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NBA News

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

Sunday, January 11

Barnes Cleared, Delivers Game-Winning FT with 31 Points in OT Win

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Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (knee) was cleared to play Sunday against the 76ers despite a right knee sprain, having missed Friday's game. Serving as the offensive focal point amidst key absences, Barnes posted 31 points (10-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 10-12 FT), seven assists, and six rebounds over 43 minutes in the Raptors' 116-115 overtime victory. He secured the win with a game-winning free throw with 0.8 seconds left. Barnes had averaged 17.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over his prior five games.

Moritz Wagner Makes Season Debut, Joins Magic for Germany Trip

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Orlando Magic's Moritz Wagner made his season debut Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans, receiving an ovation upon coming off the bench. Hours after his return to action, Wagner flew home to Germany to join the Magic for their upcoming international games against the Memphis Grizzlies. This marks his first game back, and he will now participate in the team's overseas commitments.

Kawhi Leonard Questionable for Monday with Ankle Sprain

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Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Hornets due to a right ankle sprain. Law Murray of The Athletic reports that Leonard has been managing an ankle issue recently but has not yet missed a game because of it. Should he sit out, Kobe Sanders, Jordan Miller, and Nicolas Batum would see increased roles. Since January 1, Leonard has averaged 28.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.2 threes, 2.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 34.3 minutes per game.

Alperen Sengun Returns Sunday After Ankle Sprain

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Alperen Sengun (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Kings, shedding his questionable tag. He returns from a three-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. While he is back in action, it is anticipated that the star big man may operate under a minutes restriction. His return will reduce available minutes for Steven Adams and Clint Capela.

Deni Avdija Exits Sunday's Game with Back Issue, Does Not Return

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Deni Avdija exited Sunday's 123-114 loss to the Knicks in the fourth quarter due to an apparent back issue and did not return to the game. Before his exit, the 25-year-old forward had a strong performance, finishing with a team-high 25 points (8-17 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 8-10 FT), five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block across 38 minutes. His status will be closely monitored ahead of Tuesday's game against the Warriors.

Rui Hachimura Cleared for Return Monday, Expected to Play on Minutes Restriction

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Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) has been removed from the injury report and is set to return for Monday's game against the Kings after missing six games with a right calf strain. The 27-year-old was a full participant in Sunday's practice, indicating full recovery. Coach JJ Redick confirmed Hachimura will likely be on a minutes restriction and may come off the bench. He is averaging 12.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 27 games this season, shooting 52.1% from the field and 44.5% from three-point range. Hachimura expressed eagerness to help the team win.

Miles Bridges Probable for Monday Despite Knee Soreness

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Miles Bridges is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Clippers due to right knee soreness. He has been managing a right ankle issue recently and is now dealing with a knee injury in the same leg, but is expected to play. If he were to be ruled out, Tidjane Salaun, Sion James, and Grant Williams would see increased roles. Over his last six games, Bridges has averaged 19.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.7 threes in 32.3 minutes per game.

Aaron Gordon Returns to Starting Lineup for Nuggets vs. Bucks

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is available and will return to the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Bucks, as reported by Ryan Blackburn. This marks his first start after coming off the bench in his last three appearances following a 19-game absence due to a right hamstring strain. The team is managing his workload, but he has averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 22.7 minutes per game over his last three outings. DaRon Holmes will move to the bench as a result.

DaRon Holmes Moves to Bench as Aaron Gordon Returns to Starting Five

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Denver Nuggets center DaRon Holmes will not be in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Bucks, as reported by Ryan Blackburn. Holmes had started in the Nuggets' last five games due to the absences of Nikola Jokic (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf). However, with Aaron Gordon returning to the starting five, Holmes will now come off the bench.

Christian Braun Ruled Out for Sunday's Game vs. Bucks with Ankle Injury

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Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bucks. He was initially downgraded from probable to questionable earlier in the day, indicating the severity of the ankle issue. With Braun and Jamal Murray (ankle/illness) both sidelined, Jalen Pickett, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway are expected to see increased roles and are top candidates to enter the starting lineup. Braun's next chance to play will be Tuesday against the Pelicans.

