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NBA News

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

Monday, January 26

Jackson Contributes 17 Points, 2 Blocks in Grizzlies' Loss

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Jaren Jackson posted 17 points (8-17 FG, 1-5 3Pt), seven rebounds, one assist, and two blocks over 31 minutes during the Memphis Grizzlies' 108-99 loss to the Rockets on Monday. Jackson co-led the team in scoring and continued his strong defensive play, recording at least two blocks in five of his last six outings. Over this six-game span, he has averaged 20.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 threes, and 2.2 blocks in 31.5 minutes per game.

Tre Johnson Earns Rising Stars Rookie Spot After Career-High 26-Point Game

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Washington Wizards first-year guard Tre Johnson has earned his first selection to the NBA Rising Stars Game rookie team. This recognition follows his best professional game, a 26-point, six-assist performance against the Charlotte Hornets. Johnson ranks sixth among rookies in points per game (12.9) and three-point percentage (39.3%), showcasing efficient shooting at 44.4% from the field and 88.1% from the free-throw line, solidifying his spot among the league's top young talents.

Alex Sarr Named to NBA Rising Stars Sophomore Squad, Leads League in Blocks

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Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr has been selected to the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Game sophomore squad, his second consecutive selection after making the rookie team last season. Sarr leads the league in blocks per game (2.1) and ranks first among second-year players in points per game (17.4). He has significantly improved his shooting efficiency this season, now hitting 50.5% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range, showcasing his growing impact.

Kyshawn George Cleared for Play, Named to NBA Rising Stars Sophomore Squad

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Washington Wizards swingman Kyshawn George has been cleared to play in Tuesday's game against Portland, with his ankle injury from Saturday not causing further absence. George was also selected to the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Game sophomore squad, his first selection. He has been productive recently, averaging 17.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals over his last eight games, and ranks among the top second-year players in several statistical categories.

Donovan Mitchell Explodes for 45 Points, Leads Cavaliers to Fourth Straight Win

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Donovan Mitchell delivered a dominant performance, scoring 45 points (15-25 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 10-12 FT), four assists, four rebounds, and one steal in 35 minutes, leading the Cavaliers to a 114-98 victory over the Magic. This marks his fifth 40-plus-point game and third consecutive with at least 33 points this season. Mitchell's 26 first-half points were a season-high, contributing to Cleveland's fourth straight win, improving their record to 28-20. The Cavaliers will host the Lakers on Wednesday.

Mobley Records 20 Points, 9 Rebounds, 2 Blocks in Cavaliers Win

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Evan Mobley posted 20 points (9-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-4 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks over 35 minutes during the Cleveland Cavaliers' 114-98 win over the Magic on Monday. Mobley co-led the Cavaliers in rebounds and was the team's second-leading scorer. He has been a consistent defensive presence, recording at least two blocks in six of his last eight outings. Over that span, he's averaged 17.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.8 blocks in 34.4 minutes, shooting 51.3% from the field.

Banchero Explodes for Season-High 37 Points, 10 Rebounds in Loss

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Paolo Banchero recorded a season-high 37 points (13-21 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 9-13 FT), 10 rebounds, and four assists in 40 minutes during Monday's 114-98 loss to the Cavaliers. He scored 23 of his points in the second half, being one of only three Magic players in double digits. Over his last eight outings, Banchero has averaged 24.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 threes, and 0.8 steals over 37.6 minutes per game.

VJ Edgecombe Named NBA Rising Star, Leads Rookies in Steals

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Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe has been selected to the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars competition. He ranks third among rookies in points (15.6) and assists (4.2) per game, and leads all rookies in steals (1.5) per game. Edgecombe, who scored 34 points in his NBA debut (surpassing Allen Iverson's franchise record for a debut), also ranks third among rookies in three-pointers made (85) at 36.6%, showcasing significant impact in his first season.

