Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander is out for the NBA All-Star Game next weekend in Los Angeles due to an abdominal strain (he has already missed two games and the Thunder lost both).
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Sunday that Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun would replace Gilgeous-Alexander on the World Team in the All-Star Game (part of a USA vs. World format, more on that below).
Sengun was one of the most obvious snubs when the coaches picked the reserves. In his fifth NBA season, Sengu is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and a career-high 6.3 assists per game.
Sengun joins a stacked World Team roster that already includes Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama at the five.
All-Star Game format
This year, the NBA All-Star Game returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock — and it falls right in the middle of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which are already underway. That was a perfect setup for the first-of-its-kind All-Star Game format, a USA vs. World showdown that fans and players have been asking for.
The 24 All-Star players have been divided into three teams, two USA teams — USA Stripes and USA Stars — and one World Team. Those three teams will compete in a round-robin tournament of four 12-minute games, each team playing at least two games.
At the end of the round-robin, the two top teams will play a championship game (the fourth 12-minute game of the day) for the title. (If there is a tie, it comes down to point differential.)
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. Eastern, an earlier time than in previous years, leading into more coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Every moment of All-Star Weekend — the Rising Stars challenge on Friday. (Feb. 13), All-Star Saturday Night with the 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest (Feb. 14), as well as the All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 15 — will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. Eastern, a time earlier than in previous years, leading into more coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game airs on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game airs on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you're in the mood for.
The new-look Los Angeles Clippers head to Minnesota to play the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will be showing off a new look of their own.
Minnesota's roster improved after the deadline. Meanwhile, the Clippers are looking to rebuild for the future.
My Clippers vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks reflect that, calling for a Minnesota cover on Sunday, February 8.
Clippers vs Timberwolves prediction
Clippers vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -9 (-110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves needed a jolt, and they’re hoping a deadline move provides it. Minnesota is just 1–2 in February and 0–3 against the spread, despite facing a weak slate. The losses came against Memphis, New Orleans, and the lone win was a narrow two-point escape over fifth-place Toronto.
That uneven stretch followed a strong finish to January, when the Wolves closed the month on a four-game winning streak, both straight up and ATS.
With a tougher slate looming in March, failing to capitalize now could leave the Timberwolves battling just to avoid the play-in tournament.
The Los Angeles Clippers, meanwhile, appear comfortable heading in the opposite direction. After a surprising 17–4 run, Los Angeles dismantled what had become a competitive roster, trading away 25-point scorer James Harden and 14-point-per-game center Ivica Zubac in separate deals.
The key return was Darius Garland, who is currently sidelined with a toe injury, leaving the Clippers clearly prioritizing the future over a playoff push.
Take the T-Wolves to cover today.
Clippers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
The T-Wolves are the 10th fastest-paced team in the league and have gone Over in four of their last five games. They haven't been happy with the results recently, though.
In addition to losing two leading scorers, the Clippers also traded away the team's rebounding leader. John Collins should be able to keep alive his streak of four straight games with seven or more rebounds.
Clippers vs Timberwolves SGP
Minnesota -9
Under 223
John Collins Over 6.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Board Crashers!
Rudy Gobert has double-figure rebounds in five straight games and a total of 28 in his last two.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit the game total Under in 17 of their last 22 games at home. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Clippers vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Tip-off
3:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Clippers vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has become a shareholder in Kalshi, a major prediction market with a wide array of sports trading opportunities.
Antetokounmpo announced the partnership Friday.
“The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own,” Antetokounmpo posted on social media. “Today, I'm joining Kalshi as a shareholder.”
Kalshi said Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder. The partnership includes help with live events and marketing.
“Giannis is a legend,” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour said in a release. “He’s exactly the type of long-term partner we want to align our growing brand with, and we couldn’t be happier he’s on board.”
Antetokounmpo was the subject of widespread rumors ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. But the Bucks decided to keep the two-time MVP.
In the days leading up to the deadline, Kalshi had several posts on X highlighting its event contracts on Antetokounmpo's trade market and the fluctuating odds connected to the teams believed to be in the mix for his services. An estimated $23 million in contracts were bought on Antetokounmpo's future before the trade deadline.
According to Kalshi's release, Antetokounmpo will be forbidden from trading on markets related to the NBA. Messages were left Friday seeking further details from Kalshi and comment from the NBA.
“I love the Kalshi markets and have been checking them often recently,” Antetokounmpo said in the company's release. “I like to win. It’s clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner and I’m excited to be getting involved.”
Antetokounmpo, who hasn’t played since straining his right calf on Jan. 23, already had departed by the time the Bucks had their postgame locker room availability after their 105-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo also is part of the ownership group for baseball's Milwaukee Brewers, Major League Soccer's Nashville SC, and now the Chelsea Football Club's women's team.
I'm proud and honored to partner with my friend @alexisohanian, joining the ownership group of @ChelseaFCW, a historic club built on passion, excellence, and a winning culture. Chelsea’s history speaks for itself, and I’m excited to contribute to the future by supporting… pic.twitter.com/LEzNakL9Rd
Prediction markets provide an opportunity to trade — or wager — on the result of future events. They rose to prominence in politics, but the array of typically yes-or-no questions includes everything from the weather to the Oscar for best picture.
The markets are comprised of event contracts, with the prices connected to what traders are willing to pay, which theoretically indicates the perceived probability of an event occurring. The buy-in for each contract ranges from $0 to $1 each, reflecting a 0% to 100% chance of what traders think could happen.
When the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last month, an anonymous trader on Polymarket — another prediction market — made more than $400,000 after betting that Maduro would soon be out of office, raising suspicions of potential insider trading because of the timing of the wagers and the trader’s narrow activity.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 23: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets looks on in the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Thursday, the NBA trade deadline came and went for the Houston Rockets. They were one of the few inactive teams in the league.
There’s a bit of confusion regarding whether the Rockets were even working the phones. General Manager Rafael Stone said that the team had spoken to various organizations and ball clubs.
“Obviously, we talked to every team. We had discussions. But this year, in particular, with the way the cap works, we were hard-capped at the first apron. So constructing trades was hard.”
Stone added that the team has generally been good through the first half of the season, thus, Houston “wasn’t looking to make changes at all”.
That’s a bit of a contradiction, but let’s keep going.
Well-known reporter Jake Fischer noted that Houston hadn’t been in contact with anyone.
“I have not heard the Rockets are actively involved in anything right now, not Coby White, not Ayo Dosunmu, not anything else.”
Chicago Bulls beat writer Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reportedly repeatedly that the Bulls and Rockets had been in contact regarding Coby White, as the Bulls coveted Tari Eason but Houston’s brass wouldn’t give Eason up.
(He’s never wavered off that reporting).
So what’s the truth?
Who knows?
In general, the decision to stand pat wasn’t an unwise one.
Although fans don’t want to hear it.
Which is understandable. Especially after watching these last three games against the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.
(The latter two were on back-to-backs, I know, but Houston lacked effort, especially in the second half of both games). But from a trade standpoint, you have to have assets. Something to trade.
Not to say that Houston doesn’t have trade chips. They do.
The Bulls proved that.
But those negotiations also proved that Houston doesn’t have players they can sacrifice. This is a top-heavy roster.
Houston was willing to part with…..Dorian Finney-Smith and an injured Steven Adams?
What was that going to fetch? They couldn’t part with Clint Capela, in light of Adams’ season-ending injury.
It would’ve been different if either of those players were on expiring deals. That, in it of itself, holds value.
DFS has three more seasons under contract. Adams has two years left.
Both deals were just signed.
What value do they hold?
Can this team afford to lose Eason or Reed Sheppard for a rental like Coby White? Or Ayo Dosunmu?
Or even Jabari Smith Jr.
Could they risk losing him for a rental?
For the way the roster is built, Houston’s best bet was standing pat.
And it could be why they never seriously engaged in real trade talks.
This is why you go out and get a former MVP at the deadline.
James Harden — playing his first game with the Cavaliers since being traded from the Clippers, and without a practice or shootaround — took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points on 4-of-4 shooting (three of those 3-pointers) to spark a comeback win for the Cavaliers against the Kings on the road, 132-126.
James Harden came up big for the Cavs in his debut!
Donovan Mitchell scored 35 on the night for the Cavaliers, while Jarrett Allen scored 29 with 10 rebounds — Cleveland big men Allen and (once healthy) Evan Mobley may benefit most from the passing that James Harden brings to the table.
