NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Injury Updates Rock the League
Nuggets star Jamal Murray espn.com left Friday's game against the Knicks with an ankle injury and is set for testing Saturday. Meanwhile, Celtics center Nikola Vucevic espn.com underwent surgery on a fractured ring finger and will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. The Lakers will be without LeBron James espn.com (elbow) and two big men, including Deandre Ayton espn.com (knee), for Friday's game against the Pacers.
Deandre Ayton left Thursday's loss to the Nuggets with a knee injury, while LeBron James complained of a sore elbow afterward and said he wasn't sure of his status for Friday's game. Grizzlies guard Ja Morant espn.com will miss at least two more weeks as he recovers from a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.
Game Results and Performances
Victor Wembanyama espn.com said he had "zero left" physically but was all smiles after the Spurs overcame a 25-point deficit to stun the Clippers 116-112. Cooper Flagg espn.com returned to the Mavericks' lineup Thursday night after missing eight games due to a left midfoot sprain and had 18 points and six assists in a 115-114 loss to the Magic.
In the Wizards' home opener, Trae Young espn.com proved in his limited time on the court that he is the type of player Washington hasn't had since John Wall, thrilling the D.C. crowd and finishing with 12 points in a 113-107 loss to the Rockets. The Warriors surprised in overtime as Draymond Green espn.com received an encouraging text message from Stephen Curry before their win in Houston.
Legal and Contract News
A federal judge in New York espn.com issued a $1 million civil judgment against NBA free agent Malik Beasley in a contract dispute with his former agency. The judgment comes as teams continue to evaluate their rosters for the playoff push.
With Jayson Tatum espn.com preparing to return to Boston after a devastating Achilles injury, the NBA's balance of power could shift in the final weeks of the season. Meanwhile, Cameron Boozer espn.com and other top freshmen in the 2026 draft class face key questions as they develop their games.
Knicks coach Mike Brown espn.com praised Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his ability to convince referees of fouls, calling him the best in the league at drawing calls. The Thunder's Alex Caruso espn.com and Isaiah Hartenstein exited Wednesday's win over New York with injuries and will be reevaluated Thursday.