NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates
Blazers guard Deni Avdija espn.com exited Sunday's win against the Suns due to lower back issues that have plagued him for weeks. Bulls coach Billy Donovan espn.com said guard Anfernee Simons will undergo additional imaging on his injured left wrist Monday and consult with a hand specialist. Bulls guard Jaden Ivey espn.com will miss at least two weeks with soreness in his left knee.
Suns guard Devin Booker espn.com will miss at least one week with a right hip strain he suffered against the Spurs on Thursday. Suns guard Dillon Brooks espn.com broke his left hand Saturday night against Orlando and is undergoing further tests. Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis espn.com and forward Draymond Green were late scratches for Sunday's game against the Nuggets with illness and back soreness respectively.
Game Highlights
Nikola Jokic espn.com recorded a 35-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double on Sunday afternoon, but his Denver Nuggets still lost 128-117 to an undermanned Golden State Warriors team missing key players. Kristaps Porzingis espn.com made his Warriors debut in his first game since January 7, opening slow but making an impact in his 17 minutes with 12 points in a 121-110 loss to the Celtics.
Jalen Green espn.com hit a 3-pointer from the right corner at the buzzer to give the Phoenix Suns a 113-110 double-overtime victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Karl-Anthony Towns espn.com sparked the Knicks in an 18-point fourth-quarter rally to overcome an 18-point deficit and take down the Rockets 108-106 on Saturday night.
Cade Cunningham espn.com made his MVP case by erupting for 42 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in a decisive 126-111 win over the Knicks. Neemias Queta espn.com threw down a dunk over Luka Doncic early in the Celtics-Lakers game, showcasing his best season as a pro with averages of 9.7 points. 2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.
Player News
Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton espn.com was diagnosed with shingles and will be away from the team for a few weeks, coach Rick Carlisle said Sunday. Kings forward De'Andre Hunter espn.com had surgery Friday to repair a detached retina in his left eye, becoming the third Kings player to undergo season-ending surgery in recent days.
Celtics forward Jaylen Brown espn.com is considering legal action against the city of Beverly Hills after police shut down a private event he was hosting during NBA All-Star Weekend. Lakers coach Pat Riley espn.com was honored with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, wearing his signature Armani suit.
League Developments
Lakers confirmed espn.com to ESPN they are planning ticket price increases for the 2026-27 season. LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue espn.com made it clear that despite the team's roster changes, the organization's goals remain focused on winning.
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama espn.com has the team bound for the playoffs one year after a blood clot ended his season, marking a remarkable 365-day turnaround. Two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol espn.com has been chosen by Olympic athletes to represent them on the IOC executive board through the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.
MVP Race
NBA MVP contenders espn.com face uncertainty as many are in danger of missing the 65-game threshold, potentially causing a sharp turn in this year's race. Nikola Jokic continued his strong performance with another triple-double, while Cade Cunningham bolstered his case with a dominant showing against the Knicks.