NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Game Results & Player Updates
James Harden was ruled out for Wednesday's game after X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb. The Thunder defeated the Pistons despite missing their top six scorers, marking a surprising win over Detroit. The Lakers fell to the Magic 110-109 after a botched final play between Le Bron James and Luka Doncic failed to produce a quality shot.
Off-Court Moves & League News
Mat Ishbia is offering $1 million to winners of All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year, hoping to entice more star players to participate. The Lakers added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. Jontay Porter, banned for life by the NBA for gambling in 2024, is planning to play for an upstart pro basketball league's Super Hawks team.
MVP Race & Season Outlook
MVP odds have tightened as Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver's Nikola Jokic approach ineligibility for the regular-season award. Zion Williamson is showing improved durability, finding the ability to stay on the court consistently this season. The Wolves are positioned for a potential rise in the latest NBA Power Rankings following the All-Star break.
Historical Features
Nike's secret history of the black mamba campaign began in late 2002, initially presented to an NBA superstar who was not Kobe Bryant.