Fresh off a fourth-quarter heist at the Garden, the Knicks (36*-21) head to the United Center to face the Chicago Bulls (24–33). The matchup gives New York a chance to firm up its hold on third place against a Bulls team that has lost as many consecutive games as an octopus has arms. (That’s eight, buddy.)
The season series sits tied at one apiece. When they last met, the Knicks beat the Bulls 128-116 on November 2, 2025. Jalen Brunson led New York with 31 points. Josh Giddey paced Chicago with 23.
The Bulls are planning a massive offseason bender to forget this campaign. They rank 23rd in offensive rating at 114 and 26th in defensive rating at 118.1. They can score a bit, averaging 116.4 points per game, which puts them 11th in the league, but no team sees them on the schedule and says, Uh-oh, better double-knot my Nikes.
Aussie hair model Josh Giddey leads the brigade, averaging 18.4 points per game and spreading 8.5 assists. Matas “Line Drawing Face” Buzelis averages 15 points per game and shoots 36% from three. Their starting five will likely be Giddey, Anfernee Simons (20.1 PPG), Isaac Okoro (9.1 PPG), Buzelis, and Jalen Smith (10.2 RPG). Last night, with Simons out, our old pal Guerschon Yabusele was in the starting lineup. As I said, good times in Chicago!
On Chi-Town’s injury report, Simons is day-to-day with a wrist injury. Zach Collins is out for the season for the Bulls with a toe problem, as is Noa Essengue with a shoulder injury.
Prediction
ESPN gives the Knicks an 82% chance to win. Oh, they’d better. Last night, the Knicks opened the game strong, then looked dead in the water for two quarters until Jose Alvarado injected life into them. Is Jose your new favorite Knick, yet? Or do you still cling to Bridges like a weird old Teddy? (Bear, Ruxpin, Pendergrass—whatever you’re into.)
Chicago also played at home last night, in a 16-point loss to Detroit that would have been uglier if not for a 34-point fourth quarter. We doubt the Bulls are even playing for pride at this point, so the Knicks’ bench should take care of business and let the starters cool their heels. Knicks by a dozen.
Game Details
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026 Time: 8 PM ET Place: United Center, Chicago, IL TV: MSG Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but the Cup final was just an acid flashback.
After a tough slate coming out of the All-Star break, the Charlotte Hornets look to get back on track as they battle the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
My Hornets vs Wizards prediction and free NBA picks expect the visitors to dominate the lottery-bound home team.
Hornets vs Wizards prediction
Hornets vs Wizards best bet: Hornets -11.5 (-110)
The Charlotte Hornets have played tough but come up short in close losses to both the Rockets and the Cavaliers, but they’ve remained a solid cover team, going 7-1-0 against the spread in their last eight.
The Washington Wizards swept a two-game home set against the Pacers, but Indiana had so many regulars out, it’s hard to imagine they’ll be able to match that effort when the competition levels up.
The Wiz did play the Hornets tough last game in a 4-point loss, but that’s the outlier: Charlotte has slammed them the two other times, winning by at least 17 points in each.
Hornets vs Wizards same-game parlay
Kon Knueppel has been lighting it up from distance of late, nailing at least four 3-pointers in six of his last nine games. Against the Wiz, he’s drilled five moneyballs twice in three games.
Brandon Miller’s scoring has dipped in February, scoring 24 points or more just twice in seven games. He’s yet to hit 24+ points in two meetings with Washington this year.
Hornets vs Wizards SGP
Hornets -11.5
Knueppel Over 3.5 threes
Miller Under 23.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Wizards feel the sting
Let’s roll out a big SGP for the rest of the Hornets’ starters that are on the board.
LaMelo Ball has gone Under 7.5 assists in six of seven games, but take the Over as he’s doled out at least nine dimes in each of the three games against Washington this year.
Ryan Kalkbrenner is coming off a season-high 13 rebounds in a season-high 36 minutes. With Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate still serving suspensions, he’ll be a prominent big man for Charlotte on Sunday.
Hornets vs Wizards SGP
Hornets -11.5
Knueppel Over 3.5 threes
Miller Under 23.5 points
Ball Over 7.5 assists
Kalkbrenner Over 7.5 assists
Hornets vs Wizards odds
Spread: Hornets -11.5 | Wizards +11.5
Moneyline: Hornets -602 | Wizards +450
Over/Under: Over 226.5 | Under 226.5
Hornets vs Wizards betting trend to know
Charlotte has nine straight wins as a betting favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Wizards.
How to watch Hornets vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Southeast Charlotte, Monumental SN
Hornets vs Wizards latest injuries
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Actor Spike Lee reacts during the fourth quarter between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2026 in New York City. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks looked like they were about to put us into another deep depression…
…until they didn’t. Oh, boy, they didn’t.
Here’s everything to know about the night in which New York sent KD back to Twitter.
