On the eve of its glitzy All-Star Game, an event that itself has been criticized for a lack of competitiveness, the NBA has fined two franchises for “the management of their rosters during recent games.” In the vernacular, they were tanking.
Tanking is the term for teams that don’t expect to be competitive during a given season and so set out to lose intentionally in order to better their chances in the following year’s draft. (Draft lottery chances increase as a team’s place in the standings declines.)
The Utah Jazz (18-38) were fined $500,000 “for conduct detrimental to the league” related to games against the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat on February 7 and 9, respectively.
“During those games,” reads a statement from the league, “the Jazz removed two of the team’s top players, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson, Jr., before the beginning of the fourth quarter and did not return them to the game, even though these players were otherwise able to continue to play and the outcomes of the games were thereafter in doubt.”
As the league said today, “Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition.”
The Indiana Pacers (15-40) were fined $100,000 for not playing their stars at all.
After the team’s February 3 game against, ironically, the Utah Jazz, there were suspicions about the lack of availability of three Pacers players.
“Following an investigation, including review by an independent physician, the NBA determined that Pascal Siakam, a star player under the Policy, and two other pacers starters, neither of whom participated in the game, could have played under the medical standard of the Policy.”
While the other two players were not named, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell also sat out.
Among the issues at play here is the quality of the product the league is putting on the floor at a time when it is demanding record broadcast fees. Further, there is the even uglier spectre of players and coaches themselves fixing games.
Last October saw the arrests of 30 individuals including the Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier, ex-Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones, and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups due to allegations of insider betting schemes and mob-backed poker games.
The optics of such scandals now jeopardize not only those rich rights deals, but pacts with online gambling outfits like PENN Entertainment, which is paying broadcast partner ESPN $150 million a year for 10-years for marketing services and the right to use the ESPN Bet brand in the U.S. If bettors don’t believe games are being played competitively, that money could be in jeopardy.
The 24-year-old Arlington native joins a growing list of active athletes investing in professional franchises while still in their prime. For Cunningham, this move is both personal and strategic. He grew up minutes from the Rangers’ ballpark, starred at Bowie High School, and once dreamed of playing under the bright lights of his hometown teams. Now, he owns a piece of one.
“It was an amazing experience,” Cunningham said last July after throwing out the first pitch at a Rangers home game. “To come back to the sports teams that I grew up supporting and loving, it’s amazing.”
This investment comes during a career year. Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds while leading the Eastern Conference best Pistons back into serious contention. He earned his second straight All-Star selection and will suit up Sunday amongst the USA Stars.
Ownership reflects long-term vision. Cunningham signed a five-year max rookie extension in 2024 worth up to $269 million. He also secured a six-year endorsement extension with Nike that includes a signature shoe deal. The capital is there. The timing is deliberate.
Why the Rangers Investment Matters
The Rangers have been owned by Rangers Baseball Express since 2011. Principal owner Ray C. Davis and Bob R. Simpson financed the group’s purchase after a turbulent ownership transition in 2010 that included bankruptcy concerns and a reduced $539 million sale price.
Cunningham’s stake size has not been disclosed. Still, the symbolism is powerful. A hometown No. 1 overall NBA pick reinvesting in the franchise he grew up watching sends a clear message about legacy and roots.
This trend is expanding across sports. LeBron James owns stakes through Fenway Sports Group, which controls the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC. Giannis Antetokounmpo holds a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers. Patrick Mahomes has invested in multiple Kansas City franchises. Athlete equity is no longer rare. It is becoming part of the modern superstar playbook.Cunningham’s move fits that pattern. He is not waiting until retirement to diversify.
On-Court Dominance, Off-Court Discipline
Cunningham’s basketball resume already speaks loudly. The 2021 No. 1 pick made All-Rookie First Team and has steadily elevated his efficiency and playmaking. This season, he has combined scoring volume with control, posting near double-digit assists while anchoring a first-place team.
That balance carries off the court. He is securing generational wealth while still chasing championships. The Pistons are pursuing their first NBA Finals appearance since 2005. Cunningham is chasing hardware. At the same time, he is building ownership equity in another league. That dual focus matters. Stars talk about impact. Cunningham is structuring it.He is not just leading a franchise. He now owns a piece of one.
Forward LeBron James, among other players, are expected to return in tonights game against the Dallas Mavericks after sitting for the Feb. 10 game against the San Antonio Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers are taking on the Dallas Mavericks tonight at Crypto.com Arena at 7 p.m. During the Lakers’ most recent game — their Feb. 10 136-108 loss against the San Antonio Spurs — Los Angeles sat their entire regular starting lineup.
For tonight’s game, the only players on the injury report are center Deandre Ayton, who is questionable due to right knee soreness, and guard Luka Dončić, who has been out since Feb. 5 with a left hamstring strain.
The Lakers have beaten the Mavericks twice this season. Their first victory was a 129-119 win on Nov. 28, and the second was a 116-110 win on Jan. 24.
Ahead of the game against the Spurs, Dončić, forward LeBron James, guard Austin Reaves and guard Marcus Smart were listed as out on the injury report for various reasons. After James sat out Feb. 10, it is no longer possible for James to meet the 65-game minimum for him to be eligible for postseason awards, ending his 21-year long streak.
