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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Saturday, January 17

Wembanyama Dominates with 39 Points, 9 Boards, Secures Spurs Win

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San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama erupted for 39 points (12-23 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 11-14 FT), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks over 31 minutes in Saturday's 126-123 win over the Timberwolves. He was locked in from the start, hitting clutch shots and scoring 10 of his 39 points in the final three minutes, also securing a critical offensive rebound and blocking a layup in the final seconds. Wembanyama was on a "heater" in the second quarter with three 3-pointers. He maintains averages of 24.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a league-leading 2.6 blocks per contest this season.

Jimmy Butler Expected to Return Monday After Personal Absence

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Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler was a late scratch for Saturday's game against the Hornets, ruled out due to personal reasons despite being announced in the starting lineup. However, he is expected to return to action for Monday's game against the Heat. This month, Butler has appeared in seven games, averaging 21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 53.1 percent from the field in 30.6 minutes per contest.

OG Anunoby Posts 21 Points, 8 Boards, Strong Defense

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New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby chipped in 21 points (6-17 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 8-10 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 39 minutes during Saturday's 106-99 loss to the Suns. He also excelled defensively, helping hold Dillon Brooks to just five points on 2-for-13 shooting. Anunoby is having a fantastic season in New York, averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.9 triples, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.

Miles McBride Impresses with 23 Points, 5 Assists in Loss

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New York Knicks guard Miles McBride closed with 23 points (9-18 FG, 5-12 3Pt), two rebounds, five assists, and two steals across 36 minutes during Saturday's 106-99 loss to the Suns. He managed five dimes without committing a single turnover. With Jalen Brunson (ankle) unavailable, McBride has been performing well over the past two games, posting averages of 24.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.5 triples per contest, making him a quality streaming option if Brunson misses Monday's game.

Devin Booker Returns Strong, Tweaks Ankle Late in Suns' Win

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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker returned to action for Saturday's game against the Knicks after a one-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. He logged 27 points (7-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 12-14 FT), four rebounds, four assists, and one steal over 38 minutes in the 106-99 victory. Booker appeared to tweak his ankle late in the game but played through it. He may pop up on the injury report ahead of Monday's game in Brooklyn, which will be the first of a back-to-back set.

Jalen Williams Exits Game with Thigh Soreness, Undergoes Testing

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams exited Saturday's game against the Heat in the second quarter due to right thigh soreness and did not return. He limped off after an awkward pass attempt, finishing with 8 points (3-5 FG, 2-2 3Pt), 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 14 minutes. Head coach Mark Daigneault confirmed Williams will undergo further testing Sunday. An update on his status for Monday's game against the Cavaliers is expected by Sunday night, with Williams currently considered highly questionable.

Cade Cunningham Scores 16 Points in Return, Shakes Off Wrist Contusion

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) was cleared to play Saturday against the Pacers, shaking off a probable tag due to a right wrist contusion. He contributed 16 points (6-14 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 5 assists, and 3 rebounds across 21 minutes in the 121-76 win, tying team highs in points and assists. Cunningham, who tried a different wrist wrap, did not play in the fourth quarter due to the blowout. This performance follows a challenging 10-point, 3-for-16 shooting game against the Suns. Over five appearances this month, he's averaging 22.6 points, 9.4 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks.

Sam Hauser Sets Record with 10 Threes, Scores 30 Points for Celtics

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Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser erupted for 30 points (10-21 FG, 10-21 3Pt), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block across 30 minutes in Saturday's 132-106 win over the Hawks. Notably, all 21 of Hauser's shot attempts came from beyond the arc, setting a new record for most three-point attempts without any two-point attempts. He also became the only player in Celtics franchise history with multiple games featuring double-digit triples. Hauser has been performing well, averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 5.5 triples over his last four games.

