NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Game Results & Player Performances
Jonathan Kuminga espn.com shined in his Hawks debut after months on the Warriors' bench. The Kings espn.com snapped a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak with Russell Westbrook's 25-point performance against the Grizzlies. The Spurs espn.com won their ninth straight game in a physical clash with the Pistons that coach Gregg Popovich called a "test."
Dejounte Murray espn.com made his long-awaited return from a ruptured Achilles, scoring 13 points for the Pelicans. The Cavaliers espn.com ruled out James Harden for Wednesday's game against the Bucks after he suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb against the Knicks.
Injury Updates & Lineup Changes
Jalen Johnson espn.com exited the Hawks' win over the Wizards with a left hip flexor injury after playing just 5½ minutes. Anfernee Simons espn.com aggravated a fractured left wrist while with the Celtics, and the Bulls have not provided a return timeline. Shaedon Sharpe espn.com was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
The Hawks espn.com removed former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum. Coby White espn.com is set to make his Hornets debut against his former Bulls team.
League News & Controversies
Jontay Porter espn.com, banned for life by the NBA for gambling in 2024, is planning to play for an upstart pro basketball league's Super Hawks. A grand jury returned a no-bill in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who was arrested last fall in what police called a "family violence" incident.
Rick Carlisle espn.com said the NBA did not speak with Pacers team doctors or players before issuing a $100K fine for violating the league's player participation policy, a claim the NBA has disputed.
Front Office & Business Moves
The Lakers espn.com added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. New Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen made it clear that GM Pelinka will remain in his role and be flanked by Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com wants more star players participating in All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year and is offering a $1 million prize to winners of the skills competitions.
Season Analysis & Awards
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander espn.com and Nikola Jokic, the top two MVP betting favorites, are at risk of not qualifying for the award due to potential missed games. Eric Karabell forecasts that Julius Randle could finish in the top 10 and Tyrese Haliburton in the top 50 for MVP voting.
ESPN insiders espn.com break down where all 30 teams land coming out of the All-Star break, including whether the Timberwolves will rise in the rankings.
Notable Returns & Milestones
Trae Young espn.com returned to Atlanta for the first time since being traded to the Wizards, receiving an honor from the Hawks. Hall of Fame finalist Marques Johnson celebrated his birthday with his annual dunk, proving he can still take flight at his age.
With the trade deadline passed, ESPN insiders espn.com evaluate draft, free agency, and trade options for the NBA's 10 worst teams. The league is also considering intervention to stabilize the yen as speculation mounts about currency markets.