Michael Scotto

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (left quad strain) is expected to make his return to the lineup today versus the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time since November 4th.

Update: The New York Knicks say Miles McBride (sprained left ankle) will be re-evaluated in one week.

JUST IN: The Dallas Mavericks say Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot. Lively is expected to make a full recovery and be available for the start of training camp.

Golden State Warriors and Malevy Leons have agreed to a two-way deal, agent Drew Kelso of One Motive Sports told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social. He played 6 games for the OKC Thunder last season. He’s averaged 14.6 points (51% FG and 44% 3PT), 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 steals in the G League

The Toronto Raptors say RJ Barrett (right knee sprain) has been treated with a platelet-rich plasma injection, and his condition will be updated in a week.

Sources: New York Knicks guard Miles McBride had an x-ray on his left ankle, which was negative. Deuce will have an MRI tomorrow for further evaluation.

McBride came into today’s game averaging career-highs in points (12) and 3-point percentage (46.2).

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner landed awkwardly and held his left knee in pain for a while. Wagner was helped to the locker room by his brother, Moe Wagner, and another Magic player.

James Harden has surpassed Carmelo Anthony for sole possession of 10th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas had an MRI, which showed progress in the healing of his hamstring. He’s begun on-court work and will have his status updated in approximately two weeks.

LaMelo Ball left tonight’s Charlotte Hornets game against the Toronto Raptors with left ankle soreness and is out for the rest of the game.

Orlando Magic say Paolo Banchero will make his return tonight at home versus the Miami Heat after missing the last 10 games with a left groin strain. He’s averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 12 games played this season. The Magic had a 7-3 record without him.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is out for the remainder of tonight’s game with a right foot injury.

The Los Angeles Clippers will waive two-way forward Jahmyl Telfort to make room for the signing of RayJ Dennis, league sources said. With Chris Paul sent home, Clippers add Dennis for point guard depth.

The Los Angeles Clippers plan to sign RayJ Dennis to a two-way deal, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social. Dennis averaged 4.9 points in 12.9 minutes during 13 games played for the Indiana Pacers this season.

Just In: The Golden State Warriors plan to sign guard LJ Cryer to a two-way deal, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social.

The Golden State Warriors are waiving two-way forward Jackson Rowe, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social.

The Indiana Pacers plan to sign Garrison Mathews to a second 10-day hardship contract, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social. Mathews has averaged 6.4 points and shot 38% from 3-point range in his career with the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and Indiana Pacers.

Cleveland Cavaliers say center Jarrett Allen will miss approximately one week with a right finger strain.

Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. will miss 3-4 weeks after an MRI revealed a Grade 1 soleus strain.

Cavs guard Sam Merrill is listed as day-to-day with a right hand sprain.

The Indiana Pacers are signing guard Ethan Thompson to a two-way contract and will waive two-way guard RayJ Dennis to make room for the signing, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social.

Keon Johnson has been claimed by the Boston Celtics’ G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social. Johnson is now fully healthy. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 79 games, including 56 starts, for the Brooklyn Nets last season

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has sustained a right soleus strain and will be re-evaluated in 10-14 days.

Sources: Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is expected to make his return to the lineup tonight against the Pelicans. He’s missed the past seven games and has averaged 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 13 games, including 12 starts, for the Warriors so far this season.

Golden State Warriors say De’Anthony Melton won’t play for the remainder of the team’s homestand, but it’s expected that he could be activated at some point during their upcoming three-game road trip. He’s fully participated in practice in recent days and continues to scrimmage.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. He continues to make good progress through his rehabilitation, team says.

UPDATE: Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond suffered no structural damage to his knee, an MRI confirmed, and he’s expected to be listed as day-to-day with a hyperextended knee, league sources said.

Giannis Antetokounmpo on Ryan Rollins: “I’ve been in the NBA 13 years. I’ve had 200-300 teammates. A jump for a guy that came two years ago to a two-way contract, non-guaranteed, a guaranteed deal, to the player he is today. I don’t think I’ve seen a jump like that in my career.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo: “We had the opportunity to go to Vegas twice in a row. Not going to Vegas and being able to gamble on 34 red one more time I think is going to be very tough for me. At the end of the day, I want to win. We’ve lost 7 in a row. I don’t remember the last time I lost 7 in a row.”

Sources: Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has a hyperextended knee after a preliminary report. He was helped off the court in a wheel chair. Entering tonight, he’s averaged 10.9 points on 54% from the field and 44% on 3-pointers, 13.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in eight starts this season.

NBA Intel: Ja Morant, Timberwolves, Kings, Celtics HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on the trade market for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, the Timberwolves, Kings, and Celtics

Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted background due diligence on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine. The Bucks have also kept tabs on Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons, who was in trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets this summer. www.hoopshype.com/story/sports...

NBA Intel: Ja Morant, Timberwolves, Kings, Celtics HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on the trade market for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, the Timberwolves, Kings, and Celtics

Story: Reporting on Ja Morant trade talks, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels and their point guard search, new trade talk updates on Kings players Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Keon Ellis, plus Celtics and Nets intel.