Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Santi Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nuggets, marking his third consecutive absence. He should be considered questionable for Monday's game in Houston. In Aldama's absence, John Konchar, Vince Williams, and GG Jackson are expected to continue seeing increased minutes for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jalen Brunson tallied 31 points (11-24 FG, 6-12 3Pt, 3-5 FT), six assists, and five rebounds over 38 minutes in the Knicks' 112-109 win over the 76ers on Saturday. He tied a season high with six three-pointers, leading the team in scoring. Since returning from a two-game absence due to a right ankle sprain, Brunson has averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. Separately, Brunson recently met a 3-year-old fan at Madison Square Garden whose viral impression videos gained widespread attention.
Joel Embiid, cleared to play despite a right ankle injury, delivered a game-high 38 points (13-21 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 9-12 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, and one block in 36 minutes during the 76ers' 112-109 loss to the Knicks on Saturday. He scored 28 points in the first half and 10 in the fourth quarter. This marks his fourth consecutive game with at least 30 points. Prior to the game, he was coming off a triple-double and averaged 27.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 0.8 blocks over his last 10 outings.
Noah Clowney (back) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Clippers. His back is aching after he logged 43 minutes in Friday's loss to the Celtics, indicating he will likely miss the upcoming matchup. Clowney's absence would open up additional playing time for teammates such as Danny Wolf, Ziaire Williams, and Jalen Wilson.
Nic Claxton (pinky) is not listed on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Clippers, indicating he will play. He sustained a pinky finger injury on his right hand during Friday's loss to the Celtics but was able to play through it. Claxton is expected to continue playing despite the injury. This season, he is averaging 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks per contest.
Devin Vassell (adductor) is officially cleared and available for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, marking his return from a 13-game absence due to a left adductor strain. He informed reporters earlier Saturday that he anticipated being available. This will be his first game action since December 29, and his minutes are expected to be monitored. The 25-year-old guard has averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 31.9 minutes per game this season. His return will impact minutes for Julian Champagnie and Carter Bryant.
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Oklahoma City. He has missed the past three games due to a bruised thumb on his shooting hand, but there is a possibility he could return to action Sunday evening. If the rookie is cleared to play, it would likely result in Sandro Mamukelashvili moving back to the second unit and Jonathan Mogbo potentially falling out of the rotation entirely.
Peyton Watson (ankles) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies. He is dealing with injuries to both of his ankles, which previously prevented him from playing in Friday's win against the Bucks. If Watson is not cleared to return for Sunday's matchup, Julian Strawther would likely remain in the Nuggets' starting lineup to fill his spot.
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in Memphis after aggravating his right hamstring injury during Friday's win over Milwaukee. He is also considered doubtful for Tuesday's game against Detroit. Gordon's absence will create opportunities for Zeke Nnaji and Julian Strawther, particularly if Peyton Watson (questionable with ankle injuries) is also unable to play on Sunday.
Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Memphis. He has been dealing with inflammation in his right hamstring and left hip, putting him at risk of missing a second consecutive game. The point guard's availability will directly impact the amount of playing time allocated to Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown.
Cade Cunningham is probable for Sunday's game against the Kings, managing a right wrist injury. He played Friday after a one-game absence, recording 12 points, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound in 38 minutes. The probable status is precautionary, and he's expected to maintain regular usage if he suits up. Despite being elite this season, his performance has dipped recently, failing to exceed 16 points in his last four games while shooting 30% from the field.
Draymond Green's Saturday matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves has been postponed, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The game, initially scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, has been officially rescheduled to Sunday at the same time, according to Tim Reynolds of Associated Press. This postponement directly impacts Green's immediate playing schedule and the Warriors' upcoming slate. Further details regarding the reason for the postponement were not specified in the reports.
Julius Randle's Saturday game, featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Warriors, has been postponed by the NBA, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The contest, originally slated for a 5:30 p.m. ET tip-off, has been rescheduled to Sunday at the same time, according to Tim Reynolds of Associated Press. This postponement directly impacts Randle's immediate playing schedule with the Timberwolves, altering the team's weekend schedule.
Anthony Edwards' Saturday game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors has been postponed by the NBA. The matchup, originally scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET in Minneapolis, has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday at the same time, according to reports.
Paul George (knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Knicks, marking his second consecutive game while managing a left knee injury. The forward has been productive since January 1st, averaging 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 threes, and 1.6 steals over 32.4 minutes per game.
Karl-Anthony Towns (back) is available for Saturday's game against the 76ers after being a game-time decision due to back spasms. The Knicks' star big man will suit up and handle his regular workload, facing Joel Embiid. Towns has been averaging 17.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game since the beginning of January. He was initially expected to participate in pregame warmups to determine his availability.
Kyshawn George (ankle) returned to the bench during the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against the Hornets and appears available to return. He had briefly exited the contest after tweaking his left ankle by stepping on an opponent's foot, leading to an evaluation by medical staff in the locker room.
Derrick White (rest) is not on the injury report and will be available for Saturday's game against the Bulls, per Justin Turpin of WEEI.com. White sat out Friday's double-overtime win over the Nets for rest purposes but will return for the second leg of Boston's back-to-back set. His return is expected to move Baylor Sheierman back to a bench role.
Norman Powell (back) is available for Saturday's game against the Jazz, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Powell has been dealing with lower-back tightness recently, but it won't prevent him from playing today. However, the injury could potentially sideline him for Sunday's second leg of the Heat's back-to-back set against the Suns. Over his last five outings, Powell has averaged 21.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.4 threes in 31.2 minutes per game.
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Jazz, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. This marks Mitchell's second consecutive missed game and his fourth absence in Miami's last six contests. He has started every game he's played this season, but with his continued absence, rookie Kasparas Jakucionis is expected to return to the starting five.
