NBA

Russell Westbrook Exits with Foot Injury, Michael Porter Jr. Battles Shoulder Pain in Nuggets’ Game 3 Loss

Russell Westbrook & Michael Porter Jr (Denver Nuggets)
April 2025 (Game 3, Western Conference Playoffs)

Russell Westbrook left Game 3 with left foot inflammation, while Michael Porter Jr. played through a Grade 2 shoulder sprain but struggled as Denver lost to the Clippers 117–83.
Westbrook hurt his foot during warmups and couldn’t continue. Porter Jr., severely limited, shot 2-of-9. Denver hit only 28% from three, falling behind 2-1 in the series.

Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart Out Again with Knee Injury for Game 3 vs Knicks

Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons)
April 2025 (Game 3, First-Round Playoffs)

Pistons center Isaiah Stewart has been ruled out for a second straight game against the New York Knicks due to a right knee injury.
Stewart logged just 19 minutes in Game 1 before missing Game 2. Detroit won Game 2 without him, ending their NBA-record 15-game playoff losing streak.

Bucks GM Jon Horst Agrees to Multiyear Contract Extension

Jon Horst (Milwaukee Bucks)
April 2025

The Milwaukee Bucks and general manager Jon Horst have agreed to a multiyear contract extension, securing his role beyond the current season.
Horst, the architect of the 2021 title-winning team, has guided Milwaukee to the playoffs in all eight seasons as GM. The extension brings continuity amid the team’s ongoing postseason run.

Jayson Tatum Doubtful for Game 3 with Wrist Injury as Celtics Visit Magic

Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
April 2025 (Game 3, Eastern Conference First Round)

Jayson Tatum remains doubtful for Game 3 against the Orlando Magic due to a severe bone bruise in his right wrist sustained in Game 1.
Tatum missed Game 2, ending a streak of 114 consecutive playoff games. Coach Joe Mazzulla said he’s improving daily but remains uncertain about Tatum’s return timeline.

Kobe Bryant Rookie Jersey Sells for $7M, Sets New Record for Bryant Memorabilia

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
April 2025 (Auction held Thursday)

A jersey worn by Kobe Bryant during his 1996-97 rookie season sold for $7 million at Sotheby’s, breaking the record for any Bryant collectible.
The jersey was photo-matched to seven games including his NBA debut. It surpassed the $5.8M record set by his 2007-08 MVP season jersey and is now the fourth-most-expensive game-worn jersey ever sold.

Jimmy Butler Suffers Pelvis Injury, MRI Scheduled After Game 2 Exit

Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
April 2025 (Game 2 vs Houston Rockets)

Jimmy Butler suffered a pelvis contusion after a hard fall in the first quarter of Game 2 and did not return. He will undergo an MRI on Thursday.
Butler was undercut during a rebound attempt and exited after visibly struggling. His absence shifted the game’s momentum, as Golden State lost 109–94. Game 3 is Saturday at Chase Center.

Judge Dismisses Assault Lawsuit Against Ja Morant, Citing Self-Defense

Ja Morant v Joshua Holloway
April 2025 (Ruling issued Monday)

A judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by Joshua Holloway, who accused Ja Morant of assault during a 2022 pickup game, ruling Morant acted in self-defense.
The court found Holloway’s testimony not credible and upheld Morant’s civil immunity under Tennessee’s “stand your ground” law. Witnesses, including Mike Miller, confirmed Holloway initiated the incident by hitting Morant with the ball.

Pelicans Hire Troy Weaver as Senior VP of Basketball Operations

Troy Weaver (New Orleans Pelicans)
April 2025

The New Orleans Pelicans have hired former Pistons GM Troy Weaver as senior vice president of basketball operations, reporting to EVP Joe Dumars.
Weaver leaves his consultant role with the Wizards to join the Pelicans’ front office. Despite a losing record in Detroit, he was credited with drafting key young talent like Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.

Jayson Tatum Misses First Career Playoff Game with Wrist Injury

Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
April 2025 (Game 2 vs Orlando Magic)

Jayson Tatum missed Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against Orlando due to a bone bruise in his right wrist—the first postseason game he’s missed in his career.
Tatum sustained the injury after a midair collision in Game 1. He was ruled out an hour before tipoff. Al Horford started in his place as Tatum sat in street clothes on the bench.

LeBron James Leads with All-Around Game, Praises Team’s Mindset Shift

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
April 2025

LeBron James delivered 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 2, attributing the win to a gritty mindset established in practice.
James emphasized the team’s response after getting “punked” in Game 1. His late-game steal and score on Anthony Edwards helped seal the win.