Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-OLYMPICS

DESCRIPTION: Ukraine’s historic Chernihiv biathlon and cross-country training center, which produced the country’s first Olympic medalist, remains in ruins after Russia’s 2022 invasion. Despite bombed-out buildings and constant air-raid threats, children and Olympic hopefuls continue to train on its damaged ski tracks. Athletes like Khrystyna Dmytrenko return sometimes, seeing sport as resilience amid war. Coaches work under dangerous conditions as explosions echo nearby. Local leaders hope to rebuild the facility after the conflict, emphasizing its importance for developing future Olympians.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 5:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Video, Text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-SECOND ACTS

DESCRIPTION: John Harbaugh is heading to Broadway aiming to make his second act even better than his first. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-SMITH-NJIGBA

DESCRIPTION: RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba set the Seahawks’ franchise records for receiving yards and receptions in the 2025 season, and took the NFL by storm in the process. But Smith-Njigba is more than just a talented wide receiver. He has a background in baseball, a love of chess and a cool, calm demeanor that has endeared him to his teammates. Now, the Seahawks hope Smith-Njigba’s magical season will continue into the playoffs, starting with Saturday evening’s NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. By Andrew Destin. 750 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--TEXANS-PASS RUSH

DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — Asked how he’d describe Houston’s pass rush to someone who hadn’t seen the Texans play before, coach DeMeco Ryans took a few seconds before landing on his answer. “It’s like four Tasmanian devils just wrecking everything that’s in front of them,” he said. After a stellar performance in a win over the Steelers in the Wild Card round, the Texans are looking for this fearsome foursome to lead them again when they visit the Patriots Sunday where a win will put them in the AFC Championship for the first time in franchise history. By Kristie Rieken. 950 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--TRANSFER PORTAL-NEW COACHES

DESCRIPTION: New coaches who navigate the transfer portal best tend to improve their chances of advancing to the playoff in short order. LSU’s Lane Kiffin had the top portal class for 2026. By Mark Long.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 12:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--TRANSFER PORTAL WINNERS

DESCRIPTION: Breaking down the 10 schools that have put together the top transfers classes now that the portal window is getting set to close. By Steve Megargee. 1,000 words, with photos

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 3:41 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBC--CFP-CHAMPIONSHIP-HOOSIERS RISE

DESCRIPTION: Two years ago, coach Curt Cignetti accepted a job that seemed destined for failure. The Indiana Hoosiers had more losses than any team in major college football, was had won only three conference games in the previous three seasons and that hadn’t won a bowl game in more than three decades. In just two seasons, Cignetti has done what once seemed impossible -- put the Hoosiers on precipice of their first national championship. By Michael Marot. 900 words, with photos by 4 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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OLY--FIG-SKATING INNOVATION

DESCRIPTION: Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” landed the elusive quad axel jump a few years ago, sparking questions about the future of figure skating. The sport’s six main jumps have remained unchanged since the early 1900s, with only the number of revolutions increasing. Malinin’s achievement may have reached the limits of human performance, as experts believe a five-revolution jump is impossible. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 7:00 a.m. EST, Text

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SKI--WCUP-MEN’S SUPER-G

DESCRIPTION: WENGEN, Switzerland — Marco Odermatt aims for a win on home snow in a World Cup super-G to open the weekend of racing in Wengen. UPCOMING.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 8:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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CAR--DAKAR RALLY

DESCRIPTION: Stage 12 of the Dakar Rally on Friday is a 311-kilometer mainly gravel special between Al Henakiyah west to Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 8:18 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-PLANE CRASH-MEMORIAL

DESCRIPTION: A public remembrance service is planned Friday morning in Charlotte for NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his family and others killed in a Dec. 18 plane crash in North Carolina. By Steve Reed. 650 words, photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 11:00 a.m. EST, LiveVideo, DigitalPlans, Text, Photo, Video

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HKN--SURGING SABRES

DESCRIPTION: Perhaps, it’s time to start taking the Buffalo Sabres seriously. For a team dismissed as afterthoughts to open the season, and questioned further after changing general managers in December, Buffalo is suddenly on a convincing run in having won 15 of 17 in a run that has the Sabres poised to snap their NHL-record 15 year playoff drought. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 4:30 p.m. EST, Text

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FIG--EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

DESCRIPTION: The European figure skating championships are a key final test before the Olympics. The championships continue with the women’s free skate and the start of the ice dance competition.

