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NBA News

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

Monday, March 2

Anthony Edwards Excels as Timberwolves Rise to Fourth in West

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Anthony Edwards is excelling as both a scorer and a passer, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to win six of their last seven games and climb to fourth place in the Western Conference power rankings. In the previous four games, Edwards averaged an impressive 33.3 points per contest. He has demonstrated an ability to make the right plays, even when facing double teams, showcasing his growing leadership and impact on the team's strong performance.

Anthony Black Probable for Tuesday Despite Quadriceps Injury

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Anthony Black is probable for Tuesday's game against the Wizards with a right quad contusion, despite missing practice Monday due to the injury. He was unable to participate in contact drills but shot free throws. Black missed Sunday's game and is considered questionable for Tuesday. The team is monitoring his condition closely, but he is likely to suit up. In his last five games, Black averaged 11.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Cameron Johnson Ruled Out Monday with Aggravated Ankle

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Cameron Johnson has been ruled out of Monday's game against Utah due to right ankle inflammation, which he aggravated during Sunday's loss. Limited to 23 minutes, Johnson's absence could increase minutes for other players. He is not optimistic about playing Monday but believes the issue is not long-term, suggesting shoe and orthotic adjustments will help. His potential absence could lead to increased minutes for Spencer Jones, Julian Strawther, and Jalen Pickett.

Thunder Waive Buddy Boeheim After Signing Sandfort

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have waived guard Buddy Boeheim as they finalize their roster moves, signing forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract. This move signals a shift in the team's personnel decisions as they prepare for upcoming games. Further details on Sandfort's role and Boeheim's future are expected.

Neemias Queta Rests Monday After Career-High 27-Point Outing

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Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta will sit out Monday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks for rest, following a career-high 27-point, 17-rebound performance in Sunday's win over the 76ers. This strategic rest allows Queta, who had offseason knee surgery, a well-deserved break. Nikola Vucevic is expected to start at center in his absence, with Luka Garza providing backup. Queta is averaging 10.1 points and 8.4 rebounds this season, anchoring the frontcourt as the team's starting center.

Stephen Curry Sidelined for At Least 10 More Days

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Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is confirmed to be out for at least 10 more days. The team will continue to navigate their schedule without their key guard as he recovers from his current ailment, impacting their immediate lineup.

Sunday, March 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Pours in 30 Points, 4 Steals in Win

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 100-87 victory over the Mavericks on Sunday, recording 30 points (12-20 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five assists, four rebounds, and a game-high four steals in 33 minutes. This marks his most steals since Dec. 31. Since returning from a nine-game abdominal strain absence, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 33.0 points, 7.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 33.5 minutes over two contests, showing no signs of rust.

Harden Returns from Thumb Fracture, Powers Cavaliers to Victory

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James Harden returned for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday against the Nets after a two-game absence due to a fractured right thumb. He played 36 minutes, scoring 22 points (5-9 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 8-12 FT) with nine rebounds and eight assists in a 106-102 win. Harden's near triple-double was notable given the thumb injury. He has averaged 19.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.1 boards over his last eight games, showcasing continued impact despite the injury. His return shifts Dennis Schroder to the bench.

Giddey Records Eighth Triple-Double of Season in Dominant Win

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Josh Giddey achieved his eighth triple-double of the season, a new career high, with 20 points (7-14 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in 32 minutes during Sunday's 120-97 victory over Milwaukee. This marks his 15th triple-double as a Chicago Bull, tying Scottie Pippen for second all-time. Giddey played over 30 minutes, indicating his workload restriction has been lifted following a hamstring strain.

Cunningham Extends Double-Double Streak to Six Games

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Cade Cunningham posted another double-double, recording 29 points (11-25 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, and 11 assists in 37 minutes during Sunday's 106-92 win over the Magic. This is his 33rd double-double this season and extends his current streak to six games, during which he's averaging 26.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds. Cunningham is making a case for MVP consideration.

Jamal Murray Scores 25 Points in Nuggets' Loss to Timberwolves

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Jamal Murray recorded 25 points (9-22 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-7 FT), five rebounds, and four assists in 39 minutes during Sunday's 117-108 loss to the Timberwolves. He struggled in the first half but scored 17 of his points in the second, finishing as Denver's second-leading scorer. Murray has reached the 20-point threshold in five of the Nuggets' six outings since the All-Star break, with the only exception being a game where he played just eight minutes due to an illness.

Anthony Edwards Drops 21 Points, Continues Strong Play in Timberwolves Win

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Anthony Edwards delivered 21 points (9-19 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 39 minutes during Sunday's 117-108 win over the Nuggets. While not his most efficient from three, he led Minnesota in scoring. Edwards has now reached the 20-point mark in five straight games post-All-Star break, tallying multiple blocks in two of those and a steal in eight consecutive contests. Since the break, he's averaged 30.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals.

LeBron James Cleared to Play Sunday Despite Foot Arthritis

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LeBron James (foot) is officially available for Sunday's game against the Kings, despite being a game-time decision due to arthritis in his left foot. He played 28 minutes in Saturday's win over Golden State, recording 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and one steal. Over his last five games, the superstar holds averages of 18.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in 32.4 minutes per contest. His availability is key for the Lakers in the second leg of their back-to-back.

Julius Randle Nears Double-Double in Win After Clearing Back Spasms

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Julius Randle was cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Nuggets despite lower-back spasms, and he delivered a strong performance. In the 117-108 win, Randle recorded 14 points (5-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-5 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, one block, and one steal over 32 minutes. He shook off a scoreless first quarter to finish in double figures and led the team in assists. Randle's offensive production has been inconsistent since the All-Star break, averaging 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 35.7 percent from the field in his last five outings.

Zion Williamson Ruled Out for Sunday's Game with Ankle Sprain

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Zion Williamson has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to a right ankle sprain. He sustained the injury during Saturday's win over the Jazz and will miss the second leg of the Pelicans' back-to-back set. His next opportunity to return to action will be Tuesday against the Lakers. With Williamson sidelined, Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic are expected to see increased playing time for New Orleans.

Stephen Curry Sidelined At Least Five More Games, Re-evaluation in 10 Days

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Warriors star Stephen Curry will miss at least the next five games due to his persistent right knee issue and is set for re-evaluation in 10 days. He has been sidelined since January 30th. The team announced this update Sunday, with reports from Anthony Slater of ESPN.com confirming the timeline. Golden State will continue to rely on Pat Spencer, Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton in the backcourt during his absence.

Bennedict Mathurin Moves To Second Unit As Leonard Returns

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Clippers swingman Bennedict Mathurin will not start against the Pelicans on Sunday, as Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is returning to the lineup. Mathurin will slide to the second unit. In his six outings with the Clippers, including one start, the 23-year-old has averaged 20.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals across 31.2 minutes per game.

Darius Garland Set For Clippers Debut Monday Against Warriors

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Darius Garland (toe) is active and set to make his Clippers debut Monday against the Warriors, NBA writer Justin Russo reports. He hasn't played since January 14 due to a left toe injury and a right great toe sprain. Before his trade, Garland averaged 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes over 26 appearances for the Cavaliers. He is expected to have a minutes restriction, but could see a sizable role as the team plays the second half of a back-to-back.

John Collins Cleared To Return Sunday From Head/Neck Injury

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John Collins (head/neck) is available for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, NBA writer Justin Russo reports, returning from a two-game absence due to a head laceration and neck soreness. In nine February appearances, the forward averaged 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers in 29.3 minutes per contest. His return is expected to reduce available minutes for Nicolas Batum and Kobe Sanders.

P.J. Washington Ruled Out for Sunday's Game with Left Ankle Sprain

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Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Thunder due to a left ankle sprain. This marks his third consecutive missed outing. His next opportunity to play will be Tuesday in Charlotte. With Washington sidelined alongside Cooper Flagg (foot) and Naji Marshall (finger), Caleb Martin, Klay Thompson, and Khris Middleton are expected to see increased playing time.