NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates
Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games with a strained right oblique, the 76ers announced Saturday. Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and left Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip, sources told ESPN. Norman Powell espn.com has a Grade 1 right groin strain and will miss at least a week, the Heat said Friday.
Player Performances
The Celtics posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets. Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers. Nikola Jokic espn.com angrily confronted Lu Dort after the Thunder guard was ejected for a flagrant foul 2 that appeared to trip the Nuggets star.
Team News
The Warriors signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension Saturday, sources told ESPN. The Spurs signed Mason Plumlee to a deal for the remainder of the season, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports told ESPN. Cole Anthony was waived Friday by the Suns after not appearing in any games since being acquired at the NBA trade deadline, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Game Results
Friday night's game between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. The Cavaliers ruled out All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden along with Keon Ellis and Dean Wade for Friday's game against the Pistons.
Coaching & Strategy
Warriors coach Steve Kerr walked back comments about Kristaps Porzingis' diagnosis, saying the center will miss a fourth straight game due to general illness. Erik Spoelstra said it would be "incredible" to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if Durant still wants to play.
Player Recovery Updates
Stephen Curry has yet to advance to court work in his rehab from persistent right knee issues, acknowledging he'll be out a "little longer." The Lakers capped off a successful father-daughter road trip with LeBron James and his daughter Zhuri.
League Analysis
Andre Snellings looks at the NBA awards races and explains which ones to bet on, and which to avoid entirely.