After the San Antonio Spurs face off against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, they’ll dive headfirst into All-Star Weekend, where they will have their largest presence in years.
Victor Wembanyama was named an All-Star starter for the first time; Mitch Johnson will coach one of the U.S. teams in the All-Star Game; Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle will participate in the Rising Stars tournament; Carter Bryant is in the Dunk Contest; and Harper will join his family in the Shooting Stars challenge. San Antonio’s core is well-represented at All-Star Weekend, but some, including Johnson, have questioned whether they were still shortchanged. The Athletic’s Law Murray caught the Spurs head coach talking about some players he thought were snubbed from the big game.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson with one of my favorite mic drops of the season before a game lol
No one asked him about All-Star snubs, mentioned that his team isn't one of 7 with multiple All-Stars, says if Fox/Castle aren't All-Stars then Wemby MVP votes must be up pic.twitter.com/h3HaCbnsVA
Castle and De’Aaron Fox have been critical pieces for a Spurs squad that is second in the Western Conference and owns the third-best record in the NBA. While their counting stats may not be at the same level as other All-Stars, their contribution to winning certainly is.
Do you think Johnson had a point? Was Castle or Fox snubbed from the All-Star game? Which Spur do you think will perform the best over the weekend? Vote in the poll below, and we’ll cover the results after the All-Star game!
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Spurs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Feb 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard Cam Christie (12) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers
February 11, 2026
Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network,
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790
Online: Rockets App, SCHN+
Time: 7:00pm CST
Probable Starting Lineups
Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun
Clippers: Derek Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, John Collins, Brook Lopez
The James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a step closer to adding to its esteemed roster of myriad basketball legends.
On Wednesday, three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker, Team USA’s 1996 women’s national team, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw were among the premier names announced as finalists for the hoops hall, which will soon welcome many of the biggest names in the history of women’s basketball. Former NBA All-Stars Blake Griffin and Amar’e Stoudemire will also be finalists, with Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers also closer to the Hall.
Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP, will forever remain a pre-eminent part of influencing women’s hoops. In 2008, after an esteemed career at the University of Tennessee, she immediately broke through in the pros by becoming the first (and only) player in league history to win MVP and Rookie of the Year honors. Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld are the only NBA players to do so. Parker, whose 16-year career ended in 2023, is ranked 10th in WNBA history in total points, third in rebounds, 11th in assists, fifth in blocks and 18th in career steals. She was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2016 after leading the Los Angeles Sparks to their fourth title in team history. In 2021, she led her hometown Chicago Sky to the franchise’s only WNBA championship.
Nicknamed the Women’s Dream Team, the 1996 Team USA women’s national squad remains one of the most dominant in the game’s history. It was led by several prominent names who are already individually enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame: Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, Sheryl Swoopes, Teresa Edwards and Katrina McClain. The roster also included Jennifer Azzi, Ruthie Bolton, Venus Lacy, Nikki McCray, Carla McGhee and Katy Steding. Credited with aiding the launch of the WNBA, this team defeated opponents by an average of 28.6 points per game en route to gold medal honors.
Delle Donne, whose 10-year career ended in 2023, is the only player in WNBA history to win MVP honors with multiple franchises (2019 with the Washington Mystics, 2015 with the Chicago Sky). She steps closer to the hall thanks to her unique combination of shooting touch and basketball IQ, becoming the first player in WNBA history to join the prestigious 50-40-90 club (shooting at least 50 percent overall, 40 percent on 3-pointers and 90 percent on free throws for a full season). Her career scoring average of 19.5 points per game ranks fifth highest in WNBA history.
Holdsclaw won WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1999, averaging 16.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in her first season as a pro. She finished in the top 10 of MVP voting six times over her 11 WNBA seasons, during which she averaged 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds. She peaked in 2003, averaging 20.5 points and 10.9 rebounds for the Washington Mystics. She finished her career with three All-WNBA selections and six All-Star nods and notched the 2002 league scoring title while leading the league in rebounds twice. Those accomplishments weren’t a surprise given her elite collegiate career at Tennessee, where she won Naismith Player of the Year honors twice (1998-99) and led the Lady Volunteers to three titles.
For the men’s side of this year’s finalist bracket, Rivers is one of seven coaches in NBA history to win Coach of the Year honors in their first season with a team, doing so with the Orlando Magic in 1999-00. His 1,183 regular-season wins rank sixth in NBA history. In 2008, he led the greatest single-season turnaround in NBA history when the Boston Celtics snapped a championship drought of over 20 years. In 2022, the NBA named Rivers as one of the 15 greatest coaches in league history.
