RealGM Basketball Wiretap

26 February 2026

• How to watch Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, livestream providers

  The Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers, scheduled for February 22, 2026, at the Intuit Dome, serves as a significant case study in the intersection of professional sports media evolution and mid-season competitive positioning.

  The Los Angeles Clippers enter the February 22 matchup with a record of 27-29, currently positioned in the ninth seed of the Western Conference. The franchise's 2025-26 campaign has been a study in resilience and radical restructuring, beginning with a disastrous 6-21 start that many analysts believed would lead to a full-scale rebuild. However, a historic January surge saw the team go 11-4, momentarily climbing into the middle tier of the conference before hitting a plateau in early February.

  The defining moment of the Clippers' season occurred just before the February 5 trade deadline when the front office executed a series of high-stakes transactions to reshape the roster around an aging Kawhi Leonard. James Harden, who had served as the team's primary offensive "anchor" and had recently surpassed Shaquille O'Neal for ninth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In return, the Clippers acquired 26-year-old two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick.

  The Garland acquisition signaled a shift toward youth and long-term sustainability. However, the young point guard has yet to make his Clippers debut as he continues to recover from a persistent right toe sprain. This has left a significant void in the starting backcourt, forcing coach Tyronn Lue to rely on Kris Dunn and rookie Kobe Sanders. Furthermore, the Clippers traded longtime center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in a separate blockbuster deal that brought back high-scoring wing Bennedict Mathurin and athletic big man Isaiah Jackson.

  The Orlando Magic enter the Intuit Dome with a record of 29-26, placing them in the eighth seed of the Eastern Conference. The 2025-26 season was expected to be a "leap" year for Orlando, especially following the offseason acquisition of elite shooter Desmond Bane. While the team has dealt with chronic injury issues, they remain a formidable defensive unit that has recently unlocked a new level of three-point potency.

  Paolo Banchero continues to develop as one of the league's premier young talents. At 23, he is averaging 21.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. While his field-goal percentage has dipped to 45.2%, Banchero's ability to "impose his will" and draw double-teams has been critical for a Magic offense that often lacks secondary creators.

  How to watch Orlando Magic @ LA Clippers online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  The primary vehicle for national coverage is NBA TV, which provides a cohesive viewing experience for out-of-market fans across the United States. In the regional markets, the distribution reflects the rebranding of the regional sports network (RSN) landscape following the transition to the FanDuel Sports Network (FDSN). Los Angeles-area fans can access the game via FanDuel Sports Network SoCal (FDSN SC) and the local over-the-air affiliate, KTLA. For the Orlando market, coverage is provided by FanDuel Sports Network Florida (FDSN FL).

  This regional branding integration is a byproduct of the 2025-26 season's media overhaul, where sports betting platforms have taken a more prominent role in the naming and content delivery of local games.

  How to watch Orlando Magic @ LA Clippers internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Orlando Magic @ LA Clippers 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 projected starting five for the visiting Orlando Magic is expected to feature Anthony Black at point guard, Desmond Bane at shooting guard, Tristan da Silva at small forward, Paolo Banchero at power forward, and Wendell Carter Jr. at center. This lineup configuration is predicated on the likely absence of Jalen Suggs, who remains limited by back spasms. Tristan da Silva, a versatile forward who has seen increased starting opportunities since Wagner's injury, provides the Magic with a 10.7 point-per-game scoring average in his starts, while Desmond Bane carries the heavy lifting as the primary perimeter threat.

  The Los Angeles Clippers' projected starting lineup is expected to consist of Kris Dunn at point guard, Kawhi Leonard at shooting guard (provided his ankle soreness permits him to play), Derrick Jones Jr. at small forward, Nicolas Batum at power forward, and Brook Lopez at center. With Darius Garland and Bradley Beal officially ruled out, and John Collins also unavailable due to a head laceration, the Clippers will have to rely on a heavily veteran-laden frontcourt. If Leonard is forced to miss the game, Bennedict Mathurin is the most likely candidate to move into the starting lineup, given his explosive scoring ability and high-volume three-point shooting.

  Head-to-Head Series History

  Over the last three seasons, the Clippers have historically held the advantage, winning four of five matchups prior to the start of the 2025-26 season. However, in their most recent meeting on November 20, 2025, the Orlando Magic secured a commanding 129-101 victory at home. During that game, the Clippers were severely handicapped by the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who was managing foot and ankle injuries, while the Magic utilized a balanced attack that exploited the Clippers' lack of depth.

• Darius Garland Believes Trade From Cavs Was Inevitable, Targets Imminent Clippers' Debut

  Darius Garland expects to make his Los Angeles Clippers debut shortly, telling Andscape the team's medical staff will determine the exact timeline. The guard has not appeared in a game since January 14, sidelined by a right toe sprain following earlier surgery on his left toe.

