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NBA News

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

Wednesday, February 4

Jahmir Young Selected for G League Next Up Game, 3-Point Contest

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Jahmir Young has been selected to participate in the NBA G League Next Up Game and the 3-point contest during NBA All-Star Weekend, marking his second consecutive Next Up Game appearance. The Miami Heat two-way signee is having a stellar season for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, averaging 26.6 points (2nd in G League), 9.7 assists (3rd in G League), 6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals. He has totaled 34 minutes over seven games for the Heat, contributing 14 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 turnovers, hinting at potential for more NBA playing time.

Tuesday, February 3

Darius Garland Traded to Clippers Amid Toe Injury, Debut Uncertain

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Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, along with a second-round pick, in exchange for James Harden. The 26-year-old point guard has been sidelined since January 14th, missing 10 consecutive games due to a Grade 1 right big toe sprain. His debut with the Clippers is currently uncertain as he continues to recover from the toe injury that has also affected his playoff performance and recent season. Prior to the trade, Garland averaged 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes over 26 games with Cleveland. The trade is pending medicals.

James Harden Traded to Cavaliers, Expected to Debut Saturday

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James Harden has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. Harden, an 11-time All-Star, expressed excitement about the opportunity to win his first NBA title in the East. He had reportedly demanded a trade after the Clippers declined his request for a two-year, $80 million extension. Harden, who sat out recent games, is expected to debut for the Cavaliers on Saturday against the Kings, forming a formidable backcourt duo with Donovan Mitchell. He averages 25.4 PPG this season and has 28,805 career points. The trade is pending medicals.

Mark Williams Posts 24 Points, 12 Rebounds in Suns' Win

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Mark Williams was instrumental in the Phoenix Suns' 130-125 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing 24 points and 12 rebounds. His strong inside presence included a crucial layup with 3:55 left in the third quarter that put the Suns ahead for good at 88-87. Williams' double-double helped the Suns bounce back from a slow start.

Jordan Goodwin Records Double-Double, Sees Increased Minutes

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Jordan Goodwin delivered a strong performance for the Phoenix Suns, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds in their 130-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. He saw increased minutes off the bench due to Jalen Green's absence, stepping up to contribute a double-double on a night when the Suns were without key players.

Grayson Allen Scores 24 Points on Efficient Shooting

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Grayson Allen contributed significantly to the Phoenix Suns' 130-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, scoring 24 points. He achieved this on highly efficient shooting, converting 11 of his 14 attempts from the field. Allen's strong performance helped the Suns overcome a slow start and secure the win.

Devin Booker Sidelined with Right Ankle Sprain

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Phoenix Suns' leading scorer Devin Booker was sidelined for Tuesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a right ankle sprain. Booker, who averages 25.4 points per game, was unavailable as his team secured a 130-125 victory. His absence was noted alongside Jalen Green's.

Jalen Green Out for Tuesday's Game with Hip & Hamstring Injuries

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Trail Blazers due to ongoing hip and hamstring issues. He has been managing a right hamstring problem for most of the season and recently sustained a left hip contusion during Saturday's win over the Cavaliers. With Green sidelined, Jordan Goodwin and Jamaree Bouyea are expected to see increased minutes off the bench. His next opportunity to return to play is scheduled for Thursday against the Warriors.

Collin Gillespie Scores Career-High 30 Points, Poised for Big Payday

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Collin Gillespie delivered a career-high performance, scoring 30 points and adding 10 assists, while tying his career best with eight 3-pointers in the Phoenix Suns' 130-125 win over the Trail Blazers. This standout game further highlights his breakout season, where he's averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals, ranking ninth in the league with 142 three-pointers made at 43.1%. Currently on a league-minimum deal, Gillespie is emerging as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate and is expected to command $10-15 million annually as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Lauri Markkanen Drops 27 Points, Leads Jazz to Victory

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Lauri Markkanen paced the Utah Jazz with 27 points (10-19 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, and two assists in 27 minutes during Tuesday's 131-122 victory over the Pacers. Markkanen led all players in scoring, marking his second consecutive game with 27 points. He was one of only seven Jazz players active following the team's acquisition of Jaren Jackson. Over his last five games, Markkanen has averaged 22.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

Jalen Johnson Records Triple-Double in Hawks' Win Over Heat

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Jalen Johnson delivered a stellar performance, recording a triple-double with 29 points (12-20 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in 36 minutes during Tuesday's 127-115 victory over the Heat. This continues his strong play, as he's averaged 25.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists over his last six games, reestablishing his first-round fantasy value after an adjustment period following the CJ McCollum trade.