Griffin, who retired after the 2022-23 season, spent years as one of the most talented and athletic players in the NBA. He averaged 21.4 points and 9.0 rebounds over 765 career games, including a special run as the face of Lob City during arguably the most successful era in the LA Clippers’ history. For the 2013-14 season, he finished third in MVP voting after averaging 24.3 points (second-highest scoring average of his career), 9.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. His seven triple-doubles are tied for second most in Clippers history.
Like Griffin, Stoudemire’s athletic prowess and unmatched skill on offense were a unique mix in a special career. He was pivotal to the Phoenix Suns’ revival, led by two-time MVP Steve Nash and coach Mike D’Antoni, who joins Stoudemire as a finalist for the Hall. Stoudemire notched six All-Star selections and five All-NBA nods over his 14-year career in the NBA. At his peak, the 2002-03 Rookie of the Year averaged over 25 points per game and was one of the league’s most potent dunkers. He finished his career with averages of 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 846 career games.
D’Antoni’s 253 regular-season wins with Phoenix rank third in franchise history. His run as coach of the Seven Seconds or Less Suns included two runs to the Western Conference finals. During D’Antoni’s four full seasons as coach (2004-05 to 2007-08), Phoenix ranked third in the NBA in win percentage (.707) and total victories (232).
There are 21 total finalists this year. Others include Marques Johnson, Mark Few, Jerry Welsh, Dick Motta, Gary McKnight, Kelvin Sampson, Molly Bolin-Kazmer, Tal Brody, Joey Crawford and Kevin Johnson. The inductees will be announced in April. Enshrinement weekend is scheduled for later this year at Mohegan Sun Arena, beginning with a tip-off celebration and awards gala Aug. 14. The commencement ceremony will take place the next day at the Symphony Hall in Springfield, Mass.
Feb 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) dribbles up court during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Nets picked up a hard-fought 123–115 win over the Bulls on Monday, powered by career nights from Nic Claxton (28 points, 10 rebounds) and Nolan Traoré (13 points, 13 assists). Now they’re up against the 14-win Pacers in the final game before All-Star Weekend.
🏀 KEY INFO
WHO: Indiana Pacers (14-40) at Brooklyn Nets (15-37)
WHEN: 7:30 PM ET
WATCH: YES Network
NETS INJURY REPORT
Clowney — OUT
Porter Jr. — OUT (Right Knee Tendinitis)
Etienne — OUT (G League Two-Way)
Johnson — OUT (G League Two-Way)
Liddell — OUT (G League Two-Way)
Nic Claxton is questionable entering the game (right hip soreness).
💬 DISCUSSION
Share thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
The two parties had reportedly been working towards finding a trade destination for the former lottery pick − Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported that the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns, among other teams, have all shown interest − but landed on a release instead after the deadline passed last week.
Now, the pending restricted free agent has been bought out and is free to choose his next destination.
The Spurs made the news official on social media with a graphic thanking Sochan, who they selected No. 9 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Sochan had represented San Antonio in the 2023 and '24 Rising Stars games.
Since then, however, Sochan's usage has declined in San Antonio. He averaged just 12.8 minutes in 28 games this season after starting 23 times the prior season, and he found himself out of the rotation completely after the emergence of rookie wing Carter Bryant.
According to Charania, Sochan "is expected to decide among multiple interested teams."
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs defends Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of the game at Frost Bank Center on December 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs have released Jeremy Sochan. They are allowing him an opportunity to test the market and find a home. I am here to tell you that home shouldn’t be in Phoenix.
The San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan have agreed on his release to allow the 2023 All-Rookie team member to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Sochan is expected to decide among multiple interested teams. pic.twitter.com/ilLIWLz7gb
I get it. You like the energy. You like the hustle. You like the style. Above all else, you like the idea of the size. Even though he is 6’8”, he is not really a true power forward. He does not solve any of the issues that the Suns currently possess. Even though bringing him here on a veteran minimum contract could be appealing, it is not the right move for Phoenix.
There is no real value added with him coming in here. If this were a team that lacked hustle and energy, it would be different. You would plug him in and let him run wild. You would allow his energy and focus to influence those on the court. But the second unit does not need that. They have Jordan Goodwin and Ryan Dunn.
