Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd criticized officials following the team's 111-107 loss to the Rockets. Kidd attributed the defeat to a crucial missed call involving Cooper Flagg, expressing strong disapproval of the officiating during the game.
Keon Ellis has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers alongside Dennis Schroder in exchange for De'Andre Hunter, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. This multi-player deal is seen as a significant win for Cleveland. Ellis, who averaged 17.3 minutes across 43 appearances for the Kings this campaign, may face a challenge for minutes with the Cavaliers' guard depth, especially if Darius Garland (toe) returns. The trade is pending, and Ellis is considered questionable for Sunday's game against Portland.
De'Andre Hunter has been traded by the Cavaliers to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. After weeks of speculation, Hunter will address an obvious need on the wings for Sacramento. He averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 26.2 minutes across 43 appearances for Cleveland. With Jaylon Tyson emerging in Cleveland, Hunter became expendable and could see increased fantasy appeal with his new team.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington suffered a head contusion during Saturday's game against Houston and did not return. He was escorted to the locker room with a towel over his head. Prior to his exit, Washington played 25 minutes, finishing with nine points (4-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-3 FT), four rebounds, one assist, and one steal. His availability for Tuesday's game against Boston is currently questionable pending further information.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey delivered a strong performance in Saturday's 124-114 loss to the 76ers, recording 34 points (12-19 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT), six rebounds, three assists, and one turnover across 32 minutes. This marks his second-best scoring total of the season, following a 36-point outing on January 23. Bey is having a terrific campaign, averaging 16.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers over 44 appearances.
Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams suffered a right lower leg contusion during Saturday's game against the Rockets and was unable to return. Williams banged knees with Reed Sheppard and was visibly hobbling. Prior to leaving the game, he was having a productive outing, recording 13 points (5-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and one turnover across nine minutes. Ryan Nembhard is expected to see an increase in minutes as a result of Williams' injury.
Dallas Mavericks guard Ian Clark was mentioned in a report detailing teammate Brandon Williams' right lower leg contusion suffered during Saturday's game against the Rockets. The article primarily focused on Williams' injury and his early exit from the game after banging knees with Reed Sheppard. No specific news or updates regarding Ian Clark's status or performance were provided in the report.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid poured in a season-high 40 points (13-27 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 11-14 FT) to lead his team to a 124-114 victory over the Pelicans on Saturday. In 39 minutes, he also contributed 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks. Embiid has been exceptional throughout January, averaging 29.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 14 appearances, helping the 76ers secure 10 wins during that span.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson returned from a one-game absence due to a calf injury to record his eighth triple-double of the season. In Saturday's 129-124 loss to Indiana, Johnson posted 32 points (12-29 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals. He was cleared to play earlier in the day after being questionable. Johnson has been a key contributor this season, averaging 22.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 three-pointers.
Stephen Curry is considered day-to-day due to right knee soreness, with an MRI confirming positive news. His status for Tuesday's game against the 76ers is uncertain, potentially increasing roles for Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly 'going all in' for a deadline blockbuster trade, with speculation pointing to a 'once-in-a-lifetime pairing' possibly involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, indicating aggressive pursuit of significant roster changes.
Jrue Holiday will not play Sunday against the Cavaliers due to personal reasons. The duration of his absence from the team is not immediately clear. In his absence, the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to increase playing time for Caleb Love, Javonte Cooke, and Rayan Rupert.
Deni Avdija is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cavaliers due to a lower-back strain. This puts him in jeopardy of missing his sixth contest in a 10-game span. Should Avdija be sidelined, particularly if Jrue Holiday (personal) is also out, the Portland Trail Blazers could see increased playing time for Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love.
Darius Garland will miss Sunday's game against Portland due to a Grade 1 right big toe sprain. He was diagnosed with the injury on January 18 and is expected to be re-evaluated in the near future. His next opportunity to return to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers is scheduled for Wednesday against the Clippers.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome is set to make his regular-season debut Saturday against the Timberwolves, immediately stepping into the starting lineup after rehabbing a high-grade right calf strain. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo confirmed Jerome will be on a "very strict minutes restriction." His return shifts Cam Spencer to the bench. Jerome is coming off a career-best 2024-25 season, averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 19.9 minutes over 70 games.
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu will start Saturday's game against the Heat, stepping in due to the absences of starting backcourt members Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Coby White (calf). This marks the front leg of a back-to-back set for the Bulls. Dosunmu has been performing exceptionally well in recent weeks, described as "red hot."
Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson has been officially ruled out for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves due to a new left quadriceps contusion, having previously been listed as doubtful. He will miss the second leg of the back-to-back set as the team proceeds with caution. His absence, alongside other frontcourt injuries, means GG Jackson, Vince Williams, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper are expected to see increased playing time.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green is questionable for Sunday's game against the Clippers, battling both a hip contusion sustained from a hard fall in Friday's game and a lingering hamstring issue. Should he be cleared to play, there's a possibility he could face minutes restrictions as a precautionary measure.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker will miss Sunday's game against the Clippers due to an ankle injury. He has been sidelined since January 25th, with an initial prognosis of at least a week, and no further updates have been provided. Booker is considered highly questionable for the team's upcoming Tuesday away game against Portland. Teammate Jalen Green is also questionable for Sunday's contest.
Coby White (calf) has been officially ruled out for the Chicago Bulls' Saturday game against the Miami Heat due to right calf injury management. Initially downgraded from questionable to doubtful, White will miss the first half of their back-to-back set. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday's rematch against Miami. The Bulls are shorthanded, with Josh Giddey and Tre Jones also sidelined, which could lead to increased minutes for Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, Dalen Terry, and Jevon Carter.
Quentin Grimes (ankle) is set to return to action for the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday against the Pelicans, according to Austin Krell. He will play after missing two consecutive games. His return comes as Paul George received a 25-game suspension from the NBA, potentially opening up increased playing time and opportunity for Grimes with the 76ers.
