Joel Embiid
March 2026
Embiid will miss at least three games after an MRI confirmed a strained right oblique suffered during Thursday’s win over Miami. Philadelphia ruled him out for Sunday at Boston and will reassess after back-to-back home games Tuesday and Wednesday; he had 26 points and 11 rebounds against Miami and averaged 29 points in February.
Norman Powell
February 2026
Miami announced Powell has a low-severity (Grade 1) right groin strain and will miss at least one week, listed week to week. An MRI confirmed the strain; if the timeline holds, he could miss a short run of games during a heavy home stretch, with Miami monitoring recovery before clearing him.
Desmond Bane
February 2026
Desmond Bane has been fined $25,000 for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands following Orlando’s one-point win. The NBA issued the fine after the postgame incident in the Magic’s 110-109 victory over the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Anthony Edwards
February 2026
Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands. The NBA issued the fine after the halftime incident during Minnesota’s 124-121 win over Portland at Moda Center.
James Harden
February 2026
James Harden missed Cleveland’s game against Milwaukee due to a right thumb fracture, with the Cavaliers also short-handed without Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. X-rays confirmed a non-displaced fracture after the Knicks game; Cleveland listed Harden for treatment and evaluation while managing additional starter absences through injury.
James Harden
February 2026
Harden has a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx after getting hurt in Cleveland’s 109-94 win over the Knicks and will undergo treatment and evaluation. He was examined postgame and diagnosed via X-ray; the veteran, recently acquired from the Clippers, has produced strong early numbers in Cleveland, creating a short-term rotation and playmaking concern while his status is assessed.
Jalen Johnson
February 2026
Jalen Johnson left with a left hip flexor injury and was ruled out after evaluation, with no firm timetable yet for missed games. Quin Snyder said there was enough concern to keep him out; Johnson posted 5 points in 5.5 minutes, while Kuminga capitalized with 27 points in his Hawks debut as Atlanta won 119-98.
Kevin Durant
February 2026
Durant said he asked to remain under consideration for the 2028 U.S. Olympic team and does not want a ceremonial spot. He cited his attachment to Team USA, acknowledged age and competition, and said selection should be performance-based; he remains a high-level scorer this season.
Jusuf Nurkić
February 2026
Jusuf Nurkic will have nose surgery for a long-standing deviated septum issue and will not play again this season. The Jazz said repeated hits to the face and a recent illness accelerated timing; Hardy said it was something Nurkic has needed for a while.
Dejounte Murray
February 2026
Dejounte Murray said he feels ready to return from a ruptured Achilles and wants to play despite the Pelicans’ lost season and front-office changes. Murray said he is not looking for excuses and wants to compete for teammates, family, and the city, while also helping rookie Jeremiah Fears. The coach praised his commitment but stopped short of guaranteeing minutes immediately.
