Charlotte beat LeBron James, Luka Dončić and the Lakers on Wednesday to kick-off games following the All-Star Break.

Thursday marks a full return to action with a nine-game slate🍿🍿

Jokić means business

Formal attire for Nikola Jokić as Denver begins the home stretch of the season💼💼

pic.twitter.com/JpAMD5De3l

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 21, 2025

CrunchTime Thursday‼️

No better way to tune into a busy night of ball than the CrunchTime broadcast on NBA TV:

Nine games of action tonight! 🍿

Don’t miss any of the top moments with #CrunchTime, starting at 8:30pm ET on the NBA APP 📱 pic.twitter.com/fNEBcC4Ocz

— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 20, 2025

Top Storylines👉📝

1. San Antonio begins the stretch run of the season without young phenom Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama is expected to be out for the remainder of the season with a blood clotting issue in his shoulder.
2. Memphis and Indiana square off as two teams deep in the playoff mix. Memphis holds a 0.5 game lead over Denver for the No.2 seed in the West, while Indiana holds a one-game advantage over Milwaukee for the No.4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
3. Entering the All-Star Break with a league-best eight-game winning streak, Denver will look to extend that number to nine against Charlotte, who will be closing a back-to-back set.