NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Friday Night Brawls and Blowouts
Nikola Jokic espn.com confronted Lu Dort after the Thunder guard was ejected for a flagrant foul 2 that appeared to trip the Nuggets star. The Celtics dominated the Nets espn.com with one of the league's best offensive performances in history. A power surge delayed espn.com the Pistons-Cavaliers game for 18 minutes when a blaring horn malfunctioned.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
Lauri Markkanen espn.com will miss at least two weeks with a hip injury, joining several sidelined Jazz players. The Suns waived Cole Anthony espn.com just three weeks after acquiring him at the trade deadline. The Cavaliers espn.com ruled out Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Keon Ellis, and Dean Wade for their game against Detroit. Norman Powell espn.com suffered a Grade 1 groin strain and will miss at least a week for the Heat.
Rising Stars and Records
Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, reaching 207 makes in just 59 games. The Spurs signed Mason Plumlee espn.com to a deal for the remainder of the season. Anthony Edwards espn.com and Desmond Bane each received $25,000 fines for throwing balls into the stands during recent games.
Health Scares and Comebacks
Chris Bosh espn.com revealed he's "lucky to be alive" after a recent health scare that left him waking up "covered in my own blood." The Lakers added Tony Bennett espn.com as an NBA draft adviser, bringing the former Virginia coach into their front office. James Harden suffered a thumb fracture espn.com in his right hand during Tuesday's game against the Knicks.
Scottie Barnes espn.com and Victor Wembanyama are emerging as top MVP candidates according to recent analysis. Julius Randle espn.com could finish in the top 10 of key statistical categories this season. The Lakers face crucial decisions about Deandre Ayton's role espn.com as they enter a pivotal stretch of games.
League Developments
The Thunder played without their top six scorers espn.com in a loss to the Pistons, creating a shell of their defending champion roster. Jontay Porter espn.com, banned for life by the NBA for gambling violations, plans to join the upstart USBL's Super Hawks. Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com offered $1 million prizes to winners of All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year.
Fantasy and Analysis
Zion Williamson espn.com appears to have put durability questions behind him, finding consistency on the court. The league continues to monitor injuries and rotations as teams push toward the postseason. Analysts are tracking emerging players who could impact fantasy leagues down the stretch.