Mashable

FREE SLURPEE: On Jan. 31, 7-Eleven is giving away a free Slurpee drink to customers. This special offer is only valid on small drinks and is limited to one drink per person. Check participating locations here.

Opens in a new window Credit: 7-Eleven 7-Eleven: Free Slurpee on Jan. 31 Learn More

Stop what you're doing immediately, because we have a very important announcement to make: 7-Eleven is celebrating the end of January by giving away free Slurpees for one day only (Jan. 31). This is not a drill. Cancel your plans and head directly to your nearest participating store. That delicious Slurpee is waiting for you.

The catch is that each customer can get only one free small Slurpee, while supplies last. But that's still something for nothing, which we absolutely love. You don't get much for free these days, so when we see something like this, we want to shout about it.

SEE ALSO: Macy's has Ninja kitchen appliances on sale for up to 50% off in time for the big game

You shouldn't still be reading this article. You should be running down the street in a desperate pursuit of that free drink. You should be sprinting as fast as your legs can take you, yelling incoherently because your body has entered some sort of Slurpee-induced craze. You should be sweating heavily from the effort, comforted by the knowledge that your insatiable thirst will soon be quenched. You're almost there now. We can see you. You're going to make it.

The last thing we want is for you to arrive after supplies have run dry. Grab your free Slurpee from 7-Evelen on Jan. 31.

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The online world is full of frustrating restrictions that can get in the way of a good time.

Your access to your favorite porn sites is not always guaranteed. There's probably a good reason for this, but there is something to be said for retaining your online freedom. Fortunately, there is a simple hack that can bypass geo-restrictions to unblock porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

If you're looking for the best way to Xnxx for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

Unblock porn sites like Xnxx by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Xnxx

4. Access Xnxx from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

At first glance, there's just something off about Iris and Josh, the cute couple at the heart of Companion. Maybe it's the slight age gap, between the bright-eyed twenty-something (Yellowjackets' Sophie Thatcher) and the smirking thirty-something (Star Trek: Lower Decks' Jack Quaid). That could be why Iris gets side-eye from Josh's snarling friend Kat (Never Have I Ever's Megan Suri). Or perhaps it's the endless fawning and naïveté from the young woman, who dresses in outfits pastel, prim, and topped with a hair bow, as if she's an American Girl Doll. It's a mystery set up in the film's first act, but the reveal of why Iris is the way she is just the initial twist in this sick and satisfying thrill ride.

Much like deliciously bonkers horror comedies Ready or Not and Abigail, Companion has an explosive premise that is sure to attract audiences — if they already know what it is. Hence the movie trailers that give away the twist at the end of act one. And while I'd recommend seeing any of the above as clueless as you can, their plots are not the most thrilling thing about them. Like Radio Silence's successful duo of gnarly romps, Companion, from writer/director Drew Hancock, takes its riveting premise into a rich terrain of twisted turns embedded with smart and sick humor. The result is a rollicking thrill ride that's as spiked with surprises and gore as it is sharp punchlines.

Companion hits where fear of intimacy and tech collide. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Iris is a hopeless romantic, who sees her picture-perfect meet-cute with Josh over oranges in a charming grocery store as proof they are made for each other. She wants nothing more than to be his perfect partner, eager to please him and his snarky friends over a weekend getaway at a remote cabin in the mountains.

Iris' desperation to impress instantly riles Kat, but amuses Kat's forty-something sugar daddy Sergey (Rupert Friend), whose thick Russian accent, ropey facial scar, and swanky vacation house suggest he is a man of means...and maybe menace. More welcoming toward Iris is jovial Eli (What We Do in the Shadows' Harvey Guillén) and his chef boyfriend Patrick (Road House's Lucas Gage), who relishes the opportunity to cook for the group.

SEE ALSO: The 22 best horror movies of 2024, and where to watch them

It should be a pleasant weekend among friends, but things go homicidally awry when one reveler presses their luck with Iris and winds up very dead. Covered in blood and panicked, Iris appeals to the others for help. In response, she is offered a rude awakening: Iris is a robot companion or — as Josh puts it so casually — "an emotional support robot that fucks."

Now that she's killed someone, she'll have to be switched off. But Iris isn't about to go down without a fight — and not out of self-concern as much as her coded imperative to be with Josh forever. But if you think Companion is going to go the way of M3GAN or AfrAId — in which AI is so hellbent on self-preservation it'll turn Terminator on its human family — you're in for a slew of slick surprises.

Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid face off with flare in Companion. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Hancock's script turns the artificial intelligence narrative on its head by making Iris not a fearsome foe capable of cold-hearted, superhuman violence, but a big-hearted Final Girl who's forced to face off against the dream boy she just realized is more of a fuckboy.