Kevin Porter Cleared to Play Sunday Despite Right Hip Contusion

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Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter (hip) is available for Sunday's game against the Nuggets. Porter had appeared on the injury report due to a right hip contusion but has been given the green light to play. Since December 1st, he has been performing well, averaging 19.5 points, 8.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 three-pointers, and 2.4 steals over 36.5 minutes per game.

Pelle Larsson Starting for Heat with Powell Sidelined

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Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson will enter the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Thunder, replacing the injured Norman Powell (lower back soreness). This marks Larsson's 19th start of the regular season and his first since December 27th. In his previous starts this season, Larsson has averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 three-pointers over 26.8 minutes per game, providing a boost to the Heat's rotation.

Norman Powell Ruled Out Sunday with Lower Back Soreness

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Miami Heat guard Norman Powell has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Thunder due to lower back soreness. His late addition to the injury report was concerning, and he will now miss his first game since December 3rd. Pelle Larsson will step into the Heat's starting lineup in Powell's absence, while Jaime Jaquez and Nikola Jovic are expected to see increased minutes off the bench. Powell's next opportunity to play will be Tuesday against the Suns.

P.J. Washington Doubtful for Monday, Expected to Miss Fourth Straight Game

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Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (sprained right ankle) is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against Brooklyn, making him poised to miss his fourth consecutive game. With Washington sidelined, Naji Marshall and Ryan Nembhard are expected to remain in the Mavericks' starting lineup. Anthony Davis (hand) is also sidelined indefinitely, further impacting the team's frontcourt rotation.

Noah Clowney Scores 17 Points for Nets in Close Loss to Grizzlies

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Noah Clowney led the Brooklyn Nets with 17 points in their 103-98 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Clowney shared the team's scoring lead with Tyrese Martin. He contributed to a late 98-90 lead by splitting a pair of free throws before the Nets allowed the Grizzlies to score the final 13 points of the game.

Tyrese Martin Leads Nets with 17 Points, Shoots 5-of-7 from Deep

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Tyrese Martin led the Brooklyn Nets with 17 points in their 103-98 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Martin was highly efficient from the field, shooting 6 of 8 overall, including an impressive 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. He shared the team's scoring lead with Noah Clowney.

Tyler Herro Cleared to Play Sunday Despite Toe, Rib Contusions

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Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (right big toe contusion, right rib contusion) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Thunder. Despite being questionable earlier, he is available for both games of the Heat's weekend back-to-back set. Herro recently returned from an 11-game absence, averaging 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 30.5 minutes over two games. On Saturday, he registered 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block over 32 minutes against Indiana.

Kelly Oubre Steps Into Starting Role for 76ers

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre will start in Sunday's matchup against the Raptors after Paul George (knee) was a late scratch just minutes before tipoff. Oubre has been quiet since returning from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for nearly two months, but he will now have an opportunity to shine as a starter. He will join Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, and Andre Drummond in the first unit.

Paul George Late Scratch Sunday Due to Left Knee Soreness

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been ruled out of Sunday's game against Toronto due to left knee soreness, a late scratch just minutes before tipoff. George was initially named a starter, but his injury is severe enough to keep him sidelined. Kelly Oubre will step into the 76ers' starting lineup in his absence. George could potentially be available for Monday's rematch against Toronto.

Jamal Shead to Start Sunday for Raptors Due to Ingram's Absence

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Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead will start Sunday against the 76ers, stepping in for the unavailable Brandon Ingram (thumb). He joins Immanuel Quickley, Ja'Kobe Walter, Scottie Barnes, and Collin Murray-Boyles in the first unit. In his last start this season, Shead recorded 18 points (6-15 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, eight assists, and one steal in 34 minutes, making him a potential streamer in fantasy leagues.