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NBA News

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

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Green Updates Contender List, Addresses 'Fading Dynasty' Claim

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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.'

Rookie Knueppel Probable for Wednesday Return from Ankle Sprain

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Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Warriors, aiming to return from a right ankle sprain sustained Friday that caused him to miss Monday's game. The first-rounder has been impressive in December, averaging 20.9 points, 4.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 three-pointers on 45.4% shooting from deep over 11 appearances. His return would reduce minutes for Sion James, Josh Green, and Collin Sexton.

Jalen Johnson Cleared to Play Wednesday After Illness

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Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is off the injury report and set to play in Wednesday's game against Minnesota after sitting out Monday's loss with an illness. Johnson has been on a tear recently, averaging 26.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 37.4 minutes per contest over his last 13 games. Vit Krejci is likely headed to the bench with Johnson's return.

Jalen Suggs Questionable for Pacers Game, Hip Contusion Lingers

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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers as he attempts to return from a left hip contusion that has kept him sidelined for seven consecutive games. His status will be determined closer to tipoff. If Suggs remains unable to gain clearance for action, Tyus Jones would likely continue to start at point guard.

Desmond Bane Questionable for Wednesday with Back Spasms

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Desmond Bane is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, battling back spasms. The Orlando Magic guard initially left Monday's contest with the same ailment but managed to return to action later in the game. His questionable status indicates he remains a day-to-day decision. Should Bane be sidelined, the team may turn to Jase Richardson to fill minutes in the backcourt, impacting the rotation for the upcoming matchup.

Kyshawn George Out Wednesday with Left Hip Flexor Strain

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Kyshawn George will miss Wednesday's game against the Bucks, marking his fourth consecutive absence, due to a left hip flexor strain. The Washington Wizards forward's next opportunity to return to play is slated for Friday against the Nets. His continued absence is expected to provide extended opportunities for Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, and potentially Justin Champagnie, who could maintain streaming appeal in fantasy leagues.

RJ Barrett Cleared to Play Wednesday Against Nuggets

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RJ Barrett is officially available for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets. The Toronto Raptors forward, who was previously sidelined for Monday's game due to rest purposes related to his knee, has been removed from the injury report. His minutes are anticipated to continue increasing, provided his knee responds positively to the workload, signaling a return to full activity for Barrett.

Keegan Murray Cleared to Play vs. Clippers After Calf Strain

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (calf) has been upgraded to available for Tuesday's game against the Clippers, returning well ahead of schedule from a strained right calf that was initially expected to sideline him for at least a week. His return means Keon Ellis will likely shift back to a reserve role. Murray has been a key contributor, averaging 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals in 37.1 minutes across his first 15 appearances this season.

Nuggets' Jokić Out 4+ Weeks with Hyperextended Knee; MVP Race Shifts

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Nuggets star Nikola Jokić is sidelined 4+ weeks with a hyperextended left knee, sustained Monday vs. Miami. Tests confirmed intact ligaments, avoiding severe injury. He posted 21 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds before exiting. Jokić will be re-evaluated in four weeks, with an early February return anticipated. His absence creates a significant void for the 22-10 Nuggets, already missing key players. Valančiūnas is expected to start at center; Murray and Watson will see increased offensive roles. Jokić's MVP eligibility is now a long shot, impacting the MVP race and Denver's playoff positioning.

Luka Dončić Delivers 34 Points, 65 Fantasy Points vs. Kings

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić showcased a stellar performance against the Kings on Sunday, recording 34 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and four stocks. This impressive outing secured him 65 fantasy points, significantly impacting his fantasy week. Dončić's strong play has also earned him a feature in the latest Yahoo Fantasy x Arena Club slab pack drop, recognizing him among the NBA's top fantasy performers.

Avdija Nears Triple-Double with 27 Points, 11 Assists in Blazers Win

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Deni Avdija delivered a stellar performance for the Portland Trail Blazers, recording 27 points (9-18 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 8-12 FT), nine rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals in 39 minutes during Monday's 125-122 win over the Mavericks. This marked his second consecutive double-double and he narrowly missed a triple-double. Playing 39 minutes for the third straight game, Avdija, now in his sixth season, is averaging 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, showcasing his dual threat as a scorer and passer.

