Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley is questionable for Friday's game against the Clippers due to back spasms, potentially missing his second consecutive contest. If he cannot play, Jamal Shead is expected to see a significant increase in ball-handling responsibilities. Quickley has been battling a back injury, and trade rumors are also swirling around him and other Raptors players.
Raptors forward RJ Barrett will miss his third consecutive game, sitting out Friday's matchup against the Clippers due to an ankle sprain. Being ruled out a day in advance is not a positive sign for his return, with his next opportunity to play coming Sunday against the Lakers. Barrett is currently dealing with an ankle sprain, and trade rumors are also circulating regarding his future with the team.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) has been confirmed out for Thursday's game against the Hawks. This update was expected, as he previously carried a doubtful tag. Avdija is now considered day-to-day moving forward. With Jerami Grant (Achilles) likely returning to the lineup, he could absorb a significant portion of Avdija's usual minutes.
Trade speculation surrounding Lakers guard Austin Reaves has increased following recent comments from Rich Paul. While the "NBA Minutes Report" notes Reaves is playing enough minutes to be usable in fantasy leagues, discussions are now breaking down whether the Lakers should consider trading him.
Anthony Davis is sidelined for six weeks with a fractured hand, intensifying trade rumors. His agent, Rich Paul, is reportedly pushing for a trade before the deadline, believing other teams would offer the extension Davis seeks. The Mavericks, however, insist they won't be bullied and will only make a deal that makes sense for them, seeking draft compensation, young talent, and financial relief. Owner Patrick Dumont is prepared to go into next season with Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg if no suitable trade emerges.
Grizzlies guard Ja Morant missed Thursday's NBA Europe game due to a right calf issue, with his status for Sunday uncertain. This comes as Morant is heavily linked to trade rumors, with reports indicating he wants to go to Miami and has even purchased a house there. Preliminary discussions between Miami and Memphis have occurred but not escalated. Morant and his advisors are meeting in Europe to discuss his future. The Heat's structured organization and veteran presence appeal to Morant, who has missed 34 games due to suspensions. Toronto is also a team to watch in potential trade scenarios.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen will miss his second consecutive game on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks, sidelined due to an illness. With Markkanen unavailable, Kevin Love is expected to be available and could see increased minutes. Additionally, Brice Sensabaugh will aim to maintain his strong performance after erupting for 43 points in Wednesday's game. Markkanen's absence impacts the Jazz's frontcourt rotation.
Dillon Brooks (illness) is cleared to play Thursday against Detroit, despite missing the morning shootaround, and is not on the injury report. With Devin Booker out, Brooks could see an uptick in touches. Known as 'Dillon the villain,' he's beloved by teammates and contributing to the Phoenix Suns' overachieving performance this season, having found a strong connection in Houston after feeling unwanted in Memphis.
Jaime Jaquez (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Celtics. He was unable to clear his questionable tag but remains day-to-day, with his next opportunity to play coming Saturday against the Thunder. In his absence, Nikola Jovic is expected to pick up some additional playing time for the Miami Heat.
Davion Mitchell is out for Thursday's game against the Celtics due to a left shoulder contusion. He is considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's matchup with the defending-champion Thunder. With Mitchell sidelined, Pelle Larsson and Dru Smith are expected to see increased playing time in the Miami Heat's backcourt.
Tyler Herro (toe/ribs) will play Thursday against the Celtics after being listed as probable with two minor injuries. Over his last four games for the Miami Heat, Herro has posted 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.3 three-pointers in 31.7 minutes per contest, showcasing strong recent performance.
James Harden expressed strong confidence in the Los Angeles Clippers' recent performance, stating the team is firmly fighting its way back into contention after what was described as an ugly start to the season. The Clippers have demonstrated a significant turnaround, winning an impressive 11 out of their last 13 games. This includes a current four-game winning streak, which has solidified their position and brought them firmly back into the playoff picture. Harden's optimism reflects the team's improved form and their renewed focus on challenging for a top spot.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner is set to return to the lineup on Thursday, just in time for the team's game in Berlin, Germany. His return is expected to impact the team's dynamics, and fantasy analysts have been discussing the fallout from his re-integration into the rotation.
New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy erupted for a game-high 34 points (12-22 FG, 5-13 3Pt, 5-7 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, one block, and two steals across 38 minutes in Wednesday's 116-113 victory over Brooklyn. The fifth-year player has significantly elevated his scoring since January 2026, recording over 30 points in back-to-back games and four of six this month. In January, Murphy is averaging 31.7 points, 7.0 boards, 5.3 threes, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals, while shooting an efficient 54.8 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent from long distance.
NBA analyst Eric Karabell has included Trae Young among the notable players for whom he is forecasting expectations. Young is part of a group of athletes, including Kon Knueppel and Jalen Johnson, whose future performance is being projected. The forecast aims to provide insights into what to anticipate from these players in upcoming games or seasons, highlighting their potential impact.
NBA analyst Eric Karabell has made a bold forecast, suggesting that Kon Knueppel could lead the league in three-pointers made. Knueppel is highlighted as a notable player in Karabell's projections, which also include Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. This forecast indicates high expectations for Knueppel's future shooting performance in the NBA, positioning him as a potential top-tier perimeter threat.
NBA analyst Eric Karabell has included Jalen Johnson among the notable players for whom he is forecasting expectations. Johnson is part of a group of athletes, including Kon Knueppel and Trae Young, whose future performance is being projected. The forecast aims to provide insights into what to anticipate from these players in upcoming games or seasons, highlighting their potential impact.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr., 27, is having a breakout season with career-highs of 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 31 games. Despite drawing trade interest across the NBA, the Golden State Warriors have reportedly not shown real interest, not having spoken to Brooklyn in over a month. The Warriors are hesitant to offer multiple first-round picks for him, preferring to protect their 2028 and beyond draft capital.
James Harden expressed strong belief in the Los Angeles Clippers' ability to overcome their early-season struggles and make a deep playoff run. He firmly dismissed any speculation that the team's current challenges would lead him to depart, reiterating his commitment to helping the Clippers climb into contention.
Jonathan Kuminga is reportedly demanding a trade from the Golden State Warriors, confirmed by multiple league sources including ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area. The 23-year-old forward became trade eligible on January 15, 2026, after signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract on September 30. Kuminga has seen limited action, playing once in the last 17 games with 16 healthy DNP-CDs this season and 13 consecutive DNP-CDs. After starting the first 12 games of the 2025-26 season, he fell out of coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. The Kings and Mavericks have shown interest, but the Warriors have not guaranteed a trade before the Feb. 5 deadline, potentially waiting until summer.
