NEW YORK – The NBA announced today that it has fined two teams related to the management of their rosters for recent games.
The Utah Jazz organization has been fined $500,000 for conduct detrimental to the league related to the team’s games against the Orlando Magic on Feb. 7 and the Miami Heat on Feb. 9. During those games, the Jazz removed two of the team’s top players, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson, Jr., before the beginning of the fourth quarter and did not return them to the game, even though these players were otherwise able to continue to play and the outcomes of the games were thereafter in doubt.
In addition, the Indiana Pacers have been fined $100,000 for violating the Player Participation Policy in connection with the team’s game against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 3. Following an investigation, including review by an independent physician, the NBA determined that Pascal Siakam, a star player under the Policy, and two other Pacers starters, neither of whom participated in the game, could have played under the medical standard in the Policy, including by playing reduced minutes. Alternatively, the team could have held the players out of other games in a way that would have better promoted compliance with the Policy.
“Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Additionally, we are working with our Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement further measures to root out this type of conduct.”
* Juraj Slafkovský, the reigning Olympic MVP, posted 2-1—3 and led Team Slovakia to victory in the opening contest of the men’s tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
* Rasmus Dahlin tied the most assists by a Swedish player in an Olympic game involving NHL players while Team Sweden set a record for shots as they earned a win in their opening contest.
* The second day of Olympic men’s hockey will feature both Team Canada and Team USA contesting their first games of the tournament, with Canada taking on Team Czechia and USA facing off against Team Latvia.
REIGNING OLYMPIC MVP SLAFKOVSKÝ LIFTS SLOVAKIA TO VICTORY
Juraj Slafkovský (2-1—3) followed up right where he left off at the 2022 Olympics – where he was named tournament MVP – when he opened the scoring at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The Canadiens forward later tallied two more points in the third period to seal Team Slovakia’s first victory at an Olympics with NHL players since its quarterfinal triumph over Team Sweden at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
* Slafkovskýbecame the third different player representing an NHL team to score a multi-goal game with Team Slovakia, joining Marian Hossa (3 on Feb. 14, 2002; OTT, 2 on Feb. 18, 2014; CHI & 2 on Feb. 16, 2006; ATL) and Marian Gaborik (2 on Feb. 15, 2006; MIN). He also became just the second Canadiens player to achieve the feat following Martin Rucinsky (2 on Feb. 15, 1998 w/ CZE).
* ICYMI: Earlier this month, Slafkovský was featured in the NHL’s YouTube series, “My World,” highlighting some of the game’s brightest international stars. Click here to watch his episode.
* Blues rookie Dalibor Dvorsky (20 years, 241 days) scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and became the second-youngest player representing an NHL team at the Olympics to score a game winner, behind only Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (20 years, 158 days on Feb. 22, 2006 w/ RUS). Dvorsky’s goal also made him the youngest Slovak player to find the back of the net at an Olympic Winter Games with NHL players.
SWEDEN SETS SHOTS ON GOAL RECORD IN FIRST WIN OF OLYMPICS
Sabres’ defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (0-3—3) led the game with a three-point outing to help Team Sweden earn a win in their opening contest of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Sweden registered 60 shots on goal, the most ever by a team in an Olympic Winter Games contested with NHL players.
* Dahlin tied Daniel Alfredsson (0-3—3 on Feb. 22, 2006) for the most assists by a Swedish player in an Olympic game involving NHL players. Dahlin is appearing in his second Olympics – his first came as a 17-year-old at the 2018 Olympics, posting one assist in two games as Team Sweden’s youngest player.
* Erik Karlsson (PIT) factored on Team Sweden’s first goal of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games after being responsible for his country’s last goal at an Olympics involving NHL players. In 2014, Karlsson became the first defenseman to finish as the tournament points leader in Olympics with NHL players (tied or outright) after tallying 4-4—8 (6 GP), which matched Phil Kessel (USA).
CLARA, HLAVAJ SHINE IN OPENING GAME IN MILAN
Two NHL prospects in net made stand-out performances for their country: Team Italy’s Damian Clara and Team Slovakia’s Samuel Hlavaj. Clara was selected by the Ducks in the second round (60th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft and Hlavaj is part of the Wild organization – he’s played predominantly for the AHL’s Iowa Wild this season.
* Clara stopped 46 of the 49 shots he faced before leaving partway through the third period with an injury, including 27 in the opening frame, which tied the second-highest shots on goal in a period in an Olympics involving NHL players (also FIN vs. ITA on Feb. 16, 2006).