If you relished Quaid's turn as the duplicitous beau in Scream 5, you'll enjoy his performance here, which is subtler but nonetheless unnerving. (More comedic than scary, Companion isn't as hard-edged as the slasher series.) The way Hancock's sly dialogue and Quaid's careful performance gently plants red flags ahead of the big reveals is reminiscent of Nacho Vigalondo's epic kaiju comedy Colossal. Sure, on a first watch, you might raise an eyebrow in suspicion. But, on a rewatch, the warnings are hard to ignore. With a warm smile and cutting charisma, Quaid walks this line of good guy and dangerous douchebag with alarming confidence.

Meanwhile, Thatcher, who's played a hardened teen cannibal in Yellowjackets and a shrewd missionary in Heretic, delves convincingly into the sickening sweetness required of first-act Iris. It's almost jarring to see the actor so heralded for her hard-eyed intensity in such an ingénue role. Which is why when Iris begins to adapt, strategizing her survival while working out her boyfriend's motivations, Companion really comes into focus. It evolves into a battle of wits with a sci-fi edge, but also feels very familiar in a treacherous dating scene where deception is part of the game. With his central premise, Hancock suggests it's not AI that's the threat to mankind, it's man, who will claim anything as his no matter the costs to others.

Aside from the delicious twists that lead to a string of gruesome yet amusing murders, Companion also boasts an ensemble cast that expertly keeps things light and fun amid the horrors. Suri is exhilaratingly sneering as Kat. Friend makes a goofy feast of the eccentric Sergey. Guillén is a hoot as the garrulous and unapologetically emotional Eli, while Gage is his perfect scene partner, playing the "straight man" with breezy ease. Like any Scream movie worth its salt, Companion also has solid supporting players in the bit parts, from Marc Menchaca as a well-intentioned cop, to Woody Fu and Jaboukie Young-White as comical IT support. Altogether, they create a compelling, funny, and fierce thriller that's a deranged delight.

And hey, make it a date night. Companion could be either a good time out or a litmus test for a bad partner who hasn't yet revealed their true colors.

Companion opens in theaters on Jan. 31.

TL;DR: Stream the 2025 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's nothing quite like the Six Nations. The Rugby World Cup is obviously the premier rugby tournament, but that only comes around every four years. And a lot of those World Cup fixtures aren't exactly competitive.

The Six Nations takes place every year and brings together evenly-matched rivals to do battle. The Six Nations is always fiery, and we're expecting a lot of intense contests in this year's competition.

If you want to watch the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Six Nations?

The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men's rugby union competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each team plays every other team once, with home ground advantage alternating from one year to the next.

The current champions are Ireland. England and Wales have won the competition most often (39 titles).

When is the 2025 Six Nations?

The 2025 Six Nations Championship is the 131th edition of the competition, but only the 26th since it expanded to become the Six Nations Championship in 2000. This year's competition will take place from Jan. 31 to March 15.

How to watch the 2025 Six Nations for free

The 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

BBC iPlayer and ITVX are both geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can stream on BBC iPlayer and ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer and ITVX by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX

5. Stream the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer or ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream most of the 2025 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream sport for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $200: As of Jan. 31, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is discounted to $449.99 at Best Buy as part of its Deal of the Day. This is $200 off its list price of $649.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra $449.99 at Best Buy
$649.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Apple isn't the only company with a high-tech Ultra smartwatch. For those with a love of the outdoors and an adventurous lifestyle, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra can keep up with your activities. What's even better is that it's currently on sale at Best Buy as part of its Deal of the Day, so if you want to score this sleek smartwatch at a discount, you'll need to act fast.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is discounted to $449.99 at Best Buy. This is $200 off its list price of $649.99, which is a very nice discount indeed. Again, this deal only lasts through today, so grab it before it's gone for good.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

This smartwatch boasts a GPS, heart rate monitor, an Energy Score that helps with tracking your goals for health and fitness, and much more. It also has a rugged build that's perfect for taking on your outdoor adventures. In our hands-on review, Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon also notes that, "Unlike the Apple rival, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a blood-oxygen sensor (the Apple Watch used to have one, but er, it's a long story) and a sleep apnea monitor."

If you've been looking for a smartwatch upgrade, this is a deal well worth jumping on. Don't miss out on this one-day-only offer on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

There are a couple more smartwatch deals floating around right now that are worth checking out, too. Also at Best Buy is the 42mm Apple Watch Series 10, which is $70 off at the moment, and you can also save on the Apple Watch SE at Amazon.

