NBA February 1, 2026

The Bucks are in serious trouble, and this massive 13.5-point spread tells the story. Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially OUT with a calf strain, and without the two-time MVP, Milwaukee transforms from a legitimate contender to a lottery-caliber team. We've seen this movie before. When Giannis sits, the Bucks are 3-9 this season, averaging just 104.2 points per game while allowing 117.8. Those numbers are ugly, and facing Boston's elite defense in TD Garden makes this situation even more dire. Damian Lillard will need a heroic performance just to keep this competitive.

Boston at 33-15 has navigated life without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) admirably. Jaylen Brown has embraced the alpha role, averaging 28.4 points over his last ten games while shooting 47% from the field. The Celtics' defense remains elite, ranking third in defensive efficiency at 108.2 points allowed per 100 possessions. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday continue to provide the two-way impact that makes this team so dangerous, and their ability to clamp down on opposing guards will be crucial against Lillard. Boston is 18-4 at home this season and has dominated inferior competition at TD Garden.

The 13.5-point spread looks massive, but consider this: Milwaukee without Giannis is essentially a play-in team masquerading as a contender. Their defense falls apart without his rim protection, and their offense becomes entirely dependent on Lillard creating something out of nothing. Boston should control this game from the opening tip, building a double-digit lead by halftime and cruising to victory. The Celtics have covered in 8 of their last 11 home games as double-digit favorites. This line is big, but it might not be big enough.

Welcome to the inaugural Sunday Night Basketball on TNT, and the league couldn't have picked a better matchup. The Lakers bring Luka Doncic to the world's most famous arena, and the Slovenian sensation has been absolutely electric since arriving via the February 2025 blockbuster trade from the Lakers roster (post-trade)is averaging a league-best 33.7 points per game this season, and his combination with LeBron James has given Los Angeles an offensive firepower that few teams can match. The Lakers at 30-17 are legitimate title contenders in the Western Conference, and their star-powered backcourt makes them a nightmare matchup for anyone.

New York at 31-16 has been exceptional at Madison Square Garden, posting a 19-5 home record that ranks among the best in the league. Jalen Brunson continues to play at an All-NBA level, averaging 27.8 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 39% from three. Karl-Anthony Towns has been everything they hoped for when they acquired him, providing 21.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game with floor-spacing ability that opens up driving lanes for Brunson. The Knicks' defense ranks eighth in efficiency, and they've held opponents under 108 points in 12 of their last 15 home games.

This is a genuine marquee matchup between two playoff-caliber teams with star power on both sides. The 4.5-point spread reflects New York's home court advantage, but the Lakers have the best player on the floor in Luka Doncic. Expect a back-and-forth affair with multiple lead changes in the fourth quarter. Brunson vs. Doncic is the headliner, but LeBron's ability to impact winning in big moments could be the difference. This game should come down to the final possessions, making the 4.5 number feel about right for a pick'em situation at the Garden.

The total of 224.5 feels slightly low given both teams' offensive capabilities. The Lakers rank sixth in offensive efficiency at 117.3 points per 100 possessions, while the Knicks sit at 114.8. Both teams move the ball well and can get hot from three-point range. In a nationally televised showcase, expect both sides to bring their A-game offensively. The atmosphere at MSG will be electric, and the stars will deliver.