Victor Wembanyama won't make his return in NBA Cup quarterfinals game vs. Lakers

The Miami Heat suffered a 117-108 defeat to the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, marking their fourth consecutive loss and eliminating them from contention for the tournament. The game was notable for being played on a regular-season court due to damage to the Magic's Cup court. Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the significance of the Cup within the NBA, despite external perceptions.

Victor Wembanyama, the standout player for the San Antonio Spurs, will miss the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a calf injury. This news comes after his recent return to practice, raising hopes for his participation in the NBA Cup Tournament. However, he is still unable to play, which is disappointing for fans and the team alike.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to return from a one-game absence and will play in the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center. His removal from the injury report indicates he has recovered from his recent ailment.

The NBA Cup is heating up as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Phoenix Suns, while the Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the San Antonio Spurs. Additionally, the Toronto Raptors are being evaluated for their performance as the tournament progresses, and Paolo Banchero's return to the Orlando Magic lineup is anticipated after his recent injury.

Joey and Jesse Buss, recently dismissed from their roles as executives with the Los Angeles Lakers, are exploring the possibility of acquiring an ownership stake in Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics. This move comes in the wake of significant organizational changes within the Lakers, including the hiring of new executives from the Dodgers.

Matt Barnes has publicly denied a viral rumor suggesting he was scammed out of over sixty thousand dollars by an AI model, a claim made by his friend Gilbert Arenas during a livestream. Barnes, who was reportedly overseas at the time, is addressing the fallout from Arenas' comments, which have sparked widespread speculation and concern among fans and followers.

NBA TV has experienced mixed viewership results since its relaunch in October, indicating fluctuations in audience engagement with the network's programming. Despite the challenges, the NBA has seen a notable increase in overall viewership across its platforms, reflecting a complex landscape for sports broadcasting.

The Memphis Grizzlies, under the guidance of coach Tuomas Iisalo, are focusing on Jaren Jackson Jr.'s offensive potential, emphasizing that his current performance metrics do not reflect his true capabilities. Despite concerns about his offensive opportunities, the team remains confident in his ability to contribute significantly as the season progresses.