NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Game Results & Highlights
The Thunder espn.com faced a depleted Detroit squad Wednesday with their top six scorers sidelined, creating a potential Finals preview scenario. The Kings espn.com snapped their franchise-worst 16-game losing streak Monday, defeating the Grizzlies 123-114 behind Russell Westbrook's 25 points. The Spurs espn.com continued their dominance with a ninth straight win, beating the Pistons in what coach Rick Carlisle called "a potential NBA Finals preview."
Player Updates & Injuries
Cavaliers guard James Harden espn.com sat out Wednesday's game against Milwaukee after X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb. Hawks forward Jalen Johnson espn.com exited Tuesday's win over the Wizards after just 5½ minutes with a left hip flexor injury. Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe espn.com was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
Transactions & Team Moves
The Lakers espn.com added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations 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. Jonathan Kuminga espn.com shined in his debut for Atlanta after months of bench time in Golden State.
All-Star & League News
Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com announced a $1 million prize for winners of All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year. MVP odds espn.com have tightened dramatically as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic face potential ineligibility. The Pelicans espn.com celebrated Dejounte Murray's return Tuesday, where he scored 13 points in his comeback from a ruptured Achilles.
Controversies & Discipline
The NBA espn.com fined the Pacers $100,000 for violating player participation policy, though coach Rick Carlisle disputed the league's process. Memphis guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami forward Myron Gardner espn.com each received $35,000 fines for their weekend scuffle. Jontay Porter espn.com, banned for life in 2024 for gambling violations, plans to play for the upstart USBL's Super Hawks.
Fantasy & Analysis
Zion Williamson espn.com appears to have put durability questions behind him, finding consistency on the court. The Cavaliers espn.com showed "renewed confidence" since adding James Harden, according to coach Kenny Atkinson. Lakers stars Le Bron James and Luka Doncic espn.com botched a final play Tuesday, resulting in a 110-109 loss to the Magic.
Historical & Cultural Pieces
An ESPN investigation espn.com revealed Nike began creating a global black mamba campaign in late 2002, initially presenting it to an NBA superstar who wasn't Kobe Bryant. Hall of Fame finalist Marques Johnson espn.com celebrated his birthday with his annual dunk ritual. The NBA espn.com clarified that new Lakers president Lon Rosen will keep GM Rob Pelinka in his role.
USA Basketball espn.com faces a new era with the 2028 Los Angeles Games approaching, requiring new coaching decisions. Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in the 2028 Summer Games. The league's 10 worst teams espn.com face crucial questions after the trade deadline and ahead of the draft.
Other Notable Items
The Wizards espn.com welcomed back Trae Young to Atlanta for the first time since his trade, though he remained sidelined with injuries. Bulls guard Anfernee Simons espn.com aggravated a fractured left wrist and has no return timeline. A grand jury espn.com returned a no-bill in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley's arrest last fall.