NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×NBA Trade Moves & Roster Changes
The Nuggets espn.com are bolstering their backcourt depth with the addition of free agent veteran point guard Tyus Jones. The Thunder espn.com also made moves, signing former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving guard Buddy Boeheim. These roster adjustments come as the Thunder espn.com have already clinched a postseason spot, becoming the first team to secure their playoff berth for the 2025-26 season.
Injury Updates & Player Returns
Warriors star Stephen Curry will sit out at least the next five games due to his persistent right knee issue, the team announced Sunday. Curry espn.com has yet to advance to court work in his rehab, acknowledging he'll be out "a little longer." Meanwhile, James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games because of a strained right oblique, the 76ers said Saturday.
Game Highlights & Performances
The Knicks ended the Spurs' winning streak with a dominant 89-89 point showing Sunday, holding the streaking San Antonio team to just 89 points in what was described as a "high-level" defensive performance. The Lakers espn.com secured a win that capped off LeBron James' father-daughter road trip with Zhuri, marking another achievement in the 23-year veteran's career. The Pelicans espn.com saw Zion Williamson "tweak his ankle" and leave Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter.
Controversies & Ejections
Trae Young, set to make his Wizards debut Thursday vs. Utah, was ejected for leaving the bench during Monday's loss to Houston. The incident occurred before his anticipated debut with Washington, where he's expected to make an immediate impact after his trade from Atlanta.
Rising Teams & Confidence
Entering January, the Cavaliers were stuck in a play-in spot. They've since racked up the best record in the NBA and added an 11-time All-Star, with James Harden espn.com describing the team's renewed confidence. The Pacers espn.com star Tyrese Haliburton, born on leap year, shared appreciation for birthday wishes, noting it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday.
Warriors Updates
Beyond Curry's injury, the Warriors signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension Saturday, sources told ESPN. Kristaps Porzingis espn.com will miss a fourth straight game due to general illness, though coach Steve Kerr walked back earlier comments about the center's diagnosis.
Rising Stars & Surgery Updates
Memphis Grizzlies second-year center Zach Edey is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return to be determined. The former college standout has been dealing with persistent ankle issues that have limited his development in his early NBA career.