It's just one game against a tanking team (albeit one with some veteran talent on the roster), but it's a great start for the Harden era in Cleveland. That was a team playing with confidence down the stretch, which we have not consistently seen from the Cavaliers this season.
Western Conference powerhouses collide on Monday when the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET. This marquee matchup is the second game of a doubleheader on Peacock after the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Orlando Magic at 7:30 PM ET. Coverage begins at 7:00PM ET.
See below for additional information on how to watch both and follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
The Thunder own the best record in the Association at 40-13, but the gap between them and the rest of the Western Conference is closing. Oklahoma City is just 9-6 across its last 15, and the team has dropped two straight with ShaiGilgeous-Alexander on the sideline. SGA will be out through the All-Star break with an abdominal strain, and JalenWilliams has missed nine straight games with a right hamstring strain.
The shorthanded Thunder's most recent loss came on Saturday as they fell to the Houston Rockets 112-106. CasonWallace paced OKC in scoring with 23, ChetHolmgren delivered a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double, and IsaiahJoe led the bench with 21 points. IsaiahHartenstein recorded 11 assists, and he could see expanded playmaking responsibilities until Shai is back.
After facing the Lakers on Monday, the Thunder finish out the week with a road game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday and a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Availability will be key for the Thunder's title defense, and they'll use the All-Star break to get healthy for the final 27 games of the season and what they hope will be a lengthy postseason.
Los Angeles Lakers Storylines
After playing eight straight games on the road, the Lakers will play their third contest of an eight-game home stand on Monday. Los Angeles has won three straight games, but the injury bug has reared its ugly head yet again.
AustinReaves returned from a 19-game absence against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, but the reunion of the Lakers' Big Three was short-lived as LukaDoncic went down with a hamstring injury in Thursday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Doncic is day-to-day after sitting out Saturday's win over the Golden State Warriors. Sans Doncic, the team delivered a gritty 105-99 victory over the Dubs, headlined by LeBronJames' 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Reaves contributed 16 points, five boards and eight dimes off the bench, and RuiHachimura chipped in 18 points, as the Lakers had six players finish in double figures.
The 32-19 Lakers are the No. 5 seed in the West, but the conference is ultra-competitive, and every win matters. Los Angeles is one game back from the No. 3 seed and just two games back from the No. 7 seed.
The Thunder and Lakers faced off on November 12, and Oklahoma City dominated with a 121-92 home victory. Monday's matchup is the second of four games in the regular-season series.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
Monday’s NBA doubleheader on Peacock tips off at 7:30 PM ET as the Orlando Magic host the Milwaukee Bucks. The nightcap features a heavyweight Western Conference bout when the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET. Live coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
See below for additional information on how to watch both and follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
After dropping five games in a row, the Bucks are on their first three-game win streak of the season as they head to Kia Center looking for a fourth straight victory. The shorthanded Milwaukee squad posted at least 131 points in two of its three victories, getting strong production from role players in the absence of GiannisAntetokounmpo.
The Bucks delivered a 105-99 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday, led by Kevin Porter Jr.'s 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Ryan Rollins finished with 22 points and four three-pointers, and Bobby Portis led the bench with 21 points and three triples. Making his fifth start of the season, backup big man Jericho Sims led all players with a career-high 15 rebounds.
Milwaukee is on the outside looking in, as the 21-29 Bucks sit 11th in the Eastern Conference. They've struggled to string together wins with Antetokounmpo on the floor, but the Greek Freak's indefinite absence puts victories at a premium. Antetokounmpo has no timeline to return from a right calf strain, and the Bucks will need to embrace a "Next man up" mentality to stay in the win column until he returns.
Orlando Magic Storylines
The Magic play the third game of a four-game homestand, and they'll look to stay perfect in front of the crowd at Kia Center after two straight wins. Orlando surged back from a 17-point deficit on Saturday to defeat the Utah Jazz 120-117.
Paolo Banchero led the charge against Utah, delivering 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Desmond Bane finished with 22 points, Anthony Black contributed 21, and Jalen Suggs offered 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
After playing in both games of Orlando's European tour, Franz Wagner (ankle) has missed nine straight contests. Injuries across the roster have been a major concern for the Magic this season, and they'll hope to get Wagner back for the playoff push.
