NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Player News & Health Updates
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday despite dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. The Cavaliers, who entered January stuck in a play-in spot, have since racked up the best record in the NBA and added an 11-time All-Star to their roster. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games due to his persistent right knee issue, the Warriors announced Sunday.
Zach Edey espn.com is set to undergo another surgery on his ailing left ankle, with his return to the Memphis Grizzlies to be determined. The Grizzlies' second-year center has been dealing with ongoing ankle issues throughout the season. Harrison Barnes espn.com missed his first game since 2021 after waking up from a pregame nap with a sore left ankle, ending his impressive iron man streak.
Team Moves & Coaching News
The Nuggets espn.com are bolstering their backcourt depth with the addition of free agent veteran point guard Tyus Jones. This move strengthens Denver's roster as they push toward the postseason. The Thunder espn.com signed former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving guard Buddy Boeheim, adding depth to their developmental pipeline.
A number of prominent basketball coaches, including Steve Kerr espn.com and Doc Rivers, signed a public letter released Wednesday contending that political interference in universities threatens to undermine college athletics. The letter highlights growing concerns about the intersection of politics and sports governance.
League Developments & Legal Issues
Prosecutors said Tuesday they expect to extend formal plea agreements to 12 of the 31 defendants in the federal case into rigged poker games involving Chauncey Billups espn.com and Damon Jones. The case has drawn significant attention given Billups' Hall of Fame NBA career and his connections to Mafia-affiliated poker games and illegal gambling. Legal experts suggest Billups espn.com could be facing decades in prison if convicted.
Player Perspectives & Off-Court Stories
Victor Wembanyama espn.com visited Alaska to see the northern lights after the All-Star break, sharing his experience with fans. The Spurs star also expressed gratitude to the public for its help in finding a longtime friend of his who had disappeared after being dropped off at a Chicago airport. Tyrese Haliburton espn.com, born on leap year, shared his appreciation for birthday wishes, noting that it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday.
Lakers coach JJ Redick espn.com called his testy bench exchange with Luka Doncic over the weekend much ado about nothing, saying he didn't understand why it went viral. The incident sparked discussion about player-coach dynamics in high-pressure situations.
Fantasy & Playoff Implications
With six weeks left until the playoffs, ESPN analyst Zach Kram espn.com explores the Western Conference's recent dominance and how the East's underrated strength could surprise in the postseason. The NBA's Eastern Conference is proving better than many expected, potentially reshaping playoff matchups. ESPN's fantasy analysts espn.com suggest managers should be looking around the league at specific players ahead of the fantasy playoffs, with several under-the-radar options emerging as potential difference-makers.
Game Highlights & Standings
The Knicks espn.com held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday, ending San Antonio's winning run with 'high-level' defense. Trae Young espn.com, set to make his Wizards debut Thursday vs. Utah, was ejected for leaving the bench in Monday's loss to Houston. The Thunder espn.com clinched the first postseason spot in the 2025-26 NBA postseason race, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive playoff chase.