Overview
- Nikola Jokic returned from a left‑knee bone bruise after 16 games and delivered 31 points and 12 rebounds in Denver’s 122-109 victory over the Clippers while playing 24:32.
- Luka Dončić recorded a triple‑double by halftime and finished with 37 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds as the Lakers routed the Wizards 142-111, with Deandre Ayton adding 28 points and 13 rebounds and LeBron James scoring 20.
- Portland’s Duop Reath had season‑ending surgery to repair a right‑foot stress fracture; the team said the procedure was successful and expects a full recovery.
- Utah’s defensive woes persisted in a 109-99 loss to Brooklyn, where Nets rookie Egor Demin posted 25 points and 10 rebounds after tying the rookie record with a made three in 33 straight games; Michael Porter Jr. was a late scratch for personal reasons.
- With the trade deadline days away, reports indicate teams are probing Milwaukee on Giannis Antetokounmpo and suggest he could be open to a move, though no trade request has been confirmed.