Sri Lanka’s spinners turned the screws to script a hard-fought 19-run victory over England in the opening one-day international at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday (all times local).
How Kyle Tucker fits in the Dodgers lineup
LOS ANGELES — Dodgers outfield production in 2025 was lacking, making it a clear need this offseason. They compensated for that by adding Kyle Tucker, who was the consensus top free agent available, rated the No. 1 free agent at the beginning of the offseason by ESPN, FanGraphs, The Athletic, MLB Trade Rumors, Baseball Prospectus, Yahoo Sports, MLB.com, and CBS Sports.
The cost was heavy, guaranteeing $240 million on a four-year contract, and even adding two chances for Tucker to opt out of the deal, such was the demand for his services on the market. But the Dodgers have the money, and they’ve been more than willing to spend it, with record-setting competitive balance tax paymentsthe last two seasons. They also have the prospect depth to absorb the loss of draft picks for signing Tucker (and for signing Edwin Díaz, too).
They thought Tucker was worth that kind of investment.
“Anytime you can add a guy to your lineup that is arguably better against same-side pitching — there’s really no holes in what he does offensively. Really balanced splits, versus right, versus left, incredible decision making, really good bat-to-ball skills,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Wednesday. “Just the way that will kind of complement and help further round out our offense, something we thought that would be significant in terms of the odds increasing on our championship quest.”
Dodgers outfielders as a group in 2025 hit .240/.299/.415, with a 98 wRC+ that ranked 17th among 30 MLB teams. Tucker is a career .273/.358/.507 hitter with a 138 wRC+, and has posted a 130 wRC+ or better in each of the last five seasons. Dodgers outfielders last year totaled 4.3 fWAR as a group (Andy Pages accounted for 4.1 fWAR himself), while Tucker has tallied 4.2 fWAR or higher five years in a row, averaging 4.7.
Since the start of 2021, Tucker is one of only four major league hitters with an isolated power — slugging percentage minus batting average — .200 or above combined with a strikeout rate of 16 percent or lower, along with fellow star players Mookie Betts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and José Ramírez.
The Dodgers in 2025 had a 21.9-percent strikeout rate as a team, 12th-lowest in the majors. Adding Tucker should help that.
But where does he fit in the Dodgers lineup? Last week, I asked this question on The Feed here at True Blue LA, and got various responses, ranging between Tucker batting as high as second or as low as fifth. But either way, he’ll be in a prime spot in a suddenly more-loaded lineup with him on board.
“I was talking with Gomer [general manager Brandon Gomes] and Andrew [Friedman] recently, and it’s just fun to think about where Kyle is going to hit in the lineup,” manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. “He’ll be in the top third. I don’t want you guys to hold me to it right now, but [hitting] second or third seems to make sense.”
It’s still only January 22, still a month from spring training games starting and nine weeks from opening day. A lot can happen between now and then. But let’s unpack what Roberts said on Wednesday.
For the last two seasons, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman have been the Dodgers’ big three atop the lineup. If Tucker hits second or third, one of those other three is moving. It won’t be Ohtani, who seems entrenched in the leadoff spot. Betts is coming off his worst offensive season, but the Dodgers have been loath to move him down in the lineup. It took until Game 5 of the World Series for Betts to shift down in the lineup to third, his first start outside of the top two since 2021. Betts hit third in Games 5 and 6, and hit fourth in Game 7.
Freeman in four years with the Dodgers has hit mostly second or third. He batted cleanup four times in September 2024, but those were only against left-handed pitchers to help split up the left-handed hitters in the lineup. That continued into 2025, but Freeman also hit cleanup sometimes against right-handed pitchers, and hit fourth a total of 47 times in the regular season, and batted cleanup eight times in 17 postseason games.
I think Freeman is the most likely of the Big Three to move down in the lineup. Putting Tucker second or third would mean at least two of the Dodgers’ first three hitters batting lefty, but they happen to be two of the best lefty-on-lefty hitters in the game.
Over the last five seasons Tucker hit .270/.340/.511 against southpaws, with his 136 wRC+ against same-handed pitchers third-best in the majors among batters with at least 300 such plate appearances, trailing only Yordan Alvarez (166 wRC+) and Ohtani (140).
Freeman hitting cleanup would mean three lefties in the first four hitters, which is generally fine, but can cause problems later in the game, either with an opposing manager bringing in a left-handed pitcher to handle a run of lefty batters or if trying to extend a southpaw starting pitcher a little bit deeper into the game. Last year the Dodgers occasionally countered the latter by inserting a right-handed batter before Freeman, usually Teoscar Hernández or Will Smith.
Roberts before last year’s opener mentioned making a lefty pitcher pay the “Teoscar tax” to get through that portion of the lineup, which worked out swimmingly when Hernández hit a game-winning three-run home run off Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to turn the game around.
But whether Freeman bats fourth or fifth still highlights the depth of the Dodgers lineup now with Tucker on board. After Freeman, there will be one or both of Smith or Hernández, and that’s before considering Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Andy Pages.
No matter how you slice it, that’s a formidable lineup top to bottom.
What now for Yankees after Cody Bellinger? Three ways Bombers can improve
NEW YORK – By agreeing with Cody Bellinger on a new contract Wednesday, the Yankees’ top offseason task was completed.
But that doesn’t end the winter work for GM Brian Cashman and company.
Three weeks away from the start of spring training, the Yankees are still exploring upgrades to the pitching staff, along with right-handed hitting depth.
And the potential for a significant trade exists, now that Bellinger is secured on a five-year, $162.5 million free agent deal that includes opt-outs after years two and three.
This is now a crowded outfield, with Bellinger in left field, Trent Grisham in center and Aaron Judge in right, which impacts the playing time of switch-hitter Jasson Dominguez and lefty-hitting prospect Spencer Jones.
Let’s examine where the Yankees might be exploring additional options for 2026:
Yankees' potential rotation targets
Current rotation: LHP Max Fried, RHP Cam Schlittler, RHP Luis Gil, RHP Will Warren, LHP Ryan Weathers.
On the injured list: RHP Gerrit Cole (June ETA), LHP Carlos Rodon (May), RHP Clarke Schmidt (September).
Current depth: RHP Paul Blackburn, LHP Ryan Yarbrough.
Summary: Several contenders, including the Yanks, had been tied to interest in Milwaukee Brewers’ right-hander Freddy Peralta, the subject of trade discussion for months.
But late Wednesday night, as first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Mets closed out a stunning deal to land Peralta, earning a relative-bargain $8 million in 2026, his free agent walk year.
Washington Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore is under team control through the 2028 season, but he’s already set to earn $5.6 million this season with some expensive arbitration years ahead.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds have some notable starting depth including right-hander Brady Singer, though he’s earning $12.75 million in 2026, his free agent walk year.
The current Grand Canyon-sized arbitration gap between Tarik Skubal and the Tigers makes things interesting, but you’d anticipate Detroit going into 2026 with the game’s best starter and re-evaluating at the trade deadline.
Though the Yanks are questionable to add a pricey free agent starter at this point, even on a one-year deal, the versatile Nick Martinez and Cooperstown-bound veterans Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are intriguing options.
Yankees' potential bullpen targets
Current bullpen: LHPs Tim Hill, Brent Headrick; RHPs David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, Kaleb Ort, Cade Winquest.
Current depth: RHPs Jake Bird, Yerry de los Santos, Paul Blackburn; LHP Ryan Yarbrough.
Summary: St. Louis lefty JoJo Romero was linked to Yankees’ interest earlier this winter, with the re-tooling Cardinals likely to remain active on the trade front.
Entering his free agent walk year, Romero posted a 200 ERA-plus last season and is due to earn $4.26 million in 2026.
Though the Yanks aren't heavily into this free agent market, a patient strategy might get them to take an inexpensive flyer here, with some interesting names such as right-hander Michael Kopech and lefty Danny Coulombe available.
In recent years, the Yankees have been adept at making under-the-radar deals for relievers - especially power right-handers with swing-and-miss ability that have yet to reach their potential.
And if the Yanks are seeking to move payroll here in a bigger trade, Doval is making over $6 million this season.
Yankees' potential right-handed hitting targets
Current position players: 1B/C Ben Rice, 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., 3B Ryan McMahon, IF Jose Caballero, Amed Rosario, Oswaldo Cabrera; OF Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez; DH/OF Giancarlo Stanton; C Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra.
On the injured list: SS Anthony Volpe (ETA May).
Current depth: IF Paul DeJong, Braden Shewmake, Jorbit Vivas; OF Seth Brown, Spencer Jones; C Ben Rice.
