Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Nets, marking his third consecutive missed contest. Suggs sustained a Grade 1 MCL contusion in Friday's loss to the Bulls. His next opportunity to return to action will be Friday against the 76ers. With Suggs sidelined, Tyus Jones and Jase Richardson are expected to see an uptick in minutes for the Magic.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Nets. He has been sidelined since December 7 due to a left high-ankle sprain. Despite missing Wednesday's contest, Wagner is reportedly expected to return 'within the next week,' according to Philip Rossman-Reich. His next chance to play will be Friday against the 76ers. Tristan da Silva, Jamal Cain, and Noah Penda are candidates for increased playing time in his absence.
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox struggled from the field in Tuesday's 106-105 loss to the Grizzlies, notching just nine points on 4-for-18 shooting (1-7 3Pt). He added five rebounds, eight assists, and one block in 30 minutes as San Antonio fell to its second straight loss. Through 27 games, Fox is averaging 21.3 points, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.2 three-pointers, numbers that are below what managers might expect.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray will miss at least three to four weeks due to a moderate left ankle sprain suffered in Sunday's loss to the Bucks. An MRI confirmed the injury, and he is expected to be reevaluated in late January or early February. This adds to an injury-plagued season for Murray, who previously missed the first month with a torn left thumb UCL and a few games in December with a calf strain. In 19 games, he's averaged 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, but with career-low shooting percentages. Precious Achiuwa, Nique Clifford, and Keon Ellis are expected to see increased roles.
Herbert Jones returned to action Tuesday against the Lakers after a seven-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. He played 35 minutes, finishing with three points (1-9 FG, 1-6 3Pt), two rebounds, and one steal in the 111-103 loss. Following the game, interim head coach James Borrego announced Jones is uncertain for Wednesday's game against the Hawks due to right ankle injury management, despite not being on a minutes restriction in his return. He showed signs of rust, struggling to find his rhythm offensively.
Anthony Edwards (foot maintenance) was available for Tuesday's game against Miami, shaking off a questionable tag that was a late addition to the injury report. He delivered a well-rounded performance, contributing 26 points (8-18 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in 29 minutes during the Timberwolves' 122-94 win over the Heat. He led all players in scoring and was efficient from three-point range. This marks his 11th consecutive game with at least 23 points. Over his last five games, he's averaged 29.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 32.4 minutes.
Zach LaVine is back in the Sacramento Kings' starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks. This move comes after he played off the bench against the Bucks on Sunday, which was his first game back from a nine-game absence due to a sprained left ankle. LaVine will replace Keegan Murray, who is expected to miss at least the next three weeks with an ankle injury.
Trey Murphy delivered a career-high performance for the New Orleans Pelicans, amassing 42 points (14-26 FG, 6-17 3Pt, 8-9 FT), five rebounds, and three assists across 39 minutes in Tuesday's 111-103 win over the Lakers. The 25-year-old swingman took a season-high in shot attempts and knocked down at least six triples for the second consecutive game and third time this season. Murphy has been on a scoring tear, recording 21 or more points in four of his last five outings, averaging 25.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over 37.2 minutes per game during that stretch.
Victor Wembanyama (left knee hyperextension/bone bruise) returned for the Spurs after a two-game absence, playing off the bench with a minutes restriction against the Grizzlies. He poured in 30 points (10-20 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in just 21 minutes during the 106-105 loss. Prior to the game, Wembanyama demonstrated his knee was fine by kicking basketballs stuck in the net, nearly 10 feet high. He is expected to be questionable for Wednesday's game against the Lakers.
Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers with 22 points (9-23 FG, 4-5 FT), adding four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 35 minutes during Tuesday's 120-116 loss to the Cavaliers. He scored nine points in the fourth quarter. This marks his sixth consecutive game with at least 20 points, averaging 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 threes, and 1.5 steals over this span. He also recorded at least two steals in four of those six games.
Darius Garland led the Cleveland Cavaliers with 29 points (14-23 FG, 1-4 3Pt), six assists, and two rebounds in 33 minutes during Tuesday's 120-116 win over Indiana. With Donovan Mitchell resting, Garland shouldered an increased offensive load, marking his first 25+ point game since Dec. 22. Despite struggling from three-point range (25.8% over his last five games), he dished out at least six assists for the fifth consecutive game.
P.J. Washington (ankle) has been officially ruled out for the Dallas Mavericks' Tuesday game against the Kings. This decision was anticipated after he sprained his right ankle during Saturday's victory over Houston. Washington's next chance to return to action will be Thursday when the Mavericks face the Jazz. His absence is expected to lead to increased playing time for Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Caleb Martin.
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is probable for Wednesday's game against the Bulls due to a right wrist contusion, potentially picked up during Monday's 121-90 win over the Knicks where he posted 29 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. The injury is not considered long-term. Cunningham also maintains a strong position in the latest NBA MVP rankings, vying for the third spot behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, and ahead of Jalen Brunson and Jaylen Brown.
Tyler Herro (right big toe contusion) will be available for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves, marking his return after being sidelined since Dec. 9. He will not start and is expected to see limited playing time off the bench. Herro was available but did not play in Sunday's win. In six appearances this season, the Heat guard has averaged 23.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals across 31.8 minutes per contest.
Jrue Holiday (right calf strain) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Rockets. He has been sidelined since Nov. 14 but continues to progress in his recovery, recently being cleared for on-court activities. While not ready to return yet, his next opportunity to play is in Friday's rematch against Houston. Caleb Love, who has averaged 16.9 points and 3.6 threes over 29.5 minutes in his last eight outings, will continue in an expanded role off the bench.
Jerami Grant (left Achilles tendinitis) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Rockets. This marks his 11th consecutive missed game due to the injury. His next opportunity to play is in Friday's rematch against Houston, but there is currently no clear timeline for his return. The Trail Blazers would likely tag him as doubtful, questionable, or probable if he were getting closer to a return.
Ja Morant (right calf contusion) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Spurs, marking his second consecutive absence. He was initially listed as questionable, then doubtful, before being officially ruled out. His next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against the Suns. With the star point guard sidelined, Cam Spencer and Vince Williams are candidates for increased roles, while Javon Small could remain in the rotation.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Eastern Conference in the second returns of NBA All-Star fan voting with 2,092,284 votes. Despite the Bucks' 16-20 record and Antetokounmpo missing time with a calf injury, he has averaged 29.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game in his 22 appearances this season. He continues to be a dominant force, even while surrounded by ongoing trade speculation, and remains a top contender for an All-Star starting spot.
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is making a strong case for the third spot in the latest NBA MVP rankings, currently in a neck-and-neck race with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic. His consistent high-level performance has positioned him as a top contender for the prestigious award. With the Celtics climbing to the East's second seed, there's speculation that Brown could leap past Donovan Mitchell into the All-Star starting five once player and media votes are factored in.
Jay Huff is starting in Tuesday's game against Cleveland, resuming his duties as the top center for the Pacers after a brief look at Micah Potter in the starting lineup. Through 18 games as a starter this season, Huff has averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks in 22.1 minutes per tilt.