Lakers injury report for tonight: LAL will be very undermanned versus the Spurs pic.twitter.com/lgY4P8xpKV
After the Lakers lost, ESPN TV personality Stephen A. Smith was critical of the Lakers’ decision not to play their everyday starters.
“Work it out,” Smith said. “If you got LeBron James off, make sure somebody else is playing. If you got Austin Reaves off, make sure somebody else is playing,” he continued. “But then everybody? That is disrespectful and insensitive and dismissive to the fans. And somebody needs to say it.”
For tonight’s game, the Mavericks have a handful of players on the injury report, as star-rookie forward Cooper Flagg has a left midfoot sprain that will keep him out of action through the All-Star break, with three other players listed as doubtful and two more listed as questionable.
Scroll to continue reading
Breaking: Cooper Flagg has suffered a left midfoot sprain following an injury in Tuesday’s game vs. Phoenix, an MRI confirmed.
He will miss Thursday’s game against the Lakers and will also miss the 2026 Rising Stars game on Friday during All-Star weekend. pic.twitter.com/tqY1CYCX1Q
Julius Randle had 41 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Portland 133-109 on Wednesday night to end the Trail Blazers’ winning streak at three.
Randall, who also had seven rebounds, capped his night with a windmill dunk that put the crowd at the Target Center on its feet. Jaden McDaniels added 21 points for the Timberwolves, playing their final game before the All-Star break.
Jrue Holiday scored 23 points for the Trail Blazers, who trailed by 28 points and were hurt by 25 turnovers. Scoot Henderson, playing just his third game back since missing the first half of the season because of a hamstring injury, finished with 18 points.
Minnesota scoring leader Anthony Edwards was listed as questionable going into the game because of an illness but he started and finished with 14 points.
Minnesota was coming off a 138-116 win at home over Atlanta that stopped a two-game skid.
McDaniels’ floating jumper pushed Minnesota’s lead to 50-38 midway through the second quarter. McDaniels had 15 points in the opening half and the Timberwolves led 61-51 at the break.
Edwards and Julius Randle hit back-to-back 3-pointers to go up 73-59 in the third quarter. Rudy Gobert dunked to cap a 16-2 run and gave the Timberwolves a 79-59 lead.
Portland ended the third quarter on a 10-3 run to close to 96-82 but couldn’t find a rally down the stretch. All-Star Deni Avdija struggled with 11 points.
The Blazers were without Shaedon Sharpe, who missed the third straight game with a left calf strain.
Before Wednesday’s game, the NBA fined Timberwolves big man Naz Reid and Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye $35,000 apiece for their roles in a jersey-grabbing tussle.
THIS BLOG CONTAINS LINKS FROM WHICH WE MAY EARN A COMMISSION. Credit: Unsplash
If you know anything about Philly, you know we don’t mess around when it comes to sports.
This city lives and breathes athletics in a way that’s honestly hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it firsthand.
Whether you’ve been bleeding green since you were five or you’re just looking for something fun to do on a weekend, trust me – Philadelphia’s got you covered.
Here are five sports events that’ll give you a real taste of what this city’s all about. Fair warning: once you experience Philly sports culture, there’s no going back.
Eagles // Where Dreams and Heartbreak Collide
The Eagles aren’t just a football team here. They’re practically a religion. Lincoln Financial Field turns into something magical (or chaotic, depending on how you look at it) every game day. The fans are absolutely relentless in the best way possible.
Nothing beats a divisional game against the Giants or Cowboys. The energy’s electric, the tailgating’s legendary, and you’ll hear chants that’ll make your grandmother blush. Even if you don’t know a touchdown from a field goal, you’ll get swept up in it. The cheesesteaks alone are worth the price of admission.
76ers // Basketball with Attitude
Credit: Unsplash
Joel Embiid’s a beast. Watching him dominate at the Wells Fargo Center is something else entirely. The Sixers have this swagger that’s pure Philadelphia – confident, gritty, and never backing down from anyone.
The crowd gets loud, especially when we’re playing Boston or Miami. You’ll see incredible plays that’ll have you jumping out of your seat, and the halftime entertainment’s pretty solid too. Plus, the Wells Fargo Center‘s got some decent food options if you’re willing to pay arena prices.
Phillies // Summer Nights Done Right
Citizens Bank Park on a warm summer evening? That’s peak Philadelphia right there. The Phillies have been through their ups and downs, but when they’re hot, this city goes absolutely nuts. Remember 2008? Yeah, that was something special.
What I love about Phillies games is the pace. You can actually have a conversation, grab a beer, and let the kids run around. It’s baseball the way it should be – relaxed but exciting when it matters. The cheesesteaks are better here than at the Eagles games, just saying.
Flyers // Old School Hockey Intensity
The Flyers embody everything about Philadelphia sports culture. Tough, scrappy, and never giving up. These games get intense fast, and the fans at Wells Fargo Center don’t hold back. You’ll hear things that would make a sailor proud.
Hockey’s different from other sports – the pace is relentless, the hits are brutal, and when someone scores, the whole place explodes. After sitting on the edge of your seat for three periods, you might need one of those massagers to work out the tension. Seriously, these games will stress you out in the best possible way.
Union // Soccer’s Growing on Us
Soccer’s still finding its footing in Philly, but the Union’s doing something right at Subaru Park. The venue’s smaller, more intimate. You feel connected to what’s happening on the field.
The supporters’ section goes all out with chants, banners, the whole nine yards. It’s got this international vibe that’s different from our other teams. Even if you’re not a huge soccer fan, it’s worth checking out. The atmosphere’s pretty unique for Philadelphia sports.
Bottom Line
Philadelphia sports aren’t for everyone. We’re loud, we’re passionate, and we’re not always the most patient with opposing fans.
But if you want to experience something authentic – something that captures what this city’s really about – you need to get to one of these games.
Don’t overthink it. Grab some tickets, show up, and prepare to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Joel Embiid, who has not missed a game that was not part of a back-to-back since Dec. 28, has played in 18 of the Sixers’ 22 games since that point. The Sixers are 13-5 in those contests.
To fully understand the Charlotte Hornets’ recent success and just what kind of run they’re on, look no further than the birthdate of prized rookie Kon Knueppel.
He wasn’t even a gleam in his mother’s eye the last time the Hornets won nine straight games, which is now the case after Saturday night’s 126-119 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
“It’s awesome,” Knueppel said. “It’s awesome to win. Now we’re playing meaningful basketball, meaningful games. And so every game, it’s going to be kind of looking at the standings and all that, and we’re battling for playoff position as we hit the home stretch of the season after the All-Star break.”
Which in itself is a mild upset.
Just a few weeks ago, it didn’t appear as if the Hornets (25-28) were going to have much of a chance of ending the NBA’s longest current postseason drought. They were chasing the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Hawks, among others, in the lower echelon of the Eastern Conference playing tournament.
But with this recent stretch, paired with the teams around them getting weaker by unloading talent at the trade deadline, the Hornets are in prime position to play well into April for the first time in the better part of a decade. In emerging victorious for nine consecutive outings, they’ve gone to a place the franchise hasn’t been since 1998-99 with the likes of David Wesley and Eddie Jones.
“Those are playoff teams,” Miles Bridges said. “They won in the playoffs, and we’re trying to get to that level. So, we just don’t want to get complacent and just keep it going. The longest win streak is 10.”
To reach that, they’ll have to get through Detroit on Monday at Spectrum Center. And the Pistons have had the Hornets’ number for a while now.
“That’s against the best team in the East,” Bridges said. “So, if we want to win in that fashion, that’s going to be bittersweet. But we just got to stay focused and continue to focus on us.”
Here are four other things we learned during Charlotte’s mini trip:
LaMelo’s making most of minutes
LaMelo Ball seems to be more available in crunch time than ever and the Hornets are in a better position because of it.
Ball is maxing out at roughly 31 minutes per game, which is right where he was against the Hawks. He logged 10 of those in the fourth quarter, which tied him with Knueppel for the second-most behind Miles Bridges.
LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court. Jacob Kupferman Getty Images
“Credit our performance staff, credit Melo for making that adjustment because he wants to play obviously every minute and every game,” coach Charles Lee said. “And this was a great decision. I think it puts him in the best position to be available and him being available is helping our team play really well.
“Overall, just energy and effort level has improved or increased. Knowing that the stints are going to be maybe a little bit shorter, he’s not trying to manage himself as some guys do when they know that they’re going to play heavy minutes or long stretches.”
In turn, that is helping his decision making and everyone is benefiting.
“His teammates, they’re not putting him in those positions where he’s got to make every play by himself,” Lee said. “I think our screening is improving and our ball movement.”
Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets reacts. Jacob Kupferman Getty Images
Josh Green has been efficient
Quietly, Josh Green is producing.
Pegged as one of the Hornets’ top reserves after starting all but one of the 68 games he appeared in a season ago, Green has been extremely effective since joining the rotation in December.
Through 29 games, he’s averaging 4.5 points while shooting 45.3% from the field. He’s been extremely effective from 3-point range — and really deadly in the corners — thanks to knocking down 42% of his attempts.
“I feel good,” Green said. “I’m just trying to bring what I can bring, shoot the open shots, and I just try to bring as much energy as I can and momentum for the team. Just do whatever I can.”
And he’s really enjoying coming off the bench as a super sub.
“Yeah, I think it’s fun,” Green said. “And I think another thing is being able to build off the energy of the starters. I think I’ve seen over the last couple months, it’s a huge progression. Our starters are coming with so much energy. So, to be able to come in and go off that, that helps out a lot.”
Coby White fitting in
It hasn’t taken long for Coby White to get acclimated to his new surroundings.
Although he’s not going to make his debut until after the All-Star break as he nurses a left calf strain, White is getting comfortable with things behind the scenes as he settles in with the Hornets. He was among the final players individually working out with coaching staffers after morning shootaround at the arena, putting up jumpers with assistant Josh Longstaff.