Summary: There's room to add a right-handed hitting first baseman, a corner outfielder and possibly a catcher (to better complement the lefty-hitting Wells).
Free agent outfielders Austin Hays and Harrison Bader could see their markets accelerating now that the major free agents are off the board and Luis Robert Jr. is a Met, traded by the White Sox this week.
Paul Goldschmidt has designs on playing in 2026 and the 2025 Yankee remains in free agency, as does veteran Rhys Hoskins, whose career since 2023 has been hampered by injuries.
With their recent free agent signing of Victor Caratini, the Minnesota Twins might have a catching surplus.
Switch-hitting former All-Star catcher Jonah Heim remains in free agency, as does catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Miguel Andujar (who mashes lefty pitching) though the defensive shortcomings of both ex-Yankees is notable.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New York Yankees MLB trade rumors after Cody Bellinger contract
Warriors vs. Mavericks injury report: Anthony Davis out, Daniel Gafford doubtful
The Golden State Warriors are back in action tonight, and they’re headed to Texas to take on Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, and the Dallas Mavericks. It’s the Warriors first game on the road since January 5, and their first out-of-state game since New Year’s Eve.
Both teams are missing some serious star talent. Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right knee ACL tear)
Sigh. It’s not fun writing it out, but I’ll be doing it a lot, as Butler will be sidelined for the rest of the year, and the start of next season following an ACL tear on Monday night.
Out — Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation)
Curry should be re-evaluated soon, and hopefully can get back on the court before too long. The Warriors could use some extra scoring with Butler out.
Questionable — Gary Payton II (right foot soreness)
I wouldn’t be surprised if GPII sees a bigger role going forward, given the defense and athleticism that the team lost with Butler’s injury. Hopefully he’s good to go tonight.
Mavericks
Out — Anthony Davis (left finger sprain)
Davis was linked to the Warriors a little bit before suffering yet another injury. Now that Butler — whose contract matches Davis’ — is out for a year, you can expect to at least see a little speculation that the teams might swap their injured stars on massive deals. I don’t think there’s much of a chance of it happening, though.
Out — Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery)
Like Butler, Irving has a torn ACL, which he sustained in March of 2025. It’s unclear when he’ll be back on the court.
Out — Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery)
After a standout rookie season in 2023-24, things have gone downhill for Lively. He was limited to 36 games last year, and didn’t show much improvement. And this year he suffered a foot injury after just seven games, and is out for the season.
Out — Dante Exum (right knee surgery)
Exum, unfortunately, saw his season end before it started. He hasn’t played this year and he won’t play this year, as he rehabs from knee surgery.
Doubtful — Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain)
Gafford plays a critical role for the Mavs with Davis sidelined, but he’s had his own issues staying healthy. He’s missed the last three games, and 15 overall this year.
Probable — Moussa Cissé (illness)
Cissé went undrafted in June, but has filled in for the injury Davis and Gafford on a few occasions this year. He’s a very strong rebounder.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation. It tips off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Prime.
Winter Storm Warning: Which college games are affected by weather?
As a winter storm delivers brutally low temperatures and the threat of snow and ice across the United States, some collegiate sports teams are taking precautions to make sure players and fans are safe.
Several games on Saturday, Jan. 24 have been either postponed or had their tip-off times pushed up, including Duke's ACC bout with Wake Forest and North Carolina's conference game against Virginia, which would have also included the dedication of Virginia's court to former head coach Tony Bennett.
College basketball looks like it's going to deal with quite a few shake-ups, with several situations pending.
Here are the events that have been affected in anticipation of the inclement weather.
Download the free USA TODAY app and turn on “Notifications” to get breaking news updates on the winter storm. Prefer email news alerts? Sign up for those here.
College sports rescheduled due to winter storm warning
All times Eastern
Men's basketball
- Saturday's Virginia vs North Carolina tip-off pushed up to noon from 2 p.m. (court dedication to Tony Bennett postponed) (ESPN2)
- Saturday's Wake Forest vs Duke tip-off pushed up to noon from 5:45 p.m (The CW)
- Saturday's Louisville vs Virginia Tech tip-off pushed up to 2:15 p.m. from 3:15 p.m. (The CW)
- Saturday's Little Rock vs UT Martin doubleheader postponed
- Saturday's Towson vs North Carolina A&T tip-off pushed up to noon
- Saturday's James Madison vs Texas State tip-off pushed up to 1 p.m.
