NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Player Health Updates
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday despite still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and was forced to leave Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. The Pelicans forward's status remains uncertain after the injury. Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games for the 76ers because of a strained right oblique, while Norman Powell espn.com has a Grade 1 right groin strain and will be out for at least a week for the Heat.
Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games for the Warriors because of his persistent right knee issue, the team announced Sunday. This comes after Curry acknowledged he'll be out a "little longer" as he has yet to advance to court work in his rehab. Kristaps Porzingis espn.com will miss a fourth straight game for Golden State due to general illness. On a more positive note, the Warriors signed starting forward Gui Santos espn.com to a three-year, $15 million contract extension on Saturday.
Zach Edey espn.com is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return to be determined for the Grizzlies. Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip, making him the latest Jazz player to be sidelined because of an injury. Donovan Mitchell espn.com and James Harden each missed their second straight game Friday for the Cavs, who also ruled out Keon Ellis and Dean Wade.
Notable Performances & Records
Konner Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers. The Celtics posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets, rolling behind a historic performance from the floor. In a heated moment, Nikola Jokic espn.com angrily confronted Lu Dort for what he called an "unnecessary move" after the Thunder guard was called for a flagrant foul 2 and ejected for appearing to trip the Nuggets star.
Team Moves & Transactions
Cole Anthony espn.com was waived Friday by the Suns, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania, after the guard did not appear in any games since he was acquired at the NBA trade deadline. Mason Plumlee espn.com has signed a deal with the San Antonio Spurs for the remainder of the season, according to Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports. The Spurs had been looking to add frontcourt depth after dealing with various injuries throughout the season.
Olympic & Future Speculation
Erik Spoelstra espn.com says it's incredible to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if Durant still wants to play. The Heat coach's comments come as discussions continue about which veteran stars might still be competing at the highest level for Team USA in four years. Durant, now, would be 39 by the 2028 Olympics, but his continued excellence suggests he could still be a valuable contributor if he chooses to participate.
Personal Stories
Tyrese Haliburton espn.com has spoken about being born on a leap year, sharing that it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. The Pacers star received numerous birthday wishes over the past week, marking his actual birthday on February 29. Meanwhile, LeBron James espn.com achieved a different kind of milestone recently - a successful father-daughter road trip with his daughter Zhuri as the Lakers secured a win during their travels together.