NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates & Returns
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday despite still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games for the 76ers due to a strained right oblique, while Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games because of his persistent right knee issue. Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and left Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip, and Norman Powell espn.com has a Grade 1 right groin strain that will keep him out at least a week.
Notable Performances & Records
The Celtics espn.com posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets. Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers. In a heated moment, Nikola Jokic espn.com angrily confronted Lu Dort after the Thunder guard was ejected for what Jokic called "an unnecessary move" that appeared to trip him during Friday night's game.
Team Moves & Transactions
The Warriors espn.com signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension on Saturday. The Spurs espn.com signed Mason Plumlee to a deal for the remainder of the season. Cole Anthony espn.com was waived Friday by the Suns after not appearing in any games since being acquired at the trade deadline. Kristaps Porzingis espn.com will miss a fourth straight game due to general illness, with coach Kerr walking back earlier comments about his diagnosis.
Milestone Moments
LeBron James espn.com achieved a new milestone in his 23-year career with a successful father-daughter road trip. Tyrese Haliburton espn.com, born on leap year, shared his appreciation for birthday wishes, noting it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. Zach Edey espn.com is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return to be determined.
Game Highlights
The Knicks espn.com ended the Spurs' streak with a dominant showing Sunday, holding the streaking San Antonio team to just 89 points. Friday night's game between the Pistons espn.com and Cavaliers was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. Donovan Mitchell espn.com and James Harden each missed their second straight game Friday for the Cavs, who also ruled out Keon Ellis and Dean Wade.
Steph Curry espn.com acknowledged he'll be out a "little longer" as he has yet to advance to court work in his rehab from persistent right knee issues. Erik Spoelstra espn.com said it would be "incredible" to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if Durant still wants to play. The Grizzlies face uncertainty with Edey's surgery, while the Pelicans hope Williamson's ankle tweak isn't serious after their win over the Jazz.