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NBA News

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

Wednesday, January 7

Jamal Murray Returns from Ankle Injury, Dishes Career-High 17 Assists

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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) returned to action Wednesday against Boston after missing Monday's game for maintenance due to a sprained left ankle. He delivered a stellar performance, tallying 22 points, a career-high 17 assists, eight rebounds, and one steal in 37 minutes during the 114-110 win. The ankle issue didn't appear to bother him. In five games without Nikola Jokic (knee), Murray has averaged 24.8 points, 11.4 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 threes, showcasing an expanded role.

Isaiah Stewart Sets Career-High 31 Points in Pistons' Win

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Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart generated a career-high 31 points (14-17 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), along with three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks across 30 minutes in Wednesday's 108-93 win over the Bulls. Stewart bested his previous career high of 26 points, showcasing unprecedented efficiency. He has stepped into a larger role over the past four games due to the absences of Jalen Duren (ankle) and Tobias Harris (hip), averaging 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks during that span.

RJ Barrett's 16 Fourth-Quarter Points Lead Raptors to Victory

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Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett delivered a clutch performance in Wednesday's 97-96 win over the Hornets, scoring 28 points (12-25 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 35 minutes. He notably scored 16 of his points in the fourth quarter, spurring a comeback victory after teammates Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes faced injuries. Since returning from a 16-game absence due to a sprained right knee, Barrett has been crucial, averaging 20.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 threes, and 1.0 steals over his last five games, contributing to the Raptors winning 10 of their last 11 contests with him.

Joel Embiid Dominates Wizards with 28 Points After Knee Confirmation

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was confirmed to play Wednesday against the Wizards despite a knee issue, marking his fifth consecutive game. He delivered a stellar performance in the 131-110 win, recording 28 points (10-14 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in just 25 minutes. This follows strong availability, including a season-high 40 minutes Monday and a recent 32-point, 10-rebound double-double. Embiid has averaged 28.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks over his last seven games.

Scottie Barnes Returns to Game After Brief Knee Scare

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Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes briefly exited Wednesday's game against the Hornets in the fourth quarter after sustaining a right knee injury while attempting to block a layup. He went to the locker room for medical examination but was subsequently cleared to return to the contest. Before his brief departure, Barnes had accumulated 17 points (6-13 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), four rebounds, one steal, and one block over 28 minutes of play. His return was a positive sign for the Raptors.

LeBron James (foot/sciatica) ruled out for Wednesday's game vs. Spurs

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Lakers star LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis, right sciatica) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, the second leg of a back-to-back set. This marks his 17th missed game of the season, putting him one game away from award ineligibility. James produced 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block over 33 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Pelicans. His next opportunity to play is Friday against the Bucks, with Jarred Vanderbilt, Nick Smith, and Dalton Knecht candidates to start in his absence.

Brandon Ingram (sprained right thumb) ruled out for Wednesday's game

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Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Charlotte due to a sprained right thumb. He left the contest in the first half after looking in discomfort, though X-rays on his thumb came back negative. His absence could open up more playing time for Ja'Kobe Walter, Ochai Agbaji, and Gradey Dick. Ingram's next opportunity to play will come Friday at Boston.

Victor Wembanyama (knee) available for Wednesday's game vs. Lakers

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Victor Wembanyama (left knee bone bruise) is available for Wednesday's game against the Lakers, despite being initially listed as questionable. He returned to action Tuesday night after missing two games due to a hyperextended knee, delivering a dominant performance with 30 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three three-pointers in just 21 minutes, subbed out due to a minutes restriction. He played off the bench Tuesday, and Luke Kornet would likely start at center if he reprises that role.

Cade Cunningham (wrist contusion) ruled out for Wednesday's game

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (wrist contusion) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Bulls. This marks his first missed game since November. His absence will open up minutes for Jaden Ivey, Daniss Jenkins, and Caris LeVert. Cunningham is coming off a strong performance on Monday against the Knicks, where he recorded 29 points and 13 assists. He will have three days to rest before the Pistons' next game on Saturday.

