We had 10 thrilling NBA games on the schedule last night, including three overtime games. The Los Angeles Clippers needed a fourth-quarter comeback to get a 98-92 OT victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Orlando Magic won their second game in as many days over the Atlanta Hawks with their 117-110 overtime win. The Portland Trail Blazers also upset the Memphis Grizzlies on the road with a 112-106 overtime victory.
The big news around the NBA came from ESPN's Marc Stein yesterday, who reported that the Sacramento Kings were preparing to fire head coach George Karl during the All-Star break. However, that changed today as the Kings have reportedly changed their minds and will keep Karl.
ESPN sources say that the Sacramento Kings, in a dramatic about-face, have decided to keep George Karl in place as coach .
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 9, 2016
The Kings scrapped plans to fire George Karl after lengthy meeting Tuesday in Philly between Karl and GM Vlade Divac, sources told ESPN
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 9, 2016
In a statement to ESPN, Kings GM Vlade Divac said: "George is our coach and we're collectively working through our issues."
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 9, 2016
Now, as we return our focus to the games on the court, let's preview tonight's five games from across the Association.
What's On Tap
San Antonio Spurs (43-8) @ Miami Heat (29-23) -- 8:00pm EST, TNT
The Spurs are looking to pick up their fifth straight victory as they start their annual Rodeo Road Trip tonight against a Heat team that has won six of their last eight games.
Washington Wizards (22-27) @ New York Knicks (23-31) -- 8:00pm EST
New York will play their first game under interim head coach Kurt Rambis tonight against a struggling Wizards team that has lost eight of their last 11 games.
Boston Celtics (31-22) @ Milwaukee Bucks (20-32) -- 8:00pm EST
Boston is playing as well as anyone in the league, winning nine of their last 10 games, and have a great chance to pick up another victory as the Bucks have lost five games in a row.
Utah Jazz (25-25) @ Dallas Mavericks (29-25) -- 8:30pm EST
Utah hasn't won in Dallas since 2010, but are looking to continue their six-game win streak and get back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 9. Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over the Grizzlies in their last outing.
Houston Rockets (27-26) @ Golden State Warriors (46-4) -- 10:30pm EST, TNT
Golden State is looking to win their 42nd straight regular season home victory and win their 10th straight game overall against a Houston team that has lost four of their last six games.
News & Notes
Tom Thibodeau is the leading candidate to take the New York Knicks coaching job.
NBA Trade Rumors Roundup: Magic making Tobias Harris available, Brandon Jennings on the block?
Warriors center Festus Ezeli will miss at least six weeks after knee surgery.
Spurs forward Tim Duncan will miss tonight's game against the Heat.
The Heat will retire Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey at the start of next season.
Back to the NBA Newsfeed