The North Carolina native is quickly leaving a good impression.
“Spend a minute with him,” Lee said, “you can already feel a sense of maturity, a sense of eagerness to want to play and build relationships, a competitiveness to him already. He’s super engaged in everything we do. A great human being. He’s so polite.
“I’ve gotten texts from people that are just, ‘Hey, picked him up from the airport or ran into him in the hallway, and he was really polite,’ so I think that he’s already trying to put his fingerprint or put his stamp on our environment and on our culture.”
Because of White’s injury, the Hornets and Chicago Bulls amended the trade, league sources confirmed to The Observer. Instead of sending the Bulls three second-round picks, the Hornets are only giving them two.
There’s no concern about White’s strain lingering, though.
“He sat down with our performance team, and they will carve out a perfect plan to get him back to play,” Lee said. “But he’ll be [compliant] and he’s excited to get to work.”
Roster roulette
There was a lot of shuffling on the back end of the roster.
KJ Simpson got released on Friday prior to the team flying to Georgia to complete the mini trip, a move that came on the heels of waiving Pat Connaughton and Mike Conley. Malaki Branham was also acquired via trade from Washington via a three-team trade, and they also picked up Xaiver Tillman from Boston in exchange for cash considerations and a top-55 protected 2030 second-round pick.
Throw in filling the two-way slot vacated by Simpson’s release by signing Tosan Evbuomwan and there were more than just a few transactions.
“It’s one of those things where it’s, you know, bittersweet or whatever,” Lee said. “You feel two sides of the coin where you’re sad to see some of the guys go. But those guys did such a great job and I think they helped elevate a lot of the things that we do here from a team day-to-day process, and culture and even their performance on the court. They came in and they made the place better than it was when they got here.
And now we look forward to some new guys coming in and doing the same thing, helping to elevate our culture, help to elevate the product on the court.”
Lee seemed really excited about the addition of Tillman, who played with Bridges at Michigan State. In six seasons, Tillman has averaged 5.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.6 minutes per game in 274 appearances, 21 of which were starts.
“I think bringing in a guy like Xavier, he’s been around a championship organization,” Lee said. “Even in his time in Memphis, they were a playoff team. So, he just brings a lot of experience and knowledge of the game. His competitive spirit, and his ability to be versatile defensively and offensively, too, is really intriguing.”
Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly. Support my work with a digital subscription
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws with 10.8 seconds remaining, helping the New Orleans Pelicans overcome an 18-point second-half deficit in a 119-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Zion Williamson added 29 points and Trey Murphy III scored 26 as the Pelicans snapped a three-game skid
Minnesota took a brief one-point lead with 50 seconds remaining on a 3-pointer by Bones Hyland, but Williamson converted a three-point play to put the Pelicans up 117-115 with 35.5 seconds to play.
Anthony Edwards’ shot fell short and Bey grabbed the rebound and was fouled by Julius Randle with 10.8 seconds to play.
Edwards finished with 35 points in the loss, including 23 in the first half. Randle added 24 points, while Rudy Gobert grabbed 16 rebounds to go with his 12 points.
Pelicans rookie Derik Queen scored 17 points and was 4 for 4 from 3-point range. He entered having made just 10 shots from deep all season.
The Timberwolves led 77-59 early in the third quarter but watched that lead evaporate midway through the fourth. Murphy connected from 3-point range on consecutive possessions to briefly cut it to four points late in the third, and Bey scored five straight points to tie it at 102 in the fourth.
Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels was in foul trouble throughout. He picked up his third foul early in the second quarter and was whistled for his fourth early in the third. That forced Wolves coach Chris Finch to turn to a number of unique lineups, including a season-high 10 minutes for seldom-used Johnny Juzang.
The Wolves struggled to slow Williamson in the paint. The Pelicans star connected on 11 of his 13 shots, all in the post.
Up next
Pelicans: Host Sacramento on Monday.
Timberwolves: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, the push toward the NBA Finals will be shaped less by blowout wins against lesser opponents and more by high-leverage games against playoff-caliber teams.
These contests will test lineup flexibility, late-game execution, and mental toughness. They also reveal whether Philadelphia can consistently impose its style on teams that know them well.
Several matchups on the calendar stand out as tone-setters, games that influence seeding, confidence, and league-wide respect.
Each one offers a snapshot of who the 76ers are right now, and who they are becoming as the postseason approaches.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Date: February 12
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The February 12 matchup against the New York Knicks will shine a spotlight on the Philadelphia 76ers’ ability to handle physical, playoff-style basketball. New York brings defensive pressure, rebounding strength, and a slow-it-down approach that forces discipline on both ends.
In the recent 2025/26 coverage, analysts consistently frame the Knicks as a stress test for teams with championship aspirations, and Philadelphia leans into that challenge.
The 76ers emphasize half-court execution, patient ball movement, and attacking mismatches rather than rushing possessions. This game also matters psychologically, as the Knicks are a direct obstacle in the Eastern Conference.
A strong performance will reinforce the opinion that the Philadelphia 76ers can win games where spacing is tight, and points come at a premium.
For fans who closely follow momentum swings and matchups, it’s noteworthy that this type of contest often shapes how those immersing themselves in the sport bet on NBA games. These sorts of matchups reveal which contenders remain composed under pressure rather than relying on pace alone.
When the Philadelphia 76ers face the Indiana Pacers on February 25, the contrast in styles takes center stage. Indiana pushes tempo, prioritizes transition scoring, and thrives when games become chaotic.
The recent 2025/26 analysis points to this matchup as a test of control. Philadelphia focuses on limiting turnovers and dictating pace, knowing that defensive discipline often determines the outcome. This game will force the 76ers’ perimeter defenders to stay locked in while bigs recover quickly in space.
Offensively, Philadelphia will look to exploit Indiana’s defensive lapses by creating high-quality shots rather than trading baskets. A win here signals that the Philadelphia 76ers can adapt without abandoning their identity.
It also matters in the standings, as games against fast-rising conference opponents influence tiebreakers and playoff positioning. More importantly, it’ll show whether Philadelphia can win games that feel uncomfortable, an essential trait for any team with Finals ambitions.
Credit: Taylor Smith-Unsplash
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
Date: March 2
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The March 2 showdown with the Boston Celtics feels like a preview of May, and for the Philadelphia 76ers, no opponent carries more symbolic weight.
Boston represents the gold standard in the East, and 2025/26 NBA coverage frequently frames this rivalry as a referendum on Philadelphia’s readiness. Every possession matters, and adjustments happen quickly. The 76ers prioritize defensive communication, knowing Boston thrives on exploiting small mistakes.
On offense, Philadelphia targets efficient shot creation rather than volume, understanding that empty possessions swing momentum fast in these games. This matchup also tests mental resilience, especially in late-game scenarios where execution outweighs talent.
A strong showing against Boston reinforces the idea that the Philadelphia 76ers belong in the same championship conversation.
Win or lose, how Philadelphia competes, its poise, adaptability, and response to runs, will shape league perception and influence how seriously opponents take them entering the postseason.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Date: March 11
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The March 11 game against the Memphis Grizzlies offers the Philadelphia 76ers a different kind of challenge. Memphis brings athleticism, defensive aggression, and a relentless attack.
Recent season analysis emphasizes that Western Conference opponents like the Grizzlies test a team’s physical endurance and depth. For Philadelphia, this matchup is about sustaining intensity across four quarters.
The 76ers focus on defensive rotations and rebounding to prevent second-chance points, while offensively, they look to punish overhelping with smart ball movement. This game also matters because it simulates the grind of Finals-style basketball, where physicality escalates, and whistles tighten.
A composed performance will show that the Philadelphia 76ers can handle teams that pressure the rim and challenge every possession. It’ll also reveal whether their system can hold up not just against familiar Eastern rivals, but against elite, high-energy opponents from the West.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets
Date: March 18
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
Facing the Denver Nuggets on March 18 represents one of the clearest measuring sticks for the Philadelphia 76ers. Denver’s championship pedigree and disciplined execution force opponents to play near-perfect basketball.
In 2025–2026 previews, this matchup is often framed as a Finals-level chess match. Philadelphia emphasizes defensive versatility, switching schemes to disrupt rhythm while staying connected on shooters.
Offensively, the 76ers prioritize spacing and decision-making, knowing Denver punishes hesitation. This game will also highlight stamina and focus, as Denver thrives on wearing teams down with consistent pressure.
A competitive showing will signal that the Philadelphia 76ers can match elite teams possession for possession without unraveling. Beyond the result, how Philadelphia manages late-game situations, timeouts, matchups, and shot selection offers insight into their championship readiness.
Games like this define whether Finals aspirations feel realistic or remain theoretical.
Collective Impact
The road to the NBA Finals rarely hinges on a single moment, but for the Philadelphia 76ers, these key games collectively define their trajectory. Each matchup reveals something different: resilience against physical teams, control versus speed, composure under rivalry pressure, and adaptability against elite Western opponents.
Together, they shape confidence, seeding, and belief inside the locker room. The Philadelphia 76ers are not chasing style points; they are building habits that translate into postseason success. How they perform in these spotlight games influences how the league views them and how they view themselves.
If Philadelphia continues to meet these challenges with discipline and clarity, the push toward the NBA Finals feels less like hope and more like expectation.
HOUSTON (AP) — Derrick White made six 3-pointers and scored 28 points and the Boston Celtics used a big third quarter to build the lead and cruise to a 114-93 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
White’s performance helped the Celtics win a fourth straight game despite missing star Jaylen Brown, who sat out with left hamstring tightness in the second game of a back-to-back.
Houston coach Ime Udoka was ejected at the end of the third quarter after receiving a double technical for arguing with officials, and Alperen Sengun was tossed midway through the fourth after receiving two technical fouls for yelling at an official following a no-call.
The Rockets trailed by four after a 3-pointer by Amen Thompson early in the third before Boston went on an 18-3 run to make it 67-48 with about seven minutes left in the quarter. The Celtics made five 3-pointers in that stretch, with two apiece from White and Baylor Scheierman.
