AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Saturday, January 3

Paul George's Recent Struggles Noted in Fantasy Basketball Update

AutoDraft Pro AI

Fantasy basketball analyst Steve Alexander has identified Paul George as a player trending downward, citing his recent struggles. This assessment is part of a comprehensive fantasy basketball update that evaluates various players' performances, offering key takeaways for managers. Alexander's analysis suggests a need for fantasy owners to monitor George's situation closely, as his current trajectory indicates a dip in expected output. The report aims to guide fantasy decisions by highlighting significant shifts in player value.

Friday, January 2

Westbrook Becomes NBA's All-Time Scoring Leader Among Point Guards

AutoDraft Pro AI

Russell Westbrook made history Friday night, passing Oscar Robertson (26,710 points) to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer among point guards with 26,711 career points. He is now 15th all-time in NBA scoring. In the Kings' 129-102 loss to the Suns, Westbrook finished with 17 points (6-12 FG), 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 turnovers. He already holds NBA records for triple-doubles and rebounds among guards, and is seventh in all-time assists.

Anunoby Records Double-Double with 19 Points, 10 Rebounds in Knicks Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby posted a double-double in Friday's 111-99 loss to the Hawks, logging 19 points (5-13 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 10 rebounds, two steals, and one assist in 35 minutes. Despite finishing as the team's second-leading scorer and securing his third double-double in his last four appearances, Anunoby struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 1-for-6 from three-point range, contributing to his recent 23.6% three-point shooting over his last 10 games.

Brunson Named Player of the Month, Leads Knicks with 24 Points in Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson earned Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December, his third such honor. He averaged 30.6 points and 7.1 assists with 40.5% three-point shooting across 14 games, leading the Knicks to 10 wins, and was NBA Cup final MVP. In Friday's 111-99 loss to Atlanta, Brunson paced New York with 24 points (10-23 FG, 1-9 3Pt), adding 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 35 minutes, extending his streak of 22+ points to 13 games despite a cold shooting night from deep.

LeBron James Fuels Lakers' Late Surge with 31 Points in Win Over Grizzlies

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James scored 31 points, adding 9 rebounds and 6 assists, to help fuel the Lakers' late surge in a 128-121 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. This marked the first time since March that James and teammate Luka Doncic (34 points) both scored at least 30 points in the same game. The Lakers improved their NBA-best record in clutch games to 11-0 with the win.

Okongwu Returns After Head Laceration, Posts 23 Points, 9 Rebounds

AutoDraft Pro AI

Atlanta Hawks' Onyeka Okongwu sustained a head laceration in Friday's game against the Knicks, requiring stitches, but was cleared to return in the second quarter. Despite the early exit, he delivered an efficient performance, recording 23 points (9-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt), 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks in 30 minutes during the 111-99 victory. This marks his seventh game with multiple steals and blocks, continuing a career-best season where he's averaged 24.3 points and 11.3 rebounds over his last four outings.

Butler Misses Friday's Game Due to Illness, Possible Return Saturday vs. Jazz

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler was ruled out of Friday's game against the Thunder due to an illness. Initially listed as questionable, he did not play. However, reports indicate Butler could return for Saturday's game against the Jazz. A final decision on his status will be made closer to tipoff. His absence, alongside Stephen Curry (ankle) and Draymond Green (rest), left the Warriors without three star players, potentially elevating roles for others like Buddy Hield, Will Reichars, or Jonathan Kuminga if he remains sidelined.

Curry Sidelined Friday with Ankle Injury, Coach Kerr Hopeful for Saturday Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry missed Friday's game against the Thunder due to an ankle injury and is questionable for Saturday's matchup versus Utah. Head coach Steve Kerr expressed hope that Curry will be able to play in the second leg of the back-to-back set. His absence, along with Draymond Green (rest) and Jimmy Butler (illness), left the Warriors without key players. In December, Curry averaged 30.1 points, 4.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 33.6 minutes over nine appearances.

Antetokounmpo Hits Game-Winner, Breaks Oscar Robertson's 30/10/5 Record

AutoDraft Pro AI

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a game-winning alley-oop with 4.7 seconds left, leading the Bucks to a 122-121 win over the Hornets. Cleared to play despite a calf injury management tag, he recorded 30 points (11-18 FG, 8-8 FT), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 30 minutes, including 12 points in the fourth quarter. This marked his 158th career game with 30/10/5, surpassing Oscar Robertson for the NBA record. It was also his first time playing over 30 minutes since an eight-game calf strain absence.

Miles Bridges Returns from Ankle Injury, Drains 5 Triples for 25 Points

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miles Bridges (ankle) returned to action for the Hornets after a one-game absence, upgraded from probable. His ankle didn't appear to bother him as he registered 25 points (8-17 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal over 37 minutes in the 122-121 loss to the Bucks. He led the Hornets with five triples, his most since Nov. 14. Prior to his injury, he averaged 18.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over nine games.

Deni Avdija Records 34 Points, 11 Assists in Double-Double Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Deni Avdija notched 34 points (10-19 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 11-14 FT), 11 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block across 38 minutes in the Trail Blazers' 122-109 win over the Pelicans. This was his ninth 30-plus-point performance and 11th double-double of the campaign. Avdija, handling increased playmaking duties, has dished out double-digit assists in three of his last five games, averaging 26.2 points, 9.6 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals during that stretch.

Paolo Banchero Nears Season-High with 31 Points, Six Rebounds & Assists

AutoDraft Pro AI

Paolo Banchero supplied 31 points (13-23 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-7 FT), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block across 35 minutes in the Magic's 121-114 loss to the Bulls. He finished one point shy of his season high and posted 30-plus points for the first time since Oct. 27. Banchero has scored 20-plus points in three straight games, averaging 27.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over 36.0 minutes per game during that stretch.

Knicks' Josh Hart Cleared for Light Court Work, Ankle Re-evaluation in One Week

AutoDraft Pro AI

Knicks' Josh Hart (sprained right ankle) has been cleared for light court work and is scheduled for re-evaluation in one week. Sidelined since December 25 after suffering the injury in the 4th quarter against the Cavaliers, he has missed the last four games and is expected to miss at least another week. Prior to the injury, Hart was averaging 14.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over his last 13 games. Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson may see increased playing time.

Jalen Suggs Exits Game with Right Knee Strain, Status for Sunday Uncertain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jalen Suggs did not return to the Magic's 121-114 loss to the Bulls on Friday after sustaining a right knee strain in the third quarter. He finished with 11 points (4-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal over 20 minutes before exiting. Suggs will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury, putting his availability for Sunday's game against the Pacers in jeopardy. Tristan da Silva is a candidate to enter the starting lineup if Suggs misses time.

Jalen Johnson Delivers Another Triple-Double with 18 Points, 11 Assists

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jalen Johnson notched 18 points (7-14 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-6 FT), 10 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals across 38 minutes in the Hawks' 111-99 win over the Knicks. This marks his sixth triple-double and ninth double-double in his last 15 appearances. Over that stretch, Johnson is averaging a triple-double with 26.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per contest, establishing himself as a consistent triple-double threat.

Alex Sarr Dominates Defensively with 5 Blocks, Adds 19 Points in Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Alex Sarr logged 19 points (8-15 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks over 29 minutes in the Wizards' 119-99 win over the Nets. Sarr accounted for half of the team's blocked shots, marking his fourth outing with at least four blocks in his last six games. The second-year center now leads the league with 2.4 blocks per game and is averaging 17.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 threes this season.

Justin Champagnie Scores Season-High 20 Points in Wizards' Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Justin Champagnie scored a season-high 20 points for the Washington Wizards in their 119-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. The win marked the Wizards' fourth victory in their last five games, continuing a recent period of improvement for the team.

George Questionable for Saturday's Game Due to Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Keyonte George (illness) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors. He previously missed Thursday's game against the Clippers due to the same illness. The questionable tag indicates a decision on his status will be made closer to tipoff. George has been on a tear recently, averaging 27.7 points per game since the beginning of December.

Markkanen Questionable for Saturday with Left Knee Contusion

AutoDraft Pro AI

Lauri Markkanen (left knee contusion) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors. He is in jeopardy of missing a second consecutive contest due to the injury. If ruled out, Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks are candidates for increased playing time. Over nine appearances in December, Markkanen averaged 27.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35.6 minutes.

Ivica Zubac Cleared for Early Return Saturday After Ankle Sprain

AutoDraft Pro AI

LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) is cleared to return to action for Saturday's home game against the Boston Celtics, ahead of schedule. He sustained a Grade 2 left ankle sprain on Dec. 20, leading to a five-game absence. While available, the veteran center may operate under a minutes restriction against Boston. His return will reduce available minutes for Brook Lopez and Yanic Konan Niederhauser.