NBA NewsWednesday, Feb 18, 2026

The Pistons have completed one of the NBA’s most surprising turnarounds, rising from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to first place in just two seasons. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff admitted the speed of the team’s ascent has exceeded expectations, though he felt confident about the organization’s direction after owner Tom Gores hired Trajan Langdon […] The post Pistons rise surprises J.B. Bickerstaff appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The NBA may be signaling a tougher stance on tanking practices, but that reality shouldn’t discourage the Brooklyn Nets from pursuing the strongest possible lottery position in what is widely viewed as a loaded upcoming draft class, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. Lewis points out that Brooklyn is more talent-deficient than several […] The post Nets chase better lottery position appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Toronto Raptors sit fifth in the Eastern Conference at 32-23, and second-year wing Gradey Dick believes the group’s on-court growth starts with its off-court bond. In an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the 22-year-old addressed whether the broader NBA audience is behind on recognizing what Toronto is building. “I don’t know if I’d […] The post Gradey Dick details Raptors chemistry, shooting roots and full-circle NBA moment appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr offered a detailed breakdown Tuesday of how newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis fits into the team’s offensive structure. “It’s a little different than our spacing around Jimmy…Kristaps is more of a scorer, shooter from iso spots,” Kerr said. “The biggest difference, I guess, that he provides is his post-ups. […] The post Steve Kerr details how Kristaps Porzingis fits Warriors offense appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Giannis Antetokounmpo called Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel “one of the smartest rookies I’ve ever seen… one of the most competitive players that I’ve seen as a rookie. You already got it, and you’re only gonna get better.” Knueppel, 20, is in his first season with the Hornets and has started 53 of 54 games, […] The post Giannis Antetokounmpo praises Kon Knueppel as one of the smartest rookies appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Jalen Brunson told Vanity Fair the New York Knicks possess talent but lack critical intangibles, saying, “We’re very gifted. We’re very talented. But we need the little things that help us be better… We don’t have it right now.” The 29-year-old point guard is in the first year of a four-year, $156 million contract with […] The post Jalen Brunson: Knicks need intangibles to reach next level appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

When Chris Paul signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Clippers last July, many in the industry that this was the perfect retirement tour. “I was extremely grateful. You saw I was emotional when I went back. I knew it was my last year and I was getting to play in front of my...

Carmelo Anthony said the New Orleans Pelicans once sent him a team jersey as part of a recruitment effort led by DeMarcus Cousins. Anthony shared the story on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, recalling how serious the conversations became during Cousins’ time in New Orleans. “I did have a Pelican jersey,” Anthony said, via HoopsHype. […] The post Carmelo Anthony details DeMarcus Cousins’ Pelicans recruitment appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Young (knee, quadriceps) still hasn't been cleared for contact, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

The Houston Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, January 3, with injuries playing a major role in how this Western Conference matchup could unfold. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at Toyota Center as both teams enter the game on very different trajectories. Houston Rockets comes in with a 21-10 record and a […] The post Rockets vs. Mavericks injury report: Key absences shape Saturday matchup appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder highlighted his team’s defensive effort after Friday’s 111-99 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. “I think just playing the style of play that fits us… we’ve got to defend,” Snyder said, noting that rebounding and transition opportunities fueled their offense. Snyder emphasized the importance of […] The post Quin Snyder praises Hawks’ defense and ball movement in win over Knicks appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Memphis head coach Tuomas Iisalo addressed the challenges of containing Los Angeles’ stars after the 128-121 loss at Crypto.com Arena. “We had a very clear game plan… get the ball out of Doncic’s hands and make other guys finish. Only today, those guys shot with a great percentage,” he said. Iisalo noted that Lakers’ mid-range […] The post Tuomas Iisalo reflects on Lakers’ shooting and Grizzlies’ adjustments after loss appeared first on TalkBasket.net .