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NBA News

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

Friday, February 20

Herro Returns from Ribs Injury, Drops 24 Points Off Bench

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Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ribs) made a strong return from a 15-game absence Friday against the Hawks, coming off the bench to score 24 points (9-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT) in just 23 minutes. He also added four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in the Heat's 128-97 victory. Herro, who was under a minutes restriction, scored 16 of his points in the first half. His availability for Saturday's game against Memphis remains to be determined as the team eases him back into action.

Jarrett Allen Records Another Double-Double, Continues Dominant Play

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Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen posted another dominant performance, logging 26 points (11-15 FG, 4-5 FT), 14 rebounds (seven offensive), two assists, and one block over 32 minutes in Friday's 118-113 win over the Hornets. This marks his 15th double-double of the season and sixth in his last seven outings, during which he's averaged 23.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks. Allen has been thriving as a primary beneficiary of the new offense featuring James Harden, dominating inside with 77% restricted area conversion this season.

Kon Knueppel Drains Seven Threes, Scores 33 Points in Hornets' Loss

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Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel delivered a strong offensive performance in Friday's 118-113 loss to the Cavaliers, logging 33 points (11-20 FG, 7-15 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six rebounds, two assists, and one steal over 37 minutes. He paced the Hornets' offense, tallying 27 of his points between the second and third quarters. This marks the third time this season Knueppel has connected on seven triples, just one shy of his career high. He is expected to operate in an elevated role against the Wizards on Sunday due to Miles Bridges' suspension.

Austin Reaves Returns to Lakers' Starting Lineup Friday vs. Clippers

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Austin Reaves will return to the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Clippers on Friday. This marks his return to the starting five after playing in five of the Lakers' last six outings following a 19-game absence due to a strained right calf. While it's unclear if he will remain on a minutes restriction, the 27-year-old guard has logged at least 28 minutes in each of his last two appearances.

Donovan Mitchell Scores 32 Points Friday After Limited Action Thursday

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell led the team with 32 points (9-22 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 12-13 FT), four assists, three rebounds, and two steals over 34 minutes in Friday's 118-113 win over the Hornets, including 13 points in the fourth quarter. This follows his 17-point (7-12 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three-rebound, five-assist performance in just 21 minutes during Thursday's dominant 112-84 victory over the Nets, where he saw limited action due to the comfortable lead, providing valuable rest.

LeBron James Available for Friday's Game vs. Clippers Despite Knee Soreness

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Lakers superstar LeBron James is available for Friday's game against the Clippers, shedding his questionable tag due to left knee soreness. He was a late addition to the injury report despite being active at All-Star Weekend and practicing Thursday. Before the All-Star break, James racked up a triple-double and three double-doubles in his last four appearances, averaging 21.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds across 35.8 minutes per contest.

Jamal Murray Cleared to Play Friday Despite Hamstring Tightness

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Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has been cleared to play in Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, despite being questionable earlier due to right hamstring tightness. This follows his 35-minute performance in Thursday's 115-114 loss to the Clippers, where he recorded 20 points (5-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 8-10 FT), eight rebounds, eight assists, one block, and two steals, notably missing a game-tying free throw. Murray has averaged 24.2 points, 8.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 threes over his last 10 outings.

Tristan Vukcevic Exits Game with Hand Contusion, Questionable for Sunday

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Washington Wizards' Tristan Vukcevic exited Friday's game against the Pacers due to a hand contusion and will not return. He finished with 14 points (7-12 FG, 0-5 3Pt), eight rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and one turnover across 20 minutes. Vukcevic, who was recently highlighted as a 'riser' making the most of his increased playing time and catching fantasy managers' attention, is now considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Hornets.

De'Andre Hunter Undergoes Season-Ending Eye Surgery for Detached Retina

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De'Andre Hunter (eye) underwent season-ending surgery Friday to repair a detached retina in his left eye, as reported by Chris Haynes of NBA TV. This confirms his season is over, marking his fifth consecutive game on the inactive list. Hunter becomes the third Sacramento Kings player to undergo season-ending surgery recently. Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden are expected to pick up the slack in his absence.

