Nightly Pulse: NBA news & highlights from Jan. 27

Anthony Black gets the start in place of Jalen Suggs, who will miss tonight’s game with a left quad contusion. Orlando will also have Goga Bitadze back after missing the previous six games due to being in the NBA’s concussion protocol.

first five out 👇 https://t.co/6gkB3zYiGl pic.twitter.com/kAmeASRmsz

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 28, 2025

Miami’s starting 🖐😎

Kel’el Ware gets another start for the Heat tonight when Miami takes on the Orlando Magic at 7:30 ET on League Pass. Haywood Highsmith is also in the starting lineup, as Jimmy Butler was suspended indefinitely today after walking out of practice.

Tonight’s first five ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Ti8UXFZacc

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 28, 2025

Star guards lock in🔒

Cade Cunningham and Donovan Mitchell prepare for battle when the Pistons visit the East-leading Cavs tonight.

Cunningham has put up 29 points and 10 assists a night over his last four games, while Mitchell has poured in 30.5 points with 5.5 assists in his last four.

Cade leading the #6 in East Pistons.

Spida leading the #1 in East Cavs.

The two get loose ahead of tipoff at 7pm/et on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/Bqz89PSCzC

— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2025

Starters for Lakers-Hornets🤩

Dorian Finney-Smith will start for LA in place of Rui Hachimura, who’s out with left calf soreness. This should be a fun battle between Anthony Davis and Mark Williams, who are both playing at a high level recently.

The Lakers and Hornets tip at 7:00 ET on NBA League Pass!

Starters for tonight vs. Los Angeles:#HiveMentality pic.twitter.com/ZMD5ugDHrz

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) January 27, 2025

👉📝Top Storylines📝👈

The Cleveland Cavaliers (36-9) have lost three in a row and are 5-5 in their last 10 games. Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons (23-22) come to town looking to make it four straight losses for the Cavs.
The Memphis Grizzlies (31-15) take their 6-game win streak into Madison Square Garden tonight when they take on the New York Knicks (30-16). The Knicks have won three straight and 4 of their last 5 to move to within two games of the Boston Celtics (32-14) for second in the Eastern Conference.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (25-18) will try for their fourth consecutive victory against LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (12-30). Anthony Davis has been a monster for LA in their last three games, averaging 29.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.7 blocks in 33.1 minutes.