Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young has been cleared from the concussion protocol and will be available to play in Friday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Young suffered a concussion after being elbowed in the face during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Young, who leads the Hawks with an average of 26.9 points per game, has missed the past two games due to the injury. His return will provide a much-needed boost for the Hawks, who are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

On the other side, the Mavericks will be without guard Kyrie Irving, who has been ruled out with a sprained right thumb. Irving suffered the injury in a game against the Boston Celtics earlier in the week.

The game between the Hawks and Mavericks will be the first meeting of the season for the two teams. The Hawks have a record of 8-12 at home, while the Mavericks are 11-9 on the road.

With Young back in the lineup, the Hawks will be hoping to get back on track and secure a victory against the Mavericks. It will be interesting to see how Young performs after his return from the concussion and if he can make an impact on the game.

Luka Doncic and Devin Booker both had incredible scoring performances on Friday night, adding to a week of offensive explosions in the NBA. Doncic broke his own franchise record for the Dallas Mavericks by scoring a whopping 73 points, tying the fourth-most in NBA history. Similarly, Booker had an outstanding game, scoring 62 points for the Phoenix Suns, marking the second highest-scoring game of his career.

This rare occurrence of two players scoring at least 60 points in a single game has only happened five times in NBA history, with two of those instances occurring this week. Joel Embiid scored 70 points for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 62 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. It was the first time in almost 46 years that two 60-point games happened on the same day.

Doncic's performance not only placed him in the company of legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant, but it also broke his previous career high of 60 points. He made an impressive 25 of 33 shots in the Mavericks' victory over the Atlanta Hawks, including going 15 of 16 from the foul line and 8 of 13 from 3-point range. Doncic also contributed with 10 rebounds and seven assists.

This week has truly showcased the incredible talent in the NBA and has left fans in awe of the scoring displays put on by these players.

The rivalry between Luka Doncic and Devin Booker has been brewing for years. With their 20th career meeting coming up, let's take a look at the timeline of their rivalry.

The peak of their rivalry came during the 2022 NBA playoffs when Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to victory over the Phoenix Suns in a Game 7 blowout. While Booker leads the regular-season series, Doncic has the edge in the playoffs.

But despite their on-court spats, there is a level of mutual respect between the two. Booker spoke highly of Doncic, saying their respect for each other has been at a high level since Doncic came into the league.

One memorable interaction between the two was during Game 5 of the 2022 Western Conference semifinals. After being knocked to the ground by a foul, Booker made a comment referring to it as "The Luka special," poking fun at Doncic's tendency to exaggerate foul calls.

More recently, during a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, Kendrick Perkins claimed that Devin Booker metaphorically walked into Luka Doncic's house, sat on his couch, turned on his TV, and even used his credit card to order dinner.

As Doncic and Booker face off once again, it's clear that their rivalry is filled with both competitiveness and respect. Who will come out on top this time? We'll find out soon enough.

The Phoenix Suns are set to face off against the Dallas Mavericks for the first time since Christmas Day. With both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving injured, can Devin Booker and Bradley Beal lead the Suns to victory?

In the previous matchup, Doncic put up an impressive 50 points, but Phoenix will be determined to slow him down this time. Doncic's absence presents a great opportunity for Booker and Beal to attack the depleted Mavericks defense.

Booker is coming off a remarkable performance, scoring 52 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. Beal has also been consistent, averaging 20.7 points over his last 12 games. With Kevin Durant due for a potentially lesser performance, Booker and Beal will be crucial in carrying the offensive load for the Suns.

The Suns have been on a six-game win streak and look to extend it against the wounded Mavericks. With strong performances from Booker and Beal, the Suns have a good chance of coming out on top.

It remains to be seen how the Mavericks will cope without their star players. However, the Suns will be looking to take advantage of this opportunity and secure another victory in their impressive season.

Only time will tell if Devin Booker and Bradley Beal can lead the Suns to victory against the Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic scored a franchise-record 73 points in a thrilling game against the Atlanta Hawks, tying for the fourth-highest scoring performance in NBA history. The Mavericks narrowly defeated the Hawks by a score of 148-143.

Doncic showcased his phenomenal skills on the court, dominating the game and leaving fans in awe. He displayed his scoring prowess, consistently hitting shots from all areas of the court and making difficult plays look effortless. Doncic's record-breaking performance cemented his status as one of the league's top players.

The game was not without controversy, as a fan at a previous game heckled Doncic, prompting him to request security to eject the fan. Doncic later expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging that he should not have asked for the fan's removal.

Despite the distraction, Doncic's focus remained on the game, leading his team to a hard-fought victory. The Mavericks' general manager acknowledged the need to reinforce the fan code of conduct to ensure a family-friendly environment at future games.

With this incredible feat, Doncic solidified his place in basketball history. His 73-point performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest scoring exhibitions in NBA history.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic has been selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star game for the fourth time in his young career. At just 24 years old, he joins an elite group of players, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal, who have earned five All-Star nods before turning 25. Doncic's selection also puts him in second place for the most All-Star selections in Mavericks history, surpassing Rolando Blackman's four selections. The only player with more All-Star appearances for the Mavericks is Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, who was selected 14 times during his career.

This season, Doncic is averaging impressive numbers, with 33.6 points per game (second in the league), 8.5 rebounds per game (21st in the league), and 9.3 assists per game (third in the league). Despite his individual success, Doncic remains focused on helping his team win more games. The Mavericks are currently facing some challenges but Doncic expressed his determination to continue improving and facing the yearly challenges that come with each season.

The NBA All-Star game will take place on February 18 in Indianapolis, where Doncic will represent the Western Conference as a starter. Alongside him, other starters from the West include LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Joel Embiid will be among the starters.

In the past three games, Luka Doncic's composure and maturity have been called into question as the Dallas Mavericks suffered three consecutive losses. Despite his promising start to the season, Doncic seems to have shown signs of being rattled both on and off the court.

During the Mavericks' recent 132-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Doncic's frustration was evident as he argued with referees about missed calls and received a technical foul. He even went as far as pointing out a heckling Suns fan to security. These incidents have raised concerns about whether Doncic has reverted back to his less composed self from last season.

However, it's important to keep in mind that Doncic has shown growth and improvement over the past few months. He has been in better physical shape, become a father, and has been playing some of the best basketball of his career.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledges Doncic's improved focus and maturity but emphasizes that he is still a young player facing immense pressure. Despite the recent setbacks, the team believes in Doncic's abilities and understands that he is bound to have off nights.

While there may be some cause for concern, it is premature to sound the alarm on Doncic's composure and maturity. He remains one of the most talented players in the league and will continue to learn and grow as he navigates the challenges of being a star player in the NBA.

The Atlanta Hawks' schedule for the 2023-24 NBA season has been adjusted, according to the NBA press release. The game between the Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks, originally scheduled for January 19, has been postponed and rescheduled for April 2. This change was made to accommodate the rescheduling of games involving the Golden State Warriors, who had two games postponed following the death of their assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic.

The rescheduled game will take place at a later date, giving both teams additional time to prepare and rest. The NBA is committed to ensuring the smooth flow of the season and maintaining the integrity of the schedule despite unforeseen circumstances.

This adjustment comes as part of a series of schedule changes made by the NBA to accommodate the postponed games of the Warriors. The league is working closely with the teams involved to find suitable dates and times for the rescheduled matches.

Tickets purchased for the originally scheduled Hawks-Mavericks game will be honored for the rescheduled game on April 2. Fans can still look forward to an exciting matchup between these two teams later in the season.

The NBA has announced schedule adjustments, including changes to the Atlanta Hawks' upcoming games. According to the press release, the Hawks' matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, originally scheduled for tonight in Atlanta, will be rescheduled for a later date in the season. This adjustment comes as part of the NBA's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of players and staff amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The specific reason for the schedule adjustment was not mentioned in the press release. However, it is likely related to the league's health and safety protocols, which have been implemented to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission within the NBA community.

The rescheduling of games has become common this season as teams navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. The NBA has implemented strict protocols, including regular testing, mask-wearing, and isolation protocols, to prevent the spread of the virus within teams and minimize disruptions to the schedule.

Fans will have to wait for the new date of the Hawks' matchup with the Mavericks, but the NBA's priority remains the health and safety of its players and staff. With these schedule adjustments, the league aims to maintain the integrity of the season while ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.

During the Suns vs. Mavericks game on Wednesday night, Kevin Durant was involved in a couple of altercations with Luka Doncic and Grant Williams. The first incident occurred early in the first quarter when Durant tripped over Williams' legs, resulting in a foul. Williams then stood on Durant, which escalated the situation. Jusuf Nurkic, Durant's teammate, came to his defense and pushed Williams away. As a result of the altercation, Durant, Nurkic, and Williams were each assessed a technical foul.

Later in the game, Doncic attempted to instigate another altercation with Durant. Doncic held the ball and Durant swiped it from him, but there is no video evidence of the instigation. Despite the altercations, Durant finished the game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks.

The Suns ultimately won the game with a score of 132-109, with Devin Booker leading the team with 47 points. With this victory, the Suns improved their record to 26-18 and secured the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Durant's involvement in the altercations added some drama to the game, but it did not affect the outcome for either team.

Sources:

- Watch: Kevin Durant engages in multiple altercations with Luka Doncic and Grant Williams

- Jusuf Nurkic SHOVES Grant Williams after he knocked over Kevin Durant and stood over the Suns star as all three are given technical fouls during fiery clash between Phoenix and Dallas

Actress Alyssa Milano is receiving backlash on social media after launching a GoFundMe campaign to support her son's baseball team. Milano, known for her roles in "Who's the Boss" and "Charmed," set up a fundraising page to raise $10,000 for the team's trip to Cooperstown, New York, for the Little League World Series. Many internet users criticized Milano, claiming that as a multimillionaire, she should be able to personally finance the entire trip. However, Milano defended herself by stating that she had already paid for uniforms and sponsored kids who couldn't afford monthly dues. Additionally, the fundraising effort is for the entire team, not just Milano's son. The campaign has garnered over $7,600 in donations so far, with some supporters contributing to Milano's cause. The controversy has sparked a debate online about whether Milano, with her financial status, should seek public contributions for a youth sports team. Milano has not publicly addressed the criticism or clarified whether she made a personal donation under an anonymous label.

The jerseys for the 2024 NHL Stadium Series were unveiled on Friday, giving fans a glimpse of the bold designs and futuristic vision that the four teams will be showcasing. The New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders will all be participating in the stadium series games, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Each team's jersey reflects its unique identity and style. The Devils will wear a dark red sweater with black stripes and a black Devils logo, while the Flyers will don white sweaters with burnt orange accents and a contrasting nameplate that stretches around to create sleeve stripes. The Islanders will sport blue jerseys with a large orange stripe featuring the word "ISLES," and the Rangers will don white jerseys with blue, white, and red stripes and the initials "NYR" in their famous drop shadow font.

The jerseys also feature oversized numbers, bold designs, and the word "STADIUM SERIES" on the inside back neck. According to the NHL, the goal was to capture the essence of each team's look and reflect the grandeur of playing in a stadium like MetLife.

Fans can purchase the new jerseys starting February 5. However, the only question that remains is which Jonas Brother will be sporting which jersey when the trio performs ahead of the Flyers-Devils matchup on February 17.

In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic's winning streak at the Australian Open came to an end as he was defeated by Italian fourth seed Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. Djokovic, who was aiming for his 11th title at the tournament, lost in four sets to the 22-year-old Sinner. This marks Djokovic's first loss at the Australian Open since 2018.

Sinner showed immense confidence and resilience throughout the match, regrouping after failing to convert a match point in the tie-breaker. The Italian player pressured Djokovic into making numerous uncharacteristic errors and did not allow him a single break point.

Sinner will now face either Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev or German sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the final. Both players will compete in the second semifinal match at Melbourne Park.

For US viewers, the Australian Open schedule may be a bit wonky due to the time difference. Day matches start at 7 p.m. ET the night before, with more matches rolling in at later times. Night sessions start at 3 a.m. ET.

Fans can watch the Australian Open for free on Channel 9 or stream it for free on 9Now in Australia. For viewers outside of Australia, using a VPN such as ExpressVPN allows them to access free coverage on 9Now by changing their server location to Australia. ExpressVPN offers additional protection, speed, and a wide range of location options, making it a top choice for first-time VPN users.

In a shocking turn of events, Novak Djokovic was defeated by rising star Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. The young Italian dominated the match, displaying exceptional skills and composure against the world number one.

The match started with Sinner taking an early lead, breaking Djokovic's serve multiple times with powerful shots and precise placement. Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm, making numerous unforced errors and struggling with his returns. The crowd in Rod Laver Arena was in disbelief as they witnessed this display of dominance from Sinner.

Despite some signs of life from Djokovic, including a few impressive winners, he was unable to mount a comeback. Sinner held his nerve, serving strongly and maintaining his composure throughout the match. With every point, it became increasingly clear that Djokovic's reign at the top was in jeopardy.

The final score stood at 4-2 in favor of Sinner, leaving Djokovic shaking his head in disappointment. This defeat raises questions about Djokovic's form and whether he can maintain his dominance in the future.

Meanwhile, in another captivating match, Alexander Zverev claimed the first set against Daniil Medvedev after an intense 51-shot rally. The two players showcased their skills and fought relentlessly for each point. Zverev's victory in the first set sets the tone for a thrilling semifinal between two fierce competitors.

