This time, he made a little bit of history in the process.
The No. 17 Red Storm’s 87-82 overtime victory against the Musketeers at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday, Feb. 9 was the 904th of the elder Pitino’s lengthy head-coaching career, breaking a tie with Roy Williams for the third-most all-time wins in Division I.
The 73-year-old Pitino now trails only Mike Krzyzewski (1,202 wins) and Jim Boeheim (1,116).
It’s the second time Pitino has earned a landmark victory at the expense of his son. St. John’s’ 88-83 win at Xavier on Jan. 24 was the 900th of his career.
"I think my son's brilliant,” Pitino said after the win Monday. “I'm proud of him. I hate getting any milestone against him – but I go away tonight saying my son's a hell of a coach. ... To say my son's a great coach is much more pleasing to me than any number of victories."
Richard Pitino, who previously coached under his father at Louisville, is in his first season at Xavier, which fell to 12-12 after Monday's loss.
Many of Rick Pitino’s wins came at a pair of college basketball powerhouses (and archrivals), Kentucky and Louisville. He went 219-50 in seven seasons with the Wildcats and 416-143 in 16 seasons with the Cardinals, with an ill-fated stint as the Boston Celtics’ head coach and president wedged in between. He won a national championship at both Kentucky and Louisville, making him the only men’s college basketball head coach to win titles at multiple schools.
Pitino was fired by Louisville in 2017 after the Cardinals were implicated in the FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball. After a brief exile from the sport, he returned as Iona’s head coach in 2020 and is currently in his third season at St. John’s, where he has gone 70-23. Last season, the Red Storm won the Big East regular season and tournament championships, earning them a No. 2 seed to the NCAA Tournament.
Pitino has also coached at Hawaii (as an interim head coach), Boston University and Providence, the last of which he led to a Final Four in 1987.
After a difficult start to the season, Pitino’s St. John’s team has won 10 consecutive games, improving its record to 19-5 and putting it atop the Big East standings.
It’s a light night in the NBA, with just four games on the board, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of value to be found in the player props market.
I’ve found my three favorite plays for the day, which include a Pacers player lighting up the scoreboard at Madison Square Garden, and De’Aaron Fox keeps dishing out the dimes against the Lakers in La La Land.
Find those and more NBA picks for Tuesday, February 10, below.
Last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, where the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 4-2, feels like a different timeline.
Injuries and trades have made the Pacers roster mostly unrecognizable, while the Knicks look ready to return to the dance after winning nine of their last 10.
But the Knicks still have some flaws, including a perimeter defense that ranks 21st in opponent 3-point makes and 23rd in opponent 3-point attempts per game.
Aaron Nesmith has been hot shooting the 3-ball, shooting 51.4% from deep and draining three or more treys in five of his last seven.
Fox has averaged 7.7 assists per game over his last seven games, and he’s recorded at least seven in six of those. Now, he gets a great matchup against the Lakers.
L.A. is playing the second half of a back-to-back, and defense hasn’t been the Lakers' calling card. L.A. ranks 22nd in defensive rating and 25th in opponent assists per possession.
Fox shouldn’t have a problem topping 5.5 assists in this one.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
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After being traded to the Phoenix Suns for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, Suns fans couldn’t help but take a trip down memory lane when they first heard the name “Amir Coffey”.
Because what Suns fans most remember Amir Coffey for is something that he was not even involved in.
It was Coffey’s face in Denver on the big screen in March of 2022, in place of Devin Booker’s, for the Suns’ starting lineups. We all remember what Booker did that game after being “disrespected.”
Before playing for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, Coffey played for the Los Angeles Clippers for the first six years of his career. Which means he has seen multiple iterations of the Suns while playing for the Clippers. He has been bounced out of the playoffs by the Suns twice and has matched up against Booker many times in his career. He has played against the Suns 18 times total.
“I mean, everybody knows Dev, he’s a great player,” Coffey said during his media availability. “You know, things run through him, and he’s on all scouts and everything. So those battles were definitely good.”
Coffey has averaged 6.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game on 45.5% shooting from the field, and a respectable 38.1% from three in his NBA career. Coffey is a 6-foot-7 3-and-D wing that has stayed in the league because of his ability to defend and shoot from long range. Coffey is not the big, power forward type player the Suns wanted at the deadline, but he is a perfect fit for what the Suns want to do. He plays hard, defends well, and can knock down open shots.