Tobias Harris Exits Game with Undisclosed Injury, Does Not Return

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Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris exited Saturday's 121-76 win over the Pacers in the third quarter due to an undisclosed injury and did not return. He finished with 7 points (3-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal in 18 minutes. While his exit occurred with the Pistons holding a 34-point lead, suggesting caution, his status remains uncertain. Harris' availability for Monday's matchup against the Celtics will be monitored. Ronald Holland and Isaiah Stewart saw increased playing time after his departure.

Jaylen Brown Explodes for 41 Points, Grabs 6 Boards in Celtics Victory

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Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown erupted for a game-high 41 points (14-30 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 11-12 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block across 30 minutes in Saturday's 132-106 win over the Hawks. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, this marks his fifth 40-point performance in 38 regular-season outings and fourth time with at least 30 field-goal attempts this season. Brown, who remains on pace for a career-best season, has also grabbed at least six boards in each of his last six appearances, averaging 27.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game during that stretch.

Gabe Vincent to Start for Lakers on Saturday Against Trail Blazers

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers. He will get the spot-start due to Luka Doncic's absence (groin). Vincent will join Jake LaRavia, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Maxi Kleber in the first unit. In his six previous starts this season, Vincent has averaged 6.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 three-pointers per contest.

Naz Reid Exits Game with Shoulder Soreness, Ruled Out for Return

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Minnesota Timberwolves' Naz Reid left Saturday's game against the Spurs in the first quarter due to left shoulder soreness and will not return. Initially slated to start in Rudy Gobert's absence, Reid played five minutes, recording zero points (0-1 FG) and one steal before heading to the locker room. Joan Beringer started the second half in his place. Reid had previously scored 19 points in his only other start this season.

Chet Holmgren Mentioned in Jalen Williams' Injury Play

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Chet Holmgren was involved in the play where teammate Jalen Williams sustained a right hamstring injury. Williams attempted an awkward behind-the-head pass to Holmgren near the basket just before grabbing his leg and exiting Saturday's game against the Heat. This interaction led to Williams' eventual departure from the game.

Will Richard Starting Saturday for Warriors vs. Hornets

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Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard will start Saturday's game against the Hornets, replacing Jimmy Butler in the first unit. It remains unclear if Butler will play. In his previous starts this season, Richard has averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.5 three-pointers per game.

Deandre Ayton (Knee) Ruled Out for Saturday's Game

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Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers. He will miss the first game of Los Angeles' back-to-back set, with his next chance to play on Sunday against the Raptors. With Ayton and Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) both sidelined, Maxi Kleber, Drew Timme, and Jarred Vanderbilt are expected to see increased playing time.

Jrue Holiday (Calf) Cleared to Play Saturday vs. Lakers

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) is available for Saturday's game against the Lakers, having been upgraded from questionable to probable. Holiday, who was initially listed for injury management, made his first start Thursday since November 14, posting 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 21 minutes. Since returning from a 27-game calf strain absence, he's averaged 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 19.3 minutes across three appearances.

Aaron Gordon (Hamstring) Available for Saturday's Game

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is available for Saturday's game against the Wizards, shaking off his probable tag. He is expected to suit up for the first half of this back-to-back set. Gordon has started and played at least 30 minutes in his last three games, averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 30.7 minutes per contest during that span.

LaMelo Ball to Come Off Bench Saturday vs. Warriors

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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball will not start Saturday's game against the Warriors, moving to the second unit. This decision is presumably to manage his playing time ahead of Sunday's back-to-back contest against Denver. Sion James will start in his place. Ball previously came off the bench on January 8, recording 33 points, eight assists, three rebounds, and three steals in 27 minutes.

Sion James to Start Saturday for Hornets vs. Warriors

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Charlotte Hornets forward Sion James will be in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Warriors, joining Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Ryan Kalkbrenner in the first unit. James is starting in place of LaMelo Ball, who will come off the bench. As a starter this season, James has averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers per game.

Jakob Poeltl Ruled Out for Sunday's Game with Back Strain

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Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lakers as he continues to deal with a back strain. This marks another missed contest for Poeltl, whose next opportunity to return to action will be Tuesday against Golden State. Collin Murray-Boyles is expected to draw another start at center in his absence.