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NBA News

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

Saturday, January 10

Franz Wagner (Ankle) Out for 16th Straight Game Sunday; No Clear Return Timeline

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Franz Wagner (left ankle sprain) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, extending his absence to 16 consecutive games. He suffered the injury against the Knicks on December 7. While his next chance to play is Thursday against the Grizzlies, there is currently no clear timeline for his return. Tristan da Silva and Noah Penda are expected to continue seeing elevated roles in his absence.

Grant Williams Cleared for 2025-26 Debut Saturday After Knee Injury

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Grant Williams (torn meniscus and ACL in right knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Jazz, marking his 2025-26 regular-season debut. He suffered the injury in November 2024 and has now fully recovered. The veteran forward is expected to operate under a heavy minutes restriction as he works back to NBA-level conditioning. His return will likely impact the playing time of Tidjane Salaun, Sion James, and Josh Green.

Spurs' Devin Vassell Sidelined Indefinitely with Thigh Strain

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San Antonio Spurs forward Devin Vassell's rehab for his strained left thigh is progressing, but head coach Mitch Johnson stated Saturday there's no timeline for his return. Vassell has missed six straight games due to the injury. Despite making progress and traveling with the team to Boston, the 25-year-old wing will remain sidelined indefinitely as he continues his recovery.

Gary Payton II Praises Draymond Green's Impactful 3-Point Shooting

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Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II expressed his appreciation for teammate Draymond Green's 3-point shooting, particularly his "boom" celebration, following the Warriors' win over the Kings. Payton II noted that if defenses don't start closing out on Green, they'll "start hearing a lot of booms," highlighting the importance of Green's perimeter scoring in spacing the floor and creating offense for the team.

Draymond Green's 3-Point 'Booms' Celebrated by Curry, Payton II After Big Game

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green made three 3-pointers in the team's 137-103 win over the Sacramento Kings, prompting teammates Steph Curry and Gary Payton II to laud his signature "boom" celebration. Curry, who assisted on all three triples, noted how Green's shots make defenses pay. Green finished with 11 points on 3-for-4 shooting from deep, and has been shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc (13-of-33) over his last seven games, despite a career average of 32.1%.

Julius Randle Cleared to Play Saturday After Thumb Soreness

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Randle (left thumb soreness) is available for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, continuing his streak of not missing a regular-season game this campaign. He appeared on Friday's injury report but has been cleared. Since Dec. 2, Randle has averaged 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.3 threes, and 0.9 steals over 33.3 minutes per game across 18 contests.

Lakers' Anthony Davis Featured in Active Trade Deadline Rumors

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Anthony Davis, a prominent NBA star, is currently being discussed in trade rumors as the February 5th deadline approaches. With less than a month remaining until the deadline, reports indicate that trade offers are actively being exchanged across the league. Davis is among several high-profile players whose potential movement is being speculated upon, highlighting the intensity of the current trade market.

Friday, January 9

Kevin Durant Passes Wilt Chamberlain for 7th on NBA All-Time Scoring List

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Kevin Durant made history by passing Wilt Chamberlain for seventh on the NBA's career scoring list, reaching 31,435 points. The significant milestone occurred when he hit a 3-pointer in the third quarter of the Houston Rockets' 111-105 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he finished with 30 points. Durant expressed, "It's amazing just being in the top 10 with him, but to have the opportunity to pass him up, it's pretty sweet."

LeBron James Returns, Agent Hints at Retirement Amidst Clutch Loss to Bucks

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LeBron James returned for Friday's 105-101 loss to the Bucks after clearing foot/sciatica issues. Despite scoring 26 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, James faced clutch defensive plays from Giannis Antetokounmpo, including a late block and steal, and committed a crucial turnover. His agent, Rich Paul, hinted at retirement uncertainty, hoping this isn't his last season. James has averaged 25.9 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in his last 10 games. The Lakers are now 23-13, marking their first single-digit loss of the season.

Giannis' Clutch Defense Secures Bucks Win; 'Sacrifice' Quote Sparks Trade Talk

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Giannis Antetokounmpo sealed the Bucks' 105-101 victory over the Lakers with crucial defensive plays against LeBron James in the final minute, including a block and a steal. He finished with 21 points (9-11 FG), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. This performance follows a recent lengthy quote about 'sacrifice,' which is being interpreted as significant insight into the Bucks' potential trade deadline strategy and internal dynamics. The Bucks improved to 17-21 with the win.

Devin Booker: Bounces back with 31 points, 8 assists in Suns' victory

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Devin Booker bounced back with a game-high 31 points (10-23 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), eight assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 39 minutes during Friday's 112-107 victory over New York. This marks his 12th 30-point game in 35 appearances. After a 13-point outing Wednesday, Booker led all players in assists for the third time in four games, averaging 23.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds over that stretch for the Phoenix Suns.

Karl-Anthony Towns: Records double-double with 15 points, 12 boards

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Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 15 points (5-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 12 rebounds, and five assists in 33 minutes during Friday's 112-107 loss to the Suns. After a slow first half with just three points, Towns increased his production to finish in double figures. He secured his third double-double in his last four appearances, and his 25th through 35 regular-season games, while also tying for the team-high in assists for the New York Knicks.

Jalen Brunson: Drops 27 points, five treys in Knicks' loss to Suns

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Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks in scoring with 27 points (9-19 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five assists, and three rebounds in 37 minutes during Friday's 112-107 loss to the Suns. This marks his fourth consecutive game reaching the 25-point threshold. He also tied the team-high in assists, though it was his fourth time in five outings with fewer than six dimes. Brunson maintained efficient shooting from deep, hitting five treys and shooting 52.0 percent from downtown over his last four games.

Dyson Daniels achieves first career triple-double for Hawks

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Dyson Daniels achieved his first career triple-double for the Atlanta Hawks in Friday's 110-87 win over the Nuggets. The 22-year-old guard notched 17 points (8-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), a team- and season-high 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals across 36 minutes. This marks his third outing with double-digit boards this season. Daniels also led all players in assists and tied his season high in steals. He may see increased playmaking duties following Trae Young's trade to Washington.

Jalen Williams' 26-point double-double fuels Thunder comeback

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Jalen Williams delivered a double-double performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder in Friday's 117-116 comeback victory over Memphis. He amassed 26 points (9-18 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 8-10 FT), five rebounds, 10 assists, one block, and one steal over 36 minutes. After a quiet first half, Williams caught fire late, scoring 12 of his points in the final frame. His strong second-half play was instrumental in helping the Thunder overcome a 21-point deficit, extending their winning streak against Memphis to 16 games.

Ajay Mitchell shines with 23 points, 6 assists in Thunder's win

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Ajay Mitchell delivered a strong performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder in Friday's 117-116 victory over the Grizzlies, scoring 23 points (9-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-5 FT), grabbing three rebounds, dishing out six assists, and adding one block in 38 minutes. Stepping into the starting lineup due to absences from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) and Chet Holmgren (shins), Mitchell took on a lead offensive role. He has been in a nice rhythm over his last eight games, averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 assists, 1.4 triples, 1.6 steals, and just 1.0 turnovers.

Thunder Stage 21-Point Comeback Without Chet Holmgren

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The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a significant 21-point second-half comeback to secure a 117-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, despite playing without standout center Chet Holmgren. This win marks the Thunder's 16th consecutive victory against the Grizzlies and their largest comeback of the season. Jalen Williams stepped up with a season-high 26 points and 10 assists in Holmgren's absence, helping the Thunder overcome the deficit.

Thunder Rally from 21 Down Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

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The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a remarkable 21-point second-half comeback to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-116 on Friday night, despite missing reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder improved to 8-6 in their past 14 games after starting the season 24-1, and have now won 16 straight games against Memphis. Jalen Williams led the team with a season-high 26 points and 10 assists in Gilgeous-Alexander's absence.

Grizzlies Actively Shopping Injured Ja Morant Ahead of Trade Deadline

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The Memphis Grizzlies are actively entertaining trade offers for Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, seeking draft picks and young players, though they remain open to keeping him. Morant, 26, is currently sidelined with a calf issue, marking his fourth consecutive missed game, and has missed 19 games this season due to injuries and a suspension. His peculiar game, off-court issues, and $39.5M max contract make him a tough fit for prospective teams. He is eligible for a $178M extension this summer, while the Grizzlies lost without him to the Thunder.

Zion Williamson: Pelicans Keep Star Amid 31-Point Outburst

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Zion Williamson delivered a dominant performance with 31 points (12-14 FG, 7-13 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 29 minutes during Friday's 128-107 win over Washington. This marks his fourth 30-point game in his last seven. The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly informing teams that Williamson will remain with the organization beyond the Feb. 5 trade deadline, despite their 8-31 record and a nine-game skid. Williamson, 25, has been healthy and productive recently, playing in 13 straight games and averaging 24.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1 steal on 61.6% shooting over his last six starts. His contract is non-guaranteed for the next two seasons.