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NBA News

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

Monday, January 19

Kevin Porter moved to bench after 21 straight starts

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Milwaukee Bucks' Kevin Porter will move to the bench for Monday's game against the Hawks, ending a streak of 21 consecutive starts since his return on Nov. 29. Kyle Kuzma will replace him in the starting lineup. This decision follows Porter's first scoreless outing of the season, which snapped an eight-game run of double-digit scoring. Over that stretch, Porter averaged 16.1 points, 8.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 37.4 minutes per game.

Pritchard (ankle) returns Monday, expected to reclaim starting role

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Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (ankle) is officially cleared to play in Monday's game against the Pistons, according to Justin Turpin of WEEI.com. Pritchard had been carrying a questionable tag and missed Saturday's contest against the Hawks. With his return, he is expected to reclaim his starting spot in the lineup, which will likely move Baylor Scheierman back to the second unit for the Celtics.

Dyson Daniels Cleared to Play Monday vs. Bucks After Ankle Sprain

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Dyson Daniels (ankle) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against the Bucks, shedding his questionable tag. He was previously sidelined Saturday due to a right ankle sprain. His return is expected to impact the usage of teammates like CJ McCollum, Vit Krecji, Corey Kispert, and Luke Kennard. This update confirms his availability after a brief absence, providing a boost to the Atlanta Hawks' lineup for the upcoming contest.

Sunday, January 18

Ayton Returns from Injury, Posts Historic 25-Point Perfect Shooting Game

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Deandre Ayton returned for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Raptors, posting 25 points (10-10 FG, 5-6 FT), 13 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 33 minutes. He showed no ill effects from left knee soreness that sidelined him Saturday. Ayton's perfect shooting performance, combined with zero turnovers, made him the first Lakers player since 1977-78 to achieve such a feat. This was his 16th double-double of the season. Since January 2, he's averaged 11.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks.

Durant Passes Nowitzki for 6th All-Time Scoring, Eyes Michael Jordan

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Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant made history Sunday, passing Dirk Nowitzki for sixth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 31,562 career points in 1,161 games. In the 119-110 win over the Pelicans, Durant recorded 18 points (5-18 FG), 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal in 36 minutes. He secured the milestone with two free throws in the final minute. Nowitzki, whom Durant "idolized," congratulated him. Michael Jordan (32,292 points) is the next target, with Durant potentially reaching fifth place this season and challenging Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant if he stays healthy through his contract.

Brandon Miller Leads Hornets with 23 Points, Sinks Four Triples

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller scored a game-high 23 points (8-15 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 3-4 FT), with 4 rebounds and 1 assist in 24 minutes, leading the Hornets to a 110-87 win over the injury-depleted Nuggets. He netted 18 points and four 3-pointers in the first half, sitting out the fourth quarter due to the commanding lead. This was Miller's 11th game with at least four triples and his 14th 20-plus-point performance this season. Over his last three games, he has averaged 25.7 points.

Avdija Returns from Injury, Explodes for 30 Points in Blazers Win

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija returned to action Sunday after a three-game absence due to a lower back strain, shedding his questionable tag. In the 117-110 win over the Kings, Avdija exploded for 30 points (10-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 block in 32 minutes, leading both teams in scoring for his 12th 30-point-plus performance this season. This month, the 25-year-old has averaged 30.3 points, 7.0 assists, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 36.5 minutes over six appearances.

Collin Murray-Boyles Ruled Out Sunday with Aggravated Left Thumb Sprain

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Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Lakers after aggravating a lingering left thumb injury in the third quarter. He finished with 11 points (5-7 FG), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in 25 minutes. This injury is a significant blow to the Raptors' frontcourt, already without Jakob Poeltl (back). Murray-Boyles, who was making his ninth consecutive start, will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the sprain, with Sandro Mamukelashvili expected to see increased minutes.

Adams Diagnosed with Left Ankle Sprain After Early Exit

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Steven Adams was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle after exiting Sunday's game against the Pelicans in the fourth quarter. Head coach Ime Udoka confirmed the diagnosis, noting significant swelling but no fracture. Adams, who could barely bear weight after the injury sustained while blocking a Zion Williamson layup, finished with 5 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists in 27 minutes. He will undergo further tests to determine the severity, with Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith potentially seeing increased roles if Adams misses extended time.