Isaiah Hartenstein Records Triple-Double in Return from Calf Injury

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Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, recently cleared from a 16-game absence due to a right calf injury, was available for Tuesday's game against the Magic. He then delivered a triple-double, contributing 12 points (4-6 FG, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and one block across 23 minutes during the Thunder's 128-92 victory. This marked his most impressive outing since returning, though his workload remains modest as OKC eases him back. His minutes will continue to be monitored, especially with a back-to-back set Wednesday against the Spurs.

Cooper Flagg Pours in 36 Points, Continues Scoring Tear for Mavericks

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg contributed 36 points (12-24 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 10-11 FT), nine rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in 37 minutes during Tuesday's 110-100 loss to the Celtics. Flagg has been on an impressive scoring tear despite Dallas dropping each of its last three games, averaging 39.7 points while shooting 57.7 percent from the field during that stretch. The rookie has taken on an enormous offensive burden for the Mavericks, consistently contributing across multiple categories even as the team faces losses.

Isaiah Collier Dishes Career-High 22 Assists in George's Absence

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Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier finished Tuesday's 131-122 victory over the Pacers with 17 points (6-16 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 5-8 FT), five rebounds, a career-high 22 assists, and three steals over 48 minutes. Collier played the entire game with Keyonte George (ankle) sidelined, producing the most assists by a Jazz player since John Stockton in 1992. While an impressive outing, Collier is unlikely to see this level of playing time and usage on a consistent basis once George returns, which is expected to limit his fantasy ceiling moving forward.

Karl-Anthony Towns Posts Double-Double in Knicks' Dominant Win

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Karl-Anthony Towns registered his 33rd double-double of the campaign, contributing 19 points (7-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 132-101 victory over Washington. His 19 points marked his highest total since January 19. Over his last seven contests, Towns has maintained a steady fantasy presence, averaging 13.3 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes per game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks Intensify; Bucks Actively Listen to Offers

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is at the center of intense trade speculation, with reports confirming the team is actively listening to offers for their franchise player. Several teams, including the Warriors, Timberwolves, Knicks, and Heat, are identified as aggressive suitors, with other 'sleeper' teams also entering the sweepstakes. A pre-deadline move could allow Antetokounmpo to sign a max extension with a new team in October, though a summer trade might yield more assets for the Bucks. The Cavaliers are also reportedly exploring a potential trade package, possibly involving Evan Mobley, making Giannis a key figure as the trade deadline approaches.

Austin Reaves Returns from Injury, Scores 15 Points in Lakers' Win

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned to action Tuesday against the Nets, his first game since a strained left calf sidelined him for five weeks on December 25. Playing under a minutes restriction, Reaves finished the 125-109 win with 15 points (3-9 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 8-10 FT), four rebounds, one assist, and two steals over 21 minutes. He led the Lakers' bench in scoring and started the third quarter. Reaves is expected to remain on a minutes restriction as he works back to full conditioning, with a potential start against the 76ers on Thursday.

Daniel Gafford Returns to Game After Apparent Ankle Injury

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Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Tuesday's game against the Celtics due to an apparent right ankle injury, staying down for an extended period. However, he was cleared to return to action with 5:18 remaining in the third quarter. Gafford had recently missed time due to a right ankle sprain, making his quick return a positive sign for the Mavericks.

Josh Hart Exits Game with Undisclosed Injury, Does Not Return

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New York Knicks forward Josh Hart exited Tuesday's 132-101 win over the Wizards in the third quarter due to an undisclosed injury and did not return. He was seen limping with 6:48 remaining in the third. Hart finished the game with four points (1-3 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, and seven assists across 22 minutes. His status for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets is currently unclear.

Jrue Holiday Available for Tuesday's Game After Personal Absence

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (personal) is available for Tuesday's game against the Suns. Holiday sat out Sunday's loss to Cleveland due to personal reasons but will shed his questionable tag and return to action. The veteran point guard has averaged 12.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds across 22.4 minutes per game in his last five outings. His return is expected to reduce minutes for Caleb Love, Rayan Rupert, and Blake Wesley.