The Dallas Mavericks (19-35) will try to end their nine-game losing streak as they play the Minnesota Timberwolves (34-22) at Target Center.
After a long and Mavs-less All-Star break, Dallas returns to action against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, while the Mavericks are back, they will still be without rookie Cooper Flagg, who remains out with a foot injury that forced him to drop out of the Rising Stars game.
For Minnesota, it will mark the start of a second half of the season that will see Anthony Edwards try to help the Wolves claw their way higher in a tightly packed Western Conference. They are currently sitting in sixth place, just a half-game back of the Houston Rockets and home-court advantage in the playoffs.
The Gobert factor
For a Mavericks team that has struggled with three-point shooting during their losing streak — connecting on just 9.3 threes per game over the last nine contests and shooting a league-worst 34.2% from deep — Gobert’s rim protection presents a significant challenge. Dallas will need to find ways to draw Gobert away from the basket, whether through pick-and-pop actions with P.J. Washington or by attacking in transition before the defense can set. If Gobert is allowed to camp in the paint, the Mavericks’ already limited offensive options become even more constrained.
Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging 11.1 rebounds per game (fourth in the NBA) and shooting an incredible 70.3% from the field, leading the league in field goal percentage.
Losing like it’s 1997
Dallas’ nine-game losing streak is its longest since the 1997-98 season, when they lost 10 straight. That’s a nearly 29-year-old mark, should they hit it. The 90s were not a nice time to be a Dallas fan, so to match a record from those dog days would be a stark indication of Dallas’ season trajectory.
The Mavericks’ nine-game losing streak has been characterized by poor shooting, defensive breakdowns, and an inability to close out competitive games. During the skid, Dallas has been outscored by an average of 12.4 points per game, with their only truly competitive performance coming in the 120-111 loss to Phoenix, where they cut a 31-point deficit to just six late in the fourth quarter.
The absence of Cooper Flagg has been particularly damaging. The rookie was averaging 20.4 points and 6.4 rebounds before suffering a foot injury, and his two-way presence gave Dallas a fighting chance in games against superior opponents. Without him, the Mavericks have relied heavily on Naji Marshall (averaging 16.8 points during the streak) and P.J. Washington to carry the offensive load.
Grievous injury
The idea of seeing Cooper Flagg play with Kyrie Irving has been something nearly every Dallas fan has been waiting to see. Even with the postseason out of reach and the Mavericks’ sights set firmly on ping-pong balls, basketball is still about entertainment, afterall. There’s little denying that watching Flagg play with a guard of Irving’s skillset has the chance to produce some pretty eye-popping highlights, even in a season where Kyrie would have been mostly shakingoff the rust from his ACL injury.
While having Cooper develop his game as a ball handler and offensive initiator, we’ve seen the results when he’s paired with even a replacement-level NBA guard. It speaks volumes that even just playing alongside an undrafted rookie in Ryan Nembhard, Flagg’s production noticeably improves. That’s no shade on Nembhard, he’s a great find and a promising player, but he’s not going to be opening the floor in the same way Kyrie Irving will when those two finally get on the floor together.
Jamerson II was called for a Flagrant 1 late in the second half of UCLA's blowout loss on Feb. 17. It wasn't a foul that resulted in an automatic ejection — Cronin ejected Jamerson himself.
Cronin said Jamerson II made a "dirty play" in his apology on Feb. 20, but acknowledged he went too far with how he handled the situation.
"I apologized to Steve," Cronin told reporters. "I thought he took the guy out like the kid at Providence took out the guy from St. John's out. It's the only reason I sent him to the locker room. I thought he literally made a dirty play and tried to wipe the guy out.
"Once I saw the film, I mean, he still got a (Flagrant 1). But to be honest with you, I don't know if he deserved that. ... I was wrong. I apologized to him."
Cronin later said he needs to dial back some of his antics. He also had a heated exchange with a reporter after UCLA's loss to Michigan State, calling a question the worst he has ever been asked. Cronin later asked the same reporter if the reporter was raising his voice at him.
"I need to dial back some of my humor bends, and so for that I apologize," he said. "Sometimes I'm too candid, like for example talking about how bad our flight was after the NCAA Tournament. ... In this climate, you have to be careful about what you say. ... The brand matters here, the school matters. The last thing I want to bring is negative publicity to our school."
The 54-year-old coach is in his seventh season at UCLA and has the Bruins firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble in 2026. He has led the Bruins to a Final Four, two Sweet 16s and a Round of 32 appearance in 2024-25.
Two shorthanded teams clash as the Denver Nuggets travel to Moda Center to face the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.
The game total has gone Over in eight of the last 10 head-to-head matchups, and my Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers predictions call for another high-scoring affair.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Northwest Division showdown on Friday, February 20.