“Yeah, I think it’s gonna be good. Just what I can do and add to the team. I’m somebody that can play on both sides of the ball,” Coffey said. “You know, on defense guard, multiple positions, switch out, and you know, offensive spacer, just do what I do and emulate myself into the offense.”
Coffey has basketball in his blood. His two older sisters played college basketball at Marist and Northwestern, and his sister Nia plays in the WNBA. His father played at the University of Minnesota and played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. Coffey followed in his father’s footsteps and was a three-year starter in college for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In his junior year, he averaged 16.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists and was named Third Team All-Big Ten. Then he left for the NBA and went undrafted, just like a handful of his current Suns teammates.
Coffey signed with the Clippers out of college but played sparingly in his first two seasons in the league. Then, in his third season, he had a breakout year. He appeared in 69 games, started 30 games, and averaged 9.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
Since that season, Coffey’s minutes bounced around depending on the health of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and other wings ahead of him in the Clippers rotation. In the 2024-25 season, he scored a career high of 9.7 points and shot over 40% from three with the Clippers. Coffey then decided to go to the Bucks this offseason and was in and out of the rotation for Milwaukee this season.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 07: Amir Coffey #2 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers 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
Coffey was not sure if he was getting traded at the deadline, but now that he has experienced that for the first time in his career, he is ready to be a Phoenix Sun.
“You know, it’s always weird around the deadline. Trying to wait to see what’s going to happen,” Coffey said. “But, you know, I’m definitely blessed to be in this position. I’m grateful for the opportunity. ready to get going.”
With Grayson Allen and Isaiah Livers both injured, the Suns need depth and versatility at the wing position, a role that Coffey can fill right now.
“I’ll be able to switch one through four, one through three, whatever they need, guard different positions, and kind of just work myself into how they play,” Coffey said. “Like run and gun and everybody’s covering for each other. A little bit of tenacity in there. So, just getting terminology down and what we’re looking for, I think it is going to be good.”
Whether Coffey blossoms into a 10-t0-20 minute a game role player for the Suns, or only plays in garbage time, Coffey is a valuable addition to the Suns for the home stretch of the season. He brings more versatility and length to a Suns roster that has had to battle through the injury bug this season. While he is on a one-year contract that expires at the end of the season, the Suns can resign him this offseason and should resign him if they move off of any of the other wings in front of him, like Royce O’Neale, Grayson Allen, or Jordan Goodwin.
With the addition of Amir Coffey, the Suns got even better on defense and became an even deeper team.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 6: Nae'qwan Tomlin #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers jogs up the court during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 6, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed two-way forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a standard contract worth $3 million over two years, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Tomlin has played 43 games with the Cavaliers this season. The Cavs have currently filled all of their standard roster spots and now have one two-way slot remaining.
The Cavs first signed Tomlin to an Exhibit-10 deal in September of 2024. After a strong season with the Charge, where Tomlin averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 rebounds, he was signed to a 10-day contract in February of 2025, then later converted to a two-way deal after that.
Tomlin, a 6’8” forward who didn’t start playing organized basketball until college, is the quintessential example of how the G-League should work. Cleveland found a hidden gem, polished him with the Charge, then allowed him to prove himself.
The Cavaliers quickly learned how beneficial Tomlin could be when they turned to him for minutes earlier in the season. Tomlin made an immediate impact by being a high-motor athlete whose energy and activity made him a contributor. Especially at a time when the team was lacking effort more than anything.
Tomlin has averaged 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game this season. He’s delivered on highlight plays such as stripping Luka Doncic and throwing down a windmill dunk in Cleveland’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers. But he’s also played a smaller role in numerous wins for the Cavs, playing his role and doing the dirty work.
There is still room for improvement. Tomlin, at this point, is shooting just 22% from downtown. Opponents have begun ignoring him entirely on the perimeter. While he can cut to the basket and make up for some of this, it will eventually become a deal breaker if Tomlin can’t consistently knock down corner three-pointers.
Nevertheless, this is the dream for all two-way players. Make the most of your opportunities, prove you belong in the rotation, and then earn the big deal. The job is never finished, but this is a moment worth celebrating. Congrats, Tomlin. You earned it.
It's one thing to hear fans say it — Lakers fans know this is not a championship team. They've known for a while that this was a good but flawed roster, one not built to maximize the strengths of Luka Doncic, one not deep enough to absorb the loss of Austin Reaves for an extended time (for example), one that is not a genuine threat to the teams at the top of the West. Trust me as someone who lives in Southern California (and whose friends are largely Lakers fans), they get it.
It's another to hear LeBron James say the quiet part out loud.