  Garland, averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists across 26 games this season, was dealt to the Clippers on February 3 in exchange for veteran guard James Harden. He acknowledged his persistent toe troubles were a significant factor in Cleveland's decision to move him.

  "The toe definitely had a factor in it," Garland said. "They didn't know if I was going to be healthy for this season, which I will be. But they thought that James had something that I didn't, I believe. He has experience in playoffs and All-Star numbers still to this day."

  Garland, who missed four playoff games in 2025 due to injury, said his agent Rich Paul had informed him a trade was likely as far back as last summer - deadline or otherwise.

  "It was going to happen regardless, either at the [trade] deadline or this summer," Garland said. "They want to win right now. They have a group, too. And I guess I really wasn't part of the plan."

  Now paired with Kawhi Leonard, Garland sees expanded opportunity in Los Angeles.

  "I have the ball in my hand a lot more where I could do me a little bit more," Garland said. "I have another superstar next to me. I can go get it as well."

• How to watch and live stream LA Lakers vs LA Clippers NBA game

  The battle for Los Angeles takes center stage tonight at Crypto.com Arena as LeBron James and the Lakers host Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers in a massive Western Conference showdown.

  The "Battle of L.A." returns to Crypto.com Arena with massive postseason implications as both teams sprint toward the 2026 playoffs. The Lakers (33-21) enter the night in 5th place in the West, finally welcoming back their superstar trio of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and league-leading scorerLuka Dončić, who returns from a hamstring injury that sidelined him before the All-Star break. On the other side, the Clippers (26-28) are one of the league's hottest teams, boasting a 21-7 record since late December and looking to sweep the season series after winning two of the first three matchups. Fresh off a thrilling win over Denver last night, the "other" L.A. squad is led by a scorchingKawhi Leonard and trade-deadline acquisitionBennedict Mathurin, who dropped 38 points in his home debut just 24 hours ago. With the Lakers fighting to secure a top-four seed and the Clippers desperate to climb out of the Play-In spots, tonight's clash is as much about local pride as it is about Western Conference survival.

  How to watch Lakers vs Clippers

  This marquee matchup will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with local coverage available for fans in the Southern California market.

  National TV	ESPN
  Lakers Local TV	Spectrum SportsNet
  Clippers Local TV	FanDuel Sports Network SoCal
  Live Stream	ESPN App, Fubo, DirecTV

  How to watch Lakers vs Clippers for free

  If you are looking to catch the Lakers vs. Clippers showdown without a long-term commitment, you can leverage several free trials from top streaming services to watch tonight's game on ESPN at no cost.

  Fubo: Best for pure sports fans. You can sign up in minutes and immediately access the ESPN broadcast. Just be sure to cancel before the 5-day window closes to avoid being charged for the "Pro" plan.

  DIRECTV STREAM: This is the strongest option for local L.A. fans. Not only does it carry ESPN for tonight's national broadcast, but their "Choice" package is one of the few that also includes Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and FanDuel Sports Network (Clippers) for local coverage.

• Clippers Sign Sean Pedulla, Norchad Omier To Two-Way Contracts

  The Los Angeles Clippers signed Sean Pedulla and Norchad Omier to two-way contracts, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider.

  Pedulla averaged 19.7 points and 5.3 assists for the Rip City Remix. Pedulla's deal is for two seasons.

  Omier averaged 18.5 points and 11.1 rebounds for the Charge this season.

  The Clippers are set to have a full roster following the signings.

• How to watch Denver Nuggets @ LA Clippers NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, RSNs

  This matchup, scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off, serves as a primary showcase for the league's revamped media rights agreements and the evolving hierarchy of the Western Conference. Coming off the All-Star break, both franchises find themselves navigating complex roster transformations and injury-related volatility that will likely dictate the trajectory of their respective postseason aspirations. For the Denver Nuggets, currently holding a 35-20 record and the third seed in the West, the game represents a necessary stabilization of a defense that has significantly regressed since January.

  Under the leadership of first-year head coach David Adelman, the Nuggets have cultivated an offense that currently leads the NBA in offensive rating (122.2) and three-point shooting accuracy (39.5%). This offensive juggernaut is centered on three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who continues to defy traditional positional archetypes by averaging 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. Jokic's impact was perhaps most evident during his month-long absence in January 2026 due to a left knee injury, a period in which the Nuggets managed a respectable 10-6 record but lacked the surgical precision their franchise player provides.

