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NBA News

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

Friday, January 23

Devin Booker Exits Hawks Game with Right Ankle Injury, Status Unknown

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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker exited Friday's 110-103 loss to the Hawks in the third quarter due to an apparent right ankle injury. He stepped on an opposing player's foot and limped off the court, not returning. Before the injury, Booker recorded 31 points (12-21 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 28 minutes. His status for Sunday's game against the Heat is currently unknown, with an update expected by Saturday night.

Jalen Green Exits Game, Won't Return Due to Right Hamstring Tightness

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green exited Friday's game against the Hawks in the first quarter and will not return due to right hamstring tightness. This incident is particularly concerning as it marks only his second game back since an extended absence caused by a right hamstring strain, raising potential concerns about his recent return to play. He finished with four points (1-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, and one assist across four minutes before his exit.

Collin Murray-Boyles Out Friday with Left Thumb Contusion

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Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers due to a left thumb contusion. This marks his third consecutive game sidelined. The rookie's next opportunity to play will come Sunday against the Thunder. With Murray-Boyles still out, Sandro Mamukelashvili is likely to make another start at center, with Jonathan Mogbo contributing off the bench.

Peyton Watson Ruled Out for Friday's Game with Bilateral Ankle Sprains

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Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (ankles) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bucks due to sprains to both of his ankles, specifically a right ankle strain and a left ankle sprain. This marks his first missed game since December 20. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Grizzlies. With the versatile forward sidelined, Tim Hardaway, Spencer Jones, Hunter Tyson, and Julian Strawther are expected to see an uptick in minutes. Watson is a restricted free agent this summer and has been a breakout player this season.

Jamal Murray Ruled Out Friday with Hamstring and Hip Inflammation

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Denver Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bucks due to right hamstring inflammation and left hip inflammation. This absence is likely a maintenance day for the second leg of a back-to-back set. Murray has been on an offensive tear, averaging 29.7 points, 6.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over his last six games. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Grizzlies, with Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown expected to absorb additional responsibilities in the backcourt.

RJ Barrett Returns to Action Friday After Seven-Game Ankle Absence

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Toronto Raptors swingman RJ Barrett (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, shedding his questionable tag. He returns to action after missing seven games due to a sprained left ankle. While it's currently unclear if the 25-year-old will be under a minutes restriction, it would not be surprising given his extended absence. His return means fewer minutes will be available for Jamal Shead, Ochai Agbaji, and Gradey Dick in the rotation.

Myles Turner Returns to Action Friday After Ankle Sprain

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Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (ankle) will play in Friday's game against the Nuggets. He is set to return after sitting out Wednesday's contest due to a left ankle sprain. In his seven January appearances, Turner has been averaging 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 25.3 minutes per contest. His return provides a boost to the Bucks' frontcourt rotation.

Kel'el Ware to Miss at Least Two More Games with Hamstring Strain

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Miami Heat big man Kel'el Ware (strained right hamstring) will miss at least two more games, including Saturday's contest against the Jazz and Sunday's against the Suns. He returned to Miami for Miami for treatment on Thursday. Ware is set to miss his fourth consecutive game on Sunday, with his next opportunity to play coming on Wednesday at home against the Magic. With the second-year center sidelined, Nikola Jovic is expected to see increased playing time behind Bam Adebayo.

Fears Moves to Bench as Jones Returns to Pelicans' Starting Lineup

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Jeremiah Fears will not start Friday's game against the Grizzlies, sliding to the bench as Herbert Jones (ankle) returns to the starting lineup for the New Orleans Pelicans. This marks the first time the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft will come off the bench since the season's opening two games. In his prior two reserve appearances, Fears averaged 15.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 23.5 minutes per contest.

Herbert Jones Returns from Ankle Sprain, Available for Friday's Game

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Herbert Jones (ankle) is available for Friday's game against Memphis, shaking off his questionable tag for the New Orleans Pelicans. He returns from an eight-game absence due to a right ankle sprain, having appeared in only one game since December 23. The 27-year-old forward may operate under a minutes restriction, and his return is expected to reduce playing time for teammates Micah Peavy, Bryce McGowens, and Jordan Hawkins.

Markkanen Questionable for Saturday Due to Reconditioning After Illness

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Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat due to return-to-competition reconditioning. The Utah Jazz star forward has missed the team's last six outings battling an illness and subsequent reconditioning, making this questionable tag a positive step towards his return. Should the 28-year-old remain sidelined, Kyle Anderson, Kyle Filipowski, and Cody Williams are candidates for increased minutes.

Powell Questionable for Saturday's Game with Lingering Back Tightness

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Norman Powell (back) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz due to ongoing lower-back tightness. Despite the issue, Powell was cleared to play in Thursday's loss to Portland, where he contributed 18 points, one assist, one steal, and one block in 28 minutes. If the veteran swingman is unable to suit up for the Miami Heat, Jaime Jaquez, Dru Smith, and Kasparas Jakucionis would be candidates for increased minutes.

Mitchell Questionable for Saturday with Left Shoulder Sprain

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Davion Mitchell (shoulder) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz due to a left shoulder sprain, having missed Thursday's contest. The Miami Heat guard has started all 40 of his appearances this season, averaging 9.0 points, 7.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Should Mitchell be unable to suit up, Kasparas Jakucionis is likely to slide back into the starting five.

Cade Cunningham Cleared to Play Friday vs. Rockets After Hip/Illness

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (hip/illness) has been officially cleared to play in Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. He was initially upgraded to probable after participating in shootaround, signaling his return from a one-game absence. This month, Cunningham has averaged 21.5 points, 10.2 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 34.2 minutes over six games, despite shooting 36.3 percent from the field. Daniss Jenkins will likely return to the second unit.

Neemias Queta Available for Friday's Game vs. Nets Despite Illness

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Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (illness) has been upgraded to available for Friday's game against the Nets, after initially being listed as questionable. Queta has not missed a game since November 30th. In January, he has averaged 11.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 25.2 minutes per game across 11 appearances, shooting 64.5 percent from the field. Luka Garza was a potential fill-in if Queta had been unable to play.

Austin Reaves Ruled Out for Saturday's Game vs. Mavericks with Calf Strain

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Mavericks, marking his 15th consecutive absence due to a left calf strain. Before the injury, Reaves was averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 23 appearances. While he won't return Saturday, there's optimism for his comeback during the Lakers' current road trip, with Monday's game against the Bulls being his next opportunity. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia are expected to continue in expanded roles.

Daniel Gafford Cleared to Return Saturday vs. Lakers After Ankle Injury

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Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been cleared to return for Saturday's game against the Lakers, fully participating in Friday's practice after missing four games. Coach Jason Kidd confirmed his readiness. Gafford, who was officially listed as probable, has started 20 of 29 games this season, averaging 7.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in 20.1 minutes over his last 10 appearances. His anticipated return to action may cut into Dwight Powell's fantasy appeal.

Tre Jones Out with Hamstring Strain, Re-evaluation in Two Weeks

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Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones is dealing with a left hamstring strain and is expected to miss an extended period, with a re-evaluation scheduled in two weeks. Jones has started 20 of 38 appearances this season but recently came off the bench. In his absence, the Bulls may increase playing time for Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter.

Franz Wagner Out Saturday with Ankle Soreness; Misses Second Straight Game

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Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers due to left ankle soreness, marking his second consecutive missed contest. This comes after he recently returned from missing over a month with a left high-ankle sprain. Tristan da Silva, Noah Penda, and Jett Howard are candidates for increased playing time in his absence. Wagner's next chance to play is Monday's rematch in Cleveland.

Jalen Suggs Probable for Saturday Return After Eight-Game Absence

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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is probable for Saturday's game against Cleveland due to a right knee MCL contusion, signaling an end to his eight-game absence. He may face a minutes restriction or come off the bench in his return, potentially impacting Anthony Black's playing time. Over his last 10 appearances, Suggs averaged 15.9 points, 4.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 steals in 27.3 minutes per game.