The second name is the most important in this whole equation. If you bring in Jeremy Sochan, you are giving up on Ryan Dunn, at least in the short term relative to his development. Ryan Dunn has had a rocky sophomore season, but we are starting to see signs of life. Things are starting to click on both ends of the floor. Over his last four games, he is 6-of-9 from beyond the arc.
I’d rather keep Ryan Dunn in the second unit. Honestly, I might even give him more minutes. Let him keep building confidence. Let him fortify his development. There is no reason to create a logjam in front of him right now.
That matters even more when you look at the numbers. This is a player who is a career 28.7% shooter from beyond the arc. He is not some massive upgrade over Dunn on the glass either. His career rebounding percentage sits at 12%. Dunn is at 11% across his two seasons. That gap is negligible. I’ll bank on upside and development, even if Dunn is technically older than Sochan. Dunn has at least shown an ability to make threes, even if it comes in waves.
And if the argument is that he should be in the starting lineup, I’m sorry, but no thank you. He has not started a game in San Antonio this season. Over the past two years, he slowly but surely played himself out of that role. Maybe a change of scenery helps. I still do not see him as a starting power forward. He is undersized, and I would much rather have the shooting of Royce O’Neale on the floor. Sochan shrinks the spacing. He might grab a few more rebounds, but he does not bring enough offensively to move anything in a meaningful way.
I keep coming back to what I said last week when I was putting together mock trades involving him. I understand why people like him. He is just not for me. At least not for this team, and not right now. There is no real value added here. The fit is duplicative, and it actively blocks the development of Ryan Dunn.
So, like Dillon Brook should do late in games, I’ll pass.
We have entered the “Every Guy Who Gets Waived Should Be a Sun” part of the season 🤦♂️
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks with his father and New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks (34*-20) face the Philadelphia 76ers (30-23) tonight at Xfinity Mobile Arena. It’s New York’s final game on the schedule before the All-Star break. They arrive still stinging from last night’s overtime loss to Indiana, while Philly’s last game was a bust against Portland.
Game’s at 7:30 p.m. EST on MSG and ESPN. This is your game thread. This is Liberty Ballers. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be good ambassadors of humanity. And go Knicks!
* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the net against Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Let’s see what you can do, Tolu Smith. The Detroit Pistons will be relying on their two-way center to play plenty of minutes tonight against the Toronto Raptors as the Pistons will be playing their first game without Jalen Duren or Isaiah Stewart. Both were suspended for their actions during a brawl with the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. The Pistons will also be missing Ron Holland, who is still out for personal reasons. This is Detroit’s last game before the All-Star break, and you’d like to see them end the unofficial first half on a high note. But not only are they playing short-handed, but they are also playing a dangerous Toronto Raptors team.
Toronto has won three of four games, granted that was against the Jazz, Bulls, and Pacers. But they always seem to be feisty against the Pistons. I want a nice, quiet game that can ease us into the break. Is that too much to ask?
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons +1
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons: (39-13)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Paul Reed
Toronto Raptors (32-22)
Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl
Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) looks up court in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has done a good job of integrating the new additions at the deadline into the rotation. James Harden has paired well with both Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. And by the sounds of things, it won’t be long until we find out how the new core four looks together.
According to Atkinson, Mobley should be returning from his calf strain “right after the All-Star break.”
Mobley has missed the team’s last six games and is out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. He injured his left calf in the team’s win over the Orlando Magic on Jan. 26. This was the same calf that he injured earlier on Dec. 12. That initial injury kept him out for two weeks.
If Mobley returns after the All-Star break in the team’s Feb. 19 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, it would be a three and a half week absence from the court. The timeline for the recent calf strain was one to three weeks.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can find the awesome Cavs’ Starter jacket HERE. Homage’s entire Cavs collection can be found HERE.
Fitting Mobley back into a lineup that looks vastly different could present some challenges.
“I’m not sure if James has ever played with two bigs,” Atkinson said. “It’s usually four shooters, one big, but I have no doubt he’ll figure that one out too.”
Atkinson is already planning for that eventuality.
“We’re trying to get ahead of it,” Atkinson said. “With the coaches, we’ve talked about it. I don’t want to overload James right now. … When Evan comes back, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. … We got to think about the spacing, isolation spacing, pick-and-roll spacing, what kind of sets are best when those two are together.”
The Cavs have bet on talent and overall basketball IQ winning out with the Harden trade. Through two games, it has worked out. We’ll see how that adjustment period goes when Mobley returns.
There are dominant performances, and then there are alien invasions.
On Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, Victor Wembanyama didn’t just beat the Los Angeles Lakers — he dominated the game. Wembanyama, affectionately known as “The Alien,” a nickname given to him by LeBron James, scored 40 points in just 26 minutes while James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic watched from the Lakers bench.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama goes up for a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers. APJJ Redick stands on the court during a timeout against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
By the time the Spurs finished dismantling the Lakers 136-108, the only suspense left was whether Wembanyama would remain in the game long enough to go for 50. He wouldn’t.
Lakers head coach J.J. Redick didn’t bother with coach-speak afterward. He went straight to the truth:
“He’s one of the five best players in the world,” Redick said. “He’s put that stamp on himself. To me, it’s more than the counting stats with him because there’s such an avoidance of him defensively, and there’s an awareness you have to have with him defensively.”
That word — avoidance — says everything.
NBA defenses don’t guard Wembanyama. They orbit around him. They tilt entire schemes in his direction. He scored 25 in the first quarter alone, slicing through double-teams, stepping into threes, finishing above the square as if gravity were optional.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
At 7-foot-4 with guard skills and a defensive radius that swallows space whole, Wembanyama bends the geometry of basketball. He’s not just producing All-Star numbers; he’s reshaping the league as we know it.
The San Antonio Spurs no longer have a rising star. They have a global force. And after nights like this, even opposing coaches are forced to admit what the league already knows: the future isn’t coming.
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers will be shorthanded again on Wednesday night hosting the New York Knicks.
After being listed as questionable throughout the day, Joel Embiid has been downgraded to out for the contest due to right knee injury management. Embiid was also sidelined for this reason on Monday when the Sixers fell to the Portland Trail Blazers to close their road trip out west.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported on social media Wednesday evening that Embiid had reported soreness in the knee after the Sixers’ win over the Suns this past Saturday. He adds that the soreness has decreased but treatments would continue through the upcoming All-Star break.
Joel Embiid is out tonight against the Knicks due to right knee injury management, sources told ESPN.
Embiid reported some soreness in his knee after the Suns win Saturday. The soreness has decreased, but he won’t play today, and will continue treatment through the break.
This is the first time since Dec. 19 and 20, 2025, that Embiid has missed two games in a row. He hasn’t missed a game other than to rest one leg of each back-to-back since Dec. 28 and has been playing tremendous ball in that time, averaging 30.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists across 18 games.
Before the game, head coach Nick Nurse said that he reported soreness in the right knee after their win over the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 7.
“It’s bothering him enough that he’s not playing, I think it is improving a little bit,” Nurse said, “but just not quite there enough to get out there tonight.”
Nurse also went on to say that there isn’t a ton of concern over this, but clumped Embiid in with the group of guys it will be good to have a week off with the impending All-Star break.
Quentin Grimes has also been downgraded to out for Wednesday after being listed as questionable throughout the day for illness. Dominick Barlow, however, is good to go after being listed as questionable for illness earlier alongside Grimes. Both Grimes and Barlow were sidelined for the loss to the Trail Blazers.
Another shorthanded one for the Sixers… this time against the no. 3 team in the Eastern Conference. Should be fun!
The Sixers and Knicks tip off from South Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m. ET.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 09: Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves loses the ball as he drives against Gabe Vincent #4 of the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Target Center on February 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Hawks 138-116. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks (26-29) look to turn around fortunes tonight against the Charlotte Hornets (25-29), who are missing two starters due to their involvement in fisticuffs.
Starting lineup:
PG Dyson Daniels
SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker
SF Zaccharie Risacher
PF Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSNSE)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network app, Fubo (out of market), NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
MADRID (AP) — Real Sociedad won 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao in a Basque Country derby in the first leg of the semifinals of Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Beñat Turrientes scored the winning goal from close range in the 62nd minute at San Mames Stadium. The return leg will be in March.
Sociedad, playing in its third straight Copa semifinal, is trying to reach the final for the first time since it won the competition in 2019-20 for its third title.
Athletic, playing in its sixth Copa semifinal in seven seasons, won the title in 2024 against Mallorca, and was runner-up to Barcelona in 2020-21 and to Sociedad in 2019-20.
Athletic hasn't won in its last four matches against Sociedad after having won two in a row. It has 24 Copa trophies, behind only the 32 of Barcelona. Real Madrid is third in the list, with 20 Copa titles.
