RealGM Basketball Wiretap

21 February 2026

• LaMelo Ball Uninjured After Two-Car Collision In Downtown Charlotte

  Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was not injured after being involved in a two-car collision in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the crash.

  A police report was not immediately available.

  Ball appeared to be driving through an intersection when his camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer collided with another vehicle shortly before 5 p.m., according to video obtained by WSOC-TV. The station later posted footage of Ball, wearing an aqua-colored Hornets hoodie, exiting his truck and entering another car before being driven away. Police were on the scene at the time.

  Video showed the left front tire of Ball's truck was missing. The driver of the other vehicle calmly exited his car and began walking toward Ball's truck, though no information was available on that individual.

  The Hornets held practice earlier in the day. Charlotte, winners of 10 of its past 11 games, is scheduled to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night as teams return from the All-Star break.

• How to watch Houston Rockets @ Charlotte Hornets NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, RSNs, livestream providers, international coverage

  As the Houston Rockets prepare to visit the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center on Thursday, February 19, the contest serves as a critical junction for two organizations navigating disparate phases of their developmental cycles within a modernized media rights environment. The matchup, scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off, occurs during a month where the league's new $76,000,000,000 media rights deal has fully integrated streaming-exclusive windows and revamped regional coverage, fundamentally altering the spectator experience.

  The Houston Rockets enter the late-February stretch of the 2025-26 regular season occupying a prominent position in the Western Conference standings, currently holding the fourth seed with a record of 33-20. Under the second year of Ime Udoka's coaching tenure, the organization has successfully transitioned from a high-variance rebuilding phase into a disciplined defensive juggernaut that emphasizes physical imposition and rebounding dominance. The Rockets currently rank fourth in the NBA in opponent points per game, allowing just 109.6 points per contest, a metric that underscores Udoka's commitment to a "switch-heavy" defensive scheme facilitated by elite length and athleticism. This defensive identity is anchored by Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., but it has been significantly fortified by the veteran presence of Kevin Durant, whose acquisition has provided the Rockets with a championship-caliber scoring threat and a secondary rim-protecting asset.

  The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as the most improved entity in the Eastern Conference, currently situated in the ninth seed with a record of 26-29. This standing belies the team's early-season struggles, where a 4-14 start threatened to condemn the franchise to another year in the lottery. The pivot toward competitiveness began with the hiring of Charles Lee as head coach and the subsequent integration of a high-octane offensive system that prioritizes three-point volume and transition play. Charlotte's resurgence reached its zenith in early February when the team secured a historic eight-game winning streak-their longest in over 25 years-which included signature road victories over the Thunder and Rockets. At the center of this transformation is a "big three" of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel, whose collective shooting gravity has redefined the Hornets' identity.

  How to watch Houston Rockets @ Charlotte Hornets online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  The broadcast landscape for the February 11 matchup is a testament to the NBA's fragmented but highly accessible 2026 media rights model. In the United States, the game is scheduled for a 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local MST) tip-off, with distribution primary occurring through regional sports networks and direct-to-consumer platforms. Fans within the Arizona market can access the game via Arizona's Family Sports, which utilizes the local channels KTVK TV and KPHE. This local broadcast is supplemented by the Suns+ and Suns Live streaming services, which have become the primary digital conduits for fans in the Valley since the organization's pivot away from traditional cable exclusivity.

  For the Oklahoma City audience and surrounding regions, the game is headlined by the FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma (FDSOK). Additional coverage for regional viewers is provided through FanDuel Sports Network Midwest - Missouri and FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City, ensuring that the Thunder's historic 41-13 run remains accessible to their primary fan base. Modern cord-cutting audiences have multiple streaming alternatives, most notably Fubo, which offers the game live with a free trial for new subscribers.

  How to watch Houston Rockets @ Charlotte Hornets internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Houston Rockets @ Charlotte Hornets should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  Cason Wallace is expected to start at point guard, where his elite perimeter defense and improved secondary playmaking will be critical. He is joined in the backcourt by Luguentz Dort, whose primary assignment will be to limit the high-volume scoring of Devin Booker. The frontcourt features Jalen Williams at small forward, who enters the game with significant momentum following a 23-point performance in his return from a hamstring injury. Chet Holmgren will start at power forward, providing the unique ability to protect the rim while stretching the floor offensively, while Isaiah Hartenstein anchors the center position, offering the physical presence necessary to compete with the Suns' interior size.

