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

Tuesday, January 27

DeMar DeRozan Scores Game-High 34 Points Amidst Kings' Sixth Straight Loss

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DeMar DeRozan registered a game-high 34 points (13-26 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 7-8 FT), along with five rebounds and two turnovers, across 39 minutes in Tuesday's 103-87 loss to the Knicks. DeRozan's scoring surge, just three points shy of his season-high, came with Zach LaVine (back) and Malik Monk (ankle) sidelined. Despite his strong individual performance, the Sacramento Kings suffered their sixth consecutive loss, bringing their road record to 3-20 this season.

Collier Starts Tuesday vs. Clippers, Averages 10.6 Pts as Starter

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Isaiah Collier is confirmed to start for the Utah Jazz in Tuesday's game against the Clippers, as reported by Tomer Azarly. He will join Ace Bailey, Cody Williams, Lauri Markkanen, and Kevin Love in the first unit. This season, Collier has averaged 10.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.2 turnovers per game when starting. Earlier reports also featured Collier in SportsLine's top NBA best bets for Tuesday, with their computer model identifying him as a strong pick, suggesting a favorable projection for his performance.

Sharpe Explodes for 31 Points, 5 Threes in Bounce-Back Performance

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Shaedon Sharpe delivered a strong bounce-back performance for the Portland Trail Blazers in Tuesday's 115-111 loss to the Wizards, racking up 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line over 35 minutes. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. This 31-point outing marked his highest scoring total in January and matched his season high for three-pointers, a feat he has achieved five times this season.

Zeke Nnaji Returns to Bench Role as Valanciunas Comes Back

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Zeke Nnaji will move to the bench for Tuesday's game against the Pistons, as Jonas Valanciunas (calf) returns to action after a one-game absence. In his reserve role this season, Nnaji has averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game for the Denver Nuggets.

Peyton Watson Returns to Action After Missing Game with Ankle Sprains

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Peyton Watson (ankles) is available for Tuesday's game against Detroit, returning after missing Friday's win over Milwaukee due to a right ankle strain and a left ankle sprain. The 23-year-old Denver Nuggets forward has been impactful in his last five appearances, averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals across 34.6 minutes per game.

Kon Knueppel Earns Spot as Top Pick in NBA Rising Stars Challenge

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Kon Knueppel was selected as one of the first three picks for the NBA's upcoming Rising Stars Challenge. He is associated with the Charlotte Hornets.

VJ Edgecombe Selected Among Top Picks for NBA Rising Stars Challenge

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VJ Edgecombe was named one of the first three selections for the NBA's upcoming Rising Stars Challenge. He is associated with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Cooper Flagg Leads Rising Stars Picks; Ankle Injury Status Questionable

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Cooper Flagg was selected as one of the first three picks for the NBA's Rising Stars Challenge. Separately, Flagg (ankle) is listed as questionable for the Dallas Mavericks' Wednesday game against Minnesota. He was previously doubtful for Sunday's postponed game due to the same injury. Given the upcoming back-to-back, there's a strong possibility Flagg will sit out at least one game as the team prioritizes his long-term health.

Aaron Wiggins to Start for Thunder in Tuesday's Game vs. Pelicans

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Aaron Wiggins will start for the Oklahoma City Thunder in Tuesday's game against the Pelicans. He joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jaylin Williams, and Chet Holmgren in the starting five. In his 11 previous starts this season, Wiggins has averaged 13.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.5 triples, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, indicating he could have a significant impact in this expanded role.

Bobby Portis Elevated to Starting Lineup for Tuesday's Game

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Bobby Portis is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the 76ers. He will join Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner in the first unit. Over six starts this season, Portis has been productive, producing averages of 16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 triples, and 1.0 steals per game, suggesting he will be a key contributor in this starting role.

Collin Gillespie Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game with Right Hand Sprain

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Collin Gillespie has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Nets due to a right hand sprain, marking his first missed game of the season. Initially listed as questionable, this late designation often suggests a more serious concern. With Devin Booker (ankle) and Jalen Green (hamstring) also sidelined, Gillespie's absence will lead to increased offensive responsibility for Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin. The Suns face a Thursday-Friday back-to-back set, so Gillespie might need to spend at least one more game on the sidelines before he's cleared to return.

Draymond Green Probable for Wednesday's Game After Back Rest

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Draymond Green (back) is probable for Wednesday's game in Utah. He sat out Monday's loss to Minnesota, which was the second game in a back-to-back set. Green should be back in action Wednesday night and is expected to play his usual minutes. His return will likely result in Gui Santos or Quinten Post heading back to the second unit, restoring the Warriors' primary rotation.

Stephen Curry Probable for Wednesday's Game with Knee Inflammation

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Stephen Curry (right patellofemoral inflammation) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. He missed Monday's loss to Minnesota, the second leg of a back-to-back set. Over 12 January appearances, the superstar point guard has averaged 24.5 points, 6.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 30.9 minutes per tilt, indicating he should be ready to contribute significantly upon his return.

Quentin Grimes Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game Due to Ankle Injury

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Quentin Grimes (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game versus the Bucks. The 76ers are on the second leg of a back-to-back, so they are taking a cautious approach with his ankle injury. His absence is expected to open up additional minutes for Jared McCain and Justin Edwards in the backcourt. Grimes' next opportunity to play will come Thursday against Sacramento.

Thunder's Cason Wallace Ruled Out for Tuesday with Hip Injury

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans. He joins Alex Caruso (adductor) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal) on the sidelines, significantly thinning the Thunder's backcourt. This absence could lead to increased minutes for Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. Wallace's next opportunity to return to action is scheduled for Thursday's game in Minnesota.

Wembanyama 'Horrified' by Minneapolis Shootings, Calls Them 'Murder of Civilians'

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama spoke out Tuesday regarding the Minneapolis shootings, stating he was 'horrified' by the 'murder of civilians.' He emphasized his desire to give an honest, rather than 'politically correct,' response. Wembanyama articulated his thoughts on the fatal shootings by federal agents, adding, "Every day I wake up and see the news and I'm horrified."

Edwards Questionable for Wednesday's Game with Foot Injury

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Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks due to right foot injury maintenance. He is in jeopardy of missing a second consecutive contest. If he's sidelined, Mike Conley and Bones Hyland are candidates for increased minutes. Edwards has averaged 31.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.1 three-pointers, and 3.7 assists over 10 appearances this month.

Deni Avdija Cleared to Play Tuesday After Back Injury

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Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) is officially good to go for Tuesday's game against the Wizards, returning after missing the past two contests. Coach Tiago Splitter had previously indicated Avdija's expected return if he cleared warmups. His activation will likely shift Sidy Cissoko back to the second unit and reduce offensive opportunities for Caleb Love.

Mobley Diagnosed with Calf Strain, Expected to Miss 1-3 Weeks

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Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley has been diagnosed with a strained left calf, sidelining him for 1-3 weeks. The team may exercise caution with his return, especially with the All-Star break approaching. This marks his second calf strain. In his absence, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Jaylon Tyson, and Dean Wade are expected to see increased roles in the frontcourt, a significant blow to the team's lineup.

Queta Doubtful for Wednesday's Game Due to Lingering Illness

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Celtics center Neemias Queta is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Hawks due to a lingering illness, potentially marking his first missed game since November. This comes after a season where he's seen increased minutes, improving defensively with higher block and steal rates, and boosting team defense by 10 fewer points per 100 possessions. If Queta is out, Amari Williams could see more minutes, especially if Luka Garza also remains sidelined.