NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Cleveland's Rise
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cavaliers on Sunday, playing through a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. The Cavs, who entered January in a play-in spot, have since posted the NBA's best record and added the 11-time All-Star to their roster.
Injury Updates
Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least five more games due to his persistent right knee issue, the Warriors announced Sunday. Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games with a strained right oblique, the 76ers said Saturday. Norman Powell espn.com has a Grade 1 right groin strain and will be out for at least a week, the Heat said Friday.
Rookie Milestones
Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers. The second-year forward achieved the mark in just 59 games.
On-Court Drama
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. Jokic called the play "an unnecessary move" during Friday night's game.
Team Moves
Zach Edey espn.com is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return to the Grizzlies undetermined. Cole Anthony espn.com was waived by the Suns Friday, three weeks after being acquired at the trade deadline. Mason Plumlee espn.com signed a deal with the Spurs for the remainder of the season.
Star Performances
The Celtics espn.com posted one of the best offensive performances in league history Friday night against the Nets. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and left Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter.
Upcoming Talent
Tyrese Haliburton espn.com shared appreciation for birthday wishes, noting being born on leap year makes his actual birthday celebration "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. The Pacers star has become one of the league's top young talents.
Olympic Speculation
Erik Spoelstra espn.com said it would be "incredible" to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if the veteran forward still wants to play. The Heat coach's comments came as Durant continues his career with the Suns.
Technical Difficulties
Friday night's game between the Pistons and Cavaliers was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction.
Contract Extensions
The Warriors espn.com signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension Saturday, sources told ESPN. The move secures the Brazilian wing's future with the defending champions.
Standings Impact
The Knicks espn.com held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday, ending San Antonio's recent run. New York's defensive performance highlighted their continued improvement this season.
Health Management
Kristaps Porzingis espn.com will miss a fourth straight game Saturday due to general illness, with Warriors coach Steve Kerr walking back earlier comments about the center's diagnosis. The team is taking a cautious approach with their big man.
Road Trip Success
LeBron James espn.com completed a successful father-daughter road trip with his latest achievement in his 23-year career. The Lakers star continues to balance family life with his enduring excellence on the court.
Return Timelines
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. The team is managing multiple players as they push for playoff positioning.
International Perspectives
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip Thursday, sources told ESPN. The Finnish star becomes the latest Utah player to be sidelined due to injury.
As the season progresses, teams are balancing immediate success with long-term health considerations. The trade deadline has passed, but its effects continue to ripple through the league as players adjust to new surroundings and roles.