![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/siakam-hornets-meta-010826-784x442.jpg\")
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Pascal Siakam (30 points) and LaMelo Ball (33 points) went toe-to-toe tonight during Indiana\u2019s 114-112 win over Charlotte. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Enjoy the best of Thursday\u2019s 3-game slate<\/a> with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.<\/p>\n Tonight\u2019s Finals<\/p>\n Indiana Pacers 114, Charlotte Hornets 112<\/a><\/p>\n Minnesota Timberwolves 131, Cleveland Cavaliers 122<\/a><\/p>\n Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls (PPD)<\/a><\/p>\n Utah Jazz 116, Dallas Mavericks 114<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 11:25 PM<\/p>\n What we know after Thursday\u2019s games<\/p>\n Indiana\u2019s Rick Carlisle becomes the 11th coach<\/a> in NBA history to reach 1,000 wins with the Pacers\u2019 114-112 win over the Hornets. The victory snaps a 13-game losing streak for Indy. JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 11:19 PM<\/p>\n Jazz snap 5-game skid<\/p>\n Keyonte George\u2019s turnaround jumper in the lane seals a 116-114 win for Utah, ending a five-game losing streak. George finishes with 19 points on an efficient 8-for-12 shooting with 7 assists and 3 steals.<\/p>\n Lauri Markkanen drops a game-best 33 points on 14-for-26 from the field.<\/p>\n ICE IN HIS VEINS. <\/p>\n Keyonte George (19 pts, 8-12 fgm) scores the clutch bucket to seal the W for the @utahjazz<\/a> \ud83e\udd76 pic.twitter.com\/qF9vUVCwhx<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cooper Flagg records a team-high 26 points (10-18 FG, 3-6 3PM), 8 assists and 3 steals to go along with 10 rebounds and a block in 38 minutes.<\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 11:00 PM<\/p>\n Mavs up 4 in crunch time!<\/p>\n Cooper Flagg is up to 26 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for Dallas, while Lauri Markkanen tallies 27 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks to lead Utah.<\/p>\n LET IT FLY \ud83c\udff9<\/p>\n VOTE ALL\u2b50\ufe0f: https:\/\/t.co\/v2OE03Xyu4<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/njVHgU9nBv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Dallas leads 107-103 with 3:55 remaining in the fourth!<\/p>\n Kevin’s locked up his second double-double of the season \ud83d\udcc8<\/p>\n courtesy of the perfect dime from Zay \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 pic.twitter.com\/FCm1qEfEbg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 10:40 PM<\/p>\n Mavs-Jazz battling in 3Q<\/p>\n Lauri Markkanen is up to 23 points (9-16 FG), 7 rebounds and 4 assists, and Keyonte George adds 14 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.<\/p>\n make it a 20-piece on the night for Finland’s finest \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/ZnkYFN6LKl<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cooper Flagg has 20 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and a block, while Anthony Davis leads Dallas with 21 points. The Mavericks hold an 87-85 edge with 43.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter.<\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 10:35 PM<\/p>\n Wolves halt Cavs\u2019 comeback, win 131-122<\/p>\n Minnesota wins their fifth consecutive game thanks to balanced offense, as Anthony Edwards (25 points), Julius Randle (28 points), Jaden McDaniels (26 points) and Donte DiVincenzo (22 points) drive the victory.<\/p>\n Ant casually throws down a VICIOUS windmill slam!<\/p>\n But\u2026 it didn’t count \ud83d\ude05 pic.twitter.com\/VUW03ELarL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Donovan Mitchell finishes with a game-high 30 points (10-20 FG) with 7 rebounds, 8 dimes and one steal in 37 minutes.<\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 10:24 PM<\/p>\n 6-point game in Minnesota<\/p>\n The Wolves have a 128-122 lead over the Cavs with 29.4 seconds remaining in the contest, live on League Pass<\/a>!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd25 Sam Merrill heater alert! @smerrill05<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/iGch1wENup<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 10:10 PM<\/p>\n Ant reaches 10K career points<\/p>\n Congratulations to Anthony Edwards on reaching 10,000 career points at just 24 years of age!