Cooper Flagg Named Rising Star, Leads Rookies in Multiple Categories

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has been selected to play in the NBA Rising Stars Game, a testament to his exceptional season. Through 43 games, he averages 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, ranking top-five among rookies in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Flagg, who turned 19 in December, previously became the only 18-year-old in NBA history to record a 40-point game and earned Rookie of the Month honors for October/November and December, making him a marquee young talent.

Conley Starting for Timberwolves Amidst Edwards' Foot Injury

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Mike Conley will start for the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Warriors on Monday, marking his ninth start of the season. His promotion to the starting lineup is due to the absence of Anthony Edwards, who is sidelined with a foot injury. Conley has averaged 18.4 minutes per game this season and has not reached double-digit scoring since November 19 against the Wizards.

Aldama Returns, Starting Monday vs. Rockets After Knee Soreness

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama has returned to action and is starting Monday's game against the Rockets. He was initially questionable due to a persistent right knee injury, which caused him to miss the team's last three games. Aldama will enter the starting lineup in the absence of Jock Landale (personal). In nine games as a starter this season, he has averaged 17.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 32.0 minutes per contest. Overall this season, he's averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 threes, and 0.9 steals over 28.0 minutes.

Jalen Green Questionable for Tuesday's Game with Aggravated Hamstring

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Nets. He seemingly aggravated a right hamstring injury during Friday's loss to Atlanta and may now miss a second consecutive contest due to injury management. If Green is unable to suit up, Grayson Allen and Collin Gillespie are candidates for increased minutes, with Isaiah Livers potentially remaining in the Phoenix rotation.

Noah Clowney Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game with Lower Back Soreness

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Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Suns. This marks his second consecutive game missed due to lower back soreness. Clowney will aim to progress in his recovery to potentially return for Thursday's matchup against the Nuggets. In his absence, Terance Mann could remain in the starting lineup for Tuesday's contest, filling the minutes left by Clowney.

Markkanen Expected to Return Tuesday After Illness, Officially Questionable

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Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) is expected to return to play in Tuesday's game against the Clippers after a seven-game absence due to illness. He is officially listed as questionable, though the team anticipates his return. Before his absence, Markkanen was highly impactful, averaging 28.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals over his last 10 games. His return will likely shift Cody Williams or Svi Mykhailiuk to the second unit.

Keyonte George Sits Out Tuesday's Game Against Clippers for Rest

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Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George will be held out of Tuesday's game against the Clippers for rest purposes. This is a scheduled day off for George after he appeared in 13 consecutive matchups for the Jazz. In his absence, Walker Clayton is expected to be in line for increased playing time and more looks on offense. The team is managing George's workload to ensure his long-term health and performance.

Brandon Miller Explodes for 30 Points in Hornets' Rout of 76ers

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller registered 30 points (9-12 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals in just 27 minutes during Monday's 130-93 victory over the 76ers. This performance marks his seventh consecutive game with 20-plus points, during which he's averaged 24.6 points, 5.3 boards, 3.7 assists, 3.6 threes, and 1.1 steals.

Deni Avdija Ruled Out for Monday's Game with Lower-Back Strain

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Celtics. This marks his second consecutive missed contest due to a lower-back strain. His next opportunity to play will be Tuesday against the Wizards. Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert are candidates to see an uptick in minutes in Avdija's absence.

Peyton Watson Probable for Tuesday Return from Ankle Sprain

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Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Pistons, signaling his return after missing the last matchup due to a sprain. Confirmation on his availability is expected closer to tipoff. With Aaron Gordon ruled out, Watson is also anticipated to see increased usage and a more prominent role in Denver's game plan.

Cameron Johnson Remains Out Indefinitely with Knee Bone Bruise

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Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Pistons. He has not played since December 23 due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Johnson is expected to be re-evaluated soon, but until an update on his progress is provided by the Nuggets, the 29-year-old forward should be considered week-to-week.

Bilal Coulibaly Questionable for Tuesday with Lower-Back Strain

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Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against Portland due to a lower-back strain. He is attempting to return after a five-game absence. If Coulibaly is able to play, his return would likely lead to fewer minutes for teammates Justin Champagnie and Will Riley, especially if Khris Middleton (foot) also plays against the Trail Blazers.