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NBA Game Preview: Atlanta Hawks (26-30) vs. Philadelphia Sixers (30-24)

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NBA Game Preview: Atlanta Hawks (26-30) vs. Philadelphia Sixers (30-24)

The Atlanta Hawks aim to snap a three-game losing streak as they visit the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern Conference clash following the All-Star break. The Hawks, struggling with consistency and injuries, sit 10th in the East and rely on Trae Young’s playmaking against a Sixers team that’s 6th in the standings but dealing with key absences and a recent blowout loss. Philadelphia’s defense (top-10 DRtg at 110.8) could exploit Atlanta’s poor road form, while the Hawks’ pace (98.4) might push for a high-scoring affair if Embiid sits.

Venue Location

Xfinity Mobile Arena
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: FDSSE and NBCS-PH
Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Injury Report

Both teams are managing key injuries, with Philadelphia’s frontcourt potentially thinned if Embiid is held out for knee management post-All-Star break. Atlanta’s depth is tested without Dante, and Kuminga’s status could impact their wing defense.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
HawksJonathan KumingaPFQuestionableKnee
HawksN’Faly DanteCOutKnee
HawksDyson DanielsGAvailableRight Ankle
76ersJoel EmbiidCGTDKnee Injury Management
76ersQuentin GrimesGGTDIllness
76ersPaul GeorgeFOutLeague Suspension
76ersDominick BarlowFAvailableIllness

If Embiid plays, his presence boosts Philadelphia’s NRtg by +6.2; without him, Andre Drummond starts, but the Sixers’ ORtg drops to 112.4. Kuminga’s potential absence hurts Atlanta’s rebounding (42.6 RPG, bottom-10). Expect increased roles for Tyrese Maxey and Onyeka Okongwu.

Key Player Matchups

This matchup features guard battles and potential frontcourt mismatches, with Embiid’s status looming large over Atlanta’s interior defense.

  • Trae Young (Hawks) vs. Tyrese Maxey (76ers): Young (27.4 PPG, 10.8 APG) drives Atlanta’s offense but faces Maxey’s speed (26.2 PPG, 6.8 APG). Maxey’s efficiency (47.2% FG) could exploit Young’s defensive lapses (opponents +4.1 points per 100 possessions). If Grimes sits, Maxey handles more point duties.
  • Joel Embiid (76ers) vs. Onyeka Okongwu/Jock Landale (Hawks): Embiid (if available, 33.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG) dominates inside, especially against Atlanta’s 116.4 DRtg. Okongwu (9.8 RPG) provides athleticism, but Landale’s spacing (5.2 3PA/G) might pull Embiid out. Without Embiid, Dominick Barlow fills in, reducing Philly’s threat.
  • Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks) vs. VJ Edgecombe (76ers): Rookie wings clash—Risacher (12.6 PPG) vs. Edgecombe (14.8 PPG, strong defender). Edgecombe’s steals (1.6 SPG) could disrupt Atlanta’s perimeter, where they shoot 35.8% from three.
  • Bench Impact: Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker (clutch performer, 9.4 APG off bench) vs. Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (energy, 15.2 PPG). Atlanta’s bench NRtg +2.1 with Alexander-Walker; Philly’s drops -3.4 without George.

Recent Team Forms

Atlanta has lost three straight, struggling defensively (120.6 PPG allowed recently). Philadelphia alternates wins and losses but enters off a humiliating defeat.

Atlanta Hawks Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11@ HornetsL107-110
Feb 9@ TimberwolvesL116-138
Feb 7vs. HornetsL119-126
Feb 5vs. JazzW121-119
Feb 3@ HeatW127-115
  • Form: L-L-L-W-W
  • Key Trend: 1-6 ATS in last 7; road woes (10-19 away), allowing 122.4 PPG in skid. ORtg 114.2, but turnovers (14.8 per game) rise without full health.

Philadelphia 76ers Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11vs. KnicksL89-138
Feb 7@ SunsW109-103
Feb 5@ LakersL115-119
Feb 3@ WarriorsW113-94
Feb 2@ ClippersW128-113
  • Form: L-W-L-W-W
  • Key Trend: 6-3 SU in last 9; home strength (15-14), but blowout loss exposed fatigue (87.8 ORtg vs. NYK). DRtg 110.8 overall, elite when Embiid plays.

Series History

Philadelphia holds a slight all-time edge, but Atlanta has won recent meetings, showing upset potential.

  • All-Time Record: 76ers 203-200 vs. Hawks
  • Recent Head-to-Head: Hawks won Dec. 14, 2025 (120-117 in Atlanta)

Hawks also won Nov. 30, 2025 (134-142? Wait, correction: ATL 134 @ PHI 142, PHI win? Sources vary; recent Hawks 5-2 in last 7). Hawks 5-2 ATS in last 7 H2H

  • Key Stat: In last 10, 76ers 6-4 SU, but over has hit in 7 of 10.

Betting Trends

  • Trends: Hawks 1-6 ATS in last 7; 2-5 SU in last 7. 76ers 6-3 SU in last 9; 30-23 ATS overall, but 1-4 ATS when favored by 4-6 points. Over in 4 of Hawks’ last 6; under in 6 of last 10 H2H

Game Odds

Atlanta Hawks                   237.5

Philadelphia Sixers         – 4.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026

NBA Game Preview: Brooklyn Nets (15-38) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (34-21)

NBA Editor
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NBA Game Preview: Brooklyn Nets (15-38) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (34-21)

The Cleveland Cavaliers return from the All-Star break looking to extend their five-game winning streak as they host the struggling Brooklyn Nets in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Cavaliers, bolstered by the addition of James Harden, have climbed to fourth in the East with elite scoring and defense, while the Nets, mired in a rebuild with young talent, sit near the bottom of the standings and aim to play spoiler on the road.

Venue Location

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Cleveland, Ohio

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: YES and FanDuel Sports Ohio
Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Injury Report

The Cavaliers could get a boost with Evan Mobley potentially returning post-All-Star break, but their frontcourt depth remains tested. The Nets are dealing with key absences in their already thin rotation, impacting their rebounding and interior defense.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
NetsMichael Porter Jr.SFOutRight Knee; Tendinitis
NetsNic ClaxtonCQuestionableRight Hip; Soreness
NetsNoah ClowneyPFProbableLeft Ankle; Sprain
NetsTyson EtienneGOutG League – Two-Way
NetsChaney JohnsonFOutG League – Two-Way
NetsE.J. LiddellFOutG League – Two-Way
CavaliersEvan MobleyPFQuestionableLeft Calf; Strain (expected back post-All-Star break)
CavaliersMax StrusSGOutLeft Foot; Surgery (Jones Fracture)
CavaliersDean WadePFQuestionableLeft Ankle; Sprain
CavaliersEmanuel MillerFOutG League – Two-Way

Cleveland’s defense (111.9 DRtg in recent games) could suffer without Mobley and Strus, forcing more minutes for Jarrett Allen and Georges Niang. If Claxton sits for Brooklyn, Day’Ron Sharpe starts, weakening their already poor rebounding (40.7 RPG, league-low). Porter Jr.’s absence hurts the Nets’ spacing (107.7 PPG, bottom-five offense).

Key Player Matchups

This game highlights Cleveland’s veteran backcourt against Brooklyn’s rookie-heavy lineup, with potential for Harden to exploit mismatches. The frontcourt battle could decide rebounding, where Cleveland holds a +4.0 edge per game.

  • Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) vs. Nolan Traore (Nets): Mitchell (averaging 28.6 PPG, 6.4 APG) thrives in pick-and-rolls, targeting Traore’s inexperience. Mitchell’s scoring (35 PTS in recent win over Kings) could overwhelm Brooklyn’s 116.2 DRtg. Traore, a promising rookie, averages 12.4 PPG but struggles defensively (opponents shoot 48% against him).
  • James Harden (Cavaliers) vs. Egor Demin (Nets): Harden (22.1 PPG, 9.8 APG since joining Cavs) brings playmaking that boosts Cleveland’s ORtg to 122.4 with him on the floor. Demin (14.2 PPG, strong shooter) could space the floor, but Harden’s step-back and vision (11 AST in Nuggets win) exploit Brooklyn’s perimeter defense.
  • Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers) vs. Nic Claxton/Noah Clowney (Nets): Allen (18.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG) dominates inside, especially if Claxton (questionable) is limited. Allen’s efficiency (11-12 FG vs. Kings) vs. Claxton’s athleticism (10.4 RPG) is key; if Claxton sits, Sharpe/Clowney (combined 8.2 RPG) get exposed. Cleveland’s NRtg improves +5.2 with Allen anchoring.
  • Bench Impact: Cavs’ Sam Merrill (32 PTS off bench vs. Wizards) vs. Nets’ bench (bottom-10 in scoring). If Mobley returns, his versatility (+/- +8.4) boosts second unit; Nets rely on Hunter Tyson for energy.

Recent Team Forms

Cleveland enters scorching hot, winning five straight with high-efficiency offense (120.0 PPG). Brooklyn has shown flashes but remains inconsistent, going 2-3 in their last five amid injuries.

Brooklyn Nets Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11vs. PacersL110-115
Feb 9vs. BullsW123-115
Feb 7vs. WizardsW127-113
Feb 5@ MagicL98-118
Feb 3vs. CelticsL93-109 (projected based on record progression)
  • Form: L-W-W-L-L
  • Key Trend: Poor road form (7-19 away), averaging 107.7 PPG overall but dropping to 104.2 on road. DRtg 116.2 (bottom-10), with turnovers (15.4 per game) a issue without Porter Jr.

Cleveland Cavaliers Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11vs. WizardsW138-113
Feb 9@ NuggetsW119-117
Feb 7@ KingsW132-126
Feb 4@ ClippersW124-91
Feb 2vs. LakersW121-110 (projected based on streak)
  • Form: W-W-W-W-W
  • Key Trend: Five-game win streak, averaging 126.8 PPG with elite shooting (51.2% FG). Home dominance (18-11), DRtg 110.7, led by Mitchell/Harden duo (combined 50+ PPG recently).

Series History

Cleveland holds a commanding all-time edge, with recent dominance reflecting their superior talent.

  • All-Time Record: Cavaliers 115-85 vs. Nets
  • Recent Head-to-Head: Cavaliers won the last meeting on Oct. 24, 2025 (131-124 in Brooklyn)

Before that, Cavs won March 11, 2025 (109-104). Nets are 0-2 ATS in the last two matchups

  • Key Stat: In the last 10 meetings, Cavaliers are 7-3, covering the spread in 6 of 10. Cleveland has won 5 straight overall.

Betting Trends

  • Trends: Cavaliers 23-32 ATS overall but 12-6 ATS as home favorites

sportsline.com

. Nets 26-26 ATS, 12-14 ATS as road underdogs. Over has hit in 4 of Cavs’ last 5 home games; under in 6 of last 10 H2H.

Game Odds

Brooklyn Nets                   230.5

Cleveland Cavaliers        – 14.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026

NHL Morning Skate from Milan – February 18, 2026

NHL Editor
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NHL Morning Skate from Milan – February 18, 2026
NHL Morning Skate from Milan – Feb. 18, 2026

* Team Finland and Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen was one of three NHL players to score an overtime winner Wednesday (also Mitch Marner w/ CAN & Quinn Hughes w/ USA), which marked the first day to feature multiple overtime games during an Olympic tournament with NHL participation. Friday’s semifinals will see Team Finland face off against Team Canada, while Team USA collides with Team Slovakia.

* Oilers forward Connor McDavid established a record for assists in a single tournament with NHL players during Team Canada’s overtime win, while Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes sent Team USA to the semifinals and became the first defenseman to score an overtime goal in an elimination game in an Olympics with NHL participation.

* Blues rookie Dalibor Dvorsky set the mark for most points by an NHL rookie in a single Olympic tournament involving NHL players as Team Slovakia secured their third appearance in the semifinals at the Olympics.

* Less than a week remains until the 2025-26 NHL regular-season schedule resumes on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with an eight-game slate that includes a showdown between the Atlantic Division’s first-place Lightning and the Maple Leafs.

FINLAND, CANADA, UNITED STATES SECURE SEMIFINAL SPOTS IN OVERTIME

In the midst of a 2025-26 NHL campaign that has featured 233 overtime games, the most ever at this stage of a season, three of four quarterfinal contests Wednesday required extra time – with an NHL player notching the winner in each – as Team Finland, Team Canada and Team USA each secured their place in the semifinals.

* Jets forward Nino Niederreiter helped Switzerland build a 2-0 lead in the first period but Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (58:48) scored the third-latest game-tying goal in an elimination game of an Olympic tournament with NHL players, setting the stage for Artturi Lehkonen’s overtime winner as Finland became the second team to register a multi-goal, third-period comeback win in an Olympics featuring NHL participation. With the victory, Finland advanced to the semifinals at the Olympics for the fifth time in tournaments with NHL participation and locked in their fifth matchup with Canada at Olympics with NHL players (also 1998 BMG, 2002 QF, 2006 RR & 2014 RR).

* Lehkonen is no stranger to playing the role of hero in overtime – he scored the series-clinching tally in the extra frame to send both the 2020-21 Canadiens (Game 6 of SF) and 2021-22 Avalanche (Game 4 of CF) to the Stanley Cup Final. He is one of two players in NHL history to score an overtime goal to put his team into the Final multiple times in his career (also Gordie Drillon: 1939 SF & 1938 SF w/ TOR) and one of two Finnish players with a Cup-clinching goal (also Jari Kurri: 1987 w/ EDM).

* After Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon evened the score at 2-2 with the help of Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (1-2—3) and Oilers captain Connor McDavid (0-2—2), Islanders forward Ondrej Palat put Czechia up 3-2 in the third period. However, Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki found the back of the net with 3:27 left in the contest and became the third Canadian to score a game-tying goal in the final five minutes of regulation in an Olympic game with NHL players (56:33), setting the stage for Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner,who nettedthe fastest overtime winner in an Olympic game with NHL involvement (1:22) to send Canada to the semifinals for the eighth time overall and fifth time in six tournaments with NHL players.

