The defending champion Golden State Warriors are rounding into form as all-star centre DeMarcus Cousins made his long-awaited debut on Friday night.

Trade Deadline Countdown: 18 days

Q1. Danuel House Jr. headed to the G-League

Despite playing his way into a starting role on the injury-plagued Rockets, forward Danuel House Jr. has reluctantly been sent to the G-League. The reasoning for this is due to him reaching the maximum number of allowable days he can spend in the NBA on a two-way contract and subsequently rejecting Houston’s contract offer.

Here’s how the negotiations reportedly played out:

• Rockets initial offer: nonguaranteed 3-year minimum deal
• Rockets following offer: guaranteed 3-year minimum deal
• House’s Demands: convert his contract for the remainder of the season

It’s clear that House and his agent would prefer that he become an RFA this summer rather than be locked into a longer term deal. Though this desire inherits much more risk, agent Raymond Brothers has recognized their favourable bargaining position given Houston’s need for serviceable rotation players with Paul, Capela, and Ennis already sidelined. With 12 teams projected to have cap space this summer, House’s unexpected rise should warrant offers above the minimum salary. Despite this, Houston would be wise to first attempt to fill his role via trade or the buyout market, before then escalating their trade offers to House if they feel he’s needed for their playoff run.

Q2. Mavericks relationship with Dennis Smith Jr. hits turbulence

2017 NBA lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr. appears to be nearing the end of his time in Dallas as the team has openly shopped him around the league. Phoenix and Orlando are two teams reportedly in on Smith, though nothing appears imminent. It’s important to note that this was not solely initiated by Dallas, as Smith decided he’s done with the team and would like to be moved to a better situation. The second year guard who averaged 15 points last season has struggled in his new role alongside rookie of the year frontrunner Luka Doncic. Aside from not meshing well with the franchise’s new cornerstone, Smith has continuously clashed with Coach Rick Carlisle, most likely due to his decreased usage.

Though the Mavericks have pursued a trade involving Smith for quite some time, it’s become evident that in the short term they must reconcile their relationship with Smith. Until they receive a trade offer for Smith that’s of fair value, this is both the ideal and most challenging course of action. The team has grossly mishandled the situation by not keeping the coaches frustrations and their trade attempts in-house. With Smith missing the past six games, three with a back injury and three with what has been termed an “illness”, it’s clear that he has exiled himself for the time being. The ball is now in Smith’s court as Coach Rick Carlisle has reached out to him and expressed the team’s desire to have him back. As he’s under team control for the next three seasons, the Mavericks can remain patient while dealing with Smith.

Q3. Anthony Davis out 1-2 weeks

All-NBA talent Anthony Davis suffered a sprained left index finger in Friday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and will now miss the next couple of weeks as he recovers. Davis will also be re-evaluated in the next couple of days to determine if he needs to see a hand specialist for the injury.

This is a massive blow to the already struggling New Orleans Pelicans who currently sit 12th in the Western Conference, 3.5 games out of a playoff spot. Davis has been enjoying arguably the most dominant season of his still young NBA career as he’s averaged 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. The five time all-star leads the entire NBA with a player efficiency rating of 30.9 and more importantly ranks 9th in defensive real plus-minus - crucial for a Pelicans team that owns the 4th worst defense in the league.

For a front office that has already been under the microscope all season over how they’re going to handle Davis’ impending free agency in 2020, this only further raises the stakes. Even if the Pelicans flounder in his absence, management will be forced to be buyers at the deadline so as to show Davis that they're committed to building a championship contender. As his next contract will in all likelihood take him through the prime years of his career, it is paramount that Davis attach himself to an organization with a win-now mentality.

Q4. Kenneth Faried expected to sign with Rockets after reaching buyout agreement

The Houston Rockets appear to have some much needed reinforcements on the way as they’re expected to sign Kenneth Faried to a free-agent deal. After being drafted in the first round by Denver where he started for most of his seven seasons there, Faried was shipped to the Brooklyn Nets this past offseason. Despite remaining a tenacious defender and rebounder, Faried struggled to carve out a role with the Nets who ultimately agreed to buy out his contract, sending his $13.7 million salary through waivers.

Here’s the timeline for Faried’s intended arrival in Houston:

• Friday, January 18: Nets, Faried agree to contract buyout
• Saturday, January 19: Faried’s $13.7 million contract placed on waivers for any team to pick up
• Monday, January 21: Clears waivers, making him a free agent
• 5 p.m. ET Monday, January 21: Roster deadline for team’s playing a game that night

As the Rockets remain without starting big man Clint Capela for the next 4-6 weeks, there is a pressing need to insert Faried immediately into the lineup to help offset some of the loss. Unfortunately, Houston has maxed out their roster size and must first look to open a roster spot before Monday’s deadline if they wish to dress Faried in their ever-crucial matchup against the 76ers. Of course, they can still complete the signing after this day, but sooner is better than later given how tight the playoff race is in the Western conference. Trading the ostracized Carmelo Anthony is Houston’s first plan of attack to freeing a roster spot, with releasing James Nunnally early from his 10-day contract representing their most plausible fallback.

Other things to note:

• January 15: 20 players who signed last summer now trade eligible
• January 15: last day to sign players to Two-Way Contracts
• January 15: last day to apply for the Disabled Player Exception
• January 15: Corey Brewer signs a 10-day Contract with Philadelphia

Weekly Forecast:

• Monday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Rockets vs. 76ers, Warriors vs. Lakers
• Wednesday: Nuggets vs. Jazz
• Friday: Raptors vs. Rockets
• Saturday: Warriors vs. Celtics
• Sunday: Bucks vs. Thunder