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The skiers were part of a group of 15 guides and clients of a mountain guide company in the Lake Tahoe area. They were backcountry skiing from remote huts in an avalanche-prone area on Feb. 17 when the incident happened. Six people survived and were rescued hours later, and eight people have been located deceased. One was still missing but is presumed dead as of the latest update from authorities on Feb. 18.

It is thedeadliest avalanche in the United Statesin almost 45 years, according to theColorado Avalanche Information Center.

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office said Feb. 19 that "hazardous weather conditions" were preventing the recovery of the victims, and the efforts are expected to stretch into the weekend. Forecasters on Feb. 19 warned ofanother winter stormexpected to bring heavy snow and a heightened avalanche risk. Officials previously said on Feb. 18 that none of the eight bodies were removed from the mountain because it has been too difficult for crews to access them.

"Due to the ongoing challenges of the weather, the avalanche conditions, the effort remains ongoing, as well as our search for the remaining skier," Sheriff Shannan Moon said on Feb. 18.

Visual story:See how six skiers survived the deadly Tahoe avalanche

The region is under a winter storm advisory and an avalanche warning. Another over a foot of snow could fall on Feb. 19, after2 to 4 feet have already fallenin the Lake Tahoe area, according to the National Weather Service office in nearby Reno, Nevada.

"The longer that we continue to have people out there and exposed, the higher chance we put our rescuers in danger," Capt. Rusty Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff's Department said.

Inside the search for missing skiers after California avalanche

Avalanche was the deadliest in decades

The group of 15 skiers included four guides from the Blackbird Mountain Guides company and 11 clients, officials said. They were at the end of a three-day trip to the remote Frog Lake huts, which require miles of skiing, snowboarding or snow shoeing to access. The company said the group was returning to the trailhead at the end of the trip.

The avalanche happened in the Castle Peak area northwest of Lake Tahoe at about 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 17. Six people who survived had to shelter for hours until search and rescue crews could reach them. Two had injuries that weren't life threatening and were taken to hospitals later that evening.

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The surviving group located three of the missing people deceased, and rescuers found another five people deceased. One was still missing, officials said Feb. 18.

It was thedeadliest avalanche since 11 people were killed in 1981while attempting to climb Mount Rainier in Washington state.

Harsh conditions, threat of avalanches as recovery continues

The Feb. 17 avalanche came amid the strongest winter storm in the region of the year, reported the Reno Gazette Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. Officials said the weather conditions, which included heavy snow and gusty winds creating whiteout conditions, made it extremely difficult to reach the survivors and find the victims.

Moon described the weather conditions as "horrific." At times, it was "impossible" to see in the conditions, Moon said on Feb. 18. The eight bodies that were located were not yet removed from the mountain because of the conditions and the risks to the search crews, authorities said. Search teams used a snowcat vehicle but had to ski the remaining 2 miles to reach the people stranded to avoid triggering another avalanche, she said.

On Feb. 19, forecasters said another 12 to 18 inches of snow could fall at elevations over 7,000 feet and 6 to 12 inches in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Ridge-top wind gusts will reach 45 mph, the weather service said.

There is also a high risk for large avalanches in backcountry areas of the Tahoe region, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center. Greene said on Feb. 18 that there was a concern that additional avalanches could rebury the victims' bodies, but officials also have to weigh the safety of the search team, which consists of volunteers.

"We've done everything we can to make it so that given the opportunity, we can get in and do a fast recovery if the weather gives us that chance," Greene said.

The searchers placed avalanche poles, probes that can help them later find the bodies' exact locations, but recovery will depend on how the weather acts over the next few days, he said.

"We want to really make sure that our first responders are safe and have all of the confidence that they can get there," Moon said.

Contributing: The Reno Gazette Journal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Latest on missing skier after avalanche at California's Lake Tahoe

It rejected a lower ‌court's ruling ⁠that the families could not pursue negligence claims under ⁠a Washington state product liability law, because suicide was a superseding ​cause of ​their relatives' ​deaths.

Four families accused ‌Amazon of promoting the sale of sodium nitrite on its website alongside other products that could assist people in carrying out suicides.

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They said ‌the Seattle-based retailer ​has known of the ​link between ​sodium nitrite and suicide ‌for years yet continued ​to sell ​the product without restrictions.

Amazon and its lawyers did not immediately ​respond to ‌requests for comment.

(Reporting by Jonathan ​Stempel in New York; Editing ​by Joe Bavier)

The Telegraph obtained the 60-page penal code – signed by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban supreme leader, and distributed to courts across Afghanistan – which classifies spousal beatings as "ta'zir" – discretionary punishment – rather than a criminal act.

A husband may strike his wife and children freely, provided the violence does not leave visible bone fractures or open wounds.

Even where serious injury can be proven, the maximum sentence is 15 days in prison.

The law is written to ensure that the bar is almost never met.

To pursue a complaint, a woman must present her wounds in person to a male judge while remaining fully veiled and accompanied by a male guardian.

In the majority of domestic violence cases, that guardian is the husband who committed the beating.

There is no provision in the code prohibiting physical, psychological or sexual violenceagainst women.

For those who do attempt to flee, thelaw offers another trap.

Article 34 says that a woman who goes to her parents' home without her husband's permission – even to escape violence – faces up to three months in prison. Family members who shelter her face the same sentence.

The code dismantles the legal framework established under Afghanistan's previous government, including a 2009 law that criminalised forced marriage, rape and gender-based violence and imposed sentences of between three months and one year for domestic abuse.

Working-class Afghans at the bottom of the hierarchy face imprisonment and corporal punishment.

The code explicitly distinguishes between"free" citizensand "slaves."

The requirement to bring a male chaperone to court – where that chaperone is, in most cases, the abuser – makes justice structurally impossible.

The criminalisation of fleeing to a parent's home makes escape structurally impossible.

The Taliban has since ruled that discussing the penal code is itself a criminal offence.

Narges, a former university student in western Herat, told The Telegraph: "The world has always shown its unjust side to us. I do not feel like I am living, and this feeling is shared by everyone I know."

She added: "Our life is more like a constant resistance against everything out there. No one sees us.No one cares about us.

"This new law is not just a law – it is making our bodies their field of control.No one would see our painunless our bones are broken. They are legalising fear. We are living in fear and silence."

Article 59 criminalises dancing – performing it and watching it – without providing any legal definition of what dancing constitutes.

"Dance for boys and girls, and those who play music for them, or the people who watch (attend) the show, are all criminals. The judge shall sentence each one of them to two months' imprisonment."

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The new law also criminalises thought. Criticising any action banned by the Taliban leadership is itself a criminal offence, including criticism of the ban on girls' education, which Taliban courts now classify as a lawful restriction.

Under Article 23, insulting Taliban leaders carries 20 lashes and six months in prison.

Any Afghan who witnesses opposition activity and fails to report it to Taliban authorities faces two years in prison.

There is no right to a lawyer anywhere in the legal document.

The entire edifice of fair trial has been stripped out and replaced with the discretion of Taliban judges, operating without oversight, without appeal, and now with the force of signed, distributed, enacted law.

Religious minorities face their own specific jeopardy.

Article 2 designates followers of non-Hanafi Islamic schools – including Shia Muslims, Ismailis, Salafis and Ahl-e-Hadith, roughly 15 per cent of the population – as "innovators" or apostates.

Teachers are permitted to beat children in their care, with only the most extreme injuries – broken bones, torn skin, heavy bruising – defined as excess.

Other physical violence, all psychological violence, all sexual violence against children are not prohibited.

Article 48 explicitly permits fathers to physically punish sons from the age of 10. The code frames this as acting in the child's interest.

Article 9 divides Afghan society into four formal tiers: religious scholars, elites, middle class, lower class.

