NBA roundup: Magic edge Lakers as LeBron James misses at buzzer

Tuesday’s NBA card leaned heavily on fourth-quarter execution and extended scoring runs. Orlando closed strong in Los Angeles. Cleveland pulled away late. Philadelphia detonated for 45 in one quarter. And Boston flipped a double-digit deficit into a blowout.

For bettors, this slate was about efficiency swings. Teams that tightened up defensively or found rhythm for one sustained stretch created separation. In multiple games, a single quarter decided everything.

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Momentum matters this time of year. Teams on streaks and teams missing key players are shaping spreads quickly.

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NBA Picks of the Day

Quarter-to-quarter volatility created value all night. When teams erupt for 40-plus in a frame or collapse defensively, the next outing often presents opportunity.

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Denver Nuggets

vs

Boston Celtics

Denver Nuggets Game Odds

Open

vs

Feb 25, 2026 22:10 EST

Boston Celtics Game Odds

Score

-3.50 -105

Spread

+3.50 -115

o+229.50-110

Total

u+229.50-110

-147

Moneyline

+124

Houston Rockets

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Sacramento Kings

Houston Rockets Game Odds

Open

vs

Feb 25, 2026 20:10 EST

Sacramento Kings Game Odds

Score

-14.50 -112

Spread

+14.50 -108

o+221.50-108

Total

u+221.50-112

-909

Moneyline

+640

Milwaukee Bucks

vs

Cleveland Cavaliers

Milwaukee Bucks Game Odds

Open

vs

Feb 25, 2026 20:10 EST

Cleveland Cavaliers Game Odds

Score

+9.00 -110

Spread

-9.00 -110

o+228.50-110

Total

u+228.50-110

+285

Moneyline

-357

Top Takeaways

• Orlando shot 59.1% in the fourth quarter to close out the Lakers and complete a 3-1 road trip.

• Cleveland is 6-1 with James Harden in the lineup and continues to separate late against quality opponents.

• Philadelphia exploded for 45 points in the second quarter and shot 57.6% overall in a dominant offensive display.

• Charlotte hit 25 three-pointers and set a franchise record with its eighth straight road win.

• Boston erased an 11-point deficit with a 50-11 run that completely flipped the game against Phoenix.

• Milwaukee has won seven of nine without Giannis Antetokounmpo, maintaining offensive balance in his absence.

NBA Game Recaps

Magic vs Lakers Recap: Magic win 110-109

Paolo Banchero delivered 36 points and 10 rebounds as Orlando edged the Lakers in Los Angeles.

The Magic shot just 45.7% overall but surged late, scoring 31 points on 59.1% shooting in the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic finished with 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds, while LeBron James missed a potential game-winning three at the buzzer.

Cavaliers vs Knicks Recap: Cavaliers win 109-94

Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and James Harden added 20 as Cleveland pulled away from New York.

Jarrett Allen went 7-of-8 from the field for 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Knicks’ starting guards shot 12 of 36 combined, and New York trailed by as many as 20 in the fourth.

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76ers vs Pacers Recap: 76ers win 135-114

Tyrese Maxey posted 32 points, nine rebounds and eight assists while Joel Embiid returned with 27 points.

Philadelphia’s 45-point second quarter broke the game open. The Sixers shot 57.6% from the field, overwhelming Indiana despite 23 points each from Micah Potter and Andrew Nembhard.

Hawks vs Wizards Recap: Hawks win 119-98

Jonathan Kuminga scored 27 points in his Atlanta debut, including 18 in the third quarter.

The Hawks led wire-to-wire, shooting efficiently and controlling tempo. Washington’s reserves led the scoring, but Atlanta’s third-quarter surge defined the margin.

Mavericks vs Nets Recap: Mavericks win 123-114

Marvin Bagley III scored 22 off the bench as Dallas built an early lead and held off Brooklyn.

The Mavericks shot 58.5% and scored 66 points in the paint, with reserves accounting for 61 points. That interior dominance carried the night.

Thunder vs Raptors Recap: Thunder win 116-107

Isaiah Joe poured in 19 of his 22 points in the third quarter to power Oklahoma City.

Cason Wallace added 27 points, and the Thunder controlled the middle stretch to secure their third straight win.

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Hornets vs Bulls Recap: Hornets win 131-99

Charlotte routed Chicago behind seven players in double figures.

The Hornets hit 25 three-pointers and shot 60.7% in the third quarter while forcing nine Bulls turnovers in that frame. Chicago trailed by as many as 38 in the second half.

Bucks vs Heat Recap: Bucks win 128-117

Kevin Porter Jr. scored 32 points and Milwaukee won its seventh in nine games without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks balanced scoring across starters and bench, offsetting Miami’s 26-point effort from Norman Powell.

Pelicans vs Warriors Recap: Pelicans win 113-109

Zion Williamson scored 26 as New Orleans built an early 14-point lead and held on late.

The Pelicans’ bench outscored Golden State’s 45-26, a decisive margin against a short-handed Warriors squad.

Celtics vs Suns Recap: Celtics win 97-81

Boston turned a second-quarter deficit into a runaway win with a 50-11 surge.

Derrick White led with 22 points as the Celtics extended their winning streak to four. Phoenix played without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks and could not recover from the extended run.

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers Recap: Timberwolves win 124-121

Anthony Edwards scored 34 and Jaden McDaniels added 29 as Minnesota edged Portland.

The Timberwolves hit 17 three-pointers at a 48.6% clip, using perimeter efficiency to offset Portland’s balanced scoring effort.

NBA Picks and Handicappers

Late-season NBA results hinge on streaks, injury context, and matchup-specific advantages. Identifying which scoring bursts are sustainable and which are variance-driven is critical.

You can compare performance across verified sports handicappers and evaluate additional insights through the free service plays. For deeper bankroll strategy and situational analysis, consult the Bettor’s Handbook.

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Bill Blatt
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