The 2026 NBA All-Star Game reserves will be revealed at 6:00 PM ET on NBC & Peacock. Expect player emotions and motivation to be heightened for tonight's nationally televised games.
Sunday Night Basketball makes its historic debut on NBC with a doubleheader featuring two of the league's most compelling matchups. Luka Doncic and the Lakers invade Madison Square Garden to face the surging Knicks, followed by an MVP showdown between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Thunder and Nikola Jokic's Nuggets. This is appointment viewing with massive betting implications.
7:00 PM ET | Madison Square Garden | NBC / Peacock
This is the game of the night. Luka Doncic returns to Madison Square Garden for the first time since his blockbuster February 2025 trade to the Lakers. The Slovenian superstar is averaging a ridiculous 37.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, and 9.1 APG this season and elevates his game on the biggest stages.
The Knicks (29-18) have been scorching hot, winning five straight and four consecutive at home to pull within 1.5 games of Boston in the Atlantic Division. Jalen Brunson (27.6 PPG, 5.9 APG) has been spectacular, and Karl-Anthony Towns (20.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG) has provided the interior presence they've lacked for years. Mikal Bridges is shooting a career-best 50.2% from the field.
Here's where it gets interesting: Luka loves the MSG spotlight, and this game has "superstar takeover" written all over it. The Lakers blasted Washington on Thursday for their fifth win in six games and are tied atop the Pacific Division with the Clippers.
The 9-point spread is massive for a team with Luka Doncic. New York should win this game, but the Lakers have the star power to keep it close. Take the points with LA (+9) and expect Luka to put on a show.
9:30 PM ET | Ball Arena | NBC / Peacock
The nightcap features an MVP showdown between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. The defending champion Thunder (36-10) have been the league's best team, but they're dealing with some injury concerns. Jalen Williams is out and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, while Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell are day-to-day.
Denver (32-16) has been rolling lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games and 4-1 ATS in their last five. The Nuggets are historically dominant in February (15-2 SU in their last 17 February games) and Jokic is putting up monster numbers: 29.7 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 10.8 APG. Jamal Murray (25.8 PPG, 7.4 APG) is shooting 44.7% from three.
The Thunder's injury situation is concerning. Without Williams, OKC's offensive options become more limited, and the Nuggets will attack that weakness. Denver is also extremely tough at home (15-8 record at Ball Arena).
The value here is on Denver +3.5. The Nuggets are playing their best basketball of the season, Jokic is in MVP form, and OKC is shorthanded. Take the points and lean over 230.5 in what should be a high-scoring affair.