As the Australian Open semifinals approach, fans are left wondering if Sinner's stunning defeat of Djokovic will serve as a turning point in the tournament. Can Sinner continue his impressive run and challenge the top contenders? And will Zverev be able to maintain his momentum against Medvedev? Tennis enthusiasts will be eagerly anticipating the answers to these questions as the matches unfold.

Jannik Sinner has caused a major upset at the Australian Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in the men's semi-finals and ending Djokovic's unbeaten streak in semifinals at Melbourne Park. The 22-year-old Italian dominated the match, breaking Djokovic's serve twice in each of the first two sets. Although Djokovic managed to force a fourth set, Sinner eventually closed out the match with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory.

This win marks Sinner's first appearance in a Grand Slam final, and he will face either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev for the championship on Sunday. Meanwhile, Djokovic's bid for an 11th Australian Open title and 25th major title overall will have to wait.

Before this match, Djokovic had not lost a match at Melbourne Park since 2018 and was on a 33-match winning streak at the tournament. Additionally, every previous time he had won a quarterfinal in Australia, Djokovic had gone on to win the title.

Sinner's dominant performance against the world No. 1 is a significant milestone in his career, and he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from players like Djokovic. As the Italian youngster continues to make a name for himself in the tennis world, all eyes will be on him in the Australian Open final.

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record 11th Australian Open title continues, and with Carlos Alcaraz's shocking quarter-final defeat, Djokovic's reign as the world number one cannot be challenged. Despite facing Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, who has previously defeated him, Djokovic remains confident and determined to maintain his unbeaten streak at Melbourne Park. The Serbian superstar did not compete in last year's event due to his vaccination status.

Carlos Alcaraz had an opportunity to dethrone Djokovic as the world number one if he had progressed further than Djokovic in the tournament. However, Alcaraz's defeat to Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals ended that possibility. With Djokovic's dominance, it appears unlikely that Alcaraz will be able to reclaim the top spot in the ATP rankings for most of 2024.

Djokovic's reign as world number one seems secure for the foreseeable future. He has the chance to extend his lead at the top during upcoming tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, where he was unable to compete last year. Alcaraz, on the other hand, has significant points to defend in the clay and grass court seasons, providing Djokovic with an opportunity to pull further ahead in the rankings.

While threats to Djokovic's world number one status may come from players like Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, or Alexander Zverev, Djokovic's impressive track record and consistent performance make it likely that he will continue to hold the top spot. Djokovic already holds the record for the most weeks spent as the world number one, with 409 weeks to his name.

Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine have advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open tennis championships. Medvedev defeated Hubert Hurkacz of Poland in a gripping five-set match, winning 7-6 (7-6) 2-6 6-3 5-7 6-4. Yastremska, a qualifier, secured her spot in the semifinals with a straight-set victory over Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.

Medvedev's win against Hurkacz was a closely contested battle, with both players showing exceptional skill and determination. After a grueling match that lasted over four hours, Medvedev emerged as the victor and secured his place in the semifinals. This marks the fourth straight Grand Slam semifinal appearance for the Russian player.

Yastremska's journey to the semifinals has been equally impressive. As a qualifier, she has exceeded expectations and is now in her first major semifinal. Her victory over Noskova was dominant, as she showcased her powerful shots and strategic play.

Both Medvedev and Yastremska will now prepare to face tough opponents in the semifinals as they continue their quest for the Australian Open title. With their exceptional performances so far, they have proven themselves as strong contenders in the tournament.

As the Australian Open progresses, tennis fans around the world eagerly await the thrilling matches that lie ahead. Who will emerge as the champions? The answer will be revealed in the coming days as the tournament reaches its climax.

Third seed Daniil Medvedev fought his way into the semifinals of the Australian Open 2024 with a grueling five-set victory over ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz. Medvedev, who admitted to feeling physically drained throughout the match, managed to secure a 7-6(4) 2-6 6-3 5-7 6-4 win over his Polish opponent. The Russian player struck 43 winners to seal victory in just under four hours.

Medvedev, a two-time finalist at the Australian Open, displayed his resilience and determination, despite feeling exhausted towards the end of the match. He even resorted to serving and volleying to speed up the game, with thoughts of catching his flight home if he lost.

This victory for Medvedev sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash against sixth seed Alexander Zverev. The match promises to be an intense battle between two top-ranked players. Can Medvedev push through his exhaustion and advance to the final, or will Zverev prove to be too formidable an opponent?

Tune in to the Australian Open Men's Semifinals to find out if Medvedev can overcome his physical fatigue and continue his quest for the championship title.

Alexander Zverev, the German tennis star, is currently facing domestic abuse allegations from his ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea. The ATP Tour, which oversees men's professional tennis, is under scrutiny for not having a policy in place to address such issues.

Zverev has been accused of physically abusing Patea during an argument in Berlin in May 2020. A court document from October states that he is charged with "physically abusing and damaging the health" of Patea. Despite these allegations, Zverev maintains his innocence and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The lack of a domestic abuse policy in the ATP Tour has raised questions among top female players. They wonder why Zverev is still allowed to compete while facing serious accusations. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an independent group co-founded by men's world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, has expressed support for creating a policy that addresses domestic abuse and other serious crimes.

In comparison to other sports, tennis lags behind in handling domestic abuse cases. Leagues like the NBA and football have mechanisms in place to suspend or fine players accused of domestic violence even without criminal convictions. The ATP Tour announced a safeguarding review regarding domestic violence allegations against Zverev, but no concrete outcome has been reached so far.

Some argue that the ATP Tour's code of conduct already provides scope to prevent Zverev from competing if he is "charged with a violation of a criminal or civil law." However, the lack of a specific policy addressing domestic abuse leaves room for interpretation and inconsistency.

As Zverev continues to compete in the Australian Open and potentially reach the finals, the spotlight remains on the ATP Tour and its handling of the domestic abuse allegations against one of its top players. The absence of a clear policy raises questions about the sport's commitment to addressing such serious allegations.

Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers, with a strong home record of 16-8, are currently favored to win despite the questionable status of All-NBA forward LeBron James. The Bulls, on the other hand, will be without key players such as Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig.

While the Lakers are expected to come out on top, the question is whether they will cover the spread. With a -4.5 point favorite, it may be a close game. The presence of Anthony Davis, who is likely to play, and the scoring prowess of D'Angelo Russell could be enough for the Lakers to secure a victory. However, the Bulls have some players with Los Angeles ties, like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, who could make an impact.

This game is crucial for the Lakers, as they have an opportunity to improve their record and make a move in the competitive Western Conference standings. They have to capitalize on this relatively easier stretch of games to secure a decent position in the standings.

Overall, the Lakers have the edge but may not cover the spread against the Bulls. The outcome of the game will be determined by the performances of key players on both teams.

Harrison Barnes had a career-high 39 points to help the Sacramento Kings edge out the Golden State Warriors with a score of 134-133. The Kings' win was fueled by Barnes' impressive performance, along with Domantas Sabonis' 26th straight double-double of the season. De'Aaron Fox also made a significant contribution with 29 points and 5 assists.

Barnes showcased his versatility on both ends of the court, adding 4 rebounds and 2 steals. His crucial block on Jonathan Kuminga in the final seconds sealed the victory for the Kings. Although Kevin Huerter missed both free throws after the block, Fox forced a turnover by Stephen Curry and secured the game-winning steal.

The Sacramento Kings, who have lost 4 of their last 5 games, were in desperate need of a win. Similarly, the Golden State Warriors were looking to bounce back after losing 8 of their last 12 games. This matchup between the two Pacific Division rivals was closely contested throughout the game.

Looking ahead, the Sacramento Kings will face the Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Heat in upcoming games. The Golden State Warriors continue to strive for better results, with their next game against the Kings offering them an opportunity to turn their season around.

Will Barnes' outstanding performance be enough to carry the Kings to more victories? Can the Warriors regain their winning form? Only time will tell as these teams battle it out on the court.

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly been in discussions with the Detroit Pistons regarding a potential trade involving Zach LaVine. However, it seems that the Bulls' asking price is deemed too high by many around the league. According to reports, the Bulls are asking for Bojan Bogdanovic and one of the Pistons' blue-chip prospects, which include Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, or Jalen Duren.

The Pistons, on the other hand, have shown no interest in parting ways with any of their prized young players. They consider Cunningham, Thompson, Ivey, and Duren as key pieces for their future. The Bulls' asking price for LaVine, given his contract, injury issues, and defensive struggles, is seen as unreasonable by many.

Trade rumors are beginning to heat up as the February 8 deadline approaches, and the Bulls are expected to be active in exploring potential deals. However, it remains to be seen if they will lower their asking price for LaVine or if the Pistons will change their stance on trading their blue-chip prospects.

With less than two weeks left until the trade deadline, it will be interesting to see if the Bulls can find a suitable trade partner for LaVine or if they will hold onto him for the remainder of the season.