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NBA News

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

Saturday, January 24

Zach LaVine Questionable for Sunday's Game Due to Low Back Soreness

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine has been added to the injury report and is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Pistons. The star guard is dealing with low back soreness, a new development as he was not on the initial report. If LaVine is unable to play, Malik Monk or Dennis Schroder are potential candidates to step into the starting lineup.

Banchero Scores 27 Points, Limits Turnovers in Magic Loss

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Paolo Banchero recorded 27 points (7-14 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 10-12 FT), five rebounds, and two assists in 38 minutes during Saturday's 119-105 loss to the Cavaliers. He improved his ball handling after eight turnovers in his prior two games and played strong defense on Evan Mobley, limiting him to 13 points. Despite his efforts, the Orlando Magic suffered their third consecutive loss.

Jaylen Brown Puts Up 33 Points in Loss, Available Despite Hamstring

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Jaylen Brown was available for Saturday's game against Chicago despite hamstring tightness and delivered 33 points (14-28 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 37 minutes during the 114-111 loss. This performance followed his fifth career triple-double on Friday, where he recorded 27 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in 46 minutes. Brown is having a career-best season, averaging 30.5 points in January and 31.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists since December, scoring 30+ points in 15 of his last 22 games.

Mitchell Explodes for 36 Points, 9 Assists in Cavaliers Win

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Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers to a 119-105 victory over Orlando on Saturday, finishing with 36 points (15-30 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, nine assists, and two steals in 38 minutes. After a slow start, Mitchell scored 27 of his points in the second half. This marks his 20th game this season with 30-plus points, contributing to his average of 29.1 points per contest, ranking him in the top-10 in scoring.

Immanuel Quickley Questionable for Sunday with Right Ankle Soreness

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Immanuel Quickley has been added to the injury report and is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Oklahoma City due to right ankle soreness. Quickley was not part of the Raptors' initial injury report but was later downgraded. While the ankle injury appears minor, it could prevent him from suiting up. If Quickley is sidelined, Jamal Shead would likely step into the starting lineup for Toronto.

Gafford Returns from Ankle Injury, Will Come Off Bench for Mavericks

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Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against the Lakers, marking his return from a four-game absence. Despite being given the green light, Gafford will be eased back into action, coming off the bench to back up Dwight Powell. He is still expected to see significant minutes. This season, Gafford is averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 20.8 minutes in 29 appearances. Moussa Cisse (illness) is also out for the Mavericks, further solidifying Gafford's expected role.

Kawhi Leonard Questionable for Sunday with Illness and Knee Contusion

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Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets due to both an illness and a left knee contusion. Leonard did not participate in Saturday's practice session, raising concerns about his availability. The Clippers are closely monitoring his condition. If Leonard is unable to play, Kobe Sanders would likely be elevated to the starting lineup. His status for Sunday's contest is pending further evaluation.

Neemias Queta Cleared to Play Saturday, Will Come Off Bench

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Neemias Queta (illness) is available for Saturday's game against the Bulls but will not start, marking his first appearance off the bench this season. He played through the illness Friday, logging six points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block over 28 minutes in a double-overtime win. Amari Williams will start in his place, suggesting Queta may see limited minutes.

Amari Williams to Make First Career Start Saturday vs. Bulls

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Amari Williams will make his first career start Saturday against the Bulls, joining Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Sam Hauser in the starting unit. Williams has been sparsely deployed by the Celtics this season without major statistical breakthroughs, but he will get an opportunity to shine in this matchup. This start comes as Neemias Queta, who has been battling an illness, will come off the bench.

De'Anthony Melton Questionable for Sunday Due to Rest

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De'Anthony Melton (rest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota. With Saturday's game postponed, the Warriors now face a Sunday-Monday back-to-back set against the Timberwolves, indicating Melton may require a maintenance day. If he sits out Sunday, Pat Spencer, Will Richard, and Gary Payton could see increased minutes.

Jalen Green Questionable Sunday with Recurring Hamstring Tightness

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Jalen Green (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against Miami. After missing over two months with a right hamstring injury, he exited his second game back on Friday due to tightness in the same hamstring. Green is now at risk of being held out of Sunday's contest as he continues to monitor the issue, raising concerns about his recovery.

Devin Booker Ruled Out Sunday, Multi-Game Absence Possible

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Devin Booker (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Heat. This comes after he was spotted leaving the arena on crutches following Friday's loss to the Hawks, suggesting a potential multi-game absence. Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, and Jordan Goodwin are expected to see increased roles while Booker is sidelined. He is considered highly questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Nets.

Austin Reaves Completes Full-Contact Practice, Nearing Return

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Austin Reaves (calf) scrimmaged Saturday, and head coach JJ Redick stated he should return "sooner than later." Redick wants Reaves to complete at least one more full-contact practice before being cleared, but it sounds like he will be back at some point during the Lakers' current road trip. His next opportunity to play will be Monday in Chicago.

Ajay Mitchell Ruled Out Sunday with Abdominal Strain

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Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) will miss his second consecutive game, ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Raptors due to an abdominal strain. He should be considered questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Pelicans. In his absence, Isaiah Joe, Luguentz Dort, and Cason Wallace are expected to see an increase in playing time.

Stephen Curry Questionable for Sunday Game Due to Right Knee Soreness

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Stephen Curry is listed as questionable for Sunday's rescheduled game against Minnesota due to right knee soreness. The Warriors' Saturday game was postponed to Sunday, creating a back-to-back with Monday. Curry has played both ends of four of Golden State's six back-to-backs this season. In his last five outings, the star guard has averaged 22.8 points, 5.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.2 threes over 30.2 minutes.

Alex Caruso Out for Third Straight Game Sunday with Adductor Injury

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Alex Caruso (adductor) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors, marking his third consecutive game on the inactive list. The early ruling suggests his return is not imminent. Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Luguentz Dort are expected to see increased roles in the Oklahoma City Thunder's rotation during Caruso's absence.

Aaron Wiggins Questionable for Sunday with Right Hip Impingement

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Aaron Wiggins is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raptors due to a right hip impingement. This injury update follows him missing the past two games with a sore right groin. His availability will be clearer after Sunday's shootaround. If Wiggins remains sidelined, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe are expected to see extended minutes for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

De'Andre Hunter Out Saturday with Knee Soreness, Questionable for Monday

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De'Andre Hunter (knee soreness) will not play in Saturday's game against the Magic. He is considered questionable for Monday's rematch. With Hunter sidelined, Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Larry Nance are expected to see increased playing time for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jalen Suggs Cleared, Starting Saturday After Knee Injury Absence

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Jalen Suggs (right knee MCL contusion) is officially cleared and will start for the Magic in Saturday's game against Cleveland, marking his return after an eight-game absence. Despite earlier suggestions of monitored minutes, the guard is expected to have little to no limitations. Suggs has averaged 15.0 points, 4.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals across 25.4 minutes in his 23 appearances this season.

Josh Giddey on 24-Minute Restriction for Saturday's Game

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Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) is available for Saturday's game against the Celtics but will be on a minutes restriction of around 24 minutes, according to coach Billy Donovan. Giddey returned from an 11-game absence Thursday, recording 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 26 minutes off the bench. He will continue in a reserve role for the upcoming matchup.