NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Recent Game Results & Highlights
The Kings espn.com snapped their 16-game losing streak with a 123-114 victory over the Grizzlies. Russell Westbrook led the way with 25 points in the franchise-worst skid-ending win. The Spurs espn.com continued their dominance by beating the Pistons for their ninth straight victory in what coach Gregg Popovich called a potential NBA Finals preview.
The Warriors espn.com pulled off an upset against the Nuggets despite missing key players. Golden State defeated Denver 128-117 even with Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green both sidelined. Nikola Jokic still managed a triple-double with 35 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists in the losing effort.
Player Performances & Injuries
Jalen Johnson espn.com left Tuesday's game against the Wizards after just 5½ minutes due to a left hip flexor injury. The Hawks' All-Star forward's status remains uncertain following the early exit. Deni Avdija espn.com also exited Sunday's game against the Suns with lower back issues that have been bothering him for weeks.
Shaedon Sharpe espn.com was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. The Blazers guard's absence adds to Portland's injury concerns. Anfernee Simons espn.com continues to deal with a fractured left wrist suffered while with the Celtics, with no timeline for his return.
Team Updates & Roster Moves
The Hawks espn.com made a lineup change by removing former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting five in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum. Coach Quin Snyder is shaking up the rotation as Atlanta tries to find consistency. Jonathan Kuminga espn.com shined in his debut for the Hawks after months of sitting on the bench in Golden State.
Dejounte Murray espn.com made his highly anticipated return from a ruptured Achilles tendon on Tuesday, scoring 13 points in his first game back. The Pelicans celebrated his comeback, with teammates noting he "didn't miss a beat" in his return to action.
Notable Off-Court Developments
A grand jury espn.com returned a no-bill in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who was arrested last fall in what police called a "family violence" incident. The decision means no charges will be filed against the veteran player.
The NBA espn.com fined Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner $35,000 each for their scuffle during a weekend game. The league took swift action following the on-court altercation between the two players.
League News & Analysis
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle espn.com questioned the NBA's process for fining the team $100,000 for violating the league's player participation policy. Carlisle claimed the league did not speak with team doctors or players before issuing the penalty, a claim the NBA has disputed.
Tyrese Haliburton espn.com was diagnosed with shingles and will be away from the Pacers for a few weeks. The All-Star point guard's absence is a significant blow to Indiana's playoff hopes as they navigate the stretch run without their floor general.
ESPN's NBA insiders espn.com released their latest power rankings, breaking down where all 30 teams stand coming out of the All-Star break. The rankings provide insight into which franchises are positioning themselves for playoff runs and which are already looking toward the draft.
ESPN's analysts espn.com evaluated the biggest questions facing 10 lottery-bound teams after the trade deadline and ahead of the draft. The piece examines each rebuilding team's options in free agency, trades and the upcoming draft as they look to accelerate their rebuild.