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NBA News

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

Friday, January 9

James Harden Explodes for 31 Points, 6 Assists, 2 Blocks in Clippers Win

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James Harden delivered a stellar performance in Friday's 121-105 win over the Nets, recording 31 points (10-13 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 8-8 FT), six assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 35 minutes. He led the Clippers in scoring and assists, bouncing back with exceptional efficiency after struggling in previous games. His two blocks tied a season-high, marking the fourth time this season he's achieved multiple swats. This efficient outing was a welcome sight after shooting just 37.3% from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc in his prior five contests.

Kawhi Leonard Cleared to Play, Scores 26 in Clippers Win Over Nets

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Kawhi Leonard was cleared to play in Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets despite a right ankle sprain, shaking off his questionable tag. He suited up for the first leg of a back-to-back set and scored 26 points in the Clippers' 121-105 victory, with 19 of those points coming in the second half after a slow start. Leonard has been on an impressive tear recently, averaging 32.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks across 37.1 minutes per contest over his last 10 games.

Precious Achiuwa Moved to Bench for Friday's Game

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Precious Achiuwa will come off the bench for the Sacramento Kings in Friday's game against the Warriors. He is being replaced by Keon Ellis in the starting lineup as the team shifts to a small-ball approach. When playing with the second unit this season, Achiuwa has averaged 7.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game.

Trey Murphy Returns from Injury, Explodes for 35 Points; Pelicans Keeping Him

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Trey Murphy (back) was cleared to play Friday, then exploded for 35 points (13-24 FG, 7-16 3Pt), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in 36 minutes during the Pelicans' 128-107 win over the Wizards. This marked his return after missing Wednesday's game due to back spasms. Murphy has been in strong form, scoring 20+ points in five of his last six games, including consecutive 35+ point performances, while shooting an impressive 43.6% from beyond the arc. The Pelicans are reportedly informing teams that Murphy will remain with the organization past the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Tyrese Maxey Leads 76ers with Game-High 29 Points

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Tyrese Maxey delivered a game-high 29 points (10-22 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 6-6 FT), along with 3 steals, 1 rebound, and a season-low 1 assist in 38 minutes during the 76ers' 103-91 victory over the Magic on Friday. Maxey has been a consistent offensive force, hitting at least three triples in six consecutive games and scoring 22+ points in 11 of his last 12 outings. Over this 12-game stretch, he's averaged 28.9 points, 6.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 threes, 2.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

Derik Queen Records Second Career Triple-Double with Career Highs

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Derik Queen achieved his second career triple-double on Friday, tallying 14 points (7-13 FG), 16 rebounds, 12 assists, and 2 blocks in 35 minutes during the Pelicans' 128-107 win over the Wizards. He set new career highs in both rebounds and assists. The rookie has been performing strongly over the past month, averaging 12.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per contest.

Immanuel Quickley Posts Season-High 13 Assists in Raptors' Loss

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Immanuel Quickley delivered a season-high 13 assists, along with 17 points (4-10 3Pt), 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in 34 minutes during the Raptors' 125-117 loss to the Celtics on Friday. Taking on an elevated role due to injuries to Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, Quickley recorded his fifth double-double of the season and hit at least four three-pointers for the 11th time. He could see an even larger role Sunday against the 76ers if RJ Barrett (ankle) or other key players remain out.

Payton Pritchard Leads Celtics with 27 Points, 8 Assists

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Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with 27 points (12-19 FG, 3-5 3Pt), adding 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 block in 29 minutes during their 125-117 win over the Raptors on Friday. This marks his 11th 20-plus-point performance this season and his seventh against Toronto in his career. Through the first five games of January, Pritchard has been averaging 18.6 points, 5.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 threes, and 1.0 steals over 33.0 minutes per game, shooting 50.0 percent from the field.

Jaylen Brown Scores 25, Ties FT High; Declares Himself NBA's Best Two-Way Player

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Jaylen Brown posted 25 points (12-13 FT), 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Celtics' 125-117 win over the Raptors, tying his season high in free throws. This performance adds to his recent dominant stretch, where he's averaged 31.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over his last 15 games. Earlier, Brown declared himself the "best two-way player in the game," citing a 50-point outing against the Clippers where he also limited Kawhi Leonard. He's averaging 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists this season, playing at an All-NBA First Team offensive level.

