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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Keyonte George (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Celtics, putting him in jeopardy of missing his first game of the season. If the third-year point guard is unable to play, Isaiah Collier and Walter Clayton would be in line for increased playing time. George has been outstanding of late, averaging 30.0 points, 7.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 36.8 minutes per tilt across his last eight games.
Ace Bailey (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Celtics. This marks his second absence due to a left hip strain. Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks should continue to see additional opportunities until Bailey is cleared to return to action.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley said Monday that Franz Wagner (ankle) is without a timetable for a return to game action. Wagner is slated to miss his ninth consecutive contest Monday due to a left high-ankle sprain he sustained in a loss to the Knicks on Dec. 7. He has yet to progress to running or cutting and has been limited to spot shooting, remaining week-to-week until Orlando offers another update on his recovery.
Bam Adebayo (back) is available for Monday's game against the Nuggets, marking his return after a two-game absence due to lower-back soreness. The star big man is expected to handle his normal playing time. Adebayo has averaged 13.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 32.6 minutes per game over his last seven outings.
Joel Embiid (sprained right ankle, right knee injury management) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies, potentially missing his second consecutive contest. The 76ers have been cautious with his availability. In six games this month, Embiid has averaged 24.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game.
Jalen Suggs (left hip contusion) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Raptors, marking his seventh consecutive absence. The fifth-year point guard remains without a clear timetable for his return, with his next opportunity to play scheduled for Wednesday against the Pacers. Tyus Jones and Jase Richardson are expected to continue handling increased roles in his absence.
Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr (adductor) will remain on an unspecified minutes restriction for Monday's game against the Suns. Sarr has played in five of the last six games after a six-game absence due to a right adductor strain, but has not exceeded 26 minutes in any of those appearances. During these five games, he has averaged 15.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 1.8 assists across 25.0 minutes per contest.
De'Anthony Melton delivered a strong defensive performance in the Warriors' 120-107 win over the Nets, contributing 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and a team-best +26 in 24 minutes. He made crucial defensive plays, including a late shot block and a steal, helping close the game. Returning from a torn ACL, Melton's minutes are being closely monitored but are increasing, establishing him as a vital defensive closer and the team's most important bench player. Coach Steve Kerr noted Melton's body feels good, anticipating further minute increases.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young is ruled out for Monday's game due to a right quad contusion, making him day-to-day for Wednesday. This injury update aligns with intensifying trade speculation, as the Hawks are reportedly exploring options to move Young, having not offered an extension and evaluating his $49M player option. The team's win percentage and defensive rating have been notably worse with Young on the court, suggesting a potential shift. The trade market is challenging, though Bulls, Pistons, and Rockets are mentioned as potential destinations, with odds being discussed for his next team.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) is ruled out for Monday's game, marking his fourth consecutive absence, and does not appear close to returning. He will be re-evaluated in approximately one week. Poeltl has been nursing an ongoing back issue since the preseason, which has kept him in and out of the lineup all year, with the Raptors aiming to fully resolve the problem. The team has signed Mo Bamba for emergency depth, and Sandro Mamukelashvili along with Collin Murray-Boyles are expected to see enhanced roles during his continued absence.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is confirmed out for Monday's game against the Mavericks due to an Achilles injury. This absence marks his sixth consecutive missed game, and he currently has no official timetable for his return to action. Grant is considered highly questionable for Wednesday's upcoming game against the Thunder as his recovery continues.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein will miss Monday's game against the Hawks due to a left soleus strain, marking his second calf injury this season. He exited Sunday's game early and could not return. Hartenstein is currently listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Trail Blazers as the team assesses the severity of his issue. With Jaylin Williams (heel) also sidelined, the Thunder may opt for smaller lineups in Monday's contest.
Ajay Mitchell is questionable for Monday's game against the Hawks due to a left shin contusion. He suffered the injury during Sunday's game against the 76ers and was unable to return. Although considered day-to-day, the Oklahoma City Thunder may opt for caution for the second leg of their back-to-back set.
Alperen Sengun (calf) will not play Monday against the Pacers, marking his second consecutive game sidelined after being unable to shake his questionable tag. His next chance to return to action will be Thursday against Brooklyn. In Sengun's absence, the Houston Rockets are expected to rely more heavily on centers Steven Adams and Clint Capela to fill the void in the frontcourt.
Luka Dončić leads all Western Conference vote-getters in the first round of 2025-26 NBA All-Star Game fan voting, holding a slight lead over Giannis Antetokounmpo for the most overall fan votes. Other top-5 Western Conference vote-getters include Nikola Jokić, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama. Fan votes comprise 50% of the All-Star starter selection, with NBA players and a media panel each contributing 25%. The next fan voting update is slated for January 6.
LeBron James led the Lakers to a 125-101 victory over the Kings with 24 points, improving their record to 20-10. Ahead of his 41st birthday, James continues to defy expectations, averaging 25.4 points over his last eight games in his 23rd NBA season. He is slated for free agency after the 2025-26 season. Despite his recent offensive output, a 'hater report' criticized James' effort on defense and rebounding, describing it as 'painful to watch' and suggesting it's negatively impacting the Lakers.
Baylor coach Scott Drew has publicly defended his decision to sign former NBA draft pick James Nnaji. Drew stated that his approach is simply an adaptation to the evolving landscape of college basketball. Nnaji, an ex-NBA selection, is now part of the Baylor program, with the coach emphasizing the need to adjust to the current climate within the sport.
Anthony Black has emerged as a top fantasy basketball pickup, delivering his best performance of the season Saturday with a career-high 38 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 7 triples in an upset win over the Nuggets. Over his last eight starts, the Magic guard has averaged 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.6 triples. With Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner injured, Black is seeing significant minutes and is expected to maintain a meaningful role, making him a valuable add for fantasy managers.
Kyshawn George (hip) will not play Monday against the Suns, marking his second consecutive absence in the back-to-back set. The severity of his hip issue remains unclear, leaving his status for Wednesday's game against the Bucks in question. His absence could lead to increased playing time for players like Justin Champagnie, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley.
Cedric Coward has been highlighted as a recommended fantasy basketball pickup for the upcoming week. He is considered an available player who could help fill roster needs, indicating potential for increased playing time or fantasy production. Managers should consider adding him to their rosters.
