Ja Morant
January 2026
Morant is expected to miss at least the next three weeks after spraining the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, another disruption in a season where he has played 20 of 43 games. The injury happened in the loss to the Hawks and was confirmed by the team, with a re-evaluation timeline set. It follows a recent calf absence and continues an interrupted campaign amid ongoing trade speculation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
January 2026
Antetokounmpo reinjured his right calf and expects a 4–6 week absence based on prior experience, with Rivers calling the recurring issue concerning as Milwaukee sit outside the play-in spots. Giannis played through reduced explosiveness until he could not move late, then exited. He missed eight games earlier this season with a similar calf problem and had been on minutes restrictions since returning.
Derrick Rose
January 2026
Rose’s No. 1 jersey will be raised to the rafters, placing him alongside franchise icons, closing a loop on a hometown journey that began with the Bulls winning the 2008 draft lottery at 1.7% odds. The piece traces Rose’s Chicago roots, Simeon success, Memphis one-and-done rise, instant NBA impact as 2009 Rookie of the Year, and a signature 36-point playoff debut in Boston that announced him as a franchise cornerstone.
Jonathan Kuminga
January 2026
Kuminga injured his left ankle and knee on a drive against Dallas and will undergo imaging, adding uncertainty to Golden State’s rotation after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear. Kuminga stayed in briefly after the incident, then exited and did not return; Kerr confirmed an MRI while noting Kuminga had just re-entered the rotation after a month out, prompted by Butler’s injury.
Kawhi Leonard
January 2026
Leonard returned after missing three games and scored 24 points as the Clippers beat the Lakers 112-104. He slotted back in immediately, continuing a high-scoring run and maintaining a season average cited as a career best through 30 games.
Bub Carrington
January 2026
Carrington is set to play his 125th straight regular-season NBA game, the fourth-longest active streak in the league, and a rare mark for a 20-year-old who has not missed a pro game. He attributes the streak to routine, love of playing, and a work ethic shaped by family, including early conditioning drills and relentless training habits. He recently became one of few players to reach 500 rebounds and 500 assists before age 21, while teammates describe his consistency as core to his identity.
New York Knicks
January 2026
he Knicks ended a four-game losing streak by beating the Nets 120-66, the most lopsided victory in franchise history, winning by 54 and surpassing the previous record margin of 48. New York led 88-56 after three quarters, then opened the fourth on a 16-0 run. Brunson scored 20, Shamet hit six threes in 15 minutes for 18 points, and the
LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame
January 2026
The LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class featuring NBA referee Bill Kennedy, executive Rick Welts, journalist Robin Roberts, and former WNBA player Sue Wicks. Former NBA player Jason Collins will receive the Glenn Burke Award for courage and authenticity. The announcement highlights Kennedy’s officiating career and visibility, Welts’ major league marketing contributions, Roberts’ broadcasting legacy, and Wicks’ trailblazing role in the WNBA. Collins’ recognition comes alongside the public note that he is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 glioblastoma.
Jimmy Butler
January 2026
Butler suffered a season-ending right ACL tear and will need surgery, forcing the Warriors to adjust rotations while trying to maintain momentum from a strong stretch of form. He landed awkwardly after contact, MRI confirmed the tear, and Kerr said the group will adapt by testing lineups, potentially reintroducing Kuminga, and leaning more on Horford, Melton, and developing bench pieces to cover Butler’s two-way impact.
Josh Giddey
January 2026
Donovan said Giddey is close to returning after three weeks out with a left hamstring strain, with a potential comeback at Minnesota on Thursday. Donovan said there were no setbacks and medical clearance is the remaining step. Giddey has been producing near All-Star numbers with seven triple-doubles, while Patrick Williams is day-to-day with an ankle sprain.
