NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Game Results & Performances
Thunder's injury crisis espn.com deepened as OKC faced Detroit with six top scorers sidelined. Spurs' winning streak espn.com reached nine games after defeating the Pistons in what could be an NBA Finals preview. Kings snapped espn.com their franchise-worst 16-game losing streak with Russell Westbrook scoring 25 points against the Grizzlies.
Player Updates & Injuries
Cavaliers ruled out espn.com James Harden for Wednesday's game after X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb. Hawks' Jalen Johnson espn.com exited Tuesday's win over the Wizards after just 5½ minutes with a left hip flexor injury. Blazers' Shaedon Sharpe espn.com diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
Team Moves & Transactions
Lakers added espn.com former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. Hawks removed espn.com former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum. Bulls' Anfernee Simons espn.com aggravated a fractured left wrist with no timeline for return.
All-Star & League News
Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com offered $1 million to All-Star contest winners hoping to entice star players for Phoenix's hosting duties. MVP odds tightened espn.com as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic risk missing games needed for eligibility. Banned player Jontay Porter espn.com joined USBL's Super Hawks while awaiting sentencing on federal gambling charges.
Notable Returns & Debuts
Pelicans celebrated espn.com Dejounte Murray's return scoring 13 points in his comeback from a ruptured Achilles. Hawks honored espn.com Trae Young in his return to Atlanta marking his first appearance since being traded to the Wizards. Kuminga shined espn.com in his debut for the Hawks after months riding the bench in Golden State.
Controversies & Fines
NBA fined espn.com Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner $35,000 each for their weekend scuffle. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle espn.com questioned the NBA's process for issuing a $100K fine for violating player participation policy. Grand jury returned espn.com a no-bill in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley arrested in a "family violence" incident.
Fantasy & Analysis
Fantasy experts recommended espn.com adding players like Melton Wallace and Raynaud for the homestretch. Zion Williamson espn.com showed durability finding ability to stay on court with emerging options on Clippers Kings and Jazz. Lakers' final play espn.com botched as Luka Doncic hesitated and Le Bron James missed in 110-109 loss to Magic.
Future Outlook
USA Basketball espn.com prepares for new era with 2028 Los Angeles Games approaching. Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in 2028 Summer Games while bemoaning U.S. basketball critics. NBA insiders analyzed espn.com for the league's 10 worst teams after trade deadline and ahead of draft.
Coaching & Strategy
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson espn.com saw "belief" in his team since James Harden joined noting "renewed confidence." Spurs coach regarded Monday's win as passing a "test" in physical clash with Pistons. Lakers' new president espn.com Lon Rosen made clear GM Rob Pelinka will remain in role flanked by Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi.
Historical Notes
NBA legend Marques Johnson espn.com took flight for annual birthday dunk marking another year. Inside story revealed espn.com how Nike began creating global campaign featuring black mamba in late 2002 presenting it to an NBA superstar who was not Kobe Bryant.