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NBA News

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

Thursday, February 26

Markkanen Out At Least 2 Weeks with Hip Impingement, Bone Bruise

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Lauri Markkanen has been ruled out for at least two weeks after an MRI on his hip, following an injury suffered in Wednesday's practice, revealed symptomatic hip impingement with associated inflammation and a bone bruise. He also tweaked his ankle, though that MRI was clean. Averaging 26.7 points and 6.9 rebounds this season, his absence will create increased opportunities for teammates John Konchar, Brice Sensabaugh, and Kyle Filipowski. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Stephen Curry Praises Knueppel as Rookie 3-Point Record Falls

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Stephen Curry, who holds the NBA's single-season record with 402 three-pointers, was mentioned as Kon Knueppel broke the rookie 3-point record. Curry, who made 166 threes at 43.7% as a rookie, praised Knueppel's high-level shooting, quick release, confidence, and underrated playmaking, noting his game just suits the NBA style, whether fast-paced or slowed-down.

SGA Cleared for Friday Return After Abdominal Strain

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Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been removed from the injury report and is cleared to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder's lineup Friday against the Nuggets, after missing nine games with an abdominal strain. He is expected to have some minutes restrictions. Gilgeous-Alexander, a frontrunner to repeat as MVP, is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and shooting 39% from three this season. His return comes in time to qualify for postseason awards and help the Thunder maintain their top seed.

Sion James Assists Knueppel's Record-Breaking 3-Pointer

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Sion James, a former college teammate of Kon Knueppel, assisted Knueppel's record-breaking 207th three-pointer, which set the new NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers in a single season. James delivered a kickout pass to Knueppel late in the third quarter of the Hornets' 133-109 win over the Pacers.

Mo Bamba Signs 10-Day Contract with Utah Jazz

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Mo Bamba has signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz, returning to the team after spending time with the Raptors earlier this season. He averaged 17 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks for the Jazz's NBA G League affiliate. His signing addresses the team's need for a true center following Jusuf Nurkic's season-ending injury, and he provides a nice option for Utah to get a true center in certain lineups.

Alex Sarr Out Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury

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Alex Sarr (hamstring) is considered week-to-week with a right hamstring strain, according to Wizards' sideline reporter Meghan McPeak. He has not played since February 8th, and this update suggests he will miss at least three more games. Tristan Vukcevic is expected to continue starting at center.

Nicolas Batum to Start Thursday vs. Timberwolves

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Nicolas Batum is in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Timberwolves. He will join Kris Dunn, Bennedict Mathurin, Derrick Jones, and Brook Lopez in the first unit. In four starts this season, Batum has averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers.

Devin Carter Starting Thursday vs. Mavericks

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Devin Carter is in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Mavericks. He is getting a spot-start with Russell Westbrook unavailable due to a thigh injury. Carter will start alongside Nique Clifford, DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa, and Maxime Raynaud. In a previous start, Carter recorded 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, one triple, and one block.

Norman Powell Exits Game With Groin Injury

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Norman Powell won't return to Thursday's game against the 76ers due to a right groin strain, having aggravated an existing injury. He finished with three points, three rebounds, and two assists in 10 minutes. Powell had been cleared to play earlier after being questionable, coming off a 26-point performance.

40-Year-Old Taj Gibson Agrees to 2-Year Deal with Grizzlies

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Free agent Taj Gibson, 40, has agreed to a two-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his 17th NBA season. The veteran forward, who can play both power forward and center, will turn 41 in June and adds an experienced voice to the young Grizzlies roster. He has played with seven different NBA teams during his professional career, including last season with the Charlotte Hornets, and has averaged 8.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 1,002 career games.

Kyle Anderson Out for Personal Reasons; Reunites with Timberwolves

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Kyle Anderson has been ruled out for Friday's game against Dallas due to personal reasons, though his right knee tendinitis is no longer on the injury report. Concurrently, Anderson has agreed to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves after clearing waivers, reuniting with his former team. He previously played a monumental role for the Wolves (2022-24), averaging 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 2022-23, but saw his production dip last season. He is expected to provide defensive depth in a limited role and could join the Timberwolves as soon as Sunday.

Scoot Henderson to Start Thursday vs. Bulls

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Scoot Henderson will start Thursday's game in Chicago. This marks Henderson's first start of the season. He will be joined in the starting lineup by Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant, and Kris Murray. Henderson is coming off a 19-point performance and faces a favorable matchup against the Bulls.

Donovan Clingan Ruled Out Due to Illness

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Donovan Clingan has been ruled out of Thursday's game against the Bulls due to illness. He was a late addition to the injury report. With Robert Williams and Yang Hansen also questionable, the Trail Blazers could be short-handed at center. Clingan's next opportunity to play will be Saturday against the Hornets.

Will Riley to Start Thursday vs. Hawks

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Will Riley will start Thursday against the Hawks, filling in for Kyshawn George who is nursing a knee injury. Riley will start alongside Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tristan Vukcevic. In his previous two starts this season, Riley averaged 17.0 points, 2.0 assists, 2.5 triples, and 2.0 steals.

Jonathan Kuminga Enters Starting Lineup for Hawks

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Jonathan Kuminga will enter the Atlanta Hawks' starting lineup against the Wizards on Thursday. This move comes due to the absences of Jalen Johnson (hip) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot). In his Hawks debut Tuesday, Kuminga recorded 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 24 minutes.

Jalen Suggs Returns, Will Come Off Bench

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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is available for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets after recovering from a back strain. This marks his first game action since February 19th. Despite initial expectations of returning to the starting lineup, Suggs will come off the bench, a role he hasn't held this season. His return will likely shift Tristan da Silva back to a bench role for the Magic.

Patrick Williams Out At Least One Week

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Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams is expected to miss at least one week due to a strained right quad. His earliest possible return is next Thursday in Phoenix. Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards, and Leonard Miller will likely see increased minutes in his absence.

Jalen Smith Expected to Miss One Week

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Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith is expected to miss about one week with a right calf strain and will be out for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers. This timeline means he'll miss at least three games. Nick Richards and Guerschon Yabusele are expected to fill the void at center.

Ty Jerome Doubtful for Friday's Game

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Mavericks due to a left thigh contusion. He scored 22 points in Wednesday's loss to the Warriors. If he is unable to play, Scotty Pippen, Walter Clayton, and Javon Small could see more minutes.

Alex Caruso Off Injury Report for Friday

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (ankle) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game versus the Nuggets. He was given a maintenance day on Wednesday but will return Friday and resume his usual workload, leading to fewer minutes for Nikola Topic and Aaron Wiggins.