NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×All-Star & League News
Mat Ishbia is offering $1 million prizes to boost All-Star event participation when Phoenix hosts next season. The Lakers added Tony Bennett as a draft adviser to Rob Pelinka’s front office, while new business president Lon Rosen confirmed Pelinka will retain his GM role alongside Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi. MVP odds have tightened as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic face possible playoff ineligibility. Meanwhile, the league fined the Pacers $100K for violating its player participation policy, a move Rick Carlisle questioned after claiming the NBA didn’t consult team doctors.
Injury Report
James Harden is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Bucks with a non-displaced thumb fracture suffered Tuesday. Jalen Johnson exited the Hawks’ win over the Wizards with a left hip flexor injury after just 5½ minutes. Anfernee Simons continues to deal with an aggravated left wrist fracture sustained in Boston, with no timeline given. Shaedon Sharpe faces a 4-6 week re-evaluation period after a stress reaction in his left fibula. Trae Young did not play in Atlanta but returned to the city for the first time since his trade to Washington.
Game Action & Performances
A botched final play saw Luka Doncic hesitate and Le Bron James miss a potential game-winner in the Lakers’ 110-109 loss to the Magic. In his Hawks debut after months on Golden State’s bench, Jonathan Kuminga was all smiles after a strong showing. Dejounte Murray made a triumphant return for the Pelicans, scoring 13 points as teammates raved he “didn’t miss a beat.” Kenny Atkinson credited James Harden’s arrival with bringing renewed confidence to the Cavaliers following their win over New York.
Team Outlooks
The latest NBA Power Rankings assess all 30 teams post-All-Star break, including whether the Timberwolves can rise further. A separate fantasy analysis highlights Zion Williamson’s improved durability and emerging options for the Clippers, Kings, and Jazz. Nike’s secret 2002 pitch for the “Black Mamba” campaign was first shown to an NBA superstar who was not Kobe Bryant, according to a new historical feature.