The Atlanta Hawks (26-28) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (32-22) in an interconference battle at Target Center. Atlanta seeks to end a recent skid, relying on Jalen Johnson’s all-around play, while Minnesota aims to leverage its strong home defense (holding opponents to 110.8 PPG at home) despite injury concerns. This matchup contrasts the Hawks’ fast-paced offense (17th in pace) against the Timberwolves’ elite defensive rating (112.7, 10th in NBA).
Atlanta has struggled lately, going 4-6 in its last 10 with a 2-3 mark in the last five, averaging 114.6 PPG while allowing 119.4 (net -4.8). Minnesota is 5-5 in its last 10, including a 2-3 skid in the last five, but strong at home (18-9), scoring 119.5 PPG (3rd in NBA) and limiting foes effectively.
Team
Last 5 Games
Key Results
Hawks
L vs CHA (119-126), W vs UTA (121-119), W @ MIA (127-115), L @ IND (124-129), L vs HOU (86-104)
Jalen Johnson averaging 27.6 PPG in last five; poor defense allowing 120+ in three losses
Timberwolves
L vs NOP (115-119), W @ TOR (128-126), L @ MEM (128-137), W @ MEM (131-114), W vs SAC (119-115)
Anthony Edwards 32.8 PPG in last five; rebounding edge (45.0 RPG, 12th) key in wins
Injury Report
Hawks:
Dyson Daniels (G): GTD (Ankle)
Jonathan Kuminga (F): Out (Knee)
Onyeka Okongwu (C): DTD (Dental)
Ayo Dosunmu (G): DTD (Quadriceps)
Jalen Phillips (G): DTD (Wrist)
Trae Young (G): Questionable (Undisclosed)
Timberwolves:
Anthony Edwards (G): GTD (Back/Elbow)
Julius Randle (F): GTD (Thumb)
Terrence Shannon Jr. (G): Out (Foot)
Mike Conley (G): Out (Undisclosed)
Rudy Gobert (C): Questionable (Undisclosed)
Key Player Matchups
Injuries could alter dynamics, but frontcourt battles loom large. Minnesota’s efficiency (48.1% FG, 4th) tests Atlanta’s 23rd-ranked defense (116.2 PPG allowed).
Jalen Johnson (ATL) vs. Julius Randle (MIN): Johnson (23.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 6.8 APG) is a triple-double threat
Randle (20.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG) counters with post play if healthy
Anthony Edwards (MIN) vs. Dyson Daniels (ATL): Edwards (27.8 PPG, 5.3 APG) dominates scoring
Daniels (defensive specialist, 1.8 SPG) could disrupt if available
Atlanta leads the all-time series 43-27 in 70 games. The Hawks have won 6 of the last 10, including a 126-102 victory on Dec. 31, 2025. Recent games trend under (5-5 O/U in last 10), with Atlanta 9-1 ATS in the series
Betting Trends
Hawks Trends: 26-28 ATS overall; 9-1 ATS in last 10 vs. MIN; 27-27 O/U; 16-13 ATS as road underdogs
Timberwolves Trends: 22-32 ATS overall; 3-2 ATS in last 5; 5-5 O/U in last 10; 28-14 SU as favorites
Game Odds
Atlanta Hawks 238.5
Minnesota Timberwolves – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 8, 2026
The Milwaukee Bucks (21-29), riding a surprising three-game winning streak despite key absences, visit the Orlando Magic (27-24), who are pushing for a fourth straight home victory. This Eastern Conference clash features the Bucks’ resilient offense against the Magic’s stout defense (15th in opponent PPG at 115.5). With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, Milwaukee leans on guards for scoring, while Orlando aims to exploit mismatches in the paint.
Venue and Time
Location: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
Time: 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PST)
TV: Peacock
Recent Team Forms
The Bucks have turned a corner with a 4-6 record in their last 10, including three straight wins, averaging 112.0 PPG while allowing 115.7 (net -3.7)
The Magic are also 4-6 in their last 10 but strong at home (17-9), averaging 115.1 PPG and holding opponents to 115.5 (net -0.4)
Team
Last 5 Games
Key Results
Bucks
W vs IND (105-99), W @ ATL (110-102), W vs SAC (119-115), L @ CLE (108-100), L vs MEM (112-105)
Three-game streak without Giannis; strong defense in wins, holding foes under 105 twice
Magic
W vs UTA (120-117), W vs BRK (118-98), L @ BOS (112-105), W vs CHI (134-91), L vs CHI (125-118)
Overcame 17-point deficit vs UTA; 43.5 RPG in streak, Banchero averaging 23.0 PPG
Injury Report
Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF): Out (Right Calf Strain)
Taurean Prince (SF): Out (Neck Surgery)
Alex Antetokounmpo (F): Out (G League – Two-Way)
Kyle Kuzma (PF): Day-to-Day (Calf)
Gary Harris (SG): Questionable (Hamstring)
Bobby Portis (F): Probable (Hip)
Magic:
Franz Wagner (SF): Questionable (Left High Ankle Sprain)
Colin Castleton (C): Out (Thumb/G League – Two-Way)
Key Player Matchups
Without Giannis, the Bucks’ backcourt faces Orlando’s perimeter defense (8.5 SPG, 5th in NBA). Magic’s efficiency (46.3% FG, 13th) tests Milwaukee’s 16th-ranked defense.
Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL) vs. Jalen Suggs (ORL): Porter (17.1 PPG, 7.5 APG) leads Bucks’ playmaking
Suggs (13.0 PPG, 1.7 SPG) is a defensive pest
Paolo Banchero (ORL) vs. Myles Turner (MIL): Banchero (21.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG) dominates inside
Turner (12.9 PPG, 1.6 BPG) provides rim protection
Desmond Bane (ORL) vs. Ryan Rollins (MIL): Bane (19.3 PPG) stretches the floor
Rollins (16.9 PPG, 5.5 APG) counters with scoring
Other Notables: If Wagner plays (16.2 PPG), vs. Bobby Portis (probable); Wendell Carter Jr. (ORL, 12.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG) vs. Turner
Expected Lineups (subject to injuries):
Bucks: Porter Jr. (PG), Rollins (SG), Harris (SF, if available), Portis (PF), Turner (C)
Magic: Suggs (PG), Bane (SG), Anthony Black (SF), Banchero (PF), Carter Jr. (C)
Series History
Milwaukee leads the all-time series 76-56 in 132 regular-season games. The Bucks have won 7 of the last 10, but Orlando took the most recent on March 8, 2025 (111-109) and December 10, 2024 (109-114).
Games trend over (6-4 O/U in last 10), with Magic 3-7 ATS vs. Bucks recently
Betting Trends
Bucks Trends: 4-6 ATS in last 10; 4-8 ATS overall as underdogs; 4-8 SU in last 12; 1-4 ATS in last 5 vs. Magic
Magic Trends: 3-7 ATS in last 10; 20-31 ATS overall; 18-17 ATS in conference; 9-1 O/U as 5-10.5 point favorites
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks 219.5
Orlando Magic – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 8, 2026
NEW YORK – The NBA today announced the teams for the 2026 Kia Shooting Stars on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. The timed shooting competition returns to NBA All-Star Saturday, which tips off at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Four teams of three – each featuring two NBA players and one NBA legend – will compete in the event. The teams reflect NBA All-Star connections, school and team affiliations, and family ties.
• Team All-Star: Toronto Raptors guard-forward Scottie Barnes and Oklahoma City Thunder forward-center Chet Holmgren, 2026 NBA All-Star Game teammates, are joined by three-time NBA All-Star Richard Hamilton.
• Team Cameron: Three Duke University alums who starred at Cameron Indoor Stadium team up – 2026 NBA All-Star Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, Castrol Rising Star Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets and former 14-year NBA veteran Corey Maggette.
• Team Harper: Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr. pairs up with his sons, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Boston Celtics guard-forward Ron Harper Jr.
• Team Knicks: New York Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, both 2026 NBA All-Stars, compete with Allan Houston, who made two NBA All-Star teams with New York and now serves as its Vice President of Player Leadership & Development.
Kia Shooting Stars will feature a two-round format, with all four teams competing in the first round and the top two advancing to the final round. Teams will compete one at a time and have 1:10 to score points while rotating through seven designated shooting locations around the court, with all three players on a team shooting at each spot in a set order. The team with the higher score in the final round will be crowned the champion.
Complete competition rules, including shot locations, point values and tiebreaker procedures, are available here.
NEW YORK – The NBA today announced the four participants for the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. The annual competition is part of NBA All-Star Saturday, which tips off at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
• Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs • Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers • Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat • Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic
AT&T Slam Dunk will crown a new champion, with all four players making their event debuts.
The field includes two rookies: Bryant and Richardson. Bryant, a 6-6 forward, was selected 14th overall by San Antonio in the 2025 NBA Draft, while Richardson, a 6-1 guard, was selected 25th overall by Orlando. Richardson is the son of two-time AT&T Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson (2002 and 2003).
Hayes, a 7-foot center, is in his seventh NBA season and third with the Lakers. Johnson, a 6-6 forward, is in his second NBA season after splitting last season between Miami and its NBA G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
AT&T Slam Dunk will feature a two-round format, with judges scoring each dunk. In the first round, all four players will attempt two dunks, and the combined score will determine the top two who advance to the final round. Each finalist will then attempt two additional dunks, with the higher combined score determining the champion.
* As we look forward to the first games of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Wednesday, the first edition of the NHL Morning Skate from Milan takes a look back at every gold medal winner from Olympic Winter Games featuring NHL players.
* Most of the stats in today’s Morning Skate and many more can be found in a trio of resources released by NHL Stats in the lead up to the games: Records.NHL.com, #NHLStats Pack (updated to reflect two roster changes over the weekend) and the Olympics Interactive Information Guide. In addition, #NHLStats: Live Updates will return for the opening games Wednesday.
* NHL players arrived in Milan over the weekend, with three serving as flag bearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony and another four named captain: Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (Team Canada), Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (Team USA), Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (Team Sweden) and Ducks forward Mikael Granlund (Team Finland).
Looking Back: The Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics were the first to feature NHL players, which was perfect timing for Team Czech Republic (now Team Czechia). Coached by Ivan Hlinka, the Czechs were led by the two greatest players in the nation’s history and a pair of Hall of Famers: Dominik Hasek (Buffalo Sabres) and Jaromir Jagr (Pittsburgh Penguins).
* Hasek, who claimed his second straight Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy during the 1997-98 NHL season, finished the 1998 Olympic Winter Games as the tournament leader in wins (5), goals against average (0.97), save percentage (.961) and shutouts (2). The Sabres netminder held a Wayne Gretzky-led Team Canada to just one goal in a 2-1 shootout win during the semifinal before posting a shutout against tournament goals leader Pavel Bure in the gold medal game.
