The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Thursday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves with one goal—hold onto the NBA’s best record heading into the All-Star break. Coming off a 115-101 win over the Miami Heat, the Thunder are riding a seven-game winning streak and hold a slim lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the standings. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will try to bounce back from a tough home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play at an MVP-caliber level, dropping 32 points and nine assists in OKC’s latest victory. Luguentz Dort also played a key role, adding 17 points and stellar defense to slow down Miami’s Tyler Herro. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Dort’s defensive intensity: The

The Sacramento Kings are picking up momentum as the NBA All-Star break approaches, while the New Orleans Pelicans are in freefall. For the second straight night, the two teams will face off in New Orleans on Thursday, wrapping up their pre-break schedule. Sacramento has already won three straight games, including two against the Pelicans, and will now attempt to complete a four-game season sweep. The Kings have been busy making moves. After trading De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs last week, they added Markelle Fultz following their 119-111 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday. Despite the roster shakeup, Sacramento’s depth has stepped up. Interim head coach Doug Christie believes the Kings’ chemistry is developing despite all the roster changes.

The Dallas Mavericks are adjusting to life without Luka Doncic, but one of their newest additions, Max Christie, is proving he’s more than just a throw-in piece. As they prepare to host the Miami Heat on Thursday in their final game before the All-Star break, the Mavericks are aiming to keep their momentum going. When Dallas sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for a package headlined by Anthony Davis, most fans didn’t pay much attention to Christie’s inclusion. But five games in, the third-year guard is turning heads, averaging 17 points on 50.9% shooting since arriving in Dallas. Injury-riddled Mavericks step up Coach Jason Kidd is putting trust in the young guard, and Christie is embracing the opportunity.

The Houston Rockets have been experimenting with their lineup, and it paid off in a 119-111 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. But as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, they’ll be missing key pieces yet again. Tari Eason had one of his best performances of the season against the Suns, putting up 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Alongside him, Jalen Green (22 points), Dillon Brooks (18), Amen Thompson (18 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds), and Alperen Sengun (17 points, 13 rebounds) all contributed to a well-balanced attack. However, Eason and center Steven Adams will not be available against the Warriors due to injury management restrictions that prevent them from playing