The same crime committed by a scholar earns advice. Committed by an elite, it earns a court summons. If committed by a middle-class Afghan, the punishment is prison. And if committed by a working-class Afghan, the result is prison and corporal punishment.

Article 17 criminalises "mockery" of Islamic rulings with two years in prison, with no definition of what mockery means, leaving judges to decide arbitrarily.

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has systematically curbed women's rights in Afghanistan.

The restrictionsaffect their daily lives, ranging from preventing them from showing their faces in public or driving a car, to forbidding conversations with men and restricting how they dress.

Women have already been ordered to cover their faces "to avoid temptation and tempting others" and refrain from speaking in the presence of unfamiliar men who are not husbands or close relatives.

Afghan women have also been ordered not to speak loudly inside their homes, to prevent their voices from being heard outside.

Women who defy the new rules will be arrested and sent to prison, the Taliban said.

In July 2024, a United Nations report said the ministry for promoting virtue and preventing vice was contributing to a climate of fear and intimidation among Afghans through its edicts and the methods used to enforce them.

However, in recent months, there have been increasing signs of discord from within the ranks of the Taliban as it tries to transform itself from a guerrilla force to a functioning government.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.

Ongoing CBA negotiationshave impacted WNBA free agency and expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. With no new CBA in place, many variables are at play in trying to predict what teams will do when the draft arrives.

There's plenty of talent to evaluate and keep tabs on, including whoseWNBA draft stock is rising. From Spain center Awa Fam toLSU's Flau'jae Johnson, let's take a look at where prospects could land.

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft*:

*The order in which the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will pick has yet to be determined due to ongoingcollective bargaining agreement negotiations. It is expected to be decided by a coin flip at a later date.

1. Dallas Wings: Awa Fam, C, Spain

During Unrivaled this offseason, Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Storm center Dominque Malonga have provided blueprint Dallas could replicate. Bueckers and Malonga's one-two punch has worked well, particularly with post-entry passing and scoring opportunities. At 6-foot-6, Fam could has the potential to duplicate that same setup. Fam is light on her feet and practically floats down the court, moving well in traffic. She also brings three-level scoring Dallas could use to compete with the league's most dynamic post players.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

Fudd has been hovering around 50-40-90 (making 50% of her field goals, 40% from 3 and 90% from the free throw line) this season. Her efficient scoring ability from all over the court could entice Minnesota. While the Lynx could use a post player, the franchise also needs shooting behind guard Kayla McBride, if she returns in free agency. Fudd is an immediate plug-and-play guard who not only brings offense, but is a willing defender that head coach Cheryl Reeve could mold.

3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

There's no doubt Miles is the best passer in this year's draft class, but she has also become a scoring machine this season. The 5-foot-10 guard is averaging 20.2 points a game, the most in her career, on 50.5% shooting. During a Feb. 12 game against Baylor, Miles made 10 3-point shots and finished with 40 points. The Horned Frogs guard also leads the nation in triple-doubles with four.

4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

While Betts is known for her dominant scoring and prowess on the glass, it's her playmaking skills that have improved this season. Her assists have climbed to a career-high 3.1 per game, and she's seeing the floor much better out of the post. Betts often draws double or even triple teams, and she's smartly discovering ways to still get points out of possessions by quickly finding open teammates.

5. Chicago Sky: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

As the leading scorer for LSU and the team's top defender, Johnson does it all. As a two-player, her skills could be coveted by a franchise like Chicago that needs additional shooting and perimeter defenders. Johnson's energy on the court is unmatched and comes to life in late-game situations. It's possible the Sky could take a look at reuniting Johnson with her former LSU teammates, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, and seeing if their on-court chemistry can be developed further at the pro level.

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6. Toronto Tempo/Portland Fire: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

Jacquez continues to be a glue player for UCLA, and it's helped her climb up the draft board. The Bruins guard is a connector in every sense of the word, often helping UCLA's offense flow seamlessly with timely cuts, shots and passing. She improved her shot and footwork over the offseason. Jacquez is shooting a career high 55.5% from the field and 42% from the 3-point line. Portland or Toronto could thrive with Jaquez in the lineup.