At 27-24, the No. 7 seed Magic are 2.5 games out of the No. 6 seed and four games out of the No. 11 seed. Every win counts.
Monday's matchup will be the first of three meetings between the Bucks and Magic this season, and they'll face off again Wednesday in Orlando. Milwaukee won three of four head-to-head matchups last season, and three of those games were decided by five points or less.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against Jay Huff #32 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Franchise records, cardinal sins, basketball gods, and the unexpected. Volume 7 is nothing if not varied. And while the past fortnight might have seemed all doom and gloom to begin, a win streak and the quiet celebration of a post-trade deadline with Giannis still here have brought some much-needed positive mojo back to the Bucks. Rejoice!
@ Sixers
To begin, the land is flat, city streets gently rolling at worst. One street into another. Into another, into another. Eventually, there’s movement. Subtle. Tectonic. Paul George trails the play then steps into a 27-footer, putting the Sixers up eight. On their next trip down, he rises again—splash—and an incline becomes noticeable. Two minutes and forty-eight seconds of game time and a three-quarter time break later, George is back at it, hitting again from 27 feet. Then, just 37 seconds on from that, a painted landscape: George screens and then gets screened as he curls to the corner, dropping yet another—a franchise-record-tying ninth triple. By the time it falls through the hoop and the Bucks are back on offence, you’d swear they’re in San Francisco, or at Denali. A mountain looms.
Win probability prior to George’s initial 27-footer: 23.3%
Win probability following his ninth three: 1.4%
@ Wizards
The Bucks don’t score for the first three minutes. Don’t get their second bucket for another two. Don’t reach 10 points until there’s only 4:50 left in the quarter. But somehow, with 45 seconds left on the clock, a Pete Nance tip-in gives them the lead. It caps a 10-2 run that should give the Bucks momentum going into the second. Instead, on the very next possession, Bobby Portis fouls Bub Carrington on a 32-footer. And one. Four-point play. Then, with just 2.2 seconds left in the quarter, Nance commits the same sin, sending Will Riley to the line to shoot three. He makes them all, and the Wizards take a two-point lead into the break that the Bucks can never get back. But considering where the season is right now, you don’t mind. Not. One. Bit.
Win probability prior to Portis’ foul: 67.2%
Win probability following Riley’s free throws: 56.3%
@ Celtics
There’s hardware up for grabs and the Bucks start en fuego—middies to Rollins and Portis, threes to Rollins and Kuzma—and suddenly it’s a 12-0 lead. The crowd is stunned, silent. Kuzma keeps pressing, getting to the line, and then Myles Turner gets in on the action with a 27-footer that makes you think his recent hot form ain’t just a streak: up fake, 360 pivot, pull-back—phone booth stuff—nothing but the bottom. 16-6 Bucks. Showing out in the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic. They even get a miss on the other end, Payton Pritchard back-rimming his own 27-footer. But when Turner and then Rollins fail to control the rebound, it starts to smell like trouble. And when Turner compounds the error, watching frozen as Neemias Queta turns middle and two-dribbles into an uncontested left-hand dunk, it flat-out stinks. The TD Garden crowd finds its voice and the Celtics go on a 99-63 run the rest of the way.
Win probability following Turner’s three: 44.9%
Win probability following Queta’s dunk: 42.6%
vs. Bulls
Okay, I confess: I didn’t watch this one. You get it, don’t you? They’d lost five on the trot. By an average of 15.4 points. Bobby Portis joined Giannis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Harris on the inactive list. Amir Coffey started. Bucks trade rumours were running wild. Actual trades were going down. Podcasts and podcasts and podcasts and podcasts. But hey, Kuz turned into Giannis, Trent found his stroke, and I’m the loser. I can live with it.
Win probability prior to the game: 51.8%
Win probability following my decision to forego it: 100% (apparently)
vs. Pelicans
It’s trade deadline eve and a million unanswered questions flit in the air like leaves in a tornado. Will the Bucks trade Giannis? Will they make an offer for Michael Porter Jr.? Why are there rumours about Cam Thomas? But only one of them carries real weight. Do you believe in god?
Deep in the fourth quarter of the Bucks’ matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, long after you’ve forgotten they’re really only playing to protect their draft pick, it’s a ballgame. And you’re invested. Zion Williamson sinks a pair of free throws to put the Pels up two with just 58 seconds on the clock. Then Kevin Porter Jr., back from the indefinite, spins tornado-like into a dunk that ties it up. And after Zion gets called for an offensive foul, KPJ again touches paint and finds Myles Turner in the corner. He rises up for three—for the win—only for the refs to initiate a review and, somehow, waive it off. You’re enraged, fists clenched, yelling out His name in vain. Regardless, it’s overtime, and before you know it, it arrives—the moment. Up two after a Rollins layup, KPJ finds Turner again—this time on the wing, feet well inside the sidelines—and he lets it fly. The shot is clearly long, bypassing the rim entirely. But it does find glass. Then net. And the Bucks hold on from there. Protect the pick.
Later that night, as you lie awake in bed, the question rears itself again. Do you believe in god? No, you think. Then pause. But I sure as hell believe in the basketball gods.
Win probability after Turner’s game-winner is waived off: 46.6%
Win probability after Turner’s bank shot three: 80.6%
vs. Pacers
Sitting on his lounge room couch, scrolling on his phone, Jericho Sims’ heart skips a beat—the Bucks have just traded for centre Nick Richards. Sims discards his phone, heads straight to Fiserv. Gets to work. He stays there overnight, minutes turning into hours turning into tip-off against the Indiana Pacers. And he’s starting. His presence is felt early—five decisive caroms—but it’s a sequence in the second that tells the story. Sims finds his anti-gravity, comes out of nowhere to throw a Johnny Furphy attempt off the backboard that turns into a transition deep two for Bobby Portis. Back on the other end, Sims collects another rebound and turns point-forward, milks the hot hand so well Jason Kidd would be proud, and Portis pays it off for three. Timeout, Pacers. Four-point deficit to one-point lead. 26 seconds of utter dominance. By the half, he’s already got double-digit rebounds. By the end of the game, he’s arguably the most valuable player of the night. It’s not until he gets home and finds his phone that he sees Richards was traded before arrival for Ousmane Dieng. Good thing, he thinks. Wasn’t gonna take my spot anyway. And with that, Jericho Sims may have just saved his career.
Win probability prior to Sims’ block on Furphy: 33.9%
Win probability after Sims drops it off to Portis for three: 49.1%
New to Momentum Moments is a fan poll giving you the final say on what moment hit hardest. Cast your vote below and, as always, add your thoughts in the comments.
Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) talks with rapper Travis Scott after a game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
James Harden’s 15 fourth-quarter points were enough to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a narrow 132-126 victory over the Sacramento Kings in his debut with the team. Immediately after the game, while he was doing his first postgame interview with Cavs sideline reporter Serena Winters, Travis Scott decided to crash the party.
“We’re going to the yard,” Travis Scott yelled after he came running into the picture. “What are we doing? DM, JH, what the f***!”
Travis Scott crashed James Harden's interview after Harden's first W with the Cavs 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/kA8T9O7Gow
FanDuel Sports Network didn’t cut off the last part like they probably wish they did. At the same time, they couldn’t have expected Travis Scott to run in like that.
Winters handled this chaotic moment like a pro. She held the microphone in a death grip and, understandably, wasn’t going to give it up to someone who just ran in. And then when Travis Scott left, she resumed interviewing Harden and Donovan Mitchell as if nothing happened.
She’s good at her job.
You know it girl 😂😂😂 you know we were always taught to never give up our mic, just never knew I was going to have to implement it with such force 😂
Harden and Mitchell started slow in the first half, but turned it on in the second. Harden poured in 20 points on 6-7 shooting with two assists over the final two quarters. Mitchell scored 29 on 11-16 shooting in that time as well. That was good enough to get past a rudderless Kings team.
How the Mitchell and Harden pairing works out on the court will determine whether this trade was a win. The duo performed well together on Saturday as they combined for 32 fourth-quarter points down the stretch and one crashed postgame interview with Travis Scott.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 18: Dante Exum #0 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on against the Memphis Grizzlies during the game of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have requested waivers on Dante Exum, the team announced Sunday.
The Washington Wizards have requested waivers on guard Dante Exum.
Exum, 30, was acquired from Dallas in the Anthony Davis trade. The veteran guard was on an expiring $3.3 million contract.
After waiving Exum, Washington now has two open roster spots it can fill with standard NBA contracts. One of spots is currently being filled by the 10-day contract of Keshon Gilbert.
