On X, Evan Sidery proposed a multi-team blockbuster deal with the Heat sending Jimmy Butler to Phoenix while acquiring multiple assets in return.

I checked in on the crowded field of Eastern Conference wild card hopefuls to see where each team stood. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators have played well enough in the interim, and I’m still bullish about their chances.

Fox, 27, is still the celebrated face of the Kings' 2023 turnaround—having averaged 25 points per game that year and made the All-NBA team. However, Sacramento has found sledding tough ever since, leaving Fox's future up in the air.

That leaves seven spots to fill in the West — two in the backcourt and three in the frontcourt, along with a pair of wild cards. The reserves will be voted on by NBA coaches, not fans, but we want to get your feedback today on which players have earned those spots.

The Anaheim Ducks have put themselves in position to play meaningful games in the season's second half and possibly join the hunt for a playoff spot.

The NBA has announced the starters for the Western Conference in the All-Star game. NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported the news on social media. The players announced to start for the Western Conference are Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors,

BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix plays Golden State in Western Conference action Friday. The Warriors are 1-8 in division play. Golden State is ninth in the league allowing just 111.3 points per game while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting. The Suns are 15-11 against conference opponents. Phoenix has a 13-16 record against teams over .500.

BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Charlotte Hornets in non-conference play. The Hornets are 8-16 in home games. Charlotte ranks third in the league with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Mark Williams averaging 3.3 offensive boards.

Eastern Illinois Panthers (13-6, 10-0 OVC) at Western Illinois Leathernecks (10-9, 4-6 OVC) Macomb, Illinois; Thursday, 6 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Western Illinois plays Eastern Illinois after Mia Nicastro scored 29 points in Western Illinois' 94-66 victory over the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.

Orlando Magic (24-24, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (18-29, 13th in the Western Conference).

Stephen Curry bounced back from a four-point first half with five second-half 3-pointers and the Golden State Warriors rallied to overcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 52 points and stun the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-109 on Wednesday night in San Francisco.