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Friday Bird Droppings: Another pitching trade option is off the table

Good morning, Camden Chatters.

MLB teams are continuing to make big moves for starting pitchers. Unfortunately, the Orioles are not currently one of those teams.

The Texas Rangers were the latest to strike for a high-upside hurler, acquiring Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore yesterday for a five-prospect package. The 26-year-old Gore was a first-time All-Star last season for Washington, posting a 3.02 ERA in the first half before injuries slowed him in the final month. He’s a hard-throwing, strikeout-happy, somewhat command-challenged lefty with two years of team control.

The rebuilding Nats had Gore on the market all winter, and there were some whispers that the Orioles were interested, but ultimately it was the Rangers who made the deal. They gave up five of their top 18 prospects (as ranked by MLB Pipeline), so it’s not as if Gore came cheap. That kind of package might have been too rich for Mike Elias’s blood, assuming the O’s were even interested in Gore to begin with. The Birds already parted with a number of prospects in their December deal for Shane Baz, another 26-year-old with an intriguing arm and multiple years of team control remaining.

With Gore off the board, one day after the Brewers dealt Freddy Peralta to the Mets, there are precious few starting pitchers left on the trade market. If the Orioles were hoping to go the trade route for a rotation upgrade, they might have missed their chance. Then again, they could swoop out of nowhere and acquire some pitcher that nobody even knew was available. That’s essentially what they did with Baz, who hadn’t been linked to the Orioles in any rumors before the O’s pulled off the trade. Elias tends to keep us on our toes, you know.

Do the Orioles have another pitching acquisition still to come, or are they going to roll into the spring with what they’ve got now? The latter would seem like a disappointing outcome, especially when so many O’s fans were convinced the team would act aggressively to land a top-shelf starter after the Pete Alonso signing.

It could still happen. But the opportunities are dwindling.

Links

Orioles claim Weston Wilson (another Birdland Caravan update) – School of Roch

The Orioles acquired another outfielder who will probably spend all year at Triple-A. Who says they weren’t busy yesterday?

Will Orioles be better with Shane Baz instead of Grayson Rodriguez? | MAILBAG – BaltimoreBaseball.com

These two pitchers are more similar than I’d like to admit. But Baz has the advantage of having already returned from injury and pitched a full season, which is more than can currently be said of Grayson.

Orioles cancel Saturday Birdland Caravan events due to forecast snowstorm – The Baltimore Banner

It’s the right decision, but it’s a real bummer that the Orioles’ fan event weekend will be cut short. I haven’t gotten to go bowling with Adley Rutschman in weeks.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have five Orioles birthday buddies, though you might not have heard of most of them: infielders Cord Phelps (39) and Marty Brown (63); catcher Charlie Greene (55); outfielder Sherman Obando (56); and the late infielder Chico Carrasquel (b. 1926, d. 2005), who was a four-time All-Star with the White Sox before joining the Birds.

On this day in 1984, the Orioles signed Dan Ford. On this day in 1986, the Orioles released Dan Ford. Jan. 23 sure has been an eventful day for Dan Ford.

And on this date in 2010, the Orioles reunited with All-Star infielder Miguel Tejada, signing him to a one-year, $6 million deal. Tejada had been a star in his first stint with the Orioles from 2004-07, including a franchise-record 150 RBIs in 2004, before the rebuilding O’s traded him to Houston. His second stint in Baltimore, though, was forgettable. The longtime shortstop shifted to third base and struggled defensively, while his offense also plummeted (seven homers and a .670 OPS in 97 games). The Birds dumped Tejada and his salary to the Padres at the trade deadline.

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Chicago Cubs history unpacked, January 23

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow the various narrative paths.

“Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly, HoF Umpire.

Hack Wilson finds another new team. Happy birthday, Jeff Samardzija*and other stories for the discerning reader.

Today in baseball history:

  • 1887 – In Alameda, California, Dave Foutz and a touring team based in Louisville are accused of throwing a game against another touring team of Eastern pros. These exhibitions and the local California League competition are making for a lively winter in the San Francisco Bay Area. (2)
  • 1927 – In the continuing clash between Commissioner Kenesaw Landis and American League President Ban Johnson, the AL owners are prepared to censure Johnson. But his serious health problems convince them to change their stance and Johnson is given an indefinite leave of absence instead. Detroit Tigers President Frank Navin takes over control of the league on an interim basis and the owners adopt a resolution repudiating the charges that Johnson made against Landis. (2)
  • 1932 – The Brooklyn Dodgers acquire slugger Hack Wilson from the St. Louis Cardinals. Wilson, who costs only $45,000 and a minor league pitcher, will sign for $16,500, half his previous year’s salary. He will hit .297 with 23 home runs and 123 RBI for Brooklyn.
  • 1953 – Argyle R. Mackey warns ‘alien players’ they will face deportation if found jumping U.S. professional contracts. The Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization cites the McCarran-Walter Act as the basis of his decision. (1)

Further reading: The history of the Antitrust Exemption (NYT); Los Chorizeros.

