Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren is questionable for Tuesday's game against Toronto due to back spasms, as reported by Clemente Almanza. With Tuesday being the front end of a back-to-back, the team may consider giving the star big man a maintenance day. If Holmgren is unavailable, Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams could both be thrust into an elevated role in the rotation.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard is questionable for Tuesday's game against the 76ers due to a back injury. The team is reportedly considering holding Nembhard out for lower-back injury management. With teammate Kam Jones (back) also questionable, Ben Sheppard and Quenton Jackson could both be in line for expanded roles in the Pacers' backcourt rotation for Tuesday's contest.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee/shin) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Indiana. This marks a positive development, as Embiid has missed five consecutive games while managing right knee injury and right shin soreness. If he is unable to suit up for a sixth straight contest, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would be in line to handle the bulk of the minutes at center for Philadelphia.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Wizards. While he was previously expected to be re-evaluated one week from Wednesday, reports suggest he could return earlier than anticipated. Anthony Slater of ESPN.com notes the expectation is for Kuminga to gain clearance to make his team debut, but he must prove his health leading up to tipoff before receiving the official green light.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (left foot sprain) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Nets, marking his fourth consecutive absence. His next opportunity to play will be Thursday's matchup against the Kings. With Flagg sidelined, Max Christie and Khris Middleton are both considered viable streaming options for fantasy managers.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) will miss Tuesday's game against the Thunder. The team is holding him out for injury management, as Tuesday marks the first half of a back-to-back. Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili are expected to share center minutes in his absence. Poeltl's status for the next game is pending, with no definitive timetable provided for his return.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (personal) is available to play in Tuesday's game against the Thunder. Barnes has received the green light to return to action after missing Sunday's contest versus the Bucks. His return means Collin Murray-Boyles, Gradey Dick, and Jamison Battle, who saw increased roles in his absence, may now see reduced minutes in the rotation.
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (left calf strain) will not play in Tuesday's game against Miami. He continues to be sidelined without a definitive timetable for his return, having been out since late January due to the injury. In his absence, Kyle Kuzma is expected to continue starting at power forward for the Bucks, providing depth in the frontcourt.
Julius Randle contributed 18 points (5-10 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-10 FT), three rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal in 31 minutes during the Timberwolves' 135-108 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. Despite the team's defeat, Randle has been a consistent presence, playing in all 58 games this season and providing steady points, rebounds, and assists. Minnesota is now preparing for a three-game road trip this week.
Anthony Edwards recorded 28 points (11-19 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 3-5 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals in 34 minutes during the Timberwolves' 135-108 loss to the 76ers on Sunday. Despite the lopsided defeat, Edwards was prolific, shooting 61.1 percent from the field and nearly achieving a double-double. His consistency has been notable, with only one game below 20 points since mid-December.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. has been fined $35,000 by the NBA on Monday. The league imposed the financial penalty on Pippen Jr., alongside Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner, for their involvement in an on-court scuffle that took place during a game over the weekend. Both players received identical $35,000 fines for their roles in the altercation.
Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner has been fined $35,000 by the NBA on Monday following his involvement in a scuffle during a game over the weekend. The league imposed the financial penalty on Gardner, alongside Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr., who also received an identical $35,000 fine for their roles in the on-court altercation.
Jalen Suggs (back) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Lakers, potentially ending a two-game absence due to back spasms. If Suggs remains sidelined, Tristan da Silva is expected to continue in the starting lineup for the Orlando Magic for a third consecutive contest.
Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks is expected to miss four to six weeks as he recovers from a broken left hand, according to sources including ESPN's Shams Charania. The injury is a significant blow for the Suns, especially given Brooks' breakout campaign. His earliest possible return could be in late March. In his absence, the team may rely more on players like Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn, and other pieces from the Kevin Durant trade. The team will need to adjust without his presence on the court.
With Dillon Brooks sidelined due to injury, the Phoenix Suns are expected to lean on Jalen Green to provide additional scoring. While Green may not directly replace Brooks' overall role, the team will require him to "get buckets" and contribute offensively. This increased reliance on Green comes as Phoenix adjusts its lineup and offensive strategy in the wake of Brooks' absence, highlighting the need for other players from the Kevin Durant trade to step up.
Kawhi Leonard delivered a game-high 37 points (14-25 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals in 33 minutes during Sunday's 111-109 loss to the Magic. Despite a sore ankle, Leonard's performance marked his 36th consecutive game with 20+ points. Through February, he's averaging 29.3 points, 7.2 boards, 4.3 assists, 2.1 threes, and 1.8 steals, maintaining high usage on the Clippers' roster that was stripped down at the trade deadline.
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is reportedly dealing with a 'very painful' shingles diagnosis. The already-sidelined superstar will be away from the team as he recovers from the condition, adding another unexpected twist to the Pacers' season.
Cade Cunningham is poised for a significant matchup as the Detroit Pistons face the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, February 23rd. SportsLine's model highlights this game, featuring Cunningham against Victor Wembanyama, as a 'potential NBA Finals preview.' The model has released its best bets, underscoring the importance of Cunningham's role in this highly anticipated contest.
Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 111-89 victory over the Lakers, delivering a stellar performance with 32 points (10-28 FG), eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in 36 minutes. Following his dominant outing, Brown received a significant MVP endorsement from LeBron James. Since February 1st, Brown has been averaging 28.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.7 threes, and 0.9 steals over 33.6 minutes per game, contributing to Boston's three-game win streak.
Desmond Bane continued his excellent play for the Orlando Magic, recording a team-high 36 points (13-19 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 6-10 FT) in Sunday's 111-109 win over the Clippers. In 32 minutes, he also contributed five rebounds, two steals, and a crucial assist. His lone assist came on a touchdown pass to Paolo Banchero with 40 seconds left, which ultimately secured the victory. Bane has now scored 30-plus points in back-to-back games and three out of his last four outings.
