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NBA News

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

Monday, January 12

LeBron James Debuts 23rd Season Patch Amidst Lakers' Roster Conundrum

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LeBron James will debut a special jersey patch Monday, commemorating his record-setting 23rd NBA season, featuring his chalk toss silhouette. The 41-year-old, who recently had his best fantasy week with 63 and 64 points, is still averaging 21.9 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds. However, the Lakers face a "conundrum" regarding his future, given his age, expiring $52.6 million contract, and the team's struggle with a negative net rating when he plays with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

RJ Barrett Ruled Out Monday with Ankle Injury

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Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett has been ruled out for Monday's game against the 76ers due to an ankle injury. He tweaked his left ankle in Friday's loss to the Celtics and is now set to miss both ends of Toronto's back-to-back set. With Brandon Ingram (wrist) questionable, it's possible both Alijah Martin and Gradey Dick could work their way into the streaming mix Monday. Barrett's absence impacts the Raptors' rotation for the upcoming game.

Cam Thomas to Rest Monday Against Dallas Due to Back-to-Back

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Cam Thomas will be rested Monday against the Dallas Mavericks, as the Brooklyn Nets manage his workload on the second leg of a back-to-back set. On Sunday against Memphis, Thomas played 24 minutes, recording nine points, three assists, and two rebounds. This maintenance day follows a tough outing for the guard, with the team holding him out for rest purposes.

Collin Murray-Boyles Breaks Out with Historic Performance for Raptors

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Toronto Raptors rookie Collin Murray-Boyles is rapidly emerging as a key contributor, delivering a historic performance with 17 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in Sunday's overtime win against the 76ers—a first in team history. Over his last four starts, he's averaged 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks. With Jakob Poeltl dealing with a back issue and other starters out, Murray-Boyles has leapfrogged to backup center, with his role expected to expand further.

Naji Marshall Solidifies Starting Role for Mavericks Amidst Injuries

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Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall has started three consecutive games and is expected to remain in the first unit with Anthony Davis sidelined for the foreseeable future. Over his last three starts, Marshall has averaged 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 triples, shooting 56.3% from the field. He is proving to be a strong multi-category contributor, especially valuable with the Mavericks playing four games this week.

Sunday, January 11

Jimmy Butler Pours in 30 Points, Adds 7 Rebounds & 6 Assists in Warriors' Loss

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Jimmy Butler recorded 30 points (10-19 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 34 minutes during the Warriors' 124-111 loss to Atlanta on Sunday. This marks his fourth 30-point game this season, where he is averaging 19.9 points through 35 games. Butler, alongside Stephen Curry (31 points), led the team's offense, contributing significantly with 17 points by halftime, including a 10-point run in the second quarter.

Wizards Acquire Trae Young Amid Injury Concerns & Draft Lottery Implications

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Trae Young has been traded to the Washington Wizards from the Atlanta Hawks, a deal finalized Friday for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Young has not played since the trade, having missed six games prior due to a right quad contusion. The Wizards' injury report also lists a sprained right MCL, which previously sidelined him for about six weeks. His fantasy value is a concern, ranked just outside Rotoworld's Top 200. Playing time may be limited as Washington aims to secure a top-8 protected 2026 draft pick, currently holding the fourth-lowest win percentage. His trade value was a benchmark for Ja Morant's potential return.

Towns Suffers Knee Scare, Returns for 20-Point Double-Double in Win

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New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns briefly exited Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers in the second quarter due to an apparent knee injury. He returned to start the second half, cleared to play, and finished with a strong 20 points (9-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt), 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 28 minutes. Towns recorded a double-double in the 123-114 victory, putting him on pace for his eighth career season averaging a double-double through 36 appearances.

Brunson Paces Knicks with 26 Points, Extends Impressive Scoring Streak

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson led all scorers in Sunday's 123-114 victory over the Trail Blazers, contributing 26 points (10-19 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 3-3 FT), eight assists, six rebounds, and one steal in 37 minutes. Brunson extended his impressive streak, topping 20 points in 18 straight games and 31 of 36 appearances this season. He maintains strong efficiency, shooting 48.1% from the field, 38.8% from three, and a career-best pace of 85.2% from the free-throw line.

Edwards Sinks Game-Winner After Injury Scare, Leads Wolves Comeback

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Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a wild comeback win over the Spurs, sinking the game-winner after they trailed 16-0. This performance came despite Edwards being listed as questionable with a foot injury (right foot maintenance), though he was cleared to play Sunday and hasn't missed a game this month. The superstar guard has been on a tear in January, averaging 28.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 4.2 three-pointers, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks, shooting 50.0 percent from beyond the arc in 33.8 minutes over five appearances.