On Thursday, Atletico Madrid hosts defending champion Barcelona in the first leg of their semifinal. Barcelona has reached the Copa’s last four in four straight seasons. Atletico is in the semifinals for the third straight season, having last reached the final when it won the competition in 2019-20.
Athletic made it to the semifinals thanks to Iñaki Williams's winner six minutes into stoppage time in a 2-1 at Valencia. Sociedad made it to the last four by winning 3-2 at Alaves.
A calf injury earlier in the season bumped Victor Wembanyama down the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds boards, but Wemby has rebounded to regain to the top spot. DPOY odds boards show Wemby with a -280 price to win the coveted award. Chet Holmgren (+270) is still firmly in the mix.
Find more NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds and analysis below.
🏀 NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds
Below is a look at NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds. San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (-280) is the current favorite.
Here are some trends to keep in mind when betting on NBA DPOY:
This is historically a big man's trophy. 18 of the past 21 winners, and 33 of the 43 overall, have been centers or power forwards. This includes last year's winner, power forward Evan Mobley.
No DPOY winner's team has ever missed the playoffs.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year history
Year
NBA DPOY winner
2024-25
Evan Mobley
2023-24
Rudy Gobert
2022-23
Jaren Jackson Jr.
2021-22
Marcus Smart
2020-21
Rudy Gobert
2019-20
Giannis Antetokounmpo
2018-19
Rudy Gobert
2017-18
Rudy Gobert
2016-17
Draymond Green
2015-16
Kawhi Leonard
2014-15
Kawhi Leonard
2013-14
Joakim Noah
2012-13
Marc Gasol
2011-12
Tyson Chandler
2010-11
Dwight Howard
2009-10
Dwight Howard
2008-09
Dwight Howard
2007-08
Kevin Garnett
2006-07
Marcus Camby
2005-06
Ben Wallace
2004-05
Ben Wallace
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 5: Anfernee Simons #2 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles up court during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 5, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Chicago Bulls (24-29) at Boston Celtics (34-19) Wednesday, February 11, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #54, Home Game #27 TV: NBCSB, Chicago Sports Network, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 104.3 The Score, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Chicago Bulls for the third, and final, game between them this season. The Celtics won the first game in Boston 115-101 on January 5. They lost the second game 114-111 in Chicago on January 24. The Celtics won the series 3-1 last season. The Bulls haven’t won the season series with the Celtics since 2020-21. The Celtics have won 8 of the last 10 games against the Bulls. The Celtics are 138-111 overall all time against the Bulls and they are 79-40 in games played in Boston.
The Bulls didn’t change much in the off season, but they made 7 trades at the trade deadline so this Bulls team is very different from the one the Celtics faced in January. They traded Nikola Vucevic to Boston for Anfernee Simons. They traded Emanuel Miller for Dario Saric, who they traded with Kevin Huerter for Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley. They traded Conley and Coby White for Collin Sexton and Ousmene Dieng. They traded Dieng for Nick Richards. They traded Dalen Terry for Guerschon Yabusele. They traded Ayo Dosunmo and Julian Phillips for Leonard Miller and Rob Dillingham.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 5.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. By virtue of the Knicks loss to the Pacers, the Celtics are half a game ahead of 3rd place New York, 1.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 2.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 4 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 5.5 games ahead of 7th place Orlando. The Celtics are 23-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 17-9 at home and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They lost their last game after winning the previous 5 games.
The Bulls are 11th in the East. They are 16 games behind 1st place Detroit, 6.5 games behind 6th place Philadelphia, 3.5 games behind 8th place Miami and 1 game behind 10th place Charlotte. They are 1.5 games ahead of 12th place Milwaukee. They are 16-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 9-18 on the road and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They have lost their last 5 games.
This is the 3rd game of a 3 game home stand. They beat Miami in come from behind thriller in the first game and lost the 2nd game in a lackluster effort against the Knicks on Super Bowl Sunday. This game takes 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.
This is the Bulls final game before the All Star break also. After the break, they will have a 7 game home stand where they will host Toronto, Detroit, New York, Charlotte, Portland, Milwaukee and Oklahoma City. After the home stand, they head out on a 5 game Western road trip through Phoenix, Sacramento, Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
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 missed Monday’s game due to lower-back spasms and is available for this game. Neemias Queta is also available after being probable due to a sprained ankle. I would guess that Baylor Scheierman would get the start at shooting guard unless Joe goes with the double bigs again.
For the Bulls, Zach Collins (toe) and Noa Essengue (shoulder) are both listed as out. Josh Giddey is doubtful for this game with a hamstring injury and will likely sit out his 8th straight game. Tre Jones is also doubtful for this game with a hamstring injury and will miss his 11th straight game. Jalen Smith is also doubtful for this game and is expected to miss his 3rd straight game with a calf injury. Isaac Okoro is questionable due to knee soreness.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Anfernee Simons
Derrick White | Getty ImagesAnfernee Simons | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Nikola Vucevic Jordan Walsh 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje
Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out Neemias Queta (ankle) available Sam Hauser (back) available Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Bulls Reserves Rob Dillingham Leonard Miller Nick Richards Collin Sexton Patrick Williams
2-Way Players Yuki Kawamura Mac McClung Lachlin Olbrich Injuries/Out Zach Collina (toe) out Noa Essengue (shoulder) out Josh Giddey (hamstring) doubtful Tre Jones (hamstring) doubtful Jalen Smith (calf) doubtful Isaac Okoro (knee) questionable Head Coach Billy Donovan
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Anfernee Simons Simons returns to the TD Garden where just a week ago , he was playing for the Celtics. He is averaging 14.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. In his last game with the Bulls on Monday, he finished with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 block while shooting 58.8% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc. Hopefully he gets a nice welcome from the Celtics fans and then forgets how to play basketball.
Sam Hauser vs Matas Buzelis Buzelis is averaging 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 37.0% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1 block while shooting 56% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to defend him well as he can get hot and put up points quickly. Honorable Mention Payton Pritchard vs Collin Sexton Sexton is a key player off the bench for the Bulls as Pritchard is key for the Celtics off the bench. Sexton is averaging 14.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc. He is coming off a game where he finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal while shooting 38.9% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. Pritchard struggled in Sunday’s game and he rarely struggles 2 games in a row.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always a key to winning. The Celtics are 10th in the league with a defensive rating of 112.7. The Bulls are 26th with a defensive rating of 117.4. The Bulls are 19th with an offensive rating of 113.6 while the Celtics are 2nd with an offensive rating of 120.0. The Celtics need to get a strong defensive effort from every player on the court and they need to make defense a priority for all 48 minutes with no slacking off. The Celtics need to guard the 3 point line as the Bulls attempt 40.1 threes per game (7th) and they make 14.7 threes per game (7th). The Celtics also need to defend the Bulls in the paint as they are 5th with 52.6 points in the paint per game.
Rebound – The Celtics must box out and crash the boards. They can’t score without the ball and it will take extra effort on their part to beat the Bulls on the boards. The Celtics are averaging 45.4 rebounds per game, which is 8th in the league. The Bulls are averaging 44.9 rebounds per game, which is 11th. The Celtics have to put out more effort to get to the rebounds before the Bulls and give themselves extra possessions and limit those possessions for the Bulls. Don’t Underestimate – The Bulls have a lot of new faces on their team and are working on building chemistry with their new players. They also will likely be missing 5 players and have lost their last 5 games and 8 of their last 10 games. However, the Celtics can’t underestimate them and expect to come into the game and coast to a win. They need to Play hard and stay focused and not expect to win without putting in the effort.
Three Point Shooting – The Celtics often shoot 3s at a historic rate but there are times when their shots just aren’t falling, like against the Knicks on Sunday. In that game, the Celtics shot just 7-41 (17%) from beyond the arc. The Celtics are 2nd in the league, taking 43.1 threes per game. The Bulls are 7th, taking 40.1 threes per game. The Celtics need to focus on taking good shots and they need to move the ball so as to get open shots. If the 3s aren’t falling, as they weren’t on Sunday, they need to get to the basket or take mid-range shots.
X-Factors Bounce Back at Home – The Celtics are at home and will have the crowd behind them to give them extra motivation. This is the final game before the All Star break and the Celtics should want to go into the break with a win to bounce back from that terrible game against the Knicks . The Bulls have all the distractions of playing on the road including travel, staying in hotels, playing in front of a hostile crowd and on an unfamiliar court.
Officiating – The officiating is always an x-factor. Sometimes a crew will call the game tight and blow a whistle on every play. Other times they will let them play and let the game get physical. Sometimes they will favor one team over the other and other times they will call it even. Sometimes they are just bad. The Celtics need to adjust to the way the game is called and not let missed calls or bad calls affect their focus. If the calls go against them, they just need to play harder to make up for them and not waste time arguing with the officials.
The James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a step closer to adding to its esteemed roster of myriad basketball legends.
