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'That's the way cricket is meant to be played' - Gambhir backs India's left-right combination
"That's the way cricket is meant to be played," Gambhir said of Axar's promotion. "I know a lot of people talk about it, but that's the way we got to play the game, and that's the way cricket should be played. It's not about the batting order, it's about who can create what impact. And it's about just if you have the option of putting a quality left-hand batter in the middle; why won't you do that?
"Why would you want to have top five as right-handers? We don't look at averages and stats and all that stuff. We look at who can deliver more at that number. And Axar has done fabulously well. Both the games [in which] he got the opportunity, he delivered for us. I know there will always be talk - there will always be people talking about it - but I think that's the way we want to go in future as well."
That Gambhir likes right-left combinations is no secret. When he came back to Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor, their right-left partnerships went up from 58% in 2022 and 2023, to 74% in 2024. Having said that, it doesn't seem to be an unhealthy obsession. For example, it doesn't penalise Rahul, who has done his job in the middle order well, just for being a right-hand batter.
Gambhir: Wanted to see what Jaiswal can bring to the table
"He wasn't supposed to be benched throughout the series," Gambhir said. "We wanted to give Yashasvi a go in the first game and see what he can bring to the table because he was in really good form in Australia. So we wanted to see what kind of an innings can he play. I know you can't judge someone by one innings, but we always knew that Shreyas is going to be an important player for us. What he's done at No. 4, be it the World Cup or forget about even the World Cup, he's just an important player.
"So sometimes when you've only got three games, you want to try and rotate your squad as well. See, like for today, we could have easily played Shami but we wanted to give Arsh a go. We could have played Jadeja as well, but we gave Washi a go as well. So when you've got Champions Trophy around the corner, you want to try and maximise these three games and try and give everyone an opportunity. Shreyas was always in the scheme of things, and good that he played all the three games."
Ed Joyce to step down as Ireland Women head coach
Joyce, who represented both Ireland and England during his playing career, was appointed on a permanent basis in September 2019, having spent three months as interim head coach after the departure of Aaron Hamilton. Ireland have enjoyed some notable successes on Joyce's watch, including T20I series wins in Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as beating Sri Lanka 2-1 in ODIs last summer.
They followed that series triumph by winning an ODI against England for the first time since 2001, then securing a maiden T20I success to draw the series 1-1.
Joyce's time in charge was interrupted by Covid-19, during which time Ireland went 20 months without a competitive fixture; the pandemic also denied his side a chance of qualifying for the 2022 50-over World Cup. Although they reached the T20 World Cup in 2023, they missed out on last year's edition after being pipped by Scotland at the qualifier.
"It has been a privilege to lead Cricket Ireland's women's performance programme and to work with this group of dedicated cricketers and support staff," Joyce said. "The last six years have been an incredible journey - not just for me personally, but for the players, coaches and, indeed, the entire performance programme.
"When I came on board we had just announced first-ever part-time contracts for women cricketers in Ireland. Those six part-time contracts have grown over subsequent years to now 23 players under some form of contract - a number of these being full-time. This process of professionalisation alone has been rewarding yet challenging. Throw the Covid pandemic into the mix, the constant need to juggle the availability of players who are still studying - all while meeting the demands of international cricket - the role has been all-encompassing.
"Just as in my professional playing career, I recognise the natural cycle of coaching. There comes a time when a system benefits from fresh perspectives and new voices, allowing players to explore and develop their skills in diverse ways."
Cricket Ireland's director of high performance, Graeme West, said the board had wanted to keep Joyce on but that they would now work to ensure a smooth handover for the team's next head coach.
"While it's a sad day to see such a respected figure step down, Ed's impact on the senior women's programme will be felt for years to come," West said. "He has been instrumental in transforming the senior women's set-up during his tenure, instilling in the players a sense that they belong at the sport's top table.
"While we tried to convince Ed to extend his time in the role, he felt that this was an appropriate time to refresh the leadership. He'll lead the team one last time at the qualifier in Pakistan this April, then handover what is a strong foundation for the next head coach to build upon. We're immensely grateful for Ed's contributions in this latest incarnation of his wonderful service to Irish cricket - and as he says, we hope to see him back in some capacity in the future. It's also important to send our thanks to Ed's family - Fran, Georgiou and Sebastian - for their unwavering support over the last six years."
