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

Thursday, January 15

Daniel Gafford Out Thursday with Ankle Injury, Questionable for Saturday

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Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz due to an ankle injury. Gafford will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back set. He should be considered questionable for Saturday's rematch against Utah. With Gafford unavailable, Dwight Powell is expected to start, and Moussa Cisse could see an increased role in the Mavericks' rotation.

P.J. Washington Out for Thursday's Game Due to Ankle Management

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Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has been downgraded to out for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz, citing right ankle injury management. He was initially listed as questionable. The team is holding him out for maintenance reasons, as Thursday marks the second leg of a back-to-back set. Washington is expected to be available for Saturday's rematch with Utah. His absence could lead to increased roles for players like Klay Thompson, who is a candidate to start for the undermanned Mavericks.

Antetokounmpo (Ankle) Available to Play Thursday vs. Spurs

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Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Spurs. The superstar forward will play through a sprained left ankle. Over his last nine appearances, Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 0.8 steals in 29.5 minutes per game, shooting an efficient 66.7 percent from the field.

Flagg Ruled Out for Thursday's Jazz Game with Left Ankle Sprain

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Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is officially out for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz due to a re-aggravated left ankle sprain, marking his second absence this season. He left Wednesday's game early after initially sustaining the injury Monday. The team plans caution with the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, who is averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals. His next chance to return will be Saturday, also against Utah.

Dort (Foot) Returns to Action, Available for Thursday's Game

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Luguentz Dort (foot) is available for Thursday's game in Houston, returning to the lineup after a one-game absence. His return could lead to Aaron Wiggins moving back to the second unit. Dort is averaging 8.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game this season for the Thunder.

Johnson Sports New Look After Shaving Head with Wembanyama

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Spurs forward Keldon Johnson showed up to shoot around on Thursday with a bald head, having shaved it with teammate Victor Wembanyama following a recent loss to OKC. This marks a notable change in appearance for the San Antonio player.

Ivey Moves to Bench as Cunningham Returns for Pistons

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Jaden Ivey will come off the bench for Thursday's game against the Suns, as Cade Cunningham (wrist) returns to the starting lineup after a two-game absence. Ivey has had a quiet season, averaging 8.3 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers per game for the Pistons.

Booker Out for Thursday vs. Pistons with Ankle Sprain, Day-to-Day

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Devin Booker (ankle) will not play Thursday against the Pistons due to a left ankle sprain, despite participating in morning shootaround. He played 40 minutes in Tuesday's game after sustaining the injury. The Suns guard is considered day-to-day for Saturday's game against the Knicks. Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen are expected to see increased minutes in his absence.

Edwards Out for Friday's Game vs. Rockets Due to Foot Injury

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Anthony Edwards (foot) is ruled out for Friday's game against the Rockets, marking his second consecutive absence. He will miss the game due to right foot injury maintenance. Mike Conley, who started in Edwards' place on Tuesday, is expected to do so again on Friday for the Timberwolves.

Herbert Jones Ruled Out for Friday with Right Ankle Sprain

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Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers, marking his sixth consecutive missed matchup. He is tending to a right ankle sprain. His next opportunity to return to action will be Sunday when the Pelicans face Houston.

Domantas Sabonis Full Participant, Could Return Friday

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Sabonis (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice and could be cleared to play Friday against the Wizards. This is a significant positive for Sacramento, as he has missed the team's last 27 games while recovering from a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. Maxime Raynaud would likely revert to a bench role once Sabonis is fully cleared and without minutes restrictions.

Dean Wade Ruled Out for Fifth Straight Game with Knee Injury

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Wade (knee) will not play Friday versus the 76ers, marking his fifth consecutive game on the inactive list. His absence is expected to lead to more minutes for teammates Jaylon Tyson and De'Andre Hunter. Wade's next chance to return to the court will come Monday against the Thunder.

Darius Garland Officially Ruled Out for Friday with Right Foot Injury

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Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against Philadelphia due to a right foot injury. He exited Wednesday's game with 4:08 left in the third quarter after landing hard. This injury is unrelated to his previous left foot surgery. Before exiting, Garland posted 20 points (8-13 FG), seven assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 23 minutes. His next chance to play will be Monday against the Thunder, with Craig Porter, Jaylon Tyson, and Lonzo Ball potentially seeing increased minutes.

Jalen Brunson Out vs. Warriors with Right Ankle Sprain, Day-to-Day Status Confirmed

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Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Warriors due to a right ankle sprain, his second this season. The injury occurred in the first quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Kings, limiting him to just five minutes. Despite the setback, Brunson is considered day-to-day and was seen walking without crutches or a limp post-game, indicating no extended absence is expected. He averages 28.2 points and 6.1 assists, shooting 38.8% from three-point range, and is an expected All-Star starter. Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, and Jordan Clarkson are anticipated to fill his increased role.

John Collins Questionable for Friday with Groin Soreness

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Collins (groin) is questionable for Friday's game against Toronto due to right groin soreness, potentially missing his second consecutive contest. If he is downgraded to out, Kobe Sanders and Nicolas Batum would likely see increased playing time at power forward for the Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard Questionable for Friday Despite Strong Recent Play

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Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Toronto. Despite playing through the ankle issue in recent games, it has not significantly impacted his performance, as he has scored a total of 68 points in his last two outings. An update on his availability is expected closer to Friday's tip-off.

Paul George Probable for Friday's Game with Knee Management

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George is probable for Friday's game against Cleveland due to left knee injury management. This status is consistent with his listing ahead of Wednesday's matchup. Having played in two consecutive games, he is expected to be on track for a third if all goes well leading up to Friday's clash.

Joel Embiid Probable for Friday's Game with Knee Management

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Embiid is probable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers due to left knee injury management. He was also considered probable leading up to Wednesday's matchup. If all goes according to plan, Embiid is expected to be available to play Friday.

Paolo Banchero's 26 Points, 13 Rebounds Fuel Magic's 20-Point Comeback in Berlin

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Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a memorable 118-111 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the first NBA game played in Berlin. Banchero delivered a strong performance with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals, helping the Magic erase a 20-point second-quarter deficit. His three-pointer at halftime helped cut the lead to 67-58, sparking the rally that saw Orlando outscore Memphis 26-12 in the third quarter.

Ivica Zubac Questionable for Friday Return Amidst Ankle Sprain; Celtics Eye Trade

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Clippers center Ivica Zubac is questionable for Friday's game against the Raptors, having missed Wednesday's game due to a left ankle sprain. While his availability will be clearer after shootaround, he has a chance to return. Zubac, who has missed six of the last 12 games with an ankle injury, is still averaging a double-double with 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds. He's also being discussed as a 'perfect' trade target for the Celtics due to his favorable 3-year, $58.7 million contract and strong defensive rebounding, though the Clippers may seek two first-round picks.