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NBA News

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

Tuesday, February 24

Jayson Tatum's Return from Achilles Injury Appears Imminent

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Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon last May and has been sidelined all season, is showing strong signs of an impending return. Rumors have intensified, with Tatum recently practicing with the Maine Celtics and now participating in 5-on-5 workouts with the main squad. FanDuel Sportsbook has even released odds on his first basket method, suggesting a regular season return. Boston, currently 2nd in the East, has seen their NBA title odds improve significantly from +8000 to +1200, reflecting optimism about his comeback.

Kyle Filipowski's stock rising amid Jazz frontcourt injuries

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Kyle Filipowski's fantasy stock is on the rise due to significant frontcourt injuries for the Utah Jazz, making him a primary workhorse. In February, he has scored 15+ points in five of nine games and recorded double-digit rebounds three times. Over his last three games, Filipowski is averaging 16.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 4.3 steals, showcasing improved defensive effort.

Jalen Duren's Most Improved Player odds surge to +500

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Jalen Duren's odds for the Most Improved Player Award have surged to +500, making him a strong contender. He has been a catalyst for Detroit's success, averaging 17.8 points (up from 11.8) and shooting 63% from the field in 27.7 minutes per game. While other stats are similar to last season, Duren has significantly reduced his fouls, fouling out only once this season.

Deni Avdija's Most Improved Player odds slipping due to lingering back injury

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Deni Avdija's strong case for the Most Improved Player Award is being hampered by a lingering back injury, which has caused him to miss 10 of Portland's last 17 games. Avdija, who was a favorite for the award before the All-Star break, has significantly improved his stats, raising his points per game from 16.9 to 24.4 and nearly doubling his assists from 3.9 to 6.6. However, his continued absence could cost him the award.

Jalen Green steps into leadership role amid Suns' injury woes

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With Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks sidelined, Jalen Green has been thrust into a leadership and go-to offensive role for the Phoenix Suns. Green, who missed much of the season with hamstring and hip ailments, is now seeing nearly double his minutes. He's averaging 13.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 10 games this season. Despite efficiency struggles, his playmaking and defense have improved, with the Suns allowing 12 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.

Devin Vassell explodes for 28 points on 7-of-11 three-point shooting

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Devin Vassell led all scorers with 28 points in the San Antonio Spurs' win against the Detroit Pistons, shooting a scorching 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. He is currently shooting 37% from long range for the season. Vassell's ability to space the floor and capitalize on defensive attention drawn by Victor Wembanyama is crucial for the Spurs' offense.

Glenn Robinson contributes 13 points, 3 rebounds in Spurs win

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Glenn Robinson contributed 13 points and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes during the San Antonio Spurs' recent win against the Detroit Pistons. This performance highlights his role in the team's depth and offensive capabilities.

Karl-Anthony Towns on a scoring surge, leads NBA in double-doubles

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Karl-Anthony Towns, who leads the NBA in double-doubles, is on a five-game scoring streak, averaging 23.4 points on 56.6% FG and 47.8% 3PT. Despite a "rollercoaster season" averaging 19.7 PPG, he's shown increased aggression. Analytics show Towns is highly impactful, ranking in the 90th percentile for both offensive and defensive EPM, and the Knicks are 10.7 points better per 100 possessions with him on court, ranking first among players with 1600+ minutes.

Desmond Bane on scoring heater, projected for big night vs. Lakers

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Desmond Bane is on his best scoring streak of the season, averaging 23.9 points over his last 14 games, including 30+ points in three of his last four. He's shooting 51.7% from three with 3.2 triples made per game. With Franz Wagner out, Bane has averaged 21.8 points in 28 games. He is projected for another strong performance against the Lakers' vulnerable perimeter defense, having topped 20.5 points in nine of his last 11 outings.

Myles Turner projected for strong rebounding performance against Heat

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Myles Turner is projected for a strong rebounding performance against the Miami Heat, with prop bets favoring him to exceed 5.5 rebounds. The Heat's fast pace and high shot volume create numerous rebounding opportunities. Turner, who averages 5.7 rebounds per game, has secured six or more boards in four of his last five outings.