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers prediction
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers best bet: Over 241.5 (-110)
The Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers will be shorthanded tonight, but that won’t stop a steady stream of points at Moda Center. On the season, both teams rank in the top-12 in points per game scored, and both rank in the top-7 in that category across their last 10 games.
In that span, each team ranks in the bottom-10 in points per game surrendered, creating a perfect blend of high scoring and lax defense. Denver has averaged 124.5 points across its last four on the road, while Portland has averaged 125.6 across its last five at home
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
The home team has covered the spread in six straight head-to-head matchups between the Nuggets and Trail Blazers. Portland is 17-12 ATS at home and 11-7 as the home underdog.
Deni Avdija is averaging 39 PRA this season, but this line is depressed due to his recent availability. He's appeared in only six of the Blazers' last 16 games, but he should be close to full strength after the All-Star break.
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers SGP
Over 241.5
Trail Blazers +1.5
Deni Avdija Over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Mighty Murray
Jamal Murray has been ultra-productive over his last 10 games, averaging 24.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.
He's hit the Over on this line six times in that span, going for exactly 36 twice more.
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers SGP
Over 241.5
Trail Blazers +1.5
Deni Avdija Over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists
Jamal Murray Over 36.5 points + rebounds + assists
Over/Under: Over 241.5 (-110) | Under 241.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
The Denver Nuggets have hit the game total Over in 30 of their last 45 away games (+13.53 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Nuggets vs Trail Blazers
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Friday, February 20, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Altitude, BlazerVision
Nuggets vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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After a week devoted to rest, recalibration, and reflection, the Boston Celtics returned to the hardwood with sharpened focus and renewed intent.
They secured their 36th victory of the season with a 121–110 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Boston controlled the tempo for much of the contest, executing on both ends with discipline and purpose. However, a blistering 15–0 surge by Golden State in the opening three minutes of the fourth quarter injected late drama into an otherwise steady performance.
Rather than unravel, the Celtics steadied themselves. They absorbed the momentum shift, reasserted control, and answered with composure — a poised response that ultimately sealed the victory and underscored their maturity in such situations.
Beyond the final margin, what stood out most was the orchestration on the offensive end. Boston’s attack was fluid, deliberate, and unselfish, a reflection of a team fully in sync in the face of adversity. The result was a season-high 36 assists, a striking testament to their connectivity and collective trust. Possession after possession, the extra pass wasn’t just available; it was instinctive.
When asked about the 36 assists on 49 made field goals, head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the intentionality behind the performance. “I thought for majority of the game, we managed the game with our ability to execute, you know get a shot every possession find a two-on-one, have great spacing, great screening.”
That cohesion was evident in real time, but upon a second viewing, the layers became even more apparent.
Here are the plays that stood out to me.
The first offensive possession of the game for Boston was a great one that reminded me of old times.
Play starts off with a mini “Zipper” cut to get Derrick White to the top of the key. I say mini because the cutter usually starts all the way down near the post then Zipper’s all the way up to the top off a pin down.
Boston has shortened it in the past; I assume for quickness purposes.
When White gets the ball at the top, you’ll essentially see the Celtics having action on both sides in 5 out spacing as both Baylor Scheierman and Neemias Queta set “Flare” screens. Flare screens = an off-ball screen in between the passer and the recipient.
This resembles “Delay” action which happens when a big has the ball at the top of the key and both sides set Flares or pin downs to get things open. But this particular play with Flares on both sides was ran a ton in 2022.
On the current one, Scheierman slips his Flare screen and Queta holds his.
Queta holding his forces Draymond Green to stay back a tick longer just in case White threw the pass to Jaylen Brown. This allows Queta to run into the screen freely. Right before Queta screens, you can hear Green yell “Ice!” to the on-ball defender.
Ice in pick and roll coverage means shading your body toward the screener, so the handler can’t use it. This is why you see Green on the right side of Queta because if the defender would’ve done it correctly, White would dribble towards Green.
But it doesn’t and White ends up using the screen forcing Green to go to the other side and pick him up. A great screen and that pick up, leaves Queta open on the roll and he gets fouled.
Here we have more pick and roll play from the Celtics.
The term “Mazzulla Ball” is classified as creating and taking advantage of two-on-one and three-on-two situations. With great screening, which Mazzulla noted postgame, the team is able to create both on one play.
The Celtics force two on the ball when Queta’s screen knocks the defender off, and Green has to pick up White once again.
This in turn creates multiple two-on-ones or a big three-on-two on the lower half of the court.
White does a great job staying patient and waiting for the corner defender on the right side to make a decision. Queta gets deeper than the corner man and the pass leads to a dunk.
Once again, the Celtics create an advantage through screening.