  • 1956 – Hall of Fame umpire Billy Evans dies in Miami, Florida, at the age of 71. Evans began his major league umpiring career in 1906, when he was only 22 years old. (2)
  • 1981 – Faced with the possibility of losing star outfielder Fred Lynn to free agency because of a front-office blunder, the Red Sox trade Lynn and pitcher Steve Renko to the Angels for pitchers Frank Tanana and Jim Dorsey and outfielder Joe Rudi. The Players Association contends that Lynn and catcher Carlton Fisk are free agents because the Red Sox failed to mail their new contracts by the deadline provided for in the Basic Agreement. Lynn signs a four-year deal with the Angels and agrees to drop his case. Fisk’s case will go to arbitration. (1,2)
  • 1988 – Arbitrator Thomas Roberts declares seven presently contracted players no-risk free agents as a result of the collusion suit against Major League baseball. The players, who include Kirk Gibson, Carlton Fisk, and Joe Niekro, have until March 1 to make deals with other clubs. (1)

MLB collusion, explained.

  • 2013 – Coming off the best season of his career, free agent OF Scott Hairston signs a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.(2)

Cubs Birthdays:Bill Bowman, Joey Amalfitano, Don Nottebart, Dick Burwell, Jeff Samardzija*, Addison Russell.

Today in History:

  • 393 – Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaims his nine year old son Honorius co-emperor.
  • 971 – War elephant corps of the Southern Han defeated at Shao by crossbow fire from Song Dynasty troops; Southern Han state forced to submit to the Song Dynasty. 1st regular war elephant corps in Chinese army.
  • 1556 – Shaanxi Earthquake, the deadliest ever recorded, kills 830,000 in Shaanxi Province, China.
  • 1812 – 7.8 earthquake shakes New Madrid, Missouri.
  • 1930 – Clyde Tombaugh photographs dwarf planet Pluto.
  • 1957 – Wham-O Company produces the first Frisbee flying disc (originally called the “Pluto Platter” – until 1958).
  • 1973 – US President Richard Nixon announces an accord has been reached to end the Vietnam War.

Common sources:

*pictured.

Some of these items spread from site to site without being fact-checked, and that is why we ask for verifiable sources, in order to help correct the record.

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Rise and Phight: 1/23/2026

If we’re being perfectly logical, the Phillies right now have not been completely successful in their offseason plan as they did not reel in the big fish in Bo Bichette. However, the word “completely” is doing a lot of heavy lifting here since we can still term this offseason successful by looking at what they did actually do.

Imagine this lineup without the 50 home run power potential Kyle Schwarber possesses. What if he signed with Cincinnati?

Imagine the bullpen without the impact that Brad Keller projects to have. Do we think Orion Kerkering deserves that kind of high leverage assignment again?

Are there still issues with the roster? Of course. God help us all if one of the main starting outfielders gets any kind of major injury. Are there depth issues in the rotation? Adding yet another starter would be kind of nice to mitigate some of the potential pitfalls that lay ahead. But calling the entirety of the offseason a failure is a bit extreme. It could have, and maybe should have, been better. But a failure? No.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

MLB news:

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Bullish Borthwick tells England to target Six Nations triumph in Paris

  • Uncapped props called up to boost front-row options

  • ‘We want England fans flooding across the Channel’

Steve Borthwick is plotting an ­English raid on Paris and has called on his side to set their sights on clinching a first Six Nations title in six years in the French capital on Super Saturday.

England have not won the title since the Covid-hit championship in 2020 and last managed the grand slam in 2016 when Eddie Jones’s side clinched a fifth straight victory at the Stade de France.

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These Celtics owe it to themselves to push for a long playoff run

Jayson Tatum’s long morning workout in Detroit and the competitiveness that followed that night confirmed dreams that the Celtics could contend this season. Jaylen Brown looked like the best player on the floor early, Boston won the offensive rebounding battle again over one of the league’s most physically imposing teams and Brown barely missed a game-winning leaner over Tobias Harris that would’ve tied the season series 2-2.

Elsewhere, a fading Knicks squad remained 1.5 games behind Boston as their season continued spiraling. The Celtics rolled over conference rivals Miami and Atlanta on their recent road trip, and entered Wednesday in an effective tie with Denver for the top offense in the NBA and 14th in defense, amounting to a tie with Detroit for the best net rating (+7.4) in the Eastern Conference. And however much Joe Mazzulla stresses it could all disappear tomorrow, this Celtics team proved itself as a legitimate contender in the first half of the season.

“We have to make that decision every day, so I’m not sure we can say, ‘this is where we’re at now,’” Mazzulla said in Atlanta. “We could lose it all tomorrow, so it’s everything. It’s just the process that goes into winning, defending at a high level, understanding the details, rebounding, offensive execution, time-and-score, situational basketball, game plan execution. We have to make the decision every day to get better.”

Mazzulla and the players never considered this anything other than another season to compete. The payroll reductions, comments about prioritizing getting Tatum back on the floor and a relative lack of front court depth the front office assembled signaled another direction: a step back that never happened due to excellent coaching, individual player developments across the board and relatively full health throughout the first half.

Still, decisions loom about setting the Celtics up best for the long term, Boston is still relatively high above the tax, and the team could use another consistent rotation player especially if Tatum can’t return this season. Brad Stevens, Bill Chisholm and company at least owe it to this group to stand pat and allow this team to play out the year.

However, reports have painted mixed signals about that direction. Old talks between the Celtics and Nets resurfaced about what would amount to an Anfernee Simons salary dump. Other interest in expensive upgrades inside like Ivica Zubac or Jaren Jackson Jr. reflect the team’s willingness to explore the other direction. The trade deadline could involve both for the Celtics as they focus on moves that’ll help them both now and in the long-term over short term fixes. There has also been some signal that ownership won’t strictly mandate payroll or tax reductions for the sake of doing so. Simons, long a subject of speculation over his status given his $27.7 million salary, has fans of his first half performance and in the building.

“I think a lot of teams are really in let’s see how everything looks as time moves on,” Brad Stevens said in December. “Everybody’s a work in progress … we’re all still trying to figure out who we are and what we can be. We will not put a ceiling on this group. If it makes sense for us to look for things that can help us, we certainly will, but it all has to be within good deals and it all has to be within the ultimate goal … retooling so we’re in a position to compete for what we want to compete for.”

Brown’s start to the season proved sustainable through his consistent availability and ability to beat different defenses. He received the most All-Star media votes in the Eastern Conference, and would likely finish at least in the top-five if MVP votes came in today. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have managed one of the league’s best ball control back courts. Defensively, they’ve managed their rebounding issue, forced turnovers and used that to dominate the possession game. The Celtics, on many nights, look like they’re in full control and fought with the Pistons, split their New York matchups and recently took the Spurs to crunch time. They’ve only looked overmatched by the Rockets on a back-to-back that also marked their fifth game in seven nights.

Of course, they’re as vulnerable as anyone, losers to the Jazz, Nets, Blazers and Pacers with their speed, athleticism and size deficiencies on display in Detroit. The Celtics touted losing the 50-50 balls as a reason for falling short. They’ve changed their lineups constantly throughout the season and have to find a different closing group on most nights. There’s still an enormous amount riding on Neemias Queta staying on the floor. White and Pritchard have often struggled to convert shots against extra defensive attention, and they only recently rose into a tie for seventh in three-point percentage. They’ve opted for a quantity over quality approach to offense that they’ve needed to back up with elite offensive rebounding that might not sustain into the playoffs.

“Obviously, we’re less talented than we have been before, less experienced than we have been before, so this is the style of basketball we have to play,” Brown admitted in October. “We have to double down on it if we want to be successful. I think Joe has done a good job of that.”

That’s involved aggressive crashing, calculated defensive risk-taking that also involves fouling more and in turn utilizing more depth than in recent years. The Celtics’ rotation reached down to two-way rookie Amari Williams at one point this season and consistently involved 12 of their 14 available active roster players. Only Xavier Tillman Sr. and Chris Boucher have consistently sat outside their rotation this year, with the Celtics giving a nod to the Pacers’ layered, almost hockey style lineup attack that they utilized on the way to the Finals last season.

That makes the looming deadline complicated, given the culture, array contributions and connectivity of their start. Boston still projects to pay over $230 million between payroll and tax for this year’s team, and another season spent above the tax line would maintain their repeater tax penalty status through at least 2027-28. They still have long-term holes to fill and with each passing week, it becomes more unlikely than likely that Tatum impacts a significant portion of this season. Yet Brown looks the part of a player good enough to lead a team deep into the postseason, the top-end talent on the roster does what Mazzulla wants them to do at an elite level and the depth contributors fit in almost perfectly.

The Celtics have a flawed roster in a league now built to ensure each one has some flaws. Their room for error in any series remains small and full health, along with some breaks from their opponents missing bodies, have undoubtedly padded their record to begin the year. But enough is real here to make this group more than deserving of seeing out their season together — what’s become the greatest pleasant surprise of my Celtics lifetime through the first half of the season.

