NBA

Nikola Jokić Returns vs Clippers After Knee Injury, On Minutes Restriction

Nikola Jokić
January 2026

Jokić returned to the starting lineup after missing 16 games with a hyperextended left knee and will be managed with a minutes restriction. Denver went 10-6 without him; his return supports Denver’s push while Gordon is out again with a right hamstring issue and other teammates remain sidelined; Jokić is also tracking the 65-game threshold for major award eligibility.

Okongwu Out After Dental Fracture From Elbow vs Celtics

Onyeka Okongwu
January 2026

Okongwu suffered a dental fracture and lost at least one tooth after being elbowed in the mouth; he will miss at least the next game. Brown was called for a flagrant foul and said the contact was unintentional; Okongwu briefly returned to shoot a free throw before exiting, with Snyder confirming he will need dental work.

Okongwu Out After Dental Fracture From Elbow; Brown Says Unintentional

Onyeka Okongwu
January 2026

Okongwu suffered a dental fracture after being elbowed in the mouth and will miss at least the next game, despite returning briefly to take a foul shot. Brown was assessed a flagrant foul and said it was accidental; Snyder confirmed Okongwu took a heavy shot and will need dental work, with the Hawks managing him day to day.

Aaron Gordon Out 4–6 Weeks With Right Hamstring Strain

Aaron Gordon
January 2026

Gordon has a right hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in four to six weeks, removing a key starter from Denver’s rotation. The injury occurred in the win over Milwaukee; he is averaging 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season, with Denver sitting third in the West.

Stephen Curry Passes Paul Pierce for 19th on NBA All-Time Scoring List

Stephen Curry
January 2026

Curry moved into sole possession of 19th all-time in scoring by passing Paul Pierce, finishing with 27 points in a 140-124 win. He did it with a first-quarter stepback three, continuing a strong January and adding to late-career scoring milestones, with a path to climb further if he stays healthy.

Kevin Durant Passes Vince Carter for 10th All-Time in Made 3s

Kevin Durant
January 2026

Durant moved to 10th all-time with 2,291 made 3-pointers, passing Vince Carter. He hit the record-breaking three in the first quarter and finished with 24 points as Houston lost 111-99, with Paul George next on the list ahead.

Steven Adams Undergoes Left Ankle Surgery, Out for Season

Steven Adams
January 2026

The Rockets announced Adams will miss the rest of the season after left ankle surgery. He suffered the injury against New Orleans and was diagnosed with a Grade 3 sprain; Houston lose a key rebounder and interior presence while already missing Fred VanVleet for the season.

Evan Mobley Out 1–3 Weeks With Left Calf Strain

Evan Mobley
January 2026

Mobley will miss time again with a left calf strain, his second calf issue this season. Tightness after the Magic win led to MRI confirmation; he previously missed five games with a Grade 1 calf strain and remains among league leaders in blocks.

Cavaliers Status Check as LeBron Returns and Injuries Mount

LeBron James
January 2026

Cleveland are navigating an uneven season shaped by injuries and availability issues, with Mitchell carrying scoring load while the team sits mid-pack in the East. Garland’s toe injury has limited games, Strus remains out after foot surgery, Mobley’s offense has plateaued despite elite defense, and rotation pieces like Jaylon Tyson have stepped up; outlook hinges on health and playoff matchups.

Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley Out 1–3 Weeks With Calf Strain

Evan Mobley
January 2026

Mobley has a calf strain and is expected to miss one to three weeks, with Cleveland preparing for a road trip after hosting the Lakers. Tightness after the Magic game led to imaging confirmation; Mobley previously missed time with a Grade 1 calf strain and recently became the youngest Cavs player to reach 500 career blocks.