Nuggets’ Injury Crisis Worsens
A major NBA trade storyline continues to escalate as a contender battles a worrying form slump, while Denver’s injury crisis deepens in dramatic fashion.
Tyrese Maxey powered the Philadelphia 76ers with 34 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a 123–108 road win over the Dallas Mavericks, spoiling Anthony Davis’ return amid intensifying speculation about the All-Star centre’s future.
The victory lifted Philadelphia to 18–14 and fifth in the East, while Dallas dropped its fourth straight to fall to 12–23 despite 18 points from Max Christie.
Davis, who had missed two games with right adductor soreness, logged 37 minutes for 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal — but the bigger story remains his uncertain status. NBA insider Chris Haynes told SiriusXM that Dallas is expected to trade Davis before February’s deadline, only a year after the blockbuster Luka Dončić deal brought him to Texas.
Haynes previously reported Atlanta as the frontrunner, though Trae Young would not be part of any package. A move would pair Davis with Australian guard Dyson Daniels on a struggling 16–19 Hawks squad that recently endured a seven‑game skid. Toronto, Detroit and Golden State are also monitoring the situation.
Philadelphia’s supporting cast delivered strongly: V.J. Edgecombe scored 23, Joel Embiid added 22, and Quentin Grimes erupted off the bench with 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks on 7-of-9 shooting.
Grimes said he simply aimed to stay aggressive and help generate offense, adding that the Sixers can emerge as a top Eastern Conference threat with Embiid healthy and Paul George rediscovering his peak Clippers form.
Elsewhere, Norman Powell dropped 36 points to lead the Miami Heat to their fourth straight win, a 118–112 result over East‑leading Detroit. Houston also extended its streak to four, with Kevin Durant posting 22 points and a season‑high 11 assists in a 120–96 win over Brooklyn. Amen Thompson added 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting, while Alperen Şengün contributed 20 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Detroit, now 25–9, still holds the NBA’s second‑best record behind Oklahoma City (29–5). Cade Cunningham paced the Pistons with 31 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
Nuggets’ Injury Crisis Worsens
Denver’s injury situation has reached breaking point. Jonas Valančiūnas will miss at least four weeks after straining his right calf during Wednesday’s win over Toronto. The 33‑year‑old limped off late in the third quarter and now joins a growing list of sidelined Nuggets.
Coach David Adelman said the team is “getting used to” constant setbacks but emphasized that injuries create opportunities for others.
Four starters are currently out, including three‑time MVP Nikola Jokić, who hyperextended his left knee earlier in the week and will be re‑evaluated in a month. Valančiūnas had been expected to start in Jokić’s place before suffering his own injury, averaging 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds across 33 games.
With both centres unavailable, Denver will likely rely on rookie DaRon Holmes II or former first‑round pick Zeke Nnaji. The Nuggets are also missing Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Christian Braun (ankle).
Jokić’s absence remains the most significant blow, though the team avoided the worst‑case scenario after early fears of a possible ACL tear.
Jamal Murray, himself day‑to‑day, said the team must adopt a “next man up” mentality and stay focused despite the setbacks.
