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NBA News

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Tyler Herro Misses Practice, Out for Ninth Straight Game

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Tyler Herro (right toe injury) did not practice Wednesday and will not travel with the Heat for Thursday's game against Detroit. This marks his ninth consecutive missed game, and he remains without a timetable for return. Herro should be considered doubtful for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves. In his absence, Dru Smith is expected to continue seeing increased minutes behind Davion Mitchell, with Kasparas Jakucionis also potentially remaining in the rotation.

Terry Rozier Indicted in Gambling Probe, Allegedly Rigged Prop Bets

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Miami Heat player Terry Rozier has been arrested and indicted on federal charges as part of illegal gambling investigations. Authorities allege Rozier worked with consortiums to rig player prop bets by faking injuries to leave games early. Rozier has pled not guilty, and both he and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, also implicated, are on unpaid leave from their teams. The NBA has reopened its investigation into the matter, a story expected to develop further in 2026.

SGA Leads MVP Race After Jokic Injury; Extended Absence Could Shift Odds

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently the clear frontrunner for the NBA's MVP award, especially following the recent injury to Nikola Jokic. However, the race could open up significantly if Gilgeous-Alexander were to miss an extended period of time, giving other long-shot candidates a chance to contend for the prestigious individual honor.

Dončić Scores 30, Calls for Lakers to Match Pistons' Physicality

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Lakers star Luka Dončić led the team with 30 points but also recorded eight turnovers in Tuesday's 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Dončić agreed with coach JJ Redick that officials allowed excessive physical play, stating the Lakers 'definitely need to match their physicality' once it became clear the refs weren't penalizing it. The loss dropped Los Angeles to 20-11 on the season, marking their fourth defeat in the last five games. Dončić emphasized the need for the team to adapt to the officiating style, noting the Lakers' frustration with the refs and inability to match Detroit's physical play.

Miles Bridges Officially Ruled Out for Warriors Game with Ankle Sprain

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Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. The 27-year-old was initially downgraded to doubtful earlier in the day due to a right ankle sprain sustained on Monday, making his absence unsurprising. Bridges will now have a couple of days to heal his right ankle before Charlotte begins a back-to-back set Friday in Milwaukee. Tidjane Salaun, Liam McNeeley, and Sion James are expected to see increased playing time in his absence.

Nuggets' Jokić Sidelined 4 Weeks with Hyperextended Knee; 65-Game Rule Impact

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Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić is sidelined for at least four weeks due to a hyperextended left knee. This significant injury creates a major void, as the team will be without its three-time MVP for a month. With Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Cameron Johnson also out, Denver faces challenges with four starters missing, impacting rotations and fantasy outlooks. Jokić is also highlighted as the latest superstar affected by the NBA's controversial 65-game awards minimum rule.

Hornets' Knueppel Cleared to Play vs. Warriors; Bridges Doubtful

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Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game against the Warriors, returning from a one-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. The rookie could see an increased offensive role, especially with teammate Miles Bridges downgraded to doubtful. Knueppel has been averaging 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, making his return timely for the Hornets.

Warriors 'Staunchly' Against Trading Draymond Green, Butler

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The Golden State Warriors are reportedly 'staunchly' against trading veteran stars Draymond Green ($25.89M salary) and Jimmy Butler. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Wednesday that team sources indicate Golden State's brass, including coach Steve Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy, have repeatedly expressed confidence in their veteran core of Green, Butler, and Steph Curry. While acquiring a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Anthony Davis would require salary matching, breaking up the current trio is deemed unlikely, despite potential financial complications.

Warriors 'Staunchly' Against Trading Jimmy Butler, Green

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The Golden State Warriors are reportedly 'staunchly' against trading veteran stars Jimmy Butler ($54.1M salary) and Draymond Green. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Wednesday that team sources indicate Golden State's brass, including coach Steve Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy, have repeatedly expressed confidence in their veteran core of Butler, Green, and Steph Curry. While acquiring a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Anthony Davis would require salary matching, breaking up the current trio is deemed unlikely, despite potential financial complications.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

LeBron James Turns 41 Amid Lakers Loss & Shifting Role as NBA's Future Emerges

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LeBron James celebrated his 41st birthday on Tuesday, marking his 23rd NBA season, but the occasion was overshadowed by the Lakers' dismal 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons. James scored 17 points as Los Angeles committed 20 turnovers and fell apart in the fourth quarter. Despite the loss, James continues to demonstrate his enduring impact. He is considered a millennial superstar nearing his twilight, still the Lakers’ largest contract but no longer their centerpiece, as the league looks to a new generation of talent.