Looking Ahead:
Goaltending will be a focal point for Team Czechia once again at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games as Karel Vejmelka (Utah Mammoth), Lukas Dostal (Anaheim Ducks) and Dan Vladar (Philadelphia Flyers) man the crease. Vejmelka (27-14-2) and Dostal (21-13-2) have combined for 48 total wins – tied for the most by any two goaltenders of the same nationality in 2025-26. Vejmelka is also tied with Andrei Vasilevskiy for the League lead in wins among all netminders and is on pace for 38 victories this season. Only two Czech goaltenders in NHL history have posted as many in a campaign: Roman Turek (42 in 1999-00 w/ STL) and Dominik Hasek (41 in 2001-02 & 38 in 2006-07 w/ DET).
Looking Back: A Team Canada put together by “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky as executive director, with Hall of Fame head coach Pat Quinn behind the bench and one of the top players in NHL history, Mario Lemieux, returning to international competition as the captain succeeded in ending Canada’s gold medal drought by winning the tournament for the first time in 50 years (previous: 1952). They did so by defeating Team USA in the gold medal game on their home turf in Salt Lake City, Utah.
* Canada’s first goal of the game came courtesy of an all-Hall-of-Fame first line featuring Paul Kariya, Lemieux and Steve Yzerman. Kariya’s goal was notable for the fact that Lemieux instinctively allowed the pass from Chris Pronger to go between his legs and find Kariya’s stick.
* Joe Sakic then took charge of the gold medal game, notching points on each of Canada’s next four goals: two assists on goals by Jarome Iginla and two goals of his own. Sakic’s first tally was a tiebreaking goal late in the second period that stood as the gold medal clincher, while his second came with 80 seconds left in regulation – delivering an unforgettable call by play-by-play broadcaster Bob Cole: “Gee-ooo-ooh Sakic! That makes it 5-2 Canada! Surely that’s going to be it!”
Looking Ahead: Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and Oilers forward Connor McDavid will aim to accomplish a similar feat to Jarome Iginla, who entered the 2002 Olympic Winter Games leading the NHL in goals (35) and points (64) and went on to help Canada earn the gold medal and finish the season as the Art Ross Trophy and Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner. McDavid will serve as alternate captain alongside MacKinnon’s Avalanche teammate, defenseman Cale Makar.
Looking Back: Sweden was shut out twice during their five-game round robin en route to a third-place finish in Group B, but a roster that featured a future Hockey Hall of Famer at every position helped the Tre Kronor outscore opponents 13-5 across their quarterfinal and semifinal matchups, while the highest-scoring NHL defenseman in the country’s history notched the tournament-clinching goal against rival Finland.
* NicklasLidstrom (Detroit Red Wings) scored the go-ahead, game-winning goal in the third period of the gold medal game – off assists by fellow future Hockey Hall of Famers Mats Sundin (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Peter Forsberg (Philadelphia Flyers) – as Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers) stopped all 12 shots he faced in the third period to secure the victory. Lidstrom led all defensemen in scoring during the tournament (2-4—6) and would go on to do the same during the 2005-06 NHL season (16-64—80) en route to earning his fourth James Norris Memorial Trophy.
Looking Ahead: Lightning defenseman VictorHedman and Penguins defenseman ErikKarlsson look to follow in Lidstrom’s footsteps as the Norris Trophy-winning stars guide Sweden into a head-to-head meeting against longtime-rival Finland during the round-robin. Karlsson (3x) and Lidstrom (7x) are the only European players to win the Norris Trophy multiple times. Hedman and Karlsson will serve as alternate captains this year.
Looking Back: The second Olympic Winter Games in North America featuring NHL players produced another Canada-United States gold medal game. After falling to Team USA during the round robin, Team Canada avenged that loss with a gold-medal performance that saw the Americans overcome a multi-goal deficit to force overtime before Sidney Crosby scored the famed “Golden Goal”.
* Crosby and Drew Doughty are the only two players who were on Team Canada’s 2010 roster that will be competing for the country in 2026 – it marked the first Olympics the duo skated together in and they would team up again to win a gold medal in 2014. Crosby finished tied for second on the team in scoring after posting 3-3—6, while Doughty tallied 0-2—2 (both in 7 GP). The duo factored on one goal together.
Looking Ahead: Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty are set to become the only active NHL players who have competed in three Olympic games and will aim to become the first two to win three gold medals at Olympic Winter Games NHL players have participated. Crosby will be the oldest NHL player competing in Milan and will become the third player age 38-plus to skate for Team Canada at Olympics involving NHL players, following Martin St. Louis in 2014 (38 years, 250 days at oldest) and Al MacInnis in 2002 (38 years, 228 days at oldest).
Looking Back: Sidney Crosby captained a Canadian squad that returned 11 players from its 2010 gold medal team and featured each of the NHL’s top three scorers from the 2013-14 season entering the event (also Ryan Getzlaf: ANA & John Tavares: NYI), but it was defensemen DrewDoughty (Los Angeles Kings) and SheaWeber (Nashville Predators) that shared Canada’s scoring lead with six points apiece and the goaltending performance of CareyPrice (Montréal Canadiens) that powered Canada to their second straight Olympic gold medal and third in five events involving NHL players after shutting out Team Sweden in the tournament finale.