RJ Barrett Exits Game with Left Ankle Injury, Status for Sunday Uncertain

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RJ Barrett exited Friday's game against the Celtics in the fourth quarter due to an apparent left ankle injury and was quickly ruled out. He is currently undergoing further tests to determine the severity, which places his availability for Sunday's game against the 76ers in jeopardy. His injury adds to the Raptors' growing list of sidelined starters, including Brandon Ingram (thumb), Scottie Barnes (knee), and Jakob Poeltl (back), leaving Immanuel Quickley as the team's lone healthy Opening Night starter.

Trae Young Out with Quad Injury, Embraces Wizards Future & Contract Talks

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Recently traded to the Washington Wizards, Trae Young was sidelined for Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a quadriceps injury, with the team taking a cautious approach. He also missed 23 games earlier this season with an MCL sprain. Young, introduced to the home crowd, publicly embraced a fresh start, stating, "I hope I'm a piece of this puzzle on the way up with it." The Wizards are reportedly considering a contract extension for Young, who has a $49 million player option next season, with his full impact largely anticipated next season. He will wear No. 3 for the Wizards.

Rui Hachimura Optimistic for Monday Return from Calf Strain

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Rui Hachimura (calf) is showing "a lot of optimism" for a potential return to action Monday against the Kings, according to head coach JJ Redick. Hachimura is in the final stages of recovery from a right calf strain that has kept him sidelined since December 28. He may operate under a minutes restriction upon his return, which would subsequently reduce playing time for teammates like Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dalton Knecht.

Hunter Tyson Makes First Start of Season for Nuggets on Friday

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Hunter Tyson is slated to make his first start of the season for the Denver Nuggets in Friday's matchup against Atlanta. He will join Jalen Pickett, Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and DaRon Holmes in the starting five. Tyson recently recorded 14 points (4-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT) over 19 minutes during Monday's victory over the 76ers, positioning him as a potential deep league streamer with this new starting designation.

Aaron Gordon Available Friday; Could Start with Murray Out

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Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is available for Friday's game against the Hawks. While he has come off the bench for the past two games as he works his way back from the hamstring injury, his role could expand significantly tonight. With Jamal Murray (ankle) ruled out, Gordon may return to the starting lineup. He is expected to see an uptick in usage, making him an attractive option in daily fantasy leagues, even if he remains under minutes restrictions.

Jamal Murray Ruled Out Friday Due to Ankle, Illness; Next Chance Sunday

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Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Hawks. He was initially probable with a left ankle sprain but was downgraded to questionable before ultimately being sidelined. This marks a significant absence for the Nuggets, who will also be without Nikola Jokic (knee). Jalen Pickett is expected to see increased involvement, and Aaron Gordon's minutes restrictions may be lifted. Murray's next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Bucks.

VJ Edgecombe Returns to Game After Eye Injury Against Magic

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Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe exited Friday's game against the Magic in the first quarter due to an apparent eye injury after being hit. He was evaluated by medical staff in the locker room but was cleared to return for the start of the second frame. His initial departure occurred with 3:01 left in the opening quarter. The rookie's return avoids potential increased playing time for Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain.

Alex Caruso Cleared to Play Friday, Expected Increased Role

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (back) is available for Friday's game in Memphis. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) and Cason Wallace (toe) sidelined, Caruso is expected to see extended minutes and potentially a larger role on offense. The nine-year veteran is currently averaging 6.0 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game this season.

Zaccharie Risacher Out Friday Due to Knee Injury

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Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game in Denver. His absence will open up more minutes for teammates Vit Krejci and Luke Kennard. Risacher's next opportunity to return to action will be on Sunday when the Hawks face the Warriors.

Lauri Markkanen Sits Out Saturday for Rest

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Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hornets due to rest. The 28-year-old will have his next opportunity to play on Monday against the Cavaliers. With Markkanen unavailable, Cody Williams, Taylor Hendricks, and Kyle Anderson are expected to see increased playing time.

Ryan Kalkbrenner Probable for Return Saturday After 10-Game Absence

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Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) is probable to play Saturday in Utah. He is on track to return from a 10-game absence, and is expected to have minutes restrictions in his first game back. His return will likely reduce playing time for Moussa Diabate and PJ Hall. An official update on Kalkbrenner's status is anticipated closer to Saturday's tip-off.