Latest Basketball News

📅January 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
NBA action heats up on Jan 22, 2026, with Lakers-Clippers live, first basket bets favoring Edwards and Doncic, bold trade predictions, and standout rookie and improved player performances.
1

Lakers vs Clippers NBA Game Live Today

The Los Angeles Lakers face the Los Angeles Clippers in a key NBA regular season matchup on January 22, 2026, streamed live for fans. This high-stakes rivalry game features top talents like Luka Doncic now with Lakers and other stars, drawing massive attention amid the 2026 season.Source 3

2

Top First Basket Predictions for Tonight's Games

Anthony Edwards (15.4%) and Luka Doncic (15.1%) lead NBA first basket projections for January 22, 2026 games, with Norman Powell and Jamal Murray close behind. Value plays include Naji Marshall at +1200 odds, based on Dimers' model analyzing probabilities and edges.Source 1

3

76ers Poised for Splashy Trade Deadline Move

Philadelphia leverages Tyrese Maxey's emergence and VJ Edgecombe's rookie impact to rest Joel Embiid while plotting trades involving Kelly Oubre or Quentin Grimes. The Sixers aim to improve before the deadline without shedding salary.Source 2

4

Trail Blazers Eye Tank for Top Pick, Trade Jerami Grant

Portland, anchored by Deni Avdija's breakout, plans to trade Jerami Grant to acquire a top 5-10 draft pick, prioritizing long-term rebuilding over short-term contention.Source 2

5

Sacramento Kings Set to Blow Up Roster

The Kings, struggling after trading Haliburton and Fox for Dennis Schröder plus DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, prepare a full rebuild ahead of the trade deadline.Source 2

6

Wizards Conservative with Trae Young's Return

Washington will cautiously manage Trae Young's injury timeline to protect their draft pick (owed to Knicks outside top 8) and boost rookie Tre Johnson's minutes post-trade.Source 2

7

Jay Huff Tops NBA's Most Improved Players List

Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff leads 2026's most improved, with other standouts like Ryan Rollins (Bucks), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), and Dillon Brooks (Suns) showing massive leaps in scoring and defense.Source 4

8

Deni Avdija Emerges as Trail Blazers Frontman

Portland's Deni Avdija ranks high among most improved, scoring efficiently and assisting at elite levels, positioning him as a franchise cornerstone amid Damian Lillard's absence.Source 4

9

ESPN Midseason Rookie Rankings: Demin Leads

At NBA midseason 2025-26, top rookies include Demin at No. 1, with Tre Johnson benefiting from more minutes after Wizards' Trae Young trade, and Derik Queen flashing superstar potential.Source 5

10

Rookie Ladder: Charlotte's Star Takes No. 1

As of January 21, 2026, a Charlotte rookie surges to No. 1 on the ladder for scoring, rebounding, and playmaking impact, overtaking Cooper Flagg (Dallas, now No. 2).Source 6

11

Cooper Flagg Slips but Remains Elite Rookie

Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg holds strong at No. 2 despite an ankle sprain, showcasing scoring (188 points) and all-around skills driving team offense.Source 6

12

VJ Edgecombe Accelerates 76ers' Timeline

Philadelphia's VJ Edgecombe exceeds rookie expectations with fluid shooting and playmaking, enabling Joel Embiid's rest and reshaping the franchise's present outlook.Source 7