* Price, who watched his teammates outscore the opposition 17-3 across six games, went a perfect 5-0-0 in the tournament and posted back-to-back shutouts to end the event, blanking the United States (31 saves) and Sweden (24 saves) in the semifinals and gold medal game, respectively. It marked the first time in any Olympics that a men’s goaltender earned a shutout in both the semifinals and gold medal game.
Looking Ahead: CaleMakar is one of six 50-point defensemen at the time the NHL paused for the Olympic break and appeared in his 450th career contest in Colorado’s final outing. Makar (131-354—485), in the midst of his seventh campaign, already has more career goals, assists and points than Weber (123-206—329 in 584 GP) and Doughty (57-157—214 in 423 GP) had entering the 2014 Winter Olympics – their ninth and sixth NHL seasons, respectively.
***
OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT STARTS WEDNESDAY The action on the ice begins Wednesday, with the tournament opener pitting two nations that medaled in the 2022 Olympic Winter Games head-to-head when defending gold medalists Team Finland face Team Slovakia, who earned bronze in 2022 which stood as the country’s first medal in men’s hockey at the Olympics. The second game of the day will see host Team Italy contest their first game in men’s Olympic hockey since 2006, when they open their tournament against Team Sweden.
The struggling Utah Jazz (16-37) face the inconsistent Miami Heat (28-26) in an interconference matchup at Kaseya Center. Utah looks to end a two-game skid amid a rebuild plagued by injuries, while Miami aims to build momentum after a blowout win, despite its own health issues. This game pits the Jazz’s poor defense (allowing 126.7 PPG, last in NBA) against the Heat’s balanced attack, with Miami’s home dominance potentially deciding the outcome.
Venue and Time
Location: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida
Time: 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PST)
TV: FDSSUN, KJZZ, Jazz+
Recent Team Forms
The Jazz are in freefall, going 2-8 in their last 10 with defensive lapses allowing 122.3 PPG while scoring 115.7 (net -6.6)
Miami has alternated wins and losses, posting a 5-5 record in its last 10, averaging 117.2 PPG but allowing 113.8 (net +3.4), boosted by a recent rout
Team
Last 5 Games
Key Results
Jazz
L @ ORL (120-117), L @ ATL (121-119), W @ IND (131-122), L @ TOR (107-100), L vs BKN (109-99)
Close losses highlight turnover issues (18.2 per game in last 5); Markkanen averaging 24.6 PPG
Heat
W @ WAS (132-101), L @ BOS (98-96), L vs ATL (127-115), W vs CHI (134-91), L vs CHI (125-118)
Defensive highs (held WAS to 101) and lows (allowed 127 to ATL); Adebayo dominating with 18.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG
Injury Report
Jazz:
Keyonte George (G): Out (Right Ankle Sprain)
Walker Kessler (C): Out For Season (Left Shoulder Surgery)
Elijah Harkless (G): Out (Hamstring)
Kevin Love (F): Questionable (Illness)
Jaren Jackson Jr. (F): Probable (Recently Traded/Team Debut)
Heat:
Bam Adebayo (C): Available (Right Hip Tightness)
Norman Powell (G): Day-to-Day (Lower Back Tightness)
Pelle Larsson (G): Out (Right Elbow Contusion)
Tyler Herro (G): Out (Ribs/Toe)
Terry Rozier (G): Out (Immediate Leave)
Vladislav Goldin (C): Out (G League)
Key Player Matchups
Injuries force adjustments, but frontcourt battles could define the game. Miami’s efficiency (48.1% FG, 12th in NBA) tests Utah’s leaky defense.
Lauri Markkanen (UTA) vs. Bam Adebayo (MIA): Markkanen (23.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.9 3PM) stretches the floor
Adebayo (19.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.1 APG) anchors Miami’s D (1.2 BPG) and exploits mismatches
Jaren Jackson Jr. (UTA) vs. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (MIA): Jackson (20.1 PPG, 1.8 BPG in Memphis) debuts for Utah, bringing rim protection
Jaquez (15.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG) thrives in transition
Isaiah Collier (UTA) vs. Davion Mitchell (MIA): Collier (12.4 PPG, 8.0 APG) steps up sans George
Mitchell (defensive specialist, 1.1 SPG) could disrupt
Other Notables: If Powell plays (18.9 PPG), vs. Brice Sensabaugh (UTA, 14.2 PPG); Jusuf Nurkic (UTA, 11.3 RPG) vs. Nikola Jovic (MIA)
Expected Lineups (subject to injuries):
Jazz: Collier (PG), Sensabaugh (SG), Bailey (SF), Markkanen (PF), Jackson Jr. (C)
Heat: Mitchell (PG), Powell (SG, if available), Jaquez Jr. (SF), Wiggins (PF), Adebayo (C)
Series History
Utah leads the all-time series 40-37 over 77 games. Miami has won the last two, including a 147-116 rout on Jan. 24, 2026. Recent games trend over the total (6-4 O/U in last 10), with Miami 7-3 ATS in the series
Betting Trends
Jazz Trends: 29-24 ATS overall; 7-3 ATS as 5-10.5 point road underdogs; 32-21 O/U this season
1-4 ATS as 0.5-4.5 point underdogs.
Heat Trends: 28-20-1 ATS; 11-15 ATS at home; 26-23 O/U
9-1 O/U as 5-10.5 point favorites.