Sengun records 21 points, career-high five steals in Rockets' win

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Alperen Sengun delivered a strong performance in Houston's 119-110 win over New Orleans on Sunday, tallying 21 points (9-15 FG, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, a career-high five steals, and one block in 33 minutes. He was the Rockets' second-leading scorer. Since returning from a three-game absence due to a right ankle injury, Sengun has averaged 20.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 33.9 minutes per game across five outings.

Ayo Dosunmu Scores 19 Points in Bulls' Victory Over Nets

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Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu contributed 19 points in the team's 124-102 win against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, helping them split their home-and-home series. Dosunmu hit key 3-pointers at the start and end of a 10-0 run in the first quarter, which helped the Bulls build a significant 39-22 lead. Chicago maintained a strong advantage throughout the game, leading 70-51 at halftime.

Coby White Scores 24 Points in Bulls' 124-102 Win Over Nets

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White scored 24 points, leading his team to a 124-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, splitting their home-and-home set. White contributed to the Bulls' dominant performance, which saw them take a 39-22 lead in the first quarter and maintain a lead of over 20 points for most of the second half. Nikola Vucevic added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists for Chicago.

Smith Explodes for Career-High Seven Triples in Rockets' Win

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Jabari Smith delivered a standout performance in the Rockets' 119-110 win over the Pelicans on Sunday, logging 32 points (11-21 FG, 7-13 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, and one block in 41 minutes. He set a new career high with seven three-pointers made and scored 22 points in the first half. This strong outing marks a significant improvement for Smith, who had shot just 31.7 percent from the field and 22.4 percent from beyond the arc in his previous nine games.

LeBron Cleared for Sunday Game, Extends NBA Player Matchup Record

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Lakers forward LeBron James, 41, is available for Sunday's game against the Raptors despite left foot arthritis and sciatica. He played Saturday, tallying 20 points (6-16 FG), 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in 32 minutes against Portland. This marked his 1,822nd unique opponent, meaning he has played against 33.8% of all NBA players in history. James has averaged 25.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.6 steals over his last five games, appearing in 23 games this season. He remains a game-time decision for all back-to-backs.

Immanuel Quickley Returns Sunday After Back Spasm Absence

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Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (back) is available for Sunday's game against the Lakers, returning from a two-game absence due to back spasms. His return means fewer minutes will be available for A.J. Lawson and Alijah Martin. The 26-year-old point guard has averaged 17.8 points, 5.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 34.0 minutes per game over six appearances in January.

Jimmy Butler Returns Monday After Missing Game for Personal Reasons

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Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (personal) is not on the injury report and is set to play in Monday's game against the Heat. He was previously ruled out shortly before tipoff Saturday night due to a personal matter. Butler has been performing at a high level recently, averaging 22.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in his last five appearances.

Draymond Green Probable for Monday with Right Ankle Sprain

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Heat due to a right ankle sprain. He may have sustained the injury during Saturday's blowout win over the Hornets, where he tallied 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds across 27 minutes. The injury does not appear to be of serious concern given his probable tag, but Al Horford and Trayce Jackson-Davis would be in line for larger roles if Green is unexpectedly sidelined.

Darius Garland Out 7-10 Days with Grade 1 Right Toe Sprain

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 right big toe sprain, sustained on Jan. 14 against Philadelphia. He will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days, missing at least the next five games. This is a new injury on his right foot, distinct from the left toe issue that required offseason surgery. The Cavaliers plan to be cautious with his recovery. In his absence, Craig Porter, Jaylon Tyson, and potentially Lonzo Ball and Tyrese Proctor are expected to see increased playing time. Garland has averaged 20.2 points and 7.4 assists over his last 16 games.

Jerami Grant Officially Ruled Out for Sunday with Achilles Injury

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Kings due to left Achilles injury management. He was previously listed as doubtful, with the team anticipating a rest day after he played in two consecutive games since returning from an Achilles injury. With Grant sidelined, Sidy Cissoko and Duop Reath are expected to see an uptick in playing time.

Jrue Holiday Ruled Out for Sunday's Game with Calf Injury

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Kings due to right calf injury management. He was previously listed as doubtful and will be sidelined for the second leg of a back-to-back. Holiday recorded 9 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in 20 minutes during Saturday's win over the Lakers. His next opportunity to play will be Thursday against the Heat. Caleb Love is expected to see increased minutes in his absence, while Deni Avdija returns to the lineup.