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NBA News

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

Wednesday, January 14

Mavericks' Flagg Exits Game with Recurring Left Ankle Sprain

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Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg exited Wednesday's game against the Nuggets in the second quarter due to a left ankle sprain, marking the second consecutive game he twisted the same ankle. Coach Jason Kidd noted Flagg initially hurt his left foot Monday against the Nets, then landed awkwardly on it again. Flagg briefly returned before being ruled out for the second half. The highly-touted rookie, averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists this season, will have his status continuously monitored.

Brunson Sprains Ankle vs. Kings, Walks Out Postgame Without Aid

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Knicks guard Jalen Brunson suffered a right ankle sprain in the first quarter of Wednesday's game against the Kings, playing just five minutes and scoring four points before being ruled out. This is the same ankle he sprained last November. Despite the injury, Brunson was seen walking out of the locker room postgame without a boot or crutches, an encouraging sign that he may have avoided a significant injury. Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are expected to handle point guard duties in his absence. His next opportunity to play is Thursday at Golden State.

Jamal Murray Drops 33 Points in Win, Continues Strong Performance

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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, despite battling an ankle injury and illness, was available and played 38 minutes in Wednesday's 118-109 win over Dallas. He delivered 33 points (13-24 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), five assists, and two rebounds, marking his second consecutive 30-point game. On Tuesday against the Pelicans, he had 35 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block in 37 minutes. Murray has missed three of Denver's last six games due to recent issues but has no reported minutes restrictions.

Alex Sarr ejected from Wednesday's game after second technical foul

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Alex Sarr was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Clippers after being assessed a second technical foul before halftime. The young center played 13 minutes, logging four points (2-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound, one assist, and two blocks. His absence will lead to more minutes for Marvin Bagley and Tristan Vukcevic. Sarr is expected to be back in action for Friday's game against Sacramento.

Sensabaugh sets NBA record with 21 first-quarter points, career-high 43

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Brice Sensabaugh delivered a career-high 43 points (15-22 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 8-8 FT), five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 34 minutes during Wednesday's 128-126 loss to the Bulls. He scored an NBA-high 21 points off the bench in the first quarter, the most by a reserve in the opening period in the play-by-play era. Sensabaugh shot an impressive 68.2% from the field, surpassing his previous best of 34 points. In January, he's averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals for the Utah Jazz.

Daniel Gafford ruled out of Wednesday's game with right ankle sprain

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Daniel Gafford has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against Denver due to a right ankle sprain. He missed Dallas' most recent game with the same injury and seemingly aggravated the issue. Before exiting, Gafford logged six points (2-2 FG, 2-4 FT) and 10 rebounds across 18 minutes. His absence will likely mean more opportunities for Dwight Powell. His next chance to play will come Thursday against Utah.

Bilal Coulibaly exits Wednesday's game early with low back tightness

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Bilal Coulibaly has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Clippers due to low back tightness. He departed before halftime, ending the game with three points (1-1 FG, 1-1 FT) and two rebounds across 10 minutes. His absence could mean more minutes for Justin Champagnie and Malaki Branham. Coulibaly's next chance to play will come Friday at Sacramento, which is the first leg of a back-to-back set.

Trey Murphy III scores 34 points in Pelicans' narrow victory over Nets

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Trey Murphy III scored a game-high 34 points as the New Orleans Pelicans edged the Brooklyn Nets 116-113 on Wednesday night. Murphy's strong offensive performance, including nine points and an assist on a dunk during a crucial 15-4 run, was instrumental in the Pelicans securing their second win in 13 games.

Saddiq Bey's late heroics lead Pelicans to narrow win over Nets

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Saddiq Bey made a tying 3-pointer, converted an offensive rebound into a dunk, and hit two free throws in the final 1:04, helping the New Orleans Pelicans edge the Brooklyn Nets 116-113 on Wednesday night. Bey finished with 12 points in the game. The Pelicans secured their second win in 13 games, with Bey's clutch plays proving decisive in the tight finish.

