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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Isaiah Hartenstein is ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Jazz due to a right soleus strain, marking his sixth consecutive absence. There is currently no definitive timeline for his return to the court. With Hartenstein sidelined, Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins are expected to see more time at power forward, while Chet Holmgren will absorb the majority of the center minutes for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jarrett Allen (illness) is available for Tuesday's game against the Pacers, returning after missing Sunday's contest. The Cavaliers center was initially listed as questionable, then probable, and is now confirmed good to go. In his last 10 games, Allen has averaged 12.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in 25.2 minutes per game, shooting 63.1 percent from the field. He's expected to play if he continues to feel good during warmups.
Jalen Green (hamstring) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies as he continues to recover from a right hamstring strain sustained in a win over the Clippers on November 8. The 23-year-old shooting guard is set to be re-evaluated any day now. Until the Phoenix Suns provide an update on his status, Green can be considered doubtful for Friday's game against New York.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller is probable for Wednesday's game against Toronto, dealing with a left knee contusion. The issue is not expected to be severe enough to prevent him from playing. Over his last 13 appearances, Miller has been a strong contributor, averaging 22.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game.
In a re-draft of the 2025 NBA Draft, Derik Queen is projected to land with the Washington Wizards, based on current knowledge nearly halfway through the 2025-26 season. This redraft analysis re-evaluates player selections, suggesting how teams might pick differently with hindsight.
In a re-draft of the 2025 NBA Draft, Kon Knueppel is projected as the No. 2 overall pick, based on insights gathered nearly halfway through the 2025-26 season. The redraft analysis re-evaluates player selections with current knowledge, highlighting potential changes from the original draft order.
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to right shoulder soreness, potentially missing his second consecutive contest. He was a late scratch for Monday night's game, an absence that allowed rookie Kobe Sanders to step into the lineup and deliver a career-high 20 points and seven rebounds. If Harden is ruled out again, Sanders and Jordan Miller are candidates for increased minutes. Over his last five outings, Harden has averaged 24.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 34.4 minutes.
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is actively being shopped by the team and his agents, with the Washington Wizards emerging as the clear frontrunner for a trade. His significant contract ($45.9M this season, $48.9M player option next) and defensive shortcomings limit the market. Separately, Young is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans due to a right quadriceps contusion, seeking to end a five-game absence. If he misses another contest, Nickeil Alexander-Walker would likely remain in the starting lineup.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Detroit due to injury maintenance. As Wednesday's game is the front end of a back-to-back, White is likely to play in only one of the two games as the Bulls exercise caution. If White sits, Tre Jones and Kevin Huerter are expected to see increased involvement in the backcourt.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to an illness. This is a new issue, suggesting he is day-to-day. Given that Wednesday's game is the first of a back-to-back, the Bulls may opt for caution. Should Buzelis be unavailable, Patrick Williams and Julian Phillips could see increased roles for the team.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus will be sidelined for at least another month. He is continuing his recovery process after undergoing surgery for a broken left foot. His return to play is not expected until at least early to mid-February.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) will miss his eighth consecutive game Wednesday against the Hornets. He was cleared for contact work on January 5th, indicating he is getting closer to a return. His next opportunity to play will be Friday against Boston.
Christian Braun is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Celtics due to a left ankle sprain. He recently returned from a nearly two-month absence with the injury, and the Nuggets are continuing to monitor his health. If Braun is sidelined, Bruce Brown and Spencer Jones could see expanded roles, especially with Tim Hardaway also questionable due to illness.
Aaron Gordon is questionable for Wednesday's game against Boston due to a hamstring issue. He remains day-to-day after receiving a maintenance day on Monday against the 76ers. With Gordon out of the lineup Monday, Peyton Watson had a strong offensive performance, and Hunter Tyson and Spencer Jones also saw increased playing time.
Jamal Murray is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Boston due to an ankle issue. The questionable tag is somewhat surprising, as it was previously assumed he received a maintenance day Monday against the 76ers. With his ankle still lingering, Jalen Pickett could potentially see an increased role after his dominant performance on Monday.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith has found his groove since returning from a six-week absence, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 3.0 triples across 29.6 minutes over his last four games. He delivered a 25/4/8 line with two swats and five triples on Sunday. Nesmith's role is expected to increase significantly with teammate Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) sidelined for substantial time.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin is set to miss substantial time due to a thumb injury. His absence is expected to significantly increase the role and playing time for teammate Aaron Nesmith in the Pacers' lineup.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić leads the Western Conference in the second returns of NBA All-Star fan voting with 2,229,811 votes. In his first full season with the Lakers, he's averaging a league-best 33.7 points per game through 26 games, including six 40-point outings. Dončić notably started the season with back-to-back 40-point games, becoming only the fourth player in league history to achieve this feat.
Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokić is currently second among Western Conference vote-getters in the second returns of NBA All-Star Game fan voting, accumulating 1,998,560 votes. He remains a top contender for a starting spot in the upcoming All-Star Game.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has surged to second among Eastern Conference vote-getters in the latest NBA All-Star fan returns, surpassing Tyrese Maxey, averaging 31.2 points per game since December 5th. He is also a strong contender for the third spot in the NBA MVP rankings, locked in a tight race with Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown, placing him firmly behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic in the current MVP race, showcasing his invaluable contribution to the Knicks.
