March 03, 2025 | Read Online

WEEKLY DRIBBLE - LEAGUEALERTS

Last Week's Top NBA News

1. Joel Embiid Out for the Season

The Philadelphia 76ers announced that Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season after opting for knee surgery. The reigning MVP had only played 19 games this season, dealing with persistent knee pain and multiple setbacks.

This marks yet another injury-riddled season for Embiid, whose availability has been a recurring concern throughout his career. His absence significantly hurts the 76ers' playoff chances, as the team now relies on Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris to lead the charge. With Philadelphia fighting for a play-in spot, adjustments on both ends of the floor will be crucial.

Embiid, who signed a four-year, $193 million contract extension last offseason, now faces ongoing questions about his long-term durability. His surgery not only sidelines him for the rest of this season but could also impact part of the 2025-26 campaign depending on his recovery timeline.

2. Gregg Popovich to Miss the Rest of the Season

Legendary head coach Gregg Popovich announced that he will not return to coaching the Spurs this season after suffering a mild stroke. The five-time NBA champion and all-time winningest coach is currently focusing on his health and recovery.

Popovich, who has been at the helm of the San Antonio Spurs since 1996, stepped away from the team on February 22 after experiencing a medical emergency. Interim coach Mitch Johnson has since taken over, earning praise for his leadership amid a challenging season that has also seen star rookie Victor Wembanyama sidelined with a blood clot issue.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, the 75-year-old coach reassured fans that he is in good spirits. The basketball community now waits for further updates on his recovery while the Spurs continue to adapt under new leadership.

3. Luka Dončić Completes Triple-Double Against All NBA Teams

Luka Dončić made NBA history by recording a triple-double against every franchise, joining an elite group alongside LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. In a thrilling game, he tallied 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists.

After the game, Dončić expressed mixed emotions about facing his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The charged atmosphere—with some fans cheering and others booing—highlighted the bittersweet nature of this milestone.

This accomplishment cements his status as one of the league's brightest talents, and his consistent performance continues to captivate basketball fans around the world.

4. Anthony Edwards Suspended & Fined $35,000

Anthony Edwards has been suspended for one game and fined $35,000 after accumulating 16 technical fouls and displaying unsportsmanlike conduct on the court.

The incident occurred following an ejection during a heated game where Edwards threw the game ball into the stands and delayed his departure from the court. This loss comes at a critical juncture as the team fights for a higher playoff seed.

Despite the disciplinary action, Edwards remains one of the league's most dynamic young talents. He will need to quickly regain his composure and focus as the postseason looms.

5. Jimmy Butler Sued for Unpaid Rent and Property Damage

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is facing a lawsuit over allegations of unpaid rent, property damage, and changing locks on a rental property without permission. The legal dispute has raised serious off-court concerns at a time when the Heat are striving for postseason success.

According to court documents, the property owner made multiple attempts to contact Butler's representatives regarding several months of unpaid rent and the need to inspect the property, but received no satisfactory response. The lawsuit seeks financial compensation for both the overdue rent and the damages incurred.

Although this off-court controversy does not directly affect Butler's on-court performance, it poses a potential distraction.

Fantasy Basketball Sit or Start Guide

Marcus Sasser

Start

Detroit Pistons - Guard

Sasser has been impressive recently, averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.5 three-pointers over his last three games. With the Pistons playing four games this week, he's a valuable asset in deeper leagues.

Schedule: 4 Games

Luguentz Dort

Start

Oklahoma City Thunder - Guard

Dort is coming off his best game of the season, scoring 29 points with five rebounds and six three-pointers on 75% shooting against the Warriors. His consistent performance and the Thunder's four-game schedule make him a strong start this week.

Schedule: 4 Games

Max Strus

Sit

Cleveland Cavaliers - Guard

After a hot start, Strus has cooled off over his last four games, averaging just 10 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 1.3 three-pointers. With only two games this week, benching him could be beneficial.

Schedule: 2 Games

Shaedon Sharpe

Sit

Portland Trail Blazers - Guard

Sharpe has been solid for the Blazers, averaging 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 2.3 three-pointers this season. However, with just two games this week, it might be wise to explore alternative options.

Schedule: 2 Games

Strategy Tip: Prioritize players with more games and a defined role to maximize your fantasy production this week.

NBA Injury Updates

Top Injury Updates in the NBA

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Injury: Blood clot in right shoulder
Details: Diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, Wembanyama is ruled out for the remainder of the season, posing a major setback for the Spurs.

Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
Injury: Right calf tightness
Details: Reaves did not play against the Clippers due to right calf tightness. An MRI revealed no serious injury, and he is currently listed as day-to-day.

Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic)
Injury: Left knee cartilage fragment
Details: Suggs is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove a cartilage fragment in his left knee, sidelining him indefinitely and affecting the Magic's backcourt.

Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
Injury: Back spasms
Details: Butler was scratched from the lineup due to back spasms and is currently listed as day-to-day, with his condition being closely monitored.

Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Injury: Sprained left ankle
Details: Holmgren missed the game due to a sprained left ankle. Having recently returned from a pelvic fracture, his ongoing recovery is a key focus for the Thunder.

NBA Player Performances Email

Player Performances of the WEEK

Stephen Curry
56 points, 16/25 FG, 12/19 3PT, 12/12 FT

In a stunning display of precision and leadership, Stephen Curry scored a season-high 56 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a comeback win over the Orlando Magic. His remarkable shooting – including 12 three-pointers and an unforgettable 50-foot buzzer-beater at halftime – turned the tide of the game.

Click the image to watch the video

Jayson Tatum
46 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists

On February 28, 2025, Jayson Tatum showcased his talent with a season-high 46 points, along with 16 rebounds and nine assists, in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite his impressive performance, the Celtics fell to the Cavaliers 123-116. His remarkable first half included 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, marking a historic achievement in the play-by-play era.