TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 4: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Toronto Raptors during first half action at Scotiabank Arena on December 4, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been a season of inactivity for Lakers rookie Adou Thiero.
While most young players may not play as they learn and develop in their rookie season, Thiero has been out for the majority of the year due to injuries, the most recent a right MCL sprain suffered on Dec. 30.
The team stated that he would be out for four weeks before being re-evaluated. The Lakers delivered some good news on the rookie on Sunday as they assigned him to practice with their G-League affiliate team, the South Bay Lakers.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN also reported that he played in his first full-contact stay-ready game earlier this week.
The Lakers have assigned Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero to South Bay for today’s practice, the team announced. Thiero, out since Dec. 30 with a sprained right MCL, participated in his first full-contact stay ready game since the injury earlier this week, sources told ESPN
This is excellent news for Thiero, who has only played in 15 games this season.
Barring any setbacks, he should be made available to play sooner rather than later. The Lakers only have three games left to play before the All-Star break, so perhaps he can be available when LA takes on the Clippers after that break.
Regardless of when he returns, what matters is that he is progressing well. This is a developmental year for Thiero, but it’s hard to develop when you can’t practice or play.
Even in limited availability, Thiero has shown his ability to demolish the rim. He has had an impressive performance in South Bay against the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he scored 12 points in the team’s 108-105 win.
LA moved up twice in the 2025 NBA Draft to select Thiero, so they clearly value what he brings to the court. Hopefully, he can fully return soon and begin demonstrating his talent in games.
IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Big 12 Conference announced Sunday it fined Oklahoma State $50,000 following an investigation into inappropriate chants referencing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormons, during a men's basketball game against BYU last week.
“The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others,” the conference said in a statement.
BYU coach Kevin Young said after a 99-92 loss at Oklahoma State on Wednesday night that he heard “F--- The Mormons” chants coming out of the student section. BYU is the flagship school for the religion.
"The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations,” the university said in a statement. “Oklahoma State respects the Big 12’s decision and will not appeal the fine.”
It was at least the fourth time in a year that BYU teams had been the target of anti-Mormon chants.
The Big 12 fined Colorado $50,000 in September after football fans directed expletives and religious slurs at Mormons during a game against the Cougars in Boulder.
Similar incidents occurred at an Arizona men's basketball game last season and a Cincinnati football game in November. Neither school was fined.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (AP) — Alijah Arenas scored 11 of his 24 points in the final four minutes, including the go-ahead basket with 0.7 seconds left, to help USC beat Penn State 77-75 on Sunday.
Freddie Dilione V made a layup for Penn State that tied it at 75-all with 12 seconds remaining. After USC called timeout to move the ball into the front court, Arenas took the inbounds pass, worked his way to the right block and kissed a layup high off the glass to cap the scoring.
Kam Woods had 13 points, a season-high nine assists, five rebounds and four steals for USC (18-6, 7-6 Big Ten). Ezra Ausar added 13 points and Jacob Cofie had 10 points and seven rebounds.
Dilione led Penn State (10-14, 1-12) with 23 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Josh Reed made 8 of 11 from the field and finished with 17 points while Ivan Juric scored 13 and Dominick Stewart added 11 points.
The Nittany Lions have lost 10 of their last 11 games.
Penn State scored 10 consecutive points before Woods made a layup that trimmed USC's deficit to 40-36 at halftime. The Nittany Lions opened the second half with a 10-2 run that culminated with a fast-break dunk by Dilione that gave Penn State its biggest lead of the game at 50-38 with 17:23 left in the game.
The Nittany Lions went 0 for 8 from the field in a span of more than 8 1/2 minutes in the second half as USC used a 22-5 run to take a six-point lead with six minutes remaining.
Feb 7, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) goes up for a shot between Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) and forward Cooper Flagg (32) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Coming off a road win versus the Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs traveled home for a rematch. Luke Kornet made his return from injury, so the Spurs were at full strength. After leading 39-32 at the end of the first quarter, the Spurs kept the pace high and outscored the Mavs 42-35 in the second to lead 81-67 at halftime. The 81 points at halftime was the Spurs’ highest scoring half since March 2022. The lead just kept growing, with the Spurs taking a 23-point lead into the fourth quarter. Thanks to a career performance from Stephon Castle and five other Spurs scoring in double figures, the Spurs ultimately won 138-125.
