NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Recent Game Results
The Kings espn.com snapped their franchise-worst 16-game losing streak with a 123-114 victory over the Grizzlies on Monday. The Spurs espn.com extended their winning streak to nine games by defeating the Pistons in what was called a potential NBA Finals preview. The Warriors espn.com upset the Nuggets 128-117 despite facing an undermanned roster, with Nikola Jokic putting up a 35-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double.
Player Updates
James Harden espn.com is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Bucks after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb during Tuesday's matchup against the Knicks. Jalen Johnson espn.com played only 5½ minutes before leaving Tuesday's win over the Wizards with a left hip flexor injury. Deni Avdija espn.com exited Sunday's win against the Suns while battling lower back issues that have persisted for weeks.
Injury Reports
Jusuf Nurkic espn.com will undergo nose surgery this week and sit out the remainder of the season. Tyrese Haliburton espn.com was diagnosed with shingles and will be away from the Pacers for a few weeks. Shaedon Sharpe espn.com was diagnosed with a stress reaction of the left fibula and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
Notable Returns
Dejounte Murray espn.com is expected to make his return from a ruptured Achilles tendon on Tuesday when the Pelicans host the Warriors. Jonathan Kuminga espn.com shined in his debut for the Hawks after months of riding the bench in Golden State. Coby White espn.com is set to make his Charlotte Hornets debut against his former Bulls team on Tuesday night.
Coaching Moves
The Lakers espn.com added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as an NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. The Hawks espn.com removed former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum.
MVP Race Developments
MVP odds espn.com have tightened as Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver's Nikola Jokic approach ineligibility for the regular-season award. Le Bron James espn.com endorsed Celtics' Jaylen Brown in the MVP conversation after Brown fueled Boston's win over the Lakers on Sunday.
Off-Court News
A grand jury espn.com returned a no-bill in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who was arrested last fall in what police called a "family violence" incident. Memphis Grizzlies espn.com guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner were each fined $35,000 by the NBA for their scuffle over the weekend.
Front Office Updates
New Lakers president espn.com Lon Rosen made it clear that GM Rob Pelinka will remain in his role and be flanked by Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi. Pacers coach espn.com Rick Carlisle said the NBA did not speak with team doctors or players before issuing a $100K fine for violating the league's player participation policy.
Historical Moments
The Lakers espn.com unveiled a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley wearing his iconic Armani suit outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. NBA legend espn.com Marques Johnson performed his annual birthday dunk, continuing a tradition that spans decades.
USA Basketball espn.com faces a new era with Los Angeles 2028 on the Olympic calendar, including decisions about a new coach and roster construction. Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, despite bemoaning U.S. basketball critics.
Fantasy Impact
Zion Williamson espn.com has found the ability to stay on the court, raising questions about whether he's put durability concerns behind him. Emerging options espn.com on the Clippers, Kings, and Jazz could provide value for fantasy rosters down the stretch.
Team Analysis
NBA insiders espn.com broke down where all 30 teams stand coming out of the All-Star break. Our analysts espn.com examined the biggest questions for 10 lottery-bound teams after the trade deadline and ahead of the draft.
Trade Deadline Fallout
The Cavaliers espn.com have shown renewed confidence since adding James Harden, according to coach Kenny Atkinson. Trae Young espn.com returned to Atlanta for the first time since being traded to the Wizards, receiving honors from his longtime home team.
Statistical Highlights
Neemias Queta espn.com is having his best season as a pro, averaging 9.7 points. 2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks heading into Sunday's game. Russell Westbrook scored 25 points to help the Kings end their historic losing streak.
Coaching Philosophy
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle questioned the NBA's process for fining his team $100K for violating the league's player participation policy, claiming the league did not consult team doctors or players before issuing the penalty.
Team Chemistry
The Pelicans espn.com raved over Dejounte Murray's return to action Tuesday, with teammates noting he "didn't miss a beat" after scoring 13 points in his comeback from a ruptured right Achilles tendon.