  The Phoenix Suns are expected to counter with a starting lineup that highlights their tactical shift toward ball pressure and pace. Collin Gillespie is projected to start at point guard, continuing his role as a reliable facilitator in the absence of the team's depth guards. Devin Booker will start at shooting guard, looking to build on his All-Star campaign despite ongoing management of a right ankle injury. Dillon Brooks starts at small forward, providing the defensive grit and energy that has become the trademark of the Jordan Ott era. The frontcourt is rounded out by Royce O'Neale at power forward, fresh off a four-three-pointer performance against Dallas, and Mark Williams at center, who will be tasked with the difficult assignment of neutralizing Chet Holmgren on the boards and in the paint.

  Head-to-Head Series History

  The head-to-head series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns in the 2025-26 season has been defined by dramatic shifts in momentum and historical benchmarks. Entering the February 11 matchup, the Thunder hold a two-to-one lead in the season series, though the Suns claimed the most recent victory. The first meeting took place on November 28, 2025, where Oklahoma City secured a narrow 123-119 victory in an NBA Cup group stage contest. This was followed by a historical rout on December 10, 2025, in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, as the Thunder handed the Suns the most lopsided loss in their franchise history, a 138-89 victory in Oklahoma City. In that lopsided affair, the Thunder dominated every statistical category, leading by as many as 49 points while holding the Suns to their lowest scoring output of the year.

  However, the narrative of the series was significantly altered during their last meeting on January 4, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center. In a tightly contested defensive battle, the Phoenix Suns secured a 108-105 victory, driven by a clutch three-pointer from Devin Booker with less than a second remaining. That game was notable for the "career night" of Jordan Goodwin, who provided 26 points off the bench, including a critical fourth-quarter flurry that stunted the Thunder's comeback attempt. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points in that loss, but with the MVP now sidelined for the fourth meeting, the Suns enter the game with a psychological edge, knowing they have already found the formula to defeat the conference leaders on their home floor.

• Mason Plumlee, Spurs Sign 10-Day Contract

  Mason Plumlee and the San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a 10-day contract. Plumlee was traded by the Charlotte Hornets to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline and was subsequently waived.

  Plumlee appeared in 14 games with the Hornets, averaging 1.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes.

  Plumlee, 35, gives the Spurs some veteran depth at center.

• How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, livestream providers

  This contest, set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, serves as a critical final examination for both franchises before the All-Star break. As the Detroit Pistons (39-13) look to maintain their precarious grip on the first seed in the conference, the Toronto Raptors (32-22) enter the matchup as the fifth seed, seeking to capitalize on a recent surge and the home-court advantage provided by one of the league's most fervent environments. The strategic implications of this game have been significantly altered by a recent league-wide disciplinary ruling, which has left the Pistons' frontcourt severely depleted and forced both coaching staffs to engage in a rapid tactical recalibration.

  Stream live on FuboStart free trial

  The Pistons have established a distinct identity defined by "throwback" physicality and an elite defensive architecture that currently ranks second in the league in defensive rating at 109.3. Their success is predicated on a high-low offensive system and a defensive scheme that prioritizes rim protection and rebounding dominance, where they currently rank third in the league with an average of 45.7 boards per game.

  The centerpiece of this resurgence is All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham, who has evolved into a legitimate MVP candidate and an All-NBA caliber floor general. Cunningham's averages of 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game reflect a player who has mastered the art of game control, leveraging his 6-foot-6 frame to manipulate defenses and create high-percentage looks for his teammates. Furthermore, the defensive emergence of Ausar Thompson, the reigning Defensive Player of the Month for December and January, has given Detroit a versatile perimeter stopper capable of neutralizing the league's most explosive wings. Despite this success, the Pistons face a moment of extreme adversity as they arrive in Toronto without their primary interior tandem of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to a multi-game league suspension, testing the depth and resilience of a roster that has otherwise been the model of consistency in 2026.

