BASKETBALL NBA ARTICLES

The Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets matchup on February 25, 2026, is a high-stakes, nationally televised clash on ESPN. It's the finale of Boston's grueling post-All-Star break Western road trip (following stops like Golden State, Lakers, Suns), pitting two top contenders.This game carries playoff seeding implications in a tight conference race, with both teams showcasing elite talent and depth. Analysts highlight it as a tactical showdown: Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber carry job vs. Nikola Jokic'... 

Despite significant roster turnover and playing much of the season without star forward Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics remain a top contender, trailing only the Detroit Pistons in the standings. Jaylen Brown has emerged as a top MVP candidate this season, averaging 29.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 4.7 APG. He served as a starter for Team USA Stripes in the new 2026 All-Star round-robin format, leading them to two narrow wins before falling to Team Stars in the final. Under second-year head coach JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers have leaned into a high-powered offense featuring the superstar trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. However, injuries have limited the three to appearing in only 10 games together this season. An NBC prime-time matchup between two of the greatest legacy franchises in the NBA means a stampede of betting activity and viewership. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

The New York Knicks are clicking under coach Mike Brown: elite offense, solid defense, star power, and home-court advantage make them a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. Health will be key down the stretch in a tight conference race. Before the All-Star break, the Knicks rebounded from a mid-season slump to win 8 of their last 11 games, including a franchise-record 54-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The Houston Rockets are a gritty, defensive-minded squad with superstar talent (Kevin Durant) and a rising young core. They're overperforming projections in a tough Western Conference, eyeing a deep playoff run if they stay healthy. The Rockets boast elite defense, top-tier rebounding, and a solid offense. In turn, their slow pace emphasizes efficiency over volume. Houston offers strong rebounding margins and solid shooting. Betting traffic and viewership will be high for this ABC Saturday night showdown of contenders. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (officially the AT&T Slam Dunk) is part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, taking place on Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California (home of the LA Clippers). Specifically, it starts at 5 p.m. ET (as the third event of the night) and airs on NBC and Peacock. This year's contest features a fresh field of four first-time participants, meaning a new champion will be crowned. Consider that there will be no repeat of Mac McClung's three-peat from recent years (he opted not to defend his title). The event uses a two-round format: Each dunker attempts two slams in the first round, with judges scoring them. Finally, the two highest combined scores advance to the final round for one more dunk each, and the top score wins. The contest caps off a night of skills events (including the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars Challenge). As always, fans and gamblers can expect viral moments from these athletic newcomers! Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

The 2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest (officially the State Farm 3-Point Contest) is part of NBA All-Star Weekend, taking place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m. ET. It will air on NBC and Peacock as the first event of All-Star Saturday night. Specifically, the event is held at the Intuit Dome (home of the LA Clippers) i... 

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is the 75th edition of the event, taking place during All-Star Weekend in metro Los Angeles, California (Inglewood), the area’s record seventh time hosting. A new round-robin tournament style featuring three teams—two U.S.-based teams (often referred to as USA Stars and USA Stripes) and one international Team World. Each team has at least eight All-Stars. The three teams play in a mini-tournament with four 12-minute games, and the top two advance to a championship game. Accordingly, this replaces the traditional East vs. West single game. Specifically, this marks the first All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome and debuts the U.S. vs. World-inspired format to boost competitiveness and excitement. The rosters were recently revealed, splitting the 24 selected All-Stars across the three teams. Previously, starters and reserves were announced earlier in the process, with fan voting, player/coach selections, and commissioner picks determining the participants. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

In desperate need of good news in a lost season, the Milwaukee Bucks have just signed free agent Cam Thomas (former Nets guard). Specifically, the deal for the rest of the season. This move came after he was waived, and it's seen as an attempt to add scoring punch and offensive firepower to help the team push for a playoff spot. Thomas has already spoken positively about the opportunity and being embraced by the team. Additionally, the Bucks made a deadline-period deal, sending Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis. Concurrently, the Bucks are clearly in a transitional phase. They are trying to stabilize with new additions like Cam Thomas and recent trade pieces while awaiting Giannis' return. The next few games will be important for building momentum. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in elite form and appear poised for a deep playoff run, despite injury challenges. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

Wednesday night on ESPN, the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will clash in a potential playoff preview. It is a matchup of two of the best teams in the NBA. Therefore, there will be strong interest in the matchup.The Oklahoma City Thunder are the dominant force in the NBA. Concurrently, they are holding the league's best record. OKC leads the Western Conference and is the heavy favorite to repeat as NBA champions.Oklahoma City boasts the top-ranked defense in the NBA and the highest ... 

