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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Wednesday, March 4

Marcus Smart Fuels Lakers' Comeback Win with Defensive Masterclass

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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 Nears Return From Achilles Injury Ahead of Schedule

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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.

Kris Dunn Upping Offensive Production, Averaging Nearly 10 Points

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn has significantly increased his offensive output, averaging almost 10 points per game over the team's last 10 outings. He has scored 8 or more points in seven of those contests, including a 16-point effort against the Golden State Warriors, where he shot 7-for-10 in 26 minutes. Dunn, also recognized as the Clippers' top perimeter defender, is projected to exceed his scoring prop of 7.5 points against the Indiana Pacers, a team struggling defensively.

Jared McCain Thriving in OKC, Sixers' Trade Decision Under Fire

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Jared McCain is excelling with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 12.5 points and 43.1% from three in 11 games, including three 20-point performances. His immediate impact and utilization by OKC coach Mark Daigneault have sharply contrasted with his limited role in Philadelphia, leading to widespread questioning of the Sixers' decision to trade him for draft picks. The move has reportedly impacted Sixers' team chemistry, with Tyrese Maxey expressing he misses McCain, and is now viewed as a critical misstep for Philadelphia.

Grizzlies Sign Olivier-Maxence Prosper to Multi-Year Contract

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 23, has signed a multi-year contract with the team; terms were not disclosed. This season, Prosper has averaged 7.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 15.8 minutes across 36 games, including seven starts. Notably, over his last nine games, the 6-foot-7 forward has significantly increased his production, averaging 14 points and 24.3 minutes while shooting an impressive 67.5% from the field. He was initially signed to a two-way contract on September 4.

Santi Aldama Out for 12th Straight Game with Knee Injury

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama will miss Wednesday's game against Portland due to a knee injury, extending his absence to 12 consecutive games. Aldama was initially cleared to play in Tuesday's game versus Minnesota, but the team made a last-minute decision to sideline him roughly 30 minutes before tipoff.

Kevin Porter: Ruled out Wednesday with Knee Swelling

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Kevin Porter has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Hawks due to right knee swelling. This marks his first absence since February 3rd. He is considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's matchup versus the Jazz. Ryan Rollins is expected to start in his place.

Jarrett Allen Injures Knee in Collision During Cavs Win

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Jarrett Allen injured his knee midway through the third quarter of the Cavaliers' win over the Pistons and did not return. Coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed it was a knee-to-knee collision. Allen has been playing exceptionally well, averaging 21 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks since February. The Cavaliers have a four-day break before their next game.

VJ Edgecombe Out With Back Bruise, Re-evaluation Pending

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VJ Edgecombe will miss Wednesday's game against Utah due to a low back bruise (lumbar contusion) suffered during Tuesday's game against the Spurs. An MRI confirmed the injury. He will be re-evaluated before Saturday's game. Edgecombe fell hard after being fouled on a shot attempt, making two of three free throws before being ruled out at halftime. This comes as Joel Embiid and Kelly Oubre Jr. (illness) are also sidelined for the 76ers.

Durant Faces Burner Account Drama, Logs Heavy Minutes

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Kevin Durant is embroiled in controversy over an alleged burner account that criticized teammates. He denied the claims, stating he doesn't engage in 'Twitter nonsense.' Despite the off-court drama, Durant scored 35 points and has logged significant minutes for the Houston Rockets, expressing satisfaction with his heavy playing burden. His media company, Boardroom, also recently laid off staff. He was also featured in a Yahoo Fantasy x Arena Club slab pack drop.

Kelly Oubre Out Wednesday With Illness

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Kelly Oubre (illness) will not play Wednesday against the Jazz, missing both halves of the 76ers' back-to-back set. Trendon Watford, Justin Edwards, and Jabari Walker are candidates to start in his absence, joining VJ Edgecombe who is also out with a back injury.

Derrick White Expected to Shine vs. Hornets

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Derrick White is expected to perform well against the Charlotte Hornets. He has been consistently effective, ranking behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in total +/- this season. White has hit the Over on points + rebounds + assists in four of his last five games and is drilling 4+ 3-pointers in five straight contests.

Lu Dort Admits Flagrant Foul on Jokić Was 'Unnecessary'

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Lu Dort stated he 'went over the limit' with a flagrant foul that resulted in his ejection for tripping Nikola Jokić last week, calling it an 'unnecessary move.'

Wembanyama Named Player of the Month, Spurs on Historic Hot Streak

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was named Player of the Month, averaging 22.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks in February. The Spurs achieved an NBA-first 11-0 record in February, scoring at least 110 points in every game, and are 12-1 since Feb. 1, now 44-17 and second in the West. Off-court, Wembanyama expressed immense happiness after his longtime friend was safely located and recently called seeing the northern lights in Alaska the "most beautiful thing" he's ever seen.

Aaron Gordon (Hamstring) Targeting Friday Return vs. Knicks

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is targeting a return Friday against the Knicks after missing 17 games. He initially strained his right hamstring in November, returned in January, then re-aggravated the injury. The Nuggets are 7-9 without him. Gordon, averaging 17.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, is crucial defensively. He is expected to face strict restrictions in his first game back, with the team prioritizing his health for the playoffs.

Isaiah Joe Thriving in Expanded Role, Averaging 15.6 Points

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Isaiah Joe has significantly stepped up in an expanded role since February, averaging 15.6 points over his last 14 games. He has been a highly efficient three-point shooter, converting 46.6% of his 7.4 attempts per game during that stretch. Joe has successfully hit three or more threes in 10 of those 14 contests and is expected to continue his strong offensive output against the New York Knicks.

Reed Sheppard Blossoming into Star, Averaging 19.2 Pts, 5 Ast, 4.2 Reb

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Houston Rockets' Reed Sheppard, the former No. 3 pick, is emerging as a legitimate NBA starter, averaging 19.2 points, 5.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks over the last five games, shooting 46.3% from three. He's currently starting due to Jabari Smith Jr.'s injury but is expected to return to a reserve role upon Smith's return. Coach Udoka acknowledges his growth as a playmaker and floor spacer, and he boasts strong defensive impact metrics.

Neemias Queta Emerges as MIP Candidate, Celtics' Defensive Anchor

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Neemias Queta has become a strong Most Improved Player candidate, transitioning to a high-impact starter for the Boston Celtics. He anchors the league's third-best defense when on the floor, boasting a 97th percentile Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus. Queta averages 10 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, demonstrating significant growth on both ends, including 74% shooting at the rim. His pivotal rise has been crucial to the Celtics' 55-win pace, solidifying his status as a top-16 big man and helping the team avoid a gap year.

JJ Redick Downplays Heated Exchange with Luka Dončić

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Lakers coach JJ Redick addressed his recent heated exchange with Luka Dončić, stating he doesn't understand why the interaction went viral. Redick clarified that the incident was "very normal" and that he "didn't think much of it at the time," downplaying the significance of the on-court moment.

Rob Dillingham's Bizarre Turnover Highlights Rookie Struggles

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Chicago Bulls guard Rob Dillingham, acquired from the Timberwolves, had a bizarre heel-kick turnover against OKC, described as an "impossible to recreate" play. Dillingham has struggled in his first 1.5 seasons, posting a nearly 20% turnover rate and shooting 31.7% from three-point range in the NBA, a significant drop from his 44% in college. His lack of length and strength are noted as contributing factors to his challenges, emphasizing the need to cut turnovers and improve shooting to save his NBA career.