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

Sunday, January 18

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.

LaMelo Ball Returns to Starting Lineup for Sunday's Game

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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball will start against the Nuggets on Sunday, returning to the starting five after coming off the bench in Saturday's loss to Golden State. Over nine appearances (seven starts) this month, the 24-year-old point guard has averaged 20.0 points, 6.0 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 26.0 minutes per game. With Ball back in the starting lineup, Sion James will slide to the second unit.

Jamal Murray Cleared for Sunday After Explosive 42-Point Game

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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is available for Sunday's game against the Hornets, shedding his probable tag despite battling an ankle sprain and illness. He's on a hot streak, erupting for 42 points (15-24 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in 39 minutes during Saturday's 121-115 win over the Wizards. This marked his best offensive outing since December 3rd, and he's now surpassed 30 points in three straight games, averaging 36.7 points, 6.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 38.0 minutes during that span. He is expected to play in the second leg of the back-to-back.

Aaron Gordon Sidelined for Sunday's Game with Hamstring Injury

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Charlotte due to a hamstring injury. He was added to the injury report as questionable earlier in the day, and the team has elected to shut him down for the clash. With Gordon unavailable, Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes are expected to see an uptick in playing time as the only two healthy centers for the Nuggets.

Devin Vassell (Spurs) Out Monday, Misses 11th Straight with Adductor Strain

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San Antonio Spurs forward Devin Vassell has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Jazz due to a left adductor strain, marking his 11th consecutive absence. There is currently no clear timetable for his return, and he is considered doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Rockets. His prolonged absence continues to impact the Spurs' lineup.

Tari Eason (Rockets) Downgraded to Out for Sunday's Game with Ankle Injury

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Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Pelicans due to an ankle injury. Eason was initially listed as questionable leading up to tipoff but will not be able to suit up for the matchup. Josh Okogie is expected to draw another start in his absence, filling the void created by Eason's injury.

Isaiah Collier (Jazz) Questionable Monday with Right Quadriceps Contusion

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Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier is questionable for Monday's game against the Spurs due to a right quadriceps contusion. Collier evidently picked up the injury at some point during Saturday's clash against the Mavericks, putting his availability for Monday in jeopardy. The team is expected to provide another update on his status after seeing how he fares during shootaround.

Davion Mitchell (Heat) Probable for Monday Return After Shoulder Contusion

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Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Warriors, trending toward a return after missing the last two games with a left shoulder contusion. The fifth-year point guard's potential return is significant, especially with Tyler Herro (toe/rib) sidelined. If Mitchell is given the green light, Kasparas Jakucionis would likely lose his spot in the starting lineup.

Lauri Markkanen (Jazz) Out Monday, Misses 4th Straight Due to Illness

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Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Spurs due to an illness, marking his fourth consecutive missed contest. While he is sidelined, rookie first-rounder Ace Bailey is expected to remain in the starting lineup. Markkanen could potentially return for the second leg of the Jazz's back-to-back set on Tuesday against the Timberwolves, offering a glimmer of hope for his return.

Tyler Herro (Heat) Out Monday, Not Traveling with Team Due to Rib Contusion

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Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is listed as out for Monday's game against the Warriors due to a right rib contusion and did not travel with the team ahead of their five-game road trip. This marks his second consecutive missed outing. While there's a chance he could rejoin the team in Sacramento on Tuesday, his absence from travel doesn't bode well for an immediate return. Kasparas Jakucionis and Dru Smith are candidates for increased minutes in his absence.

Paul George Questionable for Monday vs. Pacers with Left Knee Soreness

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers due to left knee injury management. This marks a downgrade from his previous probable status for Friday's game. George has played in nine of Philly's last 10 games, but has not played both games of a back-to-back this season. The Sixers will monitor his condition closely before making a final decision, potentially factoring in the tougher matchup against the Suns on Tuesday.

Embiid Questionable for Monday vs. Pacers Due to Knee Management

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers due to left knee injury management. The team continues to manage his availability, and he may miss the front end of this back-to-back set, as he has not played both games of a back-to-back this season. Embiid has played in nine of Philly's last 10 games. Over eight appearances this month, he has averaged 26.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 32.3 minutes per game. A decision on his status may factor in the tougher matchup against the Suns on Tuesday.

Jalen Green Questionable for Monday, Nearing Return from Hamstring

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Nets, signaling a potential return after being sidelined since Nov. 8 with a right hamstring strain. Green has recently participated in 5-on-5 work, and coach Jordan Ott noted "everything seemed to be good." While he may face a minutes restriction initially, his availability would impact minutes for Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie, and Grayson Allen. The team has been cautious with his recovery, and his questionable status marks significant progress.

Devin Booker Questionable for Monday with Left Ankle Soreness

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Devin Booker is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Nets due to left ankle soreness. He had previously missed one game with an ankle issue but looked sharp in Saturday's contest. Despite his recent performance, Booker is not yet at 100 percent, and the team expects to provide further clarification on his availability closer to tipoff.

Josh Giddey Ruled Out Sunday, Nearing Return & G League Assignment

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Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nets, marking his 10th consecutive absence due to a left hamstring strain since Dec. 29. Despite being initially listed as doubtful, the Bulls guard was assigned to the G League Windy City Bulls on Sunday for additional practice, indicating he is nearing a return. His next potential game is Tuesday at home against the Clippers, with his return possibly moving Tre Jones to a bench role.

Bennedict Mathurin Out Monday vs. 76ers with Right Thumb Sprain

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Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the 76ers, extending his absence since Jan. 2. While there is optimism for his return during the Pacers' current four-game road trip, his next opportunity to play will be Wednesday against Boston.

Andrew Nembhard Cleared to Return Monday After Back Issue

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Andrew Nembhard (back) has been removed from the injury report and is set to return for Monday's game against the 76ers. He was previously held out of Saturday's loss to Detroit due to a back issue, which was the second leg of a back-to-back. Over seven appearances this month, the 26-year-old point guard has averaged 18.4 points, 8.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 32.6 minutes per game.

Dean Wade Probable for Monday, Set to Return from Knee Contusion

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Dean Wade (left knee contusion) is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Thunder, trending toward a return after a five-game absence. His return could see Craig Porter or Jaylon Tyson shift from the starting lineup to the bench. Over his last 10 starts, Wade averaged 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.7 threes in 23.8 minutes per game.

Pascal Siakam Cleared to Play Monday vs. 76ers After Rest Day

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Pascal Siakam (rest) will return to action for Monday's game against the 76ers after being given a day off Saturday against the Pistons. The New Mexico State product is averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists through eight January appearances.

Zaccharie Risacher Out Monday vs. Bucks with Bruised Left Knee

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Zaccharie Risacher (bruised left knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Bucks, extending his streak of absences. Vit Krejci has been part of the starting lineup in Risacher's absence and is expected to continue seeing opportunities until the 20-year-old is cleared to play.