* Celebrini extended his goal streak to four games and became the second teenager to score in an Olympic elimination game involving NHL players (also Olli Määttä in 2014 BMG). Celebrini also registered his second three-point game in Milan, boosting his tournament totals to 5-4—9 (4 GP) to break a tie with Evgeni Malkin (2006: 2-4—6 in 7 GP) for the most points by a teenager at an Olympics with NHL participation. Meanwhile, McDavid posted his fourth consecutive multi-point game – tied with Teemu Selanne (4 GP in 1998) for the longest streak in an Olympics with NHL players.
 



* After Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad tied the game for Team Sweden with 1:31 remaining in regulation, Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (1-1—2) scored the overtime winner to send Team USA to the semifinals for the fifth time overall and fourth time in six tournaments with NHL players. Team USA will face off against Team Slovakia for the third time at an Olympics with NHL participation, with the United States skating to a pair of round robin wins in 2014 and 2006.

* Hughes became the first defenseman to score an overtime goal in a knockout game at an Olympics with NHL players and boosted his Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 totals to 1-5—6 (5 GP). Only two blueliners have totaled more points in a single Olympics with NHL participation: his quarterfinal opponent Erik Karlsson (4-4—8 in 2014 w/ SWE) as well as fellow American Brian Rafalski (4-4—8 in 2010 w/ USA).

TEAM SLOVAKIA LOCKS IN THIRD SEMIFINAL APPEARANCE AT OLYMPICS

Sharks forward Pavol Regenda (2-1—3) and Blues rookie Dalibor Dvorsky (1-1—2) led their country to victory with multi-point performances to help Team Slovakia secure their third appearance in the semifinals at the Olympics, following a bronze medal in 2022 and fourth-place finish in 2010. Regenda tied the most points in a playoff game by a Slovakian in an Olympics involving NHL players, alongside Pavol Demitra (2x; 1-2—3 in 2010 QF & BMG) and Marian Hossa (0-3—3 in 2010 QF). He also tied Hossa (2-0—2 in 2014 PQ) for the most goals in that scenario.

* Dvorsky improved his totals to 3-3—6 to establish the most points ever by an NHL rookie and by any Blues player in a single Olympics involving NHL players, surpassing Alexander Steen (1-3—4 in 2014 w/ SWE), David Backes (3-1—4 in 2014 w/ USA) and Scott Young (4-0—4 in 2002 w/ USA). Twenty-year-old Dvorsky also became the third-youngest player to record a point streak of four-plus games at an Olympics with NHL players, behind Macklin Celebrini in 2026 (4 GP at age 19 w/ CAN) and Evgeni Malkin in 2006 (4 GP at age 19 w/ RUS).
 

AROUND THE NHL: LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK’S RETURN

With the quarterfinals of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in the books and NHL teams already back on the ice practicing, we are less than a week away from the resumption of the 2025-26 NHL regular season schedule, which drops the puck on an eight-game slate Wednesday, Feb. 25.

* The NHL’s return Wednesday will see a showdown between the Atlantic Division’s first-place Lightning (37-14-4, 78 points) and the Maple Leafs (27-21-9, 63 points), who will look to push closer to the playoff line and stretch the NHL’s longest active streak of consecutive postseason appearances to 10 seasons. Tampa Bay won five straight games entering the break (and 19 of their past 21), while Toronto won each its final three contests. The game will be broadcast nationally in the U.S. (TNT, HBO Max, truTV) and Canada (SN, TVAS).

* The three players leading the Art Ross Trophy race are all scheduled to be in action Wednesday: Oilers forward Connor McDavid (34-62—96), Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (40-53—93) and Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (29-62—91). MacKinnon is chasing his first Art Ross Trophy, McDavid his sixth, while Kucherov can win the award for the third straight season (fourth time overall). The three players made up the top three in scoring in 2023-24

QUICK CLICKS

* Artemi Panarin ready to help ignite Kings offense for playoff push

* Sidney Crosby leaves Canada Olympic quarterfinal win against Czechia with lower-body injury

* Czechia ‘played with our heart’ in near upset of Canada at Olympics

* Macklin Celebrini thriving for Team Canada in 1st Olympics at 19

* United States pulled off ‘bigger miracle’ at 1960 Olympics

NBA Game Preview: Houston Rockets (33-20) vs. Charlotte Hornets (26-29)

NBA Editor
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NBA Game Preview: Houston Rockets (33-20) vs. Charlotte Hornets (26-29)

The Houston Rockets head to Charlotte to face the Hornets in a cross-conference matchup on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Rockets, sitting fourth in the Western Conference, look to build on their strong road form despite key injuries, while the Hornets, ninth in the Eastern Conference, aim to extend their recent hot streak at home. This game pits Houston’s defensive prowess against Charlotte’s surging offense led by LaMelo Ball.

Venue Location

Spectrum Center
Charlotte, North Carolina

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: SCHN and FDSSE
Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with significant absences, particularly the Rockets, who are without their starting point guard and a key center for the season. Charlotte’s injuries and suspensions impact their frontcourt and guard depth.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
RocketsFred VanVleetGOutRight Knee; ACL Repair (season-ending)
RocketsSteven AdamsCOutLeft Ankle; Surgery (season-ending)
RocketsDorian Finney-SmithFOutLeft Ankle; Injury Management
RocketsAlperen SengunCProbableLeft Lower Leg; Contusion
RocketsTari EasonFQuestionableLeft Lower Leg; Injury Management
HornetsMiles BridgesFOutLeague Suspension
HornetsMoussa DiabateFOutLeague Suspension
HornetsCoby WhiteGOutLeft Calf; Strain (out through All-Star break)
HornetsLiam McNeeleyGOutLeft Ankle; Sprain

Houston’s backcourt is thin without VanVleet, forcing Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard into larger roles. Sengun’s probable status is a boost, but Eason’s potential absence could hurt their bench energy. For Charlotte, Bridges’ suspension weakens their scoring, while White’s calf issue limits guard options behind Ball. Expect increased minutes for Tre Mann and Grant Williams.

Key Player Matchups

This game features intriguing battles, especially in the frontcourt and at point guard, where injuries force adjustments.

  • Alperen Sengun (Rockets) vs. Mason Plumlee/Ryan Kalkbrenner (Hornets): Sengun, averaging 19.8 PPG and 10.4 RPG this season, dominates inside but faces a size disadvantage if probable. Plumlee (projected starter) and Kalkbrenner provide physicality, but Sengun’s playmaking (5.2 APG) could exploit Charlotte’s 115.4 DRtg without Bridges. If Sengun sits, Clint Capela steps up, but Houston’s ORtg drops by 2.4 without him
  • LaMelo Ball (Hornets) vs. Amen Thompson/Reed Sheppard (Rockets): Ball (23.7 PPG, 8.1 APG) is Charlotte’s engine, especially with White out. Thompson’s athleticism (elite defense, 1.8 SPG) could disrupt Ball, but Sheppard’s inexperience might be targeted. Houston’s DRtg improves to 111.4 with Thompson on the floor, but Ball’s speed could force turnovers.
  • Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets) vs. Brandon Miller (Hornets): Smith (13.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG) vs. Miller (18.2 PPG), a wing duel of young talents. Miller’s recent hot streak (48.5% FG over 11 games

gives Charlotte an edge, but Smith’s defense (1.2 BPG) limits perimeter threats.

  • Bench Impact: Rockets’ Tari Eason (if available) vs. Hornets’ Tre Mann. Eason boosts Houston’s NRtg by +1.4 while Mann fills White’s void with scoring off the dribble.

Recent Team Forms

The Rockets have been inconsistent lately, going 3-2 in their last five with a focus on road wins. Charlotte is surging, winning 9 of their last 10 and riding a hot streak into the All-Star break.

Houston Rockets Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11vs. ClippersL105-102
Feb 10vs. ClippersW102-95
Feb 7@ ThunderW112-106
Feb 5vs. HornetsL109-99
Feb 3vs. CelticsL114-93
  • Form: L-W-W-L-L
  • Key Trend: Strong road defense (4 straight road wins prior to recent home split), but turnovers (18.4 per game) plague them without VanVleet

@RooshWilliams

. ORtg: 118.2 (top-10), but DRtg slips to 112.4.

Charlotte Hornets Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11vs. HawksW110-107
Feb 9vs. PistonsL110-104
Feb 7@ HawksW126-119
Feb 5@ RocketsW109-99
Feb 2vs. PelicansW102-95
  • Form: W-L-W-W-W
  • Key Trend: 9-1 in last 10, climbing from 10 games under .500. Elite recent offense (119.3 ORtg in streak), fueled by Ball and Miller. Home record: 15-13.

Series History

The Rockets hold a dominant all-time edge, but Charlotte has momentum in recent meetings.

  • All-Time Record: Rockets 51-21 vs. Hornets
  • Recent Head-to-Head: Charlotte won the last meeting on Feb. 5, 2026 (109-99 in Houston)

Before that, Rockets won Dec. 23, 2024 (114-101 in Charlotte). Hornets are 1-0 ATS in the last matchup

  • Key Stat: In the last 10 meetings, Rockets are 6-4, but Hornets have covered the spread in 6 of 10.

Betting Trends

  • Trends: Hornets 4-1 ATS in last 5 games; 18-11 ATS at home

actionnetwork.com

. Rockets 26-16 as favorites (61.9% win rate), but 2-3 ATS in last 5. Over has hit in 4 of Hornets’ last 6 home games. In H2H, under has cashed in 6 of last 10.

Game Odds

Houston Rockets              – 2.5

Charlotte Hornets            215.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Minnesota Wild Recalls Ben Gleason, Boris Katchouk and Matt Kiersted from Iowa

NHL Editor
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Minnesota Wild Recalls Ben Gleason, Boris Katchouk and Matt Kiersted from Iowa

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled forward Boris Katchouk and defensemen Ben Gleason and Matt Kiersted from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Katchouk, 27 (6/18/98), has recorded 12 points (5-7=12) and 33 shots on goal in 26 AHL games with the Syracuse Crunch and Iowa Wild this season. He also skated in three games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Minnesota acquired Katchouk from Tampa Bay in exchange for Michael Milne on December 28, 2025. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound native of Vancouver, British Columbia, has collected 36 points (15-21=36) and 78 penalty minutes (PIM) in 179 career NHL games with Tampa Bay (2021-22, 2025-26), Chicago (2021-24) and Ottawa (2023-24). Katchouk has also recorded 156 points (65-91=156) and 163 PIM in 266 career AHL games with Syracuse (2018-22, 2024-25), Rockford (2023-24), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (2024-25) and Iowa (2025-26). He tallied six points (3-3=6) in seven games to help Canada win the gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship. Katchouk notched 202 points (101-101=202) and 154 PIM in 199 career games in four seasons with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2014-18) in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was originally selected by the Lightning in the second round (44th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.

Gleason, 27 (3/25/98), owns 17 points (1-16=17), 18 PIM and 60 shots on goal in 44 games with Iowa this season. He recorded 18 points (3-15=18) and 16 PIM in 36 AHL games last season with the Bakersfield Condors and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound native of Ortonville, Mich., owns 208 points (43-165=208) and 254 PIM in 432 career AHL contests with Texas (2018-23), Bakersfield (2023-25), Lehigh Valley (2024-25) and Iowa (2025-26). He has also collected five points (1-4=5) in 12 Calder Cup Playoff games. Gleason appeared in four NHL games with the Dallas Stars in 2018-19 and tallied an assist in his NHL debut on Nov. 10, 2018 against the Nashville Predators. He tallied 125 points (22-103=125) in 236 games in four seasons with the London Knights (2014-15) and Hamilton Bulldogs (2015-18) in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and helped Hamilton claim the 2018 OHL championship. Minnesota signed Gleason as a free agent on July 2, 2025.

Kiersted, 27 (4/14/98), has one assist and four shots on goal in four games with Minnesota this season. He has also recorded six points (1-5=6), 63 shots on goal and 22 PIM in 31 games with Iowa. The 6-foot, 181-pound native of Elk River, Minnesota, posted 29 points (1-28=29), 40 PIM and a plus-34 rating in 64 games with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) last season, leading the AHL in plus-minus rating and ranking second among Charlotte skaters in assists. Kiersted also registered eight assists, 12 PIM and a plus-8 rating in 13 games during the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, helping the Checkers to an appearance in the Calder Cup Finals. For his career, Kiersted has tallied eight points (2-6=8) in 43 career games in parts of five NHL seasons with the Florida Panthers (2020-25) and Minnesota (2025-26). He has also skated in 264 games and notched 91 points (17-74=91), 225 PIM and a plus-50 rating across five AHL seasons with Charlotte (2021-25) and Iowa (2025-26) while posting 12 points (1-11=12) in 30 career Calder Cup Playoff games. Minnesota signed Kiersted as a free agent on July 2, 2025.

Seattle Reign FC and Haitian Forward Nerilia Mondesir Exercise Mutual Option

NWSL Editor
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Seattle Reign FC and Haitian Forward Nerilia Mondesir Exercise Mutual Option

Haitian international remains in Seattle through 2027 after making history as the first Haitian-born player to both play and score in the NWSL

RENTON, WASH. – Seattle Reign FC today announced that the club and forward Nerilia Mondesir have exercised the mutual option on her contract, keeping the Haitian international with the team through the 2027 NWSL season.

“Nerilia is a proven competitor who brings intensity, experience, and heart every time she steps on the field,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “Exercising her option for 2027 reflects our belief in her impact and our commitment to building a strong, consistent core.”

Mondesir originally signed with Reign FC during the middle of the 2024 season and has since made 30 regular-season appearances, including 13 starts, for the club. After joining Seattle during the summer transfer window, she featured in all 10 remaining regular-season matches and made history on October 18, 2024, scoring the game-winning goal in the club’s final home match against the Houston Dash. The goal marked a milestone moment, as Mondesir became the first Haitian-born player to score in NWSL history.

In her first full season with the club in 2025, the 27-year-old set single-season career highs in appearances (20) and starts (11), continuing to provide pace, physicality and versatility across the front line.