Washington could convert one of its two-way players — Tristan Vukcevic, Jamir Watkins, Sharife Cooper — to a standard NBA deal with one of those roster spots.
Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference face off on Sunday when the Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks.
Jalen Brunson had one of his worst offensive performances of the season on Friday, and my Knicks vs. Celtics predictions expect a bounce-back performance from the superstar guard.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this heavyweight matinee matchup on Sunday, February 8.
Knicks vs Celtics prediction
Knicks vs Celtics best bet: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points (-105)
Jalen Brunson had arguably his worst offensive showing of the season on Friday as he finished with 12 points on 4 of 20 shooting. The 12 points tied his season low, not counting his five-minute game against the Sacramento Kings.
Brunson is averaging 27.1 points per game this season, and he’s scored at least 27 points in 14 of 22 road games. He also finished with 15 and 31 points in two tilts with the Boston Celtics.
This afternoon's matchup is nationally televised with one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams, and I expect Brunson to bounce back under the bright lights.
Knicks vs Celtics same-game parlay
Nikola Vucevic made his Boston debut on Friday with an 11/12/4 line across 28 minutes. He averaged 29.7 PRA over 30.8 minutes with the Bulls and averaged 35 against the New York Knicks in two matchups.
The Knicks have hit the Under in eight of their last 10, and the Celtics have hit the Under in nine of 10, including seven straight. In this clash between strong defenses, I'll take the Under on this low-scoring total.
Knicks vs Celtics SGP
Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
Nikola Vucevic Over 23.5 points+rebounds+assists
Under 213.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Superstars shine
Jaylen Brown has gone for 29+ points in 30 of 47 games this season, and he's reached that mark in seven of his last 10 — including three straight.
Knicks vs Celtics SGP
Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
Nikola Vucevic Over 23.5 points+rebounds+assists
Under 213.5
Jaylen Brown Over 28.5 points
Knicks vs Celtics odds
Spread: Knicks +4 (-115) | Celtics -4 (-105)
Moneyline: Knicks +145 | Celtics -170
Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
Knicks vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics have hit the game total Under in 19 of their last 25 games (+12.40 Units / 45% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Celtics.
How to watch Knicks vs Celtics
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Tip-off
12:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Knicks vs Celtics latest injuries
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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 27: Jase Richardson #11 of the Orlando Magic and Jason Richardson pose for a portrait after their introductory press conference on June 27, 2025 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jason Richardson won the Slam Dunk Contest in his first two NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors. Now his son will try to repeat his feat in his own rookie season.
Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic is one of four dunkers competing for glory at this year’s Slam Dunk Contest, happening Feb. 14 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. After Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons pulled out of the contest due to a knee injury, the NBA tapped Miami Heat guard Keshad Johnson to replace him, along with rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers center/total jerk Jaxson Hayes, who served a one-game suspension this week after cheap-shooting Washington Wizards mascot, G-Wiz.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
J-Rich won the first two dunk contests he entered then fell short in 2004, when Indiana Pacers guard Fred Jones backed into the win after a disappointing final round where both competitors missed their last dunks. However, Richardson was transcendent in his first appearance in 2002, delivering the three highest-rated dunks in the contest while seamlessly duplicating a classic Dominique Wilkins windmill dunk and closing on a reserve two-handed jam.
The younger Richardson is a different type of player than his father. Jase isa five inches shorter at 6-foot-1 and he’s a three-point specialist, a skill that eventually took off for J-Rich but not until his fifth NBA season. Also, J-Rich dunked 81 times in his rookie season, while so far his son has dunked exactly four times.
That’s a weird element of this year’s contest: These guys don’t actually dunk in games. Richardson has four dunks. Bryant has dunked six times. Johnson has nine dunks, and 15 in 37 career games. Hayes dunks a lot, throwing it down 69 times this season before Saturday’s game and 67 times before Tuesday’s contest, and which of those numbers you find funniest says a lot about your age.
However, Richardson has shown an ability to get up, especially in Michigan State’s preseason dunk contest in 2024, when the freshman put on his dad’s old No. 23 jersey before throwing down a 360-degree slam.
Plus, he’s significantly shorter than all the other dunkers, which makes dunks look more impressive. How else did Nate Robinson become a three-time champion?
