NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen espn.com will miss at least two weeks after an MRI revealed a hip injury. Heat guard Norman Powell espn.com suffered a Grade 1 groin strain and will be sidelined for at least a week. Cavaliers stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden espn.com both missed their second straight game Friday. Harden's absence came after X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb espn.com.
Roster Moves
The Suns waived Cole Anthony espn.com just three weeks after acquiring him at the trade deadline. Spurs center Mason Plumlee espn.com signed a deal for the remainder of the season. Lakers president Rob Pelinka espn.com brought in former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as NBA draft adviser.
Standout Performances
Knicks rookie Kon Knueppel espn.com broke the NBA rookie record for 3-pointers in just 59 games. Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray espn.com scored 13 points in his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Zion Williamson espn.com has shown improved durability, staying on the court consistently.
League News
The NBA fined Anthony Edwards and Desmond Bane espn.com $25,000 each for throwing balls into the stands. Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com offered $1 million to All-Star contest winners next year in Phoenix. Banned player Jontay Porter espn.com plans to join the upstart USBL's Super Hawks.
Team Updates
Coach Kenny Atkinson espn.com noted "renewed confidence" in the Cavaliers since adding James Harden. Andre Snellings espn.com analyzed NBA awards races and betting opportunities. Eric Karabell espn.com projected performances for Julius Randle, La Melo Ball, and others.
Notable Developments
Chris Bosh espn.com revealed he's "lucky to be alive" after a recent health scare. ESPN insiders espn.com ranked all 30 teams coming out of the All-Star break. Former Virginia coach Tony Bennett joined the Lakers as draft adviser.
Historical Features
ESPN examined Kobe Bryant's relationship espn.com with Nike's black mamba campaign. The story revealed Nike initially pitched the concept to another NBA superstar before Bryant. ESPN also explored espn.com a botched final play between Le Bron James and Luka Doncic that cost the Lakers a game.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst espn.com analyzed whether the Lakers can solve their Deandre Ayton dilemma. The piece examined the crucial stretch ahead for both Ayton and the team. Kevin Pelton espn.com noted the Pistons faced a shorthanded Thunder team in a potential Finals preview.
Fantasy & Analysis
ESPN's Andre Snellings broke down which NBA awards bets to make and which to avoid. Eric Karabell forecasted performances for notable players including Julius Randle and La Melo Ball. ESPN's fantasy team examined whether Zion Williamson has put durability questions behind him.