- Jacksonville State vs MTSU rescheduled to Friday at 6:30 p.m. from Saturday
- Lipscomb vs Florida Gulf Coast rescheduled to Friday, Jan. 23 from Saturday, Jan. 24
Women's basketball
- UConn vs Seton Hall tip-off pushed up to noon on Saturday, Jan. 24 from Sunday, Jan. 25
- Saturday's Princeton vs Brown tip-off pushed up to noon
- Saturday's Eastern Kentucky vs North Florida tip-off pushed up to 11 a.m.
Swimming
- Tennessee vs Georgia swim meet rescheduled to 1 p.m. Friday from Saturday
Gymnastics
- Friday's Georgia vs Oklahoma meet pushed up to 2:45 p.m. from 6 p.m.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter storm watch: College games postponed, rescheduled
The sky may be too low of a limit for Cooper Flagg
Tim MacMahon of ESPN published a mid-season report on Cooper Flagg Thursday. It featured thoughts from opposing teams’ personnel and statistics comparing him to great teenagers of years past, like soon-to-be Hall of Famer LeBron James. The reviews were raving. One Western Conference scout said he was “better than advertised”. An East scout called him a “winning player”. And, my favorite quote, one West general manager said, “his greatest strength is his competitiveness”.
Throughout the piece, the common sentiment became clear: Flagg is an uber-talented, uber-driven star-in-the-making. What he can be is better than you think, and what he will be has a less volatile floor than you realize. And if you have watched him this season, you have seen this play out in real time. I found a draft profile from around this time last year, where they labeled his weaknesses as not being able to handle perimeter pressure, a question mark over his isolation scoring ability, and the fact that he needs to get stronger to handle contact. It has not even been 50 games into his rookie campaign, and his lack of turnovers (2.2 per game), clutch scoring (ninth most in the NBA), and ability to get downhill at will (53.5 percent on 11.4 drives per game) have put those concerns to rest.
To say the sky is the limit for Flagg would be doing him a disservice. He is improving at a rate even bullish analysts have undersold. The narrative he has had since high school is that his defense would translate to the next level, but it remained to be seen how quickly his offense would come along. In 37 college games, he averaged 19.2 points on 48.1 percent shooting. Through 41 NBA games, he is at 18.8 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Every question we have asked has been answered (except for three-point shooting). As a 19-year-old rookie, the eye test tells you Flagg can be anything he wants. And, according to Tim MacMahon, the league agrees.
The most meaningful aspect of MacMahon’s reporting is that it confirms a thought I have had since the Mavericks secured the number one pick last May: the intangibles will define him, not his raw skill. Being a good player does not make you a part of a winning formula (see Bradley Beal and LaMelo Ball). There is plenty of talent in the NBA. What there is not an abundance of is winners. With the amount of money that has been pumped into not only professional sports but also college sports in the last few years, it is easy to lose sight of winning. Flagg is not someone who has fallen victim to that. His physical frame and talent will prevent him from being less than a very good player. But his mindset, his addiction to improvement, and his singular commitment to winning will make him great. How great he will be is something only he can determine.
Better Know Your Blue Jays 40-man: Shane Bieber
At the trade deadline in 2025, the Jays traded for Shane Bieber, who hadn’t pitched in the majors to that point in 2025, coming off Tommy John surgery in 2024. The Guardians received Khal Stephens (who I mentioned was named by his Kryptonian parents).
Shane didn’t pitch for the Jays until August 22nd (my wife’s birthday). He was pretty good, in seven starts, with a 3.57 ERA, batters hit .225/.264/.417 in his 40.1 regular season innings.
The Jays picked him up, planning for the playoffs (we have very hopeful people running our team). He did work out; he made five starts and one relief appearance in the playoffs, with a 3.86 ERA. Unfortunately, what we will remember is the relief appearance (such is the life of a pitcher).
Shane had a player’s option for the 2026 season, which we were pretty sure he would decline, but he didn’t, so he is a Jay going into 2026.
There may be a reason, the team says he is dealing with ‘arm fatigue’ and may not be ready to start the season on the active roster. I’m sure I’m not the only one who reads the words arm fatigue and thinks there may be more going on than they are telling.
Bieber turns 31 in May and is 8 seasons into a very good career. He’s won a Cy Young, received votes to other seasons, got MVP votes once, made two All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove. And he also had the pitcher’s Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts in the strike-shortened 2020 season.
He has a 66-34 record, a 3.24 ERA in 141 starts, 883.1 innings and an 18.5 bWAR. A good run in his 30s, and he would have a shot at the Hall of Fame. But then, that depends on him having good health in his 30s, and that’s the question for the team at the moment. In the Berrios post, I talked about how Berrios might not have a path to the rotation, but there are always things that happen with a pitching staff, there is never enough depth.
Shane throws five different pitches:
- A Four Seamer (that averaged 92.6 mph last year).
- Slider
- Knuckle Curve
- Change up
- Cutter
Steamer figures him to make 24 starts, throw 143 innings with a 3.87 ERA.
Sixers announce 2001 reunion game for Jan. 31
The Sixers’ year-long celebration of the 2001 Eastern Conference Champion squad reaches its apex this month. When the team hosts the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, Jan. 31, it’ll be a big ol’ reunion.
The organization announced on Thursday that they will “honor the legendary players and coaches who electrified the city, taking the 76ers to the NBA Finals.“ Additionally, the Sixers say that the evening will be ”packed with powerful tributes — pre-game, in-game and at halftime — honoring the grit, heart and legacy of that squad.“
The Sixers, naturally, will be donning their beloved black throwback jerseys as well.
The 2001 team, between Allen Iverson’s MVP heroics and their upset win in Game 1 of the NBA Finals over the Los Angeles Lakers, leaves them as one of the most beloved in the history of Philadelphia even though they didn’t win the championship outright.
Part of it is the way they played: the feisty Iverson scoring in bunches while their defense swarmed everywhere. Part of it is Iverson’s legacy as a transformative presence in the league both on and off the court. Part of it is, simply, that they’re the only truly great Sixers team of the last 40 years.
Though the Sixers appear far away from that level of contention at the momentum even with Tyrese Maxey’s own superstar ascension and the dominant stretches that Joel Embiid has put together this season, celebrating the 2001 team is a reminder of how great things once were for professional basketball in Philly and how maybe, just maybe, they could be that great again one day.
For those wanting to get in on the festivities, the cheapest tickets on Ticketmaster, as of this writing, are $44.18. That’s honestly a bit better than I imagined it would be for a Saturday with all of this going on. I hope Sixers fans pack the house!
Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs: Preview, how to watch, injury report
For the second time in four days, the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs will face off when the Spurs travel to Utah on Thursday night.
In the two previous meetings between the Jazz and Spurs this season, the teams split wins, with the Jazz coming away victorious in December and the Spurs winning on Monday.
On the Dec. 27 matchup, Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George combined for 57 points and took advantage of De’Aaron Fox’s absence from the lineup in the win.
On Monday, Victor Wembanyama scored 33 for the Spurs in a 13-point victory at home, maintaining San Antonio’s position as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
Injury Report
Utah Jazz:
Keyonte George — Questionable (Left forearm strain)
Lauri Markkanen — OUT (Return to competition reconditioning)
San Antonio Spurs:
Jeremy Sochan — Questionable (Illness)
Luke Kornet — Questionable (Left abductor tightness)
Devin Vassell — OUT (Left abductor strain)
How to watch
Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
When: 7 p.m. MT
Channel: KJZZ, SEG+
Radio: 97.5 FM 1280 AM
LeBron James holds adorable birthday celebration for private chef after noisy day
LeBron James capped off a noisy Wednesday by sharing a sweet moment with his inner circle.
Just hours after a bombshell report claimed his Lakers boss, Jeanie Buss, had grown tired of him, the NBA superstar took to his Instagram page to show he and his loved ones were hardly bothered.
In a video he shared on IG Stories, James could be seen helping lead an adorable birthday celebration for his private chef, Dena Marino.
James, his wife, Savannah, and their daughter, Zhuri, presented Marino with a slice of cake and a candle, and serenaded her with a rendition of “Happy Birthday to You.”
When the gourmet cook blew out the flame, James and his family let out a big cheer.
Marino clearly appreciated the gesture — she reshared James’ video with the caption, “All My favs with my Reese’s Cake!” She included two red heart emojis as well.
The James family and Marino have been tight for years. In fact, back in 2021, LeBron shouted out her special “Creamy Cauliflower ‘Carbonara’” on X, writing that it was one of his favorite dishes she’s ever created.
Of my fav dishes you’ve done! And I have alot of favs! https://t.co/oT8aXso0H8
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 15, 2021
“And I have alot of favs!” he added.
