NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates & Returns
Cavaliers guard James Harden espn.com will miss Wednesday's game against Milwaukee after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb. Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray espn.com made his long-awaited return for the Pelicans, scoring 13 points in his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon. The team celebrated his return, with teammates noting he "didn't miss a beat" in his first game back.
Game Results & Performances
The Spurs espn.com extended their winning streak to nine games with a physical victory over the Pistons in what could be an NBA Finals preview. Russell Westbrook espn.com led the Kings to a 123-114 win over the Grizzlies, snapping their franchise-worst 16-game losing streak. The Lakers suffered a heartbreaking 110-109 loss to the Magic when a botched final play between Le Bron James and Luka Doncic failed to produce a quality shot in the closing seconds.
Coaching & Front Office Moves
The Lakers espn.com added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as an NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. New Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen made it clear that Pelinka will remain in his role, flanked by Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi. Meanwhile, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle espn.com questioned the NBA's process for issuing a $100K fine for violating the league's player participation policy, claiming the league did not speak with team doctors or players before issuing the penalty.
Player Developments
Jonathan Kuminga espn.com, after months of riding the bench in Golden State, shined in his debut for the Hawks. The team also removed former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum. Jalen Johnson espn.com exited Tuesday's win over the Wizards with a left hip flexor injury after playing only 5½ minutes. Anfernee Simons espn.com aggravated a fractured left wrist and the Bulls did not offer a timeline for his return.
League News & Controversies
Banned NBA player Jontay Porter espn.com is planning to play for an upstart pro basketball league's Super Hawks after being banned for life for gambling in 2024. Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. espn.com and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner were each fined $35,000 for their scuffle in a game over the weekend. Patrick Beverley espn.com had a grand jury return a no-bill in his assault case from a "family violence" incident last fall.
Awards & Recognition
Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com offered a $1 million prize to winners of All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year, hoping to entice more star players to participate. The MVP odds have tightened with Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander espn.com and Denver's Nikola Jokic at risk of not qualifying for the award due to potential missed games.
Notable Returns & Tributes
Trae Young espn.com returned to Atlanta for the first time since being traded to the Wizards, receiving an honor from his former team. The Wizards espn.com faced a shell of the defending champion Thunder on Wednesday night with their top six scorers injured. Utah center Jusuf Nurkic espn.com will undergo nose surgery this week and sit out the rest of the season.
Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The NBA fined Memphis $100,000 for violating the league's player participation policy, a claim the NBA has disputed. As the season progresses, Deandre Ayton espn.com and the Lakers enter a crucial stretch where his role acceptance could determine their success.