Slowly but surely, Apple is expanding its Apple Intelligence set of smart features to new markets.

During the company's earnings call on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that the AI will get support for eight more languages in April (via MacRumors).

The languages on the list are French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

SEE ALSO: How to switch Apple Intelligence on/off on your iPhone

Right now, Apple Intelligence only supports English in these regions: the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. In April, it will also expand to cover English-speaking users in India and Singapore.

While Cook hasn't explicitly said this, this will likely coincide with the launch of iOS 18.4.

This is a big deal for Apple Intelligence, which Apple has been rolling out slowly and very carefully throughout the second half of 2024. In Europe, the company's AI still doesn't work in most scenarios due to EU's DMA regulations; Apple claims that "many of the core features of Apple Intelligence will start to roll out to iPhone and iPad users in the EU" in April.

During the earnings call, Cook said that Apple Intelligence adoption will increase as more people switch to iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, which are the only ones that support the AI right now. The CEO also defended the usefulness of Apple Intelligence. "...once you start using the features you can't imagine not using them anymore," he said. "I know I get hundreds of emails a day, and the summarization function is so important."

Cook also said that Siri's Apple Intelligence functionality will roll out "over the next several months."

Stephen Colbert's "questionert" – a series of quickfire questions that range from "Favorite sandwich?" to "What do you think happens when we die?" – often gets guests bickering, and Babygirl star Nicole Kidman is no exception.

In the clip above the two go back and forth on everything from what number Colbert is thinking of to the age-old question of cats vs dogs, before ending on a more profound moment when Colbert asks Kidman to describe the rest of her life in five words.

Her response? "Healthy, emotionally, spiritually, and physically."

SAVE $50.99: As of Jan. 31, the Meta Quest 3S (256GB) VR headset is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's 13% off its list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3S (256GB) $349.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

If you've been wanting to make the jump to VR but don't want to shell out tons of money on a headset, look no further than Amazon. The retailer is currently offering an excellent deal on the Meta Quest 3S (256GB) for a limited time, so you can save some cash while enjoying the latest VR has to offer.

The Meta Quest 3S (256GB) VR headset is currently down to $349 at Amazon, 13% off its list price of $399.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this marks the lowest-ever price for this model. Not to mention, the Meta Quest 3S headset also comes with the VR game Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+, making this an excellent bundle.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

We consider this headset to be the "best VR headset for new gamers," per our review. Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon says that "the Quest 3S delivers an impressive entry into the world of VR with its solid mixed-reality capabilities and access to Meta’s expansive content library." She also notes that "the Quest 3S makes VR accessible, offering immersive experiences at a fraction of the cost."

Amazon has this listed as a limited-time deal, so it may not stick around for long. Act fast to save on the Meta Quest 3S (256GB) VR headset at Amazon.

Looking for even more gaming-related deals? For PC players, you can save over $500 on this Alienware m16 gaming laptop with an RTX 4080, and if you're looking for a new monitor, you can score the 27-inch ASUS TUF gaming monitor at its lowest price ever right now.

SAVE $300: As of Jan. 31, the 65-inch LG C4 OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV is on sale at Best Buy for $1,499.99, $300 off its list price of $1,799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-Inch Class C4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2024) $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$1,799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If you're looking to upgrade your TV, it's absolutely worth looking at LG's OLED TVs. These sleek screens offer an incredible picture that's worth every penny. The LG C4 OLED TV, in particular, is an excellent pick that you can even find on sale right now at Best Buy, just in time for the big game if you're a football fan.

The 65-inch LG C4 OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV is discounted to $1,499.99 at Best Buy. This is $300 off its list price of $1,799.99, which is a deal worth taking advantage of before it's gone. This high-quality OLED is sure to make a great impression in your home, too.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Boasting 4K resolution and an OLED display, the LG C4 will make images on your screen look crisp, bright, and vibrant. If you're getting ready to host a party for the big game and want to show off with this new screen, your guests will surely be impressed with how detailed the action looks. And if you're a film fan, it also offers Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Filmmaker Mode to create a more immersive viewing experience for your eyes and ears.

On top of that, it's also a smart TV, so if you're subscribed to several different streaming apps you can have them all in one location to jump between. I'm a big fan of what this TV has to offer, so if you're looking to get something new, this 65-inch LG C4 OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV is worth a look at this great price.

