Category: NBA

Tuesday’s NBA Cup Championship between the Knicks and the Spurs is the highlight of the NBA schedule this week. Yet, Monday already provided some talking points after an entertaining previous week. There’s still a lot to follow before the Holiday arrives, and plenty of players to discuss.

Let's get into it.

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Top 200 Rankings: Paul George continues his ascent

While Joel Embiid’s return has been huge for fantasy basketball, so has Paul George’s.

• Raphielle Johnson,

STOCK UP

Paul George — SG/SF/PF, Sixers

PG-13 may very well be back. How back? Well, the accomplished veteran wing has tallied at least 20 points in three of his last four games, including a recent 35-point performance in which he went 7-of-10 from beyond the arc and led the Sixers in scoring. George has also been solid as a passer, leading to solid fantasy production recently, despite the stocks not being there. But arguably, the most important stat to stress is that he’s logged at least 30 minutes in each of the last four games. We’ll just need his body to hold up a little bit longer before getting overly optimistic about his ceiling going forward. Nonetheless, he’s currently healthy and has looked here in December. Stock up.

Kyle Kuzma — SF/PF, Bucks

Now may be an ideal time to make a move for Kuzma. With Giannis Antetokounmpo missing games, Kuzma has been more aggressive in looking for shots during his time on the floor — he’s landed double-digit field goal attempts in each of the last games and scored 13 or more in all of them. His most productive outing of those four games was a 31-point performance against the Celtics when he went 13-of-17 from the field. Although it’s unlikely he’ll consistently display that level of shooting efficiency on such high volume, the score-first approach from him for a team currently down its top scorer should continue to yield good scoring production and high upside.

Bub Carrington — PG, SG, Wizards

Over the last three appearances, Carrington is averaging 17.3 points and 7.3 assists in 38.0 minutes per game. He flirted with double-doubles in two of the games and was aggressive in his approach to the three-point shot. With the Wizards unlikely to turn their season around on a wins-and-losses basis, it’s logical to expect they'll allow the young players to get in as many reps as possible. And if these recent three games are a sign of things to come, it may be worth adding Carrington from the free agency pool now — he’s got some upside and has recently shown he’s capable of some monster stat lines.

Fantasy Basketball Week 9 Schedule Primer: Gearing up for the pre-Christmas rush

The end of the Emirates NBA Cup means the back end of Week 9 will be loaded with games.

• Raphielle Johnson,

STOCK DOWN

Kel’el Ware — PF/C, Heat

Ware hasn’t scored in double figures in five of his last six games and has only secured double-digit rebounds in two of them. Such minimal production of late should be both concerning and frustrating for fantasy managers after seeing the sophomore center go for 15.9 points and 15.1 rebounds per game over an eight-game stretch earlier this season, which included three straight 20-point, 14-rebound double-doubles. He came off the bench in the most recent couple of games, including one with both Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro healthy and starting alongside Norman Powell, Davion Mitchell, and Andrew Wiggins. If Miami is set on going away from the double-bigs look to begin games, Ware could continue to see fewer opportunities to produce.

Pat Spencer — PG/SG, Warriors

The NBA is an unpredictable league. On the heels of a five-game stretch in which Spencer averaged 15.2 points and 4.6 assists, and made three starts, he was relegated to the bench in Sunday’s loss to the Trail Blazers and logged just seven minutes of action. With so many proven players on the Warriors’ roster and the team currently owning a below-.500 record, the cut in playing time, at least for a game, isn’t totally shocking. But as we’ve seen with other Warriors like Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga and Quinten Post, role and nightly rotation minutes aren’t consistent. Spencer could have more moments, but it’s difficult to have an idea of when or for how long.

Jimmy Butler — SG/SF/PF, Warriors

More on the Warriors: they could really use another guy to consistently put the ball in the basket, not named Stephen Curry. Butler had been that guy briefly to begin the season, averaging 21.7 points per game in October. But he dropped down to 19.5 in November, and is currently sitting at 14.0 points per game through four December contests — he’s taking fewer shots and free throws each passing month. The good news for fantasy managers who roster Butler is that even with the scoring production slowing, he’s still rebounding, tallying assists, and collecting steals to put forth solid fantasy production. Still, we want more. The Warriors need more.

LAS VEGAS — The NBA Cup is not the NBA Finals. It is, however, something more than just a regular season game — putting half a million dollars per player on the line will have that effect.

Yes, Knicks or Spurs players want to grab that bag. However, they also see the Cup as a stepping stone to where they want to be next May and June.

"I think history is kind of showing that if you can make it to this Cup, then you can win a championship," San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox said.

Last season, Oklahoma City lost in the NBA Cup championship game but went on to win the NBA title in June. The Lakers, who won the inaugural tournament in 2023, did so with essentially the same core that won the NBA title three years before. Los Angeles beat an Indiana team that advanced to the NBA Finals last season.

The stepping-stone analogy particularly resonated with a young Spurs team looking to grow into a contender.

"It's a high-stakes game that both teams are going to be very invested in winning," San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama said. "It just shows that we are preparing and we will pass the next step for more significant games in the playoffs. This is a complicated explanation, but it's as simple as that: As competitors, we want to win every game, and this one brings something new on the table, so we want to win it even more."

"Being able to have this, obviously it's not going to be the exact same, but you get a little glimpse of what it could be like playing in the Playoffs and the different officiating," Fox said. "No matter how much they say they don't officiate the games differently in the playoffs, we all have eyes, and we can see it. But being able to play in as many of those games, it definitely helps you come playoff time."

