NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates
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 Sunday. Curry espn.com has yet to advance to court work in his rehab and acknowledged he'll be out a "little longer." Meanwhile, Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip Thursday, sources told ESPN, making him the latest Utah player to be sidelined because of an injury.
Player Returns and Debuts
James Harden espn.com, still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand, made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. The 11-time All-Star's comeback comes as the Cavaliers have racked up the best record in the NBA since adding him. Trae Young espn.com will make his Wizards debut on Thursday night at home against the Jazz, marking his first game action since December 27 after being traded to Washington by Atlanta in early January.
Contract Moves
The Warriors espn.com signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension on Saturday, sources told ESPN. The Thunder espn.com signed former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving guard Buddy Boeheim. Additionally, the Nuggets espn.com are bolstering their backcourt depth with the addition of free agent veteran point guard Tyus Jones.
Standout Performances
The Celtics espn.com posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets. The Knicks espn.com held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday. The Lakers espn.com secured a win that capped off LeBron James' latest achievement - a successful father-daughter road trip with his daughter Zhuri.
Health Concerns
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 second-year center Zach Edey espn.com is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return to be determined. Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis espn.com will miss a fourth straight game due to general illness.
Controversial Moments
Thunder guard Lu Dort espn.com was called for a flagrant foul 2 and ejected from Friday night's game after appearing to trip Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who called the play "an unnecessary move."
Milestone Achievements
LeBron James continues his remarkable career with his latest achievement being a successful father-daughter road trip. James Harden espn.com joins the Cavaliers as they've transformed from a play-in spot team to the NBA's best record since January.
Trae Young prepares for his Wizards debut against the Jazz on Thursday. Stephen Curry faces at least a five-game absence as he continues his knee rehab. Lauri Markkanen will be reevaluated in two weeks as the Jazz deal with their mounting injury list.