NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Player Health Updates
Kristaps Porzingis espn.com says he feels healthy and ready to play consistently again after recovering from illness, marking just his second game for the Warriors. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama espn.com had "zero left" physically but was all smiles after the Spurs overcame a 25-point deficit to stun the Clippers 116-112. Nuggets star Jamal Murray espn.com left with an ankle injury against the Knicks and is set for testing on Saturday. Celtics center Nikola Vucevic espn.com underwent surgery to repair a fractured ring finger on his right hand and will be reevaluated in three to four weeks.
Injury Woes Around the League
The Lakers will be without LeBron James espn.com and two of their big men in Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber against the Pacers, with James nursing an elbow injury and Ayton dealing with a knee issue. Pistons forward Ausar Thompson espn.com left Thursday's loss to the Spurs in the first quarter with a sprained right ankle and didn't return. Grizzlies guard Ja Morant espn.com will miss at least two more weeks as he continues to recover from a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The return of Cooper Flagg espn.com from a left midfoot sprain was spoiled by a late Magic rally, as he had 18 points and six assists in a 115-114 loss to Orlando.
Return to Action
Jayson Tatum's espn.com return to Boston after a devastating Achilles injury could shift the NBA's balance of power with just weeks to go in the season. In his limited time on the court, Trae Young espn.com proved in his Wizards debut that he is the type of player the team hasn't had since John Wall, thrilling the D.C. crowd with 12 points. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry espn.com sent his remaining big name, Draymond Green, a text message of encouragement during the Warriors' overtime win in Houston.
Off-Court Developments
A federal judge in New York issued a $1 million civil judgment espn.com against NBA free agent Malik Beasley in a contract dispute with his former agency. The league also saw an interesting concept with the NBA All-Contract Team espn.com, which examines whether a roster built with only the best contracts in the league could reach the playoffs. nine big questions espn.com remain for the top freshmen in the 2026 NBA draft class, including Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson.