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NBA News

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

Saturday, January 24

Lauri Markkanen Ruled Out Saturday Due to Conditioning

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Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat, marking his seventh consecutive missed game. He is recovering from an illness and has recently been listed on the injury report as "return-to-competition conditioning." Markkanen's next opportunity to play will be Tuesday against the Clippers. In his continued absence, Kyle Anderson, Cody Williams, and Kyle Filipowski are expected to see increased minutes.

Giannis Out 4-6 Weeks with Calf Injury; Season in Milwaukee Questioned

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to a right calf injury sustained in Friday's loss to the Nuggets. He underwent an MRI Saturday, anticipating a return by late February or early March, which means he will miss the All-Star break. Despite the first-quarter injury, Antetokounmpo finished the game with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in 32 minutes, with Coach Doc Rivers defending the decision to let him play. Following the injury, speculation has arisen that his season in Milwaukee 'should be over'.

Morant Out 3 Weeks with Elbow Sprain, Misses Trade Deadline

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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is sidelined for at least three weeks due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow, sustained during the Jan. 21 game against the Hawks. He will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks, ensuring his absence through the Feb. 5 trade deadline and likely past the All-Star break. While a full recovery is expected, his time off impacts his potential trade value. The Grizzlies will lean on Cam Spencer and Vince Williams, with Ty Jerome (calf) also potentially seeing minutes at point guard.

Kalkbrenner Not Starting for Hornets Against Wizards Saturday

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Rookie second-rounder Ryan Kalkbrenner will not be in the Charlotte Hornets' starting lineup against the Wizards on Saturday, despite originally being slated to start. Moussa Diabate will remain in Charlotte's starting lineup instead, with Kalkbrenner returning to a bench role for the game.

Will Riley Earns First NBA Start for Wizards on Saturday

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Will Riley is set to make his first NBA start for the Washington Wizards against the Hornets on Saturday. With Kris Middleton (foot) sidelined, the rookie first-rounder steps into the starting lineup. Riley has averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over 18.6 minutes per game in his last nine outings, and this opportunity could help him earn a larger role in the Wizards' rotation.

Landry Shamet's Return Boosts Knicks' Shooting and Depth

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Landry Shamet has made a significant impact since returning just over a week ago from a 25-game absence due to a shoulder injury. In his fourth game back, he scored 18 points on 6-of-7 three-point shooting against the Nets. Shamet is currently shooting a career-high 43.5 percent on 4.5 attempts per night this season, providing much-needed perimeter shooting for the Knicks, who have seen a dip in their three-point efficiency. His return also adds crucial depth to the bench, especially with guards Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek struggling, making him a potential X-factor for New York.

Brandon Miller Cleared to Play Saturday vs. Wizards

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (left ankle impingement) has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against the Wizards. Despite working through the ankle issue, the injury will not prevent him from suiting up. Since January 2, the third-year pro has been highly productive, averaging 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.3 three-pointers, and 1.1 steals over 29.6 minutes per game. His availability is a boost for the Hornets.

Ex-G League Player Charles Bediako Returns to Alabama Basketball

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Former G-League player Charles Bediako, a 7-foot center, is returning to Alabama men's basketball after being granted a temporary restraining order to restore his eligibility. Bediako went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft after declaring from Alabama and subsequently played in the G-League for the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold, and most recently the Motor City Cruise (Detroit Pistons affiliate), where he last recorded 4 points and 3 rebounds on Jan. 17. The NCAA had initially denied his request, but Coach Nate Oats and AD Greg Byrne defended his return, citing inconsistencies in NCAA rules for professional players. Bediako, 23, is still within his five-year window and pursuing his degree.

Celtics Rookie Hugo González Hits Clutch Game-Tying Three in 2OT Win

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Celtics rookie Hugo González delivered a critical game-tying three-pointer with 2.5 seconds left in the first overtime of Friday's 130-126 double-overtime victory against the Brooklyn Nets, forcing a second extra period. Coach Joe Mazzulla showed significant trust by inserting González into the crucial moment, despite having benched him earlier for a mental mistake. González finished the game with 10 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the field, showcasing his readiness and hustle, which has been a key factor in keeping him from G-League assignments this season.

Pritchard Explodes for 32 Points in Celtics' Double-Overtime Victory

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Payton Pritchard was a key contributor in the Boston Celtics' 130-126 double-overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, finishing with an impressive 32 points and 4 assists. He was particularly effective after halftime, pouring in 25 points in the second half and overtimes. Pritchard echoed his teammates' sentiment about the Celtics' identity of playing hard, highlighting that the team's collective effort allows different players to step up and make game-winning contributions on any given night.

