Alex Kennedy

Associated Press

BasketballNews.com Staff

Chris Sheridan

Clipps and Drew

Corey Brewer

Dishes & Dimes

Duane Notice

Etan Thomas

Ethan Fuller

James Posey

Jeff Pearlman

Jonathan Concool

Jon Finkel

Katie Heindl

Kelsea O'Brien

Kenyon Martin

Matt Babcock

Mo Speights

Nekias Duncan

Quinn Cook

Scott Hale

Spencer Davies

Troy Brown Jr.

Vinny Del Negro

Yasmin Duale

The Brooklyn Nets have listed guard Kyrie Irving, who has missed the team's previous six games, questionable for Monday night&rsquo;s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Irving was originally out because of personal reasons but once he was ready to return, he then entered the league's health and safety protocols. Through seven games, Irving is averaging 27.1 points, 6.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. 
Assuming Irving plays, this will be the first time we will get to see Brooklyn's new Big 3 on the court together. James Harden made his Nets debut yesterday in a win over the Orlando Magic, posting a 30-point triple-double in 40 minutes on the court. Expect the team to update Irving's status tomorrow before tip-off.

The Nets have listed Kyrie Irving as 'questionable' for Monday's game against the Bucks.

Nets' Kyrie Irving upgraded to 'questionable' for Monday

The NBA game scheduled for tonight between the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena has been postponed in accordance with the league&rsquo;s Health and Safety Protocols.&nbsp;
Because of ongoing contact tracing within the Sixers, the team does not have the league-required eight available players to proceed with the scheduled game against the Thunder.
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The NBA announced that Sunday's game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder has been postponed.

NBA postpones Sunday's 76ers-Thunder game

Celtics guard Kemba Walker made his 2020-21 season debut on Sunday, but he struggled in a blowout loss to the Knicks.

Kemba Walker struggles in debut as Knicks blow out Celtics

An MRI confirmed a left foot sprain for Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1350680043706478595" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter)</a>
ANALYSIS: CJ McCollum left Portland's game vs. the Atlanta Hawks after injuring his left foot. McCollum scored 16 points in 19 minutes before going down with the injury.
Fortunately, the MRI confirmed that it's just a sprain, so that's good news for the Blazers, who just lost big man Jusuf Nurkic for eight weeks due to a broken wrist. McCollum is currently averaging a career-best 27.6 points per game on 47 percent shooting from the field.
Portland sits at 7-5 and is in fifth place in the Western Conference.

Blazers guard CJ McCollum suffered a sprained left foot during Saturday's game against the Hawks.

MRI confirms left foot sprain for Blazers' CJ McCollum

James Harden put up a triple-double in his Brooklyn debut as the Nets took down Orlando.

James Harden posts triple-double in debut with Brooklyn, Nets win

The Indiana Pacers, who acquired Caris LeVert in the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Brooklyn this week, made the following statement on LeVert today following a physical:
"Caris LeVert will be out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a small mass on his left kidney during a physical prior to finalizing the four-team trade with Brooklyn, Houston and Cleveland. LeVert will undergo further medical tests and more details will follow as needed."
LeVert, who is averaging 18.5 points, 6.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game this season also released his own personal message to the media:
"On behalf of my family and myself, we want to thank the Indiana Pacers for their support and guidance. We are grateful for their extreme thoroughness during the physical process and I am looking forward to joining the team and being part of this great organization as soon as possible."
Expect updates to follow.

Pacers' Caris LeVert will be out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a small mass on his left kidney.

Pacers' LeVert out indefinitely after MRI reveals small mass on kidney

On this week's episode of BasketballNews.com's <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-posecast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"The Posecast,"</a> James Posey was joined by guests Kendrick Perkins, Antoine Walker and Etan Thomas to share their thoughts on the Brooklyn Nets acquiring eight-time All-Star and former MVP James Harden.
Perkins, an analyst for ESPN, brought to light one of the reasons why Westbrook demanded a trade from the Houston Rockets this past offseason:
"A lot of people don't know this, but this is why Russ wanted to bounce," Perkins said. "The Rockets didn't want to trade Russ, he requested a trade because of all things that were transpiring last year. Say they would play on a Saturday and they don't play again until Thursday [If they had some days off], James was on a private [jet] to Cabo! On Tilman Fertitta's private [jet] at that! And Russ like, &lsquo;Hold on, I ain&rsquo;t come here for all this shit.' Russ is coming from Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma City is... [about] the culture and getting your work in and no shortcuts. Russ is sitting there saying, 'Hold on, James, what you doing? I ain't with all of this partying... I came to the H because we're supposed to be on the title chase.'"&nbsp;
Here is the clip below:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/KendrickPerkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KendrickPerkins</a> says James Harden's partying led to Russell Westbrook's trade request. "[If they had some days off], James was on a private [jet] to Cabo! On Tilman Fertitta's private [jet] at that! Russ is like... 'I ain't with all the partying.'" 🎧: <a href="https://t.co/QEROFRt8Rj">https://t.co/QEROFRt8Rj</a> <a href="https://t.co/gKh5EMRgTi">pic.twitter.com/gKh5EMRgTi</a>
&mdash; Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1350233947360415745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Check out the complete conversation about the Harden trade, Kyrie Irving's absence, Brooklyn's Big Three and more:
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LUzb6M8LWqA?start=1005" width="100%" height="320" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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Kendrick Perkins says that James Harden's partying led to Russell Westbrook wanting out of Houston.

Perkins: James Harden's partying led to Russell Westbrook's trade demand

<a href="https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1350552616141467652" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Brooklyn Nets announced</a> that newly acquired All-Star James Harden will make his debut for the team tonight vs. the Orlando Magic. All players in the deal passed their physical today which made the transaction official. Harden will be wearing number 13 for the Nets.
Tip off is 6 p.m. ET at Barclays Center.

Newly acquired James Harden will make his debut for the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

James Harden to make Brooklyn Nets debut tonight

Tonight's scheduled contest between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies has been postponed.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1350215365167616000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/Twitter</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Wolves star center Karl-Anthony Towns announced via social media that he has tested positive for COVID-19. <a href="https://twitter.com/KarlTowns/status/1350223070376595460/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">His statement reads</a>:
"Prior to tonight's game, I received another awful call that I tested positive for COVID. I will immediately isolate and follow every protocol.&nbsp;I pray every day that this nightmare of a virus will subside and I beg everyone to continue to taking it seriously by taking all the necessary precautions.&nbsp;We cannot stop this virus alone; it must be a group effort done by all of us.
"It breaks my heart that my family, particularly my father and sister, continue to suffer from the anxiety that comes with this diagnosis, as we know all too well what the end result could be," Towns added. "To my niece and nephew, Johlani and Max, I promise you I will not end up in a box next to grandma and I will beat this."
Towns has lost seven family members to the coronavirus, including his mother, Jaqueline Towns.&nbsp;
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The two sides played against each other on Wednesday in a 118-107 Grizzlies victory.

Wolves-Grizzlies game postponed, Karl-Anthony Towns tests positive

The Washington Wizards have postponed their next two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scheduled for Sunday and Monday, per a release from the NBA. According to general manager Tommy Sheppard, Washington has six personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1350203057129316353" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marc Stein via Twitter</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Wizards have the most confirmed positive tests among any team in basketbal,, surpassing the four reported positives from the Dallas Mavericks. Washington has not played a game since Jan. 11 against the Phoenix Suns. As the league continues to evaluate its path forward, this pause is undoubtedly jarring for a Wizards team that is just 3-8 on the season.&nbsp;

The Wizards were schedule to play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday and Monday.

