NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Major Transactions & Injuries
Thunder espn.com signed Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving Buddy Boeheim. Warriors espn.com announced Stephen Curry will miss at least five more games due to persistent right knee issues. Grizzlies espn.com center Zach Edey is set for another ankle surgery with his return undetermined. Pelicans espn.com forward Zion Williamson tweaked his ankle and left Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. 76ers espn.com confirmed Joel Embiid will miss at least three games with a strained right oblique. Jazz espn.com forward Lauri Markkanen will be reevaluated in two weeks after hip injury. Suns espn.com waived Cole Anthony three weeks after acquiring him at the trade deadline. Cavaliers espn.com ruled out Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dean Wade for Friday's game. Heat espn.com said All-Star Norman Powell has a Grade 1 groin strain and will miss at least a week.
Player Returns & Contract News
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cavaliers on Sunday despite a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. Warriors espn.com signed Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension. Spurs espn.com signed Mason Plumlee for the remainder of the season. Thunder espn.com guard Lu Dort was ejected after a flagrant foul 2 for appearing to trip Nikola Jokic, who called it "an unnecessary move."
Rookie Achievements
Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th against the Pacers in just 59 games.
Team Performance Updates
Cavaliers espn.com have the NBA's best record since January after adding 11-time All-Star James Harden. Knicks espn.com held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points with "high-level" defense. Lakers espn.com secured a win to cap LeBron James' father-daughter road trip with Zhuri. Celtics espn.com posted one of the league's best offensive performances in history against the Nets. Warriors espn.com star Stephen Curry acknowledged he'll be out "a little longer" as rehab continues without court work. Warriors espn.com center Kristaps Porzingis missed his fourth straight game due to general illness.
Olympic & Future Considerations
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra espn.com said it would be "incredible" to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if he still wants to play.
Miscellaneous
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton espn.com shared appreciation for birthday wishes, noting being born on leap year makes celebrations "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. Friday's Pistons-Cavaliers game was delayed 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction.