NBA

Jamal Murray’s Hamstring Injury Clouds Nuggets’ Playoff Plans

Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
April 2025

Jamal Murray missed his fifth straight game with a strained right hamstring, and coach Michael Malone says it’s no longer day-to-day, raising doubts over his playoff availability.
Malone clarified Murray is genuinely hurt, not being rested, and the uncertainty is growing. With the Nuggets sliding to fourth place, they need other players, including veteran Russell Westbrook, to step up amid Murray’s absence.

Luka Takes the Blame After 3PT Streak Snaps in Costly Loss to Warriors

Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
Thursday night, April 3

Luka Doncic scored just 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting in the Lakers’ 123-116 loss to the Warriors, snapping his 114-game 3-point streak. Despite a strong second-half push led by LeBron (33 pts) and Reaves (31 pts), L.A. couldn’t complete the comeback.
Doncic struggled from the floor and went 0-of-6 from deep, breaking one of the longest 3-point streaks in NBA history. LeBron powered a second-half surge with 25 of his 33 after the break, but the Warriors’ swarming defense and early lead proved too much. The Lakers now sit 4th in the West with six games remaining.

Brooklyn Coach Blames Himself for Anthony Edwards Injury Scare

Jordi Fernandez (Brooklyn Nets), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Thursday night (Timberwolves vs Nets)

Minnesota star Anthony Edwards had an injury scare after stepping on Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez’s foot while sinking a 3-pointer. He left the court briefly but returned in the second half to finish with 28 points.
Fernandez, standing out of bounds, admitted he failed to move away quickly enough, unintentionally causing the incident. He took full responsibility, stressing player safety is paramount. Edwards’ continued health is vital as the Wolves push to avoid the play-in tournament.

Damian Lillard Injury Recovery Boosts Bucks’ Playoff Hopes

Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
April 2025

Lillard is recovering from a calf issue and could return soon. Rivers says there’s now more hope than earlier in the week.
He missed his 8th straight game but stayed home to avoid risk. The Bucks beat Philly and are pushing for 5th in the East, which would improve their playoff path.

Ja Morant & Buddy Hield Warned by NBA Over Gun Gesture Celebration

Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Buddy Hield (Golden State Warriors)
Incident occurred Tuesday night, warning issued Thursday

Both players were issued formal warnings by the NBA for mimicking shooting gestures during a game. The league ruled the actions inappropriate but not violent in nature.
Morant made finger-gun gestures toward the Warriors bench, while Hield did the same just prior. Both received technical fouls during the game. The NBA, sensitive to Morant’s prior suspensions involving firearms, opted for a warning this time but reminded both teams of decorum expectations.

Tyrese Maxey Shut Down for Season as Sixers’ Injury Crisis Worsens

Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
Out since March 3; season-ending status confirmed April 4

Maxey will miss the rest of the 2024-25 season due to a finger tendon injury that has not responded to rehab.
Despite attempts to manage the discomfort, the All-Star guard requires further treatment and joins an extensive list of sidelined Sixers, including Joel Embiid and Paul George. Maxey averaged a career-high 26.3 PPG in 52 games and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Set to Return, Eyes Game Action This Weekend

Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
Return expected for April 6-7 weekend

Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson has been cleared for basketball activities and could return to game action this weekend against the Hawks or Suns after recovering from a right ankle sprain suffered on March 6.
Initially expected to miss two weeks, Brunson’s recovery extended due to caution and New York’s playoff position. He’s averaged 26.3 PPG and remains a strong All-NBA and Clutch Player of the Year candidate. He needs four more games to meet the 65-game award threshold.

Man Who Scammed Dwight Howard & Chandler Parsons Gets 12-Year Prison Sentence

Calvin Darden Jr., Dwight Howard, Chandler Parsons
Sentence delivered Thursday; convictions in October

Georgia businessman Calvin Darden Jr. has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for defrauding former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of $8 million.
Darden tricked Howard out of $7M by faking a WNBA team purchase and conned Parsons out of $1M tied to NBA prospect James Wiseman. The court ordered Darden to forfeit luxury assets, including a mansion and high-end cars. Darden was convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.

Dillon Brooks Suspended After 16th Technical Foul of Season

Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets)
Suspended for Friday’s game vs. Thunder (following tech foul on Wednesday vs. Jazz)

Brooks received an automatic one-game suspension after being called for his 16th technical foul of the season.
The incident occurred early in the game when Brooks, posting up Utah’s Collin Sexton, kicked his leg out and appeared to strike Sexton near the groin. The play was reviewed and resulted in a technical foul, triggering the suspension rule. Brooks had hoped the league would rescind the call, but the suspension was confirmed by NBA EVP Joe Dumars.

Joel Embiid to Undergo Knee Surgery, Out for Season as Sixers Collapse Continues

Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Surgery set for next week; reevaluation in six weeks

Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, ending a season plagued by injuries and limited to just 19 games. He averaged 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, far below his MVP form.
Persistent knee issues since 2023 worsened after a collision with Jonathan Kuminga in January. Despite efforts to manage his load, the injury never healed, forcing him to shut down. The 76ers now face a 65% chance of keeping their top-six protected draft pick as they spiral down the standings.