Cavs-Wizards series postponed with six players testing positive

On Friday, James Harden spoke to the media for the first time as a member of the Brooklyn Nets. And the former MVP did not mince words about why he forced his way out of Houston.
"I wasn't disrespectful to anyone," he said <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/1350162397609254917" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at the introductory press conference</a>. "Those guys just got to Houston. I've been there a very long time. I just made a comment that the team as a whole wasn't good enough to compete for a title."
The superstar guard was rumored to be unhappy as a Rocket, and after Tuesday's 117-100 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jan/13/james-harden-comments-houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke candidly to reporters</a> about his view of the team. Less than 24 hours later, Harden was on the move to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn.
"It means a lot," he said. "Just coming from eight years in Houston, having a fresh start with some unbelievable talent, the coaching staff. Ultimately, it's a chance for me to compete for a title."
At the press conference, Harden explained that he reflected on his situation after the Rockets again lost in the Western Conference bracket of the playoffs. Houston had two Conference Finals appearances and three runs to the second round of the postseason under Harden. But the Rockets never made the NBA Finals.
In the offseason, general manager Daryl Morey departed for Philadelphia and coach Mike D'Antoni joined the Nets as an assistant coach. Russell Westbrook was traded to Washington for John Wall. After all that, Harden became the next, and largest, domino to fall.
"It didn't go as smooth as I would love it to go. But I think both sides are happy," he said.
The Nets instantly become an NBA championship frontrunner with the addition of the eight-time All-Star. Harden feels he brings an "elite player, an elite teammate [and] an elite leader" to the organization.
And when asked about where his conditioning is at after fans had scrutinized Harden's demeanor this season, the new addition had a one-word response: "Great."
The Brooklyn Nets tip off next on Saturday against the Orlando Magic.

The Houston Rockets star was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets this week in a shocking trade.

James Harden: Houston 'just wasn't good enough to compete for a title'

The Washington Wizards are promoting Amber Nichols to general manager of their G League affiliate, Capital City Go-Go. Nichols will become the second woman to serve as GM of an NBA G League franchise.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1350137557141622785" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/Twitter</a>
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Nichols will be general manager of the Capital City Go-Go, Washington's G League affiliate.

Amber Nichols to become second female GM of an NBA G League team

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is reportedly available to play Saturday against the Orlando Magic, assuming he tests negative and clears protocol.&nbsp;
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1350118630814527490" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Wojnarowski/Twitter</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Irving was fined $50,000 today for violating the NBA's health and safety protocols when he attended a large indoor party last weekend. He has been mysteriously absent due to "personal reasons" and has not played in a game since Jan. 5 against the Utah Jazz. Through seven games this season, the point guard is averaging 27.1 points, 6.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

Irving was find $50,000 on Friday for violating health protocols when he attended a large indoor party last weekend.

Kyrie Irving expected to play Saturday vs. ORL pending negative test

The Washington Wizards reportedly have up to five players who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1350079730490482689" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania via Twitter</a>
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The Wizards have not played a game since January 11 against the Suns.

Washington Wizards have five positive COVID-19 tests

According to a memo released by the NBA, Kyrie Irving has been fined $50,000 for violating the league's health and safety protocols.
The statement reads:
"Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has been fined $50,000 for violating the league&rsquo;s Health and Safety Protocols, which among other things prohibit attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations.&nbsp;
The violation occurred when he attended a private indoor party last weekend. Irving will forfeit salary for any games he misses due to his five-day quarantine period, which will allow him to return to team activities on Sat., Jan. 16 if he continues to test negative."

Irving was spotted attending a large social gathering this past weekend.

Kyrie Irving fined $50,000 for breaking league health and safety protocols

<a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/1349940631179649026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Portland Trail Blazers</a> announced that starting center Jusuf Nurkic has suffered a broken right wrist and will not return to Thursday night's game against the Pacers. Nurkic had 8 rebounds, 5 points, and 2 assists over 21 minutes on the floor before going down with the injury.
This is a tough blow for Nurkic and the Blazers as they just got the big man back from the gruesome leg injury he suffered in 2019. It has yet to be determined how long Nurkic will be out for, or if surgery will be required. Expect updates to follow.

