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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jaylen Brown recorded 21 points (9-20 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in 29 minutes during Wednesday's 117-106 loss to the Hawks. The Celtics struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 9-for-34, with Brown failing to connect on any of his five three-point attempts. He acknowledged not playing to his usual standards, but a bounce-back performance is anticipated for Friday's favorable matchup against the Kings.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker recorded 21 points (7-15 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, three assists, and three steals in 31 minutes during Wednesday's 117-106 victory over Boston. This marked his 26th 20-point performance this season, surpassing his total from his first six years combined. In his first year with the Hawks, he's achieving career-highs across the board, posting top-40 value with averages of 20.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 3.1 triples, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.
Jalen Johnson delivered a double-double with 19 points (6-16 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 14 rebounds, and seven assists in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 117-106 win over the Celtics. Despite a recent shooting slump, going 11-for-35 from the floor and 4-for-12 from beyond the arc over the last two games, Johnson continues to contribute significantly with his counting stats. He faces a tough matchup against the Rockets on Thursday.
Paolo Banchero supplied 31 points (11-23 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block across 38 minutes in Wednesday's 133-124 win over the Heat. He scored 22 of his game-high 31 points in the second half, leading Orlando to victory. This marks his second consecutive 30-plus point outing and his 15th double-double of the season. He has averaged 29.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over his last four games, all reaching the 20-point threshold.
Onyeka Okongwu exited Wednesday's game against the Celtics after taking an elbow to the face from Jaylen Brown, resulting in a facial contusion and busted teeth. He will not return to the game and is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup versus the Rockets. Before his exit, Okongwu recorded 17 points (6-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and two turnovers across 29 minutes.
Svi Mykhailiuk is slated to start for the Utah Jazz in Wednesday's game against the Warriors. He will join Ace Bailey, Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Jusuf Nurkic in the starting five. This opportunity comes as Mykhailiuk has been averaging 8.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 three-pointers per contest this season, highlighting his consistent contribution to the team's offensive efforts.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama is a late scratch and will not play in Wednesday's game against the Hornets due to right knee soreness. He was initially slated to come off the bench, with Jock Landale returning to the starting lineup. Aldama's next chance to play is Friday against New Orleans. In seven bench appearances this month, he averaged 13.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 28.4 minutes. Jock Landale, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and GG Jackson could see increased minutes.
Ian Clark was listed in reports from Christian Clark of The Athletic concerning the Dallas Mavericks' lineup changes for Wednesday's game. These reports detailed P.J. Washington's return to the starting unit and Daniel Gafford also being named a starter against the Timberwolves. No specific actions or updates regarding Ian Clark were provided in the content.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington will start against the Timberwolves on Wednesday, rejoining the first unit. This marks his third outing after a three-game absence due to personal reasons and an ankle issue. In 31 games as a starter this season, the 27-year-old has averaged 14.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals across 31.3 minutes per game.
Daniel Gafford is set to start for the Dallas Mavericks in Wednesday's game against Minnesota. He will join Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, and P.J. Washington in the first unit. In 20 starts this season, Gafford has averaged 9.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, providing a key presence in the paint.
Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale will start Wednesday against the Hornets, replacing Santi Aldama in the first unit. He'll be joined by Cam Spencer, Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward, and Jaren Jackson. As a starter this season, Landale owns averages of 11.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 triples per contest.
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie is questionable to play Thursday against the Pistons due to a hand injury. Gillespie missed his first game of the season Tuesday after hurting his hand in Sunday's loss to the Heat. His status for Thursday night will be clearer based on his activity level at shootaround. If he's able to return, Jordan Goodwin could lose some minutes.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Pistons due to a hamstring injury. Green has missed the past two games after aggravating his hamstring injury, but he was able to get in a workout Tuesday. Head coach Jordan Ott said that Green would not require a full practice before he's cleared to return, so he may be able to get back on the court Thursday night. If he is cleared, Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin's usage rate could dip.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon won't play Thursday against the Nets due to a hamstring injury. The Nuggets have yet to provide any updates on the severity of Gordon's hamstring injury, but considering this injury has been giving him trouble since the start of the season, it wouldn't be shocking to see him get hit with another lengthy absence. Peyton Watson has been the primary beneficiary with Gordon sidelined.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart is available for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, pushing through right ankle soreness. He was previously listed as questionable, with the team reportedly considering a maintenance day for the second leg of their back-to-back set. Hart logged 31 minutes against the Kings on Tuesday, recording seven points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals. This season, Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.5 triples, and 1.3 steals per game.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is probable to play Thursday against the Nets, continuing to play through hamstring and hip inflammation. This follows his return from a hip injury on Tuesday, where he recorded his 12th double-double of the season with 24 points (7-18 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 10-15 FT), 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 block in 39 minutes during a 109-107 loss to the Pistons. Murray has been red hot in January, posting top-10 value behind averages of 28.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 2.8 triples per contest, and is currently averaging career-highs of 25.9 points and 7.4 assists per game.
Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams won't play Thursday in Denver due to a left calf contusion. Noah Clowney (back) will join Williams on the inactive list for Thursday's game, which should create plenty of opportunities for Danny Wolf and Jalen Wilson. Williams' next chance to play will come Friday in Utah.
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg won't play in Wednesday's game against Minnesota due to an ankle injury. Head coach Jason Kidd hopes that Flagg will be able to play Thursday against the Hornets. With the rookie standout sitting out Wednesday, Brandon Williams figures to take over the top spot at point guard while Ryan Nembhard steps into the No. 2 role.
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas has been ruled out for Thursday's game in Denver due to left hamstring management. Thursday's game will be the first of a back-to-back set, so Thomas will take his standard maintenance day, but he should be back for Friday's game in Utah. Thomas' absence will open up minutes for Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, and Drake Powell.
Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann is questionable for Thursday's game in Denver due to back soreness, as reported by C.J. Holmes. Mann could potentially miss the first leg of a back-to-back set, which would open up additional minutes for teammates like Ben Saraf, Ziaire Williams, and Tyrese Martin. An official update on his status is expected closer to Thursday's tip-off.
