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NBA News

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

Sunday, February 8

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Replaced in All-Star Game Due to Injury

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, will miss the upcoming NBA All-Star Game due to an injury. He has been officially replaced by Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun, who will now play for the World team. This development means Gilgeous-Alexander will not participate in the All-Star festivities, a notable absence given his MVP status. The specific nature or timeline of his injury is not detailed in this report, but his withdrawal confirms he is sidelined for the event.

Jayson Tatum Progresses to 5-on-5 Scrimmages, Return Timetable Unclear

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum (Achilles) has shown progress in his recovery, advancing to controlled 5-on-5 scrimmages against the coaching staff, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Despite this step forward, Tatum still lacks a definitive timetable for his return to play. There are conflicting reports regarding whether he will attempt to return this season, with the Celtics emphasizing they will not rush him back until he is 100 percent confident in his Achilles, potentially extending his absence into the 2026-27 season if necessary.

Josh Hart Cleared for Sunday's Game vs. Celtics After Ankle Issue

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Josh Hart (ankle) is cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Celtics, per Steve Popper of Newsday. Hart had exited Friday's loss to the Pistons in the third quarter due to a right ankle issue but will push through the injury. The New York Knicks forward has been productive recently, averaging 13.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals over his last six outings. His return is a boost for the Knicks.

Karl-Anthony Towns Returns from Eye Absence, Cleared for Sunday

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Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) is cleared to play in Sunday's game against Boston, according to Steve Popper of Newsday. He is set to return from a one-game absence, a move that will likely shift Mitchell Robinson back to the second unit. The New York Knicks center has been performing well, averaging 15.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers over his last six games.

Coulibaly Questionable for Sunday's Game vs. Miami Due to Back Injury

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Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Miami due to a back injury. He remains day-to-day after sitting out Saturday's back-to-back opener against Brooklyn. His potential absence could open up additional minutes for teammates Jamir Watkins, Justin Champagnie, and Will Riley.

Saturday, February 7

Mitchell, Harden Form Potent Duo in Cavaliers' Debut Win

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Donovan Mitchell combined with James Harden for 58 points and 12 assists in Harden's Cleveland Cavaliers debut, contributing to the team's 132-126 victory over the Kings. The game offered an early glimpse of the potential partnership between the two stars, which is expected to improve as they spend more time on the court together.

Harden Shines in Cavaliers Debut, Scores 23 Points in Victory

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James Harden made a successful debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 23 points (7-13 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), adding 8 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 32 minutes during Saturday's 132-126 win over the Kings. Harden hit clutch buckets down the stretch and combined with Donovan Mitchell for 58 points and 12 assists. He was recently acquired from the Clippers, where he averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 44 games prior to the trade.

Lakers Reportedly Sign Kobe Bufkin to Two-Year Deal

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Former No. 15 overall pick Kobe Bufkin is reportedly signing a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources including ESPN's Shams Charania. The contract is expected to include a team option for the 2026-27 season, marking a significant move for the young player.

Joel Embiid Scores 33 Points, Nears Double-Double in Win Over Suns

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Joel Embiid, despite being questionable with right knee injury management, suited up and led the 76ers to a 109-103 victory over the Suns on Saturday. He posted 33 points (9-19 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 11-13 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, and one block in 33 minutes, falling just one board shy of a double-double. Embiid has been on a tear, reaching the 30-point mark in four of his last five games and averaging 31.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 0.9 blocks over his last 10 appearances.

LeBron James Nears Triple-Double, Leads Lakers to Victory with 20 Points

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LeBron James delivered an impressive all-around performance in Saturday's 105-99 win over Golden State, logging 20 points (6-17 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds, 10 assists, one block, and one steal in 35 minutes. He led the Lakers in scoring and finished just three boards shy of a triple-double. James has seen an uptick in usage with Luka Doncic (hamstring) sidelined, a trend expected to continue if Doncic remains out for Monday's game against the Thunder.

