NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Player Health & Injuries
Warriors star Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games due to his persistent right knee issue. The team announced Curry's absence Sunday as he continues rehabbing the injury. 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. Pelicans forward Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and was forced to leave Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey espn.com is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle with his return to be determined. 76ers center Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games because of a strained right oblique, the team announced Saturday.
Team Moves & Transactions
The Nuggets espn.com are bolstering their backcourt depth with the addition of free agent veteran point guard Tyus Jones. The Thunder espn.com signed former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving guard Buddy Boeheim. The Cavaliers espn.com have turned their season around since January, racking up the best record in the NBA after adding 11-time All-Star James Harden. The Knicks espn.com held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday, ending San Antonio's winning streak with "high-level" defense.
Coaching & Legal Issues
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups espn.com is facing decades in prison due to connections to Mafia-affiliated poker games and illegal gambling. After a Hall of Fame NBA career, the legal proceedings mark a dramatic turn for the former player. Warriors coach Steve Kerr espn.com walked back comments on Kristaps Porzingis' diagnosis, with the center missing his fourth straight game due to general illness.
Personal Notes & Milestones
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton espn.com shared appreciation for birthday wishes, speaking about being born on a leap year and how it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. LeBron James espn.com completed a successful father-daughter road trip with Zhuri, marking another achievement in his 23-year career as the Lakers secured a win. Wizards guard Trae Young espn.com, set to make his team debut Thursday vs. Utah, was ejected for leaving the bench during Monday's loss to Houston.
Playoff Picture
The Thunder espn.com clinched the first postseason spot in the 2025-26 NBA season, with the playoffs now just over six weeks away. Teams across the league are positioning themselves for the stretch run as the postseason picture continues to take shape.