*Hlavaj made 39 saves in Slovakia’s victory, which established the most saves by a Team Slovakia goaltender in an Olympics featuring NHL players, besting the previous mark set by Jan Laco (37 saves on Feb. 16, 2014).
CANADA, USA SET TO TAKE ICE FOR FIRST TIME ON THURSDAY
The second day of Olympic men’s hockey will feature both Team Canada and Team USA contesting their first games of the tournament. Team Canada begins its pursuit of its fourth gold medal in Olympics involving NHL players with a match against Team Czechia, while Team USA starts its quest for its first gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics with a match against Team Latvia.
* Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini – three of the NHL’s top four players in the Art Ross Trophy race this season – will take the ice for Team Canada at the Olympics for the very first time. McDavid and MacKinnon both represented Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, with the former netting the winning goal in the championship game and the latter earning tournament MVP. Celebrini is among four players seeking their first medal or championship with Team Canada at a major international event (incl. OLY, WC, WJC, WCH/4N). At just 19 years old, Celebrini is set to become the youngest player to play for Team Canada at Olympics with NHL players.
* Despite a number of new faces donning the maple leaf at the Olympics, Canada enters Thursday with a pair of decorated veterans in captain Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty, who were both a part of the country’s past two Olympic gold medal wins (2010 & 2014). Crosby netted the “Golden Goal” in the gold medal contest of the Vancouver Games – one of five clinchers at Olympics with NHL players. Doughty, meanwhile, has two game-winning goals in Olympics involving NHL players, which is tied for the most by defensemen (also Nicklas Lidstrom) and fifth most overall. At the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Doughty tied fellow defenseman Shea Weber for the team lead in points en route to the gold medal.
* Team USA will ice 21 of 23 players from its 4 Nations Face-Off roster, including Zach Werenski, who ranks second in goals (20) among NHL defensemen ahead of the Olympic break and second in points (62). Werenski led all skaters at the 4 Nations Face-Off in assists and points (0-6—6) and became the first defenseman in NHL International Tournament history (incl. OLY, WC, WJC, WCH/4N) to lead all players outright in points.
* Brothers Matthew and BradyTkachuk join forces again after putting up memorable performances at 4 Nations Face-Off, both netting two goals against Finland as well as sparking a thrilling round-robin victory over Team Canada. Matthew has a history of scoring in big moments – he led the Panthers (tied) in playoff points en route to their first Stanley Cup in 2024 and scored the championship-clinching goal in 2025 – and will look to add to his resume in Milan.
* The Tkachuks aren’t the only brothers on Team USA – Jack and Quinn Hughes are also set to take the ice on Thursday after Quinn missed out on participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off due to injury. It will be the first time since 1964 that Team USA has two sets of brothers on its Olympic squad (Dave & Herb Brooks; Bill & Roger Christian), and third time overall (also 1960: the Christians, as well as Bill & Bob Cleary). The last time any men’s team iced two sets of brothers on its Olympic roster was 2018 (Norway).
NEW YORK – The National Hockey League announced the following start time change to the 2025-26 regular-season schedule.
Game #828, Los Angeles Kings at Columbus Blue Jackets, scheduled for March 9, will now begin at 4:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on FDSNOH and FDSNW.
The complete 2025-26 NHL regular-season schedule can be found here.
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT local time).
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California.
TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video and SportsNet LA.
This Western Conference clash serves as the final pre-All-Star break game for both teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the struggling Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers, firmly in playoff contention, look to rebound from recent losses, while the Mavericks aim to snap an eight-game skid amid a rebuild plagued by injuries. Without star power like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the court, expect a gritty, low-scoring affair dominated by LeBron James and LA’s depth against Dallas’ young core.
The Lakers boast a +4.2 point differential per game (estimated from recent efficiency), ranking top-10 in both offense (116.8 PPG) and defense (112.6 PPG allowed). Dallas, conversely, has a -7.8 differential, struggling offensively (113.9 PPG, 25th) and defensively (121.7 PPG allowed, 28th).
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are on the second night of back-to-backs, potentially leading to fatigued play, but LA’s home advantage could shine through.
Dallas Mavericks (Last 10 Games: 2-8): Dallas is mired in an eight-game losing streak, with poor shooting (45.9% FG) and turnover issues (14.8 per game). Key results:
Feb 10: L 111-120 @ Phoenix (inefficient 3-point shooting at 32.3%).