Two of the most improved teams in the NBA will clash on Wednesday night in the renewal of an intrastate rivalry showdown when the San Antonio Spurs host the Houston Rockets on ESPN. San Antonio is finally starting to take off with their young superstar, Victor Wembanyama, the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. Wembanyama arrived with a hero’s welcome and immediately became the face of the franchise. While improvement took longer than expected, the Spurs are emerging as a Western Conference power and are fighting the Denver Nuggets for second place. The Houston Rockets became a serious contender again when they acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns this past offseason. Durant is a 2-time NBA Finals MVP, and that championship pedigree was considered essential for a franchise renaissance. Interest and betting traffic will be unusually high for a matchup that is one of the best national TV offerings of the season. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

After starting the season with 24 wins in its first 25 games, the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder seemed to be enjoying its headlines and social media love a little too much. Although the Thunder proved to be mere mortals, they remain the best team in the NBA and the favorite to repeat as world champions. On Wednesday night, the Thunder are heavy favorites to take apart the Milwaukee Bucks and their overrated and politically bloviating head coach, Doc Rivers. Doc Rivers and the Bucks are a fascinating tale of branding over substance. The Bucks began the 2023-24 season under rookie head coach Adrian Griffin with a record of 30-13. Yet Griffin was fired for rather bizarre reasons, excused as a “bad fit.” Rivers finished that season 17-19. Last year, he went 48-34 before a 17-24 start this year. Rivers led the Boston Celtics to the 2008 NBA championship and led them to the Finals in 2010. Since then, he has developed a reputation for getting large contracts while flopping in the playoffs. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

At the onset of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a blistering and historic 24-1 start. The Thunder was winning at an unsustainable pace, and it had to slow down eventually.Still, Oklahoma City has the best record in the NBA and is the favorite to repeat as world champions.On Thursday night, the Thunder will take on one of the most improved teams in the Association.Last year, the Houston Rockets broke out as a serious Western Conference contender. Head coach Ime Udoka has establis... 

A potential Western Conference playoff preview will be the featured game on ESPN Wednesday night when the San Antonio Spurs host the Los Angeles Lakers.Victor Wembanyama has transformed the Spurs as expected. However, the San Antonio marquee man is a game-time decision due to a left knee issue. Wembanyama’s MRI was clean, but he did not travel for last Friday’s game at Indiana.The Lakers are showing good betting value, which is rare for them. Normally, Los Angeles is one of the worst values on t... 

The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder have shown that they will not be going away as a viable championship threat. Without question, the Thunder are the team to beat for the 2026 NBA championship.The Golden State Warriors used to be what they are now. The Warriors won four NBA titles from 2015 through 2022, with two additional NBA Finals appearances.These days, the Warriors are a marginal playoff contender with a superstar lacking the strong supporting cast that he used to have.Stephe... 

ABC is telecasting its traditional Christmas Day lineup of five games. Second on the list is the matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.This matchup could be a Western Conference Playoffs preview.Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are among the NBA's biggest stars.Last year, Shai led Oklahoma City to its first NBA title, earning NBA and NBA Finals MVP honors.Wemby was drafted first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and is the marquee man that the Spurs needed for ... 

Led by Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves remain one of the top contenders in the Western Conference.Previously, Edwards was named to the All-NBA second team in 2024 and 2025. He is Minnesota's key asset, averaging over 28 points per game.On Friday night, Edwards will face the man who is arguably the best player in the NBA.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named NBA MVP in 2025 and is a 3-time NBA First Team All-Star. Additionally, he was named 2025 NBA Finals MVP.The star power will be out f... 

Tuesday’s NBA Cup final is set, and it has a surprise matchup.The New York Knicks won the Eastern Conference side of the ledger by dominating the Orlando Magic. Certainly, there was no surprise about that result. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 40 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 29.However, in the West, the San Antonio Spurs pulled off a stunning upset over the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder. Victor Wembanyama returned from a 12-game absence to score 22 points and nine rebounds, handin... 

