The NBA has suspended Draymond Green indefinitely after the Warriors forward punched Jusuf Nurkic during an on-court altercation Tuesday night. The league made the announcement Wednesday, the latest in a long line of disciplinary actions for the controversial star.

The incident occurred in the third quarter of Golden State’s game Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. Green and Nurkic were matching up when Green abruptly turned around and struck Nurkic. He was given a flagrant foul and ejected. He apologized after the game.

“I’m not one to apologize for things I meant to do,” Green told reporters. “But I do apologize to Jusuf. Even though I didn’t intend to hit him, I sell calls with my arms. I don’t fall to sell a call. I’m not a flopper. I was just selling the call because he was grabbing and pulling my hip. So, I spun away. And, unfortunately, I hit him.”

For his part, Nurkic did not buy Green’s explanation for his actions.

“I don’t know man,” Nurkic said. “I was behind the play. What’s going on [with] him, I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother need the help.”

Green’s apology seems to have done very little for NBA officials as well, as the league cited his lengthy history of poor behavior throughout his career.

Just last month, he was suspended for five games after putting the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert in a headlock during a multi-player spat.

In the wake of Green’s indefinite suspension, some have blamed the Warriors organization for failing to keep Green in check. These critics have often cited an inter-squad event last season when Green was caught on camera attacking former teammate Jordan Poole.

Green will have the opportunity to appeal this indefinite suspension, which could technically keep him out of the league for good if it is upheld. The action will at least bar him from competing for a lengthy stretch and could easily end his 2023-24 season.

Add Devin Booker to the list of NBA players who are fed up and not taking any more guff from hecklers.

During Wednesday’s Suns-Timberwolves game, Booker was dribbling up court and replied to a knucklehead with, “Shut up, p—-.”

Booker, who ended with 28 points on the night in Phoenix’ 125-116 win, is the most recent victim of fan abuse. The Lakers’ (for now) Russell Westbrook last week was irate when a fan called him “Westbrick,” and made a thing out of it.

Most recently, Portland’s injured bug man Jusuf Nurkic dealt with a hater in his own way—by grabbing the heckler’s phone and tossing it. Rumor has it that the heckler insulted Nurkic’s dead grandmother.

An NBA game between an eliminated team and a tanking opponent is rarely—if ever—newsworthy, but that’s not the case when a sidelined player confronts fans after the contest.

That’s exactly what happened following Sunday’s Pacers-Trail Blazers game that went 129-98 in Indy’s favor.

Video shows an incident involving Portland’s injured Jusuf Nurkic (plantar fasciitis) and a group of Pacers fans. Right after the game ends, the big man heads over to a group of courtside fans, stares one down, grabs the phone, tosses it, and walks away.

It’s not clear what was said or filmed that set Nurkic off, but it must have been something to warrant that kind of reaction.

Trash-talking has been a common theme in the NBA this season.

With several high-profile players already ruled out tonight, let’s take a look at the top options at each position on DraftKings for tonight’s six-game slate. Lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST. Now let’s get down to business and look at the best option at each position on DraftKings.

Point Guard

Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks (DK: $7,800) @ CHA

If you want to go contrarian at the position with the most studs, Holiday is your guy. Most people will be rostering Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Malcolm Brogdon and other studs, but the cheaper Holiday has almost as much upside tonight. Over his last six games, Holiday is averaging more than 40 fantasy points per game. Not to mention, he faces off against a Hornets defense tonight that ranks in the bottom-third of the league in defensive efficiency. The last time these two teams met, Holiday posted 45 fantasy points. Considering he can be had for less than $8,000, he could be an absolute steal on DraftKings. As long as the Hornets are able to stay close to the Bucks in this contest, Holiday will see a high usage rate and be asked to shoulder a large offensive load as Milwaukee battles for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Other Options: Luka Doncic, Malcolm Brogdon, Terry Rozier

Shooting Guard

De’Angelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves (DK: $6,300) @ HOU

This is a game that you are going to want to target, considering both teams rank in the top-third of the NBA in pace. They also both rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency. The implied point total for this game is 230.5 points, with Minnesota just 1.5-point favorites. You won’t have to worry about a blowout causing Russell to only play 20 minutes. He will surely see 30-plus minutes. Russell is also coming off a huge night against the Jazz, in which he scored 27 points and dished out 12 dimes for a total of 53 fantasy points. The Rockets give up the second-most fantasy points overall, and are particularly rocky on defense against opposing guards. Roster Russell with confidence tonight.

