Hoops Rumors

Grizzlies center Zach Edey, who is out for a sixth consecutive game on Friday due to a left ankle sprain, is moving closer to a return, as Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal writes. Head coach Taylor Jenkins addressed the rookie’s status ahead of Friday’s matchup with New Orleans. “With Zach, I think probably end of the week or middle of next week,” Jenkins said. … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Edey, Smart, Sochan, Rockets

The Rockets are the second team to secure a berth in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, earning their spot with an overtime win in Minnesota on Tuesday night (Twitter link). The victory improved Houston’s record in NBA Cup games to 3-0 and clinched its spot atop West Group A. The Rockets have also defeated the Clippers and Trail Blazers and have a +49 point differential in those … [Read more...] about Rockets Clinch Spot In NBA Cup Knockout Round

After a report earlier in the week stated that Dejounte Murray was targeting Wednesday for his return from a fractured hand, the Pelicans confirmed it today, announcing (via Twitter) that the team’s most significant offseason addition will be available to play vs. Toronto. As Will Guillory of The Athletic writes, New Orleans prioritized Murray over the summer because the team … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Murray, Payton, Aldama, Tate

Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet has been fined $50K for “confronting and directing profane language” toward the referees in Saturday’s loss to Portland, the NBA announced today in a press release (Twitter link). Upset about the officiating in the game, VanVleet committed a frustration foul with just over four seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Rockets trailing by … [Read more...] about Rockets’ Fred VanVleet Fined $50K By NBA

The Rockets’ interest in Kevin Durant has been overstated, Marc Stein reports in a Substack post. Stein wrote last month that there was a strong belief around the league that the Rockets were interested in a Durant deal. Stein hears now that Houston is determined to prioritize internal development this season, rather than looking to make a big move before the February trade … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Durant, Rockets, Cuban, Udoka, Williamson