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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Cameron Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers. He sat out the second leg of a back-to-back set in Monday's win over the Jazz and is now in danger of missing his second straight game, with Thursday's match being the first of another back-to-back. If the Denver Nuggets forward is out again, it would create more opportunity for Tim Hardaway, Bruce Brown, and Julian Strawther.
Zion Williamson (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game in Sacramento. He played through the ankle issue in Tuesday's loss to the Lakers, but with Thursday's game being the first of a back-to-back set against the 14-49 Kings, it wouldn't be surprising to see the New Orleans Pelicans star take the night off. If he is forced to the sidelines, that would open up minutes for Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen.
Trey Murphy is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Kings due to neck spasms. He had recently returned, appearing in two outings following a five-game absence due to a right shoulder contusion, but is now in danger of missing Thursday's contest. If the 25-year-old New Orleans Pelicans swingman is unable to play, Bryce McGowens and Jeremiah Fears would be candidates for increased minutes, while Jordan Poole could enter the rotation.
Dejounte Murray (reconditioning) is out for Thursday's game against the Kings. The New Orleans Pelicans star guard is sitting out the first leg of this back-to-back set but is expected to return Friday when the Pelicans face the Suns in Phoenix. In his absence, Derik Queen figures to start in Murray's place, and Jeremiah Fears should see an uptick in playmaking responsibilities.
Harrison Barnes (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against the Pistons, marking his second consecutive game on the sidelines. The San Antonio Spurs forward should be considered questionable for Friday's matchup with the Clippers. With Barnes out, there will be more minutes available for Julian Champagnie, Carter Bryant, and Keldon Johnson.
A hypothetical retirement tour idea for LeBron James has gained traction, suggesting he sign one-week contracts with all 30 NBA teams for his final season. The concept, discussed on The Ringer's podcast, envisions James playing at least one home game for every franchise, creating a massive traveling spectacle. While logistically impossible, the idea highlights the immense cultural impact and legacy of the legendary forward.
Amen Thompson (right ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors, despite coach Ime Udoka stating he would be good to go. Thompson sprained his ankle in Monday's win over Washington and is in danger of missing just his third game of the season. The questionable tag suggests lingering uncertainty. If he is ultimately ruled out, Reed Sheppard would likely start at point guard, with Aaron Holiday and Josh Okogie potentially seeing increased playing time for the Houston Rockets.
Jabari Smith (right ankle sprain) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors. While it initially appeared he was cleared to play, the Houston Rockets now want him to test the injury during pregame warmups before a final decision. Smith is attempting to return after a two-game absence. If he plays, Reed Sheppard is expected to revert to a bench role. Amen Thompson is also listed as questionable for the Rockets' matchup.
Alperen Sengun is questionable to play Thursday against the Warriors due to an illness. His status will be clearer after Thursday's shootaround. If the Houston Rockets center is sidelined, Clint Capela could start, and Jeff Green would see increased minutes. Separately, Sengun's contract has been included in the ranking of the NBA's 15 best contracts, highlighting his strong value and the importance of effective contract negotiation for the Rockets' front office.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson was fined $2,000 by the NBA for flopping during the team's 113-109 victory over the Pistons. The league deemed he exaggerated contact from Cade Cunningham. Despite the fine, Tyson had a standout night, scoring 22 points on 5-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc, outscoring Cunningham, and providing excellent defense. Coach Kenny Atkinson dubbed him the "ultimate role player" for his adaptation to an off-ball role, becoming a lethal catch-and-shoot threat and an indispensable "glue guy" for Cleveland, also adding four assists and three rebounds.
Kristaps Porziņģis will miss his sixth consecutive game Thursday due to a "mysterious illness," having played only 17 minutes since being acquired by the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline. While he's making progress and accompanying the team, his consistent unavailability and a controversial POTS diagnosis raise significant health concerns. With only 20 games remaining, the Warriors face a conundrum regarding committing to a substantive contract this summer without sufficient on-court evaluation of his fit and durability.
Brandon Ingram is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Minnesota due to a new left thumb sprain. This marks a potential absence for the star forward, who has not missed a game since January 11. Should Ingram be unable to play, Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter are considered the most likely candidates to step into the starting lineup for the Raptors.
Alex Sarr (hamstring) is ruled out for Thursday's game against the Jazz. He has not played since February 8 due to a right hamstring strain, and was previously reported as week-to-week on February 26. Sarr is also considered doubtful for Sunday's upcoming game against the Pelicans as he continues his recovery.
Matas Buzelis (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Suns. The forward did not return to Tuesday's game against Oklahoma City after sustaining an ankle sprain and is currently considered day-to-day. With Josh Giddey also questionable, the Bulls may turn to Leonard Miller for increased minutes if Buzelis is unable to play.
Josh Giddey (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Suns. He sustained a right ankle sprain during Tuesday's game against the Thunder, where he recorded 14 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and two blocks in 33 minutes. While the questionable tag suggests the injury is minor, the Bulls typically exercise caution with their franchise player.
Naji Marshall is probable for Thursday's game against Orlando due to a right finger contusion. He is expected to end a two-game absence, potentially sending Khris Middleton to the bench. In his last seven games, Marshall averaged 20.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32.3 minutes, shooting 56.1% from the field.
Cooper Flagg (foot) is questionable for Thursday's game against Orlando. He has a chance to end an eight-game absence due to a left mid-foot sprain. If cleared, his return could impact playing time for Caleb Martin and Brandon Williams.
Wendell Carter is questionable for Thursday's game against Dallas due to a sore left ankle. He is in danger of missing consecutive games. If Carter is out, Goga Bitadze would likely start at center, with Moritz Wagner filling backup minutes.
Marcus Smart was instrumental in the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-101 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, fueling a decisive 14-0 fourth-quarter run. He orchestrated the defensive chaos, contributing a steal, a block, and three assists during the critical stretch. Coach JJ Redick praised Smart's "incredible" performance, noting how he and Jaxson Hayes changed the game by providing energy and making big defensive plays that led to transition scoring, helping the Lakers avoid the play-in line.
Jayson Tatum is nearing a return from his Achilles injury, potentially this week, approximately 10 months post-surgery. This timeline is significantly faster than recent Achilles injury recoveries (e.g., Durant, Murray) and draws comparisons to Kobe Bryant's cautionary tale. While his surgeon noted strong calf recovery, the Celtics, with 21 games remaining, remain cautious about his exact return date. The possibility of his return this season is being debated.