Mike Brown: "In the huddle to start the 4th KAT said 'Hey––at the end of the day it starts defensively'…And he led the charge on that end of the floor" pic.twitter.com/Y7vZwR5Srr
“We found a way, that’s what I’m most excited about; we found a way.”
On Towns’ role in the Knicks’ scoring hierarchy:
“Knowing that those two guys are our leading scorer, our second-leading scorer [Jalen Brunson and Towns], first-most shots, second-most shots; trying to fit those two guys in that order and then everybody else is what’s most important. I look at KAT and he’s probably right where he should be. Maybe he should be the leading scorer, I don’t know, but for sure the second-leading scorer — he’s that. He gets the second-most field goal attempts behind Jalen. … The No. 1 guy is probably gonna get the most stuff, because he’s the No. 1 guy. The No. 2 guy, he’s gonna get the second-most stuff because he’s the No. 2. So whatever you do, hopefully it averages out to you getting the second most, if you’re the No. 2 guy.”
On trying to simplify the offense:
“We’ve simplified it a lot. We’ve simplified it a lot to try to fit him in and everyone else at the same time. … Our offense is different now than it was in the preseason because I’ve had to try to adjust and make it fit everybody to where Jalen’s getting his first, KAT’s getting his second, then we go from there.”
On Brunson in crunch time vs. Houston:
“Jalen was in a groove. It didn’t matter who was on him; he found a way to score.”
On the fourth-quarter defense:
“In the fourth quarter, our guys found a way. They buckled down defensively.”
On Alvarado spark decision:
“[Assistant coach] Rick Brunson was the one that suggested throwing Jose in the game at the time, which was the right call. We threw Jose in, and he gave us a spark on both ends of the floor.”
On Jose and Tyler Kolek reps:
“Jose’s played, obviously. Jose’s played well for us. He’s given us a different look. Tyler’s been awesome, for Year 2. He has a chance to be a good pro, really good pro. He’s just gotta stick with it, and we gotta keep trying to help him by finding ways for him to get reps. So today was a good opportunity for us to find a way for him to get a rep.”
On evolving offense philosophy:
“If you watch us closely from the beginning of preseason until now, our offense is different. And it’s different because… it’s evolving to try and fit not just Jalen, not just KAT, but all of our guys. Knowing that those two guys are our leading scorer, our second leading scorer, first most shots, second most shots; trying to fit those two guys in that order and then everybody else is what’s most important.”
On Towns’ season evaluation:
“In a game, you can literally dissect every single game and say this guy didn’t get a shot. And yeah, that’s correct. It happens sometimes. That’s life. Sometimes OG [Anunoby] may have 15 shots and KAT may have nine shots and Jalen may have 26 shots. But as long as at the end of the day it averages out to what it needs to be or what it should be, I think that’s what the season’s about. (The offense is) a work in progress. You’ve gotta continue to feel and evolve as a group and hopefully you can do it around the guys that you need to knowing, ‘OK if this doesn’t work, I’ve gotta go and change this,’ and like I said earlier, our offense is different from now than it was in the preseason because I’ve had to try to adjust and make it fit everybody to where Jalen’s getting his first, KAT’s getting his second, then we go from there.”
On his time with the Warriors and the team’s ever-adjusting with Durant:
“Even our teams in Golden State, when we got KD, we had to change. It was a little different before KD, and KD gets here, we had to change it, and then as the season went along, we were like, okay this is not gonna work, we’ve gotta change it.”
“I just challenged our team to start the fourth. I said, ‘we can win this game and I’ve seen us do it and it starts with the first possession of the fourth quarter playing defense. We gotta get a stop.’ I wanted to do my part as well and glad I was able to find a way to get that stop and from then I wanted to set the tone for our team and set the intensity level that we needed to play for for 12 minutes if we expected to come out with a win.”
On the Knicks’ defense on Saturday:
“We got stops. We got turnovers and that translated into offense and it gave us a confidence boost, that momentum. The crowd was amazing, all 15 guys on the team were amazing.”
On prioritizing the championship over individual performances, in response to Shaq:
“Nah, for sure. But what you said, too, if we win a championship, they can talk about anybody as long as we all get a ring. That’s the most important thing. I don’t care about none of that.
“I wanna make sure we all understand that the biggest goal, the main goal here, is to win. It don’t matter about who gets the credit or whatever.”
“Didn’t like how I was playing. Decided that I had to switch it; that simple. It’s the mentality of trying to get downhill, make plays, not being hesitant, not being passive. If there are mistakes, they’re aggressive mistakes. Don’t want to be on your heels. I just feel like the first two quarters, I was.”
“It’s always gonna [feel] amazing. It’s kind of like a pride thing I got. It’s like when I play for my national team [Puerto Rico] or my country, I’m playing for my hometown, and I’m always gonna have to represent on another level, and just compete.”
