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NBA News

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

Monday, February 23

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.

Wembanyama Dominates Pistons with 21 Points, 17 Rebounds, 6 Blocks

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Victor Wembanyama delivered a stellar performance in the Spurs' 114-103 win over the Pistons, registering 21 points (6-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 17 rebounds, four assists, six blocks, and one steal in 36 minutes. Despite struggling with his shot (6-of-16 FG), he secured his best rebounding performance since Oct. 30 and dominated as a rim protector, confirming his progression and potential. The Spurs have now won a season-high nine games in a row.

Daeqwon Plowden Scores 19, Helps Kings End 16-Game Skid

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Daeqwon Plowden contributed 19 points for the Sacramento Kings in their 123-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, which snapped the Kings' franchise-record 16-game losing streak. Plowden was particularly impactful in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his 19 points to help secure the much-needed win and end the team's prolonged period of struggles.

LeBron James Champions Jaylen Brown for MVP, Sparks Wizards Speculation

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LeBron James publicly championed Jaylen Brown, stating the Celtics star is not receiving the attention he deserves and making a compelling case for his MVP candidacy. Separately, after the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Celtics, James shared a viral postgame moment with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, sparking free agency speculation among fans about him potentially joining the Wizards. Despite the speculation, the meetup was largely seen as "greatness recognizing greatness."

Devin Vassell Leads Spurs with 28 Points, Seven Threes

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Devin Vassell was the high-scorer for the San Antonio Spurs in their 114-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons, contributing 28 points and making seven three-pointers. His strong shooting performance, along with three other teammates scoring in double figures, helped the Spurs overcome a physical Pistons defense and secure their ninth consecutive win, despite Victor Wembanyama struggling with his shot.

Jusuf Nurkić Out for Season After Undergoing Nose Surgery

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Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkić will undergo season-ending surgery on his nose Wednesday due to complications with breathing and sleeping from a fracture suffered years ago. Nurkić had been seeing an uptick in production this season, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 50.3% from the field. He is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, nearing the end of a four-year, $70 million contract. He joins Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler as Jazz players whose seasons have ended prematurely due to injury.

Charles Bediako Appeals NCAA Eligibility to Supreme Court

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Basketball center Charles Bediako is asking the Alabama Supreme Court to let him play the rest of the season for the Crimson Tide. He appealed a judge's recent decision that ended his temporary playing status with the University of Alabama. Bediako, a recent NBA G-League player, previously averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in two seasons at Alabama. His lawyers argue he remains within his five-year college eligibility window and are seeking interim relief to allow him to return to play before the season concludes.

Lauri Markkanen Cleared to Play Monday Against Rockets Despite Illness

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Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (illness) is available for Monday's game against the Rockets, pushing through his illness after missing the previous two contests. In six February appearances, Markkanen has averaged 22.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Keyonte George Sidelined for Monday's Game with Ankle Sprain

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Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Rockets due to a right ankle sprain, marking yet another missed matchup. Isaiah Collier is expected to step into the starting point guard role in George's absence.

Shaedon Sharpe Out for Seventh Straight Game with Calf Strain

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Minnesota, marking his seventh consecutive absence due to a left calf strain. Vit Krejci is expected to continue receiving steady minutes off the bench. Sharpe's next chance to return to action will be Thursday against Chicago.

Deni Avdija Sidelined Tuesday After Reaggravating Back Injury

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Minnesota after reaggravating a nagging back injury in Sunday's contest, where he exited less than a minute into the game. Sidy Cissoko is a strong candidate to slide into the starting five in Avdija's absence. His next opportunity to return will come Thursday against Chicago.

Naz Reid Questionable for Tuesday's Game with Shoulder Injury

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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Trail Blazers due to a right shoulder injury. He is in danger of missing his second consecutive matchup. The team is expected to provide an update on his availability closer to game time.

Jaylen Brown Questionable for Suns Game Amidst MVP Buzz

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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Suns due to a right knee contusion, which he was icing after his 32-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance Sunday. He will test his knee pre-game. This news coincides with LeBron James publicly championing Brown's MVP candidacy, citing his career-best season averaging 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, leading the Celtics to a 37-19 record. Brown, who believes he's the "best two-way player in the world," acknowledges his outspokenness may contribute to being overlooked.

Grayson Allen Questionable for Celtics Game with Ankle Injury

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Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics due to an ankle injury, as reported by Duane Rankin. Allen was previously sidelined for Sunday's matchup due to right knee and ankle injury management. If he remains out, teammates Collin Gillespie and Isaiah Livers could see increased playing time. His status is a game-time decision.

Ty Jerome Ruled Out for Monday's Game vs. Kings Due to Illness

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome has been officially ruled out for Monday's game against the Kings due to an illness. He was initially listed as questionable but later downgraded. His absence is expected to open up increased opportunities and minutes for teammates Scotty Pippen and Cam Spencer, who are candidates to start in his place. The team confirmed his status shortly before tip-off.

Draymond Green Questionable for Tuesday's Game with Back Injury

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans due to a lower back injury. He was a late scratch from Sunday's contest. Over his last five appearances, Green has averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. With Kristaps Porzingis (illness) already ruled out, Al Horford would likely start if Green is unavailable, with Quinten Post providing center reinforcement.

Dejounte Murray Cleared for Season Debut After Achilles Rupture

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been officially cleared and is available to make his highly-anticipated season debut Tuesday against the Warriors. Murray announced his return Monday, over a year after rupturing his Achilles last January. He is expected to face a significant minutes restriction and may come off the bench to manage his workload. Despite the Pelicans' 16-42 record, Murray expressed a strong desire to play, stating he's "the opposite" of players who would sit out. He previously missed the entire 2018-19 season with a torn ACL.

Trae Young Remains Out, Season Debut Uncertain for Wizards

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Washington Wizards guard Trae Young is listed as OUT for Tuesday's game against the Hawks, and his season debut remains uncertain. Young was traded to the Wizards ahead of the trade deadline, but team-issued updates have been vague regarding his potential return to play this season.

Coby White Probable for Tuesday Debut After Calf Strain Recovery

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Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (calf) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Bulls, signaling his impending debut after recovering from a left calf strain. If all proceeds as planned, White is expected to be available off the bench for the upcoming clash. An official update on his availability from the team is anticipated closer to tip-off.

Jaxson Hayes Day-to-Day with Bruised Ankle, Questionable for Tuesday

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Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes is considered "day-to-day" after imaging on his right ankle revealed a "little bruise." He played five first-half minutes during Sunday's home loss to the Celtics before being ruled out at halftime. Hayes, who has consistently been the backup big man behind Deandre Ayton, averages 6.8 points on 77% shooting and 3.8 rebounds through 47 games. He is expected to be listed as questionable for Tuesday's home game against the Magic.