NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Player Updates &Injuries
The Cavaliers placed guard James Harden on the injured reserve Tuesday after he suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb during a loss to the Knicks, ruling him out against the Bucks espn.com. Warriors guard Klay Thompson also exited Monday's game against the Grizzlies with a left ankle sprain, further depleting Golden State's rotation. Meanwhile, the Hawks welcomed Jonathan Kuminga to their roster, where he shone in his debut after months of bench duty with the Warriors espn.com. Utah center Jusuf Nurkic will undergo nose surgery this week, ending his season espn.com.
Team News & Coaching Moves
The Lakers added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as an NBA draft adviser to Rob Pelinka, signaling a strategic shift in their front office operations espn.com. The Pelicans celebrated Dejounte Murray's return from a ruptured Achilles, praising his performance in his comeback game espn.com. The Spurs secured their ninth consecutive victory, defeating the Pistons in a physical clash that served as a potential NBA Finals preview .
Lineup Changes & Returns
Atlanta moved veteran CJ Mc Collum to the starting lineup, replacing former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher espn.com. Trae Young, recovering from a sprained knee and quadriceps contusion, returned to Atlanta for the first time since his trade to the Wizards, honoring a former teammate espn.com. The Hornets prepared for Coby White's debut against his former team, the Bulls espn.com.
Standout Performances
Russell Westbrook led the Kings to a franchise-worst skid-ending 123-114 win over the Grizzlies, scoring 25 points espn.com. The Jazz's Shaedon Sharpe faces a 4-6 week evaluation after a stress reaction in his left fibula espn.com. Hawks guard Jalen Johnson played only 5½ minutes before exiting with a left hip flexor injury espn.com.
MVP Race & Odds
The NBA MVP odds have tightened, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic at risk of missing the playoffs due to playoff-ineligible teams espn.com. Lakers forward Le Bron James publicly backed Jaylen Brown's MVP credentials following Boston's win espn.com.
Other Developments
The Mavericks' Rick Carlisle questioned the NBA's process for a $100K fine issued to the Pacers, disputing the league's lack of consultation with team doctors or players espn.com. Patrick Beverley's assault case resulted in a no-bill from a grand jury espn.com. The Spurs' physical victory over the Pistons highlighted their resilience espn.com.