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NBA News

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

Wednesday, January 14

Zach Edey to miss six more weeks with left ankle stress reaction

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Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey will miss an additional six weeks due to a stress reaction in his left ankle, pushing his potential return to early March. He has been sidelined since December 11 and has not shown significant progress in rehab. Edey, who has played only 11 games this season after missing 13 earlier due to offseason ankle surgery, last played on Dec. 7, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds. This extended absence, coupled with Brandon Clarke's injury, means Jock Landale will continue as the Grizzlies' starting center.

Klay Thompson Featured in Western Conference Trade Ideas, Including Warriors Reunion

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With the NBA trade deadline three weeks away, Klay Thompson has been highlighted in a list of potential trade ideas for every Western Conference team. One notable suggestion includes a 'Klay Thompson reunion' with the Golden State Warriors, as teams explore roster adjustments.

Jalen Johnson's Numbers Expected to Soar Post-Trae Young Trade, MIP Candidate

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Jalen Johnson is projected to see a significant boost in his performance, with averaging a 25 PPG triple-double now considered within reach following the Trae Young trade. The Atlanta Hawks forward is also identified as one of the top candidates for the Most Improved Player award, with expectations for his numbers to further improve.

Scotty Pippen out 4-6 more weeks after toe surgery re-evaluation

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Scotty Pippen is expected to be available for game action in 4-to-6 weeks, according to a Grizzlies announcement Wednesday regarding his recovery from left big toe surgery. Pippen, who underwent a sesamoidectomy on October 21 to address toe discomfort, is still awaiting his 2025-26 debut. He was scheduled for re-evaluation three months post-procedure and now requires at least another month of rehab. This timeline likely rules him out through the All-Star break. With Ty Jerome and Ja Morant also sidelined, Cam Spencer is expected to remain the primary point guard for Memphis.

Brandon Clarke targeting post-All-Star return from calf strain

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Brandon Clarke is progressing well from his Grade 2 right calf strain and is expected to return to action in four to six weeks, the Grizzlies announced Wednesday. This timetable suggests a potential return immediately following the All-Star break. Clarke has only played in two games this season, having previously dealt with a knee issue before sustaining his current calf injury.

Wendell Carter cleared to return Thursday against Grizzlies

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Wendell Carter (hip) has been removed from the Magic's injury report and is cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Grizzlies in Berlin. He will return to action after missing Sunday's victory over the Pelicans due to a minor hip issue. Over his last 15 appearances, Carter has been productive, averaging 13.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks, while shooting 51.3 percent from the field in 31.4 minutes per game.

Franz Wagner cleared to return Thursday after 16-game absence

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Franz Wagner (ankle) has been removed from the Magic's injury report and is cleared to play in Thursday's game against Memphis. This marks his return after missing 16 consecutive games since suffering a sprained left ankle against the Knicks on December 7. The Magic managed his rehab closely, with Thursday's game in Germany eyed as a potential return date. Wagner is expected to face minute restrictions during his first week back, having typically played over 30 minutes per game prior to his injury.

Player of the Week Watson Delivers 31 Points, Dominant All-Around Performance

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Peyton Watson, fresh off being named Western Conference Player of the Week, delivered a stellar performance with 31 points (11-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 8-9 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, one block, and two steals across 39 minutes during Tuesday's 122-116 win over the Pelicans. This marks his second 30-plus point game in four contests. Watson has significantly elevated his play since Christmas, averaging 22.3 points, 6.2 boards, 2.7 assists, 2.0 threes, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks over his last 10 games while shooting 51.3% from the floor.

Draymond Green open to future coaching career, citing responsibility

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Draymond Green is now more open to a future coaching career than he was two years ago, citing a growing sense of responsibility to pass down his knowledge of the game. He believes players owe it to the game to leave it in a better place. Teammates Brandin Podziemski and Jimmy Butler praised Green's basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to anticipate plays, calling him a "phenomenal coach." While his focus remains on playing, Green stated that coaching is "definitely not a 'no' anymore."

Tuesday, January 13

Lakers' Austin Reaves Subject of Trade Talk, LeBron James Disagrees with Agent

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Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been the subject of recent trade speculation after his agent, Rich Paul, hypothetically suggested a move to the Memphis Grizzlies during a podcast appearance. However, teammate LeBron James publicly distanced himself from Paul's opinion following the Lakers' win over the Hawks, stating he disagreed with the idea of trading the 'fan favorite' guard. The initial comments from Paul were purely speculative, reflecting ongoing roster discussions.