On building rhythm with the team:
“Just getting a real rhythm. Like I’ve said, it just comes with spending time with the guys and being around them and slowly getting it. But we’re passing that, we’re in rhythm now so we’ve got a good stretch ahead of us and we’re trying to do something special here.”
On doing little things in the comeback:
“Sometimes it’s not gonna be shots falling and you gotta do the little things, get steals, and do that. But it’s always gonna be a different type of motor when I put that jersey on. I’m from here, and I gotta represent the best way I can.”
This Shaq/KAT convo got REAL awkward:
Shaq: If you guys win the chip, they'll talk about Brunson. You have to be dominant
KAT: They can talk about anybody as long as we get a ring thats the most important thing
“At the beginning of the game, I said you were playing soft because I’ve seen you at times when you play great. And what you must understand in New York, you need to be great for you guys to win the championship. It’s high aspirations. If you guys win the championship, of course, they’re gonna talk about [Jalen] Brunson, but it’s you and your play. You have to be dominant. You responded very, very well. You played well, you played in the paint, that’s how you should play. You should always play great. Being from Jersey, good ain’t good enough. You had a great game tonight. I’m proud of you.”
The Milwaukee Bucks welcome the Toronto Raptors to Fiserv Forum on Sunday afternoon as both teams look to stay in the win column following the All-Star break.
Both teams will be missing key players today, but the visitors’ depth and defense will give them the edge.
I’ll break down the pick in my Raptors vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, February 22.
Raptors vs Bucks prediction
Raptors vs Bucks best bet: Raptors -3 (-110)
The Toronto Raptors will be without Scottie Barnes, but the Milwaukee Bucks might be in even rougher shape with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined and Myles Turner listed as questionable.
Milwaukee has the fifth-worst offense in the NBA, and they’ll be even more crippled without Giannis, who’s scoring 28 ppg — 25% of the Bucks’ points.
The Raps don’t need to outscore you to win — they’ve got the eighth-best defense in the league and have allowed just 108.5 ppg over their last six contests.
Toronto also has a 63% win rate on the road, tied for sixth-best in the NBA.
Raptors vs Bucks same-game parlay
Brandon Ingram scored 33 points in his first contest back from the All-Star Game, with his 26 field goal attempts tying his second-highest mark this season. He’s also hit Over 24.5 points in five of his last eight games.
With Barnes out, Ingram will be Toronto’s main man on offense again.
Raptors vs Bucks SGP
Raptors -3
Ingram Over 24.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Rollin' in the deep
The Bucks are 24th in opponent three-point percentage and 26th in threes allowed per game, so Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley should rain down plenty of points from downtown.
Ryan Rollins has been hot from long range for Milwaukee, hitting Over 2.5 threes in six of his last seven, while Cameron Thomas is averaging 1.6 threes per game this year.
Raptors vs Bucks SGP
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes made
RJ Barrett Over 1.5 threes made
Immanuel Quickly Over 2.5 threes made
Ryan Rollins Over 2.5 threes made
Cameron Thomas Over 1.5 threes made
Raptors vs Bucks odds
Spread: Raptors -3 | Bucks +3
Moneyline: Raptors -150 | Bucks +125
Over/Under: Over 220 | Under 220
Raptors vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the Under in 32 of their last 50 games (+12.20 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Bucks.
How to watch Raptors vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
TSN, FDSN Wisconsin
Raptors vs Bucks latest injuries
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Duke basketball and coach Jon Scheyer got exactly what it wanted against Michigan — a March test in February.
The No. 3 Blue Devils (25-2, 13-1 ACC) took down No. 1-ranked Michigan (25-2, 15-1 Big Ten), 68-63, on a neutral floor at Capital One Arena, a venue that could host Duke again for the NCAA Tournament’s East Regional where Duke is projected to be a No. 1 seed.
And it looked the part.
"That was a game that didn't feel like that was played in February, that felt like a March or April game," Scheyer said.
It was the highest attended college basketball neutral-site game, with 20,537 fans in attendance.
Cameron Boozer posted a team-high 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in the win, where Duke outrebounded Michigan 41-28 and dominated in the paint, 34-24. Duke used a 6-0 run to regain the lead and close the first half up, 35-33, a lead it did not relinquish for the remainder of the contest. Michigan got within one twice in the second half, but that's as close as the Wolverines could get.
Scheyer went into the game knowing it would be a great test for his team. While he said he did not necessarily learn anything new from his squad, he instead saw growth.
"I see the connectivity on defense," he said. "I see the plays they're making on offense of how to win in March and how to win going forward. And that's the biggest thing that I saw.
"I think there's a lot that we could have done better, and I think that's a good thing. It doesn't diminish how proud I am of our team. I think we still can get a lot better, but I think we've done that. I think this was just the next step in order to prove that, to show it."
