Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Jazz due to lower-back injury management. The team is implementing load management for Avdija, who will miss the final contest before the All-Star break. This decision means Sidy Cissoko is expected to see a sizable increase in minutes for the Trail Blazers.
Myles Turner has been ruled out of Thursday's game against the Thunder due to right calf soreness. The issue reportedly arose during warmups, as he was not previously on the injury report. Pete Nance, Bobby Portis, and Ousmane Dieng are expected to see increased opportunities in his absence.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (foot) is officially available for Thursday's game against the Thunder, despite previously being listed as questionable due to left foot soreness. He is expected to play without any restrictions in the second half of the Bucks' back-to-back schedule. The 30-year-old has been a consistent starter, averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 three-pointers over his last 10 games in 30.4 minutes per contest.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins has been officially ruled out for Thursday's game against the Thunder due to plantar fasciitis in his foot. He was initially listed as questionable but will now miss his second consecutive game. Rollins is expected to have ample time to recover during the upcoming All-Star break, as the Bucks will not play again until after Thursday. In his absence, Cam Thomas and Gary Trent are anticipated to receive increased opportunities and minutes.
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox has been officially selected to Sunday's NBA All-Star Game. He will serve as an injury replacement for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose withdrawal due to injury necessitated a roster change. Fox's inclusion in the All-Star lineup was finalized on Thursday, providing a notable opportunity for the Spurs' dynamic guard to showcase his talents on the national stage.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be participating in Sunday's NBA All-Star Game. He is sidelined due to an injury, necessitating his replacement on the roster. San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox has been officially selected to fill Antetokounmpo's spot as an injury replacement. The finalization of Fox's addition to the All-Star lineup in place of the injured Antetokounmpo occurred on Thursday, altering the composition of the upcoming event.
Free agent Jeremy Sochan, recently waived by the San Antonio Spurs, plans to sign with the New York Knicks after clearing waivers. ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Spurs released the former top 10 pick, citing his lack of a jumper and his recent fall out of their rotation. Sochan, a versatile defender, is expected to secure a role with the Knicks' second unit, with his agent confirming the move.
Detroit Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham has purchased a minority ownership stake in his hometown MLB team, the Texas Rangers, as confirmed to ESPN. This marks a significant off-court venture for the NBA player, aligning him with a professional baseball franchise.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has received a one-game suspension after accumulating his 16th technical foul of the season. He is slated to sit out the game against the Spurs on February 19. This news comes as Brooks, nine years into his NBA career, has also been noted for successfully reinventing himself as a scorer, marking a significant development in his offensive capabilities for the Suns.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) will not play Thursday against Portland, marking his third consecutive absence. This decision comes as no surprise, given it's the final game before the All-Star break. Isaiah Collier is expected to continue holding down the fort at point guard in George's absence.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (calf) will be sidelined for Thursday's game against Utah, marking his fourth consecutive absence. This is the final game before the All-Star break, and it remains uncertain if he will be ready to return for the team's next matchup on February 20 against the Nuggets.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams is ruled out of Thursday's game against the Bucks due to a re-aggravated right hamstring strain, suffered during Wednesday's win over the Suns. The team has confirmed he will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, with no immediate timeline for his return. Fantasy managers might consider Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, or Alex Caruso as potential streamers in his absence.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein will sit out Thursday's game against the Bucks for rest. He has been managing a right heel issue, prompting the team to give him the second leg of their back-to-back set off. With Hartenstein sidelined, the Thunder are expected to increase Jaylin Williams' playing time.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson expects Evan Mobley (calf) to return to action right after the All-Star break. Mobley has missed the last seven games since straining his left calf on January 26, his second calf injury this season after a Grade 1 strain in December. He is making good progress and could be ready for the Cavaliers' first game post-break on February 19 against the Nets. His return may lead to reduced playing time for Thomas Bryant, Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, and Keon Ellis.
Anthony Edwards recorded a subpar scoring night for the Minnesota Timberwolves, tallying 14 points (5-10 FG, 4-6 3Pt) in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 133-109 victory over the Trail Blazers. Despite the lower point total compared to his 29.3 PPG average, Edwards was highly efficient from deep, connecting on four of six three-point attempts. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists, one block, and two steals, marking his third game in the last four with at least four made threes.
Kon Knueppel is making a strong impression in the NBA Rookie of the Year race, currently staying on the heels of Cooper Flagg as the league approaches the All-Star break. Ranked among the top five rookies, the Charlotte Hornets player is a key contender for the prestigious award, showcasing significant potential in his debut season.
The Dallas Mavericks, following the Luka Doncic trade, secured the draft lottery win, signaling a franchise reset. The team is now focused on building around promising talent Cooper Flagg, who is at the center of their future plans. Flagg is also a top contender in the NBA Rookie of the Year race, staying ahead of Kon Knueppel as the league approaches the All-Star break. This positions Flagg as a pivotal figure for the Mavericks' new direction and a leading rookie in the league.
James Harden made a successful home debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 138-113 win over the Wizards, tallying 13 points and 11 assists on just four shot attempts. His seamless fit with Donovan Mitchell was evident, as Mitchell reached 30+ points for the third consecutive game with Harden on the floor. Harden expressed his singular goal of winning a championship and also commented on NBA loyalty, stating it's 'a business at the end of the day,' not about personal feelings.
Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown delivered 24 points (9-20 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, and four assists in 29 minutes during Wednesday's 124-105 victory over the Bulls. This marks his 16th consecutive game with 20 or more points. Entering the All-Star break, Brown is averaging 29.3 points per game, tying for third highest in the league, alongside career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists, highlighting a monster campaign so far.
Charlotte Hornets' Brandon Miller poured in a game-high 31 points (10-26 FG, 5-14 3Pt, 6-6 FT), adding nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 110-107 victory over Atlanta. Stepping up with Miles Bridges unavailable, this was Miller's best scoring performance since New Year's Eve, marking his fourth 30-plus point game this season. He has now scored in double digits for 17 consecutive contests, averaging 22.1 points, 5.4 boards, 3.3 assists, 3.1 threes, and 1.2 steals over that impressive span.
