NBA January 22, 2026

Kevin Durant has made Houston believers. The Rockets (25-15) acquired the future Hall of Famer from the franchise in that massive summer trade, and he's delivered exactly what they paid for, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting with his trademark efficiency. Durant gives Houston something they haven't had since the Harden era: a truly elite closer who can get a bucket in any situation against any defense. The Rockets' championship odds have skyrocketed, and they enter this one having won three straight.

Philadelphia (22-18) counters with Tyrese Maxey, who is flat-out balling. The All-Star guard is averaging a ridiculous 30.0 points per game, third in the entire NBA, while adding 6.7 assists and 2.1 steals. Maxey has become the engine that makes this Sixers offense functional, especially with Joel Embiid's availability always in question. When healthy, Philly has the firepower to match anyone. The question is whether they can sustain it for 48 minutes against Houston's suffocating defense.

The Rockets rank 4th in defensive rating at 108.9, a remarkable achievement given their offensive explosiveness. Alperen Sengun has evolved into one of basketball's most unique players, a 6'10" passing savant who averages 6.4 assists while controlling the paint. Houston leads the entire NBA in rebounding (49.2 RPG), and their ability to dominate the glass could neutralize Philadelphia's size advantage. The 1.5-point spread with Houston as road favorites tells you everything about the market's respect for what Ime Udoka has built. Durant in primetime against Maxey? This is appointment viewing. The total of 220.5 suggests a defensive slugfest despite both teams' offensive talent, and the under has real appeal given both defenses' elite metrics.

Cooper Flagg's NBA coming-out party continues tonight against the Warriors. The first overall pick out of Duke has exceeded even the loftiest expectations, averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while showing the two-way impact that made him the consensus top prospect. Dallas's roster (post-trade) to the Lakers last summer, and despite the growing pains, the future looks bright in Big D. Flagg's ability to create for himself and others while defending multiple positions suggests franchise cornerstone potential.

Golden State (24-19) is surging behind vintage Steph Curry. The 37-year-old earned his 11th All-Star start and leads the league in three-pointers made at 4.5 per game while averaging 27.6 points. Jimmy Butler's arrival from Golden State in February 2025 gave the Warriors a second star who can close games, and their 12-4 record over the last 16 games has vaulted them into the playoff picture. the former star's knee injury from Sunday's win over Miami looms large, though; if he's out, the Warriors' depth gets tested against a young, athletic Dallas squad.

The total of 232.5 accounts for Dallas's pace (4th in the league at 101.2 possessions per game) and Golden State's lethal three-point shooting. This game has shootout potential if both teams run. The 4.5-point spread feels heavy for a road favorite against a team with nothing to lose, but Curry's track record in nationally televised games is immaculate. Flagg vs. Curry is the generational clash everyone wanted, with the GOAT shooter facing the kid who might eventually challenge for that title. Dallas keeps it competitive through three quarters before Golden State's experience and shot-making pulls away.

Victor Wembanyama is putting on a clinic this season, and the 12.5-point spread tells you everything about the disparity between these two franchises. The 7'4" phenomenon earned his first NBA All-Star start selection and celebrated with back-to-back dominant performances, including a 33-point, seven-three-pointer explosion against Utah's division rivals. Wemby is averaging 24.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a league-leading 2.6 blocks while shooting 52% from the field and 39% from deep. He's a unicorn in the truest sense, a generational talent redefining what's possible for a 7-footer.

San Antonio (27-12) sits second in the Western Conference, a remarkable turnaround from last year's lottery finish. The Spurs rank 2nd in rebounding (46.7 RPG) and 7th in opponent points allowed (112.8), establishing themselves as a legitimate contender when Wembanyama is on the floor. Despite missing 12 games with injuries this season, the alien from France has pushed this franchise to heights nobody anticipated. His efficiency improvements have been remarkable, shooting career-bests across the board while expanding his three-point volume.

Utah (14-28) is in full tank mode, holding the third-worst record in the Western Conference. The Jazz allow 126.9 points per game, dead last in the NBA, a defensive sieve that elite offenses exploit ruthlessly. Lauri Markkanen (27.9 PPG) continues putting up empty calories on a losing team, while rookie Ace Bailey shows flashes. This is a development year focused on lottery positioning, not wins. The 12.5-point spread is massive, but Wembanyama against Utah's non-existent rim protection is almost unfair. Expect the Spurs to push tempo, dominate the glass, and coast to a comfortable road victory. The only question is whether San Antonio pulls the starters early enough to let Utah backdoor cover.

The Battle of LA takes on new meaning this season with Luka Doncic in purple and gold. The Lakers (25-16) acquired the Slovenian superstar from the Lakers last summer in a blockbuster that sent Cooper Flagg's draft rights and a treasure chest of picks to the the Lakers. Luka has been everything LA hoped for, averaging a ridiculous 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists while forming a devastating duo with LeBron James. At 40 years old, LeBron has embraced a secondary playmaking role, averaging 22.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists over his last 10 games.

The Clippers (18-23) are trying to find their identity in the post-Kawhi-Jimmy era. LA shipped both stars out over the past two seasons and is rebuilding around James Harden and a collection of complementary pieces. Their 5-16 start was the worst month in franchise history, but a recent surge has provided hope. The Clippers have won 12 of their last 16 games, climbing back into the play-in picture with improved defense and Harden's playmaking driving the bus. Their 36.8% three-point shooting (10th) keeps them competitive when shots are falling.

This rivalry game at Intuit Dome, the Clippers' sparkling new arena, provides the atmosphere for drama. The 1.5-point spread is essentially a pick'em, suggesting the market views these teams as evenly matched despite the Lakers' superior record. Luka vs. Harden is the backcourt battle that will define this game, a chess match between two of basketball's craftiest creators. The total of 224.5 accounts for both teams' defensive improvements, as LA ranks 22nd while the Clippers have climbed to 11th over their recent surge. Expect a tight, physical contest decided in the final minutes. The Lakers have the star power edge, but the Clippers' home court and defensive intensity keep this one close throughout.