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NBA News

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

Thursday, February 19

Dejounte Murray Nearing Season Debut Next Week After Achilles Rehab

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Dejounte Murray (New Orleans Pelicans), who tore his Achilles last January, is expected to make his season debut sometime next week. The star guard is in the final stages of rehab and fully participating in practice. While his return is imminent, Murray is almost certainly bound for a significant minutes restriction for at least his first several games back on the court. His return is also likely to cut into the playing time of Jeremiah Fears at point guard.

Jayson Tatum's Return Eyed for NBA Stretch Run; Featured in Player Forecast

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Jayson Tatum is a central figure in the NBA's post-All-Star break storylines, with significant attention on his potential performance and 'return' to form as the league heads into its stretch run. The Boston Celtics star was also prominently featured in Eric Karabell's latest comprehensive player forecast, which provided detailed insights and expectations for his upcoming play. This dual focus underscores Tatum's importance and the anticipation surrounding his impact over the final two months of the season, as analysts project his contributions to the Celtics' campaign.

Josh Hart Featured in Kalshi NBA Picks for Thursday Trading Markets

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Josh Hart of the New York Knicks is prominently included in Kalshi NBA picks and predictions, being listed among the 'best trading markets' for Thursday's slate of games. SportsLine's proven computer model has meticulously released its top NBA predictions for the day, specifically featuring Hart as a player of considerable interest in speculative trading. This highlights his notable presence in daily market analyses and discussions, suggesting a focus on his potential performance and value for Thursday.

Kawhi Leonard Included in Top NBA Thursday Trading Market Predictions

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Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has been identified as a key player within Kalshi NBA picks and predictions, notably appearing among the 'best Thursday trading markets.' SportsLine's proven computer model has meticulously locked in its top NBA predictions for the day, specifically featuring Leonard as a significant player of interest. This inclusion highlights his prominent status in speculative trading discussions and daily market analyses for Thursday's games, indicating a focus on his potential impact.

Wednesday, February 18

Ja Morant Sidelined 2+ Weeks with Persistent UCL Sprain Discomfort

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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks, continuing to experience discomfort from a left elbow UCL sprain suffered January 21. His recovery has not gone as planned, with the elbow remaining a source of pain. Morant will be re-evaluated after 14 days, with a potential return targeted for March 7 against the Clippers. While he's out, Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen are expected to handle point guard duties. Morant has appeared in 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. The Grizzlies retained him at the trade deadline.

Domantas Sabonis Undergoes Season-Ending Meniscus Surgery

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Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis underwent season-ending knee surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles to repair a torn left meniscus, prematurely ending his season. The three-time All-Star had attempted to play through the injury since November but surgery was deemed the best option. He was used sparingly since the tear, playing in only seven of Sacramento’s final eight games in January and just one game in February. Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, a team-leading 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 19 games. He will begin rehabilitation soon and be re-evaluated before training camp.

Zach LaVine Undergoes Season-Ending Hand Surgery for Kings

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Sacramento Kings star Zach LaVine underwent season-ending hand surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn ligament on his right pinky finger, prematurely concluding his season. The 30-year-old guard, a hot topic at the trade deadline, is in his second season with the Kings. He had been leading the team with 19.2 points per game and averaged 2.3 assists in 39 games, having also missed time earlier with an ankle injury. His absence, coupled with Domantas Sabonis's similar season-ending surgery, significantly impacts the Kings' roster, marking a disastrous year for Sacramento.

Curry (Knee) Ruled Out for Celtics Game; Ongoing Absence Length Unclear

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Stephen Curry (knee) has been officially ruled out for Thursday's game against the Boston Celtics, marking his sixth consecutive absence due to a right knee issue. The Golden State Warriors star was unable to participate in Wednesday's practice and is scheduled to meet with training staff Wednesday night for reevaluation. The overall length of his ongoing absence post-All-Star break remains unclear. Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer are expected to continue operating in elevated roles for the Warriors while Curry remains sidelined.

Jeremy Sochan Joins Knicks After Spurs Buyout, Eyes New Role

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Jeremy Sochan's tenure with the San Antonio Spurs has concluded, as he was bought out and subsequently joined the New York Knicks. Sochan, the Spurs' first lottery pick of their tank era, faced inconsistent roles, including a failed "Point Sochan" experiment and a later shift to rim-running center alongside Victor Wembanyama. He believes a lack of opportunities under coach Mitch Johnson contributed to his departure. The Spurs ultimately moved on, feeling his skills weren't unique enough and he'd been replaced. Sochan, 22, could find a useful role with the Knicks as a defensive-minded center on offense next to a perimeter-oriented big man, with potential for his shot to develop.