Thompson made a basket for Houston before Boston used a 10-1 spurt to push the lead to 77-51 with four minutes remaining in the quarter. White led the way during that run, scoring the first eight points, with two 3-pointers.
Reed Sheppard received a loose ball foul near the end of the quarter and Udoka received two technical fouls after the call and was tossed. Boston converted four free throws off those fouls to make it 87-63 entering the fourth.
Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 15 points in his return after sitting out Monday with a sprained left ankle. Sengun, who had 39 points and 16 rebounds in Monday’s win over Indiana, had 13 points and nine rebounds.
Neemias Queta had 10 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, and Luka Garza added 19 points to help the Celtics to the victory.
Denver takes a rare two-game losing streak into New York, looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season. They are on the second part of a back-to-back, having lost 124-121 to the Detroit Pistons a night prior. Jamal Murray led the team in scoring against Detroit with 32 points and eight assists, while Nikola Jokic scored 24 to go with 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. The Nuggets got as close as two points with 2:05 remaining after a Murray 3-pointer, but couldn’t close the gap any further.
The Knicks are as hot as any team in basketball right now, having won seven in a row, with their last game being a 132-101 laugher against the Washington Wizards. The Knicks will also be on the second part of a back-to-back, which made the easy win against the Wizards more valuable. Only Jalen Brunson (21 points) played more than 27 minutes, as Mikal Bridges led the team in scoring with 23 points.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
You can live stream NBA games all season long with Fubo, which offers a free trial. They carry all the channels you need, never to miss the action, including nationally broadcast channels like ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, as well as local team coverage.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Despite Paul George’s 25-game suspension, the team rides a hot streak into a pivotal trade deadline week.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been dealing with some real drama lately, but they’re not letting it slow them down. Paul George got hit with a 25-game suspension without pay for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program—something he attributed to taking improper medication while seeking mental health treatment. He took full responsibility in his statement, and the ban started at the end of January. George won’t be back until around March 25, 2026, meaning the team will miss his two-way impact on both ends for a big chunk of the second half of the season.
Whether this trade ends up being a win depends on how the picks play out and what else happens, but it’s a clear signal: Daryl Morey is prioritizing cap space and depth over holding onto every young piece. This could be the setup for a bigger swing before the deadline passes on Thursday, February 5, at 3 p.m. ET, or just a smart way to stay under the tax while addressing needs. With the East wide open—teams dealing with injuries and inconsistencies—Philly has a real shot if they add the right role players.
Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
The week wraps with the road trip continuing: they face the Lakers in Los Angeles tomorrow night (February 5), then the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. They’re currently one game out of the No. 4 seed in the East, and with Embiid healthy and Maxey carrying the load, the ceiling feels high. The next 24 hours could reshape the roster, but the momentum is there. This team is built to compete now—let’s see if Morey pulls off something to push them further.
Collin Sexton had just wrapped up a conversation about why things are trending in the right direction for the Charlotte Hornets and what it’s like to block out the external noise leading into the trade deadline when an alert came through on social media.
A major eight-player swap went down, with the Memphis Grizzlies sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Sexton’s old team in Utah. The breaking news made Sexton do a double-take when the names of those on the move were rattled off, an indicator that trade season is officially underway.
Still, with Thursday’s 3 p.m. NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, Sexton and the Hornets insist the easiest way to keep the chatter from becoming a distraction is to stiff arm it as much as possible.
Charlotte Hornets Collin Sexton heads up the court Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 during the game against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@charlotteobserver.com
“All the stuff that’s going on outside,” Sexton told The Charlotte Observer following Tuesday’s practice, “just continue to focus on what’s going on on the inside and continue to have the habits that we’ve been building since Day One, since we were in training camp, even in the summer as well.
“Just block out what the distractions are. Don’t allow the distractions to leak over into the team, into the arena. So, that’s how I try to keep all that, all the nonsense and everything that’s going on outside — leaving it on the outside.”
As someone who’s been dealt twice in his career, Sexton knows the business side of the game and how things work. His contract situation is one of the reasons his name is among those rumored to possibly be headed elsewhere.
Sexton, 27, is in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract inked in a sign-and-trade between Cleveland and Utah in 2022. He’s earning $18.9 million this season, and his expiring pact could be used by the Hornets as a way to acquire a future asset.
If Jeff Peterson, the Hornets’ president of basketball operations, does any kind of wheeling and dealing before the deadline, the premise would be gathering more draft capital to add to the already-growing stable Peterson has collected in less than two full years in charge of personnel in Charlotte.
“I think the Hornets will just try to do some small stuff trying to accumulate some draft picks,” one high-ranking official on an Eastern Conference team told The Observer.
Perhaps that involves Tre Mann.
Viewed as a key piece of the young core and a priority re-signing this past offseason, Mann was supposed to add depth to the Hornets’ backcourt.
Things haven’t gone exactly as planned for both sides, though.
After missing all but 13 games of the 2024-25 season with disc herniation, this was supposed to be a redemption — or even resumption — year for Mann. But as he celebrated turning 23 years old on Tuesday, he’s probably pondering exactly where he fits in with the Hornets moving forward.
