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NBA News

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

Monday, January 5

Cunningham Dominates Knicks with 29 Points, 13 Assists After Hip Contusion Clearance

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham was cleared to play Monday against the New York Knicks despite a right hip contusion, having been listed as probable. He then delivered a dominant performance in Monday's 121-90 victory, recording 29 points (11-17 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), three rebounds, 13 assists, two blocks, and one steal in 29 minutes. This marked his third double-double in the last four games, highlighted by 12 points in the third quarter. He's now averaging 27.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 11.7 assists, and 2.0 steals over his last seven matchups.

James Harden Ruled Out for Monday's Game with Right Shoulder Soreness

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Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden was ruled out for Monday's game against the Warriors due to right shoulder soreness. Harden, who was a late addition to the injury report, experienced stiffness in his right shoulder and went through warmups before being officially sidelined. This marks his third missed game of the season. With the star guard out, Kris Dunn, Kobe Sanders, and Jordan Miller are candidates for increased roles in the backcourt. Harden's next opportunity to suit up will come Wednesday against the Knicks.

Trae Young & Hawks Actively Seeking Trade; Wizards Emerge as Top Suitor

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Four-time All-Star Trae Young and his agents are actively collaborating with the Atlanta Hawks to find a trade destination before the Feb. 5 deadline. The Washington Wizards have emerged as a strong contender, with a deal potentially involving CJ McCollum's expiring contract. Young, who has a $49 million player option for next season, has played only 10 games this season due to injury, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, a dip from last year. Concerns about his defense, size, and contract have complicated his market, but the Hawks' improved record without him (13-9 vs. 2-8 with him) suggests a split is imminent.

Ace Bailey (Hip) Out Monday, Misses Fifth Straight Game

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Ace Bailey (left hip strain) will miss Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his fifth consecutive absence. The Jazz forward's next chance to return to action will be Wednesday against Oklahoma City as he continues to recover from the injury.

Ivica Zubac Returns to Starting Five Monday vs. Warriors

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Ivica Zubac is slated to start Monday's game against the Warriors, per Law Murray of The Athletic. He recently returned from a five-game absence due to a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, playing 21 minutes off the bench Saturday with four points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Zubac's return to the starting lineup will likely move Brook Lopez to the second unit, though his minutes restriction status for Monday remains uncertain.

Embiid Cleared to Play Monday, Shakes Off Injury Concerns with Strong Performance

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Joel Embiid is available for Monday's game against the Nuggets, despite managing a left knee injury and right ankle soreness. The star center has been active in five of the last six games, averaging 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 33.8 minutes. After missing most of October and November, Embiid recently made his first appearance in the Fantasy Basketball High Score perfect lineup for Week 11, highlighted by a 34-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist, 3-stock game against the Grizzlies, demonstrating his return to form.

Keegan Murray Suffers Moderate Ankle Sprain, Out 3-4 Weeks; Misses 18th Game

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray has been diagnosed with a moderate left ankle sprain, sidelining him for three-to-four weeks. He sustained the injury Sunday against the Bucks, rolling his ankle on Myles Turner's foot, and will miss Tuesday's game vs. Dallas, marking his 18th absence this season (previously torn thumb UCL, calf strain). In 19 games, the 25-year-old averages 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds, though he's struggled with 27.2% 3P shooting. Nique Clifford and Doug McDermott are expected to fill in for the Kings (8-28), who are also without Domantas Sabonis.

Kon Knueppel Cleared to Play Monday After Hip Contusion

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Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (hip) has been officially cleared to play in Monday's game against the Thunder, after initially being listed as questionable due to a right hip contusion and then upgraded to probable. The rookie first-rounder's availability is a boost for the Hornets. In his last three outings, Knueppel has averaged an impressive 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 three-pointers in 33.0 minutes per contest.

Anthony Davis Trade Market Limited Amid Mavericks' Roster Pivot

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Anthony Davis is a prominent name in recent NBA trade rumors, with the Dallas Mavericks reportedly seeking to move him as they pivot to building around Cooper Flagg. However, the market for Davis is limited, with teams wary of his age (33 in March), injury history, and desire for a lucrative contract extension. While the Atlanta Hawks are mentioned as a potential trade partner, the Mavericks are not receiving the desired return. Davis himself prefers to remain in Dallas and sign an extension, and is slated to play in the NBA China Games 2026 with the team.

P.J. Washington Doubtful for Tuesday's Game with Ankle Sprain

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Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Kings due to a right ankle sprain. He suffered the injury in Saturday's win over the Rockets. If Washington is ultimately ruled out, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Caleb Martin are candidates to see an uptick in minutes.

Mark Williams Cleared to Play Monday Despite Knee Injury Management

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Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams has been cleared to play Monday night against Houston, despite managing a right knee injury. He was initially listed as probable for the game, which is the second leg of a back-to-back. Williams has been productive recently, averaging 12.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 21.0 minutes over his last six appearances. He's expected to be available without limitations, continuing his efficient play.

Alperen Sengun Expected to Miss Approximately Two Weeks with Ankle Sprain

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Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is likely to miss around two weeks due to a sprained right ankle, according to head coach Ime Udoka. Sengun suffered the injury in Saturday's loss to Dallas. With the star big man sidelined, Steven Adams is expected to enter the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, while Clint Capela should see increased minutes off the bench.

Steven Adams Available and Starting Monday Following Ankle Sprain

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Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (ankle) is available and will start in Monday's game against the Suns. He returns after missing two consecutive games with an ankle sprain. With Alperen Sengun (ankle) expected to miss several weeks, Adams is poised to start for the foreseeable future. In seven starts this season, Adams has averaged 6.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.7 minutes, shooting 56.7 percent from the field.

Cedric Coward Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game with Left Ankle Sprain

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Spurs due to a left ankle sprain. He sustained the injury in Sunday's defeat to the Lakers and will need to sit out at least one contest to recuperate. Coward faces a quick turnaround with a game against the Suns on Wednesday. GG Jackson or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are potential candidates to replace him in the starting lineup.

Ja Morant Questionable for Tuesday's Game with Bruised Right Calf

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against San Antonio due to a bruised right calf. He was held out of Sunday's clash with the Lakers and is now in danger of missing a second consecutive game. Further clarification on his availability for Tuesday's contest is expected closer to tipoff.

Jakob Poeltl Cleared for Contact Work, Nearing Return from Back Strain

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Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) has been cleared for contact work as he progresses in his recovery from a lower back strain. He is set to miss his seventh consecutive game on Monday. His next opportunity to suit up will be Wednesday against the Hornets, with the Raptors expected to provide an update on his status by Tuesday night. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles will likely continue to see increased minutes if Poeltl misses additional time.

Devin Vassell Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game with Left Adductor Strain

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San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Memphis due to a left adductor strain. This marks his fourth consecutive absence. His next opportunity to take the floor comes Wednesday against the Lakers, though his recovery timeline remains unclear. With Vassell sidelined, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie are candidates for increased roles against the Grizzlies.

Grayson Allen Cleared to Play Monday After Nine-Game Knee Injury Absence

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Grayson Allen (knee) has been cleared to play against the Rockets on Monday, shedding his probable tag and returning from a nine-game absence for the Phoenix Suns. The 30-year-old swingman was performing well prior to his right knee injury, averaging 11.0 points, 3.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 29.0 minutes across four December games. While he is now available, there's a possibility he may face some restrictions in his initial return to action. His comeback will reduce minutes for Jordan Goodwin, Rasheer Fleming, and Isaiah Livers.

Suns Owner Makes Bold Claim Regarding Dillon Brooks Amid Rumors

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Dillon Brooks was highlighted in recent NBA trade rumors, with the article noting a 'bold Dillon Brooks claim' made by the Suns owner. The report was part of a broader discussion on trade speculation around the league, also mentioning Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Specific details of the claim were not provided in the article.

Donovan Mitchell Sits Out Tuesday's Game Against Pacers for Rest

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Donovan Mitchell (rest) will sit out Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His absence is purely for rest purposes, and the superstar guard is expected to return for Thursday's showdown in Minnesota. With Mitchell sidelined, Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr. are anticipated to see increased roles and could be considered for streaming in fantasy leagues.