Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Deni Avdija (back) has been officially ruled out for the Portland Trail Blazers' Saturday game against the Lakers. Initially listed as doubtful, he was downgraded to out, marking his third consecutive absence. Avdija's next opportunity to return to action will be Sunday when the team faces Sacramento. The specific nature of his back injury was not detailed beyond the designation.
The jersey worn by Stephen Curry during the championship-clinching Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals has been sold privately for a significant sum of $2.45 million. This sale highlights the enduring value and historical significance of memorabilia from key moments in his career and the Golden State Warriors' championship run.
Cooper Flagg (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz, marking his second consecutive missed matchup due to a left ankle sprain. The Dallas Mavericks will rely on Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams to fill key roles in the rotation during Flagg's absence as he recovers from the injury.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (rest) will not play in Saturday's game against the Pistons, marking only his second absence this season. He is expected to return for Monday's contest against the 76ers. With Siakam and several other key players sidelined, Jarace Walker is anticipated to receive increased playing time, making him a potential streaming option in most fantasy leagues.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Pistons due to a lower-back injury. His next opportunity to play will be Monday against the 76ers. With Nembhard sidelined, and T.J. McConnell (elbow) also out, Kam Jones and Ben Sheppard are considered the primary candidates to fill the starting lineup for the Pacers.
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks due to left ankle soreness, an expected absence after being listed as doubtful. His next chance to play is Monday against the Pistons. In his absence, Anfernee Simons, who has been playing well, could potentially enter the Celtics' starting lineup. Alternatively, Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez are also candidates to start against Atlanta.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Magic in London, England. He is on track to return from a six-game absence due to a right calf contusion, an update confirmed by coach Tuomas Iisalo who previously stated Morant had a 'good chance' to play. His return would likely shift Cam Spencer, who started in Morant's absence, back to a bench role. Prior to his injury, Morant averaged 23.5 points, 7.8 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over 29.3 minutes per game. Morant is also reportedly in the center of trade discussions.
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) made a productive return from a knee injury, sidelined since Nov. 16. Playing 21 minutes off the bench in Friday's 128-115 win over the Wizards, he recorded 13 points (5-6 FG), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. While eased back into action, the 29-year-old big delivered a solid overall line. He may not rejoin the starting five immediately but is expected to be a fantasy asset. His next challenge involves back-to-back games early next week.
P.J. Washington (Dallas Mavericks) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Jazz. Initially listed as probable due to a right ankle injury, the veteran forward will now be sidelined while attending to a personal matter. His next opportunity to play is Monday against the Knicks. In his absence, Caleb Martin, Klay Thompson, and the recently signed Jeremiah Robinson-Earl are expected to see increased minutes.
Trey Murphy contributed 22 points (7-21 FG, 5-14 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five assists, four rebounds, one block, and one steal in 38 minutes during the Pelicans' 127-119 loss to Indiana. Despite efficiency struggles, Murphy was New Orleans' second-leading scorer and led all players with five three-pointers. The 25-year-old swingman has scored at least 21 points in all seven January appearances, hitting five-plus triples in five of those games, and is shooting 41.1% from deep this month.
Zion Williamson posted a well-rounded 27 points (10-12 FG, 7-10 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, and one steal in 33 minutes during the Pelicans' 127-119 loss to the Pacers. Williamson was exceptionally efficient, shooting 80.8% from the field over his last two games. He led New Orleans in scoring Friday and has surpassed 20 points in five of his last six outings. The 25-year-old also matched his season-high in assists, previously set on Oct. 24.
Pascal Siakam contributed 27 points (11-22 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, five assists, and one block in 34 minutes during the Pacers' 127-119 victory over the Pelicans. Siakam hit a team-high four three-pointers and was Indiana's second-leading scorer. This marks his second consecutive game with 20+ points, a feat he's achieved in all but one of his eight January appearances. This month, he's averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 34.0 minutes.
Kevin Durant delivered a season-high performance, scoring 39 points (11-18 FG, 6-8 3Pt, 11-14 FT) along with seven assists, four rebounds, two steals, and one block in 40 minutes during Friday's 110-105 win over the Timberwolves. The Houston Rockets star's 39 points marked a new season best and his 14th 30-point game. He also led the team in assists and recorded multiple steals for the second consecutive game.
Jay Huff delivered a career-best performance, scoring 29 points (13-17 FG, 3-6 3Pt) and grabbing nine rebounds, along with one assist, two blocks, and two steals in 29 minutes, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 127-119 victory over the Pelicans. This marks a new career-high in points for the 7-foot-1 center, surpassing his previous best of 22. Over the past six games, Huff has averaged 15.5 points on 67.2% shooting, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 triples, and 1.8 blocks. He was acquired by Indiana in an offseason trade with Memphis.
James Harden posted 31 points (10-27 FG, 2-15 3Pt, 9-10 FT) and 10 assists, along with two rebounds, one steal, and one block in 42 minutes, contributing to the Los Angeles Clippers' 121-117 overtime win over the Raptors. Harden led the team in scoring with Kawhi Leonard sidelined, stepping up in the fourth quarter and overtime after a slow start. This performance marks his third consecutive game with at least 20 points and his third double-double this month.
Jaylon Tyson racked up a career-high 39 points (13-17 FG, 7-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five rebounds, and four assists in 38 minutes, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117-115 victory over Philadelphia. Tyson's phenomenal efficiency included new career highs in points and triples. He also delivered the game-winning assist to Evan Mobley for a last-second dunk, securing the Cavs' comeback win and a two-game sweep of the 76ers. Tyson played a crucial role while Darius Garland was sidelined, logging significant minutes and closing out the game.
Michael Porter made a go-ahead layup with 5.4 seconds remaining, leading the Brooklyn Nets to a 112-109 victory over the Bulls, snapping a five-game skid. Porter finished with 26 points (9-17 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 32 minutes. This marks his third consecutive game with at least 20 points and seven rebounds, connecting on at least four triples in each. Earlier reports identified Porter as a top NBA trade deadline candidate, with his contract being a key factor in potential discussions.
Day'Ron Sharpe scored 14 points for the Brooklyn Nets in their 112-109 victory over the Chicago Bulls. His contribution helped the Nets snap a five-game losing streak, providing key scoring off the bench in a hard-fought game where the Nets overcame a blown 20-point lead.
Rookie Danny Wolf contributed 13 points for the Brooklyn Nets in their 112-109 win against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. His scoring helped the Nets snap a five-game losing streak, providing valuable offensive support alongside Michael Porter Jr. and Noah Clowney.
Noah Clowney recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Brooklyn Nets in their 112-109 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Clowney was instrumental in the second quarter, converting a pair of three-point plays during a personal run of seven straight points, helping the Nets build a significant lead. His performance contributed to snapping the team's five-game losing streak.
