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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Draymond Green (left lower-back soreness) has been upgraded to available for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. The veteran forward is returning to action after a one-game absence. In his last 10 appearances, Green has averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 26.2 minutes per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) is available for Wednesday's game against Dallas, returning from a one-game absence. He missed Monday's contest against the Warriors due to an ongoing foot issue, which may lead to future maintenance days. His return is expected to decrease roles for Mike Conley and Bones Hyland. Edwards' availability is a key boost for the Timberwolves.
Mitchell Robinson (rest) will not play Wednesday against the Raptors as the Knicks continue to exercise caution with back-to-back sets. The center had a terrific showing Tuesday against the Kings, finishing with seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, and two steals across 27 minutes. He has not been cleared for back-to-back sets.
Cam Spencer of the Memphis Grizzlies is highlighted for his recent assist barrage, a notable trend observed around the league. This performance is part of the latest developments being discussed, alongside other players' significant stretches.
Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans was involved in an on-court altercation on Tuesday, leading him to publicly call out Lu Dort. This incident occurred during a night when scuffles broke out in two separate NBA games.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, recently returned from missing most of January due to injury, is quickly regaining form. He scored 16 points in his return game Monday against the Hawks. This season, Mathurin averages 17.7 PPG overall and 17.6 at home. Notably, he has excelled against the Chicago Bulls, averaging 23.5 points across their two previous matchups. Mathurin is projected to exceed 15.5 points in tonight's game against the Bulls, continuing his strong performance against the team.
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser is experiencing a career-best January, shooting 50.4% from the field and 47.2% from three-point range, a significant improvement from his November slump (31% FG, 27.5% 3P). This month, he's averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 0.9 steals. Hauser recently recorded his second career game with 10 made three-pointers, a franchise record. His strong play correlates with Celtics success, as they are 15-3 when he hits three or more threes. Beyond shooting, Hauser is lauded for his defense, passing, and effective off-ball movement.
Cade Cunningham delivered his 24th double-double of the season, scoring 22 points (9-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and dishing out 11 assists in 36 minutes during the Detroit Pistons' 109-107 road victory over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. He also added three rebounds and one block, notably committing zero turnovers, suggesting his previous wrist issue is resolved. Cunningham, who ranks fourth in the NBA in double-doubles, has recorded double-digit assists in four of his last six games and at least one block in four straight. The Pistons have now won nine of their last 11 games.
Karl-Anthony Towns was benched for the final 6:51 of the Knicks' win over the Kings, a recurring theme, with coach Mike Brown opting for Mitchell Robinson. Towns finished with 17 points on 5-for-15 shooting and 11 rebounds, posting a minus-3. This follows a trend of reduced minutes, not playing over 30 minutes in three straight games, and averaging just 16.6 points in January. Towns stated he's "unbothered" by the benching, prioritizing team wins. The Knicks are reportedly gauging his trade value, though a pre-deadline move is considered unlikely.
Walker Kessler was reportedly among the centers on Luka Dončić's original wishlist, a detail that adds new context to the Lakers' long-standing interest in the player. Kessler has been consistently linked to the Lakers over the last few years, with the team expressing interest in him as recently as the past offseason. However, the Utah Jazz have not been reciprocating trade inquiries. The report highlights that such a center is a valued commodity, making an acquisition costly. Kessler plays for the Utah Jazz.
Following his acquisition, Luka Dončić's original wishlist for centers included Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, and Nic Claxton, among others like Onyeka Okongwu. The Lakers reportedly sought to acquire these players, but ultimately landed Mark Williams, who was lower on Dončić's preferred list. The report suggests Dončić's selections indicate a strong understanding of ideal fits alongside him. Dončić plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jalen Duren was reportedly on Luka Dončić's original wishlist for centers, with the Lakers having attempted to trade for him last year. The Pistons, however, were unwilling to part with Duren, a decision validated by his breakout year this season. Additionally, Duren was highlighted as one of Tuesday's top NBA best bets by SportsLine's proven computer model, indicating a strong projection for his performance. He plays for the Detroit Pistons.
Dillon Brooks was involved in a late-game scuffle with Nets guard Egor Dёmin after the Suns' 106-102 win, where Dёmin shoved Brooks. This incident followed Brooks receiving his 15th technical foul of the season earlier in the game for shoving Dёmin, putting him one technical shy of a one-game suspension. Brooks scored 26 points in the game, contributing to the Suns' victory. He exaggerated contact during the scuffle, which led to multiple technical fouls for other players but not for him in that specific instance.
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado remains squarely on the New York Knicks' radar ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The Knicks still see the NY-native as a player who can help bolster their bench/rotation. Alvarado is currently averaging 7.9 points and 3.2 assists across 36 games for New Orleans this season.
Jeremy Sochan and his representation have received permission from the San Antonio Spurs to explore a potential trade. After starting 149 games and averaging 27 minutes in his first three seasons, Sochan has seen a significantly reduced bench role this year, playing just 13 minutes per night across 27 games. He was not extended last summer and is slated for restricted free agency next offseason, prompting his search for a new team. Sochan, who previously served as a defensive lynchpin, has struggled with his jump shot (26% from three) and is averaging 4.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and one assist this season. The market for him is unclear, though the Knicks are a rumored potential destination.
Kris Dunn contributed 14 points and a season-best five steals for the Los Angeles Clippers in their 115-103 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. Dunn's performance, including two steals and layups along with a 3-pointer, helped the Clippers take control during a 10-2 run in the third quarter, making it 73-61.
James Harden tallied 16 points and 10 assists for the Los Angeles Clippers in their 115-103 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. The Clippers secured their ninth win in 10 games, maintaining the best record in the NBA since Christmas.
Kawhi Leonard (left knee contusion) was available for Tuesday's game against the Jazz, marking his third consecutive outing. He scored 21 points, extending his streak of 20-plus-point games to 25, joining franchise legends like Bob McAdoo. With Leonard on the court, the Clippers are 14-2 in their last 16 games and have won seven straight, beating Utah 115-103. The star forward has averaged 28.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals over 29.6 minutes in his last seven active games.
Mark Williams scored 27 points for the short-handed Phoenix Suns in their 106-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. Williams contributed four quick points late in the fourth quarter, helping the Suns tie the game at 102-all before securing the win.
LeBron James will make his seventh visit to Cleveland as a Laker on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers (28-17) face the Cavaliers (28-20). James is expected to receive a warm reception and typically performs well against his former team, averaging 28.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists against them. The Lakers hope to capitalize on a short-handed Cavaliers team missing key players.