UPCOMING: By 01/16/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--SPURS-WEMBANYAMA

Wembanyama shaves head, shines brightly in leading Spurs past Antetokounmpo, Bucks

SUMMARY: San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama needed a fresh start after two frustrating losses so he decided to let it all go — his hair, that is. Sporting a freshly shaved head courtesy of a teammate, Wembanyama overcame an injury scare to score 22 points and grab 10 rebounds Thursday night as San Antonio routed Milwaukee 119-101 to snap a two-game skid. Wembanyama exited early in the first quarter after banging knees with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but returned. San Antonio forward Keldon Johnson deserves some credit for the change in fortunes as well as Wembanyama’s new style. The idea for new look began last week when Johnson announced he was planning to shave his head and tried to convince his teammates to join him.

WORDS: 818 - MOVED: 01/16/2026 1:21 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d6004ce274a4cde3916bf5bc84c20006&mediaType=text

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GLF--SONY OPEN

Defending champion Nick Taylor tied for Sony Open lead

SUMMARY: Defending champion Nick Taylor has a share of the lead at the Sony Open. Taylor won last year in a playoff at Waialae. The Canadian took advantage of only breezy conditions early. And he was helped by his play on the par 3s. Roy had a fast start with seven of his birdies on the first 11 holes. Ben Griffin and Chris Gotterup were among those one shot behind. This is first event of the PGA Tour season and the latest start because The Sentry on Maui was canceled because of water issues at the Kapalua course.

WORDS: 591 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 11:36 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59b97d87d130449f59f1e0442af2b038&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-TUCKER

Kyle Tucker agrees to a $240 million, 4-year contract with the World Series champion Dodgers

SUMMARY: Kyle Tucker has agreed to a $240 million, four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, bolstering their chance for a third consecutive World Series championship. A person familiar with the deal confirmed the move to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical. When healthy, Tucker is among the best all-around players in the majors. But he has played in just 214 regular-season games over the past two years. He batted .266 with 22 homers and 73 RBIs for the Chicago Cubs last season. He was acquired in a blockbuster trade with Houston in December 2024 that moved slugging prospect Cam Smith to the Astros.

WORDS: 639 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 11:20 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ae04131b75f5fc8a212b277d430cd56&mediaType=text

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BKW--T25-TEXAS-SOUTH CAROLINA

No. 2 South Carolina women beat No. 4 Texas 68-65 to avenge only loss

SUMMARY: Joyce Edwards had 14 points and eight rebounds, Tessa Johnson added 13 points and No. 2 South Carolina avenged its only loss this season by beating No. 4 Texas 68-65 for its 11th straight win. Ta’Niya Latson scored 12 points and Raven Johnson came up with some big shots down the stretch, scoring six of her 10 points in the pivotal fourth quarter for the Gamecocks. Madison Booker had 24 points and Rori Harmon added 16 to lead Texas, which finished 1 for 9 from 3-point range. Texas handed South Carolina its only loss on Nov. 27 in the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas when Harmon made a 10-foot floater with a second left.

WORDS: 356 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 9:50 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2774e010d5e24c0d1b20f92f30ff3142&mediaType=text

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US-MUHAMMAD ALI STAMP

Postal Service unveils new Muhammad Ali stamp in champ’s hometown

SUMMARY: Postal officials have unveiled a commemorative stamp of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in Louisville, Kentucky. The stamp features a 1974 Associated Press photograph of Ali in his prime as a fighter. The Postal Service has printed 22 million of these stamps, which went on sale Thursday. Bob Costas hosted the unveiling event, honoring Ali in his hometown. His widow, Lonnie Ali, spoke about the stamp’s significance. Ali, known for his brash poetry and philanthropy, died in 2016. The stamp sheet also features a photo of Ali in a pinstripe suit, recognizing his work as an activist and humanitarian.

WORDS: 336 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 8:27 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd19eabb59b93e49b46274ff42e86948&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-GAMBLING INDICTMENT-EXPLAINER

Key facts in the latest NCAA basketball betting investigation

SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors have revealed a sprawling scheme to rig college basketball games while yielding big payouts to gamblers. An indictment unsealed Thursday alleges fixers started with two professional games in China before turning their focus to recruiting college players in America. The indictment cites roughly 30 college games impacted by that effort during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Prosecutors say the scheme eventually involved more than 39 players on 17 Division I men’s basketball teams. It comes as the NCAA has spent the past year pursuing its own probes for sports-gambling violations.

