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NBA News

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

Monday, December 29, 2025

Wembanyama Posts 26/14 in Loss; Defensive Impact Noted in Spurs' Streak

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San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama recorded 26 points (7-16 FG, 10-12 FT), 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 27 minutes during Monday's 113-101 loss to the Cavaliers, leading his team in scoring and rebounding. His workload is increasing after returning from a calf strain. Earlier, Wembanyama was highlighted for his significant defensive impact, which has been a key factor in the Spurs' 3-0 winning streak against the OKC Thunder this season.

Williamson Returns to Starting Lineup, Posts Season-High 32 Points

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson rejoined the starting unit for Monday's game against the Knicks after a six-game absence due to a right adductor injury and seven straight outings off the bench. He delivered a game- and season-high 32 points (11-16 FG, 10-12 FT), five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in 29 minutes during the 130-125 loss. Williamson has now scored at least 20 points in six consecutive contests and appears to be on a minutes restriction, logging at least 28 minutes in his last three games.

Michael Porter Jr. Delivers 27 Points, Nine Rebounds, Five Assists

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Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. posted a well-rounded effort in Monday's 120-107 loss to the Warriors, tallying 27 points (10-18 FG, 5-9 3Pt), nine rebounds, five assists, and a game- and season-high-tying three steals across 36 minutes. Porter delivered an efficient performance, tying the game-high in points and scoring at least 24 for a fifth consecutive contest, while also leading the Nets in assists.

Powell Leads Heat with Game-High 25 Points in Dominant Win

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Miami Heat's Norman Powell led all players with a game-high 25 points (9-16 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), adding one rebound, four assists, and one steal in 28 minutes during Monday's 147-123 win over the Nuggets. He scored 10 points in the first quarter and 13 in the third. Powell has now logged at least 22 points in four of his last five outings, and since December 1st, he has averaged 22.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.5 threes, and 1.4 steals over 32.1 minutes per game.

Naz Reid Explodes for Season-High 33 Points, Six Threes in Win

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid produced 33 points (11-18 FG, 6-10 3Pt, 5-5 FT), seven rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes during Monday's 136-101 victory over the Bulls. Reid played a key role in Minnesota's comeback win, leading the team in points and made triples in his best scoring night of the 2025-26 campaign. This much-needed performance comes after Reid had been shooting just 25.5 percent from beyond the arc in his previous six appearances.

Durant Scores 30 Points in Rockets' Victory, Extends Scoring Streak

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Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant contributed 30 points (13-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds, five assists, and one block across 34 minutes in Monday's 126-119 win over the Pacers. Durant delivered an efficient performance as Houston's leading scorer, marking his second consecutive 30-point game and eighth straight with 22 or more points. He also dished out at least five assists for the third consecutive contest, averaging 26.2 points, 6.0 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks over his last five outings.

Butler Cleared, Scores 21 in Win; Ranks 17th in All-Star Fan Vote

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Golden State Warriors' Jimmy Butler played Monday despite lower back soreness, contributing 21 points (11/12 FT) to a 120-107 win over the Nets. This follows a 19-point, 6-rebound, 5-assist effort Sunday. He's averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.0 steals over his last eight games. Additionally, Butler received 111,411 fan votes in the first All-Star returns, placing him 17th in the Western Conference. He's currently averaging 19.7 points in 29 games this season.

Curry Scores 27 in Warriors' Win, Ranks Third in West All-Star Votes

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, cleared to play despite logging 41 minutes Sunday, scored 27 points (8-15 FG) in Monday's 120-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. This follows an impressive 39-point performance on Sunday. Curry also ranks third among Western Conference guards in the first round of All-Star fan voting with 1,031,455 votes, demonstrating his continued popularity and impact on the league.

Murray Records Double-Double, Could See Increased Role After Jokić Injury

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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray tallied 20 points (9-21 FG, 2-6 3Pt), 11 assists, six rebounds, and one steal over 35 minutes during Monday's 147-123 loss to the Heat. Murray finished as the Nuggets' leader in assists and second in points behind Nikola Jokić, who exited due to a knee injury. This was Murray's eighth double-double of the season, with three coming in his last four outings. If Jokić misses time, Murray is expected to take on a larger responsibility in running Denver's offense.

Banchero Achieves Second Triple-Double of Season in Magic Loss

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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero posted 23 points (9-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt), 15 rebounds, 10 assists, and one block over 38 minutes during Monday's 107-106 loss to the Raptors. Banchero did the majority of his scoring in the first half and filled up the box score in the second, leading the Magic in rebounds and assists. This marks his second triple-double of the season, both occurring within his last seven outings. Since December 5, he has averaged 18.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

Jokić Exits Heat Game with Left Knee Injury, Leads West All-Star Votes

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Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić exited Monday's game against the Miami Heat early due to an apparent left knee injury, which occurred in the final seconds of the first half after his knee buckled. He was ruled out after recording 21 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds in the first half, with further tests scheduled for Tuesday. Despite the injury, Jokić leads Western Conference frontcourt players in the first round of All-Star fan voting with 1,128,962 votes.

Wiggins Records 19 Points, Six Stocks in Heat's Dominant Win

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Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins registered 19 points (6-10 FG, 4-7 3Pt), six assists, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks over 31 minutes during Monday's 147-123 win over the Nuggets. While tied for the fourth-most points on the Heat, Wiggins' defensive prowess was on full display, with both his three blocks and three steals tying season highs. Over his last five outings, Wiggins has averaged 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.4 threes, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks.

Bane Exits Game with Back Spasms, Returns Briefly; Status Uncertain

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Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane exited Monday's game against the Raptors in the fourth quarter due to back spasms but managed to return for the final few seconds of play. He left with 4:41 remaining before checking back in for the last play. His availability for Wednesday's clash against the Pacers will need to be closely monitored following this back issue.

Jaquez Delivers Double-Double Off Bench in Heat's Victory

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Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez finished Monday's 147-123 win over the Nuggets with 20 points (8-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt), 11 assists, and three rebounds over 28 minutes. This strong performance off the bench saw him lead the Heat in assists and finish third in scoring. It marked Jaquez's third double-double of the regular season and first since November 10. Over his last five games, he has averaged 21.6 points on 59.2 percent shooting, along with 4.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds.

Ian Clark Mentioned in Anthony Davis Injury Report

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Ian Clark was noted in a report concerning Anthony Davis's status for Monday's game against Portland. The article primarily detailed Davis's right thigh injury and subsequent absence, along with ongoing trade rumors. No specific news or updates regarding Ian Clark's own status or performance were provided in the report.

Anthony Davis (Thigh) Ruled Out for Monday's Game Amid Trade Rumors

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Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis (right thigh) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Portland, marking his second straight absence. Despite attending shootaround, he wasn't healthy enough to play. Daniel Gafford is expected to start at center. Trade rumors persist, though a deadline move is considered unlikely due to Mavericks' concerns over Davis's age (32), injury history, $54.1M contract, and extension demands. The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly the most aggressive suitor, potentially needing to move Trae Young to facilitate a deal.

Hornets' Miles Bridges Exits Bucks Game with Right Ankle Injury

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Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges exited Monday's game against the Bucks due to a right ankle injury and will not return. The team confirmed the injury, which is a significant setback as the Hornets are already missing Kon Knueppel (ankle). Tidjane Salaun and Josh Green are expected to see increased minutes in his absence. Bridges is aiming to return for Wednesday's game against the Warriors.

Lakers' Rui Hachimura Out vs. Pistons with Right Calf Soreness

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons due to right calf soreness. This new injury comes shortly after Hachimura had returned from a groin injury, with the exact onset of the calf issue remaining unclear. In his absence, Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht are expected to see significantly increased playing time against the Pistons.

Kings' Zach LaVine Ruled Out for Seventh Straight Game with Ankle Sprain

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine has been officially ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Clippers due to a left ankle sprain. This absence marks his seventh consecutive game missed. LaVine's status for Thursday's game against the Celtics is currently doubtful, pending further updates from the Kings. While the veteran swingman remains sidelined, Nique Clifford and Keon Ellis are expected to see increased playing time.

Keegan Murray Questionable for Tuesday with Calf Injury

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Kings forward Keegan Murray (calf) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Clippers, potentially returning earlier than initially expected. A final decision on his status will be made closer to tipoff. Since the beginning of December, Murray has been averaging 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Nique Clifford and Keon Ellis would be in line to see a decrease in minutes if Murray is able to return against the Clippers.