Kenny Atkinson defends Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley rest decision amid NBA’s fine

Cooper Flagg, a rookie for the Dallas Mavericks, is set to miss an upcoming game due to an illness. This news comes as the Mavericks struggle with a challenging season, currently holding a 4-11 record and facing multiple injury setbacks. Flagg's absence is expected to impact the team's performance further.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson provided updates on injured players Darius Garland and Jaylon Tyson, indicating that Garland is eager to return and is making progress. He has participated in contact drills, including 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 games, suggesting he is close to a comeback. The team is preparing for their game against the Houston Rockets without Garland.

Mark Cuban, minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, claims that the NBA prevented him from continuing to manage basketball operations after the sale of the franchise. In a recent podcast, he expressed his desire to remain involved in decision-making but stated that league restrictions blocked this intention.

Harrison Barnes, the 33-year-old forward for the San Antonio Spurs, has maintained a steady presence since joining the team in the summer of 2024, not missing a game. His experience has been crucial in guiding one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, contributing consistently with double-digit scoring.

NBA players have missed over 200 games this season due to injuries, raising concerns about the health of star athletes. The Cleveland Cavaliers, in particular, have faced scrutiny for resting key players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, contributing to the league's growing injury crisis.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have excelled in the early season, particularly with Craig Porter Jr. on the court. His partnership with Lonzo Ball has intensified the pressure on opponents, resulting in the Cavs forcing turnovers on 19.4% of their opponents' possessions during their combined 100 minutes of play. This dynamic duo is contributing significantly to the team's performance.

The Detroit Pistons improved their record to 13-2 in the 2025-26 NBA season with a 120-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, marking their 11th consecutive win. This achievement is particularly notable as it occurred on the second night of a back-to-back game. The Pistons have demonstrated strong performance, solidifying their position as a top contender in the league.

LeBron James has returned to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season after missing the first 14 games due to sciatica. His comeback is significant as it marks the beginning of his record-setting 23rd season in the league, a milestone that highlights his enduring presence in professional basketball.