Feb 7: L 125-138 @ San Antonio (allowed 58% opponent FG).
Feb 5: L 123-135 vs. San Antonio (outrebounded 45-32).
Feb 3: L 100-110 vs. Boston (held to 41.5% FG).
Jan 30: W 114-109 vs. Houston (clutch defense, forced 18 turnovers). Dallas averages 113.9 PPG but dips to 108.7 on the road (5-17 away). They’re 1-4 in back-to-backs, often failing to cover as underdogs (18-18 ATS).
Los Angeles Lakers (Last 10 Games: 6-4): The Lakers have alternated wins and losses but maintain strong home form (14-10). They’ve won 4 of their last 6 at Crypto.com Arena. Key results:
Feb 10: L 108-136 vs. San Antonio (shorthanded, allowed 136 points).
Feb 9: L 110-119 vs. Oklahoma City (poor rebounding, 28-37 boards).
Feb 7: W 105-99 vs. Golden State (elite defense, held GSW to 42.5% FG).
Feb 5: W 119-115 vs. Philadelphia (balanced scoring, 55.7% FG).
Feb 3: W 128-120 @ Sacramento (efficient offense, 52.3% FG). LA averages 115.2 PPG, surging to 122.0 in wins. They’re 18-12 ATS with rest and 4-3 in back-to-backs.
Injury Report
Injuries decimate both rosters, turning this into a battle of benches. Final statuses may update closer to tip-off.
Dallas Mavericks:
Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain): Out (misses All-Star Rising Stars too).
Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery): Out (re-evaluated post-break).
Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery): Out for season.
Naji Marshall (left foot strain): Questionable.
Caleb Martin (left ankle sprain): Questionable.
Moussa Cisse/Ryan Nembhard/Miles Kelly: Doubtful (G-League/Two-Way). Dallas is 2-12 without Irving and Flagg combined.
Los Angeles Lakers:
Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain): Out (fourth straight miss; All-Star status uncertain).
Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness): Questionable (missed two of last four). LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart are cleared after recent absences. LA is 5-3 without Doncic this season.
Key Player Matchups
With stars sidelined, focus shifts to veterans and role players exploiting mismatches.
LeBron James (Lakers) vs. PJ Washington (Mavericks): James (24.5 PPG, 8.0 APG) averages 28.0 in recent wins. Washington’s defense (1.2 SPG) could test him, but LeBron’s playmaking exploits Dallas’ weak perimeter (opponents 37.4% from three).
Austin Reaves (Lakers) vs. Klay Thompson (Mavericks): Reaves (18.2 PPG) returns from absence, facing Thompson’s shooting (36.0% 3PT). Reaves’ drives (5.5 APG) vs. Thompson’s off-ball movement could spark a scoring duel.
Anthony Davis (Lakers) vs. Daniel Gafford (Mavericks): Davis (26.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.5 BPG) dominates inside without Lively. Gafford (10.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG) must avoid fouls; Davis averages 30+ vs. Dallas recently.
D’Angelo Russell (Lakers) vs. Spencer Dinwiddie (Mavericks): Russell (17.0 PPG) thrives in transition. Dinwiddie (14.5 PPG) steps up without Irving, but Russell’s efficiency (45.0% FG) gives LA the edge.
Bench Battle: Lakers’ depth (Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie) vs. Mavericks’ youth (Olivier-Maxence Prosper). LA benches average 42 PPG; Dallas 38.
Series History
All-Time: Lakers lead 121-58 in 179 regular-season games.
Recent: Lakers have won the last 4 meetings, including a 116-110 victory on Jan 24, 2026 (Doncic 33 points). Dallas is 6-14 in the last 20 overall.
At Crypto.com Arena: Lakers 14-10 home this season; Mavericks 5-17 on road.
Playoffs: Lakers lead 3-1 in series (last: 2011 Mavericks sweep).
Lakers cover in 6 of the last 10 head-to-head.
Betting Trends
Spread:
Dallas: 23-30 ATS overall, 7-15 ATS on road, 13-9 ATS as +6.5+ underdogs.
Lakers: 29-24 ATS, 18-12 ATS at home, 15-9 ATS as favorites.
Over/Under:
Dallas games: 24-29 to over; averages 235.6 totals.
Lakers games: 27-26 to over; lower at home (228.0 averages).
Last 10 head-to-head: 2 overs, but recent unders due to injuries.
