Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during press conference at the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
One topic that has been the talk of the NBA recently has been the persistent (and perhaps increasing) efforts that “rebuilding” teams are making to actively fall down the standings. Commonly known as “tanking.”
The idea behind determining draft order starting with the worst teams getting the best picks is common among sports leagues. It promotes parity and at least attempts to give the impression that any team can get better over time if they are managed properly.
The draft lottery was put into place in order to stop teams from blatantly losing on purpose. A few pretty good teams won the lottery when the odds were flat across all non-playoff teams, so they tweaked the odds. The NBA has continued to tinker with rules changes, incentives, and penalties over the years and they are threatening to do so again.
Based on this season and what everyone expects to see down the stretch, I don’t think their efforts have done much to fix things.
So we get to my daily topic discussion: Is there anything the NBA can do to adjust the rules to at least make this tanking problem, …less of a problem?
Here are some of the suggestions the league is considering.
In recent years, multiple teams have either shut down players early or sat players for games to try to improve their draft positioning, often tied to a protected pick. Sources said multiple ideas were proposed as a brainstorming measure to combat tanking, including:
Limiting pick protections to either top four or 14 and higher, which would eliminate the problematic mid-lottery protections
No longer allowing a team to draft in the top four two years in a row
Locking lottery positions after March 1
Which of these options do you like the best? Are there other ideas not mentioned above that the league should consider? Or will each of these cures end up being worse than the disease in the long run?
What do you think? Leave your suggestions and reactions in the comments below.
Shorthanded Western Conference heavyweights go head-to-head tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Luka Doncic out, LeBron James should operate as LA’s primary facilitator, and my Thunder vs. Lakers predictions expect him to get teammates involved early and often.
Here are my best free NBA picks for Monday, February 9.
Thunder vs Lakers prediction
Thunder vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 7.5 assists (-130)
LeBron James is averaging 6.8 dimes per game this season, including 7.4 at home. He's dished 8+ dimes in 13 of 34 appearances overall, including seven of 16 at home.
In four games with Luka Doncic sidelined, James has averaged 8.8 assists and handed out 8+ three times.
James has handed out 10 assists in back-to-back games, and he’ll operate as the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary facilitator tonight in what could be a high-scoring matchup at home. I’ll take the Over on a modest assists line.
Thunder vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Los Angeles Lakers have covered in seven of their last 10 games, including three straight. The Oklahoma City Thunder are just 4-5-1 ATS across their last 10 appearances. Both teams will be without their star point guards, but the Lakers have played too well to be spotted seven points at home.
Both teams have hit the Over in 28 games, and despite the absences of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they each have enough firepower to hit the Over on this modest line. The Lakers are 5-1 to the Over as the home underdog, and the Thunder are 13-11 as the road favorite.
Thunder vs Lakers SGP
LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
Lakers +7
Over 223
Our "from downtown" SGP: Welcome to La-La land
Chet Holmgren is pulling down 8.7 rebounds per game this season, but he's corralled 9.8 across his last 14 appearances and reached the Over on this line 10 times. Even with Isaiah Hartenstein back in the fold, Holmgren has grabbed 10+ rebounds in two straight with Hartenstein available.
Thunder vs Lakers SGP
LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
Lakers +7
Over 223
Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
Thunder vs Lakers odds
Spread: Thunder -7 | Lakers +7
Moneyline: Thunder -260 | Lakers +210
Over/Under: Over 233 | Under 233
Thunder vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Los Angeles Lakers have covered the 4Q Spread in 32 of their last 50 games (+10.60 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Lakers.
How to watch Thunder vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Monday, February 9, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Thunder vs Lakers latest injuries
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Duke men’s basketball coach Jon Scheyer said that a member of the Blue Devils’ staff who was injured during a court storming at the end of the team’s 71-68 loss to archrival North Carolina is “fine” and “doing better.”
Scheyer said the unnamed staff member had a bloody lip and was “disheveled and didn’t know what happened” when the team reconvened in the locker room last Saturday after the game in the Dean E. Smith Center.
“He got trampled on the floor,” Scheyer said. “That was my main concern after the game. That's why I said what I said. It was not a good situation. But he's doing better, he's fine, ready to move on. I don't have anything more to say other than that was a very unsafe situation for him, our staff, our families, our players.”
The alleged incident occurred during a chaotic final sequence at the end of Duke’s loss to the Tar Heels. North Carolina’s Seth Trimble hit what initially appeared to be a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, prompting students and fans to rush the court. After a review, though, officials added 0.4 seconds back on the clock. Duke was unable to get a shot off and the Tar Heels sealed the come-from-behind victory, leading to another court storm.
Scheyer had initially said in the moments after the game that he had staff members who were punched in the face, rather than a single staffer who was trampled.
North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said he apologized to Scheyer before he went into his post-game news conference and said it’s “just very disappointing” someone was injured.
The Tar Heels were fined $50,000 on Sunday by the ACC for violating the league’s court-storming policy.
“We accept the ACC’s fine for having unauthorized people on the court before Duke and the officials could completely clear the floor on Saturday,” North Carolina said in a statement. “The video we have reviewed confirms we followed our protocols to get Duke’s players and bench personnel and the game officials off the floor safely. We will continue to review our protocols to provide the highest measures of safety in the event fans rush the court. We consider this matter closed and look forward to the rest of the season.”
The loss was only Duke’s second of the season, dropping it two spots to No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Blue Devils led for 37:39 of a possible 40 minutes and were ahead of the Tar Heels by as many as 13 points. Trimble’s shot with 0.4 seconds left gave North Carolina its first and only lead of the game.
“I'm a big boy, can take losing,” Scheyer said on the teleconference Monday. “Great college game. Carolina played great.”
Feb 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots over Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow (25) during the first half of an NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns started the week strong with a win on national television against the Portland Trailblazers shorthanded. However, once the team returned home, Phoenix struggled to close games and hit the three ball when they needed to, going 1-2 for the week, their first time being under .500 for a week in 2026.
Here are the main questions for Week 16 that we want your thoughts on:
A Fourth Quarter Collapse Against the Warriors with no Steph Curry
Phoenix’s loss to the Warriors on Sunday wasn’t just bad because the Warriors were without Stephen Curry and recently acquired Kristaps Porzingis; they blew a double-digit fourth quarter lead. The Suns were up 90-76 with less than 9:30 left in the game and proceeded to score seven points the rest of the way, Golden State went on a 25-7 run to win 101-97.
The team’s offense went cold and couldn’t get into a rhythm, not scoring a single point the final 3:55 of the contest.
While the Suns did not have Devin Booker or Jalen Green, the team’s offensive continued to struggle when they returned to the lineup in the next game against the Philadelphia 76ers. How concerning were the team’s two losses this week?
Devin Booker Returns from a 15-Day Absence
Devin Booker returned to play on Saturday night after missing more than two weeks with an ankle injury he suffered against the Atlanta Hawks on January 23rd. In his return Booker had 21 points and nine assists on 5/12 shooting from the field, 1/7 from three and 10/11 from the line against the Sixers.
Additionally, Jalen Green also returned from injury on Saturday after missing more than a week, scoring 8 points in 17 minutes of action on 2/6 shooting from the field with three rebounds and three assists.
What did you make of the two guards’ returns, and do you the Suns should rest them on one-end of the team’s back-to-back this week with the All-Star Break coming up?
What Did You Make of Phoenix’s Trade Deadline?
The Suns stayed relatively quiet this trade deadline, moving Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis in exchange for forward Amir Coffey and guard Cole Anthony. The move gets the Suns out of luxury the tax for the first time since the 2021-2022 campaign. Neither Coffey or Anthony are expected to play a major role with the team, and the deal gives the team a chance to sign a 15th player, which their likely to use to convert Jamaree Bouyea’s two-way contract into a standard one.
What grade would you give the team’s deadline and do you think signing Bouyea to the last roster spot is the best use of it?
For more questions on the Suns follow @HoldenSherman1 on X for content after every game.
Devin Booker and Jalen Green returned from injury absences.
Green had 8 points in 17 minutes on 2/6 shooting and 0/3 from three.
Booker had 21 in 32 minutes on 5/12 from the field and 1/7 from deep.
Arizona (23-0) holds the No. 1 ranking again in the latest USA TODAY Coaches Poll heading into a top-10 matchup against No. 9 Kansas on Monday, Feb. 9.
The Wildcats dominated in their two wins over middling Big 12 opponents last week, defeating Arizona State 87-74 and Oklahoma State 84-47. They're led by a pair of true freshmen in Brayden Burries and Koa Peat, who are averaging 15.3 and 14.6 points per game this season, respectively.
No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Houston also took care of business last week and remain with their rankings on Feb. 9. No. 11 Gonzaga fell six spots after being upset by Portland 87-80.
Here's a look at the updated men's college basketball USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll for Feb. 9:
Queen has put up 14 points per game over his last five — topping 16 or more three times over that same stretch — and this is another great matchup for him.
The Kings have little interior presence, even with Domantas Sabonis, and he’s banged up and questionable to play.
Sacramento has surrendered the third-most opponent points in the paint per game, so Queen is a great bet to go Over his point total.
The 23-year-old is coming off his second start of the season, playing a career-high 33 minutes, scoring 19 points while going 4-for-8 from 3-point range.
I’m betting he keeps letting it fly against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. The Cavs traded away all their best perimeter defenders, and Cleveland already ranks 27th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage and 21st in opponent made threes per game.
And that isn’t as bad an idea as you might think. The Thunder were known for their defense last season, but it’s slipped a bit this year, particularly on the perimeter.
OKC allows the fifth-most 3-point attempts while surrendering the fifth-highest opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
LeBron has drained multiple threes in three of his last five games, and I love the idea of him jacking up some treys vs. the defending champs.
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LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu, two Olympic standouts who have faced their share of hate over the years, each weighed in Monday on Donald Trump's bashing of their friend, American freeskier Hunter Hess, for having said he didn't back the U.S. president's heightened crackdown on immigrants.
“I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another for all that’s going on," said Kim, the two-time Olympic gold medalist whose parents are South Korean immigrants and who has faced racism throughout her career for her Asian heritage.
Gu, the American-born freeskier who competes for China, said after her silver-medal win in slopestyle that she had been in touch with Hess, who told her she was one of the few people who could relate to what he's going through.
“As someone who’s been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes,” said Gu, who was born in San Francisco and whose decision to compete for China turned her into a lightning rod.
Hess drew Trump’s ire when he was asked by reporters to give his views on the immigration crackdown that has claimed the lives of two protestors in Minnesota and disrupted thousands of lives of immigrants and U.S. citizens. Hess answered: “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
The next day, Trump lashed out at Hess on his Truth Social account, calling him “a real Loser” and saying he would be hard pressed to root for him at the Games. Hess's friends — snowboarders and freeskiers competing this week in Livigno — were asked for their reaction.
“My parents being immigrants from Korea, this one definitely hits pretty close to home,” said Kim, who begins defense of her title Wednesday.
"I’m really proud to represent the United States,” she said. “The U.S. has given my family and I so much opportunity, but I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions of what’s going that we need to lead with love and compassion.”
Other American snowboarders spoke out for diversity and the right of expression.
“I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously we’re very divided,” snowboarder Bea Kim said. “I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes that so special.”
Teammate Maddie Mastro added: “I’m also saddened with what’s happening at home."
“It’s really tough and I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that. But at the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine of kindness and compassion. And we come together in times of injustice,” Mastro said.
Gu called it “an unwinnable press war” for Hess and lamented the fact that the controversy could be a distraction for the athletes, and overshadow the beauty of the biggest event in winter sports.
“I’m sorry that the headline that is eclipsing the Olympics has to be something so ... unrelated to the spirit of the Games," she said. "It really runs contrary to everything that the Olympics should be.”
A wild week in men’s college basketball produced considerable shuffling in the updated USA TODAY Sports Top 25 coaches poll. The changes didn’t quite reach the very top, but that could change soon.
Arizona will spend at least one more week as the No. 1 team. The Wildcats received 30 of 31 first-place votes, but their perfect record will be on the line immediately as they visit surging Kansas in a Big Monday showdown. Michigan solidifies its hold on the No. 2 spot this week, even picking up a No.-1 vote.
The rest of the top 10 looks different, with several of Arizona’s fellow Big 12 contenders leading the charge. Houston makes the biggest move forward among the contenders, vaulting all the way from No. 8 to No. 3 after defeating Brigham Young. Iowa State is back up to No. 4. Kansas, as mentioned, is also on the move climbing to No. 9.
Connecticut slips a couple of positions to No. 5 after its Friday night loss at No. 17 St. John’s ended a run of 18 consecutive wins, and Duke also falls two places to No. 6 after Saturday’s last-second setback at No. 13 North Carolina. Illinois drops just one spot to No. 7 after its loss at No. 10 Michigan State, and Nebraska is back up a notch to No. 8. Gonzaga tumbles to No. 11 after its midweek loss at Portland but remains ahead of No. 12 Purdue.
Defending national champion Florida, back on top of the SEC standings, is also on the rise checking in at No. 14 this week. Iowa nudges back into the poll at No. 25 as Texas A&M drops out.
The Bottom 2 teams in the Western Conference will face off on Monday night as the New Orleans Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings.
While both teams have struggled to win games this year, New Orleans has been the better team in recent weeks, and I’m taking it to cover in my Kings vs. Pelicans predictions below.
Read on to see which bets I like for this matchup in my free NBA picks for Monday, February 9.
Kings vs Pelicans prediction
Kings vs Pelicans best bet: Pelicans -7.5 (-115)
When breaking down a game between two teams with very little motivation to win that are both sitting at the bottom of the standings, it’s often worth considering which side has been showing some signs of life. It’s clear the New Orleans Pelicans have been the better squad in recent weeks.
The Sacramento Kings are on the verge of setting a franchise record for most consecutive losses. They come into tonight’s game riding a 12-game losing streak and are playing with a roster that has often leaned on younger players with Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis missing time.
Most of those players are out again tonight, with Sabonis listed as questionable.
New Orleans is offering up the best version of their lineup right now. Zion Williamson (21.6 ppg) is healthy, and his presence and physicality always cause trouble for opponents when he’s able to take the court. He makes a solid pairing with Trey Murphy III (22.2 ppg).
New Orleans is 4-4 SU in its last eight games, and while that’s hardly setting the world on fire, it’s a bit of proof that this is a legitimate NBA team when healthy.
Kings vs Pelicans same-game parlay
The Pelicans have hit the Under in five of their last seven games, while Sacramento has come in Under on tonight’s total in five of its last seven contests.
Murphy has scored Over 22.5 points in each of his last three games.
Kings vs Pelicans SGP
Pelicans -7.5
Under 231
Trey Murphy III Over 22.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Derik from deep
Derik Queen appears to have fallen in love with the 3-pointer lately. The center has hit at least one in three of his last four games, and went 4-for-4 from deep against the Timberwolves on Friday.
Kings vs Pelicans SGP
Pelicans -7.5
Under 231
Trey Murphy III Over 22.5 points
Derik Queen Over 0.5 made threes
Kings vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Kings +7.5 | Pelicans -7.5
Moneyline: Kings +250 | Pelicans -310
Over/Under: Over 231 | Under 231
Kings vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Pelicans are 5-3 ATS in their last eight overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Kings vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Monday, February 9, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports California, GCSEN
Kings vs Pelicans latest injuries
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Durant and Hakeem trade notes on post work, precision, and obsession, revealing how greatness lives in basketball’s smallest details in the latest Boardroom Talks.
The exchange unfolds less like an interview and more like a private gym conversation that just happens to have microphones on. Kevin Durant isn’t there to be praised, and Hakeem Olajuwon isn’t there to reminisce. They’re trading notes in the kind of dialogue that only makes sense when two players have lived inside the same details for decades.
Durant sets the tone by admitting he recently spent nearly 40 minutes watching nothing but post work, possession after possession, all the mid-post touches, face-ups, and subtle angles. It wasn’t about highlights or ego. It was about feeling the rhythm again, letting the movements reset his mind. Olajuwon immediately meets him there, talking not in generalities but in specifics: positioning, how ground is gained before the move even starts, how strength shows up in ways the eye doesn’t always catch.
From there, the conversation turns collaborative. Leverage. Timing. Durant nods along because he’s felt it himself. Olajuwon pushes the idea further, reinforcing that innovation doesn’t come from flash but from understanding when and how to apply force. Size and position matter less than precision.
There’s humility threaded throughout. Durant openly critiques himself, admitting he sometimes stands too upright, that his spin can be slow, that he knows exactly where the improvement is waiting. Olajuwon doesn’t posture or lecture. He offers small corrections, the kind only someone who mastered the craft can give. Less talk about highlights, more about the invisible details — the pounding dribble, the balance, the moment when the defender’s weight shifts just enough.
By the end, the conversation feels like a bridge between eras. Olajuwon represents the blueprint of post dominance; Durant is the evolution, stretching those principles across positions and body types no one once imagined could live there. What connects them is obsession. The willingness to watch, steal, tweak, and refine.
Two generations, one shared truth: Greatness is built in the details most people never notice. Be sure to catch the full conversation here.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 06: Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 06, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons travel to the Bible Belt to take on the hottest team in the NBA. The Charlotte Hornets are winners of nine in a row, and they’ve been more than an exciting young core. They’re figuring it out.
The Pistons wear you out with defensive pressure and intensity, while the Charlotte Hornets zoom up and down the floor with an elite offense. With Charlotte’s recent surge and the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks slipping, Pistons-Hornets is a legit potential first-round matchup. Sign me up for that.
Game Vitals
When: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
How: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -3
Analysis
The Pistons have been the best team in the East all year, but Charlotte dominated January. The Hornets had a league high 11 wins, the best net rating (11.5), the best offensive rating (121.1), and the fifth best defensive rating (109.6). That’s not a cute team; that’s a group one has to take seriously.
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel are the team’s foundation. Ball is known for why’d-he-shoot-that shots and lackadaisical defense, but he’s running the show on this winner. Those insane one-legged shot attempts are there, but he’s contributing to winning basketball.
Miller has the potential to be a perennial top 20 scorer. He’s smooth overall and can be vicious when attacking the basket. Knueppel is the easy rookie of the year front-runner in most seasons. His efficiency and shotmaking as a rookie aren’t normal. The way he attacks off the bounce and defends on the other end shouldn’t go under the radar. Knueppel is a complete player with limited holes.
Those are the three this thing in Charlotte starts with. Compare that to three of Detroit’s young core, and you’ll see Detroit still has the upper hand.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren (probable) are both All-Stars. Ausar Thompson will more than likely get some league honors under his belt after this season. Those three are as good as it gets as an under-25 trio. Add Ron Holland (out, personal) to the mix, and that’s a fantastic four that front offices would kill to have at their disposal.