These Knicks have more playoff experience — they were in the Eastern Conference Finals last season — but also see the Cup as a path forward.

"I think the Cup is big for us just for the energy it brings to our team…" Karl-Anthony Towns said, adding that the energy and winning foster belief this team will need in the postseason. "I think it brings great energy to the team, great mojo to the team. It also brings that feeling of winning. No matter if it's the Cup, NBA Finals, winning any game, when you get that feeling of winning, it's addictive. Obviously, I want us to have that mindset where we're addicted to the next championship if we can win this one."

Can Knicks stop Wemby? Can the Spurs stop Brunson?

As for the game itself, Wembanyama's return against the Thunder in the semifinals changed the dynamics. While the Spurs' speedy guards — De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper — can all get downhill and touch the paint, Wemby adds another dynamic.

"You're not going to be able to guard a guy like that one-on-one," Knicks coach Mike Brown said. "You try to put length, size, physicality at the point of attack when it comes to him, but it's got to be five guys guarding the basketball at all times… But we have some pretty good defenders with length, and hopefully they can, at the point of attack, try to make it as difficult as possible with him, knowing that they have help behind them."

The Spurs have their own defensive challenge in slowing Jalen Brunson. San Antonio is loaded with long defensive wings who are strong at the point of attack, but so did Orlando in the semifinals, and Brunson dropped 40. In the quarterfinals, it was Toronto with their long, rangy defenders, and Brunson dropped 35 on them.

What might be the story in this game is the Knicks' 3-point shooting. Under Brown, the Knicks get 37.4% of their points from beyond the arc, ranking in the top 10 in the league. With Wemby patrolling the paint, New York may need those threes coming over the top of the defense to win this one.

Towns said the key for the Knicks is to keep doing what got them to this point—and to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

"Everything for us is about execution," Towns said. "I think that's what's made us really good recently playing basketball is our execution. So we've just got to go out there and find a way to do that for 48 minutes."

If they do, if they win the NBA Cup, it's something to build on.

LAS VEGAS — The NBA Cup is not the NBA Finals. It is, however, something more than just a regular season game — putting half a million dollars per player on the line will have that effect.

Yes, Knicks or Spurs players want to grab that bag. However, they also see the Cup as a stepping stone to where they want to be next May and June.

"I think history is kind of showing that if you can make it to this Cup, then you can win a championship," San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox said.

Last season, Oklahoma City lost in the NBA Cup championship game but went on to win the NBA title in June. The Lakers, who won the inaugural tournament in 2023, did so with essentially the same core that won the NBA title three years before. Los Angeles beat an Indiana team that advanced to the NBA Finals last season.

The stepping-stone analogy particularly resonated with a young Spurs team looking to grow into a contender.

"It's a high-stakes game that both teams are going to be very invested in winning," San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama said. "It just shows that we are preparing and we will pass the next step for more significant games in the playoffs. This is a complicated explanation, but it's as simple as that: As competitors, we want to win every game, and this one brings something new on the table, so we want to win it even more."

"Being able to have this, obviously it's not going to be the exact same, but you get a little glimpse of what it could be like playing in the Playoffs and the different officiating," Fox said. "No matter how much they say they don't officiate the games differently in the playoffs, we all have eyes, and we can see it. But being able to play in as many of those games, it definitely helps you come playoff time."

These Knicks have more playoff experience — they were in the Eastern Conference Finals last season — but also see the Cup as a path forward.

"I think the Cup is big for us just for the energy it brings to our team…" Karl-Anthony Towns said, adding that the energy and winning foster belief this team will need in the postseason. "I think it brings great energy to the team, great mojo to the team. It also brings that feeling of winning. No matter if it's the Cup, NBA Finals, winning any game, when you get that feeling of winning, it's addictive. Obviously, I want us to have that mindset where we're addicted to the next championship if we can win this one."

Can Knicks stop Wemby? Can the Spurs stop Brunson?

As for the game itself, Wembanyama's return against the Thunder in the semifinals changed the dynamics. While the Spurs' speedy guards — De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper — can all get downhill and touch the paint, Wemby adds another dynamic.

"You're not going to be able to guard a guy like that one-on-one," Knicks coach Mike Brown said. "You try to put length, size, physicality at the point of attack when it comes to him, but it's got to be five guys guarding the basketball at all times… But we have some pretty good defenders with length, and hopefully they can, at the point of attack, try to make it as difficult as possible with him, knowing that they have help behind them."

The Spurs have their own defensive challenge in slowing Jalen Brunson. San Antonio is loaded with long defensive wings who are strong at the point of attack, but so did Orlando in the semifinals, and Brunson dropped 40. In the quarterfinals, it was Toronto with their long, rangy defenders, and Brunson dropped 35 on them.

What might be the story in this game is the Knicks' 3-point shooting. Under Brown, the Knicks get 37.4% of their points from beyond the arc, ranking in the top 10 in the league. With Wemby patrolling the paint, New York may need those threes coming over the top of the defense to win this one.

Towns said the key for the Knicks is to keep doing what got them to this point—and to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

"Everything for us is about execution," Towns said. "I think that's what's made us really good recently playing basketball is our execution. So we've just got to go out there and find a way to do that for 48 minutes."

If they do, if they win the NBA Cup, it's something to build on.

It's the unofficial start of NBA trade season.

As of today — Monday, Dec. 15 — 79 players who signed or extended their contracts last summer became eligible to be traded. That means the options have greatly expanded for front offices trying to match salaries and develop trade packages that work for both sides.