Dwight Howard was never the same after this.
Jase probably isn’t the best dunker among Jason Richardson’s sons. That honor goes to his younger brother Jaxon Richardson, who has won multiple dunk contests while still in high school.
Jaxon Richardson dunks over his dad. 2x NBA slam dunk champ Jason Richardson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BpnPWhJX5l
Hey, remember when Jason Richardson won his second dunk title in 2003? We do!
Jase and Jason could become the first father-son pair to win the Slam Dunk Contest, after Larry Nance, Jr., son of 1984 dunk champ Larry Nance, fell to Donovan Mitchell in the final of the 2018 event. They’d also tie for the family dunk championships record with the Robinson’s and the McClung’s, who have three each.
The Slam Dunk Contest still struggles to attract star talent, with this group including two rookies and a guy in Johnson who was on a two-way contract six weeks ago. Mac McClung bowing out of this year’s event after three straight titles removes some star power, though he’s playing great for the Windy City Bulls — 27.9 points, 7.9 assists and 1.4 steals in his 14 games. Thursday, he signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, and it wasn’t just so the NBA could save face before All-Star Saturday!
Look, with Jimmy Butler out and Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jonathan Kuminga traded, the Warriors are down to one guy who ever dunks, Gary Payton II. But thanks to McClung’s Summer League stint with the Warriors and Richardson’s dad, Golden State could be looking at four straight dunk contests with a vaguely Warriors-adjacent champion. At this point in the 2025-26 season, Warriors fans will take any W they can.
Boston, MA - December 2: Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard dribbles against New York Knicks guard Miles McBride in the first quarter. The Celtics played the Knicks at TD Garden on December 2, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
New York Knicks (33-19) at Boston Celtics (34-18) Sunday, February 8, 2026 12:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #53 Home Game #26 TV: ABC Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 880 ESPN, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the New York Knicks for a very important game for the standings. A win and the Celtics are 2 games ahead of the Knicks for 2nd place in the East. A loss and the Celtics fall back to 3rd place. The Celtics won the series with the Knicks 4-0 last season.
The series is currently tied 1-1 with the Knicks winning the first game 105-95 in New York on October 24 and the Celtics winning the 2nd game 123-117 in Boston on December 2. They will play one more regular season game in New York on April 4. The Celtics are 309-191 overall, all time against the Knicks and they are 167-68 in games played in Boston.
The Celtics made several moves at the trade deadline. They traded Anfernee Simons to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic. They traded Chris Boucher to Utah for John Tonje, a two way player. They converted Amare Williams to a standard contract from two-way. They traded Josh Minott to Brooklyn and they traded Xavier Tillman to Charlotte. The Knicks traded Guershon Yabusele to Chicago for Dalen Terry, who the Knicks sent to New Orleans for Jose Alverado.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 1 game ahead of 3rd place New York, 3 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 3.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 4.5 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 7 games ahead of 7th place Orlando. The Celtics are 23-12 against Eastern Conference opponents and 7-4 against the Atlantic Division. They are 17-8 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 5 games.
The Knicks are 3rd in the East, 5.5 games behind 1st place Detroit and 1 game behind 2nd place Boston. They are 2 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 2.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 3.5 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 6 games ahead of 7th place Orlando.. They are 22-12 against Eastern Conference opponents and 8-3 against the Atlantic Division. They are 11-13 on the road and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They lost their last game after winning 8 in a row before that loss.
This is the 2nd of 3 home games. They beat Miami in come from behind thriller in the first game and will complete the home stand against Chicago on Wednesday, which will take them into the All Star Break. After the break, they will head out on a 4 game Western road trip through Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix, and Denver.
The Knicks are playing in the second game of a 2 game road trip. They lost to Detroit on Friday, ending an 8 game win streak. After this game they will play Indiana at home and then at Philadelphia before the All Star break. After the break they will host Detroit and Houston before a 3 game road trip through Chicago, Cleveland and Milwaukee.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum remains out as he rehabs from the Achilles tear he suffered in last year’s playoffs against the Knicks. Sam Hauser is also listed on the injury report as questionable due to lower-back spasms. If he can’t play, I would guess that Baylor Scheierman would get the start in his place. But that’s just a guess because you never know with Joe. I’m also guessing that he once again goes with the double big lineup with Luka Garza at the four.