As Nikola Vucevic sets the screen, former Celtic Al Horford plays to the level and ends up crowding Brown making sure he can’t penetrate the defense further. This gets two on the ball.
Doing that once again gives us the same multiple two-on-ones and three-on-two look they got last play.
In this situation, whichever corner defender the big rolls closer to is who the passer will read. The last play was on the right side and on this one it’s the left. Moses Moody (defender in the corner) comes all the way into the paint to disincentivize the pass to Vucevic which leaves Jordan Walsh wide open in the corner and Brown finds him.
That was one of Brown’s career high 13 assists in this game. He stuffed the stat sheet in last night’s contest, putting up 23 points and 15 rebounds to go along with the passing. When asked about his all-around performance postgame, Mazzulla remarked, “JB just had a clear understanding of what the advantage was every time down the floor,” highlighting his keen awareness and ability to read the game in real time.
Continuing with the plays, here the Celtics get two on the ball in a different way.
White sets the back screen for Vucevic then gets to the top of the key. He then calls for Payton Pritchard to set the Ghost screen, which causes some confusion defensively.
This creates a three-on-two on the left side for a second.
What’s crucial on this is the cut by Sam Hauser. As I just noted, the advantage created by the Ghost screen is fleeting, so the team must execute after it perfectly to fully capitalize on it. When he sees Pritchard coming to the wing, he immediately cuts.
He does this because he knows his defender will step up to a wide-open Pritchard on the wing. The cut also draws the attention of Kristaps Porzingis away from his man who is Vucevic in the corner. Pritchard sees Porzingis trying to reach Hauser and hits Vuc in the corner.
Next, we have dribble penetration creating the advantages.
As the Celtics attempt to go to another pick and roll, the on-ball defender correctly Ices the screen this time making White reject it. White sees this and smartly proceeds to drive drawing Porzingis closer to him and away from Vuc.
This causes a longer closeout for the big man and Vuc shows his versatility pump faking and driving past him. White’s defender sees this and stops the drive and behind him, Green picks up his. The thing is in doing so Green completely leaves the corner and thus the two-on-one.
Vuc makes a phenomenal read and gets rewarded with the hockey assist.
This set didn’t result in points (looked like a goal tend) but it was my favorite one of the game.
Here the Celtics go to Horns Out Ram. “Horns Out” is a type of entry that is made up of two things. First, the play starts in “Horns” alignment which can be easily identified by seeing two players at or near the elbows of the free throw line.
The “Out” part is an Out cut which is when someone cuts out to either wing with a screen. The Celtics also use these out cuts in “Stack Out” entry plays. I don’t like to assume, but I’m going to say maybe Brown running over Queta wasn’t apart of action.
Next, the “Ram” part is named after a Ram screen which is an off-ball screen set for someone to go set a ball screen.
Queta sets the screen for Brown after the screen from White, and two gets put on the ball again. Brown gets it to White and he makes a great touch pass into Queta who has good position.
Brown starts it all for the green team on this one.
Him touching the paint draws three Warrior defenders to him and creates a three-on-two situation.
All that’s left now is to play Celtics basketball and whip the rock to the open man.
Early in the second half, the Celtics run “Horns Stagger Slip”.
Stagger screens are two of the same off-ball screens with space in between them.
Hauser is the first one, so he sets that but watch the IQ of White as the second screener. As he’s preparing to set the screen, he feels that his defender is leaving his body. The moment his arm is let go he slips wide open for the layup.
Brown creates more offense for the C’s here with incredible pace.
After the missed free throw, we see him jet to the block where Horford comes to double. He wastes no time getting the ball out of his hands, which helps the Celtics play four-on-three. Another wrinkle that helps Boston on this play is Porzingis not wanting to close out on Pritchard and telling his teammate to.
Play most likely ends up the same way honestly, but this creates a longer closeout and gives the Celtics an extra tick of time. Pritchard attacking the closeout and touching the paint creates a two-on-one in the corner.
Hugo Gonzalez and Ron Harper Jr play hot potato for a second which leads to Gonzalez attacking a closeout himself and displaying some intriguing self-creation.
For the second to last play, you can hear Mazzulla call out another beautiful Horns set. I can’t quite make out what he said after Horns, so any theories are welcomed.
Pritchard enters it into Vuc in the pinch post, and Harper Jr sets a “Rip” screen for Pritchard.
He gets a nice release angle on the dive, but Vuc couldn’t get it to him. Pritchard uses that Rip screen to go set a pin down for Brown.
As Brown curls off the screen, his defender is forced to chase over and ends up behind him. This forces Pritchard’s defender to help on Brown and make sure he doesn’t get an easy layup. But now nobody is on catch and shoot P.
