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NBA News

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

Thursday, January 1

Maxey Nears Triple-Double with 34 Points, 10 Assists; Continues Dominant Run

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Tyrese Maxey delivered a dominant performance for the 76ers against the Mavericks, recording 34 points (14-24 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 assists, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 42 minutes. He was just two rebounds shy of his second career triple-double, marking his second consecutive double-double with at least 30 points and 10 assists, including 11 points in the fourth quarter. Since returning from a two-game illness absence, Maxey has averaged 29.1 points, 7.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 threes, and 2.0 steals over 40.0 minutes per game across seven games.

Durant Logs Season-High 11 Assists, 22 Points in Rockets' Win

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Kevin Durant delivered a strong performance for the Houston Rockets in their 120-96 win, logging 22 points (8-15 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), a season-high 11 assists, and five rebounds in 37 minutes. This marks his ninth consecutive game with at least 22 points and his second double-double of the season. Separately, Durant expressed sympathy for Nikola Jokic's recent injury, noting he has experienced similar injuries twice in his career.

Norman Powell Erupts for 36 Points, Seven Threes in Efficient Win

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Norman Powell erupted for 36 points (12-23 FG, 7-14 3Pt, 5-5 FT), two rebounds, two assists, and one steal across 35 minutes in the Heat's 118-112 win over the Pistons. Powell led all players in scoring and three-pointers, finishing just two points shy of his season high. He has now scored 20-plus points in 22 of his 29 regular-season appearances and in four straight games, averaging 27.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals during this recent stretch.

Cunningham Delivers 31 Points, 11 Assists, 8 Rebounds in Loss

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Cade Cunningham put up a dominant stat line in Thursday's 118-112 loss to the Heat, recording 31 points (6-16 FG, 17-18 FT), 11 assists, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in 40 minutes. The Pistons' star led his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, matching the game-high in blocks. This marks his first 30-plus point game since Dec. 15 and his fourth double-double in five outings, showcasing his all-around impact for Detroit.

Zubac Progresses to On-Court Activities in Ankle Recovery

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Clippers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) has advanced in his recovery from a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, now participating in on-court activities. He sustained the injury on Dec. 20, which typically requires at least three weeks for recovery. Zubac is expected to be re-evaluated by medical staff in mid-January, at which point the Los Angeles Clippers will have a clearer timeline for his return. Brook Lopez will continue to start at center during his absence.

Jalen Duren Suffers Right Ankle Sprain, Won't Return vs. Heat

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Jalen Duren exited Thursday's game against the Heat in the second quarter due to an apparent right ankle sprain. He briefly returned for the start of the third quarter but then exited again and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Before leaving, Duren recorded 12 points (6-12 FG), five rebounds, and one steal across 18 minutes. Paul Reed, Ronald Holland, Javonte Green, and Isaiah Stewart are expected to see increased playing time for the Pistons in his absence.

Draymond Green Ruled Out for Friday's Game Due to Rest

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Draymond Green has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Thunder, with the team citing rest as the reason. This game is the first leg of a back-to-back set for the Warriors, suggesting Green is likely to be available for Saturday's contest against the Jazz. In his absence, Al Horford and Gui Santos are considered the top candidates to step into the Golden State Warriors' starting lineup.

Stephen Curry Questionable for Friday's Game with Ankle Sprain

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Stephen Curry is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Thunder due to a left ankle sprain. He initially tweaked his ankle during the Warriors' overtime loss to the Raptors on Sunday but has managed to play in the team's last two games, including Wednesday against Charlotte. Should Curry be unable to play, Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer would be in line for increased minutes for the Golden State Warriors.

Nikola Jokić Remains Out for At Least Four Weeks with Knee Injury

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Nikola Jokić is expected to remain sidelined for at least four weeks due to a hyperextended knee. This update comes as the Denver Nuggets face further injury woes, with his backup Jonas Valančiūnas also ruled out for an extended period with a calf strain. The team is currently navigating a challenging stretch with multiple key players sidelined, impacting their frontcourt depth significantly.

Jonas Valančiūnas Out At Least Four Weeks with Calf Strain

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Jonas Valančiūnas has been ruled out for at least four weeks after sustaining a right calf strain during Wednesday's win against the Toronto Raptors. The Nuggets center played 23 minutes in that game, posting 17 points (5-of-6 FG), nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. This injury is a significant blow for Denver, which is already without Nikola Jokić and several other starters. DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji are the only remaining players resembling a center on the roster.

Grant Out Friday with Achilles Tendonitis; Traveling with Team for Potential Saturday Return

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Jerami Grant (left Achilles tendonitis) has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against the Pelicans, marking his eighth consecutive absence. Despite the continued sideline, the veteran forward is traveling with the Trail Blazers on their current road trip, suggesting a potential return for Saturday's contest against the Spurs. With Grant unavailable, Kris Murray and Sidy Cissoko are expected to continue receiving increased minutes in the rotation.

Bridges Probable for Friday Return vs. Bucks After Ankle Sprain

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Miles Bridges (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Bucks, indicating he is on track to return from a one-game absence. He sustained a right ankle sprain during the Hornets' loss to the Bucks on Monday. His return could see Collin Sexton revert to a bench role. Bridges had a quiet December, averaging 15.7 points on 42.8% shooting (27.0% from three on 5.3 3PA/G), 6.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 30.8 minutes per game.

Wembanyama's MRI Clean; Out Friday, Questionable Saturday with Hyperextended Knee

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Victor Wembanyama's left knee MRI returned clean, confirming no ligament damage after he hyperextended it in Wednesday's win over the Knicks. The Spurs star will not travel for Friday's game against the Pacers but is expected to be listed as questionable for Saturday's home matchup versus the Trail Blazers. Wembanyama exited the Knicks game in the fourth quarter after an awkward rebound landing. Luke Kornet, Jeremy Sochan, and Kelly Olynyk are candidates for increased playing time while he is sidelined.

Saddiq Bey Questionable for Friday's Game Due to Right Hip Soreness

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey (right hip soreness) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Portland, potentially missing only his second game this season. If he's sidelined alongside Herbert Jones, Micah Peavy, Jordan Hawkins, and Bryce McGowens could see increased roles. Over his last 10 outings, the 26-year-old has averaged 17.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 31.2 minutes per game.

Herbert Jones Ruled Out for Friday's Game, Misses Sixth Straight Due to Ankle Sprain

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (right ankle sprain) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his sixth consecutive absence. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Heat. With the 27-year-old sidelined, Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy are expected to continue seeing increased playing time, particularly if Saddiq Bey (hip) is also out.

Derik Queen Questionable for Friday's Game with Left Quadriceps Contusion

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New Orleans Pelicans rookie center Derik Queen is questionable for Friday's game against Portland due to a left quadriceps contusion. His availability will likely depend on his ability to participate in pregame warmups. If Queen, who has taken over the top center role, is unable to play, Yves Missi and Kevon Looney are expected to share minutes down low.

Trae Young Questionable for Friday's Game, Could Return from Quad Contusion

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Atlanta Hawks All-Star point guard Trae Young (right quadriceps contusion) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks, potentially returning after missing the last two games. If he plays, Nickeil Alexander-Walker would likely return to a bench role. Young has appeared in just 10 regular-season games this season, averaging 19.3 points, 9.0 assists, 1.6 rebounds, 1.8 threes, and 1.0 steals in 28.0 minutes per game.

Josh Hart Sidelined for Fourth Straight Game with Ankle Injury

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New York Knicks' Josh Hart (ankle) will not play Friday against the Hawks, marking his fourth consecutive absence. He is scheduled for re-evaluation soon, with his next potential return date set for Saturday against the 76ers.

Tari Eason Cleared to Play Thursday Against Nets Despite Illness

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Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (illness) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Nets, per Sharif Phillips-Keaton. Eason shook off his questionable tag, and with Steven Adams and Clint Capela sidelined, he could see increased opportunity in smaller lineups.

Kyshawn George Out Friday with Left Hip Flexor Strain, Fourth Straight Absence

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Washington Wizards' Kyshawn George is out for Friday's game against the Nets due to a left hip flexor strain. This marks his fourth consecutive absence. His next opportunity to play is Sunday against Minnesota. His continued absence could benefit Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, and Justin Champagnie in deeper fantasy leagues.