NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Game Results & Performances
OKC espn.com overcame Detroit despite missing its top six scorers in a potential Finals preview. The Kings espn.com snapped a 16-game losing streak with a 123-114 win over the Grizzlies, ending the worst skid in franchise history. The Spurs espn.com won their ninth straight game by beating the Pistons in another possible Finals preview. The Pelicans espn.com celebrated Dejounte Murray's return from Achilles surgery, with Murray scoring 13 points in his comeback. The Hawks espn.com welcomed Jonathan Kuminga's debut after his bench time in Golden State, while honoring Trae Young's return to Atlanta before his Wizards matchup.
Player Updates & Injuries
The Cavaliers espn.com ruled out James Harden for Wednesday's game after X-rays revealed a non-displaced thumb fracture. The Bulls espn.com announced Anfernee Simons aggravated a fractured left wrist with no return timeline. The Blazers espn.com said Shaedon Sharpe was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula, to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. The Jazz espn.com confirmed Jusuf Nurkic will undergo nose surgery and miss the rest of the season. The Hawks espn.com lost All-Star forward Jalen Johnson to a left hip flexor injury after just 5½ minutes against the Wizards.
Front Office & League Moves
The Lakers espn.com added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as NBA draft adviser to Rob Pelinka. The Lakers espn.com announced new president Lon Rosen will keep Pelinka as GM while adding Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi. The Hawks espn.com removed former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of CJ Mc Collum. The Hornets espn.com prepared for Coby White's debut against his former Bulls team.
Controversies & Discipline
The NBA espn.com fined Memphis' Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami's Myron Gardner $35,000 each for their weekend scuffle. The NBA espn.com fined the Pacers $100,000 for violating player participation policy, with coach Rick Carlisle questioning the process. A grand jury returned a no-bill in the Patrick Beverley assault case after his arrest last fall.
Off-Court Developments
Banned NBA player espn.com Jontay Porter, awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to a federal gambling charge, plans to play for the upstart USBL's Super Hawks. Suns owner espn.com Mat Ishbia offered $1 million to All-Star contest winners to boost participation when Phoenix hosts next year. Lakers president Rosen clarified Pelinka's role while adding new executives. Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while criticizing U.S. basketball critics.
MVP Race & Awards
MVP odds espn.com tightened as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic face potential ineligibility for the regular-season award. NBA legend espn.com Marques Johnson celebrated his annual birthday dunk tradition. The league honored various performances while preparing for upcoming All-Star festivities.
Team Analysis & Future Outlook
NBA insiders espn.com ranked all 30 teams coming out of the All-Star break, examining potential rises and falls. Analysts espn.com broke down the biggest questions for the league's 10 worst teams post-trade deadline and ahead of the draft. Cavaliers coach espn.com Kenny Atkinson noted "renewed confidence" since adding James Harden to the roster. Suns owner Ishbia's $1 million incentive aims to reshape All-Star Weekend participation.
Special Features
ESPN explored the secret history espn.com of the black mamba campaign that began in 2002, presented to an NBA superstar who wasn't Kobe Bryant. The network also examined Zion Williamson's espn.com improved durability and emerging fantasy options across the Clippers, Kings, and Jazz. Inside analysis espn.com broke down the Lakers' botched final play between Le Bron James and Luka Doncic that led to a loss against Orlando.