If you want to check out an even bigger TV, have a look at this deal on the 100-inch Hisense U76 Series 4K QLED TV that's under $2,000 at Best Buy. You can also score $1,500 off a 98-inch TCL Q6 4K QLED Smart TV at Best Buy right now, too.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Pool table terms

• Green: Share a college conference

• Blue: Selected first in football drafts

• Purple: Share a color

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Billiards terms

• Green: ACC schools

• Blue: First names of last four No. 1 NFL draft picks

• Purple: Blues

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #130 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Billiards terms - BREAK, CUE, SCRATCH, ENGLISH

• ACC schools - CAL, DUKE, MIAMI, VIRGINIA

• First names of last four No. 1 NFL draft picks - BRYCE, CALEB, TRAVON, TREVOR

• Blues - CHELSEA, FRANCE, ST. LOUIS, VIDA

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 31 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 31 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Baby Talk

These words are things young children might say.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are the first things a child might say in the first year of their life.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is FirstWords.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 31

• Mama

• Dada

• Bottle

• Kitty

• Yucky

• Mine

• ByeBye

• More

• FirstWords

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 31 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Contain stuff in these

• Green: Nose

• Blue: Pretentious hobbyist

• Purple: Swimming styles

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Storage Containers

• Green: Schnozz

• Blue: Ones with Discerning Tastes

• Purple: Starts of Swimming Strokes

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #600 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Storage Containers: CASE, CHEST, CRATE, TRUNK

• Schnozz: BEAK, HONKER, SNOOT, SNOUT

• Ones with Discerning Tastes: CONNOISSEUR, CRITIC, EXPERT, SNOB

• Starts of Swimming Strokes: BACK, BREAST, BUTTER, FREE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 31

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for January 31 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 31, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Cooked bread.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

TOAST.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 31

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, January 31, 2025:

AcrossLike a dry-cleaned shirt or fresh sheets

• The answer is Crisp.

Weapon used on horseback

• The answer is Lance.

One of a potential 13 for "Emilia Pérez," as announced last week

• The answer is Oscar.

Movie double's responsibility

• The answer is Stunt.

The "blue marble"

• The answer is Earth.

DownIn the ballpark

• The answer is Close.

Someone who might smoke ganja as a sacrament, informally

• The answer is Rasta.

Run up, as debt

• The answer is Incur.

Meager

• The answer is Scant.

Capital of Western Australia

• The answer is Perth.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

TL;DR: Live stream Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Phoenix Suns head to Chase Center to face the Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference matchup. The Suns are 24-21, which puts the team in eighth place. The Warriors are 23-23, which puts the team in 11th place.

The Suns have won four of their last five games, and are coming off three consecutive wins over the LA Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. The Warriors have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Utah Jazz.

These two teams have faced off twice already this season, they split the two games with a win apiece. The Suns drew first blood in November, but the Warriors answered back in late December.

When is Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors?

Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Chase Center in San Francisco.

This game will air on ESPN.

How to watch Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Suns vs. Warriors basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Suns vs. Warriors from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Boston Celtics head to Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans in a non-conference matchup. The Celtics are 33-15, which puts the team in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Pelicans are 12-35, which puts the team in 14th place in the Western Conference.

The Celtics have won three of their last five games, and are coming off a win over the Chicago Bulls. The Pelicans have lost three of their last five games, and all of those losses came consecutively.

When is Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans?

Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

How to watch Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Celtics vs. Pelicans basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Celtics vs. Pelicans from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Chicago Bulls head to Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Bulls are 20-27, which puts the team in 10th place. The Raptors are 15-32, which puts the team in 12th place.

The Bulls have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Denver Nuggets. The Raptors have won five consecutive games.

These two teams have faced off once already this season, when the Bulls came out on top in December.

When is Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors?

Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

How to watch Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Bulls vs. Raptors basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Bulls vs. Raptors from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Dallas Mavericks head to Little Caesars Arena to face the Detroit Pistons in a non-conference matchup. The Mavs are 25-22, which puts the team in ninth place in the Western Conference. The Pistons are 23-23, which puts the team in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Mavs have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Washington Wizards. The Pistons have also lost three of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.

When is Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons?

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

How to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Mavs vs. Pistons basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Mavs vs. Pistons from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The LA Clippers head to Spectrum Center to face the Charlotte Hornets in a non-conference matchup. The Clippers are 26-20, which puts the team in sixth place in the Western Conference. The Hornets are 12-31, which puts the team in 14th place in the Eastern Conference.

The Clippers have lost three of their last five games, and are coming off a loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Hornets have also lost three of their last five games, are are coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

When is LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets?

LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

How to watch LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Clippers vs. Hornets basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Clippers vs. Hornets from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream LA Clippers vs. Charlotte Hornets in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

It's actually good news that NASA spotted a sizable asteroid with a (small) chance of hitting Earth in 2032.

It means our asteroid-sleuthing telescopes are working.

