NBA

Durant Sits With Sprained Ankle After Stepping on Fan’s Foot

Kevin Durant
January 2026

Kevin Durant missed Houston’s game after spraining his left ankle when he stepped on a fan’s foot. Coach Udoka said he tweaked it and offered no return date. Durant was named an All-Star reserve on Sunday. Durant played heavy minutes in a recent win over Dallas, then was ruled out about 90 minutes before tip. Reed Sheppard is expected to start in his place. Houston said he had not missed games for injury this season before now.

Jason Kidd Fined for Officiating Criticism After Rockets Loss

Jason Kidd
January 2026

Kidd was fined $35,000 for publicly criticizing officiating and using profane language in a media interview following Dallas’ 111-107 loss to Houston. The league cited his postgame remarks as a violation, issuing the fine through basketball operations leadership after the Toyota Center matchup.

Spurs’ Mitch Johnson Named 2026 All-Star Coach as San Antonio Surges

Mitch Johnson
January 2026

Johnson will coach one of the All-Star teams after leading the Spurs to a 33-16 start and the second-best record in the West. Eligibility rules blocked Daigneault because he coached the previous year’s All-Star; Johnson’s December recognition and San Antonio’s first-half record secured the nod.

LeBron Makes 22nd Straight All-Star as Reserve After Sciatica-Delayed Start

LeBron James
January 2026

James was named a West reserve for a record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection after missing the first 14 games with sciatica, saying he focused on returning to form rather than chasing the honor. Coaches voted him in despite early-season missed time; debate followed due to notable omissions; James emphasized health and performance since returning, and he remains an All-Star points/minutes leader.

Hawks Reportedly Send Vít Krejčí to Blazers for Duop Reath and Two Second-Rounders

Vít Krejčí
January 2026

Atlanta is reportedly trading Krejčí to Portland for Reath and two future second-round picks, addressing Portland’s shooting need while Atlanta adds draft assets. Krejčí’s 3-point shooting is positioned as a fit for a low-efficiency Portland perimeter attack; Reath is out for the season after foot surgery, making the picks the primary usable return for Atlanta.

NBA Trade Made Official: Cavs-Kings-Bulls Deal Expanded to Include Emanuel Miller

Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings
January 2026

Cleveland sent Hunter to Sacramento; Cleveland received Schröder, Ellis, and two-way player Miller; Chicago received Šarić and two second-round picks. Cleveland adds guard depth and flexibility; Sacramento continues reshaping a struggling season; Chicago turns the move into picks while taking on Šarić.

Three-Team NBA Trade: Cavs Add Schröder and Ellis, Kings Get Hunter, Bulls Take Šarić Plus Picks

De’Andre Hunter, Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis, Dario Šarić
January 2026

Cleveland reportedly sent Hunter to Sacramento; Cleveland received Schröder and Ellis; Chicago received Šarić and two second-round picks. Cleveland adds depth and reduces tax impact; Sacramento pivots toward rebuild; Chicago takes salary plus draft compensation as part of the three-team structure.

Cavs Coach Kenny Atkinson Fined $50,000 After Ejection for Official Confrontation

Kenny Atkinson
January 2026

Atkinson was fined $50,000 for aggressively pursuing and berating an official and making inadvertent contact, leading to an ejection. The incident occurred with 10:59 left in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s 126-113 loss to Phoenix, when Atkinson received his second technical foul.

Paul George Suspended 25 Games Without Pay for Anti-Drug Program Violation

Paul George
January 2026

George received a 25-game suspension without pay for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. The NBA announced the penalty and stated the suspension starts immediately with the 76ers’ next game.

Nikola Jokić Returns From Knee Injury With Big Minutes-Managed Line, Nuggets Beat Clippers

Nikola Jokić
January 2026

Jokić returned from a hyperextended left knee on a minutes restriction and produced an immediate impact in a Nuggets win over the Clippers. After missing 16 games, he posted 31 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in 25 minutes as Denver won 122-109, indicating a controlled ramp-up while restoring Denver’s primary engine.