring. Furthermore, Allen currently has the opportunity for enhanced usage for as long as Devin Booker is sidelined by his ankle issue. Allen already has 33- and 42-point tallies on his resume this season, and the fact he's putting up a career-best 8.8 3-point attempts per game keeps him in play for some similarly impressive tallies any time he takes the floor.
Standard 9-Category Leagues
Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies (28% rostered)
Spencer remains the Grizzlies' starting point guard for the time being thanks to Ja Morant's latest absence, which is the result of an elbow injury that will sideline him for the next two weeks at minimum. The second-year guard does have some fluctuation when it comes to his scoring output, but he's capable of making up for it by stuffing the stat sheet in other areas. Spencer is averaging 11.1 points, 9.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds across his 13 games as a starter, posting four double-doubles in that span. He also has six multi-steal tallies and is shooting a blistering 44.5% from behind the arc for the season, making him a very viable consideration as a waiver-wire pickup.
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls (28% rostered)
Dosunmu continues to offer the Bulls versatile production in much the same way Spencer does for the Grizzlies, with the former averaging a career-high 14.6 points with the help of a career-best 44.5% success rate from long range. The veteran guard is also contributing 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per contest, and he's clocking a solid 26.0 minutes per game in his second-unit role. Dosunmu has hit or eclipsed the 20-point threshold on nine occasions despite coming off the bench in seven of those games, and he's dished out at least five dimes in 13 instances as well.
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz (26% rostered)
Bailey's impressive rookie-season efforts are flying somewhat under the radar due to the Jazz's overall struggles, but he's delivered solid performances throughout the campaign and is on the ascent as the end of January approaches. Bailey is averaging 17.1 points (on 50% shooting), 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 31.3 minutes in his last eight games while holding down the starting small forward role. Lauri Markkanen's spotty playing record is also helping Bailey's cause in the form of extra usage, adding to the latter's appeal.
Evan Mobley has been diagnosed with a calf strain that could sideline him up to three weeks, so Hunter is teed up for some extra run, if not some spot starts. The veteran wing is struggling with efficiency this season – his 42.2% shooting is his lowest since his 2019-20 rookie campaign – but he's averaging a career-high 2.1 assists, while his 4.3 rebounds are his highest figure in that category since the 2020-21 season. Hunter is also capable of better offensive output than he's shown so far, as he's demonstrated by draining 48% of his shots during the 18 games in which he's scored 16 or more points.
Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons (35% rostered)
Harris is much more of a complementary piece at this stage of his career, but he's still scored between 16 and 26 points in 13 of 30 games. The veteran also remains capable of some solid work on the glass, pulling down between five and nine boards in 15 games. Harris is also shooting an improved 51.7% over his last 11 games, adding more appeal to his candidacy as a player who can boost the bottom half of your roster.
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (23% rostered)
Nesmith is shooting a career-worst 37.0% from the field this season, but he's still managed to average a career-high 13.5 points over his first 27 games. The veteran forward is also averaging a career-best 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists, and his 36.1% 3-point shooting is helping keep his offensive contributions afloat. Nesmith's 12.0 FGAs per game is also a new high-water mark, and if that level of usage persists, Nesmith has utility as a complementary source of multi-category production in your points league.
BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento looks to stop its seven-game skid with a victory over Boston.
The Celtics are 14-8 on their home court. Boston has a 4-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Kings are 3-21 on the road. Sacramento has a 5-24 record in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Celtics score 116.4 points per game, 4.2 fewer points than the 120.6 the Kings allow. The Kings average 110.5 points per game, 0.4 more than the 110.1 the Celtics allow to opponents.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Celtics won 120-106 in the last matchup on Jan. 2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Celtics. Anfernee Simons is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.
Dennis Schroder is scoring 13.0 points per game and averaging 3.0 rebounds for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 21.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 5-5, averaging 111.3 points, 47.4 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points per game.
Kings: 3-7, averaging 113.2 points, 42.5 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jaylen Brown: day to day (hamstring), Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Neemias Queta: day to day (illness).
Kings: Russell Westbrook: day to day (illness), Keegan Murray: out (ankle), Malik Monk: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (19-29, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (29-17, fourth in the Western Conference)
Houston; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas faces the Houston Rockets after Cooper Flagg scored 49 points in the Mavericks' 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Rockets are 5-5 against division opponents. Houston is 11-3 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 14.4 turnovers per game.
The Mavericks are 3-6 against Southwest Division opponents. Dallas is 7-11 in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Rockets average 116.1 points per game, 0.6 fewer points than the 116.7 the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks average 114.2 points per game, 4.2 more than the 110.0 the Rockets give up.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Mavericks won the last meeting 110-104 on Jan. 4, with Anthony Davis scoring 26 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Durant is averaging 26.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games.
Flagg is averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 18.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 7-3, averaging 109.4 points, 49.3 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 9.2 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.3 points per game.
Mavericks: 5-5, averaging 118.4 points, 46.2 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Dorian Finney-Smith: day to day (injury management), Tari Eason: day to day (injury management), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: day to day (rest), Anthony Davis: out (hand).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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