Who are the five players most likely to be on the move before the Feb. 5 trade deadline? Let's break it down. [Note: This list does not include Giannis Antetokounmpo because there are so many rumors about him that he has his own story.]

Anthony Davis (Mavericks)

It's no secret that the Mavericks are willing to listen to offers for Davis, something league sources have confirmed to NBC Sports and multiple other outlets have reported.

The more interesting question: How strong is the market for Davis?

This season is the perfect example of why some teams are hesitant to go all in on the 10-time All-Star and NBA champion. When he is on the court this season, Davis has looked like an All-NBA player, averaging 20 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while playing strong defense. The problem is that the 32-year-old has played in just 11 games due to injury. Add to that the fact that Davis, with agent Rich Paul leading the way, are expecting a massive contract extension from any team that trades for him, and a lot of teams are thinking twice about a deal.

How many teams are willing to take that risk? In an NBA shifting towards deeper rosters of good players around one or two stars, a mid-30s Davis making 30% of the salary cap is a hard sell. Only a few teams might go all in. Keep an eye on Atlanta. If Kristaps Porzingis' illness keeps him out for an extended time, the Hawks might be willing to bet on Davis as the defensive force in the paint and pick-and-roll partner with Trae Young they hoped KP would be.

Detroit and Toronto are also rumored to be interested. However, the Chicago Bulls reportedly do not want to bring Davis home, seeing him as not a fit with the timeline of their younger stars.

Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors)

It's no secret that Kuminga is available in a trade: The Warriors played hardball this summer and pushed Kuminga into a contract designed to dealt (two years, $46.8 million, with a team option on the second year).

The Pelicans and Nets are teams rumored to be willing to take a flier on Kuminga, although Steve Kerr pulling him in and out of the lineup this season has not exactly increased his market.

Considering there is also a lot of buzz about the Warriors' interest in Trey Murphy III — a fantastic two-way wing fit next to Stephen Curry — it's possible to see the foundation of a trade, but Golden State will have to give up picks and more than just Kuminga. Another potential target for the Warriors: Brooklyn center Nic Claxton, which leads to another set of rumors.

Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)

By all accounts, Markkanen has not been made available for a trade. Remember that Utah locked up Markkanen with a four-year, $195.9 million extension, and he is in just the first year of that massive contract. Also, Markkanen has done nothing but praise Salt Lake City and how much he wants to be there.

That said, two things keep other teams around the league thinking the Jazz could trade Markkanen after all. One is simply that the 28-year-old Markkanen is not on the same timeline as Utah's other young stars, such as Keyonte George (22), Walker Kessler (24) and Ace Bailey (19). If Utah can trade Markkanen to get young players or picks, it makes sense.

The other reason is that Markkanen is playing at an All-Star level and helping Utah win games, and the Jazz have a top-eight protected pick otherwise owed to the Thunder. The expectation around the league is that the Jazz will want to actively tank to increase the odds of keeping that pick (currently, the Jazz have the eighth-worst record in the league, and if the NBA draft lottery were held today, they would have a 60.7% chance of keeping that pick).

Utah is a team to keep an eye on.

Keon Ellis (Kings)

While the big names in Sacramento — Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan — have drawn the trade headlines, the player on the roster most likely to be traded is defensive-minded guard Keon Ellis. Sam Amick summed this up well at The Athletic.

Beyond Sacramento's core, fourth-year guard Keon Ellis remains the most talked-about trade target among rival teams. Never mind that his league-wide value doesn't reconcile with the way he's used by Kings coach Doug Christie (he has played 20-plus minutes just once in the past 11 games and had a DNP-Coaches' Decision in that span).

The real question, however, is whether the Kings' price point for moving him will be so steep that it makes a deal hard to reach. It remains possible that Ellis and the Kings find a win-win proposition on the extension front (he's eligible as of Feb. 9).

One team to watch in the chase for Ellis: The Lakers (more on that below).

It's worth noting that among the stars in Sacramento, Sabonis is the most likely to be traded, with the Wizards, Bulls, and Suns all expressing some level of interest. While the Bucks reportedly have shown interest in Zach LaVine, she makes $47.4 million this season —with a player option for $48.9 million next season — and that makes finding any trade nearly impossible. Plus, to get off LaVine's salary, the Kings would likely have to throw in a first-round pick and Sacramento GM Scott Perry is not looking to give up picks.

Gabe Vincent (Lakers)

The Lakers are a quality team, and with the trio of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, they are a team nobody wants to see in the playoffs.

Yet, their point-of-attack defense is holding them back. It's not a secret, coach J.J. Redick has talked about it. Which is why the Lakers are in the market for Ellis, a 3&D wing in the mold that they are seeking.

Whatever trade the Lakers might make at the deadline, Gabe Vincent — a solid, veteran guard — is likely the guy headed out the door (or, at least part of the package). The Lakers need to do something, which is why Vincent might want to have a go-bag ready by the door.

Honorable mention names to watch: Daniel Gafford (Mavericks), Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III (Pelicans), Nic Claxton (Nets), Anfernee Simons (Celtics), Robert Williams III (Trail Blazers), and CJ McCollum (Wizards).

Other trade notes

Knicks looking to add ball handler

While the Knicks are most often linked with Giannis Antetokounmpo in trade rumors, that is not the only guy on their board. Then there is this note from the tied-in James Edwards of The Athletic.

Rockets not interested in Morant

The Houston Rockets are a team committed to their young core as the future (except maybe for Antetokounmpo). While they made one big win-now addition in acquiring Kevin Durant, they are not expected to make another short-term move.