Blazers' big man Jusuf Nurkic has suffered a broken right wrist, the team says.

Blazers' Jusuf Nurkic suffers broken wrist

Gordon Hayward (hip strain) is highly unlikely to play tonight, per Hornets coach James Borrego. Does Borrego expect Hayward to miss Saturday vs. Raptors, too? "Right now it's a day-to-day issue," Borrego said.
Source: <a style="color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/rick_bonnell/status/1349857485625176066" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer (Twitter)</a>
ANALYSIS: Hornets' forward Gordon Hayward left Wednesday's game vs. the Mavericks after suffering an injury to his left hip and will miss Thursday's game against the Raptors. Hayward, who is now in jeopardy of missing Saturday's game vs. Toronto, has been great for the Hornets this year averaging 22.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 34 minutes per game. Hayward also put up a career high 44 points earlier this season.
The Hornets sit at .500 with a 6-6 record and seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Hornets' Gordon Hayward is 'day-to-day' with a hip strain that caused him to leave yesterday's loss against Dallas.

Hornets' Gordon Hayward 'day-to-day' with hip strain

<a href="https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/1349836697979248643" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New Orleans Pelicans announced</a> that forward Zion Williamson has been cleared to resume team activities and will be available for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williamson was ruled out of yesterday's game against the Clippers because of an inconclusive COVID test. The Pelicans are currently on a four-game losing streak and will look to get back in the win column Friday in a showdown against the defending champs.
Williamson has season averages of 21.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in almost 32 minutes per game.

Pelicans' forward Zion Williamson has been cleared to resume team activities after having an inconclusive test yesterday.

Pelicans' Zion Williamson (health protocols) cleared to play Friday

<a href="https://twitter.com/GrizzliesPR/status/1349853628710998019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Memphis Grizzlies announced</a> that starting point guard Ja Morant, who suffered a grade 2 ankle sprain on Dec. 28 in Brooklyn, could make his return to the lineup Friday in Minnesota after missing the team's previous eight games. Memphis is currently riding a three-game winning streak as they sit one game below .500 at 5-6. The Grizzlies are currently in a three-way tie for the 9th seed in the Western Conference as they have been able to stay afloat despite injuries to major players.
In just three games this year, Morant has averages of 26.3 points, 6.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 27 minutes per game. While Morant has been upgraded to questionable for Friday's match-up against the T-Wolves, forward's Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Justice Winslow (hip) remain out of the lineup and have yet to make their debut for the team this season. Should Morant return Friday, guard Tyus Jones will likely return to his role off the bench.

Grizzlies' Ja Morant (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable for Friday's match-up against the T-Wolves.

Grizzlies' Ja Morant (ankle) upgraded to questionable for Friday

The Rockets are waiving forward Bruno Caboclo, sources tell The Athletic NBA and Stadium.
Source: <a style="color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1349704329347948548" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter)</a>
ANALYSIS: The Rockets will waive seven-year forward Bruno Caboclo to make room for their newest additions after trading away their franchise player in James Harden. Caboclo didn't see the floor much in his two seasons with the Rockets and will now hit the open market with career averages of 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds. It is unclear if Bruno will draw any interest as a free agent once he clears waivers.

The Rockets will waive forward Bruno Caboclo.

Rockets to waive forward Bruno Caboclo

Saturday&rsquo;s game between the Pacers and Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena has been postponed due to league&rsquo;s Health and Safety Protocols.
Source: <a style="color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1349831757885890560" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter)</a>
ANALYSIS: The Suns have now had a couple games this week postponed because of the league's health and safety protocols. The Suns are currently conducting contact tracing and will not have the required number of players available to play for Saturday's game against the Pacers. This now puts the MLK day matchup between the Suns and Grizzlies in jeopardy.

The NBA has postponed Saturday's game between the Suns and Pacers due to contact tracing protocols within the Suns organization.