Friday, January 23

Nets' Nic Claxton Sustains Pinky Finger Injury, Undergoes MRI Saturday

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Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton sustained a right pinky finger injury during Friday's 130-126 double-overtime loss to the Celtics. Despite the injury, he finished the game, contributing 18 points (8-13 FG, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 39 minutes. Claxton reported his finger was 'sore' and 'locking up.' An MRI is scheduled for Saturday morning to assess the severity, with results not immediately available. His status for Sunday's game against the Clippers is uncertain, and Day'Ron Sharpe is a likely candidate to start if Claxton is sidelined.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Out 4-6 Weeks with Calf Injury; Trade Talks Intensify

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Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right calf injury in Friday's loss to the Nuggets, exiting with 34 seconds left. He will undergo an MRI Saturday and expects to miss 4-6 weeks, likely until after the trade deadline (end of Feb/early March). Coach Rivers noted his defiance to stay in, but expressed concern over the recurring calf issues. Antetokounmpo previously missed December with a similar strain. Before exiting, he posted 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in 32 minutes. This injury coincides with 'intensified' trade talks involving the Bucks and 'all-time high' locker room tension, jeopardizing the Bucks' playoff hopes. He would also miss the All-Star Game and be ineligible for postseason awards due to the 65-game threshold.

Evan Mobley Delivers Dominant Performance, Nears Triple-Double in Cavs Win

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Cleveland Cavaliers' Evan Mobley delivered a dominant performance in Friday's 123-118 win over Sacramento, posting 29 points (13-24 FG), 13 rebounds, eight assists, and four blocks in 35 minutes, nearing a triple-double. Coach Atkinson praised it as 'one of the most dominant games we’ve ever seen from him,' even comparing him to Shaquille O’Neal. This strong outing comes amidst calls for the Cavaliers to increase his offensive involvement. Mobley controlled the paint offensively and defensively, showing improved playmaking. He has averaged 16.3 points and 7.8 rebounds in his last 12 games.

Sandro Mamukelashvili Leads Raptors with 22 Points in Win

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Sandro Mamukelashvili scored a team-high 22 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, snapping Portland's four-game win streak. The Raptors dominated most of the game, leading by as many as 13 points. Mamukelashvili's performance included a key layup that put the Raptors up 95-87 in the fourth quarter, contributing to their third consecutive win.

Brandon Ingram Adds 20 Points in Raptors' Win Over Blazers

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Brandon Ingram contributed 20 points to help the Toronto Raptors secure a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. The Raptors led by as many as 13 points and maintained control for most of the game. Ingram's performance included scoring off a rebound in the fourth quarter to extend Toronto's lead to 10 points, contributing to their third consecutive win.

Deni Avdija Ruled Out for Friday's Game with Back Tightness

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Raptors due to back tightness, a downgrade from doubtful. He failed to return in Thursday's win over Miami after exiting early in the third quarter. Despite the injury, Avdija will travel with the team for their upcoming three-game road trip, with his next opportunity to play on Monday against the Celtics. His absence will likely lead to increased minutes for Sidy Cissoko, Jerami Grant, and Rayan Rupert.

Julian Strawther Scores Season-High 20 Points in Short-Handed Nuggets Win

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Julian Strawther scored a season-high 20 points, leading the short-handed Denver Nuggets to a 102-100 victory over the slumping Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. The Nuggets, playing without key players like Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valanciunas, built a 23-point lead before holding off a late Bucks comeback. Strawther's offensive output was crucial in securing the win for Denver.

Nuggets' Aaron Gordon Aggravates Hamstring, Exits Friday's Game

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Aaron Gordon aggravated his right hamstring strain during Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, exiting in the second quarter and not returning. He finished with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 16 minutes. Gordon had initially been cleared to play despite managing the strain, having previously missed over a month (19 games) due to the same injury. His status for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies is uncertain, with DaRon Holmes and Hunter Tyson potential candidates for increased minutes. Coach Adelman is optimistic it's not as severe as the previous strain.

Saddiq Bey Explodes for Season-High 36 Points in Pelicans Win

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Saddiq Bey delivered a season-high 36 points (13-20 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), along with four rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 32 minutes during the Pelicans' 133-127 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday. This marks his second-highest career scoring outing. Bey's performance included six three-pointers, matching his total from the previous five games. He entered the contest averaging 16.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over his last five appearances. Despite the Pelicans regaining health, Bey's high-level production is expected to maintain his playing time and usage.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Explodes for 47 Points in Thunder Loss

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 47 points (17-28 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 12-12 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 35 minutes during Friday's 117-114 loss to the Pacers. This marks his second-highest scoring performance of the season. The superstar guard has now reached 30 points in four consecutive games and five of the last six contests, including two games with over 40 points.