As for the ESPN report regarding Buss’ alleged thoughts on his “outsized ego,” James appeared to take a page out of his agent Rich Paul’s book on the matter by showing he’s got far more things to concern himself with.
This new Suns’ bench unit is about to wreck havoc
The Suns have shocked many NBA fans by being the underdog story of the year. After trading away Kevin Durant and stretching and waiving the remainder of Bradley Beal’s contract, many thought this team was doomed. Yet the players and coach Jordan Ott did not listen to the outside hate. They invested and ground it out this offseason to prove those doubters wrong, and they have done so in every category.
Now over halfway through the season, a team most outsiders thought was a lottery team once again sits as the sixth seed, 10 games over .500 in a tough Western Conference. The best part? This has all been accomplished despite Jalen Green being out for most of this season.
With him just returning in their last game vs the Philadelphia 76ers, we got to see what he can add to this team. Some great playmaking and downhill attacking, while working nicely with the bigs in this lineup. He came off the bench in his return to action, but coach Jordan Ott has stated that he will eventually be in the starting lineup.
So who comes out of the lineup, and how does this new bench lineup work as a successful unit?
Well, there are two options, and it all depends on the balance you want in the starting lineup. If you take out Collin Gillespie and put in Green, that would leave the Suns with two guards, two wings, and a center, compared to a three-guard lineup if you replaced Green with Royce O’Neale. I know the league has gone positionless, but I do think that, without a true playmaker/initiator for the secondary unit, it troubles them.
Personally, even though I am the Big East Believer and have agreed that Gillespie has earned this starting spot, he is more valuable as the lead offensive guard for the secondary unit than as the third-best scorer in the starting lineup. That would then leave the Suns with an exciting bench unit, and one that can show some great success, like the starters once fully healthy.
The lineup that I think would be the bench is Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Grayson Allen, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro.
Based on the statistics and the fits of these players, this bench unit will be one of the best by the end of the year. Just as I was discussing it, it makes sense.
Gillespie and Allen are the offensive guards who are going to rain three pointers, which the Suns have succeeded in this year. They will be the main offensive focal points, while also being relentless on defense, making key hustle plays. Dunn and Goodwin are going to be the scrappy defenders who take those defensive assignments to heart. They both crash the boards relentlessly, and can both get hot from three at specific points that make you think they should be in a three-point contest. Last but certainly not least is Oso Ighodaro, the man in the middle, the actual connective engine that would keep this unit going with his solid ability to do it all, rebound, score, and defend when you need it most.
Now, looking at the stats, all those words are proven true.
Looking at the stats from Databallr, we can see that this lineup is very successful. An almost +30 net rating is just ridiculous, especially given their very low offensive turnover percentage. This bench unit would prove lethal not only from three-point land, where they shoot 46% from beyond the arc, but also at limiting opponents to 27% from three.
That aggressive on-ball nature from Goodwin and Dunn would be prevalent here, but you also have the hustle and hard work from both Allen, Ighodaro, and Gillespie. Everyone on this lineup has that bruiser mentality of outworking you and having to do that their whole career. This is what brings out the scrappiness and relentless effort on both ends from these guys, their passion and effort, which Ott has embraced. The underdog mentality has prevailed.
By looking at Cleaning the Glass, we can see some similar stats to Databallr, but also some more in-depth analysis. The lineup we are discussing has the fifth-most possessions together this season, yet it is the second-best for this team. Their strength mainly comes from their defense in this unit. As I stated above, they got those dogs, and with a 99.2 pts per possession and 24.6% turnover rate, I’d say they represent that to a tee. This basically means that almost one out of every four defensive possessions results in a turnover for the bench squad, which is just mind-blowing.
Most starting lineups cannot contribute a stat like that, which shows how locked in defensively this team is under coach Ott now.
The culture has shifted for the better, and this is a prime example; this bench will prove it, too. Now that this team is finally fully healthy, we can actually evaluate it at its best potential, which is higher than where it is now, given all the great stories of guys growing internally in this system.
Lakers vs Clippers Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight’s NBA Game
As we hit the halfway point in the NBA schedule, the Los Angeles Clippers finally seem to be salvaging their season, but that progress will be tested tonight when they host the Los Angeles Lakers at Intuit Dome.
The Battle of L.A. season series sits at 1-1 heading into this matchup, and my Lakers vs. Clippers predictions expect LeBron James to be one of the swing factors.
