Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Utah Jazz veteran Kevin Love will not play in Wednesday's game against Chicago for rest purposes, sitting out the first leg of a back-to-back set. He is expected to return to action for Thursday's game in Dallas. Love's absence could create additional minutes for Kyle Filipowski and Kyle Anderson in the rotation. This is a routine rest day for the veteran forward.
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report and is expected to play in Wednesday's game against the Pelicans. He sat out Monday's loss in Dallas for hamstring injury management. Over his last seven appearances, Thomas has averaged 16.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 21.9 minutes per game, shooting 45.3 percent from beyond the arc.
De'Anthony Melton scored a game-high 23 points in just 18 minutes off the bench, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 4-of-6 from three, leading the Warriors to a 119-97 rout over the Blazers. Melton is averaging 13.7 points on 52.5% shooting (42.5% from deep) over his last eight games, finding his rhythm after missing nearly two seasons with injuries, including a torn ACL. Coach Steve Kerr is increasing his workload, hinting at a potential move into the starting lineup.
Miami Heat swingman Norman Powell (back) is confirmed to play in Tuesday's game against Phoenix. Powell is rejoining the lineup after missing Sunday's loss to the Thunder, which was the second game of a back-to-back. In January, over five appearances, Powell has averaged 23.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 28.2 minutes per game, shooting 48.9 percent from three-point range.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Denver due to a right ankle sprain. The team previously announced he had resumed on-court activities and was expected back in about a week, suggesting he is ahead of schedule. If Washington is unable to play, Naji Marshall could be a streaming option.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game against Denver, returning from a one-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. He is expected to reclaim his starting spot from Dwight Powell. In 19 starts this season, Gafford has averaged 9.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 23.1 minutes.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Luguentz Dort has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs due to left foot soreness. He was a late addition to the injury report, and the issue will prevent him from playing. His next opportunity to return will be Thursday against Houston. Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins are expected to see increased playing time in his absence.
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers due to a left adductor contusion. The report indicates he is dealing with a minor bruise on his left groin and is not expected to miss the game. Official confirmation of his status is anticipated closer to tipoff.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl is listed as out for Wednesday's game against Indiana due to a lower-back strain. Despite being cleared for contact for over a week, the Raptors are not yet ready to activate him for game action. Rookie first-rounder Collin Murray-Boyles has been starting in his absence, logging six consecutive starts.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) is probable to play Wednesday against the Cavaliers. George has struggled with his shot over the last two games, going 13-for-34 from the field. He will look to improve his performance against a Cavaliers team that has been struggling defensively this season. Official confirmation is expected closer to Wednesday's tip-off.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is probable to play Wednesday against the Cavaliers. Embiid recently returned from a one-game absence, delivering a strong performance Monday with 27 points (9-17 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and seven turnovers in 36 minutes. Managers can expect official confirmation of his status closer to tipoff.
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Indiana due to a left ankle sprain, marking his second consecutive absence. His next opportunity to suit up will be Friday against the Clippers. In his absence, Jamal Shead, who has logged at least 30 minutes in recent outings, appears to be a strong streaming option for Wednesday.
The NBA's Last Two Minutes Report confirmed Tuesday that Indiana Pacers star Pascal Siakam set an illegal screen prior to his game-winning shot against the Boston Celtics the previous night. The league sided with Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla regarding the call, indicating the screen was indeed unlawful.
Ja Morant's future with the Grizzlies is increasingly uncertain amid widespread trade speculation. The star guard, frequently unavailable due to injuries and off-court issues, reportedly desires a move to Miami, though his fit with 'Heat Culture' is questioned. His trade value is considered low, with executives citing his injury history, declining performance, and large contract. While a recent 6-game stretch showed improved play, Morant has played only 77 of his last 203 games. Memphis is open to taking on bad contracts for young players and protected picks, with Toronto emerging as a potential suitor.
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Lakers due to left knee inflammation, as reported by Brad Rowland. This marks his third consecutive absence. His next chance to play is Thursday in Portland. The second-year forward's continued absence is expected to allow Vit Krejci to make a third straight start, impacting fantasy streaming options.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has reportedly been 'off the charts' during the final five minutes of games this season. His performance in clutch situations marks a significant development, solidifying his impact as a superstar. This strong showing in critical moments highlights his growing ability to close out games effectively for the Timberwolves.
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden has surpassed Shaquille O'Neal to claim the No. 9 spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. This significant milestone positions Harden to potentially finish his career as a top-five scorer in league history, with legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant now within his reach on the prestigious list.
Naji Marshall is stepping up for the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing sustained production with a career-best 54% field goal shooting this season. He recently posted a 22-point, 4-rebound, 9-assist, 3-steal, 1-block line in a win over the Nets, and has scored 15+ points with multiple steals in three of his last four games. With Anthony Davis sidelined, Marshall is expected to fill significant power forward minutes, increasing his fantasy value, especially if P.J. Washington is also out.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry, 39, received an emotional standing ovation from Toronto Raptors fans when he was subbed into the game with under two minutes remaining in the 76ers' 115-102 victory. Lowry, a Raptors legend and 2019 NBA champion, called it 'One of the greatest basketball moments of my personal career.' Now a bench piece for the 76ers, he has appeared in only six games this season, averaging under 10 minutes, signaling he is nearing the end of his illustrious career.
Michael Porter, who was acquired by the Brooklyn Nets from Denver over the summer, has undergone a significant transformation, taking a different kind of star turn with his new team. This version of Porter is proving to be a perfect fit for Brooklyn, with his strong play and impact on the court playing him directly back into ongoing trade rumors, indicating his elevated value and potential future moves.