“Start of the season, the expectations weren’t high,” Brown said on Wednesday. “But these guys, they came in and worked day-in and day-out, and last year, we were second in the east, that we finished? We’re halfway through the season and we’re second in the east, so that’s just a testament to the work ethic, the resiliency of our head coach, of our leadership and that’s a testament to where we are right now.”

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NCAA tournament Bubble watch: Who should start worrying about March Madness?

It's one of the most exciting things to watch yet one of the most excruciating places to be in college basketball: the NCAA tournament bubble.

Even though Selection Sunday is more than 50 days away, there are teams already approaching desperation mode, in need of impressing the selection committee — or it could make for an uncomfortable ride in March.

It's already time to start looking at resumes and figuring what teams need to ensure their spot in the Big Dance. Welcome to the bubble watch, where we'll examine teams on the fence in the recent USA TODAY Sports Bracketology:

UCLA

UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) and and guard Donovan Dent (2) celebrate after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial.

  • Record: 13-6 (3-2)
  • NET Ranking: 40
  • Quad 1 record: 2-5
  • Projected seed: No. 11 (first four).
  • Quality wins: vs. Purdue
  • Bad losses: vs. California (neutral)

It's been a largely disappointing season for the Bruins, unable to live up to the preseason expectations by not playing up to marquee opponents. The new year got off to a tough start with three losses in five games, pushing UCLA further away from NCAA tournament certainty. It tremendously helped its case by beating Purdue for that first signature win of the season. The schedule gets lighter now with Northwestern next, and it doesn't leave the West Coast again until the middle of February. A winning streak is a must.

New Mexico

  • Record: 15-4 (6-2)
  • NET Ranking: 41
  • Quad 1 record: 1-3
  • Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
  • Quality wins: at Virginia Commonwealth
  • Bad losses: at New Mexico State, at Boise State

Eric Olen's first season in Albuquerque had a bumpy start with a 3-2 record, but the Lobos have righted the ship with a 12-2 record since. However, this current stretch doesn't have any real significant wins, and the loss to Boise State inflicted some real damage. There was the chance against San Diego State but New Mexico couldn't pull of the late road comeback. The next week includes Quad 2 games at Nevada and UNLV, which it can't afford to drop.

Ohio State

  • Record: 13-5 (5-3)
  • NET Ranking: 35
  • Quad 1 record: 1-4
  • Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
  • Quality wins: vs. UCLA
  • Bad losses: at Pittsburgh, at Washington

You never know what team you're going to get with Ohio State, who crumbled against Washington but then looked solid against UCLA right after. While it doesn't have any major win, the Buckeyes benefit from having a strong NET ranking, thanks to some close games against top-tier squads. The chance to really make a statement is now with trips to Michigan and Wisconsin coming up, as the loss to Pittsburgh looms large.

TCU

  • Record: 12-7 (2-4)
  • NET Ranking: 46
  • Quad 1 record: 2-4
  • Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
  • Quality wins: vs. Florida (netural), vs. Wisconsin (neutral)
  • Bad losses: vs. New Orleans, vs. Notre Dame, at Utah

The season-opening loss to New Orleans immediately made it a tough road for TCU, and it hasn't gotten any easier despite some real good wins against Florida and Wisconsin in November. The shocking loss to Kansas started a four-game losing streak that was punctuated with a head-scratching defeat to Utah. It's getting harder for the Horned Frogs with Baylor and Houston next, needing at least one win to avoid tumbling.

Creighton

  • Record: 12-8 (6-3)
  • NET Ranking: 59
  • Quad 1 record: 1-5
  • Projected seed: First four out
  • Quality wins: at Villanova
  • Bad losses: vs. Kansas State, at Providence

Starting 5-5 with a Quad 3 loss wasn't ideal for Creighton, but it could have been redeemed with a strong start to Big East play. Unfortunately, it hasn't gone that way. The Bluejays haven't taken advantage, picking up just a win against Villanova that finally got them a Quad 1 win, only for it to be wiped out with a loss to Providence. Creighton just avoided disaster by barely getting past Xavier, and it needs to get a win streak going, starting with an easy opportunity against Marquette.

Baylor

  • Record: 11-7 (1-5)
  • NET Ranking: 53
  • Quad 1 record: 1-6
  • Projected seed: First four out.
  • Quality wins: at Oklahoma State
  • Bad losses: at Memphis

Baylor has yet to catch up with the rest of the Big 12, finding itself in another odd position. Even though it lost to Memphis, it finished nonconference play 10-2. It's gone bad since with a 1-5 conference start, and while they've all been Quad 1 games, that won't cut it for any tournament candidate, especially a NET ranking so high. Simply put, Baylor needs to get out of the Big 12 basement, starting with TCU and Cincinnati up next.