Jaren Jackson Cleared to Play Wednesday Despite Illness for Grizzlies

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson (illness) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Suns, despite being downgraded to questionable earlier. He intends to power through the issue, which emerged after a strong Tuesday performance against the Spurs where he recorded 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and two steals. With Ja Morant sidelined, Jackson is expected to see increased offensive opportunities.

Ja Morant Ruled Out for Wednesday's Game with Calf Injury

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Suns, marking his third consecutive absence due to a right calf contusion. His next opportunity to return to action will be Friday against the Thunder. With Morant and Cedric Coward (ankle) both sidelined, Cam Spencer and GG Jackson will likely remain in the Grizzlies' starting lineup alongside Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson, and Jock Landale.

Jordan Poole Returns to Starting Lineup for Wednesday's Game

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Jordan Poole is slated to start for Wednesday's matchup with the Hawks. Coming off a scoreless 0-for-4 shooting performance, Poole has an excellent opportunity to bounce back with Trey Murphy (back), Herbert Jones (ankle), and Jose Alvarado (oblique) all watching from the sidelines. Poole has historically performed better as a starter this season, posting averages of 17.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.8 three-pointers per contest.

Nic Claxton Returns to Bench Role, Under Minutes Restriction for Nets

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Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton will return to action Wednesday against the Magic, but will come off the bench and operate under a minutes restriction after a two-game absence due to personal reasons. Head coach Jordi Fernandez anticipates no restrictions for Friday's game against the Clippers. Day'Ron Sharpe will draw the start in his place for a third consecutive game. Despite the limited workload, Claxton remains a must-play option in standard fantasy leagues.

Larry Nance Upgraded to Questionable for Thursday's Game

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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance (calf) has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday's game against Minnesota. This marks the first time Nance has received a questionable tag since being sidelined on November 28, indicating significant progress in his recovery from the calf injury. Further updates on Nance's status will be available closer to Thursday's tip-off.

Donovan Mitchell Cleared to Return Thursday After Rest Day

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (rest) has been removed from the injury report and is expected to return to action for Thursday's game against Minnesota. Mitchell got the night off Tuesday against Indiana. This season, he has been a key contributor, averaging 29.8 points, 5.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 33.8 minutes per game.

Ace Bailey (hip) available to play Wednesday; minutes monitored

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Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey (hip) is available for Wednesday's game in Oklahoma City. He is set to return from a five-game absence, and his minutes may be monitored in his first game back. With Bailey active, Cody Williams could drop out of the rotation entirely.

Jaden Ivey to start Wednesday with Cunningham sidelined

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Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Bulls. This will be his first start of the season, filling in due to Cade Cunningham's (wrist) unavailability. He will be joined in the first unit by Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Paul Reed, and Isaiah Stewart. Ivey is considered an intriguing target in daily fantasy leagues against a weak defensive team.

Sion James to start Wednesday with Brandon Miller out

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Charlotte Hornets forward Sion James is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Raptors. He gets the spot-start due to Brandon Miller's (knee) inactivity. James will be joined in the first unit by LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate. As a starter this season, James owns averages of 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 triples per contest on 36/32/78 shooting splits.

Bub Carrington to start Wednesday for Wizards

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Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the 76ers, filling in for CJ McCollum (quad). He will be joined in the first unit by Tre Johnson, Julian Champagnie, Bilal Coulibaly, and Alex Sarr. Across 11 starts this season, Carrington has registered averages of 12.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.4 triples, and 0.9 steals per contest.

Vince Williams (knee) ruled out for Wednesday's game

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Suns. He had returned from an eight-game layoff on Tuesday but will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back. His next opportunity to play will be Friday against the Thunder. If Ja Morant (calf) also sits, Cam Spencer could see significant minutes, indicating increased playing time for Spencer.