  The Toronto Raptors have navigated the 2025-26 season with a focus on maximizing the high-ceiling potential of their core duo, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, positioning themselves as a dangerous fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 32-22 record. Under the guidance of Head Coach Darko Rajakovic, the Raptors have implemented a free-flowing offensive system that emphasizes ball movement and pace, currently ranking third in the NBA in assists per game at 29.5. Ingram's has proven to be a masterstroke for the organization; Ingram was recently named as an All-Star injury replacement for Steph Curry, marking his second career All-Star nod and validating his impact as Toronto's leading scorer at 22.0 points per game. His pairing with Scottie Barnes, who is averaging a dominant 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, has created a versatile forward tandem that few teams have the length or mobility to contain.

  Toronto's identity in early 2026 is also bolstered by one of the league's most effective bench units, which has consistently provided positive net ratings while bridging the gap between the starting rotations.The emergence of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and the steady play of Sandro Mamukelashvili have given the Raptors the depth required to survive a grueling regular-season schedule. In February, the team further strengthened its rotation by acquiring veteran Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors, a move designed to address a perceived lack of size and rebounding in the frontcourt.

  How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  For viewers in the Detroit metropolitan area and surrounding regions, the primary carrier for this matchup is the FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (FDSDET). This network, which replaced the previous Bally Sports branding, serves as the exclusive regional sports home for the Pistons, providing comprehensive pre-game, live-action, and post-game analysis. Local fans can access the broadcast through traditional cable and satellite providers or via the FanDuel Sports Network's standalone streaming application, which offers a direct-to-consumer option for cord-cutters within the team's designated market area.

  In Canada, the broadcast rights are primarily managed by TSN (The Sports Network), with this specific game scheduled for national coverage on TSN4. The Canadian broadcast is expected to leverage its local expertise to highlight the rise of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, providing a narrative centered on Toronto's return to contention. For fans outside the immediate Detroit and Toronto markets, the game is available via NBA League Pass, the league's flagship out-of-market subscription service. It is essential for viewers to note that local blackout restrictions remain in effect for League Pass subscribers residing within the broadcast territories of FDSDET and TSN.

  How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  The historical data between the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors reveals a period of recent dominance for the Pistons, who have secured victories in seven of their last eight meetings. This shift is particularly noteworthy given Toronto's earlier success in the series. On April 4, 2025, the Pistons visited Toronto and earned a 117-105 win, covering a 10-point spread in a game that stayed under the total of 226.0. Earlier in that season, on January 11, 2025, Detroit defended their home court with a 123-114 victory, a game that surpassed the 226.0 over/under mark. The November 25, 2024, meeting was a much more defensive affair, with Detroit edging out a 102-100 win at home, though Toronto managed to cover the four-point spread.

  Ten days prior, on November 15, 2024, the Pistons earned another road victory in Toronto with a 99-95 scoreline, covering a 2.5-point spread. The trend extends back into the 2023-24 season, where Detroit won 113-104 on March 13, 2024, and famously snapped a historical losing streak with a 129-127 home win on December 30, 2023. Toronto's last home win of note in the series occurred on November 19, 2023, when they routed the Pistons 142-113, covering as 9.5-point favorites. Despite Detroit's historical record of 9 wins to 5 for Toronto in the most recent stretch of games, the current rosters have evolved, and the absence of Detroit's starting frontcourt on February 11, 2026, presents the Raptors with their best opportunity in years to reset the narrative of the series.

  Stream live on FuboStart free trial

  Head-to-Head Series History

  The historical data between the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors reveals a period of recent dominance for the Pistons, who have secured victories in seven of their last eight meetings.This shift is particularly noteworthy given Toronto's earlier success in the series. On April 4, 2025, the Pistons visited Toronto and earned a 117-105 win, covering a 10-point spread in a game that stayed under the total of 226.0. Earlier in that season, on January 11, 2025, Detroit defended their home court with a 123-114 victory, a game that surpassed the 226.0 over/under mark. The November 25, 2024, meeting was a much more defensive affair, with Detroit edging out a 102-100 win at home, though Toronto managed to cover the four-point spread.

