NBA roundup: James Harden makes triumphant debut as Cavs down Kings

Saturday’s NBA slate was shaped by late runs, star debuts, and teams leaning heavily on free throws and closing execution. Several games flipped in the Harden time window, others were decided by fourth-quarter dominance, and a few exposed teams still adjusting after trade deadline movement. From a betting perspective, the night reinforced how depth, foul drawing, and endgame composure continue to separate reliable teams from volatile ones. Following results alongside the NBA odds and scores board helps keep these outcomes grounded in market context rather than isolated box scores.

NBA Lines Before They Move

Get Ahead of the Market Every Night

Latest NBA Odds & Lines

Availability changes and late-game execution continue to drive NBA pricing. Nights filled with debuts, injury absences, and fourth-quarter runs often create sharp in-game and next-day adjustments. Bettors tracking the full slate benefit from staying dialed in through the NBA odds and scores page, where spreads and totals reflect which teams consistently close and which fade late.

NBA Picks of the Day

NBA betting demands selectivity, especially during periods of roster turnover. Comparing approaches before committing helps bettors avoid chasing noise. Reviewing free service plays allows bettors to see how multiple handicappers are reading similar spots, particularly when rotations and roles are still settling.

Toronto Raptors

vs

Indiana Pacers

Toronto Raptors Game Odds

Open

vs

Feb 08, 2026 15:10 EST

Indiana Pacers Game Odds

Score

-7.50 -110

Spread

+7.50 -110

o+226.50-110

Total

u+226.50-110

-294

Moneyline

+235

Minnesota Timberwolves

vs

Los Angeles Clippers

Minnesota Timberwolves Game Odds

Open

vs

Feb 08, 2026 15:10 EST

Los Angeles Clippers Game Odds

Score

-7.50 -110

Spread

+7.50 -110

o+227.50-110

Total

u+227.50-110

-294

Moneyline

+235

Washington Wizards

vs

Miami Heat

Washington Wizards Game Odds

Open

vs

Feb 08, 2026 14:10 EST

Miami Heat Game Odds

Score

+11.00 -108

Spread

-11.00 -112

o+236.50-110

Total

u+236.50-110

+360

Moneyline

-455

Boston Celtics

vs

New York Knicks

Boston Celtics Game Odds

Open

vs

Feb 08, 2026 12:40 EST

New York Knicks Game Odds

Score

-3.00 -112

Spread

+3.00 -108

Total

-152

Moneyline

+128

Top Takeaways

  • Cleveland’s late-game execution and free-throw dominance sealed a debut win.
  • Charlotte continued its surge behind fourth-quarter energy plays.
  • Houston controlled the glass and closed strong on the road.
  • San Antonio leaned on elite production to overwhelm Dallas again.
  • Orlando erased a large deficit through balanced offense and pace control.
  • Denver’s fourth-quarter run flipped the game decisively.
  • Los Angeles survived without key stars by spreading scoring late.

NBA Game Recaps

Saturday’s NBA games were decided in very different ways. Some teams relied on free throws and half-court execution late, others flipped games with extended runs, and a few removed volatility entirely with dominant fourth quarters. Below is a game-by-game breakdown focused on what actually decided each result.

NBA Lines Before They Move

Get Ahead of the Market Every Night

Cavaliers vs Kings Recap: Cavaliers win 132-126

James Harden won in his Cleveland debut as he and Donovan Mitchell combined to score the Cavaliers’ final 16 points. Harden finished with 23 points and Mitchell added a game-high 35 as Cleveland closed on an 18-5 run.

Free throws proved decisive. The Cavaliers went 29 of 32 at the line, including 11 of 11 from Harden and Mitchell. Sacramento shot well from deep but could not match Cleveland’s closing execution.

Hornets vs Hawks Recap: Hornets win 126-119

Moussa Diabate sparked Charlotte’s ninth straight win with key fourth-quarter dunks and free throws. Miles Bridges led with 26 points, while Kon Knueppel added 23 and LaMelo Ball chipped in 19 points and nine assists.

Charlotte took control late after trailing, using energy plays to create separation.

Rockets vs Thunder Recap: Rockets win 112-106

Houston earned a road win behind Tari Eason’s season-high 26 points and a triple-double from Alperen Sengun. Key offensive rebounds and late steals allowed the Rockets to protect a narrow lead.

Oklahoma City, playing without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, struggled to close after cutting the margin late.

Nets vs Wizards Recap: Nets win 127-113

Brooklyn produced its biggest first half in over three years, with Michael Porter Jr. scoring 20 points before halftime. Seven Nets finished in double figures as the bench provided a massive scoring lift.

Washington stayed competitive behind Will Riley’s career-high 27 points but lacked depth late.

Spurs vs Mavericks Recap: Spurs win 138-125

Stephon Castle delivered a historic night with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists as San Antonio completed a home-and-home sweep of Dallas. The Spurs pulled away decisively in the second half.

Dallas dropped its seventh straight game, unable to slow San Antonio’s pace or balance.

Magic vs Jazz Recap: Magic win 120-117

Orlando erased a 17-point deficit behind Paolo Banchero’s all-around performance and strong guard play. The Magic controlled the final stretch to secure their fourth win in six games.

Utah continued to struggle late despite solid scoring nights from Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in his debut.

Nuggets vs Bulls Recap: Nuggets win 136-120

Denver flipped the game with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring Chicago 39-16. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic led the surge, with Jokic recording another triple-double.

Once Denver tightened defensively, the Bulls had no answer.

Lakers vs Warriors Recap: Lakers win 105-99

Los Angeles earned its third straight win despite missing Luka Doncic, spreading scoring and closing strong. LeBron James and Austin Reaves guided the offense, while timely stops sealed the result.

Golden State struggled to find late offense without Stephen Curry.

76ers vs Suns Recap: 76ers win 109-103

Philadelphia built a large early lead and held off a late push behind Joel Embiid’s 33 points. The 76ers controlled tempo and drew fouls consistently.

Phoenix could not complete the comeback despite strong scoring from Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker.

Trail Blazers vs Grizzlies Recap: Trail Blazers win 122-115

Portland completed a back-to-back sweep with a huge fourth quarter measuring 34-19. Jerami Grant led with 29 points, including six three-pointers.

Memphis struggled to close again, continuing a difficult stretch.

NBA Picks and Handicappers

NBA betting success often comes down to identifying which teams can consistently execute late and which rely too heavily on short bursts. Free-throw rates, depth scoring, and fourth-quarter efficiency remain key indicators.

Using the NBA odds and scores board for context and comparing expert approaches through free service plays helps bettors stay disciplined and avoid chasing volatile results.

Top Winners – Yesterday
Keylor Santos
$745
2. Jacob Hoffman
$400
3. Knup Sports – POTD
$313
4. Geovanny Araya
$300
5. Robert Ferguson
$200
Top Winners – This Week
Sas Insider
$1,251
2. Sports Hub Insider
$843
3. Tonny Ricci
$780
4. Ross Walker
$710
5. Sean Murphy
$632
About the Author
Bill Blatt
Click to Contact
Bill comes from a family of lifetime bettors, starting at the horse track. He grew up in sports betting, which explains his reputation for providing winners across a variety of sports. Bill has experience picking winners in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and UFC. We’re excited to have him as the Sports Hub expert in his specialty - basketball. You’ll find Bill’s content on some of the top sports media sites in the industry. You’ll want to check his picks daily as he has a knack for identifying the best underdogs to attack.