Which he did on Monday night after a game where both teams were missing their MVP candidate — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Luka Doncic (hamstring) — and the depth of the Thunder roster got them the 119-110 win, with seven players scoring in double figures, three off the bench.
LeBron: "We can't sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That's why they won a championship." pic.twitter.com/CBMK3s3P8Q
"You want me to compare us to them? That's a championship team right there. We're not. We can't sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes, and they can. That's why they won a championship."
The issue with the Lakers is clear: They have the 22nd-ranked defense in the NBA. It's not just one thing, the Lakers are 24th in the league in halfcourt defense and 21st in transition defense (stats via Cleaning the Glass). They lack perimeter defenders (especially who can shoot), and Deandre Ayton is not the future at the five. While the Lakers' offense is solid (11th in the league), they lack shooting, they are 23rd in the league in the percentage of points generated on 3-pointers. LeBron isn't saying anything everyone didn't know, but when LeBron is saying it, the statement carries some weight.
Two other things remain true as well.
First, this team is still a tough out in the first round of the playoffs if healthy — Doncic, LeBron and Reaves are going to score points and thrive in the slower, halfcourt game of the playoffs. Doncic will hit big shots. They can win games, and if things break right (with matchups and health), they can win a round.
Second, changes are coming this summer. To the roster, and to the front office. And that likely includes the end of the LeBron James era with the Lakers.
Feb 9, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) reacts in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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We’re two games into the James Harden Cleveland Cavaliers era, and things couldn’t be going much better. The initial chemistry he’s shown with Donovan Mitchell is encouraging, and his ability to get Jarrett Allen involved in the offense has unlocked a dimension that wasn’t otherwise there.
That said, the cost of Darius Garland was steep — provided he can return to his All-Star form in the future. Reactions to the trade weren’t necessarily positive from Cavs fans at the time of the deal, and understandably so.
Now that a week has passed since the initial rumor and we’ve seen what it looks like on the court, have your opinions changed? How would you grade the trade?
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LeBron James spoke in hushed tones as he repeatedly rubbed his watering eye. Austin Reaves was fully slumped in his chair.
For 48 minutes, they had been swarmed. They were completely depleted.
“That’s a championship team right there,” said James after the Lakers’ 119-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. “We’re not.”
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
The Thunder, who have an average age of 25.6 years and the best defense in the league, took it out of James in a way nobody else has this season, including back-to-back efforts.
“We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes,” said James, who had 22 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. “And they can. That’s why they won the championship.”
So how big is the gap between the team that has the fifth-best record in the West (the Lakers) and the team with the best record in the league (the Thunder)?
Huge.
Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles while being guarded by Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena on February 9, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) Getty Images
Monday was a wake up call for the Lakers, who are trying to claw their way up the Western Conference standings. The Lakers are good. But when it comes to teams like Oklahoma City or San Antonio, their age shows.
The juxtaposition between the Lakers’ and Thunder’s locker rooms was stunning. While the Lakers looked as though they had just survived something, the Thunder could’ve passed for not having played a game.
They were laughing. Joking. One reporter went from player to player, teaching them another language as they practiced the words
Meanwhile, James was so out of it that he felt the need to explain himself.
“I’m tired,” James said after he finished talking to reporters. “No, I’m not sick. I’m just tired as f—. Sorry if I sound irritated but I’m 41. My [patience for] irritation is being very, very low as the days go on.”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) argues with referee Josh Tiven (58) during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
What’s interesting is the aftermath of the game revealed more than the game itself, which was a rock fight with 22 lead changes and 10 ties. With just one minute left, the Lakers only trailed the Thunder by three points (113-110) before Jalen Williams went on a 6-0 run.
But if these teams met in the playoffs, there’s just no way the Lakers could hang in a seven-game series. The Thunder could’ve easily played another 48 minutes, while the Lakers seemingly could barely lift themselves out of their chairs.
The Thunder are the gold standard in the NBA.
They’re the defending champs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and Finals MVP. (He didn’t play Monday because of an abdominal strain, and neither did Luka Doncic, who was sidelined with a strained calf).
But still, the Thunder left the Lakers shell-shocked. Oklahoma City doesn’t just have the best defense in the league, they have one of the best defenses in modern NBA history.
Lu Dort is elite one-on-one. Cason Wallace is nearly impossible to get past. Alex Caruso is an energizer bunny with the IQ of an elephant. Williams is a menace.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
It left the Lakers dizzied.
There’s so much contact. So much physicality. James was able to force his way through it. But it left him completely worn out. Same with Reaves.
If this was a measuring stick game for the Lakers, the results were clear: They simply can’t hang with the creme de la creme of the league. And that statement would’ve been true even if the Lakers had won Monday.
There was no need to look at a box score to come to that conclusion.
A simple peek in the locker room was far more revealing.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 8: Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards high fives teammates during the game against the Miami Heat on February 8, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA season is a bit over halfway done. And starting Thursday, the league will have their annual All-Star Break! There are no Washington Wizards players playing at the big event on Sunday. But on Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock, the Rising Stars Challenge will be on. Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson will be there. Watching them on Friday will be the highlight of All-Start Weekend for me.
How about you guys? What is the biggest thing you are looking forward to on All-Star Weekend? Let us know below.
Apr 2, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) looks to pass as Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) defends during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
During an appearance on The Sports Junkies on Tuesday, Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins shut down reports that Anthony Davis won’t play this season.
“I would say highly likely,” Dawkins said when asked about Davis and Trae Young playing this season. “That’s the goal. We want to see our guys together so we can build camaraderie and build some continuity towards the end of the season.”
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said he believes it's "highly likely" that Trae Young and Anthony Davis play this season.
"That's the goal. We want to see our guys together so we can build camaraderie and build some continuity towards the end of the season."
Davis suffered ligament damage in his left hand on Jan. 8. It was reported on Jan. 13 that Davis would forego surgery and be re-evaluated in six weeks.
Following Wednesday’s trade for Davis, Chris Haynes reported that the 32-year-old forward would miss the remainder of the season as he rehabs his hand injury. But Dawkins’ recent comments, both on Sunday before the Wizards’ game and on radio Tuesday, contradict that report.
Dawkins said in January that the plan is to re-evaluate Young, who hasn’t played with the Wizards while he rehabs an MCL sprain and a quad contusion, after the All-Star break. He said Davis, who was listed with a finger sprain, will continue rehabbing his hand injury in Dallas and will have an important doctor’s appointment during the All-Star break.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 7: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs plays defense as Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game on January 7, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s that time of year: the time that in the past saw the Spurs getting past the January doldrums by going on the road to put everything together on their way to a championship run. However, in recent years, it has been a killer because the Spurs just weren’t that good away from the Frost Bank Center. Yes, we’re talking about the annual Rodeo Road Trip, and for this, the 24th iteration, things looker brighter than they have in at least 7 years.
It all begins with a Lakers team that has remained above the fray and in the playoff picture but has not quite lived up to expectations for a season that began with an in-shape Luka Doncic set to lead the team along with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Between some bad habits returning for Doncic, Father Time (and dissatisfaction) catching up with LeBron, and Reaves dealing with injuries, it has been an up-and-down season for the Lakers. They tried to address some weaknesses by adding Luke Kennard at the trade deadline, but they still dropped one to a shorthanded Thunder team last night to fall four games behind the second place Spurs.
For the Spurs, who have won four straight while finding an offensive rhythm that eluded them for much of January, this will be their third visit to the Staples Center this season thanks to the quirks of the NBA Cup Tournament, which sent them to LA for an extra game in the quarterfinals. While the Spurs split those two outings, losing the first match-up on the final shot way back in the second week of the season, they owned the next two, including the Cup quarterfinals and in San Antonio last month.
While Doncic has always been a thorn in the Spurs side — even Victor Wembanyama admitted he was hard to beat earlier in the season — the Spurs’ solution in previous games was to let him do his thing with his difficult shot selection while limiting everyone else’s offensive impact. Doncic is just as good of a creator as he is scorer, so if you can take away one aspect of his offense, you have him beat.
With all that being said, Doncic may be out tonight after missing last night’s game with a sore hamstring, and who knows with LeBron on back-to-backs. If that is the case, the Spurs will have to make a mental adjustment that they have sometimes struggled with but overcame twice last week, and that’s not getting complacent and playing down to injured or inferior opponents. If the Spurs stay focused and play their best version of ball, they may be able to make quick work of this game and save some legs for the next night against a similary shorthanded Warriors team.
San Antonio Spurs (36-16) at Los Angeles Lakers (32-20)
The Associated Press national player of the week in men’s college basketball for Week 14 of the season:
Zuby Ejiofor, No. 17 St. John's
The 6-foot-9, 245-pound senior came up huge in a marquee matchup with then-No. 3 UConn and flirted with a triple-double. Ejiofor finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals in Friday's 81-72 victory over UConn at New York's Madison Square Garden, ending the Huskies' 18-game winning streak. Earlier in the week, he had 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one block in a win at DePaul. Those performances helped St. John's enter this week with a nine-game winning streak.
Runner-up
Quadir Copeland, N.C. State. The 6-6 senior began last week with seven points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists with zero turnovers in 33 minutes of a road win at SMU. That marked the first time an Atlantic Coast Conference player had 16 assists with zero turnovers since 1997 and the first in Division I since 2019. He followed with a season-high 21 points, 10 assists and five steals in a weekend home win against Virginia Tech. Copeland entered the week ranked eighth in Division I in assists (7.0).
Dylan Andrews, Boise State. The 6-3 senior erupted with two big outputs in high-scoring wins to be named Mountain West Conference player of the week. Andrews had 25 points and six assists in a 91-87 overtime win against Nevada. He followed with 33 points and four assists in Saturday's win at New Mexico. Andrews made 16 of 26 shots (.615), 7 of 15 3-pointers (.467) and 19 of 20 free throws (.950) for the two games while committing just three turnovers in 70 minutes of game action. Andrews is averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
The Sixers have signed 23-year-old wing Dalen Terry to a two-way contract, the team announced Tuesday.
Terry was the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft and spent his first three and a half professional seasons with the Bulls. He got dealt twice at this trade deadline — first to the Knicks, then to the Pelicans — before being waived by New Orleans.
Terry was known for his ability to do a little bit of everything entering the draft. Over 204 games with the Bulls, the 6-foot-6 Arizona product averaged 3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.6 steals in 11.1 minutes per contest. Terry tied his career scoring high last February against the Sixers when he posted 17 points on 6-for-8 shooting in the Bulls’ blowout win.
“It’s sort of annoying just how it all works, that Jabari can’t play for some games here,” Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said last week. “ … He’s been a tremendous next-man-up type of contributor. We hope to have his services going forward, but we do have to weigh optimal use of our scarce two roster spots and against the other opportunities as well. So that’ll be written over time, whether or not we do that conversion there.”
Indiana plans to build a permanent bronze statue of former men’s basketball coach and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Knight inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, the Hoosiers’ home arena.
"Coach Knight's influence on the game of basketball is immeasurable, but his impact on this university and Hoosier basketball fans is even deeper," said Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson said in a statement. "On a personal level, having started my career here as a student manager under Coach Knight, I saw firsthand the unparalleled standard of excellence he demanded. He taught me, and countless others, that success is the result of meticulous preparation and unwavering discipline. This statue will be a well-deserved tribute to a man who didn't just win games; he changed how the sport is played."
Knight’s statue would be displayed in the south lobby of the arena, alongside the statue honoring the 1976 team that he led to an undefeated season. Fifty years later, it’s the last time a Division I men’s basketball champion has finished a season unbeaten.
Details about the project and its timeline, which is being funded by an anonymous longtime Indiana donor, will be released “in the coming months,” the school said.
Knight is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential coaches in the history of basketball at any level. He led the Hoosiers to three national championships — in 1976, 1981 and 1987 — and won 904 games over his 42-year head-coaching career at Indiana, Army and Texas Tech. He went 662–239 in 29 seasons with the Hoosiers. During that tenure, he popularized the motion offense and routinely had some of the country’s toughest, most tenacious defensive units.
Beyond his work at Indiana, which also included 11 Big Ten championships and five Final Four appearances, he was the head coach of gold-medal-winning USA Basketball teams at the 1979 Pan American Games and the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Knight’s legendary run at Indiana came to an abrupt end in September 2000, when the university fired him two months before the start of the upcoming season. His dismissal came after he violated a zero-tolerance behavioral policy that had been placed on him by school president Myles Brand earlier that year when a tape was released of Knight putting his hand around the neck of former Hoosiers guard Neil Reed during a 1997 practice.
In February 2020, nearly 20 full years after his firing, Knight returned to an Indiana game for the first time. He received a standing ovation while being honored at halftime of the Hoosiers’ game against Purdue.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 18: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 18, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks (34*-19) host the Indiana Pacers (13-40) tonight at Madison Square Garden, pitting a team from the top of the conference against one from the drain. Over their last ten contests, New York has won nine and the Hoosiers have lost seven. One fanbase is salivating about a deep postseason run; the other is checking ticket prices for Fever games.
The clubs last clashed on December 18, 2025, when New York edged Indiana 114-113 in Indianapolis. A go-ahead three-pointer by Captain Clutch with 4.4 seconds remaining saved the day for our heroes. Brunson finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Andrew Nembhard led Indiana with 31 points and Pascal Siakam added 26.
Injuries and inconsistency have undermined Indiana’s season. They’ve struggled on both ends of the floor, averaging 110.6 points per game (28th) while allowing 118.5 (24th). Their 109.4 offensive rating ranks last in the NBA, and their defense is only slightly better with a 117.2 rating (21st). Across the Basketball-Reference stat box, they rate in the top 15 for only two categories, two-pointers attempted (12th) and turnovers (11th).
In the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam (23.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 3.9 APG) remains Indiana’s primary offensive engine. Guard Andrew Nembhard (17.3 PPG, 7.4 APG, 36% 3P%) continues to handle much of the playmaking responsibility, and young contributors like Jarace Walker (10.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG) and Ben Sheppard (6.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG) have assumed larger roles with the roster depleted. They last played on Sunday, in a 122-104 loss to Toronto. The starters for that game were Nembhard, Sheppard, Walker, Siakam, and Jay Huff.
Both teams enter the game dealing with multiple injuries. The Pacers list Ivica Zubac, Aaron Nesmith, Micah Potter, and T.J. McConnell as game-time decisions with ankle, hand, hip, and hamstring issues, respectively. For the Knicks, OG Anunoby (toe) is a game-time decision, while Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is out.
Prediction
ESPN projects an 82% win probability for New York. That checks out. Given the roster and record disparities, this should be a Me: Godzilla, You: Tokyo sorta game for the home team. Total demolition, ya dig? Sure, the last game between the two teams was a one-point squeaker, but KAT, Josh, and Deuce were out, the Knicks hadn’t yet added Jose Alvarado, and Mohamed Diawara was still gestating in his cocoon.
Tonight, the Knicks should rest OG Anunoby and give more reps to the rising rookie Diawara against an (allegedly) NBA team. When the teams played in December, New York allowed Indy to score 36 in the opening quarter and 30 in the third. Look for the Knicks to right their defensive sins of the past. The Hoosiers don’t even have Bennedict Mathurin anymore, since he was jettisoned to the Clippers at the trade deadline. If anything, this should be a short night for the starters and a nice showcase for Knicks’ bench mob. Knicks by 10.
Game Details
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC TV: MSG Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.
The surging San Antonio Spurs (36-16) look to extend their four-game winning streak as they visit the Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) tonight at crypto.com Arena, aiming to take the season series against their Western Conference rivals.
Following a 40-point triple-double from reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and consistent dominance from MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs enter as favorites on the first night of a back-to-back for them whereas it’s the second half of a back-to-back for the Lakers. Los Angeles lost last night to Oklahoma City, 119-110.
With Luka Doncic (hamstring) a question mark for this one, LeBron James and co. will have their hands full against an athletic and confident Spurs' team that has beaten them the last two times they have played.
Having not played since Saturday, the Spurs are the far fresher team taking the court tonight. As mentioned earlier, this is the second game of a back-to-back set for the Lakers. They are a respectable 4-4 in Game 2 of back-to-back games.
Despite the loss last night, the Lakers still sit atop the Pacific Division by 1.5 games over the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs lead the Southwest by 3.5 games over the Rockets.
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: Spurs at Lakers
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Game Odds: Spurs at Lakers
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: San Antonio Spurs (-345), Los Angeles Lakers (+275)
Spread: Spurs -8.5
Total: 227.5 points
This game opened Spurs -7.5 with the Total set at 227.5.
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: Spurs at Lakers
San Antonio Spurs
PG De’Aaron Fox
SG Stephon Castle
SF Devin Vassell
PF Julian Champagnie
C Victor Wembanyama
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF Marcus Smart
PF LeBron James
C Deandre Ayton
Injury Report: Spurs at Lakers
San Antonio Spurs
Lindy Waters (knee) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Adou Thiero (knee) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Spurs at Lakers
The Spurs are 16-10 on the road this season
The Lakers are 14-9 at home this season
The Spurs are 28-23-2 ATS this season
The Lakers are 29-22 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 29 of the Lakers’ 52 games this season (29-23)
The OVER has cashed in just 21 of the Spurs’ 53 games this season (21-32)
LeBron James has scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games
Austin Reaves has pulled down 15 rebounds in his last two games
Stephon Castle has averaged 6.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists in each of his last three games
Dylan Harper has at least 5 assists in 2 of his last 3 games
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 Spurs and Lakers’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Spurs -8.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 228.5
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Aaron Nesmith
Mark Williams
De'Aaron Fox