GMR agree deal for Southern Brave to conclude Hundred sell-off
GMR Group have, as expected, secured a stake in Southern Brave to conclude the ECB's process of selling equity in the Hundred. GMR, co-owners of IPL team Delhi Capitals, were already the majority shareholders of host county Hampshire, having bought out former owner Rod Bransgrove last year.
GMR Group, an Indian infrastructure conglomerate, owns teams in a number of T20 leagues around the world, including Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, as well as being principal investors in MLC side Seattle Orcas.
It brings the number of Hundred teams bought into by IPL owners to four, after Northern Superchargers (Sun Group), Manchester Originals (RPSG Group) and Oval Invincibles (Reliance). The ECB's hopes for a spread of investment from around the world had already been realised by deals for Birmingham Phoenix (Knighthead Capital), Welsh Fire (Sanjay Govil), London Spirit (Silicon Valley consortium) and Trent Rockets (Cain International).
GMR had become the first overseas owners of an English county when they agreed a deal for Bransgrove's majority shareholding last September. The acquisition did not guarantee a stake in Southern Brave, however, with a mechanism requiring GMR to pay fair market value for 49% of Brave before the ECB would sanction the remaining 51% being transferred to Hampshire.
Brave won the inaugural men's Hundred in 2021, as well as finishing as runners-up last year. In the women's competition, they were twice runners-up, in 2021 and 2022, before lifting the trophy the following season.
Glamorgan to sell Govil extra 1%
Glamorgan have confirmed that they have entered into an exclusivity agreement with Sanjay Govil, the owner of MLC franchise Washington Freedom, at the start of talks to finalise Govil's investment in Welsh Fire. Glamorgan are planning to sell 1% of the 51% transferred by the ECB as Welsh Fire's host county, to "create an equal ownership split" with Govil.
Glamorgan chair, Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, said: "It was vitally important for us that any investment partner shared our values, our strategic and commercial aims and our ambition to grow as an international brand. Washington Freedom ticked all of the boxes and has been our preferred bidder for some time so we are delighted that they have chosen to partner with us.
"They share our belief that both Glamorgan and Welsh Fire have huge potential and that Welsh Fire, in particular, can become a global brand, opening commercial opportunities on a different scale across the whole spectrum of Welsh cricket.
"The growth of the global game and the role of the Hundred in engaging new audiences, transforming the Women's game and showcasing the best global talent means that we are really excited by the endless opportunities that this partnership will present to both parties."
He said: "I'm thrilled for this next step forward in renewing and expanding cricket for the next generation of fans. I'm looking forward to the benefits our partnership will have not only for recreational cricket in the United Kingdom, but for strengthening the cross-border relationship between international teams, franchises, and fans for years to come."
WR Toney arrested, allegedly strangled woman
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney was arrested last week in Georgia on two counts, according to online records.
Toney was booked in a Douglas County (Georgia) facility on Feb. 6 on counts of aggravated assault -- strangulation and obstructing/harassing 911 calls. A judge set a bail of $25,000 on each count.
Records show Toney was not in custody on Feb. 7.
TMZ Sports, citing police documents, reported that on Jan. 14, Toney allegedly put his hand around a woman's throat and squeezed "with enough force to cause her to be unable to [breathe]." Red marks were spotted on the woman's neck, and petechial hemorrhaging was noticed in her eyes.
Toney also allegedly took the woman's phone to prevent her from calling authorities.
Toney, 26, appeared in three games for the Cleveland Browns last season before he was released in December following a taunting penalty and a muffed punt in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A 2021 first-round pick by the New York Giants, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in the middle of the 2022 season. He had a key punt return in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII that helped deliver the Chiefs a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs hoped he could become their No. 1 wide receiver in 2023, but that never developed, and he was inactive for all four playoff games that season as Kansas City won back-to-back championships.
Barkley backs Swift, doesn't get fans' 'hate' at SB
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said he doesn't understand why fans booed pop superstar Taylor Swift when she was shown on the videoboards at the Caesars Superdome during Super Bowl LIX.
"I remember that they showed her on the jumbotron, and she got booed. I don't get it. I don't get why she was getting hate there," Barkley said Wednesday during an appearance on "The Howard Stern Show" on SiriusXM.
Barkley's response came after he was asked if he thought Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, would get engaged. He didn't have an opinion on that question but, unprompted, came to the defense of Swift.
