While the Thunder and Spurs continue to go back and forth at the top of the Western Conference, the rest are fighting for the other NBA playoff berths, and it’s turning into a bloodbath. As of this writing, the Lakers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Rockets round out the Top 6, with the Suns and Clippers lurking behind them, and the Blazers and Warriors recently clinched their play-in spots.
The Rockets, Lakers, and Clippers have games tomorrow, hosting the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Blazers, and they are keen to extend their winning streaks to strengthen their NBA 2026 odds of reaching the postseason. Elsewhere, the Magic, Nets, Pistons, and Bucks will also host the Suns, Hornets, Raptors, and Mavericks.
The 2025-26 regular season is winding down, but basketball fans should continue to get their fair share of NBA 2026 highlights. Without further ado, here’s the SBOTOP preview of the Top 3 games from tomorrow’s schedule.
New York Knicks @ Houston Rockets
The Rockets are aiming for revenge when they host the Knicks tomorrow. The Knicks won 108-106 last month, as they rallied from an 18-point deficit at Madison Square Garden.
Houston recently snapped their two-game skid by winning their last two against the Grizzlies and Pelicans. Against New Orleans on Sunday, Alperen Sengun led the way with 36 points (game-high), 13 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, three steals, and five three-pointers on 12-for-23 shooting from the field in 32 minutes. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. had 20 points apiece, while Tari Eason and Amen Thompson added 15 and 14 points in the 134-102 rout. Durant could be in for another high-scoring night, considering what happened in their last encounter.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are suddenly on a two-game slide, following their seven-game winning streak weeks ago. The Mike Brown-coached squad is coming off a 111-100 loss against the Thunder on Sunday. Jalen Brunson did all he could by dropping 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four three-pointers on 13-for-22 shooting from the field in 37 minutes. Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 15 points each, while OG Anunoby added 10 points in the losing effort.
Betting tip – Kevin Durant Over 24.50 (Points) 1.87
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic will return for the Lakers on Tuesday against the Cavaliers after serving his one-game suspension on Monday against the Wizards. The Slovenian guard incurred the infraction for receiving his 16th technical foul of the season during the team’s blowout win over the Nets last Friday, following his altercation with Ziaire Williams.
Los Angeles didn’t skip a beat without Doncic, as they won 120-101 against Washington. LeBron James turned back the clock by notching a triple-double in the home rout, registering 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists on 8-for-16 shooting from the field in 33 minutes. Jaxson Hayes, Luke Kennard, and Austin Reaves had 19 points apiece, while Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton contributed 14 and 12 points.
The Cavaliers have won six of their last seven, following their 122-113 road win against the Jazz on Monday. Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell combined for 68 points, while James Harden and Keon Ellis added 13 points each. Jarrett Allen (knee) and Max Strus (foot) were unavailable against Utah but are questionable against Los Angeles. On the other hand, Jaylon Tyson (toe) and Dean Wade (ankle) will continue to sit out their three-game road trip. The Cavaliers will clinch their playoff berth if they defeat the Lakers tomorrow.
Portland Trail Blazers @ LA Clippers
It’s been a while since the Clippers rose from the dead, and they’re one step closer to reaching the Top 6 due to their five-game winning streak. Kawhi Leonard has carried the Clippers on his back during their unbeaten run, but it was Bennedict Mathurin who did so in their latest victory.
Los Angeles are fresh from a 127-113 win against Milwaukee, as Mathurin dropped 28 points and six rebounds on 7-for-10 shooting from the field and 13-for-14 shooting from the free throw line in 27 minutes off the bench. John Collins, Kawhi Leonard, Darius Garland, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kris Dunn added 22, 20, 15, 13, and 10 points.
The Blazers have won three of their last four, following a 123-88 dismantling of the Wizards last Sunday. Toumani Camara led all scorers with 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and four three-pointers on 8-for-14 shooting from the field in 28 minutes. Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and Matisse Thybulle added 21, 20, 11, and 10 points.
Betting tip – LA Clippers Asian Handicap -5.50 @ 1.95
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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