Trends: Lakers 6-4 ATS in last 10; Mavericks 2-8 ATS during streak. Public leaning 70% on Lakers to cover.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks 232.5
Los Angeles Lakers – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. MT local time).
Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.
TV/Streaming: KUNP, KJZZ, and Jazz+.
This Western Conference matchup features the Portland Trail Blazers visiting the Utah Jazz in the final game before the 2026 NBA All-Star break. Both teams are on the second night of back-to-backs, with Portland coming off a road loss and Utah fresh from a home win. The Blazers, clinging to a play-in spot, face a Jazz team deep in rebuild mode and prioritizing lottery odds. Expect a fast-paced game with Portland’s perimeter scoring clashing against Utah’s young, athletic core, though injuries could turn this into a scrappy affair.
Portland’s record reflects inconsistency, with a -2.8 point differential per game (estimated from recent trends). Utah has the league’s worst defense (allowing 126.8 PPG) and a -8.5 differential, emphasizing their tanking strategy.
Recent Team Forms
Both squads played on February 11, adding fatigue to this pre-break contest.
Portland Trail Blazers (Last 10 Games: 5-5): The Blazers have alternated wins and losses, snapping a six-game skid with three straight home victories before dropping their latest road game. Key results:
Feb 11: L 109-133 @ Minnesota (overpowered inside, poor shooting at 42.6%).
Feb 9: W 135-118 vs. Philadelphia (explosive third quarter, 49 points; Camara career-high 30).
Feb 7: W 122-115 vs. Memphis (balanced scoring, strong rebounding).
Feb 6: W 135-115 vs. Memphis (efficient offense, 54.4% FG).
Earlier: Losses to New York (97-127), Washington (111-115), and Boston exposed defensive lapses. Portland averages 115.2 PPG (18th in NBA) but surges to 130+ in wins. They’re 10-16 on the road and 3-4 in back-to-backs, with better ATS performance at home (14-12).
Utah Jazz (Last 10 Games: 2-8): The Jazz continue their slide, winning just twice in their last 10 amid blatant tanking efforts. They’ve pulled starters late in games to secure losses. Key results:
Feb 11: W 121-93 vs. Sacramento (dominant defense, held Kings to 93 points).
Feb 9: W 115-111 @ Miami (clutch three from Sensabaugh; Markkanen 27 points).
Feb 7: L 117-120 @ Orlando (close but fell short; Banchero 23 for ORL).
Feb 5: L 119-121 @ Atlanta (competitive road effort).
Feb 3: W 131-122 @ Indiana (efficient 56.8% FG).
Utah averages 118.3 PPG (6th) but allows 126.8 (last). They’re 11-17 at home and 2-5 in back-to-backs, often failing to cover as underdogs.
Injury Report
Final reports are pending due to back-to-backs, but expect conservative minutes for questionable players.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Damian Lillard (Achilles): Out for season.
Matisse Thybulle (thumb/knee): Out.
Shaedon Sharpe (calf): Questionable.
Kris Murray (back): Out.
Scoot Henderson (hamstring): Questionable.
Deni Avdija (back): Questionable.
Robert Williams III (knee): Questionable.
Portland is 8-11 without Lillard this season, leaning on youth for scoring.
Utah Jazz:
Keyonte George (ankle): Day-to-day.
Walker Kessler (shoulder): Out (potentially season-ending).
Elijah Harkless (hamstring): Out.
Utah is 3-7 without Kessler, struggling in the paint.
Key Player Matchups
With veterans sidelined, this game highlights emerging talents and mismatches in the frontcourt.
Anfernee Simons (Blazers) vs. Collin Sexton (Jazz): Simons (22.5 PPG est.) thrives in transition but faces Sexton’s aggressive defense. If George sits, Sexton handles primary guard duties, potentially limiting Simons’ drives.
Jerami Grant (Blazers) vs. Lauri Markkanen (Jazz): Grant (20.8 PPG) is Portland’s go-to scorer, averaging 23 in recent wins. Markkanen (23.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG) counters with stretch-four spacing; their three-point battle could swing the game.
Deni Avdija (Blazers) vs. Taylor Hendricks (Jazz): Avdija (14.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG) provides versatility but is questionable. Hendricks’ length disrupts wings; if Avdija plays, his rebounding edge (10+ in recent games) exploits Utah’s weak boards.