<\/p>\n 10,000 career points and counting \ud83d\udc1c<\/p>\n VOTE ANT \u00bb https:\/\/t.co\/PycQA58rBr<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/VrmayVZ2C6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n ELITE COMPANY FOR ANT \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n He joins Kobe, T-Mac, LeBron, Melo, KD and Luka as the 7th player ever to reach 10,000 points before turning 25! pic.twitter.com\/Gjda49rVxE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 10:07 PM<\/p>\n Jazz up 3 at halftime<\/p>\n Utah takes a 58-55 edge going into the break, with Lauri Markkanen leading the way with 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting.<\/p>\n Turns the corner\u2026 and JAMS it home \ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz have the lead in the 2Q!<\/p>\n Tap to watch: https:\/\/t.co\/6jGCqW1C2r<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/UskRvEv9MF<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cooper Flagg (14 points) and Anthony Davis (13 points) combine for 27, while Klay Thompson chips in 12 points (3-6 3PM) and 5 assists off the Dallas bench.<\/p>\n Naji \u2934\ufe0f AD\u2935\ufe0f<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa: KFAA pic.twitter.com\/JobPK3BDNW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 9:54 PM<\/p>\n Heat-Bulls postponed<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the statement on tonight\u2019s postponement of the Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls contest:<\/p>\n The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com\/m1hlbnzPpn<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 9:52 PM<\/p>\n Pacers win, Carlisle wins 1,000th as coach<\/p>\n Congratulations to Rick Carlisle for earning his 1,000th career victory in Indiana\u2019s 114-112 triumph over Charlotte.<\/p>\n PACERS SECURE THE ROAD DUB.<\/p>\n Rick Carlisle totals his 1000th career victory as a coach!<\/p>\n He’s the 11th coach in NBA history to reach that mark \ud83e\udd2f pic.twitter.com\/v4uOkZEI8n<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Pascal Siakam drops a team-high 30 points (12-23 FG, 3-4 3PM) and 14 rebounds, while T.J. McConnell posts 23 points (10-17 FG), 4 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals off the bench.<\/p>\n SIXTH MAN MELO DROPPED 33 OFF THE BENCH \ud83d\udd25 <\/p>\n Hornets lost 114-112 to the Pacers despite his huge night. pic.twitter.com\/F2VANbrgO5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 9:41 PM<\/p>\n Wolves sprinting in 3Q<\/p>\n Minnesota is outscoring Cleveland 26-8 in the third quarter, giving the Wolves an 89-75 lead with 6:14 left before the final frame.<\/p>\n DDV HEAT CHECK<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/FniAPGHUCT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Julius Randle has 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the Timberwolves, while Donovan Mitchell paces the Cavs with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.<\/p>\n \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 @spidadmitchell<\/a> floater finish. <\/p>\n VOTE DON: https:\/\/t.co\/5lWo00vDCy<\/a>@Kia<\/a> | #CastYourVote<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/jA2iQmXlk1<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 9:35 PM<\/p>\n Hoop & harm for Keyonte<\/p>\n Utah takes a 34-29 lead over Dallas after one quarter of play. Keyonte George has 5 points and 4 assists while Lauri Markkanen leads with 7 points.<\/p>\n the and-ones just get craftier and craftier \ud83c\udfa8\ud83d\udd11 pic.twitter.com\/Tk9bRN8Eqf<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cooper Flagg has a game-high 10 points in 9 minutes.<\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 9:33 PM<\/p>\n One-point game in Charlotte!<\/p>\n Indiana holds a 113-112 lead over the Hornets with 8.0 seconds remaining!<\/p>\n PASCAL SIAKAM PUTS INDY AHEAD BY 1. PACERS UP 2. 8.0 SECONDS LEFT.<\/p>\n TAP TO WATCH: https:\/\/t.co\/FmK9qVp8s7<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/NqOwP1H2Cw<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Spins. Scores. AND-1!<\/p>\n Pascal Siakam tonight: 28 PTS, 14 REB<\/p>\n 2-point game with under 2 minutes to go \ud83c\udf7f<\/p>\n Tap to watch the finish: : https:\/\/t.co\/FmK9qVp8s7<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/HPWjqdiyai<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 9:17 PM<\/p>\n Cavs lead Wolves at half<\/p>\n Cleveland was down by 12 after just four minutes of play against the Timberwolves, but they fight back to take a 67-63 lead at the break. The Cavs own advantages in bench scoring (21-6) and paint points (36-26) while turning 9 Minnesota turnovers into 13 points for.