Tonight the Houston Rockets (15-6) host the Los Angeles Clippers (6-18) at Toyota Center in Houston. Houston comes in as one of the top teams in the West with a strong record and elite offensive numbers, while the Clippers have struggled this season and sit near the bottom of the standings. Key Storylines Before Tip-Off • Rockets have a short injury report, with Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Tari Eason (oblique), and Fred VanVleet (out for season) listed as unavailable. Still, the core of Houston’s lineup is healthy and ready to roll. • Houston’s offense is elite: they average 120.9 PPG (4th in the NBA), boast a +223 scoring differential, and lead the league in rebounds per game (48.8). Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun anchor the attack, with Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard contributing major production. • The Clippers are in rebuilding mode, with a 6-18 record and injuries impacting their rotations. This sets up a big opportunity for the Rockets to come out hot and control the pace early. First-Half Things to Watch: 🔹 Kevin Durant & Alperen Sengun — A big first-half performance from these guys could put Houston in control early. 🔹 Bench scoring — The Rockets’ depth is a huge asset and can swing the first half if the Clippers struggle to keep up. 🔹 Rebounding advantage — Houston’s league-leading boards could fuel extra possessions and easy buckets. 👇 Drop your first-half score prediction and who you think will be the early game MVP!

Tonight’s action features the Portland Trail Blazers (9-15) taking on the New Orleans Pelicans (3-22) at Smoothie King Center with tip-off at 8:00 PM EST. Portland is wrapping up a tough five-game road trip and looking to snap its skid, while New Orleans continues to struggle but has young talent that can pop off. Key Storylines: • Portland’s injuries are huge — key players like Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, and Blake Wesley are out, and Robert Williams III & Donovan Clingan are questionable. Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant have been the leaders throughout the season. • The Pelicans are one of the league’s worst records, but Trey Murphy III and Derik Queen have been scoring leaders and could make an impact in the first half. • Portland is averaging ~117.4 PPG but giving up ~120.6 PPG this season, while New Orleans scores about 113.0 PPG and allows ~123.7 PPG — which can lead to a wild first half if defensive rotations lag. First-Half Stats to Know Tonight • Blazers 1H PPG: ~57.5 • Pelicans 1H PPG: ~55.9 • Portland generally rebounds better (45.8 RPG) and shoots more threes per game (13.8) than New Orleans (11.0).

Tonight’s matchup features the Milwaukee Bucks (10-15) hosting the Boston Celtics (15-9) at Fiserv Forum, tipping off at 8:00 p.m. ET. Boston enters on a five-game win streak and looking to continue its strong form, while the Bucks are trying to climb back after a tough stretch. Key Storylines: • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status is a big question mark — he’s on the injury report and his availability will impact the Bucks’ offense tonight. • Milwaukee’s recent struggles have seen them fall below .500, and injuries to key players have disrupted their rhythm. • Boston’s efficiency on both ends and continued momentum give them the edge — they rank high in defense and ball security.

College Football - Big news: Sherrone Moore — head coach of Michigan Wolverines — has been fired following a university investigation that found “credible evidence” of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. - In other postseason movements: Peter Woods — a standout defensive‑tackle for Clemson Tigers — declared for the 2026 NFL Draft today. He’s considered one of the top defensive‑tackle prospects. - As we inch closer to bowl season: several schools and players are receiving end‑of‑season honors. Notably, at Texas A&M Aggies, both Cashius Howell (Defensive Player of the Year) and Trey Zuhn III (top offensive lineman) earned major SEC awards. College Basketball - The season keeps chugging along: N.C. State Wolfpack crushed Liberty Flames and Lady Flames 85–45 tonight; Ven‑Allen Lubin and Matt Able led with 13 points each. Wolfpack are now 7–3. - Elsewhere, NJIT Highlanders snapped a six‑game losing streak with a 70–64 win over New Haven Chargers — with Ari Fulton grabbing 13 points and 10 rebounds. - And in a tight game, UMass Minutemen edged Boston College Eagles 76–74 in the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic — Marcus Banks Jr. dropped 29 to lead the Minutemen. - On a conference‑level note: the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) looks stronger than ever this season, with several teams positioning themselves as likely NCAA Tournament contenders once conference play begins. Bottom line: College hoops is heating up — lots of games, upsets, and emerging storylines. Recent Key College Basketball Results - NC State Wolfpack crushed Liberty Flames — 85‑45. Wolfpack rolled after a 25‑5 surge; Liberty could only manage 45 points. - Baylor Bears dominated Norfolk State Spartans — 97‑67. Balanced scoring for Baylor, with six players in double‑figures; Carr had 19 pts, Agbim 18. - UAlbany Great Danes fell to Yale Bulldogs — 93‑82 — in the Hall of Fame Classic. UAlbany shot well early but was undone by foul trouble and poor free‑throw shooting. - Boston College Eagles lost a close one to UMass Minutemen — 76‑74. BC had a second‑half rally but UMass hit two late free throws to seal the game. - UConn Huskies edged out Florida Gators — 77‑73 — in a tight matchup at the Jimmy V Classic. Solo Ball led with 19 pts; UConn overcame foul trouble and a gritty Florida squad.

🏀 NBA Regular Season Games Tonight • Clippers vs. Rockets • Celtics vs. Bucks • Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans • Nuggets vs. Kings Expect some great matchups as teams fight for position in the mid-season stretch. 🏒 NHL Action All Evening • Multiple games including – Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils – Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals – Anaheim Ducks vs. Islanders – St. Louis Blues vs. Predators, and more — tons of hockey on deck. 🎯 PDC World Darts Championship Kicks Off The World Darts Championship starts today at Alexandra Palace with big names in the field — including defending champ Luke Littler — beginning their campaigns.