Eight best storylines for NBA stretch run: Is Jayson Tatum coming back? Can Spurs jump OKC? MVP up for grabs?
CBS Sports
by
Jasmyn Wimbish
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NBA All-Star break has concluded, and teams are gearing up for a crucial stretch of the regular season. With just 26-29 games remaining, the race for playoff positioning and overall dominance is heating up. The return of key players, potential tanking by low-seeded teams, and unresolved MVP contenders add excitement to the second half of the season.
One of the most anticipated developments is Jayson Tatum's potential return to the Boston Celtics. After tearing his Achilles in May 2025, it was initially feared that Tatum would miss the entire 2025-26 season. However, recent updates suggest he could make a comeback soon, as he has been practicing with the team and participating in scrimmages. The Celtics currently hold a strong second-place position in the East, but Tatum's return could significantly boost their postseason chances, making them a formidable contender.
Another storyline to watch is the performance of the New York Knicks. Despite defensive struggles and injuries, the Knicks have shown promise with recent additions like Jose Alvarado and Jeremy Sochan. However, questions remain about whether their offense can consistently perform and if Karl-Anthony Towns can regain his shooting touch. Jalen Brunson's inconsistent play also raises concerns about how well the team can compete without Miles McBride, who was a defensive anchor.
Meanwhile, teams like the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks have made it clear they are prioritizing draft positioning over playoff contention. The Kings announced that Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine would miss the rest of the season due to surgery, indicating a clear tanking strategy. This shift highlights the competitive dynamics at both ends of the standings, with lower-ranked teams focusing on future drafts while top-tier teams fight for supremacy.
The race for MVP is another compelling narrative as multiple players are in contention. The absence of key stars like Kyrie Irving and injuries to others have created opportunities for emerging talents to shine. This uncertainty adds drama to the season, keeping fans on edge about which player will step up and lead their team
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026