Stephon Castle dropped a historic triple-double: Career-high 40 points (15-19 FG, 3-5 3PT), 12 assists, and 12 rebounds to go along with three steals and a block. This is the third 40-point triple-double in Spurs history, with David Robinson providing the other two. This is also the first 40-point triple-double with 75% FG since Wilt Chamberlain. Steph started hot, scoring in double figures in each of the first two quarters on perfect shooting. Then, he fanned the flame and cemented his historic performance in the fourth. The former ROTY has always showcased his talent each game, but this performance puts his potential into another stratosphere!
ST3PH! Living up to his first name, Steph splashes home one of his three threes!
Devin Vassell dropped 17 points, six assists, four rebounds, and a block. Dev shook off the rust and looked like his usual self. His ability to create shots for himself is a real game-changer for this team. Besides the scoring, he is also gelling well in the offense by dishing out six assists. Look for him to continue fulfilling his role to the fullest.
Middy Magician! Dev takes the handoff from Luke Kornet and dribbles into a pull-up midrange jumper!
Victor Wembanyama dropped a double-double: 16 points and 11 rebounds to go along with three blocks and a dime. Vic did not have his best shooting night, but he did the dirty work on both ends for easy swats and buckets. (Although some might have been easy for Vic and not for average-sized NBA players.) He caught lobs from several different Spurs and was more than happy to take a backseat offensively.
W3MBY! Vic drains the open three from the wing, thanks to the Carter Bryant screen!
SPURS BASKETBALL! After Carter completely locks down Caleb Martin, the Spurs run out in transition, and the ball movement ends up in Vic’s hands for the easy slam!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 15 points (7-13 FG), five assists, and two rebounds. D-Fox struggled at first, but ended up draining buckets when the offense stalled. Just like Vic, he took a backseat offensively, but still managed to dish out some dimes. His unselfishness and willingness to be part of this offense, no matter who has the hot hand, show his adaptability to put the team in the best position to win.
FOX TO THE ALIEN! On the fastbreak, D-Fox catches the ball at the free-throw line and immediately lobs it up to Wemby, who throws it down with one hand!
Dylan Harper dropped 11 points (5-8 FG), five assists, four rebounds, a steal, and a block. Of the three star guards, Dyl played the least amount of minutes (23), but still filled the stat sheet. He got to the cup and showed off his elite finishing ability alongside his playmaking and defensive highlights. The rookie is a little more than halfway through the season and has already shown multiple glimpses of his potential.
HARP3R! Dyl knocks down the three from the wing off the Castle dime!
Carter Bryant dropped 11 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. In just 17 minutes, CB’s impact on both ends fueled the Spurs’ momentum, especially in the second quarter. He wowed with an alley-oop jam, drained three threes, and most of all, locked down multiple defenders. Throughout the season, he would get little spurts of action, but his playing time has gradually increased. With this added playing time, his confidence grows each game. This performance is just the appetizer for Spurs fans.
GET UP! On the fastbreak, Steph lobs it up for CB who throws it down with force!
Keldon Johnson dropped eight points (3-5 FG) and four rebounds in 16 minutes. KJ struggled taking care of the ball with four turnovers, but still managed to get tough buckets in the paint. He provided offense when the shot clock was dwindling, and also grabbed boards. Look for him to have more playing time next game, with a side of 6MOTY energy.
TOUGH BUCKET. KJ battles his way into the paint and throws up a contested shot over P.J. Washington for the deuce!
Luke Kornet dropped six points (3-3 FG), four rebounds, and three assists in 16 minutes. Luke made the most of his playing time and did the dirty work for his teammates with screens. He continues to be a solid backup center for a team that desperately lacked one the last three seasons.
Johnny on the spot! Luke cleans up the missed D-Fox shot with a tip slam!
