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NBA News

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

Friday, January 16

Evan Mobley Hits Game-Winning Dunk, Secures Cavs' Comeback Win

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Evan Mobley sealed the Cleveland Cavaliers' 117-115 comeback victory over the Philadelphia 76ers with a game-winning dunk with 4.8 seconds remaining. Mobley finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four blocks, along with one steal. He was instrumental in the final moments, catching a pass from Jaylon Tyson for the decisive basket. Despite being kept away from the paint for much of the game, Mobley delivered when it mattered most, helping the short-handed Cavs complete a two-game sweep.

Donovan Mitchell Posts Near Triple-Double in Cavs' Victory

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Donovan Mitchell contributed 13 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, along with six turnovers, in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 117-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Mitchell was quiet for much of the game, attempting only five shots in the first half as the 76ers focused their defensive attention on him. He countered by excelling as a playmaker, eventually finding a rhythm in the second half to help the Cavs secure the hard-fought road victory.

Sabonis Available for Kings, Not Starting Friday After Injury Return

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Domantas Sabonis (knee, partial meniscus tear) is available for the Sacramento Kings' Friday game against the Wizards, ending a 27-game absence. Despite earlier expectations, he will not start, instead playing in a reserve role to limit minutes. A minutes cap is anticipated for the next few games. Trade speculation continues for the three-time All-Star, who averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 11 games before his injury.

Bub Carrington to Start for Wizards Against Kings Due to Injury

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Bub Carrington is in the starting lineup for the Washington Wizards' Friday matchup with the Kings, filling in for the injured Bilal Coulibaly (back). He will be joined by Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, Justin Champagnie, and Alex Sarr in the first unit. As a starter this season, Carrington has averaged 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.6 triples per game, providing a significant boost to the team's backcourt.

Naz Reid Returns to Bench as Gobert Reclaims Starting Role

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Naz Reid will not start against the Rockets on Friday for the Minnesota Timberwolves, returning to the second unit as Rudy Gobert is back in the lineup following a one-game suspension. Over seven outings this month, including one start, the 26-year-old big man has averaged 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks across 25.9 minutes per tilt, showcasing strong production in his recent appearances.

Jaxson Hayes Questionable for Saturday's Game with Hamstring Tendinopathy

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Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring tendinopathy) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers. The Lakers' backup center has missed the last two games due to the injury, though coach JJ Redick indicated he could potentially return this weekend. If both Hayes and Deandre Ayton are sidelined, the Lakers may need to rely on Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme for frontcourt minutes.

Deandre Ayton Questionable for Saturday's Game with Left Knee Soreness

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Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking the first leg of the Lakers' weekend back-to-back. His availability is in doubt due to the knee issue. Averaging 13.9 points and 8.7 rebounds, Ayton's potential absence, alongside backup center Jaxson Hayes (hamstring), could force the Lakers to rely on Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme for frontcourt minutes.

Tari Eason Out Friday with Ankle Injury, Nearing Return

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Tari Eason (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, marking his fourth consecutive absence. Despite being sidelined, Eason was listed as questionable for the first time since his injury, suggesting he is nearing a return to action. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Pelicans, where he should be considered questionable.

Jerami Grant Questionable Saturday for Achilles Recovery Management

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Jerami Grant (Achilles) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers as part of his recovery management. He recently returned to action Thursday after missing 14 games due to left Achilles tendonitis, contributing 16 points (4-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 7-9 FT), three assists, two rebounds, and two blocks in 23 minutes. If Grant is sidelined, Sidy Cissoko, Rayan Rupert, and Duop Reath could see increased playing time for the Trail Blazers.

Jrue Holiday Questionable Saturday for Calf Injury Management

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Jrue Holiday (calf) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers, potentially missing the front end of a back-to-back due to right calf injury management. The veteran guard has appeared in just three outings following a 27-game absence due to a right calf strain, making it likely he'll be held out of at least one game of the back-to-back set. If ruled out, Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert are candidates for increased playing time.

Deni Avdija Doubtful Saturday, Expected to Miss Third Straight Game

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Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Lakers, which would mark his third consecutive absence. His continued unavailability is expected to result in increased minutes for teammates Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love. Additionally, Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe could see an uptick in their usage rates while Avdija remains sidelined.

John Collins Returns from Groin Injury, Will Not Start Friday

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John Collins (groin) is available for Friday's game in Toronto after a one-game absence, but will not be in the starting lineup, operating in a reserve role for the Los Angeles Clippers. His return follows a month-long hot streak where he averaged 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 2.3 triples, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks. In nine games off the bench this season, Collins has posted averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 three-pointers per contest.

Nicolas Batum Elevated to Starting Lineup for Friday's Game

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Nicolas Batum is confirmed to be in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Clippers' Friday game against the Raptors. He will join James Harden, Kris Dunn, Kobe Sanders, and Ivica Zubac in the first unit. In his three previous starts this season, Batum has recorded averages of 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers per contest.

Stephon Castle Questionable for Saturday Due to Illness

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San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (illness) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Minnesota. Castle has been a consistent presence, appearing in every game since December 8th. In January, across eight games, he has averaged 15.5 points, 6.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, though his field goal efficiency has been 38.6 percent. If Castle is unable to play, Dylan Harper and Lindy Waters are potential candidates for increased roles.

Ivica Zubac Returns Friday from Ankle Sprain; Clippers Not Entertaining Trade Offers

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Ivica Zubac (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Raptors, returning after a one-game absence due to a sprained left ankle. The Los Angeles Clippers center has been a strong presence on the glass, averaging 10.7 rebounds this season, including over 10.5 boards in three of his last five games. He has started his last five appearances, contributing 12.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game. Despite Boston's interest in acquiring a big man, the Clippers have stated they are not making Zubac available for trade, indicating it would take a "Godfather offer" to change their stance.

Devin Vassell Out Saturday, Misses 10th Straight Game with Adductor Strain

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Devin Vassell (left adductor strain) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his tenth consecutive missed contest. The San Antonio Spurs swingman remains without a timetable for his return to action and is considered doubtful for Monday's game against the Jazz. His continued absence impacts the Spurs' lineup as they navigate their schedule.

Craig Porter Starting Friday for Cavaliers with Garland Out

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Craig Porter is set to start for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Friday's game against the 76ers, marking his second start of the season and eighth of his career. With Darius Garland (toe/foot) sidelined, Porter is expected to see increased minutes and opportunities. Over his last 10 games, he has averaged 3.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 20.9 minutes. Despite scoring not being his strong suit, his ability to contribute across multiple categories, especially rebounds, assists, and defensive stats, makes him a valuable fill-in for the shorthanded Cavaliers.

Joel Embiid Cleared to Play Friday Against Cavaliers

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Joel Embiid (knee) has been officially cleared to play in Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, after previously being listed as probable due to left knee injury management. The Philadelphia 76ers big man has been performing at a high level recently, averaging 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 32.6 minutes across his last 10 appearances.

Paul George Cleared to Play Friday Against Cavaliers

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Paul George (knee) has been officially cleared to play in Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, after previously being listed as probable. The Philadelphia 76ers veteran is averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.4 triples, and 1.3 steals per game this season.

Aaron Gordon Probable for Saturday's Game Despite Hamstring Tag

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Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is probable to play in Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards. Despite remaining on the injury report, the Denver Nuggets forward is not expected to miss the contest. Gordon has been playing significant minutes recently, logging at least 30 minutes in each of his last three games and scoring 20-plus points in two of those outings, indicating his hamstring issue is not severely impacting his performance.