Which is why Houston has no interest in trading for Ja Morant, The Athletic reports. The speculation was that Houston was looking for a replacement for the injured Fred VanVleet, but the Rockets are 16–6 with a top-five offense and defense so far this season. Why would they break that up?

LAS VEGAS —On the day that 79 players who signed contracts last summer become eligible to be traded, that and the NBA Cup will be the focus of this week's NBA Power Rankings. That loss in the Cup does not change who is on top of this list.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

(24-2, last week No. 1)
A veteran NBA media member told me this week he thinks this season's Thunder is the best team he's seen since the Kobe/Shaq Lakers. I would argue these Thunder have the potential to be the best since the Curry/Durant/Green Warriors. Whatever comparison you want to make, we are talking rarified air and a team with a legitimate shot at breaking the Warriors' 73-win record (as long as there are no more games in Las Vegas, where this team struggles to shoot for some reason and did so again in an NBA Cup loss to San Antonio). Does getting that record matter to the Thunder? "Absolutely," Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Winning matters, and no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely."

2. New York Knicks

(18-7, last week No. 3)
New York will be playing for the NBA Cup Tuesday night thanks to a 40-spot against Orlando from Jalen Brunson, who has positioned himself to be tournament MVP if the Knicks pick up the win. The Knicks are also positioned to be in the middle of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes (if he finally demands a trade), but the sense in league circles is that the Knicks really like their team right now and are not inclined to overpay and blow it up to land the two-time MVP. Especially if he is just going to force his way to New York next summer anyway.

3. Detroit Pistons

(20-5, last week No. 2)
Detroit is going to come up in trade rumors as a team looking for an upgrade — Lauri Markkanen would be a perfect fit for them if he can be pried out of Utah, Anthony Davis gets mentioned — but don't expect them to blow this thing up to make a deal. Detroit is the first team in the East to 20 wins, it has a top-10 offense and defense, and an All-NBA leader in Cade Cunningham. This team already has a shot to come out of the East, they don't need a desperation move to contend now. The Pistons will wait for the right deal, and if they stand pat at the deadline this is still a team to be feared in the East.

4. Houston Rockets

(16-6, last week No. 4)
Last summer, the Rockets made their big swing in trading for Kevin Durant (and paying Bradley Beal nearly $100 million to go away), yet this team gets mentioned as willing to take another big swing and go after Giannis Antetokounmpo, or maybe a point guard (with Fred VanVleet out). The Rockets need to ask themselves whether they are better off giving up more young players (it would likely take Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson) and picks to go after Antetokounmpo, or better off riding it out with the contending team they have. More and more, the sense in league circles is that the Rockets may not go all-in on Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. Check out a great showdown with Denver on NBA Peacock Monday.

5. Denver Nuggets

(18-6, last week No. 5)
The Nuggets are 6-3 so far in games without two starters, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Denver put together a roster it really liked this offseason — it's been elite offensively (as to be expected with Nikola Jokic playing like an MVP) and good enough defensively. Don't expect them to make a move at the deadline, but with two games against the Rockets this week as measuring sticks — one on NBA Peacock Monday — maybe Denver feels differently after those contests.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

(17-9, last week No. 6)
The Timberwolves are seen around the league as buyers heading into the deadline — they have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, but more practically they are looking for a starting point guard and have been tied to the Bulls' Coby White. Minnesota decision-maker Tim Connelly tends to be aggressive, and this team, with Finals aspirations, seems to have taken a step back this season despite improved play from Anthony Edwards. Expect something to happen. Also of note: The Minnesota starting five of Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert is the most heavily used lineup in the NBA this season (245 minutes, which is 78 more than any other five-man lineup in the league), and they have a 12.7 net rating.

7. Boston Celtics

(15-10, last week No. 7)
The Celtics are an interesting team to watch at the trade deadline: They are playing well, and it more and more looks like they will get Jayson Tatum back from his torn Achilles this season — with him and Jaylen Brown in this wide-open East, Boston would have a chance. However, they are also just a little over $12 million into the luxury tax, and ownership might want a move to dip below that line for a year. If it happens, it would be an Anfernee Simons trade to a team room under the tax. Ultimately, Boston may look at the East and just decide to stand pat and take their chances with this group.

8. San Antonio Spurs

(18-7, last week No. 10)
Victor Wembanyama made his return to the court in the NBA Cup semifinals and instantly changed the game the second he stepped on the court. He is a force and gives the Spurs a legit chance to win the NBA Cup and use that as a stepping stone for an improving team. What's impressive is the Spurs' 9-3 record with Wemby out, as their offense has covered for a struggling defense. Their guards — De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell — were blowing by their defenders and touching the paint, then either finishing or kicking out for an open 3-pointers. In terms of trades, the Spurs get mentioned a lot in Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors, but this team is playing so well right now that the feeling is that San Antonio would rather play things out with the guys they have rather than make an all-in move.

9. Los Angeles Lakers

(18-7, last week No. 8)
The Lakers are 6-2 in games where Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves all play, but the team has a -5.1 net rating in the minutes all three of them are on the court together. The Lakers' defensive struggles were highlighted in the NBA Cup loss to the Spurs, where the biggest issues were containing drives at the point of attack and getting back in transition. "They [the Spurs] were just going downhill [to] drive and kick. They scored..." Luka Doncic said. "Just each one of us [have] gotta guard better and not let your guard drive that way." While the Lakers are one of the top four teams in the West, their ability to get stops remains the big question — does their defense put a cap on how good they can be? The Lakers' offense, especially in a playoff series, should be elite with Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron, and it could cover up an average defense, but the Lakers are currently 20th in the league in defensive rating and have work to do to get to average. As an added note, don't forget that the guy who turns 41 later this month can still do this.

10. Orlando Magic

(15-11, last week No. 9)
While the news on Franz Wagner is as good as could have been hoped for — it looked so much worse when the injury happened — he's still going to be out around a month (high ankle sprain). Wagner's absence means we get to see what this team looks like with lineup of three guards, Banchero and a center — the lineups that thrived with Wagner as the four while Banchero was out. Those lineups with Banchero back were good enough to get the team an NBA Cup win against Miami and, with that, a trip to Las Vegas and the NBA Cup semifinals, where they fell to the Knicks in a good measuring-stick game for the playoffs. Orlando gets mentioned in trade rumors every time a floor general point guard comes up, but it would have to be the right deal to get them to act, as Anthony Black is starting to find his footing in that role.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers

(15-12, last week No. 13)
These Cavaliers are a good team — top 10 in the league in both offense and defense this season — but they have not come close to living up to expectations. If the postseason started today, the preseason conference favorites would be in the play-in. Is it time to shake things up in Cleveland, possibly trading Jarrett Allen — Evan Mobley is already playing a lot more at the five — to bring in shooting and/or defense on the wing? Shooting matters, the Cavaliers lead the league in 3-point attempts a game at 44.1 a game, but they are hitting just 33.9% of those (28th in the league). After a recent loss to Portland, coach Kenny Atkinson bemoaned half a dozen of his team's 3-point attempts, wishing the player had driven to the rim. It's something to watch. The Celtics have interesting games this week against the Pistons, Heat and Raptors.

12. Philadelphia 76ers

(14-11, last week No. 15)
Joel Embiid has played 30+ minutes in three straight games for the 76ers, and Paul George scored 35 against the Hawks, his highest total since coming to Philadelphia. However, in a sign of how much Tyrese Maxey, Philly lost to Atlanta despite Embiid and George playing well. There aren't many trade rumors flying around Philadelphia, which is a little odd for a Daryl Morey team, but I think they just want to get the group they have healthy. If a trade is found, it likely involves sending out Kelly Oubre Jr. (who remains out with a left knee sprain).

13. Miami Heat

(14-11, last week No. 12)
Miami's slump of late continued in the NBA Cup, with a loss to Orlando in the quarterfinals, meaning no trip to Las Vegas. The Heat are still a roster figuring out what works best for them. For example, with Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware both finally healthy, Erik Spoelstra said he wants to see what the Heat look like with both bigs on the floor. So far this season, in 123 minutes, they have a -12.5 net rating, which is not great, but Spoelstra told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald he wants to give it a longer look: "I just want to see that group, when we play bigger, just for it to be a plus. So we have some work to do there. It should be a very good defensive group, but that's a group that hasn't been able to defend so far."

14. Toronto Raptors

(15-11, last week No. 11)
Trade rumors in Toronto swirled around RJ Barrett, but then he went out with a sprained knee and the team has gone 1-6 without him. They need Barrett, and he is set to return this week, the team announced. Toronto is mentioned as a dark-horse contender for Antetokounmpo, as well as in other trades, but any significant deal would likely mean sending Barrett out. Do the Raptors want to do that, or are they comfortable riding it out with the guys they have?

15. Phoenix Suns

(14-12, last week No. 14)
Phoenix reshaped its roster with bold moves over the summer, which has paid off with a better-than-expected team. That said, the Suns have gone 2-5 in their last seven and got obliterated by the Thunder in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. If the Suns decide they need to do something and make a trade at the deadline, look for center Nick Richards to be in the deal (Phoenix is deep at the five, and there are teams looking for depth at that position).

16. Atlanta Hawks

(15-12, last week No. 16)
The Hawks get mentioned in a lot of trade rumors. If Antetokounmpo finally demands a trade out of Milwaukee, and if the Hawks are willing to part with the rights to the Pelicans' pick in the 2026 NBA Draft — two huge "ifs" — this team could be one of the frontrunners to land the two-time MVP. One way or another, expect the Hawks to be active around the trade deadline. The one guy unquestionably off limits: Jalen Johnson. He has put up a triple-double in four straight games.

17. Golden State Warriors

(13-14, last week No. 17)
Golden State will try to trade Jonathan Kuminga at the deadline (he can't be traded until Jan. 15), ideally bringing back a player who better fits their style of play. In a sign of where things stand with this season's Warriors, Stephen Curry returned from his injury over the weekend and dropped 48 on the Trail Blazers, but Golden State still lost. Curry now has more 40+ point games after age 30 than any player in NBA history, passing Michael Jordan.

18. Memphis Grizzlies

(11-14, last week No. 18)
Ja Morant returned to the court, but Memphis went 7-3 in the games he missed with a strained calf, which has led to speculation the Grizzlies might move on and trade the star at the deadline. Don't bet on it. The primary hurdle is a limited market for Morant and a poor return in any deal (maybe there is a team looking to swap bad contracts, but that's not something Memphis' decision-maker, Zach Kleinman, would be interested in). Morant is likely going to be with the Grizzlies through the end of the season. The question becomes, when he gets his legs back under him, can Morant blend in and accentuate what has been working in his absence?

19. Dallas Mavericks

(10-16, last week No. 19)
Dallas is going to look for an Anthony Davis trade at the deadline, but the market for a 32-year-old with an injury history and wanting a contract extension is going to be limited (as good as Davis still is when healthy — he can help teams). It feels more likely that Daniel Gafford will be the Maverick on the move at the trade deadline, as a lot of teams are looking for depth at the five, and Gafford is a rock-solid, two-way pick-and-roll big man. His name will come up a lot.

20. Portland Trail Blazers

(10-16, last week No. 20)
Don't expect a big move on the trade market from the Trail Blazers, nor is it time for them to make a big swing. They need to develop the young players on the roster (and figure out the coaching situation long term), big moves can wait. That said, don't be surprised if Robert Williams III gets traded, there are a lot of teams looking for depth at the five, and Portland needs to get back shooting.

21. Milwaukee Bucks

(11-16, last week No. 21)
As of right now, Giannis Antetokounmpo has not demanded a trade and is not available. Until he is willing to be the bad guy and knock over the first domino, nothing else is going to fall in place for the most discussed name around the league. Antetokounmpo is sidelined with a calf strain, and in a sign of how much this team needs him, they lost by 45 to Brooklyn over the weekend without him (that said, they also snapped Boston's five-game win streak without him). The Bucks need to get right, they have dropped seven in a row on the road and, starting over the weekend in Minnesota, Milwaukee has a road-heavy schedule for the next few weeks.

22. Charlotte Hornets

(8-18, last week No. 22)
LaMelo Ball is the big name that comes up in Charlotte trade rumors, but there isn't much of a market for him because of his history of injuries, traits that drive coaches crazy (particularly on defense) and the fact that he is owed $46.4 million next season. If Ball is traded, it's far more likely to come next offseason. Teams are not calling too much about Ball, but they are calling about Collin Sexton, that's a name to watch.

23. Utah Jazz

(9-15, last week No. 23)
If the Ainge family makes Lauri Markkanen available at the trade deadline, there will be a lineup of suitors. Other teams think the Jazz should trade him and tank harder to hold on to their top-eight-protected first-round pick (the Jazz would currently enter the lottery with the eighth-worst record and a 60% chance to retain their pick, otherwise the Thunder get richer). George Niang is a couple of weeks away from a return from his foot injury, if he comes back and plays well the Jazz will get calls about him from playoff teams looking to add shooting and depth.

24. Chicago Bulls

(10-15, last week No. 26)
Chicago was linked to Anthony Davis as a feel-good homecoming story — except there seems to be no truth to it. Marc Stein poured cold water on the rumor recently, saying there is no sign the Bulls are interested. Why should they be? This is a team rebuilding around Josh Giddey, why would they trade for an expensive, 32-year-old win now center? There are a lot of teams calling about Coby White, and if the Bulls don't want to pay up for the free agent-to-be this summer, they should trade him at the deadline and get something of quality in return.

25. Brooklyn Nets

(7-18, last week No. 25)
If there is a blockbuster trade at the deadline, look for Brooklyn to be the third team in because they have $15.3 million in cap space to help facilitate a deal (and get some draft picks or a young player in the process). The Nets have won 4-of-6, at the deadline last season the Nets sent talent out because Jordi Fernandez is such a good coach he was winning with what they had. That could happen again at the deadline.

26. Indiana Pacers

(6-20, last week No. 24)
If you want to know why the Pacers have struggled more than expected this season, if you want to know how hard injuries have hit them, it's this simple: Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam have been on the court together for a total of seven minutes this season. With Mathurin set to be a restricted free agent this offseason, teams are going to call and see if he's available. The Pacers like him, but if they're not going to pay up to keep him long term this summer, then they may trade him to get something back.

27. Los Angeles Clippers

(6-19, last week No. 28)
The Clippers have struggled mightily in the clutch this season, going 2-10 with a -17.6 net rating in games within five points in the final five minutes. Never was that more evident then in Houston last Thursday night, when the Clippers were down 114-111 with 8.7 seconds left and needed to inbound the ball and get it up court to attempt a game-tying 3-pointer, but nobody came back to inbound the ball. When Nicolas Batum finally did, nobody else came back to give him a person to inbound the ball to, and the result was Batum stepping over the line trying to make a pass. The Clippers' problems are such that there is no trade to make that changes this season for them (and while teams are watching, them trading James Harden or Kawhi Leonard at the deadline is highly unlikely). This is the roster and the Clippers need to figure it out with three quarters of a season remaining.

28. Sacramento Kings

(6-20, last week No. 27)
Everyone talks about the Kings trying to trade their stars — Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and teams are calling about them — the name to watch is Keon Ellis. The 3&D guard is in demand around the league, with the Lakers among the teams checking to see what the price might be in a deal.

29. New Orleans Pelicans

(5-22, last week No. 30)
Team president Joe Dumars has taken a lot of criticism for giving up control of the team's first-round pick in the deep 2026 NBA Draft — a pick that would enter the lottery No. 2 as of right now — to move up 10 spots and get Derik Queen in the last draft. Dumars defended the move, speaking to ESPN: It simply came down to we have this guard that we really, really love and this young big that we really, really love. Let's go for it. I know we paid a big price for it, but it's not like we're unhappy with what we got. We like what we have as foundational pieces for the long term here." Just for the record, it is possible to like a player — Queen has been fantastic this season — and think the process was flawed and the price to land him too high.

30. Washington Wizards

(4-20, last week No. 29)
Can the Wizards find a new home for CJ McCollum or Khris Middleton? McCollum is in the final year of his contract and has shown he can still put up points (not as consistently or efficiently as he once did, but he can still get a bucket), which means he should have teams interested in him. The Wizards have two games against the red-hot Spurs this week, that's going to be rough.

The MVP race got a little more interesting when the Oklahoma City Thunder lost in the NBA Cup semifinals to the Spurs over the weekend. Despite the loss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remained the leader in terms of odds and my leader as well.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Vaughn Dalzell‘s Week 9 MVP Rankings

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+130)

Points Per Game: 32.8 (2nd)
Assists Per Game: 6.4 (15th)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.7 RPG (95th)

Despite the Thunder dropping to 24-2 on the season with a NBA Cup Seminal loss to the Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's odds for NBA MVP shortened from +160 to +130. SGA scored 29 points in the loss and played 37 minutes with a 12-of-23 performance from the field. SGA is shooting an absurd 56% from the field and 43.7% from three this season on 19.4 field goal attempts and 5.0 triples per game (plus 88.4 FT%).

In all three months of action, SGA has been top 10 in usage rate with percentages of 38.5, 31.4, and 31%. The knocks on SGA has been the lack of fourth quarters played, but he's only missed one game so far, and still have a chance to break the 2016-17 Warriors all-time win record of 73-9. DraftKings lists Oklahoma City at +500 odds to break that record, meaning a $100 bet wins $500 if the Thunder win 74 games. It's not far-fetched and with so many teams tanking amid SGA and the Thunder being double-digit favorites on a nightly basis.

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+150)

Points Per Game: 29.2 (5th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.3 (1st)
Assists Per Game: 11.0 (1st)

With Denver missing Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, Nikola Jokic's usage rate of 31.7% in December (five games, 4-1 record) is up from 29.2% in November (14 games, 13-1 record). The Nuggets have also played some of the league's worst teams lately, beating Indiana, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Sacramento — four teams combined for a 35-70 record.

Jokic is averaging a 31.4-point triple-double to start December (11.6 rebounds, 10.6 assists) with the teams' lone loss coming to the Mavericks. Jokic ranks top five in points, rebounds, and assists per game, plus is shooting an impressive 57.4% from the floor in December, which doesn't compete with his 64.9% mark in November. Jokic is doing it all for Denver.

3. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+320)

Points Per Game: 35.0 (1st)
Assists Per Game: 9.1 (3rd)
Rebounds Per Game: 9.2 (T-13th)

Luka Doncic missed two games in December, which decreased his odds from +270 to +320. In the three games since returning from the short absence, Doncic scored 29, 35, and 31 points with one triple-double. Doncic's volume has stayed the same with LeBron James back in the mix and Austin Reaves playing at a Most Improved Player level.

Doncic has attempted at least 22 field goal attempts in five straight games and eight of the past nine. Doncic's scored at least 29 points in 10 straight games and 35 or more in six of those contests. He continues to lead the NBA with 34.7 points per game and a league-high 36.7% usage rate (39.3% in December). Doncic has missed six games, so he should be in good shape to be in contention all season barring an injury.

4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (+5500)

Points Per Game: 27.5 (11th)
Rebounds Per Game: 6.4 (45th)
Assists Per Game: 9.3 (2nd)

The fourth spot is up for grabs lately with Cade Cunningham's start to December. Despite the Pistons staying hot with a 4-1 record in the month, Cunningham's numbers have declined. Cunningham is averaging 20.4 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, which is way down from his 31.6 points, 9.8 assists, and 6.8 rebounds in November.

Detroit still owns the best record in the Eastern Conference at 20-5, which is driving force in Cunningham's odds. The Pistons play the Celtics on Peacock and Hornets on NBA TV in two of the next three games, so there is potential for his odds to shorten a tad or stay the same with the continued national exposure.

5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (+8000)

Points Per Game: 26.2 (14th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.9 (2nd)
Blocks Per Game: 3.6 (1st)

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs handed the Thunder their second loss of the season, which advanced San Antonio to the NBA Cup Final. Victor Wembanyama only played 21 minutes, but boy were they meaningful. Wemby scored 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and had three combined blocks and steals, including 15 points in the fourth quarter!

San Antonio did go 9-3 without Wembanyama and his 12 missed games puts him at a maximum of 70 played, which is barely any wriggle room with the 65-game requirement to win an award. Odds are against Wembanayma for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, but when he is on the court — you can't argue he is playing like both an MVP and DPOY.

Stock Up

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (+15000)

Points Per Game: 28.8 (7th)
Rebounds Per Game: 3.1 (150th+)
Assists Per Game: 6.4 (16th)

The Knicks are in the NBA Cup final and riding a five-game winning streak. Jalen Brunson has been on a tear during the winning streak scoring 26, 33, 30, 35, and a 40-point effort over Orlando in the Cup Semifinals. If Victor Wembanyama does not meet the 65-game requirement, then the door is open for Brunson to earn fourth and fifth-place votes for MVP.

Brunson was tied for 10th in MVP voting with James Harden and Evan Mobley last season as they each received one total vote. Brunson finished fifth in 2023-24 with 142 total votes. I think he can finish as high as fourth this season and maybe third if there's an injury or two.

Stock Down

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (+15000)

Points Per Game: 31.7 (3rd)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.7 (T-100th)
Assists Per Game: 7.5 (8th)

Tyrese Maxey dropped from +10000 to +15000 as expected making room for Victor Wembanyama to reenter the race post injury, plus Jalen Brunson. Maxey missed the 76ers' recent game versus the Hawks, which resulted in a 120-117 loss. Maxey's 31.5 points per game remains third in the NBA and 7.2 assists is ninth.

Follow my plays for the season on X @VmoneySports, Instagram @VmoneySports_ and Action App @vaughndalzell.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

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.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

The Denver Nuggets (18-6) are back in the Mile High City after a four-game road stand that ended in four wins. Denver hosts Houston (16-6) as the Rockets prepare for six-straight road games.

Denver is on a four-game winning streak as they enter this contest with victories over Indiana, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Sacramento — four teams combined for a 35-70 record. The Nuggets prepare for a four-game homestead that starts with a rematch of their 112-109 victory in Houston.

The Rockets are 3-2 to start December and have played a similarly easy strength of schedule to Denver lately. The Rockets have dropped their past two road games at Dallas and Utah as they prepare for a six-game road stand that starts in Denver.

Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.

Game Details and How to watch the Rockets vs. Pistons live

• Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Time: 9:30 PM ET
• Site: Ball Arena
• City: Denver, CO
• Network/Streaming: Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game odds for the Rockets at the Nuggets

The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:

• Moneyline: Denver Nuggets (-118), Houston Rockets (-102)
• Spread: Denver -1.5
• Total: 237.5

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups for the Rockets and the Nuggets

Rockets

PG Amen Thompson

SG Josh Okogie

SF Kevin Durant

PF Jabari Smith

C Alperen Sengun

Nuggets

PG Jamal Murray

SG Cam Robinson

SF Spencer Jones

PF Peyton Watson

C Nikola Jokic

Injuries for the Rockets and the Nuggets

Rockets

F Tari Eason (oblique) is questionable against Denver

Nuggets

G Christian Braun (ankle) is OUT
F Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is OUT
G Julian Strawther (back) is questionable against Houston

Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Rockets at Nuggets on Monday

• Houston is 13-8 to the Over, ranking sixth-best
• Denver is 16-8 to the Over, ranking second-best
• Denver is 7-3 to the Over as a home favorite, ranking fifth-best
• Houston is 1-1 to the Over as a road underdog and 2-0 ATS
• Denver is 5-5 ATS as a home favorite and at home and 6-4 on the ML

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes the Rockets to cover:

“Denver is not a full strength right now with Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun out, so this is a good spot for Houston to get a win over the Nuggets. Despite this game being in Denver at altitude and Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray taking the floor — this isn't much else to like.

Houston has played one game eight days, while Denver played three games in eight days then rested the past three. Houston also had off the past three days. Rest advantage goes to Houston and lost by three at home to the Nuggets in what could have been a Rockets win. Jokic and Murray combined for 60 points, 19 assists, and 12 rebounds. It will take another effort like that if the Nuggets want to win again. I will side with the Rockets."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Rockets & Nuggets game

• Moneyline: Nuggets ML (high confidence)
• Spread: Nuggets -1.5 (medium confidence)
• Total: Over 237.5 (low confidence)

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

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 Peacockthis season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices

The Detroit Pistons (20-5) travel to TD Garden for a matchup on Peacock with the Boston Celtics (15-10).

This is third meeting of the season between the teams as they split the series one apiece. Both meetings have come by six or fewer points, so another competitive and possible classic is on the way.

Boston was on a season-high five-game winning streak before losing 116-101 to Milwaukee. The Celtics as a team went 14-of-49 from three for 29% and allowed 28 assists in the loss. Jaylen Brown has been on fire with 30-plus points in four straight games and seven of the past eight. Brown scored 33 and 41 points in two meetings with Detroit this season. Boston is back at home after two road games and have had three days of rest ahead of this matchup.

Detroit is in first-place of the East and still riding high with three consecutive wins and a 5-1 record over the last six games. The Pistons offense has scored 122-plus points in three straight games and enter with equal rest as Boston. Cade Cunningham scored 42 and 25 points versus Boston this year and is coming off a season-low 15 points in 23 minutes over Atlanta (142-115).

Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.

Game Details and How to watch the Pistons vs. Celtics live

• Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• Site: TD Garden
• City: Boston, MA
• Network/Streaming: Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game odds for the Pistons at the Celtics

The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:

• Moneyline: Boston Celtics (-122), Detroit Pistons (+102)
• Spread: Celtics -8.5
• Total: 229.5

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups for the Pistons and the Celtics

Celtics

PG Payton Pritchard
SG Derrick White
SF Jaylen Brown
PF Jordan Walsh
C Neemias Queta

Pistons

PG Cade Cunningham
SG Duncan Robinson
SF Ausar Thompson
PF Tobias Harris
C Jalen Duren

Injuries for the Pistons and the Celtics

Celtics

None

Pistons

None

Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Pistons at Celtics on Monday

• Detroit is 14-11 ATS overall
• Detroit is 2-0 ATS as a road underdog
• Detroit is 11-8 ATS coming off a win
• Detroit is 14-10-1 to the Over
• Boston is 4-4 ATS as a home favorite
• Boston is 6-3 ATS coming off a loss
• Boston is 13-12 to the Under

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Pistons to cover the first quarter:

“On Peacock this season, the underdogs have done very well in the first quarter and I think this is another case. Boston finally dropped a game to Milwaukee after a five-game winning streak, so they are most vulnerable. Normally, I'd back Boston off a loss, but this is not the same Celtics team without Jayson Tatum.

Despite Boston winning four-consecutive first quarters, I will fade them here coming off a loss. The Celtics have actually been the best team in the NBA coming off a loss and winning the first quarter at 7-1 on the ML, but this could easily be a spot where that regression hits. Detroit has taken four-straight first quarters and 13 of the past 14. I will take the half-point in the first quarter with Detroit.”

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Pistons & Celtics game

• Moneyline: Pistons ML (low confidence)
• Spread: Pistons +1.5 (low confidence)
• Total: Under 229.5 (low confidence)

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

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 Peacockthis season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices