NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Player Updates
The Nuggets bolster depth with vet point guard Jones espn.com as they add free agent Tyus Jones to their backcourt rotation. Trae Young faces ejection ahead of Wizards debut espn.com after leaving the bench in Monday's loss to Houston, just days before his scheduled debut vs. Utah. James Harden makes successful return espn.com for the Cleveland Cavaliers despite dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand, playing through the injury in Sunday's win. Zach Haliburton celebrates leap year birthday espn.com with appreciation for fan wishes, noting it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. LeBron James caps road trip with Lakers win espn.com as his father-daughter journey culminates in a victory. Zion Williamson tweaks ankle espn.com during Saturday's win over the Jazz, forcing him to leave the game in the second quarter. Joel Embiid to miss games espn.com due to a strained right oblique, with at least three games missed as he recovers.
Team Moves
The Thunder clinch first postseason spot espn.com in the 2025-26 NBA race, securing their position early. Oklahoma City signs Payton Sandfort espn.com to a two-way contract while waiving guard Buddy Boeheim. Kevin Durant transforms Cavs espn.com from a play-in team to the NBA's best record, entering January with a championship-caliber roster. Knicks stun Spurs' streak espn.com with dominant defense, holding them to just 89 points in Sunday's victory. Gui Santos inks extension espn.com with the Warriors on a three-year, $15 million deal, solidifying their starting forward rotation.
Injury Reports
Stephen Curry sits out at least five games espn.com due to persistent right knee issues, with no timeline for return yet. Curry's rehab progress lags espn.com as he remains out of court work, acknowledging a "little longer" timeline. Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Edey faces another ankle surgery espn.com, with his return to determined after the procedure. Kristaps Porzingis misses game espn.com due to general illness, sitting out Saturday night's contest.
Standings Context
The Thunder's playoff clinch positions them for postseason contention, while the Knicks' defensive dominance over the Spurs highlights their rise in the standings.