Rockets rise to No. 3 in West standings, now 11-5 in last month
Between an inactive trade deadline and a controversy over alleged social media “burner” comments (possibly by Kevin Durant), the Houston Rockets haven’t had ideal publicity over the past two weeks.
Yet, on the floor, the results are showing clear signs of improvement.
Thursday’s victory at Charlotte, coupled with Denver’s loss later that night to the Los Angeles Clippers, launched Houston (34-20) into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings.
Dating back to Jan. 16, the Rockets are 11-5 (.688) in their last 16 games. Among West rivals, only the second-seeded Spurs (11-3, .786) have been better over that span, and one of those three losses was to Houston.
Unfortunately for the Rockets, their margin of error remains quite small. Though they have climbed to No. 3, they remain 4.5 games back of San Antonio (39-16) for the No. 2 spot, and three teams — the No. 4 Nuggets (35-21), the No. 5 Los Angeles Lakers (33-21), and No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves (34-22) — are hot on Houston’s heels.
In other words, climbing higher than No. 3 is a heavy lift, and it wouldn’t take much for the Rockets to fall back to anywhere between No. 4 and No. 6.
NBA STANDINGS UPDATE ‼️
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2026
▪️ DET (#1 in East) wins 4th straight
▪️ SAS (#2 in West) wins 7th straight
▪️ HOU rises to #3 in West
▪️ CLE (#4 in East) wins 6th straight
▪️ ATL rises to #9 in East
▪️ LAC rises to #9 in West
Download the NBA App for more: https://t.co/pBKIAWNToapic.twitter.com/91G2OgAd8P
But regardless, the Rockets are playing much better basketball, and that’s welcome news after a stretch from Dec. 1 through Jan. 15 in which Houston went just 10-11 (.476). Dating back to Dec. 15, Friday is only the third day in which the Rockets have woken up in the West’s top three.
Down the road, a top-three finish in the regular season could be critical, since that will likely be on the opposite side of the 2026 playoff bracket from the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder (who, at 42-14, continue to rank atop the West).
Led by Durant, a perennial All-Star, the Rockets will look to build on their recent momentum when they travel to New York’s famed Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. Tipoff versus the Knicks (35-21) is at 7:30 p.m. Central, and the game will be broadcast to a national audience on ABC.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets rise to No. 3 in West standings, now 11-5 in last month
Report: Liverpool favourites to sign £50m Premier League star
Liverpool Lead Race for Mateus Mane Amid Wolves Uncertainty
Liverpool are currently leading the pursuit of Wolves forward Mateus Mane, according to reporting by Caught Offside, with Manchester United and Arsenal also expressing interest in the 18 year old.
There is a growing acceptance within Wolves that retaining Mane this summer will prove challenging, particularly with relegation to the Championship described as a near certainty. Early conversations have taken place regarding a potential transfer, and indications are that Liverpool have moved swiftly to position themselves at the front of the queue.
One source is quoted as saying, “Wolves accept that it’s going to be very hard for them to keep Mateus Mane. This is one of the most outstanding talents in the country, and his rapid progression is no secret to Premier League scouts.” That assessment aligns with the level of interest emerging across the top end of the division.
Early Engagement from Anfield
While Manchester United have been widely linked, the information available suggests Liverpool have undertaken preliminary work on a possible deal. Contact has been made with the player’s representatives and initial discussions are described as “positive”.
Wolves are understood to value Mane at around £50m. Whether that figure proves negotiable remains to be seen. If maintained, it may test Liverpool’s appetite, given their recent preference for structured deals and targeted investment.
Mane, an England youth international, has attracted attention for his development trajectory and adaptability in advanced areas. Recruitment departments across the Premier League have monitored his progress closely over the past 12 months.
Arsenal Interest Adds Competition
Arsenal are also admirers. Their recent recruitment strategy has combined immediate impact with long term planning, illustrated by the acquisitions of William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Those deals have delivered both performance and appreciation in value.
Photo IMAGO
The report notes that Arsenal are “keen to mix it up by bringing in more young players this summer,” suggesting Mane fits a broader profile rather than being an isolated target.
For now, Liverpool hold what is described as an early advantage. However, the situation remains fluid, and formal bids have yet to materialise. Wolves’ league status, valuation stance and the player’s own preference will all influence the outcome in the coming weeks.
EPL Index, Wolves Fan Perspective
From a Wolves standpoint, this situation feels painfully familiar. When a young player is labelled “one of the most outstanding talents in the country,” it rarely ends with him staying at Molineux for long.
Supporters will understand the financial realities, especially if relegation is confirmed, but £50m must represent more than a headline figure. If Mateus Mane departs, Wolves need maximum value and clarity on reinvestment. Selling talent without a robust succession plan has hurt clubs before.
Fans will also take pride in the fact that Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are circling. That level of interest underlines the quality emerging from Wolves’ development system. Yet pride does not soften the blow of losing a player capable of shaping the club’s future.
If a sale becomes inevitable, transparency and smart recruitment will be essential. Wolves supporters will accept difficult decisions, provided they are part of a coherent strategy rather than another step in decline.
Who will win Vanderbilt basketball vs Tennessee in SEC rivalry? Our prediction
Vanderbilt basketball is set to take on rival Tennessee for the first time this season as the Vols visit Memorial Gymnasium.
