The NBA schedule for Thursday, February 12, 2026, features a focused 3-game slate as the league enters its final night of action before the All-Star break. While the volume of games is lower, the market volatility is at an all-time high due to a wave of significant late-breaking injury news. With superstar absences and "pre-break" resting protocols in full effect, today’s DraftKings lines offer unique opportunities for bettors to capitalize on roster shifts.

Beat the fast-paced basketball market using our Data Edge Picks and verified Expert Picks to navigate daily rotation changes. Find soft lines on player stats instantly with the Prop Finder and Odds Finder. Stay ahead of the books by tracking situational spots and streaks with our comprehensive Betting Trends.

Top High-Confidence Pick for Today

Portland Trail Blazers to Win by $4.5$ Points or More — Yes ($-170$)

The Blazers are the highest-conviction play on the board as they host a Utah Jazz team that has entered "full rest mode" heading into the break. The Jazz have officially ruled out Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, and they are still reeling from the season-ending loss of Jaren Jackson With Jusuf Nurkic also expected to sit out the second half of this back-to-back, Utah is fielding a skeleton crew. Portland’s young core, led by the interior presence of Donovan Clingan, is perfectly positioned to dominate the glass and transition game. At a spread of $-4.5$, the Blazers are the clear favorite to cover against a gutted Jazz rotation.

 

 

 

Best Value Spread Analysis

OKC Thunder to Win by $12.5$ Points or More — No ($-117$)

While Oklahoma City has been a juggernaut this season, a $12.5$-point spread is a massive hurdle given their current injury crisis. The Thunder will be without MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (out for several weeks), Jalen Williams (hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Mitchell. This effectively removes their top four producers from the rotation. Conversely, the Milwaukee Bucks have found new life with the debut of Cam Thomas, who dropped 34 points on Wednesday, and the steady play of Kevin Porter since his return. With the Bucks finally healthy in the backcourt and the Thunder missing their primary engines, betting "No" on a double-digit OKC blowout is the sharpest value play on the board.

Key Matchup Prediction: Lakers vs. Mavericks

L.A. Lakers to Win by $6.5$ Points or More — Yes ($-108$)

In a star-studded matchup, both teams enter tonight missing critical pieces. The Lakers will be without Luka Doncic, while the visiting Mavericks are missing cornerstone phenom Cooper Flagg. Despite the loss of Doncic, the Lakers retain a significant advantage at home with LeBron James and Austin Reaves leading a bench that has been among the league’s most efficient in February. Without Flagg to anchor their defense and handle frontcourt scoring, the Mavericks are vulnerable to the Lakers' size and veteran execution. Expect Los Angeles to pull away in the second half and cover the $6.5$-point margin.

 

 

 

How to Approach DraftKings NBA Markets for Today’s Slate

  • Monitor the "Pre-Break" Resting Surge: The final day before the All-Star break is notorious for late-breaking scratches. Identifying the absences of players like Markkanen and George early is key to beating line movements.
  • Fading Large Spreads on Depleted Favorites: When a team like OKC loses 70% of its scoring output to injury (SGA and J. Williams), high spreads like $12.5$ become unreliable. The "No" market offers a safety net for teams that can keep games competitive against shorthanded favorites.
  • Evaluating New-Look Rotations: Pay close attention to how new acquisitions like Cam Thomas impact a team's offensive ceiling. Markets often lag behind the "spark" a high-volume scorer can provide to a team's Net Rating.