The entirety of the league got a much-needed rest over the last week during the All-Star break. With the trade deadline over and teams set to enter the stretch run, the action should heat back up as the season winds down.
On Thursday, 20 teams will get back to work.
Houston Rockets @ Charlotte Hornets, 7 p.m. ET
The NBA returns with a bang when the red-hot Hornets host the Rockets. The Rockets enter with a record of 33-20, and although they were unable to make a splash at the trade deadline, they hope the veteran leadership of Kevin Durant can make them a true contender. With Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet out for the season, depth is an issue.
After a 16-28 start, the Hornets have won 10 of their last 11 games and moved into ninth place in the Eastern Conference. They made a big splash at the deadline but will be without newly acquired guard Coby White due to a calf injury.
Brooklyn Nets @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 p.m. ET
The Cavaliers made arguably the biggest move of the deadline, sending guard Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for future Hall of Famer James Harden. The Cavs are 34-21, good for No. 4 in the East, and just 1.5 games out of the No. 2 seed. The Nets, already one of the worst teams in the league, parted ways with Cam Thomas, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. At 15-38, it is surprising the Nets did not make a bigger move, but they held on to Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton.
Atlanta Hawks @ Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m. ET
With the Eastern Conference seemingly wide open, the Hawks hoped to become contenders, but at 26-30, that has not happened. They shipped Trae Young to Washington and dealt Kristaps Porzingis to the Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
The 76ers have been inconsistent but remain out of the play-in at 30-24, 1.5 games ahead of the seventh-place Magic. Joel Embiid (right shin soreness/knee management) will be out, and Kuminga (left knee bone bruise) will not suit up for the Hawks.
Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards, 7 p.m. ET
Although the Pacers acquired center Ivica Zubac from the Clippers, with Tyrese Haliburton out for the year, it is a lost season. The Pacers are 15-40 and battling the Wizards (14-39) for the worst record in the league. The Pacers will be without Obi Toppin (foot stress fracture) and Zubac (left ankle sprain) in addition to Haliburton. The Wizards will be without Anthony Davis (finger/groin), who is out for the season. Trae Young could return before the season ends but has not been cleared for contact.
New York Knicks @ Detroit Pistons, 7:30 p.m. ET – Prime
One of the two national television games on Thursday is the game of the night. The Pistons enter at 40-13, 5.5 games ahead of the second-place Boston Celtics and six games ahead of the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) and OG Anunoby (toe) are questionable. Josh Hart (ankle) is expected to play. The Pistons will be without several players due to suspensions from their pre-break brawl, including Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. Caris LaVert (left knee tendinopathy) is questionable.
Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls, 8 p.m. ET
The Raptors remain one of the surprise teams, posting the East’s fifth-best record at 26-29. The Bulls traded away veterans Nikola Vučević and Coby White but should have Josh Giddey back after missing several games with a hamstring injury. At 24-31, the Bulls are again flirting with a play-in spot.
Phoenix Suns @ San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m. ET
Veteran Dillon Brooks will be out for the Suns, serving his suspension. The 38-16 Spurs are mostly healthy and looking to make a run in the second half. The Suns, at 32-23, are eager to see Jalen Green, their prize in the Durant trade, who has appeared in just seven games this season.
Boston Celtics @ Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m. ET – Prime
In the other national television game, the Warriors host the Celtics in a rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals. Despite Jayson Tatum’s injury and the trades of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics are thriving with the East’s second-best record (35-19).
They traded Anfernee Simons to the Bulls in a deal that brought back Vučević, signaling Tatum could be close to a return. With Jimmy Butler Jr. out for the season, the Warriors look like a play-in team despite acquiring Porzingis. Coach Steve Kerr said Porzingis “looked good” but was unsure if he would play. Stephen Curry will not be available.
Orlando Magic @ Sacramento Kings, 10 p.m. ET
The Magic got more bad news when they announced Franz Wagner would be out again with a high ankle sprain. At 28-25, they would currently be in the play-in for the second straight season. The Kings will be without Domantas Sabonis (right hand tendon surgery) and Zach LaVine (right hand tendon surgery), both out for the season. Keegan Murray is expected to play. At 12-44, the Kings have the league’s worst record.
Denver Nuggets @ Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET
The Clippers were busy at the deadline, shipping Harden to Cleveland and Indiana. They acquired Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, along with first-round picks. The Nuggets are still without Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain) and Peyton Watson (Grade 2 right hamstring strain). Nikola Jokić (left knee bone bruise) and Jamal Murray (right hamstring inflammation/left hip inflammation) should play, but Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) is out. At 35-20, the Nuggets remain one of the league’s top contenders.
