NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
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The Warriors espn.com solidified their roster by signing starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension on Saturday. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis espn.com will miss a fourth consecutive game Saturday night due to general illness, extending his absence from the lineup. The 76ers also announced Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games with a strained right oblique, while the Thunder's Nikola Jokic confronted Lu Dort after a flagrant foul ejection, with Jokic calling the play "unnecessary." The Celtics delivered one of the league's best offensive performances Friday, defeating the Nets.
Injury Updates & Transactions
Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip, ruling him out at least two weeks. Cole Anthony was waived Friday by the Suns, three weeks after his trade deadline acquisition. Norman Powell espn.com, the Heat's leading scorer, will miss at least a week with a Grade 1 right groin strain. The Spurs signed Mason Plumlee for the season's remainder. Kon Knueppel espn.com broke the NBA rookie 3-point record, hitting his 207th on Thursday night.
Notable Performances & Awards
Nikola Jokic espn.com and Donovan Mitchell both missed their second straight game Friday, as did James Harden for the Cavaliers. The Heat's Anthony Edwards and Desmond Bane each received $25,000 fines for throwing the ball into the stands. Chris Bosh described himself as "lucky to be alive" after a recent health scare. Julius Randle is forecast to finish in the top, while La Melo Ball could reach the top.
Team Dynamics
Deandre Ayton and the Lakers enter a critical season stretch, with the question of whether he'll accept the role the team desperately needs him to play. The MVP race sees Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama as top contenders, according to ESPN's Andre Snellings.