Thompson Explodes for 31 Points, 13 Rebounds in Loss to Kings

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Amen Thompson tied his season-high with 31 points (11-17 FG, 9-12 FT), adding 13 rebounds and six assists in 41 minutes during Sunday's 111-98 loss to the Kings. Despite five turnovers, the Rockets guard recorded his second 30-point game and eighth double-double of the 2025-26 season, also setting a season-high with nine made free throws. Over his last six games since Jan. 1, Thompson has averaged 23.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals, shooting 54.8% from the field.

Johnson Delivers 23 Points, 11 Boards, 6 Assists in Hawks Win

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Jalen Johnson delivered a comprehensive performance in Sunday's 124-111 win over the Warriors, tallying 23 points (9-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt), 11 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal in 33 minutes. The Atlanta Hawks forward recorded his 26th double-double of the season, tying him for second-most in the league. Johnson has been highly productive in January, averaging 22.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.8 threes over 35.8 minutes per game across his last six outings.

Stephen Curry Drops 31 Points in Warriors' Loss to Hawks

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Stephen Curry scored 31 points (11-21 FG, 3-11 3Pt, 6-6 FT) along with five assists and three rebounds in 33 minutes during the Golden State Warriors' 124-111 loss to the Hawks on Sunday. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, Curry reached the 30-point mark for the third time in his last five games. He and Jimmy Butler accounted for 61 of the team's 111 points, with only one other Warrior scoring in double digits. Over his last five outings, Curry has averaged 29.4 points, 6.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.4 threes.

Alex Sarr Records 10th Double-Double with 19 Points, 15 Rebounds

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Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr delivered a strong performance in Sunday's 112-93 loss to the Suns, recording 19 points (7-15 FG, 5-5 FT), 15 rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and one steal in 28 minutes. This marked his 10th double-double of the season and first since December 31. Sarr led the Wizards in blocks and rebounds, while co-leading in points. Over his last five games, he has averaged 15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals across 27.3 minutes per contest.

Giannis Nears Triple-Double with 31 Points, 11 Assists in Bucks Loss

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Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a near triple-double in Sunday's 108-104 loss to the Nuggets, finishing with 31 points (10-17 FG, 10-14 FT), 11 assists, eight rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 33 minutes. Antetokounmpo was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of his points, though it wasn't enough to prevent the Bucks' third consecutive loss. He has recorded a double-double in five of his last six games and was just two rebounds shy of his first triple-double this season. Over this six-game stretch, he's averaged 31.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 66.0% shooting.

Gilgeous-Alexander Returns from Ankle Injury with 29 Points

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned to action Sunday after a one-game absence due to an ankle injury, showing no ill effects. In the Thunder's 124-112 win over the Heat, he recorded 29 points (10-19 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-9 FT), eight assists, five rebounds, one steal, and one block in 32 minutes, leading both teams in scoring. Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored at least 20 points in all 38 games this season, averaging 30.2 points and 6.6 assists over his last five appearances.

Wembanyama Returns to Starting Lineup, Drops Game-High 29 Points

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (left knee contusion/bone bruise) was cleared to play and returned to the starting lineup Sunday against the Timberwolves. Despite continued minute restrictions, he logged 27 minutes, scoring a game-high 29 points (8-18 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 10-10 FT) with seven rebounds, one assist, and three steals in the Spurs' narrow 104-103 loss. This performance marks his sixth 20+ point game in his last seven outings, where he's averaged 26.4 points and 9.4 rebounds.

Murray-Boyles Posts 17 Points, 15 Rebounds in Raptors' OT Win

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Toronto Raptors rookie Collin Murray-Boyles delivered another impressive performance Sunday, logging 17 points (7-12 FG, 3-3 FT), a career-high-tying 15 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks over 42 minutes in the team's 116-115 overtime win against the 76ers. Flourishing in his starting role, Murray-Boyles dominated defensively with six stocks and played a crucial role in overtime with timely rebounds and dunks. He is expected to start in Monday's rematch if Jakob Poeltl (back) remains sidelined.

Maxey's Game-High 38 Points Not Enough in OT Loss to Raptors

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey was the engine of the team's offense Sunday, recording a game-high 38 points (13-27 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 10-12 FT), five assists, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks over 45 minutes in a 116-115 overtime loss to the Raptors. Maxey scored 24 of his points in the second half and overtime, stepping up after Paul George was a late scratch. With potential reinforcements like George and Joel Embiid (knee) for Monday's rematch, Maxey hopes for a different outcome.

Barnes Cleared, Delivers Game-Winning FT with 31 Points in OT Win

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Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (knee) was cleared to play Sunday against the 76ers despite a right knee sprain, having missed Friday's game. Serving as the offensive focal point amidst key absences, Barnes posted 31 points (10-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 10-12 FT), seven assists, and six rebounds over 43 minutes in the Raptors' 116-115 overtime victory. He secured the win with a game-winning free throw with 0.8 seconds left. Barnes had averaged 17.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over his prior five games.