NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Player Injuries & Returns
Barnes espn.com missed his first game since 2021 after waking from a pregame nap with a sore left ankle. Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cavaliers while still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and left Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. Edey espn.com is set for another surgery on his ailing left ankle with his return to be determined. Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games because of his persistent right knee issue, while Curry espn.com acknowledged he'll be out "a little longer" as he hasn't advanced to court work in his rehab.
Legal Developments
Prosecutors espn.com said they expect to extend formal plea agreements to 12 of 31 defendants in the federal case into rigged poker games involving Billups espn.com and Damon Jones. The case explores Billups' connections to Mafia-affiliated poker games and illegal gambling after his Hall of Fame NBA career.
Team Transactions
The Nuggets espn.com bolstered their backcourt depth by adding 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. Trae espn.com, set to make his Wizards debut Thursday vs. Utah, was ejected for leaving the bench in Monday's loss to Houston.
Standings & Streaks
The Thunder espn.com clinched the first postseason spot as the 2025-26 NBA postseason approaches in just over six weeks. The Knicks espn.com ended the Spurs' streak with a dominant 89-89 point performance in their Sunday win.
Player Milestones
Haliburton espn.com, born on leap year, shared appreciation for birthday wishes, noting it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday. LeBron espn.com celebrated a successful father-daughter road trip with his daughter Zhuri as the Lakers secured a win.
Team Performance
The Cavaliers espn.com, entering January stuck in a play-in spot, have since racked up the best record in the NBA and added 11-time All-Star Harden.