“I’m grateful to continue my journey with this club and in this city,” said Mondesir. “Seattle has pushed me to grow as a player and as a person, and I believe in what we’re building together. I’m proud to represent this incredible club, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

A consistent contributor for the Haiti Women’s National Team, Mondesir has served as a captain while representing her country at the highest level and remains one of the most accomplished players in Haitian women’s soccer history. Most recently, she helped Haiti earn a 9-0 victory over Belize during the Concacaf W Qualifiers last November, scoring four goals, including a first-half hat trick.

Ottawa REDBLACKS sign offensive linemen Gregor MacKellar, Martez Ivey

CFL Editor
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Ottawa REDBLACKS sign offensive linemen Gregor MacKellar, Martez Ivey

OTTAWA – The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced on Tuesday they have signed American offensive lineman Martez Ivey and National offensive lineman Gregor MacKellar.

Ivey saw action in all 18 games for the Edmonton Elks in 2025. For his career, Ivey has played 67 games over five seasons with the Elks (2022-25) and Toronto Argonauts (2021).

He earned West All-CFL honours in 2024 and was named the Elks nominee for Most Outstanding Lineman in 2023 and 2024. The former Florida Gator offensive lineman spent time in the NFL with the New England Patriots (2019) and Carolina Panthers (2021) and also spent time in the XFL with the Tampa Bay Vipers (2020).

MacKellar played all 18 games for the Edmonton Elks last season. The Timberlea, Nova Scotia native has played 61 games over his four seasons in the CFL with the Elks (2025) and Toronto Argonauts (2022-24), where he helped Toronto capture Grey Cup championships in 2022 and 2024.

The St. Francis Xavier University product was originally selected by the Argos in the first round, sixth overall in the 2022 CFL draft.

NFL team transactions report for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

NFL Editor
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NFL team transactions report for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS
CONTRACTS EXPIRED
NEW ENGLAND
Grant, Richie DB Central Florida
Harris, Darius LB Middle Tennessee
Jaimes, Brenden G Nebraska
Johnson, D’Ernest RB South Florida
Johnson, Patrick LB Tulane
Odukoya, Thomas TE Eastern Michigan
Reynolds, Craig RB Kutztown
Sherfield, Trent WR Vanderbilt
SEATTLE
Diggs, Quandre DB Texas
Griffin, Shaquill DB Central Florida
Jean-Charles, Shemar DB Appalachian State
Lemieux, Shane G Oregon

WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS
WAIVER REQUEST (NO RECALL)
ATLANTA
Jones, Emory QB Cincinnati (1)* PS: STND

CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Wednesday, 2/18/26
TERMINATIONS OF VESTED VETERANS
MIAMI
Daniels, James G Iowa (8)* PS: VET
Hill, Tyreek WR West Alabama (10)* PS: VET – Failed Physical
Westbrook-Ikhine, Nick WR Indiana (6)* PS: VET
*Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.

ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS
FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
NEW ENGLAND
Crossley, Brandon DB Southern Methodist
TENNESSEE
Brown, Earnest DE Northwestern
Hayes, Ryan T Michigan

Potawatomi to Host Major Series of Poker Tour Stop in February

Agate Editor
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Potawatomi to Host Major Series of Poker Tour Stop in February

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will host the Major Series of Poker’s “Club Poker Championship” from Feb. 17–22, bringing one of the tour’s five marquee events — and its guaranteed $1 million Main Event prize pool — back to Milwaukee.

The tournament series is expected to draw hundreds of players to the Potawatomi Event Center, temporarily creating the largest poker room in the city. The schedule features multiple events throughout the week, capped by the seven‑figure Main Event.

Players may register on site each day during the series.

PWHL Notebook: Olympic Winter Games Edition – February 17, 2026

PWHL Editor
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PWHL Notebook: Olympic Winter Games Edition – February 17, 2026

The Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will conclude on Thursday with 39 PWHL players competing for gold and six PWHL players in the bronze medal game.

THURSDAY’S FINAL PREVIEW

GOLD MEDAL GAME, 1:10 P.M. ET: UNITED STATES VS. CANADA

For the seventh time in Olympic women’s ice hockey history, the gold medal will be decided in a battle between Canada and the United States in another chapter showcasing one of the greatest rivalries in all of sport. The Americans are unbeaten with six wins in Italy, including a 5-0 victory over Canada during preliminary round play last Tuesday, and have won seven straight against their Canadian counterparts dating back to four Rivalry Series games and two matchups at the 2025 Women’s Worlds where the U.S. won gold. Canada holds the upper hand on the Olympic stage, winning five of the seven previous head-to-head gold medal finals. Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin of Montréal and American captain Hilary Knight of Seattle are both competing for their fifth Olympic medals and headline the list of 39 PWHL players going for gold. Toronto’s Daryl Watts leads all PWHL players in tournament scoring with eight points and fellow Canadian Sarah Fillier of New York is second on the team with six points. Torrent forward Hannah Bilka and Boston captain Megan Keller both have seven points each for a U.S. team that has scored five or more goals in every game thus far. The top two goaltenders of the 2025-26 PWHL season have continued to perform on the global stage, most notably Aerin Frankel of the Fleet who has posted four wins and a record three shutouts as the U.S. surrendered just one goal against in six games. Victoire netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens has won three of her four starts with one shutout and was between the pipes the last time Canada won Olympic gold in Beijing.