Scoot Henderson Cleared from Minutes Restriction After Hamstring Recovery

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Scoot Henderson (hamstring) will no longer operate under a minutes restriction, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports. The third-year guard was cleared to make his 2025-26 debut on Feb. 6 after recovering from a torn left hamstring suffered in late September during an offseason workout. He has averaged 20.0 minutes per game in his four outings since returning to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Matisse Thybulle Returns Friday vs. Nuggets After Extended Knee Absence

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Matisse Thybulle (knee) is set to play Friday versus the Nuggets, according to Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland. Thybulle has not played since Oct. 29, so heavy minutes restrictions are anticipated for his return. Despite potential limited minutes, the Portland Trail Blazers forward is noted for his ability to rack up steals, making him a potential specialist in deep leagues.

Ousmane Dieng Shifts to Bench Role Friday

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Ousmane Dieng will come off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks in Friday's game against New Orleans. With Ryan Rollins returning to action, Dieng is shifting to the second unit. His minutes in this reserve role will be closely watched, as earning 20-plus minutes could be challenging, potentially impacting his statistical output.

Aaron Wiggins to Start Friday for Thunder

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Aaron Wiggins is confirmed to be in the starting lineup for the Oklahoma City Thunder's Friday matchup against the Nets. He will join Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein in the first unit. In his 15 starts this season, Wiggins has averaged 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 three-pointers, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, indicating a potentially strong performance.

Grayson Allen Questionable for Saturday with Ankle Injury

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Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Orlando. Allen has been sidelined for the Suns' last four games, initially due to a right knee sprain, and then a right ankle sprain for Thursday's contest. If he is cleared to play, he is expected to take on an expanded role in the lineup, particularly with Devin Booker (hip) ruled out for the same game.

Devin Booker Out Saturday with Hip Injury

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Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Magic. Booker tweaked his hip during Thursday's loss to the Spurs and will return to the sidelines. He is currently considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers. His absence will create opportunities for Jordan Goodwin, while Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie are expected to handle a larger offensive load.

Pelle Larsson Returns to Starting Lineup Friday

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Pelle Larsson will start Friday for the Miami Heat in Atlanta, returning to the lineup after a three-game absence. He draws another starting nod despite Tyler Herro being available for the game. This season, as a starter, Larsson has posted averages of 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers per game, indicating his potential impact in this role.

Kel'el Ware Returns to Bench Role Friday

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Kel'el Ware will not be in the Miami Heat's starting lineup for Friday's game against the Hawks, moving back to the bench. Ware had started in the Heat's last two games before the All-Star break, even recording a double-double against the Pelicans on Feb. 11. His shift to the second unit comes as Andrew Wiggins (toe) has been cleared to play.

Davion Mitchell to Start Friday Despite Illness

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Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (illness) will power through his ailment and start Friday's game against the Hawks in Atlanta. He was initially listed as questionable, with a low probability of playing, but has since been confirmed in the starting lineup. Mitchell will join Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson, and Bam Adebayo in the first unit, despite feeling under the weather.

Tyus Jones to Start Friday for Mavericks

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Tyus Jones is set to start for the Dallas Mavericks in Friday's game against the Timberwolves, marking his second start in a Mavericks uniform. Despite the starting nod, his minutes have not exceeded 20 through his three games with Dallas. In his previous start, Jones recorded two points (1-4 FG), two rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one turnover in 15 minutes.

Lawson Lovering to Start Friday vs. Jazz in Second Game of Season

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Lawson Lovering will be in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup against the Jazz. This marks only his second game of the season, as he steps in due to Santi Aldama's (knee) unavailability. He will join Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, Jahmai Mashack, and Taylor Hendricks in the starting five for the Memphis Grizzlies.