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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
Joel Embiid (ankle/illness) was cleared for Tuesday's game vs. Grizzlies after missing Sunday, then delivered a dominant performance. He recorded 34 points (11-28 FG), 10 rebounds, eight assists (season-high), two blocks, and one steal in a season-high 38 minutes during the 76ers' 139-136 overtime win. This marked his second double-double in 14 appearances. Embiid has been productive, scoring 22+ points in five straight games, including three with 31+. His return sent Andre Drummond back to the second unit.
Ja Morant poured in a season-high 40 points (16-22 FG, 8-10 FT), along with three assists, two rebounds, and two steals in 34 minutes during the Grizzlies' 139-136 overtime loss to the 76ers on Tuesday. Morant was an aggressive scorer, taking over with 18 points in the fourth quarter and adding six in overtime to reach the 40-point mark for the first time this season and tenth in his career. He appears fully recovered from a left ankle sprain that sidelined him for four games in December.
Jake LaRavia is slated to start for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Pistons on Tuesday, marking his 10th start of the season. He steps into the lineup due to the absence of Rui Hachimura (calf). Over his last five outings, LaRavia has been productive, averaging 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 threes, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 28.4 minutes per game, scoring in double digits in four of those contests.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans and is expected to miss "at least a few weeks" due to a left hamstring strain sustained in Monday's loss to the Timberwolves. Sources indicate he could miss around 12 games, potentially returning in late January. Giddey, 23, was having a career season, averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists (3rd in NBA), and was 14th in All-Star voting. His absence, alongside Coby White (calf), means Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones will start, with Kevin Huerter and Jevon Carter seeing increased minutes.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Pistons and will also miss the upcoming two-game set versus the Grizzlies on Friday and Sunday. Head coach JJ Redick indicated the team aims for Hachimura to return early next week, potentially making him available for the January 6th game against the Pelicans. Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Nick Smith, and Jarred Vanderbilt are expected to see increased roles to help fill the void left by Hachimura and Austin Reaves (calf).
Rookie center Maxime Raynaud recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Sacramento Kings in their 131-90 loss to the Clippers. Coach Doug Christie praised Raynaud's continued growth, noting his "growing pains" against stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden as a crucial "rite of passage" for rookies. Drafted 42nd overall, Raynaud has settled into the starting center role in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis and now boasts six double-doubles, demonstrating significant development despite the team's 8-25 record.
Rookie guard Nique Clifford was a lone bright spot for the Sacramento Kings, leading the team with 18 points (7-12 FG, 3 3PM), two assists, and one rebound in a 131-90 loss to the Clippers. Despite the 41-point rout and the Kings' 8-25 record, coach Doug Christie praised Clifford's continued growth, calling his struggles against stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden a "rite of passage." Drafted 24th overall in 2025, Clifford now has six double-digit scoring games, showing promise amidst team difficulties.
San Antonio Spurs' Devin Vassell is ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to a right adductor strain. He exited Monday's game against Cleveland for undisclosed reasons before returning, but appears to have sustained the injury. Given the tricky nature of the issue, Vassell could miss additional time beyond Wednesday. Julian Champagnie is the most likely option to jump into the starting lineup in his absence.
San Antonio Spurs' 2024 first-rounder Stephon Castle is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to a left thumb sprain. He could join Devin Vassell (adductor) on the sidelines. If Castle is sidelined, Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson would both be in line for an expanded role in the San Antonio backcourt for Wednesday's contest.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a right quad contusion, with his availability a game-time decision. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is expected to start if Young is unable to play. This news comes amidst discussions by analysts Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine, who propose the Hawks consider waiving Young if no trade materializes, highlighting a 'fiasco' around his future with the team.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans due to right calf tightness. He sustained the calf issue during the first quarter of Monday's loss to the Timberwolves and was unable to return. With White and Josh Giddey (hamstring) both sidelined, Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kevin Huerter are candidates for increased playing time, and Jevon Carter could enter the Chicago rotation. White's next opportunity to play will come Friday against the Magic.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder due to left Achilles tendonitis. This marks his seventh consecutive absence from the lineup. Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love are expected to soak up extra minutes in his absence until Grant is cleared to retake the floor for the Trail Blazers.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein is out for Wednesday's game against Portland due to a left soleus strain. The big man's next chance to play will be Friday against the Warriors. The Thunder are likely to shift Chet Holmgren over to the five for the bulk of the center minutes, which should open up more frontcourt playing time for Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green was fined $25,000 by the NBA for using profanity during a live on-court interview with teammate Collin Gillespie, whom he was hyping up. Green is currently recovering from a right hamstring strain aggravated early last month. Acquired from the Rockets in the Durant trade, where he averaged 20.1 points per game, he is expected to form an effective backcourt duo with Devin Booker upon his return to the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie is enjoying a breakout third season, averaging 13.9 points, 5.1 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, contributing significantly to the Suns' 19-13 record. His postgame interview was playfully interrupted by teammate Jalen Green, who was subsequently fined $25,000 by the NBA for using profanity on live television.
Reigning Western Conference Player of the Week Kawhi Leonard continued his dominant run, scoring an efficient 33 points in 33 minutes, along with five assists and five rebounds, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 131-90 thrashing of the Sacramento Kings. Leonard's performance follows his career-high 55-point game against the Detroit Pistons, showcasing his current elite scoring form and contributing to the Clippers' four-game winning streak.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls due to a sprained right ankle. This marks his fifth consecutive missed contest. His next opportunity to return to action will be Friday against the Trail Blazers, with Saddiq Bey expected to continue in the starting lineup during his absence.
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Warriors after sustaining a sprained right ankle in Monday's loss to the Bucks, which forced him to exit early. Bridges has not missed a game this season, averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 33.6 minutes over 32 outings. Tidjane Salaun and Liam McNeeley are candidates for increased playing time if he is sidelined.
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green updated his NBA contender list, removing his team and Clippers (17-16 record) while adding the Spurs. He voiced frustration after his 11th Christmas game, lamenting family time. Green also addressed coach Steve Kerr's 'fading dynasty' claim, not disputing it and acknowledging the team's struggle to stay above .500, aiming to prolong their run. Additionally, he had a humorous exchange with 89-year-old Nets superfan Mr. Whammy during free throws, telling him to 'Sit your old ass down!' and calling the interaction 'fun.'