<\/p>\n THE PASS. THE SLAM. WHAT BEAUTY. @spidadmitchell<\/a> \u27a1\ufe0f @evanmobley<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/q71bsVuNUh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Donovan Mitchell (11 points, 5 assists), Evan Mobley (12 points), Darius Garland (10 points, 5 assists) and Sam Merrill (11 points) are powering the Cavs.<\/p>\n Tough finish, Q! #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CGvt5A6YD5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n All five Minnesota starters are in double figures scoring, led by Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle with 12 points each.<\/p>\n NAZ REID OUTTA NOWHERE pic.twitter.com\/FME4MeV4hD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 8:59 PM<\/p>\n McConnell keeps Pacers in front<\/p>\n Indiana lead 90-87 after three quarters, but Charlotte ties it at 90 with 10:38 remaining in the contest.<\/p>\n big-time three from T.J. McConnell \ud83c\udff9<\/p>\n he finished the third with 11 STRAIGHT points & has a new season-high 19 points. pic.twitter.com\/BUq4aaL364<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 8:49 PM<\/p>\n Siakam doing it all for Indy<\/p>\n Pascal Siakam has a team-high 22 points (9-18 FG) and 12 rebounds to help Indiana hold an 83-77 advantage over Charlotte with 3:13 left in the third quarter.<\/p>\n Pascal Siakam on cleanup duty \ud83d\udcaf<\/p>\n He’s got a double-double as the Pacers are on a 15-5 run! pic.twitter.com\/fWs3eTHZes<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n LaMelo Ball is up to a game-high 30 points and six made 3s off the Hornets\u2019 bench.<\/p>\n .@MELOD1P<\/a> from the top of the key \ud83d\udd11<\/p>\n VOTE MELO \u2b50\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/oQJmNeBT3Z<\/a> | @Lowes<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vOzL6uC6Bp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 8:47 PM<\/p>\n Cavs storm back to end 1Q<\/p>\n Cleveland closes the opening quarter strong to trim what was a 12-point deficit down to one, 32-21. Sam Merrill fuels the Cavs\u2019 run with 11 points (3-4 FG) and two made 3s in 7 minutes.<\/p>\n \ud83e\udd27 Nah this was cold. #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/WkNL7kxDwG<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The vision \u27a1\ufe0f the finish. @spidadmitchell<\/a> & @jaylontyson<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ME9Nza2NBz<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Anthony Edwards (11 points) and Julius Randle (10 points, 4 assists) lead the way for Minnesota, who now trail Cleveland 39-34 with two minutes gone in the second quarter.<\/p>\n throw it down, Ju. \ud83d\ude24\ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/HeWtSilAjG<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 8:36 PM<\/p>\n Heat-Bulls delayed on NBA TV<\/p>\n The start of tonight\u2019s game in Chicago is currently delayed due to a court issue. We\u2019ll provide an update on the start time as soon as we receive one.<\/p>\n \u2014 Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 8:31 PM<\/p>\n Wolves off and running at home<\/p>\n The Timberwolves start the contest on fire led by Anthony Edwards\u2019 8 points.<\/p>\n Donte DiVincenzo caps a 17-5 run for Minnesota!<\/p>\n Wolves off to a GREAT START at home \ud83e\udee1 pic.twitter.com\/SrKlKlGAMJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cleveland has responded to cut the deficit to 25-20 with 3:58 left in the opening frame on League Pass<\/a>!<\/p>\n Throw it down, Rudy \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n A sweet reverse alley-oop jam for MIN’s big man!<\/p>\n Tap to watch on NBA League Pass: https:\/\/t.co\/th4SROWMRl<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/U2G4oKRdqX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 8:21 PM<\/p>\n Pacers lead Hornets at the break<\/p>\n It\u2019s been that kind of night for LaMelo Ball, but Charlotte trails Indiana 60-58 after two quarters.<\/p>\n LaMelo Ball (22 PTS) beats the buzzer AGAIN.<\/p>\n 2-point game at the break in Charlotte.<\/p>\n Tap to watch the second half: https:\/\/t.co\/FmK9qVoACz<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/4cZGoHXjEr<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TfmUAZhKqK<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Pascal Siakam is right behind him, though, dropping a team-high 18 points (7-12 FG) and 7 rebounds in 18 minutes.<\/p>\n Pascal Siakam finds T.J. McConnell for the finish before the end of Q2 \ud83e\udd1d pic.twitter.com\/WDQztS5uX7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 8:07 PM<\/p>\n 20-piece for LaMelo before half<\/p>\n Ball is on a heater tonight in Charlotte, dropping 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting in just 10 minutes off the bench.<\/p>\n 20 points and counting for LaMelo Ball!<\/p>\n 7-10 FGM I 4-6 3PM I 2-2 FTM pic.twitter.com\/MGBIvwzdzS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The Hornets and Pacers are tied at 53 with 2:56 remaining before halftime.<\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 7:48 PM<\/p>\n LaMelo beats the 1Q buzzer<\/p>\n LaMelo Ball picks up the loose ball to get the Hornets to within 3 at the end of the first quarter. He\u2019s up to 11 points, 2 assists and 2 steals in 7 minutes as a reserve.<\/p>\n OH MY LAMELO BALL!<\/p>\n Beats the 1Q buzzer with a wild one-legged triple \ud83d\ude31 pic.twitter.com\/TzvMGnC2Aj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Pascal Siakam has 15 points in 9 first-half minutes, and the Pacers hold a 41-33 lead over the Hornets with 8:50 remaining before halftime.<\/p>\n Pascal Siakam gets it to go high off the glass.<\/p>\n 15 points and counting in Q1 \ud83e\udd29 https:\/\/t.co\/T6jmxAXvtp<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vkgVfDI9Er<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 7:36 PM<\/p>\n Siakam starts hot<\/p>\n Pascal Siakam is up to 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting with 4 rebounds and one assist, helping Indiana take an early 31-25 lead in the first quarter.<\/p>\n Jay Huff swats it, Ben Sheppard drills it to cap a 14-2 run for Indiana!<\/p>\n Pacers with the early lead in Charlotte \ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/DzTEwBR2uh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n LaMelo Ball has 5 points (2-2 FG), 2 assists and a steal off the Hornets\u2019 bench.<\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 7:16 PM<\/p>\n Hornets make lineup change<\/p>\n The Pacers own a 9-4 edge with 8:02 to play in the opening quarter!<\/p>\n LaMelo Ball will come off the bench Thursday night for the Hornets.<\/p>\n It is his first time not starting since January 30, 2021. pic.twitter.com\/8Yb9J69HTY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 6:48 PM<\/p>\n Wizards to honor Wall<\/p>\n A celebration for a Washington legend\u2026<\/p>\n Wizards will honor John Wall on Jan. 29th! https:\/\/t.co\/0t3QmUmqJJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n JANUARY 8, 2026 \/\/ 6:30 PM<\/p>\n Welcome to a 4-game night in the NBA! Rudy Gobert has enjoyed a stellar start to his season for the Timberwolves, and he\u2019s the backbone of Minnesota\u2019s 111.9 defensive rating (6th in NBA) through 37 games.<\/p>\n Indiana is at Charlotte to kick off the light four-game evening (7 ET, League Pass<\/a>), as the Pacers are looking to get coach Rick Carlisle\u2019s 1,000th career win and snap a 13-game losing streak.<\/p>\n The Bulls play host to the Heat while aiming to stop a three-game skid of their own (8 ET, NBA TV<\/a>). Miami is coming off of a 122-94 loss to Minnesota on Tuesday, but they\u2019re expected to be fully healthy with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo ready to suit up.<\/p>\n Those same Timberwolves welcome the 21-17 Cleveland Cavaliers to town at Target Center (8 ET, League Pass<\/a>), with Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Co. going for a fourth consecutive victory.<\/p>\n Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks look to make it three straight wins when they visit Keyonte George and the Jazz (9 ET, League Pass<\/a>), while Utah looks to get back in the win column after dropping five in a row.<\/p>\n
\nHeat-Bulls game at United Center was postponed <\/a>due to moisture on the court. Rescheduled date will be announced at a later time.
\nAnthony Edwards (25 pts, 7 reb, 9 ast) and Julius Randle (28 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast) fuel Minnesota to a fourth consecutive win.
\nUtah\u2019s duo of Lauri Markkanen (33 pts) and Keyonte George (19 pts) lead a 13-7 run to close the fourth quarter to take down the Mavericks.
\nAnthony Davis appeared to injure his left hand and exited Dallas\u2019 loss <\/a>with 2:08 remaining and did not return.<\/p>\n
T.J. MCCONNELL WITH THE CLUTCH STEAL.<\/p>\n
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