Donovan Clingan (Blazers) vs. Jusuf Nurkic (Jazz, if active): Clingan (rookie sensation, 12.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG) dominates the rim without Kessler. Nurkic (10.5 PPG) offers experience, but Clingan’s mobility could lead to easy lobs.
Bench Battle: Portland’s depth (Henderson, Camara) vs. Utah’s youth (Ace Bailey, Isaiah Collier). Jazz benches average 42 PPG but turn over often.
Series History
All-Time: Utah leads 116-97 in 213 regular-season games.
Recent: Portland has won the last two meetings, including a 137-117 victory on January 5, 2026 (Simons 28 points). Utah is 3-2 in the last five at Delta Center.
At Delta Center: Jazz 11-17 home this season; Blazers 10-16 on road.
Playoffs: Portland leads 19-12 all-time, but no recent series.
Portland covers in 2 of the last 3 vs. Utah.
Betting Trends
Spread:
Portland: 25-29-1 ATS overall, 11-15 ATS on road, 4-3 ATS as favorites.
Utah: 24-31 ATS, 13-15 ATS at home, 10-18 ATS as underdogs.
Over/Under:
Portland games: 28-27 to over; averages 230.5 totals.
Utah games: 30-25 to over; higher at home (242.0 averages).
Last 5 head-to-head: 3 overs, with recent games pushing 250+ points.
Trends: Blazers 3-2 ATS in last 5 road games; Jazz 2-8 ATS in last 10 overall. Public split 55% on Portland to cover (per betting data).
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers – 7.5
Uth Jazz 237.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT local time).
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video and FDSOK (local for Thunder).
This matchup pits the struggling Milwaukee Bucks against the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder in the final game for both teams before the 2026 NBA All-Star break. The Thunder, atop the Western Conference, host a Bucks team that’s fighting to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. With both squads missing their superstar MVPs due to injuries, this could be a gritty, defense-oriented affair, though Oklahoma City’s depth gives them a clear edge.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter on the second night of back-to-backs, which could impact energy levels.
Milwaukee Bucks (Last 10 Games: 5-5): The Bucks have shown signs of life recently, winning 4 of their last 5 games after a rough stretch. They’ve gone 4-6 in their last 10 played games, with a focus on improved defense in wins. Key results:
Feb 11: W 116-108 @ Orlando (strong shooting from newcomers Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng).
Feb 9: L 99-118 @ Orlando (poor rebounding and turnovers).
Feb 6: W 105-99 vs. Indiana (clutch defense in the fourth quarter).
Feb 4: W 141-137 (OT) vs. New Orleans (high-scoring outburst).
Feb 3: W 131-115 vs. Chicago (efficient 3-point shooting at 60.5%).
Earlier losses to Boston (79-107), Washington (99-109), and Philadelphia (122-139) exposed offensive inconsistencies without key players. Milwaukee averages 111.8 PPG (27th in NBA) but has ramped up to 119.8 PPG in their last five wins, with better ball movement (26+ assists in three of those). However, they’ve struggled on the road (10-18) and in back-to-backs (4-3 ATS).
Oklahoma City Thunder (Last 10 Games: 7-3): The Thunder have been rolling, winning 7 of their last 10 with a current two-game win streak. They’ve gone 5-5 in some stretches but maintain elite form overall, outscoring opponents by double digits routinely. Key results:
Feb 11: W 136-109 @ Phoenix (dominant shooting, 28 points from Jalen Williams before injury).
Feb 9: W 119-110 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (balanced scoring without SGA).
Feb 7: L vs. Houston (rare defensive lapse).
Feb 4: W @ San Antonio (strong rebounding).
Feb 3: W vs. Orlando (efficient offense). Oklahoma City leads the league in scoring (122.5 PPG est.) and defense (allowing 103.9 PPG), with a 22-5 home record. They’ve won 8 of their last 10 at Paycom Center, covering the spread in 6 of those.
Injury Report
Injuries loom large, depriving fans of a Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showdown.
Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain): Day-to-day (exited Feb 11 game early; likely rested on back-to-back).
Chet Holmgren (left shoulder): Questionable (exited Feb 11 game; precautionary, but status uncertain). The Thunder are 4-1 without SGA recently, thanks to depth.
Both teams have yet to submit final reports due to the back-to-back, but expect cautious approaches pre-break.
Key Player Matchups
Without their MVPs, this game shifts to supporting casts. Focus on perimeter battles and interior control.
