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NBA News

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

Thursday, January 29

Jalen Smith Exits Heat Game Early with Right Calf Tightness After Strong Start

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Jalen Smith exited Thursday's game against the Miami Heat and will not return due to right calf tightness, an escalation from earlier minor soreness. Before his departure, Smith recorded 11 points (4-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and 5 rebounds (3 offensive) in 15 first-half minutes. This injury interrupts a strong January where he was averaging 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 triples, and 1.0 blocks per contest. Patrick Williams is expected to see increased minutes in his absence.

Isaiah Hartenstein Returns from Calf Injury, Scores 11 Points for Thunder

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Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein made his return to the court Thursday against Minnesota after missing 16 games since December 28 due to a strained right calf. Coming off the bench, he scored 11 points in the 123-111 loss. Hartenstein is expected to be on a minutes restriction as he eases back into action, with Jaylin Williams continuing to start. The 7-foot center leads the Thunder in rebounding at 10.4 per game and averages 11.2 points, providing elite offensive rebounding, screening, and passing, expanding the team's optionality.

Danny Wolf to Start Thursday for Nets Against Nuggets

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Danny Wolf will start Thursday's game against the Nuggets for the Brooklyn Nets, joining Nolan Traore, Terance Mann, Michael Porter, and Nic Claxton in the first unit. Through four starts this season, Wolf has posted averages of 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 triples, and 1.3 steals per contest.

Jordan Goodwin Moves to Bench for Suns; Still Expected to See Significant Minutes

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Jordan Goodwin will come off the bench for Thursday's game against the Pistons for the Phoenix Suns. This move was expected with Collin Gillespie (hand) returning to action. Despite the bench role, Goodwin is still anticipated to see a sizeable role in the rotation due to Devin Booker's (ankle) unavailability. In 14 games during January, Goodwin has averaged 8.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 three-pointers, and 1.1 steals per contest.

Tre Johnson Ruled Out for Thursday's Game with Left Ankle Sprain

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Tre Johnson has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Bucks due to a left ankle sprain. The Washington Wizards rookie appeared to roll his left ankle after landing on Ryan Rollins' foot on a jumpshot, checking out at the 8:05 mark in the second quarter. Before exiting, Johnson recorded eight points (2-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and two assists over 11 minutes. Bub Carrington is expected to see increased minutes in his absence.

Chet Holmgren Scores 15 Points in Thunder's Loss to Timberwolves

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Chet Holmgren added 15 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 123-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. Holmgren's performance came as teammate Isaiah Hartenstein returned to action, providing the Thunder with added size in the frontcourt. Despite their combined presence, the Thunder were outrebounded 46-36 by the Timberwolves, who matched a season high with 22 three-pointers, contributing to Oklahoma City's third loss in their last four games.

Collin Gillespie Returns from Hand Injury, Available for Thursday's Game

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Collin Gillespie (hand) is available for Thursday's game against the Pistons, returning to action after a one-game absence for the Phoenix Suns. His return is expected to move Jordan Goodwin back to the second unit. This season, Gillespie has been averaging 13.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.9 three-pointers, and 1.4 steals per game.

Rudy Gobert Cleared to Play Thursday Despite Ankle Sprain

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Rudy Gobert (left ankle sprain) has been cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Thunder. He was initially questionable and a game-time decision due to the injury but received the green light. The veteran center has averaged 10.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals over 30.5 minutes per game since January 3rd for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jamal Murray Available for Thursday's Game, Playing Through Hamstring/Hip Issues

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Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip) is available for Thursday's game against the Nets. The Denver Nuggets guard will continue to play through his hamstring and hip issues, expected to receive as many minutes as he can handle. Murray has been in strong form recently, scoring 20-plus points in three consecutive games and logging at least 36 minutes in each of those contests.

Rockets' Josh Okogie Returns to Starting Lineup for Thursday's Game

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Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie is in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Hawks. He returns to the first unit with Tari Eason (rest) unavailable, joining Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun. In 27 starts this season, Okogie has posted averages of 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 triples, and 1.5 steals per game.

Rockets' Alperen Sengun Cleared to Play Thursday Despite Ankle Sprain

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Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain) has been officially cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Hawks. He was initially listed as questionable after tweaking his ankle late in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs. Sengun has been performing strongly, averaging 20.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks over 34.4 minutes per game in his last five outings.

Nuggets' Cameron Johnson Targeting Pre-All-Star Break Return from Knee Injury

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Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (knee) is aiming to be cleared to return before the All-Star break in mid-February, according to head coach David Adelman. Johnson has been sidelined by a bone bruise in his right knee since December 23. This update suggests he could return by early February. Prior to the injury, he started in all 28 games, averaging 11.7 points per game in his first season with the Nuggets. His return would likely move Jalen Pickett or Spencer Jones to the bench.

Mavericks' Brandon Williams Available to Play Thursday vs. Hornets

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Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (ankle) is available to play Thursday versus the Hornets. He tweaked his ankle during Wednesday's loss to the Timberwolves but was able to play through it and will continue to do so. Williams is averaging 12.5 points and 3.7 assists per game this season.

Hornets' Brandon Miller Cleared to Play Thursday vs. Mavericks

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Mavericks, as anticipated. He was initially probable despite the team's usual caution. Miller recorded 26 points (9-17 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), one rebound, and three assists in 30 minutes during Wednesday's win over the Grizzlies. He has put up 20 or more points in eight straight games, averaging 24.8 points on 53.9 percent shooting over this stretch.

Jazz's Cody Williams Questionable for Friday's Game vs. Nets with Illness

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Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (illness) is questionable to face the Nets on Friday. He missed Wednesday's loss to the Warriors due to the illness and is now in danger of sitting out his second consecutive game. His status will be clearer after shootaround. If Williams is sidelined, his minutes would be split between Brice Sensabaugh and Walter Clayton.

Jazz's Lauri Markkanen to Sit Friday's Game vs. Nets for Rest

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Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen will not play Friday against Brooklyn, receiving a scheduled night off for rest purposes after appearing in two straight games. In Markkanen's absence, Kyle Filipowski is expected to start at power forward, while Kyle Anderson and Taylor Hendricks could see increased minutes off the bench.

Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Questionable for Friday's Game in Denver (Knee)

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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is questionable for Friday's game in Denver. Leonard has been listed as questionable for the past three games but has continued to play through the knee issue. Should he need to miss Friday's contest, it would create additional opportunities for Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller.

Nuggets' Aaron Gordon Out 4-6 Weeks with Hamstring Strain

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is expected to be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks due to a right hamstring strain, with a best-case return against the Thunder on Feb. 27. This marks another extended absence for Gordon, a blow for the Nuggets ahead of the trade deadline. In his absence, Peyton Watson is likely to take on a larger role, with Spencer Jones and Bruce Brown also potentially seeing increased playing time.

Zach LaVine to Come Off Bench in Return from Back Soreness vs. 76ers

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Zach LaVine will come off the bench Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers, as the Sacramento Kings ease him back into action. He was removed from the injury report after a two-game absence due to lower-back soreness. Nique Clifford will remain in the starting lineup for the time being. This move allows LaVine to return to play while managing his workload following his recent injury.

Kel'el Ware Available for Thursday's Game; Limited Minutes Expected in Return

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Kel'el Ware (hamstring) is available for Thursday's game in Chicago. The Miami Heat player saw only seven minutes off the bench in his return from a four-game absence on Wednesday. It remains to be seen if he will be cleared for significantly more playing time Thursday night as he works his way back from the hamstring injury, making him a risky target in daily fantasy leagues.