NBA

Warriors eye Porzingis debut vs Celtics as Curry’s knee setback clouds return

Kristaps Porzingis
February 2026

Golden State expect Kristaps Porzingis to debut against Boston, but Stephen Curry may miss additional time after being unable to take part in a live scrimmage due to a knee issue, with another MRI possible. Kerr said Curry was “not where he needed to be” and the team would reassess after more treatment, potentially consulting Dr. Rick Celebrini and considering additional imaging. Porzingis, acquired at the deadline in a deal involving Kuminga, has managed illness and Achilles tendonitis and is averaging 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17 games.

Ja Morant sidelined at least two more weeks; Caldwell-Pope set for finger surgery

Ja Morant
February 2026

Memphis said Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks while rehabbing a sprained UCL in his left elbow, with discomfort still present. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will have surgery on his right pinky, with a recovery timeline to follow. Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks after continued rehab. He has played 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. Memphis kept him through the deadline but moved Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah.

Kyrie Irving ACL tear ends season as Mavericks pivot to Cooper Flagg era

Kyrie Irving
February 2026

Kyrie Irving tore his left ACL and will miss the season, the first full-season absence of his 15-year career. Dallas is set to build around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg with Irving expected to stay engaged as a mentor during rehab. The injury landed amid major roster upheaval after the Doncic trade, a brief and disrupted Davis stint, and a further pivot away from that move. Dallas plans to re-center the project on Flagg, with team leadership highlighting Irving’s influence and ongoing involvement while he recovers.

Mike Conley returns to Timberwolves on minimum after being traded twice and waived

Mike Conley Jr
February 2026

Mike Conley has re-signed with Minnesota on a minimum contract after being traded to the Bulls, moved to the Hornets, then waived. The sequence made him eligible to return to the Timberwolves. Minnesota reduced its luxury tax position by moving Conley’s original salary, then brought him back cheaply, gaining cap flexibility that helped enable a separate guard acquisition. Conley’s on-court role has dipped, but he remains valued for leadership.

Nuggets coaching icon Doug Moe dies at 87 after cancer battle

Doug Moe
February 2026

Longtime coach Doug Moe has died after a long cancer battle. He coached 15 NBA seasons, won NBA Coach of the Year in 1988, and is remembered for high-scoring motion offense with the Nuggets in the 1980s. Moe’s death was confirmed via his son informing friends, with tributes noting his influence on a notable decade in Nuggets history and his distinctive bench personality and style of play.

Anthony Edwards wins 2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP award

Anthony Edwards
February 2026

Edwards was named All-Star Game MVP after leading USA Stars to tournament victory, delivering consistent scoring impact across the mini-game format and outperforming rivals in cumulative influence. He scored 32 points across three games, hit key clutch threes and helped secure overtime progression and final victory. Media voters valued his all-round tournament impact over single-game scoring totals.

Wembanyama’s All-Star intensity sparks renewed competitiveness debate

Victor Wembanyama
February 2026

Wembanyama drew attention for his competitive approach in the All-Star format, showing visible frustration in defeat and vowing to restore intensity to the exhibition spectacle through effort and defensive commitment. He defended possessions aggressively and played with playoff-level energy, influencing teammates to raise effort levels. His attitude reignited debate around All-Star competitiveness and reinforced his growing leadership influence within the league.

Adam Silver Says Tanking Is Worse This Season; NBA Fines Jazz and Pacers

Adam Silver
February 2026

Silver said tanking behaviour is worse than recent memory, with the league fining Utah and Indiana for violating integrity and player participation standards, and warning further penalties could include draft-pick forfeiture. Utah was fined $500,000 for “conduct detrimental” linked to late-game benchings, while Indiana was fined $100,000 after an independent physician found held-out starters could have played under policy standards. Silver said the league will reconsider lottery and draft incentives because the system rewards losing.

Chris Paul Announces Retirement; Raptors Expected to Waive Him

Chris Paul
February 2026

He confirmed he is stepping away after 21 seasons. He was traded to Toronto at the deadline in a deal that did not require reporting, and multiple reports say the Raptors will waive him. The retirement frames a shift toward family and life after playing, with league leadership highlighting his on-court résumé and union leadership. The trade-waive path effectively closed any late-season title chase with another team.

Zach LaVine Set for Season-Ending Hand Surgery After All-Star Break

Zach LaVine
February 2026

He will miss the remainder of the season because he needs surgery on his right hand, ending his campaign after appearing in 39 games and producing steady scoring on efficient overall shooting. The report indicates the procedure is scheduled following the mid-season pause, ruling out any late push. His availability will shift to off-season recovery planning, with the team needing to cover his minutes and shot creation for the stretch run.