NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Game Results & Key Performances
Jonathan Kuminga espn.com shined in his debut for the Hawks after months on the Warriors' bench. Russell Westbrook espn.com scored 25 points as the Kings snapped their 16-game losing streak with a 123-114 win over the Grizzlies. The Spurs espn.com won their ninth straight game by beating the Pistons in what could be an NBA Finals preview. The Bulls espn.com announced guard Anfernee Simons aggravated his left wrist fracture with no timeline for return.
Player Updates & Injuries
Cavaliers guard James Harden espn.com will miss Wednesday's game after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb. Hawks All-Star forward Jalen Johnson espn.com exited Tuesday's win after just 5½ minutes with a left hip flexor injury. Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe espn.com was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. Dejounte Murray espn.com scored 13 points in his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon, with the Pelicans raving that he "didn't miss a beat."
League News & Transactions
The Lakers espn.com added former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as NBA draft adviser to president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. New Lakers president Lon Rosen espn.com made clear that GM Pelinka will remain in his role. The Hawks espn.com removed former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher from the starting lineup in favor of veteran CJ Mc Collum. Coby White espn.com is set to make his Hornets debut Tuesday against his former Bulls team.
Controversies & Discipline
A grand jury returned a no-bill espn.com in the case involving former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who was arrested last fall in what police called a "family violence" incident. The NBA fined Scotty Pippen Jr. and Myron Gardner espn.com $35,000 each for their scuffle in a game over the weekend. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle espn.com said the NBA did not speak with team doctors or players before issuing a $100K fine for violating the league's player participation policy.
Special Features & Human Interest
Banned NBA player Jontay Porter espn.com is planning to play for an upstart pro basketball league's Super Hawks after pleading guilty to a federal charge related to gambling. NBA legend Marques Johnson espn.com celebrated his birthday with his annual dunk, proving he can still take flight. Trae Young espn.com returned to Atlanta for the first time since being traded to the Wizards, receiving honors from his former team.
All-Star & Season Outlook
Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com offered $1 million to All-Star contest winners to entice more star players to participate when Phoenix hosts next year. MVP odds espn.com have tightened with Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver's Nikola Jokic at risk of not qualifying for the award due to potential missed games. Kevin Durant espn.com told ESPN he plans to play in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Strategic Analysis
ESPN insiders espn.com broke down where all 30 teams land coming out of the All-Star break in their latest Power Rankings. Our NBA insiders espn.com examined the biggest questions for 10 lottery-bound teams after the trade deadline and ahead of the draft. Former Virginia coach Tony Bennett joining the Lakers as draft adviser signals the team's focus on building through the upcoming draft.
Fantasy & League Business
ESPN's fantasy basketball analysts espn.com recommended picking up players like Melton, Wallace and Raynaud for the homestretch. USA Basketball espn.com faces a new era with the 2028 Olympics approaching, including decisions about a new coach and roster construction.