Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Derik Queen, a potential great NBA player and a steal at No. 13 in the draft, was acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite his high ceiling, the Pelicans are criticized for botching the deal to get him. The article suggests the team could have handled the trade better, highlighting concerns over their acquisition strategy for the promising young talent.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves posted a quiet 15 points (4 in first half) in a 132-119 loss to the Spurs, following an 11-point game against the 76ers. This two-game slump is concerning as Reaves, who previously ranked 9th in the NBA with 27.8 PPG and 'carried' the team for six weeks, is crucial for the Lakers' offense. Coach JJ Redick expects him to recover, but his recent dip highlights the team's significant defensive struggles, making his scoring output vital for wins.
Golden State Warriors forward Al Horford is officially out for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to sciatica. His absence means the Warriors will continue to be without their full roster, even with Steph Curry's return.
Despite the Lakers' elimination from the NBA Cup, Marcus Smart provided a significant spark in his return from a back injury. He scored a season-high 26 points, hitting eight three-pointers, and expressed determination to fight back after the loss. However, the Lakers' bench struggled, contributing only five points outside of Smart's effort. The team's defense also remains a concern, allowing opponents to shoot a high percentage from beyond the arc.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated "nobody knows" what the future holds for Jonathan Kuminga, whose up-and-down tenure with Golden State continues. Following a DNP-CD, trade rumors suggest the Warriors will explore Kuminga's market before the Feb. 5 deadline, with the Kings reportedly still interested. Kerr emphasized the difficulty of the league for players facing potential trades, but stressed the importance of committing to the current team while acknowledging the uncertainty.
LeBron James and the Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Cup quarterfinals by the San Antonio Spurs, losing 132-119. James, who recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, refused to discuss playoff prospects in December, stating, "Can't do that. It's not OK. Not my mindset." He emphasized building good habits now for potential postseason success. The Lakers' suspect perimeter defense was exposed, allowing the Spurs to shoot 50% from the field and 44.7% from three-point range, despite playing without Victor Wembanyama. James delivered a thunderous dunk over Luke Kornet, briefly cutting a 24-point deficit. The 17-7 Lakers will now face the Suns in Phoenix.
San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stated Victor Wembanyama "very much" could return for Saturday's NBA Cup semifinals against the 24-1 Thunder in Las Vegas. Wembanyama, sidelined since Nov. 15 with a calf strain, missing 12 games, performed light pregame work Wednesday, moving well without a wrap. Coach Johnson reported he had a "very intense day" and "good day." Prior to his injury, Wembanyama was averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.6 blocked shots per game. The team will assess his response.
Stephon Castle played a pivotal role in leading the San Antonio Spurs to an upset victory over the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Cup quarterfinals. His performance helped secure the Spurs' spot in the final four of the tournament.
Thunder center Chet Holmgren delivered another stellar outing, recording 24 points (9-13 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 138-89 win over the Suns. He has been unstoppable in his last two games, totaling 49 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks across 48 minutes, shooting 21-of-28. Holmgren is averaging 18.8 points and 8.0 rebounds on 67.1 percent true shooting this season. During the game, he was shoved to the floor by Suns guard Grayson Allen, who was subsequently ejected.
Suns guard Grayson Allen was ejected from an NBA Cup quarterfinal game against Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. The ejection occurred after Allen shoved Thunder center Chet Holmgren, knocking him to the floor during the match.
Warriors star Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined for the past five games due to a bruised thigh, is expected to make his return to action on Friday. He is slated to play in the upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned to action after missing one game due to left elbow bursitis, showing no signs of impact from the injury. He tallied 28 points (11-15 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), eight assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block over 27 minutes in the Thunder's 138-89 NBA Cup quarterfinal win over the Suns. His efficiency contributed to the dominant victory, allowing all five OKC starters to sit out the fourth quarter. This season, he's hitting career highs with 56.2% FG and 45.4% 3Pt.
Zach LaVine has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Nuggets due to right thumb soreness. This marks his first missed game since November 12 due to the issue. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Timberwolves. With Dennis Schroder (hip) also doubtful, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, and Nique Clifford are expected to see increased minutes for the Sacramento Kings.
Devin Booker (right groin strain) is officially ruled out for the Phoenix Suns' NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, marking his third consecutive absence. He last played December 1st against the Lakers, exiting early with the injury. Despite being present for shootaround and previously questionable, he won't suit up. His absence shifts playmaking duties to Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin. The Suns are 1-1 without him in his last two missed games.
Trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks persist, despite the team denying reports of internal discussions. While sidelined for approximately four weeks with a non-contact calf strain sustained last Wednesday, NBA TV reported Antetokounmpo met with "some" teammates to urge focus. However, teammates Kyle Kuzma and Kevin Porter Jr. publicly denied the meeting, with Porter Jr. calling it "false information" and advising to wait for Antetokounmpo's own statement. The 10-15 Bucks await his return.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (right calf strain) is confirmed out for Thursday's game against the Pelicans. He is not yet ready to return to the floor, and due to a lack of clarity on his recovery timeline, he is also considered doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Warriors. Caleb Love is expected to continue in the rotation for Thursday's game.
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (lower leg injury) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pelicans, marking his third consecutive absence. His next opportunity to return to action will be Sunday against the Warriors. With Robert Williams (illness) and Yang Hansen (face) also questionable for Thursday, Duop Reath may be in line for a significant workload at the center position.
Alperen Sengun (illness) is officially off the injury report and cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Clippers. The Houston Rockets big man missed back-to-back games due to the illness but returned to practice on Tuesday, receiving the green light for action. Before his absence, the 23-year-old had been on a hot streak, scoring 25 or more points in three consecutive games. During that impressive stretch, he averaged 28.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks across 32 minutes per game.
Jalen Brunson's significant impact and the New York Knicks' elite 3-point shooting were key factors in their victory over the Toronto Raptors, securing their ticket to the NBA Cup in Vegas. Analysts Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine highlighted Brunson's crucial role this season, leading to discussions about whether the Knicks are now the top contender in the Eastern Conference. His performance is central to the team's success as they advance in the tournament.
Jordan Poole (quadriceps) has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking a significant improvement in his status. This is the first questionable tag for Poole since he sustained a left quadriceps strain in early November. If he plays, the star guard is expected to face restrictions on his playing time due to the extended period he's been sidelined. His potential return could impact the fantasy value of Jeremiah Fears and Jose Alvarado.
