The NBA regular season continues on Monday with a stacked 11-game slate scheduled for play. There are games starting as early as 5am AEDT, however we’ve provided tips for some of the more time-friendly games for Aussies. Catch our best NBA tips for Monday below!
NBA Betting Tips: Monday, February 23rd 2026
Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers (10:30am AEDT)
Boston heads into this storied rivalry clash on the road, riding a hot streak with seven wins in their last eight games. However, they're still adjusting without Jayson Tatum, who's been out all season recovering from a torn Achilles. Jaylen Brown has elevated his game to near-MVP levels, averaging 29.2 points per contest, but the Celtics will need their supporting cast to step up against a Lakers team hungry for a statement win.
The Lakers are fresh off a gritty 125-122 victory over the Clippers, where Luka Doncic returned from a hamstring injury to pour in 38 points. LeBron James shook off recent knee soreness to contribute, and the team will draw extra motivation from honoring legendary coach Pat Riley before tip-off. With a 10-5 record in their last 15 and the energy of Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles looks poised to leverage their star duo's chemistry.
This should be a tight, emotional affair, but the Lakers' home advantage and ceremonial boost could help them pull off the upset. While Boston's depth is impressive, the points with the motivated underdogs feel like the value here.
Los Angeles Lakers +2.0
$1.90 (1 unit)
New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls (12pm AEDT)
New York rolls into Chicago on the second night of a back-to-back after hosting the Houston Rockets, which could lead to some fatigue for a squad already missing Miles McBride due to a core muscle injury requiring surgery. The Knicks have been solid at 36-21, but traveling overnight and facing a desperate Bulls team might test their legs, especially if they expended heavy energy against Houston's potent lineup featuring Kevin Durant.
The Bulls are mired in a eight-game skid and sit near the bottom in both offensive and defensive ratings. Injuries have hit hard, with Zach Collins sidelined by a toe sprain, Noa Essengue out with a shoulder issue, and Jaden Ivey questionable due to patellofemoral pain. Still, playing at home against a potentially weary opponent gives Chicago a chance to rally around their remaining core and make this more competitive than expected.
Anticipate the Knicks to control the pace, but the Bulls' home fight and the spread's generosity could keep them within striking distance. In a spot where fatigue factors in, grabbing the big number with the hosts makes sense.
Chicago Bulls +10.5
$1.90 (1 unit)
Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Clippers (1pm AEDT)
Orlando stumbles into this West Coast finale on the second leg of a back-to-back following a draining double-overtime loss to the Suns, where foul trouble and absences compounded their issues. Key contributors Franz Wagner (ankle) and Jalen Suggs (back) remain out, leaving Paolo Banchero to shoulder an even heavier load after highlighting defensive lapses and turnovers in the defeat. At 29-26, the Magic have shown resilience, but fatigue from the 2OT thriller could hinder them against a Clippers side eager to build momentum.
Los Angeles is navigating a rough patch at 27-29, coming off a loss to the Lakers where Kawhi Leonard exited with ankle soreness (now listed as questionable, while Darius Garland (toe), Bradley Beal (hip), and John Collins (head) are all sidelined. Despite the injury woes, the Clippers have retooled with recent trades, including acquiring Bennedict Mathurin, and their home court at Intuit Dome offers a chance to capitalize on Orlando's weary legs.
Look for the Clippers to exploit the Magic's exhaustion and short-handed rotation in what could be a low-scoring grind. With Kawhi potentially returning and home energy, Los Angeles should cover comfortably.
Los Angeles Clippers -4.0
$1.95 (1 unit)