  Ten days prior, on November 15, 2024, the Pistons earned another road victory in Toronto with a 99-95 scoreline, covering a 2.5-point spread. The trend extends back into the 2023-24 season, where Detroit won 113-104 on March 13, 2024, and famously snapped a historical losing streak with a 129-127 home win on December 30, 2023.Toronto's last home win of note in the series occurred on November 19, 2023, when they routed the Pistons 142-113, covering as 9.5-point favorites.Despite Detroit's historical record of 9 wins to 5 for Toronto in the most recent stretch of games, the current rosters have evolved, and the absence of Detroit's starting frontcourt on February 11, 2026, presents the Raptors with their best opportunity in years to reset the narrative of the series.

• Isaiah Stewart Suspended Seven Games; Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate Get Four-Game Bans

  Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart will miss seven games after leaving the bench and participating in an on-court fight, the NBA announced Wednesday. His punishment reflects a pattern of previous unsportsmanlike conduct, according to James Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.

  Charlotte Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate each received four-game suspensions for their roles in escalating the altercation. Pistons center Jalen Duren drew a two-game ban for starting the incident.

  The confrontation occurred with 7:09 left in the third quarter of Detroit's 110-104 road victory on February 9 at Spectrum Center. Diabate's defensive foul on Duren triggered the sequence that led to the brawl.

  All four players received technical fouls and ejections during the game. League officials reviewed the incident before determining the suspension lengths.

  Stewart's seven-game penalty exceeds those handed to the other participants due to his disciplinary record. The league cited his history of unsportsmanlike behavior as a factor in the extended punishment.

  The suspensions take effect immediately. Stewart and Duren will sit out Thursday when Detroit visits the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Bridges and Diabate begin serving their penalties Thursday as Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks at home.

• LaMelo Ball Credits Foundation, Family Bond For Hornets' Transformation Under Charles Lee

  LaMelo Ball attributes the Charlotte Hornets' dramatic turnaround to the foundational culture established by head coach Charles Lee over nearly two seasons.

  The Hornets have won 14 of 21 games after starting 2026 at 11-22, defeating the Western Conference's top five teams during a nine-game winning streak. Ball emphasized the importance of organizational cohesion in building sustainable success.

  "You definitely gotta have the groundwork," Ball told Yahoo Sports. "For anything to build up to the top, you have to have that bottom row solid and together, you know?"

  Ball's relationship with Lee has strengthened despite challenging moments, including multiple benchings and removal from the starting lineup. The two have moved past early-season frustrations when Ball's future with the franchise appeared uncertain.

  "We all got a good bond," Ball stated. "Me, him, the coaches, the players, everybody. The whole staff. We just feel like one big family for real."

  Lee, a former Bucks and Celtics assistant with two championship rings, has implemented a deliberate offensive system emphasizing ball movement and collective play. His insistence on sharing possessions has resulted in decreased field-goal attempts for Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges while increasing efficiency for the latter two.

  "It's very important that we all trust each other and believe in one another," Lee said. "The players hold each other to a high standard and, collectively, that's what's helping us elevate."

  Charlotte ranks third in the NBA with 45.2% of field goals coming from three-point range while playing at the league's 25th pace, according to Cleaning the Glass. The Hornets lead the league in distance traveled on offense.

  Ball's buy-in has created a top-down effect throughout the roster. Charlotte ranks league average in passes and assists per game but sits in the top five in secondary assists, demonstrating the emphasis on ball movement.

  The starting lineup featuring Ball, Miller, Bridges, rookie Kon Knueppel and Moussa Diabate has posted a +146 rating in 230 minutes, scoring 143.1 points per 100 possessions.

  Charlotte owns all first-round picks for the next seven years and will enter the summer with financial flexibility as an over-the-cap, under-the-tax team. The Hornets currently have four players in RealGM's Player Value Index Rankings top-100 in Knueppel (39th), Bridges (51st), Ball (54th) and Miller (87th).

• Kon Knueppel Called 'A Killer' By Charles Lee

  Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel possesses a competitive edge that belies his quiet demeanor, according to head coach Charles Lee, who delivered a blunt assessment of his young star.

