NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Gambling Scandal Developments
Chauncey Billups espn.com faces scrutiny over alleged connections to Mafia-affiliated poker games and illegal gambling. The Hall-of-Fame NBA player's involvement in the ongoing scandal raises questions about potential league consequences and future investigations.
Roster Moves & Injuries
The Nuggets espn.com strengthened their backcourt by adding veteran point guard Tyus Jones. Meanwhile, the Thunder espn.com signed former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving guard Buddy Boeheim. The Warriors espn.com announced that Stephen Curry will miss at least the next five games due to persistent right knee issues, with Curry espn.com acknowledging he'll be out "a little longer" as he hasn't yet advanced to court work in his rehab. The Grizzlies espn.com revealed that Zach Edey is set for another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return timeline still undetermined.
Game Results & Performances
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cavaliers despite playing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. The Knicks espn.com delivered a dominant defensive performance, holding a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points. The Pelicans espn.com saw Zion Williamson "tweak his ankle" and leave Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. The Lakers espn.com secured a victory that capped LeBron James' father-daughter road trip with daughter Zhuri.
Team Standings & Milestones
Trae Young espn.com was ejected for leaving the bench during Monday's loss to Houston, ahead of his Wizards debut against Utah. The Thunder espn.com clinched the first postseason spot, marking a significant achievement six weeks before the 2025-26 NBA postseason. The Cavaliers espn.com have transformed their season after entering January stuck in a play-in spot, now boasting the NBA's best record after adding 11-time All-Star James Harden.
Contract Extensions & Team News
Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games due to a strained right oblique, according to the 76ers. The Warriors espn.com had coach Steve Kerr walk back comments about Kristaps Porzingis' diagnosis, with the center missing his fourth straight game due to general illness. The Warriors espn.com also signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension.
Personal Notes
Tyrese Haliburton espn.com shared appreciation for birthday wishes, discussing what it's like being born on a leap year and noting it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. Erik Spoelstra espn.com expressed that it would be "incredible" to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if Durant still wants to play.