The No. 18 Commodores (21-5, 8-5 SEC) are coming off a loss at Mizzou. Tennessee (19-7, 9-4) has won home games against LSU and Oklahoma most recently.
Vanderbilt has been successful against the Vols at home recently, having won two of the last three matchups at Memorial Gymnasium. Last season, the Commodores split two games with Tennessee, winning the home matchup but dropping the road matchup.
Here is our prediction for the matchup:
Nate Ament is the player to watch
The 6-foot-10 Nate Ament has been the focal point of much of what Tennessee does this season. He is the Vols' leading scorer with 18.2 points per game, but he isn't a traditional big despite his size. He is especially deadly from midrange and can shoot 3-pointers while also averaging 6.4 rebounds per game and having a positive assist-to-turnover ratio.
Ament also gets to the free-throw line a lot, which could prove a handful for Vanderbilt's bigs, Devin McGlockton and Jalen Washington, both of whom have been prone to foul trouble this season. With other bigs on the roster for the Vols, the Commodores may struggle with the sheer size of Tennessee.
The Jaylen Carey storyline
Jaylen Carey made waves when he transferred to Tennessee from Vanderbilt but also criticized Mark Byington and the Commodores' coaching staff. While players have transferred between the Vols and Commodores in other sports, Carey is the first in men's basketball.
Carey has been a role player for Tennessee. He averages 7.8 points and six rebounds per game and shoots just 49% from the field despite having only attempted five 3-pointers all season.
Carey made a big impact in Vanderbilt's games against the Vols last season and perhaps the matchup could be a motivator for him.
Rebounding is something to watch
Tennessee's biggest strength as a team is that it is No. 1 in the country in offensive rebounding percentage, or the percentage of its own missed shots that it rebounds. The Vols are not particularly good at shooting and don't take care of the basketball particularly well − both strengths of Vanderbilt's − but they generate extra possessions. Rebounding has often been a problem for Vanderbilt. The Commodores will either need to show improvement on the boards or make a high percentage of shots to make up for it.
How to watch Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee: Time, TV channel, live stream
- Time: 1 p.m. CT
- TV channel: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo (subscribe today)
Vanderbilt vs Tennessee injury updates
Duke Miles and Frankie Collins both missed the game against Missouri with injuries. It is possible that Miles could return for this game, but if he does it will likely not be at 100%.
JP Estrella missed Tennessee's last game against Oklahoma and is day-to-day.
Vanderbilt vs Tennessee prediction
Vanderbilt 75, Tennessee 69
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt basketball vs Tennessee prediction, picks in SEC showdown
Dolphins free agents 2026: Walk, tag, re-sign – Kader Kohou
Our annual review of the Miami Dolphins’ soon-to-be free agents starts today as we get ready for the 2026 NFL league year. Miami has 35 players slotted to hit free agency this year – not including released players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill or guard James Daniels. Free agency begins on 13, with the Dolphins needing to make decisions on all of these players between now and then.
The start of our breakdown will be with cornerback Kader Kohou, who just finished his fourth season in the league. As we will do for each player in this series, we will take a look back at his 2025 season, envision his role with the team in 2026, and then provide our thoughts on if he should be re-signed, franchise tagged, or allowed to leave in free agency.
Due to changes in our editor, I am unable to add a poll as I have in previous years for this series. Instead, I will embed a post from X to allow you to vote and invite you to head into the comments to discuss.
Biography
Kader Khou
Position: Cornerback
Age (when season begins): 27
College: Texas A&M – Commerce
Draft: Undrafted in 2022, signed by the Miami Dolphins
Experience: 4 years
Previous Teams:
- Miami Dolphins (2022-2025)
Pro Bowl, All-Pro, Awards: None
Expiring Contract
1 year, $3.3 million
2025 Review
Kohou signed a one-year contract with Miami in April and looked in position to resume his role as a starter. In his first three years, he appeared in 47 games, starting 38 of them, including 13 starts as a rookie, and recorded 180 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, one sack, 28 passes defensed, and three interceptions. With Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller no longer with the team, Kohou was the one 2024 starting cornerback who was expected to be back with the Dolphins for 2025. During a July training camp practice, Kohou tore his ACL and missed the entire season.
2026 Outlook
Cornerbacks do not usually return as the same player they were in their first year back from an ACL tear, as they often question whether the knee is fully healed. The good news for Kohou is that the tear happened so early in training camp, he should be ready for a full build-up for the season. The market for Kohou may be lukewarm this offseason as teams wait to see if he has recovered. The Dolphins have to rebuild their cornerbacks group after last year’s injury-fest that decimated the depth chart. Kohou would likely immediately return to a starting role, likely slotting in as the nickel cornerback.
Walk, Tag, or Re-Sign?
Re-sign. Kohou should be relatively cheap to re-sign as he looks to prove he is fully recovered before cashing in on a bigger contract in 2027. Miami needs cornerbacks and they have one that they know and have spent time developing – albeit with a different coaching staff. Bringing back a younger player who has proven he can play at the NFL level would be the best move in this case.
What do you think Miami should do? Vote here and head to the comments to discuss: