NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates
Nuggets star Jamal Murray espn.com is considered day to day after leaving Friday's loss to the Knicks with an ankle injury, sources told ESPN. The Lakers downgraded LeBron James espn.com from questionable to out before Sunday afternoon's game against the Knicks. Pistons forward Ausar Thompson espn.com left Thursday's loss to the Spurs in the first quarter and didn't return because of a sprained right ankle. 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.
Player Returns & Debuts
Kristaps Porzingis espn.com says he feels healthy and ready to play consistently again after playing in just his second game for the Warriors since recovering from another bout of illness. 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 and finishing with 12 points. Warriors star Stephen Curry espn.com sent a text message of encouragement to Draymond Green in the hours leading up to Thursday's overtime win in Houston.
Surgical Procedures
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, the team announced. The Celtics will be without their All-Star center for an extended period as he recovers from the procedure.
Game Highlights
Victor Wembanyama espn.com said he had "zero left" physically but was all smiles after the Spurs overcame a 25-point deficit to stun the Clippers 116-112. The Spurs' dramatic comeback victory featured an emotional performance from their young star, who was visibly exhausted after the rally.
Team Status Updates
The Lakers will be without LeBron James espn.com and two of their big men in Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber on Friday against the Pacers, the team announced. Deandre Ayton espn.com left Thursday night's loss to the Nuggets with a knee injury, while LeBron James complained of a sore elbow afterward and said he wasn't sure of his status for Friday's game.
Legal Developments
A federal judge in New York espn.com issued a $1 million civil judgment against NBA free agent Malik Beasley in a contract dispute with his former agency. The judgment represents a significant legal setback for the player in his dispute with his former representatives.