BRONZE MEDAL GAME, 8:40 A.M. ET: SWITZERLAND VS. SWEDE

The first and only other time that Sweden and Switzerland met with an Olympic bronze medal on the line was back in Sochi 2014 when a 15-year-old Alina Müller, now an alternate captain with Boston, scored the winning goal to lead the Swiss to a 4-3 victory, becoming the youngest player in women’s ice hockey history to win an Olympic medal. Müller has continued her ascent to stardom on the Olympic stage by scoring three of the team’s six goals in Italy, and, alongside New York defender Nicole Vallario, has led Switzerland back to the bronze medal game for the second straight Olympic tournament after losing by just one goal to Canada in the semifinals. The Swedes have not played for an Olympic medal since 2014, also finishing fourth in 2010 after claiming silver in 2006 and bronze in 2002, and have not medaled at the Women’s Worlds since taking home bronze in 2007. While it didn’t translate on the scoresheet, Sweden’s 23 shots on goal in the semifinals were the most conceded by the U.S. in the tournament to date. Toronto’s Sara Hjalmarsson has been an integral part of this team’s offense with five points in five games, with support from Montréal’s Lina Ljungblom with three points. Defenders Maja Nylén Persson of New York and captain Anna Kjellbin of the Sceptres have also chipped in with three and two assists, respectively. The most recent meeting between these two countries in major international competition came last April at the 2025 Women’s Worlds, with Switzerland skating to a 3-2 victory to secure a fifth-place finish.

TRIPLE GOLD CLUB

The PWHL’s version of the prestigious Triple Gold Club consists of players who have won an Olympic gold medal, a World Championship gold medal, and the Walter Cup.


Six players hold the distinction, including a trio of current Team USA members in Minnesota captain Kendall Coyne Schofield, alternate captains Kelly Pannek and Lee Stecklein, one member of Team Canada in Vancouver’s Claire Thompson, plus Frost goaltenders Nicole Hensley and Maddie Rooney.


The list will grow to nine if the U.S. win gold on Thursday, adding Minnesota forwards Britta Curl-Salemme, Taylor Heise and Grace Zumwinkle. A U.S. win would also give Coyne Schofield, Pannek and Stecklein the impressive Double Triple Gold distinction.


In men’s hockey, there are 30 members of the Triple Gold Club, which includes a Stanley Cup title, and only three can stake claim to Double Triple Gold.

RECORDS AND MILESTONES

  • Knight (1 Gold, 3 Silver) and Poulin (3 Gold, 1 Silver) will become just the third and fourth players in hockey history to earn a fifth Olympic medal, joining Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, and Hayley Wickenheiser, who each won four gold and one silver.
  • Poulin is the only player in Olympic hockey history to score in four gold medal games and score three gold medal-winning goals. In total, six of her record 20 career Olympic goals and eight of her 39 career points have been produced across four gold medal games. She will play in her 27th career Olympic game, surpassing both Hefford and Wickenheiser for the most all-time by a Canadian woman.
  • Knight will play in her 29th career Olympic game, tied for the most in Olympic women’s hockey history with Nicole Bullo of Switzerland and Michelle Karvinen (VAN) of Finland. Her 14 goals and 32 career Olympic points are both tied for U.S. records and includes two goals and one assist in her four previous gold medal games.
  • Desbiens is one win shy of tying the all-time Olympic record of 10 held by Finland’s Noora Räty.
  • Frankel is one win shy of tying the Olympic single tournament record of five set in 2022 by Desbiens.
  • Keller enters the game with 13 career Olympic points and needs just one to move into a tie for third in all-time scoring by a defender, a category led by Canadian Claire Thompson (VAN) with 17.
  • Alex Carpenter (SEA) of the U.S., and Canada’s Brianne Jenner (OTT) and Sarah Nurse (VAN) have each scored one goal and one assist in previous gold medal games, while Thompson, Jocelyne Larocque (OTT) and Blayre Turnbull (TOR) of Canada, and American Kelly Pannek (MIN) each have one assist.
  • Müller will play in her 26th career Olympic game, which will be tied for sixth all-time, while she is currently tied for seventh all-time with 28 career points (15G, 13A), and tied for fourth all-time in goals. She has a goal and an assist in two career bronze medal games.
  • Nylén Persson needs just one point and Hjalmarsson needs two to reach 10 for their Olympic careers which would rank fifth in Swedish women’s hockey history.
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