WORDS: 1053 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 6:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a9ad6ef12b90bf467eebe70c2b524576&mediaType=text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-DARNOLD

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold injures oblique in practice but is confident he’ll play vs. 49ers

SUMMARY: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has a left oblique injury. Darnold got hurt during Thursday’s practice and was listed as questionable for Saturday’s NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, but he said he’s confident he’ll play. Darnold said he felt something in his oblique while throwing passes to receivers with no defenders. The eighth-year quarterback said this is the first time he has dealt with an oblique issue and that he’ll be getting treatment leading up to the game. When asked about his chances of sitting out, Darnold said, “Very low percentage. Probably closer to zero.”

WORDS: 271 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 5:53 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:61de574566233bf397208192c446c7f5&mediaType=text

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US--TRUMP-VISAS

US names major sporting events other than World Cup, Olympics exempt from Trump visa ban

SUMMARY: The Trump administration has identified a host of athletic competitions it classifies as “major sporting events” — aside from soccer’s 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games — that athletes and coaches will be allowed to travel to the U.S. to take part in despite a broad visa ban. In a cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates Wednesday, the department said athletes, coaches and support staff for the World Cup, the Olympics and events endorsed or run by collegiate and professional sporting leagues would not be subject to the full and partial travel bans that apply to 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority.

WORDS: 546 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 5:51 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:869bace5a2eb40b7f1aac1e6b8667474&mediaType=text

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BBO--JASON KIDD-YOUTH BASEBALL

Jason Kidd leans into youth baseball the same way the Mavs coach did with girls basketball

SUMMARY: Jason Kidd had to choose basketball over baseball 30-plus years ago when it became clear the whiz kid of a point guard would be one of the top picks in the NBA draft. The Hall of Fame player turned coach is now in a position to indulge one of his childhood passions, and Kidd is choosing a path similar to one he took with girls youth basketball. The Dallas Mavericks has announced the launch of JK Select Baseball. It’s an ambitious vision with a long-term goal of more than 1,000 teams nationwide but a more immediate plan to build around a regional approach in the Dallas area.

WORDS: 810 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 5:51 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:afa119e7e8d049d220db8c66a8ddaac1&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-BREGMAN

Alex Bregman looking to win a World Series with the Chicago Cubs

SUMMARY: Alex Bregman was clear and concise. His biggest priorities are his family and winning baseball games. Bregman’s family watched from the front row as he detailed his reasons for signing with the Chicago Cubs in free agency. He displayed his other priority on the back of his new pinstriped jersey. He says he decided to wear No. 3 because he wants a third championship. He won two World Series titles with the Astros early in his career. That obsession with winning — and all the ways it affects the players around him — was a major reason why the Cubs went out of their comfort zone to reel in the All-Star third baseman with a $175 million, five-year contract.

WORDS: 870 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 5:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bcc1ccab78e0bbccf67b5d4d3cb218e0&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-INJURIES

49ers star Fred Warner ruled out for playoff game against Seattle, could return if team advances

SUMMARY: San Francisco’s star linebacker Fred Warner is out for the 49ers’ playoff game against Seattle. Warner returned to practice this week after a serious ankle injury in October. Coach Kyle Shanahan initially called it a season-ending injury, but hopes Warner could return if the team advances. The 49ers are also hoping to get receiver Ricky Pearsall back this week. Pearsall practiced on a limited basis and is listed as questionable. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown is out against Seattle, while linebackers Dee Winters and Luke Gifford are questionable.

WORDS: 350 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 5:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f69ee525bee45fe7d4d8f9356c7954b&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-GAMBLING-INDICTMENT-WHAT TO KNOW

A scheme to rig college basketball games has been uncovered. Here’s what we know

SUMMARY: A federal investigation into a sprawling betting scheme to fix basketball games stretched from the Chinese Basketball Association to the NCAA and ensnared 26 people, including college basketball players. The charges, in documents unsealed Thursday in federal court in Philadelphia, include bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy. A group of fixers, including gamblers, allegedly recruited players with the promise of a big payment in exchange for purposefully underperforming during a game. Prosecutors say those fixers would then bet against the players’ teams in those games, defrauding sportsbooks and other bettors.

WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 4:59 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:49963615bfd622c2b42bd7038f7c0a3c&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-PURDY

49ers’ Brock Purdy gets another chance at Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks D that shut him down in Week 18

SUMMARY: Two of Brock Purdy’s worst performances in an otherwise stellar career came when he matched up against a Mike Macdonald-coached defense. Now thanks to one of his more memorable moments when he led the short-handed San Francisco 49ers to a fourth-quarter comeback in a wild-card win at Philadelphia, Purdy gets another chance against Macdonald’s defense. The 49ers will take on Seattle on Saturday night in a divisional round matchup two weeks after the Seahawks clinched the division title by shutting down Purdy and the San Francisco offense in a 13-3 win.