Let's dive right into my NBA picks for Thursday, January 22.
Lakers vs Clippers prediction
Lakers vs Clippers best bet: LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists (-112 bet365)
LeBron James' injury issues may point to a 41-year-old in his 23rd season, but his stat lines suggest he’s got something left in the tank. James has been able to keep his sciatica and arthritis at bay while starting 2026 with a bang, so look for his fingerprints to be all over tonight’s clash with the Los Angeles Clippers.
With Luka Doncic doing so much of the scoring for the Los Angeles Lakers, I’m targeting LeBron’s rebounds and assists here, and he’s gone past this combo O/U number in four of his past five outings.
James has been getting the job done in both these categories so far this month, with averages of 7.7 RPG and 7.6 APG in January, and he was closing in on a triple-double in L.A.’s win over the Denver Nuggets earlier this week.
Until Austin Reaves returns, LeBron is going to have a larger share of the playmaking, particularly when Luka is on the bench, and there’s just not a lot of secondary ball-handling in the current rotation. Equally, he’s got a big role to play alongside Deandre Ayton on the boards.
At this stage of his career, James can still do the little things that drive winning, and the Lakers will need all of that veteran savvy to hold off their cross-city rivals tonight.
Lakers vs Clippers same-game parlay
The Lakers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 meetings with the Clippers, and an impressive 14-8 on the road this season. With Kawhi Leonard still listed as questionable, the burden on James Harden could once again be massive, and the hosts gave up 138 points to the Chicago Bulls this week.
Harden continues to put up big numbers, and I’ll take the Over on his rebounds prop here. He’s grabbed 4+ boards in six of his last seven games, and the Clippers will gladly keep him closer to the rim if it avoids the Luka defensive assignment.
Lakers vs Clippers SGP
- James Over 12.5 reb+ast
- Lakers moneyline
- Harden Over 3.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Brick by brick
Ivica Zubac has had some miserable possessions trying to guard Doncic on switches in the past, but the Clippers will lean on him for big minutes here. Zubac has posted three straight double-doubles, and he’s finished with 11+ rebounds in his last four games.
Lakers vs Clippers SGP
- James Over 12.5 reb+ast
- Lakers moneyline
- Harden Over 3.5 rebounds
- Zubac double-double
Lakers vs Clippers odds
- Spread: Lakers -1.5 (+100) | Clippers +1.5 (-120)
- Moneyline: Lakers -110 | Clippers -110
- Over/Under: Over 223.5 (-110) | Under 223.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Lakers are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Clippers.
How to watch Lakers vs Clippers
| Location | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA |
| Date | Thursday, January 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Lakers vs Clippers latest injuries
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Spurs vs Jazz Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
Victor Wembanyama plus the Utah Jazz means buckets. The San Antonio Spurs star is in the zone, and the Jazz are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, but they’ve been putting up a fight on offense lately.
So, my Spurs vs. Jazz predictions explain why these Western Conference foes will light up the scoreboard tonight, and bring you all manner of NBA picks, including a Wemby-fueled SGP.
Spurs vs Jazz prediction
Spurs vs Jazz best bet: Over 237 (-110)
The San Antonio Spurs have jumped to contender status thanks in large part to Victor Wembanyama.
Wemby has averaged 25.8 points per game over the last 12 games, and helping San Antonio put up 119-plus in three of their last four. He’ll keep cooking against the Utah Jazz.
Utah doesn’t play defense, ranking dead last in defensive rating while surrendering an NBA-worst 127.5 points per game. They allowed 123 points to the Spurs just two games ago.
But the Jazz aren’t rolling over. Even without Lauri Markkanen, they’ve scored 121 ppg over the last six games, cashing the Over in four of their last five.
Spurs vs Jazz same-game parlay
Wemby has a point total of 26.5 for this matchup. He’s topped that number in six times in the last 12 games, including putting up 33 in that recent meeting against the Jazz.
Utah also struggles to defend the perimeter, ranking dead last in opponent 3-point attempts per game, and surrendering the third-highest 3-point shooting percentage.
So, let’s add Stephon Castle Over 1.5 threes to this SGP. He’s shooting 39.1% from deep over the last five games and has gone Over this number three times during that stretch.