Saturday night marks a special doubleheader from the neutral court site of Las Vegas, NV. Specifically, the NBA Cup semifinals will take place in a December version of pro basketball’s Final Four. The New York Knicks will face the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference. New York routed the Toronto Raptors to gain the semifinal bid. At the same time, the Magic handled the Miami Heat to punch its ticket. Next, from the Western Conference, the matchup is the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs upset the Los Angeles Lakers to earn a semifinal berth. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder is the defending NBA champion and a powerhouse. OKC could be the greatest NBA team ever. Naturally, betting interest will be high for this Sin City doubleheader of quality teams and big brands. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

One of the surprise teams this season has been the Miami Heat. Miami will take on the Orlando Magic Tuesday night to open the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Also on Tuesday, the surprising Toronto Raptors will host the New York Knicks. On Wednesday, the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder will be heavily favored at home against the outmanned Phoenix Suns. And then the Los Angeles Lakers will host the San Antonio Spurs. The star power will be out in Los Angeles. Namely Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic man the NBA marquee like few others. The NBA Cup quarterfinals offer gamblers outstanding matchups and brands. As a result, gambling action will be heavy and continuous. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

Without the services of Jayson Tatum, the 2025-26 season is lost for the Boston Celtics.Last year, Boston was touted as an emerging dynasty at this time, having just won the NBA championship. However, a stunning failure in the 2025 NBA Playoffs foreshadowed its current NBA betting results.On Friday night, Boston will host a legitimate championship contender.The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a serious threat in the Western Conference.Namely, Luka Doncic has transformed the Lakers franchise, ... 

On Wednesday night, two of the top Western Conference playoff contenders will clash in an ESPN showcase.The Houston Rockets have been one of the top teams in the West. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun have transformed the Rockets into a serious threat for the championship.Meanwhile, the Warriors are in the race, but not as impressive as the Rockets. Of course, Stephen Curry powers the Warriors with help from Jimmy Butler.Golden State is showing inconsistent betting value. At the same time, the Ro... 

At the start of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder was the favorite to repeat as NBA champions. So far, the Thunder has the look of a potential dynasty with an emphatic start to the season. Despite the win, gamblers are worried about their loss of betting value. Too many squares have joined the party, raising the prices on Oklahoma City. On Wednesday night, the Thunder hosts the most public team of all-the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles has made bank in the early going of the campaign and leads the Pacific Division. The Lakers and Thunder will draw massive betting traffic as the ESPN Wednesday night game. Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don’t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker! ... 

Last year, Luka Doncic saved the Los Angeles Lakers after arriving in a midseason trade from Dallas.The Lakers were going nowhere fast, but Doncic sparked them to the NBA betting postseason.Certainly, the baton is being passed from LeBron James to Doncic as the franchise's marquee man. So far, the Lakers look like a playoff team.The San Antonio Spurs have a matinee idol of their own in Victor Wembanyama, who is transforming the franchise into a serious contender again.Concurrently, Wemby was the... 

Last year, the Boston Celtics were heavy favorites in the futures market to repeat as NBA champions. Instead, the Celtics were stunned in a six-game loss to the New York Knicks in the second round.In turn, the loss was a body blow to gamblers and fans who thought the Celtics were invincible. Now, Boston is trying to regain its credibility and trust with gamblers.On Wednesday night, the Celtics have a tough home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the top teams in the NBA.In fact, Clevel... 

Last year, the New York Knicks made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. As a result of that accomplishment, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. If ever there was a case of the Knicks being the Knicks, dumping such a successful coach epitomizes the James Dolan regime.Now Mike Brown is leading the Knicks in a kinder, gentler sort of way. On Wednesday, the Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were one of the top teams for NBA betting profits. Once again, Clevela... 

Since taking over as head coach of the Houston Rockets two seasons ago, Ime Udoka has made an immediate impact. Udoka took over a team that went 22-60 the season before he arrived and led it to a mark of 41-31. Last season, Houston improved to 52-30 and in the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season. Now, the Rockets are catching the attention of the gambling community. Houston is getting more future market action than it has in five years. However, the team favored most is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City hosts Houston in the NBA season opener on October 21, marking the return of NBC as the league's lead television partner. Considering the matchup, national network telecast, and it being opening night, gambling action will be hot and heavy! Explore the latest NBA betting lines, odds, and predictions for this week. ...