Khris Middleton weighing buyout option with Mavericks ahead of March 1 deadline

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Dallas Mavericks forward Khris Middleton is considering a buyout option before the March 1 deadline to be eligible for playoff contention with another team. Acquired from Washington, his contract expires this summer. Middleton, 34, has played four games with Dallas, averaging 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3 assists on 40% three-point shooting in 25.5 minutes. The Mavericks have conveyed a need for his shooting next season, offering him a potential future role.

Monday, February 23

Kevin Durant Commits to 2028 Olympics, Records 18 Points, 12 Assists

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Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has officially announced his intention to play for Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, telling USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill he'd like to be considered. Despite being almost 40 by then, Durant, who has played in the last four Olympics and is the career scoring leader, wants to earn his spot. In Monday's 125-105 win over the Jazz, he scored 18 points and added a season-high 12 assists. Durant is averaging 25.9 points per game on 50.7% shooting in his 18th NBA season.

Amen Thompson Scores 20 Points, Adds 7 Rebounds in Rockets Win

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Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson scored 20 points in the team's 125-105 victory over the Utah Jazz. Thompson was highly efficient from the field, shooting 8 for 9, and also contributed seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, showcasing a well-rounded performance in the win.

Jabari Smith Erupts for 31 Points, 9 Boards, 3 Steals, 3 Blocks

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Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith delivered a stellar performance in a 125-105 win over the Jazz, erupting for 31 points (12-17 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in 33 minutes. This marked his second 30-point game this season, showcasing improved offensive and defensive impact, including a steal and block for the third consecutive appearance. Smith hit his first five shots, matching a career-high 14 points in the first quarter, and has been hot from deep, hitting 10 of 19 three-pointers over his last two games.

Russell Westbrook's 25 Points Snap Kings' Historic 16-Game Skid

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Russell Westbrook delivered a standout performance for the Sacramento Kings, scoring 25 points to spearhead a 123-114 victory over the Grizzlies. This crucial win snapped the Kings' franchise-record 16-game losing streak. Westbrook's offensive output was instrumental, particularly in the fourth quarter where he scored 10 points and capped a significant 15-4 run with a three-pointer, providing a much-needed boost as the team looks to turn its season around after a prolonged period of struggles.

DeMar DeRozan Scores 19, Helps Kings End 16-Game Losing Streak

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Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points in a 123-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, contributing to the team's effort to snap a franchise-record 16-game losing streak. Earlier, DeRozan was highlighted in SportsLine's top NBA predictions for Monday, indicating he was a player of interest for betting or fantasy purposes based on a computer model's analysis. No specific injury news was reported.

Grand Jury Clears Patrick Beverley of Felony Assault Charges

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Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley has been cleared of felony assault charges after a grand jury returned a no-bill, finding insufficient evidence to indict him. The legal proceedings, stemming from a "family violence" incident last fall where he was accused of assaulting his teenage sister and her boyfriend, are now concluded with no charges filed. His attorneys stated Beverley would never harm his sister and is grateful for the outcome, hoping his name and reputation will be restored.

Precious Achiuwa Extends Hot Streak with 22 Points, 12 Rebounds

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Precious Achiuwa continued his strong play for the Sacramento Kings, contributing 22 points (10-15 FG), 12 rebounds, one block, and one steal in 33 minutes during Monday's 123-114 victory over the Grizzlies. This performance marks his third consecutive game with 14 or more points and his second double-double in the last three outings. He recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds before halftime, showcasing efficient scoring and strong rebounding. Over his last five games, Achiuwa is averaging 12.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks.

Karl-Anthony Towns Finds Form, Leads Knicks with 23.8 PPG

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Karl-Anthony Towns is getting his New York Knicks game back on track, leading the team in scoring over the past four games with 23.8 points per game while shooting an impressive 58.8% from beyond the arc. His three-point percentage had previously declined from 42% to 36.5% this season. Towns also showed improved defensive play, earning the defensive player of the game award after Sunday's 105-99 win over the Bulls. The Knicks (37-21) have clinched the tiebreaker against the Cavaliers.

Jalen Duren Powers to Double-Double with 25 Points, 14 Boards

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Jalen Duren delivered a strong performance for the Detroit Pistons, totaling 25 points (10-13 FG, 5-6 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist, and two steals across 29 minutes during Monday's 114-103 loss to the Spurs. This marks his fourth double-double in six February appearances. Duren has shot 66.7 percent from the field in two games since returning from a suspension, showcasing his offensive prowess and impressive rebounding ability. He is set to face the Thunder on Wednesday.