Donovan Clingan 'Leveling Up' for Blazers, Averaging Double-Double

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Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan has been one of Portland's most consistent players recently, averaging a double-double on the season. He's secured five double-doubles in his last six games, including an 18/18 line against the Celtics. The sophomore center is also showcasing unique floor-spacing ability, going 9/13 from deep over the last six games, complementing his rebounding and shot blocking. Clingan is emerging as 'the guy' at center for Portland, with his stock rising.

Kuminga's Role Questioned Amid Warriors' Struggles & Injury Return

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Jonathan Kuminga has been largely absent from the Golden State Warriors' rotation, playing in only one of their last nine games. NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins advocates for Kuminga's increased playing time, citing the team's need for size and athleticism. The 23-year-old forward started the season's first 12 games before a knee injury in November sidelined him for seven contests. Upon his return, Kuminga averaged 7.8 points over four games but has since struggled to find consistent minutes. Coach Steve Kerr noted Kuminga requires rhythm and isn't suited for short stints. The Warriors hold a 9-9 record with Kuminga playing, compared to 8-7 without him.

Jayson Tatum Mentioned as Jaylen Brown Chases Celtics Scoring Record

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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was mentioned in the context of teammate Jaylen Brown's pursuit of franchise scoring history. Brown is attempting to break Larry Bird's record for consecutive 30-point games, a milestone that would place him alongside Celtics greats like Tatum and Bird.

Monday, December 29, 2025

LaMelo Ball Scores 26 Points with Six Triples in Loss to Bucks

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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball recorded 26 points (9-23 FG, 6-13 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 29 minutes during Monday's 123-113 loss to the Bucks. He hit six-plus three-pointers for the third time this season. The Hornets are managing Ball's playing time after an injury-riddled start to the season, as he hasn't logged more than 29 minutes in any of his last six appearances following a three-game absence due to a left ankle bone bruise. Despite limited minutes, he has scored at least 22 points in five of those outings.

Brandon Miller Sets Season-High 31 Points in Hornets' Loss

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller posted a game- and season-high 31 points (9-22 FG, 3-12 3Pt, 10-12 FT), along with eight rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal over 38 minutes during Monday's 123-113 loss to Milwaukee. Despite the high scoring, he delivered a lackluster performance from beyond the arc, shooting 3-of-12 from deep and 32.4 percent from three-point range in his last five games. Miller is expected to continue seeing increased usage as long as Kon Knueppel (ankle) remains sidelined.

Giannis Logs 24 Points in Win, Leads East All-Star Fan Vote with 1.19M

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 24 points (11-16 FG), 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal in 25 minutes during Monday's 123-113 win over Charlotte. This was his second game back from an 8-game soleus strain absence, remaining on a minutes restriction. He has totaled 53 points on 67.7% shooting in his last two 25-minute outings. Additionally, Antetokounmpo leads all Eastern Conference vote-getters in the first round of 2025-26 NBA All-Star Game fan voting with 1,192,296 votes. The Bucks are monitoring his playing time.

Coby White Re-Aggravates Right Calf Injury, Ruled Out for Monday's Game

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White re-aggravated his right calf injury in the first quarter of Monday's 136-101 loss to the Timberwolves, forcing him to exit and be ruled out for the remainder of the contest. This injury had previously sidelined him for 11 games. White is now considered day-to-day, with Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter expected to see increased playing time in his absence.

Josh Giddey Exits Game with Left Hamstring Injury; Severity Unknown

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Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey exited Monday's 136-101 loss to the Timberwolves in the third quarter with a left hamstring injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He had been initially cleared to play after recovering from an ankle issue and was averaging 17.2 points, 10.8 assists, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers over his last six games. The severity of the hamstring injury is currently unknown, with further details expected soon.

Barnes Delivers Double-Double, Game-Winning Free Throws vs. Magic

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Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes posted a double-double with 13 points (5-12 FG), 11 rebounds, two assists, one block, and two steals in 37 minutes during Monday's 107-106 victory over the Magic. He secured the win by making two clutch free throws late in the fourth quarter. This performance followed a massive triple-double on Sunday. Over his last 10 outings, Barnes has averaged 16.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.