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NBA News

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

Saturday, January 31

LeBron James Predicted to Miss 2026 NBA All-Star Reserve Cut

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LeBron James is projected to miss the cut for the 2026 NBA All-Star reserves, according to recent predictions. The official announcement for the All-Star reserves is set to be made on Sunday. James, a veteran star for the Los Angeles Lakers, is notably absent from the predicted reserve list, indicating a potential shift in All-Star selections. This news comes as the league prepares to finalize its roster for the upcoming All-Star Game.

Donovan Mitchell Predicted as All-Star Starter Snub Ahead of Announcement

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Donovan Mitchell is projected to be an All-Star reserve for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, with predictions suggesting he 'should have been a starter.' The official announcement for the reserves is scheduled for Sunday. Mitchell, representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, is a key player whose performance has led to strong consideration for a starting spot, highlighting his impact ahead of the final roster reveal.

Davion Mitchell Out Saturday with Shoulder Sprain, No Return Timeline

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Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bulls, marking his sixth consecutive absence due to a left shoulder sprain. While his next opportunity to play is Sunday's rematch against Chicago, there is currently no established timeline for his return. Rookie Kasparas Jakucionis is expected to continue starting for the Heat while Mitchell remains sidelined.

76ers' Paul George Banned 25 Games for Anti-Drug Policy Violation

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Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers has been suspended without pay for 25 games by the NBA, effective Saturday, January 31, 2026, due to a violation of the league's Anti-Drug program. The suspension will keep the veteran forward off the court until late March. In his absence, Dominick Barlow is expected to be the top candidate to enter the 76ers' starting lineup, with Kelly Oubre also taking on an expanded role for Philadelphia.

Harrison Barnes Moved to Bench Role Amidst Recent Struggles

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Harrison Barnes will come off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs against the Hornets on Saturday, marking his first time in a reserve role this season. This change follows a period of struggle for Barnes since early January, during which he averaged just 6.8 points per game while shooting 36.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from three-point range on 4.3 attempts per game. Devin Vassell will replace him in the starting lineup.

Devin Vassell Returns to Spurs' Starting Lineup vs. Hornets

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Devin Vassell is set to return to the San Antonio Spurs' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Hornets, with Harrison Barnes moving to a reserve role. Vassell had previously come off the bench in his last two outings after returning from a 13-game absence due to a strained left adductor. Prior to his injury, Vassell was a permanent starter, averaging 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.7 threes, and 0.9 steals over 31.9 minutes per game.

Jalen Smith Ruled Out Saturday vs. Heat Due to Calf Injury

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Jalen Smith (calf) has been ruled out for the Chicago Bulls' game against the Miami Heat on Saturday. Smith sustained a right calf injury during Thursday's 116-113 loss to Miami. With Nikola Vucevic (rest) also listed as doubtful, the Bulls will rely on Lachlan Olbrich and Patrick Williams to fill the void in Smith's absence. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday's rematch with the Heat.

Josh Giddey Sidelined Saturday vs. Heat with Hamstring Injury

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Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Chicago Bulls' Saturday game against the Miami Heat. This marks the front end of a back-to-back set for Chicago, with Giddey managing a left hamstring injury. With Coby White (calf) also listed as doubtful, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, and Jevon Carter are all expected to take on larger roles in Saturday's contest to compensate for the team's depleted backcourt.

Friday, January 30

Draymond Green Dismisses Giannis Trade Talk Amid Performance Dip

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Draymond Green addressed swirling reports of a potential Giannis-to-Golden State trade, stating he has 'no reason to sit and worry' about his Warriors future but understands trades are part of the business. This comes as Green is projected to struggle on the glass against the Pistons (under 5.5 rebounds). Since Jimmy Butler's ACL tear, he's averaged just 4.25 rebounds in three of four games, playing as few as 24 minutes due to fitness concerns. He also scored only 12 points total in four games without Butler, shooting 5-of-25, indicating a decline in impact.

Stephen Curry exits Friday's game with right knee soreness

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Stephen Curry exited Friday's game against the Pistons in the third quarter due to right knee soreness and will not return. He finished with 23 points (7-16 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 5-5 FT), two assists, one rebound, and one block in 25 minutes. Curry showed discomfort and had a noticeable limp, grabbing his right knee area. He has been dealing with right knee inflammation, and his status for Tuesday's game against the 76ers is now questionable.

Derik Queen flirts with triple-double, scores 22 points in win

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Derik Queen posted 22 points (8-12 FG, 6-7 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in 34 minutes during the Pelicans' 114-106 victory over the Grizzlies. Queen snapped a four-game, single-digit scoring streak, asserting himself offensively and taking advantage of matchups. The Pelicans have now won three of their past four games.

Zion Williamson scores 21 points, adds two blocks in Pelicans win

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Zion Williamson racked up 21 points (7-10 FG, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes during the Pelicans' 114-106 win over Memphis. This marks his fourth consecutive game with at least 20 points and one block. Williamson was highly efficient, not missing a single shot in the first half. Over this hot stretch, he's been delivering top-50 value with averages of 22.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per contest.

Jaren Jackson Jr. rips season-high six steals in Grizzlies loss

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Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 16 points (6-19 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a season-high six steals in 34 minutes during the Grizzlies' 114-106 loss to New Orleans. While his offensive outing wasn't his best, Jackson was locked in defensively. Since the start of 2026, he has been performing exceptionally, flirting with top-30 value with averages of 20.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 triples, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per contest.

Cam Spencer nets 16 points on efficient shooting for Grizzlies

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Cam Spencer contributed 16 points (6-7 FG, 4-4 3Pt), one rebound, and three assists in 24 minutes during the Grizzlies' 114-106 loss to the Pelicans. Spencer was exceptionally efficient, not missing a shot until midway through the fourth quarter. The sophomore guard has been heating up over his past four games, delivering top-80 value with averages of 11.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 2.0 triples per contest.

Danny Wolf adds 14 points in Nets' streak-snapping win

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Danny Wolf contributed 14 points for the Brooklyn Nets in their 109-99 victory over the Utah Jazz, which snapped a seven-game losing streak. Wolf combined with Egor Demin to hit three key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping to extend the Nets' lead and secure the win.

Cam Thomas (hamstring) available, scores 21 points in Nets win

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Cam Thomas (hamstring) was available for Friday's game against Utah and delivered 21 points, helping the Brooklyn Nets snap a seven-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the Jazz. With Michael Porter (personal) out, Thomas saw increased offensive opportunities, scoring 14 straight points in the second quarter. He is averaging 15.9 points on 39.5% shooting from the floor and 83.8% at the stripe this season.

Keyonte George Suffers Left Ankle Sprain, Exits Friday's Game

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George exited Friday's 109-99 loss to the Nets with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a left ankle sprain and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. He finished with 26 points (9-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-10 FT), seven assists, three rebounds, and one block in 32 minutes. The 22-year-old point guard's next opportunity to play will come Sunday against the Raptors. If he's forced to miss time, Isaiah Collier and Walter Clayton are candidates for increased minutes.

Anthony Black delivers 25 points, 6 assists in Magic victory

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Anthony Black contributed 25 points and six assists for the Orlando Magic in their 130-120 win over the Toronto Raptors. His strong offensive outing helped the Magic secure their second straight victory, showcasing his playmaking and scoring ability.

Wendell Carter Jr. contributes 23 points, 7 rebounds in Magic win

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Wendell Carter Jr. posted 23 points and seven rebounds for the Orlando Magic in their 130-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. His strong performance contributed to the Magic's second consecutive win after a four-game losing streak, complementing Desmond Bane's fourth-quarter heroics.

Paolo Banchero logs third straight double-double with 20 points

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Paolo Banchero recorded his third consecutive double-double and 16th of the season, finishing with 20 points (5-11 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 9-11 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal in 41 minutes during the Magic's 130-120 win over the Raptors. He scored 14 of his points in the second half and has shown a more aggressive scoring approach, attempting at least 10 free throws in each of his last five games.