Mann has dropped completely out of coach Charles Lee’s main rotation, playing only sparingly in spot duty. He’s appeared in just 30 of the Hornets’ 51 games, averaging 7.5 points while shooting 37.4% overall and 32.8% from 3-point range. He hasn’t displayed that same form fans became accustomed to seeing prior to his 2024-25 season cut short.
Charlotte Hornets guards LaMelo Ball, left Tre Mann, center and Pat Connaughton, right, sit on the bench during the team’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Monday, February 2, 2026. The Hornets defeated the Pelicans 102-95. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Injuries also didn’t help things much throughout the first three months of the season. He missed multiple games nursing right hip soreness, a right knee bone bruise and a left ankle impingement.
Factor in the rapid development of rookie Sion James and it’s hard to understand how Mann can chisel his way back into the crowded backcourt rotation barring an injury to someone ahead of him in the pecking order.
Even so, Mann hasn’t let the lack of playing time affect his preparation. He was among the final players on the court after practice, getting in drill work and pickup action with Tidjane Salaun, Pat Connaughton and coaching staff members.
While that was going on, Sexton had a lengthy sitdown session with assistant coach Lamar Skeeter. Basically, it was business as usual.
Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton, left, speaks with assistant coach Lamar Skeeter, right, during action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Monday, February 2, 2026. The Hornets defeated the Pelicans 102-95. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
“I think our guys have handled it great,” Lee said. “Because, again, the focus has just been on how can we get better today, how can we control what we can control. And the mindset of just how can I help the guy next to me improve, how can I help this team win?”
Sexton hopes to still be doing that with the Hornets that beyond Thursday.
“Oh, yeah,” Sexton said. “I definitely love it here. Love it in Charlotte. Close to home. I just love being a part of something, being a part of culture change. I like being able to come in and be a vet to the young guys. Be able to show them hard work pays off and also be able to be there for them through the ups, through the downs, through the wins, through the losses.”
“And be able to just be a good stand-up dude at all times. We tend to forget that we’re humans first. Sometimes you just need a little bit of, ‘Oh, man, how you doing today?’ Or sometimes it’s ‘How’s your family doing?’ I feel like that’s something I bring to this team, being able to be that vet.”
Roderick Boone joined the Observer in September 2021 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and NBA. In his more than two decades of writing about the world of sports, he’s chronicled everything from high school rodeo to a major league baseball no-hitter to the Super Bowl to the Finals. The Long Island native has deep North Carolina roots and enjoys watching “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” endlessly. Support my work with a digital subscription
DETROIT — Both teams playing in the Motor City on Tuesday were maneuvering their rosters as the trade deadline loomed — one of them more quietly than the other.
The Pistons were hosting, just a few hours after they sent Jaden Ivey to Chicago in a three-team deal that brought back Kevin Huerter, ex-Nugget Dario Saric and a pick swap. The Nuggets had not completed any trades, but they did have a business decision to make. Spencer Jones embarked on their three-game road trip this week with one game of eligibility remaining on his two-way contract and a back-to-back against two of the East’s best awaiting Denver.
Without him, the Nuggets clawed back from a 20-point deficit to get within two late in the fourth quarter, but the Pistons held on for a 124-121 win at Little Caesar’s Arena. A fortuitous shooter’s bounce for Tobias Harris with 1:46 left stretched Detroit’s lead to 115-110 as Denver struggled to land the comeback’s final punch. Moments later, Peyton Watson was a millisecond late to block a Cade Cunningham layup off the backboard, a play that would’ve given Denver a chance to tie while down three.
“The challenge for us right now is with all the things that are happening — people coming back, the minute restrictions — we have to avoid paying attention to that, and we just have to play,” Adelman said. “And deal with it as we go. We’re going to have some clunky moments. The rotation is different. We tried different things tonight. Just trying to fit people into the minutes that can play.”
“It’s a little bit different for us right now,” Nikola Jokic said, “but I think it’s part of the (league).”
The healthy scratch of Jones was essentially a money-saving tactic for Nuggets ownership. Players on two-way deals can be active for up to 50 NBA games in a regular season. Jones may be on the verge of a promotion that would dispense with that limit if the Nuggets can balance their books with a trade by Thursday afternoon. But their primary goal, to get under the luxury tax, is evident in that they’ve gone through half of the season with an open roster spot. Nothing in a rulebook would’ve prevented them from converting Jones’ contract on Tuesday (or earlier) if they wanted him available for Detroit.
Instead, they were operating without a power forward. Aaron Gordon is also sidelined as he recovers from a hamstring strain. Adelman rolled out Braun, Peyton Watson and Jalen Pickett in the starting unit alongside his two stars, foreshadowing a night of finagling. He tried everything from four-guard lineups to a jumbo package.
“I am feeling it out, man. Like, I’m feeling it out every game,” Adelman said. “We walk through stuff in a hotel room, and I pre-suppose lineups and put them out there in their sandals. And then we go play. Then you have to react during the game. And that’s part of the NBA, so there’s no excuses there, either. It’s just, I was trying to find a group that had some rhythm. We found a couple, but the end of the first half just killed us.”