Damian Lillard (Bucks) vs. Luguentz Dort (Thunder): Lillard (assuming he’s active; no injury noted) averages 24.5 PPG but has struggled without Giannis (shooting 42% FG). Dort’s elite defense could limit him, forcing turnovers. Lillard’s quickness vs. Dort’s physicality will dictate Milwaukee’s offense.
Cam Thomas (Bucks) vs. Isaiah Joe/Aaron Wiggins (Thunder): Thomas, a recent acquisition, dropped 28 points in his Bucks debut (Feb 11 win). His scoring (22.5 PPG career) faces OKC’s wing depth. If Wiggins starts, his length could disrupt Thomas’s mid-range game.
Brook Lopez (Bucks) vs. Chet Holmgren (Thunder, if active): Lopez (12.5 PPG, 2.0 BPG) provides rim protection, but Holmgren (16.5 PPG, 2.5 BPG) dominates with mobility. If Holmgren sits, Lopez could exploit mismatches against backups like Jaylin Williams.
Ousmane Dieng (Bucks) vs. Jalen Williams (Thunder, if active): Dieng, another new Buck, added 22 points off the bench recently. J-Dub (19.5 PPG) is explosive but injury-prone; if out, Dieng could feast on second-unit minutes.
Bench Battle: Thunder’s depth (Cason Wallace, Dillon Brooks) vs. Bucks’ revamped unit (Kuzma, Sims). OKC benches average 45+ PPG.
Series History
All-Time: Tied 77-77 in 154 regular-season meetings.
Recent: Oklahoma City has won the last 4 matchups, including a 122-102 victory on Jan 21, 2026 (SGA 40 points). The Thunder are 26-21 vs. Milwaukee since 2005.
At Paycom Center: OKC 22-5 home this season; Bucks 10-18 on road.
Playoffs: Thunder lead 4-3 all-time, but no recent postseason clashes.
Oklahoma City holds the edge, covering the spread in 3 of the last 4 vs. Milwaukee.
Betting Trends
Spread:
OKC: 35-20 ATS this season (best in NBA), 18-9 ATS at home, 4-1 ATS without SGA.
Milwaukee: 23-29 ATS, 12-16 ATS on road, 4-5 ATS without Giannis.
OKC games: 28-27 to over; averages 226.4 total points.
Milwaukee games: 25-27 to over; lower without Giannis (averages 212.5 totals).
Last 5 head-to-head: 3 overs, but recent games under due to injuries.
Trends: Thunder 8-2 ATS in last 10 home games; Bucks 4-3 ATS in back-to-backs.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks 215.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 12.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The Preliminary Round of the Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 concluded today and each of the PWHL’s 61 Olympians will compete in the quarterfinal games to be played on Friday and Saturday.
THURSDAY’S PRELIMINARY ROUND RECAP
CANADA (5) VS. FINLAND (0)
Ottawa’s Emily Clark scored two goals in the third period and New York’s Kristin O’Neill had a goal and an assist to lead Canada to a commanding victory to secure second place in the Group A standings in the final game of the preliminary round. Vancouver’s Jenn Gardiner scored the first Olympic goal of her career late in the opening frame, which held as the game-winner, and Toronto’s Daryl Watts found the back of the net for the second time in the tournament to add insurance in the middle frame. Six Canadians contributed assists, led by two each from both Seattle’s Julia Gosling and Montréal’s Laura Stacey, plus singles from Sarah Fillier (NY), Sophie Jaques (VAN), Ella Shelton (TOR) and Blayre Turnbull (TOR). Victoire netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens turned aside all 17 shots faced for her second win and first shutout of the tournament. Charge captain Brianne Jenner served as Canada’s captain for the second straight game with Marie-Philip Poulin of the Victoire sidelined with injury. Charge rookie goaltender Sanni Ahola made 18 saves for Finland and Boston’s Susanna Tapani returned to action after missing Finland’s previous contest with an injury. Both teams will play quarterfinal games on Saturday, with Canada facing Germany and Finland taking on Switzerland.
FRIDAY’S QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW
10:40 A.M. ET: CZECHIA (A3) VS. SWEDEN (B1)
Montréal rookie Natálie Mlýnková has scored three of Czechia’s seven goals and leads the way with four points in four games, and New York rookie Kristýna Kaltounková has a goal and an assist in her first Olympics. Czechia leads all European countries with eight PWHL players and are in the hunt for their first Olympic medal after finishing seventh in 2022 and winning back-to-back bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 Women’s Worlds. Sweden put together a perfect preliminary round in Group B, outscoring opponents 18-2. The team is powered by four PWHL players, featuring Toronto’s Sara Hjalmarsson (2G, 3A) Montréal’s Lina Ljungblom (2G, 1A), New York’s Maja Nylén Persson (2A) and the Sceptres’ Anna Kjellbin (1A) who serves as captain. Despite reaching the medal round in each of the last six Olympic tournaments, the Swedes have earned just two medals, including bronze in 2002 and silver in 2006.
3:10 P.M. ET: UNITED STATES (A1) VS. ITALY (B3)
The U.S., featuring 16 PWHL players, cruised through the preliminary round, outscoring opponents 20-1. Seattle’s Hannah Bilka and Alex Carpenter lead the team with three goals each, and captain Hilary Knight has five points to tie both the all-time U.S. Olympic goal and point records. Between the pipes, Boston’s Aerin Frankel has posted three wins with two shutouts. The Americans have medaled in all seven Olympic tournaments, winning gold in 1998 and 2018, and are the reigning World Champions. Toronto’s Kristin Della Rovere, the lone PWHL player on Italy, has led the host nation to their first-ever quarterfinal appearance with a team-high four points. Italy has come a long way since hosting the 2006 Olympic Winter Games when they were outscored 48-3 across five tournament losses.
RECORDS & MILESTONES
Desbiens tied a Canadian Olympic record with her eighth career victory, joining Kim St-Pierre and Shannon Szabados, who are collectively ranked third on the overall list. She also became the fifth Canadian goaltender to record two or more career shutouts, a feat achieved by teammate Emerance Maschmeyer (VAN) earlier in the tournament.
Fillier became the 15th Canadian woman to record 15 career Olympic points (10G, 5A).
Stacey became the 22nd Canadian woman to record 10 career Olympic points (5G, 5A).
Gardiner (1G) and Jaques (1A) recorded their first career Olympic points in their fourth career games.
Michelle Karvinen (VAN/FIN) played in her 28th career Olympic game today and will tie the all-time record on Saturday held by Switzerland’s Nicole Bullo.
PWHL players account for 16 of the top 32 scorers through the preliminary round.
The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that they have signed right‑handed pitcher José Urquidy (pronounced ur‑KEE‑dee) to a one‑year contract for the 2026 season.
Urquidy, 30, spent most of the 2025 campaign recovering from Tommy John surgery. He returned to the mound in September, making two relief appearances for Detroit (2.1ip) and posting a 2.91 ERA (21.2ip/7er) across 11 minor league outings—eight starts—split between Low‑A Lakeland and Triple‑A Toledo.
From 2019–23 with Houston, Urquidy went 27–16 with a 3.98 ERA (405.0ip/179er) and 326 strikeouts in 79 regular‑season appearances (70 starts). His best full season came in 2022, when he finished 13–8 with a 3.94 ERA (164.1ip/72er) and 134 strikeouts over 29 outings (28 starts). Injuries limited him to three minor league rehab appearances in 2024.
A member of the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship team, Urquidy owns a strong postseason résumé, going 4–2 with a 4.08 ERA (46.1ip/21er) and 44 strikeouts in 15 playoff games (eight starts) from 2019–23. He was particularly dominant in the World Series, posting a 3–0 record with a 1.23 ERA (14.2ip/2er) and 15 strikeouts across five appearances (two starts) in the 2019, 2021 and 2022 Fall Classics.
Urquidy will wear uniform No. 65. Outfielder Jack Suwinski has switched to No. 18.
To make room on the 40‑man roster, the Pirates have placed RHP Jared Jones (right elbow surgery recovery) on the 60‑day injured list. The 40‑man roster remains full.
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed National defensive lineman Charbel Dabire, the team announced Wednesday.
Dabire, 29, joins Hamilton after spending six seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2019–25), who selected him in the fifth round (44th overall) of the 2019 CFL Draft.
The six-foot, 300-pound native of Burkina Faso appeared in 58 regular season games for Saskatchewan, recording 41 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. He was also part of the Roughriders’ 2025 Grey Cup championship roster.
Before turning pro, Dabire played collegiately at New Mexico Military Institute (2015) before transferring to Wagner College (2016–18). He appeared in 33 games for the Seahawks, posting 73 tackles (47 solo), 2.5 sacks, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and a blocked kick returned for a touchdown.
