Overview
- Four nationally carried games run today on NBC and Peacock: Bucks–Hawks at 1 p.m. ET (Peacock exclusive), Thunder–Cavaliers at 2:30 p.m., Mavericks–Knicks at 5 p.m., and Celtics–Pistons at 8 p.m.
- The nightcap features East-leading Detroit hosting Boston in a matchup framed as a potential conference finals preview, with Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown headlining.
- Cleveland will face Oklahoma City without starting point guard Darius Garland, who is out with a foot injury.
- At Madison Square Garden, Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg makes his debut after a December surge that included a record 42 points by an 18-year-old; Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is day-to-day with an ankle issue.
- Milwaukee’s on/off splits highlight its Giannis reliance (+7.4 net rating with him, −10.3 without), and league sources indicate a trade involving Antetokounmpo before the Feb. 5 deadline is not expected as the Bucks seek roster help.