Other Options: Fred VanVleet, Marcus Smart, Kevin Porter Jr.

Small Forward

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (DK: $8,400) vs. OKC

The Celtics will not only be without point guard Kemba Walker tonight, but more importantly, Jayson Tatum will sit out the front end of a back-to-back set tonight. The Celtics are still huge favorites over the tanking Thunder, who are now the league’s most generous fantasy opponent. The Thunder rank first in turnover rate and 25th in defensive efficiency. Brown should play an enormous role for Boston tonight. He is usually good for 35-50 fantasy points, and tonight I see him finishing with closer to 50.

Other Options: Kelly Oubre Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, Dorian Finney-Smith

Power Forward

PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets (DK: $6,800) vs. MIL

There are tons of injuries at this position and while I would love to roster Giannis Antetokounmpo, I like Washington at his price tag, especially on this small six-game slate. Washington has been balling out, picking up the slack for a Hornets team that is without LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward. In his last outing, Washington posted 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal for 51.5 fantasy points. He has now scored at least 22 real points in four of his last five outings. Although the matchup isn’t great on paper, Washington is averaging 32 fantasy points per game against the Bucks this season. And now he is playing heavier minutes as the Hornets cling onto their postseason hopes.

Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pascal Siakam, Draymond Green

Center

Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers (DK: $6,800) @ IND

Nurkic isn’t a sneaky pick anymore, but I think most DFS players are going to try to roster KAT tonight if possible. While I think KAT will have an excellent night, I like Nurkic’s value a bit more tonight after he has finally rounded back into form. He has dropped 53-plus fantasy points in back-to-back contests and is averaging a ridiculous 21 points and 18 rebounds per game over that span. Now he gets to face a beat-up Pacers frontcourt that will be without Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. Even Goga Bitadze is questionable to suit up. Nurkic could very well dominate yet again, especially with Damian Lillard going through a bit of a slump.

Other Options: Karl-Anthony Towns, Christian Wood, Kelly Olynyk

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is matthbrandon) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on games and strategies, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may deploy different players and strategies than what I recommended. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

On Monday, the Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts told reporters that CJ McCollum would have his foot evaluated in about a week. However, it was announced on Monday night that McCollum has a small hairline fracture in his left foot along with a mid-sprain. These injuries will keep him sidelined for at least four weeks.

As a result, the Blazers will be without one of their leading scorers, and until his return, McCollum will be in a walking boot. Just a week ago, McCollum hit a game-winning shot against the Toronto Raptors.

McCollum fell to his injuries on Saturday, as the Blazers reigned victorious over the Atlanta Hawks to the tune of 112-106. McCollum left the game at halftime just as a precaution. The team wanted to be cautious because McCollum has already broken his left foot twice during his career. Additionally, McCollum has been having himself a great season so far, averaging 26.7 points and 5.0 assists per game.

Later, McCollum underwent X-rays and an MRI, which further determined the extent of his injury. Without McCollum on Monday, the Blazers fell to the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 125-104, and the team’s record fell to 8-6. The Blazers are going to have to play at least three more games without McCollum, including their back-to-back games.

It doesn’t help that starting center Jusuf Nurkic will be out for the long haul after suffering a right wrist fracture last week. Expect Damian Lillard to pick up the slack in the absence of Nurkic and McCollum. Lillard will miss his backcourt partner as the Blazers look to retain their winning ways without two of their three best players in the upcoming weeks.

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Jusuf Nurkic was the player of the game for the Portland Trail Blazers. With guard CJ McCollum out for his fourth game in a row Monday night and a playoff spot on the line, Nurkic pushed himself to another level. Portland went out and pushed the Brooklyn Nets to double overtime. Even though Rip City came out victors in a 148-144 battle, they didn’t celebrate.

Blazers’ Jurkic Injures leg Vs. Nets

During the second overtime, Nurkic went in for a rebound. First, you heard the snap of his tibia and fibula breaking. Then, you saw his shin bend almost 90 degrees. Players on both teams retreated down court after seeing the gruesome injury and medics were called, though not before one ref stepped on Nurkic’s dangling leg. The center was stretchered off in an air cast with his hands on his head. Coach Terry Stotts called the injury “devastating.”

