Today's top games to watch, best bets, odds: Spurs at Pistons, No. 5 Houston at No. 14 Kansas, more
CBS Sports
by
Gene Menez
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Monday offers a packed slate of top-tier games across the NBA and college basketball, with matchups featuring some of the league's hottest teams and high-stakes scenarios. The marquee game pits the Detroit Pistons against the San Antonio Spurs in what could be a thrilling showdown between two of the Western Conference's elite teams. Both squads are on impressive winning streaks—Detroit has won five straight games with an average margin of victory of 18.6 points, while the Spurs have won eight in a row, dominating by 16.1 points per game. The Pistons hold a slight edge as a 1.5-point favorite, and the SportsLine Projection Model gives them a 70% chance to win, with a strong "A" grade for the Pistons' money line.
In another key NBA matchup, the Houston Rockets face the struggling Utah Jazz in a game that could test Houston's ability to maintain its recent momentum. The Rockets have struggled to close out games this season, blowing multiple double-digit leads, including an 18-point cushion against the Knicks last week. However, they now face a weaker Jazz team, which is near the bottom of the standings at 18-39. The model predicts Houston to cover the spread with a 67% probability, while the game's defensive intensity and clutch performance could provide valuable insights for bettors.
In college basketball, No. 24 Louisville takes on No. 18 North Carolina in a high-stakes clash between two ACC powerhouses. This matchup is particularly significant because Louisville has lost 13 straight road games against ranked opponents, adding pressure to their already challenging schedule. Meanwhile, UNC enters the game with momentum after recent wins, and the contest could impact both teams' conference standings. Sia Nejad of SportsLine predicts an under on the total points (162.5), citing defensive强度 and offensive limitations as key factors.
These games matter to readers because they highlight some of the most competitive and high-stakes matchups in sports today. For NBA fans, the Pistons vs. Spurs game offers a glimpse into what could be
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026