What more could one say about Stephon Castle? His performance was otherworldly, and allowed key players to take backseats. It is one thing to accomplish a triple-double; it is another to accomplish a high-scoring triple-double, but on this efficiency? His name being mentioned in the same breath as Wilt is an accomplishment in itself. As this team moves to 36-16, look for them to focus back on a pair of playoff teams out west this upcoming week.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs travel to Los Angeles for their fourth matchup with the Lakers this season on Tuesday at 9:30 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
When the Los Angeles Lakers played the Golden State Warriors on Saturday without Luka Dončić and Steph Curry, the most interesting drama happened off the court.
Both teams’ general managers spoke to reporters before the Lakers’ 105–99 win. And with California’s NBA darlings both on the verge of major change, a lot of eyebrow-raising things came out of those conversations.
Where do we begin?
Golden State Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. talks to the media before the game against the Lakers on Feb 7. NBAE via Getty Images
First of all, Warriors’ GM Mike Dunleavy claimed Draymond Green wasn’t involved in trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Draymond was not being shopped or talked about in deals,” he said.
The problem?
That assertion was contradicted by Green himself Saturday morning on his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” when he said Dunleavy reached out to him before the trade deadline to say that he or Jimmy Butler would have to be included in a deal to match salaries.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said Dunleavy reached out to him before the trade deadline to say that he or Jimmy Butler would have to be included in a deal to match salaries. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“What is said to me in that moment was there’s a chance I may get traded for Giannis because he didn’t rule it out,” Green said on his podcast. “He didn’t say, ‘We’re not putting you in a deal.’ So I took that as, all right, it’ll probably be me.”
So, the Warriors not only missed out on acquiring Antetokounmpo — whom the Bucks decided not to trade despite Golden State opening up its treasure chest of first picks — but the organization is also trying to mop up the fallout that came out of those talks.
Other interesting things that came out of his availability? Dunleavy expressed optimism that Kristaps Porzingis — whom the Warriors acquired in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield — will be healthy even though he has only played in 17 games this season because of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and left Achilles tendonitis.
GM Rob Pelinka made it clear the Lakers are looking toward their future, when they’ll have three first-round picks and a heap of expiring contracts this summer. Getty Images
“We feel good about it,” Dunleavy said, before adding, in essence, that they had nothing to lose by taking that gamble. “We’re sending out a player in a similar boat who struggled to stay on the floor.”
In other words, at least the Kuminga saga has finally come to an end.
Dunleavy also made it clear that the Warriors are still open to putting everything on the line this summer to give Steph Curry another chance at winning a title, calling this a “win-now” window.
As for this current roster? Dunleavy didn’t pull any punches.
LA’s LeBron James is doing things on the court previously considered undoable for a 41-year-old. NBAE via Getty Images
“It was pointed out to me today that over [the] last calendar year, we had the fourth-best record in the NBA from when Jimmy got traded to when Jimmy got hurt,” Dunleavy said, referencing Butler suffering a torn ACL last month. “Despite the idea that we’re not in the mix, we’re fading, all of this stuff, the reality is up until Jimmy got hurt, we were pretty good. And I think we were trending in the right direction. Now we’ve had to pivot a little bit. I think adding Kristaps can help. But this group is kinda what it is.”
Not a shining endorsement of the Warriors’ roster. But if Porzingis can get and stay healthy, Golden State could make the playoffs. And if Butler weren’t injured, they could’ve really competed. But for now, the Warriors will look ahead, when they’ll once again try to use their stash of draft capital to make a big splash.
“We’ve got the goods to make deals,’ Dunleavy said.
Dunleavy said the Warriors are putting everything on the line to give Steph Curry another chance at winning a title. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
On the other side of Crypto.com Arena, Lakers’ president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka also spoke to reporters following the trade deadline. He addressed whether the Lakers were aggressive enough in pursuing deals, considering they have 26-year-old Luka Dončić playing at an MVP-level, Austin Reaves looking like an All-Star, and LeBron James doing things at 41 years old that were previously considered undoable.
Pelinka, whose only move before Thursday’s deadline was to deal Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick for Luke Kennard, made it clear the Lakers are looking toward their future, when they’ll have three first-round picks and a heap of expiring contracts this summer.
“One form of being aggressive is saying no to moves,” he said.
In other words, change is going to come. A lot of change. For him, too.
“When Mark [Walter] bought the team, Jeanie [Buss] and I did a really deep dive with him on sort of the areas he wants to grow and move into and get aggressive,” he acknowledged.
Both organizations are at a turning point.
The Lakers are trying to build around Dončić while he’s in his prime. And the Warriors are trying to stay relevant while 37-year-old Curry still looks like Curry. Neither team is a true contender this season. But both teams believe this summer, they can make the tweaks necessary to put their teams atop the league.
So, while the basketball was fun Saturday (six Lakers players scored in double-digits, led by James’ 20-point, 10-assist and seven-rebound performance), the real intriguing stuff happened behind the scenes. We got a glimpse into how the two of the most important franchises in the league are thinking.
And it’s clear that this summer is going to be monumental.
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Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander is out for the NBA All-Star Game next weekend in Los Angeles due to an abdominal strain (he has already missed two games and the Thunder lost both).
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Sunday that Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun would replace Gilgeous-Alexander on the World Team in the All-Star Game (part of a USA vs. World format, more on that below).
Sengun was one of the most obvious snubs when the coaches picked the reserves. In his fifth NBA season, Sengu is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and a career-high 6.3 assists per game.
Sengun joins a stacked World Team roster that already includes Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama at the five.
All-Star Game format
This year, the NBA All-Star Game returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock — and it falls right in the middle of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which are already underway. That was a perfect setup for the first-of-its-kind All-Star Game format, a USA vs. World showdown that fans and players have been asking for.
The 24 All-Star players have been divided into three teams, two USA teams — USA Stripes and USA Stars — and one World Team. Those three teams will compete in a round-robin tournament of four 12-minute games, each team playing at least two games.
At the end of the round-robin, the two top teams will play a championship game (the fourth 12-minute game of the day) for the title. (If there is a tie, it comes down to point differential.)
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. Eastern, an earlier time than in previous years, leading into more coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Every moment of All-Star Weekend — the Rising Stars challenge on Friday. (Feb. 13), All-Star Saturday Night with the 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest (Feb. 14), as well as the All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 15 — will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. Eastern, a time earlier than in previous years, leading into more coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
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 airs on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game airs 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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The new-look Los Angeles Clippers head to Minnesota to play the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will be showing off a new look of their own.
Minnesota's roster improved after the deadline. Meanwhile, the Clippers are looking to rebuild for the future.
My Clippers vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks reflect that, calling for a Minnesota cover on Sunday, February 8.
Clippers vs Timberwolves prediction
Clippers vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -9 (-110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves needed a jolt, and they’re hoping a deadline move provides it. Minnesota is just 1–2 in February and 0–3 against the spread, despite facing a weak slate. The losses came against Memphis, New Orleans, and the lone win was a narrow two-point escape over fifth-place Toronto.
That uneven stretch followed a strong finish to January, when the Wolves closed the month on a four-game winning streak, both straight up and ATS.
With a tougher slate looming in March, failing to capitalize now could leave the Timberwolves battling just to avoid the play-in tournament.
The Los Angeles Clippers, meanwhile, appear comfortable heading in the opposite direction. After a surprising 17–4 run, Los Angeles dismantled what had become a competitive roster, trading away 25-point scorer James Harden and 14-point-per-game center Ivica Zubac in separate deals.
The key return was Darius Garland, who is currently sidelined with a toe injury, leaving the Clippers clearly prioritizing the future over a playoff push.
Take the T-Wolves to cover today.
Clippers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
The T-Wolves are the 10th fastest-paced team in the league and have gone Over in four of their last five games. They haven't been happy with the results recently, though.
In addition to losing two leading scorers, the Clippers also traded away the team's rebounding leader. John Collins should be able to keep alive his streak of four straight games with seven or more rebounds.
Clippers vs Timberwolves SGP
Minnesota -9
Under 223
John Collins Over 6.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Board Crashers!
Rudy Gobert has double-figure rebounds in five straight games and a total of 28 in his last two.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit the game total Under in 17 of their last 22 games at home. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Clippers vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Tip-off
3:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Clippers vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has become a shareholder in Kalshi, a major prediction market with a wide array of sports trading opportunities.
Antetokounmpo announced the partnership Friday.
“The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own,” Antetokounmpo posted on social media. “Today, I'm joining Kalshi as a shareholder.”
Kalshi said Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder. The partnership includes help with live events and marketing.
“Giannis is a legend,” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour said in a release. “He’s exactly the type of long-term partner we want to align our growing brand with, and we couldn’t be happier he’s on board.”
Antetokounmpo was the subject of widespread rumors ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. But the Bucks decided to keep the two-time MVP.
In the days leading up to the deadline, Kalshi had several posts on X highlighting its event contracts on Antetokounmpo's trade market and the fluctuating odds connected to the teams believed to be in the mix for his services. An estimated $23 million in contracts were bought on Antetokounmpo's future before the trade deadline.
According to Kalshi's release, Antetokounmpo will be forbidden from trading on markets related to the NBA. Messages were left Friday seeking further details from Kalshi and comment from the NBA.
“I love the Kalshi markets and have been checking them often recently,” Antetokounmpo said in the company's release. “I like to win. It’s clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner and I’m excited to be getting involved.”
Antetokounmpo, who hasn’t played since straining his right calf on Jan. 23, already had departed by the time the Bucks had their postgame locker room availability after their 105-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo also is part of the ownership group for baseball's Milwaukee Brewers, Major League Soccer's Nashville SC, and now the Chelsea Football Club's women's team.
I'm proud and honored to partner with my friend @alexisohanian, joining the ownership group of @ChelseaFCW, a historic club built on passion, excellence, and a winning culture. Chelsea’s history speaks for itself, and I’m excited to contribute to the future by supporting… pic.twitter.com/LEzNakL9Rd
Prediction markets provide an opportunity to trade — or wager — on the result of future events. They rose to prominence in politics, but the array of typically yes-or-no questions includes everything from the weather to the Oscar for best picture.
The markets are comprised of event contracts, with the prices connected to what traders are willing to pay, which theoretically indicates the perceived probability of an event occurring. The buy-in for each contract ranges from $0 to $1 each, reflecting a 0% to 100% chance of what traders think could happen.
When the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last month, an anonymous trader on Polymarket — another prediction market — made more than $400,000 after betting that Maduro would soon be out of office, raising suspicions of potential insider trading because of the timing of the wagers and the trader’s narrow activity.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 23: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets looks on in the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 23, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Thursday, the NBA trade deadline came and went for the Houston Rockets. They were one of the few inactive teams in the league.
There’s a bit of confusion regarding whether the Rockets were even working the phones. General Manager Rafael Stone said that the team had spoken to various organizations and ball clubs.
“Obviously, we talked to every team. We had discussions. But this year, in particular, with the way the cap works, we were hard-capped at the first apron. So constructing trades was hard.”
Stone added that the team has generally been good through the first half of the season, thus, Houston “wasn’t looking to make changes at all”.
That’s a bit of a contradiction, but let’s keep going.
Well-known reporter Jake Fischer noted that Houston hadn’t been in contact with anyone.
“I have not heard the Rockets are actively involved in anything right now, not Coby White, not Ayo Dosunmu, not anything else.”
Chicago Bulls beat writer Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reportedly repeatedly that the Bulls and Rockets had been in contact regarding Coby White, as the Bulls coveted Tari Eason but Houston’s brass wouldn’t give Eason up.
(He’s never wavered off that reporting).
So what’s the truth?
Who knows?
In general, the decision to stand pat wasn’t an unwise one.
Although fans don’t want to hear it.
Which is understandable. Especially after watching these last three games against the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.
(The latter two were on back-to-backs, I know, but Houston lacked effort, especially in the second half of both games). But from a trade standpoint, you have to have assets. Something to trade.
Not to say that Houston doesn’t have trade chips. They do.
The Bulls proved that.
But those negotiations also proved that Houston doesn’t have players they can sacrifice. This is a top-heavy roster.
Houston was willing to part with…..Dorian Finney-Smith and an injured Steven Adams?
What was that going to fetch? They couldn’t part with Clint Capela, in light of Adams’ season-ending injury.
It would’ve been different if either of those players were on expiring deals. That, in it of itself, holds value.
DFS has three more seasons under contract. Adams has two years left.
Both deals were just signed.
What value do they hold?
Can this team afford to lose Eason or Reed Sheppard for a rental like Coby White? Or Ayo Dosunmu?
Or even Jabari Smith Jr.
Could they risk losing him for a rental?
For the way the roster is built, Houston’s best bet was standing pat.
And it could be why they never seriously engaged in real trade talks.
This is why you go out and get a former MVP at the deadline.
James Harden — playing his first game with the Cavaliers since being traded from the Clippers, and without a practice or shootaround — took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points on 4-of-4 shooting (three of those 3-pointers) to spark a comeback win for the Cavaliers against the Kings on the road, 132-126.
James Harden came up big for the Cavs in his debut!
Donovan Mitchell scored 35 on the night for the Cavaliers, while Jarrett Allen scored 29 with 10 rebounds — Cleveland big men Allen and (once healthy) Evan Mobley may benefit most from the passing that James Harden brings to the table.
It's just one game against a tanking team (albeit one with some veteran talent on the roster), but it's a great start for the Harden era in Cleveland. That was a team playing with confidence down the stretch, which we have not consistently seen from the Cavaliers this season.
Western Conference powerhouses collide on Monday when the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET. This marquee matchup is the second game of a doubleheader on Peacock after the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Orlando Magic at 7:30 PM ET. Coverage begins at 7:00PM ET.
See below for additional information on how to watch both and follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
The Thunder own the best record in the Association at 40-13, but the gap between them and the rest of the Western Conference is closing. Oklahoma City is just 9-6 across its last 15, and the team has dropped two straight with ShaiGilgeous-Alexander on the sideline. SGA will be out through the All-Star break with an abdominal strain, and JalenWilliams has missed nine straight games with a right hamstring strain.
The shorthanded Thunder's most recent loss came on Saturday as they fell to the Houston Rockets 112-106. CasonWallace paced OKC in scoring with 23, ChetHolmgren delivered a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double, and IsaiahJoe led the bench with 21 points. IsaiahHartenstein recorded 11 assists, and he could see expanded playmaking responsibilities until Shai is back.
After facing the Lakers on Monday, the Thunder finish out the week with a road game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday and a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Availability will be key for the Thunder's title defense, and they'll use the All-Star break to get healthy for the final 27 games of the season and what they hope will be a lengthy postseason.
Los Angeles Lakers Storylines
After playing eight straight games on the road, the Lakers will play their third contest of an eight-game home stand on Monday. Los Angeles has won three straight games, but the injury bug has reared its ugly head yet again.
AustinReaves returned from a 19-game absence against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, but the reunion of the Lakers' Big Three was short-lived as LukaDoncic went down with a hamstring injury in Thursday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Doncic is day-to-day after sitting out Saturday's win over the Golden State Warriors. Sans Doncic, the team delivered a gritty 105-99 victory over the Dubs, headlined by LeBronJames' 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists. Reaves contributed 16 points, five boards and eight dimes off the bench, and RuiHachimura chipped in 18 points, as the Lakers had six players finish in double figures.
The 32-19 Lakers are the No. 5 seed in the West, but the conference is ultra-competitive, and every win matters. Los Angeles is one game back from the No. 3 seed and just two games back from the No. 7 seed.
The Thunder and Lakers faced off on November 12, and Oklahoma City dominated with a 121-92 home victory. Monday's matchup is the second of four games in the regular-season series.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
Monday’s NBA doubleheader on Peacock tips off at 7:30 PM ET as the Orlando Magic host the Milwaukee Bucks. The nightcap features a heavyweight Western Conference bout when the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET. Live coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
See below for additional information on how to watch both and follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
After dropping five games in a row, the Bucks are on their first three-game win streak of the season as they head to Kia Center looking for a fourth straight victory. The shorthanded Milwaukee squad posted at least 131 points in two of its three victories, getting strong production from role players in the absence of GiannisAntetokounmpo.