Jokić Injury Paves Clear Path for Gilgeous-Alexander's Second MVP Title

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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now the clear frontrunner for his second consecutive MVP award following Nikola Jokić's left knee injury, sidelining him for at least a month. Previously a co-frontrunner, Gilgeous-Alexander's odds have surged to 85-90%, with experts deeming the award "his to lose." This development positions him to become the 11th player in NBA history to win two MVP titles by age 27, solidifying his status due to elite individual performance and OKC's sustained dominance.

Deandre Ayton Returns from Elbow Injury, Showing Low Production but High Fantasy Floor

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Lakers' Deandre Ayton recently returned after missing two games due to an elbow injury. In four games since his return, he's averaged just 10.8 points and 6.3 rebounds, attempting no more than nine shots per game. His season average of 9.7 shot attempts is a career-low, though he's shooting 70.6% from the field. Despite recent struggles, Ayton logs 29 minutes nightly, averaging 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks for the season, making him a consistent double-double threat with a high fantasy floor.

De'Aaron Fox Endures Scoring Slump, Remains Buy-Low Fantasy Target

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San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox is experiencing a quiet scoring stretch, tallying 14 or fewer points in four of his last six games with 43.0% field goal and 63.2% free throw shooting. Despite this dip, he averaged 4.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in that span. For the season, Fox maintains averages of 21.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers, shooting 47.6% from the field and 80.5% from the line. Fantasy managers are advised to acquire him at a discount.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe Sinks Second Career OT Game-Winner for 76ers

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Rookie VJ Edgecombe, the 20-year-old third overall pick for the Philadelphia 76ers, delivered his second career game-winner. He sank a tiebreaking 25-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds left in overtime against the Memphis Grizzlies, securing a 139-136 road victory and snapping the Sixers' three-game losing streak. Edgecombe finished with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals, including a dominant 13-point performance in the fourth period. He entered the game shooting 61.9% from the field and 55.6% from deep in clutch situations.

Cunningham Delivers 27 Points, 11 Assists in Pistons' Win Over Lakers

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Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a 128-106 victory over the Lakers, recording 27 points (12-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 assists, five rebounds, and one steal across 33 minutes. This marks his fourth consecutive game with at least 23 points and his third double-double in his last four appearances. During that span, Cunningham has averaged 26.5 points, 12.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 35.3 minutes per game, despite struggling from three-point range in this contest.

Markkanen Nears Double-Double with 22 Points in Jazz Loss to Celtics

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Lauri Markkanen posted 22 points (6-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block across 38 minutes during the Jazz's 129-119 defeat against the Celtics. Markkanen, Utah's third-leading scorer in the game, was active on the glass, grabbing a game-high nine rebounds. This marks the third time he has reached nine rebounds in his last six appearances, during which he's averaged 27.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

Jaylen Brown's 30-Point Streak Ends at Nine, Records Double-Double

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Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown's impressive streak of nine consecutive 30-plus-point games concluded Tuesday, though he still delivered a strong performance with 23 points (9-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 assists, six rebounds, and two steals in 34 minutes during a 129-119 win over the Jazz. Brown, who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second time this month, secured his fourth double-double of the season. He dominated December, averaging an NBA-best 32.7 PPG with 43.2% 3P and 64.3% true shooting, and has averaged 30.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 steals over his last four games.

Derrick White Achieves Career-High 7 Blocks in Celtics' Win

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Derrick White delivered a standout performance in Tuesday's 129-119 win over the Jazz, logging 27 points (8-16 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 9-9 FT), seven rebounds (team-high), six assists, and a career-high seven blocks in 36 minutes. The 31-year-old guard bounced back from a lower-scoring outing Sunday, making a significant impact on both ends of the court. This marks his 11th game this season with multiple blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess.

Keyonte George Shakes Off Illness, Explodes for Game-High 37 Points

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Keyonte George (illness) was cleared to play Tuesday against the Celtics and showed no ill effects, pouring in a game-high 37 points (13-24 FG, 6-12 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, and one steal in 39 minutes. He hit a season-high six three-pointers. This performance extends his hot streak, as the third-year pro has now averaged 30.8 points on 49.4% shooting (45.7% from three), 7.0 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 threes, and 1.2 steals over his last nine games, including 31+ points in two of his last three outings.

Tobias Harris Exits Game Early with Left Hip Sprain

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Tobias Harris exited Tuesday's game against the Lakers in the first quarter with an undisclosed injury, seen limping to the locker room. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest due to a left hip sprain. His early departure means Ronald Holland, Javonte Green, and Isaiah Stewart are expected to see increased minutes for the Detroit Pistons for the rest of the game.