Texas

  • Record: 11-8 (2-4)
  • NET Ranking: 43
  • Quad 1 record: 3-5
  • Projected seed: First four out
  • Quality wins: at Alabama, vs. Vanderbilt
  • Bad losses: vs. Arizona State (neutral), vs. Mississippi State

Sean Miller had a largely unimpressive start in Austin and it's been an up-and-down start to the SEC schedule. Texas started 0-2 with a bad Quad 3 overtime loss to Mississippi State, but then got some marquee wins in Alabama and Vanderbilt, handing the Commodores their first loss of the season. The Longhorns have slid again with back-to-back losses, now owning an 0-3 Quad 2 and 3 record. That can be forgiven if Texas can pick up wins against Georgia and Auburn to even out the Quad 1 record.

Indiana

  • Record: 12-7 (3-5) 
  • NET Ranking: 37
  • Quad 1 record: 0-6
  • Projected seed: First four out
  • Quality wins: none
  • Bad losses: vs. Minnesota

The lack of quality wins says it all for Indiana, with the Hoosiers still looking for a notable victory to prove it belongs in the field. They swung and missed at every opportunity in the nonconference schedule and in the early part of the Big Ten slate, currently on a four-game losing skid that included three top-10 teams. The Hoosiers need to get a Quad 1 win soon, and it will have three chances in the next four games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NCAA tournament bubble watch: Teams on outside looking in March Madness

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NBA MVP rankings: Nikola Jokic injury has opened up race. Who leads?

As the NBA All-Star Game approaches, the race for Most Valuable Player is clearing up.

Early injuries have impacted the race, and Denver Nuggets do-it-all center Nikola Jokić is the latest player to fall victim. Jokić has missed the last 12 games, which has momentarily pushed him out of consideration. When he’s on the floor, he has as good an argument as anyone, but it’s hard to justify his position in the Top 5, given his current absence.

The Nuggets, however, have been encouraged with the progress he has made, so that could change very quickly.

Here's the latest iteration of the USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings:

USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings

All stats entering play Thursday, Jan. 22

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

He has expressed his frustrations and an eventual separation from the Bucks may be forthcoming, but Antetokounmpo remains a force when he’s on the floor. Even though his usage and numbers have dropped over Milwaukee’s last four games — he’s averaging just 12 shots per game over that span — he’s still averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

The last week has seen Cunningham rely far more on his ability to distribute, and he keeps leading the Pistons to victories. Cunningham dished out 14 assists in a one-point win over the No. 2 seed Celtics and has totaled 43 dimes over the last four games. The Pistons trail only the defending-champion Thunder in victories with 32 and have built a solid 5½-game lead on Boston in the East.

3. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

The defense continues to be a significant issue, but Dončić is still the NBA’s leading scorer. He’s a three-level scorer and carries Los Angeles’ offense as the Lakers have remained competitive in a stacked Western Conference. A 38-13-10 triple-double in a massive victory against the Nuggets, who were without Nikola Jokić, showed his impact on any given night.

2. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

He’s having a career year, averaging personal bests in points (29.8) and assists (4.8) while unexpectedly leading the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the East. Brown is also putting in excellent effort on the defensive end, using his length to frustrate the opposition. If Jayson Tatum ever does make it back this season, Brown’s usage figures to dip. But even then, he’s proving he’s capable as a No. 1.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

It’s, once again, the consistency Gilgeous-Alexander plays with that separates him from the pack. SGA is second in the NBA in scoring (32.0 points per game) and is on the verge of breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record of consecutive games with at least 20 points. His defense is stellar and he never seems to be flustered. And, because he’s typically available, he may end up running away with his second consecutive MVP.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA MVP rankings with Nikola Jokic still out: Who leads?

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Predicting landing spots for top NBA trade targets: Ja Morant to Bucks?

The NBA trade deadline is fewer than two weeks away, and teams are assessing the market, potentially working up viable offers.

It has been a fairly quiet leadup, with the lone trade so far being the one that sent Trae Young to the Wizards and CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Hawks.

Still, there are plenty of stars and big names who may be available in deals, if the price is right. None is bigger than Giannis Antetokounmpo, though a lot has to happen for him to not only become available, but also for the Bucks to find an offer that works and move him.

In any case, here’s a look at possible landing spots for the biggest NBA trade targets:

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Things appear to be deteriorating by the day in Milwaukee, with Antetokounmpo clearly frustrated. But even if he does ask out — and he would need to do so soon — he’s a generational player that Milwaukee wouldn’t move for just any offer. The Bucks, who are lacking draft capital, would need to ensure that they’re getting appropriate value for the two-time MVP.

Most likely landing spot: Stays in Milwaukee

This comes with a massive caveat: if Antetokounmpo is eventually moved, a deal in the offseason would be far easier to execute. But if the relationship really sours, and Antetokounmpo does ask out, the Heat, Warriors and Lakers are viable spots, though — frankly — just about every team will be lining up for his services.

Anthony Davis

According to ESPN, Davis wants to be moved to a team that is in position to contend. Davis, 32, may not be an ideal fit in Dallas’ timeline, so it could look to move the veteran big who has struggled to stay on the floor for the Mavericks. In fact, his hand injury appears to be significantly impacting his trade market.

Most likely landing spot: Warriors

Golden State will be looking to maximize the window to win with Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler’s injury doesn’t help. The Warriors have Jonathan Kuminga to offer, and they have desperately needed a center for years.

Other options include the Hornets, Pistons, Bulls, Hawks, Raptors and Kings.

Ja Morant

His recent return to form after he sat with a right calf contusion is helping his trade value, and Memphis may be looking to rebuild, with rumors also swirling about the future of Jaren Jackson Jr. Morant, despite his injury history and off-court issues, is still only 26 and explosive. His shooting has taken a massive step back, but he can inject athleticism into the right offense.

Most likely landing spot: Bucks

Milwaukee could try one last-ditch attempt to sway Antetokounmpo, and Morant is an athletic player who thrives in the pick-and-roll.

Other options include the Timberwolves, Kings, Raptors and Clippers.

Michael Porter Jr.

This appears to be a case of a team that loves draft capital wanting to leverage value for more picks. Porter is having a career year and his offense could help teams that struggle to score.

Most likely landing spot: Pistons

Detroit is No. 1 in the East and the temptation may be to not shake things up, but the Pistons, who rank 25th in offensive rating (110.3) in January, need some more shooting and offensive production.

Other spots include the Mavericks, Bucks, Grizzlies and Wizards.

Jonathan Kuminga

The Warriors simply haven’t found a way to seamlessly incorporate Kuminga into the lineup. And now with Jimmy Butler hurt, Golden State may be looking to aggressively ramp up its efforts to trade Kuminga.

Most likely landing spot: Mavericks

Other spots include the Lakers and Bucks.

Domantas Sabonis

He has dealt with injuries and has seen his scoring and assist numbers drop significantly. Sabonis does best when he’s the anchor of an offense, distributing the ball from the top of the key and engaged in pick-and-rolls with a capable point guard.

Most likely landing spot: Raptors

Other spots include the Clippers, Celtics and Pistons.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA trade deadline predictions, landing spots for top targets

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College basketball weekend schedule features Purdue, UConn in games to watch

No matter where your college allegiances lie, it’s worth remembering that Mother Nature is always undefeated. As we look at this weekend’s Starting Five, therefore, we remind everyone that logistics might hamper the schedule in some locales, particularly in the eastern half of the country.

We think, however, that the items offered here for your Saturday viewing enjoyment will go on as scheduled. But of course fans should check on game day through official channels. And, above all, if you’re traveling, please be safe.

With all that out of the way, here’s the Starting Five for a potentially snowy January 24.

No. 24 North Carolina at No. 15 Virginia

Time/TV: Noon ET, ESPN2

This one was moved up a couple hours in hopes of getting it in ahead of the storm. The action on the court should be hot enough for all, however, as the Cavaliers are riding a five-game winning streak, while the Tar Heels got in a needed get-right game against Notre Dame following a rough west-coast trip. The inside-out combo of Thijs De Ridder and Malik Thomas have been carrying the scoring load for UVa. The Tar Heels do most of their damage in the paint via Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, but they’ll need a few treys to drop as well.

Villanova at No. 3 Connecticut

Time/TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, Fox

They’re accustomed to winter weather in the northeast, and this one is early enough that it should tip off on time. It’s an important contest for both parties, as there are fewer opportunities for high-end wins in the Big East this year. Bryce Lindsay leads a deep Wildcats’ backcourt that will have to be ready for UConn’s relentless ball pressure. The Huskies haven’t exhibited the wire-to-wire dominance of their recent championship runs, but having center Tarris Reed healthy again has been a major boost at both ends of the floor.

No. 11 Illinois at No. 4 Purdue

Time/TV: 3 p.m. ET, Fox

The Boilermakers return home after splitting on their trip to Los Angeles. They don’t get much of a break, however, as the Fighting Illini bring an eight-game winning streak into Mackey Arena. Purdue floor general Braden Smith is coming off a bad shooting night at UCLA, but he’s still handing out over nine assists a game. Illinois will be without guard Kylan Boswell (hand) for a couple more weeks, but the Illini were able to compensate for his absence in their most recent outing against Maryland.

Purdue guard Braden Smith (3) drives to the basket against UCLA during their game at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial.

No. 6 Houston at No. 12 Texas Tech

Time/TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

The game of the day might once again involve the Red Raiders, who staged a late rally a week ago to overtake Brigham Young. They now hope to turn the tables on the Cougars, who handed them their lone league loss to date in Houston back on Jan. 6. Since that four-point squeaker against the Red Raiders, Houston dismissed its last three opponents in blowout fashion. Tech’s dynamic duo of J.T. Toppin and Christian Anderson have been getting some timely help from LeJuan Watts of late. They’ll all have their hands full with the Cougars’ three-headed monster on the perimeter of Emanuel Sharp, Kingston Flemings and Milos Uzan.

Tennessee at No. 17 Alabama

Time/TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

In addition to being a key SEC contest for both squads, there’s a curiosity factor for this contest with the Crimson Tide at the epicenter of the sport’s latest eligibility litigation. If Charles Bediako does play, it will likely be for a limited number of minutes backing up Aiden Sherrell, though he would give the Tide another option in the interior defense, which has unquestionably been an Achilles heel for this group. All of this of course is of little concern for the Volunteers, who have struggled to make shots when needed. Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament remain the primary options, but both have seen their shooting percentages dip in conference play.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College basketball schedule features five huge games this weekend

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When is the NHL Olympic break? Key dates for rest of 2025-26 season

The 2025-26 NHL season is more than halfway complete and plenty will be happening down the stretch.

The biggest event will be overseas as the league shuts down to send its players to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014. Games will be played in Milan, Italy.

After the Olympics, it's a quick turnaround to the NHL trade deadline, then teams have more than a month to position themselves for a playoff spot. The playoffs open on April 18.

Here is a look at the key dates for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season, including the Olympic break and trade deadline:

When is the Stadium Series game?

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins outdoors on Feb. 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Raymond James Stadium, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

When is the Olympic break?

The NHL will take a break from Feb. 6-24 for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. There are seven games on the schedule on Feb. 5. No trades can take place during the Olympic break.

When is the Olympic men's hockey tournament?

The tournament starts on Feb. 11 with two games. The USA opens play on Feb. 12 against Latvia. All teams will play three games during the round robin, which runs through Feb. 15. The three group winners and the best second-place team get byes to the quarterfinals.

Playoff qualification games are on Feb. 17 for teams ranked fifth through 12th, quarterfinals are Feb. 18 and semifinals are Feb. 20.

The bronze medal game is Feb. 21 and the gold medal game is Sunday, Feb. 22.

When does the NHL resume play after the Olympics?

Play resumes on Feb. 25 with eight games.

When is the NHL trade deadline?

The NHL trade deadline will be at 3 p.m. ET on March 6.

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end with six games on April 16.

When do the NHL playoffs begin?

The Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

When is the NHL draft lottery?

The date of the NHL draft lottery is to be determined.

When is the last possible day of the Stanley Cup Final?

The last possible day is June 21.

When is the NHL draft?

The NHL draft will be June 26-27 at Buffalo's KeyBank Center. Top prospects will be there, but general managers will work remotely, just like last year.

When does NHL free agency begin?

NHL free agency begins at noon ET on July 1.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is NHL Olympic break, trade deadline? Key 2025-26 dates

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Today on Pinstripe Alley – 1/23/26

Another day, another pitcher off the market. The Rangers made a move to fortify their rotation by getting MacKenzie Gore from the Nationals for a haul of five prospects, including their 12th overall pick from the most recent draft Gavin Fien. With him and Freddy Peralta both getting moved over the last couple of days, the market for starters is rapidly thinning. The Yankees probably weren’t going to get either of those guys based on the tier of prospects they got back, but they could probably use one more quality arm as insurance for all of their returning starters coming off of major injuries — we’ll have to see if they come up with something before all of the options are gone.

One the site today, we’ve got a couple things to get us through the day. Sam starts us off with a birthday post for Johnny Sturm, whose career started out on the mountaintop but ended right there thanks to World War II, and then Jeremy relives the shock of Roger Clemens coming out of retirement to rejoin the ‘07 Yanks at the spry young age of 44. Later on, I’ll be back to answer your questions in our latest mailbag.

Questions/Prompts:

1. How crazy will the Juan Soto trade tree look when all is said and done now that the Gore trade has added onto it?

2. What pitcher left on the market would you want the Yankees to target, price aside?

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Pens Points: A statement win against McDavid

Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning…

The Pittsburgh Penguins traveled to Edmonton, Alberta, on Thursday night for a date with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Tristan Jarry, and the Edmonton Oilers. However, a three-goal outburst in 37 seconds set the tone for the night, as the Penguins were en route to a 6-2 win, getting their first win in Oil Country since December 2019. [Recap]

General manager Kyle Dubas has quietly assembled a 2025-26 Penguins team that may be more than good enough for a playoff spot in what most thought would be another down year. His hot streak, however, dates back to the start of the 2024-25 campaign, and it’s put the Penguins on a path for success in the short- and long-term. [PensBurgh]

