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NBA News

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

Friday, February 6

Zubac's Pacers Debut Delayed Indefinitely by Persistent Ankle Injury

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Ivica Zubac's debut with the Indiana Pacers is on hold due to an ankle injury he has been playing through since December. Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Zubac won't debut until his ankle fully heals, delaying his integration following the trade. The trade itself is not yet finalized as players await physicals. While an earliest potential debut was Tuesday against the Knicks, his absence is now expected to extend further. Jay Huff is anticipated to start at center for the Pacers during Zubac's continued absence.

Pelle Larsson Questionable to Return with Right Elbow Contusion

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Pelle Larsson is questionable to return to Friday's game against the Celtics due to a right elbow contusion. He recorded five rebounds and three assists across 12 minutes in the first half before the injury. Simone Fontecchio started the second half in his place, and if Larsson is unable to check back in, Fontecchio and Myron Gardner are expected to see increased playing time.

Giannis 'Close' to Return from Calf Injury; Joins Kalshi Amid Trade Speculation

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is 'sooner than later' to return from his strained right calf injury, with coach Doc Rivers confirming he'll play when healthy. This comes as he became the first basketball star to join prediction market Kalshi as a shareholder. His future with the Milwaukee Bucks is uncertain, with a potential 4-year, $275M extension on Oct. 1. Antetokounmpo has stated he will 'never' ask for a trade, aiming to win with the Bucks. He plans to return soon to aid their playoff push.

Avdija Out Friday with Back Strain, Misses Third Straight Game

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Deni Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies, marking his third consecutive absence due to a back strain. The Portland Trail Blazers forward's next opportunity to play will be Saturday in the second leg of their back-to-back set against Memphis. Jerami Grant and Sidy Cissoko are expected to fill in as starting candidates during Avdija's continued recovery.

Harden Questionable for Cavaliers Debut, Eyes Long-Term Future

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James Harden, recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, is listed as questionable for his anticipated debut Saturday against the Kings. Despite the uncertainty, Harden waived a no-trade clause to join Cleveland, expressing a desire for a long-term future and a championship, with a contract extension likely next summer. His arrival is expected to significantly upgrade the roster, benefiting big men like Mobley and Allen with his high IQ, passing, and isolation scoring (1.11 PPP). Harden averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 44 games with the Clippers in 2025-26.

Bobby Portis Returns from Hip Injury, Will Come Off Bench for Bucks

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Bobby Portis is available for Friday's game against the Pacers, returning from a two-game absence due to a bruised right hip. However, he will not be in the starting lineup, coming off the bench instead. Prior to his injury, he had been a strong presence on the boards, securing nine or more rebounds in three of his last four games. Over his last 10 appearances off the bench, he averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 23.5 minutes. He had been averaging 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 29.1 minutes per game before his absence.

Kevin Porter Returns to Bucks Starting Lineup After Oblique Strain

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Kevin Porter is in the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup for Friday's game against the Pacers. He was given the green light to return against the Pelicans on Wednesday following a six-game absence due to a right oblique strain, where he finished with 18 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and five steals over 29 minutes. Porter has been a starter for most of the season and will reclaim that role for Friday's contest, providing a boost to the Bucks' lineup.

Grayson Allen Ruled Out for Saturday's Game with Right Knee Sprain

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Grayson Allen has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a right knee sprain. He exited Thursday's loss to Golden State in the fourth quarter with the injury, and being ruled out a day in advance is not a positive sign. His next opportunity to play will come Tuesday against Dallas. With the veteran swingman sidelined, Ryan Dunn, Jordan Goodwin, and Jamaree Bouyea are candidates for increased minutes, particularly if Devin Booker (ankle) or Jalen Green (hamstring/hip) are also unavailable for the Phoenix Suns.

Jalen Green Questionable for Saturday's Game with Hamstring/Hip Issues

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Jalen Green is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to hamstring and hip issues. Injuries, particularly a right hamstring problem, have limited him to playing in just four of the Phoenix Suns' 52 regular-season games. He has a chance to return for Saturday's contest. His last outing was January 30 against the Cavaliers, where he played 16 minutes and logged 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal before exiting the game due to a left hip contusion.

Embiid Dominates with 35 Points, Questionable for Saturday Due to Knee Management

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Joel Embiid delivered a dominant 35-point performance (13-19 FG, 8-8 FT) with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal against the Lakers, extending his hot streak to seven 30-plus point games in his last nine appearances. However, he is now listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Suns due to right knee injury management. Over his recent nine-game stretch since Jan. 16, he's averaging 33.1 points, 8.6 boards, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 combined blocks/steals. If Embiid is sidelined, Andre Drummond would be expected to start for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Devin Booker Questionable for Saturday Return from Seven-Game Ankle Absence

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Devin Booker is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, potentially returning from a seven-game absence due to a right ankle sprain. If he is cleared to play, Grayson Allen (knee) would be in danger of losing his spot in the Phoenix Suns' starting lineup. Prior to his current injury, Booker averaged 26.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over 34.6 minutes per game across his last five outings, indicating his significant impact when healthy.

Tobias Harris Available for Friday's Game After Missing One with Hip Soreness

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Tobias Harris is available for Friday's game against the New York Knicks, returning after missing Thursday's loss to Washington due to left hip soreness. The veteran forward will be back for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Over his last five outings, Harris has averaged 14.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across 29.8 minutes per game, providing a consistent presence for the Detroit Pistons.

Jalen Duren Ruled Out for Friday's Game with Right Knee Soreness

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Jalen Duren has been ruled out for Friday's game against the New York Knicks due to right knee soreness. The center exited Thursday's game against the Wizards early with the injury. This will be his first missed game since January 10. Initially listed as questionable, the Pistons have decided to sideline him for the second leg of their back-to-back set. In Duren's absence, Isaiah Stewart is expected to be the top candidate to start at center, with Ronald Holland and Paul Reed also potentially seeing increased minutes.

OG Anunoby Ruled Out for Friday's Game with Toe Injury; Diawara to Start

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OG Anunoby has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons due to right toe soreness. He was initially listed as probable, then downgraded to questionable before being officially sidelined. This marks his first missed game since December 23. In his absence, Mohamed Diawara will start for the New York Knicks. Anunoby's potential absence, coupled with other unavailable teammates, could open up expanded offensive roles for Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Tyler Kolek. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Pistons.

De'Aaron Fox Questionable for Saturday with Back Soreness

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De'Aaron Fox is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Dallas due to back soreness. His status for the game will depend on his ability to make it through Saturday's pregame warmups. If Fox is unable to play, Dylan Harper would likely see an increased role and be the direct fantasy beneficiary for the San Antonio Spurs.

Jared McCain Cleared for Thunder Debut After Trade, Eyeing Increased Minutes

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Jared McCain, 21, was traded from the 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft picks. The second-year guard, an early Rookie of the Year candidate last season, had been providing valuable perimeter shooting, making 15-of-26 from three in his past six games. His recent seasons were impacted by a lateral meniscus tear and a UCL tear in his thumb. He is not listed on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Rockets and is set to make his Thunder debut. McCain could see increased playing time immediately due to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell being sidelined.

Luguentz Dort Cleared to Play Saturday, Returns from Rest Day

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Luguentz Dort is available for Saturday's game against the Rockets, having been removed from the injury report. He sat out Wednesday's loss to the Spurs for rest. With Dort's return, Isaiah Joe is expected to move back to the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over his last eight games, Dort has averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 32.7 minutes per contest.

Isaiah Hartenstein Cleared to Return Saturday After Eye Injury

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Isaiah Hartenstein is not listed on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Rockets, indicating he will return to action. He missed Wednesday's loss to San Antonio due to a corneal abrasion. Hartenstein has played in three games (two starts) since returning from a 16-game absence due to a right calf injury, averaging 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21.0 minutes. He has not yet exceeded 23 minutes in a game since his return and may still be on a minutes restriction for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jalen Williams Out Saturday, Misses Ninth Straight Game with Hamstring Strain

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Jalen Williams has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Rockets, marking his ninth consecutive absence as he recovers from a right hamstring strain. The fourth-year pro's timeline for return has not yet been established, with his next potential game being Monday against the Lakers. In his continued absence, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Cason Wallace are expected to see additional minutes for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Chet Holmgren Cleared to Return Saturday After Load Management

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Chet Holmgren has been removed from the injury report and is ready to return for Saturday's game against Houston. He received load management during Wednesday's loss to the Spurs. The Oklahoma City Thunder's star big man has been performing well, averaging 17.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game over his last eight contests. With Holmgren's return, Kenrich Williams is expected to move back to the bench.