WORDS: 815 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 4:45 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:87672da3828a90525c776dfa38b85183&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-GAMBLING-INDICTMENT

NCAA basketball players and gamblers are charged for allegedly rigging games

SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors are investigating a major betting scheme involving NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association games. The investigation has implicated 26 people, including over a dozen college basketball players who allegedly tried to fix games. Prosecutors say gamblers recruited players with promises of big payments for underperforming. The fixers then bet against the players’ teams, defrauding sportsbooks and other bettors. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf calls it an “international criminal conspiracy.” The indictment, filed in Philadelphia, includes bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy charges. The scheme involved more than 39 players from over 17 NCAA Division I teams, affecting more than 29 games.

WORDS: 787 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 4:40 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4a558591ffedcd9bbf8450e602ebc99a&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-MAHOMES

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: ‘I want to be ready for Week 1’ after ACL surgery

SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes plans to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Mahomes had surgery in December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. He said Thursday his rehab is “hitting all the checkpoints” to get him back for summer workouts and possibly training camp. Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL on Dec. 14, ending his season. The recovery time is about nine months. Mahomes is doing most of his rehab in Kansas City with the Chiefs’ top physical therapist. He also travels to Dallas for checks with his surgeon.

WORDS: 708 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 4:21 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ee035951ec396a05f64a295641ed3fc&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-EUROPE

Adam Silver: NBA, FIBA pushing forward with plans for new league in Europe. But things take time

SUMMARY: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reaffirmed plans to launch a new league in Europe in partnership with FIBA. Speaking before the Memphis-Orlando game in Berlin, Silver emphasized the growing popularity of basketball in Germany, which holds the World Cup and EuroBasket titles. The league aims to start by October 2027 with a potential 16-team model. Silver noted discussions with interested clubs, media companies, and sponsors. Target countries include Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Turkey. Silver stressed the need for a long-term perspective, as new arenas and significant investments are required.

WORDS: 911 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 4:04 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:af2decb1677f30b4f080e056cf8c2c46&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-CHAMPIONSHIP-MENDOZA

Fernando Mendoza hopes to cap an incredible journey with Indiana’s 1st national title

SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza arrived on Indiana’s campus last January carrying huge expectations for himself and the program. Outsiders almost immediately dubbed the new, highly touted transfer as the quarterback who could lead Indiana’s football program to unprecedented heights. Some even suggested Mendoza was a Heisman Trophy candidate who could emerge as the top prospect in the 2026 NFL draft. But the grounded grandson of Cuban immigrants ignored the chatter and focused instead on proving himself all over again. Now the first Heisman winner in Indiana history stands one win away from delivering the program’s first national championship and all he wants to do is share the spotlight with his coaches and teammates.

WORDS: 1373 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 3:35 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:81278af37ada20490a3b30d5a9333031&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-ARIZONA-BUILT FOR SUCCESS

Bully ball: Top-ranked Arizona manhandling opponents during undefeated start

SUMMARY: Arizona has become the bully on the block. A program known for its free-flowing offense and efficiency, the top-ranked Wildcats have added a dose of bulk to beat teams down during their undefeated start to the season. Arizona has heft to go with its length and has used it to shut down one opponent after another. The Wildcats have been No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for five straight weeks and are off to their best start since opening 21-0 in 2013-14. Arizona is still efficient on offense, but has become more physical on defense to remain one of three remaining undefeated teams in Division.

WORDS: 890 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 3:21 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59894c9ff463a5acd209da4371de924f&mediaType=text

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BKN--GRIZZLIES-MORANT

NBA hopes Ja Morant can play in Grizzlies-Magic game at London on Sunday

SUMMARY: The NBA hopes Memphis guard Ja Morant will play Sunday after missing Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic with a right calf issue. Morant was in Berlin with his team, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about his participation in London. Silver acknowledged Morant’s global following and wished he could have played Thursday. The Grizzlies are expected to update Morant’s status Saturday. Meanwhile, trade speculation surrounds Morant as Memphis struggles in the standings. Morant sidestepped questions about his future with the team. He’s averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists this season.

WORDS: 281 - MOVED: 01/15/2026 2:22 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:998e700ea6c04201a19467e1a45879fa&mediaType=text

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