"We're trying to expand the game, and her being a part of it is only helping it. I don't get the dislike she's getting." Saquon Barkley, on Taylor Swift
He credited Swift with helping to grow the popularity of the NFL.
"She was there supporting her significant other, and she's made the game bigger," Barkley said. "In football we're all about, 'How can we expand the game and make it more [international]?' We're traveling to Brazil, we're traveling to Mexico. Apparently, we're traveling to Australia soon. We're trying to expand the game, and her being a part of it is only helping it. I don't get the dislike she's getting."
Swift, who grew up near Philadelphia but now roots for the Chiefs and Kelce, was booed when shown alongside rapper Ice Spice during the first quarter Sunday night. She appeared to mouth "What's going on" in response to the booing.
Many of the boos Sunday night likely came from Eagles fans. Barkley, however, has been embraced by the team's supporters after leaving the New York Giants to sign in Philadelphia last offseason and enjoying a historic season in which he rushed for 2,476 yards, the most in a single season, including playoffs.
"They just shower you with love," Barkley said of the team's fans. "And it's been pretty cool for me and my family 'cause kind of how things ended in New York. There was always love and support there, but things didn't end off on a great note, I guess you could say. And to be able to come here and just the way how they've taken me in and my family in, and my daughter is the star here. They love my little daughter. So it's been pretty cool."
UNLV football player found dead in apartment
LAS VEGAS -- UNLV senior offensive lineman Ben Christman, who transferred after last season from Kentucky, has died, the university announced. He was 21.
Christman was found dead in an off-campus apartment Tuesday morning. The university said it didn't have other details and that a cause of death would be determined by the Clark County Coroner's Office.
UNLV said Christman's family and the team have been informed and that counseling services would be provided.
"Our team's heart is broken to hear of Ben's passing," UNLV coach Dan Mullen said in a statement. "Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program.
"Ben was an easy choice for our leadership committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates. Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed."
Christman began his college career at Ohio State as a highly ranked prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. He redshirted that season and played in one game in 2022 before transferring to Kentucky. Christman did not play in 2023 because of a knee injury, but he appeared in all 12 games last season on special teams before transferring to UNLV.
"There is little that can be said to lessen the pain of suddenly losing a member of our university family at such a young age, and my heart breaks for all who knew and loved him," UNLV president Keith Whitfield said in a statement.
Sources: Ex-NFL coach Patricia to be OSU's DC
Ohio State is finalizing a deal to make veteran NFL coach Matt Patricia the school's new defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
The move to bring in Patricia comes with the corresponding internal promotion of secondary coach Tim Walton to the co-defensive coordinator role, sources said. Ohio State will also be promoting safeties coach Matt Guerrieri to pass-game coordinator, per sources.
Patricia comes to Ohio State to replace Jim Knowles, who left for Penn State's defensive coordinator job in the wake of the Buckeyes' 2024 national title.
In Patricia, the Buckeyes get a veteran defensive playcaller who worked as the New England Patriots' defensive coordinator for six seasons from 2012 to 2017. He began calling defensive plays without the official title in 2010, which was a device Bill Belichick used to break in new coordinators and keep pressure off them.
He was the defensive coordinator for two of New England's Super Bowl wins and was on staff as an offensive assistant for the Patriots' 2004 Super Bowl title.
Patricia spent three seasons as the head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2018 to 2020, getting fired with a 13-29-1 record in his third season there.
Walton's promotion comes after coming to Ohio State in 2022 from the NFL, where he coached for four teams from 2009 to 2021. That included a job as the Rams' defensive coordinator in 2013.
His new title is a nod to the strong secondary play at Ohio State under his watch, as the Buckeyes finished No. 3 in the country in passing yards allowed in 2024 and No. 1 in that category in 2023.
Guerrieri is a former co-defensive coordinator at Duke from 2018 to 2021 and was the co-defensive coordinator at Indiana in 2023.
They will all be charged with taking over an Ohio State defense that returns just three starters from a unit that finished No. 1 nationally in total defense and scoring defense. The eight departing starters, including the entire defensive line, project to get picked in the NFL draft this spring.
Ohio State does return high-end talent, including safety Caleb Downs, who projects as one of the top players in college football next year. Junior linebacker Sonny Styles will be another top prospect, and senior cornerback Davison Igbinosun earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Blazers' Ayton injures calf, out at least 4 weeks
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton will miss at least four weeks with a left calf strain, the team said Wednesday.
Ayton, who is averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 40 starts this season, had an MRI after suffering the injury during Monday's loss to the Denver Nuggets. He was replaced by Donovan Clingan, who scored a career-high 21 points in 21 minutes.
Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson will miss Wednesday's rematch against the Nuggets with an ankle sprain. He is averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 assists in 47 games this season.
Field Level Media contributed to this report.
Doncic's Lakers debut a ratings smash for ESPN
Luka Doncic's debut with the Los Angeles Lakers scored massive ratings for ESPN despite coming in a game that started at 10:30 p.m. ET and whose result was never in doubt.
The network's audience for Monday night's game, a 132-113 Lakers victory over the Utah Jazz, peaked at 2.55 million viewers. To put that into context, it was up 42 percent compared with last year's average NBA game on ESPN.
The game averaged 2.01 million viewers, according to Nielsen, and was the most-watched game of the day among the coveted demographics of males 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 years old.
That's despite Doncic playing only 24 minutes and scoring 14 points in a game Los Angeles led by 12 points after the first quarter and 25 points at halftime. The Lakers led by as many as 34 points, and Doncic sat out the fourth quarter.
The 25-year-old was acquired from Dallas in a shocking blockbuster trade earlier this month, and Monday night marked his first action since suffering a left calf strain on Christmas Day.
Doncic is listed as questionable but expected to play in Wednesday night's game at Utah, when the Lakers will attempt to extend their winning streak to seven in their final game before the All-Star-Break.
It will give James and Doncic another chance to build chemistry after some have questioned whether two players who are accustomed to being the No. 1 option can be successful together in the long term.
"They're two of the best thinkers, problem solvers that we've ever seen," Jazz coach Will Hardy said. "I don't see any world where those two playing together isn't a good thing. Like I said, their processing speed, mentally, is incredible. And so, I'm sure they'll figure it out."
The Lakers are next scheduled to play on national television on Feb. 22 against Denver, which will air on ABC. Doncic will then pay his first return visit to Dallas three days later
NBA Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stand heading into the All-Star break
Phew! The 2025 trade deadline is officially behind us, but there is still plenty of basketball to be played as we head into the NBA All-Star weekend.
After a wild few weeks of league-altering trades, players will head to the Bay Area to compete in a high-flying dunk contest, a 3-point shootout, an All-Star mini-tournament and more.
Expect to see some familiar faces such as LeBron James (21 All-Star appearances) and Stephen Curry (11 All-Star appearances) alongside first-time All-Stars and rising stars such as Cade Cunningham and Zach Edey.
With just two months left in the regular season, let's check out how all 30 teams stack up as we head into the All-Star break.
Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk and Chris Herring) think teams belong this season.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 | Jan. 8 | Jan. 15 | Jan. 22 | Jan. 29 | Feb. 5
Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS
2024-25 record: 43-9
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: vs. MIA (Feb. 12), @ MIN (Feb. 13), @ UTA (Feb. 21), @ MIN (Feb. 23), vs. MIN (Feb. 24)
Chet Holmgren's return from a fractured pelvis has allowed the Thunder to finally get a look at their dual-big lineup that pairs him with fellow 7-footer Isaiah Hartenstein. So far, so good. Oklahoma City is plus-25 in 31 minutes with that duo on the court. Holmgren has shown rust offensively in two games since returning, but he's making a massive impact on the defensive end (4.5 blocks per game). -- Tim MacMahon
2024-25 record: 43-10
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: @ TOR (Feb. 12), @ BKN (Feb. 20), vs. NYK (Feb. 21), vs. MEM (Feb. 23), @ ORL (Feb. 25)
De'Andre Hunter's Cavs debut following his trade from Atlanta was solid; he started in place of injured Max Strus and contributed 12 points in just 23 minutes because of foul trouble. More importantly, Hunter helped Cleveland beat Minnesota for the team's 25th home win this season -- the most home wins by any team ahead of the All-Star break -- meaning that if the Cavs hold on to the No. 1 seed, they'll have home-court advantage in the playoffs. -- Dave McMenamin
2024-25 record: 38-16
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: vs. SA (Feb. 12), @ PHI (Feb. 20), vs. NYK (Feb. 23), @ TOR (Feb. 25)
After Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla brushed off Jrue Holiday's right shoulder impingement as a minor injury before Saturday's win over the Knicks, Holiday missed a third straight game Monday against the Heat. Boston largely stood pat at the trade deadline because it believes its group is good enough to claim a second straight title; the biggest impediment to that will be health. -- Tim Bontemps
2024-25 record: 35-19
Previous ranking: 7
Next games: vs. POR (Feb. 12), vs. CHA (Feb. 20), vs. LAL (Feb. 22), @ IND (Feb. 24)
The Nuggets didn't make any moves at the deadline but have been rolling on a seven-game win streak despite Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson missing time because of injuries. By standing pat, Denver showed confidence that this roster can support Nikola Jokic enough to make a run in the postseason. Things are clicking for the Nuggets. Jokic and Westbrook's on-court chemistry continues to grow. Michael Porter Jr. scored 30 or more points in three straight games before sitting out Monday. Jamal Murray has been consistent, and Christian Braun scored in double figures in 15 consecutive games. -- Ohm Youngmisuk
2024-25 record: 36-17
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: @ LAC (Feb. 12), @ IND (Feb. 20), @ ORL (Feb. 21), @ CLE (Feb. 23), vs. PHX (Feb. 25)
It generated headlines, but the ejection of Ja Morant's father Saturday registers as a blip on the radar for a team that had won four consecutive games going into that loss to the Thunder. Struggles with offensive rebounding resulted in the Grizzlies finishing with 24 fewer shots than the Thunder, and coach Taylor Jenkins called the statistical discrepancy "a big problem." Morant has now played in three straight contests after returning to the lineup on Feb. 3. The Grizzlies need him rolling for their five-game road trip that started Tuesday with a win in Phoenix. -- Michael Wright
2024-25 record: 35-18
Previous ranking: 6
Next games: vs. ATL (Feb. 12), vs. CHI (Feb. 20), @ CLE (Feb. 21), @ BOS (Feb. 23)
The past couple weeks were somewhat of a mixed bag for New York, which won seven of its past 10 games entering Tuesday night but were routed Saturday by defending champion Boston in a contest that some had deemed a measuring stick. Jalen Brunson called the 27-point loss "unacceptable," saying it showed New York isn't where it wants to be yet. New York is still waiting for Mitchell Robinson to make his season debut, with coach Tom Thibodeau saying Monday that he and OG Anunoby (toe) are both "not quite ready." -- Chris Herring
2024-25 record: 32-19
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: @ UTA (Feb. 12), vs. CHA (Feb. 19), @ POR (Feb. 20), @ DEN (Feb. 22), vs. DAL (Feb. 25)
Luka Doncic's hard launch in Los Angeles was successful as the 6-foot-6 superstar guard showed instant chemistry with LeBron James and Lakers fans embraced the five-time All-NBA player as their star for the future. Doncic is on a minutes restriction in the 30-minute range, sources told ESPN, as he continues to get his wind back after missing nearly six weeks because of a left calf strain. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic will train throughout the All-Star break to come back even better for the final stretch of the schedule before the playoffs. -- McMenamin
2024-25 record: 33-20
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: vs. PHX (Feb. 12), vs. GS (Feb. 13), vs. MIN (Feb. 21), @ UTA (Feb. 22), vs. MIL (Feb. 25)
Houston coach Ime Udoka expressed frustration last season about the team's inconsistency. This season, the Rockets seemed to have fixed that issue, losing consecutive games just twice before the most recent six-game skid. Houston started its current four-game homestand by snapping a six-game losing streak, holding Toronto to 87 points. The performance marked the 10th time this season the Rockets have held an opponent to fewer than 100 points. But injuries are mounting with Fred VanVleet out and Alperen Sengun becoming the latest casualty, playing just three minutes Sunday before leaving the game because of back spasms. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 30-24
Previous ranking: 12
Next games: vs. MIL (Feb. 12), vs. OKC (Feb. 13), @ HOU (Feb. 21), vs. OKC (Feb. 23), @ OKC (Feb. 24)
Anthony Edwards has kept up his torrid scoring pace with three straight 40-point games, becoming the first NBA player to do so this season. Despite Edwards' 44 points against Cleveland on Monday, the Wolves dropped their 24th game of the season heading into the break. They have a tough stretch of opponents ahead of them, playing back-to-back games at home against the Bucks on Wednesday and the Thunder on Thursday. -- Jamal Collier
10. Indiana Pacers
2024-25 record: 29-23
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: @ WAS (Feb. 12), vs. MEM (Feb. 20), vs. LAC (Feb. 23), vs. DEN (Feb. 24)
One year ago, Pascal Siakam was the Pacers' big trade deadline acquisition, and he is once again an All-Star in his first full season with the team, thanks to shooting a career-high 41.1% from 3 while averaging 20.7 points and 7.4 rebounds. He has been one of the biggest reasons the Pacers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since January and are currently the No. 4 seed in the East. -- Collier
11. LA Clippers
2024-25 record: 29-23
Previous ranking: 9
Next games: vs. MEM (Feb. 12), @ UTA (Feb. 13), @ MIL (Feb. 20), @ IND (Feb. 23), @ DET (Feb. 24)
The Clippers were busy at the trade deadline trying to acquire more offensive playmakers for their postseason push. Bogdan Bogdanovic brings some much-needed outside shooting to help Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Norman Powell. Plus, the buyout signing of Ben Simmons gives the Clippers a versatile ball handler who can run the second unit while also providing size and length on defense and the glass. The Clippers also added veteran experience to their bench with the additions of Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills. -- Youngmisuk
12. Milwaukee Bucks
2024-25 record: 28-24
Previous ranking: 11
Next games: @ MIN (Feb. 12), vs. LAC (Feb. 20), @ WAS (Feb. 21), vs. MIA (Feb. 23), @ HOU (Feb. 25)
The Bucks have played the past five games (2-3) without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo and will travel to Minnesota on Wednesday for their final game before the All-Star break. Antetokounmpo's calf strain will keep him out through All-Star Weekend, but the team will be represented by Damian Lillard, who made his ninth All-Star Game and will be going for his third straight victory in the 3-point contest. Second-year guard Andre Jackson Jr. will participate in the slam dunk contest. -- Collier
13. Dallas Mavericks
2024-25 record: 28-26
Previous ranking: 13
Next games: vs. GS (Feb. 12), vs. MIA (Feb. 13), vs. NO (Feb. 21), @ GS (Feb. 23), @ LAL (Feb. 25)
Max Christie has been a sliver of sunshine in the storm the Mavericks are weathering after the shocking Luka Doncic deal. Christie, the other player the Mavs acquired along with Anthony Davis in the trade with the Lakers, is off to a terrific start with his new team. The 6-foot-6 swingman is averaging 17.0 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 51.2% from the floor and 57.9% from 3-point range. Christie, 22, has provided hope that he can emerge as a premier 3-and-D role player. -- MacMahon
14. Detroit Pistons
2024-25 record: 28-26
Previous ranking: 16
Next games: @ CHI (Feb. 12), @ SA (Feb. 21), @ ATL (Feb. 23), vs. LAC (Feb. 24)
Detroit heads into the All-Star break with back-to-back games in Chicago against the Bulls as it tries to hold the No. 6 slot in the East standings. First-time All-Star Cade Cunningham will get the full experience during the weekend, competing in the 3-point contest Saturday and the All-Star tournament Sunday. Cunningham is the first Pistons player since Blake Griffin in 2019 to be named an All-Star. -- Collier
2024-25 record: 27-26
Previous ranking: 18
Next games: @ DAL (Feb. 12), @ HOU (Feb. 13), @ SAC (Feb. 21), vs. DAL (Feb. 23), vs. CHA (Feb. 25)
The Warriors are 2-0 with newly acquired Jimmy Butler, and the vibes have been the best they've been all season since their 12-3 start. Butler and Draymond Green have become dominoes buddies off the court while building communication on the court. Butler also worked on pick-and-rolls with Stephen Curry at shootaround in Milwaukee. The Warriors believe Butler's strengths complement Curry and the Warriors perfectly. Butler's ability to create shots, close games, get to the line, set up teammates and defend are all things Golden State desperately needs. Curry also has been on fire, scoring 30 or more in four straight games and shooting 50% or better in their past two wins. With 29 games left in the regular season, the Warriors will take a run at sixth in the West standings. -- Youngmisuk
16. Sacramento Kings
2024-25 record: 27-26
Previous ranking: 19
Next games: @ NO (Feb. 12), @ NO (Feb. 13), vs. GS (Feb. 21), vs. CHA (Feb. 24)
The winds of change have now reunited the Bulls' previous backcourt of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan in Sacramento. DeRozan joined in the offseason via sign-and-trade and LaVine followed last week in a three-team deal that included De'Aaron Fox going to San Antonio and the Kings recouping three first-round picks and three second-round picks. DeRozan had a vintage performance in Monday's overtime win in Dallas, hitting the tying shot in the fourth quarter and the winning bucket. It was DeRozan's 11th made go-ahead shot in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime period in the past 15 seasons, second most in the NBA in that span behind Stephen Curry's 12. -- McMenamin
17. Phoenix Suns
2024-25 record: 26-27
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: @ HOU (Feb. 12), @ SA (Feb. 20), @ CHI (Feb. 22), @ TOR (Feb. 23), @ MEM (Feb. 25)
It was a miserable trade deadline for the Suns, who not only failed to land Jimmy Butler in a deal with the Heat after repeated attempts but also discussed moving on from their star veteran, Kevin Durant, in the process. While Durant balked at a return to Golden State, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, he is now seen around the league as the next major domino to move teams in the offseason. Not to mention, Phoenix has the most expensive payroll in NBA history ($220.7 million) and just a .500 record to show for it. -- McMenamin
18. Miami Heat
2024-25 record: 25-26
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: @ OKC (Feb. 12), @ DAL (Feb. 13), @ TOR (Feb. 21), @ MIL (Feb. 23), @ ATL (Feb. 24)
Miami didn't waste any time getting Andrew Wiggins, wearing Jimmy Butler's old number, into its rotation, playing him for 30 minutes in Butler's vacated spot as the starting small forward in Monday's loss to Boston. The Heat hope Wiggins' durability, defense and shooting will help them remain in the top six in the East. -- Bontemps
19. Orlando Magic
2024-25 record: 26-29
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. CHA (Feb. 12), @ ATL (Feb. 20), vs. MEM (Feb. 21), vs. WAS (Feb. 23), vs. CLE (Feb. 25)
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner on Monday enjoyed their best game since each player returned from injury last month, scoring 31 and 37 points, respectively, against Atlanta. The only problem is that the Magic -- winners in just three of those 10 games since Banchero and Wagner have been back together -- haven't reached the high level with which they began the season. After the All-Star break, Orlando will try to ride the league's fifth-easiest remaining schedule to get back into the East's top six to avoid the play-in round. -- Herring
20. Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 record: 26-28
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: @ NYK (Feb. 12), vs. ORL (Feb. 20), vs. DET (Feb. 23), vs. MIA (Feb. 24)
It wasn't the prettiest offensive performance -- particularly for All-Star Trae Young, who finished 1-for-8 from 3 and had nine turnovers -- but Atlanta's defense carried the team past the Magic on the road for its third straight win. Over the past three months, the Hawks' defense has vastly improved, going from 21st to 11th in the league since Dec. 2. -- Herring
2024-25 record: 23-28
Previous ranking: 17
Next games: @ BOS (Feb. 12), vs. PHX (Feb. 20), vs. DET (Feb. 21), @ NO (Feb. 23), @ NO (Feb. 25)
The Spurs have gone 2-3 so far during their annual rodeo road trip, which continues with Wednesday's visit to Boston before two games as the home team in Austin followed by four more on the road. While San Antonio received plenty of kudos for acquiring De'Aaron Fox ahead of the trade deadline, its frontcourt depth remains a critical issue. Backup center Zach Collins went to Chicago as part of the three-team trade that brought Fox to San Antonio, and Charles Bassey remains out because of a sprained MCL. The Spurs brought aboard a short-term solution in Bismack Biyombo, who signed a 10-day contract. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 23-31
Previous ranking: 23
Next games: @ DEN (Feb. 12), vs. LAL (Feb. 20), vs. CHA (Feb. 22), @ UTA (Feb. 24)
Second-year guard Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft, had a rocky rookie season but has recently shown promise. Before being ruled out because of a right ankle sprain, Henderson averaged 15.3 points and 5.8 assists over the past month, shooting 49.4% from the floor and 45.1% from 3-point range. If Portland continues on it's trail of rebuilding, Henderson could be a key building block moving forward. -- MacMahon
2024-25 record: 20-33
Previous ranking: 22
Next games: @ BKN (Feb. 12), vs. BOS (Feb. 20), vs. BKN (Feb. 22), vs. CHI (Feb. 24)
It appeared Philadelphia was briefly moving in the right direction, but then came back-to-back desultory losses over the weekend to Detroit and Milwaukee with the 76ers' big three of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey all playing. Team owner Josh Harris said he still believes this team can make a playoff run, but a spot in the lottery looks far more likely, especially after Embiid acknowledged he might need another surgery on his left knee. -- Bontemps
24. Chicago Bulls
2024-25 record: 22-32
Previous ranking: 24
Next games: vs. DET (Feb. 12), @ NYK (Feb. 20), vs. PHX (Feb. 22), @ PHI (Feb. 24)
Rookie Matas Buzelis has helped fill the void left by All-Star Zach LaVine since he was traded to Sacramento before last week's deadline. Buzelis, the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft, has made the first two starts of his career and seen his playing time increase to 29 minutes per game while averaging 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 67% shooting. Buzelis will also be a part of All-Star Weekend when he competes in the slam dunk contest Saturday. -- Collier
25. Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 record: 19-34
Previous ranking: 26
Next games: vs. PHI (Feb. 12), vs. CLE (Feb. 20), @ PHI (Feb. 22), @ WAS (Feb. 24)
In the midst of what most figured to be an intentionally lost season in hopes of landing a top draft pick, Brooklyn has won five of its past six contests, including a pair over the Rockets. In all, the Nets have won 11 games against teams .500 or better, the same number of victories the third-place Knicks had going into Tuesday. -- Herring
26. Toronto Raptors
2024-25 record: 17-37
Previous ranking: 25
Next games: vs. CLE (Feb. 12), vs. MIA (Feb. 21), vs. PHX (Feb. 23), vs. BOS (Feb. 25)
Toronto made one of the more intriguing moves of trade deadline week by acquiring Brandon Ingram from the Pelicans. By signing him to a three-year, $120 million extension, the Raptors are betting on him as a long-term partner for rising star Scottie Barnes in Toronto's frontcourt. Even though the Raptors are fighting for lottery positioning rather than playoff seeding, there is a lot to be learned from seeing Ingram, Barnes and Immanuel Quickley play together. -- Bontemps
2024-25 record: 13-38
Previous ranking: 27
Next games: @ ORL (Feb. 12)
The All-Star break couldn't come at a better time for LaMelo Ball, who left Monday's loss in Brooklyn after 10 minutes because of right ankle soreness. Before that, he'd missed six of the Hornets' preceding seven games because of an ailing left ankle. Charlotte dropped all six of those games in which Ball sat out. -- Herring
28. Utah Jazz
2024-25 record: 12-40
Previous ranking: 29
Next games: vs. LAL (Feb. 12), vs. LAC (Feb. 13), vs. OKC (Feb. 21), vs. HOU (Feb. 22), vs. POR (Feb. 24)
There was a lot of smoke surrounding John Collins leading up to the trade deadline -- particularly about a potential trade to the Kings that sources told ESPN was never truly close -- but he's still in Utah. He continues to play extremely well despite being in and out of the lineup because of *ahem* strategic rest. Collins has played in six of the past 10 games, averaging 18.2 points on .500/.429/.880 shooting splits during that span. He's the only Utah player with a positive plus-minus over those 10 games. -- MacMahon
2024-25 record: 12-41
Previous ranking: 28
Next games: vs. SAC (Feb. 12), vs. SAC (Feb. 13), @ DAL (Feb. 21), vs. SA (Feb. 23), vs. SA (Feb. 25)
New Orleans appears to be on the way to its second double-digit losing streak of the season after suffering its ninth straight defeat Monday at Oklahoma City. The Pelicans dealt All-Star forward Brandon Ingram in their most significant trade deadline move. However, among a rash of injuries, Trey Murphy III has emerged as a potential core player in New Orleans' post-Ingram era. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 9-44
Previous ranking: 30
Next games: vs. IND (Feb. 12), vs. MIL (Feb. 21), @ ORL (Feb. 23), vs. BKN (Feb. 24)
The Wizards were busy at the trade deadline accumulating more draft assets and veterans to help guide the young core. In addition to adding Marcus Smart and Khris Middleton to mentor younger players such as Bilal Coulibaly, Washington added two first-round picks -- a 2025 protected first-rounder from Memphis in the Smart deal and a 2026 first-round pick from Philadelphia (the least favorable from the Rockets, Clippers or Thunder), along with a 2028 first-round pick swap with Milwaukee for the Kyle Kuzma deal. -- Youngmisuk
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