Game Odds
Utah Jazz 240.5
Miami Heat – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 8, 2026
The struggling Chicago Bulls (24-29) face the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets (14-37) in an Eastern Conference matchup at Barclays Center. Chicago looks to snap a four-game losing streak amid roster changes and injuries, while Brooklyn aims for back-to-back wins after a rare victory. This game features a contrast between the Bulls’ veteran core and the Nets’ young, inconsistent talent, with both teams battling defensive woes.
Venue and Time
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Time: 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PST)
TV: YES, CHSN
Recent Team Forms
The Bulls are mired in a 1-7 slump since a four-game winning streak, averaging 113.3 points while allowing 122.6 (net -9.3)
Brooklyn has gone 1-9 in its last 10, averaging just 99.6 points against 118.7 allowed (net -19.1), but snapped a skid with a 127-113 win over Washington
Team
Last 5 Games
Key Results
Bulls
L @ DEN (136-120), L @ TOR (123-107), L @ MIL (131-115), L @ MIA (134-91), L vs MIA (116-113)
Defensive struggles, allowing 123+ in three straight; offense inconsistent without Giddey
Nets
W vs WAS (127-113), L @ ORL (118-98), L vs LAL (125-109), L @ DET (130-77), L vs DEN (126-103)
Rare offensive outburst (80 first-half points vs WAS); otherwise, poor shooting (44.4% FG in last 10)
Injury Report
Bulls:
Zach Collins (F/C): Out (Right 1st Toe Sprain)
Noa Essengue (F): Out (Left Shoulder Surgery)
Josh Giddey (G): Doubtful (Left Hamstring Strain)
Tre Jones (G): Doubtful (Left Hamstring Strain)
Jalen Smith (F): Questionable (Right Calf Strain)
Yuki Kawamura (G), Mac McClung (G): Out (G League)
Nets:
Michael Porter Jr. (F): Out (Right Knee Tendinitis)
Cam Thomas (G): Questionable (Personal Reasons)
Haywood Highsmith (F): Out (Right Knee Surgery)
Egor Demin (G): Out (Rest)
Tyson Etienne (G), Chaney Johnson (F), E.J. Liddell (F): Out (G League Two-Way)
Key Player Matchups
Injuries could shift lineups, but expect battles in the paint and on the perimeter. Chicago’s efficiency (47.2% FG, 9th in NBA) faces Brooklyn’s poor defense (114.9 PPG allowed).
Coby White (CHI) vs. Nolan Traore (BKN): White (18.6 PPG, 4.7 APG) is a scoring guard threat
Traore (rookie, recent 26 PTS) provides upside but may struggle defensively
Nikola Vucevic (CHI) vs. Nic Claxton (BKN): Vucevic (16.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG) dominates rebounds
espn.com +2
. Claxton (12.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG) is a rim protector but shoots poorly from FT line (61.0%)
Nets: Traore (PG), Martin (SG), Williams (SF), Clowney (PF), Claxton (C)
Series History
Chicago holds a 102-90 all-time edge over Brooklyn. The Bulls have won 6 of the last 10, including a 124-102 victory on Jan. 18, 2026. Brooklyn took the prior two: 112-109 (Jan. 16) and 113-103 (Dec. 3, 2025)
Recent games trend under the total (4-6 O/U in last 10)
Betting Trends
Chicago is favored on the road despite its skid, reflecting Brooklyn’s poor record. Consensus odds:
Bulls Trends: 5-5 ATS in last 10; 20-10-1 ATS when scoring 117+ points; 15-11 ATS on road
Struggles as favorites (4-6 straight up in last 10 as fave).
Nets Trends: 5-5 ATS in last 10; 2-3 ATS at home; 4-18 SU in last 22 games but 2-3 ATS in last 5
Games trend over (O 217.5 in recent win).
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls – 3.5
Brooklyn Nets 221.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 8, 2026
The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons (38-13) travel to face the surging Charlotte Hornets (25-28) in a matchup that pits one of the league’s top teams against a squad riding a hot streak. Detroit aims to bounce back from a rare loss, while Charlotte looks to extend its impressive run and climb the standings. This game features intriguing contrasts: the Pistons’ balanced attack and defensive prowess against the Hornets’ high-scoring offense fueled by young talent.
Venue and Time
Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Time: 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PST)
TV: FDSSE, FDSDET
Recent Team Forms
The Pistons have been dominant overall but stumbled recently, going 7-3 in their last 10 games with strong defensive showings in wins. They average 118.0 points while holding opponents to 108.0 in that span.
Charlotte, meanwhile, is on fire with a 9-1 record over their last 10, including a nine-game winning streak—their longest in years. They’ve averaged 114.3 points on 46.4% shooting, outscoring foes by 10.7 points per game
Team
Last 5 Games
Key Results
Pistons
W vs. NYK (118-80), L vs. WAS (117-126), W vs. DEN (124-121), W vs. BKN (130-77), W vs. PHX (114-96)
High-scoring wins bookended by a defensive struggle in loss
Hornets
W @ ATL (126-119), W @ HOU (109-99), W vs. NOP (102-95), W vs. SAS (111-106), W vs. MEM (113-102)
Balanced offense and improved rebounding (48.6 per game in last 10)
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with absences, but Detroit’s depth could be tested if key bigs are limited.