Spurs vs Jazz SGP
- Over 237
- Victor Wembanyama Over 26.5 points
- Stephon Castle Over 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: George puts in the work from three
Keyonte George will do his part to send this game Over. He went for 30 in that recent game against the Spurs and has hit four or more threes in three straight games.
Spurs vs Jazz SGP
- Over 237
- Victor Wembayama Over 26.5 points
- Stephon Castle Over 1.5 threes
- Keyonte George Over 2.5 threes
Spurs vs Jazz odds
- Spread: Spurs -12.5 | Jazz +12.5
- Moneyline: Spurs -650 | Jazz +475
- Over/Under: Over 237 | Under 237
Spurs vs Jazz betting trend to know
The Jazz have hit the Game Total Over in 30 of their last 40 games at home for +19.00 Units and a 43% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Jazz.
How to watch Spurs vs Jazz
| Location | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT |
| Date | Thursday, January 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | KJZZ, FDSN-SW |
Spurs vs Jazz latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Warriors vs Mavericks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
Don’t overreact to the Golden State Warriors. They’re still 5.5 games clear of missing the Play-In Tournament.
That said, losing Jimmy Butler this week flips their season on its head.
My Warriors vs. Mavericks predictions take that urgency into account, and I expect Jonathan Kuminga to step up in Butler’s absence.
Read more in my NBA picks for Thursday, January 22.
Warriors vs Mavericks prediction
Warriors vs Mavericks best bet: Jonathan Kuminga Over 11.5 points (-115)
The Golden State Warriors no longer have a choice. They have to play Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga has a standing trade demand, one that Golden State has openly scoffed at. Before Tuesday, Kuminga had sat for 16 straight games, all while the Warriors' front office publicly knocked his trade value.
This stalemate had simply gotten ugly.
But with Jimmy Butler’s ACL tear, Golden State needs to not only play Kuminga but also feature him. It was no coincidence he scored 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the first game after Butler’s injury.
Ahead of tonight's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors lack dynamic wings to take the pressure off Steph Curry. Kuminga is one of their only remaining options.
Warriors vs Mavericks same-game parlay
Kuminga isn’t a strong deep shooter, but he takes more shots with Butler out, including from beyond the arc. He averages 3.3 attempts from deep per game without Butler, up from 2.7 when Butler plays.
However, taking more long-range shots — and missing most of them — won’t help Golden State navigate life without the player meant to extend Steph Curry’s title window.
Warriors vs Mavericks SGP
- Jonathan Kuminga Over 11.5 points
- Jonathan Kuminga Over 0.5 threes
- Mavericks +5.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dray Fell Off
If Draymond Green was going to summon some gusto to keep the season alive sans Butler, it did not show up on Tuesday, posting a -27 in 22 minutes in an 18-point loss to the Raptors.
Including that night, Green has fallen short of this modest rebounding prop in three straight games and in seven of nine since New Year’s Day.
Warriors vs Mavericks SGP
- Jonathan Kuminga Over 11.5 points
- Jonathan Kuminga Over 0.5 threes
- Mavericks moneyline
- Draymond Green Under 6.5 rebounds
Warriors vs Mavericks odds
- Spread: Warriors -5.5 (-110) | Mavericks +5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Warriors -225 | Mavericks +185
- Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Warriors vs Mavericks betting trend to know
Dallas has gone 4-1 against the spread in its last five games, exceeding bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 9.7 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Mavericks.
How to watch Warriors vs Mavericks
| Location | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| Date | Thursday, January 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Warriors vs Mavericks latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Borthwick a contrast to Galthié as he picks England squad from position of strength
France selection for Six Nations caused a huge stir but England’s head coach has no need to spring any shocks
Steve Borthwick names his England squad for the Six Nations on Friday and as much as we do not know about the precise makeup of the chosen party, there is plenty that we do. As much fun as it may be to imagine Borthwick rocking up at Twickenham in a sharp navy suit, ice-white trainers and a few selection bombshells in his pocket, the England head coach is not about to borrow from Fabien Galthié’s playbook.
Galthié’s decision to omit Damian Penaud, Grégory Alldritt and Gaël Fickou has created such a stir because it is radical by any measure but the point here is that Borthwick’s squad, in comparison to England’s closest rivals for the Six Nations title, is significantly more settled. He has a couple of injury concerns, as is always the case at this time of year, and he is expected to reward the recent form of the uncapped Greg Fisilau with a call-up, but what is likely to be most telling is how few surprises it contains.
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