Day: January 21, 2024

Victor Wembanyama has been under a minutes restriction over the past few weeks. The San Antonio Spurs have also kept their prized big man from playing in back-to-back games over that same period. It’s unclear when Wembanyama will be allowed to play in back-to-backs, but the minutes restriction may lift soon.

“Not by next game (at Philadelphia on Monday night), but perhaps after that,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said when asked when Wembanyama might be able to play more.

The 7-foot-4 big man hasn’t played more than 27:45 in a game since December 17. Over his last 12 games, Wembanyama has averaged 24.5 minutes per game. He’s also missed one end of a back-to-back three times over the last month-plus.

Anthony Edwards put most of the blame on himself for the Minnesota Timberwolves loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. But Edwards saved a little for the calls the officials give to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander too.

“It’s hard to [contain them] with the calls that Shai gets,” Edwards said. “It’s hard to shut them down. You can’t touch him any time of the game. It’s super hard to beat. That team is a good team, especially when they’re getting calls like that.”

For the game, Gilgeous-Alexander was 12-of-13 from the free throw line.

As for himself, Edwards owned that he needs to take better care of the ball.

“I got to look in the mirror,” Edwards said. “Because it’s me who generates most of the turnovers. … I’m definitely looking at film trying to figure out what am I doing? The majority come from me trying to make the right play. It’s not really there. I’ll be better.”

Bruce Brown was happy to be back in New York for the Toronto Raptors game against the New York Knicks. Brown could see himself playing for the Knicks and Tom Thibodeau at some point. When asked what makes him see that, Brown said he’s Thibodeau’s type of player.

“I am a dog,” Brown said. “I play extremely hard on both ends of the floor. I can do just about whatever (Thibodeau) needs me to do.”

Brown said he considered signing with the Knicks before he inked a two-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. The 6-foot-5 wing knows he’s the kind of player Thibodeau prefers. There are rumors that New York could be targeting Brown again, now that he’s been traded to the Raptors.

“I play extremely hard. I would think [I’m] the type of player that he likes,” Brown said. “Every time we play Thibs I go up to him and shake his hand, just because of what he’s done. Nothing but respect for Thibs.”

Brown also mentioned how much he came to love New York from his time playing with the Brooklyn Nets.

“I love New York,” Brown said. “I hated New York before I lived here, but as soon as I moved here, I loved it. Anytime you want to do something you can go do it. Great restaurants, great city, I love being back.”

The Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have discussed the framework of a trade for Dejounte Murray involving D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round draft pick, and more draft compensation, sources told Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Buha adds that talks stalled out but are expected to pick up as the trade deadline nears.

The Lakers plan to use the time leading up to the deadline to continue to assess the roster before making a deal.

Austin Reaves is close to untouchable in any potential trade talks.

Murray was linked with the Bucks earlier on Friday.

Zach LaVine will be out at least one week due to a sprained right ankle, the Chicago Bulls announced on Friday.

LaVine suffered the injury during Thursday night’s win over the Raptors.

The Bulls went 10-7 in LaVine’s absence earlier this season.

The Portland Trail Blazers are signing wing Taze Moore to a 10-Day contract. Portland had to sign a 14th player by Sunday to be in NBA roster compliance.

Moore spent most of this season, and all of last season, with the Texas Legends of the G League. The Rip City Remix, the Trail Blazers G League affiliate, acquired the 6-foot-5 wing in a trade last week.

In 21 total G League games this season, Moore has averaged 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals. Moore has been considered one of the better perimeter defenders in the G League this season.