NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Team Moves & Roster Updates
The Nuggets espn.com are bolstering their backcourt depth with the addition of free agent veteran point guard Tyus Jones. The Thunder espn.com signed former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving guard Buddy Boeheim. Meanwhile, the Spurs espn.com signed Mason Plumlee for the remainder of the season, adding veteran presence to their frontcourt.
Player Injuries & Returns
Warriors star Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games due to persistent right knee issues. Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip, becoming the latest Utah player sidelined by injury. Pelicans forward Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and left Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. 76ers center Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games with a strained right oblique.
On the positive side, James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday despite still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. Sources say espn.com the Warriors signed starting forward Gui Santos to a three-year, $15 million contract extension.
Game Highlights & Notable Performances
The Celtics espn.com posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets. The Knicks espn.com held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday. Friday night's game between the Pistons and Cavaliers espn.com was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction.
Nikola Jokic espn.com angrily confronted Lu Dort for an "unnecessary" foul after the Thunder guard was called for a flagrant foul 2 and ejected for appearing to trip the Nuggets star.
Rookie Milestones
Konn Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers. The record-breaking performance came in just 59 games, showcasing the rookie's impressive shooting ability.
Upcoming Debuts & Returns
Trae Young espn.com will make his Wizards debut on Thursday night at home against the Jazz. Young was traded to Washington by Atlanta in early January but hasn't played in a game since December 27. The debut will mark his first appearance in a Wizards uniform after the blockbuster trade.
Playoff Picture
The Thunder clinched the first postseason spot, becoming the first team to secure their playoff berth for the 2025-26 NBA postseason. With just over six weeks until the playoffs begin, teams are jockeying for position and seeding as the regular season winds down.
Team Transformations
Entering January espn.com, the Cavaliers were stuck in a play-in spot. They've since racked up the best record in the NBA and added 11-time All-Star James Harden. The former MVP's impact has been transformative, helping Cleveland emerge as a legitimate title contender.
Olympic Speculation
Warriors coach Steve Kerr espn.com walked back comments about Kristaps Porzingis' diagnosis, clarifying the center's illness status. Meanwhile, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra espn.com said it would be "incredible" to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if Durant still wants to play.
Leap Year Birthday
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton espn.com shared his appreciation for birthday wishes, speaking about being born on a leap year. The All-Star guard noted it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday, showing his good humor about the unique situation.
Father-Daughter Road Trip
LeBron James espn.com capped off a successful father-daughter road trip with the Lakers' latest win. The 23-year NBA veteran continues to find new achievements and milestones in his illustrious career, now including quality time with his daughter Zhuri during the team's travels.