LeBron James is scheduled to make his post-NBA All-Star break return on Friday when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers at 10 p.m. ET. With Luka Doncic expected back from a hamstring injury, projections suggest James will score over 20 points. Other key player performances are anticipated across the NBA slate.
The NBA resumes action after the All-Star break on February 20, 2026, with several intriguing matchups and player prop predictions drawing attention. In the spotlight is the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking LeBron James' first appearance since the break. James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer averaging 22 points per game this season, has scored at least 20 points in six of his last seven games before the break. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts 22 points for the 21-time All-Star, noting his strong history against the Clippers, where he has tallied at least 23 points in each of their three meetings this season. Additionally, Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers is projected to exceed 2.5 three-pointers made, building on his recent 40% shooting from deep over 24 games.
Elsewhere, the Utah Jazz face the Memphis Grizzlies amid discussions of tanking, with the team recently fined by the NBA. Lauri Markkanen, off the injury report, is expected to see increased minutes with Jusuf Nurkic out due to a nose injury. Projections indicate Markkanen could grab seven or more rebounds, averaging 7.0 per game, though his points may be limited to under 22.5 amid usage concerns. Ace Bailey is also tipped for over 21.5 points plus rebounds against the Grizzlies.
In Oklahoma City, Chet Holmgren of the Thunder is projected for eight or more rebounds against the Nets, following a 13-rebound performance in 27 minutes pre-break. He averages 8.7 rebounds this season. The New Orleans Pelicans host the Milwaukee Bucks, where Zion Williamson is favored to surpass 23.5 points and 34.5 points plus rebounds plus assists, benefiting from the Bucks' defensive struggles and the absence of Trey Murphy III. The Denver Nuggets visit the Portland Trail Blazers, with Nikola Jokic eyed for a triple-double and Julian Strawther for over 10.5 points. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Dallas Mavericks, projecting Rudy Gobert over 10.5 points. Bilal Coulibaly is expected to score over 10.5 points for the Wizards against the Pacers.
These predictions stem from models simulating games extensively, highlighting rested players' potential post-break.