The Bucks delivered a 105-99 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday, led by Kevin Porter Jr.'s 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Ryan Rollins finished with 22 points and four three-pointers, and Bobby Portis led the bench with 21 points and three triples. Making his fifth start of the season, backup big man Jericho Sims led all players with a career-high 15 rebounds.
Milwaukee is on the outside looking in, as the 21-29 Bucks sit 11th in the Eastern Conference. They've struggled to string together wins with Antetokounmpo on the floor, but the Greek Freak's indefinite absence puts victories at a premium. Antetokounmpo has no timeline to return from a right calf strain, and the Bucks will need to embrace a "Next man up" mentality to stay in the win column until he returns.
Orlando Magic Storylines
The Magic play the third game of a four-game homestand, and they'll look to stay perfect in front of the crowd at Kia Center after two straight wins. Orlando surged back from a 17-point deficit on Saturday to defeat the Utah Jazz 120-117.
Paolo Banchero led the charge against Utah, delivering 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Desmond Bane finished with 22 points, Anthony Black contributed 21, and Jalen Suggs offered 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
After playing in both games of Orlando's European tour, Franz Wagner (ankle) has missed nine straight contests. Injuries across the roster have been a major concern for the Magic this season, and they'll hope to get Wagner back for the playoff push.
At 27-24, the No. 7 seed Magic are 2.5 games out of the No. 6 seed and four games out of the No. 11 seed. Every win counts.
Monday's matchup will be the first of three meetings between the Bucks and Magic this season, and they'll face off again Wednesday in Orlando. Milwaukee won three of four head-to-head matchups last season, and three of those games were decided by five points or less.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against Jay Huff #32 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2026 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. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Franchise records, cardinal sins, basketball gods, and the unexpected. Volume 7 is nothing if not varied. And while the past fortnight might have seemed all doom and gloom to begin, a win streak and the quiet celebration of a post-trade deadline with Giannis still here have brought some much-needed positive mojo back to the Bucks. Rejoice!
@ Sixers
To begin, the land is flat, city streets gently rolling at worst. One street into another. Into another, into another. Eventually, there’s movement. Subtle. Tectonic. Paul George trails the play then steps into a 27-footer, putting the Sixers up eight. On their next trip down, he rises again—splash—and an incline becomes noticeable. Two minutes and forty-eight seconds of game time and a three-quarter time break later, George is back at it, hitting again from 27 feet. Then, just 37 seconds on from that, a painted landscape: George screens and then gets screened as he curls to the corner, dropping yet another—a franchise-record-tying ninth triple. By the time it falls through the hoop and the Bucks are back on offence, you’d swear they’re in San Francisco, or at Denali. A mountain looms.
Win probability prior to George’s initial 27-footer: 23.3%
Win probability following his ninth three: 1.4%
@ Wizards
The Bucks don’t score for the first three minutes. Don’t get their second bucket for another two. Don’t reach 10 points until there’s only 4:50 left in the quarter. But somehow, with 45 seconds left on the clock, a Pete Nance tip-in gives them the lead. It caps a 10-2 run that should give the Bucks momentum going into the second. Instead, on the very next possession, Bobby Portis fouls Bub Carrington on a 32-footer. And one. Four-point play. Then, with just 2.2 seconds left in the quarter, Nance commits the same sin, sending Will Riley to the line to shoot three. He makes them all, and the Wizards take a two-point lead into the break that the Bucks can never get back. But considering where the season is right now, you don’t mind. Not. One. Bit.
Win probability prior to Portis’ foul: 67.2%
Win probability following Riley’s free throws: 56.3%
@ Celtics
There’s hardware up for grabs and the Bucks start en fuego—middies to Rollins and Portis, threes to Rollins and Kuzma—and suddenly it’s a 12-0 lead. The crowd is stunned, silent. Kuzma keeps pressing, getting to the line, and then Myles Turner gets in on the action with a 27-footer that makes you think his recent hot form ain’t just a streak: up fake, 360 pivot, pull-back—phone booth stuff—nothing but the bottom. 16-6 Bucks. Showing out in the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic. They even get a miss on the other end, Payton Pritchard back-rimming his own 27-footer. But when Turner and then Rollins fail to control the rebound, it starts to smell like trouble. And when Turner compounds the error, watching frozen as Neemias Queta turns middle and two-dribbles into an uncontested left-hand dunk, it flat-out stinks. The TD Garden crowd finds its voice and the Celtics go on a 99-63 run the rest of the way.
Win probability following Turner’s three: 44.9%
Win probability following Queta’s dunk: 42.6%
vs. Bulls
Okay, I confess: I didn’t watch this one. You get it, don’t you? They’d lost five on the trot. By an average of 15.4 points. Bobby Portis joined Giannis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Harris on the inactive list. Amir Coffey started. Bucks trade rumours were running wild. Actual trades were going down. Podcasts and podcasts and podcasts and podcasts. But hey, Kuz turned into Giannis, Trent found his stroke, and I’m the loser. I can live with it.
Win probability prior to the game: 51.8%
Win probability following my decision to forego it: 100% (apparently)
vs. Pelicans
It’s trade deadline eve and a million unanswered questions flit in the air like leaves in a tornado. Will the Bucks trade Giannis? Will they make an offer for Michael Porter Jr.? Why are there rumours about Cam Thomas? But only one of them carries real weight. Do you believe in god?
Deep in the fourth quarter of the Bucks’ matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, long after you’ve forgotten they’re really only playing to protect their draft pick, it’s a ballgame. And you’re invested. Zion Williamson sinks a pair of free throws to put the Pels up two with just 58 seconds on the clock. Then Kevin Porter Jr., back from the indefinite, spins tornado-like into a dunk that ties it up. And after Zion gets called for an offensive foul, KPJ again touches paint and finds Myles Turner in the corner. He rises up for three—for the win—only for the refs to initiate a review and, somehow, waive it off. You’re enraged, fists clenched, yelling out His name in vain. Regardless, it’s overtime, and before you know it, it arrives—the moment. Up two after a Rollins layup, KPJ finds Turner again—this time on the wing, feet well inside the sidelines—and he lets it fly. The shot is clearly long, bypassing the rim entirely. But it does find glass. Then net. And the Bucks hold on from there. Protect the pick.
Later that night, as you lie awake in bed, the question rears itself again. Do you believe in god? No, you think. Then pause. But I sure as hell believe in the basketball gods.
Win probability after Turner’s game-winner is waived off: 46.6%
Win probability after Turner’s bank shot three: 80.6%
vs. Pacers
Sitting on his lounge room couch, scrolling on his phone, Jericho Sims’ heart skips a beat—the Bucks have just traded for centre Nick Richards. Sims discards his phone, heads straight to Fiserv. Gets to work. He stays there overnight, minutes turning into hours turning into tip-off against the Indiana Pacers. And he’s starting. His presence is felt early—five decisive caroms—but it’s a sequence in the second that tells the story. Sims finds his anti-gravity, comes out of nowhere to throw a Johnny Furphy attempt off the backboard that turns into a transition deep two for Bobby Portis. Back on the other end, Sims collects another rebound and turns point-forward, milks the hot hand so well Jason Kidd would be proud, and Portis pays it off for three. Timeout, Pacers. Four-point deficit to one-point lead. 26 seconds of utter dominance. By the half, he’s already got double-digit rebounds. By the end of the game, he’s arguably the most valuable player of the night. It’s not until he gets home and finds his phone that he sees Richards was traded before arrival for Ousmane Dieng. Good thing, he thinks. Wasn’t gonna take my spot anyway. And with that, Jericho Sims may have just saved his career.
Win probability prior to Sims’ block on Furphy: 33.9%
Win probability after Sims drops it off to Portis for three: 49.1%
New to Momentum Moments is a fan poll giving you the final say on what moment hit hardest. Cast your vote below and, as always, add your thoughts in the comments.
Kurt Helin