Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has dismissed recent burner account allegations as "Twitter nonsense," stating his focus is on the season. Unverified screenshots circulated during All-Star Weekend from an X account (@gethigher77), now private, allegedly showed Durant criticizing current Rockets teammates Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr., and referencing former teammates. While no direct evidence links him to this specific account, Durant, 37, has openly admitted to using burner accounts in the past. He is currently leading the Rockets with 25.8 points per game, shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from three.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is ruled out for Thursday's game against the Hawks due to new right shin soreness, which he reported over the All-Star break. This new issue arose during his right knee injury management program. Embiid has received daily treatment and is progressing through on-court work, with re-evaluation scheduled before Saturday's game against the Pelicans. He previously missed the last two games before the break with right knee soreness. Despite his injury history, Embiid has played 31 games this season, averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, and was seen practicing Wednesday.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James recently revealed he abstained from cookies and wine for two months, showcasing his commitment to peak physical condition. He also complimented the Cleveland Cavaliers' trade deadline acquisitions of James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis, fueling speculation about a potential return to Cleveland after his current Lakers deal concludes. James scored 5 points in a blowout loss during the All-Star Game.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (calf) is officially cleared to play Thursday against the Nets, confirming earlier reports from coach Kenny Atkinson. Mobley missed seven consecutive games before the All-Star break due to a strained left calf sustained on January 26. His return marks a significant step in his recovery, with the forward averaging 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks across 33.4 minutes per game this season.
Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, is the Rookie of the Year betting favorite at -750 odds, averaging 27.3 points per game in February. However, advanced metrics like +0.7% Field Goal Percentage Over Expectation (122nd of 224 players) and 139th in Points Over Expectation suggest his scoring is volume-driven rather than efficiency-driven. The Mavericks are 3.1 points better per 100 possessions with Flagg off the floor, and he ranks last in team defensive rating, indicating his overall impact on the 19-35 team is less impressive than surface-level statistics.
Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is strengthening his case as a highly impactful player, with recent production highlighting his efficient scoring. Over the past month, he averaged 18.4 points per game, shooting 47.1% from the floor, 41.7% from three, and 92.5% from the free-throw line. His advanced metrics, including +6.1% Field Goal Percentage Over Expectation, indicate true value creation beyond volume. Knueppel's positive impact is credited with helping the Hornets surpass last season's win total and remain in playoff contention.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Pistons, despite previously stating he would play. He missed the final four games before the All-Star break due to a toe injury, which involved the removal of his entire toenail. Anunoby has returned to practice and expects to play, but the Knicks want him to test the injury. He's averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 41 games this season.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) has been removed from the injury report and is slated to return for Thursday's game against the Wizards. He was held out of the team's last outing before the All-Star break due to a back issue. His return will likely move Kam Jones out of the starting lineup. Over his last 10 appearances, Nembhard has averaged 17.4 points, 8.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers in 33.3 minutes per game.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Wizards due to personal reasons. He will be sidelined for the front end of the Pacers' back-to-back set, with the team hoping he'll be available for Friday's rematch against Washington. Siakam's absence will create opportunities for increased minutes for players such as Micah Potter and Jarace Walker.
Kings rookie Dylan Cardwell sprained his left ankle during Tuesday's practice and is expected to miss four weeks, with re-evaluation set for March 19. The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Sacramento, especially with Domantas Sabonis out for the season. Cardwell had been a bright spot, averaging 5.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes over 29 appearances. Maxime Raynaud is anticipated to fill a starting role during his absence.
Josh Giddey (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Raptors, despite being a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He missed eight games due to a strained left hamstring, and recent reports indicate he is expected to return. The Bulls may implement a minutes restriction for Giddey initially as he eases back into action, which would likely impact minutes for Collin Sexton and Jaden Ivey. He needs to get through warmups without setbacks.
Noah Clowney (ankle) is off the injury report and set to play Thursday against the Cavaliers after missing Brooklyn's final contest before the All-Star break. Over his last four appearances, Clowney has averaged 11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers in 24.5 minutes per game. His return could send Ziaire Williams or Terance Mann to the bench.
Michael Porter (knee) will play Thursday against the Cavaliers after missing the final two games before the All-Star break due to right knee tendinitis. He's had ample rest and is no longer appearing on the injury report. Given Thursday's game is the front end of a back-to-back set, a maintenance day for Friday's contest could still be on the table.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell agreed with teammate James Harden's assertion that loyalty in sports is overrated, emphasizing that it's fundamentally a business. Mitchell expressed respect for Harden's honesty and related to the sentiment, drawing on his own experiences with the Utah Jazz where team dynamics can change rapidly. He noted the constant tension between a player's desire to maximize earnings and the business decisions teams make. Mitchell is currently listed with +15000 odds for the 2026 NBA MVP award.
Nic Claxton (ankle) will not play Thursday against the Cavaliers, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports. Claxton had recovered from a hip issue that caused him to miss the final game before the All-Star break, but he rolled his right ankle at practice Wednesday. He will miss at least one contest, with Day'Ron Sharpe and Danny Wolf expected to see increased involvement in his absence.
Tyler Herro (ribs) is expected to practice Thursday, as reported by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Herro has been sidelined for 15 consecutive games due to a right costochondral injury to his ribs but is finally nearing a return to game action. He can be tentatively labeled as questionable for Friday's contest in Atlanta, with his eventual presence potentially pushing Kasparas Jakucionis out of the Heat's rotation.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner is sidelined indefinitely due to lingering soreness from a left high ankle sprain, an issue that has plagued him all year. The team plans to re-evaluate him in three weeks, setting his earliest potential return date for March 11. Wagner has missed 25 of the Magic’s last 29 contests, averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 28 games this season. His absence is a significant setback for Orlando's playoff hopes.
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL suffered in March 2025, targeting a return for the 2026-27 season. This decision allows ample time for rehabilitation, with his agent stating it's to ensure he's "1000%" for a championship chase next season. The Mavericks, currently 19-35, are reportedly pivoting towards a rebuild. Irving is under contract for one more season with a $42.42 million player option for 2027-28.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić reportedly supported the team's quiet trade deadline approach, which prioritized "adherence to discipline" and a "long-term picture" to maintain cap flexibility for the summer. Dončić, who has not pushed for a superstar co-star, is aligned with the organization's vision. The Lakers have consistently worked to accommodate his preferences since his trade last February. Dončić is currently listed with +2000 odds for the 2026 NBA MVP award.
