ESPN.com

1. Get ready for Bengals-Chiefs, 49ers-Rams: We previewed both games -- and picked winners

   What to watch for in the AFC and NFC Championship Games. Bold predictions. Key stats to know. Matchups to watch. And, of course, final score picks.

2. 1st-time All-Stars Morant, Wiggins picked to start

   LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Andrew Wiggins, Steph Curry and Ja Morant were picked as All-Star Game starters from the West. Starters from the East player pool are Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan and Trae Young.

3. Melo: Fans in Philly 'crossed lines' with taunting

   Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony said some fans at Wells Fargo Center used "unacceptable" language while taunting him during Thursday's loss to the Sixers.

4. Embiid pays Pels rookie Alvarado's fine after spat

   Joel Embiid paid two-way signee Jose Alvarado's fine for a technical foul he received after barking at the Sixers center on Tuesday night.

5. Pitch & putt: NCAA golfer J.R. Smith has NIL rep

   Former NBA player J.R. Smith, who is now a freshman golfer at North Carolina A&T, has signed with Excel Sports for NIL representation.

6. Rooney says he turned down Everton interview

   Wayne Rooney has said he turned down an opportunity from Premier League side Everton to interview for their vacant manager's position.

7. Berhalter lauds 'Jedi' effort, goal in USMNT win

   Antonee Robinson's goal in the USMNT's win included an acrobatic backflip, followed by a front spring, and then a feigned leg injury.

8. Nadal to chase record 21st major in Aussie final

   Rafael Nadal will get a chance to play for his record 21st Grand Slam singles title after advancing to the Australian Open final with a four-set win over Matteo Berrettini. He will face Daniil Medvedev who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second semifinal.

9. Klay, Curry click as Warriors 'ride energy' to win

   The Golden State Warriors got a "good indicator" of the team's potential Thursday night, when Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry combined for 52 points and 11 3-pointers in a win over the Timberwolves.

10. NBA players face questions over shoe deals with Chinese companies linked to forced labor

    ESPN has identified at least one former and 17 current NBA players who maintain contracts with four Chinese brands accused of abetting China's human rights abuses in Xinjiang.