7. Portland Fire/Toronto Tempo: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

Kneepkens shoots 45% from distance and Portland or Toronto could lean on that skill in early days. The Bruins guard is always ready to make a play, and her catch-and-shoot skills are some of the best in the country. Kneepkens has a quick release that often catches opposing defenders off guard, making her a prime candidate for a breakout game at any time. Additionally, her passing is very crisp when, and it's not talked about nearly enough. It's an additional skill set she could lean into at the next level.

8. Golden State Valkyries: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

The Florida State transfer has missed five games this season with various injuries, including a knee issue. Still, with Latson in the lineup, South Carolina is a different team. She has a quick burst and gets downhill fast, proving an extra spark offensively while 15.1 points a game. Her defensive pressure allows her to cause disruption, especially in transition. She's a very patient defender, who rarely gambles, and that's something Golden State, which had a top-three defensive rating (99.8) last season, should love.

9. Washington Mystics: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

Rice has elevated her stock by becoming a top scoring option for the Bruins, averaging 15.5 points a game. She's hitting shots in a variety of ways ― whether it's driving to the basket, off the dribble or in the rhythm of a catch-and shoot. The 5-foot-11 guard could fill in for Georgia Amoore or provide additional depth for a young Washington squad. Rice is shooting nearly 42% this season from 3-point range, and that can only help the Mystics, who love to punish opponents from the perimeter.

10. Indiana Fever: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

It's still unclear if Okot will actually declare for the WNBA draft this season. If she does, she could find a landing spot behind fellow South Carolina product, Fever center Aliyah Boston. The 6-foot-6 center is a walking double-double and her ability to clean up the glass could help an Indiana team that ranked ninth in the WNBA in rebounds per game (33.4). If the Fever can help Okot finish faster at the rim, she could be a gem in Indiana's system.

11. Washington Mystics: Ashlon Jackson, G, Duke

Jackson is a known 3-point specialist, but her catch-all skills put a nice bow around her game. The senior guard isn't afraid to crash the glass in crunch time, send an assist a teammate's way or unleash sweltering defense when Duke needs it most. During the Blue Devils current 16-game win streak, Jackson has scored in double-digits 10 times and had seven games with six or more assists. She could be a nice depth piece for the Mystics, who ranked 11th in points a game (77.1) last season and last in the league in made 3-pointers (5.6).

12. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

McMahon does it all for Ole Miss and has leaned into playing multiple positions this season. She is an absolute terror when going downhill, and few teams can stop her once her feet touch the paint. The 6-foot senior is excellent at quickly reading the floor and attacking weaknesses in opposing defenses, something that could help her at the next level. As a defender, she may need time to develop once she reaches the WNBA, but her offense could be what helps her get early minutes.

13. Atlanta Dream: Raven Johnson, G, South Carolina

Johnson is having a career year under head coach Dawn Staley, and it just might be enough to get first-round consideration. Staley has trusted Johnson to not only run the offense, but has leaned on her in late-game situations, signaling the guard's growth. At 10.2 points per game, she's not a prolific scorer, but she's efficient from the field (48.8%) and a solid facilitator (5.4 assists per game). Additionally, Johnson's lockdown defense, her best asset, could be what helps her earn minutes her first year as a pro.

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

Whether it's in games or practice, Suarez wants to score. This season, she's averaging career highs in points per game (16.2) and shooting percentage (48%). The Cal transfer, who has thrived off catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, is also draining a career high 36% of shots from behind the line. Suarez is a versatile player who can pass, defend and score in clutch situations.

15. Connecticut Sun: Tonie Morgan, G, Kentucky

This season, Morgan's production and leadership have helped elevate the Wildcats into the top 10. The Kentucky guard has terrific body control and sound footwork, not to mention impeccable patience and vision. She's a willing passer, whose 8.4 assists per game lead the nation. Morgan is also shooting a career high 40% from beyond the arc, which could help her stock as a WNBA draft prospect, elevating her into the first round.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 WNBA mock draft: Could Flau'jae Johnson reunite with Angel Reese?

Britain Premier League Soccer

Then things started to go wrong.

By the time Arsenal takes the field in Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham, its advantage over second-placed Manchester City could be just two points.

Over a bruising 11-day period, what was beginning to look like a procession towards a first league title in 22 years was now far less certain. The momentum has shifted in the direction of City, which has very recent form for chasing down Arsenal in the final straight.

Having led the way for so long this season, Arsenal is melting again in the heat of the title race.

The turning point

If City goes on to win a seventh title in nine years, itsdramatic 2-1 victory against Liverpoolwill likely go down as the defining moment of the season.

Playing at Anfield a day after Arsenal extended its lead to nine points, Pep Guardiola's chasers simply couldn't afford not to win. Given City had won just one of its previous 23 visits to Anfield, that looked unlikely. So unlikely thatone bookmakerpaid out on Arsenal being crowned champion even before kickoff.

And when Liverpool took a 1-0 lead in the 74th minute, City's race effectively looked to be run.

What followed was a chaotic finish that included a winning penalty from Erling Haaland in stoppage time.

The gap to Arsenal was shaved back to six points but the result felt far more significant than that.

It's all about perception

The league schedule meant City played again before Arsenal's next match and had the chance to further reduce the deficit to three points.

A comfortable 3-0 home win against Fulham did just that, and despite Arsenal having not kicked a ball since its victory against Sunderland, suddenly the feeling was that the Gunners were on shaky ground.

In reality the nine-point advantage was only ever provisional, as City had a game in hand, but the perception was that the title race took a big swing. That perception became far more tangible when Arsenal, playing in the final game of the round that week, was held to1-1 at Brentfordafter being a goal up.

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Scheduling issues

If playing after everyone else seemed to work against Arsenal last week, on Wednesday it had the chance to regain the momentum from a rearranged game against last-placed Wolves. Leading 2-0 after 56 minutes at Molineux, Arsenal was cruising towards a nerve-settling win. Wolves had other ideas and teenage debutant Tom Edozie scored in the fourth minute of added time to achieve a stunning draw.

"It's time to talk on the pitch because anything that we say right now comes from anger, frustration, disappointment, and there's nothing coming through that is going to benefit and help the team going forward," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.

Arsenal is five ahead of City but played a game more.

City can cut the lead to two points again with a win against Newcastle on Saturday.

Two teams, four trophies

Arsenal and City are still chasing a clean sweep of trophies; Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and English League Cup.

They meet in the League Cup final next month, which could have a psychological impact on the title race.

City already holds an advantage in that respect given it twice chased down Arsenal to win the title in 2023 and 2024.

There are echoes of those campaigns this term; Arsenal led the standings for the majority of those seasons and is stuttering.

They play each other at City's Etihad Stadium in April and, peculiarly, the title is now in both teams' hands.

If City wins all of its remaining games it will be crowned champion. Arsenal needs to avoid defeat at City and win its remaining games to claim the title.

"(It's) time to focus on ourselves, improve our standards and improve our performances and it is in our control," Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka said.

Key matchups

The north London derby will have implications at the top and bottom of the standings. Arsenal is challenging for the titl while Tottenham — under new coach Igor Tudor — is in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

Manchester United plays Everton on Monday looking to continue its upward trajectory under coach Michael Carrick.

Players to watch

Anthony Gordon scored four times in Newcastle's Champions League win against Qarabag on Wednesday. He could be the biggest threat to City at the Etihad.Out of actionLiverpool's Watara Endō is out for "a long time" following an unspecified injury against Sunderland. Teammate Jeremie Frimpong is also out of the game against Nottingham Forest.Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz face tests before being cleared to play against Tottenham.Off the fieldUnited plays Everton in its first game since co-owner Jim Ratcliffetriggered a storm of criticismby saying Britain had been "colonized" by immigrants. United and its supporters were among those who rebuked Ratcliffe over his "offensive" comments. The fans could further let their feelings be known during Monday's game.___James Robson is athttps://x.com/jamesalanrobson___AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Anthony Gordon scored four times in Newcastle's Champions League win against Qarabag on Wednesday. He could be the biggest threat to City at the Etihad.

Out of action

Liverpool's Watara Endō is out for "a long time" following an unspecified injury against Sunderland. Teammate Jeremie Frimpong is also out of the game against Nottingham Forest.

Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz face tests before being cleared to play against Tottenham.

Off the field

United plays Everton in its first game since co-owner Jim Ratcliffetriggered a storm of criticismby saying Britain had been "colonized" by immigrants. United and its supporters were among those who rebuked Ratcliffe over his "offensive" comments. The fans could further let their feelings be known during Monday's game.

James Robson is athttps://x.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The break is also giving us the chance to revisit theUSA TODAY SportsTop 25 NBA player rankingsfor the 2025-26 season, which we published in early October.

Where did we get it right? Where did we get it wrong?

Rankings and perceived value, of course, are subjective, so we welcome the debate. But for the purposes of this list, we're omitting star players who are likely to miss at least most of the remainder of the season due to injury – players like Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum,Indiana Pacersguard Tyrese Haliburton andDallas Mavericksguard Kyrie Irving.

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

More:NBA All-Star Game winners and losers: US vs World format is an upgrade

USA TODAY Sports' Top 25 NBA players, ranked

25.Paolo Banchero, forward,Orlando Magic

2025-26 stats:21.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 4.8 apg

His scoring numbers and efficiency have lagged significantly, and the Magic – before Franz Wagner got hurt – often played better when he was off the floor.

Pre-season ranking:16th

24.Jalen Duren, center,Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats:17.7 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.8 apg

With a steadily-improving mid-range jumper, his offensive game has developed. And, with his size and defensive presence down low, Duren is becoming a force for the Pistons.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

23.Lauri Markkanen, forward, Utah Jazz

2025-26 stats:26.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.1 apg

The Jazz may not want him to play fourth quarters, but Markkanen is averaging career highs in points per game and is quickly becoming a premier inside-out threat who can stretch the floor.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

22.Jalen Johnson, forward, Atlanta Hawks

2025-26 stats:23.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 8.2 apg

He's quickly becoming one of the more versatile players in the entire NBA and is a player who impacts the game in several ways. He also often puts up monster stat lines.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

21.Karl-Anthony Towns, forward-center, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats:19.8 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.9 apg

His defensive effort and propensity to fall into foul trouble often compromise his ability to be a consistent, game-changing force, but his shooting range and rebounding still make him a unique talent.

Pre-season ranking:18th

20.Scottie Barnes, forward,Toronto Raptors

2025-26 stats:19.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.6 apg

Now in his fifth season, Barnes is quietly becoming a consistent force on both ends. His scoring isn't eye-popping, but he's a play-making presence on a Raptors team that has been the biggest surprise in the East.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

19.Joel Embiid, center, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats:26.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.9 apg

Both Embiid and the 76ers have been calculated and cautious when it comes to the soon-to-be 32-year-old's knee issues. And while Embiid has missed his share of games, he has been very productive when on the floor. He's not quite at his MVP levels from 2022-23, but he nonetheless remains a dominant force.

Pre-season ranking:19th

18.Pascal Siakam, forward-center,Indiana Pacers

2025-26 stats:26.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.9 apg

To look at the impact Siakam has had on the Pacers, all you need to do is take a quick peek at the team's injury reports from this season. Yet, despite being the focus of opposing defenses, Siakam has been the team's lone bright spot.

Pre-season ranking:24th

17.Jamal Murray, guard, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats:25.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.6 apg

During the stretches when Nikola Jokić has had to miss time, Murray has carried the Nuggets. And, after Denver lost some of its perimeter shooting with the trade of Michael Porter Jr., Murray has filled in that void, tying his career-best 3-point shooting percentage (42.5%) on a career-high 7.4 attempts per game.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

16.LeBron James, forward, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats:22.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 7.1 apg

What James is doing at 41 years old does not have a precedent. He remains an impact player who can drive, make the right pass and rebound. He has lost a step, however, and isn't as efficient with his shot and needs to manage back-to-backs. But at his age, that's only natural.

Pre-season ranking:8th

15.Tyrese Maxey, guard, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats:28.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 6.8 apg

Perhaps the most glaring oversight of the unranked players, Maxey ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring and is proving that he's an elite shot maker. He's also showing that he can drag the Sixers to victories, even if Embiid is unavailable.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

14.Devin Booker, guard, Phoenix Suns

2025-26 stats:25.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.3 apg

Although the Suns were seemingly entering an apparent rebuild, Booker's play has helped Phoenix (32-23) become one of the surprises out West. His silky jumper and ability to orchestrate an offense has been on display following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

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Pre-season ranking:15th

13.Jalen Brunson, guard, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats:27.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 6.1 apg

Although the ball sometimes stagnates in his hands, it's for a good reason; Brunson is effective in the clutch, can get to the line and has excellent understanding of body positioning and leverage. He's also a tireless worker.

Pre-season ranking:11th

12.Kevin Durant, forward,Houston Rockets

2025-26 stats:25.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg

His assimilation into the Rocketshasn't been without its hiccups, but Durant remains one of the elite scorers in the game, even at 37 years old. He's more reliant than ever on his jumper, but it's still lethal.

Pre-season ranking:9th

11.Donovan Mitchell, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

2025-26 stats:29.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.9 apg

He still needs to dispel the notion that he cannot perform well in the postseason, and the acquisition of James Harden will only intensify that pressure. But Mitchell is a strong guard who can score at all three levels, take over games and distribute when needed.

Pre-season ranking:10th

10.Jaylen Brown, guard, Boston Celtics

2025-26 stats:29.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.7 apg

This season has shown what Brown can do when he's the No. 1 threat on a team. He ranks fourth in the league in scoring, has become a nightmare matchup on defense and has willed the Celtics (35-19) all the way to the current No. 2 seed in the East, even without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.

Pre-season ranking:20th

9.Kawhi Leonard, forward, Los Angeles Clippers

2025-26 stats:27.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg

He was the main reason why the Clippers came back from the dead, after an abysmal start to the season. Yet, with James Harden and Ivica Zubac now gone, Leonard becomes even more important. His absolute clinic in the 2026 All-Star Game showed that he's among the best in the world when he's on.

Pre-season ranking:14th

8.Stephen Curry, guard, Golden State Warriors

2025-26 stats:27.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.8 apg

The greatest shooter of all-time and the player who fights hardest to get separation and space, Curry is a singular talent. He's also the Warriors' only hope to make a run, and Golden State's window to win is quickly closing.

Pre-season ranking:6th

7.Cade Cunningham, guard, Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats:25.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 9.6 apg

Somehow, Cunningham still flies under the radar relative to other stars in the NBA. Yet he is the main reason the Pistons (40-13) have had their remarkable turnaround over the last two seasons, and his command of Detroit's offense makes him a legitimate MVP candidate.

Pre-season ranking:12th

6.Luka Dončić, guard, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats:32.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 8.6 apg

He leads the league in scoring, and he's arguably the premier offensive player in the NBA, but he has become such a defensive liability, it's hard to justify him being in the Top 5. Opposing teams constantly seek him out and attack him on the other end. Still, with the game on the line, or when L.A. needs a big shot, you know who's going to take it.

Pre-season ranking:4th

5.Anthony Edwards, guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

2025-26 stats:29.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 apg

The2026 NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player, Edwards is a threat to score from anywhere. Though it may appear as though he's too reliant on his 3, he's converting those at a career-high 40.2%.

Pre-season ranking:5th

4.Victor Wembanyama, forward-center, San Antonio Spurs

2025-26 stats:24.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.8 apg

Arguably no player impacts the game on both ends of the floor more than Wembanyama. He leads the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game and his offensive portfolio continues to evolve. His greatest asset, however,might be his competitiveness.

Pre-season ranking:7th

3.Giannis Antetokounmpo, forward-center, Milwaukee Bucks

2025-26 stats:28.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 5.6 apg

His future in Milwaukee seems secure – for now – but Antetokounmpo needs to shake off nagging calf injuries that have robbed him of time on the court. He's the best transition scorer in the world and his size, power, length and athleticism make him a nightmare to defend. His jump shot, though, is still a weakness.

Pre-season ranking:3rd

2.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 stats:31.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.4 apg

Though he was banged up headed into the All-Star break, Gilgeous-Alexander is the preeminent model of consistency in the NBA. His scoring streak of at least 20 points stands at 121 games, which is just six away from Wilt Chamberlain's all-time record.

Pre-season ranking:2nd

1.Nikola Jokić, center, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats:28.7 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 10.7 apg

The only player this season to average a triple-double, Jokić is the most dominant presence in the entire NBA. His vision is unparalleled. His footwork and finesse under the basket is flawless. His knowledge and expertise of the game gives Denver such a massive advantage. For a lot of fans, the most frustrating part about Jokić is his apparent apathy when it comes to things like the All-Star Game. Don't fall into that trap; he's one of the all-time great players in history.

Pre-season ranking:1st

Players who were ranked in the preseason Top 25, but fell off the list: Ja Morant, Grizzlies (25th); James Harden, Cavaliers (23rd); Jimmy Butler, Warriors (22nd); Evan Mobley, Cavaliers (21st); Jalen Williams, Thunder (17th); Anthony Davis, Wizards (13th).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ranking NBA's best players, new top 25 after All-Star break

NEED TO KNOW

• All three bodies have been recovered after a tourist helicopter crashed on a crater of Japan's Mount Aso volcano

• The helicopter was carrying two Taiwanese tourists and a pilot when it crashed on Tuesday, Jan 20

• The bodies were found with the help of dones, authorities confirmed on Thursday, Feb. 19

Three bodies have been found four weeks after a helicopter crashed on a crater of Japan's Mount Aso volcano.

PEOPLEpreviously reportedthat a sightseeing helicopter carrying three people went missing on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 20.

The occupants were two Taiwanese tourists — a 41-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman — and a 64-year-old Japanese pilot, according toKumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun, theKyodo News AgencyandThe Taipei Times.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Feb. 19, authorities confirmed that the bodies of the passengers had been found, perTaipei Times, U.K. newspaperThe IndependentandThe Straits Times.

Officials were able to locate the bodies near the aircraft wreckage using drone footage,Taipei Timesreported.

Authorities said they would attempt to carry out a recovery operation of the remains, perThe Independent.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA)  and the National Police Agency, but didn't immediately receive responses.

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PEOPLEpreviously reportedthat the helicopter left the Aso Cuddly Dominion zoo on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at around 10:52 a.m. local time before going missing near the Mount Aso summit in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture.

Per the Kyodo News Agency, it was on its third sightseeing trip of the day and had no issues in the previous trips.

The aircraft's GPS was last detected near Aso's crater with fire officials receiving an emergency notification from a passenger's phone at around 11:04 a.m., perThe Japan Times.

Due to harsh weather conditions of strong winds and volcanic gas, rescue teams were unable to reach the site,The Independentreported.

After being informed, family members of the victims agreed that the rescue operation could be suspended due to the safety issues, perTaipei Times.

The last eruption of Mount Aso occurred in October 2021, according toThe Independent.

Mount Aso is located in the Aso-Kuju National Park and holds the record for Japan's second most visited park with approximately 1.18 million foreign tourists visiting in 2024.

Read the original article onPeople