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NBA News

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

Monday, March 2

Amen Thompson Exits Monday's Game with Ankle Injury, Does Not Return

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Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson exited Monday's 123-118 win over the Wizards in the fourth quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. Before his departure, Thompson posted his 13th double-double of the season, finishing with 22 points (10-15 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 31 minutes. He also knocked down a three-pointer, his 19th of the campaign. An update on the severity of his injury is anticipated soon, with the Rockets likely to be cautious.

Spurs' Luke Kornet Blasts Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' Promotion

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San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet has publicly urged the Atlanta Hawks to cancel their "Magic City Monday" theme night on March 16, which celebrates a local strip club. Kornet stated the promotion "would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community" and is "disrespectful to women," arguing the NBA should "protect and esteem women" and provide a safe, respectful environment for fans. He is averaging a career-best 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists this season.

Will Richard Out with Sprained Right Ankle

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Golden State Warriors rookie Will Richard was sidelined for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to a sprained right ankle, which he sustained in Saturday's loss to the Lakers. He was seen in a walking boot. His absence is considered a significant loss for the Warriors, particularly for their perimeter defense, as he has been playing wonderfully lately and is crucial to their defensive schemes.

Kristaps Porziņģis Misses Fifth Straight Game Due to Illness

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Golden State Warriors forward Kristaps Porziņģis remains sidelined due to an illness, missing his fifth consecutive game on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The one-time All-Star has played only once since being acquired by the Warriors nearly a month ago. His continued absence is a significant blow to the team, which is also dealing with other key injuries.

Wolf Records Career-High 23 Points, 9 Rebounds in Nets' Loss

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Danny Wolf delivered a career-best performance for the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 23 points with three 3-pointers, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 27 minutes off the bench. Coach Jordi Fernández praised the 6-foot-11 rookie's elite all-around game, despite a humorous missed intentional free throw. Wolf, averaging 8.9 points this season, showcased significant growth amidst the Nets' challenging 15-45 record and eight-game losing streak, highlighting valuable lessons for the NBA's youngest team.

Kyshawn George Exits Monday's Game with Elbow Sprain, Questionable for Tuesday

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Washington Wizards guard Kyshawn George suffered a left elbow sprain during Monday's game against the Rockets and did not return, exiting in the third quarter. He finished with 16 points (5-13 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), one rebound, two assists, and one steal in 22 minutes. George was already managing a knee injury prior to tipoff. He is now considered questionable for Tuesday's game against the Magic as the team awaits further updates on his condition.

Julian Reese Makes NBA Debut, Fouls Out for Wizards

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Julian Reese, who signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards on Saturday, made his NBA debut Monday night, starting at center against the Houston Rockets. The brother of WNBA player Angel Reese played 28 minutes, scoring two points before fouling out. His first NBA bucket initiated a 10-0 run for the Wizards. Despite his debut, Washington ultimately fell to the Rockets 123-118.

Williamson Questionable for Lakers Game; Addresses Criticism on Care for Game

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Zion Williamson is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Lakers due to a right ankle sprain, potentially missing his second consecutive matchup after tweaking his ankle Saturday. The Pelicans star recently pushed back on criticism regarding his commitment, stating he cares deeply and that missing extensive time due to injuries (including a torn meniscus and a full season) was mentally taxing. Williamson, who is averaging 24.1 points and 6.5 rebounds this season, is on track to surpass 50 games for only the third time in his career.

Hart Battles Shooting Slump, Still Delivers 10 Rebounds, 7 Assists for Knicks

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Josh Hart is navigating a significant shooting slump, hitting just 24% from deep in six games since the All-Star break, a sharp decline from his earlier 40.7%. In Sunday's 114-89 win over the Spurs, he went 1-for-6, showing hesitation. Despite opponents sagging off him, Hart continues to impact winning, recording 10 rebounds and 7 assists against the Spurs by being aggressive as a screener, ball handler, and on the offensive glass, proving his value beyond scoring for the Knicks.

Tari Eason Ejected Monday After On-Court Altercation

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Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason was ejected during the third quarter of Monday's game against the Wizards following an on-court altercation with Jamir Watkins, resulting in two technical fouls. Eason exited the game at the 2:52 mark of the third quarter, having recorded nine points (4-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, two assists, and one block in 25 minutes. The Rockets will utilize Dorian Finney-Smith, Aaron Holiday, and Josh Okogie to fill his minutes for the remainder of the game.

Devin Booker Cleared to Return Tuesday vs. Kings After Hip Strain

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Devin Booker (hip) has been cleared to play Tuesday against the Kings, marking his return after missing the last four games with a right hip strain. The star guard has faced recent injury woes, including an ankle issue before the break. The Suns are expected to monitor his minutes closely in his first game back to ease him into action.

Ryan Rollins Shifts to Bench Role Monday

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Ryan Rollins will not start Monday's game against the Celtics, shifting to a reserve role. He has come off the bench in five games this season, averaging 16.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 27.2 minutes per contest as a reserve. This change occurs as the Bucks field a starting lineup including Kevin Porter, AJ Green, Ousmane Dieng, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Myles Turner.

Kyle Kuzma Moves to Bench Monday

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Kyle Kuzma is not starting Monday's game against Boston, moving to a bench role. This adjustment comes with Giannis Antetokounmpo returning to the lineup. Kuzma has averaged 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 23.7 minutes per game over 24 appearances off the bench this season.

Mitchell Robinson's Load Management Plan Proving Effective for Knicks

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The New York Knicks' load management plan for Mitchell Robinson is proving effective, as he has played 44 games this season, already surpassing his totals from the past two years and on pace for his most games in three seasons. He has consistently avoided playing both legs of back-to-backs and has been rested during busy schedule periods. Robinson is expected to play against the Raptors on Tuesday but will likely sit out Wednesday's game against the Thunder, with the primary goal being his health for the postseason.

Luka Dončić in Heated Sideline Exchange with Coach Redick

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Luka Dončić was involved in a heated sideline argument with Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick during Saturday's blowout win over the Golden State Warriors. Redick firmly grabbed Dončić's arm, leading to an exchange of words that escalated when Dončić stood up. Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt intervened to de-escalate the situation. The incident, which occurred on Dončić's 27th birthday, was not addressed by either Dončić or Redick after the game.

Jarred Vanderbilt De-escalates Sideline Argument Between Dončić, Redick

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt played a crucial role in preventing a sideline argument from escalating between teammate Luka Dončić and head coach J.J. Redick during Saturday's win over the Warriors. Vanderbilt immediately rose from the bench, clapping loudly and deliberately inserting himself between the two, effectively de-escalating the heated exchange. His subtle yet brilliant actions prevented the incident from becoming a major headline.

Warriors Struggle in Draymond Green's Absence During Clippers Loss

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The Golden State Warriors struggled significantly in non-Draymond Green minutes during their 114-101 loss to the Clippers. Coach Steve Kerr emphasized Green's essential defensive presence, noting the Clippers went on a run after Green was subbed out with 4:37 left in the third quarter. Green played 31 minutes, above his 26.6 average, and contributed 4 points on 1-of-5 shooting. His defense was crucial in the first half, limiting Kawhi Leonard. Separately, SportsLine's model identified Green as a target for NBA picks.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Bulls due to abdominal strain injury management. He has looked sharp in his first two games back, scoring over 30 points in each. The Thunder are giving him the first half of the back-to-back off as a precaution, aiming for him to be ready for Wednesday's game in New York. Expect Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Joe to see increased involvement.

Isaiah Hartenstein to Sit Out Tuesday's Game

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Isaiah Hartenstein will not play in Tuesday's game against the Bulls due to a calf injury. This decision aligns with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also sitting out for injury management, as the Thunder appear to be prioritizing a near full-strength lineup for Wednesday's matchup against the Knicks. Jaylin Williams is a potential starter at center, with Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins also in line for more minutes.

Nuggets Sign Veteran Point Guard Tyus Jones for Backcourt Depth

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The Denver Nuggets are bolstering their backcourt by signing free agent veteran point guard Tyus Jones. This marks his fourth team this season, having previously played for the Magic, Hornets, and Mavericks before being waived by Dallas on Saturday. Jones, known for his playmaking and assist-to-turnover ratio, has averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 assists in 11 NBA seasons. He is expected to add experience and stability, providing a significant boost to Denver's bench depth behind All-Star Jamal Murray.