The Pistons (37-12) swept the season series and got under Denver’s skin in the process. Their frontcourt played its usual chippy style, and Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas caused a brief skirmish in the first quarter by putting Isaiah Stewart in a headlock under the basket. Newly minted Pistons All-Star Jalen Duren exchanged shoves with Valanciunas. Both received technical fouls. Valanciunas also picked up a flagrant for the play on Stewart.
By halftime, both head coaches and Pistons guard Duncan Robinson had been handed technicals as well. Jamal Murray and Stewart jawed back and forth a couple of times. Cade Cunningham got into foul trouble in the third frame but also earned 11 free throws himself — a stat that agitated Adelman after the game in contrast to Jokic’s three. In search of a bigger power forward, the first-year head coach started playing Jokic at the four in a double-big lineup with Valanciunas to match Detroit’s size and physicality.
Both centers started the fourth quarter after Denver had trimmed a 20-point deficit back to 13. Julian Strawther chipped in as the rally intensified, lending support on the glass and pushing the pace.
“He was playing aggressive and trying to force the issue a little bit,” Murray. “It was good to see him just get a flow.”
The Nuggets couldn’t buy a bucket early. They missed their first seven 3s while falling behind by double digits and shot 31.8% from the field in the first half. But they were able to linger despite a “weird energy” that Adelman wasn’t pleased with, until a disastrous two-minute stretch to end the half. Three consecutive turnovers — two by Jokic — fueled a 10-0 Pistons run that pushed the lead to 69-50. Detroit scored 26 fast break points on the night, a “ridiculous” number, Adelman said.
“They’re handsy,” said Jokic, who was visibly frustrated by non-calls throughout the night. “They have some really good personnel. … I think the second half was much better for us.
“We had, I’m gonna say, like a good half of basketball.”
Jokic played 33 minutes, another gradual increase in his third game back from a left knee injury. He went for 24 points and 15 rebounds, but he also turned it over five times. Braun logged 25 minutes in just his 15th game of the season, which has been defined by the severe ankle sprain he suffered in November when it was stepped on by James Harden (who was traded to Cleveland during the second quarter of Denver’s game Tuesday).
The Nuggets’ back-to-back Wednesday at Madison Square Garden will test their resilience. They haven’t lost three consecutive games all season, but this is one of the toughest portions of their schedule: the Thunder, Pistons and Knicks in three cities across four days.
“We need to find ways before the break to win some games,” Adelman said. “We’re in a crazy race in the West. I heard a bunch of stuff changed tonight with the trades and all the things that went on. So the race is beginning. You can’t wait for the All-Star break to happen and then join the race. We’ve gone through a lot, but so what?”
The best game of Dominick Barlow’s young, promising NBA career lifted the Sixers past the Los Angeles Clippers, who may or may not be on the verge of trading James Harden.
The recent reveal of the NBA All-Star Game reserves brought plenty of surprises, and based on feedback from the Los Angeles Clippers fans and many other fans, a significant snub.
Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA Champion and six-time NBA All-Star, was left out of the game’s selected stars. Some of the newer reserves in the Western Conference included Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers, Chet Holmgren from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jamal Murray from the Denver Nuggets.
In addition, returning stars Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker received spots on the West team. However, Leonard was nowhere to be found, despite putting up All-Star stats in his latest season for a struggling Clippers team.
On Sunday evening, the Clippers X account didn’t hold back, sharing posts that seemed to criticize the league over the snub. One of the posts shared a quote from Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue: “Kawhi, to me, the last 6 weeks, has been the best player in the NBA.”
In another blatant message about Kawhi’s omission from the All-Star reserves, they shared a StatMuse post showing his 27.7 points per game, a career high, along with his league-leading 2.1 steals per game and mentioning his league-leading free-throw percentage.
“Not an All-Star,” StatMuse also said in their Kawhi post.
Fans also expressed frustration and disappointment that Kawhi was not selected for the 2026 All-Star Game, with many comments on the Clippers’ social media posts.
“Snubbed from All-Star Game!!!!” a fan commented on the Clippers’ Tyronn Lue quote post.
“This league continues to become a disaster,” one fan wrote in an X comment on the StatMuse post.
“the host Los Angeles Clippers got no representative in the All Star game despite having the best record in NBA since December smh,” an X commenter said.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will occur in Los Angeles this year, with the Clippers hosting the annual event. As mentioned in the fan’s comment, not only did Leonard not make the Western Conference All-Stars, but neither did another multi-time All-Star and league MVP, James Harden.
The conference coaches select the All-Star Game reserves for each conference, but coaches can’t vote for players from their own teams.
Some fans speculated that the snubs were a form of karma for how the organization treated Chris Paul before his retirement from the NBA. Others suggested it is due to the Clippers’ record and standing, as they are currently 22-25 and No. 10 in the Western Conference.
There’s still a possibility that one or both players could enter the game, but that would occur only if other players are unable to participate. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver then selects players as replacements.
Joel Embiid is coming off a 40-point, 39-minute game in which he was never listed on the Sixers’ injury report. In the wake of Paul George’s 25-game suspension, they will need more of that from the former NBA MVP.