LeBron Defies Injury for Near Triple-Double, Rejects Reaves Trade Talk

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LeBron James (foot/sciatica/back) played in his first back-to-back of the season, nearly recording a triple-double with 31 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds in the Lakers' 141-116 win over the Hawks. He was previously questionable and had 22 points vs. Kings. Coach JJ Redick didn't expect him to play, noting his competitive stamina. James publicly distanced himself from his agent Rich Paul's comments suggesting a trade for teammate Austin Reaves. He is one game away from losing All-NBA eligibility and wore a special patch commemorating his 23rd season.

Reigning MVP SGA Drops 34 Points, Ties Career-High 4 Blocks in Thunder Win

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Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a dominant performance in Tuesday's 119-98 win over the Spurs, racking up 34 points (11-23 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 11-13 FT), five rebounds, five assists, and a career-high-tying four blocks in 34 minutes. This marks his 111th consecutive game scoring over 20 points, bringing him within 15 performances of Wilt Chamberlain's record. The Oklahoma City Thunder responded with authority after a Christmas Day loss to San Antonio, securing a home victory.

Blazers' Yang Hansen Suffers Head Injury, Returns to Game

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Portland Trail Blazers reserve center Yang Hansen was involved in a scary collision during Tuesday night's game against the Warriors. He suffered a head injury midway through the fourth quarter and initially walked off the court on his own. Despite the concerning incident, Hansen later returned to the game, indicating the injury was not severe enough to keep him sidelined after the scary collision.

Giannis Gives Thumbs Down to Booing Home Fans in Bucks Loss

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During Tuesday's blowout loss to the Wolves, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo reacted to boos from his home crowd. Following an and-1 layup, Antetokounmpo notably gave two thumbs down gestures towards the fans. This direct response came amidst a challenging game for the Bucks, highlighting a moment of tension between the team's star player and the home supporters during the defeat.

Victor Wembanyama Banged Up in Loss, May Appear on Injury Report

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Victor Wembanyama contributed 17 points (7-15 FG, 3-6 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, and one block in 28 minutes during Tuesday's 119-98 loss to the Thunder. He sustained multiple minor injuries during the game, including a knee-to-knee collision with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rolling his ankle after landing on Jaylin Williams' foot. Neither incident required a trip to the locker room, but Wembanyama may appear on the injury report ahead of the San Antonio Spurs' Thursday game against the Bucks.

Devin Booker Returns to Play After Ankle Scare, Posts Near Triple-Double

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Devin Booker returned to action after a brief left ankle scare during Tuesday's game against Miami, where he landed awkwardly but was cleared to return. Despite the injury concern, Booker posted 24 points (6-19 FG, 11-11 FT), nine rebounds, nine assists, and one steal in 40 minutes. He extended his streak of at least eight assists to four games, falling just shy of his first career triple-double. The ankle issue, though not serious, will be monitored ahead of Thursday's game for the Phoenix Suns.

Trey Murphy Drops 31 Points in Pelicans' Loss to Nuggets

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New Orleans Pelicans' Trey Murphy logged 31 points (11-19 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 5-5 FT), five rebounds, two assists, and one steal over 34 minutes in Tuesday's 122-116 loss to the Nuggets. He started strong with 22 points in the first half. This marks his seventh 30-plus-point performance this season, and he has scored at least 21 points in seven of his last eight games. Over that eight-game span, Murphy has averaged 27.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 5.1 threes, and 0.9 steals.

Jamal Murray Returns from Ankle Injury, Explodes for 35 Points

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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) was cleared to play against the Pelicans after a two-game absence. Despite potential minute monitoring, he didn't miss a beat, leading his team to a 122-116 win. Murray popped off for 35 points (11-19 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 8-9 FT), adding nine assists, two rebounds, three steals, and one block over 37 minutes. With Nikola Jokic sidelined, Murray has averaged 27.8 points, 11.0 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 triples, and 1.0 steals per contest.

Tre Jones Erupts for Career-High 34 Points with Seven Assists

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Chicago Bulls' Tre Jones erupted for a career-high 34 points (11-12 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), seven assists, two rebounds, one steal, and just two turnovers across 27 minutes during Tuesday's 119-113 loss to the Rockets. He also set new career highs in points and triples. Jones finished with a plus-two differential and has been performing well since Josh Giddey's injury, posting top-70 value behind averages of 14.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 1.4 turnovers per contest.

Caleb Love Makes First NBA Career Start for Trail Blazers

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Portland Trail Blazers' undrafted rookie Caleb Love is in the starting lineup against the Warriors on Tuesday, marking his first NBA career start. He steps into a more prominent role with Deni Avdija sidelined due to a back issue. Love has been performing well off the bench recently, scoring in double digits in each of his last 11 outings and averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 3.6 threes over 29.0 minutes per game.