Westbrook (Ankle) Cleared to Play Thursday vs. Orlando

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Russell Westbrook (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against Orlando. The veteran point guard missed the Kings' final game before the All-Star break due to left ankle soreness but has now moved past the injury and will be a full-go for the contest. With Zach LaVine (hand) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) out for the season, Westbrook is expected to see plenty of usage going forward.

James Harden Joins First Full Cavaliers Practice, Eyes Playoff Impact

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden participated in his first full team practice on Wednesday since being traded to the Cavaliers on February 4, following the All-Star break. Harden, who previously only had film sessions and walk-throughs, has quickly integrated, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists with two double-doubles in his first three games, all wins for Cleveland. He recently stated that loyalty in sports is "overrated," emphasizing the business aspect. His pick-and-roll expertise has benefited Jarrett Allen and created opportunities for Donovan Mitchell. Teammates note his surprising defensive presence. The Cavaliers are 1.5 games behind the No. 2 seed.

LaMelo Ball Uninjured in Downtown Charlotte Car Crash

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Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon but was uninjured. His custom 2022 Hummer, driving west on Trade Street, collided with a gray Kia sedan while attempting a left turn onto Tryon Street. Video footage showed Ball exiting his truck and departing in another car, a Lamborghini. One person involved in the collision sustained minor injuries. Police were on the scene, though details regarding the other driver were not immediately available.

Lakers Discuss Restricted Free Agent Peyton Watson for Offseason

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Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson has been privately discussed by the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential offseason target. Sources indicate the Lakers could acquire Watson if the Nuggets, who already have $215 million in salary committed to returning players for next season, opt not to match an offer sheet. The Lakers are actively pursuing improved wing depth to build a contender around Luka Dončić, looking to utilize their significant cap space and available roster spots this summer.

Lakers Internally Discuss Andrew Wiggins as Offseason Target

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Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins is reportedly an unrestricted free agent being internally discussed by the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential offseason target. Wiggins, who has a player option with Miami he could exercise, has been linked to the Lakers since last summer and was also part of trade deadline rumors. The Lakers are drawn to his ability to provide another scoring option on the perimeter, as he is averaging 15.9 points and shooting 39% from three-point range. However, his player option could complicate any potential acquisition, as the Lakers seek to upgrade their wing depth around Luka Dončić.

Lakers Eye Unrestricted Free Agent Tobias Harris for Offseason

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Unrestricted free agent Tobias Harris is reportedly an internal discussion target for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Sources indicate the Lakers are eyeing him as a potential upgrade for their wing depth. Harris, who averaged 13.4 points per game, fits the profile of players the Lakers are pursuing to build a contender around Luka Dončić. The Lakers are looking at an offseason with significant cap space and roster spots, aiming to improve their wing depth and become a true contender in the Western Conference.

Derrick White Praises Keegan Murray's "Coolest" NBA Chant

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White took to his podcast, "White Noise," to praise Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray's unique "KEEGAN! MURRAY!" chant at Golden 1 Center. White called it "the coolest thing I've ever heard," highlighting the special fan tradition that Murray, who signed a five-year, $140 million extension, also enjoys and appreciates.

Keegan Murray Cleared to Return Thursday; NBA's Best Chant Praised

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) has been cleared to return for Thursday's game against the Magic, after being sidelined since early January. While cleared, his minutes may be cautious. Separately, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White praised Murray's unique "KEEGAN! MURRAY!" chant, calling it "the coolest thing I've ever heard." Murray, who signed a five-year, $140 million extension in Oct. 2025, expressed his appreciation for the special fan tradition.

Grayson Allen Returns to Action, Cleared for Thursday's Game

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Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (knee) is not listed on the injury report and is expected to return to action for Thursday's game against the Spurs. Allen had been sidelined for the Suns' final three games before the All-Star break due to a right knee sprain. The extra rest time has allowed the veteran wing to recover. Prior to his recent injury stint, Allen started in seven outings, averaging 20.1 points, 4.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 threes, and 0.9 steals over 33.6 minutes per game.

Jalen Green Cleared to Play Thursday, Off Injury Report

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report and is set to play in Thursday's game against the Spurs. He had previously missed the team's final contest before the All-Star break due to load management. Green is currently searching for rhythm amidst an injury-plagued campaign, averaging 11.1 points, 2.3 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers in 15.3 minutes per tilt through seven appearances this season.

Nuggets Convert Spencer Jones to Standard NBA Contract

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The Denver Nuggets are converting two-way player Spencer Jones to a standard NBA contract for the remainder of the season, according to sources. This move elevates Jones from his previous two-way status, securing his place on the main roster for the rest of the current campaign.