Last but not least, we just have great recognition by Mazzulla. As Pritchard is isolated vs Horford, he yells “Switch! Hugo!” so that Brown can be the guy that’s one pass away. This is done so the better offensive player can be the closest outlet to the driver if they cannot score whether it’s catch and shoot or driving. Pritchard gets it to Brown, and he finishes around his old buddy Porzingis.
Ultimately, Boston’s victory over Golden State was more than just another notch in the win column; it was a showcase of precision, teamwork, and basketball IQ. From the fluid ball movement that produced a season-high 36 assists, to the savvy cuts, screens, and reads that define “Mazzulla Ball,” the Celtics displayed an offense that is both disciplined and dynamic.
Feb 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) looks on during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks are in the home stretch, fully in rebuild mode for the final 28 games of their season. For the last few years at MMB we’ve wrapped up each week with a quick glance at the Power Rankings among national outlets to see how they view the Mavericks from week to week. That, for now, is not necessary. The Mavericks aren’t playing meaningful basketball, not for the playoffs. Instead their meaningful basketball centers solely on the development of Cooper Flagg and the other young players in the rotation. They announced this week that Kyrie Irving will continue rehab and will not return until next season. Now the team gets reps for the young guys, and organically position themselves as best they can for the NBA Draft lottery draw. Don’t call it a tank! (you can call it a tank). Development matters first, getting good reps for the young guys while letting the wins and losses fall as they may.
Let’s take a look at where the Mavericks are as of this writing, and what happens next.
Lottery standings
The Mavericks (currently 19-35) are seventh in the lottery standings, two games back of the Utah Jazz in sixth and 8.5 games back of the Sacramento Kings. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently eighth behind Dallas — just 1.5 games back.
Utah and Memphis will be teams to take a hard look at if you find yourselves scoreboard watching on any given night. All of these teams, as covered nationally at a very loud decibel, are going all in on collecting losses. The reality of Dallas “catching” teams like the Washington Wizards or Brooklyn Nets in fourth or fifth is not likely — both teams are a full four games ahead of the Mavs. They’re bunched up with the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans. So expect plenty of shuffling in front of Dallas in the coming weeks.
If the lottery were today, the Mavericks would have a 31.9% chance at a top four pick (7.5% at the top pick). Their top four chance moves up or down a full 5% if they moved in front of Utah or behind Memphis.
Utah Jazz: @ Memphis Grizzlies, @ Houston Rockets, vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies: vs. Utah Jazz, @ Miami Heat, vs. Sacramento Kings, vs. Golden State Warriors
One magic spin
Each week we’ll take one spin around the block at tankathon.com and see where the chips fall. Our first inaugural spin was chaos. The Mavericks fell back one spot to eighth with the Milwaukee Bucks jumping nine spots to first — but because of a previous trade where the Atlanta Hawks get the best selection between Milwaukee and New Orleans, the Hawks are at one. The Bucks were able to then take on the New Orleans pick.
Fans aren’t the only ones that believe the 2025 NBA Draft lottery was rigged.
Some owners share that sentiment, too.
In an appearance on the “Chapo Trap House” podcast, investigative podcaster Pablo Torre said two owners told him at the event that they believe the lottery was fixed for the Mavericks to draft Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick.
“I remember I was at an event, and I spoke to two NBA owners. This was the day after the NBA lottery. And those two owners were both like, ‘This was obviously fixed,’” Torre said.
“I’m saying literally two NBA owners did not trust the hand of Adam Silver to remain out of the proceedings, in terms of rigging the NBA draft lottery,” he added.
Cooper Flagg has impressed in his rookie season in Dallas, including a career-high 49 point night. AP
But with only a 1.8 percent chance of winning the lottery, the Mavericks earned the right to draft Flagg.
It could’ve simply been luck, but many fans thought it seemed too good to be true.
“Nico Harrison should not be allowed to make this pick,” Barstool Sports personality Dan “Big Cat” Katz wrote. “He needs to be fired before the draft. I’m happy for Mavs fans, they deserve this, Nico does not.”
Even LeBron James found it ridiculous, posting a few crying laughing emojis on X after the news broke.
Torre said the owners he talked to were merely speculating, but it shows that more than just fans were suspicious.
The NBA changed its lottery odds in recent years as well. The three worst teams have an equal 14% chance of picking No. 1, while every other non-playoff team has decreasing odds to discourage tanking.
After earning National Player and Freshman of the Year honors at Duke, Cooper Flagg was chosen No. 1 overall by the Mavericks. JASON SZENES/NY POST
Despite their poor odds, the Mavericks and Hawks snagged the top choice in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Atlanta’s chances sat at just three percent.
After winning National Player of the Year honors at Duke last year, he’s averaging 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 48.2 percent from the field in Dallas.
The Mavericks are still seven games out of playoff contention, but Flagg’s heroics provide a glimpse of hope for the future — all for a team that looked dead in the water last year after casting Doncic to the side of the road.
And nearly everyone is skeptical of how Flagg landed in Texas.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 13: Victor Oladipo #52 of Guangzhou Loong-Lions looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during the preseason game at Target Center on October 13, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated dthe Loong-Lions 134-74. 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 Cleveland Charge, the G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, have acquired guard Victor Oladipo, according to the official G League transaction board. Oladipo, the former number two overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, was playing with the Wisconsin Herd. In exchange, the Charge sent Jacob Gilyard and Drake Jeffries to Wisconsin, as well as 2026 second-round and international draft picks.
In 26 games with the Herd, Oladipo is averaging 14 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, though he does appear to be playing in a somewhat restricted capacity (28.7 minutes per game). Oladipo has a long, long history of leg and knee injuries, including a ruptured quad (which he re-ruptured two years later), followed by a torn achilles. The team, naturally, has displayed caution with the former lottery pick.
Oladipo last appeared in an NBA game during the 2023 playoffs as a member of the Miami Heat, logging 19 minutes. He missed the following season rehabilitating that torn achilles, getting traded (or more accurately, his contract) multiple times over before being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies almost two years ago. Oladipo played briefly in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Guangzhou Loong Lions.
The Charge now feature a back court of former top-seven draft picks in Oladipo and Killian Hayes, the latter of whom is averaging 24.6 points and 7.7 assists per game. Hayes is just the latest reclamation project for the Charge, who have sent several players to the NBA over the last several seasons. Olapido figures to be the next, as he works toward a return to the NBA.
The Mavericks are back in action after the All-Star break. They are in Minnesota, where they will play the Timberwolves without Cooper Flagg. The Wolves have dominated Dallas this season, winning each of their first two matchups by 24 and 13 points, respectively. Dallas is in active tank mode, and Minnesota is just a game out of third place in the West. It is clear not only what the books are pricing, but what both fanbases are expecting out of this matchup. The Mavericks will need a miracle to keep this one close.
Before getting into our picks, here is how we stand this season:
Last week’s results
Tyler: 2-2 (+$1)
David: 1-3 (-$209)
Season to date
Tyler: 20-31-0 (-$953)
David: 28-22-0 (+$746)
It is time to finish the season strong.
Game Details
Fixture: Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves | NBA 2025-2026
Date and Time: Friday, February 20th, 2026; 6:40 PM CST
The Wolves will give Anthony Edwards a full 12 minutes, and with a decimated Mavs group, a hammer will be laid. Building off of that, the Maverick offense will struggle without Flagg. Give me an under. Lastly, Gobert and Reid are two Mav killers, going back years at this point. Without a presence inside, expect both to have monster evenings.
David’s Plays
Minnesota -14.5 (-108)
P.J. Washington over 15.5 points (-122)
Anthony Edwards under 28.5 points (-104)
Donte DiVincenzo over 10.5 points (-118)
The Timberwolves are going to blow Dallas out. No Cooper Flagg, no Max Christie, and no reason to win. Washington should be healthier, which means he will take on a more normal scoring load. Edwards will likely conserve energy in an easy win, and DiVincenzo is an under-the-radar guy who kills the Mavericks.
The tip the weekend off with some winners in the NBA player prop market and with nine games on the board, there’s no shortage of value to be found.
My favorites for today include Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert, primed for a big night against the Mavericks, and Kawhi Leonard carrying the momentum from his awesome All-Star game performance into a matchup with the Lakers.
Those and more NBA picks for Friday, February 20 below.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are primed for a big second half, and it starts as 13.5-point favorites when they host the Dallas Mavericks. And speaking of big, T-Wolves center Rudy Gobert is primed for a big night.
Opposing bigs have feasted on the Mavs this season. Dallas ranks dead last in opponent points in the paint per game, which is where Gobert exclusively works.
Gobert averages 11.1 points per game and dominated in back-to-back games just prior to the break, putting up 17 and 18 points, and has topped this number of 10.5 in three of his last four games overall.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN
Prop #2: Julian Strawther Over 10.5 points
+100 at bet365
Julian Strawther is having a breakout season for the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have dealt with numerous injuries this season, which has opened the door for Strawther, and he has taken advantage of the moment.
Strawther is averaging 15.2 points while shooting 40% from three-point range over the last five games, and with Aaron Gordon still out, he should remain in the starting lineup.
Tonight, he and the Nuggets take on a Portland Trail Blazers team that ranks 19th in defensive rating and 20th in opponent effective field goal percentage. Strawther has topped this number in each of the last five games.
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ALT, KUNP
Prop #3: Kawhi Leonard Over 2.5 threes made
+105 at bet365
Kawhi Leonard looks all the way back after a jaw-dropping performance in the All-Star game.
The Los Angeles Clippers star put up 31 points, which included going 6-of-7 from three, in just one of the 12-minute mini-games.
He’s been locked in from three-point range for a while. Leonard is shooting 40% from deep on 7.7 attempts per game over his last 24 games, hitting three or more 13 times over that span.
I’m betting he keeps letting it fly against the cross-town rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. L.A. has a problem with the three-ball ranking 22nd in opponent three-point shooting percentage.
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BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 4: Dalano Banton #45 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 4, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SAN FRANCISCO — In the corner of the visiting locker room in San Francisco, Dalano Banton chatted up Jordan Walsh.
Banton and Walsh haven’t shared a locker room in years, but they picked up right where they left after Banton signed a ten-day contract with the Celtics on Thursday.
The 26-year-old guard reunited with several former teammates — Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Neemias Queta, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Walsh — as he rejoined the Celtics after an up-and-down two years.
Before the Celtics 121-110 win over the Golden State Warriors, Banton spoke to CelticsBlog about returning to Boston, where he spent the first half of the 2023-2024 campaign. He spent the majority of the last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he established himself as a rotation player, but has been relegated to the G League this season.
Today, Banton is just thrilled to be back with the same organization that welcomed him years ago.
“It definitely feels good,” he told CelticsBlog. “I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity. Spending from the start of the season to right about a couple weeks ago in the G, just knowing that the uphill battle, and just sticking to the grind every day — being here is great. A lot of familiar faces, and everyone’s welcoming me back with open arms.”
Banton has had some very successful stretches since he was traded from the Celtics in February of 2024, just months before their title run. He averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in Portland for the remainder of that 2023-2024, and subsequently averaged 8.3 points and 2.4 assists in a more limited role with the Blazers last year.
But this year, he was not able to get an NBA contract, and thus joined the Texas Legends, the Dallas Maverick’s G League affiliate team.
In the G League, he’s stayed the course, worked hard, and hoped for an opportunity; averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
Earlier this month, he got a ten-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Now, he returns to Boston, a team that will need to utilize multiple ten-day contracts this spring in order to stay below the luxury tax line.
“You have the opportunity to play every night — you’ve got to show what you can do,” Banton said. “So you eventually [hope to] get called up somewhere — knowing if that was going to be here somewhere else, I really never knew. But I’m just kind of waiting for the opportunity, and just know I have to stay down and continue to grind to get it.”
Reconnecting with Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics
Joe Mazzulla is happy to see Banton once again donning Celtics green.
“I’m glad to have him back,” Mazzulla said. “He’s worked hard when he was with us before, but just his ability to — extra ball handling — but really his ability defensively to impact the game. Whether it’s on the ball, whether it’s with his ball pressure, whether it’s his defensive activity. I’m excited to have him back and working with him.”
Banton told CelticsBlog that since he was traded from the Celtics, Brad Stevens has kept in touch.
“I’ve definitely had great relationship with a lot of people here,” he said. “Brad’s been good to me ever since they signed me here a couple years ago. He always kept that relationship with them, always talking to my agent and stuff like that about me, keeping tabs on me.”
He also said that he was particularly excited to reunite with player development coaches Steve Tchiengang and Tyler Lashbrook, both of whom are still with the Celtics.
“Tyler was my player development [coach], that’s my brother,” he said. “We always talk. All the time that I was gone, [he was] checking in on me and stuff.”
Banton didn’t lace up in his first game back with the Celtics, a blowout win over the Warriors. He’ll be with the team for the remainder of this roadtrip, which includes games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets.
Then, next Friday, the Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets.
If and when he does get an on-court opportunity, Banton doesn’t want to force the issue.
“I’m not trying to come in and trying to show you everything you could do in a possession or two,” he said. “If they brought you here, I’m sure that they watched film on you, and studied your game, and know what you can do. But just definitely bringing energy, playing hard, trying to be a good teammate, and just showing your face around the organization — just in case the team, or whoever it is, does want to keep you around.”
Payton Pritchard said it was great to see Banton reconnect with his former teammates.
“It’s been a journey for him,” Pritchard said. “For him to work his way back into the league and get an opportunity again, it’s a testament to his work ethic.”
For Banton, the reunion has extended beyond just the players and coaches themselves — two years later, many of his teammates kids have grown up, too.
“When I first got here, a lot of people were just starting to have kids, and just to see that they’re getting older and stuff now is great,” he said. “It’s great to come around and just gel and rekindle with the guys.”
Reviving a rivalry that has been among the NBA's best for decades, the Los Angeles Lakers will play host to the Boston Celtics in a Sunday night matchup on NBC and Peacock.
This will be the second meeting this season between the teams that rank first and second in NBA championships (18 for the Celtics; 17 for the Lakers).
Boston beat L.A. 126-105 at home on Dec. 5 as Jaylen Brown scored 30 pts. Austin Reaves had a game-high 36 for the Lakers, who were without Luka Doncic (personal reasons) and LeBron James (sciatica & left foot arthritis).
Boston has won five of the past seven between the teams that have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals (Boston is 9-3 and won the first eight titles; L.A. won the most recent in 2010 over seven games).
See below for additional information on how to watch the Celtics-Lakers matchup and a breakdown of the game. Also check out the schedule for the NBA on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.
At 36-19, the Celtics have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and have won seven of the past eight behind five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, who is on pace for career highs in scoring (more than 29 points per game), assists and field goals made.
In a 121-110 road victory Thursday over Golden State, Brown led Boston with 15 rebounds and 13 assists as the team contiued to excel in the absence of Jayson Tatum, whose return could be on the horizon.
The four-time first-team All-NBA forward has been out all season with the torn right Achilles suffered in last year's playoffs, but Tatum has practiced with the Celtics' G League team this month and has attended nearly every Boston game. I've grown an appreciation for the game and for my teammates and just guys around the league," Tatum said. "I’ve just been sitting back and being able to watch guys kind of take that next step. It's been kind of cool to see.”
He's been watching a team that remains heavily reliant on the 3-pointer: The Celtics are 17-0 when shooting over 40% from long range.
The Lakers are on the path to the playoffs but are trying to shore up weaknesses on defense, ranking in the bottom half of the league in opponent points per game and defensive rating. Among Western Conference teams with a winning record, only Denver has been worse defensively.
Los Angeles also lacks punch from its bench on offense, ahead of only Houston in the lowest points totals per game outside the starting lineup. The Lakers also rank outside the top 25 with 10 3-pointers per game.
On the positive side, L.A. has been clutch with a 15-3 record in games with a scoring margin within five points in the final 5 minutes of regulation. No other team has fewer than nine losses in clutch games.
With injuries to LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves that sidelined the star trio for significant stretches (they shared the court in only 10 of the first 54 games), the Lakers still are on track for a 50-win season and perhaps their best ball is ahead (especially with the recent acquisitions of Luke Kennard and Gabe Vincent).
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.
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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.
During All-Star Weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, "We're going to be scrutinizing everything we see going forward" regarding teams tanking, and that the league would be looking at "every possible remedy."
During a Thursday phone call with all 30 general managers, an adamant Silver said tanking needs to be curtailed for the integrity of the game and laid out potential remedies, according to multiple reports. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, some of the potential moves discussed by Silver included:
• Freezing the lottery odds at an earlier, specific date (hypothetically, All-Star weekend), so teams don't have a motivation to play poorly during the season's stretch run.
• Limiting draft protections to 1-4 or lottery (top 14), eliminating what Utah and Washington are doing this season where they are working to protect top-eight protected picks.
• Not allowing teams to pick in the top four in consecutive years.
• Including all the play-in teams in the lottery.
• Flattening the lottery odds so every team has the same chance.
All of those "solutions" would create new challenges. Freeze the lottery odds at the All-Star break and teams will start tanking earlier, in the heart of the season. Taking away teams' ability to pick in the top four in consecutive years takes a key team-building tool for smaller markets — it's how San Antonio got so good right now.
Even Silver's owners are not all on the same page.
Mat Ishbia of the Suns said tanking was for losers.
This is ridiculous! Tanking is losing behavior done by losers. Purposely losing is something nobody should want to be associated with. Embarrassing for the league and for the organizations. And the talk about this as a “strategy” is ridiculous.
The NBA has kate been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been that way that way.
When I got into the nba, they thought they were in the basketball business. They…
In the end, there may be no solution because landing a high pick and getting a player such as Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Cooper Flagg or Victor Wembanyama (to name just the recent examples) changes the fortunes and value of a franchise. Teams are going to do what it takes to give themselves the best chance to win. Flatten the lottery odds and the league has to accept the risk that a good team — and if the pick was traded, maybe the league's best team — could end up with the No. 1 pick. Teams are trying to sell their fan base either on winning ("we are contenders/very good right now, so come watch us") or on hope for the future. Reduce the bad teams' lottery odds, and you reduce that hope.
There is no easy answer. But Silver is determined to do something.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 28: Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 28, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards host the Indiana Pacers again tonight
Game info
When: Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Injuries: For the Wizards, Trae Young (knee, quad), Anthony Davis (hand, groin), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), Alex Sarr (hamstring), and D’Angelo Russell (not with team) are out.
For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith (lumbar), Micah Potter (ankle), TJ McConnell (hamstring), Quenton Jackson (G League) are questionable, while Ivica Zubac (ankle), Pascal Siakam (personal), Obi Toppin (foot), Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), and Johnny Furphy (knee) are out.
What to watch for
The Wizards will host the Pacers for the second straight day. Washington drew first blood last night and will have another opportunity to make it 2-for-2. In games where the Wizards are playing teams that are also doing poorly in the standings, it is not a bad thing to see them win here and there. This is one of those times.
The Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards tip off at Capital One Arena for the second straight night.
The hosts eked out a low-scoring win on Thursday, and I’m expecting the two teams to cash another Under in my Pacers vs. Wizards predictions & NBA picks for Friday, February 20.
Pacers vs Wizards prediction
Pacers vs Wizards best bet: Under 231 (-110)
Tonight’s game between the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards is certainly not the most exciting offensive matchup, with Indiana (111 ppg; 28th) and Washington (112.1 ppg; 25th) both ranking in the bottom six in scoring.
To make matters worse for the Pacers, they’ll be without three starters tonight, including two of their top four scorers in Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith.
The Pacers have been a cash cow for Unders this season, hitting the Under in 58.9% of their games – tied for the fifth-most in the NBA.
These teams combined for just 217 points last night and will cash another Under tonight.
Pacers vs Wizards same-game parlay
The Wizards were in control for most of last night’s meeting and are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. the Pacers.
Meanwhile, Indiana is 1-4 without their leading scorer, Siakam, this season.
Pacers vs Wizards SGP
Under 231
Wizards moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Rebounding party
The Wizards are the worst rebounding team in the NBA, giving up 47.8 opponent boards per game.
Pacers trio Jarace Walker, Kobe Brown, and Jay Huff all hit the Over on their rebound line last night, while Andrew Nembhard has recorded Over 2.5 boards in seven of his last 10 outings.
Pacers vs Wizards SGP
Jay Huff Over 5.5 rebounds
Kobe Brown over 7.5 rebounds
Jarace Walker Over 7.5 rebounds
Andrew Nembhard Over 2.5 rebounds
Pacers vs Wizards odds
Spread: Indiana -1.5 (-110) | Washington +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Indiana -125 | Washington +105
Over/Under: Over 231 (-110) | Under 231 (-110)
Pacers vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Under is 11-4 in Washington’s last 15 games, and 4-1 in the last five meetings. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Wizards.
How to watch Pacers vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Friday, February 20, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Indiana, Monumental SN
Pacers vs Wizards latest injuries
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Kings guard Russell Westbrook struggled offensively and his wife, Nina, felt the wrath of one angry fan after Sacramento’s 131-94 loss to the Orlando Magic Thursday.
Taking to her Instagram Stories Friday, Nina shared a negative email she received with the subject line, “F–k you,” adding that getting lewd messages has become “routine” for the couple.
“Your piece of f-kn s–t husband sucks so f-kn bad can’t even get 10 points is pathetic,” the email states. “I hope you both die in a car crash dumb bitch.”
Nina Westbrook and Russell Westbrook in December 2025. Instagram/Nina Westbrook
Nina added, “The negative effects of sports betting. Brings out the worst in ppl.”
Westbrook, who had five points in the loss at Golden 1 Center, was 2-of-8 shooting and 1-of-6 from the three-point range.
Nina expressed gratitude for the support she and Westbrook, 37, have received, but noted the vile email “is not an isolated incident.”
“It’s something my husband and I consider routine. With that said, I’m sharing this now because I’m growing increasingly concerned for athletes.
Nina Westbrook shared an email she received that contained death threats. @ninawestbrook/Instagram
“I felt it important to highlight the effects that sports betting has on individuals and how it puts athletes and their families in potentially dangerous situations. It’s an aspect of sports betting that no one seems interested in discussing.
“As an LMFT [Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist], I have a keen understanding of the psychological implications and dangers of sports betting and gambling. Gambling is a highly addictive behavior, and people should understand the risks associated with it, especially before introducing it to their children.
“I don’t claim to have all the answers, but the threatening behavior directed toward athletes and their families after games has proven to be one of the early results of amped up sports betting.”
The veteran guard — a former NBA Most Valuable Player and nine-time All-Star — signed a one-year deal with the Kings before the 2025-26 season.
Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 19, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NBAE via Getty Images
Westbrook spent the 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 75 appearances and 36 starts.
This isn’t the first time the Westbrooks have spoken publicly about negative fan behavior.
In 2022, Westbrook addressed the “Westbrick” nickname that fans had given him as he struggled to shake a months-long shooting slump while with the Lakers.
He explained at the time that the ongoing harassment from fans had negatively affected his family so much that they didn’t want to attend his games.
Nina also said in a series of tweets that the Westbrook family had received “death wishes” from critics.
Rudy Gobert
Julian Strawther
Kawhi Leonard