Deandre Ayton Ruled Day-to-Day with Knee Soreness, Misses Saturday's Game

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Deandre Ayton was ruled out of Saturday's game against the Warriors due to right knee soreness, a late addition to the injury report. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed Ayton will be day-to-day moving forward, making him questionable for Monday's game against the Thunder. If he remains sidelined, Jaxson Hayes is expected to start, with Drew Timme and Maxi Kleber potentially seeing increased minutes off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Paolo Banchero Flirts with Triple-Double in Magic's Win

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Paolo Banchero delivered a strong performance in Saturday's 120-117 victory over the Jazz, recording 23 points (6-17 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 9-12 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists, one block, and three steals in 38 minutes. This marks his best scoring output since January 30th and his seventh game with at least 20 points in his last nine outings, showcasing his consistent impact as a driving force for the Orlando Magic.

Jalen Johnson Nears Triple-Double, Continues All-Star Season

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Jalen Johnson had a near triple-double performance in Saturday's 126-119 loss to the Hornets, tallying 31 points (10-18 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 9-11 FT), nine rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in 40 minutes. The first-time All-Star, who has already recorded 10 triple-doubles this season, remains a go-to option for the Atlanta Hawks, consistently filling the stat sheet with his all-around contributions.

Jamal Murray Exits Game with Apparent Leg Injury, Questionable for Monday

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Jamal Murray exited Saturday's 136-120 victory over the Bulls in the fourth quarter due to an apparent leg injury. Before his departure, he had accumulated 28 points (11-18 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, and 11 assists in 31 minutes. While head coach David Adelman expressed confidence in his recovery, Murray is considered questionable for the Denver Nuggets' upcoming game against the Cavaliers on Monday, with Bruce Brown and Jalen Pickett potentially seeing increased playing time.

Stephon Castle Achieves Historic 40-Point Triple-Double for Spurs

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San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle made history by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds. This comes as Castle returns to the Spurs' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Mavericks. He had previously come off the bench in Thursday's contest, where he contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in 22 minutes, with Harrison Barnes moving to the bench as Castle reclaims his starting role.

Warriors Pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo, Denied Draymond Trade Talks

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly a target for the Golden State Warriors, according to recent trade discussions. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy confirmed the team's pursuit of Antetokounmpo, though he denied that Draymond Green was part of any trade conversations. This indicates the Warriors were exploring significant roster upgrades, with Antetokounmpo being a primary focus for potential acquisition, highlighting their ambition for a major move.

Warriors GM Denies Draymond Green Trade Talks Amid Giannis Pursuit

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Golden State Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy has publicly denied that Draymond Green was included in any trade conversations. This statement comes despite reports of the team's active pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, indicating the team's focus on other assets. Dunleavy's comments aim to clarify Green's status amidst ongoing trade speculation surrounding the Warriors' roster, reassuring fans and the team about his position.

Cedric Coward Ruled Out for Saturday's Game with Shoulder Soreness

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Memphis Grizzlies G Cedric Coward (shoulder) has been officially ruled out for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers due to right shoulder soreness. This confirms his expected absence for the second leg of the back-to-back set. Coward's next opportunity to play will be Monday against the Warriors. With the Grizzlies' backcourt extremely shorthanded, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Walter Clayton, and Jahmai Mashack are all expected to see significantly increased playing time.

Keyonte George Re-Injures Ankle, Exits Saturday's Game

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Keyonte George (ankle) was cleared to return for Saturday's game against the Magic after missing three games due to a left ankle sprain, starting with a 24-minute limit. However, he exited to the locker room in the second quarter with an apparent right ankle injury and was ruled out, finishing with five points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes. Isaiah Collier is expected to see increased playing time, with George's next opportunity to play coming Monday against Miami.

Deni Avdija Out Fourth Straight Game with Back Strain

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Deni Avdija (back) was ruled out for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, marking his fourth consecutive absence due to a back strain. He remains day-to-day, with his next opportunity to play coming Monday against Philadelphia. His continued absence will likely lead to Jerami Grant drawing another start, and Sidy Cissoko is also expected to see increased minutes to fill the void.