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

Wednesday, January 14

Aaron Gordon Cleared to Play Wednesday Despite Hamstring Issue

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Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is officially available for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks, confirming his status after being listed as probable. He played through the probable tag Tuesday against the Pelicans, recording 16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals in 30 minutes. The Denver Nuggets forward is reportedly not yet 100 percent but intends to push through. This season, Gordon is averaging 18.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.9 triples per game.

Luke Kennard Questionable for Thursday's Game Due to Neck Injury

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Luke Kennard (neck) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers. The Atlanta Hawks guard is in danger of missing his second consecutive game. His status will be further clarified based on his activity level at shootaround. If Kennard is sidelined, Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum are expected to see increased minutes in the second unit to help cover his absence.

Zaccharie Risacher Ruled Out for Fourth Straight Game with Knee Injury

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Zaccharie Risacher (knee) has been officially ruled out for Thursday's game in Portland, marking his fourth consecutive game on the inactive list. The Atlanta Hawks forward should be considered questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Celtics. In his absence, Vit Krejci is expected to continue starting, and Corey Kispert will likely see additional minutes on the court.

Deni Avdija Doubtful for Thursday's Game with Back Injury

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Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against Atlanta. The Portland Trail Blazers forward sustained the back injury during Sunday's game and subsequently missed Tuesday's contest, making him likely to sit out a second consecutive game. His absence on Tuesday allowed Caleb Love to draw a start, and Love would likely step into the starting lineup again if Avdija is unable to play.

Jerami Grant Questionable for Thursday; Could Return from Achilles Injury

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Jerami Grant (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hawks, potentially marking his return to action. The Portland Trail Blazers forward has been sidelined since December 18 due to left Achilles tendonitis. Prior to his injury, Grant was a significant offensive contributor, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 30.3 minutes per game across 26 appearances this season, including 14 starts.

Hayes Questionable for Thursday's Game vs. Hornets

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Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Hornets, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports. Hayes missed Tuesday's game due to hamstring soreness but may return for Thursday's contest. An update on his status is expected closer to tip-off, as the team monitors his recovery.

P.J. Washington Cleared to Play Wednesday After Ankle Sprain

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P.J. Washington (ankle) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Nuggets. He missed the past four games due to a right ankle sprain. Having started all 30 of his appearances this season, Washington is expected to return to the starting lineup. Prior to his injury, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 31.4 minutes per game.

Brandon Williams Available for Wednesday's Game vs. Nuggets

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Brandon Williams (illness) is available to play Wednesday against the Nuggets. He is set to return after a two-game absence. His return may lead to Jaden Hardy receiving a DNP-CD. This season, Williams has averaged 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, contributing across multiple categories for the Mavericks.

Isaiah Collier Joins Starting Lineup for Wednesday's Game

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Isaiah Collier is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup against the Bulls, joining Cody Williams, Keyonte George, Ace Baily, and Kyle Filipowski in the first unit. In his two previous starts this season, Collier averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 triples, and 4.5 turnovers per contest, showcasing his playmaking and scoring ability.

Jalen Smith Shifts to Bench Role for Wednesday's Game

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Jalen Smith will come off the bench for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. He started in Tuesday's loss to the Rockets, but with Coby White returning to the starting lineup, Smith will shift back to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Smith has averaged 8.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 triples, and 0.8 blocks per contest, providing solid production off the bench.

Trae Young out until late February with MCL and quad injuries

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Trae Young, recently traded to the Washington Wizards, is sidelined for at least one month due to MCL and quadriceps injuries in his right knee. He will be re-evaluated after the mid-February All-Star break, delaying his team debut until late February at the earliest. This comes amidst questions about the league's player participation policy, as the Wizards have motivation not to win too much this season due to a top-8 protected draft pick owed to New York. Young has played only 10 games this season, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists. Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington are expected to see increased minutes.

Jamison Battle to Start Wednesday for Raptors Against Pacers

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Jamison Battle will be in the starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors' Wednesday matchup with the Pacers. He is getting a spot-start due to Immanuel Quickley's (back) unavailability. Battle will join Jamal Shead, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and Collin Murray-Boyles in the first unit. In his only previous start this season, Battle recorded four points, one rebound, and one turnover in 11 minutes.

Jaylon Tyson Returns to Starting Lineup for Cavaliers vs. 76ers

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Jaylon Tyson is slated to start for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This marks his first start since January 4th and his 22nd overall start of the season. In a starting role this year, Tyson has averaged 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals across 28.3 minutes per game. His return to the starting five will shift Sam Merrill to the bench.

Paul George (Knee) Confirmed Available for Wednesday's Game vs. Cavs

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Paul George (knee) is officially available for Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, confirming his earlier probable designation. George has been a consistent contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, providing mid-round value with averages of 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.4 triples, and 1.3 steals per game.

Joel Embiid cleared to play vs. Cavs, continues dominant 11-game run

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Joel Embiid (knee/adductor) is available for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers. His rejuvenated play is a key factor in the 76ers' ascent in power rankings. Over his last seven games, Embiid has averaged 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 34 minutes. This extends an 11-game stretch where he's averaged 28.2 points on 61.6 true shooting, contributing to a 7-4 team record. The 76ers show a +8.4 net rating with Embiid, Maxey, and Edgecombe on the court, and Embiid's rim protection is comparable to top defenders.

Coby White Cleared to Play Wednesday vs. Jazz with 28-30 Minute Cap

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Coby White (injury management) is officially off the injury report and available for Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz. The Bulls guard, who missed Tuesday's game for rest, is expected to play 28-30 minutes with minimal restrictions. This comes after a recent dip in production, where he averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers in 23.7 minutes over his last five appearances.

Achiuwa's Season-High 20 Pts, 14 Reb Propel Kings to 3rd Straight Win

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Precious Achiuwa delivered a standout performance, recording season highs of 20 points and 14 rebounds (6 offensive) along with 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 39 minutes, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 112-101 victory over his former team, the New York Knicks. His 'contagious' energy and defensive intensity, including guarding Jalen Brunson, were highlighted by coach Doug Christie. Teammates Zach LaVine and Maxime Raynaud praised his all-around impact, noting his improved 3-point shooting and defensive versatility. This win marked the Kings' first three-game winning streak of the 2025-26 season.

Josh Giddey Begins Ramp-Up for Return from Hamstring Injury

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Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) has begun a ramp-up period, which is expected to last about one week, according to head coach Billy Donovan. If his recovery progresses as planned, Giddey could return to action shortly thereafter, potentially before February. The guard has been sidelined since December 29th due to the injury.

VJ Edgecombe Cleared to Play vs. Cavaliers Despite Adductor Bruise

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VJ Edgecombe (bruised left adductor) is officially available for Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, having shed his probable tag. The rookie guard has recently experienced a scoring rut, averaging 13.6 points on 37.5 percent shooting from the field over his last five games. However, he has compensated with strong all-around play, averaging 7.0 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 steals during the same period.

Isaiah Hartenstein Ruled Out for Thursday's Game vs. Rockets

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Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. He has been sidelined since December 28th due to the calf injury. His continued absence will open up additional center minutes for reserves including Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams, and Branden Carlson. Hartenstein's next opportunity to return to action will be Saturday against the Miami Heat.