Pistons:
Jalen Duren (C): Probable (right knee soreness)—monitor closely as he’s missed recent time
Dario Saric (F): Out (not with team)
Ronald Holland II (F): Out (personal reasons)
Wendell Moore Jr. (G), Tolu Smith (F), Bobi Klintman (F), Chaz Lanier (G): Out (G-League)
Hornets:
Coby White (G): Out (left calf strain)—expected to miss through All-Star break
Malaki Branham (G): Out (not with team)
PJ Hall (F/C), Liam McNeeley (F), Antonio Reeves (G): Out (G-League)
Tidjane Salaun (F): Questionable (illness)
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights dynamic guard play and battles in the paint. Detroit’s stars will test Charlotte’s young core.
Cade Cunningham (DET) vs. LaMelo Ball (CHA): A premier point guard duel. Cunningham (25.1 PPG, 9.7 APG, 5.5 RPG) is a triple-double threat with efficient scoring (45.9% FG)
Ball (19.1 PPG, 7.5 APG, 4.8 RPG) thrives in transition, hitting 3.3 threes per game (7th in NBA) at 36.3%
Expect high assists and scoring from both.
Jalen Duren (DET) vs. Moussa Diabate (CHA): If Duren plays, his rebounding (10.5 RPG) and interior scoring (17.7 PPG) could dominate
Diabate (8.7 RPG) provides physicality but may struggle against Duren’s size
Ausar Thompson (DET) vs. Brandon Miller (CHA): Thompson’s defense (1.9 SPG, 4th in NBA; 0.9 BPG) could disrupt Miller (20.3 PPG)
Miller’s scoring efficiency (42.6% FG) will be key for Charlotte.
Other Notables: Miles Bridges (CHA, 18.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG) vs. Tobias Harris (DET); Kon Knueppel (CHA, 18.9 PPG) vs. Duncan Robinson (DET) for perimeter shooting
The all-time series is razor-thin, with Detroit holding a 67-66 edge over 133 games The Pistons have won the last three meetings, including a 112-86 blowout on December 20, 2025. Charlotte’s last win over Detroit was on November 21, 2024 (123-121 OT).
In recent matchups, games have leaned under the total (1-9 O/U in last 10)
Betting Trends
Pistons Trends: 27-24 ATS overall; 17-22 ATS as favorites by 2+ points; 21-32 O/U this season
They’ve covered in 6 of last 10 vs. Hornets.
Hornets Trends: As underdogs, they’ve won 18 of 40 outright; 32-21 ATS overall; 5-0 straight up in last 5, but 4-1 ATS
Games have gone under in 9 of last 10 vs. Pistons
Game Odds
Detroit Pistons – 2.5
Charlotte Hornets 222.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 8, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, used clutch fifth-set performances from Brooke Nuneviller and Kiara Reinhardt to take down the Orlando Valkyries (5-4) in a 25-18, 20-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-9 five-set battle Sunday afternoon in front of 2,050 at Addition Financial Arena.
It marked Omaha’s (7-3) fifth straight win, setting a new franchise record, and its seventh consecutive road victory dating back to last season. Nuneviller, who was taken out late in the fourth set, roared back in the decisive fifth, posting a team-high five kills. Four of those, along with a block, came during the Supernovas’ (7-3) opening 8-1 run in the tiebreaking set. Much of that surge was sparked by the defensive work of Reinhardt, who recorded seven digs in the set alone and finished with nine overall, the second-most on the team.
Nuneviller notched her eighth double-double in 10 matches this season, finishing with 20 points on 17 kills (.196), two blocks and one ace while adding a team-high 16 digs. Reagan Cooper led Omaha in points for the second straight match, totaling 25 points with 23 kills on a .396 hitting percentage. She also stuffed a pair of Orlando attacks while contributing eight digs and two assists. Opposite Emily Londot tied for third on the Supernovas with 12 points as the Ohio State product hammered down nine kills to go with two blocks and one ace. Sarah Parsons recorded a kill and a block before exiting in the fourth set with a wrist injury. Merritt Beason’s lone point came on a key ace in the fifth set.
Second-year pro Toyosi Onabanjo continued her rise as a dangerous offensive option from the middle, finishing with 10 kills on a .600 hitting percentage with one block and one ace. Reinhardt hit .357 on 14 swings with seven kills and an ace. Setter Sydney Hilley guided the league’s second-best offense to a .276 clip while dishing out 52 assists to go with seven digs, two blocks and one kill. Again using a two-libero system, Morgan Hentz chipped in seven digs and one assist while Allison Holder added six digs and a pair of assists.
In total, the Supernovas finished with 10 blocks and five aces while compiling 68 digs, 68 kills and 61 assists.
Using a mixed lineup due to several injuries, Orlando’s Hannah Maddux led all players with 26 points as the Vegas free agent signee produced 20 kills with four blocks and two aces. Middle blocker Kaz Brown followed with 13 points, totaling nine kills, three blocks and one ace. The Valkyries finished with 11 blocks, eight aces, 74 digs, 57 kills and 55 assists.
After winning all three matches during an extended road trip, the Supernovas return to Kiewit Court at the CHI Health Center for three of their next four matches. That stretch begins with a two-match homestand next week against the Dallas Pulse on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. CST for Heroes Night before facing Orlando again on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. CST for the franchise’s Pink Out match.
Key Notes
The Supernovas are on the longest winning streak in franchise history at five matches, surpassing the previous four-match streak reached seven times.
Dating back to last season, Omaha has matched the franchise record with its seventh straight road victory. Since 2025, the Supernovas are 16-3 on the road.
Sydney Hilley became the first player in MLV history to reach 2,500 assists Sunday. Her career total, including the postseason, now sits at 2,536.
Nuneviller eclipsed 800 digs in her Supernovas and league career and now has 807 digs in 65 matches.