  Sitting at 26-28 and tenth in the Western Conference, the front office, led by Lawrence Frank, opted for a bold "retooling" phase at the 2026 trade deadline. This transition involved parting ways with perennial All-Star James Harden and defensive anchor Ivica Zubac to acquire a younger, more athletic core consisting of Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson. The objective of these transactions was twofold: to provide a more sustainable long-term support system for Kawhi Leonard and to inject "fresh energy" into a roster that had become tactically predictable.

  How to watch Denver Nuggets @ LA Clippers online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  For viewers within the local broadcast territories, the game will be accessible through primary Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). In the Denver market, Altitude Sports (ALT) will provide the exclusive local telecast, while fans in the Southern California region can tune in via FanDuel Sports Network SoCal (FDSSC). These networks remain the traditional home for dedicated fans, offering localized commentary and pre-game analysis specific to each franchise.

  The distribution of these local feeds is facilitated through a mix of traditional cable providers and modern streaming bundles. Fubo, a sports-centric streaming service, provides access to both ALT and FDSSC for subscribers within the relevant geographic zones, serving as a primary alternative for cord-cutters. Additionally, traditional satellite and cable operators like DIRECTV and Spectrum continue to carry these RSNs, though the shifting economic landscape has increasingly nudged the consumer toward integrated digital platforms.

  How to watch Denver Nuggets @ LA Clippers internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Denver Nuggets @ LA Clippers 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 Denver Nuggets are expected to field a starting unit that maximizes their elite perimeter shooting and interior playmaking. At the point guard position, Jamal Murray will serve as the primary offensive engine, looking to build on a career year in which he is averaging 25.7 points per game. He will be joined in the backcourt by Christian Braun, whose defensive versatility and transition energy have become essential following his recovery from a recent ankle injury.

  The forward positions will likely feature Cameron Johnson, a lethal floor-spacer who recently returned from a knee ailment, and Spencer Jones, the newly signed standard-contract forward who has emerged as a reliable 3-and-D contributor. Nikola Jokic will anchor the center position, acting as the team's primary facilitator and rebounder.

  The Los Angeles Clippers' starting lineup reflects a team in the early stages of a post-deadline identity shift. With Darius Garland sidelined until March, veteran Kris Dunn is projected to start at point guard, providing a defensive-minded presence to challenge Denver's perimeter scorers. Kawhi Leonard will start at shooting guard, a role that allows him to function as the team's primary scoring option while conserving energy for his high-level defensive assignments.

  The wing position will be occupied by Derrick Jones Jr., whose length and verticality are necessary to disrupt Denver's passing lanes. In the frontcourt, John Collins will start at power forward, tasked with providing athletic rebounding and interior scoring. The center position will be held by Brook Lopez, whose ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor from the five-spot will be critical in pulling Nikola Jokic away from the basket on the offensive end.

  Head-to-Head Series History

  The 2025-26 season series has been dominated by the Denver Nuggets, who enter the February 19 contest with a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Clippers. The initial meeting took place on November 12, 2025, when the Nuggets secured a 130-116 victory at the Intuit Dome, powered by an offensive display that exposed the Clippers' then-reliance on an aging veteran core. In that contest, Denver's ability to move the ball and generate open looks from the perimeter was overwhelming, setting a precedent for their offensive dominance throughout the first half of the season.

  The subsequent matchup on January 30, 2026, at Ball Arena, provided a more detailed look at the strategic chess match between David Adelman and Tyronn Lue. This game marked the highly anticipated return of Nikola Jokic from a month-long knee injury. Despite a strict minutes restriction that limited him to just 25 minutes of play, Jokic dismantled the Clippers' interior defense with 31 points and 12 rebounds. The Nuggets eventually pulled away for a 122-109 win, largely due to a decisive 16-4 fourth-quarter scoring run.

• Clippers Delay Darius Garland Debut Until March As Toe Issues Persist

  Newly acquired LA Clippers point guard Darius Garland will not make his team debut until March as the organization manages soreness in his surgically repaired left great toe, league sources told The Athletic. The delay extends Garland's absence as the Clippers prioritize his long-term health.

  Garland, acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 4 alongside a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for James Harden, has been a limited participant in practice. He will miss this week's back-to-back games against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, with a league source indicating he will likely be sidelined for several additional weeks.

  The 26-year-old has endured a difficult season physically. After appearing in a career-high 75 games and earning his second All-Star selection in 2024-25, Garland sprained his left great toe during the playoffs. He missed four postseason games before returning for the final three contests of Cleveland's Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the Indiana Pacers.

  Garland underwent surgery on the toe in June with a four-to-five-month recovery timeline. He missed the first seven games of the 2025-26 season before debuting November 5 against Philadelphia. Five days later, he reaggravated the same toe in Miami, missing another five games over 11 days due to a contusion.