For junior guard Caleb Foster, who finished with 12 points, four rebound and four assists, the atmosphere reflected that of one come March.
"It definitely felt like a tournament game, obviously going against Michigan and then having a neutral site in the environment, both Michigan and Duke fans," Foster said. "It was a great environment to play in."
While Scheyer emphasized staying in the present, he didn’t shy away from recognizing how much Saturday’s environment could matter later.
"I do know this game helped us understand what a tournament environment is," he said. "... I'm thankful for this, just this whole event, the game, because I think it really simulates what it's going to be and whether we have an opportunity to play in Washington or not, this helped us a lot."
Anna Snyder covers Duke for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at asnyder@usatodayco.com or follow her @annaesnydr on X, formerly known as Twitter.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 04: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Target Center on March 04, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers Date: February 22nd, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM CST Location: Target Center Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network – North Radio Coverage: KFAN FM, Wolves App, iHeart Radio
The Wolves survived their first post–All-Star break game by taking what looked like a chill Friday night win over Dallas and turning it into a full emotional cardio session that required a late-game Anthony Edwards rescue mission.
Of course they did.
For a while, it looked like we were getting the “responsible adult” version of Minnesota that comes out humming, defending, sprinting, moving the ball, and stacking a lead. They jumped Dallas early, built a sizable cushion by the end of the first quarter, kept the momentum rolling into the second… and then the Rudy Gobert flagrant happened.
And I swear, the moment they went to the monitor, it was like someone hit pause on Minnesota’s soul.
The stoppage. The review. The weird dead-air energy that comes from watching referees freeze-frame a boxout like it’s the Zapruder film. The Target Center crowd going from “we’re cooking tonight” to “uh oh, we’ve seen this movie.” It’s the exact same script that played out when the Suns were in town and Gobert got hit with a flagrant two against Mark Williams.
When play resumed, the Wolves weren’t the same. Dallas suddenly had life. The lead started leaking. The Mavericks crept within 12 at halftime, and then came the third quarter. Minnesota came out flat, Dallas came out sharp, and that 18-point lead evaporated until the game was tied.
You could feel it. The Wolves were about to do the thing again. The thing where they take a game that’s supposed to be a comfortable cruise and turn it into a late-night therapy appointment. And then Ant checked in midway through the fourth, threw on the cape, and basically told Dallas, “This was fun, but I have stuff to do.”
That’s what stars do. They end the nonsense.
Ant picked Dallas apart from every level. He was getting downhill, finishing through contact, hitting the midrange stuff that feels like the final form of his offense, then pulling out those patented momentum threes.
This wasn’t just “Ant got hot.” This was controlled domination. The kind you only see from a guy who knows exactly where the game is going and decides he’s not letting it go there.
Rudy Gobert was also huge. The Mavericks had no answer for him on the glass. He cleaned up rebounds, finished putbacks, gave Minnesota easy points when the offense got a little sticky, and generally made life miserable around the rim. Which is why the flagrant is so brutal. Now that he’s suspended, Sunday against Philly beomes that much more difficult.
Naz was the third key performer, acting as the perfect antidote to the Wolves’ inevitable offensive lulls. Threes, paint buckets, quick-hitter offense. When the offense starts looking like it’s moving through wet cement, Naz is one of the few guys who can just… generate.
Now Comes the Sixers Game: No Rudy, No Excuses
So the Wolves get Philadelphia at Target Center on Sunday, trying to make it four straight, and they’ll have to do it without the guy who basically serves as their defensive operating system.
The loss of Gobert is monumental, especially for a team that has periodically treated defense like a suggestion this season. Without Rudy as the safety net, Minnesota’s margin for error gets smaller, and the habits become everything.
The good news? Sometimes the Wolves weirdly thrive when the situation gets harder. They’ll play like maniacs against OKC, then sleepwalk against the Jazz. They’ll show up for Denver, then treat New Orleans like a preseason scrimmage. It makes no sense, but it’s been real all season.
And with that, here are the keys to the game…
#1: Everyone Has to Defend Like Rudy’s Watching From the Stands
Without Gobert, Minnesota cannot afford lazy blow-bys, sloppy closeouts, or that “Rudy will clean it up” mindset, because Rudy will be in street clothes.
This becomes a perimeter accountability game.
Jaden McDaniels has to be a menace. Ayo Dosunmu has to pressure the ball. Ant has to lock in when he’s guarding a primary creator. Julius has to give real resistance instead of “turnstile-and-pray.”
Because if Philly starts living at the rim, Minnesota’s defense will unravel quickly.
#2: Julius and Naz Have to Own the Paint
No Rudy means the rebounding burden shifts immediately to Randle and Reid. They have to clean the glass like it’s their job, because for this game, it is. If the Wolves lose the paint battle and the rebounding battle, they’re basically spotting Philly extra possessions and extra confidence.
#3: Keep the Ball Moving
Minnesota actually did a solid job sharing the ball against Dallas. When the Wolves move it, they get cleaner looks, they play faster, and the offense feels inevitable. When the offense stagnates, it turns into late-clock Ant bailouts, Randle dribbling into traffic, contested jumpers, and turnovers that lead to runouts.
The Wolves don’t need “pretty.” They need connected. Make the extra pass. Keep everyone engaged. Make Philly guard actions, not just talent.
#4: Lean Into the Spacing Advantage
Here’s the weird silver lining: without Gobert, Minnesota can play five-out or at least five-threats lineups more often. That means the paint is less crowded. So instead of mourning what Rudy does offensively (putbacks, lobs), Minnesota needs to weaponize what his absence opens up: more driving lanes.
You can’t replace Gobert’s defense, but you can make Philly pay on the other end by spacing them out and attacking.
#5: Ant Has to Put His Superstar Stamp on This One
Ant followed up the All-Star MVP weekend with a 40-piece. Now he gets a real test: short-handed, higher stakes, tougher opponent, and momentum on the line.
He needs to outshine Tyrese Maxey. He needs to control the game emotionally and tactically. He needs to score and facilitate, because without Rudy, Minnesota’s safety net is gone. And when the safety net is gone, your superstar has to become the floor and the ceiling.
But here’s the important part: He needs to do it within the flow. No hero-ball spirals. No heat-check threes with 18 seconds on the shot clock because you’re mad about a missed call. Pick spots, bend the defense, make the right play, then punish them when they overreact.
This is what “face of the league” looks like in February: not highlights… control.
This Is a “Prove You’re Serious” Game
The league just tied a hand behind Minnesota’s back with the Gobert suspension. The Wolves don’t get to whine about it, not if they’re serious about climbing from the 6-seed into the home-court range.
This is a game that will tell us something. If Minnesota shows up locked in defensively, shares the ball, wins the rebounding battle by committee, and lets Ant steer the ship like a grown-up superstar? That’s a team building real momentum into March.
If they come out sloppy, casual, turnover-prone, and surprised that Philly doesn’t roll over? That’s the Wolves doing their thing again.
They don’t need perfection Sunday.
They need professionalism.
Because if you’re going to make a real run in April and May, you better learn how to survive a February game without your Defensive Player of the Year.
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 18: Kevin Porter Jr. #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 18, 2025 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are back in Fiserv this afternoon, playing host to the Toronto Raptors. This game begins a stretch in which they play nine out of their next 10 games at home. With Giannis out, the Bucks have found a nice groove with their recruits. That said, we should also acknowledge that the Bucks have had a favorable schedule of late and/or played banged-up teams. This game should be a good barometer of where they’re at (though the Bucks catch something of a break with Scottie Barnes being out). Milwaukee is 1-2 against Toronto this season.
Where We’re At
As mentioned, the Bucks have won six of their last seven. They just came off a W over their pick-swap nemesis, the Pelicans, and beat the Thunder and Magic before the All-Star break. Over the aforementioned seven-game stretch, the Bucks have the seventh-best net rating in the NBA (fourth on offence, 17th on defence). One stat I found quite interesting was that, even though it feels like the Bucks have been moving the ball more, they actually rank 26th in assist percentage across that seven-game stretch. So in reality, it’s been more about the isolation scorers (namely Cam Thomas and Kevin Porter Jr.) getting into their bags more than anything else—which is maybe a little concerning?
The Raptors, winners of three of their last four, have made the jump they intended to make this year after trading for Brandon Ingram in the middle of last season. They are no longer a team hanging at the bottom of the standings. The primary reason for that has been their defence, which ranks fifth for the season and 11th over the last five games. Of course, the recent drop-off could be tied to their anchor, Jakob Poeltl, missing significant time due to a back injury. However, Poeltl’s absence has opened the door for their lottery pick, Collin Murray-Boyles, to start and flourish in a larger role. Poeltl is back now, but Murray-Boyles has remained the starter. Seems like a positive long-term for the Raps.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Giannis (calf) and Taurean Prince (neck) are out. Myles Turner (calf) is questionable.
For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes (personal) is the only out.
Player To Watch
Let’s go with Cam Thomas. Since getting real minutes from the second game against Orlando, CT has averaged 24.3 PPG. I mean, he just diced the Pelicans’ defence; it’s going to be interesting to see how he fairs against the Raptors, though. This is a team that backs itself to switch at an elite level. They have a trove of lanky, strong wings (as is Toronto tradition), and a bunch of hard-nosed guards. One of those guards is Jamal Shead, who, if you haven’t watched him, might be one of the NBA’s best point-of-attack defenders; no, I’m not exaggerating. Cam will likely have to deal with Shead for much of the game—it will be interesting to see if he can still score at the same rate.
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 2:30 p.m. CST.
The injury news for the Phoenix Suns keeps getting worse.