Duren is a man amongst boys, but he needs to be ready to go in a matchup against Moussa Diabaté. Per Basketball-Reference, Diabaté is second in the league with a 17 percent offensive rebound percentage. Duren is actually third at 15 percent. Diabaté isn’t the rebounder Duren is overall, but he’s an energy bunny who doesn’t quit on the O glass. He’s the cherry on top of this Hornets roster. Charlotte is 15-8 when he starts this season.
Daniss Jenkins isn’t quite Detroit’s cherry on top, but he’s one of the X-factors who can swing a game. Jenkins is arguably the best two-way player story the league has seen. Congrats to him on getting a new contract. Detroit is going to need his shotmaking, creation for others, and his grit as we inch closer to the postseason.
How can you not love his post-game comments after the Knicks game? That massive chip on his shoulder fits right into Detroit’s contagious culture.
Every game moving forward is another opportunity for Kevin Heurter to get more comfortable in his new environment. Tonight wouldn’t be a bad time for him to find his spark because the Hornets let it fly!
Charlotte shoots the fourth most 3s in the association, and they make the 3rd most. Volume plus efficiency is the name of the game for the Hornets. We know that’s not Detroit’s forte, but they strangle teams defensively. This is the best Pistons defense since their early 2000’s run that featured the best modern-day defense.
If Detroit stays put at No. 1 in the East, I think this is a likely playoff matchup. The Hornets are the 10th seed and would need to win two play-in games on the road to secure the eighth seed if the postseason started today.
I’d favor Charlotte over any team in the East play-in. Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta aren’t as consistent as Charlotte. Orlando has more top-end talent, but the Hornets are on a string, and the roster has bought in.
If it is Pistons-Hornets in the first round, then Detroit wouldn’t have any “easy” matchups. The Hornets have shown they won’t be a cakewalk in any one-off game. The nature of the playoffs can change that when schemes get more tailored to the opponent, but Detroit taking Charlotte out of what they do would be a testament to their great team defense.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a three pointer against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been a weird week. An underwhelming trade deadline overlapped with what’s already been a successful West Coast swing. The Sixers are 3-1 — and could very easily be 4-0 — during this slate as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night. They’ll return home to play the red-hot New York Knicks Wednesday and then it’s time for the All-Star break.
So, how are you feeling now? Joel Embiid is looking more and more like Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey is still playing at a high level. Trendon Watford appears to emerging more and more as a solid bench piece. The main guys are still playing a ton of minutes, but it seems like Nick Nurse is mostly hitting the right buttons.
Hit me with your thoughts and questions in the comments.
Looking for some bench scoring, the Milwaukee Bucks have signed free agent guard Cam Thomas for the remainder of the season, the team has announced.
The Brooklyn Nets had waived Thomas on Thursday after he was not traded at the deadline. Thomas had wanted to be waived so he could pick his next team, and explained to Marc Spears of ESPN’s Andscape why he chose Milwaukee.
"I picked Milwaukee because they wanted me and they told me they've been interested for years now. So, it's good to have this opportunity come to fruition. And I'm just hoping to meet everybody, get to know everybody and contribute as soon as possible."
He signed a veteran minimum deal for the rest of the season. In 24 games with Brooklyn (he missed time due to a hamstring strain), Thomas averaged 15.6 points and 3.1 assists per game. In that, Thomas had a few high-scoring nights, including three 30-point games and a season-high 41-point performance against San Antonio. Thomas is an old-school volume scorer who puts up points but hasn't been efficient doing that this season, shooting 39.9% overall and 32.5% from 3-point range.
Tonight’s matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder (40–13) and the Los Angeles Lakers (32–19) features two teams sitting atop their respective divisions but forced to suit up tonight minus their leaders. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) will miss his third straight game for OKC while the Lakers will be minus Luka Doncic for the second straight game.
The Lakers won their third in a row with a 105-99 victory at home against Golden State. LeBron James led Los Angeles with 20 points and 10 rebounds with Luka sidelined. Austin Reaves chipped in with 16 points and eight assists off the bench.
The Thunder has struggled minus the MVP SGA, losing their second in a row Saturday at home to the Rockets, 112-106. Cason Wallace led Oklahoma City with 23 points in the loss. The good news for OKC is the expected return of Jalen Williams (hamstring) to the lineup tonight.
These teams met on November 12 in Oklahoma City and the Thunder stomped the Lakers, 121-92 in the first of four regular season meetings. Following tonight’s game, they are slated to meet April 2 in OKC and April 7 in Los Angeles.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Thunder at Lakers
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Game Odds: Thunder at Lakers
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder (-258), Los Angeles Lakers (+210)
Spread: Thunder -6.5
Total: 223.5 points
This game opened Thunder -5.5 with the Total set at 220.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Thunder at Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder
PG Cason Wallace
SG Luguentz Dort
SF Jalen Williams
PF Chet Holmgren
C Isaiah Hartenstein
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Marcus Smart
SG Jake LaRavia
SF Rui Hachimura
PF LeBron James
C Deandre Ayton
Injury Report: Thunder at Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Nikola Topic (cancer) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic (hamstring) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Deandre Ayton (knee) is listed as probable for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Thunder at Lakers
The Thunder are 18-7 on the road this season
The Lakers are 14-8 at home this season
The Thunder are 25-28 ATS this season
The Lakers are 29-22 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 28 of the Lakers’ 51 games this season (28-23)
The OVER has cashed in 27 of the Thunder’s 53 games this season (27-26)
Jared McCain scored 5 points (1-3 from 3-point range) in 14 minutes in his debut with the Thunder Saturday
Chet Holmgren is averaging 15.7ppg and 9.3 rebounds through 3 games in February
Austin Reaves is averaging 22ppg through 3 games in February
Luke Kennard scored 10 points in 26 minutes in his debut with the Lakers Saturday
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Thunder and Lakers’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Thunder -6.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Game Total OVER 223.5
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Jazz vs Heat best bet: Bam Adebayo Under 10.5 rebounds (-115)
Bam Adebayo is a physical presence down low for the Miami Heat, averaging 9.8 rebounds per night. However, his total is 10.5 here, and based on Bam’s recent play, I see value in the Under.
The big man has cashed the Under in boards in three of his last four appearances, only hitting double digits once during that span. He’s also averaging 9.6 rebounds at home compared to 9.9 on the road.
While the Utah Jazz aren’t an elite rebounding team, they’re around the middle of the pack in boards allowed, and we have to remember they now have a new big man in Jaren Jackson Jr.
I have no doubt Adebayo will be a factor down low tonight — I just don’t see him grabbing more than 10 rebounds.
Jazz vs Heat same-game parlay
Jusuf Nurkic is an important piece for the Jazz, averaging 11 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He’s cashed the Over in points in 13 of his last 14 games. With his total sitting at only 9.5 points, this one is a no-brainer.
Andrew Wiggins isn’t a super high-volume 3-point shooter, but he’s still draining 1.9 treys at a 39% clip. The Canadian wing has hit the Over back-to-back games and in three of his last four.
Jazz vs Heat SGP
Bam Adebayo Under 10.5 rebounds
Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 points
Andrew Wiggins Over 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dimes for days
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 4.7 dimes this season, and he’s cashed the Over in assists in two consecutive games.
Jazz vs Heat SGP
Bam Adebayo Under 10.5 rebounds
Jusuf Nurkic Over 9.5 points
Andrew Wiggins Over 1.5 threes
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 4.5 assists
Jazz vs Heat odds
Spread: Jazz +7.5 | Heat -7.5
Moneyline: Jazz +245 | Heat -305
Over/Under: Over 240 | Under 240
Jazz vs Heat betting trend to know
The Utah Jazz have hit the game total Over in 29 of their last 45 games (+11.40 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Heat.
How to watch Jazz vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Monday, February 9, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
KJZZ, FDSN Sun
Jazz vs Heat latest injuries
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