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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jalen Duren (leg) is probable for Monday's matchup with the Hawks. He missed Saturday's game, the second leg of a back-to-back set, due to a minor leg issue. Duren is expected to return to action Monday evening and should resume his usual minutes as a starter for the Detroit Pistons. His return will likely result in Isaiah Stewart shifting back to the second unit, and Paul Reed's playing time will decrease.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has declared his ambition to surpass LeBron James' NBA scoring record before he retires. Antetokounmpo believes he can achieve this significant milestone within the next five years, setting a clear long-term goal for his career.
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan will miss Sunday's game against the Thunder due to an illness, marking his first absence of the season. He is currently considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup in Toronto. With Clingan unavailable, Robert Williams and Duop Reath are expected to receive increased minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins is out for Sunday's game against the Lakers due to an illness, marking his second consecutive absence. He joins a lengthy inactive list that includes Herbert Jones (calf), Trey Murphy (elbow), Jordan Poole (quad), and Zion Williamson (hamstring). Jose Alvarado and Jeremiah Fears are expected to see extended playing time with the team's depleted roster.
Trey Murphy (elbow) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lakers, marking his second consecutive absence due to the issue. The Pelicans forward should be considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Timberwolves. His continued absence, alongside Zion Williamson, will likely lead to Bryce McGowens earning another start and Saddiq Bey seeing increased usage for New Orleans.
Jordan Poole (left quadriceps strain) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lakers, extending his absence to 14 consecutive contests. Despite the prolonged sideline stint, the 26-year-old guard has resumed basketball activities and could potentially return as soon as Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves. In his seven regular-season appearances (four starts) this season, Poole has averaged 17.3 points and 3.4 assists in 30.3 minutes per contest for the Pelicans.
Zion Williamson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lakers, as he sits for injury management during the second leg of a back-to-back. The Pelicans forward is expected to return for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves. With Williamson and Trey Murphy (elbow) sidelined, Saddiq Bey is anticipated to be the focal point of the offense, with Micah Peavey potentially starting and Bryce McGowens seeing increased minutes for New Orleans.
Jarrett Allen (right finger) is expected to miss at least one week, the Cavaliers announced Sunday. This comes after Allen returned to action Friday following a three-game absence for the same strained finger, but is now facing an extended period on the sidelines. With both Allen and Larry Nance (calf) out, Dean Wade, Jaylon Tyson, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Thomas Bryant are candidates for increased playing time, while Evan Mobley will likely see more minutes at center for Cleveland.
Larry Nance is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks of action after an MRI revealed a Grade 1 soleus strain in his right calf. His absence, combined with Jarrett Allen (finger) also missing at least the next week, leaves the Cavaliers thin at the center position. Evan Mobley is anticipated to spend more time at the five, which should open up additional minutes for Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Dean Wade, and Jaylon Tyson for Cleveland.
Jaime Jaquez (groin) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Clippers, as reported by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Jaquez, who missed Saturday's game due to the groin issue, participated in practice Sunday and expressed being "very hopeful" for his return on Monday. An update is expected after Monday's shootaround. His potential return could lead to a dip in Nikola Jovic's minutes.
Kenrich Williams is expected to see increased playing time for the Oklahoma City Thunder as starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is sidelined for 10-14 days with a right soleus (calf) strain. This injury will lead to adjustments in the Thunder's frontcourt rotation, providing more opportunities for Williams.
Jaylin Williams is expected to see increased playing time for the Oklahoma City Thunder as starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is sidelined for 10-14 days with a right soleus (calf) strain. This shift will likely see Chet Holmgren move to the center position, opening up more minutes for Williams in the frontcourt.
Oklahoma City Thunder starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is sidelined for 10-14 days due to a right soleus (calf) strain and will be reevaluated. Hartenstein, averaging 12.2 points and 10.7 rebounds on 67.1% shooting for the 19-1 Thunder, is crucial to their success. In his absence, Chet Holmgren will shift to center, and Jaylin and Kenrich Williams are expected to see increased playing time.
Keyonte George (illness) is available for Sunday's game against the Rockets, shedding his questionable tag. The Utah Jazz point guard will suit up for the front end of their back-to-back set. Over his last five appearances, the 22-year-old has averaged 28.0 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 35.6 minutes per contest.
Jakob Poeltl (rest) will not play in Sunday's game against the Knicks, as reported by Blake Murphy. The Toronto Raptors center will sit out the second night of a back-to-back set. His next chance to play will be Tuesday against Portland. With Poeltl sidelined, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Murray-Boyles, and potentially Jonathan Mogbo are expected to see increased minutes.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is sidelined for at least a week due to a right quad contusion, sustained in the November 26 loss to the Rockets. He will be re-evaluated in one week, with his return timeline potentially extending into Week 8. In his absence, Brandin Podziemski started, and the Warriors are preparing to sign his brother Seth Curry.
Seth Curry is expected to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors on Monday for the remainder of the season, marking the first time he will play alongside his brother Stephen in their NBA careers. The move, delayed due to salary cap reasons, will see Curry, who shot an NBA-best 45.6% from three last season (career 43.3%), provide a pure shooting role. Stephen is currently out for a week with a quad contusion.
Neemias Queta has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cavaliers due to left ankle sprain injury management. The Boston Celtics big man was cleared to play in Saturday's loss to Minnesota but will miss the second leg of the back-to-back set. His next opportunity to suit up will come Tuesday against the Knicks. With Queta sidelined, Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, and Amari Williams are candidates for increased roles.
Derrick White will not play in Sunday's game against the Cavaliers due to a right calf contusion. The Boston Celtics guard was cleared for Saturday's loss to the Timberwolves but will sit out the second half of the team's back-to-back set. His next opportunity to play will come Tuesday against the Knicks. Anfernee Simons, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez are candidates for increased roles with White sidelined.
Pelicans' Kevon Looney clarified his "they forgot about me" comments regarding his Warriors exit, stating he has "no hard feelings" despite falling out of Steve Kerr’s playoff rotation. Looney, who signed a two-year deal with New Orleans in June, expressed competitive frustration about not playing in key matchups but understands Kerr's decisions. He reflected on his decade with Golden State, including three championships, emphasizing "it's all love" for his former team and teammates.