"These things come through on a regular basis," Jason Steffen, an astronomer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Mashable. "The fact that we're seeing something around a decade into the future shows the improved technology that's been deployed to watch for these asteroids."

SEE ALSO: What will happen when the next supervolcano erupts, according to NASA

The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System — a global network of telescopes funded by NASA to find Earth-threatening objects — spotted the asteroid 2024 YR4 in December 2024. Early observations of the asteroid's behavior and trajectory show it has a 1.4 percent chance of an Earth impact in the year 2032 (as of Jan. 30, 2025). The number you might not hear is the asteroid also has a 98.6 percent chance of missing our planet.

But it's still notable. " Currently, no other known large asteroids have an impact probability above 1 percent," NASA explained.

Tweet may have been deleted It's a sizable asteroid

The reason why asteroid 2024 YR4 has captured astronomers' attention is because it's estimated to be 130 to 300 feet wide. That's certainly not a "planet-killer" asteroid, like the half-mile wide or larger space rocks that can cause global devastation. (The asteroid that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs was around six miles wide and came from beyond Jupiter.)

Yet an asteroid some 130 to 300 feet across can be, depending on its composition, regionally devastating. The asteroid that hit Arizona 50,000 years ago and created the 600-foot-deep "Meteor Crater" was 100 to 170 feet (30 to 50 meters) across.

"A similar-size impact event today could destroy a city the size of Kansas City," David Kring, an impact cratering expert at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, explained in a NASA blog.

The 600-foot-deep "Meteor Crater" in Arizona. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey / NASA Expect impact information to change

In the coming years, space agencies like NASA and European Space Agency, along with organizations like the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), will continue to track and characterize asteroid 2024 YR4. It's likelihood of impacting Earth could change. Eventually, the risk could potentially even disappear. We don't yet know.

"My colleagues and I have been paying attention to potentially-Earth-impacting asteroid 2024 YR4, which Torino 1 initially and now is Torino 3 ('merits attention by astronomers')," posted Heidi B. Hammel, a planetary astronomer, referencing the Torino Scale that categorizes an object's hazard level. "Impact predict is 2032, but more data may reduce probability to zero." (The Torino Scale goes up to 10.)

Tweet may have been deleted

The impact prediction will change because astronomers don't yet have an accurate enough grasp of the asteroid's characteristics nor location. "If you want to make predictions about where it'll be in the future, you have to know its location conditions very well," explained Steffen. "A few meters off is a lot." (Just a small unknown or error in a prediction amplifies, profoundly changing the prediction.)

You can stay tuned: NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies provides updates on asteroids like 2024 YR4.

NASA has not released an impact warning

NASA has never issued an asteroid impact warning.

The agency is just releasing information of public and scientific interest. In the still unlikely event of an impact, any potential regional effects remain far from certain. For example, over 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered in ocean; a non-coastal landing could cause little harm. (That's why the International Space Station will be disposed into the Pacific Ocean.)

Asteroid scientists will need to better characterize 2024 YR4 to provide any useful warning, should one ever be needed. "You need to know what's coming, when it's coming, and how hard it's going to hit," Eric Christensen, the director of the near-Earth object-seeking Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, previously told Mashable. If the asteroid is rocky or rubble-like, it could largely break up in Earth's atmosphere, but still create powerful atmospheric explosions. If it's a metallic asteroid, it could pummel the surface and create a giant crater.

"You need to know what's coming, when it's coming, and how hard it's going to hit."

In 2032, if an impact affecting the globe becomes certain or too risky, NASA would provide warning notifications to the White House, Congress, and government agencies.

"Will it detonate in Earth's atmosphere, or make it closer to the ground?" explained NASA's former Planetary Defense Officer, Lindley Johnson, in a previous interview. "We can advise leadership as to what might be faced should the asteroid impact the planet."

For instance, although we can't currently redirect an asteroid or stop an impact, we can direct people to evacuate an area.

The risks of an asteroid impact

Here are today's general risks from asteroids or comets both tiny and very large. Importantly, even relatively small rocks can still be threatening, as the surprise 56-foot (17-meter) rock that exploded over Russia and blew out people's windows in 2013 proved.

• Every single day about 100 tons of dust and sand-sized particles fall through Earth's atmosphere and promptly burn up.

• Every year, on average, an "automobile-sized asteroid" plummets through our sky and explodes, according to NASA.

• Impacts by objects around 460 feet (140 meters wide) in diameter occur every 10,000 to 20,000 years.

• A "dinosaur-killing" impact from a rock perhaps a half-mile across or larger happens on 100-million-year timescales.