Zion Williamson Dominates with 25 Points, Three Stocks in Pelicans' Win

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Williamson bounced back with an efficient 25 points (11-14 FG, 3-5 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks across 30 minutes in Wednesday's 116-113 win over the Nets. After being limited to 12 points in Tuesday's game, Williamson attacked the basket effectively, contributing significantly to the New Orleans Pelicans' victory. He'll look to maintain this momentum in Friday's matchup against the Pacers.

Scottie Barnes Nears Triple-Double in Raptors' Dominant Win

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Scottie Barnes delivered a strong bounce-back performance for the Toronto Raptors, recording 26 points (10-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-9 FT), 13 assists, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block in 38 minutes during Wednesday's 115-101 win over the Pacers. This marks his 11th game this season with multiple steals, and he has registered at least one steal and one block in all but seven games during his 2025-26 campaign.

Pascal Siakam Posts Double-Double in Pacers' Loss to Raptors

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Pascal Siakam delivered a double-double with 26 points (10-23 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes during Wednesday's 115-101 loss to Toronto. This marks his second double-double in his last four games, a notable improvement after achieving only two in his previous 32 appearances. Siakam led the Indiana Pacers in scoring and has averaged 22 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his last four contests.

Donovan Mitchell Leads Cavaliers with 35 Points, Nine Assists

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Donovan Mitchell spearheaded the Cleveland Cavaliers' dominant 133-107 win over the 76ers on Wednesday, closing with a game-high 35 points (11-22 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 8-8 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds, and one steal in 33 minutes. Mitchell also hit five three-pointers and made a strong impact on the glass. He has been in excellent form this January, surpassing 30 points in four of six games and consistently hitting multiple threes in every outing.

John Collins Ruled Out for Wednesday's Game with Groin Soreness

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John Collins (groin) was a late addition to the injury report and has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Wizards due to right groin soreness experienced during his pregame routine. Initially questionable, the Los Angeles Clippers decided to hold him out. Collins is now considered questionable for Friday's game in Toronto. Kobe Sanders will start in his absence, with Nicolas Batum also expected to see increased minutes.

Dominick Barlow's Back X-Rays Negative, MRI Scheduled for Thursday

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Dominick Barlow (back) exited Wednesday's loss to the Cavs after going down hard on a drive. Initial X-rays came back negative, but he is scheduled for an MRI on Thursday to determine the full extent of the back contusion. Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed the MRI. Barlow is considered doubtful for Friday's rematch with Cleveland. If he needs to miss time, Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre, and Trendon Watford could see increased roles for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Kawhi Leonard Cleared to Play Wednesday Despite Ankle Sprain

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Kawhi Leonard (right ankle sprain) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Wizards, as reported by Tomer Azarly. Leonard was initially a game-time decision due to the nagging injury but will suit up. The Los Angeles Clippers veteran has been performing strongly in January, averaging 29.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals across seven games.

Sam Merrill Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Hand Injury

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill exited Wednesday night's game against the 76ers early due to a hand injury. Further details on the severity or his return timeline were not immediately available.

Darius Garland Exits Wednesday's Game with Right Foot Injury, Won't Return

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland exited Wednesday's game against the 76ers late in the third quarter with a right foot injury and did not return. He finished the contest with 20 points (8-13 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 23 minutes. An update on his status is expected postgame. It's noted that this injury affects the opposite foot from the one that required offseason surgery.

Landry Shamet Practices Tuesday, Nears Return from Shoulder Injury

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Landry Shamet (shoulder) participated in practice on Tuesday, signaling he is in the final stages of his rehabilitation process. The New York Knicks guard has been sidelined since November due to the shoulder injury. While practicing is a positive step, he has already been ruled out for Wednesday's game. The team is expected to require him to complete a few more practices before being cleared, making his return for Thursday's game against the Warriors unlikely.

Brook Lopez to Start Wednesday Against Wizards Due to Zubac Injury

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Brook Lopez will be in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Wizards, as reported by Tomer Azarly. This spot-start comes as Ivica Zubac is sidelined with an ankle injury. Lopez has shown inconsistency as a starter this season, averaging 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 three-pointers, and 1.2 blocks per contest. Given the favorable matchup against the Wizards, he is considered a streaming option for the Los Angeles Clippers.