The Cavaliers and the Clippers made one of the biggest moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline, as Darius Garland and James Harden switched places, with the Clippers also receiving a future second-rounder. Coincidentally, these two teams will square off at the Intuit Dome tomorrow for their second encounter of the season.
While Garland remains sidelined by a serious toe injury, Harden could make his debut with his new team as soon as Wednesday. The Beard is expected to link up with his new running mate, Donovan Mitchell, to create new NBA 2026 highlights that will hopefully lead to more victories.
Elsewhere, the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Celtics, Pelicans, Thunder, and Grizzlies will visit the Knicks, Raptors, Rockets, Bucks, Spurs, and Kings to round out tomorrow’s seven-game slate.
Without further ado, here is today’s preview of the Top 3 games and their NBA 2026 odds, courtesy of SBOTOP.
Denver Nuggets @ New York Knicks
The Knicks are among the most in-form teams in the league today, and the Mike Brown-coached squad plans to extend its unbeaten run to eight consecutive games when they host the Nuggets tomorrow at Madison Square Garden to strengthen their grip on the East’s two-seed.
New York are fresh from a 132-101 blowout win over Washington on Tuesday night, despite losing Josh Hart to a sprained ankle in the third period. It was a balanced effort for the Knicks, as seven of them notched double-digit points. Mikal Bridges led the way with 23 points, four rebounds, and five assists on 8-for-10 shooting from the field in 26 minutes of action. Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Ariel Hukporti added 21, 19, 19, 14, 12, and 12 points.
Despite Nikola Jokic’s return, the Nuggets are on a two-game losing streak after dropping their last two against the Thunder (121-111) and Pistons (124-121). Against the Eastern Conference leaders on Tuesday, Jamal Murray led all scorers with 32 points, eight assists, two blocks, and four three-pointers on 8-for-17 shooting from the field and 12-for-13 shooting from the free throw line. Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jonas Valanciunas, and Bruce Brown added 24, 17, 15, 11, and 10 points in the losing effort.
Betting tip – New York Knicks Asian Handicap -5.50 @ 1.97
Oklahoma City Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs
The Thunder and Spurs will meet for the fifth and final time this regular season, and the former plans to end their series on a positive note. San Antonio may have looked like Oklahoma City’s kryptonite early on, but the latter won their previous encounter in a blowout last month (119-98).
Oklahoma City have won three of their last four games, including a 128-92 rout of the Magic on Tuesday night. As always, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder starters in scoring with 20 points, five rebounds, nine assists, and two steals on 8-for-22 shooting from the field in 28 minutes. Isaiah Hartenstein logged his first career triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Isaiah Joe had a team-high 22 points off the bench, and Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Kenrich Williams added 18, 16, and 11 points.
The Spurs also won against the Magic in their previous match last Sunday. In the 112-103 result, Victor Wembanyama had 25 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and five blocks on 7-for-13 shooting from the field and 11-for-15 shooting from the free throw line. Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, De’Aaron Fox, and Julian Champagnie added 16, 15, 14, 14, and 11 points.
Betting tip – Under 225.50 @ 1.87
Cleveland Cavaliers @ LA Clippers
Even before the James Harden trade, the Cavaliers had found their stride, having won six of their last seven, and having The Beard should help them sustain their purple patch.
Cleveland are coming off a 130-111 road win against the Blazers on Sunday night, as Jarrett Allen dominated. The 27-year-old center posted 40 points (career-high), 17 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and four blocks on 16-for-23 shooting from the field. Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Donovan Mitchell, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and Thomas Bryant added 22, 18, 14, 12, and 10 points.
The Clippers plan to rebound from their 128-113 defeat against the Sixers on Monday. Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals on 12-for-21 shooting from the field, and the two-time NBA champion will have to shoulder the heavy load again. Harden’s departure will mean more opportunities for John Collins, Jordan Miller, and Kobe Sanders.
Betting tip – Cleveland Cavaliers Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.02
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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