  "He has this bravado, this façade, where he doesn't give you much. He stays even keeled," Lee stated. "But he's a f---ing killer."

  Knueppel has recorded 162 three-pointers through his first 49 NBA games, the most by any player in league history over that span. The 20-year-old guard is averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists while emerging as a surprise contender for NBA Rookie of the Year behind Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg, his former Duke teammate and roommate.

  The Milwaukee native scored 32 points in his first NBA game at Fiserv Forum in November, with approximately 2,000 people from his hometown attending. Knueppel has been selected for the Rising Stars mini-tournament and the three-point contest at this week's All-Star Weekend.

  "When the moment's the biggest, he wants to be the guy that steps up," said Hornets guard Sion James, also a former Duke teammate. "He's always like, 'Give me the ball. Find me. I'll get open.' He's not afraid."

  Knueppel played his freshman season at Duke in 2024-25, where associate head coach Emanuel Dildy told NBA scouts during the predraft process: "Kon's a hockey player. He just happens to be great at basketball."

  Former Hornets teammate Pat Connaughton praised Knueppel's maturity and self-motivation. The guard is known as an old soul who enjoys 1980s music, soft rock and classic films like "The Princess Bride."

  Lee highlighted Knueppel's basketball intelligence on both ends of the floor, particularly his defensive instincts and ability to adjust during games.

  "Most guys like to relax," Lee said regarding Knueppel's rebounding effort. "Even if his guy doesn't crash, he's coming in to get a hit on somebody else's guy."

  Knueppel ranks third in the NBA in three-pointers made this season behind Stephen Curry and Donovan Mitchell. He has been named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month three times.

• Hornets Sign Pat Connaughton

  The Charlotte Hornets signed Pat Connaughton, the team announced on Monday.

  The move comes after the team opened up a roster spot by waiving Malaki Branham.

  The Hornets waived Connaughton to complete a deal in which they acquired Branham from the Mavs for Tyus Jones.

  Connaughton is averaging 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in 22 games this season.

• Diabate, Bridges, Duren, Stewart Tossed As Fight Erupts In Pistons-Hornets Game

  A third-quarter altercation between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets resulted in four player ejections during Detroit's 110-104 victory Monday night at the Spectrum Center.

  Charlotte's Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges were dismissed alongside Detroit's Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. The incident occurred with just over seven minutes remaining in the third period.

  The confrontation began when Diabate fouled Duren on a drive to the basket. Duren turned and approached Diabate face-to-face, with the two players butting heads before Duren shoved Diabate in the face with his open right hand.

  While Pistons forward Tobias Harris restrained Diabate, the Charlotte center threw a punch at Duren. As Duren walked away, Bridges charged and threw a left-handed punch, prompting Duren to retaliate. Diabate attempted to charge again before being held back.

  Stewart left the bench to confront Bridges, who responded with a punch as the players tussled. The confrontation lasted more than 30 seconds before officials restored order.

  Detroit held a 70-62 lead when the fight erupted and maintained control to secure the six-point victory.

  Tensions persisted throughout the fourth quarter. Hornets coach Charles Lee was ejected midway through the final period after officials issued a no-call when Charlotte forward Grant Williams collided with Detroit's Paul Reed.

  Lee had to be restrained while shouting at officials following the non-call.

  The Pistons improved their record with the road victory despite the chaotic atmosphere that defined the second half.

• Hornets Waive Malaki Branham

  The Charlotte Hornets have waived guard Malaki Branham. The Hornets acquired Branham at the trade deadline in a three-team trade that sent Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis and three others to the Washington Wizards.

  Charlotte didn't need Branham, as their backcourt depth is already solid. The Hornets have LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as starters, with Sion James, Josh Green, Tre Mann and the newly-acquired Coby White as backups.

  Charlotte will eat $4.9 million in dead money on their books by waiving Branham. The Hornets now have one open standard roster spot.

  Branham had appeared in 28 games for the Wizards before being traded at the deadline. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 4.6 points in 9.8 minutes per game for Washington. Branham played in 188 games for the San Antonio Spurs over the first three seasons of his NBA career and averaged 8.5 points per game.