Cooper surpassed 700 career MLV kills and now has 709 after tying her season high with 23 against Orlando.
Reinhardt’s nine digs are tied for the second-most in team history by a middle blocker, matching Danielle Hart’s nine in the Supernovas’ first-ever match on Jan. 24, 2024. Hristina Vuchkova holds the record with 10 at Grand Rapids on May 12, 2024.
Omaha moves to 9-8 all-time in five-set matches, including 2-2 this season, and is 3-1 in five-set matches against Orlando.
The Supernovas remain the only team in MLV history unbeaten (4-0) when passing at 35% or lower.
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Set 1: Cooper and Reinhardt got the block going early for the Supernovas to start the match, and Reinhardt followed with an ace for a 2-0 lead. Luper slammed down a kill to get Orlando on the board, but Londot and Cooper answered with back-to-back points. Onabanjo stuffed a Valkyries attack to stretch the Omaha lead to 5-2. An error and a Maddux kill cut the lead to one, but both teams kept trading points, including two more kills for Maddux. Londot sided out, but Shime answered. Off an Orlando service error, Cooper pushed the lead to two. Maddux replied with her own kill, but back-to-back points from Cooper and Onabanjo forced a Valkyries timeout at 12-8. Londot extended the lead with a back-row kill, but Brown posted her first kill of the night to snap the 3-0 run. Cooper and Shime exchanged points before a back-row attack violation and a Hilley block sent the Supernovas into the media timeout leading 16-10. Nuneviller ran to the inside and put down a cut shot, but Luper came back with a kill of her own. After a Pukis service error, Nuneviller aced the Valkyries before Cooper blocked her second Orlando attack of the set to force a Valkyries timeout at 20-12. Maddux broke the run, but Reinhardt sided out with her first kill of the afternoon. Kelley took care of a great Orlando pass and put down a kill. After the Valkyries won a challenge to reverse a point, Onabanjo and Nuneviller logged consecutive points to put Omaha at set point. The Valkyries used kills from Brown and Maddux to hold things off with a 3-0 run, but Onabanjo put down her final swing to give the Supernovas a 25-18 opening set win.
Omaha’s offense was on fire from the start, hitting .394 with four blocks and two aces, with Cooper leading the way with five kills on a .455 clip. Orlando nearly kept pace with a .287 clip, but had no aces or blocks. Maddux hammered her way to seven kills.
Set 2: Luper and Hilley traded kills to begin the set, but Orlando fired off a 3-0 run behind a block from Brown and a Pukis setter kill. Onabanjo kept her efficiency high with a pair of kills to put the Supernovas deficit at one. Brown aced Cooper to push the lead back to three at 7-4. Onabanjo sided out, but Kelley and Maddux tallied back-to-back kills. Londot and Nuneviller got going by tooling the block for kills, but service errors continued to plague Omaha. Nuneviller found the floor from the back row for another kill, but a Luper kill off the block and a Supernovas hitting error extended the lead to 13-8, forcing an Omaha timeout. Londot ended a long rally with a block before Cooper split the seam for a kill to cut the deficit to three. Brown spiked down a kill in response. Cooper’s next attack sailed long, and Maddux roofed Londot to put the Valkyries ahead 16-10 at the media timeout. Mosher and Beason checked in following the stoppage, and it immediately resulted in a Cooper kill. Nuneviller recorded the next point for Omaha, but Brown answered with her own kill. Nuneviller found the floor again, and Onabanjo pinpointed her serve for an ace to cut the Orlando lead to three. Nuneviller appeared to put down a kill, but the point was reversed for a net violation, flipping the momentum. Pukis aced Cooper on the next point, leading to a Maddux kill and block to provide the Valkyries with a commanding 21-14 advantage. Reinhardt tooled the block off the slide to snap the 4-0 run, and Nuneviller put down a kill on a broken play to force an Orlando timeout at 21-16. Another Valkyries hitting error ramped up the pressure. Lindsay Vander Weide barely tooled the block, but Nuneviller responded with a kill, and a long Luper attack kept the lead at just three. Kelley and Cooper traded kills before Orlando ended the set with a Kelley putaway and a Londot hitting error at 25-20 to tie the match.
The Supernovas struggled to find an offensive combination that worked, hitting .159 with one block and Onabanjo’s lone ace. Nuneviller led the way with five kills and four digs. The Valkyries finished with a .222 clip with three blocks and two aces as Brown led a balanced attack with three kills.
Set 3: Maddux opened the set where she left off from the second with a kill, but Onabanjo answered. Cooper put down a kill, but Brown and Maddux tallied back-to-back points to take a 5-3 lead. Nuneviller sided out, and an Orlando hitting error evened the set. After a Valkyries service error, Reinhardt took care of an overdig to give the Supernovas their first lead since the first set with a 7-6 edge. A Maddux kill and a Vander Weide block flipped the script before Londot and Reinhardt kills gave Omaha the lead back at 9-8. Orlando took command from there with a Kelley point, a Supernovas hitting error and consecutive Maddux aces for a 12-9 lead and a Supernovas timeout. Cooper went crosscourt to side out to snap the 4-0 run, but Kelley responded with a kill. Cooper found the floor again, and Londot placed her serve perfectly for an ace. Despite getting within one, Orlando tallied a 3-0 run behind a Brown block, a Vander Weide ace and a Luper kill to push the advantage back to 16-12 at the media timeout. Cooper ended the 3-0 run out of the stoppage, but back-to-back points from the Valkyries forced Omaha’s second timeout trailing 18-13. Onabanjo tallied a kill down the line off one foot. Luper and Reinhardt exchanged points before Kelley recorded her own kill and block for a 21-15 Valkyries lead. Reinhardt terminated from the middle after making a good pass. A center line violation by Orlando gave the Supernovas another point to force a Valkyries timeout at 21-17. Londot blocked Maddux out of the timeout and fired an overpass down the line for consecutive points. A miscommunication from the Valkyries gave Omaha another point, trimming the advantage to one at 21-20. A huge service error from Sarah Parsons ended the 5-0 run, but Londot answered with a kill. Vander Weide split the block for a point, but a net violation by Orlando on the next rally kept things close. After an initial block, Vander Weide tooled the Omaha hands for set point, which was capped by an ace from the outside hitter for a 25-22 set three win for the Valkyries.