  He then played 18 consecutive games before suffering a Grade 1 sprain of his right toe on January 14 in Philadelphia and has not appeared since.

  "Recovery is going good," Garland said during his first Clippers media availability on February 4. "I'm back on the court, working out, doing all the things I love to do. Just waiting on the green light."

  Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank acknowledged February 9 that Garland still had soreness in the surgically repaired left toe and emphasized the team would "manage this correctly."

  "We are not gonna skip any steps," Frank said. "We think the short-term investment will lead to long-term rewards."

  The Clippers enter the final stretch at 26-28, sitting 10th in the Western Conference with 28 games remaining. Since December 20, LA is 20-7, fueled by Kawhi Leonard averaging 30 points per game during that span, third in the NBA.

  Kris Dunn will continue starting at point guard in Garland's absence alongside Derrick Jones Jr., Leonard, John Collins, and Brook Lopez.

• Jordan Miller Converted By Clippers From Two-Way To Two-Year Standard NBA Deal

  The Los Angeles Clippers have signed Jordan Miller to a new two-year contract to convert him from his Two-Way deal. Miller, who is represented by Jason Glushon, was the 48th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft out of Miami.

  Miller has appeared in 33 games this season, averaging 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.7 minutes. Miller's PER has increased from 10.4 last season to 15.5. Miller's playing time has increased in January and February to over 20 minutes per game.

• Chris Paul Announces Immediate Retirement From NBA

  Chris Paul has announced he has retired from the NBA after 21 seasons in the league. Paul was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday ahead of his announcement.

  Paul had hoped to continue his NBA career after he was sent home by the Los Angeles Clippers in early December. Paul had announced in November that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

  When Paul was informed by the Clippers of their decision to send him home, he had hoped to continue playing for the team.

  "This is it! After over 21 years I'm stepping away from basketball.," wrote Paul. "As I write this, it's hard to really know what to feel, but for once - most people would be surprised - I don't have the answer lol! But, mostly I'm filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an "NBA player" is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life. I've been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It's crazy even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won't. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!)"

  Paul retires as one of the NBA's 75 Greatest Players as he was a four-time All-NBA First-Team selection, five-time All-NBA Second-Team selection and two-time All-NBA Third-Team selection. Paul won two gold medals and was MVP runner-up in 2008.

• Wachtell Lipton Gained Traction In Clippers' Investigation In January

  The NBA's outside law firm, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, began gaining more traction securing cooperative witnesses in January after early resistance stalled its probe into the Los Angeles Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention involving star forward Kawhi Leonard, sources familiar with the investigation told The Athletic.

  The inquiry centers on Leonard's $28 million endorsement agreement with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt environmental company. Former Aspiration employees have alleged the contract, which required no actual work from Leonard, was structured to circumvent the league's salary cap. The NBA launched its formal investigation in September 2025, two days after a podcast first aired the accusations.

  In the probe's opening weeks, lead investigator David Anders and his Wachtell team requested extensive records from the Clippers and sought interviews with former Aspiration staff. Many potential witnesses initially declined, citing fears of retaliation. Participation improved markedly by January.

  One former Aspiration employee, granted anonymity by The Athletic, said interview questions targeted Leonard, his uncle and business adviser Dennis Robertson, and Aspiration's internal operations, but notably excluded Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.

  Ballmer's financial ties to Aspiration are central to the case. He invested $50 million in the firm shortly before it announced a 23-year, $300 million title sponsorship deal with the Clippers. When Aspiration ran short on funds in late 2022, minority owner Dennis J. Wong injected $2 million; Aspiration then paid Leonard $1.75 million which was the precise amount of his quarterly contractual installment. Ballmer followed with an additional $10 million investment months later.

  Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March after co-founder Joe Sanberg pleaded guilty to defrauding investors of $248 million. Court filings list the Clippers ($30 million), Forum Entertainment ($11 million), and Leonard's LLC "KL2 Aspire" ($7 million) among the three largest creditors.

  Results from the investigation are not expected before the NBA All-Star Game, which Ballmer is hosting at Intuit Dome. If the league confirms cap circumvention, potential penalties include fines up to $7.5 million, forfeited draft picks, contract voidance, or suspensions of front-office personnel and Ballmer.

• Chris Paul Waived By Raptors

  Chris Paul has been waived by the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors acquired Paul at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team deal with the Brooklyn Nets involving Ochai Agbaji.

  Paul, who is represented by Steven Heumann and Ty Sullivan of CAA, will become playoff eligible to sign with another team.

  In 16 games this season with the Clippers before he was sent home, Paul averaged 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists.