Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller is probable for Saturday's game against the Wizards, despite managing a left ankle impingement. The Alabama product has been a consistent scoring presence recently, achieving 20-plus points in five consecutive games. Across 11 appearances in January, Miller has averaged 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.6 minutes per contest.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Knicks due to ankle injury management. He previously missed a game for ankle management but returned Thursday against Houston, posting 32 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, one block, and one steal in 46 minutes. Over 10 January appearances, Embiid has averaged 27.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, shooting 53.7 percent from the field in 33.7 minutes.
Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable for Saturday's game against the 76ers due to back spasms, potentially sidelining him for the first time since Jan. 2. Over his last 10 appearances, the veteran big man has averaged 17.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 29.8 minutes. If he misses the game, Mitchell Robinson is expected to start. Despite fan frustration, the New York Knicks are reportedly not engaging in trade discussions for Towns this season, with the front office planning to persevere with him.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is probable for Saturday's game against the Knicks, as the team continues to manage his left knee injury. He is expected to play. Over his last five appearances, George has averaged 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals in 31.7 minutes per game.
Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (back) will miss Saturday's game against Charlotte, marking his fifth consecutive absence. This is a concerning sign as he's been ruled out a day in advance, having previously carried a questionable tag for Thursday's game versus Denver. With Coulibaly sidelined, the Wizards could turn to Will Riley, Justin Champagnie, and Jamir Watkins to soak up some minutes, impacting the team's rotation.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) is probable for Saturday's game against Boston. He made a strong return to the lineup on Thursday, recording 21 points (7-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 7-9 FT), six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 26 minutes during a 120-115 win over the Timberwolves. The probable tag suggests his hamstring injury responded well, allowing fantasy managers to confidently activate him.
The trade market for Anthony Davis is reportedly quiet, according to recent NBA trade rumors. This update comes alongside similar reports regarding Ja Morant's market and the unlikelihood of the Warriors moving Jimmy Butler.
Amidst ongoing NBA trade rumors, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly unlikely to move Jimmy Butler. This update comes as other trade markets, including those for Ja Morant and Anthony Davis, are also noted to be quiet.
LeBron James, 41, dismissed reports of frustrations from Jeanie Buss and potential trade ideas, stating he doesn't "really care about articles, stories, or podcasts." The Lakers star, in his 23rd season, emphasized his focus on restoring excellence to the organization, adding, "I'm 41 years old, and I watch golf every day. I don't care about an article." Discussions continue regarding his All-Star credentials for Year 23, with Dryamond Green reportedly supporting his inclusion. This is widely expected to be James' final season with the Lakers.
Despite earlier speculation of rising trade value, league sources indicate a quiet market for Ja Morant, making it likely he remains with the Memphis Grizzlies past the trade deadline. Toronto is reportedly out of the sweepstakes. While some executives view him as a buy-low candidate, others cite his history of injuries and off-court issues, leading to negative trade value. The Grizzlies are also reportedly unwilling to "sell low" on the 26-year-old guard.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been highlighted as a key player in optimal NBA DFS lineup advice for Friday, January 23. SportsLine's Mike McClure, a daily Fantasy pro, included Jackson Jr. in his picks for DraftKings and FanDuel.
Tari Eason will not play Friday against the Pistons due to rest and left ankle injury management. He logged 28 minutes in Thursday's overtime loss to the 76ers. Eason is presumably expected to return to action on Monday against Memphis. Josh Okogie and Clint Capela are candidates for increased involvement in his absence.
Golden State Warriors shooting guard Moses Moody is facing a lawsuit from his former landlord, Amir Tabarrok, for allegedly causing over $28,000 in damage to a San Francisco condominium he rented from 2021 to October 2025. The lawsuit claims Moody's failure to use required ventilation during laundry led to extensive water damage to hardwood floors, ceilings, walls, and carpeting. Additionally, holes were allegedly drilled into electrical switches and window frames. The landlord is seeking $12,500, the small claims court maximum, plus $870 in unpaid rent. Moody, who earns $11.57 million this year, now lives in the Millennium Tower.
Jonathan Kuminga left Thursday's game against Dallas in the second quarter due to an ankle tweak, with the nature and severity currently unclear. Despite this injury concern, reports indicate Kuminga still has no desire to remain with the Golden State Warriors, and both sides are reportedly ready for a 'divorce.' However, the trade market for the wing is not strong, suggesting the Warriors might keep him past the deadline, potentially utilizing his salary in a larger trade this offseason, possibly for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has strongly criticized Alabama over Charles Bediako's return to college basketball after playing professionally for three seasons, most recently with the G League's Motor City Cruise. Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order to rejoin the Crimson Tide. Izzo called the situation "utterly ridiculous," lamenting the lack of NCAA say and intervention from judges. Florida coach Todd Golden also criticized the "finagling" of the situation, noting a judge who is an Alabama donor granted the order. The NCAA reiterated it will not grant eligibility to athletes who have signed an NBA contract.
Victor Wembanyama delivered a dominant performance in Thursday's 126-109 victory over Utah, recording 26 points (9-14 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, five blocks, and one steal in 33 minutes. This marked his 14th career game with at least four blocks and four three-pointers, making him the NBA's all-time leader in this unique category, surpassing Brook Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis. It was also his 19th double-double of the season, his third straight. Since rejoining the Spurs' starting five, he's averaging 25.7 points, 9.6 boards, 3.3 threes, 1.7 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 0.9 steals over seven games.
De'Aaron Fox delivered a stellar performance for the San Antonio Spurs in Thursday's 126-109 victory over Utah, posting a game-high 31 points (10-13 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five rebounds, five assists, and one block in 35 minutes. This was his best offensive outing since December 3rd. Fox has now scored in double digits for nine consecutive games, averaging 18.1 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 boards, 2.0 threes, and 1.0 steals during this impressive span, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field.
Pascal Siakam is predicted to have another impressive performance tonight as the Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder. The veteran forward is currently averaging a career-best 23.8 PPG and has been particularly strong in January, posting 25 points per night. He has hit the Over on his points total in four consecutive games, including a recent 32-point effort against the Celtics. Siakam also performs better on the road, averaging 25.2 PPG, and previously scored 32 points against the Thunder this season.
A proposed trade idea from Bill Simmons suggests the Milwaukee Bucks send Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Harris to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, and a draft asset. However, Chris Ryan of The Ringer immediately rejected the notion. The sentiment is against trading young talent like Edgecombe for another aging co-star, preferring to watch Maxey and Edgecombe grow together for a more realistic NBA Finals run in 2028, rather than chasing a potentially fleeting championship in 2026.
