NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Game Highlights & Controversies
Nikola Jokic espn.com angrily confronted Thunder guard Lu Dort after a flagrant foul 2 ejection for appearing to trip the Nuggets star. The Celtics espn.com posted one of the league's best offensive performances ever against the Nets. A blaring horn espn.com caused an 18-minute delay in the Pistons-Cavaliers game after a power surge affected the scoreboard.
Injury Updates
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen espn.com will miss at least two weeks with a hip injury. The Cavaliers espn.com ruled out Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dean Wade against the Pistons. Heat guard Norman Powell espn.com is sidelined for at least a week with a Grade 1 groin strain. James Harden espn.com sat out after X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb.
Roster Moves
The Suns espn.com waived Cole Anthony just three weeks after acquiring him at the trade deadline. Mason Plumlee espn.com signed with the Spurs for the remainder of the season. Former Virginia coach Tony Bennett espn.com joined the Lakers as an NBA draft adviser.
Rising Stars & Records
Konner Knueppel espn.com broke the NBA rookie record for 3-pointers in just 59 games. The Thunder espn.com lost to Detroit with their top six scorers sidelined by injuries.
Off-Court News
NBA banned Jontay Porter espn.com for life over gambling violations before joining the upstart USBL's Super Hawks. Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com offered $1 million to winners of next year's All-Star contest. Chris Bosh espn.com revealed he's "lucky to be alive" after a recent health scare that left him covered in blood.
Fines & Discipline
Anthony Edwards espn.com and Desmond Bane were each fined $25,000 for throwing balls into the stands during recent games.
Awards & Analysis
Andre Snellings espn.com identified Cunningham and Wembanyama as top MVP bets. Eric Karabell espn.com projected Julius Randle finishing in the top 10 and Tyrese Haliburton in the top. Zion Williamson espn.com appears to have put durability questions behind him according to recent analysis.
Team Strategy
The Lakers espn.com face a crucial decision with Deandre Ayton as they enter the season's most important stretch.