For the Knicks, 3 starters are questionable. Josh Hart left Friday’s loss to the Pistons and didn’t return due to a right ankle injury, and he’s questionable for this game with right ankle soreness. OG Anunoby missed Friday’s game with soreness in his right toe and is questionable for this game. Karl Anthony-Towns missed Friday’s game due to a right eye laceration and is questionable for this game. I’m guessing that all 3 will play.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Jalen Brunson
Derrick White | Getty ImagesJalen Brunson | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Mikal Bridges
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesMikal Bridges | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Josh Hart
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesJosh Hart | Getty Images
PF: Luka Garza vs OG Anunoby
Luka Garza | Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesOG Anunoby | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Baylor Scheierman Amare Williams Nicolas Vucevic Jordan Walsh 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Knicks Reserves Jordan Clarkson Pacome Dadiet Jose Alvarado Mohamed Diawara Tyler Kolek Mitchell Robinson Landry Shamet Ariel Hukporti
Two-Way Players Kevin McCullar, Jr Dillon Jones Trey Jemison III
Injuries/Out OG Anunoby (toe) questionable Josh Hart (ankle) questionable Karl Anthony-Towns (eye) questionable) Miles McBride (abdomen) out
Head Coach Mike Brown
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Jalen Brunson Brunson is the key to the Knicks offense and the Celtics need to defend him well. He is averaging 27.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists, while shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc. Against the Celtics this season, he averaged 23 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting 39% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics must defend him closely, especially on the perimeter.
Neemias Queta vs Karl Anthony-Towns Towns is averaging 19.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 27.5 points, 10 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1 block while shooting 51.4% from the field and 54.5% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to box him out on the boards and defend him in the paint and on the perimeter.
Honorable Mention Jaylen Brown vs Mikal Bridges Bridges is averaging 15.7points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 50% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. Against Celtics this season, he averaged 23.5 points, 6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 63% from the field and 62.5% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to be aware of his presence on defense as he is very good at getting steals and blocks and they need to stay with him on defense.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is the key to winning this, and every, game. The Celtics are 9th with a defensive rating of 112.5. The Knicks are 13th with a defensive rating of 113.4. The Celtics defense has been up and down, at times locking down their opponents and at other times allowing them to score at will but recently have been playing much better defense overall. The Celtics must make defense a priority if they hope to win this game.
Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning.The Celtics have to crash the boards as a team and go after every rebound. The Celtics are 9th with 45.4 rebounds per game while the Knicks are 4th with 46.3 rebounds per game. In the loss to the Knicks this season, the Celtics were out-rebounded 53-37 but in the win over the Knicks, they out-rebounded them 38-33. The Knicks are 5th with 16.7 second chance points per game. The Celtics must give extra effort to beat the Knicks to rebounds in this game.
3 Point Shots – When the Celtics make their 3’s they are tough to beat but when the 3’s aren’t falling, the game gets really ugly. The Celtics are 2nd in the league, taking 42.4 threes per game. The Knicks are 9th with 39.7 threes a game. Although the Celtics are 2nd in 3 pointers attempted, they are 10th, shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc. The Knicks are 3rd, shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc. The key is simple. The Celtics must make their threes and they have to defend the perimeter well to keep the Knicks from making theirs. And, if the 3’s aren’t falling, they need to get into the paint until they are falling. Effort and Focus for 48 Minutes– The Celtics have to play with extra effort overall for all 4 quarters. In most of their losses and even in some of their wins, they have allowed their opponents to play with more energy than them for periods of time during the game. They play well for stretches but let up and allow their opponents to surge ahead. The Knicks play hard and the Celtics must match that effort and they need to stay focused on playing the right way.
X-Factors Home Game – The Celtics need to take advantage of home court and the boost their fans can give them. The Knicks will face a hostile crowd and an unfamiliar arena along with travel which will hopefully give the Celtics the edge. If the Knicks have shown one crack in their armor, it is playing on the road. They are just 11-13 on the road. The Celtics need to play hard and with focus and take advantage of playing at home.
Officiating – Officiating always has the potential to be an x-factor. Each officiating crew calls the game differently. Some refs call it tight and constantly call fouls while others let them play with few fouls called. Some refs just make terrible head-scratching calls. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus.
Kurt Helin