Eleven-year-old Katherine Haskey, who has Down syndrome, has found a sense of belonging in hockey through her close bond with Penguins rookie Ben Kindel, who treats her as a fellow player, not simply as a fan with a medical condition. Kindel’s consistent kindness has helped Katherine feel safe, valued, and confident both at the rink and in her own hockey journey. [Sportsnet]

Before Thursday night’s game, the Penguins activated defenseman Erik Karlsson from injured reserve, while subsequently placing defenseman Ryan Graves on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury. [Trib Live]

Acquired in the trade that sent Tristan Jarry to the Oilers, defender Brett Kulak has given the Penguins a reliable, steady presence on the back end who has jelled nicely alongside Kris Letang. [Trib Live]

News and notes from around the NHL…

The Toronto Maple Leafs were scheduled to practice outdoors this weekend, but due to extreme weather conditions in the forecast, the special practice session, originally slated from Saturday to Monday, has been canceled. Weather forecasts predict that the temperature in Toronto will drop as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Celsius) throughout the weekend. [Sportsnet]

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Josh Doan to a seven-year, $48.65 million extension. [TSN]

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin underwent surgery for a lingering lower-body injury that will prevent him from playing for Sweden in the Olympics next month. [Associated Press via Sportsnet]

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Celtics Top-5 Highest IQ Plays of the Week

We’re back! Welcome to the five highest-IQ plays of the week! 

Sure, we love the high-flying dunks and the deep, off-the-dribble step-back threes, but this is a place for the under-the-radar plays that might not get the credit they deserve. The plays that get the basketball sickos and nerds out of their chairs. The plays that even YOU could make in your weekly rec league game. 

Each week, the plays will be ranked from five to one—one being the smartest—and will only be taken from games that occurred within the past week. For this week, games from January 15th to January 21st are considered. The C’s went 3-1 this week, with wins over the Heat, Hawks and Pacers but a tough loss to the Pistons.

5. Catch high, keep high

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Baylor Scheierman is just the latest NBA player to start taking some three-point shots without a dip in his release. You’ll hear lots of “shooting coaches” and “basketball trainers” talk about getting the ball into your shooting pocket in order to get as much power as you can, especially if you’re a young player who hasn’t reached full physical development. But the cold, hard truth is that NBA defenders are sometimes too big and athletic to spend all that time setting up your shot. Instead of finding a shooting pocket, Scheierman just catches it high, keeps it high, and knocks down the shot—he probably gets the ball out of his hands in half the time he would have if he listened to your local basketball trainer. 

4. 3-man game

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This beautiful offensive spacing is made possible by Payton Pritchard’s heady relocation and quick thinking. Players are taught to relocate—or find a spot on the three-point line—after they drive to the lane and kick out to shooters. But they’re often taught to do so on the weak side of the floor. Here, Pritchard’s decision to relocate right back to where he drove from seems odd at first, but then utterly genius after you realize that there are three Celtics players on that side of the floor as opposed to two Pistons. And since each of those three Boston players can make threes, they’re an impossible cover for only two defenders. Big time IQ, Pritch.

3. Two places at once

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Okay, so I know I literally just said that it’s impossible to defend on one side of the floor when you’re a defender down, but I guess that doesn’t apply if your name is Jordan Walsh? On this play, Walsh closes out to Walker and simultaneously jumps to contest his three (which Walker quickly thinks better of) while forcing him to improve his passing angle to Sheppard in the corner. That gives Jordan Walsh—and probably only Jordan Walsh and like 15 other NBA players—enough time to get back and block the shot. He’s literally in two places at once.

2. Watching your defender’s eyes

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When you’re a player like Jordan Walsh, the defense isn’t losing sleep over you on the offensive end. Your main offensive responsibilities as a role player include (but are not limited to) shooting and making open threes, cutting to the basket, and offensive rebounding. But what do smart cutters actually do to get open? Well, one thing they do is pay attention to their defender’s eyes, which is exactly what Jordan does here. He’s looking right at Norman Powell and knows that once Hauser drives baseline, Powell’s eyes will be on the ball. So as soon as Norm stares at the ball, Walsh cuts backdoor for an easy two. The timing is perfect.

1. Creative Spain action

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I’ve talked at length about the Celtics’ use of Spain action (ball screener gets a back screen from a third player), but this is a really interesting way for Boston to get into the action. Instead of simply running down the floor and starting in the typical alignment (pick and roll with a third defender starting in the paint), the Celtics instead set up in a zoom alignment before Brown slips the play and gets himself into position to set a screen for Queta. This totally throws off Miami and is quite frankly a brilliant wrinkle for the C’s to get into their most common and effective offensive action. Special stuff, Joe and staff.