It seems close to certain that Nurkic will miss the entirety of the playoffs, if not most of the 2019-2020 regular season.

“He’s been having one hell of a season, he was having a great game tonight,” reserve Zach Collins said. “For it to end like that for him is tough.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Nurkic was in the midst of a breakout season before joining a growing list of Portland big men who fell victim to injuries. As the Blazers find themselves in the middle of the pack, Nurkics injury is all the more devastating.

Here are some reactions from around the NBA:

After a 115-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, Iman Shumpert was stopped from entering into the Blazers’ locker room.

security stopped shumpert at blazers’ locker room

The Sacramento Kings guard was upset with Bosnian-born Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic for setting a hard screen in the second half.

Here’s a video of the screen:

“Some stuff needed to be between me and him, a conversation between two men,” Shumpert said after security stopped him. “Some stuff happened out there that we needed to have a conversation about. That’s it.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Nurkic got petty after the incident. “I’m not going to worry about it,” he said. “He’s going into retirement soon. I’m not going to worry about a guy who’s going into retirement soon.” It wasn’t a very good comeback, especially after a loss. Shumpert is sure to get a contract extension from the Kings. He’s been a reliable veteran presence and a key to the development of Buddy Hield and De’Aaron Fox.

Shumpert apologized to fans after the game. In a tweet, he wrote: “I apologize to the fans if I made a scene. Wasn’t my intention but this 2019 stuff is all about a “story”. Don’t let that distract you from this young Scores ball club getting a great victory against a tested Blazers team #theScoresisHERE #purpletalk.”

The 28-year-old former Cleveland Cavalier was called for a technical foul in the third quarter. Teammates had to walk him to the Sacramento bench after arguing with an individual on Portland’s side.

Shumpert later sent out an additional tweet, trying to shoot down ESPN’s story that painted him as being more confrontational than he actually was. He wrote: “Don’t believe the internet. I was respectful of their team’s space and privacy. I waited outside and asked to have a conversation. I was greeted by team security that talked to me and I left. No story. #scores win.”

Sacramento will take on the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. Though outside the playoff bubble at the No. 10 seed, the Kings have far exceeded expectations coming into the season.

The Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a trade involving two major players.

Nuggets Trade Jusuf Nurkic to Blazers For Mason Plumlee, 2 Draft Picks Included

On Sunday, Portland sent center Mason Plumlee to Denver in exchange for 22-year-old Bosnian center Jusuf Nurkic.

As part of the deal, the Blazers also yielded a 2018 second-round draft pick, while the Nuggets surrendered a 2017 first-round pick.

The Vertical’s  Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news.

“We are pleased to add a young center with Jusuf’s talent and potential to our roster and excited by the prospect of three first round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft,” said Blazers GM Neil Olshey in a release. “We also want to thank Mason for his many contributions to the organization these past two seasons. His presence will be missed and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Nurkic thanked the Nuggets in an Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQbJFNlFWKu/

Plumlee, 26, averaged 11.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks through Portland’s first 54 games. He and CJ McCollum were the only Blazers starters to play in every game this season. The former first-round pick is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.

Nurkic, meanwhile, 8.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 45 games for Denver. He started the season as the team’s top center, but was soon overshadowed by Nikola Jokic. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Nuggets began looking to trade Nurkic anywhere in the NBA in January.

The Bosnian will likely be expensive for Portland, and for a team that is 23-21, this seems like a risky move. Nurkic has one deal remaining on his rookie contract, which gives the Blazers one year to make a final assessment of their most prudent options. There’s also the fact that Nurkic was injured for much of last season to consider.

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers brings the ball down court against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on December 15, 2016 in Denver, Colorado.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC1gUA7D6XM

Jusuf Nurkic just did what every fan and player wanted to do to a flopping player: while driving to the hoop, he slightly bumped into the Suns’ Markieff Morris. Of course, the Suns player went down, but no charge was called and Turkic scored an easy basket.

Afterwards, Nurkic decided to grab the ball and hand it to the downed player. Essentially taunting him for taking such a flop and failing. However, the ref saw this and instantly gave the Nuggets’ athlete a technical foul.

As a teammate, I would not be happy with Jusuf’s decision; as a person annoyed with flopping in the NBA, I am ecstatic that he did that.