The Supernovas hit .263 with one block and one ace. Cooper led Omaha with five kills. Orlando finished with a .278 hitting percentage with three blocks and four aces. Maddux hit just .071 but recorded a team-high four kills.
Set 4: Service errors continued to be an issue for the Supernovas, with two in the opening few points opening the door for an early 5-2 lead with an ace from Kelley and kills from Luper and Maddux. Nuneviller went crosscourt for a kill, and Hilley stuffed a Valkyries attack. Maddux sided out, but Cooper ignited a 3-0 run with a pair of kills for Omaha to take a 7-6 lead. Orlando responded with its own 3-0 run as Luper tallied a back-row kill and a Maddux block for a 9-7 Valkyries margin. Cooper traded points with Orlando before another Nuneviller kill cut the deficit to one again. Vander Weide split the Omaha block, and a Pukis stuff resulted in a Supernovas timeout at 13-10 Valkyries. Omaha came out of the stoppage on a 6-1 run to take the lead as Nuneviller recorded three points in that seven-point span, tallying two kills and one block. Cooper tooled the block to give the Supernovas a 16-14 edge going into the media timeout. The run extended out of the break with Hilley rejecting an overdig attack from Orlando. Cooper split the block for her 19th kill to force an Orlando timeout at 18-14. A service error ended the 6-0 run before Foster subbed in to serve an ace. Cooper answered with back-to-back kills. Following a Maddux point, Londot squeezed an attack between the block, and Reinhardt put down a gimme overpass. Kelley put her next swing into the net to force an Orlando timeout at 23-17 Omaha. A Reinhardt block gave the Supernovas set point before a crafty Londot shot found the hole in the floor defense to give Omaha a 25-18 set four win.
The Supernovas offense fired off a .382 hitting percentage with three blocks. Cooper was a monster with eight kills on a .538 clip to lead Omaha. Orlando was shut down with a .030 team clip with three blocks and two aces as Maddux and Luper tied for the team high with three kills apiece.
Set 5: Orlando went to the middle right away and succeeded with a kill from Kelley to begin the set. Nuneviller refused to back down, leading the charge in a 4-0 run with three kills, plus a Cooper back-row point for a 4-1 advantage. The run stretched to seven with a Valkyries net violation, a hitting error and a Nuneviller solo block for another Orlando timeout at 7-1 Supernovas. Reinhardt’s defensive prowess showed again with a diving dig to set up another Nuneviller kill and an 8-1 lead at the halfway point of the fifth set. Maddux spearheaded the Valkyries comeback with three straight points, followed by a Brown kill for an Omaha timeout with the lead cut to 8-5. Another Maddux kill closed the gap to two, but Nuneviller sided out before Merritt Beason snuck in a key ace in the back corner to push the Supernovas lead back to 10-6. Maddux responded by tooling the block, and Pukis roofed an Omaha attack. A massive service error hurt the Valkyries, who then allowed two more points by way of a hitting error and an Onabanjo overpass kill for a 13-8 Supernovas advantage. After an Omaha hitting error, Foster put her serve into the net for match point, opening the door for Cooper to end the afternoon with her final kill for a 15-9 set five win and match victory.
The Supernovas hit .200 in the tiebreaking set with one block and one ace. Nuneviller provided the spark with five kills and a block, while Reinhardt was clutch with a team-leading seven digs in the set alone. Orlando managed a .115 clip with two blocks as Maddux hit .333 with four kills on nine swings and one error.
The Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 continued today with more of the PWHL’s 61 Olympians taking the ice for the first time in pursuit of gold. Below is a recap of day four results, notable performances, and a closer look at action ahead.
SUNDAY’S PRELIMINARY ROUND RECAP
CZECHIA (2) VS. FINLAND (0) Montréal rookie Natálie Mlýnková scored the insurance marker to help secure Czechia’s first win of the tournament and hand Finland its second straight shutout loss in a pivotal Group A matchup. The Czechs, who fell to the Finns in each of the last two bronze medal games at Women’s Worlds, became the first European team to shut out Finland in the Olympics, and now sit one point ahead of Canada, who have two games in hand, in the standings heading into Monday’s meeting.
SWEDEN (4) VS. FRANCE (0) Toronto’s Sara Hjalmarsson recorded a second straight two-point performance with a goal and an assist as Sweden continued its perfect start to the tournament. Sweden holds a 3-0 record atop the Group B standings and have secured a quarterfinal berth, while France has been eliminated from quarterfinal contention with an 0-3 record in the country’s first appearance at the Olympic Winter Games.