After losing star guard Devin Booker to a hip strain suffered in Thursday's game, the Suns fear forward Dillon Brooks could be out for an extended period of time with a hand injury.
ESPN is reporting Brooks broke his left hand in the first quarter of a double-overtime win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Feb. 21. ESPN reported that doctors will meet Sunday to determine a timetable for his recovery.
Brooks, who's averaging 21.2 points per game, had scored five points in seven minutes against the Magic before the injury occurred.
The Suns (33-24) have been a surprise playoff contender this season under first-year head coach Jordan Ott, with Brooks among the biggest contributors.
Booker, meanwhile, is the team's leading scorer at 24.7 points per game.
With neither of their big guns on the floor, the Suns' leading active scorer would be guard Grayson Allen at 17.3 points a game.
The Los Angeles Lakers will celebrate Pat Riley with an unveiling of a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 22.
The team will hold a private ceremony before the Lakers’ tip-off against the rival Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
Riley played an integral role in helping the Lakers’ organization achieve on-court success and a strong brand identity during the 1980s.
It will be the 15th statue outside of Crypto.com Arena, joining a list of other notable figures from LA Sports history, including Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Why is Pat Riley getting a Lakers statue? History and record
Riley has spent 58 years in the NBA, serving as a player, coach, and executive.
He’s won an NBA championship in each of those roles, including as a player (1972), assistant coach (198), and a coach (1982, 1985, 1987-88). He also led the Miami Heat to a championship as a head coach in 2006 and as an executive in 2012 and 2013.
Riley not only helped bring championships to the respective organizations but also instilled a unique culture.
Riley became the perfect fit for the Lakers during the 1980s, which is referred to as the "Showtime Lakers" era because it blended the perfect combination of Hollywood flair and on-court showmanship using a roster that included Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy.
Riley matched that flair with his own signature slicked-back hair and Armani suits. The legend’s success and signature look have carried on in the decades that followed.
He currently serves as the Miami Heat’s president, a role he’s had since 1995 and applied what he’s learned during his time with the Lakers.
Riley drafted Dwyane Wade and acquired Shaquille O'Neal before winning his first title away from the Lakers in 2006. He would resign as head coach in 2008, but would remain in his role as president. As an executive, he helped build a super team, having Chris Bosh and LeBron James join Wade to win back-to-back titles for Miami.
Is Pat Riley a basketball Hall of Famer?
Riley is among the all-time winningest coaches in NBA history, compiling a record of 1,210-694 (.636%). He was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Phoenix players Jalen Green, in street clothes, Devin Booker, and Mark Williams cheer on teammate Grayson Allen as they play against the New Orleans Pelicans at Mortgage Matchup Center on Nov. 10, 2025. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have mostly hovered around the seventh seed in the Western Conference for the last two months, but fans don’t think that will last.
When asked where the team will finish in the standings, more than two-thirds of them think they’ll end up out of the play-in and in the top-six of the West.
I’m typically not surprised by votes on Suns Reacts, but this one got me. While Phoenix has been one of the most surprising teams across the NBA this year, not only have they been struggling of late, but the teams around them in the standings are starting to get healthy and play better basketball.
2-5 in February so far, the Suns are only eight games above .500 for the first time since January. Additionally, the Los Angeles Lakers, who are two spots ahead of the Suns in the standings, have their big three of Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Luka Dončić all healthy for the first time since Christmas, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are a spot ahead of Phoenix, are 3-1 since adding Ayo Dosunmu at the trade deadline and have won eight of their last 11.
The good thing for the Suns is that while they are two and a half games behind the Lakers and Wolves, they have the tiebreaker over Minnesota, and are in the drivers seat to have it over the Lakers.
Minnesota has the third-toughest regular season left based on strength of schedule, Los Angeles has the 10th, and Phoenix has the 15th.
For the Suns to get out of the play-in, they’re going have to finish games stronger. Duds like their performance against the Spurs on Thursday out of the break are inevitable, especially against a team they dominated so handily the first two times the team played, but they are going to have to be better down the stretch.
Their losses against the Warriors, Pistons and Heat in the last month are demonstrations of how the team was not able to hit shots when they needed to and pick up important stops. Credit, Devin Booker either didn’t play or finish any of those games, and the team is better down the stretch when he is in the lineup.
With four-straight home games to end the month, the Suns have an opportunity to get back in a rhythm and potentially make some ground in the standings, ending the month against the Lakers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are riding a seven-game winning streak when they visit Paycom Center and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Cavs have also won five straight on the road, and my Cavaliers vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks are backing Cleveland over shorthanded OKC on Sunday, February 22.
Cavaliers vs Thunder prediction
Cavaliers vs Thunder best bet: Cavaliers moneyline (-130)
SGA and Williams aren’t just scorers. Their absence weakens the perimeter defense, a major concern given Donovan Mitchell and James Harden's recent hot hands.
Cleveland seeks an eighth straight win and is 5-0 with Harden in the lineup. The Cavaliers are the deeper, more complete group and are chasing a sixth consecutive road victory.
Rather than lay the points, I’ll back them on the moneyline against the shorthanded Thunder.
Cavaliers vs Thunder same-game parlay
Evan Mobley has cleared his combo prop in ten of 11 games and had 21 points, rebounds, and assists in 19 minutes against Charlotte.
James Harden’s playmaking has stabilized Cleveland’s offense, and he’s dished at least nine in two of his five games with the Cavs, and twice he dropped eight.
Cavaliers vs Thunder SGP
Cavaliers moneyline
Mobley Over 21.5 P/R/A
Harden Over 8.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Deep'n delicious
Jared McCain has knocked down two or more triples in four of seven games since joining the Thunder.
Cavaliers vs Thunder SGP
Cavaliers moneyline
Mobley Over 21.5 P/R/A
Harden Over 8.5 assists
McCain Over 1.5 threes
Cavaliers vs Thunder odds
Spread: Cavaliers -1 | Thunder +1
Moneyline: Cavaliers -115 | Thunder -105
Over/Under: Over 223.5 | Under 223.5
Cavaliers vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the Moneyline in 14 of their last 16 games (+12.10 Units / 25% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Thunder.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Tip-off
1:00 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Cavaliers vs Thunder latest injuries
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Los Angeles, CA - November 02: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sits on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Year after year, the salaries of NBA players increase.
Dylan Harper, the Spurs second overall pick last summer, is making $56M on a rookie contract compared to $35M, the total career earnings of his father Ron Harper. It’s not that the senior Harper was underpaid, that was just what a player of his stature made during that era.
By comparison, Michael Jordan earned $94M during his 15 seasons in the NBA.
It stands to reason that the highest paid players of all time are currently playing.
But what may come as a surprise is how many games have been missed by the players who earn the most.
This list from Clutch Points illuminates the high cost of signing superstars.
All 10 of the highest-paid NBA players in history played this season 💰
But most of them are having a hell of a time staying on the floor.
Here's the list in order:
1. LeBron James ($581 million) 2. Kevin Durant ($501 million) 3. Steph Curry ($470 million) 4. James Harden… pic.twitter.com/JZ20iNYCvP
The main thing that sticks out when looking at this list is injuries. AD, Dame, and Jimmy are already out for the rest of this season. LeBron missed the first 14 games of the year, Steph’s been on the bench for 16, while Kawhi’s sat for 13. PG13 is suspended, but even when he isn’t, it seems like he’s always hurt as well.
And, of course, CP3 was cut by the Clippers 16 games into the season and eventually retired.“
Obviously, CP3 did not make the bulk of his money this season, but it does underscopre just how much goes into signing and maintaining high-quality players.
Teams invest in players who don’t pan out, waive players paying on those contracts, and make trades that do not support their bottom line.
It is a business after all.
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TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 11: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 11, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The entire country of Canada will have an early start to their sports viewing experience on Sunday, and the Toronto Raptors could surely benefit from leaning into the hockey pride sweeping the nation.
After the Olympic gold medal game between Canada and the United States, the Raptors are set to take on the Milwaukee Bucks. With the province of Ontario permitting the sale of alcohol as early as 6 a.m EST, the Raptors have a tough act to follow for a likely rowdy audience, regardless of the outcome on the ice.
But ahead of tip-off, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST on TSN, it’s worth noting that the Raptors and the Canadian men’s hockey team share surprising narratives and traits headed into their respective matchups.
Here are three storylines to watch out for.
Life without their leader
With the team declaring Scottie Barnes out due to personal reasons, the Raptors will be without their All-Star for the second time this season. Similar to Sidney Crosby for Team Canada, Barnes is the heartbeat of the team. The last time Barnes missed action was during a 125-117 loss to the Boston Celtics on Jan. 9. Toronto is 4-14 without Barnes over the last two seasons.
Even against a Bucks team without Giannis Antetokounmpo, losing Barnes is a big deal. His ability to ignite opportunities in transition off defensive stops is reminiscent of the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid launching himself out of a cannon through the neutral zone. Passing lanes materialize out of nowhere when Barnes has the ball in his hands, even when the defence seemingly has the advantage. While the Bucks aren’t as imposing defensively without Antetokounmpo, they did look rejuvenated in their 139-118 win against the Pelicans on Feb. 20, finishing with nine steals and eight blocks.
On the defensive end, Barnes is more like Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar. They’ve got a similar defensive genius that is leveraged into offensive wizardry. The Bucks have a duo of streaky scorers in Kevin Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas. Without Barnes, it’ll be up to perimeter defenders like Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter to help keep them in check. Porter and Thomas combined for 52 points, while shooting 75 per cent from three against New Orleans.
A shaky last line of defence
Jakob Poeltl has officially played in back-to-back games for the first time since Dec. 15. Seeing the Austrian on the court is a welcome sight, but there’s something visibly off about Poeltl. Whether it’s due to his back injury or because he’s still ramping up to his usual workload, Poeltl doesn’t look the same.
What he’s supposed to be is the steady rock of the team. A reliable and calming presence on the defensive end and someone who takes pressure off the offence. In many ways, both good and bad, he’s the Jordan Binnington of the Raptors. How far the Raptors go this year will be heavily determined by what Poeltl has left in the tank. His ability to grind out possessions in close games, and especially in contests that slow the pace down, extends Toronto’s runway for mistakes.
Even with calf strains potentially holding out Myles Turner in addition to Antetokounmpo, the Raptors will still need Poeltl to help deal with the athletic Jericho Sims and pesky Bobby Portis. Sims recorded two blocks against the Pelicans, while Portis finished with a double-double (17 points, 11 rebounds).
Next star up
It’s tricky to find an apt hockey comparison for Brandon Ingram. The one that makes the most sense would be a combination of the expectations that come with the Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and the explosive offensive volume generated by the San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini. Unlike MacKinnon, who isn’t 100 per cent at the Olympics, Ingram has luckily avoided any season-derailing injuries with the Raptors. But the two share a similar burden this weekend, with the forwards having to step their game up in the absence of their co-star’s unavailability.
Ingram dropped a cool 31 points against the Bulls on Feb. 19, including a mid-range jumper that helped seal the win. One day later, MacKinnon scored the game-winning goal to send Canada to the gold-medal game.
Stage presence is everything as the playoffs loom, and Ingram will need to lean on his confidence to keep the Raptors in the Eastern Conference race.
In the nightcap Monday of an NBA doubleheader on Peacock, the Houston Rockets will play host to the Utah Jazz in a Western Conference matchup.
Houston (34-21) squandered an 18-point lead in a 108-106 road loss Saturday to the New York Knicks and is battling the Los Angeles Lakers for a top-four spot in the West.
This will mark the third of four regular-season meetings between the teams, which split the first two games.
See below for additional information on how to watch the Jazz-Rockets 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.
For Houston, it all starts with 37-year-old superstar Kevin Durant, who is averaging a team-leading 25.8 points per game in his 18th NBA season. Durant is ranked sixth on the all-time scoring list after passing Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points) and Dirk Nowitzki (31,560) last month. He trails Michael Jordan (32,292) by 415 pts.
The 16-time All-Star is supported by a youthful nucleus that includes Alperen Sengun (20.7 points per game and a team-leading 9.4 rebounds per game and 6.3 assists per game), Amen Thompson (career-high 17.6 ppg), Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason — all of whom are 24 or younger.
Utah also has some promising young players. Keyonte George is on pace for career highs in scoring (23.8 points per game), rebounding and steals in his third season. Rookie forward Ace Bailey, the fifth overall pick in the 2025 draft, has improved his scoring average to 14.4 ppg over the past 18 games.
The Jazz were fined for holding three starters — Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkić — out of the fourth quarter of two February games before the All-Star break. The Jazz held a seven-point lead entering the fourth quarter of a 120-117 loss to Orlando on Feb. 7 and still defeated Miami 115-11 on Feb. 9. Jazz head coach Will Hardy said he sat Markkanen because of a minutes restriction by the medical team.
What other NBA games are on Peacock and NBCSN on Monday?
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 and Bravo hits for whatever suits your mood
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.
(Original Caption) The Boston's Celtic's Bill Russell, (R) goes in high to score as St. Louis Hawk's Zelmo Beaty, (L) tries to block the attempt in a 2nd person action at the Boston Garden in this photograph. Celtics won the game with 116-110.
The NBA has evolved quite a bit over the last several decades. When it started in 1946, or 1949 depending on whether you count the pre-merger BAA as some do (the BAA and the NBL merged to make the NBA in 1949), the league was very much old school.
When Bill Russell came along in 1956, he revolutionized the game with his combination of extraordinary athleticism and intelligence. Yet you see arguments periodically from people who think guys from his era couldn’t play today.
Well, some probably couldn’t. Tom Heinsohn smoked and it’s unimaginable that a heavy smoker could keep up with today’s pace. But genetics haven’t changed and guys like Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Russell, once they got up to speed on today’s game, would be just fine.
This video from the 1963 NBA Finals, from the decisive Game 6, is beautifully restored. You get a really good look at Russell, who had 12 points, 28 rebounds, 9 assists and 7 blocks, several of which are shown.
It’s also fun to watch Bob Cousy, when the clock is almost expired, toss the ball to the rafters.
A lot has changed in basketball, but the sheer joy in victory hasn’t changed at all. Keep in mind this is Boston’s fifth straight title and the sixth in seven years. These guys are absolutely ecstatic.
